Lily Inspiration: Maternity Fashion (and Comfort!)

Okay, I admit it, I am not a fan of "maternity" clothes. The idea of buying an entire wardrobe of commercially produced, synthetic and uncomfortable garments that I will only wear for the short time in which my belly measurement will exceed every other part of my body is not appealing to my financial or fashion sensibilities. So far, I have managed to escape purchasing outside my comfort zone and I'm happy to report I've found many Smoking Lily items which have grown with me and my baby, which I'll be wearing long after he or she is snuggling in my arms.

The Hama Hama top was great in the beginning (and perfect for nursing), but now that I'm in my 7th month, the length of the Simple Tee provides flattering coverage and stretch.

The Petite Anglais is by far my favorite skirt, with a wide stretchy waistband and front/back reversible option. Plus I can wear the skirt above or below the knee too, making this super comfy pencil skirt even more versatile.

The Fandango skirt has an elasticized waistband and sits below my baby belly. It hits just below the knee for a fun, flirty sashay.

Our new Frontenac dress (in Black and Olive hemp jersey) is very cute wore with or without the two-tone braided belt, and looks extra special with an Obi Belt.

For special occasions, our Print Your Own service can dress up your own garment with one of our prints. While there are limitations on the fabric we can silk screen on (it has to be at least 60% natural fibers and we can't print over seams or on bumpy fabric), this option can add a finishing touch to an otherwise plain garment. Contact our in-store personnel for details on this service.

Simple Tee in Red $34 and Wool Fandango Skirt in Black $55

The Frontenac Dress in black $102 with cotton Obi Belt $44

Studio Update: Olive Hama Hamas

New this week, we are in production of a new shade of Hama Hama top. This front/back reversible Smoking Lily classic, for those of you who haven't tried one on yet, is close to the body, flattering and features a wide boatneck in a Bamboo-Lycra fabric that is at once drapey and stretchy. Comfortable enough to sleep in, structured enough to wear to the office, breathable and all around delightful!

Liz printing samaras (Maple Pods) on Olive Hama Hama tops $44

Lily Spotlight: New Tea Cozies and Tea Towels

One of our silk screeners Liz just came back from her month long wilderness hiatus to mainland B.C. and Alberta, and she has been busy silk screening like crazy around here the past week. Amongst some of her brilliant creations we have new and bright colours of tea cozies and tea towels to entertain and amuse.

Silk tea cozies in Pink, Teal, Pewter, Turqoise and Emerald $49

Cotton tea towels in Pink with Bunnies and Bullets, Gold with Owl, Purple with Rabbits, Wheat with Louis Riel, Striped with Enormous Heart, Lake Blue with Compass and Canoes, Denim with Tractor, Grey with Bike and Blossoms and Forest Green with Lyre Bird - all $14 each

Victoria Stores Update: Blackbird Studios Ceramic Jewellery and Dinnerware

Blackbird Studios ceramic jewellery by local artist Paige Kearns-Coull is very unique and beautiful. She scours the world for vintage plate and ceramic decals to use in her work. We now have pendant necklaces and earrings in the little shop on Johnson street. One of the necklaces even has three little dots of sterling silver on it! In our shop on Johnson street you will find her earrings and necklaces and in our shop on Government street, the milkman's daughter, you will find bowls, cups and the like...

Pendant necklace $45

Earrings $35

Lily Inspiration: Found Vintage Viking Sewing Machine

On my way home the other day, I spied an abandoned sewing machine next to a dumpster. Feeling optimistic I ventured closer and found this amazing vintage sewing machine. It needs a good cleaning, some electrical repair and a couple new parts, but I plan on restoring it and seeing what it can do. In two-tone grey with all metal parts and red accents I think it is unique and beautiful. I have never even seen a machine like this before, so I am thrilled to add it to my collection (it's only my second vintage sewing machine find, but in my books more than one equals a collection).

Exposed wires where a plug should be

It might be a Viking, or maybe it isn't?

This grill reminds me of the front of a classic car

All metal gears are forever

Victoria Stores Update: Bamboo Pyatt Tunic and Turquoise Mt. Pleasant

This week in the stores we have some great new colours and fabrics in the Pyatt Tunic and the Mt. Pleasant top.

