Top 5: Catwalk Cool

Vitamin Daily — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

The sophomore edition of Alberta Fashion Week starts Sunday. Here are our Top 5 must-sees:

Showing for the first time, NRT Fashions’ fall collection is on-trend with a mix of utilitarian chic and Lady Gaga-inspired whimsy.

Kyle Nylund’s dreamy creations are more runway than reality, but when it comes to fashion, a girl has got to dream.

We loved Caitlin Power’s mix of rock chic and feminine feel last season so here’s hoping she makes us swoon again.

This will be veteran designer Haithem Elkadiki’s first solo runway presentation in Calgary, and he’s also closing the week. His label KaaDiki is a mix of sleek silhouettes with bold accents in just the right places, and touches of his signature red hue.

Calgary-born, Vancouver-based Jason Matlo is a master at creating elegant ready-to-wear pieces with sharp silhouettes and Old Hollywood glamour.

Alberta Fashion Week runs March 20-27. For a complete schedule and tickets, go to www.albertafashionweek.ca

Lock Lustre

Vitamin Daily — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

We’ve long trusted our lashes to the famous Shu Uemura eyelash curler and now, our locks are also getting a lift with the Shu Uemura Art of Hair line.

The collection includes five different shampoo/conditioner/treatment combinations, each one containing essential oils and natural ingredients for a particular hair type. The Full Shimmer for colour-treated hair with musk rose oil left our locks polished and gave them some oomph.

The pretty packaging, designed by famed French designer Christophe Pillet, is also a lovely vanity display.

At Jerome, 323 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-0018 and Curious Hair, Skin and Body, 1740, 1632 14th Ave. NW, Calgary, 403-210-1121.

See our photos from the Shu Uemura Art of Hair launch on today's Editors' Diary.

Meat and Greet

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

With a custom-built rotisserie , a vintage-style slicer and charcuterie bar, CharCut Roast House caters to carnivores—so don’t be surprised if you see a pig’s head staring back at you. (OK, so maybe we were.)

Located at the new Hotel Le Germain, this eatery plays into its urban-rustic narrative perfectly with wood tones, a large Douglas Fir communal table and jars of pickled veggies (balanced meal? sure!) lining the bar.

Start with something light like the slow roasted heirloom beets with mint, basil and goat cheese ($9) or kitchen pickles with house vinegar ($6). With a roasted garlic sausage patty, cheese curds and fried egg, the decadent share burger ($2.50 per oz.) is not meant for a dainty stomach—or a first date.

CharCut Roast House, 101-899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-984-2180, www.charcut.com

Smells Like Kid Spirit

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Play therapy may be the buzzword of the day, but here’s a new twist: modeling clay that soothes and calms your kids with its scents.

Available for the first time in Canada, Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay comes in scents like Lemongrass to inspire, Lavender to sooth, and Pink Geranium to balance.

And the scent will come in handy when you find it under the couch six months from now.

$25.99 for 5 tubs at www.naturalpod.com

Paris Pics

Vitamin Daily — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

As if we needed another reason to dream of a Parisian escape, photographer and breakfast blogger Jennifer Causey has released a new book, Simply Paris: A Photographic Journey (US$24.95).

In the tome, the Brooklyn-based photographer documents a recent trip to the City of Lights through photos of her favourite places, people and things. We love the intense flea market shots and rundown bookstand pics. Naturally, a number of mouthwatering Parisian breakfast shots also made the cut.

Sadly, for now, homemade crepes will have to do.

At Blurb.com

Petal Pushers

Vitamin Daily — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Baby’s breath and greenery filler be gone.

At the new floral boutique Modern Petals, the mandate is let the flowers shine. With an L.A.-boutique feel, the shop’s large windows, stark white interior and contemporary artwork set the scene for the modern floral arrangements.

Inspired by popular cocktails, choose from bouquets (from $35) online, including the Tequila Sunrise, Cosmopolitan Twist or our pick, the Perfect Manhattan (pictured).

Now you're in bloom.

Modern Petals, #147-5005 Dalhousie Dr. NW, Calgary, 403-247-3344, www.modernpetals.com

Dresser Up

Vitamin Daily — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Sometimes you want something old and sometimes, something new. And when it comes to your home, who said you can’t have both?

The collection of dressers (from $550) by Just Raquel Boho Vintage Furniture lets you pay homage to bygone eras while still maintaining a modern esthetic.

Antique dressers are hand-sanded, refurbished and painted in bold hues. Each drawer is lined with damask wallpaper and adorned with funky new knobs. So if you love grandma’s dresser but it just doesn’t work in your home, get it redone in a fire engine red and voila, it’s the perfect entryway piece that’s still part of the family.

At Poor David’s, 312 First St. W., Cochrane, 403-851-2070.

Saved by the Gel

Vitamin Daily — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Sometimes life is a real nail biter.

Save your cuticles with Lovin’ that Lanolin Cuticle Gel by All Things Jill ($6). A mix of lanolin (known for its antiseptic and healing qualities), apricot, beeswax, Vitamin E, lavender and eucalyptus softens and hydrates nails and cuticles.

How handy.

At the Green Calgary Ecostore, 809 Fourth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-230-1443, www.greencalgary.org/ecostore/

Wood Works

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0000

At your next dinner party, add a little personality to your cheese platter with a wood cutting/serving board by German home accessories line Pension fuer Produkte.

Made of acacia wood, the boards come in different sizes (from $31) and each one has a little character engraved on the edge. Choose from an Eskimo, a skier, a golfer, a fisherman or an astronaut, among others. Great conversation starters, they’re also the perfect gift for the chef in your life who also dabbles in other extracurricular activities.

At Steeling Home, 1010 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-245-0777, www.steelinghomestore.com

Apple of Your Eye

Vitamin Daily — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000

If an apple of day keeps the doctor away, we've got an MD in Triple Jim's Crispy Organic Apple Chips.

Grown and manufactured in B.C., these tasty apple chips are completely natural—and addictive. They make a perfect afternoon snack or post-dinner sweet treat.

Apples for dessert? Aren't you clever now.

Triple Jim's Crispy Organic Apple Chips, $3.99 (or 2 bags/$5 on sale now) at Whole Foods, www.wholefoods.com