Vancouver may be known for it’s laid-back style, and Lululemon Athletica is certainly no exception. They may be charged for fashion crimes involving the use of yoga gear outside the studio (Groove pants in the office, oh my!), but their concept store, The Lab, is changing the way that we rock our athletic wear. As a design studio and retail space all in one, The Lab offers up street-friendly pieces that every fashion fiend can get behind. Each item is created in-house, and the logos are distinguished by a discreet version of the Lululemon logo. On my wishlist? A pair of Lululemon Lab harems, please!
The Lululemon Lab is located at 511 West Broadway, Vancouver.

1. I am still dreaming about these harem pants ($108) – super comfy, and super chic for the street.
2. May Globus, Vancouver City Editor of Sweetspot.ca, rocks out a pair of wicked Lululemon harems.
3, 4, 5. The Ladies of Lululemon Lab: Lauren, Kristina and Elim.
6. The design studio at the Lululemon Lab.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

The booze was flowing and the spirits were high at Toronto’s House of Vintage on Thursday night. Whatever the cause for celebration (was it the store’s new sign, the unbearably hot weather, or just cuz?), it attracted Queen West’s finest, and all in their best vintage duds. After closing his first store at Queen and Spadina, owner Dennis Adamidis re-opened his impeccable vintage boutique in Parkdale. The spacious store is beautifully stocked with designer pieces (I love the selection of YSL sunglasses) alongside classic vintage and a great selection of accessories. Hunting for one-of-a-kind treasures at House of Vintage is a delight. Partying there? Divine.

Visit House of Vintage at 1239 Queen Street West in Toronto.
Photos by Joel di Giacomo.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

Sometimes the rubber flip-flops just won’t cut it. One of my besties has vowed to “never wear rubber flip-flops in public” (did I mention that she happens to also be a shoe buyer?). And she certainly has a point: when it comes time for fun in the sun, it’s always nice to have a few different options for summertime sandals. This year’s top looks combine different textures, architectural shapes, embellishment, and luxe detailing. The great thing about picking up a pair right now is that summer markdowns are finally hitting the stores. Now if only the sun could stick around for little while longer….

1. An all-around flat sandal is a practical addition to your footwear collection. The elastic stretch material on these babies are super comfy and the style is classic. Michael Kors Pressley Toe Ring Sandal ($120), available at Michael Kors Boutiques nationwide and Browns Shoes.
2. The cutout sandal is the perfect modern touch for any summertime ensemble. Deena & Ozzy Canvas Cutout Sandal ($38), from Urban Outfitters.
3. Wedges are the “it” shoe of the year. Jeffrey Campbell Black Ninja Wedge ($185), available online at Oak NYC.
4. A beautifully constructed sandal is the ultimate summer essential. I am madly in love with these clog-style, leather wrapped wooden heels. Fluevog Rahab Faiths ($219). Available at John Fluevog stores nationwide.
5. If you must go the flip-flop route, choose a pair that is made out of different materials or added embellishment. This will elevate your look, and more appropriate for everyday wear. Bravo Browns Leather Flip-Flops ($54), at Browns Shoes.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Designer collaborations are a great way to breathe some extra fire into an already hot label. This year, Banana Republic embarked on its first-ever collaboration with jewellery designer Chan Luu to create a collection of limited edition bracelets. Done in Luu’s signature wrap style, the bracelets are made of custom-dyed thread or leather paired with semi-precious stones, gold or sterling silver and range in price from $118 to $275.

Luu’s designs have been seen all over Hollywood’s most stylish starlets, including Nicole Richie, Megan Fox, and Lady Gaga. They’re perfect for everyday wear and, with the wide range of colours and styles, look great layered in different combinations.

The Limited Edition Chan Luu Jewellery Collection is available August 10 at the following Canadian Banana Republic locations:

Toronto Eaton Centre
80 Bloor Street West in Toronto
777 Ste-Catherine Street West in Montreal

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

For me, the idea of “going up to the cabin” has always been a little nerve-wracking. Call me high-maintenance, but a weekend getaway that lacks running water or a shower is just unbearable. While some people see camping as the perfect vacation from a proper wardrobe (hello, sweatpants!), I see it as prime time to sport my stylin’ summer duds. Can’t we all just live in a world where glamping is the weekend norm?
My glamping essentials:

1. Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with super-glam high-waisted swimwear by Vancouver’s own Cuché Bikinis ($175), available in Vancouver at Oliver & Lilly’s and Dream and in Toronto at Almost Naked. Also buy online.
2. Rompers are super comfy and so easy to wear – it’s the perfect camp basic. American Apparel Romper ($28).
3. A nylon track jacket is a great throw on piece for warming up by the campfire. Joe Fresh Nylon Jacket ($39), available at Superstore.
4. Jelly flip-flops are fun and functional. Melissa flat sandals ($45), available at Gravity Pope.
5. Regardless of where I am, I always make sure to take care of my skin. The Consonant Body Jet Set Kit ($40) comes in a super convenient package. Available at Beautymark and The Bay stores across Canada.
6. Mini beauty kits are great for when you’re on the go. Check out Sephora’s selection of Beauty Minis. My fave is the  Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation with SPF 15 ($25).

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

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

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

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

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

“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