Where do you go to find the most beautiful, well-dressed people in the city? The Room, of course. With its closets stocked with the crème de la crème of fashions (think Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Maison Martin Margiela and local favourite Jason Matlo), The Bay Downtown Vancouver’s latest addition garnered the attention of fashion elite and local who’s who, not to mention a handful of celebs. Spokeswoman Bonnie Brooks, shoe connoisseur Brian Atwood, Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker, MTV’s Jessi Cruickshank and the boys of The Buried Life were all on hand to celebrate the opening.

After being welcomed on the red carpet, guests were guided by charming white-tuxedoed gentlemen and treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and overflowing bubbly. Boys dressed in Balenciaga and ladies in Lanvin perfectly complimented the sleek and modern space; while whispers of designer sightings (Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu were the talk of the Twitterverse) kept the excitement of the party rolling.

The encounter of the evening? Rubbing shoulders with model extraordinaire Jessica Stam.

Photo 1: Valerie Tiu, Blog Editor for Style Nine to Five, Robyn Jesson, Publisher for Vancouver View Magazine, Ishra Sharif, Fashion Writer, Andrea Tiller, Makeup Artist

Photo 4: Katherine Horsman of blog Bullet With Butterfly Wings

Photo 9: Kin Chan, Photographer, Deanna Palkowski, Fashion Stylist

Photo 10: Model Jessica Stam

Photo 11: MTV’s Jessi Cruickshank, Christie Lohr, founder of Style Nine to Five

By: Valerie Tiu, Blog Editor, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

“When I think of attitude, I think of empowerment,” says Jay Manuel. Luckily, the silver fox has us covered when it comes to injecting some kick into our closets. ATTITUDE by Jay Manuel is a classic, versatile collection of everyday pieces and bold accessories with a high fashion flare. The best part about the line is that it’s accessible to us fashion lovers north of the border – see for yourself at the Modern Shop at Sears Canada.

The Style Nine to Five team recently had the pleasure of viewing the Fall 2011 presentation at its Vancouver launch. Citing late sixties and seventies silhouettes as creative influences, key elements of the collection include contrasting fabrics, graphic prints, sleek silhouettes and pops of colour. The crowd favourite was an ultra luxe textured bomber (Monsieur Manuel coined it “the eyelash jacket”) modeled by show host Fiona Forbes. The ANTM Creative Director-turned-designer discusses the importance of comfort and confidence through fashion, stating, “I always say that it starts from the outside in – if you look good, you feel good.”

The highlight of the evening? Getting the chance to schmooze with Mr. Jay himself. Fortunately, he is as fabulous in person as he is on the small screen. When we ask him about career advice for the fashion set, he kindly offers up some words of wisdom. He says, “Being creative means that you don’t let anyone tell you what to do. If you’re passionate about what you do, do it.” Fortunately, that’s the kind of attitude we can now wear on our sleeves.

1 – 7. ATTITUDE by Jay Manuel Fall 2011 Collection (Prices range from $12.97 – $299), available at Sears locations across Canada.

8. Mr. Jay and I smize for the camera.

9. Jay Manuel and show host Fiona Forbes.

By: Valerie Tiu, Blog Editor, Vancouver

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Violet Boutique is home to your three new best friends. Their names are Suno, Fetherson and Whit. Suno is eclectic, she likes to mix prints, wears hats when she gardens and is not afraid of colour. Fetherson is outgoing and flirty – she is the type of chick that will make boys drop to their feet with her feminine dresses. Whit is a simple gal, she prefers the outdoors, is inspired by the seventies and likes to keep things clean and classic.

I had the pleasure of meeting these lovely “ladies” and a few others during their introduction at Violet. With enough treats to leave you with a sugar high, Pink champagne, and nail art by Christina Culver, the soiree was the ultimate girl’s night out.

Violet Boutique is located at 3012 Granville Street, Vancouver.

1,2. Suno, Erin Fetherson and Whit at Violet Boutique.
3. Genevieve and Stephanie of Violet Boutique.
4. Belinda and Adele Tetangco of Dace Clothing and consultant for Blank Communications.
5. Joy Pecknold, Western Editor of FASHION and Deanna Palkowski, Fashion Stylist.
6. Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl and her intern, Shakeira.
7. Nicole Durnin, owner of Lynn Steven and Sunny Shum of Partly Sunny and Style Nine to Five.
8. Lisa Wong of Solo Lisa.
9. A very stylish couple – Michelle and Matt.
10. This party-goer is one of my picks for best dressed of the evening – love how she mixed prints with bold jewelry!
11. Nails by Christina Culver on FASHION’s Joy Pecknold and stylist Deanna Palkowski’s killer rings.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Jacqueline Conoir’s most recent fashion show proves that after 25 years in the industry, the label is going stronger than ever. Not only did designer RozeMerie Cuevas present the Jacqueline Conoir house label’s Fall/ Winter 2011 collection this past Tuesday, but in a surprise move she also unveiled Jac, a new collection filled with younger, trendier, everyday pieces.

Set against the backdrop of the Ferrari Maserati showroom, the show opened with looks from the Jacqueline Conoir F/W collection. It held true to the label with plenty of wonderfully tailored pieces. The structure and clean lines were offset beautifully by the inclusion of more delicate 70’s-esque silhouettes and patterns. A predominantly neutral palette was injected with sporadic shots of vibrant colour. The Bordeaux tinged skirt coupled with the fuscia silk blouse was definitely a standout. In a dramatic finale to the first half of the show, a series of draped black dresses with edgy mesh detailing marched ensemble down the runway.

An unaccompanied violin player bestowed a serene interlude upon the crowd before the Jac collection took to the runway. The collection featured pieces that were slightly more wearable and casual than their predecessors, but equally as chic. It was chockfull of layered knits, fun little dresses, playsuits and the most incredible slouchy pants (audible ooing and aahing filled the air as the pants came down the runway).

The crowd was as fabulous as the collection. Among the fashionable set in attendance was Rebecca Tay of Interactive for Aritzia, Joy Pecknold of FASHION, Stephanie Jahla of Obakki, and a sizeable group from the team at Flare. Everyone looked amazing and many of them payed tribute to the label by decking themselves out in their favourite Jacqueline Conoir pieces. No one could have asked for a better venue than the Ferrari Maserati showroom, either. It was not only spacious, but visually appealing as well: a rare find. All in all, definitely a night for the memory vault.

1-7. Runway shots.

8. Joy Pecknold of FASHION, Stylist Leila Bani,  Alexandra Suhner Isenberg of Searching For Style and Rebecca Tay of Aritzia.
9. Eman Aziz, makeup artist, and her friend Krysta (stylist)

10. Libby Shumka of Tara Parker Tait PR

11. Stephanie Jahla of Obakki and friends

12. RozeMerie Cuevas, head designer of JC with friends.

13-16. The Stylish Crowd at the JC Show

By: Alexandra Grant, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @tovogueorbust.

If I were granted three wishes, I would ask for peace, love and a closet full of Dace Clothing. There are a few reasons why I love Dace and why celebrating her 10-year milestone was at the top of my events list:

Reason No. 1: Designer Dace Moore creates clean, feminine and modern pieces in beautiful fabrics. Her Spring 2011 Collection is simply sublime: a soft palette mixed with charcoal grays and hints of pattern, and modern silhouettes that retain a classic, feminine feel. Think chic jumpsuits, effortlessly cool separates and versatile dresses.
Reason No. 2: Dace’s mascot, Trout, is hard to resist. Who can say no to that face?
Reason No. 3: Dace and her friends always put on a party to remember. Opus was packed with Vancouver’s “It” crowd, complete with fashion bloggers, editors and supporters. Throw some Coco Cupcakes, cocktails and clothes into the mix, and you’ve got one happy group of people.
Reason No. 4: Amazing styling by Tanus Lewis. Reminiscent of a retro summer road trip, the Spring Collection was complimented by cat-eye shades, pouf hairstyles and chic head wraps.
Reason No. 5: Dace celebrated her 10-year mark by collaborating with local artists. Ashley Watson has created one-of-a-kind leather pieces, Broken English has designed gorgeous hand crafted jewelry and Mono contributed a gorgeous layered necklace to the collection.

Happy Birthday Dace, and cheers to another ten years!
1-5. Dace Spring 2011 Collection. Check out the styling, it’s perfection!

6. The lovely ladies of Dace: Adele Tetangco and designer Dace Moore.
7. The Western edition of Team Christie Lohr, from far left: Me (Valerie Tiu), Christie Lohr, Chloe Berge and Nicolette Lang-Andersen.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Nicole Bridger’s breathtaking collection was unveiled to a packed house at the Salt Building Thursday night. Models sporting elegant, clean, feminine designs sauntered down the runway to the beat of deep, soul-gripping music. A stunning combination of neutrals and rich colours such as burnt-orange, forest-green, aubergine and deep-yellow were set dramatically against the model’s fresh, porcelain skin.

Nicole Bridger uses fabrics from natural and renewable resources, minimizing the impact on our planet and contributing towards a positive change in our modern world, while still helping us look fabulous!

I managed to sneak in a quick snap with Nicole herself in between mingling with a few super stylish guests.

Photographer credit for runway photos: Yvonne Chew Photography

By: Nicolette Lang-Andersen, Vancouver

Vancouver foodies and their friends know how to throw a party, and the SlopPress Launch Event was no exception. Developed by the gastronomes behind local blogs Vancouver Slop, Toronto Slop and New York Slop, SlopPress is a new website dedicated to all things pertaining to the world of food.

