Something Casual for this Vancouver Summer!

Boy oh boy this season has gotten away from us! Being so busy has it’s plus’ for sure! Especially the new items we have in the shop for the summer season!!

Here is what is in store for our laid back Vancouver peeps!

The Lani Tank is a great casual tank in this a-line cut.

The Lani Tank in Dark Teal

The Lani Tank in Dark Teal

The Lani Tank is a great casual tank in this a-line cut.

 

 

The Lani A-Line Tank

 

The Lani Tank is a full tank shoulder for hiding bra straps and keeping it professional yet casual. The A-line fit is perfect for tucking in a bit or leaving out with any type of bottom. Perfect with a jean jacket or suit jacket, it can go from day to night and from casual to professional in a quick sec!

 

Rings of Saturn V Neck T-Shirt

Jessica in the Dusty Blue

Cheryl in the Black

 

One of our recently, made in Egypt, pieces, we have screen printed another of our friend Raven Morigeau’s art work on the bottom hip of the top. It depicts a woman with flowing hair in the water watching the sunset of Saturn and its rings. Available in Black, Navy and Dusty Blue.

 

 

 

 

Vancouver Paradise Scoop T-shirt

Made with our amazing Rayon Bamboo and Cotton Blend, this Vancouver graphic Tee is perfect for the casual summer months. It is great in this Olive Green with seafoam print on Cheryl, and is also available in black with a white print. Denim jackets and bomber jackets, here I come!

Keep up with the haps on our Instagram and facebook for more new items arriving weekly!!

 

Erin Gravelle, Your Devil May Wear Lead Stylist

A Top to Frolic In

Vancouver has been waking up to blue skies and If you’re like me you think that’s a marvelous thing and darn is it ever time to celebrate!

We made it through the winter!

As the weather turns warmer but it’s not quite the heat of summer and the mornings are still breezy (which is always my favourite) I always feel a lightness of being, a very welcome scrumptiously carefree attitude take hold of me. I feel like this time of year everything tastes better, looks better, feels better, and I want to frolic.

I want to frolic in clothes that show off that delightful carefree energy and do nothing to hide it! If you’re like me, you’re probably in need of a fun easy and breezy piece for spring frolicking and Devil May Wear has just the thing!

The Songbird top:

Soft as a spring kitten (Oh I love kittens), an easy “I woke up like this” fit, a wide open back, perfect for catching soft breezes and an original screen print design on either side of the chest, you’ll literally be wearing art, hell yes!

The original Artwork is by me: Raven!

The songbird top is available in two colour ways; a power pink and a heather grey. These are such great versatile tops, you might as well get them in both colours, in fact I recommend it.

 

Lets talk styling:

Work – wear it under a fitted blazer for lively spring touch at work

Date night – pair it with a pencil skirt, the looser fit of the songbird top with the curve lovin’ pencil skirt is a dynamite balance.

Erin – At Vancouver Fashion Week this Spring.

 A day in the City – The Songbird top and a pair of fitted jeans, very chic!

Camille in her bootcut jean and the song bird shirt in Grey/Green.

Seaside picnic or a casual day – pair it with some shorts (yes shorts weather!) or wear it with wider leg boyfriend jeans and maybe tie a scarf in your hair!

 Happy frolicking lovely people!

Raven, Your Devil May Wear Stylist

Granville Island Fix It/Clothing Swap 2018!

On Sunday April 29th, 2018, I joined forces with Frameworq, by Irina Mackenzie to put on our second annual clothing swap and fix it at the Granville Island Hotel. We had a great gang of volunteers to run the event this year. We all worked together so well at making sure the day ran smoothly and everyone was able to make a difference in the fast fashion dilemma of our generation.

As you enter the room, you sign in, weigh your clothing you are bringing to the swap and then weigh the clothing you are taking after trying on and rummaging through the treasure trove we had this season. We posted all of our weights of clothing on the Fashion Revolution wall so it was very clear what was being diverted from the landfill! All clothing at the end of the swapping day were packed up and weighed. We diverted over 800 pounds from the landfill this year! It was all donated to the Women’s Shelter of Vancouver on the downtown east end.

