Well, the commercials started weeks ago, the Santa Claus Parade has come and gone and the malls are pumping out the Christmas playlists on repeat. And by God, if there's one thing that annoys people it's the 1000th time they hear "White Christmas" over a fuzzy intercom. (some things are better in moderation )

So let's add some variety to the usual Christmas fare with a couple tracks and albums from some lesser-known Christmas collaborators!

Here’s our top 5 picks to keep you grooving and chillin’ through the holidays.

Best Chillout Album -Christmas Island: Leon Redbone

This is the Canadian vaudeville revivalist's classic take on Christmas. When was there a vaudeville revival, you ask? Couldn't tell you, but the iconic Mr. Redbone is clearly the elder statesman. Soulful, relaxing and totally genuine, he croons his way through 10 covers and 3 originals on this album, joined by Dr. John for what is possibly the coolest ever rendition of "Frosty The Snowman." Perfect for floating away in front of a roaring fire on a quiet December night.

 

Best Album to Drink Egg Nog to - Christmas In The Heart: Bob Dylan

Not many people saw this coming from the seemingly unstoppable Dylan, but an album (his 47th) full of raspy Christmas magic was just what he gave us. Bob and his band tackle a list of carols and classic Xmas pop songs that, on paper, should be anathema to a crotchety old folk iconoclast like Dylan. But he pulls it off with gusto, approaching each song from a different angle and giving us an album that mixes the Victorian with the Nashvillian. The rousing (and immediately danceable) version of "Must Be Santa" is highly recommended. Watch this video and you’ll see why!

Best Tell Christmas Like It Is Album - Funky Christmas by James Brown

Oh baby, this is not your momma's Christmas album (unless she was really, really cool). Brown, as always, gives his all on a record that blisters through 17 soulful tracks of pure Christmas feeling. From the fun ("Go Power At Christmas Time") to the serious ("Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto") each second you get with Mr. Superbad is a gift itself. He'll make you dance and smile, shout and sing, stop and reflect, then dance and smile again! So get down, get busy, get thankful, get giving.

Best Impress Your Friends With This Obscure Band’s Christmas Song - Elvis Costello Saves Christmas by Teenage Reverse Minds On Fire

Elvis Costello Saves Christmas-Who else could you count on? This one is pretty weird; an offbeat but catchy Christmas tale of danger, excitement, kidnapping and Costello, with warbly (Costello-esque?) vocals and a video possibly made by a high-schooler. Yet it has a certain je ne c'est quois to it that is hard to resist. Or maybe I'm just strange. Either way, this one-man-band is hard to forget and definitely

entertaining.

 

Best Asian Christmas Craziness 5-Space Christmas

Shonen Knife-Space Christmas: Sitting side-by-side to Johnny Cash on the Dutch Christmas compilation "Christmas Cover Up" comes a track from everyone's favorite Japanese girl trio (whether you know it or not), Shonen Knife! Feeling the Xmas blues? Can't see the true meaning of Christmas behind the crush of parents trying to kill you for the last IPhone in the store? Not for long. Shonen Knife does what they do best here: getting bouncy and happy and infecting everybody with a chorus you'll end up singing till January. Happy Happy Happy Happy Christmas.

Rustic reds and comfy knits make the perfect combination for the holiday season. We paired this loose fitted cardigan with a sheer button up blouse. We unbuttoned two buttons from the bottom of the shirt and tied it instead of letting the blouse hang naturally. This is a good method if you are wearing a higher waisted pant.

Everyone needs a toque for the winter. We prefer something a little less classic and a little more cute - like this over the top knit hat, which is perfect for outdoor activities like skating or walking the winter trails of Fort Whyte.

Beaded details adorn the collar of this sheer top, adding a touch of sparkle to an otherwise casual outfit.

Lucky for us short folk, cuffed pants are now in style and are great when styled with booties.

Chances are that right about now, you’ve had at least 1 holiday party invite come your way. ‘Tis the season, after all. The best thing about going to a holiday party is getting to have all the fun without any of the stress of hosting. But someone is hosting that party. Put yourself in their shoes. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a little something from a guest that shows their gratitude for the invitation and the good time? Now put yourself back in your own shoes. Wouldn’t it be nice to be such a great guest that you get asked back again, and hopefully soon? Enter the host/hostess gift, also known in less politically correct circles just as a hostess gift. Whichever circle you run in, a little gift of thanks is a lovely way to tell a person that you appreciate their great cooking, or their fantastic sangria making skills, or their karaoke machine, or maybe even all three (if you fit in the latter category, you’re probably at an Out of the Blue party). This post seeks to answer the burning question you never knew you had – what to get for the host or hostess with the most or mostest?

Idea # 1 – Breakfast

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve been invited for dinner. Why would I bring breakfast?” But just think about it for a moment. If someone has graciously offered to host a holiday dinner, might that someone also enjoy waking up and having a delicious bit of breakfast waiting for them? I’m not suggesting you stick around all night so that you can cook eggs in the morning (although, if you do stick around all night, the least you can do is make eggs in the morning). Rather, consider bringing some nice fresh-baked muffins, cinnamon buns or scones from your favourite bakery or your own kitchen. Another good idea is to pick up some local jam or honey for your host’s morning toast.

Idea #2 – Post-dinner drinks

In some families, this means brandy. In mine, it means coffee or tea. Pick up some nice seasonal loose-leaf tea to be right on trend or go a bit out of your way and go for some locally roasted coffee. I like to swing by The Tallest Poppy on Main Street to purchase The Tallest Poppy blend, roasted in town by Black Pearl Coffee. Bonus -  you might as well stay and enjoy lunch while you’re running this errand.

Idea # 3 – Booze

Everyone thinks to bring wine. Why not head to the LC and think outside the box (or bottle)? A great gift idea is craft beer. Small, artisan breweries are now offering all kinds of interesting and even seasonal brews. Half Pints’ Isolator beer pairs well with brie – and what says holiday party more than brie? Or, go for a beer brewed in my new hometown. Mill Street’s Coffee Porter is made with real coffee beans in every batch, and is available at your local LC. This gift has the added benefit of making you look super hip. Really – I informally polled 3 people I know and they all agreed they would find you super hip.

Idea # 4 – Get Saucy

If you’ve got some talent of your own in the kitchen, consider making a tasty condiment for your host to keep and use over the next few weeks. Some of my favourites include onion jam, cranberry relish and infused olive oil. Or, if you’re short on time, run over to your nearest speciality food shop and pick up some flavoured balsamic reduction. Buy some for yourself while you’re at it.

Idea #5 – Get Chotchke

Maybe you are anti-food stuffs and/or beverages. If that’s true, we might not be able to be friends. But rest assured that I thought of gifts ideas for you too! Pick up some cute housewares.  My favourite “thank you” gift from last year was a salt and pepper shaker set featuring hugging penguins wearing winter clothes. Those shakers sit on my window sill year round (seriously). Little chotchkes might seem like a small gift to you, but something adorable could be greatly appreciated year round. See if mushroom salt and pepper shakers have the same impact those penguins had on me. Or, go truly seasonal and pick up some unique ornaments featuring sweet little fawns, owls or fortune cookies. (Full disclosure: All are available at Out of the Blue!)

Whatever idea you choose, know that you are doing the right thing by finding some small way to say thanks. Because, besides that super fun party you’re going to, the best thing about the holidays is giving.

The Best Colour-Blocking Dress has arrived! This dress just puts a big smile on our face. First in a world of perfectly appropriate LBD’s we just love the bright and bold color combo of chartreuse and turquoise. This is one of our all-time favorite examples of color blocking that we have seen in Out of the Blue this season!

Like all good color blocked pieces we appreciate how well this dress works at being a one stop shop-Need to worry about a belt? Nope it’s here, lovingly detailing the waist with a shot of turquoise.

What about a necklace you say? Save your money and all those decisions-The bateau neckline detailed in turquoise has you covered. And just when you think that you may fall in to the “Matchy,Matchy" Trap that color blocking sometimes poses in come the caramel cuffs to rescue you! This seemingly small detail makes me the happiest of all. Thank-you, thank-you dressmaker.

So yes ,this dress doesn’t come with shoes-perfection eludes the best of us - so a bit of rummaging through your closet is required. A nude stocking and simple shoe would have worked just fine (definite daytime look)but since it’s the holidays we balanced drama and festive whimsy with black stockings and peacock shoes. Here’s to keeping the free spirit alive and well in color blocking!

 Many, many thanks to Taylor our lovely model who came from studying for exams and delighted everyone in the store with her natural charm! We’re giving you an A+

Photo Credit: Brown Paper Bag

Around the holidays, some prefer only a subtle sparkle for their holiday look. This dress is a beautiful compromise between sophistication, glamour and the (potentially) tacky sparkle that often accompanies the Christmas season.

The dress is unique enough to be a stand-alone piece, so we paired it with simple black heels and a black clutch.

What does this dress remind you of? While it is perfect for a holiday event, we are also reminded of India because of the bead work and deep purple, and mermaids because of the fin-like design. The silhouette reflects styles of the 1940's.

Souvenir Handmade

One of the best things about having a store is being able to choose who you do business with. There’s no nicer and talented girl around than Rikki McDougall,founder and creator of Souvenier. A jewelry line that features,a mix of vintage spoons ,organic material and Rikki’s own nature based illustrations.

What made you start your own business? How did you get started? 

It wasn't ever something I consciously set out to do, it's just something that happened organically. I started making my spoon pendant necklaces for family and friends as gifts. Through word of mouth I started to make sales and it just grew and grew. The next thing I knew I was expanding my line, taking part in local craft sales and soon after that selling in local Winnipeg stores and a few stores in Vancouver as well. 

What’s your favorite piece that you’ve designed?

I love my wheat spoon necklace. Wheat stalks are such a prairie icon, and the necklace goes with pretty much everything!

 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

My girlfriends mostly. I try and design things that I imagine they would want to wear.I also get really inspired by flea markets or antique stores. It's where I head to if I'm ever feeling stuck for ideas. I love being in amongst piles of forgotten objects- things with a history.I feel really connected to items of the past and enjoy thinking of ways to make them relevant today.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

I have two jewelry designers I love. I am a fan of Erica Weiner. She uses a lot of antique trinkets like old love tokens, and tiny pocket knives. Her jewelry has a sense of humour but still remains cool which I really admire. I also like the dark occult vibe of Pamela Love's jewelry. I would love to own one of her crow skull pendants! 

Whats next for you? 

I have been toying with the idea of taking a silversmithing class. I would love to learn another aspect of jewelry making...I think it could only help take my line further and add a whole other layer to my designs.

 

What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

My advice would be to create what you really love, and be true to what comes natural to you, while maintaining an openess to new ideas.Listen to what people are asking for...there might be some good ideas in there! Think about how you can put your twist on the trends and make it your own, or better yet-start your own trends.

3 things on your wish list for the holidays are...

For the holidays, I'm asking santa for a great new pair of vintage brown tall boots, an awesome tweed long blazer like the one I saw in Out of the Blue, and....maybe a new muffler for my car! Its starting to sound pretty loud these days! Haha 

Thanks Rikki,hope santa is good to you!

Brown Paper Bag Photography

Everyday in the shop we chat about things we love or hate ,relive our latest adventures and exchange ideas with staff and customers alike.

The OOTB blog is a place where we get to share that conversation. Whether its our love for fashion-the eclectic vintage inspired kind, our love for people – the creative, quirky, generous and smart as a whip kind or just random musings on things that inspire us like good food and street art.

To get this conversation started and keep us from organizational chaos (ya right...) we thought it would be fun to run some weekly features.

When we're not talking fashion, the OOTB staff loves to enjoy good food together. Whether its going out for tapas and sangria, or having a staff chili night, food is what brings us together. Food for Thought posts will feature tips, tricks, recipes, ideas and all things related to the culture of food.

Brown Paper Bag Photography

It’s one big fashion-fest here  and we love it but where do you all begin? We thought we’d bring it back to the basics and begin quite simply with the letter A. Look for our upcoming feature on A-line skirts to start us off!

There’s a million and one things that go into the running of Out of the Blue – Most of them have to do with the good people we meet.We thought it would be fun to   give you a sneak peek into the lives of some of  the great people who’ve helped us along the way;our indie suppliers,out of the blue staff and our fabulous customers.

One of the best things about being in the Village and well Winnipeg in general is the style and the groove that this city generates.Whether its capturing a street scene or chatting about our favorite new band  ,inspiration is what keeps us going. Look for our upcoming feature on our top picks for Holiday Music we really like to listen to!

Out of the Blue opened in 1991 in Osborne Village and lovingly filled 600 glorious sq feet with an array of vintage clothing and accessories. Those were some great times, pristine never been opened denim bellbottoms, Nehru jackets and baby blue ruffled tuxedo shirts could still be found in the old warehouses of Winnipeg manufacturers. They retailed for about 20-30 bucks! Those were the days. 

These days are great too and we are grateful that 20 years later we are still around and having fun offering up an eclectic mix of fashion and vintage inspired goods and clothing. 

Each week we will take a look at some of our fave pieces in the store. 

We hope you enjoy the blog. Love to hear from you-we really couldn’t do it without you! 

Peace and joy,

The Out of the Blue gang