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.

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.

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.