Fashion & Beauty

Re-Fashion Vancouver

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

Re-Fashion Vancouver is a one-day shopping event held in downtown Vancouver on April 20, 2013. Part high-end clothing sale and part wild shopping party, it’s the only event of its kind in Vancouver, and designed for condo-dwellers and fashionistas to be able to come together, make some cash by clearing out their closets, and buy new and nearly new clothes at deep discounts. All this while getting pampered with free mini makeovers, hairstyling and manicures, sweet treats, savoury eats and refreshing beverages.

It’s not a swap meet and it’s not a flea market – it’s not about swapping one piece for another or selling used clothes – it’s about selling the stuff that you never wear that’s brand new or nearly new (The guideline is that if you’ve worn it more than 3 times, you can’t sell it at Re-Fashion). The idea is people who live in apartments don’t have the ability to have a garage sale and it’s hard to reach the fashion-shoppers. This event brings everyone together in one place! Last year 800 shoppers attended.

According to organizers, the average woman wears 20% of her wardrobe 80% of the time and has around 22 pieces of unworn clothing hanging in her closet. Errr, yeah, guilty here! Re-Fashion Vancouver is for people who want to make back some of the money they’ve spent on all the unworn clothes they’ve bought. It’s also for people who would love to buy essentially new clothes for less than the original store price.

The event, originally designed to be a clothing sale, has evolved into something more akin to a shopping party. Shoppers will not only be able to raid the wardrobes of more than 70 local fashionistas for designer clothing at discounted prices, they will also receive free hair styling and eyebrow shaping from Juice Hair Salon, mini makeovers from Yelp and Joanna Keller, manicures and hand massages from Luxe Beauty Lounge, in addition to free fashion-themed mini cupcakes from Love Y our Cake, refreshing teas from Davids Tea, savoury bites from Cache Bistro & Lounge, refreshing coconut water from O.N.E. Drinks, and many more free giveaways, contests and prizes. In addition, the first 20 shoppers through the doors will receive swag bags packed with goodies from local businesses.

Discounted clothes, pampering and treats? Sign us up!

www.refashionvancouver.com

FitFlops™

Monday, April 8th, 2013

I have always been a shoe fanatic. As a young adult I could easily count over 50 pairs of shoes in my closet, though many were inexpensive fashion pieces rather than proper footwear.

At 21 years old I sustained fairly severe injuries in a car accident and had to start taking care of my back. This meant hasta la vista to any cheap and cheerful footwear and hola to stable, comfortable shoes.

For years and years comfortable footwear meant three things to me: necessary, expensive and utilitarian. It wasn’t until perhaps ten years ago that I could find good looking shoes that were also good for my body.

Three years ago my Mum introduced me to FitFlops. I’m in love – have you heard of them? They are awesome! Comfortable, fashionable, lovely!

I started my collection with a pair of flip flop-type sandals and have now added a pair of short boots that feel like slippers-meet-awesome-runners. I can walk miles and miles in these bad boys, which I’m sure is due to their ‘microwobbleboard midsoles‘. Microwobbleboard midsoles, microwobbleboard midsoles, microwobbleboard midsoles!

FitFlops boots. Keep in mind these are two years old and have been used to walk in rain, snow, dirt, etc.

FitFlops boots. Keep in mind these are nearly three years old and have been used to walk in rain, snow, dirt, etc.

I have tried the Sketchers and Reebok versions of these and they are nowhere near as comfortable or well-fitting as FitFlops are. I’m sure not everyone agrees that FitFlops are good for you but, for me, these are what I’ve been seeking for years.

The full line of this fabulous footwear is only available online to us here in Canada. You’ll find a few designs (mostly just the original FitFlop flip flops) at The Bay or SoftMoc, but if you’re seeking the other sandals, sneakers, shoes or boots – online is your best bet.

www.buyfitflopscanada.com

Beauty Review: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

It’s hard to spend money on new makeup products when you don’t really know whether you’re going to like them or not. That’s why it’s great to read reviews from people like yourself that have taken the time to try a product and voice their honest opinion on how well it worked, or didn’t. Not just a paid opinion either. A true trial and error, if you will.

I recently tested some great new products that are being launched in London Drugs stores across Canada. While I was excited to try them all, I definitely had some clear favorites from the group.

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London Drugs Fall Indulgences

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

We were invited to the London Drugs Fall Indulgences event at the Vancouver Lookout and I had the pleasure to attend on behalf of FVP. It was such a fun night, with cocktails, makeup applications and samples, but it was informative too! We got a sneak peek into some of the great new makeup, skincare and beauty products hitting London Drugs stores over the next few months. With over 45 locations in BC alone, it’s definitely time for you to visit this 100% Canadian owned company’s extensive cosmetic department.

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Fraser Valley Spa Parties For Girls

Monday, June 11th, 2012

It doesn’t take long before little girls discover the wonders of brightly painted and sparkly fingers and toes and learn to delight in warm, bubble baths that soothe and pamper the body. The fun and delight at the chance to be “just like Mom”, green goopy face mask and all, has companies bringing the spa to your own home for birthday parties and Mommy-and-Me time alike.

These Fraser Valley in-home spa party companies offer a range of spa services and target a variety of budgets as well. While some parties are geared towards specific age groups, others are inclusive for all-ages. The best part about these parties is that they bring all the products and supplies needed for the party, so you can just sit back and enjoy.

