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.

Gone are the days when we Vancouverites would slip on our track jackets, yoga pants and Birkenstocks! Although our city has been renowned for our less-than-trendy fashion choices, Vancouver is growing more stylish by the second. A trip to the city’s burgeoning neighbourhoods of Gastown, Yaletown and Main Street will prove that old stereotype wrong. But don’t fret – weekend attire in Vancouver still remains cool, casual and laid-back. We have simply reserved our sporting gear for, what else? Sports. Whether you are strolling through the park, running errands or brunching with the girls this weekend, think basic pieces, easy-to-wear fabrics, layering and clean shapes.
Check out our top picks for weekend wear in Vancity:

1.The ideal dress for a weekend in the city is one that can easily transition from day to night. Try the Pezo Dress ($149) with strappy sandals for running errands, or cinched in with a belt and heels for dinner. Noir Bonbon is available at Body Politic, Life of Riley, Lord’s and Fine Finds in Vancouver.

2. What better word to describe the perfect look for weekend style than “slubby”? Pick up the Perspective Cardigan ($197) from Nicole Bridger.

3. Weekend wear is all about soft, comfy and wearable fabrics. Noir Bonbon has a great selection of basics with modern and edgy details in natural eco-friendly fibres. One of my favourites is the Nerd Top ($130) – I love the contrasting silk shoulder detail!

4. The cropped hemline and the lace detailing on the Belle Bomber ($218) by Lily + Jae are the perfect upgrade from that old hoodie. Available online at the Lily + Jae Online Shop.

5. Trade in those stretchy yoga bottoms for a great pair of relaxed shorts or pants. My pick is the Carel Shorts ($140) fromDace. The folded waistband and the rolled hemline give off a casual vibe – perfect for warmer weather! Available at Violet Boutique in Vancouver and online at the Dace Online Shop.

6. The Boudir Zippered Jumpsuit by Hidden Spectrum ($292) is relaxed, casual and cool. The exposed zipper allows you wear it alone or layered on top of a white tank. Available online at Light Vision Store and online at Hidden Spectrum Shop.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver