Giving Gifts is all about giving – giving to friends and family, giving to yourself and giving to others around…
Just yesterday I came across an inspiring gift boutique made up of 5 rooms and more than 100 local Vancouver artists, each showcasing all kinds of good quality, fair trade gifts. I love this concept.
Okay, I must say I’m getting quite used to receiving my seasonal box of goodies. After all, it is curated by one stylish team. So for the past two years I feel it would not be a start to a new season without it. So there!This time the box was waiting for me on my arrival to Palm Springs. And as usual I already had a look ahead at what was in store. Because as much as I love an element of surprise….I just can’t help myself. And it’s always fun to get a little spoiled. So here’s what’s INSIDE THE WINTER BOX:
RACHEL ZOE FOR BOX OF STYLE CLUTCH (in black or white)
Designed exclusively for Box of Style, Rachel drew inspiration from her favorite periods in fashion – the deco elegance of the 20sand the effortless glamour of the 60s and 70s. Retail value: $125
HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 MESA EARRINGSRachel collaborated with her dear friend Nicole Richie on these stunning earrings exclusively for Box of Style. These statement-makers can work into any look for that extra dose of sparkle. Retail value: $115
OSEA ESSENTIAL HYDRATING OIL
Hydration is everything. Apply as your first step in the morning and your last step before bed. It’s also perfect to keep in your handbag as your on-the-go refresher. Retail value: $68
TARTE SEX KITTEN LIQUID LINER
A sleek cat eye transcends both time and style. From black-tie glam to rock ’n’ roll flair, it’s the ultimate finishing touch. Retail value: $20
FAUX FUR STOLE (as in Unreal)
Pair this luxe alternative to your winter scarf with anything from a cocktail dress to a cozy sweater to completely elevate your look. Retail value: $85
SUGAR PAPER “THE AGENDA”
I always have an agenda. In today’s digital world, many people still prefer to write things down, Rachel included. She chose motivating words from extraordinary women who inspire her every day, in hopes they will motivate you in the new year. I’m motivated! Retail value: $48
I think this is a really fun and worthwhile subscription. For as little as $100 you receive over $400 of luxury fashion and beauty selected for you each season.
For me it’s always a kick to wander the aisles and booths of any outdoor market.
One of a Kind Collectible Enamelled metal Pins
Here in Palm Springs you have the weekly farmers market & the village street fest which encompasses pretty much everything. Then there’s an outdoor weekend art market twice a month and on the first Sunday of every month, the Vintage market which takes place on the grounds outside the Camelot Theatres. They call it Vintage with a View. Keep in mind vintage is a broad term and there’s also a lot of garage style items which shouldn’t be there. You must have a good eye(s)!
Two years ago I discovered this market. I was with a friend from Vancouver and right off the bat with my radar in tact, I spotted a pair of vintage Pucci sandals in my size. They were a good deal and would have been a better deal had I not smashed my phone on the pavement in the excitement of my too-good-to-be-true deal while trying to find my wallet to pay for them. Anyway, my friend was excited to find a woman named Maura who has been collecting “one off” enamelled pins (or brooches) for over 30 years. All of them (mostly flowers) in excellent condition. At first I wasn’t so interested in them but watched my friend with her 6-carat diamond ring purchase a whole bunch of them. They reminded me of something my grandmother would wear. So as I continued looking at them they started to grow on me and I bought one. Thinking if she likes them that much, they must be collectible. When I got home I ended up wearing it much more than I ever thought. They are a fashion statement accessory for sweaters & jean jackets. A little old fashioned in a pleasant way.
I encountered Maura again last week because they added an extra Sunday for Modernism and purchased more of these pins.
Boy these flowers, they grow on you!
A few other items of interest:
Joe Tatan told me that he and Paul Frank (the monkey guy) designed this leather sofa (yes, it’s a sofa)a and that a very famous person wants to buy it. From a distance I thought they were cushions. Asking price $4,500
If you are a creative person you can make jewellery, pillow cases, clothing, purses, etc. from many repurposed materials.
The holiday season always gives us good excuse to wear more bling.