The Pyatt Tunic is now available in Clay in 100% Bamboo. Perfect for layering, this fabric is like nothing else. The taffetta like material is silky smooth with a shiny finish and crisp texture, breathable and light as air. The tunic features a front-back reversible scoop neckline and pockets with a print.

Clay Pyatt Tunic $92 with matching Silk Obi

Shallow scoop neckline and Squirrel print on pocket

We also have a new colour in the Mt. Pleasant top as well this week. Featuring an all-over repeating Canoe print, this Turquoise top is perfect for wearing if you're going out on the water to do a little paddling.

Turquoise Mt. Pleasant with new Canoe print $85

Victoria Stores Update: New Colours

With the winter weather fading away, and spring promising to be kind to us, it is time to bring forth the colour and tone we missed all last season. Departing from shades of neutrals we see in the stores bold blacks, stand-out reds, bright blues and hints of lavender. Dress up your wardrobe with an Obi belt or scarf in a bright accent colour, or come try on a new dress or top in a happy tone. Let's get noticed this spring!

Lavender Wonton Love, Black Locarno Pants, Red Obi Belt with Hearts, Sample Bag

Studio Update: Electric Blue Suede

This morning as I walked into the studio I was immediately drawn to a large bundle of the most beautiful Electric blue suede I have ever seen. I started thinking about all the lovely things we could possibly make with this amazing leather. I'm hoping that we will have enough to make larger bags, because I really want one, but the decision will rest with our creative director. When you have a colour like this, do you keep it exclusive, or do you make smaller products so everyone can share the treat? What do you think?

Lily Inspiration: The Benefits of Buying Local

Victoria, B.C. is a small city that I believe is Green at Heart. 46% of Victoria residents take the bus, walk or ride a bike for their daily commute, and we all live in neighbourhoods that are focused on creating sustainable communities. I think people in Victoria believe shopping locally is a positive choice they can make with tangible benefits for themselves and their city.

Whether it's groceries or accessories, buying from a local source vs. a national (or international) chain makes an impact on greenhouse gases and carbon emissions when examining the true cost of shipping. Also, where an item is manufactured can have a smaller environmental footprint depending on the energy resources consumed in the process. Here in B.C., 86% of our electricity comes from hydroelectric dams, with the remainder powered by natural gas, both of which produce far fewer detrimental emissions than coal burning power plants.

A major benefit to any community is economic sustainability. Local producers and retailers create local jobs and quite often choose to shop locally themselves, helping to support other businesses and investing in community projects that national chains might overlook.

However, I think the most tangible benefit for customers is choice. Local businesses are able to listen to and cater to their customers' requests and provide diversity in an otherwise homogeneous market. Here at Smoking Lily we keep a Request List handy for items we don't have at the moment, and are able to accommodate variations in our products that national chains can't offer. Also, because we care about the quality of our products, we offer a one-year repair policy on everything we make (and we're often able to repair our older products that have seen better days for a nominal cost!). All in all, shopping local is a wonderful way to support your community and environment and get something for yourself that you can't get from the big shops.

Inspiration: Garage Sale Mania!

In years previous, our Garage Sales have garnered a reputation of being really fun, a great place to stock up on all things Smoking Lily and a little crazy. However, we have been learning through the years how to turn down the crazy and keep it fun for all who attend. You have probably all heard the rumours of line-ups around the block, but we have devised a strategy to combat this. This year, we open the doors of our studio at 1 pm and keep them open until 7 pm. We will be putting out fresh stock throughout the day, replenishing the selection and thereby negating the need to rush in first thing. Last year this strategy worked very well, and with the exception of the line-up for the very first wave of enthusiasts, we had no line-ups past 2 pm. I will be updating the blog throughout the day and letting you all know how it is going, if there are any line-ups and snapping pics of the most exciting deals of the day. So if you have to go to work today, feel free to visit us afterwards - and don't worry there will still be plenty of Lily to pick up and enjoy.

Update 2:45 p.m. - There is no line up outside and lots of goodies to choose from yet!

Update 4:20 p.m. - It's official, the last dress has been sold but there are still lots of awesome skirts.

