It has just become apparent to me that I have been favoring a certain pair of Michael Kors boots over the past few months, and you’re probably all sick of those boots. It’s just that, even at 5 inches high, they’re so darn comfortable! I’m a bit frustrated with myself though for having gotten into a shoe rut. I ought to give my other shoes a chance to shine, and so I will. Starting tomorrow!
Just wanted to get that off my chest before I went to sleep. Night night readers. Xo
Note: Oops, I can’t take the credit for the “champagne bar” comment, that was all Mat! Keep Reading.
Mat Wilcox, photo credit: The Globe and Mail.
In the field of Public Relations, one woman in particular stands out. Her name is Mat Wilcox, founder and CEO of the Wilcox Group. Just to give you a bit of an idea of what Mat does on a daily basis, she and her team handle corporate communications and crisis management. For example, when we were all hearing about the Avian Bird Flu scare, or H1N1 sine influenza, Mat was behind the scenes managing the communications side of these high-profile crises. Pretty big stuff hey? Impressive doesn’t do Mat justice.
A bit more background from The Wilcox Group website:
In 1995, Mat founded Wilcox Group, one of Canada’s largest national corporate communications and crisis management firms.
Mat has provided strategy and counsel to prominent Canadian business leaders on more than $4 billion worth of merger and acquisition projects, garnering millions of dollars in media coverage and national – and international – headlines. She has personally advised CEOs of multibillion-dollar, publicly-traded organizations and provided key counsel to client accounts including TELUS, KFC Canada, Obelysk Inc., Scott’s REIT, Translink, BHP Billiton, Whole Foods Market, Dave Wireless, and Priszm Income Fund.
I believe the word you are now looking for, is WOW. I know, right?
So how did a fairly new blogger like myself come in contact with such an outstanding and powerful woman? I’ve been familiar with the Wilcox group for sometime now and so when I joined Twitter I looked Mat Wilcox up and immediately became one of her followers. Oh, the power of Twitter! Anyone who spends enough time around me is lucky enough to hear me go on about how much I adore Twitter.
Let me take a moment out here and take this opportunity to tell all of you non-Twitterers what you are missing out on: if there is someone you admire, say a celebrity, a journalist or a woman of PR BRILLIANCE with fun, witty 140 character “tweets,” GET ON TWITTER AND START FOLLOWING. What makes Twitter so amazing is the contact it allows you to connect with just about anyone. I often tweet to @FLAREmagazine, and now, oh happy day! Flare magazine follows me on Twitter! And this is how my relationship with Mat Wilcox came to be.
Mat sent out 140 characters saying something cute about how she wasn’t getting full use out of her kitchen at the time, so I responded and she wrote back!
StyleStruck @matwilcox I really think modern kitchens ought to accommodate the modern woman: more shelving, perhaps a shoe rack or two and a wine cellar
MatWilcox @StyleStruck And a full on champagne bar. Plus an automatic hair stylist.
StyleStruck @matwilcox you speak my language!
That was a big day for me.
In January I got to thinking, I’d like to publish a few posts about inspiring and influential established and up-and-coming women. All are Vancouver women with a story to share, and a closet that would make any girl a little envious! Here is the first interview; the role fashion plays in a busy, professional and fabulous woman’s life:
StyleStruck: How do you think fashion influences your life?
Mat Wilcox: I am a minimalist. I look at fashion that I can travel in easily. I have offices in Toronto and Vancouver so I buy two of everything that I love so I don’t have to pack a suitcase. When you travel as much as I do you want clothes that can stand up to airplanes yet look professional and stylish at all times. i.e. my Laboutins!
SS: How does fashion help you shape your personal image/identity?
MW: I am a big fan of structural and clean lines. I love the minimalist look – especially a black turtleneck and riding boots. However, that said, I am having to break away from my all black routine. My favourite designer these days is Pink Tartan – they have a striped coral wrap dress that’s the perfect day to dinner dress for spring. The silk jersey fabric makes it an amazing solution for a weekend away – just pack and go!
SS: What is your favourite occasion to get dressed for?
MW: Truthfully, I don’t enjoy black tie events and fussy hair even though I have to attend a lot of these kinds of functions. My favourite occasion is well…New York anything. I do love to get dressed in New York. It is where I feel most comfortable, especially in the fall. Maybe it’s the all black theme women wear there? I like the sophistication of the city and I feel like a million dollars there.
SS: What have you learned about fashion as your style as changed?
MW: I learned early on to buy the most expensive classic style you can afford. I remember when I was broke buying two items a year. The great thing was that over time you build a wardrobe. Amazingly I still have those pieces (i.e. a classic Chanel bag) and I rotate them in and out.
SS: How did you get your start in Public Relations?
MW: I launched the Globe and Mail newspaper in Western Canada. That was my first PR job and I immediately loved it and knew I had found my niche. From there I worked at the Olympics, Hyatt Hotels and then started my own corporate communications firm. We specialize in corporate communications and crisis management for major companies all over North America.
SS: What part of your job do you enjoy most?
MW: I really enjoy working with our clients and coming up with solutions. I sit on several corporate and charitable boards and really enjoy my work with them. It’s a challenge and keeps me thinking.
As I edit and re-read this post I can’t help but feel an urge to be entrepreneurial! I hope you do too! : ) Check back for more of these over the coming weeks!
And of course, a big THANK YOU to Mat for generously giving her time!!
XO StyleStruck
Well, that day of all things mushy, red and lacy is almost upon us. Have you made your Valentines plans yet?? If not, I have some Valentines Day suggestions!
Because February 14th is one of those days on which most people strive to impress, here is a list of 5 of my top romantic spots that will be worth the $$$ spent:
1. Cioppino’s in Yaletown – 1133 Hamilton St. 604 688 7466 $$$
Cioppino’s is a classic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant situated along the cobble-stone like brick sidewalk, (girls in stilettos beware!!) of Yaletown. If you plan to eat here, I recommend requesting a table in the Enoteca room. The main room of the restaurant is lovely, but this back room is beautifully lit with candles at night and is very romantic. Lining the walls of the room are the restaurant’s supply of wine which adds to the Italian charm of Cioppino’s. Highly recommended.
2. Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel – 845 Hornby St. 604 689 7777 $$$
I have never seen as decadent an interior as the one in Bacchus. Many of the seats are done in plush velvet and there are huge flower arrangements surrounding the tables. The environment is decidedly luxurious, with a bit of an old world feeling. I have only been to Bacchus for brunch and for drinks so I’m not able to comment on the food, but I have only heard great things! Note to guys: this place will most definitely impress any lady!
3. Yew at The Four Seasons – 791 W. Georgia 604 689 9333 $$$
If you’re looking for a restaurant that is contemporary yet warm, Yew is the right place for you. The interior is gorgeous with a lofty 12 ft ceiling, rich wood panelling and a floor-to-ceiling sandstone fireplace. The menu features items from “the Pacific region,” as they say on their website. I have never had a bad dining experience at Yew. Sometime last year I enjoyed a dessert for two that was something like a sundae in a huge martini glass, now I’m not sure if they still serve this, but if they do, indulge and let me know so I can say “I told you so!” Note to girls: On Fridays Yew hosts “Dive Fridays” from 2:30-10:00pm when ladies wearing pink are entitled to a free appy!
4. Bridges on Granville Island – 604 687 4400 $$$
I’ve never seen a view like I have from the upstairs patio at Bridges. It was a warm summer evening when I was there, but even in the winter with the sun setting the Burrard Inlet is nothing short of gorgeous. Bridges is the House of Switzerland during the Olympic games and so for the two weeks there is a separate Swiss menu to choose from for both day and night. One item in particular from the day menu caught my eye; Macaroni with ham, potatoes, onions and cream with a side of apple sauce, ($17). Talk about comfort food! And for dessert, Swiss carrot cake! Why not make this a destination dinner with a walk along English Bay’s seawall and then a boat ride over to Granville Island? (Boarding is just under the Aquatic Centre at the end of the sea wall when walking east). Two can ride the cute little boats for $5. Adorable.
