Lily Inspiration: Serving Pouch

Most of the staff at Smoking Lily have worked, are working or will work as a restaurant server. We created these pouches after many requests from staff and customers. They're made out of durable cotton canvas and have two pockets for your serving essentials. Stop by the Milkman's Daughter to pick one up - only 2 left!

Serving Pouch, $26

Victoria Shops Update: We're Hiring!

Do you love Smoking Lily?

Do you have retail sales experience?

Do you have the attitude that no job is too small or too large to fulfill?

Smoking Lily is looking for a salesperson to work in the Victoria stores: The Milkman's Daughter and the Wee Flagship Shop. Please forward cover letters and resumes to milk@smokinglily.com or drop off at the Milkman's Daughter.

Lily Home: Anthropomorphic Plates and Cards

The Milkman's Daughter and our Vancouver shop both received these amazing plates and cards last week. They make a wonderful gift for others (or for yourself!). Here are a few photos of my favourites:

Tommy C, $80

Fawn $50

Rachelle the cockatoo, $65

Milkman Update: Anthology Magazine

The Milkman's Daughter is now carrying an awesome new magazine: Anthology. It's relatively new (currently 3rd issue) and highlights home decor, travel, design, entertainment and culture. Come by to pick up a copy, $14 CAD.

Beautiful.

Even an article from the island... (you'll have to pick up an issue to find out more)

All of our staff loves Anthology.

Victoria Visit

As Trish mentioned, I was over in Victoria earlier this week to help hang Timothy Hoey's art show at The Milkman's Daughter - today! It was really nice to meet Tim and hang out with all the Victoria Lilyites.

Here are a few photos of Tim's work.

And a few random photos of the shop.

Trish, Korinne and I also met to talk about the Fall line and some interesting upcoming events. This was the first time I glimpsed the new Fall pieces and I have to say I fell in love with a few garments; the rest will be really good friends with my ever growing Lily wardrobe. There were some great fabrics and interesting tailoring. Fall is going to be fun.

As for Summer, there are still new pieces in the making, including a really cute linen dress in two stunning colours - a bright fresh green and a deep tealish royal blue. They will likely be in stores next week. We'll keep you posted.

Step by Step Guide to a Lovely Summer Day in Victoria

Step 1 Park in a spot with all-day parking (Yates Street Parkade) or, better yet, walk downtown or take public transit. This way you can spend all day with no time restrictions. I also recommend turning off your phone or putting it on silent mode. It's now time to get lost in your own city.

Step 2 Eat something amazing. My favorite breakfast place is Lady Marmalade (608 Johnson Street). They make a Wild Pacific Salmon Bennie that is pure joy. There is a Lady Marmalade in Toronto, too!

Step 3 Saunter over to The Milkman's Daughter and treasure hunt. There's so much to explore in the shop, from great books to items for the home and, obviously, our awesome clothing. We also have one-of-a-kind furniture at this location that is a must see.

Step 4 Scour all vintage clothing shops along Johnson and Pandora. It's a chance to find great items to add to your wardrobe. Take your time; this type of shopping is a true art form. If you don't find anything for yourself, don't be bummed out--it's all a great place for inspiration.

Step 5 Head to our smallest Smoking Lily store on Johnson. Don't be scared to go inside, we don't bite! If you're looking for ideas on spring cleaning or organizing, the store is a good example. We have packed tons of merchandise nicely into a tiny little space--just saying:P Be sure to look up when you are inside as our store goes way, way, way up!

Step 6 Pink Sugar Cupcakery is the last stop, but is actually number one on the list of must do's for a "Lovely Summer Day in Victoria." They make beautiful pieces of art that you get to EAT! I'm alllllll over the "Dessert at Tiffany's" cupcake--it's chocolate with blue buttercream heaven. You can also place large orders for events and parties... or, hey, that's just the excuse I use when I buy more than one.