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Frugal Fun – Fraser Valley Consignment Stores

Monday, May 7th, 2012

So, as I find myself seven months pregnant and in need of a whole new summer wardrobe (or so it seems), I have been introduced to the wonderful world of consignment stores. Although I’m always up for a good deal, I had never really taken the time to explore all the great consignment shops that are right in my own backyard! These great bargain boutiques have both the potential to find amazing clothes at hugely discounted prices and the opportunity for you to consign your own clothing, accessories and shoes when you’re done with them (provided they are in good, clean, resellable condition). A win for all involved!

Below is a list of a few consignment stores in the Fraser Valley. Some of these carry children’s or men’s clothes too, but for this feature I’ve focused on women’s clothing. I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing a children’s consignment store post from yours truly in the future!

1. DD Booski
106 – 23343 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley

I’ve been shopping at d.d. booski for years now. This is not just a consignment store, though, they also carry lots of new items at affordable prices. How? Much of it is department store overstocks and the such. It’s a great place to visit, whether you are in need of something special or just fancy a browse. And, heck, it’s a trip to Fort Langley which is always fun! Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

2. Unika
102 – 5658 Vedder Road, Chilliwack

Unika – a lifestyle company is a really, really neat store. They describe their store as a modern blend of new, almost new and vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and home decor. If you are the type of person who likes to have that one-of-a-kind shirt/dress/outfit that everybody adores and nobody else has, Unika is for you. Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

3. Clothesline Consignment
5685 176 Street, Surrey (Cloverdale)

Cloverdale’s Clothesline Consignment was the first consignment store I ever visited – and it set the bar high. The store is packed from wall to wall with fashions for women of all ages, great accessories – even shoes! And it’s all at a fraction of what you would have paid for the garments when they were new. The store is merchandised nicely and though it’s not a huge store, you’ll be in there for quite some time looking through racks and racks of great finds. Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

4. Crazy About Clothes
11952 228 Street, Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge’s Crazy About Clothes boasts an ‘upscale’ consignment collection, and it didn’t disappoint. Designer fashions, like-new brand name handbags – they have it all. The store is stocked full of awesome fashions and they host regular events that look like lots of fun. Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

5. Klassy Katz Consignment
10 – 32904 Ventura Avenue, Abbotsford

Klassy Katz’ mission statement is “To offer impeccable quality, name brand apparel in an assortment of sizes and styles to accommodate all varying body styles and shapes while providing the best shopping experience available in the world of consignment clothing”. And they have succeeded in their mission, if you ask me. I’ve only just discovered this store but the staff were super helpful, the collection of clothing was diverse and I found some awesome deals! Click here to learn more about their consignment policy.

Bonus #6 – Cashmere & Cupcakes
21594 48 Avenue, Langley

This designer consignment boutique caught my eye recently. Local fashionistas will love this adorable boutique stocked with brand name clothing, jewellery and other accessories. We’re talking Coach, Gucci, Chanel – real, quality designer finds.

Every week I’m finding more good ones scattered throughout the Fraser Valley. Where is your favourite local consignment store?

Triple Flip Opening at Morgan Crossing

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

This Wednesday, August 24, 2011 Canadian retailer Triple Flip will open in South Surrey’s Morgan Crossing.

Triple Flip is a Canadian retailer with seven locations across the nation. The store caters exclusively to pre-teen girls with clothes that are stylish, comfortable, age-appropriate, based on ‘real’ girl sizes (as opposed to women’s sizes).

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Star Wars & Laser Hair Removal

Sunday, April 10th, 2011

I am not a huge Star Wars fanatic, but I have to admit, I’ve felt a closeness to one of it’s characters many times before. Remember Chewbacca, the fur covered beast who was tall and seemed ferocious but was actually quite nice and helpful? Yep, that could also sum me up pretty quickly too.

Body hair has been a long standing rival of mine and it wasn’t until recently that I got the feeling that there may be hope for me and my “Star Wars problem”. I had heard of laser hair removal before, but I was curious and hesitant to see if I could actually have the long term results it promises.

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Out Damn’d Spot! Out I Say!

Sunday, March 6th, 2011

Old and wrinkly is not something that anyone really aspires to “be” in the early stages of their life. We all know that aging is inevitable and yet we seem to fight it, kicking and screaming, until one day it just hits you in the face and you realize that you’ve gotten older, and it shows.

If your skin was to tell its story to a dermatologist, would it say something like this? “I’m mourning the loss of my youth, but I didn’t get this way overnight. There’s more to me than just the age spots and sagging skin you see in front of you. Between smoking, suntanning and occasionally getting washed with a bar of soap, it’s no wonder I’m damaged deep below the surface. I feel hurt from years of neglect.” Kinda sad, isn’t it?

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To Thread or Not To Thread…

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Let’s be honest with each other. There is nothing enjoyable about removing hair from our bodies. No matter how painless some people claim it is, it still hurts. In general, I think most women deserve a Wonder Woman award just for the amazing things they do in their daily lives. Have a successful job? Check! Raise a family? Check! Juggle schedules, cook, clean and maintain close friendships? Quadruple check! I also think that women deserve a beauty grooming award for the time, money and most of all, pain that they endure for some beauty treatments.

I’ll admit, I had heard of threading from a number of friends prior to my adventure into a salon to actually get it done. I was scared, hesitant and curious all at once.

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