Some of of knew Jamer from way back, some of us knew him from more recent times, some of us knew of him only from his work; Any way we knew him we were all affected by his tragic passing yesterday, January 12 2012. Read a beautiful writeup from a close friend over at Scout Magazine Online. We'll miss you Jamer.

It was with the utmost anticipation that our friends at Big Wheel Burger opened their doors at 341 Cook Street this past Autumn staking their claim as the "Best Real Fast Food in Victoria". In a city like ours it would seem every other foodie dining out is seated at their table eagerly drafting their review of the service/food/atmosphere/decor of the establishment on the tiny screen of their smartphone before the main course is even finished; Thankfully for these same Victoria foodies, Big Wheel Burger will leave them slipping smiley face emoticons into their reviews after finishing one of the absolute best burgers in the city.

Located in the vibrant Cook Street Village, a hop, skip, and a jump from Beacon Hill Park, Downtown Victoria, and the Dallas Road Waterfront, Big Wheel Burger is the perfect place for take-out picnic supplies, fun family meals, and speedy business lunches. The result of great ideas coming together between the brains at Pig and Zambri's, Big Wheel Burger has immedately harnessed the heart, soul and food quality of a legendary burger joint working with only the finest ingredients.

Sourcing product from within 100 miles of their location, Big Wheel Burger limits their carbon footprint while support local economies. Their burgers are ground fresh daily, using locally raised, hormone and antibiotic free meats and cooked well done on a cutting edge flat top grill all the while embracing a philosophy of fresh, local and delicious. They use only environmentally safe packaging materials and have instituted recycling programs on every product level.

You've probably heard the buzz surrounding the hottest new burger joint in town, so next time you're biking, walking or driving down by the water or up through Cook Street Village, be sure to make a pitstop at Big Wheel Burger and tell them "Hi" from all of us at Still Life.

We don't aim to be music critics or experts at Still Life, but we know what we like to hear, we go to concerts of our friends and favourites and we buy the albums we know we need when they're released. With the help of the new and expanded Ditch Records & CDs location up on Fort Street we were able to add to our vinyl collection at the stores better than ever in 2011. Here is a recap of some of our favourite releases this year, albums you very likely heard playing on loop at the stores or stripped for parts, carefully crafted into seasonal playlists.

Despite expanding into two locations for the last half of 2011, plenty of albums found their way onto the iPods and record players at both Still Life For Him & For Her. It was easy to work through an entire day before realizing we'd been listening to albums like Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Destroyer - Kaputt and James Blake - James Blake on repeat for eight hours. Other albums including M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Youth Lagoon - The Year Of Hibernation, Washed Out - Within And Without and Charles Bradley - No Time For Dreaming may not have got to "full-day re-play" status, but made our stores feel like home as soon as the first note came through the speakers.

Albums For Him: The fun of having a menswear specific location to start the AW11 season with was not lost on our music choices. Albums like Dirty Beaches - Badlands, Timber Timbre - Creep On Creepin' On, King Krule - The Noose Of Jah City and Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo got repeat listens within the walls at 551 Johnson Street while maybe not quite as many spins at Still Life For Her across the street. Turning up the volume on classic rock, soul and hip hop staples also helped make the Still Life For Him space feel a little more comfortable for our guys.

Albums For Her: A new store with a new feel meant new music to get our ladies comfortable in the newly opened Still Life For Her back in August. While there were plenty of crossover hits at both locations, albums like Adele - 21, Feist - Metals, Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes, tUnE-yArDs - w h o k i l l and even Beyonce - 4 had our some of our new staff at Still Life For Her setting the mood themselves in new location with their favourite albums.

After Hours Jams: One thing a passerby may notice about Still Life For Him & For Her if you happen to walk by at 9:30PM on a Thursday night is that the music coming from the store is generally decidedly different (and louder) than what you heard earlier in the afternoon at the store. If a crew of staff was at the shop receiving product or pricing goods this year you were fairly likely to hear something from Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch The Throne whereas depending on the specific combination of staff working late you'd be more likely to hear something from Lana Del Rey - Video Games EP, A$AP Rocky - LIVELOVEA$AP or Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra blasting through the windows. Not albums we'd necessarily play throughout the day, but definitely a few tracks from these albums made their way onto our playlists.

