If you read Modern Mix Vancouver, you probably read The Style Spy also! The Vancouver-based fashion website is hosting a shopping party at Fine Finds Boutique (1014 Mainland Street) in Yaletown on May 20, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm.

In the fashion industry, trendsetting can be compared to a pyramid. High fashion and couture, starting at the top, and their runway looks for the upcoming season are way beyond the budgets of the average shopper (and MMV reader). But as time passes, these trends trickle down the pyramid as assessable ready-to-wear fashion available at our favourite clothing chains.

Described somewhat as a “fashion visionary”, being a fashion globe-trotter is part of Barb Atkin’s job description as the Vice President of Fashion Direction for Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir Street). At Holt Renfrew’s Spring 2010 Media Preview, Barb gave a presentation about forecasted fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2010 and brought back to local media, her insights and observations about upcoming trends, neatly packaged into 4 easily-understandable “looks”

You know when you normally comb your fingers through your hair, your hair immediately falls flatly back into place? Not so with the Upload Style Volume Creme!

On Wednesday May 6th, celebrate Oakridge Centre’s 50th Anniversary with festivities at the mall all day long including entertainment and models showcasing fashion throughout the decades. Virgin 95.3 radio will be on-site with giveaways and celebrity hosts from 2pm to 6pm. Be one of the first 100 people to arrive on May 6th and receive an Oakridge gift bag!

During this celebration the centre will come alive as we host local community artists, musicians and performers, raise money for charity, hold contests, cut cakes and pour champagne (sparkling juice) while incorporating fashion components and unveiling our new Style Agent program.

Click here for more details.

Despite the crazy Vancouver weather, spring is almost upon us and that means getting rid of the heavy winter parkas and exchanging them for a lighter option. Ironically, this new piece in my wardrobe came from raiding my mom’s closet before she left on vacation. A black, three-button tailored, “longer-than-average” BCBG blazer which can only now be labeled as a “boyfriend blazer”.

Occasionally described as retro or vintage, my personal description of The Boyfriend Blazer is more “stylish corporate”. This fairly new label in the fashion world allows a casual outfit to be dressed up with added style, without feeling out of place. Continue reading for five ways to wear The Boyfriend Blazer.

This Wednesday, October 29, 2008, join BCBG Maxazria and Fashion magazine for their “Grand Reveal” event at BCBG (1080 Robson Street) and browse through the latest BCBG Maxazria collection while sipping on cocktails and eating hors d’oeuvres. The event is from 7pm to 9pm. RSVP to BCBG@fashionmagazine.com.

From October 22nd to 26th, receive 20% off any coat purchase at PLEN+Y when you bring in a gently worn coat (any brand) to be donated to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. My first formal coat was a hooded navy blue “Propaganda” (in house brand) from PLEN+Y with a mint-green lining. Although it wasn’t very warm, the style of it instantly classed up any outfit I was wearing (as long as it wasn’t with runners!) Since then, I’ve moved on to a thin trenchcoat from Banana Republic and a $400 wool coat from Wear Else…but I still wear my PLEN+Y coat for “in-between” weather. In other words, I’m not quite ready to give up my “gently worn coats”, but maybe you are – and now you have a good cause to support too!

I love Wilfred Clothing! – my favorite in-house brand at Aritzia, aimed between women ages 23 to 35, which debuted in February 2006. I am super excited that it got its own website and I wanted to share the link with the rest of Vancouver: www.wilfred.com. Their current layout features styles and clothing items from Fall 2008. From my observations – lots of dark colors and layering pieces. Enjoy!

Fans of “sophisticated” men’s high-fashion, expensive goods and the obscure in general may take interest in dropping by the Komakino. Currently located in 111 East Pender St. in Chinatown Vancouver, this “Guerrilla Shop” has covered various downtown locations, frequently moving around with little attempt at raising its awareness to the general public.