Archive for the ‘Flagship Funnies (4th Ave)’ Category

Movember!

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Were already a week into one of the most important months of the year, and I am pleased that I could pour my love into this month’s window display. There are many great things about November: An extra hour of sleep, one step closer to Christmas.. But most importantly, it is widely recognized by it’s cleverly nicknamed “Movember”. I have to say that it took me awhile to fully comprehend the meaning of Movember, and all of it’s magic- but now I am more fond of November than ever.

Perhaps you too have been living under a rock, and are unaware of Movember. Well, let me educate you. This is the 30 days of the year where you might notice that more and more men are growing out their mustaches. Some sparse (sorry guys), some voluminous, but it’s no competition- it’s all for an important cause: Men’s health awareness, and prostate cancer. This is the month that challenges men to grow their best ‘stache for 30 days. Much like women sport the pink ribbon for breast cancer, men wear.. well, a hairier version. Needless to say, it is a commitment I am happy to support.

Ladies need not apply for said commitment.. However, I am a fan of the stick on mustache for the most special of occasions.

Buy a Pair; grow some hair, and show your support with Movembers Boot of the Month!!!

-Kathryn

Its Our Birthday!!!!!!! We are 3 years old today!!!

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Today is October 1st and guess what! Its our 3rd Anniversary!!! That’s right we turn 3 years old today!!! Its hard to believe that a store so crucial and perfect for Vancouver didn’t exist long before us, but no need to worry now because We’re here to stay!

Although I have not been here for all 3 glorious years, the last 6 months that I have, have been amazing. I have gotten to meet some amazingly loyal GumDroppers, gotten to do some pretty stellar window displays, helped moms and their little ones get their very first pair of boots, guided some travelers on how to keep up with Vancouver weather, pulled a few all nighters receiving, processing and organizing stock, had a few “family bonding dinners” with Kathryn and Shanda. I have also find out what lengths people are willing to go to get Hunter Wellies!!!  Aaannnnndddd,  finally I have been able to write freely about something I never thought I would be passionate about…rain!

GumDrops feels like a second home to me now, and I can honestly say I love working here, I love Shanda and everything she is doing and I honestly love rain! (And I should mention I love Kathryn too! Oh and Ruth! (she is new but she rules!))

Its been a long haul and a tough year, but we are out of the terrible twos and are already on the up and up! And to celebrate change and growth and because ultimately “It is our birthday!” (said like an angsty teenage cheerleader) we have an awesome sale happening on our website! (yes website only, Sorry!) So to help us ring in our birthday check out the online store and feel free to send us any birthday wishes or comments! PS the sale will change weekly for the month of October.

Its our birthday but we have to thank you because as you have heard some many times in the movies, if it wasn’t for you we would not be here! So thanks for supporting us and we hope to see you in the store soon!

Happy Birthday GumDrops!

-Brianna

Eat. Pray. Love. Hunter.

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

The HBG in all her glory

It was pouring buckets outside a few days ago, and for the first time today we have had a breather, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to shed some light onto what the low down is at Gumdrops. Many of you may have already been in lately trying to get a head start on the rain season. And many of you have been coming in asking to get your first pair of hunters (or in some cases, add to your collection.) You may have noticed that we probably said “I’m sorry but we don’t have your size, in any of the colours or styles that you want.” Well I’m hear to tell you, we are not just telling you that, and its not the universe saying “I hate you, so I’m going to make it impossible to get your perfect rain boot.” Nope, in the scheme of things it’s not the universe picking on you, but rather someone picking on us.

So I’m going to tell you a little inside info, since you guys are obviously invested enough in Gumdrops to spend a portion of your day reading our little blog so here it goes: It pains me to say it but last month Gumdrops had another robbery! (Note: If your mouth dropped like mine did when I first heard the news then you probably were thinking the same thing I was “Why god! Whyyyyyyy!!!!”.. Okay maybe not. Still, who would steal from little old Gumdrops? Just trying to make you look better in the rain!) Yes the robbery SUCKED, and we lost a lot of product that we had initially planned to hold us over until our fall stock came in. But of course, you think when bad things happen, something good will probably happen to keep the world balanced…Well it didn’t. Not only did we figure out we had 1 pair of size 7 Hunters left in the whole store, but Hunter called to tell us that our Fall shipment was being pushed back from July to October! After I recovered from my slight heart attack, we picked ourselves back up, realized it was out of our control and the best thing we could do is tell you, the customer, exactly what was up. We are basically at the mercy of the Hunter shipping department.

Now it’s starting to get busier and busier, and everyday I have to look at another broken-hearted women who is just trying to find a Hunter size 7 in any colour. I think there is only 3 options to help this situation. One, is to stuff my face with peanut butter Big City Cupcakes because chocolate and peanut butter always make me feel better (and less hungry). Two, is to make a little hunter boot shrine in the storage room and spend exactly 30 min a day praying to the Hunter Boot God (HBG) that she will send us a magical shipment full of all the boots we need, and finish praying by pouring some water on boots to let her know that we desperately need them. Or, three, just spread the love. I love my hunters, you love your hunters, and if we just send that love out to the universe, HBG is sure to make us all happy!

Don’t be discouraged lil’ Gumdropper, I have faith in our HBG, so the best way to make sure you get your hunter boots this fall is to come by, try on a pair if you don’t know your size, and get us to put you in our customer request book, where you will be one of first people (besides me :) ) to know when HBG has answered our prayers and sent us some boots!

-Brianna

Flower Power

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

Looking out onto the Vancouver weather I know and love (rain) this month’s window display has turned out to be a slight oxy moron.. Falling into the inevitable trap of believing that “it never rains in the summer”, I let the summer and all its activities inspire me.

Deciding that we had too many adorable products in store that have yet to be displayed, a garden party theme was in order. After hours of tissue paper flower craft time, to which I have discovered I have bear paws when it comes to anything delicate, I have grown my own paper garden right in the window.

Come to think of it, maybe the display is the perfect way to help transition from flip flops to rain drops?

-Kathryn

Summer Festivities!

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Kits Beach!

Now don’t get us wrong, we here at GumDrops have embraced the rain. But, we still have a spot in our heart for the days where ordering an iced coffee over hot isn’t an extreme beverage risk. Just like any weather conditions, there are always some complaints. We’ve already put the silver lining to your rain clouds, so.. here goes my attempt to put some sunblock on your sun? (yeah I don’t know where I was going with that).

This is for all of you who are finding it hard to enjoy the transfer from mild weather, to hot and humid.

  1. Embrace being sweaty.

Everyone else is. Look around, unless you are looking at someone who’s just slicked up in tanning oil, they’re sweaty too. It’s like the wind and hair, girls you know what I’m saying. If you’re really having a hard time, here’s a fun fabric tip I learned in school: Polyester is a no-go in the summer. No matter how thin and breezy the fabric feels, it’s lying- it will keep you uncomfortable and hot.

  1. Enjoy some summertime sports.

Now, I am not going to lie. I am probably close to last on the list of people who enjoy extreme physical activity, especially when it’s hot out. But might I suggest badminton? Sure beach volleyball sounds a little cooler, and a little more athletic. But trust me, an intense game of badminton is where it’s at. What is cooler than hitting a feathered ball as hard as you can with miniature tennis rackets?

  1. Iced EVERYTHING!

Alright.. Everyone thinks it, I’m going to say it. Summer brings a lot of sweet treats, and awesome dining experiences. Start your morning off right with an iced coffee, and from then on the world is your chilled oyster. I’ve recently ventured into making my own popsicles (which has nothing to do with my student diet.), and I’m awarding it my smartest decision of July. Instead of laying lifeless on the beach to get a tan, sit out on a patio with friends. I found out the hard way (racer back tan line), but you definitely get a tan when you are out enjoying life on a restaurant patio.

While you’re out enjoying summer, stop by the store and check out our new shipment of Havaiana’s! I don’t know who deemed Havaiana’s as the bee’s knees in the flip flop world, but I’m not questioning it.

What are your favorite summertime activities?

-Kathryn

Brianna Gone Wild

Friday, July 9th, 2010

July in my opinion is the best month of the year. July is a month of sunshine, soft beaches, drinks on a patio, the smell of BBQ steak, tanned skin, NO SCHOOL, late night bonfires, vacations to lake houses and camping every other weekend. I mean, it is hard to think of one negative thing about July, not only do we have all those amazing things, but we also get to kick off the month with a huge country wide party to celebrate Canada’s Birthday! So with all the upcoming fun on my mind, it got me thinking about how this month is the time to let loose, be free and go wild! Which in turn got me thinking about what the wildest thing I have ever done was? And coincidentally it is the wildest place I have ever been as well!

Me & Friends In Rafting Gear Before the Big Ride!

Now it wasn’t easy thinking about me being wild, as I am usually a very cautious and reserved person when it comes to adventure and being spontaneous, but there is one particular time last summer that comes flooding into my head. In may of last year I went on a 25 day Contiki Tour of Europe. The trip was full of firsts for me. First time being farther east than Calgary, first time in Europe, first time travelling without our my parents, first time realizing it was up to me and my friend to figure everything out and that my mom wasn’t going to be there to fix it! (this hit home very very hard when I got Strept Throat in Spain!) But it was also the first time that I took “danger” head on and wasn’t so inhibited by my logical side of my brain. What was this “danger”? Well it was white water rapid rafting down an Austrian river in the Austrian Tyrol Mountains! At first I was terrified, I acted all cool but inside I was having multiple panic attacks and trying very hard not to just run the opposite direction of the water. Once we got to the water, myself and 5 other girls climbed in the raft with Scouse our Liverpool accented guide and away we went! The ride was about half an hour and we had many laughs and screams along the way but I have to admit by the end of it I was hungry for more! I wanted bigger rapids, bigger jumps, more falling off and more drama! Scouse told us that we had done about a 3.0 run and that in the Austrian off season he does tours of 4.0 and 5.0 down the Nile in Egypt…he told us some stories and lets just say I am glad there was no hippos in our 3.0!

I have to say white water rafting down an Austrian river was one of the highlights of my trip and think I may have found a thrilling past time to pursue in the future! I’d love to hear about a time you left inhibition to the wind and went wild or where the wildest place you have ever been is!

And if your think you need some inspiration for letting loose, come on in and check out our “Gone Wild” window display and let your inner animal take over!

Go Wild!!!

- Brianna

Boots In The City

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

With the highly anticipated release of Sex and the City 2, we started thinking: “I wonder which boot Carrie Bradshaw would wear?” This eventually lead us to think about the rest of the gals. So in true Brianna and Kathryn fashion, here is our opinionated take on Sex and the City boots!

Carrie Bradshaw

K: When I think about Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe, aside from dollar signs and designer labels, I think colour and originality. How many times have you watched an episode of Sex And The City and thought, “I can’t believe she’s wearing that!!” But secretly, she pulled off the belly tops and overalls. The Carrie Bradshaw boot has to be vibrant, daring, and it doesn’t hurt having a well known label. So in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I chose 3 pairs to deem the “Carrie Bradshaw” boot:

Hunters Citrine

Hunters Turquoise

Hunters Lava

B: Well I would like to argue that I am a WAY bigger fan of Sex and the City than Kathryn, and perhaps the world! (When I was proof reading this K spelt Carrie, Cary! Haha) Although I didn’t start to watch the show until after the series ended, I became some what obsessed. I have probably seen the entire series at least 4 times, I have books, a board game and one of my favourite things is I have walked over the bridge in Paris that Carrie and Mr. Big kiss and make up in the series finale! Now I would probably proclaim I am more of a Carrie and after watching the second movie I am still amazed at what she can pull off. Vintage mixed with couture, and bold color choices is how I would describe Carries so as my choice I would choose the Dav Karma Boot. Its loud pattern in a riding boot style mixes everything that we love so much about Carries style!

Samantha Jones

K: Samantha Jones is a powerful woman, with a little sass. Looking through her wardrobe, she can go from a great suit, to a risque dress. The Samantha boot needs to be sophisticated, with a little something extra. And like Cary, you know she loves her brand names! For Samantha, I say the Hunter Carnaby Boa

B: Obviously the first thing that pops into my head when I think Samantha Jones is sex and that’s basically all you need to say. So whats sexier than Sam Jones? The Hunter Carnaby Boa of course! Nothing says sexy like black snakeskin!

Miranda Hobbs

K: Miranda is a classic mom on the go. A successful career woman, and a mother of one, she has a lot of running around on her to-do list. The Miranda boot has to be slightly more modest than her friends, and above all: Comfortable!! That it was I chose the Kamik Ellie Chocolate.

B: This is where I would like to argue with most women. I think a lot of people see Miranda as just a less sexy up tight version of the other girls, but in this second movie Miranda brings it! She has some of the sexiest outfits (her dress at the wedding was beyond drool worthy) and she rocks the Mom look better than anyone I know! So as for my pick I choose the Kamik Janis Navy. The Kamik brand is excellent for a mom on the go because of its slim fit and comfortability! And the fun sunflower print is anything but boring!

