By Carolyn Fung, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

You haven’t had a real hot chocolate until you’ve tried one form CocoaNymph.  Unlike the milky, water downed version you might expect from ice skating rinks and ski chalets, real hot chocolate is an entirely different experience.

Thick and creamy I had the pleasure of being one of the first to taste CocoaNymph’s newest creation for the hot chocolate festival: Maple Cinnamon drinking chocolate with a caramelized apple ring. This flavorful combination is just one of 15 flavors available at CocoaNymph throughout the year. When asked how this creation came to be, owner Rachel Sawatzky immediately gave credit to a team effort. A true believer in the power of collaboration, Rachel and her team regularly come up with new pairings that are sure to leave you wanting more.

Going into their fourth year in Vancouver, CocoaNymph is located near 10^th and Alma. The first thing you notice when you walk into the store is smell of chocolate so rich you can literally feel the room start to warm you inside. In the front of the room is a white baby grand piano where beautifully decorated truffles are featured. The décor gives you a comforting feeling, as if every single piece of furniture was lovingly created to be a part of the room. Next to the cashier you’ll find a display of truffles and 2 chalkboard menus that include 10-15 flavors of drinking chocolate, 9 flavors of home made marshmallows, coffee drinks and tea.

Originally from Winnipeg, Rachel acknowledges how nice it is to have her business in Vancouver. Recognizing the growing recognition for her art as a chocolatier, she feels it’s a great city with access to an extreme variety of ingredients she can play with. Always creating and being inspired the food culture in the city, Rachel is currently experimenting with pairings like beer and chocolate. Among her latest challenges include the creation of a chocolate dress, complete with chocolate accessories.

With Valentines days just around the corner, Rachel & her team are gearing up with a line of 4 bon bon creations so tempting that you might just want to treat yourself . Here’s a list of what you can expect:

• Mischief – Milk chocolate champagne ganache in a milk chocolate shell. Created with the perfect mixture of a hard shell complimented with a soft centre.
• Blush – Dark chocolate and rose ganache. You can taste sweet hint of rose that isn’t overpowered by the chocolate taste. It’s a match made in heaven.
• Desire – Milk chocolate whipped ganache with cinnamon (airy and light) with a dark chocolate shell
• Luscious – Dark chocolate with a cherry centre in dark chocolate shell.

These unique creations can be bought as single pieces or as set. CocoaNymph has 5 box sizes and has created 3 special Valentines Day boxes including one that is made entirely of chocolate.

On February 14, CocoaNymph will also be hosting a Valentines special. For $12.00 each you and a loved one could cozy up to a solo classical cellist while enjoying some delicious chocolate treats.  You can also find CocoaNymph chocolate at local retailers including Whole Foods, Urban Fare and Edible BC. Year round, the location on 10^th & Alma offers workshops, chocolate pairings, and a list of chocolate combinations that are sure to make you melt.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Manveet Virk, Modern Mix Vancouver Writer

It is officially safe to say 2012 is in full gear, and with the next long weekend a long trek away, a downtown Vancouver staycation may be the perfect remedy for a mini but sure needed break. When trying to choose a boutique hotel, if you’re anything like me, you sometimes want all the typical hotel bells and whistles but not have the 5-star rates, correct? If you want a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience that still includes a complete list of amenities and friendly concierge team, the Loden Hotel gives you just that, and is right smack in the middle of the best that downtown Vancouver has to offer. Plus, being in Coal Harbour, the views, atmosphere and proximity to Stanley Park gives this hotel a location advantage.

Upon entering the lobby of the Loden, there is the instant feeling of opulence with the very retro-mod inspired décor. While taking a tour with the Director of Sales, Richard Graham, he mentions that the guests of the hotel are “trendy, design centric individuals,” and I immediately see why. It’s cool yet mature and refined. From the colour-rich artwork to the floor-to-ceiling striped marble fireplace, and learning that A-list celebrities are known to frequently stay at Loden, I wouldn’t mind lounging here all afternoon long and perhaps capture a star-sighting too.

Once we make our way to view the rooms, I can’t help but think, ‘gosh, no wonder celebrities like coming here!’ The guest rooms offer a stunning first impression; soft hues with nature-inspired contrasts, oh-so-comfortable beds, über-luxurious bathrooms, technology plugins and best of all, rooms so quiet that you’ll forget you’re in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle or that there are rooms right next door.