Lastly, a huge shoutout to our friends & family that worked so tirelessly to put together another absolutely phenomenal event in Rifflandia IV this year! So many amazing shows, so many of our close friends, and such fantastic venues! We can't wait to be kitted up in our Tretorns and Native Boots again next September stomping around the Lounge at Royal Athletic Park!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year Victoria! Lots of love from the crew at Still Life For Him & For Her! See you in 2012!

Victoria, We're trying to make it easier for you this Christmas, we really are. It's hard enough shopping for yourself sometimes so trust us we know how difficult it can be shopping for the nearest & dearest on your (ever expanding) holiday list. We're giving you a break for Christmas 2011: The Official Still Life For Him & For Her Holiday Wish List & Gift Guide! We've compiled the following Gift Guides to inspire those who are too busy to even think of where to start with gift giving; But at the same time we've drafted this while carefully considering what you want for Christmas, so this can also act as a Wish List for you (you deserve it, you've been good this year and these are some of your favourite things, right?). Print this Gift Guide/Wish List out, copy the link and flip it across to someone with some hints via Facebook or Email.

For Him. He's probably picky about what he's wearing. And maybe he doesn't like to go shopping and pick out shirts & sweaters or try on new jeans. But you could always save him some time and yourself some of the hassle and let our Still Life Men help you sort out something perfect to make your guy look as good as he should:

• Chunky Shawl Neck Sweaters: Without question the coziest and most inviting items in the store the past few months has been the chunky, shawl collared wool sweaters from some of our strongest menswear lines (Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Dunderdon & Velour). With a curled masculine neck, strong leather buttons and chunky open knit these cozy sweaters make ideal Christmas presents for the man on your holiday list.
• Nudie Jeans Co Backbone Tees: Maybe you're not looking to pick him up a brand new pair of premium denim for the big day, but how about a super soft, organic cotton basic henley tee, long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve from his favourite Swedish denim brand, Nudie Jeans. They look great paired up with his best pair of raw denim and if you're sly enough about it you can even snag one and wear it yourself - these tees are seriously soft.
• Ken Diamond Quality Leather Goods: Offering a range from simple vegetan leather belts, keyfobs, wallets and cardholders to super special crepe-sole moccasins, leather backpacks, beer kozys and notebook cases, all Ken Diamond Quality Leather Goods are handmade by Ken in his Vancouver studio. Any guy in need of a new belt or wallet that has a tendency to wear his goods hard should appreciate anything from Ken Diamond.
• Winter Gloves: Fred Perry & Filson are two brands the business of constructing quality apparel, accessories & sundries. From warm merino wool gloves to buttery-soft leather driving or work gloves, these two legendary menswear lines will keep his hands soft & warm.
• Brixton Toques: These classic knit toques sell out every single year and we still have guys coming in with cold heads throughout January & February. We're not trying to tell you what you have to get for your guys, but seriously, we have almost a dozen different colours of these toques, come grab two or three different ones and he'll thank you for it.
• Magazines: Every Christmas as far back as we can remember there was a magazine or two rolled up and stuffed in the stocking hanging above the fireplace. If he's more of a global culture, design & politics man you can grab him the newest edition of Monocle Magazine or you can let him know how great you think he is with this season's Fantastic Man Magazine.

For Her. No matter if She is your sister, mother, daughter, girlfriend, fiance, wife or best friend forever - our Still Life Ladies can help you narrow out your decisions with that perfect, sweet and ideal gift for the lady in your life (think of all the times she's been there for you - she's definitely worth it):

