Vancouver

  • October 26th, 2012

    This Baby Wears Alpaca

    What happens when you get a French woman selling Peruvian knits to Canadians? Stylish, well-made clothing meant for real winters.

    That’s why we got ridiculously excited about Miou Kids. This B.C-based company sells baby alpaca wool clothing for infants and toddlers, which is handmade by artisans in rural Peru. Come winter, this editor will be dressing her newborn in the bunting bag ($99), and her toddler will be wearing the pants ($59) under his snowsuit.

    Bring on the cold. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

    www.mioukids.com

  • October 23rd, 2012

    Wallflower fashion

    It’s hard to get excited about a printed t-shirt these days, unless it is really spectacular. Luckily that’s the case with the Lauren Moshi collection.

    The artist/designer sibling duo create art pieces and clothing with pretty illustrations of peacock feathers, lips, peace signs, or big herringbone bows. And for a limited time, the prints and the T-shirts will be available at Gastown’s Ishara boutique.

    So in theory, your top could match the art in your living room. That gives a whole new meaning to the term wallflower, and we like it. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

    Lauren Moshi pop up gallery at Ishara boutique, from October 19-November 17, 38 Water St., Vancouver, 604-264-7494, www.shopishara.com

  • October 19th, 2012

    Costume Party

    Tucked between Anna Dello Russo and Maison Martin Margiela comes an H&M collab that is too cute for words.

    Consisting of everyday threads and a few very adorable Halloween costumes for kids (we have a soft spot for the frilly dress, $69.95, and flamingo chapeau, $19.95), the All for Children collection is style and substance: 25 per cent of proceeds will be donated to UNICEF.

    It’s been a while since we trick or treated to collect pennies for the organization so we’re happy to do our part while outfitting little ones in possibly the cutest clothes we’ve ever laid eyes on. —Christine Laroche

    www.hm.com

  • October 17th, 2012

    Clutching at Bags

    The clutch may just be the most impractical handbag on earth, but we still think it is a great evening accessory, and it forces us to discard the usual handbag clutter and travel light. Here's a few of the clutches we are eyeing for holiday parties.


    If you are paying by cash, then go for this Anna Dello Russo for H&M clutch in bright turquoise ($69.95.) But act fast, this collection won’t be in stores for long. At H&M Pacific Center, 701 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, 604-688-7236, www.hm.com/ca


    Take out the debit card and go local with Vancouver brand Clutches of Karma and its stunning mother of pearl clutch ($415.) This is more of a piece of jewelry than a bag. At Rebecca Bree, 3680 W. Fourth Ave., 604-714-0085, www.rebeccabree.com


    Pay on credit and splurge on this Sabrina clutch ($1,100) from the Tiffany’s leather collection. Available in bronze, gold, or silver, although we are wondering why there isn’t a black one... to match our fantasy credit card, of course. At Tiffany & Co., 723 Burrard St., Vancouver, 604-630-1300, www.tiffany.ca

    —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

  • October 15th, 2012

    Plenty O’ Parkas

    Fall is officially upon us and that means weather is soon going to become serious (meaning there is going to be a very serious amount of rain headed our way.) But we still need to keep warm under our umbrellas, and we all know that down is the warmest insulator out there.


    So we are getting cosy in the winter parka collection by PGD (Plenty’s in-house label), featuring two down and feather filled coats with removable faux fur collars. Both have got drawstring waistbands, so we can pretend we have a waistline despite being weighed down by layers of clothing.

    There's also a lightweight cotton version, for transition into fall or spring, or if, like us, you are in denial that winter is on its way.

 —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

    PDD by Plenty parkas, $149 to $249 at your local Plenty store and online at www.getplenty.com

  • October 5th, 2012

    more to love

    One of VitaminDaily.com’s ambassadors (check her out in the banner photo above), the always-chic Sunny Shum, just launched her own online accessory store.

    Shut Up I Love This carries a special selection of pieces inspired by some of her most stylish friends (we hope that includes us!). Keep those harmful spirits away with Ettika’s beaded Hamsa bracelet ($58), or make a simple T-shirt look like a million bucks with Ka’kia’s intricately weaved silver necklace ($225). Have one of those noses that can’t hold a pair of sunglasses without them ending up on your lap? Canadian eyewear Kay Tran is especially designed to fit petite noses. Who knew?

    Seriously: no talking, just shopping. —Anya Georgijevic

    http://shutupilovethis.com

  • October 4th, 2012

    Mexico City in Style

    It would take years to explore one of the world’s largest cities, so this time we focused on Mexico City’s vibrant food and design culture. (For more on Mexico City, click here.)

    stay

    Located in the ritzy Santa Fe business district, boutique hotel Distrito Capital occupies the top ten floors of a skyscraper, which means breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings, not to mention its trippy Tron-esque entrance. Both Lady Gaga and Bono have stayed there…what else is there to know? Distrito Capital, Av. Juan Salvador Agraz 37, Santa Fé, México City, 1-866-978-7020, www.hoteldistritocapital.com

    stroll

    Searching for the new and hip? You’ll find it in the city’s Condesa and Roma districts. Parque Mexico is a great place to start exploring and discovering beautiful art deco architecture, charming sidewalk espresso bars, local boutiques, and artisanal chocolate shops like Princesse Cacao (Fernando Montes de Oca 81, Condesa, 5211-0276), all while meeting at least fifty dogs and their hipster owners. End your stroll on the sun-soaked terrace of Hotel Brick (Orizaba 95, Roma, Mexico City, 5525-1100) for a margarita or two.

    see          

    If you’ve already said hello to Frida and Diego, then give Rufino Tamayo a visit for a contemporary art fix. Along with the famed Mexican painter’s works, Museo Tamayo houses a permanent collection of his peers (he did live to almost a 100!) like Rothko, Miró, and Warhol as well as rotating contemporary exhibitions. The museum is located in the Chapultepec Park, which could easily rival NYC’s Central Park in its beauty. Museo Tamayo de Arte Contemporáneo, Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi Bosque de Chapultepec, México City, 5286-6519, http://museotamayo.org

    eat

    Mexico City’s food choices are abundant, from taco stands to fine dining establishments. One of the latest favourites is restaurant Azul Histórico in the Centro district, which has taken over the gorgeous courtyard of the newly opened Hotel Downtown. Surrounded by historic brick, lush trees and beautiful people, feast on Mexican specialties like organic hibiscus flower enchiladas and Tixin Xie fish. Azul Histórico, Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico, Mexico City, 5510-1316, http://azulhistorico.com

    shop

    It won’t be hard to find incredible things to buy in Mexico City, but local designer Carla Fernández caught our eye with her amazing draping and a fresh take on Mexican knitwear — yes, that includes the legendary poncho. Thank us when everyone asks you, “Hey, where’d you get that?” Carla Fernández, Molière 58-A, Polanco, Mexico City, 5912 8010, http://carlafernandez.com

    —Anya Georgijevic

  • October 2nd, 2012

    Brimming with Potential

    With all eyes on the Royals right now (come on, you had to look), we are pretty sure they are going to be staying in the spotlight/telescope for a while, which means their sense of dress, or lack thereof, may continue to trend.

    The Royals love their headwear, so for fall we are going to be sporting some fine millinery, in the form of Claudia Schulz hats. Her super chic felt hats won’t be out of place at the pub, the races, or afternoon tea.

    The Vancouver-based designer’s fall collection features a brimmed hat and a very chic version of the toque, but we are loving the wool cloche hats, particularly the Claude ($159) with a tiny brim that, when pulled over the eyes, may just offer a bit of anonymity. Which could be handy in case we get up to anything naughty on our next jaunt to France.

    Claudia Schulz hats at www.claudiaschulz.com or at Walrus, 3408 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-874-9770, www.walrushome.com

  • September 28th, 2012

    Honey, I Shrunk the Coat

    Mini burgers, Mini Coopers, Miniature Schnauzers.  

    Everything is cuter when it’s wee and Mackage’s new line for kids is no exception. The Montreal designer’s pint-size collection (2-12) is also undeniably stylish: Shiny, down-filled parkas with fur trimmed hoods, leather-detailed peacoats, and high-collared wool jackets sporting the brand’s signature military-style buttons. Prices start at $395 so we’ll be sewing our kid’s name (and a tracking device) into the lining.  

    RESP, be damned. —Marianne Wisenthal

    Mackage Mini available at www.mackage.ca

  • September 19th, 2012

    Darling, These Are Ruperts

    While we love our Manolos, Choos, and Loubs, there is something nice about having a pair of shoes that isn’t frequently sported on the red carpet by questionable celebrities.

    Rupert Sanderson is one of those footwear brands you’ve probably heard of, but you can’t put a shoe to the name. Think classic and interesting, modern yet elegant, unique but not loud. And they are quite exclusive, which is great, but not much so that we can’t get our hands on them; Libertine on South Granville is exclusively stocking some of his key shapes for fall.

    So when someone compliments you on your shoes, tell them they are Ruperts, and enjoy their slightly confused, envious expressions. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

    Rupert Sanderson from $998 at Libertine, 2715 Granville St., Vancouver, 604 732 7311. www.libertineboutique.ca