Archive | Smitten For RSS feed for this section

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 }

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 }

Smitten For: Karen Walker Sunglasses

 

As I’m sitting at my desk working away, the rain is forever pattering against the window, and all I can think about is lying on a chaise in the sun with a great book, a dramatically large and floppy sunhat, this bikini, and these sculptural Karen Walker sunglasses. Hello chic indeed!

I’m a sucker for tortoiseshell eyewear, and yet my sunglasses collection has dwindled down to just about nothing (really, I swear) leaving a big gap where these beauties would fit just perfectly… Most of my sunnies have been cheapie Winners versions, bought before a big vacation or on a not-so-successful bikini shopping trip as consolation.

Maybe it’s high time I became a grownup lady and invested in a pair that I love. These Karen Walker peepers—aptly named ‘Number One’—with their cat-eye shape and angular frame detail, have rocketed straight to the top of my Spring must-have list.

 

What’s on yours?

 

February 24, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

Smitten For: Awesome New Republic

I have to admit that new music hasn’t really been on my radar for a very long time. I’m talking years here. Sure I’ve heard everything on the radio, and a few indie bands through music-loving friends, I just haven’t actively sought out great new additions for my IPod.  But when I caught an earful (is that a word? It is now) of the Miami-based band, ANR (Awesome New Republic), I was instantly smitten. Their song “It’s Around You” is my absolute favorite and has a prestigious spot on my music playlist—the first time I heard it I played it about 5 times in a row… and maybe danced around my bedroom. Maybe.

Listen to “It’s Around You” here, and then tell me this doesn’t sound like the perfect song for hot summer nights. Impromptu dance parties on the beach anyone?

Count down ‘til summer is on.

February 17, 2012 · Comments { 1 }