No festive attire is complete without a bold lip
Nothing like an on trend sparkly neckpiece to perk up your spirits and your LBD or moto jacket.
The necklace I received in my surprise Winter Box of Style is the perfect accessory to pull together a head-turning outfit. So even though we love Cartier there are other magnificent choices out there for the season. Here a model shows us how to perk up our outfits with a little bling to take us from day to night.
Opposites Attract An elegant statement necklace alongside a leather jacket makes for a stylish cool-girl result.Formal Finery Shut it down at the holiday party in an oversize tuxedo blazer, a velvet gown and the exclusive Dylanlex sparkler (The Zoe Report) Retail Value: $200Shine Surprise Layer the glistening piece under a blouse collar for unexpected sparkle.Dressed-Up Denim Transition your jean jacket to winter by layering it over cashmere.Off-Duty Cool Master weekend chic with a leather jacket, a soft white tee, boyfriend jeans and all the right accessories.Major Monochrome A crystal necklace puts a glamorous finishing touch on an all-white uniform for the office.
Van Caissey is best described as a youthful him ‘n her multi-brand lifestyle boutique. Yes, that’s it!
I walked in because it felt airy and uplifting. The brands are not-so-typical.
They specialize in intriguing objects of desire – things you can use from your head to your feet, made by local artisans.
Clothing, hats, healing products, jewelry, skincare, some just for fun and vintage-inspired pieces and a rack of consignment clothing at the very back of the boutique.
Van Caissey is located in Vancouver at 3463 Main St.
FYI: there’s a funky neighbourhood hot spot for great breakfast/lunch right next door called Slickity Jim’s. I recommend you try it.
I rode my bike over to the Vancouver Folk Festival yesterday at Jericho beach.
SOULSTONES
The music sounded great and I always love wandering around to see what the local vendors are selling. Among the usual woven hanging baskets, blankets, sarongs, tie-dyes and pipes there are a few fresh surprises.
A necklace caught my eye because instead of the clear pink semi-precious stones (slightly squared off) being incorporated into a silver chain it was done with gold. Simple,casual, elegant. Margot, the friendly designer behind “Soulstones” told me the meaning behind the Rose Quartz stone I’m attracted to, and I like it even more now:
Self-love
Protection
Peace, happiness, gentleness
Healing lore: for emotional wounds & the heart (I need this stone).
There are several more suggestions but the above is what appeals to me.
Camille from “Dark Anachronisms” (in the striped shorts) makes vintage-inspired hats and hair/hat accessories. I especially like the flower crowns, not so much for wearing alone on my head (it’s a really young look) but for decorating a hat in place of a scarf. Very pretty and well detailed. You can picture an image of bridesmaids and angelic looking flower girls wearing them.
Wearing a watch now is more of an accessory or fashion statement because everyone can check the time on their cell phones and since every single person carries a cell phone….no need to wear a watch…unless it looks something like this one by Chanel.For the first time since the 2000 launch of the J12 , a watch designed by a man for men but that was picked up by women everywhere – the French powerhouse is unleashing a watch inspired by classic masculine codes but designed for women. Some male editors were overheard coveting it too.
Called theBoy.Friend, this watch comes with a wait period (please don’t tell me this will become the watch version of the Birkin). It’s being released in Chanel stores this September, and when it does, it will appear in just a handful of iterations, ranging from the sparest, small quartz model in beige gold with an alligator strap to the large, diamond-trimmed style in white gold – priced from $12,500 to $27,000 USD. You don’t have to wait, however, to see some styles, as modeled by Sam Rollinson here. Anyone interested in a preview of what Chanel has in store for Fall should check out the Paris editors vamping it up on Instagram with the hashtag #meetmyboyfriend.
Speaking of Instagram, it’s such a powerful tool now that I want to discuss it more in another post – I’ve been playing around with it.
In the meantime, I like this watch (more reliable than it’s human counterpart) but I love the advertising campaign photos even more. So artistic, but then we wouldn’t expect anything less from Chanel would we?
What never escapes my attention is all kinds of beauty products from makeup to skincare to candles & accessories. I might not buy everything I see but there is enjoyment in looking at pretty objects of desire. The different smells, the packaging, the discovery of something new and the pure beauty of it all.
Spotted today on Main Street: These sweet sterling silver plated jewelled hair-pins from Lucky Feather. Available at front and company – 3742 + 3746 Main Street. $9
Some temptations that smell good enough to eat – at Barefoot Contessa – 3715 Main Street.
Maria Evora body lotions and soaps from SPAINBlithe & Bunny – handmade in the USA (honey almond)ILLUME coconut milk mango
Go be Lovely – USA
RobertsRose Cleansers & Toners from Italy
Raising the bar – while you’re there you should try the latte & lemon bar at Coco et Olive – 3707 Main St. The very best lemon bar!
Hey kids, here’s something new and useful that I noticed in a fashionable boutique
The Mighty Purse is the essential accessory!
It’s a little purse that has a hidden capacity *rechargeable battery. The perfect fusion between fashion and technology. The mighty Purse contains a light weight battery that can fully re-charge any smart device. Then simply recharge via any USB port. It’s that brilliant and that simple! Charge On the Go!
Made of high quality genuine leather. Different colours and finishes. Use as a clutch purse or inside your hand bag.
Because being selfieless is not a good thing.
It can recharge your smartphone up to 2 x per charge. Supercharge me!
What should I do with all my lovely silk scarves? I wear them quite often.
How about a great WEEKEND LOOK and fashionably casual way to wear
them – on the head!
Afterall it serves the same purpose as a headband but looks much more chic.
Especially great on windy days if you’re driving a convertible (like Tippi Hendren in Psycho), or on a boat, riding a bike where you don’t need a helmet, running errands or happen to be Jennifer Lopez or Sophia Loren.
running errands – one scarf, three waysI don’t think I can get away with this exactly the same way as Grace Kelly.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the days that our hair needs washing or our roots show.
In cold weather it keeps your head warm in a very cool way.On her way to the yacht?
come on, we know what you’re really trying to cover up.this might have been Jean Shrimpton‘s weekend look
Rough up your hair by spraying a little dry shampoo first and then put on a bold lipstick before heading out the
door.
I love, love, these looks!
too chic for words
Nothing wrong with conjuring up a little old world movie star glamour. I wonder if Marilyn or Elizabeth wore them to cover up their roots?
This time the box was waiting for me on my arrival to Palm Springs. And as usual I already had a look ahead at what was in store. Because as much as I love an element of surprise….I just can’t help myself. And it’s always fun to get a little spoiled. So here’s what’s INSIDE THE WINTER BOX:
Rachel collaborated with her dear friend Nicole Richie on these stunning earrings exclusively for Box of Style. These statement-makers can work into any look for that extra dose of sparkle. Retail value: $115
ESSENTIAL HYDRATING OIL
the-go refresher. Retail value: $68
If you are a creative person you can make jewellery, pillow cases, clothing, purses, etc. from many repurposed materials.
The music sounded great and I always love wandering around to see what the local vendors are selling. Among the usual woven hanging baskets, blankets, sarongs, tie-dyes and pipes there are a few fresh surprises.
Camille from “Dark Anachronisms” (in the striped shorts) makes vintage-inspired hats and hair/hat accessories. I especially like the flower crowns, not so much for wearing alone on my head (it’s a really young look) but for decorating a hat in place of a scarf. Very pretty and well detailed. You can picture an image of bridesmaids and angelic looking flower girls wearing them.
For the first time since the 2000 launch of the J12 , a watch designed by a man for men but that was picked up by women everywhere – the French powerhouse is unleashing a watch inspired by classic masculine codes but designed for women. Some male editors were overheard coveting it too.
Anyone interested in a preview of what Chanel has in store for Fall should check out the Paris editors vamping it up on Instagram with the hashtag #meetmyboyfriend.What never escapes my attention is all kinds of beauty products from makeup to skincare to candles & accessories. I might not buy everything I see but there is enjoyment in looking at pretty objects of desire. The different smells, the packaging, the discovery of something new and the pure beauty of it all.
WEEKEND LOOK and fashionably casual way to wear
chic.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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