Victoria Stores Update: Accessories for Spring

Despite the rainy weather we have been having this past week in Victoria, our shops have been brightening things up for Spring. Along with some new and fabulous jewellery from Erica Weiner, we have been adding a wide range of colourful accessories to liven up your winter wardrobe. Our OBI belts are one of the most versatile accessories to have in your closet, as it can dress up or dress down any garment, adding movement or giving it structure depending on how you style it. All OBI belts are two-sided with a silk-screened side and the other with a repeating graphic on Japanese cotton. Here is a link to some OBI tutorial videos we put together last year to get you started. videos

Silk OBI $49, Cotton OBI $44

Erica Weiner "American West" $89 - 1902 Indian Head Penny and Bison cut from real American coins

Erica Weiner Bee Necklace $34 in brass and Dancing Leaf blossom earrings in lace $24

Victoria Stores Update: Fresh Colours for Spring

Last week in Victoria we were greeted by snow-filled mornings and slushy sidewalks, but to combat those grey streets and skies we have some brilliant new colours filling our shops. Our Cotton Jersey scarves feature brand new animal prints and bright hues, such as Hot Pink, Grass Green and Sky Blue. We also have new fabrics for the Shaunessy Blouse, Garden State and Mt. Pleasant tops. Come in to freshen up your spring wardrobe!

Hot Pink Cotton Jersey scarf ($24) and Shaunessy Blouse in Tiny Silver Herringbone ($76)

Consigner Interview: Historia Design Co.

Other than just Smoking Lily products, our stores also carry select items from local designers. Today's interviewee is Nicole Boyer of Historia Design Co. whose Baby Cardigans, Vintage Slips, Slipper Booties and Miniature Notebooks can be found at the Milkman's Daughter in Victoria.

Q: Your items have a vintage look and feel to them, where do the materials in your products come from?

A: The Baby Cardigans are all new fabric and notions, but the cotton ruffling features reproduction vintage prints. The Slipper Booties are made from 100% wool sweaters found in second hand shops, and the slips are made from a combination of new and vintage fabrics and lace. I also use antique buttons on the Miniature Notebooks and recycled cardboard. I like using second hand or actual vintage materials because I feel it gives my work that little bit more substance. I like looking at something and thinking about all the situations the material has previously been in. Who's loved it, where's it's travelled and what experiences are in it's future.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: I like things that have a story behind them, and anything that has a history to it. I get a lot of ideas from vintage children's clothing and antique notions, also any piece of clothing that has pretty details. I get a lot of inspiration from the internet as well. Old patterns, books, movies, my grandparents and mom are also a continued source of inspiration.

The photo below is The Vogue book of fashion photography 1919-1979 that Nicole's mom bought for her in a thrift shop.

Q: What is your creative process?

A: When I see something that is inspiring, I draw out a sketch in my mind of how exactly I'd like to work it in with my own ideas. Eventually I refine it (make it feasible- as I can sometimes dream up some pretty over-the-top amounts of detail) and come up with a pattern. Then I lay out the fabrics and notions that I have on hand and find combinations that are complimentary. With the Slips, I like to lay out the ribbon and lace that work well together and the Baby Cardigans I match the snaps with the prints on the cotton ruffle. One of my most favourite parts of the creative process is going out and finding the materials, then again, my all time favourite is definitely the sewing.

Featured below is Nicole's vintage Singer Sewing machine.

Q: Do you have any items in the works right now?

A: I would like to make some more undergarments for women, as I have always liked really feminine undergarments, dresses and any of the old fashioned kind of stuff (like extensive amounts of undergarments suited to wearing under dresses.) The slips are getting kind of lonely; they need some friends. Also floating around in my head are ideas for men's wear. I would like to try designing a few things for men. It is such a contrast to my frilly underthings. Men's clothing also lends itself well to using materials such as plaids, wools, larger buttons, leather and metal accents, all of which I also like to work with. I have a romantic notion of dressing people up, and have always been infatuated with the way we used to dress. Perhaps in time I can bring a little of that back?

Studio Update: Remnant Pillows and Underlovelies

Today in the studio we are working on items with new print combinations for your home and your person. Our Remnant Pillows have durable cotton canvas cases, great for your patio or family room and the forms are stuffed with remnants from our sewing process. Weighing in at just under 2 kilograms, these pillows are a knockout in any pillow fight!

