Vancouver
May 17th, 2013
You had us at Gatsby
The spectacle of summer, (with a killer Jay-Z produced soundtrack to match), The Great Gatsby is Baz Luhrman’s technicolor take on the classic American novel. Herewith, our favourite Roaring Twenties-inspired pieces.
Summer weddings will be awash in head pieces, we predict. Make sure to pair with loose pin curled hair and a convertible roadster. $281 on Etsy.
The Twenties also marked the rise of the painted face: smokey eyes, rosy cheeks and bold brows and upper lips were all the rage. MAC's Veluxe Brow Liner ($23), the sophisticated Dame blush ($25) and palette of bright shadows like Contrast (purplish blue) and Humid (dark green with shimmer) will have you looking very Daisy Buchanan.
For a touch of jazz, the sparkly Ireland clutch ($35) and T-strap Elva heels ($90) from Aldo fit for a night out on the town.
Drop waists aren't for everyone and tassels don’t work at the office, but these 18K rose gold, diamond and white agate earrings feel classic, but never go out of style. $2,250 at Birks.
He may not have Leo’s matinee idol face, but even the dude-iest of boys
would look dapper in this Pink Strip Linen Jacket ($698) from Brooks Brothers’ The Great Gatsby Collection.
For brooding by a big picture window overlooking your estate, slip into this silk, bias-cut gown Long Luxe Gown ($310) from Vancouver's own Christine Lingerie. At Holt Renfrew in the fall.
Prohibition is history, but long live forbidden cocktails! We’ll be serving up Southsides (gin, lime, mint and simple syrup) in this sophisticated Lady Diamond Pitcher ($49). For total authenticity, consult this Vintage Cocktails book ($50). Both at The Cross Décor and Design. May 7th, 2013
All Hands on Deck
Like many young designers, Lauren Moffatt started by designing and producing her collection from home. But home was a 31-foot sailboat docked on New York’s Hudson River, so it certainly makes for a more interesting start.
While her clothing isn't necessarily nautical, her spring/summer collection would not be out of place on a sailboat, or any other breezy destination. Her lightweight denim Alley Dress ($325, left) is ideal for throwing over a bikini and her Billie Jean striped dress ($295, right) would look great with a pair of flat sandals on deck.And if you aren’t spending your summer at sea, her loose, easy dresses are perfect for yacht-watching from a waterfront patio. Ahoy! —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg
Available exclusively at Much&Little, 2541 Main St., Vancouver, 604-709-9034, www.muchandlittle.com
May 6th, 2013
Give Peace a Chance
It made the rounds in the hippie-loving Sixties, and now designer Mark Holden is bringing back the iconic peace sign in the form of a luxe scarf.
Hand printed and made in Italy, these scarves ($195-$325) are just the summer wrap we’ve been looking for. Fashion does good, as proceeds from each of these elegant scarves go towards the Just Imagine Foundation, established to support global foundations and assist new entrepreneurs and community based business owners.We're all wrapped up in peace. —Anya Georgijevic
At Boboli, 2776 Granville St., Vancouver, 604-257-2300 and Kiss and Makeup, 925 Main St, West Vancouver, 604-922-6292, www.kissandmakeupstore.com
May 4th, 2013
Get in Gear
Parents of boys know that there is a harsh inequality when it comes to baby clothes. Girls have a vast collection of separates, dresses, and accessories to choose from, while boys have to contend with basic onesies, jeans, and the odd sweater.
We think Winter Water Factory is trying to even things out. Its collection of organic printed baby clothes features a goldmine of boys’ items. The tools romper ($40) and construction onesie ($36.50, pictured) will certainly excite the heavy machinery fans in your family, and the high seas gown ($36) is perfect for any pirate-in-the-making. May as well dress our girls in these too, in hopes they’ll take an early interest in power tools. That toddler bed isn't going to assemble itself. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg
At Hip Baby, 2110 W. Fourth Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-8020 and online at www.hipbaby.com
May 3rd, 2013
Gym Class Heroes
We may have traumatic memories of trying to climb a rope in 9th grade gym class, but one thing we do look back fondly on is our gym class attire.
Toronto's Muttonhead has launched a Locker Room pop-in-shop at Gastown's Board of Trade boutique, and its urban athletic aesthetic has us doing jumping jacks. The unisex spring/summer collection, inspired in part by vintage baseball cards, looks like a '70s track-and-field meet, minus the polyester.
The made-in-Canada pieces include a Henley baseball shirt ($92), a lightweight French terry Camping Hoodie ($132) and Duck Shorts ($143) constructed from sustainable fabrics like tencel, organic cotton, bamboo and hemp.
Now we're feeling like a good sport.
Muttonhead Locker Room at Board of Trade on until May 5, 206 Carrall St., Vancouver and online at www.muttonheadcollective.comApril 30th, 2013
Bright Investments
While it is very easy to resort to neutrals, a balanced wardrobe requires a splash of colour and a bit of print.