Then it’s time to see what else a stay includes and I discover that the Loden has it all. The BeFit Studio fitness centre is complete with on-site personal training options, the spa room can be booked for solo or couple services, the business centre is small yet private to get work done if needed and the top amenity is the French bistro, Tableau Bar and Bistro located off the lobby.

Tableau, voted Best in the City by Georgia Straight in 2011, is such a nice recent addition to Loden. Richard mentioned that the menu that has been brilliantly crafted by Executive Chef Marc-André Choquette, was inspired greatly by New York and Paris culinary scenes to offer a unique option to our very high caliber Vancouver restaurants’ list. What really stood out to me was the growing popularity of brunch at Tabeau. In a city that needs more options for winding down on Saturdays and spending time with your loved ones on Sundays, we all can really use a weekend brunch tradition. Tableau is becoming the choice for locals and hotel guests, and quite simply, must really be experienced.

So my verdict? A Loden weekend staycation (especially with Valentine’s Day coming up!) and brunch at Tableau are really going to be hard to resist doing over and over again.

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a $70 gift certificate for brunch at Tableau Bar & Bistro. Leave a comment below telling us your favourite brunch item on the Tableau brunch menu (click here to see the menu) and a random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Contests ends Tuesday January 31st (11:59pm PST).  

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win $70 to @TableauBistro at @LodenHotel from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/AERGRo RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win a $70 gift certificate to Tableau Bistro at Loden Hotel from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/AERGRo”

LASTLY, want to try out the award winning Loden Hotel for yourself? Contact Director of Sales, Richard Graham at Richard.Graham@theLoden.com and mention Modern Mix Vancouver or this article to receive a special 15% off* the Best Available Rate of the day!

*This MMV offer is valid until February 29, 2012, subject to availability, is based on double occupancy, cannot be combined with any other promotion and is not valid on February 14, 2012.

 A winner in cosmetics because of its versatility, Tangerine Tango is a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way. Add a sultry flair to lips, cheeks and nails with Tangerine Tango. An unexpected eye shadow color, Tangerine Tango is a complementary opposite that flatters blue or green eyes. When paired with brown eyes, it brings out an amber cast.

Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

We’ve scoured the internet for items available in Vancouver which are sure to get heads turning towards you in 2012 and blast away the winter blahs.

1. Pantone Swatch “17-1463″ - Also known as Tangerine Tango.
2. Allison Wonderland “Portrait Dress” in red –  According to Vancouver-based designer Allison Smith, colour blocking is in.  The portrait dress from the Allison Wonderland Spring 2012 collection is fun and flirty, and makes a statement without being too formal. ($194 available at Allison Wonderland)
3. Deborah Lippmann “Lara’s Theme” – A “dare to wear” shade in a tangerine orange.  Deborah Lippmann’s nail lacquers is 3-Free (no formaldehyde, toluene and phtalates) and made with the finest ingredients, offering more than just gorgeous color, but also treatment benefits. Natural ingredients strengthen, hydrate, stimulate nail growth and prevent ridge formation ($20 available at Spa Boutique on West 4th Ave)
4. Glerup “Wool Slipper” in Orange –  Indoor slippers originated from Denmark and now available in Vancouver.  Made from 100% natural wool, made into socks and felted with steam to mimic the shape of your foot with a leather sole.  ($99 available online at glerup.ca, other colours available at Twigg & Hottie on Main Street and Walrus on Cambie Street)
5. Kusmi Tea “Boost” - A blend of mate, green tea and spices help naturally stimulate body and mind through this loose leaf tea. ($20 for Kusmi brand teas at Homewerx on Davie Street and Vancouver Special on Main Street).
6. Pantone Mug - official memorabilia from Pantone, this is a definite collector’s item for colour lovers. ($25 available online at Pantone.com)
7. Smitten Designs – local designer Laurie Simpkins is the designer behind this tangerine-coloured flower cameo with two strands of gold-plated chain (available for $89 at Jules & Eve in Kerrisdale and Changes on West 10th, other pieces available at Lord’s Shoes on South Granville)

New rooms, new courtyard, new attitude – the works. It’s a fitting revival for one of Vancouver’s last remaining mid century hotels; an extensive 8-month construction and interior design project to reimagine, rebuild and refresh every last inch of the old hotel.  Under new ownership, The Burrard was put through a massive renovation earlier this year and continues to evolve by being far from ordinary, a unique lodging without the higher boutique hotel pricing.  Moving forward, the Burrard is poised to attract what it calls “socially active urban travelers who crave experiences outside the mainstream.” With a hip, retro L.A. vibe and a cheeky attitude, the Burrard’s hotel concept is poised to satisfy these cravings unlike anything else in the city.

