You & Her Lingerie Runway Show & Launch Party

Feb, 12th, 2014

  The quote to the left says it all…

  Can you imagine dropping out of grade school every month for a week?

  That’s exactly what happens to young girls that don’t have sanitary products. The fear of having an accident
  in public is enough to keep them at home. Over time they fall farther and farther behind and eventually drop out
  of school, leaving marriage and childbearing as very real alternatives. That’s where You & Her lingerie helps.

  When you purchase their lingerie, “you
  enable a You & Her funded sewing center in Zambia to produce her

  underwear, and distribute in tandem with extra supplies these young girls need as they fight to stay in school
  past puberty.”

On the night of the runway show… I walked past a non-descript building on Powell St. I checked the address and doubled back to ring the buzzer. Once inside I was amazed by the ultra modern metal & wood interior. It was a recording studio hidden amidst an unsettled Gastown neighborhood.

I’m glad I arrived early to assemble my gear because all of the guests arrived promptly at the 7:30pm start time! Marie of M&M Indulgences (and her two assistants) laid out several plates of appetizers. Guests mixed, mingled and sipped wine while they looked at You & Her lingerie on the display rack.

The runway show featured barefoot models of all shapes and sizes smiling and connecting with the audience.   The show ended a few minutes later. It was followed by an auction which raised money for their charity program. After the auction I spoke with Laura, Co-Founder & Designer. I asked if she had a traditional brick & mortar store. Not at the moment. Their lingerie can be purchased on their website. However if you want to touch each piece, their lingerie can be found in Yaletown’s Woo to See You boutique.

As for the lingerie, I really liked their “Bandeau” top.   There was something sexy about how it stayed in place. I also liked their “Thong” bottoms. Normally thong is synonymous with dental floss. However their version had a bit more coverage on the back side.

A few days after the show I followed up with Christina and she wrote, “Our bandeau is best suited to fit a woman with cup size C and smaller. We are coming out with a better supported bandeau in the near future, which will suit a fuller range of cup sizes.”

I also learned their lingerie is hand sewn locally by Laura  and an assistant seamstress. Their fabric is also purchased locally from Telio in Gastown.

Click You & Her to visit their website.

: You & Her Founders: Christina & Laura

: Sergio, Villages of Hope helped Christina start You & Her

: Kate & Jenn having fun raising funds during the charity auction

: This pure silk chiffon robe raised $230!

: This black/plum nylon mesh robe raised $200 as well.

: Breanna is an Image Consultant, Stylist & Personal Shopper

: Peter looking stylish

: Kate, Madeleine, Lunapads Founder, Laura and Christina

: Laura & Shawna

: Husband and wife Moses & Kate

: Kim (l), Christine (c) and Erin (r)

: Kim

: Mahkeela You & Her Events and Administration Coordinator

: Erin, Independent Stella & Dot Lead Stylist

: Claudia

: Tanja modeled in the runway show

: Marie, M&M Indulgences made the appetizers

: I love Erin’s pointy toe, ankle strap 9 West heels

: Here’s another shot

: Rebekah, Mae and Bethany

Update

: Erin (r) is a Stylist and she picked Kim’s (l) outfit

: She also picked Christina’s outfit. Click Style Tips to contact Erin.

C-zo’s Hair Salon & Medi-Spa Party

Feb, 5th, 2014

Ryan (C-zo co-owner) invited me to this event. Tonight was an opportunity to attend a fun event and learn about C-zo’s Medi-spa.

While some spas offer saunas, fuzzy robes and massages, C-zo’s medi-spa focuses on high quality effective and technologically advanced services.

Tonight’s event had three purposes. First, it demonstrated their new Forlle’d skin care line. Second, it introduced guests to SharpLight IPL technology and and lastly it donated 10% of the evening’s proceeds to the Canucks Autism Network.

SharpLight, which wasn’t demonstrated, is a laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation system. Most of the evening was dedicated to a live demonstration of Forlle’d (pronounced “4 L D” or “4 Led”). Two Skin Care Specialists worked with two preselected guests from the audience. A running commentary was used to explain the process and how nanotechnology is used to provide a superior anti-aging product. Click Forlle’d for more detail.

After the demonstration it was time to mix & mingle with C-zo staff and guests.

Click C-zo to learn more about their salon’s products and services.

