StyleStruck » Marc by Marc Jacobs

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.

WEST GEORGIA

Olivia — Sat, 05 May 2012 17:22:11 +0000

{ Twik anorak (c/o Simons.ca – can you tell I’ve been quite into this coat as of late?), JNBY blouse (c/o), Mavi denim (c/o), Aldo sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Fossil watch, H&M sunnies }

On Wednesday evening I met up with Eryne Ordel (Mavi Canada’s PR & Marketing Manager), for a drink at the fabulous Hotel Georgia‘s outdoor, fourth floor lounge Reflections. Just being there is a treat. I ordered a Cosmopolitan Daisy martini – a cosmo made with gin instead of vodka and oh my, was it ever good. I’ll definitely be going back for another one of those! I walked the few blocks home afterwards to co-host a couple friends for a movie night which meant popcorn, m&m’s, red wine and spring rolls… so much for my diet. Our movie of choice: The Count of Monte Cristo – sooo good! Do you host friends over very often? We’ve just started having people over to our new place and are really enjoying it! My key host necessities: a couple scented candles lit, one on the coffee table and one near the door to create ambiance, a great bottle of wine, blankets draped over the couch for easy access during the movie and fancy wine glasses – you know the ones.

GOT THE BLUES

Olivia — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:56:31 +0000

{ Wearing: Icone blouse (c/o Simons.ca), Zara trousers & shoes, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag & long necklace, H&M sunnies, pink necklace purchased at a street market in Cassis, France, vintage ring }

It’s a quiet Wednesday working from home. These kinds of cloudy, windy days are perfect for a big hot cup of coffee, or as I prefer, hot chocolate enjoyed over a good book. I’m currently reading Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich – highly recommended! Have a wonderful Wednesday.

CASUAL FRIDAY + DEREK

Olivia — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:43:53 +0000

{ Wearing: scarf from Le Chateau, Soleone t-shirt (c/o), JNBY fancy-pants sweatpants (c/o, and that’s not their official name), Converse sneakers, Fossil watch, Bfrend bracelet (c/o), H&M aviators, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace }

Last week I received this very soft white, oh let’s just get technical: organic eco-friendly bamboo basic! from Soleone Luxury Basics. And oh yes, it is indeed a luxury basic. Perfect for a casual and comfortable working morning at the local Starbucks (we have yet to have our internet set up at the apartment). My first thought when I received this T was to give it my twist: how would I style a plain white t-shirt? So I gave it a go with a fur chubby, skinny faded denim and court heels. The end result, while fashiony, was that I looked something like the QBs we’ll be watching this Sunday: top heavy and overly padded. So those photos were nixed and I decided to give “my take” on the T a more organic approach: how would I do comfy casual? And here ya go. Dressed up sweats and a colourful scarf! How do you wear your white t-shirt??

See that little “classy” button?? That was a treat from an event last night at The Bay’s The Room downtown Vancouver. The Room hosted Derek Blasberg to fete the launch of his second book: Very Classy. The event was really a fabulous production: the fashion elite came out in all their expensive shoe glory (I got on this train, sporting my forever-favourites, these Spring 08 Chanel heels), big hair (seriously, those mamas go big) and mega-tron cameras (no doubt the easiest way to spot a blogger). The fashion was eye-candy, as were the displays. And those stacks of yellow books! Derek was kind enough to sign each and every one of ours, generous on the hearts. To get your own taste of Mr. Blasberg I HIGHLY recommend following him on twitter, he writes the most concise 140-character witticisms I have ever seen.

Pre-”Very Classy,” Alicia of Alicia Fashionista, Monika Hibbs of The Doctor’s Closet and Jen Tam of Her Waise Choice and I met ~~for drinks~~ for blog photos and drinks! Alicia snapped this shot of Jen and I. More outfit photos to come. Wearing: Zara coat, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, H&M tights & Chanel heels.

Mon snapped this gorg instagram shot of the to-die-for necklace above.