End to a Lovely Summer Day

Thanks to goinglocal.tourismvictoria.ca, oceanislandvictoriaguide.com and Pink Sugar Cupcakery for images.

Lily Home: Silk Tea Cozies

Recently, the studio got their hands on new colours of dupioni silk and created the most beautiful tea cozies. The colours of silk are shades of blue, pink and mustard with fantastic prints. Stop by one of our stores to see the selection of prints and the true colour of silk. Here's a few photos of my favourites (please excuse the quality of cell phone photos!) Tea Cozies are $49 and make wonderful Mother's day presents.

Lou Riel

Pirate Ship and Virgin Mary

And the most beautiful Tea Cozy we've ever made:
Filigree Wallpaper with Queen Annie's Lace

Inspiration: My Garden - A Five Year Journal

It's such a beautiful day, here in Victoria. The sun is shining and Trish is taking off early to spend time in her garden. This reminded me that the Milkman's Daughter has recently received a book called My Garden - A Five Year Journal. The planner is designed to help you enjoy five (or even more) years of progress in your garden.

A great mother's day present. $24.95

There's plenty of growing tips and even an envelope in the back to keep seeds.

In years to come, the journal will help you remember temperatures, new plantings and garden visitors.

Also, there's section about container gardening, which would be great in Woolly Pockets. They are available for indoor and outdoor and range in price from $24--$125. Happy Gardening!

Lily Spotlight: New Duvets

New duvet sets arrived at the milkman's daughter last week, that I fell in love with immediately. The first is the Virgin Mary repeated on one side and the other side has wallpaper print repeated in hot pink ink! The second (and my absolute favourite) allover printed bears with a patchwork detail across the duvet and pillowcases. I'm going to have a hard time parting with this one...

Queen Size Duvet Set $315

Virgin Mary/Wallpaper

2 looks - 1 duvet!

Queen Duvet Set $240
Bears with patchwork

I love this Bear!

The little bag the duvet set comes in!

Lily Home: Blossoms at the milkman's daughter

Just as the cherry blossoms started appearing in Victoria, the milkman's daughter received a shipment of porcelain blossoms. I wanted to display them in the front window, but I needed a light fixture that was as delicate and beautiful as them. After much research, I decided to create one from doilies, an exercise ball, and wallpaper paste; it worked! Happy Spring, everyone!

the milkman's daughter

A few customers mentioned the milkman's daughter was missing something--a large branch, perhaps? Beautiful ceramic flowers with a wire backing that can be attached to pretty much anything?? Now we have everything!

Doily Lampshade

Dogwood Blossom $8

Magnolia Blossom $8

New Homewares at the milkman's daughter

The milkman's daughter has received new homeware items from Imm Living. Imm Living is based out of Toronto and creates playful modern cultural artifacts by drawing from traditional and popular culture. Here are a few photos of my favourite items (the hidden animal teacups are SO cute!). Stop by the milkman's daughter to have a closer look and check out the rest of the collection.

Large Flash Light $38

Little Red Riding Hood & Wolf Containers $52

The Grand Derby Series: Earl the Kangaroo Jockey $52

Hidden Animal Teacup: Owl $22

We're Hiring!

Do you love Smoking Lily?

Do you have retail sales experience?

Do you have the attitude that no job is too small or too large to fulfill?

Smoking Lily is looking for a full-time sales person to work in the Victoria stores: The Milkman's Daughter and the Wee Flagship Shop. Please forward cover letters and resumes to milk@smokinglily.com.

Victoria Update: Tim Hoey Creations

Currently at The Milkman's Daughter, we have a great selection of art pieces created by Tim Hoey. Stop by to see them if you are in the area, or check out his website for more information at www.timothyhoey.com.

Here are a few photos of what we have at the shop:

Hammer Time Hanger $50.

Lucky Lamp $150

Small Paintings $15 - $30

A Leg to Stand On (1, 2, and 3) $250, $200, $150

Grinder Lamp $150

Child's chair set $150

Barnyard coffee table $350