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.

Danier is currently having an accessories sale – buy any two accessories from Danier and get the third item free (of equal or lesser value on the lowest priced item).  A small purse or clutch starts at around $30, a larger bag is around $70+, and it’s made of real leather!  Hats and scarves are about $20 to $40.  Check out their store on the main Robson strip at 1018 Robson Street.  Store hours are great for after-work shopping: Monday to Saturday: 1am to 9pm and Sunday: 11am to 7pm.

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)

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.

Earlier this week, I was invited to preview the new Kiehl’s store opening on Robson Street on July 26, 2011.  Practically adjacent to their old location, the new Kiehl’s at 1021 Robson Street takes advantage of the construction happening in the Robson Galleria as a reason to revamp their look. The new Kiehl’s is about the same size as the previous location.  However, with less glass windows, and a standard rectangular space, it actually appears to be much more spacious because of its floor to ceiling shelving lined neatly with products.

True to its apothecary roots from the mid 1800′s, the new look of Kiehl’s on Robson features exposed brick walls, marble countertops and sterile looking stainless steel shelves, drawers and cabinets.  To support Kiehl’s high standards of environmental responsibility, the brick walls and hardwood floor are both derived from reclaimed materials.  Bright lights and neon signage with retro logos gives the store a modern twist.  A shiny glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling (the original Kiehl’s in New York had multiple chandeliers).

The iconic Mr. Bones, a teaching skeleton which is a reminder of the brand’s commitment to science and education, stands casually in a white lab coat by a display of lotions (not potions!) in stacked cubic shelves.  At the back of the store, the walls are splashed with pop-art renditions of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer.  Apparently, Andy Warhol used to be an avid fan of Kiehl’s products.  The in-store renditions were done by the same artist who designed US President Obama’s iconic “Hope” campaign posters.

On the other walls, framed vintage photographs chronicle the long-standing history of Kiehl’s for the past 160 years.  Likewise with the vintage motorcycle on display; it was noticed by a previous owner of Kiehl’s that men often linger around the store while the women shopped for products.  The Kiehl’s owner at the time then put his own motorcycle collection on display for the men to look at while the women shopped.

To celebrate the relocation, on their July 26th opening day, Kiehl’s will be hosting their widely-known “Shop For a Cause” initiatives.  On that day, 100% of sales proceeds will be donated to Vancouver’s local Canucks for Kids Fund.  Vancouver Canucks alumni Dave Babych will also be on hand to ring the official “store-opening bell” and launch “Shop for the Cause”.

Here are three very good reasons why you should shop at Kiehl’s:

1. 160 years of history - they’ve had lots of time to get it right!  Kiehl’s was founded in New York’s East Village neighbourhood and has, over the years, specialized in a unique blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge that has been refined, adapted and perfected over the years.
2. A product line for everyone – the staff at Kiehl’s recognizes that skincare isn’t a “one size fits all” regime.  Through their attentive staff service, complimentary one-on-one consultations are often conducted in-store to help choose the best products suited for your skintype.  I would also like to note that it is completely possible that you may want to pick and choose your favourite products from different lines to create the best combination unique to you.  For example, I loved the facial lotion and toner from the new oil-free line at Kiehl’s (look for the same packaging as the “Ultra Facial” product line, but in blue plastic containers) but I preferred the micro-gritty feel of the deep pore daily cleanser from the “Rare Earth” line.  Nothing wrong with picking and choosing!  Kiehl’s also has a men’s line, packaged in manly indigo blues and bold red packaging.  For the Modern Mix Man, my recommendation is Kiehl’s “Facial Fuel” line.
3. Generous sampling program – supporting the “try before you buy” program, over 70% of Kiehl’s products are available in sample sizes.   There are also occasional giveaways on their Facebook Page.  Lastly, when you do buy, Kiehl’s also offers a 100% money back guarantee.

Stay tuned on Modern Mix Vancouver for upcoming reviews on Kiehl’s products.

Monthly arts market Portobello West‘s new location at Creekside Community Centre (#1 Athletes Way) in the Olympic Village is probably more convenient to get to than their previous location at Rocky Mountain Station.  Head to their spring launch this weekend (March 26th and 27th).  First 25 visitors each day will receive a recycled t-shirt bag, with the new Portobello West logo, made by “Me + You”.  Hours are 11am to 5pm.

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.