I was so incredibly flattered to be invited to a special fashion blogger event last Friday at Violet Hill Boutique in Steveston. I’d heard so many great things about the store through twitter and other Vancouver fashionistas, so I was definitely excited to check it out for myself.  And let me tell you it did not disappoint!

Very worth the trek to Steveston (which on the evening of the event, was so quaint and picturesque in the “Golden Hour” light), Violet Hill boasts a perfected mix of high-low pieces.  The boutique is surely a reflection of owner Nicola Gillam’s personal style and westcoast influence, combining pretty frocks, purposeful coats, and many a perfect layering piece.  You’re sure to be welcomed with friendly smiles and girlfriend-style banter, creating a perfect shopping environment.

I was certainly smitten with the boutique, and I believe I exclaimed—on more than one occasion—”I want to live in this store, it’s so pretty!”

The event, co-hosted by Violet Hill and Monica Hibbs of The Doctor’s Closet was a perfect chance to meet some fellow Vancouver bloggers, enjoy some delicious snacks (did anyone else just about die from those amazing macaroons!?) and of course, shop! While I didn’t pick up anything new that night, I most certainly will be back to Violet Hill as soon as my budget allows.

Thank you Nicola for having me in your lovely store!

All images courtesy of the wonderfully talented Melissa Skoda. From top to bottom, a view of the boutique, scrumptious macarons, Nicola and her store assistant (friendly faces!), and “In Vogue” with a belt display.

My top votes go to an intricately pleated paper dress by designer Yan Yan, inspired by a mash-up of Snow White and Nicky Minaj, and the futuristic Wall-E meets Lady Gaga creation of Tina Forouzandeh and Cynthia Poulin. I wasn’t the only one who loved these looks—Snow White x Nicky Minaj won for best construction (well deserved)! Judges of the competition included writer and girl about town Kelsey Dundon, of The Anthology, and jewelry designer and event sponsor Georgia Heraty of Social Experiment. (Thank you for the beautiful ring btw!)

Not only was this a student fashion show, the entire event was also coordinated by the Art Institute’s Fashion Marketing students, who did an excellent job organizing every aspect of the evening. Unfortunately I don’t have pictures from the runway, as my camera was out of commission, and my Blackberry photos are poor at best; however, check out Walt Street on twitter (@walt_street) for twitpics, instagrams, and a play by play of the event.

Thank you for having me Walt Street!

May 1st, 2012 (less than 2 months away!) is the official launch date of Framework Magazine – a digital only, monthly publication.  Here is a sneak peek of the new site I am currently designing:

“…a monthly online publication dedicated to the essential elements of stylish living. From interviews and how-to’s, to editorial spreads and expert tips, we explore fashion, home décor, entertaining, art, culture, and travel …the Framework girl looks to the details to create her bigger picture, knows that money is no measure of style, and surrounds herself with the people and things she adores.”

 

For all the pre-launch, behind the scenes action, you can follow Framework Magazine here on Facebook (Framework Magazine), and here on Twitter (@FrameworkMag)! The team is dying to meet you, so come on over – just look for the pink and white Framework icon.

Do you have an amazing product or company that Framework Girls would be smitten for? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: product@frameworkmag.com

Have a story idea or some gorgeous photos you’ve been dying to share? We’re always on the lookout for contributors, and our editor is awaiting your emails! Write to her here: editor@frameworkmag.com

There is also a very special place in our hearts for advertisers… they make our Framework world go round! If you’d like to share your amazing company and products with our lovely readers, please contact sales@frameworkmag.com (We’ve got extra special rates for our debut issue – get in touch to find out more!)

1. Hunter Original High Gloss, 2. Chooka Classy Stripe, 3. Kate Spade Patty, 4. Burberry Check Detail Rainboot, 5. Loeffler Randall LR Rain Bootie, 6. Chooka Lace Rainboot, 7. Chooka Posh Dots, 8. LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Rossalyn II, 9. Gabriella Rocha Mission Boots, 10. Hunter Watling, 11. Chooka Running Horses, 12. Aldo Smerkar Rainboots, 13. Marc by Marc Jacobs Booties, 14. Chooka Dotty Flowers, 15. Sperry Topsider Pelican Boot

With all the unpredictable weather we’ve been having in Vancouver lately, a girl’s gotta be prepared for spring rain showers (and splashing in puddles!) with some chic, waterproof gear. From tall and vibrant solids, to classic and cheeky prints, these wellies are full of style. If you live in a place where it rains more than it snows—and even if you don’t—you’ll definitely want to add one of these pairs to your collection. I love a fun rain boot that stands out from the crowd.  Add a piping hot chai tea latte and they might just be my favorite way to beat the rainy day blues… I’m already imagining outfits for each and every style!

Which ones chase your blues away?

As I’m sitting at my desk working away, the rain is forever pattering against the window, and all I can think about is lying on a chaise in the sun with a great book, a dramatically large and floppy sunhat, this bikini, and these sculptural Karen Walker sunglasses. Hello chic indeed!

I’m a sucker for tortoiseshell eyewear, and yet my sunglasses collection has dwindled down to just about nothing (really, I swear) leaving a big gap where these beauties would fit just perfectly… Most of my sunnies have been cheapie Winners versions, bought before a big vacation or on a not-so-successful bikini shopping trip as consolation.

Maybe it’s high time I became a grownup lady and invested in a pair that I love. These Karen Walker peepers—aptly named ‘Number One’—with their cat-eye shape and angular frame detail, have rocketed straight to the top of my Spring must-have list.

