Tagged: vancouver

A little inseason re-up from our bearded friend in Vancouver with Ken Diamond Quality Leather Goods arriving today at Still Life For Him:

• Braided Leather Wallet Chain (available in black) - Hand braided kangaroo leather finished with waxed cord and solid stainless swivel snaps on either end.
• Classic Bill Fold (available in black, chocolate and natural) - 3/4oz high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched with 2 card slots and 1 bill slot. A taller and narrower option than the shorter and wider New Bill Fold.
• Classic Key Fob (available in black and natural) - High quality 5/6oz veggie tan leather finished with solid brass swivel snap.
• Envelope Card Wallet (available in black, chocolate and natural) - 3/4oz high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched and finished with engraved Ken Diamond snap.
• Skinny Key Fob (available in black, natural & cognac) - 5/6oz high quality veggie tan leather, solid brass swivel snap finished with engraved Ken Diamond snap.

Ken Diamond began to work with leather in the late 90′s and established Ken Diamond in 2003. The philosophy behind the works of Ken Diamond are simple: high quality leather goods with classic designs, entirely hand made in his Vancouverstudio. As leather work is a dying art, he works at keeping the traditions alive while using modern techniques to keep the work simple and minimal.

We've welcomed a new arrival at Still Life For Her this week that looks as if may disappear into the hands (and mouths) of our staff before any of the public even gets a chance to see it... Vancouver's BETA5 Chocolates are produced in small batches using ethically sourced estate chocolates and premium ingredients. Careful alignment of the BETA5 matrix results in their chocolates’ distinctive shine and crisp snap. The form-5 beta crystal structure is the most stable form of cocoa butter crystallization, formed through the controlled melting, and subsequent cooling (tempering) of liquid chocolate.

Our shelves have been filled this past AW2011 season with sundries of all types, and with the arrival of some locally-produced chocolates from BETA5 we're staying well fed through the winter. When creating BETA5, founders Adam & Jess wanted to create a different kind of chocolate range. One that uses the best ingredients they can find, in support of farmers and in the name of taste. One that goes against the grain, by recognizing where they stand in the global economy and by committing to making ethical choices instead of profit-driven ones. BETA5 Chocolates are stay off the beaten path, blurring the lines between customer and cook and smoothly revolves around innovation and craftsmanship.

Cherry, Almond, Bean & Hazelnut Pebbles, Solid Chocolate Bars and Salted Butter Caramels are all now available from BETA5 Chocolates at Still Life For Her.

A package journeyed across the straight from Vancouver and arrived at Still Life For Her today filled with sweet sentiments of love, longing, best wishes and the types of things you wish you could always say to those who mean the most to you. Inside were some of our favourites and some inspiring, brand new Dani Press Greeting Cards from our friend Dani Kreeft.

A long time ago Dani heard that to get the things you want in life, you have to first decide what you want. She cut out the self-doubt, let go of the word "should", drove away from the noise and eventually knew what she wanted. Her beautiful line of greeting cards comes from ten years of wanting: a card line of wayward travel photos and old typewriter text to inspire people, to give them the words they want to say but don't know how to, to give something meaningful.

Each card measures 4-3/8" x 5-3/4" and is sold tucked into something earthy: a grocery bag envelope made from 100% recycled materials. Action Envelope, the company Dani sources her envelopes from, is also 100% wind-powered and committed to greener efforts to help keep our earth beautiful.

Remind someone how much you care about them, with beautiful new cards from Dani Press.

Grandiose Lab is a collection of premium all natural products for the home. Inspired by unconventional beauty. All items are made with the highest quality ingredients and handmade in Vancouver, British Columbia.

With subtle grapefruit and green tea scents, these beautifully crafted all natural goats milk base soaps have been molded into unconventional shapes (skulls, teeth, brains & guns). We've also received all natural unbleached beeswax candles with cotton wicks that come in vintage military canteen cups with subtle naturally sweet beeswax scent.

The perfect stocking stuffer for the person on your list who either "has everything" or "hates everything". Grandiose Lab is now available at Still Life For Him.

Matt & Kim enjoyed a well-deserved break from Still Life this weekend and headed to Vancouver for some R&R with friends & family. One of the first stops they made once they touched down on the mainland was at Union Wood Co. with our good friends Craig Pierce and Cara Donaldson.

Union Wood Co. is the company name by which Vancouverite, Craig Pearce creates his arts-based approach to custom furnishings. Founded in the summer of 2009, Union Wood Co is simply, an asthetic of vintage and industrial objects. Nostalgic of the solid floors of the docks, foundries, mills and factories upon which this city was built, and the men that did it. Union Wood Co. is inspired by the simpler times of centuries past, but living in today's modern lofts and heritage homes.

Using materials mostly reclaimed and repurposed from salvage yards, antique stores, demolition sites and other sources, Union Wood Co. create pieces that are solid, bold, and one of a kind.

Available for custom work on a commission basis for projects both large and small, Union Wood Co. is open Thursdays/Fridays 10AM-5PM and Saturdays 11AM-4PM at 503 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC. You can reach them via telephone 604.675.9033 or on The Union Wood Co. Website.

One of our nearest and dearest, Mr Ken Diamond has just supplied Still Life For Him with our widest range of Ken Diamond Quality Leather Goods we've ever had in the store! If you're talking everyday essentials with any Still Life For Him staff (and even most of the girls at For Her) we'll be quick to tell you that a Ken Diamond belt, key fob and billfold/card wallet are on our persons each and every day. Looking a little better every time you where or use one of his natural leather products, Ken Diamond quality is unmatched by any leather goods we've ever stocked at Still Life.

Ken Diamond began to work with leather in the late 90′s and established Ken Diamond in 2003. The philosophy behind the works of Ken Diamond are simple: high quality leather goods with classic designs, entirely hand made in his Vancouver studio. As leather work is a dying art, he works at keeping the traditions alive while using modern techniques to keep the work simple and minimal.

Now available from Ken Diamond at Still Life For Him:

• Lowbowski Moc (available in tan) - Hand stitched deer tanned cow skin outer, black cow skin liner with leather mid sole and crepe outer sole. Finished with wool felt insoles.
• Diamond Moc (available in black) - Hand stitched black bull/black suede split upper with leather mid sole and crepe outer sole. Finished with wool felt insole and leather laces.
• New Bill Fold (available in black and natural) - 3/4oz high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched with 2 card slots and 1 bill slot.
• Classic Bill Fold (available in black, chocolate and natural) - 3/4oz high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched with 2 card slots and 1 bill slot. A taller and narrower option than the shorter and wider New Bill Fold.
• Envelope Card Wallet (available in black, chocolate and natural) - 3/4oz high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched and finished with engraved Ken Diamond snap.
• Simple Belt (available in black, natural & cognac) - 8/9oz, 1.5" wide high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched and finished with a silver roller buckle.
• The Notebook (available in black and natural) - 4/5oz outer (3/4oz inner) high quality veggie tan leather, hand stitched and filled with a replaceable 5"x8" notebook. Finished with engraved Ken Diamond snap.
• Skinny Key Fob (available in black, natural & cognac) - 5/6oz high quality veggie tan leather, solid brass swivel snap finished with engraved Ken Diamond snap.
• Drawstring Back Pack (available in black) - Hand stitched black deer tanned cowhide with hand braided kangaroo straps finished with natural veggie tan logo and corner reinforcements.
• Beer Kozy (available in natural) - 3/4oz high quality natural veggie tan leather, hand stitched and finished with Ken Diamond skull embossment.
• Dog Leashes (available in black and natural) - High quality natural veggie tan leather, looped handle and hand braided detail brass snapped to base finished with solid brass swivel snap.
• Dog Collars (available in black and natural) High quality natural veggie tan leather finished with and adjustable holes finished with solid brass buckle. Sizes 16", 20" and 24" available.

As a note to the ladies, please don't fret - although many of Ken Diamond's leather goods are unisex, we do have Mr Diamond working hard on our separate Still Life For Her leather goods order including pieces from his brand new women's collection. Get excited ladies!

Aaah! Native Shoes for everyone! The little Vancouver brand that could, Native Shoes is at it again with their Autumn 2011 range of Native Boots! We've had a fantastic response to our own personal favourite, The Jimmy Boot this season, and today we've got more sizes and more colours to keep your feet dry as you battle against Mother Nature this season with rain and wind always on the horizon on Vancouver Island.

Surpassing a standard that no one knew existed, The Jimmy Boot from Native Shoes is exceptionally light and completely waterproof with a laminated nylon upper on a molded EVA outsole. Complete with a stabilizing insole The Jimmy is the ultimate all-weather boot. Also, animal free, odor resistant, and shock absorbent. Now available in Torch Red, Crayon Yellow, Beaver Brown, Jiffy Black, Bunker Green & Regatta Blue at Still Life For Him & For Her!

ILIA Pure Lip Care was founded by the inspiration to create a connection between natural beauty and contemporary fashion. Organic ingredients combine the moisturizing elements of Jojoba oil,Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E. Natural antioxidants of Pomegranate help protect lips against daily exposure to free radicals. Essential oils of Jasmineand Orange Blossom deliver an uplifting scent to rouse the senses. The luxurious case is made withrecycled aluminum,  and filled with 85% organic ingredients. Finally, a unique, organic balm, gloss and lipstick in one that women can trust… naturally.

Our skin is our largest organ, and can absorb just about anything we put to its surface. ILIA Pure Lip Care is formulated with this in mind, and dedicated to creating the purest products possible. The ethical-sustainable approach embodied in ILIA Lip Conditioners is filled with certified organic bio-active botanicals that nourish and rejuvenate the lips. The performance of ILIA Pure Lip Care is unprecedented to any other organic Lip Conditioner on the market and has been dubbed the ultimate balm, gloss and lipstick all in one. Each shade was carefully selected to suit any occasion, and unlike other tints increase in intensity when applied freely.