Charlotte York-Goldenblatt

K: A mother as well, Charlotte leads a slightly more mellow lifestyle compared to Miranda. It’s not coincidence Charlotte and classy both start with a ‘C’, they’re basically synonyms. And although I can’t picture Charlotte trudging around in the muck and rain, there is still a pair for her. The Charlotte “boot”, in my opinion, are the black Dav flats. Perfect!

B: Charlotte York-Goldenblatt is a women after my heart. I was once told by a psychic that I had an old soul and she asked me if I had a thing for vintage. And although I hate going and riffling through vintage stores I absolutely love the classic 50′s house wife look! I seriously think besides 18th century Rococo I would go back to the 50′s just so I could wear Diors New Look. But getting back to Charlotte I think that because she is so classic that I would have to go with the Original Tall Black Hunters.

We’d love to hear what you think about the girls as well as what boots you think Stanford would wear!!!

Brianna and Kathryn

Rainy Daze

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

It’s a scientific fact that the sun makes you happier, but since there is no UVB rays to help our bodies get that vitamin D, here are some less scientific reasons and ways to enjoy those rainy days too!

1. Drought, anyone?

No thanks. I think our Australian friends would have a few words to say to us about that one.

2. Puddle Jumping.

Aside from the awkward teenage years, everyone secretly misses the ease of being a kid. And since it’s no longer socially acceptable to throw hissy fits in the grocery store, and we still need to pays our bills, jumping in the puddles is about as close as being a kid as were going to get.

3. That sweet smell of wet pavement.

Living in Vancouver is great, and I’ll be the first to tell you that, but sometimes Vancouver’s smell is well, less than hygienic. You take showers to get clean, and smell great, don’t you? Let’s give our city the same benefit- it takes a little bit more of a beating.

4. Omg, Shoes.

The saying goes ” nobody likes excuses”. Well, here’s to proving it wrong, I will accept any excuse that will help me justify another pair of shoes. And well don’t be preposterous, you’re going to need the coat to go with the shoes. Oh, and where better to hide from the rain, than in the warmth of your favorite boutique. Sigh, isn’t rain great?

5. Veg out.

Don’t you feel a little obligated to go out an enjoy the rays in the summer? Even though in reality you just want to snuggle up on the couch, eat some french fries, and watch the entire season of your favorite sitcom? Thank you, rain!

I hope some of these will help to get you out of your rainy day rut!  Please share all your rainy remedies, I think we all know, no matter the season Vancouver’s got a few rainy days up it’s sleeve.

-Kathryn

Commemorating Victoria Day

Friday, May 21st, 2010

To commemorate Victoria Day, GumDrops Flagship Store will be open from 12:00pm to 5:00 pm PST, Monday, May 24th. We will resume normal store hours on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

As always our Website Store is open 24 hours.

Our Website and Company offices will be closed on Monday, May 24th, also resuming normal office hours on Tuesday, May 25th, 2010.

Sincerely,

Shanda, Kathryn & Brianna

Being an almost, life long resident of Australia, I am more knowledgeable about the origin of our Statutory Holidays. I’m not always “in the know” here in Canada. So with another long weekend fast approaching, I though it only appropriate to put my “smart hat” on and research what we are celebrating.

Victoria Day is a federal Canadian Statutory Holiday celebrated on the last Monday before or on 24 May, in honour of both Queen Victoria’s birthday and the current reigning Canadian Soverign’s official birthday, and is also considered an informal mark of the beginning of the summer season……Summer….. pshhh….I don’t think cold, windy, torrential downpours constitute as Summer. I definitely suggest packing your gumboots for any travels in the BC area!! As for my research….I officially love Wikipedia!! Read on…. about Victoria Day.

Be good, stay safe and Happy Victoria Day!!!

Introducing, Kathryn and Brianna

Monday, May 17th, 2010



We're both big fans!

As the GumDrops blog newbies, we thought our first post should be used to introduce ourselves. And what better way than by asking each other 20 random questions? Enjoy!

#1) If you were an animal, what would you be?

B:  Cat! They are hilarious! .. And I like to think they have crazy adventures like in the Aristocats

K: Angora rabbit. Google it, not going to lie- they are amazing.

#2: If you could be best friends with any celebrity, who would it be?