So. I spotted Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes and nearly fell off my ~~chair~~ Chanel heels. Fashion darling of Karl, total “it girl” and definitely stylish. I awkwardly (emphasis on awkwardly) walk over to her and offer something like: “IreallylikeyournecklacecanItakeapictureofit??” (With a very heavy undertone of: “Oh my god I am such a ~~fan~~ dork I love you please oh please can I blog about you?!!”) So then she stood there for me to snap my pic and I lost all camera control. Give me your usual Hollywood celeb and I don’t bat an eye, give me fashion industry insiders and I fall all over myself. (Did I ever tell you about the time I waited for an hour outside the Conde Nast building in NYC’s Times Square just hoping to catch a glimpe of a Voguette??)

{ Wearing: Cynthia Rowley blouse, Zara skirt }

Upon meeting Derek I asked him if he could give me a “classy” tip for our photo op, his response? “Keep your shirt on.” That I will Derek, that I will.

Jen and Mon have their books signed. I think we’re all in love.

Okay, that was a big post. My earl grey tea is getting cold. Au revoir!

WINTER LAYERS

Olivia — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:52:30 +0000

{ Wearing: Zara leather bomber jacket, Mexx fair isle (c/o Courtney Boutique), Momentous Moments shirt (c/o), Armani Exchange pants (c/o), ShoeMint Jolly booties (c/o, ps. this bootie also comes in leopard!!), Frances Cobiasia bag, Ralph Lauren scarf, Marc by Marc Jacobs Necklace, Camera necklace purchased in Paris, H&M men’s aviators, Stella & Dot ring }

2 sleeps until Christmas!! And just before that magical day arrives, I have some FABULOUS news for you shoppers! ShoeMint, StyleMint and JewelMint are now officially shipping to Canada as of December 26th! Hellloo shopping from home on Boxing Day! Quelle chance! These wedges, appropriately named the Jolly, because they make me so, are part of a 2012 collection designed by Rachel Bilson and manufactured by Steve Madden! *Awesome collaboration*

StyleMint, as we all know, features a line of perfectly comfortable and stylish tees from those Olsen sisters, while JewelMint gives us access to the tastes of Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter for all things jewelry. And signing up for these sites is the best part – you are presented with a range of images and styles and pick out the ones that suit you best, the sites then gauge your style and curates a selection for you to choose from! I’m always interested to see what they’ll recommend for me! What’ll they recommend for you??

I wish you a merry, merry Christmas and a fabulous new year! You’ve earned it. 2012, here we come! Bisous mes chéris!

JERVIS ST

Olivia — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:58:41 +0000

{Wearing: Ralph Lauren sweater, vintage Liz Sport shirt, BCBG Max Azria pants, boots found at Winners, brand unknown, watches: Michael Kors, Fossil. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Coach wallet.}

** Just launched today from LOVE + MARK’D: The Paris Collection! Très chic!

ALBERNI ST

Olivia — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:33:10 +0000

{Wearing: H&M coat, denim & gloves, Zara bag, Pashmina scarf, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, vintage Rayban Wayfarers}

Snapped strolling along Alberni St. this morning en route to FedEx – George (a.k.a. boyfriend), recently ordered custom suits from Indochino and they’ve just arrived. Has your boyfriend taken interest in Indochino??

Announcing the winner of the Barefoot Contessa angora beret giveaway! Congratulations @alison_elle!

* Thank you to VanCityBuzz and @Cwistal for the #FF feature today! *

P.S. FYI - This coat was once $99.00 and is now on sale at H&M for $30.00. What a steal!

BLUES

Olivia — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:55:52 +0000

{Wearing: Molina Irish wool cape (military version here), cardigan – unknown brand, Brooks Brothers chambray shirt, Mavi Alissa denim (c/o), Zara shoes & belt, H&M aviators, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Versace for H&M folder & notebook (c/o), Fossil watch}

Congratulations to Lindsey R. for winning Bows & Sequins’ LOVE + MARK’D stationery giveaway!

Tomorrow is the Yellow Honey House Craft Fair! I will be there with oodles of festive (and not-so-festive) cards! I hope to see you there!

GYM CLUB

Olivia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:24:28 +0000

{Don’t be fooled – the blouse is just doing what its cut and pleats mean for it to do: give me the “I’m carrying” look. (It’s misleading shirts like this that keep US Weekly in business.) Wearing: Zara bomber jacket w/ DIY fur trim, Bedo blouse, JNBY pants (c/o), Michael Kors shoes & small purse, Marc by Mac Jacobs bag (similar here). H&M aviators, Holt Renfrew necklace. Dior Serum de Rouge 640.}

My version of athletic wear: chic sweatpants (no longer the oxymoron it used to be), a bomber jacket and a gym-esque bag.