The ‘slops’ gathered at Walrus to celebrate the launch. With a seemingly endless supply of Bear Flag Wine and mouthwatering eats, the hip crowd was in good spirits. I must admit that I tend to practice restraint from food sampling at events, but this time it was difficult to resist. Cheese from Benton Brothers and delicious fare from Roaming Dragon and Re-up BBQ filled our bellies, while food-inspired tracks provided a fitting soundtrack for the evening. Now if only Roaming Dragon delivered….

1, 4, 5. Delicious samples from Roaming Dragon and Re-Up BBQ. (Photos courtesy of SlopPress).
2. Proof that fashionistas like food! Anya (I’m the It Girl), Nicole (le mode du jour), Me, Vickie and Adela.

3. Matt and Joe of Vancouver Slop.

6. The boys that cut the cheese. I’m not usually big on cheese, but Benton Brothers Fine Cheeses has me hooked.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Elim Chu from The Style Seen

Miss Content from Haute Content

Caitlin Agnew from My Fave Books and Toronto Contributor for christielohr.com

Oscar PR Girl

Melissa Knight (left) from Miss Melissa and Nicole Soon from Le Mode Du Jour and contributor for The Style Spy

Anya from I’m the It Girl

Niki Blasina from A Haute Mess

Christie Lohr, owner of this website and fashion career website Style Nine to Five

“One for you and one for me.” This is my holiday gift-giving philosophy. After all, searching for the perfect gift for those special someones can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, we have some great ideas up our (sweater) sleeves. Why not take a cue from the lovely Miss Caitlin and shop local? Here is the Vancouver version:

1. Knot Theory is a modern unisex necktie company that specializes in unique, never-before seen styles, like the link closure knot ($25). The interchangeable knot allows you to match an array of coloured knots to the tie, so you can change up your look with just one style. Available at Knot Theory Online.

2. Olla Urban Flower Project creates unique and socially conscious flower arrangements and containers. They support the local community and sustainable standards. The perfect gift for the hostess, mom, or eco-girl! Available at the GIFT SHOP pop-up shop in Vancouver.

3. Besties and girly-girls deserve some serious jewels. Try something with a modern-vintage flair with Glam Vintage Designer Remix. Ball and Chain necklace ($138).

4. Why not pick up some sexy new underwear for the man in your life? These babies are sure to satisfy with their comfort, style and seamless fit (hello Italian microfiber, goodbye underwear lines!). Naked Boxer Brief ($42). Available at select stores and online.

5. Looking for a few stocking stuffers? Find cute and quaint pieces from Old Faithful Shop in Gastown. From personal accessories to home wares, you’re sure to find something unique for your hip friends and co-workers, like this super cool laptop case. The Good Flock iWooly ($115). Old Faithful Shop – 320 W Cordova, Gastown.

6. Some of my favourite gifts are ones that you can share and experience with the ones you love. Why not channel you inner Top Chef and take a cooking class at the Dirty Apron Cooking School? Choose a gift certificate or a package from a variety of denominations. The Dirty Apron Cooking School – 540 Beatty Street, Crosstown.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Baby, it’s cold outside, and for many of us that means our beauty routines have gone awry. Never fear, Beautymark has a few solutions to ease the effects that cold weather can bring. Marc Brunet, owner of the Vancouver-based beauty emporium, shares some of his beauty tips.

Marc’s top 5 beauty must-haves for the winter season:

1. Rosebud Salve ($8). This multi purpose salve will save your skin this winter- whether it’s chapped lips, dry cuticles or taming that unruly brow!
2. A great moisturizer!  When the dry air and winter wind hit, why not use this opportunity to SHOP LOCAL with 3 great (Vancouver/Canadian based) moisturizers?  Linacare ($58 – pictured above), Riversol ($70) & Deserving Thyme ($22).
3. Feeling a little pale, especially after seeing tanned bodies on DWTS?  Avoid the tanning parlour with St. Tropez Self Tanning Products ($15 – $49.50).  Goof proof, no smell & #nottoosnooki!
4. Let’s face it, rain is in the forecast for us this winter. Oribe makes an anti-humidity spray called Impermeable (that’s French for raincoat!) ($43).
5. Color! Take advantage of the great colors this season, especially in the nail & lip department. Try rocking a fuchsia lip. The trend was all over the catwalks! Butter London Nail Lacquers ($17).

A brief bio on Beautymark:
In 2000, BeautyMark was born!  When we first opened our doors, people had never seen a boutique beauty store before. The brands we carried were so different – Philosophy, Fresh, Bumble and Bumble, Ole Henriksen, Anthony Logistics, Paula Dorf and Cargo. Many were tiny little brands, and in some cases, they were introduced to Canada by BeautyMark! Flash forward 10 years and now we have mass mall retailers and down market drugstores trying to catch a bit of the “gourmet” beauty action.  At BeautyMark we are not trying to be bigger, just better! We always offer cutting edge products, new and emerging brands and great customer service. It’s who we are and it’s a lot of fun!

All products are available online and at Beautymark in Yaletown, Vancouver.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.