5. Sandbar on Granville Island – 1535 Johnston St. 604 669 9030 $$
Another fabulous date spot! Sandbar has a very cozy atmosphere with excellent staff who are ready to recommend a brilliant wine to pair with your fish, steak or pasta. The year-round patio is heated and has a lovely view of the water, very romantic! Sandbar is an excellent choice if you are looking for seafood. Ask the server what their feature dish is, each night the restaurant will prepare a list of meals only available for the evening prepared fresh that day!
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TIP YOUR SERVER. No one likes a stingy date. It’s just as bad, or worse than a date with bad breath. On that note, carry extra mints. Here to help. ; )
Also, obvious, but worth mentioning, CALL AHEAD FOR RESERVATIONS!
And now for some pictures:
This is me in all my casual-Valentines-Day-inspired-outfit-glory. 2nd pic from bottom: Trying to get the shot, I fell -whoosh!- backwards. I try so hard for you readers. Wearing: Lips printed top from the Patricia Field shop in NYC, Zara jeans and Miu Miu pumps with rose-gold rolex, just kidding! Rose gold Fossil watch.
HAVE A LOVELY VALENTINES DAY!!
XO StyleStruck
The very treasured item:
This is a post-it note written by Anna Wintour herself! I suppose it was written to some employee. The way it got to me was through Tommy’s brother Adam, who has a friend who works, or worked somewhere in the Vogue offices. I’m not sure of the details there, but Adam’s friend framed it and gave it to him. Luckily for me Adam is not the Anna fan that I am! It will be going on my wall!
Adam sporting his “east coast cool” look, (I say that because he is a pretty laid back chill dude):
Sack jacket: Rag & Bone Rag-bone.com, T-Shirt by Zachary German “Eat when you feel sad,” Pants by Mountain Equipment Co-op, Topsiders by Sperry
Thanks Adam for one of the best things I’ve ever gotten!!
I have just been informed that a tweet I sent to @FLAREmagazine about liking their September issue has been published in their December issue in the Letter section. HappyHappyHappyHappyHappyDay!!!!
One of my goals this year was to get published in a Canadian magazine, and I think this fully counts, although there was no article written. Next year’s goal will have to be more specific, (an article featuring me, please!, with picture), apparently Karma needs details to get our goals right.
The only bad part about this is that I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 24 HOURS BEFORE I CAN GET MY HANDS ON A COPY OF FLARE!!!
This is a small step for StyleStruck but HOLY $%&# I’m excited. 
How am I supposed to buy these if I can't see them in store?? Heels by Christian Louboutin
A few days ago I twittered about how certain stores, *cough* Holt Renfrew *cough*, are very uncomfortable places to be if you feel like the sales people can see through your bag into your two-ten-dollar-bill-carrying wallet. The stores we all dream of shopping at, and sometimes do after a period of maniac saving, (and starving), have the most frustrating atmosphere!
So take Holts for instance, I have bought shoes from there in the past, and might continue to, but I can’t buy shoes if I don’t know what they are currently selling, no? And at this point, after many times of going in there to browse the selection, and being stared down because my bag is vintage and not Burberry, I step one foot towards the shoe department and feel my legs wanting to run the other direction as fast as my platform heels will carry me! It’s rediculous! There is one sales person there in particular who has this stare, it’s like he looks at you and sums up the cost of what you’re wearing and if it doesn’t total over some thousand dollar amount, you’re not worth his time.
I used to work retail, so I understand what it’s like to have to wait on customers who are only there to have fun and try things on that they will never buy, but I am not one of those shoppers! I just want to see, and maybe touch, the shoes. So if at some point I do want to buy, it’d be nice to feel just a little bit welcomed, or god forbid, like I belong there.
I’d love to hear what you think about this! Leave a comment (at top of post)
Xoxo StyleStruck
