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)

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!

Some of the perks of the night:

• 25% off Gap’s new holiday collection
• Get braided at Blo’s Braid Bar
• Stay energized with Frankie’s Candy Bar, Jones Soda and the sounds of DJ Ana
• Swag bag with $50 purchase, 10 bags will randomly contain a FREE pair of premium denim (valued up to $79.95)
• Win a Gap outfit (valued up to $500)

**Photo credit to LittleFashionisto**

By Carolyn Fung, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

On Thursday last week I had the opportunity to attended the (212) 2011/2012 Winter preview. The event was clearly well received with a packed room of local designers, fashion bloggers and supporters at the beautiful Montauk showroom in Gastown.

The inspiration behind (212) comes from owners Scott Walhovd and Anthony Castro. With a degree from Parsons School of deign and a love for the West Coast Anthony and Scott brought together their expertise in 1995 to create (212). With a focus on affordable pricing, this Manhattan inspired store offers Vancouverites a taste of the big city style without the big city prices.

The debut of their 2011/2012 winter collection included classic winter grays, rich navy blues, hints of beige and bright cobalt blue. This year, the focus was on staying true to clean cuts, solid colors and form fitting styles. Small details like asymmetrical cuts and exposed zippers were also included to add a contemporary feel to the classic designs. It was all about layering pieces and staying true the lifestyle of women in Vancouver. Dress shirts layered underneath fitted knit sweaters, turtlenecks and, button ups and skirts. What I loved most about this particular show was the easygoing nature of the clothes for that perfect laid back, sophisticated look.

In order to offer their customers accessible style in a timely manner, (212) chose to debut their winter collection in season rather than months before hand. For customers, this means the instant gratification of knowing their designs are literally hot off the runway.  You can expect prices for this collection to range from $85-$200+. For those of you interested to see more, don’t let the area code fool you. (212) is located right in the heart of Gastown and for those rainy days, you can shop their online store 24/7.

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

By Lydia Frey, MMV Guest Writer

What I love about Main Street is how just when you think you’ve seen it all, you turn a corner and discover another hidden gem.  Whether it’s a funky boutique, restaurant or coffee shop, you never know what you’ll encounter.  That why, when I made my way to Scout Boutique’s Sweet and Spicy Fashion Show last week, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

With fashions from Rebel Rouser, Pinup Couture, Parr, Betty Page, Style Me Vintage and local designer Misty Greer’s line, TrunkShow, I encountered the edgier and sexier side to fashion. Curve defining shapes, lipstick reds and midnight blacks took over the room and made me seriously consider purchasing new red heels. While I doubt I could get away with some of the necklines at work, the outfits were sexy without being trashy. I kept expecting burlesque dancers to take over the stage and I wouldn’t have been disappointed if that had happened.

During the break, I took a look at what was on the racks and felt my self-control slipping away. Gorgeous fitted autumn jackets beckoned but I stayed strong.  For women looking for style with a sassy edge, this is the place to go. Scout Boutique offers personal shopping and private shopping sessions and the friendly staff makes your shopping occasion memorable – not to mention easy. This was Scout Boutique’s third annual fashion show and after this year’s showcase, I will definitely be there next year!

**photos used with permission from the Scout Boutique Facebook Page

“For the world you walk on, love what you wear” – those were the first beautiful words I read when opened up my parcel from Canadian company, Cougar Boots.  Written in a scrawled, painted font on the cardboard shoebox (which had a convertible green handle to turn it into a shopping bag), I thought it was a great slogan for ashoe company.  The pair of boots I got were the “Java” rubber boots – I thought they would be most practical for the rainy Vancouver weather.  The actual shoe part of the boot (including the one inch heel) and some of the trimming is made from rubber, while the stem of the boot had a pattern comparable to checkers in grey, black and white.  This is (currently) the only colour and pattern the Java style comes in.

There’s even a little rubber tab at the top-back of the boot, so you can hang them from a hook.  The inside of the boot is lined with a very fine micro-fleece, which is soft, comfortable and will help keep me warm on rainy days.

In terms of fashion, the rubber is a very heavy-duty, sturdy, solid material but the textile pattern gives it a more feminine look so you know you’re not just wearing your dad’s work-boots!  However, it seems a bit impractical that a fabric pattern would be paired with such a heavy-duty rubber sole.  If you wanted to splash in puddles, the water would run right off the rubber part, but be absorbed into the fabric.  That being said, because of the grey/black/white textile pattern, the colour combination would hide any sort of rainy wet stains.

For this particular style of boot, the upper part of the boot fans out, so you can tuck in any sort of pants, instead of just skinny jeans), without the concern of whether they’ll fit in the boot or not.  If you have particularly skinny legs, the top of the boot does stick out a bit, but that’s just the nature of rubber boots in general, not just this pair.  This particular style of boot fits larger, I got my usual size 7, but I feel like I could have gone down another 1/2 size.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m excited for the next rainy day in Vancouver so I can finally wear my new boots – for real!

What’s a “stylishmess”?  It’s a newly coined term describing one who adheres to too many or not enough fashion rules creating the effect that is a stylishmess.  Luckily, Stylishmess (the shopping boutique) is here to help!  Now open in Point Grey, Stylishmess is a shopping boutique and personal styling shop that aims to educate women on how to dress for their body, face shape, and colour palettes. Opened by Sarah Parsons, who at one point worked in the fashion industry as a model and a fashion merchandiser, Sarah wanted to offer a space where women can learn to look and feel their best while having fun in a beautiful and relaxing environment.  Modern Mix Vancouver wanted to hear more about this new retail destination, so we interviewed Sarah Parsons:

MMV: Before you opened Stylishmess, you were a style consultant for Vancouver professionals. What’s your work/education background and how did you get into the fashion and styling industry?
Sarah: I was a model for years and found the stylists’ trailer on sets more interesting. Watching how they put outfits together piqued my interest than actually being the talent! It inspired me to want to be apart of that. I also entered a professional office at a young age and found that when I dressed up for the position I was given a lot more respect. I found that how I dressed not only influenced my mood, but the reactions of the people around me in a positive way. I thought putting my love of fashion together with defining personal/professional images was an ideal place for me. I have a fashion merchandising diploma and BA Commerce, and have worked in the Vancouver and Montreal fashion industry.

MMV: Why did you decide to open your own boutique? Why in the Point Grey area instead of somewhere like Downtown or Main Street?
Sarah: Since there really isn’t a store like mine out there, I didn’t want to be defined by the location. I thought a new idea needed to be in an area that needed a new fresh face on the block.

MMV: How do you hope to set Stylishmess apart from the many fashion boutiques in Vancouver?
Sarah: Stylishmess has experienced stylists who can help outfit a client based on body shape, size and colours. After shopping with and for my clients, I saw a need for a relaxed shopping environment with great pieces and service that also offered something different in the city. By listening to my clients’ comments and concerns, my idea was born. I want to make shopping enjoyable for women again.

 MMV: How do you choose the clothing and accessory brands and products for the Stylishmess shop?
Sarah: Quality is a big deciding factor, as well as filling my clients’ needs. I listen to what they want. I also lean toward flattering cuts and fashion forward styles with the ability to be long term classics.

MMV: What are your fashion and style trend predictions for Fall 2011?
Sarah: I don’t really believe in discussing trends, however I think learning to dress for your body/lifestyle and expressing yourself through fashion will be a big trend for Fall and Spring.

MMV: When it comes to styling your clients, do you have any rules of thumb you’d like to share with Modern Mix Vancouver readers?
Sarah: Rules of thumb? Well that’s tough as everything is so person specific… but I do recommend that you should always dress in what makes you feel really good. Dress for you.

International brands at Stylishmess include Vince, Alternative Apparel, Milly, Tibi, Graham and Spencer, Robert Rodriguez, LAMB, Twelfth street by Cynthia Vincent, Rory Beca.  Beauty and accessories brands include House of Harlow 1960 (Nicole Richie’s line), Lucia, Valuspa, Barefoot Venus and Butter London.  To see for yourself, visit Stylishmess at 4481 West 10th Avenue.

Thursday Sept 1st, 2011: 8am to 8pm
Friday Sept 2nd, 2011: 8am to 8pm
Saturday Sept 3rd, 2011: 9am to 6pm
Sunday Sept 4th, 2011: 10am to 6pm
Monday Sept 5th, 2011: 10am to 6pm

As they’ve done every year, I’m sure they’ll have new stock coming in every day.  However, in my personal experience, the “best” stuff is always at the beginning of the sale.

Update:  Here are some photos from the actual event.  Thanks to Elizabeth of IdleGlory for the photos.