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Rock N' Reconstruct by Sarah Johnson Vitae has not one, but TWO Sarah Johnsons! We figure this Collective's big enough for the both of 'em. This month's featured designer is the Sarah Johnson of Rock 'N Reconstruct - a local legend in Indie design. This bold and seriously flattering line has demanded international attention and continues to push forward with innovative twists on the vintage look. Like many of us Rip & Stitchers, she was a longtime thrift store shopper and began by modifying her finds to suit her personal taste. When she moved from the tall corn state to L.A. upon graduating college, she took a job with a designer while looking for a job in her field. What had always been a passion quickly became the career as she was noticed by other designers and west coast shoppers alike. R 'N R dresses have been spotted on celebrities and in magazines. With her line established in boutiques in California & across the country, she's recently decided to make Iowa her home base once again. Some of you may know that it was Sarah who put together the first Indie Design showcase a few years back, doing much of the coordination long distance. Iowa Fashion Week, a series of style shows and fundraiser was the mama of Vitae's Runway Revue. Sarah's efforts, which she proclaimed to be a "Thank You" to Iowa, really opened a door for the local D.I.Y. community. We at Vitae are thankful to her for that, and have been happily paying it forward ever since. The Jenny Store by Jenny Henderson Jenny Henderson's line of Jewelry is at once eclectic and accessible. She expertly blends vintage findings with quality beads and gems in a quirky, pleasing palette, always served up in a satisfying well defined piece. Her necklaces and earrings stand out for their craftmanship and style. Her line is also found at the Des Moines Art Center gift shop and at her seasonal trunk shows and events. We first met Jenny at the now legendary "Grey Market" underground shopping event that occasionally surfaced in the East Village, where we both had booths, and we were immediately impressed with her work . Most recently, she participated in our Spring Fashion show at Liar's club, where she showed models be-jeweled head to toe in a well executed and successful runway debut. Be Joyful by Joy Hockensmith If you've been in Vitae EVER, you've seen the work of Joy Hockensmith. Her cute as a button button rings are a staple gift item, and at just $12 each, people eat em up like candy. Her line is Be Joyful, and she has successfully ventured on to create some lovely necklaces and cheery earrings too, incorporating lots of vintage treasures of course. Daisies, birdies, hearts and bunnies are re-occurring themes, and it's no act...Joy's a true optimist and is always willing to lend a hand, share a story and a smile. We'd love her even if she didn't bring us lovely garage sale gifties and supplies...thanks Joy, for making our world a little prettier! Little Pretties by Cara Veeder Vitae shoppers are enjoying the addition of Cara Veeder's Jewelry ,Little Pretties, to our line-up. You may have noticed the exquisite earrings combining semi-precious and glass beads and elegant metal chain on the diamond shaped cards. This line has been a long time in the making. Cara began beading in her Middle School years, making things for herself, family and friends, according to whim. Her interest eventually led to a degree in Graphic Design, which gave her the discipline and insight with which to develop her craft and bring cherished childhood impressions to the multifaceted light of mature artistry. Cara's well of inspiration runs deep with imagery from vintage ephemera and textiles to organics, found objects and candy colored what-nots. Little Pretties possess both rhyme and reason, and the talent and clarity shine through in each piece. We hope to have added more to our collection by the time you read this, as she's come up with some exciting new ways to craft her way into even the hardest of hearts on your shopping list! Thanks, Cara, for reminding us why we're here. rok:her:roots by Erin O'Grady One of the members of our collective is Erin O’Grady, whose line of clothing and jewelry is not for the shy. Every piece demands attention, and gets plenty of it. As a collection, rok:her:roots seems to be about the interplay of contrast and reason, pushing the boundaries of color, texture and function to the limit. Often we hear comments like: Is that a dress or a top? Is that the waistline or the neckline? Is that an upside down pair of acid wash jeans on the back of this vest? Where’s the other sleeve? Is that supposed to be wrong side out? The answer is always yes, and the reason is just because. Think gemtones and rhinestones, a Glam blam fashion slam & you’ll get an idea of what to expect. You guessed it: the unexpected. Her guitar pick earrings are a popular item, and come in many styles and colors. Erin is many things to many people…(let’s just hope she can keep her stories straight!) She is an assertive capable businesswoman, a loyal friend and a real sweetheart once you get past the Aquanet veneer. She is also a talented hair and make-up artist, dancer and choreographer, and is a member of the Taxi Dancers, a classic burlesque troupe. Whatever color her roots are, she rocks them unabashedly. She’ll go far, this one. Her life is full of stories, and some of them are true. The unbelievable ones, usually. And that’s what we love about Erin O’ Grady and her passion-infused collection of randomness. More Consignor Bios Coming Soon!