• Hansel From Basel Tights: It's not getting any warmer anytime soon. Hansel From Basel is a Los Angeles based knitwear and hosiery range that does cute and cozy tights she can wear under skirts and dresses through the holidays (or under denim if she really can't stand the temperature drop).
• Only Hearts Lingerie: A super special, secret and sexy lingerie line made in New York City. She very likely hasn't seen these bra & panty sets before since they've debuted exclusively at Still Life For Her this autumn. Wrap them up nice and give them to her with a kiss and you'll surely get a peak of how they look.
• Canadian Made Jewelry: Erika Lauren Designs are made right here on Vancouver Island with traditional west coast inspirations sold exclusively in Victoria at Still Life For Her. Designed and produced in Toronto, this season's Biko Jewelry collection is inspired by darkness, boldness, tribal elements and outer space reflected in the juxtapositions of dark leather, fish-scale chain, and glittering raw stones. Both collections come in as affordable, unique jewelry designs she'll wear close to her heart for a long time.
• Natural Cosmetics: RGB Nailpolish and Ilia Lipcare make perfect stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts if you have a price cap. Affordable, high quality and naturally made cosmetic lines with a direct influence from the fashion and design world.
• Quality Leather Goods: Two very close friends of ours Erin Templeton & Ken Diamond both produce quality leather goods in studios based right across the water in Vancouver. Ken Diamond's new women's range offers simple and braided leather belts along with a super sweet braided leather noose necklace with feather detail. Erin Templeton's designs pull from vintage and deadstock leather sources resulting in one of a kind, ultra soft leathers constructed into backpacks, handbags, purses, clutches and wallets.
• Wool & The Gang Knitting Kits: Heading home for the holidays or taking time off to get away from work, school & the grind? Keep her cozy by the fire with these unique and very giftable Wool & The Gang knitting kits. Included in these all ready wrapped packs are gorgeous wood knitting needles, super soft Peruvian wool and simple to follow instructions on creating unique toques & scarves to stay warm all winter.
• Magazines: Let her escape the hustle & bustle of the holidays between the pages of some of the most inspiring fashion and design magazines in the city. Currently available For Her are three UK published fashion, design and culture magazines. Oh Comely has editorials, interviews and photography inspiring from across the pond best read with a cup of tea under a cozy blanket. Featuring ambitious journalism and photography of the highest quality, The Gentlewoman magazine celebrates inspirational, international women through its distinctive combination of glamour, personality and wit. And finally the very collectable, limited run UK fashion magazine Lula is thick as a book, haunting as a fairy tale, and will look quite lovely sitting on her coffee or bedside table

For Him or For Her.

• Happy Socks: We're going to go out on a limb and suppose that every single person on your list wears socks. Chances are they don't have socks in leopard or zebra print, black & white polka dots or navy & yellow stripes... Without question the easiest and most popular stocking stuffers this holiday season are Sweden's Happy Socks.
• Urbanears: All ready a perfect gift for the audiophile on your list, Urbanears have released a very limited, special edition Quilted Black Plattan Headphone for Christmas 2011. Chose from these sleek black models or from our wide range of seasonal colour options, these are quality, well-styled, well-made headphones for everyone.
• Fjallraven Kanken Backpacks: The Kånken Original Backpack is the same today as when it was released 30 years ago - only today it is made in a range of colours to suit any individual style. Perfect for the student, commuter or adventurer on your list.
• Filson Luggage & Accessories: Guaranteed to last a lifetime, you (or someone you love) might as well have the best. Heavy duty canvas backapcks, briefcases, luggage & totes are finished with full grain bridal leather made in the historic Filson Factory in Seattle, Washington. Available, and ideal, For Him & For Her.
• Score+Solder Terrariums: Everyone on our payroll has been strongly hinting at wanting one of these incredibly magical, unique & beautiful terrariums from Score+Solder handmade on Pender Island. For the greenthumb on your holiday list, or just someone who appreciates design, detail & craftsmanship.
• Native Jimmy Boots: It rains in Victoria; unfortunately even over the holidays. Designed by young, creative brains in Vancouver, Native Shoes Jimmy Boot has been this season's go-to rainboot for all our friends & family. Available in a range of colours at both locations, even the snoopiest Christmas lover won't be able to guess there's a pair of boots inside this super lightweight box.
• Gift Cards: If even after reading through a comprehensive Holiday Gift Guide or after your loved ones have printed out and highlighted their favourite must-have Wish List items for the holidays you still can't make a stand and decide on a gift... There's Still Life For Him & For Her Christmas Gift Cards. Available in any denomination applicable to any item in either of our two locations, these will never expire and can be used on Boxing Day, Valentines Day or St Patricks Day.

