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Modern Mix Vancouver was invited to Yaletown’s r.tl (1130 Mainland Street) last week for a sampling of its new regional features. In case you missed the first article, r.tl’s menu is split into three sections, with each section featuring five to six small plates inspired from a distinct region of the world. The featured regions rotate on a three month basis, with the exception of BC, which is a constant on the menu.

A quick peek at the menu reveals that executive chef Erik Smith has chosen Portugal and France to join BC as its regional features for the next three months. The 50-seat establishment is chic and trendy, with dark wood furniture contrasted by contemporary white chairs.

It’s that time of the year again. And with a website name like “Modern Mix Vancouver”, it’s only appropriate that we cover the 9th annual Vancouver Fashion Week, which takes place at Storyeum. The opening gala last night at Leone (757 West Hastings Street) featured a melange of fashionable designers, models, media and photographers.

A widespread range of chocolates by Daniel was available for sampling, wine was served in the back corner of the spacious venue, and jewelry and accessories were displayed on glass counter tops as members of the fashion industry mingled and networked throughout the evening. Keep on reading for show schedules, designer highlights, a photography gallery as well as a discount coupon for VFW.

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.

Qoola Frozen Yogurt + Fruit offers the great taste and atmosphere of a regular dessert destination, with the added bonus of being excellent for your health. The store offers Vancouver’s only fresh frozen yogurt, as well as organic whole grain waffles with free-range eggs, fresh crepes, daily-prepared fruit, smoothies, and popular acai berry bowls.

Qoola tops traditional ice cream and dessert outlets, not only because of its deliciousness, but also due to its 135-calorie serving size of their small Qoolala (6 oz), loaded with active bacterial cultures which aid in reducing the effects of lactose intolerance, boosts the immune system, and increases brain stimulation.

If you’ve been eagerly anticipating the launch of the MAC Cosmetics Hello Kitty collection, the wait is over. Rumors have been popping up since late 2008 about the arrival of this kitty cat’s debut in the MAC Cosmetics line up and finally arrived in Canadian stores on February 10, 2009.

The collection is standard – with the usual lipsticks, lipglass, nail polish, eyeshadow pallets and blush. Although you would expect the colors to be the ultimate mecca of pink girliness with lipstick ($16.50) colors like “big bow” and “cute-ster” and glitter eyeliner ($20) in “girl groove” and “glitterpuss” there are some surprising shades of dark purples and a burnt orange color in the limited edition “Lucky Tom” eyeshadow quadrant. In my opinion, the most cat-like product in the collection is the “Hello Kitty Lash” ($14) which are false eyelashes in a criss-cross pattern with an overlapping effect on the outer corner, providing you with “big, wide, kitten-eyes”.

If Abio Bikes’ eye-catching purple or green shades didn’t demand your attention on first glance, then the attractive and intelligent design of these hot new folding, chainless bikes will definitely make you stop and look!

Both originally from Vancouver themselves, Abio Bikes’ co-owners Mike Tran and Teck Chu have re-thought the daily biking experience with their line of portable, storable, easy-to-use-and-enjoy bicycles. Mike explains that Abio Bikes was formed when founder Teck visited Europe and Asia, and returned with an inspiration to expand the folding bike alternatives in North America. “To liberate urban commuters”: the bikes fold for effortless carrying and storage, and operate without traditional bike chains, so users can wear fashionable clothing worry-free.