So here is how I see exposed zippers: exposed zippers are to fashion right now what bobby-pins and bra-straps were to the late-90s/early-aughts. Before that it was a major fashion faux-pas to show your bra-straps with your tank-top, or for anyone to see the engineering marvel that was holding your perfectly twisted hair in place. (Just ask Buffy and Willow!). Same goes with zippers: I remember the day -back when I worked in an office- when my colleague came to work in a mustard-yellow top from Anthropologie that had a toothy, exposed zipper in the back.....and I actually thought her shirt was on inside out! Ha! But now I love exposed zippers; they are an unexpected embellishment that give delicate pieces a bit of edge, casual pieces some added structure, and dressy pieces a hint of your secret identity as an international spy.

At first glance, this satchel just seemed like your run-of-the-mill "OMG I must have it!" bag. BUT WAIT! This bag, by the Canadian spouse-team helming the brand Pixie Mood, is actually a cruelty-free vegan bag!

Birds of North America was also one of my favourite brands to find at Nokomis. I love that the designs have that thoughtful, hand-made feel to them. Also, designer Haley Gibson's blog is refreshingly personal for a brand-blog.

Birds of North America skirt (NWT); Size M, $42

A perfect chambray shirt-dress:

Ok friends, look closely at this pouch.....it's hilarious!

This great dress from Anthropologie features another amazing back!

Remember when I said we have loads of size 10 shoes in the store? Here are a couple great examples:

(Top) Clark shoes, S10, $40; (Bottom) Cole Haan shoes, S11, $52

I love Gentle Fawn, friends. First, what a great brand name! (It's up there with "Birds of North America", am I right?) I'm loving this great summer tank, complete with the Gentle Fawn brand-splotch and unique combined tank-top/halter-top straps!

I picked up a pair of these super-cool sunglasses for myself (they also come in a black frame):

Get ready for me to geek-out for a bit, friends, because I found another hand-made item to explore! This great skirt is so well crafted that I didn't realize right away that it was made by hand....

....It has great hard-ware, like the contrasting coloured zipper and top hook closure so that it lays flat when it's done-up....

...And it's lined!

The lining! An overall thoughtfully made unique garment!

Tweety!

These hats are not our regular DeLux hats, and they have a bit more depth to them...

Remember this one from our peek in the back-room last week?

A classic peplum shirt:

Elegant flip-flops from Italy:

Damiani's gold flip-flops, S10, $24; Italian Shoemakers leopard flip-flops, S9.5, $26

This Vera Moda cardigan has some of my favourite details....

Yes! Wee buttons!

This up-cycled halter top has some really unique details that I've never seen before....

...notice how each these decorative buttons purposefully have loose tread hanging from them. (They are all secure, I checked!)

And a contrasting up-cycled Iowa State basketball shirt for the back!

This hat has cute beading around the crown, and the scarf is silk and hand-painted by a local artist!

The sheer edging on this Babaton top adds a bit of romance:

This lacy top looks like a capelet, but fear not the strong breeze: there are sleeves and side-seams built in!

As I was taking pictures this week I kept walking past this guy from last week. He still cracks me up! Look at his hilarious face! He's so annoyed!

Talula shirt; Size S, $22. Laughing fit included!

And a quick pass through the back room: