Vitamin Daily

Window shopping is dangerous at the best of times, but it’s game over if you pass by the new location of Songkla. The boutique/studio space run by a lovely brother-sister duo has relocated to an airy new space on First Street SW.

Inspired by classic menswear, the women’s spring collection has a masculine feel offset by added details and cuts to flatter a feminine silhouette. Known for their line of uber cool jackets, Mananoshe, the new collection includes water resistant spring parkas, military flight jackets and leather-sleeved varsity jackets. For warmer days there are chambray blazers with matching shorts.

Whoever invented window shopping was just tempting fate anyway.

Songkla, 1314 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-455-2275, www.songkla.ca

If your green thumb is itching to get out, get a head start at this weekend’s Calgary Home + Garden Show. Starting today, the biannual event is once again packed with ideas for both your abode and your garden.

New this year, the Garden Marketplace is a one-stop shop for all your gardening needs and after you pick up the goods, head to the Garden Stage where you can get your hands dirty learning to plan perennials or create flower arrangements.

And if you’re worried about missing that gold medal hockey game Sunday, the aLounge will be screening the event starting at 12:15 p.m.

Calgary Home and Garden Show, February 25-28, BMO Centre, Stampede Park, www.calgaryhomeshow.com

There are certain sartorial activities that can easily erupt into a full-fledged battle (think: sample sales or meetings at discount racks).

So it’s fitting that this new collection of regal neckpieces (from $600) and intricate earrings (from $125) is titled Warrior by John James. Made from reworked fabrics, wood, leather and semi-precious stones, the designs are a mix of hard lines and modern looks with a romantic flair reminiscent of family heirlooms. On exhibit starting this weekend, a few of the items are already sold so you may have to battle it out if you want a one-of-a-kind piece—and victory.

Warrior by John James, February 27-March 25 at Gallery 101, 1109 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, 403-452-8820, www.davidwalkerwines.com

It’s not delivery, it’s not frozen…it’s Giuseppe’s.

The new Giuseppe’s Italian Deli and Market is the go-to for imported and domestic cheeses, Italian deli meats and olives galore but it’s the take-out pizzas that have us popping in weekly for a pie fix.

Choose from 10 different pizzas ($9.99 for a 10") including the Funghi (garlic, oregano, mushrooms, chevre and mozzarella) or The Giuseppe (hot pancetta, red onion, sundried tomato, chili flakes and mozzarella).

Any way you slice it, we just can't get enough.

Giuseppe’s Italian Deli and Market, 1207 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-232-6230.

True to its name, the newly opened Lounge Burger boasts more than a dozen signature burgers on its menu.

We’re already hooked on the Portobello ($13) but there’s still the Pacific salmon ($14.50) and an organic beef burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions ($12.50) to keep in mind. As a side, try sweet potato fries or indulgent poutine.

For lighter fare, the miso chicken salad with lychee ginger dressing ($14.50) is lovely and leave room for the dessert burger: a pastry filled with layer of sweet stuff served with fries and a strawberry dipping sauce ($8).

Now if only we could get them to switch from the sports network to The City on all of the individual TVs (there’s one in each booth), our lounging would be perfect.

Lounge Burger, 210 14th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-250-2747, www.loungeburger.com

We always knew we had taste. But the sleek and modern new Taste restaurant takes it to a whole new level.

Tomato-less bruschetta with cannelini beans, parsley and artichokes ($10) is refreshing while the butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage ($10) is a cool version of delicious comfort food. Share the ceviche with scallops, shrimp, lime and cilantro ($15) or go all out with a trio of either cheese, fish or meat ($20 each) from the tasting board.

Pop in for a glass of wine—the selection changes every month, highlighting six reds from one region, six whites from another.

Who says there's no accounting for good Taste?

Taste, 1210 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-233-7730, www.taste-restaurant.com

The First Street SW boom continues with the newest tenant to hit the strip, the highly anticipated lifestyle shop Boutik on First.

Relocating from its original space in Hotel Arts, the long-awaited new shop is five times the size meaning five times the shopping fun, of course. Eyelet shorts by Jenny Han are the perfect summer add-on while brightly coloured, patterned dresses by Trina Turk will no doubt set you apart from the crowd.

The soft and simple jersey dresses by ecoSkin are ideal for hot days and the Kai fragrance line is the sweet smell of summer.

For the boys, look for pieces by Helmut Lang and casual threads from Converse by John Varvatos. The wee ones get some attention too with precious dresses by Penguin Kids and hip wares by Kingsley.

Get there—first.

Boutik on First, 1238 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-698-4987, www.boutikfashion.com

Sometimes you need a little inspiration to get going on that spring cleaning.

So put down the duster and head to the Calgary Home + Garden Show this weekend. The show features experts and home décor stars who will show you how to tackle those projects you’ve always wanted to take on.

HGTV’s Colin and Justin share their top home trends for 2009 and Calgary’s Alykhan Velji provides hints on how to design on a budget. And one of our favourite features this year is the 850-square-foot Canuhome, a complete green abode where you can learn tips on how to turn your own house into an environmentally-friendly haven.

Spring cleaning is nothing compared to the renos you’ll be ready to tackle.

The Calgary Home + Garden Show, The Roundup Centre at Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, www.calgaryhomeshow.com

The big man might be cutting funding but the city’s art scene is going full steam ahead.

Artlife Gallery and Fresh Life Boutique is an art/fashion combo that continuously rotates established and emerging work. The boutique stocks handmade toys, logo-emblazoned t-shirts and a selection of accessories and clothing by vintage line Split Pea.

The venue has also hosted Warhol-inspired “Factory Parties” and other shindigs in the revamped old building.

We’re becoming a regular Edie Sedgwick.

Artlife Gallery and Fresh Life Boutique, 1312 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-984-2604, www.artlifegallery.ca

Engagements happen like grey hairs: One friend announces she’s getting married and suddenly brides-to-be start popping up everywhere.

But before your gals appear on your doorstep with some God-awful crêpe bridesmaid ensemble for you to wear, take them to the newly opened Frocks.

The Vancouver-based company works with five designers including Charsa and Simple Silhouettes that create made-to-order dresses. You (or, probably the bride) choose the designer, fabric, style and colour.

And who knows, maybe this time, you might just wear the dress again.

Or not.

By appointment only. Frocks, 1006 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, 403-263-5580, www.frocks.ca