Earlier this month, Modern Mix Vancouver was invited for a staycation at The Burrard.  In the brightly lit lobby, terrazzo floors, dark woods and a splash of colour gives you a hint of the overall hotel experience – a mix of retro influences with modern design touches.  The lobby design looked strangely familiar … then I found out that The Burrard’s lobby was designed by Hodgson Design Associates, a local Vancouver interior design firm who also has several branches of aritzia and Goldfish Pacific Kitchen in Yaletown under its portfolio.  Look at the photos below … the concierge desk is definitely in the style of Aritzia cashier counters, and the colour scheme and light fixture look very familiar.

Before checking into our room at The Burrard, I was given a tour by general manager Danielle Pretto.  I was pleasantly surprised that The Burrard opened up into a square garden courtyard.  In the summer, guests can sun themselves in replica 1970s Solaire chairs under an expertly landscaped canopy of mature palm trees, while a fountain gurgles quietly in the background.  To quote the Burrard website, “it’s like Melrose Place, only there’s no pool to drown in.”   Fashion Photographers: consider The Burrard courtyard for your next photo shoot location!  In the winter, you can admire the courtyard and wish it were summer.  Do the brightly coloured plastic chairs look familiar to you?  The Solair Chairs are from Vancouver Special on Main Street.

Along three levels of outdoor courtyard hallway, brightly-painted doors of yellow, turquoise and slate invite you into one of four stylish room types. Every room has been completely renovated from top to bottom, with new designer bathrooms, luxurious beds, flatscreen HDTVs and more.  Other perks include free high-speed wireless internet (ask for the password when you check-in) and free calling anywhere in North America. Recognize the chair?  It’s the “Eames” style chair from local Gastown furniture store Nood (151 Water Street).

Make sure you try the Nespresso CitiZ coffee machines. Not a coffee drinker?  You other option is The Burrard branded BC spring water provided in a 100% recycled bottle.

Bathrooms were stark white and spotless.  Hexagonal floor tiles gave the bathrooms a vintage feel.  There was a cheeky sign (branded in The Burrard font) directing you to the “swimming pool” and pointing you straight towards the bathtub.

The next morning, we made use of another amenity The Burrard provides and borrowed the Electra Cruiser bikes for a few hours.  In the cold, Vancouver weather (we had to stop by London Drugs to purchase gloves), the free-to-rent bikes were readily available.  But apparently, in the summer, they are few and far in between.  Full of self-expression and individuality, the Electra Cruiser bikes are a perfect fit for The Burrard.  The wide handle bars allowed for maximum comfort and you could choose from an assorted variety of unique bikes – some flashier that others, some with baskets, others with bright colours.  We opted for the plain silver bikes.  Undoubtedly, the Vancouver winter weather was hardly as beautiful as in the below photograph, but you get the idea.  Locks and helmets are provided.

Overall, The Burrard is a wonderful, quirky, alternative and affordable enough to stay at for a night even if you live in the Lower Mainland. Booking rates at The Burrard start at $89 during the holiday season.  For those of you living in the Lower Mainland but outside the downtown core, The Burrard would be a great place to stay at on NYE or during upcoming game nights.  The twin bed rooms were a hit during the recent Grey Cup. Still curious but not quite sold?  Come see for yourself the next time you’re in The Burrard neighbourhood and take a stroll through the lobby and experience it for yourself.

What better way to start your morning off than to have breakfast at Tiffany’s?  Modern Mix Vancouver was lucky enough to enjoy that experience this morning at the grand opening of Vancouver’s 2^nd Tiffany and Co. retail shop at Oakridge Centre. As one of the world’s premier jewelers, Tiffany’s fits rights into the upscale and trendy neighborhood of the Oakridge area. Hosted by Tiffany and Co. and Hawksworth Communications, the event was on par with what you would imagine a Tiffany and Co. event to be: Tiffany Blue, sophisticated, classy, not overwhelming shiny, and of course, full of exceptional customer service.

Tiffany's Hostesses at the Grand Opening of the Tiffany & Co. Oakridge Location

As you walked into the entrance of the new store, which replaced the old Montecristo Jewellers, you were greeted by two lovely Tiffany and Co. models wearing dresses in the signature color, Tiffany Blue. And because this was a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” event, while guests were mingling and walking around they were served coffee, mimosas, freshly squeezed juices, and bite-sized breakfast treats that included: smoked salmon on Pepperidge shortbread with cream cheese and dill, chicken sausage breakfast sandwiches, and quail egg topped with golden caviar. Lavish indeed.

As for the store itself, elements of the flagship Tiffany and Co. on Fifth Avenue were incorporated into its design, including the glass exterior at the entrance of the store and its stainless steel entry doors framed with the wheat leaf to symbolize nature, a reoccurring pattern throughout the New York City store. We browsed the store and looked at all the exquisite and classic pieces that Tiffany’s is known for.

The collections that I personally adored the most were the affordable Tiffany charms and the lock and key pendants, and a new collection to which I was introduced today: the Elsa Peretti designer collection, and her most recent collection of  bottle shaped pedants. Their price points are slightly higher, but they are very popular sellers, being marked by Elsa Peretti’s “fluid lines and sensual forms” in design.  Meanwhile, another favourite of mine was the signature “Return to Tiffany’s” collection of lock and key pendants is part of Tiffany’s iconic designs, all timeless pieces that any girl would love to receive for a gift (wink, wink, nudge, nudge!).

There are three new charms that have just been introduced for the holiday season:

• the mittens charm, with Tiffany Blue enamel finish in sterling silver- $220
• the reindeer charm in sterling silver with red enamel finish- $195
• the stocking charm in sterling silver with Tiffany Blue enamel finish- $250

The Interior of Tiffany & Co. at Oakridge Centre

So, to go back to the initial question: What’s a better way to start your morning off than to have breakfast at Tiffany and Co.’s?   To walk away from that breakfast at Tiffany’s and be given a little signature Tiffany Blue bag with a beautiful necklace inside! I’m so excited about this lovely gift, which is my first official piece of Tiffany’s jewellery. With so many other exquisite pieces that represent and embrace memories and timelessness, I will certainly be putting at least a couple of Tiffany and Co. items on my wish list this Christmas!

Located on the second floor inside the Westin Grand Hotel in Downtown Vancouver, Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge is not the most obvious restaurant choice when it comes to stumbling upon a new restaurant in Vancouver.  I’m hoping by writing about this wonderful, neighbourhood gem, Hidden will get the exposure and recognition it deserves for its unique menu pairings, excellent service and reasonable prices.

I’ve been to Hidden at least 3 – 4 times in the past few months and every time I have been impressed by their extensive menu pairings and excellent service.  Let’s start from the beginning.  What drew me into Hidden in the first place?  A 2-for-$15 tapas pairing menu during lunch, its close proximity from my downtown workplace, and the ability to make a reservation for points on Open Table.

flatbread with spinach, smoked salmon and black bean dip

Hidden’s lunch menu is a contemporary Western style, categorized into ”Bites”, “Earth”, “Sea” and “Land”.  You can order a dish on its own for around $8 – $13, or you can partake in the Hidden tapas pairing special, where you can choose any two items, regardless of price, for $15.  Of course, the portions are slightly smaller than if you had ordered one item on its own, but it’s paired to be the perfect portion size for lunch.

cantaloupe salad with goats cheese & crispy prosciutto and grilled brie cheese sandwich with short rib & cranberry puree

All their menu items seem to have an unconventional twist to it.  For example, it’s not just any old mac and cheese – it was made with scallops.  And the scallops were served on the side, on a bed of marinated raisins.  The sweet and savoury pairing was delicious. The grilled brie cheese and short rib sandwich, was made with a cranberry puree … with the crusts cut off (awesome)!  My salad paired cantaloupe, goats cheese and prosciutto.  Another refreshing, fruit-based salad I tried paired watermelon with feta cheese, olives and mint puree.

watermelon salad with feta cheese, kalamato olives and mint puree

The poutine wasn’t just cheese and gravy, it was made with lobster.  (Although, the cheese curds were a bit rubbery and not fully melted in that particular dish).  Even down to the ketchup variation served with the fries, the ketchup had a smokey hickory flavour to it.  In short, basic ingredients, unusually paired, makes for a unique dining experience.

lobster poutine with montreal cheese curds and bacon & avocado mini burgers

When I tell people about  my experience at Hidden, they seem to be surprised they haven’t heard of this restaurant located in such a central spot in downtown Vancouver.  Unsurprisingly, this is likely because Hidden tucked away in the 2nd floor of a hotel, and perhaps not necessarily a restaurant you can just stumble upon?  My friend uploaded a photo of his Hidden meal on Facebook, and someone had commented asking where we were.  When he replied that we were at Hidden, the restaurant, the confused commenter replied with “No, but what city and country are you in?!”  Perhaps its unbelievable that a restaurant like Hidden could remain unheard of in one’s own city.

To make your experience at Hidden the most worthwhile, be sure to take advantage of their food and drink specials:

• Locals discount: 25% off breakfast & brunch for residents of Vancouver
• Hops Hidden Tuesdays: From 4:30pm to 7:30pm, beer tasting is only $10 for three 2 oz. beer tasters paired with tapas bites.  In addition, you can use the $10 as a credit towards your dinner on the same night.
• Grape Sundays: 50% off selected glasses of wine

By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

“I am equally passionate about making positive change as I am about designing beautiful clothes.”—Nicole Bridger

It’s no secret that being environmentally conscious has become so popular in Vancouver.  From being outdoors, to eating more locally produced fresh foods, to most recently, supporting and wearing eco fashion. So it’s no surprise that many Vancouverites have heard of and embraced the designer and brand, Nicole Bridger, which was established in spring 2007. However, catching up with Nicole Bridger at her West 4th retail shop, I realized she is more than just about the sustainable clothes and being environmentally friendly. The brand and her designs are Nicole’s vehicle, or catalyst in positively affecting change in the world.

Beyond the Fashion
In the grand scheme of things, Nicole Bridger is more about a lifestyle whereby you appreciate life and those around you, and try to do good where you are able. She considers all these things when she designs her collections, drawing on emotion and then utilizing color palettes that evoke those feelings.  Nicole has always been eco friendly—but she never saw the need to label herself as it was a choice of lifestyle for her, and not a trend or a fad. That’s just how she and her friends thought things should be.

Nicole discovered her talent for designing and sculpting clothing after interning for couture designer Vivienne Westwood in London, England. It was then that she also realized she could do more than make clothes; she could induct some change in the world through the clothes that she made. And since Nicole had always wanted to do something positive in the world, it was a clear choice for her to pursue a career as a designer, in order to spark some real change in the world.

Instead of following trends and paying attention to fashion magazines, Nicole designs what she thinks is comfortable for women and what they will feel sexy and confident wearing. Because her pieces are stylishly simple and classic, and can still look good if worn five years later, it’s no surprise that Nicole’s clientele is very diverse, ranging from 25 to 65. The labels on all her clothing say “I AM LOVE” to remind her customers to love themselves as they are, and not try to fit into any stereotype or trend just because it surrounds them.

Beyond the Eco-Friendly
Though her brand is entirely eco-friendly, this aspect isn’t in any of Nicole Bridger’s marketing; to Nicole, it’s more of an added bonus. It’s how she thinks things should be done. It’s about design first. People buy Nicole Bridger clothing because they love it, not necessarily because her clothing is eco friendly.

However, the desire to make positive change is prominent throughout all her marketing and branding, as it is the Nicole Bridger philosophy “to do what is right for the Earth, its People and Spirit”. Nicole’s reasoning behind this is simple. In work life, workers should be paid well, treated well and work in a positive environment so they are motivated and fulfilled in their work life. Her long term vision is to open factories in developing counties that are community based, and to help restore the life in that area. Nicole explained that we should all be collectively helping parts of the world whose economy isn’t as strong as ours. She wants to be able to help create this positive change, by transforming Nicole Bridger into an ethical lifestyle brand which will hopefully include men’s and babies’ clothing.  Her vision is that people will be able to rely on the brand for designer lifestyle products, but at the same time know that it is made sustainably. Honestly, what’s not to love?

With its boutique now open on West 4^th since May 2011, Nicole Bridger has received an overwhelming response in Vancouver and the Lowermainland, both from the public and the press. But that shouldn’t be surprising. With such a genuine and philanthropic way of running her business, I don’t see who wouldn’t want to meet the charismatic woman behind the brand Nicole Bridger, who is seriously making a positive change in our world one design at a time.

For more information about Nicole Bridger, and to see her designs, including her spring 2012 collection that was recently showcased during Eco Fashion Week, visit her website at http://www.nicolebridger.com.

Just in time for the fall weather, on a Friday evening in October, the 2^nd Floor of The Bay was transformed into a classy and elegant reception area and fashion runway for Flare Magazine and The Bay’s 2011 Fall Trends Report.

After some mingling over white wine and a wide variety of cute and scrumptious catered finger foods, guests were seated.  Hosted Lisa Tant, Editor-in-Chief of Flare Canada, and Suzanne Timmins, Fashion Director at The Bay, the fashion show covered upcoming must-haves for fall 2011.  The trends were categorized into 6 looks: 60’s Style, 70’s Style, Pattern Play, Vivid Brights, Man Up!, and Boho Folk. What made the show even more enjoyable was that the 6 themes were taken from the runway and adapted to retail, so that all of the looks could be purchased directly at The Bay.  I was particularly drawn to the 60’s, Man Up!, and Boho Folk trends showcased, so  I’ve decided to focus on my top 3 trends from runway to retail.

The 60′s:

There was a sense of mod couture in all the clothes in this segment, and by that I mean very reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn or Twiggy’s style, or a more modern and update from what you would see on the AMC television series, Mad Men. Since the featured outfits were made practical for retail, they were not costume-looking and would be totally appropriate for the workplace, or shopping around town.

Some 60’s inspired retail looks: Matching tweed cropped jackets and skirts, the peplum dress, strong shaped jackets worn over dresses, sunglasses, black long-sleeved dresses, leather skirts, big hats, and lots of fur.

Man Up!:

There’s something so cool and suave about slicked back hair in a bun, red lips, black aviators. Throw on a black dress shirt, black suit, and top it off with black pumps and the look intensifies. Got the image? Good. That was basically the concept of the Man Up segment, along with the other type of menswear that is so often seen on the streets, which encompasses masculine-styled clothing that are feminine in color and tone. What I loved about these looks was that they still held a sense of professionalism, with a tone that screamed “Girls kick ass!”

Some Man Up! inspired retail looks: Boyfriend blazer, the oxford shirt, ties, suspenders, loose ribbon neck ties, fedora hats, trousers.

Boho Folk:

The Boho Folk segment featured knits, over-sized sweaters, different types of fabrics, long socks, and military-styled boots—all of which were very practical, maybe minus the gold sequined skirt, which I know I cannot pull off… Layering is very trendy for the Boho Folk look, especially with camisoles, blouses, sweaters, cardigans and jackets. This look is very appropriate for nippy fall weather because you can bundle up in all of those comfy layers, and still feel stylish.

Some Boho Folk inspired retail looks: Fur vests, floral print, chunky sweaters, skirts or shorts worn with thigh-high boots, leggings, stockings, draped sweaters, booties, high socks, toques, lots of long and embellished accessories.

I was definitely inspired by the Fall Trends Report, and especially loved it because of its runway to retail concept, allowing me to easily include many of the items in the Trends Report to my own wardrobe. Thanks to Flare Magazine and The Bay for hosting such an exquisite and successful event!

In conclusion, here are some of  Suzanne and Lisa’s personal must-have’s for Fall 2011:

• Anything colored/patterned or that pops!
• Black or brown leather skirt
• Cape
• Shift dress
• Lace dress
• Geopatterns

.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro, is a light and refreshing Italian beer.  Imported directly from Rome and embracing its chic Italian heritage, Peroni boasts a unique style positioning, celebrating and supporting the world’s vibrant fashion and design community. In fact, it is now the fastest growing European bottled brew in Canada.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s brand essence is “La Bella Figura” – a way of life inherent to Italians that celebrates sophistication, beauty and effortless style.  Since arriving in Canada a few short years ago, Peroni has been embraced by urban sophisticates, stylemakers and trendsetters across the country.  Simply put, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is Italian Style Applied to Beer.

For one evening, I was immersed into the Peroni culture at the the invite-only Terrazza di Peroni event series, held at the 4th floor rooftop patio “Reflections” at the newly renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia.  Its carefully selected guests were of the local arts and lifestyle community; sophisticated and stylish.  Peroni’s innovative product positioning challenges the traditional perception of beer, marketing it alongside the cocktail and champagne arena, appealing to both men and women.  I am typically not a beer drinker, but I found the Peroni Fontana to be an extremely light lager to sip on.  Oysters, figs & cheese, and other Aperitivo Italiano were served along side our free-flowing tall glasses of beer.  About Peroni Nastro Azzurro:

• Its appearance – Light straw yellow, brilliant
• Its aroma – Perfumy noble hop aroma, hint of floral
• Its taste – Exceptionally crisp and clean with a balanced malt and bitterness
• Its mouth feel – Light body with high carbonation perception
• Its finish – Balanced with a dry hop swallow

To try Peroni Nastro Azzurro for yourself, Peroni Fontana will be rolling out at the Glowbal Group restaurants (Italian Kitchen, Society, Glowbal, Sanafir, etc.) as well as the Donnelly Group Bars.  For photos from the event, see the gallery below: