StyleStruck » Guess

BLONDE AMBITION

Olivia — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:51:57 +0000

{ Wearing: Brooks Brothers chambray shirt, Icone gingham shirt c/o Simons.ca, BCBG military pants, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes (last seen here), Guess baguette (my first branded bag, purchased at 13), The Cross Decor & Design gifted tote, Poshlocket rose gold bangles c/o, Stella & Dot gold link & spiky bracelets, Stella & Dot snake ring c/o, H&M sunnies }

These photos were taken Friday morning just before I went to meet Rae for a LOVE + MARK’D meeting at Starbucks. Which by the way, I am largely over. Starbucks serves average coffee at outrageous prices in a could-be-described-as blah environment. There is nothing special about it at all, very much unlike my preferred spots Giovane Cafe at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and Bel Cafe at the Hotel Georgia. We met purposely to discuss a marketing campaign for the card brand and were thinking of creating one with an anti-social media element to it, being that aside from a few well-intended instagram photos, our product is meant for the traditional mail system and has nothing to do with communication 2.0. I am very proud of what we came up with after spending two plus hours sitting in the Robson at Thurlow Starbucks. I must give props to Rae for being such a major part of the creative process, it’s amazing how much more innovative you can be when it is not just you circling ideas around in your own head. We are just in the beginning stages of creating the imagery to support the campaign and we hope to launch in early June. I hope you’ll support us!

Lately I’ve been playing around with my new-ish short hair, this weekend with a small-barrel curling iron. I helped a man at Starbucks who couldn’t find the right size of lid for his tall cup and afterwards he said, “thanks Marilyn.” It kinda made my day.

MIXED UP

Olivia — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:01:57 +0000

{ Wearing: Guess jacket, Diane Von Furstenburg dress, Zara shoes, Frances Cobiasia bag, Armani sunnies, rose gold bangle from Blue Ruby, the rest from a street vendor in NYC’s SoHo }

I picked this outfit for Friday’s errands: picking up denim for Tuesday’s BT segment and pulling clothes and accessories at The Bay. Rae and I left feeling great about our outfit options for Monday’s Hotel Georgia photo shoot, amongst them this and this combo!

I tend to love all of my clothes equally. Some may be designer, some high street, some on trend and some very old, but they’re all special pieces to me. I picked up this jacket in Whistler during a spring trip up the mountain when the Balmain embellish military jacket was all the rage. I still enjoy the military look and love how I can belt this right at my waist, particularly when this DVF dress billows out, as seen here in January 2011.

Now, to tend to my apartment. Which currently looks more like a closet. SO MANY CLOTHES. That are not for me. Styling is bitter sweet.

INSIDE

Olivia — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:50:40 +0000

{Cozy inside, with Vogue, while the rain blusters away outside. Wearing: Vintage angora sweater, Guess? dress, Fossil watch}

{Flowers arrived at my door this morning along with a beautiful new fragrance I will be reviewing soon}

If you’re going out tonight to a Halloween fête, I sincerely wish you a rain-proof evening – I suggest trying one of those clear garbage bags over your costume. Hey, it worked when I was five. ; )

Life in Vancouver & The Key

Olivia — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:08:20 +0000

Yesterday afternoon it was too glorious here in Vancouver not to get outside. On a bike, with a red rose. The man and I went on a fasntastic bike ride through Gastown, over the Burrard St bridge (gotta use those bike lanes!), and then to the False Creek and Yaletown seawalls where we eventually stopped for lunch (and there just so happened to be a man selling roses).

{ At lunch, wearing: silk top from the Patricia Field store on the Bowery in NYC, Zara pants, complete with bike grease, Zara flats and an a Guess backpack from oh, about 2005. Armani sunnies }

On our way through Gastown we stopped at Heth PR‘s office to pick up a little something with my name on it…

A key to the Global Party! I’ve always thought it would be so fabulous to need a key to get into somewhere, I remember reading about needing a key to get into Bungalow 8 back when it was in its heyday. The Global Party will be held in 80+ of the world’s finest locations at venues offering a night of ultimate luxury. Vancouver’s Global Party is to be held at Opus in mid-September. Can’t wait! Now, what to wear…

P.S. I’m holding a giveaway: a pair of GORG Stella & Dot earrings! Winner announced tomorrow! CLICK HERE for more & how to enter!