The Fix It portion was a buzz with almost twice as many people as last year. There was all levels of sewing experience there with two of us as volunteers being the sewing experts!

My favourite part of the day was when I helped a young girl pick out some clothing to take home, and one things that she really loved had a damage. It was a perfect example of how to make something truly your own with mending it. She did great at the sewing machine as I showed her what to do. Now she feels inspired to get her own sewing machine and learn to sew for herself! That is the best!

Another great turn out this year, and It will keep growing every year we hold it!

Thank you to the Granville Island Hotel and to the Granville Island Business and Community Association for the approval of the Mini Grant and the Space to hold the event!

Till Next Year!

Erin, Your Devil May Wear Stylist

A History of Lingerie! The Evolution of Undies

Undies, panties, knickers, skivvies, unmentionables, (or whatever else you may call them!) have come a long way since they were first around. Whether you’re a lingerie fanatic or simply appreciate the timeless bikini brief, we must thank the innovation over time that led to the underwear we know and love today.

So let’s take a peak at where it all began!

The Loincloth: 5th Century BC

As previously mentioned in the last segment of “A History of Lingerie!“, the loincloth is the earliest known form of underwear. This undergarment was only a small piece of cloth draped over the hips and through the legs with the sole purpose of its existence being modesty.

Loincloths in Ancient Egypt

Pantaloons and Bloomers: 1850s-1870s

Jump ahead by a few thousand years, underwear hadn’t changed all that much until the 19th century, though much of the shape wear and fitted undergarments had (but that’s all for another blog!). As skirts became shorter and modesty was still a major concern, the pantaloons and bloomers emerged. These oversized, unshapely pants were worn under skirts and dresses to ensure that no part of the leg was left exposed. Over time, this undergarment would evolve into the first trousers made for women as a result of the women’s suffrage movement. Thanks ladies!

All in One, Cami knickers: 1920s

The only thing better than wearing a camisole and knickers? Wearing cami knickers of course! A camisole and undies conveniently sewn into one piece! This style of underwear became popular in the Flapper era, as it fit smoothly under the short, flirty dresses of the time. Women began to embrace their natural figures rather than continue to carry out traditional “feminine ideals” through restrictive, bulky undergarments.

Modern Day Undies: 1930s-Present

This period marked the end of confining, inhibitive underwear. Comfort became a huge factor in the styles created as well as personal taste. Women could now find the undies that best suited their with a variety of colors, patterns, and embellishments to choose from.

1930s

1950s

1970s

The Bikini Brief: 1950s

I doubt the bikini brief will ever go out of style with its timeless shape and endless popularity. This style rose to fame quickly with developments in the textile industry. Fabrics such as rayon and spandex came about which made underwear more breathable than it had once been with some additional stretch.

Bikini briefs in 50s and 60s

Bikini briefs in the 70s

The Rise of the Thong: 1980s

The thong is one of the more controversial lingerie staples to date. Despite their provocative, barely-there appearance, thongs were originally marketed as a seamless undergarment to be worn under tightly fitted clothes. Women everywhere were thrilled to escape the dreaded VPL; visible panty line. If thongs just aren’t your thing, luckily new technology and material has allowed for more comfortable seamless alternatives.

Cher, rocking out in a high-cut thong

Though I can’t predict the future and see what undergarments will be like in 2085, I’m incredibly thankful I don’t have to wear a pair of pantaloons everyday!

What’s the history behind your favorite pair of undies? 🙂

Sarah, your Devil May Wear Stylist

 

 

Winter Solstice Celebrations

On December 21st every year we celebrate the Winter Solstice. There are hundreds of ways to celebrate. After all, this celebration has been around for hundreds of years! It is the longest night of the year and is also the start of days getting longer. It is about appreciating the light in all things and feeling grateful for ourselves and for our friends and families.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate the magic this season while in the city!

Set up a Yule Alter;

*Candles – you can use real candles or use LED Tea Lights. They are a great alternative to real candles and are a safer option for renters or families.

