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2010 Spring Essentials
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MARKETING COORDINATOR

  • COVETING: A pair of aviator sunglasses big enough to fit my giant head (filled to the brim with knowledge and charm, of course) and the perfect LBD.
  • CRAVING: Perfectly crispy sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo for dipping or spicy Pad Thai with lots of peanuts.
  • DROOLING: Anything huge and full of sparkle! I’m a sucker for a giant piece of jewellery or a shimmery pair of heels. Crystals and sequins and studs, oh my!
  • FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Don’t follow trends just because they show up in a magazine. Invest in basics and jazz them up with to-die-for shoes and jewellery. Above all, be yourself and be confident.
  • IN MY PURSE: A zillion points cards, Blackberry, iPod, Band-Aids, nail file, extra jewellery (in case I change my mind throughout the day) and a miscellany of old receipts.
  • ON REPEAT: Dragonette, Jason Mraz, Esthero and anything that makes me want to dance.
  • ZODIAC: Cancer. Creative, moody, fiercely loyal, ultra friendly. But most importantly: being a Cancer means birthday parties al fresco!
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CATEGORY: Books Thursday, September 02, 2010

Golden Rules + Gossip = Gotta Have It!

I must admit, Project Runway is one of my guilty pleasures in life. I love the catty arguing in the designers’ work room, the runway presentations and watching as garments get verbally torn to shreds by Heidi Klum and her gang of glamorous judges.

The one drama-free element of the show: Tim Gunn, the objective and always nurturing advisor to these frantic designer wannabes. He has been telling these amateur fashionites to “make it work” for eight seasons now, so it’s only fitting that he would incorporate the catchphrase into the title of his new book, Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work.

I can’t wait for this etiquette-guide-slash-fashion-insider-gossip-memoir to hit the shelves. Not your typical Emily Post instructional on using the right cutlery at dinner and writing the most gracious thank-you note, the book is rumoured to contain juicy tidbits about the likes of André Leon Talley and the one and only Anna Wintour herself. But when it comes down to it, Gunn is simply sharing his tried-and-true tips to leading a life of class, character and integrity. In a warm, witty and wise tone, he’s trying to help us all be as glamorous and successful as he has become (not that we aren’t already, of course!).

It’s hitting shelves on September 7 at Chapters. Will you read it?

Y.

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CATEGORY: Fashion Monday, August 30, 2010

Jeggings And Blazers And Clogs, Oh My!

There are so many drool-worthy trends this season that designers all over the world are utilizing in their Fall 2010 collections.

Some are wild about animal prints. Some are demurely embracing the ladylike shoe and floral dress. Some (well, actually, most) are incorporating camel, cashmere and fur (both faux and genuine) in every imaginable variety.

Then, there’s Gap, who have taken it upon themselves to roll every imaginable trend into their Fall 2010 line (which means there’s really something for everyone!). Black sequined blazers paired with army-inspired slacks with a tuxedo twist. Washed out jeggings with ultra-comfy knits and sky-high clogs. They have it all, and so can you!

Check out the collection, in stores now.

PS – It may be a good idea to plan ahead, as, with so many options, it’s easy to “over-haute”!

Y.

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CATEGORY: Fashion Monday, August 23, 2010

She's Back!

A few weeks ago, we here at BV experienced a moment of panic . . .

Luisa Cerano was getting a facelift, which meant she was temporarily closing her doors (which is a shopaholic’s worst nightmare!). We just love Luisa’s attention to trends, textures, details and styling . . . how were we going to survive this period of withdrawal?

So, it’s been a rough few weeks here at BV as we all anxiously awaited the store’s re-opening. Somehow we made it through the storm and have emerged, purses in hand, ready to experience the new and utterly haute-ified Luisa Cerano.

Will you be one of the first to pop in?

Y.

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CATEGORY: Fashion Thursday, August 19, 2010

Haute Technology

In this day and age, not making use of technology is like eating steak with a spoon. Why write when you can type? Why fly when you can Skype? And why use a map when you have a GPS navigation system with a pleasant British accent that will tell you exactly where to go?

Similarly, technology is making its way into our closets. Now, I don’t mean sneakers with iPod hook-ups and sweatshirts with speakers built-in to the hoods. I mean the Roots x Douglas Coupland line of products, designed by artist and author Douglas Coupland. Thought plain black leggings were cool enough? Wrong (as per the line’s quirky circuit board pair). A plain, solid coloured laptop sleeve is also a thing of the past with the almost otherworldly black and neon green leather version included in the collection.

But my favourite (as a self-professed accessories addict) is this scarf, designed to resemble a computer’s motherboard.

Do you think it can send e-mail?

Y.

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CATEGORY: Shoes Thursday, August 12, 2010

It’s Not Labour Day Yet

The summer is whizzing by, and although September is just around the corner, I’m happy to say it’s not Labour Day yet. Wear your sandals and whites while you can!

I love this pair of strappy flats at Rudsak. They are equally comfy, chic and utilitarian. Grocery shopping? A picnic at the beach? Hitting up one of the summer’s très fun street festivals? These little cuties can do it all, and with effortless style no less!

I’m a big opportunist when it comes to summer, and these shoes are no exception. As much as I am looking forward to boot season, I am not passing up the last days of sunshine and warmth. Let your feet enjoy them, too!

Y.

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