Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

July 13th, 2010 | Author: christie

Great by Sandy Elona

Happy Socks

HoiBo Shoulder Tote

Modalu Cobana

Phuze Lilac Bling Ring

Zelig Tote Medium

It’s a common problem for young women of a certain age: we covet high-end accessories that we come with matching high price-tags, and the ones we can actually afford tend to be mass produced, poor quality, and cheap. Where’s the middle ground? Well, ladies, our prayers have been answered. Zane Aburneh, founder of ATOZANE.com, has made it his mission to bring Canadian women “luxurious accessories that possess the quality craftsmanship and timelessness of designer brands with the artistry and affordability of independent, boutique labels.”

As a former handbag specialist at Holt Renfrew’s Bloor Street location, Aburneh knows a thing or two about accessories. “Style, functionality, and quality are the main factors I use before choosing any collection,” says Aburneh. “I also try to bring a unique and exclusive collection to the Canadian consumer through our own and international designers. I don’t carry overly trendy accessories because I believe that they are investment items and, if purchased correctly, don’t have to change from season to season like the fast changing trends of clothing.”

Currently dealing primarily in handbags, ATOZANE.com also carries socks, jewelry, belts, and bow ties. “I’m hoping to introduce different commodities of accessories as ATOZANE grows. I’m already looking at some amazing scarves, watches, and umbrellas for the upcoming seasons. You will start seeing a stronger Canadian presence on ATOZANE.com like Jenny Bird, Matt&Nat, and HoiBo.” Here are some of our faves, all available at www.atozane.com:

1. Great by Sandie Elona Patchwork Magic $599

2. Happy Socks $12

3. Hoi Bo Shoulder Tote $360

4. Modalu Cobana $225

5. Phuze Lilac Bling Ring $120
6. Tila March Zelig Tote $695

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

July 7th, 2010 | Author: christie

Country Cabin

The City

Beach Oasis

Summer vacation season has officially arrived which means many of us are jetting off for quick weekend retreats. For those of us lucky enough to be escaping Vancouver’s poor excuse for a Summer, we’re left with one question- what to pack? Packing can be a daunting task, especially when going away for a short period of time when one really can’t justify hauling along ten different outfit options (at least not if you don’t want to be faced with endless ridicule as I so often have in the past). Two to three ensembles should be enough for a weekend. The key is choosing pieces that can either be easily mixed and matched to create different looks, or that can be worn for a full day, transitioning from day to night with different accessories. Whether you’re heading to a beach oasis, a countryside cabin, or the city, take a cue from these weekend wardrobes to ensure you’re traveling in style.

Shopping Info:

Country Cabin:
Forever 21 Floral Bouquet Dress $27.80 and Straw Fedora $6.80 Available at select Forever 21 stores across Canada.
Sienna Ray & Co Tux Mak Bag $300. Available at select boutiques in Canada.
Aldo Nethkin Wedge $80. Available at select Aldo stores across Canada.
Tkee Thong Sandals $55. Available at Lynn Steven Boutique in Gastown and Warren Boutique in South Surrey.

The City:
Myne Silk Addison Skirt $199, Myne Silk Alex Tank $159, and Rebecca Minkoff 3-Zip Rocker handbag $219
All available at Charlie and Lee in Victoria or shop online.

Aldo Mckew brogue $55 and Aldo Garlits Cage Heel $70. Both available at select Aldo stores across Canada.

Beach Oasis:
BCBG Chevron Halter Maxi Dress $178 at select BCBG stores across Canada.
Nine West Reflect Metallic thong sandal $39.99 at select Nine West stores across Canada.
Forever 21 Straw Cowgirl Hat $9.80
Ray Ban Aviators $170 available at Holt Renfrew.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver

July 6th, 2010 | Author: christie

Army Jacket_$150

Cashmere Mix Tank_$55

DENIM_SHIRT_$65

HaremTrouser_large_$75

WHILEY_PLATFORM$178

Spring 2009 saw the first wave of the British Invasion for the New Millenium: the grand opening of Topshop in Manhattan. Fast-forward to June 2010: Topshop lands in Toronto. The trendy British wares are now available in Canada exclusively at Jonathan+Olivia. The addition of the Topshop collection has done wonders for the space, which expanded by 800 feet to house the store-within-a-store. While the prices aren’t quite as low as I thought they’d be, everything is affordable,well-made, and very cute. More good news? They’ll be getting new merchandise in every two weeks. Lucky for me Jonathan+Olivia is around the corner from my apartment, which means I’ll be going on a lot of dog-walk/shopping combos this summer. At the media preview last week I couldn’t resist a pair of flowal-print overall short-shorts and some sky-high pink and wood platforms (they add a good five inches to my petite stature). I hope it’s only a matter of time before, like New York, we get our own Topshop flagship store and national expansion…to Vancouver.

Images courtesy of Jonathan+Olivia.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

June 28th, 2010 | Author: christie

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If there are two things in life I really love, they’ve got to be shoes and spas. You can imagine my delight when I found out that the lovely ladies at Aldo had found a way to combine the two into one amazing media event at, my fave, the Elmwood Spa. Upon arrival we changed into our robes before getting a sneak-peek of the Fall Collection available at Aldo and Spring, along with new store Locale, which promises to be a more sophisticated version of Little Burgundy. We also heard that a much beloved name from our past, Pegabo, is making a come back. After that it was off to the treatment rooms for massages, mango body scrubs, or mani-pedis. I opted for an aromatherapy massage and enjoyed every minute of it.

Here is a sampling of the upcoming fall collection from Aldo. The four looks of the collection are American Heritage, Military Academy, Victoria and, my favourite, Galactic Minimalism, which features lots of black, Camilla Skovgaard-inspired high, high-heels, perfect for a night out in the big city.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

June 21st, 2010 | Author: christie

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“Make a change, ‘cuz life is great!” This was the simple message behind a recent fashion show, the Runway to Conquer Cancer. Fashionistas, artists and humanitarians gathered at the always-trendy Pop Opera to take in eco-urban looks from Bahmbu, H&M and accessories from Bang-On. Models stomped the runway while local DJ’s laid down tracks to an enthusiastic, jam-packed crowd. With 100 percent of proceeds going to the BC Cancer Foundation, it was a proud moment to witness the young community supporting such a great cause. I was reminded of one simple lesson that night: charity will never go out of style.

First pic, show producer Larissa Prairie and I.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver