style – Middle Sister

A NEW BOUTIQUE on Vancouver’s 4th Ave.middle8

middle9Like 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…

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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

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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.  

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Address: 2137 West 4th Ave

http://middlesister.ca/

Photos: d. king

 

 

 

 

style – HATS rule!

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: 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.  

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even the gum boots are cute
even the gum boots are cute
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.


20151103_132751What would a Japanese

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boutique be like without a few teapots?20151103_134855The 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/









style – cicino

A NEW BOUTIQUE comes to Vancouver 20151106_192404 - Copy

20151106_19142320151106_191420The opening was last night and began with an elaborate Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion show at the Vancouver Club.  20151106_19133320151106_190653 - Copy


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 exquisiteCicino Boutique – 848 West Hastings, Vancouver.20151106_195918

Macarron Eiffel Tower
Macaron Eiffel Tower
with my friend Lynn
with my friend Lynn

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

Photos: d. king

cincino2cincino1

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.20151106_192356

BEAUTIFUL

My friend Lynn

 

Style ICON – Catherine Deneuve

The CLASSICS never fadedeneuve15

I’m on a classic kick…with everything. deneuve11966CorbisIn fact, my two best friends growing up in Montreal were compared to the likes of a young Rita Hayworth and Catherine Deneuve so I’ve always been aware of these timeless beauties.  I think there was more to them than just their loooks; like a strong character and an ease with style.  They embodied charm, appeal and a bit of mystery. 

deneuve5So for style; who is best to exemplify classic cool French girl chic better than Catherine Deneuve?  Even today at 72 (she just celebrated her birthday this month), she’s still glamming it up, as per her appearance on the red carpet at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, an event she has been attending since the 1960’s.  When she stepped out at the festival’s opening ceremony and the premiere of her new film,  Le Tête Haute, cinema goers and fans experienced a little Deneuve déjà vu.deneuve16

deneuve4resusa1968So looking back no words are needed because the photos speak for themselves.  Une belle du vie.
deneuve21968getty

2015 - getty images
2015 – getty images

deneuve 17

Just like a good perfume that never changes
Just like a good perfume that never changes

deneuve16

Besides there is no one who has been able to pull off le trench as well as Deneuve.  I try, I trydeneuve8

Do you have a favorite STYLE ICON?

Photos: google images

style – REBECCA BREE

THE GREAT ESCAPE

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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…..bree9


Chock full of fashion-forward brands displayed between luxuribree4bree12ous 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.bree2bree3

And more….

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bree11
bree8bree6

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

Not to mention the owner, Rebecca Bree is a very nice lady.bree14Where? 3680 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver.

Websitehttp://rebeccabree.com/

Photos: d. king

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.

les manteaux
les manteaux

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.

les foulards
les foulards

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.

les vestes
les vestes
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 29th

It may very well be Parisian Chic for the masses

I don’t mind being a part of that

Photos: harpersbazaar.com

Style – Falling “head over heels” for Boots

I hearts1hearts1LOVE FALL BOOTS.  It’s one if not the only reason to love Fall.

Adam Katz Sinding
Adam Katz Sinding

I put on a pair for the first time in a looong time and they felt so uncomfortable following several months of wearing only flip flops and open toe sandals.  I graduated to wearing loafers & ballarina flats so my feet would slowly adjust because it’s only a matter of time before high heel shoes for dressing up & feeling sexy (flats can be sexy too) will follow. There used to be a time when high heels were everyday wear but not now.  I’m much more boring sensible now.

plain, simple, functional, go-with-anything, stylish - covers all the basics!
plain, simple, functional, go-with-anything, stylish – covers all the basics.  READ: NEED!

 I made a few smart choices (read: sales at the end of last wiinter) so I’m pretty good with my collection this time around.  I have everything from sexy suede over the knee high heeled boots (I will have to drive or be driven from door to door in those) to sexy leather low-heeled over the knee boots to bohemian wedge fringed boots to low heeled funky cowboy boots in red no less (I forgot I had them, it’s love all over again).

Shown here, the best gorgeous Fall Boots for savvy shoppers.

Suede Over The Knee Boots, ASOS $108
Suede Over The Knee Boots, ASOS $108
Analise Bootie, UGG $200
Analise Bootie, UGG $200  I find these to be not so Uggly after all.
Suede Boots, Lord and Taylor $179
Suede Boots, Lord and Taylor $179

We’ve all been there: You finally track down the perfect pair of boots for fall, only to find the price tag is far from realistic. Determined to avoid this fate, we set out to find chic silhouettes for no more than $200 and found a dozen slammin’ styles that have the power to transform your entire fall look.

Fringe Ankle Boots - Zara, $120
Fringe Ankle Boots – Zara, $120
Snake finish Booties, Mango - $80
Snake finish Booties, Mango – $80
Snaffle Ankle Boot, Miss Selfridge $70
Snaffle Ankle Boot, Miss Selfridge $70
High Heel Boots, Ivanka Trump $169
High Heel Boots, Ivanka Trump $169
Snake Ankle Boots, Topshop $70
Snake Ankle Boots, Topshop $70
Jodhpur Boots, H&M $50
Jodhpur Boots, H&M $50
Black Over The Knee Boot, River Island $150
Black Over The Knee Boot, River Island $150
Matte Chelsea Rain Boot, J.Crew $68
Matte Chelsea Rain Boot, J.Crew $68
Karlia Booties, Calvin Klein $189
Karlia Booties, Calvin Klein $189

Source for boots (narrowed down from a larger selection): Rachel Zoe Report

It’s not just me, it’s her. Rachel is a real stylist so if she claims these as fashionable for Fall, you know it to be true. But I tend to agree.

There’s so many styles to have FUN with and keep fairly comfortable at the same time.

Do you have a favourite?

Style – the casting world of Prada

The ULTIMATE “get”

Prada Fall 2015 campaign
Prada Fall 2015 campaign – google images

The Models

While many shows have remarkable casts, for models both new and established, Prada remains the ultimate “get.” The prestige and visibility that come from being on the Prada runway is incomparable—whether you’re a newcomer having your first big moment or a star returning after a lengthy hiatus. As a result, Prada’s castings have become the barometer by which other shows are judged, as well as an arbiter of industry beauty norms. If you want to get a feel for the current modeling look du jour, a glance at Prada’s run of show is all that’s needed.

Getty Images
Getty Images – Prada spring 2016

The Actors

While models make up the majority of Prada’s runway, the brand’s menswear advertising has long relied on art house actors, enlisting everyone from conventional cuties Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ben Whishaw to acting luminaries like Gary OldmanHarvey Keitel, and Christoph Waltz. At the fittingly theatrical Fall 2012 show, worlds collided when OldmanAdrien BrodyWillem Dafoe, and Jamie Bell unexpectedly took to the runway alongside male models like Arthur Gosse and Victor Nylander.

Jamie Bell, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Prada Fall 2012 Photo: Monica Feudi / Feudiguaineri.com
Jamie Bell, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Prada Fall 2012
Photo: Monica Feudi / Feudiguaineri.com

The Exclusives
Prada consistently launches careers, and though not every model selected for a Prada exclusive contract goes on to greatness, the brand’s success rate is enviable. Those chosen to open the show, walk in it exclusively, or debut via a Prada campaign are essentially winners of modeling’s golden ticket, and many now-famous names got their first break via Prada. Miuccia Prada gave a contract to a leggy Czech named Karolina Kurkova before she turned 16, and enlisted her to walk Prada and its sister brand, Miu Miu. In 2005, Prada opened with Sasha Pivovarova, a then-unknown Russian art student who would go on to represent the brand for six consecutive seasons. Long before she was omnipresent in ads for Céline, Daria Werbowy was successful when opening Prada’s Spring 2004 show and landed a contract. Models like Suvi KoponenKatlin Aas, Lindsey Wixson, Arizona Muse, Vanessa Axente,Maartje Verhoef, and Amanda Murphy all came into their own with appearances at Prada. Even this season’s key catwalkers, like Lineisy Montero and Willow Hand, began with—you guessed it—Prada.

WATCH the Prada Spring 2016 ready-to-wear show Note:(if you’re receiving this post via e-mail please click on the title at the very top of this page & scroll down to view):

Source: Janelle Okwodu for Vogue

style – a shoe in

Just an assortment of practical shoes that caught my eye

These shoes brought the spark back to me
These shoes brought a twinkle to my eyes
Feathers & Fringe are in
Feathers & Fringe are in and we’re going steady with some Studs 
Love these Valentino Rock Star Stud heels and flats
Love these Valentino Rock Star Stud heels and flats
These would be perfect warm comfortable walking shoes
These would be warm comfortable walking shoes furever.  They put the fun back in FENDI.
Suddenly I feel like dining and dancing
I’m gettin my spark back – suddenly I feel like disco dancing
I would not be running very far, only fashionably on foot wearing these
I would not be running very far, only fashionably on foot wearing these
While you make up your mind relax, sit back and have a cocktail or two...then let your credit card do the rest
While you make up your mind relax, sit back and have a cocktail or two…then let your credit card do the rest
Where there's shoes, there's bags. The Fringe Festival is on.
Where there’s shoes, there’s bags. The Fringe Festival is on.

Glamour & Glitz – take me to the Ritz!

What’s your foot fetish this season?

Photos: d. king

Where: Nordstrom Vancouver

My shoe board on Pinterest:

Link:

https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/shoe-candy/