Smitten For: Violet Hill Boutique

I was so incredibly flattered to be invited to a special fashion blogger event last Friday at Violet Hill Boutique in Steveston. I’d heard so many great things about the store through twitter and other Vancouver fashionistas, so I was definitely excited to check it out for myself.  And let me tell you it did not disappoint!

Very worth the trek to Steveston (which on the evening of the event, was so quaint and picturesque in the “Golden Hour” light), Violet Hill boasts a perfected mix of high-low pieces.  The boutique is surely a reflection of owner Nicola Gillam’s personal style and westcoast influence, combining pretty frocks, purposeful coats, and many a perfect layering piece.  You’re sure to be welcomed with friendly smiles and girlfriend-style banter, creating a perfect shopping environment.

I was certainly smitten with the boutique, and I believe I exclaimed—on more than one occasion—”I want to live in this store, it’s so pretty!”

The event, co-hosted by Violet Hill and Monica Hibbs of The Doctor’s Closet was a perfect chance to meet some fellow Vancouver bloggers, enjoy some delicious snacks (did anyone else just about die from those amazing macaroons!?) and of course, shop! While I didn’t pick up anything new that night, I most certainly will be back to Violet Hill as soon as my budget allows.

Thank you Nicola for having me in your lovely store!

All images courtesy of the wonderfully talented Melissa Skoda. From top to bottom, a view of the boutique, scrumptious macarons, Nicola and her store assistant (friendly faces!), and “In Vogue” with a belt display.

March 23, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

Smitten For: Swearing in the Rain

Today’s Smitten For is a perfect reflection of my sentiments  this week… It’s been grey and raining non-stop, and to be frank, it sucks. So when I came across this foul-mouthed umbrella I was instantly smitten. I love that it is such a classic style—navy, wood handle—but injected with some sass!! As much as I’d like to pretend that a bright and fun looking umbrella would make me oh-so-joyful and stepping out into the rain, this swearing beauty from Canadian company Raindrops is much more appropriate to how I feel about rain.  (And by the way, “merde”, the French word for “shit” isn’t really considered swearing. It’s more akin to “darn.” So this umbrella is entirely appropriate for public usage. Just sayin’…)

March 16, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

Walt Street: Where Disney Characters Play With Pop Icons

Friday night I attended the Art Institute of Vancouver’s design competition, Walt Street.  Aptly named for its Disney meets pop culture inspiration, the evening was a Project Runway-esque show placing AI’s 10 top fashion design students in a creative catwalk battle.  The “make it work” twist? Each look had to be made completely sans sewing.  As this tends to make fabric garments more than slightly difficult (and really, in this case using conventional fabrics wouldn’t really be that creative), most contestants found ways to make other materials wearable.

My top votes go to an intricately pleated paper dress by designer Yan Yan, inspired by a mash-up of Snow White and Nicky Minaj, and the futuristic Wall-E meets Lady Gaga creation of Tina Forouzandeh and Cynthia Poulin. I wasn’t the only one who loved these looks—Snow White x Nicky Minaj won for best construction (well deserved)! Judges of the competition included writer and girl about town Kelsey Dundon, of The Anthology, and jewelry designer and event sponsor Georgia Heraty of Social Experiment. (Thank you for the beautiful ring btw!)

Not only was this a student fashion show, the entire event was also coordinated by the Art Institute’s Fashion Marketing students, who did an excellent job organizing every aspect of the evening. Unfortunately I don’t have pictures from the runway, as my camera was out of commission, and my Blackberry photos are poor at best; however, check out Walt Street on twitter (@walt_street) for twitpics, instagrams, and a play by play of the event.

Thank you for having me Walt Street!

March 11, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

Smitten For: Framework Magazine

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am about this post! It’s a little different than my usual “Smitten For” articles, and is full of shameless self-promotion, but I hope you’ll forgive me as this is so near and dear to my heart. This is a little girl’s hidden dream and passion finally coming to life…

May 1st, 2012 (less than 2 months away!) is the official launch date of Framework Magazine – a digital only, monthly publication.  Here is a sneak peek of the new site I am currently designing:

What is this magazine all about? Well, I’ve been DYING to tell you!!  But alas! I can’t give away everything just yet, so here is an excerpt:

“…a monthly online publication dedicated to the essential elements of stylish living. From interviews and how-to’s, to editorial spreads and expert tips, we explore fashion, home décor, entertaining, art, culture, and travel …the Framework girl looks to the details to create her bigger picture, knows that money is no measure of style, and surrounds herself with the people and things she adores.”

 

For all the pre-launch, behind the scenes action, you can follow Framework Magazine here on Facebook (Framework Magazine), and here on Twitter (@FrameworkMag)! The team is dying to meet you, so come on over – just look for the pink and white Framework icon.

 

Do you have an amazing product or company that Framework Girls would be smitten for? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: product@frameworkmag.com

Have a story idea or some gorgeous photos you’ve been dying to share? We’re always on the lookout for contributors, and our editor is awaiting your emails! Write to her here: editor@frameworkmag.com

There is also a very special place in our hearts for advertisers… they make our Framework world go round! If you’d like to share your amazing company and products with our lovely readers, please contact sales@frameworkmag.com (We’ve got extra special rates for our debut issue – get in touch to find out more!)

March 2, 2012 · Comments { 1 }

Editor’s Picks: Wishing for Wellies

1. Hunter Original High Gloss, 2. Chooka Classy Stripe, 3. Kate Spade Patty, 4. Burberry Check Detail Rainboot, 5. Loeffler Randall LR Rain Bootie, 6. Chooka Lace Rainboot, 7. Chooka Posh Dots, 8. LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Rossalyn II, 9. Gabriella Rocha Mission Boots, 10. Hunter Watling, 11. Chooka Running Horses, 12. Aldo Smerkar Rainboots, 13. Marc by Marc Jacobs Booties, 14. Chooka Dotty Flowers, 15. Sperry Topsider Pelican Boot

With all the unpredictable weather we’ve been having in Vancouver lately, a girl’s gotta be prepared for spring rain showers (and splashing in puddles!) with some chic, waterproof gear. From tall and vibrant solids, to classic and cheeky prints, these wellies are full of style. If you live in a place where it rains more than it snows—and even if you don’t—you’ll definitely want to add one of these pairs to your collection. I love a fun rain boot that stands out from the crowd.  Add a piping hot chai tea latte and they might just be my favorite way to beat the rainy day blues… I’m already imagining outfits for each and every style!

Which ones chase your blues away?

 

February 28, 2012 · Comments { 1 }
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