: C-zo is located at 525 Smithe St. @ Richards

: Ryan, Co-Owner

: La Biosthétique make-up products

: Kérastase hair care products

: Lindsay of the Canucks Autism Network

: Tatiana (l) and Waida (r), Skin Care Specialists

: Kam, Skin Care Specialist

: Elena, SharpLight Representative

: Far right: Ryan & Gilles, Owners

: Lisa was Tatiana’s skincare model

: Joey, guest

: Sandra, Stylist seen wearing Forever 21 & Steve Madden heels

: Amy & Shane

Madame Moje Fashion Show & Pink Christmas Party

Dec, 5th, 2013

To celebrate Madame Moje’s first Christmas in Vancouver, they held a private party for customers and style influencers. Pink was the color and theme of the event. The celebration included pink champagne, pink hors d’oeuvres and pink eggnog. But it did’t stop there. Staff wore pink Santa hats and Pink Madame Moje T-shirts.

The holiday collection kept in line with the Madame Moje brand of being sophisticated but daringly sexy. The show was a mix of Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer pieces. Malashnee wrote, “I never concentrate on seasons, I am always ensuring my collections are stylish and fiercely feminine. People travel a lot and the seasons are different around the world.”

I had the opportunity to attend Madame Moje’s Debut Runway Show in July. I saw a few recurring design themes but the combination of A-line coat and mini dress was unique. Robin wore the tan version but I preferred the burgundy & black contrast version worn by Kara. With a warm pair of stockings or tights I could imagine someone wearing this to an ice skating rink!

: 2 tiered offshoulder A-line dress

: Angle coat

: Peplum Coat with high waisted riding pants

: Lace A-line Dress

: Lace blouse and three tier ruffle skirt

: A-line Coat

: Side cowl corset dress

: High waisted pants and draped collar shirt

: A-line contrast coat

: Lace bodice dress

: Front zipper half collared dress

Post Show Mingling

: From left to right: Jolene, Kara, Malashnee (Creative Director/Owner), Ana, Manijeh, Chiara, Sarah and Robin

: Andy Chu, Arc2 Intertainment

: Courtney (l) and Jigme (r), Co-owners of Mine & Yours

Shots from the boutique…

Christine Lingerie’s 40th Anniversary Celebration & Pop-Up Store

Nov, 30th, 2013

When Christine first started her business she made wedding dresses. Shortly thereafter she started making silk lingerie. Currently her garments can be found in luxury department stores such as Saks 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Celebrities such as the Kardashians and Oprah (to name a few) have worn her creations.

Today’s event was twofold. First, it was a chance for Christine and her staff to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Secondly it marked a return to West Vancouver as a holiday season pop-up store.

Before the toast and presentation Christine shared with me how Oprah’s Stylist found her lingerie. She walked me through the boutique crowded with family, friends and customers as she pointed out silks, laces, colors and patterns.

It was nice to have a personal tour because I had previously seen pieces her collection from a distance. I first saw Christine Lingerie when Samantha Chan, the Spring/Summer 2013 Vancouver Fashion Week Emcee wore her lingerie as maxi and mini dresses. Each night she wore a different outfit. At Avalon’s Runway for Recovery, a fundraising event for a woman’s recovery center, I saw pieces from Christine’s intimate lingerie and sleepwear collection.

: I skipped the Prosecco but had waaay too many chocolates!

: Let’s make more of everything, we’re on the cover of O!

: Christine (l) & Erin, Vice President (r)

: Christine’s: daughter Isabelle (c) and mom Hazel (r)

: A silk print of a Geisha

: Love the Dark Cherry color!

: Christine & sister, Carol (She’s an employee too!)

: Christine & Eleena, Production Manager

: Children, chocolate & Erin

The West Vancouver pop-up store is only scheduled to be open a few more weeks!

1445 Bellevue Ave, West Van.
Monday – Saturday 10am to 6pm
604.913.3393

Christine Lingerie
Christine’s Boutique & Design Studio is located at:
821 Powell St.
604.253.0350

5 Left Leather Handbags & Purses

Nov, 16th, 2013

I looked through my 2012 photos for over an hour trying to find an image burned into my memory. At the end of Lincoln Heller’s 5 Left Eco Fashion Week show, he walked down the runway dragging behind him a trail of leather briefcases, suitcases and handbags! He wore a form fitting, Mad Max type outfit made from a combination of black leather and black fabric.

Needless to say I was quite surprised to find his leather studio during the Eastside Culture Crawl. In addition to uniquely styled purses and clutches (for women) and messenger bags (for men) he also makes belts and wallets. We immediately struck up a conversation as he told me about his work. However his business card summed up everything quite nicely. It reads, “Hand dyed, hand textured, vegetable tanned leather goods made in Vancouver”.

I can easily imagine a 5 Left purse worn with a pair of John Fluevog shoes! Both are unique and modern and have a funky, hip quality. Of course your outfit would need to be simple and plain to avoid all three pieces competing against one another.