The above mentioned fur trim DIY circa 2009.

Blair Eadie, of Atlantic Pacific has a thing for customized stationery.

THE EXPERIENCE

Olivia — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:44:57 +0000

{Wearing: Mexx sweater (c/o Courtney Boutique in Kerrisdale), Club Monaco onesie, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, vintage Pierre Cardin bag}

A night with the team from CountDown Events is like none other that I’ve experienced. It is time spent in pure luxury, and one I won’t forget any time soon. Last night we gathered in the Four Seasons’ Presidential Suite to witness the taste, skill and passion the CountDown Events team has for event planning (which is extraordinary, they are after all the team that brings us the Creme de la Creme wedding show each year!). Walking in I was greeted with a lemon yellow martini, in one of those 1950s style champagne glasses, garnished with a fresh raspberry. Perfect. The suite itself is phenomenal, from the crystal chandelier to the upstairs bedroom (complete with a sort of french royal blue coloured velvet couch and Vogue Living coffee table book – I’m home!), and gorgeous view overlooking the Vancouver Public Library. Just being there was sensational. And then there were the treats, like sparkly cheesecake on a stick, for one (I die), and the touches the team added to the decor, like full displays of fresh pink roses. It was simply heaven. Then dinner, at Yew…

{Me, with Clio De La Llave, Monika Hibbs and Elsa Corsi}

{Sweet pink treats at Yew – a must visit}

To top it all off, when we left we were handed an enormous bag, holding Mr. Big’s (and now mine too) obsession: the white hotel robe. Personalized. Glamour, I would say, would be the word of the night. (Remember that SATC episode?)

A big fabulous thank you to Soha and her team for such a fantastic experience!

Oh, and don’t forget! Today is your last chance to order my Fall pick nail colour at 50% off! Odessa by Soulstice Spa, courtesy of NailPolishCanada.com. Enter the code: styleodessa for your discount! CLICK HERE to purchase!

DELIGHTS

Olivia — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:16:01 +0000

{I took this picture yesterday evening while I was working – trying to work. Someone had to get in the way}

{A little rearranging: this mirrored table used to live next to the couch, but now resides near the front door. We’ll see what boyfriend says about his first picture on the blog, though you can’t tell much from that photo, except for that we ~~were~~ are very happy! I love the shape of this glass bowl; it holds our keys to luxury (apparently the keys allow access to luxe spots around the globe, I’m not sure if they’re of much use to us here, but they’re pretty!), and Marie’s pearl collar}

{Carrier bag from Harrods. This Marc by Marc Jacobs bag came to me by way of a sleepy phone call from my sister when she was visiting New York. She was leaving the hotel room to do some shopping and called me to see if I wanted her to bring me back a bag, it was very early morning for us in Vancouver and I sleepily said yes, get whatever, I’ll pay you for it when you’re back. I didn’t realize at the time I was saying yes to a rather expensive little bag, but I’m so glad she brought it back and that I have it! As you’ve seen, I wear it a lot!}

{I mentioned my Dior heart-shaped bowls here (in a semi-ridiculous/fabulous post), when I had just purchased them from the Dior Maison store in Paris on Avenue Montaigne, and here when I filled them with tiny, glitter-filled containers for a new project, but I never showed you the bottom! Note: There’s a great APT with LSD feature on Vogue.com with Devon Radziwell (an Upper East Sider – Anna LOVES those), who loves to shop at the Dior Maison store too!}

Very much looking forward to a small soiree this evening at the Four Seasons Hotel hosted by Count Down Events (and catered by Yew! Yum!). They are all about the finishing details so I’m sure it will be gorgeous! Must bring camera.

P.S. I hope you have a pretty umbrella – it makes these rainy Vancouver days nicer!

P.P.S. Tomorrow is the last day to order your Odessa nail colour from vegan nail polish company: Soulstice Spa for 50% off on NailPolishCanada.com! Just enter the code: styleodessa for for your discount! I love it!

