Posts Tagged: Fossil

Photography & Style — 2 Comments
26
Aug 10

Style frappé dans le village ouest! – Day IV, Part I

Can you tell I’m having a french moment? It’s because I am absolutely DYING to go to Paris. DYING. I am in the midst of trying to learn a little french, hence my integration of the language in my blog posts. Plus, what is chicer than french? (By the way, “Style frappé dans le village ouest” means “StyleStruck in the West Village,” a.k.a. Greenwich!)

Saturday morning we headed out of our hotel in search of breakfast nearby. We strolled down a few blocks and ended up, by accident, exactly in front of the Empire State Building! Quelle chance! Fabuleux! In all my time in NYC, I’ve never been up the Empire State Building! Breakfast was put on hold as we went to check it out. (If you’re going to do the Empire State Building, I highly recommend going early in the morning, we were there around 10 am and for once, there was no line! I’ve seen the line go around the block, and then what you don’t know is that once inside the building, there are several floors with ropes set up like mazes designed for more waiting. It could take hours.) The view was breathtaking, I’m so glad we did it!

Oooh squinty sun! Wearing: Sirens ruffled top, Talula spandex tank, vintage Levi’s cut offs, Zara leather flats, Fossil watch, bracelet from a SoHo street vendor, Gianni Chiarini leather carry-all.

At the tip there, that’s downtown Manhattan. With the Hudson River on the left, and the East River on the right, (I think).

Looking at the Upper East and West Sides, with Central Park in the middle! 

The Chrysler Building! 

Off in the distance is the Brooklyn Bridge. If you go to NYC, I highly recommend walking across the bridge, it is such a wonderful experience and view is incredible!

After breakfast I went off to the West Village to do a little sight seeing and shopping! The West Village is home to the 4 or 5, I can’t keep count, Marc Jacobs stores, with most of them being on Bleecker St. If you walk further down Bleecker, you come to Jane St! And right near Jane St. is one of my favourite New York City stores, Darling.

This is the shop, called Darling, where I purchased my favourite vintage rings, and going back again did not disappoint! This time round I picked up a vintage silk scarf with navy and purple lions and a vintage pony hair leopard print belt. 

After darling I visited a shop called Soapology, where I found the most delicious soy candles and walnut face and body scrub. 

After shopping and sight seeing, (Carrie’s apartment on Perry St!), I took myself for lunch at The Pink Tea Cup. A small restaurant where the servers wear all black with touches of hot pink! The perfect place to order a glass of pink champagne. 

Okay that’s it for now! Stay tuned for Part II of Day IV! It features the wedding and a couple fabulous designers you may recognize!

Xo StyleStruck

My Style / Photography & Style — 4 Comments
25
Aug 10

Merde! Headaches & High Heels – Day III

Friday morning I awoke with a mission: do not let last night’s festivities affect today’s adventures! I feel as though I was rather successful. I don’t have a picture of my outfit for the day, so I’ll just tell you what I wore. A bright peachy orange dress-jumper from French Connection with white leather Zara flats and a sequin purse with a chain strap. And biiig shades to cover my tired eyes! (3 pairs of aviators, the only style of sunnies I like, for $10!) We hopped in a taxi to SoHo where we found a very quaint and charming restaurant serving breakfast sandwiches on fresh croissants and mimosas. Sooo good! After breakfast I was left on my own to shop around, and boy did I do that. First to TopShop where I found a great Rodarte-esque cardigan and 6″ platform heels with a great floral pattern. I also picked up a bracelet and three adorable old Vogue images, with mattes and frames from street vendors. A very successful shopping day! Afterwards I went along home to take a nap before heading out for a big dinner downtown. Here’s what I wore:

Matthew Williamson for H&M wrap dress, Guess by Marciano gold hoop earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, Aldo elephant ring, Fossil watch, Stuart Weitzman nude pumps.

After dinner there was no hope of rallying for a second night out, off to the land of dreams back at the Ace.

- End of Day 3 -

My Style / Photography & Style / Stylish Events — No Comments
24
Aug 10

J’adore New York – Part I

Monday  morning I arrived back in Vancouver after a very long and grueling 22 hours of traveling, (darn weather caused us to miss a connecting flight leaving us stranded at the SeaTac Airport at 12 am, how ultra glam). But I’d like to start this fashion story at the beginning! So here we go, with Day 1 of the NYC 2010 trip:

Sitting on the floor at the Minneapolis airport waiting for the connecting flight to JFK. Just flipping through Marie Claire when I saw THE KENSIE AD! Gorgeous! Faithful readers may remember I was behind the scenes at this photo shoot, seen here.

We had to get up at 3 am last Wednesday morning to catch the flight to Minneapolis, which explains my “look.” Although I was proud of myself for getting a bit of a tan before we left, (usually I am the palest of pale). My girlfriend Steph and I spent the day at English Bay on Tuesday… I really enjoyed the slide. (Wearing a Victoria’s secret bikini).

Finally we arrived in New York, at the JFK airport in Queens. The drive into Manhattan was absolutely gorgeous and was a brilliant welcome to the city!

About 8:30 pm we checked into the Ace Hotel in Midtown. I LOVE this hotel, if you’ve been reading Vogue the past few months, you know of the Ace. Alexander Wang has been featured there for his latest work, as well as countless other mentions in the various columns of the magazine. Clearly, Anna is a fan of the Ace. 

Even after a long, long day of traveling, when you are in New York, you do not sleep, you go out! So we re-dressed and grabbed a cab headed for the Meatpacking District in search of a fabulous dinner. Just casually strolling through the Ace hallway en route to the elevator…

Wearing: Vintage black chiffon blouse over a Talula spandex tank, Zara leather skirt, Zara faux snakeskin heels, vintage Pierre Cardin snakeskin clutch, white enamel bangle from Macy’s and a rose gold Fossil watch.

Tommy picked the restaurant for the night, which was the Old Homestead Steakhouse, keeper of the most delicious sirloin I’ve ever tasted. As well as a knockout cosmo. Full and happy, it was back to the Ace for some much needed rest! 

- End of Day 1 -

My Style / Photography & Style / Stylish Events — 4 Comments
17
Aug 10

I Live in Fashion Land

Woke up one day last week, checked my day timer and saw that I had a couple appointments for the day. One casual, a lovely brunch with a girlfriend who I spent time galavanting around Manhattan with a couple years back, (actually, you may have seen her on this month’s Vancouver Magazine cover! The gorgeous model in the black one-piece; Andrea Milner!) Then an appointment with local boutique Invito Couture to check out the new fall collection. 

Wearing: Blouse brand unknown, Sirens spandex tank, Zara leather skirt, (as seen here), Fossil rose gold watch, H&M bracelet and an Italian leather bag, brand unknown, shoes, (which you can’t see yet, are Nine West).

With Invito Couture co-owner Yeliz Delaney in front of their Tinseltown store.

The owners of Invito Couture invited me down to their shop to become better acquainted with their merchandise and have a look at what’ll be hitting their racks in the coming fall months! The store boasts a fantastic selection of evening gowns and party frocks, but also a wide array of cocktail dresses, some casual enough for a dinner date. The line is brought exclusively to Canada by Prahlad and Yeliz from Turkey, where the dresses are designed and made. Upon close inspection of the garments you can tell there is a lot of passion and care behind each piece as there is great attention to detail and a lot of integrity behind the label. Something you might find interesting is that Yeliz and Prahlad only bring in one or two dresses of each design, meaning you’ll be guaranteed to avoid those awkward, “Oh my gosh, we’re wearing the same dress!” moments we all cringe at. I bring you a look at some of my favourite looks from Invito Couture, and invite you to check out their store in the Tinseltown mall!

Co-owner Prahlad Delaney shows off a silver satin number.

I was admiring the studs on this Fall 2010 dress…

So naturally I had to try it on! And then another…

Everyone needs a gown in their closet, we ought to all get fabulously dressed up more often, don’t you think?

Thank you to Yeliz and Prahlad for having me to their store! Check them out here and visit them in Tinseltown!

Now I must be off, the final touches must be put on my packing before I can leave for New York City in the morning! (This is why I’ve been slacking a bit on the blog posts!) Expect a FULL report when I get back!

Xo StyleStruck

My Style / Stylish Events — 3 Comments
21
Jul 10

Holts’ New Chanel Beauty Bar

Last night, Chanel hosted a cocktail, (or champagne), party at their new beauty and fragrance bar in Holt Renfrew. The space is GORGEOUS! It is truly a Chanel wonderland of sparkly lip gloss, perfume galore and the latest Shanghai collection of nail polish. I’ll have to be careful about going near it, as I know I’ll be bound to find a few, or a lot, of things I just have to have! The party-goers last night were an eclectic mix of local celebrities, (Erin Ireland, Elisa Estrada), Chanel clients, beauty gurus, PR pros, bloggers and people from the office of Chanel. 

Niki Blasina, of A Haute Mess, and me at the event! Love this girl’s style, and fierce boots! 

With Ryan Bazely, of PINQ.

DJ Blondtron, a.k.a. Samantha Mathews spinning for Chanel. 

