By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

Modern Mix Vancouver was invited to the spring/summer 2012 showcase hosted by Oak and Fort.

The quaint and delicate Oak and Fort boutique is situated in gastown, such an appropriate neighborhood as it is also home to many underground and fashion forward styles and shops. I love seeing collections that smaller boutiques choose every season because I know their pieces will be unique and different than what is sold at mainstream retail chains.  The store was founded in 2010, and has since been offering Vancouverites a selection of international and quality garments. The very special part is that sometimes their in-house designers fuse together collections with their own (Oak and Fort’s) designs, resulting in one of a kind pieces that Oak and Fort can call unique to their brand.

The media event that evening was lovely, from the breads, cheese, drinks, pastel decorated cupcakes and the harpist in the window case (yes, a harpist!), playing beautiful music for guests. The in-store setting was very intimate, with models posing every 15 minutes to showcase Oak and Fort’s spring/summer collection, giving guests the opportunity to take some great photos.

From initial observations, the Oak and Fort ss2012 collection is full of very soft colors and light and flowing material. You can expect to see sheer blouses, long dresses and skirts, light weight trousers, shorts, and shawls, as well as neutral and versatile tops. The collection very much embodies their buying team’s vision of culture, art, fashion and exploration. You can be certain you will make full use of Oak and Fort pieces because the colors are neutral enough to mix and match with various outfits so that one piece can create so many different looks, both casual and formal.

The ss2012 collection represents that effortlessly chic look—what you expect a trend setter to wear in the upcoming warmer seasons. Unlike many smaller boutiques that carry international designers, the nice thing about Oak and Fort is their reasonable and affordable pricing.  I highly recommend checking Oak and Fort out if you haven’t already. Alternatively, you can visit the Oak and Fort website to view the spring/summer 2012 collection and shop online.

Back by popular demand isPacific Centre’s Spring Style Bar.  Be the first to get an inside look to this seasons must-haves. Become part of this fun and welcoming atmosphere while discovering the latest trends in fashion, footwear and everything in-between.  Discover the latest must-have style, see what’s hot for hair and makeup, and find the perfect look personalized for you.

Hurry and book your free one hour fashion consultation appointment with our Style Expert ($175 Value). Spaces available on a first serve basis. Contact Guest Services at 604.688.7235 or pccguestservices@cadillacfairview.com to schedule your appointment today.

The Spring Style Bar opens on Wednesday, April 18 at 5PM on the upper level across from H&M.

Wednesday April 18: 5PM
Thursday April 19: 5PM
Friday April 20: 5PM
Saturday April 21: 1PM
Thursday April 26: 5PM
Friday April 27: 4PM
Saturday April 28: 1PM

Spring forward with Lolly Clothing.  Based in LA, but with an online store accessible by Canadians, Lolly clothing wants to bring the Californian sunshine up to us in Vancouver.

In recent comments on Modern Mix, most readers told us that their favourite spring-time accessory is a versatile scarf.  I am in full agreement that a scarf can be the perfect finishing accessory for any outfit and that a girl can never have too many scarves!

Lolly’s one-of-a kind line of clothing and scarves are designed with precision in-house, with an innovative layering dye process, giving each item their own unique individual look.  Each of their prints is inspired by natural and rich origins from around the globe.  These scarves are light enough to be worn through spring, but warm enough to keep out unpredictable chills.

I have the silk pashmina scarf ($74) in the mustard wash, with a splatter of yellow (shown above).  Modern Mix Vancouver wants to give away a similar style of scarf in the “watermarks” wash, which is in a smokey prussian blue, made with the same layering dye process.

MMV Giveaway: To win the “Watermarks” scarf, leave a comment below telling us your favourite thing about Spring.  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. Contest ends Sunday, April 8th (11:59pm PST).  VANCOUVER ENTRIES ONLY.

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win a @LollyClothing spring scarf from @ModernMixVan. http://bit.ly/HDeH2J. RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and find the Lolly Clothing posting on the Page, then comment under the posting on Facebook.

By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

Deep in the heart of Richmond lays the seaside town of Steveson, known for its boardwalk and fishing culture. What may not be top of mind for many when it comes to Steveson is clothing, fashion and style. But those were the only things on everyone’s mind last Friday at Violet Hill Boutique, nestled amongst other small shops in the small community.  Modern Mix Vancouver was invited to the exclusive media event, which drew some of the city’s most influential fashionistas and offered colourful macaroons, tasty cheeses, lots of bubbly, and most important, beautiful and one of a kind designer pieces handpicked by Nicola Gillam, owner of Violet Hill boutique.

Nicola grew up in Steveson and wanted to share with her community the boutique experience when it comes to clothing, fashion and accessories. With a major in History and Political Sciences, Nicola realized later, like many graduates, that she wanted to do something in life unrelated to her education. With her love of fashion, her natural ambition, and a business saavy mindset, Nicola opened up Violet Hill Boutique in August 2011, naming it after her favorite Cold Play song.

We heard several remarks about how the pretty boutique decor of Violet Hill makes you think it belongs in Yaletown or Kitsilano.  But that’s the beauty of it! Violet Hill boutique itself is such a cozy little shop that is decorated and furnished just like a teahouse, brightly lit with high celings, detailed white trimming around the walls and windows, and a deep blue that cover the walls.

With a bohemian flair as a common theme amongst all selected pieces, labels at Violet Hill boutique range from the recognizable Gentle Fawn to Alternative Apparel, to labels I was introduced to (and fell in love with!) such as Eryn Brinie, Liebeskind and Valerie Dumaine. Along with the many neutral and earthy tones available in store, there are also a select few bright and funky colors that will pair well with your wardrobe staples. Both the dressier and more casual pieces were consistent with the practicality, trendiness and femininity that encompass Violet Hill.

Many of the tees and blouses caught my eye, as well as spring dresses made from stiffer material, but still held that cute nautical and classic style. There are so many unique pieces in store, that are decently priced and ones that you won’t find anyone else wearing on the busy downtown streets. Similarly, the accessories sold in Violet Hill are one of a kind, including the Social Experiment collection of Westcoast-inspired cocktail rings ($28). Georgia Heraty, designer and creator of the cocktail rings, was at the event to take custom orders for her gorgeous rings, two of which I purchased at the event and can’t stop wearing!  Meanwhile, Vanessa purchased a 14k gold and amethyst necklace ($89) from another Vancouver designer, Chantale Jewelry Designs.

So the next time you’re in Steveson, be sure to check out the purple jewel by the sea, Violet Hill, which is just as stylish and chic as any other boutique you will find in downtown Vancouver. You can’t miss it!  For more photos, check out the gallery below with photos by MCS Photos.

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to Violet Hill Boutique! Leave a comment below telling us what your favourite springtime accessory is.  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. Contest ends Sunday, April 8th (11:59pm PST).  Winner will pick up their $50 Gift Certificate in store at Violet Hill (12211 No 1 Road, Richmond).

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win $50 to @VHillBoutique from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/GT16nI . RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win $50 to Violet Hill Boutique from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/GT16nI”

On Saturday, February 11th, when you bring in your receipt for minimum spend of $50 at Park Royal, you can exchange it for $10 Romantic Dollars (a Park Royal Gift Card). Purchases must be made between Feb. 1st and 11th. Limit one per customer.

It’s hard to miss this colourful banner with the Forever 21 logo plastered all over.  In Spring 2012, a two-level, 29,000 square foot flagship Forever 21 store will be opening up in what is known as Robson Galleria.  Currently, this area between Burrard and Thurlow Street consists of of Kiehl’s and Aldo.

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)

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.

For more information, see the flyer below or the Facebook event details.