5 Left
Parker Street Studio (appointment only)
Suite #210 1000 Parker St.

Mine & Yours Launch Party

Nov, 1st, 2013

Did you miss the opening night of the Mine & Yours Launch party?

Don’t despair! Their 20% off sale will continue through Sunday (Nov 3).

They will be serving wine, cheese and playing some cool tunes to celebrate their opening.

Please visit Mine & Yours at 1060 Hornby St. (near Nelson) or phone 604-620-8885. Or click Mine & Yours, my interview with… to read the inside scoop!

: Joanna’s wearing Asos ankle boots…

: and a Club Monaco sweater and a Top Shop dress.

After a month of sunny weather the rain returned with a vengeance Friday night. I arrived an hour before closing but
the ladies’ were in a festive mood. The tunes were booming, the wine was flowing and before you know-it, we were doing an impromptu photo shoot. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night!

: The Mine & Yours ladies: Courtney (l), Joanna (c) and Jigme (r)

: Courtney’s wearing a Naven skirt…

: and ankle boots from Top Shop.

: “Courtney, try on the Lanvin! Try on the Lanvin!”

: Ok, I must be serious while I try on the Lanvin.

: Jigme’s wearing a Jill Stuart dress.

: Mine & Yours earrings and necklace

: …A rigourous quality inspection process!

: You missed the dancing & prancing and singing to the music!

Hair 2 Help Makeover Competition

Oct, 20th, 2013

Ten Student and Apprentice Stylists competed in the 4th annual Hair 2 Help (H2H) fundraising gala for the following prizes:

1st place, scholarship towards the hairdressing training center of their choice ($1,500)
2nd place, $1,000
3rd place, a week long course at Suki’s Academy ($1,000)
4th place, an educational certificate to attend academy classes at La Biosthetique ($500)

Contestants were requested to send a “before” photo of their models. They had the ability to partner with a makeup artist and stylist to help complete the transformation. During the night of the show the “before” photos were projected on a giant screen as the fully made-up models walked across the stage.

The contest was judged by Anthony Crossfield, Stylist and Co-owner of Union Salon; Michael Levine, Stylist and Owner of Michael Levine Salons and guest judge Anton Mckenzie, a BC Lion. Due to the varied submission of the contestants I didn’t envy the judges. They were evaluating the contestants on cut, color, finish, form, balance, detail and the overall concept.

The competition was also an opportunity to raise money for Children’s Hospital and PKU research. Several days after the event I learned the event raised $21,150.15! The following salons participated: Air Hair, Cranberries Spa, C-zo, Hype Studio, Markus J, Salon 5 Seventy, Sukis, TRiM Hair Salon, Vo.lu.tion Salon, Zazou and Zone Hair Gallery. The event was also made possible by: Barry Calhoun (event photographer), Jim Drechel (In the Black), Michelle Phaneuf (Co-ordinator) and Kyle Jones (Comedian/Host).

Contestant 1

: Solmaz – Sukis

Contestant 2 – Second Place Winner, Stephanie and Model Vada

: Stephanie – Hype

Contestant 3 – First Place Winner, Karly & Model Kim

: “Congratulations! You won, you won!”

: Karly – Sukis

Contestant 4

: Araki – Sukis

Contestant 5

: Najiba – VCC

Contestant 6

: Angela – Sukis

Contestant 7 – Fourth Place Winner, Samantha and Model Meg

: Samantha – Hype

Contestant 8 – Third Place Winner, Francis and Model Caitlin

: Francis – Markus J

Contestant 9

: Amy – Axis

Contestant 10

: Shin – Blanche Macdonald

Guests

: Tia, raffle contest winner

: Tia, Miranda & Monique

: Jennifer, Ryan (C-Zo Owner), Justin (Stylist The Salon Beauty Bar) & Gilles (C-Zo Owner)

: Ashley, Kira, Jennifer, Denise, Yuliya & Brady

: Ashley, Kira & Yuliya

: Ken (Sukis President) and Britney (Sukis Team Leader)

Please note I have not visited any of the salons below so unfortunately I can’t offer any details on their services or prices. However, they participated in the Children’s Hospital and PKU research fundraising event so feel free to visit their websites if you’re seeking a new Stylist.

Mine & Yours, my interview with…

Oct, 20th, 2013

Good things come in small packages! Several days after we met at Eco Fashion Week I visited co-owners Courtney & Jigme at their 600 sq. foot boutique on Hornby St.

Q1- What would you like to share about yourselves?
A1- [Courtney] I’ve always loved fashion. I have degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. When I lived in LA, I loved shopping at the cool, curated 2nd-hand stores, where you could buy clothing you knew was previously owned by celebrities and stylists.

A2- [Jigme] I got the idea for “Mine & Yours” shortly after completing my MBA. It was a great opportunity to combine my love of fashion, entrepreneurship and sustainability. When I was travelling through Paris I discovered an amazing 2nd-hand store called “Reciproque”. It actually a series of little boutiques that occupy almost an entire city block. There were countless treasures and it was like the Louvre for fashion!

Q2- What’s the story behind your name?
A2- Mine & Yours is essentially a closet exchange for the women of Vancouver, where they can buy, sell, and trade their fabulous clothing. At the store, what’s “mine” is “yours”, and vice versa!

: Courtney (l) & Jigme (r)

Q3- How long have you been open?
A3- Just a few weeks! We opened at the beginning of October.

Q4- What sets Mine & Yours apart from the competition?
A4- We are the only buy, sell & trade resale boutique in Vancouver. We pay cash up-front for clothing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (no appointment is necessary). You’ll find we have to have a well-edited collection because when we’re making purchases we ask ourselves, “Is it on-trend?” “Is it good quality?” “Is it almost-new?” “Is it something me or my girlfriends would wear?”

Q5- Tell me about your customers?
A5- We cater to everyone but we find our typical customer is a fashion-forward woman between 20 – 40 who’s looking for a great deal.

Q6- Who are your style icons?
A6- We both really love Olivia Palermo’s style. Olivia has a seriously enviable closet, and she always looks so well put-together!

Q7- What are some labels you have on your racks at the moment?
A7- Theory, Vince, Missoni, Alice + Olivia, Isabel Marant, Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, DVF, as well as BCBG, Club Monaco and and Wilfred. We strive to offer 60 – 80% off the original price.

: A highly sought after leather Vince shift dress

Q8- What labels are you excited to see come across your buying counter?
A8- Right now we are buying for winter. We love seeing:

Cool chunky knit sweaters, and soft, flowy waterfall cardigans.
Mixed media in coats and dresses.
Big coats with cool shapes and dramatic necklines.
Leather, cashmere, and wool.
Fun, holiday dresses and cool blazers.

We are also buying printed pants and boyfriend jeans – they sell as quickly as they come in!

: “Talk to the hand!”

Q9- What else would you like to share?
A9- We are constantly entertaining and we really want people to feel at home at our store. We have a salon upstairs where we sometimes host trunk shows. We also have a mini pop-up photography studio where we style, model and photograph products. Since we buy clothes from fashion bloggers we also host blogger’s forums. Our most recent discussion was how to monetize your blog.

Q10- What upcoming events are you hosting?
A10- We’re having our official launch party on the weekend of Nov 1 – 3, where we will be serving up fashion, wine, and bargains! We’ll have extended hours and we’ll be offering 20% off everything in the store. It will be a wine & fashion event!

Please visit Mine & Yours at 1060 Hornby St. (near Nelson) or phone 604-620-8885

La Biosthetique Academy at Black2Blond Salon Grand Opening

Sep, 15th, 2013

Normally when I write a review it means I’ve found and interviewed an interesting individual. However, this post is a bit different. Instead of finding a fashion related individual, a PR firm invited me to the grand opening. Unfortunately, the event was too busy to interview the owners however, Lyndi of LJ PR provided me with wealth of background information.

The event celebrated the launch of La Biosthetique’s Academy in Canada. They are located in the newly remodeled Black2Blond salon & spa at 3575 W. 4th Ave. in Kitsilano. On Sundays and Mondays the salon will offer stylists classes using the La Biothetique products.

According to Lyndi’s press release, La Biosthetique has been in Paris since the 1950s. In addition to hair care, skin care, hair colour and make up products La Biosthetique also offers a “holistic care solution for the total well-being of hair and skin”. Lastly the packaging for all their products is made from recyclable materials.

As for the event I met stylists from Victoria, Toronto and Ottawa. Everyone mixed and mingled over wine and several varieties of Hor d’oeuvres. At 7:30pm guests were treated to a hair show.

: Left: Rich Polson Black2Blond Co-Ower
Right: Philip Jung, La Biosthetique General Mgr.

: Tom Shrubsall, Key Beauty Systems West

: A quick touch-up

: La Dolce Vita stylists: L to R: Roz, Shelley, Dan, Laurie, Mandy & Kris

: Kris & Roz

: Kenneth

: Robin from Victoria

: I didn’t recognize Louise from my coffee shop. Wow!

Hair Model Presentation

Partway through the evening everyone was treated to a hair show. Outfits were provided by fashion designers Evan Ducharme and Melissa Ferreira of Adhesif Clothing.