B:  Lady Gaga, I think she would want to do crazy things like have a picnic on a New York sidewalk, while wearing a dead fish bedazzled hat.

K:  As tempting as a fish hat sounds, I’m going to go with Conan O’Brien!!

B: I’m super jealous you thought of him, I love him!

Twin alert: We both revealed that we used to think up ways to be famous just so we could appear on Conan O’Brien’s talk show.

#3) What song are you still dancing around to?

B: “Stop” By the Spice Girls. Yeah, I still reenact my grade 4 lip sync moves.

K: Single Ladies.

#4) Your secret obsession?

B: Gushers, and Dunkaroos.

K: Oooh.. Toss up, bacon or perogies.

#5) What movie have you watched so many times, you can quote it?

B: Honestly, every movie.. I have a talent for remembering useless lines in movies. But the movie I could probably reenact scene for scene, line for line, is Step Brothers! ” I am NOT going to call him dad.. Even if there’s a fire!!!”

K: Zoolander. ” Hansel.. He’s so hot right now.”

#6) What do you miss most about being a kid?

B: Playing with my barbies, and reenacting “Days Of Our Lives” with them.

K: Wow.

B: And! Rollerblading with my brother and sister, listening to Jock Jams and Ace Of Base.

K: The goody bags you get after birthday parties. Why and when did that stop?

#7) Favorite You Tube clip?

B: “Charlie Bit Me”, and if you want to see the best jazz dancing “Prisencolinensinainciusol”

K: To name a few: “Kittens Inspired By Kittens”, and ” So You Cat Wants A Massage?”

We have been quoting “So Your Cat Wants A Massage?” for the past few days.

#8) Favorite pizza topping?

B: Chicken, peppers, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and Spinach. Basically, the Chicken Florentine at Pizza Hut.

K: 3 words. Bacon, pineapple, and kalamata olives. I recommend this creation at Megabite.

#9) Favorite magazine?

B: It’s a tie: Zink, Interview, V, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.

K: WAD, and Vice.

#10) Something you’re still trying to find?

B: Justin Bieber

K: She’s not joking.

B: And the perfect pair of jeans!

K: I had my mom as a grade one teacher (yes, it did get awkward). She would read us a book called ” Le Chat Patapouf” (did I mention I was in french immersion?). It was about a

cat, who ate everyone in the village and grew into a giant balloon. I wont ruin the ending. Still trying to find that book.

#11) The Hills, or Jersey Shore.

B: The Hills!

K: That’s like trying to make me pick between my parents!

#12) Twilight, or High School Musical?

B: Twilight for the books, HSM for the movies.

K: None of the above. Pass.

#13) What is the farthest you have ever been away from home?

B: Europe, Rome or Munich- whichever is farther?

K: New York. When I was very little, I went to the 6 Flags there. I have too big of a shopping obsession to afford travels. Fingers crossed for Montreal this summer!!

#14) Beyoncé or Lady Gaga?

B: Lady Gaga!

K: (In a baby voice) Gaga!

#15) Name one female, and one male (dead or alive), that you would like to spend a day with.

B: Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon Bonapart (or Marc Jacobs)

K: Audrey Hepburn, and Alexander McQueen.

#16) If you could hop into a Dolorian, and travel back in time- where would you go?

B: Either the Roman Empire, how cool would it be to be a Roman? Like really, gladiator fights, cool headbands, the Colosseum.. Or 8th Century Paris (pre- revolution), so I can wear sweet wigs, befriend Marie Antoinette, wear huge dresses, and chill in Versailles.

K: Well, as much as I would love to rock the 80′s power suit. I’m going to say Egypt. As long as I was rich. I’m not cut out for pyramid building- I can barely garden.

#17) Favorite T.V show?

B: Dexter

K: The Office

#18) Favorite Will Ferrell movie?

B: Step Brothers

K: Night At The Roxburry, or Anchorman.

#19) Man in a suit, or Casual v-neck and Ray Bans?

B: Man in a suit. Like a good Pin Stripe, skinny

tie, sweater vest, good shoes.

K: Ray Ban steeze casual, for sure.

B: Steeze????

K: You like a man in a suit, you wouldn’t understand.

#20) Your dream rainboot?

B: Tall Hunters, in a Burberry print. Love, love, love Burberry!

K: Short red Hunters, definitely my next pair.

What’s next for the adventures of B & K? Look forward to our future blog posts, and behind the scenes on the next window display!

- Kathryn and Brianna.