fashion – Page 12 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

style: party month

It’s that time of the year again: that seasonal conundrum of WHAT TO WEAR? to the annual office Christmas party.

Leave it to Louboutin — Leave it to **Louboutin** (Nordstrom, Vancouver). **Sometimes it’s best to start to dress from the ground up!**

The first cardinal rule? There’s no need to don the ornamental bells and whistles of a Christmas tree. You can still keep it simple but add a dash of bling & a red lip.

The second? Unless the theme is ugly Christmas sweaters, then make somewhat of an effort. If your party is right after work and you don’t have the time to change then at the very least slip on a pair of pretty party shoes and/or a decorative piece of jewellery.

It doesn’t have to be too much, just something festive. You can keep them incognito until the night kicks off. If you want to up the ante on the accessories, the only thing you need is a simple pair of drop-dead drop earrings to keep in your bag. They’ll add a slight shine to your ensemble if the rest of your look is pared back. Speaking of bags….

How about an elegant evening clutch bag? These are found at KATE FRENCH Wear - 2352 W. 4th Ave. in Vancouver. There is a lot more to this store than what is shown here. — How about **an elegant evening clutch bag?** These are found at **KATE FRENCH Wear** – 2352 W. 4th Ave. in Vancouver. *There is a lot more to this store than what is shown here.* Clothing, etc.

Luckily, there are easy one-step tricks to the holiday office party trade. The best thing to do is to keep it simple yet with a little more chic ‘oomph’ than usual. Try a sleek A-line tea length skirt; it has that immediate Grace Kelly effect of polish. If your work place is casual and you usually wear jeans then opt for a black cigarette pant and oxford button-down or lacy blouse.

These Canadian made clutch bags come in handy after the holidays too. I love the ease of the handle. KATE FRENCH Wear - Vancouver. — You can’t go wrong with these *made in Canada simple but* classy **clutch bags** which will come in handy after the holidays too. I love the ease of the handle which just slips over your wrist. **KATE FRENCH Wear, Vancouver.**

Rule #3 – if you’re into glam & glitter then this is the month to pull out all the stops.

Rule #4: no matter where you work, remember you’re still amongst your colleagues so go easy on the liquor. party5

Think about this old quote that Phyllis Diller once said:

“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day”

Rule #5 – have fun, make it festive and look and feel your most FABULOUS! party4

HAVE A MERRY TIME

STYLE

style classics – Mary Jane Memoirs

I’ve been going through all my shoes deciding which ones to keep, which ones to give away but when it comes down to my Mary Janes I have a hard time parting with any of them.

Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes - a REALITY SHOE — **REALITY SHOE** (Photo: HBO)

The Sex and the City Moment:

When Carrie Bradshaw sees a pair of Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes for the very first time in a fashion closet and cries out, “I thought these were an urban shoe myth!”

From flats to heels, the Mary Jane might just be one of the most iconic and versatile shoes of all time. No other footwear has been through as much evolution as the popular-to-this-day Mary Jane.

Legend has it the name came from a comic strip dubbed Buster Brown in the New York Herald in 1902. In the comic, a little girl named Mary Jane wore flat shoes with a small leather strip across the front. Since then, everyone from Mary Quant to Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Rei Kawakubo has capitalized on the style. The Mary Jane looks particularly chic —and it seems every designer is putting their own twist on the emblematic shoe.

Here is a TIMELINE of some of her best moments:

THE ORIGINALS

The Mary Jane played a key role in model-off-duty style during the 60s, as seen on Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton.

THE CINEMATIC ICON

In Clueless, Cher shows her love of the essential style in multiple scenes—whether they’re white patent with a thick heel or flat and metallic, paired with over-the-knee socks.

THE WHIMSICAL CARTOON

The fictional but stylish Alice in Wonderland sports a pair of black Mary Janes and knee-socks during her adventures with massive caterpillars, talking cats and rude flowers.

RED CARPET WORTHY

Cate Blanchett takes a step out at the Venice Biennale in a long green gown and simple pair of black patent leather Mary Janes.

Speaking of cartoons, I just watched the non-animated film version of “Cinderella” and Cate Blanchett plays a perfectly awful step-mother. Great rendition of the classic Disney fairytale (just had to tell you).

THE NEW CROP – Fresh off the Runway

Today’s versions come in metallic shades, covered in glitter, in lush velvets and with the occasional Lucite heel.

Mary Janes came elegantly gilded at Rodarte, in geometric shapes at Giles and even in the form of sugary-sweet pastel boots at the SS16 collections.

AND here’s another reason to love dancing the TANGO:

from Comme il Faut - Buenos Aires (I bought shoes there). — **Come il Faut – Buenos Aires** (I bought shoes there). *Soft Black Silk…Ahhhhh*

Source: Kristen Bateman for “The List” – Harper’s Bazaar

Girl Who Would be King

style – Middle Sister

A NEW BOUTIQUE on Vancouver’s 4^th Ave.

Like any middle child knows, the central position in the sibling hierarchy has its challenges – constantly seeking approval from older siblings and trying (and often failing) to establish some sort of dominance over the “baby” of the family. Linda, who is the owner and stylist knows this all too well: when you’re in the middle of the pack you have to shout a little louder in order to be heard.

Luckily I never had to do this. I’m the eldest of three – I have a brother and sister so I got to boss them around which was my established right. But back to the boutique…

Middle Sister is the culmination of Linda’s desire to express herself. Inspired by the places she’s travelled and the people and things she’s fallen in love with, the boutique is a love letter to the life she’s lived and an invitation to those wanting to join her on her journey. There is a nice cross section of everything from clothing (local and international designs), accessories (I bought a beautiful leather wrap-around belt with tassles), home accents and cool cards for every occasion.

Fun Leggings — **Fun Couture Leggings – the logo certainly appeals to me**

At Middle Sister, the focus is exploration and discovery, of being introduced to something new and stimulating. Here, you won’t have to shout to be heard. The focus is always on you. That speaks to my heart!

FO.BE - handcrafted in Athens — **FO.BE – statement jewelery handcrafted in Athens.**

Address: 2137 West 4th Ave

http://middlesister.ca/

Photos: d. king

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

style – HATS rule!

A model walks the runway at the Ralph Lauren fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015 at Skylight Clarkson SQ. on February 19, 2015 in New York City.

I’ve always been a hat woman. I go for all kinds of hats depending on my mood, what I’m wearing, the season and the occasion.

A hat can be that one accessory that sets you apart, whether you’re at a formal event or you’re just out running some errands. Sometimes I feel like wearing a baseball cap even if I’m not out running, but other times a wide-brim felt or fedora does the trick. Colours are always neutral.

A great hat can add polish to an otherwise basic outfit. It also keeps our head warm but can add a bit of mystery (a la Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca) and they look so darn chic.

Every woman can find a hat to suit her but if you’re like my sister Lisa, then you look good wearing any hat. She’s lucky that every single hat that comes in contact with her head looks like it was made for her.

Do you wear hats? What kind of hat is your preference?

STYLE

style: branches & knots

This is knot your typical boutique. I love the overall organic feeling of this Vancouver shop. EVERYTHING inside is imported from Japan which is another reason to like it so much.

These extraordinary handcrafted watches are all created on-site at the JHA Kansai watch store. — The extraordinary **handcrafted watches** are all created on-site at the JHA Kansai watch store.

What would a Japanese

boutique be like without a few teapots?The place where I bought this comfy and cute cotton/crinoline sweater dress. I like that it’s casual (mostly) and feminine. It can be dressed up or down & belted (to emphasize the waist) but I just let it hang loose. I think it looks better when wearing shoes or better still; boots.

The Japanese have such eclectic taste and a lot of the styles appeal to me because they tend to go against the grain. You will find clothing & accessories that are NOT run-of-the-mill. Sometimes we want to have that bit of an edge.

Located in Kitsilano at 3128 West Broadway.

http://www.branchesandknots.com/

FUN

Fundraiser: 65 Roses Gala – Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

IT’S REMARKABLE how fast time flies

I can’t believe that one year has gone by and here we are again at the annual 65 Roses fundraising Gala to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Canada (CF).

With gorgeous soon-to-be mom Amanda Wood. She sang the most beautiful rendition of Hallelujah. — With gorgeous soon-to-be mom **Amanda Wood.** She sang the most beautiful rendition of *Hallelujah*.

As the night wore on - with Colleen (L) and Wendy. — As the night wore on – with Colleen and Wendy

This year marks the 15th Anniversary and the theme was CRYSTAL. Here are some photos from another enjoyable evening with excellent auction items, entertainment, food, wine and dinner companions.

The wine was served in a unique cirque kind of way — The wine was served in a unique *cirque* way

I won the beautiful floral centerpiece at our table

delicious chocolate mousse dessert with macaron

some lucky person walked away with this natural skincare travel set from SkinsoDivine.com — some lucky person walked away with this Divine natural skincare travel set from http://*SkinsoDivine.com*

**Well you know; women just want to have FUN!**

STYLE

style – cicino

A NEW BOUTIQUE comes to Vancouver

The opening was last night and began with an elaborate Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion show at the Vancouver Club.

Then at the boutique across the street – more fashion, entertainment, bubbly, wine bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres to celebrate.

The eclectic International designs are breathtakingly exquisite. Cicino Boutique – 848 West Hastings, Vancouver.

Macarron Eiffel Tower — Macaron Eiffel Tower

The diversity of the designers run the gamut from Kenzo to Oscar de la Renta.

Photos: d. king

Exclusive VIP membership includes special event pre-season trunk shows with access to new fashions that are not yet available to the general public among other benefits.

