Studio Update-athon!

La la la, Thursdays in the studio and the ladies are gettin things done. Thank goodness it's cooler than yesterday or you'd be peeling us all of the floor at quittin' time.

The disembodied hands above belong to Nicole, who's churning out some Banff skirts (that pic reminds me of Thing from the Addams Family. Best butler ever award?).

Above is the lovely jo-jo-bean ready for snippin' and sewin' of a new sample top.

And this is Rose giving me a hand drying some of our lovely wool scarves (yummy yellow is a big winner for punches of colour this Fall and Winter).

Last I figured you'd all be stoked and ready for our super comfy fall dress: The Frontenac (advice for pronuciantion: imagine you are Jean Chretien).

Cute print of Canoes and Spotted Feather on the black is tres adorable. Also notice the booty? This dress is friends with bootylicious ladies.

And on the olive Frontenacs (more green than they appear in the pic above) are prints of the giant spotted feather. These dresses in stores everywhere tomorrow!

Studio Update: Wool Blankets

Here's what's going on in the studio today! Another batch of beautiful wool blankets are headed your way.

First, I lay out the vintage blankets to check for holes or marks; then I get creative with an inspirational pile of printed and patterned fabrics.

I lay out a large print with some harmonious pieces then sew it all together.

The result, gorgeous throws! I can just imagine them strewn over couch backs, on sunny lawns during a picnic, on the deck of a boat or perhaps in a hammock next to the cabin... perfect decorative coziness for wherever you plan to snuggle.

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

Studio Update

There is a lot of bustling activity going on in the studio recently. Fall designs, fabrics and prints are making their way across our printing tables. There are also some great men's T's, as usual of course! I brought my son in to try them on, he loves the bold colours and great prints.

This is a great time to come on in and get the guy in your life a T shirt that will make heads turn. Can you guess which was his favourite?

Studio Update: Print Yer Owns and Special Orders On Hold

We are told that it is summer here on the West Coast (I urge those of you West of the Rocky Mountains not to look out of your window if you want to maintain that delusion today). Despite the unpredictable weather, many of us have booked vacation days at the end of July. With the mass exodus of optomistic staff, our studio will be pretty quiet over the next two weeks.

So, from July 21st to August 2nd, there will be no Special Orders or Print Yer Own Orders taken. Don't worry, we'll get right back at it after that.

I have my fingers crossed that our wonderful silk-screeners and sewers will be lounging pool-side with frosty cocktails, rather than drinking hot toddies and snuggling under blankets to watch old movies. Bon voyage mes amis!

(If you haven't discovered the wonders of Special Orders and Print Yer Owns, feel free to call any of the shops and we'll fill you in on the fantastic possibilities for custom Smoking Lily products!)

Studio Update: Sneak Peak!

Hello information highway surfers. I've got a couple snaps of some new things we're working on in the studio today!! New fabrics, new designs, same awesome fun Lily things.

Above is some stuff we're going to get into the box going out to Vancouver today, come down to the Main Street shop tomorrow to try out the striped Simple Tee and the new Keith Skirt!

PLAID PLAID PLAID PLAID PLAID PLAID PLAID PLAID

I really love plaid.

Harmony turning that plaid fabric into drool-worthy dresses. One for me please!

Studio Update: We Are Hiring

Rachael is looking for someone to be part of our studio team. We need someone to keep the studio tidy, to help with production, to run errands and more. It would be great if you have sewing knowledge so you could help out in the cutting room, and if you like to clean and you are organized we will love you forever. If you want to work in a creative environment and need a part time job, send Rachael a resume with a cover letter and email it to info@smokinglily.com.

Studio Update: What's goin' on!

Well if I were you, I'd be super curious as to what's going on in this awesome joint, the Smoking Lily studio. And lucky for you, Friday is the day we get to tell you!

As some of you may have noticed, Steph is super duper pregnant! She went on maternity leave last Friday and should be having her baby in the next week or two!! I can't believe it! We are all so excited and also very sad that she can't be here with us all of the time. We miss you Steph but will get over ourselves for the sake of your child.

In other news, we've made an awesome tunic dress. It's called the Squirrel Hunter. Thank you Joanne. It's really cute, as you will notice in the photo of me. There are two ample pockets, flattering princess seam lines and it's going to come in a variety of great colours. The fabric is a comfortable linen, rayon and Spandex blend. I can see it working for any season! There was supposed to be an arrow pointing to where you place the squirrel in the diagram below, but the arrow disappeared when I uploaded it. Sorry, you will have to use your imagination.

Trish just drew up a really amazing new print, the maple pods. The varying sizes and scattered pattern has such a nice flow, this will be a great addition to our fall line.

Also going on in here are new Rowan Dowans. We recently picked up some enticing new leathers in colours including a pink, hunter green and beautiful textured gold. Combined with Liz's excellent printing skills these Rowans are exciting indeed!

Studio Update!

Today is Steph's last day at the studio before she leaves us to have a baby and embark on

motherhood! We will miss her, and wish her and baby all the best!

Here is a photo of Steph doing some last minute drafting:

And to wish her farewell:

Nicole made some button-shaped gingerbread cookies!

And lunch from the amazing Red Fish Blue Fish:

(Scallop tacones!)

And... a few more new things from the studio!

The bike print on the Periwinkle Garden State,

now available in size Extra Small.

New Cypress Skirt colour and print!

Cornflower Blue with our branch and blossoms print.

New Rowan Dowans in the works!

This one is a lovely gold with bees and peony.

Spring Fashion Shoot

Lately here in Victoria, we seem to be getting a few hints of spring; brief moments of beautiful, sunny, spring-like weather...and then, as though it had never happened: back to wind and rain.

Today we had some moments of gorgeous sunshine, just long enough to get Rachael to throw on some pieces with our newest colours and prints. We headed out onto the rooftop outside the studio to snap a few shots before the wind picked up and brought some clouds with the raindrops back...

Garden State in periwinkle with Cuckoo Clocks ($108)

Mt. Pleasant top ($85) with New Brighton skirt in denim ($81)

Wonton Love top in moroccan blue ($104)

Ivanhoe bag with Horse print ($220)

Ivanhoe bag (reverse side) ($220)

View from the studio rooftop!

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.