Heatwave Cool

It’s easy to lose track of fashion trends when the temperature rises well above our comfort level. With a heatwave often comes the desire to strip down to the bare basics and wear simple, loose clothing; but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear items that make you look just as good as you feel.

During a heatwave we recommend gravitating towards easy, flowy dresses, that give a little breathing room. Not only will you look “heatwave cool” but you’ll feel it too; because how else can you stay cool while having a picnic in the park or roaming the city streets in 30-degree weather?!

Currently on sale at VAM is an assortment of light and breezy dresses perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking to dress up or down. (Editor’s note: you can snag a few of these items at 50% off this weekend only!)

See you at the shop shortly! - VAM xo

# S A L E

It's officially that time of year again. July marks not only rising temperatures in Ottawa but hot summer sales here at VAM! We've marked down just about everything currently in store and online - just in time for this heat wave. Visit us online or in store to see all of the deals available for you to take advantage of. Whether you're heading out of town or up to the cottage, have a wedding to attend or have plans to hang around town, you'll be sure to find something (on sale!) to both wear and love.

Have a minute? Scroll down to take a peek at some of our favourite summer steals - we promise it'll be worth your while!

See you all this weekend! - VAM xx

Ready. Set. Sale!

Our summer sale is now in full swing! Lots of new items have been marked down. 

See you all this weekend!

Sparrow Floral Pop Up

Join us this Sunday for our Sparrow Floral Summer Solstice Shopping Event!!

Creme de la Creme

While a healthy and glowing complexion has as much to do with what you put in your body, there's nothing like some all-natural paraben-free products to put on your body to help with the process. 

Here at VAM, we've started carrying Archipelago Botanicals, a line of fragrant and gentle skin products made from all natural ingredients and filled with antioxidants to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. 

In the shop we have a selection of hand creams, (Coconut, Oat Milk and Soy - $18) perfect to keep in your bag to battle dry hands when the AC in the office is a bit too much. We are also carrying the scrubs, to exfoliate and keep your skin glowing (Oat sugar scrub, Soy sugar scrub - $19). To top it all off we have two variations of the body butter, that OK! Magazine called a "milkshake for your legs!" (Oat and Soy - $19)

So come in and try some Archipelago Botanicals, your skin will thank you. 

xo

Hintonburg Hap!!

Of all the 'hoods in Ottawa, Hintonburg has to be our favourite. Okay, I'll admit we are a bit biased, but you can't deny the appeal of Hintonburg. With all the shops, galleries and cafes there is no doubt that Hintonburg is a happening place.  (If you haven't noticed, I'm going for the "saying Hintonburg the most times in one blog post" prize.)

Starting this weekend and for nine days after, Hintonburg will be happening in an official sense. Starting on Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 29, there will be events galore in the 'hood of Hintonburg.

We're celebrating with a trunk show featuring local scarf wunderkind, Krista Norris and the always amazing Bernice & Barclay on June 22 so make sure you stop by!!

Other events include a workshop with the queen of positive thinking, Kate Durie will be down the street from us at Twiss and Webber along with art exhibits at Cube Gallery, Cyclelogik and on bus shelters along Wellington. Our friend Dwayne Brown and his LoveOttawa project will be showcasing a special LoveHintonburg night at MINT Hair Salon and Peter Joynt will be performing on June 21 in Somerset Square!

These and many other events can be found on the Hintonburg Happening website HERE!

Check it out and see you there!

Promdemonium!!

Prom Season is upon us and VAM Boutique has everything you need for a perfectly unique prom outfit.

Gone are the days when girls were expected to wear garish outfits that will only cause suffering and embarrassment well into their 20's and 30's. Prom dresses these days are best kept chic and re-wearable.  Check out some of our options for PROM 2014!

Top Row: L-R
Middle of Nowhere Dress: $254
Skyler Dress: $125
Second Chance Dress: $250
Motionless dress: $210

Bottom Row: L-R
Botanic Maxi Dress: $210
Romantic Rebel Dress: $190
Stubborn Love Dress: $175
Strangers Dress: $239

Monday Muse: Emma Watson

As the end of the school year approaches, it's time to reflect on the style and grace of one of our favourite students: Miss. Emma Watson!

Leaving show business after the popularity of he Harry Potter series to study at Brown University, Watson has finally graduated this year and we couldn't be happier for her.

We have seen her grow from a plucky goody-two-shoes with a bushy mane to a beautiful and stylish young woman, with loads of talent to boot.

We love Emma's playful yet sophisticated style. She's not afraid to mix classic pieces and shapes with more trendy items.

Check out after the jump for our take on Emma's sophisticated it-girl style!

Summer Summer Summertime!

Well hello VAMers! We've been MIA from the blog this week because we've been soaking up the amazing weather! Despite the forecast confusion (Will it rain? Will it shine?) We have been LOVING the weather we've been getting this week.

These are all just tiny teases of what's to come this summer. We can't wait to show you whats in store (get it? IN. STORE?!) for the summer!!

xo

How To: Repurposed Light Bulbs

If you've been by the store lately, you have no-doubt seen our latest window installation, made by our very talented VAM-Papa. These hanging light bulb vases are the perfect way to repurpose old lightbulbs, especially while we still have incandescent bulbs available. (Don't get me started on that issue!)

I don't want to speak prematurely here, but light bulbs are totally the new mason jars. There are a million things you can do with them!!

We've been so inspired by these little window dressings that we wanted to share a really great tutorial we've found on how to make your own light bulb terrariums.

Click here for the tutorial!

xo

Earthy, Meet Elegant

Give the gift of arm (and neck) candy this summer with this colorful collection of bracelets and necklaces. Created by Danna Kobo, Shashi is a line of unique, globally inspired fine jewelry that’s accessible, made to be worn and enjoyed by a wide variety of individuals.

Drawing on the beauty and cultures of exotic destinations around the globe, Shashi is earthy and raw, yet incredibly sophisticated and elegant. Sterling silver and gold vermeil beads combine with soft braid-able cord to create easy-to-wear bracelets that look particularly beautiful worn in pairs.

Handcrafted in New York, Shashi’s chic, flirty bracelets and necklaces are thoughtfully designed. The materials used range from gemstone, sterling silver, 14K plating, crystals, cotton and silk to create a luxe, one-of-a-kind look.

Believe us when we say that this line is perfect for stacking, giving and loving! We're more than happy to welcome Shashi to the collection of goods available here at VAM.

Currently Craving

If there is one thing that was made abundantly clear to us this week, it's that if you want to live in a lush and green world, you're going to need to create it yourself.

While I'll be the first to admit that Mother Nature is toying with our emotions, I can say that our current obsession has taken some of sting away from freak snowstorms like the one yesterday.

Currently we are craving cacti, air plants and succulents. There's something so cool about a plant that can injure you. Or something that looks as exotic and fresh as an air plant.

The best part of about air plants, succulents and cacti is the upkeep, these plants are relatively easy to keep alive and their sturdy nature is great for people who want the green, but don't have a lot of time to garden.

We're also lucky that our favourite spot to pick up some greenery happens to be right up the road on Parkdale. Next time you're in the mood for some next-level plants, visit our friend Kat at Blumenstudio for some amazing succulents and air plants, and a cup of coffee too!

xx

Vacation Mood Board

March Break is almost here. Get outta town while you can!

p.s. make sure you keep an eye on our online store for some VERY interesting updates. Can you spot the hint of what's to come??

xo

Bikini Season

What's the latest at Viens Avec Moi? Bikinis! Just in time for this heat wave! We have a variety of prints and cuts from Ella Moss and Splendid. Great to mix n' match and perfect for lounging at the beach or hitting the pool in style. Check out a few of our favourites below.

Splendid Crochet Top, $70; Splendid Leopard Bottom, $50

Splendid Strapless Top, $70; Splendid Striped String Bottom, $50

Ella Moss Striped Bandeau Top, $70; Ella Moss Striped Bottom, $50

Splendid Cherry Print One Piece, $90

We've got the Blues(fest)

Bluesfest is in full swing, and if you've had the chance to go down to the river to catch a few shows, you'll know that festival wear is in full swing too! And lucky for you guys, our Summer Sale is also in FULL SWING, with all Spring and Summer merchandise reduced 10-20%

Here at VAM we're SO inspired by the beachy and carefree look of festival-goers. We've got everything you need to look festival-ready at Bluesfest this year.

Pair any of these tops with some high-waisted destroyed denim, for a hippie-chic look. Tops by Twisted Sister (right and left) and Line & Dot (centre). 

Prints and neon are must-haves for any music festival. Banish the rain with these gems from Pink Stitch (Left and centre) and Free People (right)

While the weather of late may inspire rainboots, these Matiko sandals would be the perfect addition to any festival outfit. Beachy and cute, but comfortable for dancing!

OH AND DID WE MENTION. All this and more is ON SALE! 

VAM has you covered for Father's Day!

Father's Day is upon us and what better way to celebrate Dad than with some amazing products that are both functional and visually appealing?

MAKR Carry Goods creates sturdy and practical leather goods  such as wallets and keychains. For the Dad who appreciates great craftsmanship, these would be a fabulous gift. For the Dad who isn't afraid to make a fashion statement, we recommend these Dolbeau ties. Handcrafted in Toronto from quality Japanese materials, these ties feel amazing and are stylish to boot!

We have a large selection of clothes for men, including the line 18 Waits, which is all made in Canada. We also carry Stanley & Sons aprons for the Dad who loves to grill (don't all Dads love to grill?). We also carry N-Product which is a fantastic local company. These wooden cufflinks would be a great gift for any Dad!

If your dad is the outdoors type, a Pendleton blanket or Swiss Army Knife is always a solid gift idea since it's both thoughtful and useful. We also carry Opinel knives, which would be ideal for a Dad who appreciates history, these knives have been around since the 1800's!

VAM is also stocking an awesome range of stationary and MAKR notebooks as well as Filson bags. For the Father inspired by the nautical life, this limited edition art print by local company, Northern Army would be a great addition to an office or living room.

Pamper Dad without letting him know he's being pampered with our line of Baxter of California products. From face washes to soap and deodorant, these products smell fresh and great while being ideal for sensitive skin. You can also update Dad's cologne situation by getting him some Bravado Ea De Cologne by Baxter of California.

For the Dad with the home in mind, Na Coille cutting boards and products are fantastic. Made from local wood, these products are simple and luxurious looking. There's a cutting board for the father chef and even iPad holders for the tech geek Dad. We also carry Kindling Quarterly, a magazine devoted to fathers and their children, a great read for Father's Day.

We have recently started carrying Komono watches, made in Japan, these timepieces are unique and different. Truly conversation starters, these watches have a great price point as well. We also carry Garrett Leight California Opticals, ideal for the cool Dad who loves his shades. You can also ensure pops gets a great shave with this Baxter of California shave kit.

Sandal Weather is Coming

Well it's a new week, which means we can finally (hopefully!) put that nasty weather behind us. One of the first steps to Spring is to literally step out with your piggies bare. I'm talking about sandals!

We've got a great selection of shoes to take you from Spring to Summer.

Our shoe room is loaded with new MIA styles as well as Splendid and a new one, Matiko Shoes. Inspired by Southern California style, these Matiko shoes are perfect to compliment the carefree style we here at VAM love. 

Don't forget to check out the gorgeous Splendid sandals too!