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

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

When it comes to beauty products, phonetics may be the last thing on your mind, but there is no better name for the some of the latest offerings in skincare. Consonant Body is 100% natural and 100% organic, a concept that certainly attests to its name. I must say that with all of the product out there claiming to be “organic”, not to mention my extremely sensitive skin, I was skeptical. But after just a few uses, I noticed the change – I was fresh faced, glowy, and my skin was soft and smooth! One of my favourite things about this product is its scent – it wasn’t overpowering, but clean and pleasant. I was also surprised at how luxurious this product felt. Might I suggest the citrus and bergamot body lotion?
Consonant Body Organic Skincare is available at select stores across Canada. For complete locations, check website for details. Buy online at Consonant Body.

1. Who knew that “organic” and “natural” ingredients could make you feel like ultra luxe? Check out the latest scent from the summer collection, Citrus Bergamot. Organic Body Lotion ($22 for 250 ml, $42 for 500 ml), Organic Foaming Face Wash ($18 for125 ml), and Organic Body Wash ($16 for 250 ml, $28 for 500 ml).

2. I am in love with this Consonant Body Organic Lip Therapy! Nothing beats that tingly feeling, and the result leaves you with soft, moisturized and kissable puckers ($12).

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

I discovered this cone-shaped white veggie about a year ago while shopping the aisles of Wholefoods looking for a new salad ingredient to add to my spinach, radicchio and chard.  Who knew I’d eventually attend an event dedicated to the Endive? The I Heart Endive campaign supports eating local by promoting this tangy and bittersweet BC Belgian Endive grown in Abbotsford. With pins saying “I Heart Endive”, an online video series of cooking shows featuring Chef Ned Bell, and a Highway 1 sign with an 8-foot high endive, you’ll know about the curious Endive soon enough.

Held at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim, guests were served ice cream, martinis and mini burgers, to name a few, all made from Endive. Turns out it’s a versatile vegetable and not just for added crunch in your salads.

BC Belgian Endive is available at several retailers, including Save on Foods, Price Smart, Thrifty Foods, IGA Marketplace, Choices and Urban Fare. For more information, visit www.endive.ca.

You should follow me on Twitter @Christie_Lohr.

I stayed at brand new Watermark Beach Resort that’s bigger than my own apartment.

My partner in crime for the weekend, Erin Ireland, and I about to step into our go-to transportation, a yellow school bus. We felt like school girls all over again.

Some of the crowd’s most fashionable, including ET Canada’s Erin Cebula (top left) and a fierce woman rockin an umbrella.

Heading to the Nota Bene Release Party at Black Hills Estate Winery, owned by 90210’s hunky star Jason Priestly.

No, this is not Vegas. It’s the Walnut Beach Resort.

Steven Page, ex-frontman of the Barenaked Ladies, played some old favourites to a lucky bunch as we eat dinner and sipped on local wine. I was filming from my table, so please don’t mind the random people that get in the way. He sounded amazing and wanted to share these three great songs that I’m sure are your old faves too. Brings me back to my teens. A weekend highlight for me.

There was no way I was leaving without stopping off at a few wineries, especially Road 13. They have tasty chardonnay that’s perfect for a summer patio.

Summer came early for me  a few weeks ago in desert wine country Osoyoos. At 30 degrees, the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival was packed with more fun than I’ve had in a long time. Being only 5 hours outside of Vancouver and almost guaranteed to be hot and sunny, it’s the perfect spot for a summer getaway.

You should follow me on Twitter @christie_lohr.

“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

Lights, camera, action! Complete with a red carpet, some glitz and glam, MINI Yaletown’s Grand Opening Gala was reminiscent of a Hollywood-style affair. Guests were welcomed by the lovely MINI pit crew, who offered up some delicious appies and bevies courtesy of Mission Hill and Grolsch Beer. The experience was truly entertaining; with performances by recording artist, Téa, go-go dancers and an impressive live art installation. But of course, the night would not have been complete without a little test drive–or at least, a quick chance to snag the driver’s seat in a snazzy convertible MINI….

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Click here to view the embedded video.

Meet the 2010 Mini 50 Camden Special Edition in white silver metallic, my speedy sidekick for one of the best weekends I’ve had. Thanks to Mini Yaletown, I had the opportunity to test drive the dressed-to-kill set of wheels to the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival this past weekend that included Jason Priestley, Steven Page from the Barenaked Ladies and Bruce Greenwood and many events featuring BC wine and local chefs. It was a fun and comfortable ride, amazing on gas and surprisingly roomy enough for five bags of luggage (ahem, it’s a girl thing) and my passenger Erin Ireland of itstodie4.com and host of FMA Entertainment Weekly. Packed with many features such as 17-inch silver alloy rims, a top-end audio system, striking modern interior, sleek white leather and black cloth front seats and  a double sunroof, the Mini has all the essentials for any stylish getaway. Watch the video, you’ll see what I mean.

So, if you’re in the market for a new car, my suggestion is a Mini. For more info on this model or any others, visit Mini Yaletown at 1039 Hamilton Street, Vancouver or www.yaletown.mini.ca.

It’s true what they say, nice things do come in small packages.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This season’s must-own pant is the harem. Effortlessly chic, comfortable and yes, flattering, it’s your new go-to piece for whatever occasion.

Look #1. Emily from JL Model Talent Management is in a perfect weekend look from Zara, shoes from Spring.

Look #2. Amy Sky is wearing Artizia harems in this season’s hottest hue, nude. Even a gal with curves can rock them!

Look #3. InspirationAll Talent and Modeling Group’s Paola is wearing a look from Nouvelle Nouvelle in Gastown. Love the pleated detailing and crop top. A great look for a night out.

Look #4. Victoria shows us that the mature woman can still wear harems in a head-to-toe look from the Jacqueline Conoir Collection available at JC Studio.