What’s on yours?

1. Kate Spade Jelly Flats, 2. Urban Outfitters Honeycomb Glass Pendant, 3. Colorbee Eat Your Greens Poster, 4. Mulberry Rosie Printed Cosmetics Case, 5. Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski Cluster Clip Earrings, 6. OPI Jade Is The New Black Polish, 7. See by Chloe Printed Dress, 8. Tivoli Ipod Dock, 9. Jonathan Adler Nixon Green Collection Dishware, 10. Kate Spade Bow Bridge Kennedy Handbag, 11. Jeepers Peepers Fifi Sunglasses, 12. Chloe L’eau De Chloe, 13. Marc by Marc Jacobs Slingback Mouse Flats, 14. Norma Kamali Bill Halterneck Bikini Top & Bill High-waisted Bikini Briefs, 15. Velorbis Classic Bike 

Lately I’ve been inspired by the abundance of green making a statement in fashion and home décor. Even though we generally see this colour in nature, it’s just as easy to introduce it stylishly into your everyday life. From fun and quirky pieces to decorate your home to clothing and accessories that will suit your surroundings, your style is guaranteed to stand out while you become a chameleon to the natural environment. Just look around outside on a spring day and you’ll clearly see that green is nature’s neutral…

This week’s Editor’s Picks is courtesy of the lovely Emma, a student from my alma mater’s Fashion Marketing program.

Emma is helping me out with the site for a few weeks as part of the program’s work experience portion, so give her a warm welcome! I’m so pleased to have her, didn’t she do a wonderful job contributing to this post?

I have to admit that new music hasn’t really been on my radar for a very long time. I’m talking years here. Sure I’ve heard everything on the radio, and a few indie bands through music-loving friends, I just haven’t actively sought out great new additions for my IPod.  But when I caught an earful (is that a word? It is now) of the Miami-based band, ANR (Awesome New Republic), I was instantly smitten. Their song “It’s Around You” is my absolute favorite and has a prestigious spot on my music playlist—the first time I heard it I played it about 5 times in a row… and maybe danced around my bedroom. Maybe.

Listen to “It’s Around You” here, and then tell me this doesn’t sound like the perfect song for hot summer nights. Impromptu dance parties on the beach anyone?

Count down ‘til summer is on.

You’ve spent countless hours developing your product, your services, and identifying what makes your company unique. When it comes to your logo, don’t de-value your brand by opting for a quick and easy DIY. Whether your business is just an idea in development, or your brand is in need of a visual makeover, hire Wit & Polish to create a professional logo you’ll love.

What is Logo Love?

Wit & Polish’s LOGO LOVE service is designed to capture your brand’s identity in a glance. We’ll start by talking about your company and how you see your brand personality, and you’ll tell me any ideas you’ve had about your company’s logo. We’ll also chat about the colours, styles, and adjectives that best describe your brand’s big picture. Whatever the vision—modern sophistication, feminine vintage, sleek & glam, edgy androgyny—I’ll create a logo that is tailored to fit your company, its products or services, and its unique personality.

You’ll get 8-10 logo options designed especially for you, and we’ll work together to finalize the design until you’re over-the-moon ecstatic. When we’re finished you’ll receive two file versions—one for print, and one for web—to use anywhere you like. Here’s the breakdown:

1 ‘Big Vision’ Chat
8-10 Logo Options
Up to 3 Revisions
1 high resolution PDF/JPEG file
1 web resolution PNG file
$399-

That’s it, that’s all ladies and gentlemen.  No unwelcome surprises or additional billing.

What can Logo Love do for you?

Why is a professionally designed logo so important? You want to launch your business with a great first impression, one that projects the passion and personality behind your services, and entices your target customers. Your logo is essentially the first point of contact for your brand. It’s the first thing people see when they look at your website or business card, and it is applied to all your marketing materials to differentiate you from everyone else—it is your visual brand identity. A good logo sets the tone of your brand and instantly conveys a feeling and message to the viewer. Where words and space are limited, a logo represents your company, its values, and its services.

So how does this relate to your company’s success? Well, quality, credibility, and professionalism are all traits perceived almost instantly through pleasing design. (Oh, and we can’t forget our strong emotional responses to beauty—people may have the great ability to think and act rationally, but many of our purchasing decisions are driven by emotion.)

If you’re like most creative business owners out there, you don’t have the capital to hire to an agency to create your brand identity. But that wouldn’t be the best fit for you anyways—you want passion, attention to detail, and individualized service, much like you would provide for your own customers. LOGO LOVE is designed especially for you, with your budget in mind.

Make an investment in your business’s first impression—hire Wit and Polish for some Logo Love.

(AT JUST $399, YOU’RE CHOOSING BETWEEN STARBUCKS FOR A COUPLE MONTHS, OR EVER-LASTING LOGO LOVE. GO FOR THE LOVE, YOUR BUSINESS WILL THANK YOU…)

click here for other services from Wit & Polish

What might be even more wonderful than the newest bags, shoes, clothes, accessories, and home décor (if that’s even possible!) is Kate Spade’s collaboration with Vespa. Oh! My! Gosh! The gorgeousness that is a Kate Spade Vespa is almost too much for me to handle. In a striking black and white Japanese floral print, or the girly and whimsical coral and cream, I’m dreaming of cruising with warm wind in my hair through winding, cobblestoned streets on a European adventure…

Be still my heart.