Expanding our sundries and cosmetics sections at the new Still Life For Her this weekend, Vancouver's ILIA Pure Lip Care has hit the shelves ready to be snatched up by Victoria fans of the young brand and we've prepared by stocking ILIA's entire range of shades:

• Nobody's Baby - The perfect, sheer nude suited for any occasion. Nobody’s Baby reflects your subtle need for quiet independence. You always get what you want, and tend to move through any situation with grace and ease.
• Dizzy - Catch me if you can! A Dizzy shade of melon leave lips full of expression and ready for any adventure. The warmth of the sun makes you feel alive, as you drive fast through palm tree lined streets, dotted with mid-century homes… you love anything exotic and everything unique.
• Blossom Lady - A muted shade of pink, that anyone can wear. Blossom Lady’s soft tones give you an innocence you may have lost, or have yet to expose to this world. Your spirit is gentle, and soothed easily by the comfort of knowing you are safe and loved.
• Big Bang - A romantic by nature, you tend to fall head over heels and may have had the rug pulled from beneath you more than once. Strong, and determined you quickly pick yourself up and move on to the next chapter. Bang Bang personifies this passion to grow, and go forward with all your heart!
• Shell Shock - Wild and free, you do not go unnoticed. Your strong sense of style, and spontaneity bring excitement to everything you do. The bright hues of Shell Shock, let your bold spirit shine through and inspire those all around you.
• Arabian Knights - Off in a far distant land, you wait under a warm, desert moon. Arabian Knights offers a fantasy of mystery and seduction. The deep tones of violet, and burgundy melt together forming a beautiful berry stain. An ideal shade, that is easily carried from day to night.

HUGE delivery this weekend with the arrival of one of our most anticipated items of the season: AUTUMN 2011 NATIVE BOOTS!

The brand that redefined summer footwear with their creative, forward-thinking, candy-coloured, lightweight EVA foam Native Shoes this past two summers is at it again! Autumn means it gets dark sooner and at the drop of a hat. So deal only with the best and brightest. Native, catchy boots causing a cast net frenzy this autumn with three incredible wet weather styles.

• The Jimmy - Surpassing a standard that no one knew existed, The Jimmy is exceptionally light and completely waterproof with a laminated nylon upper on a molded EVA outsole. Complete with a stabilizing insole The Jimmy is the ultimate all-weather boot. Also, animal free, odor resistant, and shock absorbent. Now available in Beaver Brown, Jiffy Black, Bunker Green & Regatta Blue at Still Life For Him & For Her.
• The Paddington - The boot that does not need mother natures approval. Have some fun under the weather and come on down to the eye of the storm, feet stay dry while cows fly by in The Paddington. Now available in Cordova Red, Jiffy Black & Regatta Blue at Still Life For Her.
• The Fitzsimmons - While exploring rough social terrain to the last ascent of the social peak The Fitzsimmons has kept kept our men warm, dry & lite over this past year and is back with a vengeance for Autumn 2011. With a neoprene socky insert it's never been easier to stay dry on the wet west coast. Now available in Jiffy Black & Pigeon Grey (w/ Jiffy Black) at Still Life For Him.

The idea that became Native was born out of a vision: to create lightweight, comfortable, and good-looking shoes out of EVA. Fueled by this conviction, two friends from Vancouver embarked upon an uncertain journey.

The pair soon found themselves hotel hopping in foreign lands, hunting down factories with their makeshift shoe design stashed in a backpack. In the fall of 2008, the first prototype emerged from development and the reaction was infectious. The clarity of their vision could now be felt in tangible form, the concept had been proven, and the potential was undeniable. And so, in 2009, Native Shoes was founded.

Autumn 2011 is (most obviously) upon us, rains are falling and winds are whipping - but please, never let the elements put you into submission! Native Boots are now available at Still Life For Him & For Her.

This summer our own Matt Jensen ventured forth in a pack of motorbikes with a division of the Megadestroyer Crew (The Dugout Wrenches) on a The Southern Lord Tour of the Wild American West. Seven-thousand kilometres of freedom, beers, camping, skating, tourist shit, helmet laws, no helmet laws, casinos, weirdos, more beers, break downs, flat tires, hot weather, late nights and early mornings. Along the way the boys repped Megadestroyer hard - trips like this one are why the brand exists. These 100% cotton ringspun teeshirts, branded with the raddest & baddest graphic creations the extended Megadestroyer Crew can dream up wear hard and look better the more trashes you make them - cut the arms off in the summer, sew the front on a jacket as a patch in the winter.

Arriving in time for the launch of Still Life For Him, we've got Megadestroyer Artist Series tees from the creative minds of Henry Barros, Germ, Sharks + Hammers & Matt Jefferies as well as the return of the Werewolves tee and the classic Wingsbone tee.

We've promised it forever, but we promise we'll invite the entire Megadestroyer Crew over to the island this autumn and tear the roof off of Still Life For Him at 551 Johnson Street. See you soon boys.