Spring has Sprung....

Well, maybe not outside, but definitely in the store. New Spring clothing arriving all the time! Plus these amazing one-of-a-kind leather flower brooches! Stephanie from Upcycled brought in her amazing creations last week and they're a huge hit! Made from old leather jackets, these brooches are a perfect way to brighten up your wardrobe.

photo credit: Cinci Csere
Available in various colours, $20 each.

POSSUM UMBRELLAS ARE HERE!!

Wow, has it ever been raining these past few days...to keep us all dry and smiling, Vancouver's Possum Umbrellas have just arrived!

I have been waiting eagerly for their arrival with my window display in mind. So excited to hang crystals in the window as rain drops and have the umbrellas opened up - they look so great! Possum umbrellas come in an array of super fun colours and patterns, including birds, circles + poppies and they all have a multi-functional pouch that folds out into a carrier tote bag!
They are all original prints screen printed by hand, designed in Vancouver and ethically manufactured with fair labour and wages.

Drop by the store to get out of the rain and grab a Possum umbrella to keep you dry and cheery! They are also available at www.agnesjean.com

A Successful Trunk Show!

Thanks to everyone who came out for yesterday's MOVEMENT DESIGN'S Trunk Show and Sale. It was a huge success and loads of fun! The line was well represented and everyone could see how all of the different pieces work together to create a variety of outfits. Versatility is key.

We do have a bit of stock left over, some of the ever-popular Flow Pants, Gina Cowls and Margarita Wrap dresses are on the rack, as well as the new Sonia wrap and Hannah Skirt (pictured here) which were big sellers yesterday. Pop by to check them out.

Also, NEW Spring goodies are starting to arrive this week, so hang on to your hats - it's going to be good!

Phthalates Restricted in Canadian Children's Products!!

Great News! On January 18, 2011, the Canadian government announced new regulations to restrict the use of six common phthalates in children's products, including toys, soft vinyl pacifiers, teether, rattles, bottle nipples, etc. Phthalates are recognized hormone disrupting chemicals used as softening agents in the manufacture of certain plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widely considered an extremely hazardous consumer product as well as one of the most harmful plastics to the environment. They are also used in air fresheners and perfumes to maintain a product's lingering fragrance.

This action follows the lead of Europe and the USA, where the same six phthalates have also been restricted to 0.1% (or 1000ppm) or less by weight in children's products. It is a significant change given that the concentration of phthalates in PVC toys is usually in the range of 10% to 40% of the total weight. Phthalates have been linked to various serious health problems, including allergies, diabetes, and weight problems in children, early puberty in girls, testicular cancer in men, as well as urinary tract and testicular malformation in young boys.(excerpt taken from Life Without Plastic)

Way to go Canada, and here's hoping that the push to ban phthalates all together will soon take place.

If you're looking for non-toxic toys for babies, check out Agnes Jean's new online store, or drop by our location in person!!

For further information and sources please read the following:

Environmental Defence Blog (Canada)

CBC News Article - Phthalates: Soft plastic's hidden hazard

Health Canada Press Release and summary of new regulations

NEED HELP WITH FAMILY?

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Police Check
First Aid Certificate

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