a lil bit country + a lil bit rock n' roll

During my recent online purchasing spree which included this pretty little thing I also ended my long hunt for the perfect clutch when I stumbled across Toronto's GraceDesigns Stella Clutch.

The combination of the linen and gold make it super versatile, easily dressed down and dressed up, perfect with jeans and sandals or a fun summer dress and heels.

And it looks like it arrived just in time for some spring weather! Happy Friday everyone!

xo J

Oh hey Mr. Postman

Nine times out of ten the most exciting thing I find in the mail besides bills and junk is the flyer for the grocery store telling me my favorite cereal is on sale so imagine my joy when not only did the post man bless me with one little treat tucked in my mailbox yesterday but three!

Along with RestorationHardware's MASSIVE spring 2012 catalogue and my personalized gold StarbucksRewards card (woot) I also recieved this lovely necklace from local designer WolfCircus .

I was perusing the website last week and as soon as I saw this chevron necklace I decided that I needed to treat myself (you had me at chevron!). Not only did it arrive super fast (I think I ordered it less than 5 business days ago) it also came with a hand written note from the designer which I thought was a great little touch.

Check out all the great Wolf Circus Jewelry here as well as designer Fiona Morrison's blog for some great style inspiration.

xo J

Baby it's cold outside!

I will admit I am a sun bunny all the way, my favorite season by far is summer time but I also love the excuse of stocking up on all things cozy and comfy when there is a chill in the air. Local Vancouver brand Granted has me lusting after pretty much everything.

While the anchor sweater is screaming my name it is out of my price range (especially knowing I will be back paying a mortgage in about a months time) but the toque and slippers are definitely items I can see myself splurging on, especially if they have an online boxing day sale like they did last year, fingers crossed they do and that I can hold out that long!

xo J

It's an arm party!

Who's at your party?

xo J

image via designscouting

Grey Sky Blues

We are rapidly approaching that time of year where it is not just dark when I leave for work in the morning but also dark when I leave work in the afternoon, while there are many things I reallyenjoy about fall, but I'm a sun bunny at heart and this is by far my most hated aspect. It makes me want to stay in my PJ's all. day. long.

I love you Vancouver, but your killing me with this dreary grey weather! Maybe I should just move to LA, so I could be like the always perfectly adorable Emily and still be able to wear cute outfits such as these...

Images via CupcakesandCashmere

xo J

Morrocan Me Crazy

So I am off to Italy very soon (woo hoo) but after seeing these amazing finds that Sandra from 5 inch and up scored in Morocco I wonder if I could fit in a side trip. So great for summer and so great with the all white outfit and stellar tan!

Images via 5 inch and up

xo J

Imaginative, Compassionate and Devoted

That’s what I am as a Pisces, at least according to BCBG. As I was browsing the shops I came across this darling little ring at BCBG, one side has your astrological constellation and the other side says the name of your sign, with a delicate gold link band and since my birthday is fast approaching I couldn’t say no, the $24 price tag also made it an easy buy.

They also had bead bracelets with the same astrology charms, both would make a perfect little birthday gift.

xo J

FILL UP WITH CARGO @ CARGOH!!

A very hip, very local online social marketplace came onto my radar recently called Cargoh. It’s a marketplace for art, design and culture made by local DIY artists, musicians and designers. The owner–operators of Cargoh are a very fun-loving, international husband and wife duo who have made Vancouver their home and were inspired to support vibrant, upcoming artists in the area and provide them with an avenue to sell their wares. Very much in line with Etsy, Cargoh is yet another great platform (and a Canadian one at that!) for artists to get their names and products out there in the world. An online market, what an awesome concept!!

So if you’re looking for one of kind items from jewelry and apparel to toys and home goods, and you like to shop online, check it out. It’s also a great way to familiarize yourself with artists and their work and get in contact with them directly. And with purchases through Cargoh you’ll be supporting your local community and economy, along with infusing more energy into our art scene which is always a positive thing! Go get some cargo at Cargoh and share the Cargoh love!!

Fashion Finds - This Sale is Off the Wall!