We also have printed some more comfy cotton jersey fabric for Underlovelies i

n Navy with Skelletor, Lilies, Swerns and Escutions, and Light Blue with Circle Outlines, Greyhounds, Moths and Cherry Blossoms.

These items should be in store next week and are limited editions so if you can't live without, please call your favorite store and put your name down on our Request List.

Victoria Store Update: Embellished Vintage Handkerchiefs and Erica Weiner Jewellery

For those left on your Christmas List who believe good things come in small packages, the Victoria Johnson Street store has something in just the right size. We have silk screened more of our Embellished Vintage Handkerchiefs and received the latest shipment of Erica Weiner Jewellery.

The delicate lace or cotton vintage handkerchiefs feature prints for people who like lovely things, and can be used to decorate tabletops, wrap smaller gifts or for more practical purposes. $5 - $6 each.

Our recently arrived selection of Erica Weiner Jewellery includes new and unique necklaces such as the Wolf with Tooth and Long Feather in Brass as well as beautiful earrings like the Little Swallows and Lucky Silver Buttons. $21 and up.

Come in and peruse, and find that perfect little present just in time to put under the tree.

Studio Update: the Smoking Lily Elves and the Sausage Party

For the last little while, the studio has been alight with activity from the wee morning hours until late at night. With sewing machines a-buzzing, cutters a-cutting and printers silk-screening, the Smoking Lily Elves have been working very hard to get all the lovely gifts ready for our wonderful customers just in time for Christmas.

For the holiday season, both Victoria stores will be open every day of the week, with the milkman's daughter now open Sunday and Monday 12-5.

Also, our third annual Sausage Party will be happening on Thursday, December 9th from 5 to 9 pm at the milkman's daughter (1713 government street). Our guy's shopping night includes free beer and sausages, complimentary gift wrapping and a chance to win a discount on your purchases if you beat Beth at Foosball! So boys, bring your Christmas gift lists by and let us help you pick out the perfect present.

Lily of the Ages: My Mother's Kimono

Last week, my daughter Violet had an opportunity to dress up in a Kimono that has been in my family for over 70 years. Originally sewn in Kyoto, the kimono was made for my mother Hiroko before she was born. Along with other Japanese, my grandparents had settled in Manchuria, China and started a family. When the war started, my grandparents and their 5 children age 2 to 9 were forced into exile and had to leave behind everything. Any possessions that were valuable would have been confiscated, so my grandmother sewed a backpack and hid the kimono inside the lining. It was her hope that her youngest daughter, who was 2, would be able to wear the kimono as her older sisters had. It took 3 years for my family to make it back to Japan, and the kimono has been worn by every girl in our family since. Clothing can carry much sentiment and because of my grandmother's perseverance, this is now an important and happy family tradition.

My mother, Hiroko, 1940

Me, 1983

My daughter, Violet, 2010

My mom and Violet today

My grandparents, Shizue and Osamu Katakura and their children, 1940

Store Updates - Tea Towel of the Year

For all those who like to get your XMAS shopping started early, we present the 2011 tea towel of the year. Featuring a year long calendar and lovely accent print, these bright new colours are sure to be a hit in any kitchen!

Hearts for Haiti

Earlier this year, Smoking Lily began our Hearts for Haiti campaign to raise money for the people of Haiti affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in January. Thank you to all our wonderful customers who have helped us raise and donate $955 to the Red Cross so far. In light of the recent hurricane and Cholera outbreak we are continuing our campaign.

The little leather broaches that feature our Anatomical Heart print cost $6 - and that $6 goes directly to the Red Cross. We have many different colours right now, and they make great Christmas stocking stuffers as well. Come in today to pick up your Heart of Haiti and contribute to this ongoing cause.

Where I Live: Fernwood

From my daughter's bedroom in the evening, I look out on a stunning view of the 100 year old Garry Oaks flanking my street. Backed by a Cerulean blue sky, I am reminded of the inherhent beauty of where I live; the trees showing the path where Stanley Avenue once ran, the gulls calling out to one another and the moon shining brilliantly through a cloud free sky. I call this combination of prints "Fernwood", after the neighbourhood I love to live in.