Maria Jose Hernandez Cos and Nadia Chu of String Magazine with Marilyn Wilson of Vancouver Fashion Ezine.

The fabulous Niki and I went for a little Granville stroll after the party.

Wearing: BCBG Max Azria silk top, B.B. Dakota skirt, Chanel sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, Fossil watch.

Thank you to the PR & Event team at Holts and at Chanel for putting on such a wonderful party, and for inviting me! And THANK YOU for the swag bags!! Eeee CHANEL USB STICK! Best thing ever!

Now off to play in the sun! 

Xo StyleStruck

Thoughts — 7 Comments
16
Jul 10

All Business: Perceived Value of Your Personal Brand

Blogger’s Disclaimer: These are my thoughts. I may be ridiculous, I may be brilliant, (it has yet to be determined), but I’m on the road to figuring it all out, and this post is part of that. So I ask that you read this post as though you and I were having a conversation, a casual discussion of a current topic. Thank you in advance. And please do leave your thoughts below in the comments section!

Sitting on a Yaletown patio, (Starbucks), thinking about biz. Notice, I’m wearing a collared shirt, which is obviously very professional and pretty much makes me a bonafide business woman, (insert touch of sarcasm). (A Tommy Hilfiger collared shirt. From Winners. Love Winners.)

Today I’m thinking about perceived value, and how you can create that in the way you establish your own personal brand. Recently BC Business published a blog post on their site about perceived value, from blogger Tommy Humphreys, author of The Shift Key, and it made me re-think my strategy in terms of how I position myself as I build my career. Being a blogger, or a “fashion blogger,” as I’m often introduced as, (I prefer: “fashion, lifestyle and PR blogger,” but no biggie ; )), it can be tricky deciding who and what I should and should not align myself with. This is true with every single brand, and I think every organization really has to think and do their homework to make sure that when they do choose to partner with another brand, that their ideals, goals and values line up. If they don’t, the brand value can be damaged. What I’m aiming for, in terms of brand perception, and this is a lofty goal here, so get ready, is to be perceived as a luxury brand, like a Chanel, or YSL blogger. I don’t say this because I literally have hopes to work with such luxury brands, (though, wouldn’t that be a fierce job!), but I mean it in the sense that I hope for my brand to hold serious cred in the minds of those in my industry. Take Chanel for instance, we all want a piece of it. We love Chanel for the craftsmanship, the quality, the sense that it is special and limited in quantity and of course the fact that it is indeed, very top shelf. (I’ve got Chanel on the brain as I am currently wearing the CC sandals.) The ideal situation for a blogger is to be taken seriously, to be understood and of course, to be wanted. What I’m trying to get at, is when you are building a brand, and trying to create a strong, positive perception around that brand, how do you know when an opportunity to work with a company is a good or bad choice for you? I’ve asked around and put together a short list of check points that should align when such a relationship is considered: 

1. Values: Is there a shared set of values? Think community involvement, philanthropy, treatment of employees, quality of life and quality of work.

2. Goals: Are you working towards common goals? When thinking about a brand partnership, consider what kind of relationship you’d like to create with the potential partner, is it short-term or long-term? And does the potential partner want to create short or long-term relationships with their clients? (The obvious answer is of course long-term, but many companies do not operate this way. As I’m sure you’ve noticed when you didn’t receive good customer service at that restaurant you visited recently when they forgot your food and then it was cold. Just an example.) Do their financial goals match with yours in terms of budgets and what kind of money each part of the budget is worth. Example: Is having an influential host at your event worth paying for? (Answer: Probably. It pays, literally, to have a job well done.)

3. Mission: What are you working towards? Does this potential partnership aid in growing your biz/brand? Do both brands hope to make a difference in society through their work?

4. Target Market: So important! Are you and your potential partner selling to the same market? This is an easy one to figure out, and it’s a deal breaker. If your markets align, then fabulous, if not, what is the point of such a relationship? If you want to be the Chanel of your industry, align with companies who also strive to be at the very top of their game, with brands of value. 

I shall now take my own advice and (try to) apply it to my own decisions. Tell me what you think.

- SS

And what I wore while I wrote this business-themed post: Tommy Hilfiger striped collared short, white denim Trina Turk shorts, Chanel platform sandals, rose gold fossil watch, vintage bling, H&M sunnies and a tan leather Makowsky bag. Laptop by Apple. Just another day at the office!