BEAUTIFUL

STYLE

Style: the changing retail face of Vancouver

VANCOUVER is uping it’s retail game and may even come to surpass Toronto and Montreal as a premiere Canadian shopping destination. Whaaat??

Bowtie by Douglas Coupland — *Bow Tie* by Douglas Coupland fills the 2-storey atrium at **Simons**, West Vancouver.

I thought this day would never come because when I first moved here from Montreal in the 80’s my first impression of the Vancouver fashion scene was..well… uggggh! I had never seen so much fleece before and vowed to never wear it but it wasn’t before too long that I too, was wearing fleece (but sparingly – it is comfy and warm to be exact). Excuse: the damp weather goes right through you here. Then I tried my best to embrace Gore-tex. I can tell you that no matter how hard you try to dress up a Gore-tex jacket (even with a cute scarf) you still end up looking like you’re going fishing. But it’s the only thing that will really keep you dry in pouring rain. That, and a good pair of Gore-tex boots – so at least you look like you’re going on a hike. Most people do hike in Vancouver so that’s okay. Still; coming from Montreal at that time it was quite a shocker.

Ceiling at Simons — Ceiling at **Simons**

But that was then. The scene is definitely changing and has changed significantly (for the better) since I moved here. Aside from all the independent little boutiques situated all over this city (with an emphasis on Main St. & in Gastown), we have recently acquired two brand new department stores with the upscale U.S. chain Nordstrom downtown and another called Simons in West Vancouver. Simons is a much smaller operation owned by a Quebec City family that has been around for more than 175 years. It is their second location outside of Quebec, after Edmonton. While Nordstrom is definitely the more swanky of the two, Simons (located at Park Royal South) can boast local artwork and some artful lighting. The showstopper is a piece by Douglas Coupland that hangs above the atrium in the shape of a bow tie. Both department stores have in store restaurants and a few fashion lines new to this city.

A Canadiana Apron at Simons — Cute Lumberjack Apron. **Simons**

My preference of the two is still Nordstrom but I liked the sculpture and some of the displays at Simons. Overall I have to admit that it felt a little like H&M meets Home Sense.

Now if Montreal’s Ogilvy department store ever comes to town – that will be my #1 shopping destination! But there is only one – which makes it more special and I don’t think it’s going anywhere.

Which department store in Vancouver

is your favourite?

In general I prefer shopping the independant retail stores over the larger chains.

Photos: d. king

**Ogilvy Montreal – they do a really nice holiday window**

Ogilvy Montreal Sophistication — **Ogilvy Montreal** *Sophistication*

STYLE

style – REBECCA BREE

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Last weekend I stepped into one of the most stylish little boutiques in Vancouver. It was an accident waiting to happen. So inviting…..and so pretty…..

Chock full of fashion-forward brands displayed between luxuri ous French Provincial furnishings, bouquets of roses and gorgeous extras from Lulu Frost and Tocca. Should I say more?

They offer chic statement pieces and effortless wardrobe staples with a tightly edited collection of the most coveted clothing and accessories from cutting-edge international designers.

And more….

You can bet that you’ll find the next big thing here.

Not to mention the owner, Rebecca Bree is a very nice lady.Where? 3680 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver.

Website: http://rebeccabree.com/

Photos: d. king

STYLE

Style: JapaFrench Collaboration at Uniqlo

A Smashing Smörgåsbord of stylish items at a lower price point

Carinne Roitfeld — **Carine Roitfeld** models a few of her designs

When I was in San Francisco a few years ago there was a long lineup around the corner from Union Square, and ever so curious I had to find out what it was about. It was the opening of their first UNIQLO location and unfortunately I did not wait to find out what was in store but people were walking out with big bags and bigger smiles on their faces and said there were some awesome deals and steals.

I’m sure I’ll get my chance again because the Japanese fast-fashion retailer (according to reliable sources) is in the process of securing a significant size space at Vancouver’s Metrotown Metropolis in Burnaby. Two stores are also scheduled to open in Toronto. I don’t usually go out of my way for a quickie fashion fix however….

And now Carine Roitfeld, global fashion director of Harper’s BAZAAR (my favourite fashion magazine) among many other titles (like former Tom Ford collaborator at Gucci) and a fabulous fashionista in her own right, is getting into the design game.

Roitfeld partnered with Uniqlo for a 40-piece collection created in collaboration with Naoki Takizawa, design director of the Japanese brand, all for under $200.

le body - making a comeback? — **le body** – making a comeback?

Roitfeld explains that she started with the idea of clothes she’d want to wear herself and took it from there. From signature pencil skirts to a leopard coat (fake of course) et beaucoup plus….

Find out what’s hitting Uniqlo stores and Uniqlo.com on October 29^th

It may very well be Parisian Chic for the masses

I don’t mind being a part of that

Photos: harpersbazaar.com