Still Life is proud to have existed in downtown Victoria, BC since 1984. The long and winding story behind the store, brand and space has been told thousands of times to visitors into either location, from the days spent with Robert at the helm to the current setup with Matt & Kim owning and operating both Still Life locations (For Him & For Her).

This past week Matt & Kim spoke out with our friends at Mosaic, a lifestyle blog based in Victoria. Every week their talented team of writers and photographers strive to present regular daily editorials, weekend updates and columns about the things that they appreciate and capture their interest. They asked to spend time with us and write a feature on the newly expanded Still Life brand, speaking to Matt & Kim about the past, present and future of the shop, and we couldn't be happier with the result.

Click through read the feature on at weareMosaic.caAnd a very special thanks to Brian Van Wyk Photography.

Still Life For Her is proud to be a part of the very first Girl's Night Out by the Downtown Victoria Business Association alongside some of our best friends and favourite shops. Starting this Thursday, October 6th and continuing onwards the first thursday of every month in Downtown Victoria is Girl's Night Out! Grab your ladies and come out on the town for deals, promotions, giveaways and entertainment at your favourite shops, restaurants and studios.

Be sure to add the event to your Social Calendar and we'll see all our ladies Thursday night at Still Life For Her!

Rifflandia No. 1 started as most Rifflandias have since, with a 10x10 tent and a handful of colourful pins. They set up in front of the McPherson Playhouse with a boombox and some astroturf. Victoria got its first taste of Wristband Connct and of the Rifflandia choose-your-own-adventure-one-wristband-for-everything mantra! Highlights from 2008 were neon yellow wristbands, Black Mountain at Alix Goolden and Z-Trip at the Strathcona. Rifflandia 2008 was 3 days, 7 stages, 65 artists. 1500 people were there to witness it.

Rifflandia No. 2 grew considerably with 2500 wristbands on the scene. Market Square was added as a large outdoor venue and the weather was glorious! Hey Rosetta!, Mother Mother, Tegan And Sara and Longwalkshortdock and many others came to play and graced the pages of the inaugural Rifflandia Magazine. Wristband Connect expanded to over 50 participating businesses and Phillips' Rifflandabrau... Oh Rifflandabrau... Was brewed and drank dry throughout the city.

Rifflandia No. 3 was the charm. Growing again the festival expanded to over 3500 wristbanded Rifflandians. Men Without Hats reunited after 20 years for an epic performance at the Metro Theatre. Aesop Rock, JFK, The Gaslamp Killer, Gord Downie and Melissa Auf Der Maur amongst many others (165 artists in total) performed on 11 festival stages. Another batch of Rifflandabrau and another festival magazine was absorbed by fans. Wristband wearers were able to enter to win amazing things like pizza parties and helicopter rides through Rifflandia's city wide treasure hunt called Win!Landia!

And so we arrive at Rifflandia No. 4. Royal Athletic Park has become home base of Rifflandia operations with the park set up with two stages, food and beverage tents, entertainment, costumes, and more music than Victoria knows what to do with. RifflandiaTV is up and running after a strong debut at Rifflandia No. 3 and the city once again opens its arms to bands like Broken Social Scene, City And Colour, Cold War Kids, De La Soul, Blackalicious, J Mascis and Ra Ra Riot.

Still Life For Him & For Her are once again proud supporters of Rifflandia - wristband wearers can get hooked up with a handsome 15% Wristband Connect discount all weekend long, and we're even hosting a special secret RifflandiaTV live performance in store on Sunday, September 25 at 12 noon (hint: the name of the performer(s) is in the above paragraph...). We hooked up with RifflandiaTV hosts Coral Osborne and Chris Vickers this week to get them outfitted in proper Rifflandia attire, watch below and have a fantastic Rifflandia weekend!

On Her: Thoroughcraft Black Leather Boots, La Fee Verte Leather/Stretch leggings (not Muttonhead as Jordan stated), La Fee Verte Galaxy Print Tank, Only Hearts Lace Bralette & Fred Perry Cashmere Blend Cardigan.

On Him: Thoroughcraft Navy Leather Moc Boots, Nudie Thin Finn Jeans, Brixton Prine Tee, Ben Sherman Tonal Plaid Shirt, Ben Sherman Knit Zip Sweater.

