Vancouver
February 8th, 2010
He Sprays, She Sprays
We took an scent census around the office and came up with six lovely pairs of perfumes for him and her. Herewith, our staff picks.
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor, English edition
Couples who spray together, stay together. When we’re not stealing spritzs of our man’s woody Grey Vetivert by Tom Ford ($100), he’s dipping into our bottle of Private Blend Italian Cypress (from $210). Both at Holt Renfrew.
Tara Parker Tait, Publisher
Opposites attract with Parisian cult favourite Annick Goutal's Petite Chérie (finally, she divulges her secret scent!) for her ($110 at the Bay) and the luxe Hermès Poivre Samarcande ($250 at Hermès) for him.
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor
For a date night, spritz Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb ($120 at Holt Renfrew), a bouquet of sweet, fruity florals. If the boy shows up smelling of John Varvatos’ Artisan ($70 at Sephora), this relationship may have serious potentional.
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor
French girl meets American boy: YSL’s Parisienne ($65) is a match with the masculine John Varvatos Classic ($78). Both at Sephora.
Tonya Albulet, Western Sales Manager
Lalique's Amethyst ($110), with top notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, comes in a bold purple bottle worthy of your nightstand. If your BF wears Lacoste Pour Homme Grey ($75), it's meant to be. Both at Holt Renfrew.
Elsa Vecchi, Montreal editor, French edition
A spritz for you, a dab for him. A summery scent that is fresh and classic, Vétiver by Guerlain is made for a man, but also smells lovely on a lady. $95 at Holt Renfrew.February 5th, 2010
Game for Gourmet
Let the athletes have their protein shakes, and we’ll have their performance-enhancing cocktails and chow.
Just for the games, Yew has debuted a host of new drinks and dishes. Our pick of plates is the Olympic Burger ($40), which lives up to its name by holding one pound of Kobe and Alberta beef, chanterelle mushrooms, double smoked bacon and Agassiz Farm House cheddar between its buns.Meant for sharing among six friends, just a sliver left us stuffed. But if you manage to finish it on your own, you deserve gold.
Yew restaurant and bar, 791 West Georgia St., Vancouver, 604-692-4939, www.fourseasons.com/vancouver
February 5th, 2010
Mother Superior
So you’re not quite as swift with the Singer as your mom once was.
Thank goodness there’s another mother who’ll whip up a gorgeous handmade dress for your budding fashionista. With au courant details like 1920s drop waists and Liberty of London fabrics, the modern frocks by Vancouver line Mette will have her standing apart from the crowd.And not because she’s wearing a bright orange polyester shift—that was you at age 4.
Dresses from $40, www.mette.ca
February 4th, 2010
The Ultimate Bride's Guide
If our Facebook news feed over the holidays was any indication, it’s going to be a banner year for summer weddings. For those soon to be betrothed, we have a few recommendations to help plan the big day.
Photos
James Moes is a young shutterbug with talent in spades. Not restricted to one style, we’ve seen him produce both modern and retro shots from the same shoot, and the stealthy way he captures the after party is unparalleled. www.holyholymatrimony.com
Rings
If your “something old” happens to be an heirloom ring handed down to you that just doesn’t suit your style, consider having Jessie Turner modernize it. She’ll take your old jewels and melt down bygone gold to craft a new ring you love. www.jessieturner.ca
Flowers
The new Get Fresh Flowers shop on Davie Street may be small, but packs a powerful punch with beautiful bouquets and vases. Bring in your ideas and they’ll work with you to create something fragrant and fashionable. www.getfreshflowers.ca
Dessert
Have your cake look good and eat it too with The Uncommon Cake. Or get creative and give guests custom-made cookies instead. Whether you’re going for elegant or whimsical, baker and decorator Jill Shumka is a whiz with confections. www.theuncommoncake.comFor more wedding “shop talk” head to the Forum.
February 3rd, 2010
Dancing Queen
All those years watching Footloose, Flashdance and Fame shouldn’t go to waste. But before you sign-up for So You Think You Can Dance, give your blue suede shoes a dry run at Dance Marathon.
Part performance and part participation, the event concocted by an East Coast theatre collective tips it fedora to the 1930s by transforming The Roundhouse Community Centre into a Great Depression-era dance hall. A live band plays, while audience members in numbered pinnies compete to be the last dancers standing. Unfortunately, you won’t get a scream from Mary Murphy when you’ve won, but it’s probably better that way.
Dance Marathon, February 9-13, 2010 at the Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, tickets $30 at www.brownpapertickets.com