Loeffler Randall’s spring 2013 collection has just the right amount of both, featuring bags and shoes in a mix of bold patterns and rainbow hues. We love the Dhalia platform ($495) in black and white for those wanting a monochrome graphic to spice up a black outfit, or the Rider bag in cobalt ($495) to contrast with our spring pastels.
And for the colour adventuress, the Mini Rider in floral print ($395, pictured) and neon red leather will add some drama to most outfits, which is a good thing. Playing it safe might be a good idea when it comes to finances, but not always when investing in fashion. —Alexandra Suhner IsenbergLoeffler Randall spring 2013 collection exclusively at Violet Boutique, 3012 Granville St., Vancouver, www.violetboutique.ca
April 13th, 2013
Tummy Time
Growing out of your winter maternity duds? Here are a few pieces that will keep you and your bump stylish and cool as the hot weather approaches.
The dress: If your biggest maternity investment is going to be a formal dresss, then we suggest this silk number from Seraphine. Available in a maxi ($359) or mini ($299) version, the kimono sleeves and jewel tone blues are perfect for summer parties or weddings. At Seraphine, www.seraphinematernity.com
The jeans: Go white this summer, since it will mostly likely be the last time you’ll be able to don white pants without having them covered in spit up, food, and crayons marks. These ones are from Loved by Heidi Klum. $59.98 from Motherhood Maternity, www.motherhoodcanada.ca The tank: Be practical and buy this plain white tank from Au Fait Mama. The comfy bamboo fabric works perfectly underneath blouses (to keep the belly oils from staining your good clothes) or on its own when it’s broiling. Best part? This is actually a nursing tank, so you’ll be able to use it when baby is born, too. $68 from Au Fait Mama. www.aufaitmama.myshopify.com
The tee: This grey tee from H&M features a pretty floral print, and at $14.95, we won’t feel bad wearing for a few months and then passing it on to our next expecting friend. Mama Top, at H&M. Maternity collection available in 30 stores across Canada. www.hm.com
The cardigan: The Ruth Cardigan from Isabella Oliver comes in ochre (shown) or turquoise and cool enough to wear when we are done making babies. Just don’t tell anyone it is maternity clothes. Ruth Crop Maternity Cardigan, $145 at Isabella Oliver, www.isabellaoliver.com—Alexandra Suhner Isenberg
April 10th, 2013
Now You're Speaking Our Language
While some might shun dressing up for the gym, it can be nice to make an effort during this less-than-flattering time. We love good-looking activewear, even while we’re huffing and puffing through a spin class.
L.A.-based Body Language has just launched in Canada, and we are welcoming this brand with open (toned) arms. It’s a collection of workout gear that looks like it has come out of a fancy Hollywood gym, expect to find snakeskin print, Flashdance-style Tees, and super flattering tanks. A favourite is the Scrunchy Capri ($72), which features a gathered waistband that guarantees no muffin top.Made with a nice, thick fabric with excellent compression (read: they hold everything in), you can downward dog without worrying about baring it all. — Alexandra Suhner Isenberg
Body Language Sportswear at Barre Fitness, 1186 Marine Dr., North Vancouver, 604-971-4161, www.barrefitness.com/north-shore
April 9th, 2013
Rain On Me
May flowers aren’t the only silver lining to April showers. Rain means wellies, rain hats and jolly-coloured coats, hurrah!
Here’s a line of stylish of raincoats that’ll put a spring in your puddle-hop. Designed in Toronto and made in Vancouver, Trout pours style into typical rainwear with a line of coats and jackets that are as chic as they are functional.
We love the fabric – an Italian doubleface cotton blend – and that the coats ($535) are reversible. There are three styles to choose from and each is lined with a contrasting seam tape, for a splash of bright on a grey day.
But really, why wait for a downpour when you can wear it anyday?
At Holt Renfrew (Toronto and Vancouver) and online at www.troutrainwear.comApril 3rd, 2013
Le Sportif
Sporty does it. Especially when combined with chic tailoring.
A Vancouver Island native, Eliza Faulkner graduated from the famed Central Saint Martins in London, and honed her talents working with Erdem and Roland Mouret. Her breezy S/S 2013 collection hits that sweet spot between sporty and dressy, basically describing everything we want to wear this season. A neutral palette of white, black and blue linens is complimented with a vivacious burst of bright orange. The Manoush skirt ($200) might just become our go-to item for summer event hopping—we’ll be the ones looking comfortably chic. —Anya GeorgijevicAvailable at Eugene Choo, 3683 Main St., Vancouver, 604-873-8874, www.eugenechoo.com, and Dream, 311 West Cordova St., Vancouver, 604-683-7326.