My Style — 3 Comments
16
Mar 10

My DIY

Tuesday afternoon, and thank goodness, we are seeing sun!! This morning I put together a little photo shoot wearing a DIY project I did a few weeks ago. I had a leather jacket from Zara from years ago that needed a little love, and a fur caplet I purchased at a vintage store some time ago with plans to turn it into a muff (obviously that never panned out). Then recently I thought, maybe this leather jacket could use a little fur trim, and sewed the caplet right onto the shoulders of the jacket and PRESTO! Insta-Fendi! Or something vaguely resembling a Fendi style jacket. I think Karl would approve, despite his very odd penchant for faux fur these days. (Worst collection, ever. Dear Karl, what was he thinking).

And here is an outfit to go with my fabulous new jacket, I felt a bit Amelia Earhart, probably because my pants could be from the 40s, and the leather jacket felt like a pilot’s coat from the 40s. Now I just need a leather cap and some goggle-tastic flying glasses. 

Any squintyness can be blamed on how bright my living room was this morning, despite the clouds. No I was not trying to do a “sexy eye.” Ha. 

Wearing: DIY Zara bomber w/ vintage fur, white Sirens T, DIY navy wool trousers, (these were made at fashion school years back) and white leather Zara flats. And of course my rose-gold Fossil watch. 

Ta Ta for now readers, thanks for visiting me!!

Xo StyleStruck

Photography & Style — 6 Comments
11
Feb 10

Vancouver is Awesome, Shine Nightclub, Red Bull & Belvedere Vodka Proudly Present: An Awesome Showcase

LOOKING FOR A HIP AND STYLISH EVENT TO ATTEND THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THOSE WINTER GAMES? Look no further!

VancouverisAwesome.com and Shine Nightclub present “An Awesome Showcase” of local Vancouver talent. A little excerpt from the organizers:

The three part visual arts show will feature Vancouver’s top established and up-and-coming artists, photographers and designers throughout the entire two weeks of the winter games.

Running from February 12 – 28, the show will be viewable to the public throughout the daytime and will offer visual displays for the night scene as well. When taking in the art works, daytime guests are also invited to slip into Shine’s cocktail lounge to relax and sip on tasty libations.

Each day for the duration of the showcase, Vancouver Is Awesome will be blogging live from the venue, giving the public up-to-date information on the event’s happenings and  sharing favourite Vancouver stories from the people who visit the exhibit.

Tuesday evening was the launch party of this fabulous event, which was put together in part by DelaCruz PR firm. The launch party was a gathering of Vancouver’s most artsy, from photographers, graphic designers and artists to bloggers, public relations people and various other reporters. 

The curator of An Awesome Showcase, Randy Laybourne and I. (I’m wearing: Bebe mesh and sequin top, Zara leather jacket, black ripped Sirens jeans and rose-gold Fossil watch).

I can’t think of a better venue for an exhibition like this, the art was displayed so effectively against the lit-up walls.

Four of the featured artists.

Kelly Litzenberger, photographer and Editor/Art Director at Concrete Skateboarding Magazine with one of his pieces. 

When I asked Kelly what his reasoning was for placing two panoramic images together, Kelly replied simply, “I don’t have a deep reason for doing this, I just thought they looked good together.” To me, this is art at its best. I’m not one for drawn out lengthy and philosophical meanings behind art. It’s either aesthetically pleasing to you, or it isn’t. And Kelly’s piece is! (Two panoramic images of the pond and path near it at Granville Island, taken from above on the Burrard St. Bridge).

Left: Another piece of panoramic photography by Kelly Litzenberger

The vibe in Shine was amazing, low lighting and lots of great people to meet, not to mention very visually stimulating, (I’m talking about the art. Although, for all the single ladies out there, this type of event was a prime spot for mingling).

STYLE at An Awesome Showcase:

Vancouver entreprenuer and Lily & Jae designer Jude Feller. It was a pleasure to meet this woman. Jude, Niki, (Blasina, of A Haute Mess) and I engaged in a very interesting discussion about Vancouver’s fashion industry, not only are these events fun, but also insightful. 

I have one word to describe photographer Christine McAvoy: adorable. And sweet, so maybe two words. Here Christine stands with one of her photographs. Christine will be blogging daily from the exhibit at Shine for the duration of the show, Feb.12-28. Check out here work here!

Fabulous PR woman, Melania Dela Cruz of Dela Cruz PR. 

Stylish Bloggerina, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess. I had the pleasure of spending a good part of my evening viewing the exhibit with Niki, the girl is smart and will definitely go far in her chosen career of PR. 

And just a little reminder, this exhibit is running from February 12-28 at Shine Nightclub! Enjoy!

XO StyleStruck

 

 

 

My Style / Thoughts — 4 Comments
5
Feb 10

LOVESTRUCK – The StyleStruck-5 Guide to Valentines in Vancouver

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

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