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.

When: Thursday May 5th from 12-5pm
Where: Tenth and Proper (4483 West 10th)
Why: Spend quality time with mom while stocking both of your closets.

Times Profile Shop (231 Cambie Street) in Gastown uses temporary brand profiling, meaning they will only sell one brand for a set period of time. The lucky company will have temporary exclusive rights to sell in Gastown’s culturally diverse, high traffic location, but in return they are required to produce limited edition pieces for the store. Taste-makers will get a treat at finding out which new brand is featured every few months.

Just launched in February was The Times Profile Shop x Alternative Apparel collection, a casual lifestyle apparel brand with a focus on comfort in a free-spirited, earthy way; fashion basics for creative individuals who prize comfort, craftsmanship, community and authenticity.

Hand-crafted with their signature vintage softness, each piece is designed for fashion, made for comfort and tailored for a flawless fit. Alternative Apparel’s mission is about more than just designing clothes that look and feel great. Rather, they seek to encourage alternative ways of thinking and empower positive change by inspiring our community with fashion and experiences that reinforce comfort—inside and out.

Alternative Apparel actually started off as a hat company (“Alternative Headwear”) in 1995.  But by 1998, entrepreneur Greg Alterman already changed focus in search of creating the perfect t-shirt.  In 2001, the company was listed by Inc. Magazie as one of the “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America”, demonstrating a 500% growth in the first 6 years.

Enough about the history, so what about their clothes?  Soft, and gentle.  Fabricated to mimic your favourite, well-worn t-shirt.   For their tanks and t-shirts, Alternative Apparel is also known for their “burnout fabric” (see image left), where certain parts of the clothing fiber is removed via a burning process; leaving a rough-hewn pattern in the material.  I’ve seen this process done to fashion lines at American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but Alternative Apparel claims to be the pioneer of this “burnout fabric”. Furthermore, in the past few years, Alternative Apparel has continued to expand in fabric choices and style; including with “Alternative Earth”, an eco-friendly line of sustainable and organic apparel.  As MMV writer Joanna Lee says, she fell in love with her Alternative Apparel hoodie at first touch.  ”How about love at first touch?” she asks.  Her words, not mine!

In my opinion, Alternative Apparel is a great fit for down-to-earth people who like comfortable and purposely loose-fitting yet stylish clothes.  One of my big questions was how to wear the brand without looking scruffy.  It’s not a look for everyone – the trick is to be stylish by purposely looking comfortable and the material and subtle detailing (buttons, the burnout fabric, etc.) will speak for themselves.  Still not convinced?  Alternative Apparel has a line of accessories to jazz up your outfit – purses and scarves to give your outfit a finishing touch.

Alternative is pleased to finally have a free-standing presence, with such a extensive brand collection, in stylish Gastown, and hopes you’ll give them a visit soon at Times Profile Shop!

Nifty For Fifty is back for its 4th annual sale on April 3, 2011. More than 18 Vancouver designers will be gathering under one roof to sell everything from dresses to shirts, shoes, and accessories, from sizes 0-24, all for $50 or less.

Don’t miss out on this one-day blow out sale at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street, Vancouver), happening Sunday, April 3 from 11am to 8pm. Bring along some friends and remember to stock your wallet with cash so you don’t miss out on the cash-only vendors. Admission to Nifty for Fifty is free.

Brands include; Adhesif Clothing Co., Aneu, Ashley Watson, Bianca Barr, Billy Would Designs, Bueno Style, Carny Love, Clutch Jewels, Creampuffs by GG, Dotted Loop, Dru’s Designs, Flightpath Designs, Forsya Boutique, Little Houses, Poodlebreath, Schaart Clothing, t o o d l e s BY TOODLEBUNNY, Trunk Show, Raven’s Rest Studio, Unconventional Jewellery, Sola Fiedler, Hawks Ave., and Jacqui Kerr.