BURRARD ST, VANCOUVER

Olivia — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:42:07 +0000

{Wearing: Talula jacket, Zara sweater, Jason Wu skirt (as described here), vintage belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag and shoes. Armani sunnies, bracelet from New Look (London)}

Until October 7th NailPolishCanada.com is giving StyleStruck readers 50% off this fab vegan nailpolish! Use code: styleodessa to get your discount!

P.S. Outfit out-takes posted on my Facebook page!

STYLING TRETORN

Olivia — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:27:10 +0000

{Wearing: Express wool jacket, Brooks Brothers linen shirt, H&M jeans, Tretorn Nylite shoes (c/o), Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, sunnies from Paris, Aldo cocktail ring, Clinique red lipstick “All Heart”}

This summer in the USA 35 bloggers styled Tretorns their way. Now it’s Canada’s turn, with 35 Canadian bloggers receiving Tretorn Nylite tennis shoes, called the “Nylite Project.” This is how I styled mine. To see more, check out thenyliteproject.com!

Looking for some new love for your nails? NailPolishCanada.com is offering you 50% off a fab colour I chose by Soulstice Spa Nail Polish: Odessa. Click here to check it out! Use code: styleodessa.

Let’s chat.

In the Moment with Jay Manuel

Olivia — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:31:30 +0000

Last Thursday at 3:30 pm I made my way through the doors of Sears, through the make-up department and over to a growing crowd of people. In the middle of the crowd, amongst media, fans, security guards and PR people was Jay Manuel, looking nothing less than fabulous giving an appearance for his new collection of woman’s apparel, Attitude (sold exclusively through Sears). Very aptly named as Jay can serve up some attitude (well, that’s what I saw on Top Model anyway), but in person he is a very generous and interesting person, not to mention gracious. Along with the other “fashion media” I was sent over to a corner of black carpet and a huge step-and-repeat to wait for our chance to interview Mr. Manuel. Interview? What interview… shoot, shoot, shoot, I can’t remember what the email said from the PR lady… So obviously I didn’t have any interview questions prepared, but I thought “I’ll just wing it! There’s no way I’m missing out on this – I like clothes, he likes clothes, I’m sure we’ll have loads to talk about!” And thank goodness, we did. Below is my impromptu interview filmed on my iPad (thank you to Meagan!!), with the Jay Manuel. Please do forgive the sound quality as the DJ was blaring his music (even while the TV crews interviewed…).

{Wearing: 3.1 Phillip Lim dress – which Jay said he loved! – last seen here, Mossimo trench, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes and vintage bag}

My questions: (I can’t give you exactly word for word what was said, so this is the gist of how he answered the questions. These answers are not to be quoted.)

What is the thing that you best bring to women’s fashion?
Jay said as a child he had had a new tailored suit every year (and still has them!), and thus really understands a good fit, particularly of a suit. He has included some fantastic suitings on his collection.

What do you think of clothes becoming more demure and modest? I mentioned that from looking at his collection I could tell his clothes were more conservative – uh oh, wrong word! He cut in and made sure to let me know that his clothes are still sexy! Indeed they are, but I definitely appreciate that he chose to use sophisticated (better word), cuts and styles that show off a woman’s body, but don’t literally show it.
Jay said that he thinks women want to feel sexy and empowered in their clothing and that doesn’t have to mean showing a lot of skin. That is done through great tailoring, the right fabrics and the details that really make a piece. In one of the suit jackets he said they did a great shoulder detail where the seam (to the sleeve), is raised and tucked to give a stronger shoulder silhouette. He said he thinks women feel most confident when they feel good in what they’re wearing. (We sure do Jay!)

Maybe you want some more: An interview about the collection from Toronto

And a note: I’ve created a Galleries link in the left column where I will be posting collections of photos. I’ve put one up already! Love to know your thoughts on the new look of my blog! Xo

Old Favorites

Olivia — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:07:46 +0000

{ Wearing: Zara bomber jacket, Diane von Furstenburg dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace, Ballin shoes (Monaco), Zara bag, sunnies from Paris. }

Did you know I created a Facebook page for extra tid bits, like extra info, pics and out takes? Check it out! facebook.com/stylestruck.ca

Follow the conversation: find me on Twitter!

Xo.