Tangerine Dreams

Olivia — Mon, 30 May 2011 21:38:56 +0000

Sunday morning I met my man, George, and my Mum for breakfast at Savary Island Pie Company across the Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver. It’s just a short couple of bus rides away from my home in the West End, and so worth the journey. The cafe (at 15th and Marine Drive), is packed with oddly matched tables and chairs, lamps and collected pictures and decorative bits. It is also home to the best muffins, pies and pastries in Vancouver (my opinion). And what a delight to park yourself in the sunny window and gaze out onto Marine Drive while sipping a vanilla latte – which is what I did while I waited for my company. Afterwards, we went for a stroll along the Ambleside Pier and George snapped a few blog-worthy pictures for me. I’ve been dying to blog about this new skirt that I recently picked up at Zara. It is, to me, my own little piece of Jil Sander, S/S 2011. However, my mother referred to me as “bohemian” (eeeeek! The antithesis of my style!) and my boyfriend referred to my skirt as “my gown.” But I love it, I think it is perfectly casual. I look forward to pairing this skirt with my Chanel platforms and a crisp white button-down shirt.

Wearing: Zara jacket, Guess cardigan, H&M tank, Zara skirt and sandals. Tiffany’s heart bracelet, and other bracelet by an unknown designer – I picked out the pieces at a shopping fair at Heritage Hall on Main St. years ago (previously seen here), Stella & Dot rose gold and silver stackable “Eternity” rings, vintage pearl ring and Fossil rose gold watch. Gianni Chiarini leather carry-all.

H&M sunnies and pearl earrings from who-knows-where. Spending time back in West Van was wonderful, it is so beautiful, particularly in the summer.

Xo StyleStruck

The Things We Women Do

Olivia — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 23:14:14 +0000

Like spend hours on end sitting in a salon chair, letting dye do it’s job, or enduring the windy blow dryer in pursuit of the perfect accidentally big and fabulous hair. (It’s certainly not in vogue at the moment to show effort towards your hair – just look at the all the New York scenesters, nothing more than a pulled back chignon, or a casual side part and naturally dried hair. But that look or attitude never was very me. Remember my NYE ‘do? Also courtesy of the fantastic Suki’s Salon!)

But this was my day (the day of the Guess event) and you know I went for? Texas style hair. I wanted big and bouncy, and Suki’s gave me just that! The day prior I also spent time at Suki’s having highlights done. Oh, the maintenance involved in being a woman. This post will document my wonderfully spa-like experience at our downtown Suki’s. (Pictures courtesy of my BlackBerry.)

Day 1 at Suki’s: The Highlights – please don’t judge me too harshly on the below photo… I myself find it a little alarming. It is me sans make up and shame. Let’s preface this though with the finished result:

I rather enjoy getting my hair done, with the right colorist and stylist it can be quite relaxing. My colorist, Felicia, does wonders on my hair, I always leave feeling fresh and perky – bright blonde will do that for you. (Above wearing: Silk blouse from (212) in Gastown and Zara skirt.)

New blonde = giddy.

Day 2 at Suki’s: The Blowout

Ooooh, gettin close to Texas style!

Achieved. And now, let’s bring it down a little to Vancouver style…

Guess party here I come! Wearing: Mossimo trench, Old Navy cardigan and Fidelity denim with my Kate Spade tote.

With the Guess ladies in from Toronto and my fellow hosts! Alicia Fashionista, A Haute Mess and The Anthology. All outfits by Guess!

With Vancouver tweeters and friends, Marisa, Christine and Liz.

A big giant thank you to Suki’s for giving me the ultimate hair experience! I shall be back soon!

Xo StyleStruck

The Dress

Olivia — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:17:29 +0000

I love this JNBY (Just Naturally Be Yourself) shirt dress. It feels professional and preppy, but totally man-friendly at the same time (think: thrown-on boyfriend’s over-sized shirt). I recently wore this outfit (sans clutch, but with my pink Kate Spade bag), to meet and talk with my high school fashion teacher’s grade 11/12 sewing class. (Which was fantastic! And they have an upcoming fashion show that I’m excited to attend! Ohhh memories!).

