New shiny pretty things......just in time for Love Day!  We finally got some more Sarah Mulligan Glassworks pieces - including gorgeous leather cuffs - handmade in Victoria by the lovely and talented Sarah Mulligan......

Loads of new Toodles earrings by Toodlebunny have also arrived - handmade by the also lovely and talented Trudy Wynans in Vancouver.....

The last day of January has brought us this little number.....

The Air Canada dress by Floating Gold Iceberg is handmade in Victoria.  It can be layered under a cardigan while it's still cool and looks great with boots, plus the neckline lets you tuck a scarf right in.  Super cute belted or not and the sleeves can also be rolled up into a cuff.

We also received some more of the Sabrina Butterfly stretch linen pants everyone loves.  We have full length Bella Victoria pants in charcoal, black and brown, plus capris in black and khaki.

Some new goodies from Black Drop Designs have arrived including gorgeous new copper medallions and 28" long chains if you want a longer length for your Black Drop photo pendant.

Nicole Partridge recently brought in some new studs as well - made right here in the Comox Valley.

There are always great deals to be found in January and remaining fall/winter pieces throughout the store have been marked down by as much as half price. We'll also take an extra 10% off of the lowest marked price on all the items on our sale rack.....so there are definitely some great deals!  Yoga and active wear is all 35% off right now too and we have some really cute Tonic tanks that are a long, tunic length - perfect over leggings.

Just before the holidays we got some new cinder + smoke and there are still a few pieces here (and on sale!) like this adorable top......

.......and this tencel twill dress with vintage ivory lace and of course, pockets!

These cinder + smoke bags are made from reclaimed leather and they have the greatest vintage fabric linings.....

We have in some cozy circle scarves and cowls that were made with love right here in the valley by local crocheting addict and artist, Destanne Lundquist.

The necklace above is a new piece from Erika Lauren who dropped by this week to bring us some more of her porcupine quill earrings (they're back!) as well as some other goodies......

So many creative people making gorgeous clothing and jewellery on this island!  And so many more in this province and country!  How many people can we convince in 2012 to try a local style "diet" which supports local artists, designers and communities? 

Well my hair still smells like smoke from sitting by the fire out at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens (it was 2 nights ago now that I took a bunch of teenagers there to wander through the beautiful lights), I've substituted chocolate and cookies for at least a couple of meals this week (quick, easy, readily available, plus mmmmm good) and my eyes won't focus properly after sewing up yet another batch of jewellery bags for all of these lovely men who keep wandering in to buy gifts (you lucky ducks!). Despite all that, or no, probably because of it, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy....so incredibly fortunate to be part of this community, surrounded and supported by amazing, inspiring, caring, just plain awesome women and men.  Thank you for choosing to shop consciously for the holidays and for supporting all things local.  Thank you as well for all of the good cheer you've brought with you when you've come in - you lot are truly the best!  I'm wishing you and your families a warm fuzzy laughter filled holiday season!

P.S.  See you Boxing Day for the big sale!  (Noon to 4pm)
P.P.S. Somebody special brought me these beautiful fair trade roses and they just keep getting better and better.......had to share.......

For those of you who have been patiently waiting and for those of you who missed out last year......they're here!!  The most adorable mittens around - Edit mittens - have arrived at the store.  Handmade from reclaimed wool sweaters, these mitts are lined with recycled fleece to keep your hands warm and cozy.  One-of-a-kind, eco-friendly and featuring fun details like vintage buttons and even swarovski crystals!  Here are a few of the pairs we received....

We finally got some new Loden Clothing in the store!  I love the handprinted designs on Loden pieces and how they make each item a one-of-a-kind work of art. Like the gorgeous branch prints on this Kite Cardigan..... 

The Skyline Tunic below is made of 100% Tencel from eucalyptus and it feels amazing!

The Harvest Top below can be worn with either the v-neck or the scoop in the front.....

Loden hoodies are always super cozy and have really great pockets and hoods!

We have a couple of different styles in the Pedal Jacket which is perfect for spring and fall and can be layered over long sleeves in the winter....

We also have Loden accessories - handprinted headbands and linen circle scarves.....

Meghan Irish, the Vancouver based designer of one of our favourite lines, Dru's Designs, also makes great tees for guys.  Identity tees have limited edition prints on them that are all about Canadian identity.  We just got a bunch of new Identity tees in, including one with a plaid buffalo print!! (sorry, no photo of that one).  They are available in men's sizes medium to extra large.

We also have some fine Identity accessories for the guy(s?) on your list.  Plaid scarves with antler or geese prints, toques and pillows too!

These handmade ceramic Christmas/Friendship balls from Blackbird Studios in Victoria sure made our window decorating easier!  Hang one on your tree, in a window, or just give one to someone special!  They are one-of-a-kind and feature handpainted designs and vintage decals.

Erika Lauren Jewellery is also handmade on Vancouver Island and Erika's focus is on clean, contemporary, sustainable design.  We have some pieces from her Noir Collection featuring porcupine quill bundles encased in sleek end caps.  Don't worry, no porcupines were harmed in the making of this jewellery!  The quills were naturally shed and collected in the prairies. 

It's true!  be turns 4 this month and couldn't have done it without you!  Since first opening in 2007 there have been some changes - like branching out into 30+ independent Canadian designers over 2 years ago now! - but the commitment to solely Canadian made clothing and accessories remains the same. 

There are so many great reasons to support independent local designers and Canadian made clothing, not to mention small locally owned businesses.  So THANK YOU for doing just that!  Hmmmm......how to thank you?  How about........

There are lots of festivities happening in downtown Courtenay this weekend and many of your favourite small local businesses will be open late on Saturday so come join in the fun! 

It's always exciting to get a package from Allison Wonderland in Vancouver - especially  when that package contains a gorgeous dress like this one....

The fit is incredible and the dress is actually knee length on us non-six foot model types.  Here are a few other Allison Wonderland pieces we have in the store.....

We are supposed to have the store windows all holidayed up before Downtown Courtenay's Christmas Magic weekend (November 26th and 27th) but I must admit, it seems too early to even be thinking of holiday decorating.  Maybe a vibrant red wool Allison Wonderland jacket or skirt will be the perfect starting point.....hmmm.