Off the Wall is closing it’s doors on all it’s locations across Canada in the next few months and a closing out sale is currently underway! Everything in store is currently 50% off and sales will continue to grow until they get rid of all of their merchandise. From hoodies and jeans, to tees and winter sports jackets, they currently have a ton of apparel and some great brands like Element, Roxy, Billabong, Hurley, Levis, Burton and Bench. If you’re looking for some sporty, funky wear definitely take advantage of this inventory close-out sale! In the Lower Mainland there are locations at Metrotown, on Burrard at Robson, Willobrook Mall and Richmond Centre. I just got an awesome Billabong t-shirt for $5! I'm stoked!

Surreal Le Sigh

Paris, 1963. No photoshop, just the imagination and industriousness of famed photog Melvin Sokolsky.

Let's just soak in the coolness shall we?

Le Sigh
xo Jenny C
(images via Black Eiffel)

FASHION FINDS...Freedman Shoes Outlet

Happy New Year to all & all the best! Sorry I’ve been so MIA, things have been hectic, but I’m back!! I hope everyone had a great Holidays!

So….my Fashion Find of the decade!! While perusing the boxing week sales last week I was tipped off about a little piece of shoe heaven on 4th Avenue in Vancouver (between Burrard Street & Cypress Street)…the Freedman Shoes Outlet store!! Where has this been all my life?! So many amazing shoes and boots for a fraction of their original price and an additional 30% off during boxing week!! (I’m sure you’ve picked up by now that I love a shopping bargain!). When I left the store with my purchase I felt like the woman in that Ikea commercial who yells at her hubby as she leaves the store to “start the car”! The sale prices are so fantastic she thinks she’s been undercharged and is going to ride out in her getaway car as fast as possible! The sales at the Freedman Shoes Outlet store are really that good.

Freedman Shoes is a Vancouver based shoe mecca with 11 stores throughout the Lower Mainland and their motto is “Quality, Fashion, Comfort and Fit”, and the shoes they have at their outlet store may be last seasons, but they are no exception. They have a range of brands, Franco Sarto, Merrell, Lucky Brand, Steve Madden, Geox, BCBGirls, Stuart Weitzman, Born, Nine West, Robert Vianni, Josef Seibel, Frye Boots, Sam Edelman and many more! In terms of shoe styles, they have a wide variety from flats to ankle boots to sneakers, so there is a pair for every taste and in every size. And this find is not just for the ladies, there is men’s footwear as well! Like any outlet store you need to be prepared to do some sifting and trying on, so you need some time and patience, and be aware that these are last season’s trends, but the gems you can find for 50% to 75% off are totally worth it!! Happy shoe hunting in 2011!

Is it too late to add something to my wish list?

I am not a big watch person, I tend to rely heavily on my blackberry for time keeping but I could change my ways for one of these WEWOOD watches. From Italy, WEWOOD is inspired by nature and sustainability in their designs. These are organic watches, free of any artificial material and to top it off for every one watch purchased one tree is planted, so you can buy guilt free!

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now”

Images Via WEWOOD

xo J

One of a Kind

This past weekend the Amis hit up the One of a Kind show (multiple times). This is my second year checking out the wide range of wares the One of a Kind offers. It really is a great venue for up and coming local designers and just in time for the Holiday season. If you were not able to check it out this year I would definitely recommend marking it on your calendars for next. Here the Amis tell you about our favourite picks:

First purchase of the day!

Refreshing lemonade to keep you going!

Jenny: The One of A Kind show was all about jewelery this year. Mixing metals, reclaiming vintage pieces, hard edges and delicate touches. The vendor that took those concepts to the max was Biko Designs. Her pieces were a delicious blend of soft and edgy, pretty and rock n roll. What I especially loved was that every piece had at least one unexpected detail - like my friend Ant who bought a gorgeous clear beaded bracelet and in between two of the beads was a tiny gold wishbone. Flippin awesome! If you have a chance check out her wares at: http://www.bikodesigns.ca/

Jess: This year the jewelry was calling my name, I am now fully re-accessorized! I thought Biko Designs had some great stuff but my fav of the show was Toddlebunny. There was a great mix of whimsical pieces but with an edge, items that were simple and feminine and ones that were combinations of different materials and multi layers, such as one of the bracelets that I picked up that had white leather braided with gold chains with a multitude of dangling charms. I also really loved the introductions of cameos into the collection; they added a very romantic touch to an otherwise simple bracelet. See more of Toodlebunny here http://www.toodlebunny.com

Sonia: The Vancouver One of a Kind Show + Sale has come and gone for another year, and what a plethora of great local and national artists with the most fabulous wares!! There were a lot of outstanding artists and products again this year, but my fave had to be iDENTITY Apparel by Meghan Irish. So I may be somewhat biased because I happen to know this fab Vancouver designer, but her Canadiana inspired men’s line really speaks for itself…and she had a life size canoe in her booth, I mean come on!! Her t-shirts, scarves, tuques and pillows (made of recycled Canadian army blankets) are branded with iconic Canadian inspired images like moose, beavers, curling rocks, the Queen and our beloved Canadian geese. Clean, modern and graphic, these items can dress up the sophisticated Canadian man and keep him warm and toasty for those cool Canadian winters (and I personally love the scarves and tuques for ladies too!) iDENTITY won best booth in show which was a stellar accomplishment for this hardworking designer. Way to go Meghan!!
www.identitytees.ca

xo 3 Amis

All that glitters!

Part two of my review of all that I love about the holidays, today I am expressing my love of holiday fashion! It feels much more acceptable to wear copius amount of things that sparkle and glitter around this time of year. Lately, I've gone on a little sparkly splurge with a few key items for this festive season,

Cream blouse from Club Monaco with silver sequins

OPI polish in Sparkle-icious, it goes on transparent with glitter so you can layer it over top any of your favorite colours, I chose OPI Red to make it ultra festive (I am saving you the torture of a picture of my toes!)

Sparkly black headband from Forever 21

xo J

Holiday Wish List

A couple people (i.e. my sister) have been bugging me for ideas for birthday and holiday gifts for me. Apparently I'm "hard to shop for". Do you get that too?

Firstly let me state openly and truly - no gifts are necessary! But if you feel super compelled, and just to make it easier on the people I love - I declare this year The Year of the Gift Cards!

I could use some pretty tops - but instead of fretting over the shelves a g.c. to Aritizia or Plenty would hit the spot! (Pictured tops above are all from Aritizia)

My must read book list is growing too - again a g.c. to Chapters or Amazon.com is another simple winner that I'd put to good use.

Gifts are fun but mostly I love the time we all get to spend together around the holidays. Don't fret, keep it simple and thanks for the thought!

PS What's on your wish list this year?

Tis the Season...

…for booties! The best thing is they're not just great for this season, but for all seasons. I think, if I could justify it, I would own many a pair of booties because of their versatility. Currently I have restrained myself to two pairs, one flat black pair from Zara and caramel coloured heeled ones from Clarks, but I am constantly tempted by all the great styles that are out there right now, from wedge booties, motocycle inspired booties, moccasin booties…the list is endless. Here are a few of my faves in various price ranges, from the ultimate splurge down to a more reasonable price:

Ecote Studded Leather Moto Boot - $88.00 - Urban Outfitters

Gravity Pope Pull-on Ankle Boot - $195 - Gravity Pope

Swedish Hasbeens - $395.00 (splurge!) - Gravity Pope/Aritzia

Re-cycle, Re-use + Re-invent

Do you have a tangled mess of jewelry that you never wear but can’t bear to throw away? Take some inspiration from Theresa Smed of the Dotted Loop. Theresa takes vintage jewelry and re-works them into new fabulously glamorous pieces. I particularly love the use of vintage scarves and fur collars. They are a mix of old Hollywood glam and new rock star edge. She also does custom pieces!

Last year I provided her with one of my fav pictures of my folks and she placed it in this beautiful rose gold coloured pendant. It was a wonderful experience working with her, she was so enthusiastic and such a sweetheart! Definitely go visit her booth at the One of a Kind show December 9th – 12th.