Things are really coming together for this Saturday's 2nd Annual Johnson Street Fest (August 27th) benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC! We'll have the Still Life For Him and Still Life For Her doors wide open all day from 10AM through 6PM with end of summer blowout sale pricing and lots of fundraiser treats and games for the whole family!

This year's Johnson Street Fest charity is the Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC. Since 1983 Make-A-Wish has made over 1,400 wishes come true for kids battling a life-threatening medical condition, and this year all proceeds from the Johnson Street Fest will help make 1 local Vancouver Island child's wish come true! These wishes provide BC children and their family a carefree and joyful experience that is far from the stress and anxiety of having a life-threatening medical condition. Their goal is to refocus attention on the positive by providing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime wish experience that a family might not otherwise have.

The goal of this year's 2nd Annual Johnson Street Fest is to raise $6000 to grant a wish of a local Vancouver Island child through fundraising activities all along the 500 & 600 blocks of Johnson Street including:

• Victoria's largest Yoga class at 10AM
• Silent Auction
• Dunk Tank
• Music by The ZONE 91.3
• Bouncy Castle & Sumo Wrestling
• Fortune Telling
• Tarot Readings
• Fitness Demos
• Dunk Tank & TNT Paintball
• Skate Ramp & Graffiti Paint In
• Jewelry Making
• Local Food Vendors
• And Much Much More!

Additional ways to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation are available at all your favorite Johnson Street Merchants before and during the big day: Wish Stars are an easy way to show your support by donating $2 (or more) to Make-A-Wish, write your name on it and stick it on the Wishing Wall. Remember that Johnson Street will be closed entirely to all vehicle traffic all day on Saturday, so hop on your bikes or walk down to visit and help support a fantastic cause. To find all additional information or contact the Johnson Street Fest organizers directly please visit www.johnsonstreetfest.com

Since opening at 551 Johnson Street in 1984, Still Life has offered men and women in Victoria a friendly & unique retail fashion shopping destination. Current owners Matt & Kim Jensen are proud to announce plans to expand the store and brand with the grand opening of a second Still Life location directly across Johnson Street. Still Life For Her will open this Saturday, August 27th at 550 Johnson Street, while the men's alternative Still Life For Him will remain at the original 551 Johnson Street location.

Since purchasing Still Life in 2007, Matt and Kim have re-imagined the legendary Victoria shop located on the 500 block of lower Johnson Street. Matt completed a total rebuild of the interior space constructing a library-inspired space in black walnut with steel and glass detailing, built entirely in the couple's Jubilee-area home. Kim's retail fashion development history combined with Matt's similar past in the apparel industry in Vancouver helped to bring Still Life up to speed with modern international (and local) fashion brands. Offering styles from Vancouver, Montreal, New York and Los Angeles - in addition to lesser-known lines out of Stockholm, Copenhagen, London and Paris, Still Life has stayed focused on providing unique, quality styles to the friends and family in Victoria that have followed the store since the beginning.

Splitting the two stores into Still Life For Him (551 Johnson Street) and Still Life For Her (550 Johnson Street) will allow the newly-married pair to focus the spaces with gender-specific clothing, footwear and accessories. Construction has been underway in both locations since the beginning of August, with a soft opening planned in time for the second annual Johnson Street Festival this Saturday August 27th and a Grand Opening tentatively scheduled for sometime in September.

in the short time since their grand opening, rook & rose floral design boutique has quickly become victoria’s premier luxury floral boutique. located just a few doors up johnson street from still life, owner/lead designer erica smoulders and her talented team provide refreshing designs that reflect an uncompromising sense of refinement and unprecedented quality. we've kept still life looking and smelling fresh over the past year with plants, bouquets, bows and succulents featuring a stunning selection thoughtful arrangements.

we recently viewed a living wall installation erica worked on at a new, modern art space in victoria that left us amazed, inspired and excited to dream up some future collaborations with her and her team. we're working on some big, exciting projects for the near future and eagerly await rook & rose floral arrangements to fill our space and hearts with colour and beauty.

find erica and her team only a few doors up from still life, on the same side of the street at 569 johnson street in victoria.