dance card full

it's getting to be that time of year again, the season we find ourselves sudden-social-butterflies who attend parties galore on a regular basis. there's just something about the holiday season that makes one want to drink/dance/eat/party and, of course, dress-up more. there are so many occasions to dress your best over the next month - work parties, dinner with friends, family get-togethers, drunken blowouts with buddies, new year's champagne brunches, new year's eve galas, new year's day hangover breakfasts in style....the list goes on.

we picked just a few of our favorite could-be holiday dresses to show off and start getting you inspired.
nokomis silk 'cendrillon' dress, $179

genki storm purse, $280

myrtle and pearls feather earrings, $30

jex feather necklace, $54


dace 'josie dress', $220

nokomis 'lady purse', $216

lizbot earrings, $24

biko designs locket, $69


jude 'texture' dress, $219

nokomis leather/velvet 'granny purse', $189

biko designs 'chain wrap', $89

lisbeth 'pear-drop earrings', $89


nokomis 'simone dress', $140

brave brown bag, $190

biko filagree earrings, $35

anna zygowski scarf, $140


maked 'fountain dress', $156

nokomis 'goldie clutch', $120

bueno style rose earrings, $34

hoakon/helga necklace, $62

don't forget....

....book launch party tonight at the empress, come down and have a drink with us. jessica and i will probably go down early and be ready for bed by 9:30, but who knows? maybe we'll surprise ourselves.

hope to see you there.

thanks for coming out!

last night we held our customer appreciation party at the store, celebrating with cookies, hot apple cider, wine, discounts and other delights. i like to think of it as a treat yourself kind of evening. some great friends came out and we had a blast watching them try on clothes, chatting about how everyone should really be buying christmas gifts (but self-gifts are important too right?!) and eating yummy treats.



we also decided to get together with some of our 'sister businesses' in the city and offer prize draws. we were lucky to have some fab gifts donated from cafe mosaics, lux beauty boutique, shanti hair therapy and the lovely eden lily, who made up the bouquets you see above. it was nice to be able to give something back to the customers who have given SO! much to us over the years.


here's the store within the first few minutes of the party, everything laid out nicely and everyone feeling peppy and ready for action.


here's our doorman raymond. i'm a big fan of this guy....have i mentioned?





what's that jessica? only 10 more minutes till we get to start drinking wine? a-ok, you're the boss.


amelia and sara were the last ladies to leave for the evening. sara got the great hat she's wearing in this photo and amelia bought the nokomis hms belfast dress in which she looks smokin' - no jokin'! (see what i just did there?)


aww, someone's sleepy. did he drink too much wine and eat too many cookies? so go the dangers of the job i guess.

thanks again to everyone who came out last night, we really appreciate you braving the bitter wind and stopping by for a visit. you're the reason we're here and we love getting to spend time with you.

xox, nokomis.

noko gifts ideas: moms!

still no snow, but you can't help but feel like the holiday season is around the corner. between gearing up for the holidays at the store and at home, i've been keeping busy.

my mother always seems to be the hardest person to buy for, considering she has everything she really wants (i mean, she has me, right?!). if i could, i would send her to turkey for a month (but really, if i could afford it, i'd be on the next flight out). so instead, here are a few gift ideas i've been thinking about for my mom, and maybe your mom might like them too:

ashley watson agenda, $120

for the mom on the go.

brave brown bag madi in vintage red, $160.

these bags are perfect for carrying around books, or even for saturday mornings at the farmers market.

nokomis apron, $44.

only because she'll look so cute in it while baking, though my dad usually does the cooking!

lily and jae broadway blouse, $135 with a nokomis budapest skirt, $98.

an adorable day to day outfit, while still looking sharp and professional.

anna zygonski hand painted scarf, $140.

not only a practical garment, but a piece of art as well.
preloved norelle sweater, $125.

a lovely practical version of a cute dress for mom. cozy and warm!
nokomis cloche hat, $72.

this also comes in black and a light blue.

allison wonderland neck tie coat, $245.

who are we kidding, this will make you mom look hot!!!

refine leaf tension earrings, $60.

delicate and light enough that she won't even notice wearing them.

we'll have more photos and ideas for you each and every wednesday before the holidays. see you next week!

100 illustrations + party!

100 black on white illustrations is a lovely little book published by the belgravian press (a tiny edmonton book publishing house) and featuring 100 of raymond biesinger's favorite illustrations. the book showcases works he's done for periodicals such as the new york times, nylon and monocle as well as for himself. raymond is one of our favorite guys, talented and motivated, he's an inspiration when it comes to following through with a great idea. i also happen to be married to the guy so i know firsthand that he's a pretty decent fellow.



these books are all handmade by raymond in our home studio. this is the first book the belgravian press has put out and we have them for sale at nokomis for $14 bucks. they'd make a great gift for a friend or family member.


there's also going to be a book launch party monday after next, november 24th, at the empress. it should be a great time, our friend penny will be dj-ing and you'll get a chance to buy a book, have a beer and schmooze with the author. if you're in town you should stop on by.




if you don't live in edmonton but are interested in the belgravian press or raymond's book shoot us an email or get in touch with raymond here. hope to see you monday night!