Images via Dotted Loop

Wedding Wednesdays - On the Hunt for Bridal Accessories

Finding the perfect details to round out your bridal look for your big day can be a challenge. The search for the right pair of earrings, fascinator or clutch to compliment your appearance can become an arduous quest that you didn’t bargain for, especially when you’re in the midst of all the other wedding preparations. I would suggest finding the main piece to your bridal outfit first, THE DRESS! That is a hunt in itself and can set the tone not only for your look, but the wedding itself (this is a piece of clothing with some serious power and influence!). Unless you happen upon the necklace of your dreams and want to build your style around that piece, going the route of the dress first I think is the way to go. Your dress choice can then guide you in finding the right compliments, fitting both in style, i.e. vintage, glamour, eco-chic, and degree i.e. a highly embellished gown may not need a lot of accessories.

It’s always helpful to browse the bridal mags and blogs for ideas and signature styles that can help you figure out what compliments could work best. They often advertise local and online vendors that are selling accessories like jewelry, head pieces, shoes etc. There are numerous specialty stores in Greater Vancouver like Jeweliette, which has a collection of glamorous jewellry and accessories, and Blue Ruby Jewellry, whose seven retail locations in the Lower Mainland showcase international jewellry designers. Portobello West Fashion and Art Market and the One of Kind Show and Sale are also great locations to peruse. Many local bridal shops also have a selection of complimentary pieces from various suppliers which are worth a gander. Some great online vendors I’ve come across (ah, the beauty and ease of purchasing online!) include: Etsy.com, where you can find a marvelous myriad of handmade items from designers around the globe; Lo Boheme.com, which has some whimsical vintage inspired head gear from fascinators and head bands to custom made pieces; and By Ropena.com with an array of head piece designs from exotic to 19th century renaissance inspired.

When in doubt always get a family member or friend to help you in your search…and if they happen to have an eye for style even better! And if you’re creative and love DIY projects, an accessory designed and made by you or a loved one can make that bracelet or shawl hold extra special meaning.

Best of luck accessorizing you brides-to-be out there!

Fashion Finds

NLA Sample Sale at the Fashion Exchange!!

Fashion Finds

Shot of Portobello West Fashion + Art Market in action!

I am all about thrift and seeking out original apparel when it comes to adding to my wardrobe. It’s usually a fine balance between staying on budget, getting what I really need and trying to incorporate fun and fabulous locally or nationally designed pieces. So yes, it’s true that Winners is my shopping Mecca and meets my frugal shopping tendencies, but I also like to supplement this with a good dose of local boutiques, markets, outlets and sample sales whenever I get the chance. Some great fashion resources which I’ve come to enjoy here in Vancouver include:

Portobello West Fashion + Art Market

Local designer digs, exceptional jewelry and accessories selection, and artwork for every taste, this market has become a Vancouver go-to. It’s hosted on the last Sunday of every month from 12pm to 6pm from March to December at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1150 Station Street, Vancouver and only a $2 entry fee. Next up on Sunday October 31st.

One of a Kind Show + Sale

This is my new found fave market! With designers and artists from across North America supplying endless quantities of beautifully handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items, you will want to attend every day that it showcases. They not only have clothes, jewelry and accessories, but artwork, toys, décor and more. So far it only comes once a year, which is truly bitter sweet. This year it’s on from December 9th to 12th, and trust me it’s addictive, you’ll want to go more than once! Watch out for a show update in December!!

Lulu Lemon Factory Outlet

Lulu apparel is the quintessential Vancouver yoga/training/lounging uniform and it’s definitely nice when you can find this high quality sporting apparel at a fraction of the price at their new outlet store at #110-5560 Trapp Avenue in Burnaby.

I Love Sample Sales Website

A most wonderful friend introduced me to this great site and you do fall deeply in love with it and sample sales! At sample sales you tend to find items that are ahead of season, pieces that don’t even hit the shelves and typically at bargain prices. If you have a good sense of direction and some patience, as often the locations of these sales in the Lower Mainland can be tricky to find and merchandise displays can be a bit crude, then sample sales are a great option.

This road to fashion is definitely not for everyone, it can require a bit more time and often some some clear focus or else you can spend hours aimlessly wandering aisles of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories (which some people like me really enjoy!). It’s definitely worth going off the beaten shopping track once in a while to find something different, locally made and at a great price!

Happy fashion finding!

P.S. Stay tuned for another edition of local Fashion Finds…what fun and funky areas to shop at in our fair city!