I mentioned a little while back that I recently wore this dress out for dinner to my favorite Greek spot here in the West End. That time though I paired it with cobalt blue suede strappy heels, a darker blue version of this Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, no belt and messy hair (it was man-approved!). As with all JNBY pieces, this dress is incredibly versatile and can be worn in more than one way!

Wearing: Gifted JNBY shirt dress, vintage pony hair leopard printed belt (from Darling in NYC’s West Village), Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, Michael Kors watch, rose gold bangle from Blue Ruby, suede Rockport boots (I’m really having a moment with these boots right now), vintage Ray Bans, Cargo lipgloss (thanks to the fabulous people who put the Guess party swag bags together!).

A casual stroll in English Bay, hellloo spring time!!

This dress was a wonderful gift from JNBY, many thanks! Their wonderful head visual merchandiser Raffaele recently took me through a look of the Spring 2011 collection and it is fantastic. Lots of amazing casual shirts and jackets just waiting to be dressed up with a belt and a great little skirt or printed leggings. I think I’m going to have to go back for one of their very original origami-inspired skirts too!

Find JNBY on South Granville, West 4th, or in Metrotown!

Ta-ta,

Xo StyleStruck

The GUESS Party

Olivia — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:50:51 +0000

Your happy hosts: Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, Alicia Quan of Alicia Fashionista, Me, and Kelsey Dundon of The Anthology. All dressed in GUESS!

The party was a giant success, a BIG thank you to everyone who came and had a fabulous time! Vancouver’s fashion glitterati really came out in full force – I love to see you all in your best threads! Perhaps you caught some of the night’s festivities via Twitter, where us blogger hosts and the attendees were tweeting up a storm! A snapshot of some of the Twitter love: (MAJOR thanks Twitter friends!)

On the upstairs level of the Robson St. Guess store we had our DJ set up, Mr. Dre Morel, and a live blogging station for tweeting and blogging with two new Apple iPad 2s! (Though we were so busy mingling with guests, we used the fancy new tablets for sending out Twitter love and saved our blogging for later, you know we’re all perfectionists. These posts take some time.)

I’m happy to learn that many of you lovely guests took home pretty new spring frocks and playthings, which means good things for our philanthropic efforts! A percentage of your shopping sales went towards our cause: FITE! Below, the contents of the swag bags you shoppers also took home: LOVE that Cargo lip gloss!

I hope you all had a fun night, I know I sure did! It was fantastic seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones!

Xo StyleStruck

For the Men: Naked & Famous Trunk Show @ Holts

Olivia — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:53:04 +0000

Man Love: A fashion event for the boys! As you’ve just read above, Holts is holding a trunk show for Mens’ denim expert Naked & Famous Denim and its creator, Brandon Svarc. Says Holts: “During the trunk show, Brandon Svarc will be present to help clients create their own unique pair of jeans. Clients can choose from a selection of fabrics, threads, fits and leather detailing.” It’s like made-to-measure suiting! But for denim! So boss. (That’s what the man in my life says. I’ve stolen his line.) One of my favourite things about Naked & Famous is that it is based in Canada, and all merchandise is ethically made here in Canada as well. Yep, boss.

Be there and be fabulous, you’ll be your man’s best accessory. (Now that is a line I stole from Alexis on The Real Housewives of Orange County. I simply can’t take credit for such genius.)

- SS

P.S. SEE Y’ALL TONIGHT AT THE GUESS PARTY! Am I excited?? Just a bit. A LOT! See you there!

Only 2 More Sleeps!

Olivia — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:42:52 +0000

Until the fabulous GUESS party! Just in case you haven’t heard…

I can’t wait to see everyone Wednesday evening! Haven’t RSVP’d yet? Well, send a quick email to GUESSrsvp@guess.com and you’ll be on the list!

Our event is featuring Vancouver fashion bloggers Niki Blasina, Alicia Quan and Kelsey Dundon, as well as myself, and DJ Dre Morel! Plus there will be shopping, treats and drinks! A recipe for fabulosity.

Below: From last year’s event at Guess by Marciano, hosted by Niki Blasina and me.

See you Wednesday night!

Xo SS

VANCOUVER FASHION BLOGGERS & GUESS – THE PARTY

Olivia — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:20:07 +0000

Ooooh, it’s gonna be good! And we’ve upped the ante this year! 4 VANCOUVER FASHION BLOGGERS and DJ DRE MOREL giving you the best shopping beats.

Plus, we’re all about philanthropy, so the event will be benefitting Fite, an initiative by Dermalogica supporting financial independence through entrepreneurship.

If you want to attend, you just have to RSVP to guessrsvp@guess.com. I’ll see you there, looking fabulous!

Xo SS

As it says, the event will feature me, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, Alicia Quan of Alicia Fashionista and Kelsey Dundon of The Anthology.

OHHHH SNAP it’s gonna be HAWT.

Fashion’s Night Out (In Schools)

Olivia — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:57:29 +0000

Last night I teetered (walking on Yaletown’s cobble stone lined side walks is not easy feat in 5″ heels) over to V Lounge at Earls for a Vancouver production of FNO put on by Social Chair, Define Magazine and @hummingbird604.

The event benefited Out in Schools – an organization on a mission to educate youth on the dangers of bullying, homophobia and stereotypes, and featured spring/summer fashions from The Bay’s White Space.

I’m not sure what got into me, but I was feeling satin leopard print – maybe I’ve been watching too much jersey Shore. But I figured if I balanced it with a jacket, tights and a ladylike bag I could pull off the look. Looking back, I may retire the dress to the back of my closet for awhile. I mean, you can only wear satin leopard print so often right? (Like once a season. Except that I wore silk leopard print for my birthday as well, which was on Saturday. Birthdays don’t count for fashion rules. That’s a new rule.)

With fabulous friend Eryne Ordel, who is holding a baby Balenciaga – a.k.a. a clutch. Wearing: Zara leather bomber jacket, Guess leopard print dress, H&M tights, Browns ID patent leather heels, Kate Spade bag, gold studded belt from Bang-On. Vintage ring.

A big congrats to Social Chair – Vancouver’s new lifestyle PR firm featuring co-principals Niki Blasina and Ashley Mangat – on a fantastic evening. A few photos from the night:

Party guests!

And the front row… (well one side of it, I was on the other.)

Sitting pretty: Far left, Franceska Lavaggi, stylist for The Bay, and Lily Nguyen of Bleed for Fashion.

Xo StyleStruck

p.s. I tweet all the darn time.

Cruising in the Sun

Olivia — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:28:52 +0000

This evening was spent biking along the beautiful sea wall around Stanley Park! Such a wonderful way to spend the evening!

Wearing: Silk Zara blouse, leather Zara belt, vintage cut offs, Zara flats, Guess back pack, H&M sunnies.

Tonight couldn’t have been more lovely, riding a cruiser with the wind in your hair, stopping for ice cream and photos, fun, fun, fun!

Amazing!! In the distance, the North Shore, (West Vancouver).

Hope you had a lovely summery weekend!

Xo StyleStruck

Guess for Marciano Event

Olivia — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:16:42 +0000

With Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, and yours truly! Now this is one Olivia that WILL be wearing Guess to a Guess event… (unlike a certain Palermo who couldn’t get it together).

Very excited!! See you fabulous people tonight!

Xo StyleStruck

You’re Invited! Join Me at a Fabulous Party!

Olivia — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:45:25 +0000

Thursday, June 24, join Niki Blasina and I at the Marciano store on Robson St for a marvelous party!

An excerpt from the press release sent by Guess to the media list: “This exclusive event, hosted by fashion bloggers Olivia Lovenmark, the fashionista and social media/public relations obsessed blogger behind Vancouver style blog StyleStruck.ca and Niki Blasina the pop culture enthusiast, public relations professional and creator of AHauteMess.ca, is the perfect setting to unveil the summer collection. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go to Dress for Success Vancouver, a network of support for economically disadvantaged women that provides career development tools and professional attire to help women in work and in life.”

If you would like to attend this fabulous event, please RSVP right away to guessrsvp@guess.com by Monday, June 21 to secure a spot! The party will start at 6:30pm!

Xo StyleStruck