*Branches – Fir, Pine, Juniper are all great to use. A wreath of one or all works great as well.

*Holly – for good luck and protection. Best around your front door. A small sprig of Mistletoe is a fun and protective addition as well.

*Cinnamon and Peppermint – for the fresh and warm scent of the season. Essential oils are great to use in a diffuser.

*Gold or silver goblet – for your offerings of gratitude as you drink and be merry.

 

https://www.thoughtco.com/setting-up-a-yule-altar-2562996

Throw a simple Solstice Party;

*Invite a few close friends over for a solstice celebration. By communing together, you create powerful yule vibes.

~ Have a hot drink brewing. Like a Yule Tea or Mulled Wine. Here is our fav. combination of the two!  https://frugallysustainable.com/holiday-yule-wine/ (pictured here)

~Small Seasonal Tapas to enjoy eating together. Seasonal fruit like Oranges, grapes and pears are perfect for a splash is citrus and sweet. Cheese like Camembert and Brie are perfect for adding nuts of the walnut or almond variety. The key is to keep it simple! Maybe ask your guests to each bring an item for this type of plate to all create and share together! https://whatsgabycooking.com/winter-cheese-board/ (pictured here)

~Festivities. Baking, crafting wreaths or group discussions on Gratitude are all amazing for adding magic to this kind of gathering. It is all about getting creative with your friends.

 

http://foodbymars.com/home/2014/a-winter-solstice-celebration/

Attend a Community Event;

~A lot of communities put on a Lantern Festival. Here are a few ideas to know where to go in Vancouver for our favorite places!

https://www.secretlantern.org/granville-island

https://vancouversbestplaces.com/events-calendar/december/winter-solstice-lantern-festival/

Support a Local Shop ~ Like Devil May Wear!

Photo by; Edie Orenstein DMW Stylist/Manager; Erin Gravelle

By supporting your local shops, you create a circle of love, appreciation and sustainability that will feed into a community spirit. It can bring a thriving community together in more ways than one. 

No matter what you do this season, make sure to take care of you and take the small moments as they come to appreciate all the good in your lives!

Love Devil May Wear!

Walking in a Devil May Wear Wonderland!

Perfect for Fall; The Western Sweater

Do you love Fall like I love fall?

I love the crisp air. I love the colors. I love cool temperatures with a bright blue sky. Not to mention I absolutely adore dressing in the fall. When Fall hits, suddenly my wardrobe seems to come alive – there are just so many possibilities. This cardigan, with that dress, and those boots; that sweater, with this skirt, and those tights. Oh all the layers you will wear!

Charcoal grey is an amazing shade for fall. For many reasons, the Western Sweater has fabulous layering potential.

As many of us reach for those darker and more dramatic articles of clothing, charcoal grey is a welcome change from black. Being an amazing neutral, it will go with virtually all the colors of your wardrobe! In my own experience, I find dark grey to be even more of a “goes with everything” neutral then black does (I know it sounds crazy, doesn’t it?).

I love wearing a pop (or two) of color, paired with neutrals.  I find that a bright color that is paired with black makes for instant high contrast, so for example; a bright yellow shirt paired with a black skirt, could put all the focus on the high contrast of black and yellow instead of the gorgeous color of the shirt.

A great grey is the answer to all my color combining woes. The bold texture of this sweater is another aspect that makes it prime layering material. The Wool and Viscose blend textures up by pairing it with a smooth pencil skirt or curve hugging dress, or even a pair of linen wide leg pants, for a look super rich look with interest for the eyes!

Hand Knit Long Circle Scarf, Fable Raglan Long Sleeve Top, Wide Leg Linen Trousers, Western Sweater

Pearl Necklace, Felt Rose pin, Western Sweater, Bow Belt, Vanja Dress

A-line fit and flare shape flatters all types and does wonders to enhance or give curves and emphasize an hourglass shape. The higher in front, lower in back, hem is both slimming and flattering.

Western Sweater, Brass Kilt Pin Broach, Lovenote Brass Locket, Dasha Leopard Print Skirt

Western Sweater, Turtle neck hand knit sweater, Quarts and Coral necklace, wide leg linen trousers

And those sleeves! Effortless, while romantic, it’s Raglan style with a flare.

If you are lusting for a great layering piece this fall come by one of our locations to play dress up in the Western Sweater!

Raven, Your Devil May Wear Stylist

Earth And Wear – Fall/Winter 2017

On Tuesday, September 26th, 2017, we had our 5th annual Earth and Wear at the gallery of BC Ceramics. Newly inducted ceramic artists, Amity Design Studio and Devil May Wear created a luxurious boudoir theme to our pop up show this season. The silk kimono jackets from Amity along with the new French cut lace colors at Devil May Wear mixed perfectly with the stunning ceramics that are now available at the Gallery of BC Ceramics on Granville Island.

Here is a peek into the beauty that was our show!

Jocelyn Pierce, Gallery of BB Ceramics, Erin Gravelle MSM, Devil May Wear Stylist, Jelena Corak, Amity Design Studio

The DMW Gang!

 

The Luxury to Buy Better

We know that “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” are huge buzz words right now, but what does that even mean? Unlike with the food industry and organic or non-GMO labels, there is no standard to measure sustainable fashion. That leaves it up to each and every business to define for themselves what it means to be eco-friendly. For Devil May Wear, we are sustainable because we conduct our business locally: the owner is the designer, seamstress, and knitter; the staff are local and make the accessories; and the stores are local. That means your money stays in the BC economy AND we don’t use additional fossil fuels to ship our clothing back and forth around the world.

We all have to wear clothes (I mean; we don’t HAVE to… being naked is probably the most sustainable fashion decision, TBH). So the best we can do is choose clothes that are high quality and made with less negative impact on the environment and the people. There are SO MANY factors to consider when choosing sustainable fabrics or creating eco-friendly clothing: whether the material is sustainably sourced, made from recycled materials, how much water is used, how waste is dealt with, how workers are treated, and how long the life cycle of the clothing is. Quite frankly, there’s already a ton of textile waste in the world; so how does buying local eco-friendly clothing from Devil May Wear contribute to sustainability of fashion?

Devil May Wear sews with fabric from a variety of sources that are as eco-friendly as possible, so you don’t have to worry; and we focus on quality over quantity. Our styles are classic and flattering for a variety of body types. If you avoid the dryer and use non-toxic laundry soap, our clothes will last an average of three years (depending on how often you wear it and how you treat it). Simply spending a little more for quality means that overall, you pay less per wear than you would if you bought cheaply made clothing that only lasts a few wears. Our garments allow you to express your individuality without sacrificing your values. Buy less; wear less; recycle more.

For some more resources on why buying better is better all around, check these out:

The luxury to buy better: Stephanie Ostler at TEDxSFU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_KSXOqqnz4

Why being cheap ends up costing you more: http://www.businessinsider.com/why-being-cheap-ends-up-costing-you-more-2017-1

My Personal Designer

I swear that Stephanie Ostler is my very own personal designer. Every time a new top comes into the shop, I try it on and immediately I can think of at least 2-3 outfits using it along with everything else I already have! This woman is a magical unicorn wizardess

who can see into the future of fashion, and make all the things that will work together to cohesively to give you a perfect wardrobe!

The Everitt Tank Top is a beautiful 100% Rayon wide strap tank top. The width of the strap and length of the top are a great fit for all body types and ages. Sharilyn is sporting it with a pair of our Landsend shorts. Ana is comfortable and stylish pairing it with denim Capri’s.Hand washing and hang dry will ensure it will last you well into next season and beyond!

Jean jacket and black capri trousers for a business casual look.

Paired with a navy pencil skirt and matching silver cotton cardigan for a professional look.

Ana, with Jeans makes a beautiful Casual Look.

Sharilyn with our landsend shorts mixes pattern like a pro.

Looking fierce at Raw Fashion Show on June 8th, 2017 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA – Amy Fisher

Erin, Your DMW Stylist