Guest post

By Erika Renfrew

Like the energizer bunny, the fantastic designs just kept on coming, and coming…and coming!

Blanche Macdonald presented the Colour Couture fashion show celebrating this year’s graduates in fashion design. Over fifty students showcased their work and with more than one hundred looks it was Blanche Macdonald’s largest show ever!

The designers set no limits on their imagination and wowed the crowd with just about everything under the sun.

There were plenty of wearable pieces; cropped varsity jackets, tuxedo blouses and flirty summer dresses.  And on the other side of the spectrum? Bedazzled swimwear, architectural outerwear, an ultra-sheer suit and dress complete with steel cage.

My pick for showstopper of the night was a black satin gown by Lillian Lim.  With a train of tulle, sequin embroidery and removable hot-pink skirt, the audience got some shock value before finishing off the night.

What’s that old saying?  Less is more?  In this case I’d have to disagree.

P.S. Keep up with Erika on Twitter.

This weekend marks the first (possibly annual) Vancouver Fashion Showcase. To celebrate Erika Renfrew picked her favourite pieces from a few of the 30 participating boutiques. She’s made her list so you can check it twice…

1. Ishara
Save a little and splurge a little, the holidays are about give and take.  This studded Rebecca Minkoff bag ($295) is not for the meek of heart.

2. LYNNsteven
Literally all a girl needs, this Ela clutch ($280) holds your M.I.L.C.K. (money, id, lipstick, cell and keys).

3. Nouvelle Nouvelle
The holidays should be all about R&R, so spread the word with an uber-comfy Cheap Monday sweater.  Hands-free never looked so cool with a T leather phone case.

4. Oak+Fort
Mila lace shorts and a Nicolas blouse are lovely pieces together and apart.  Easy to fit and easy to wear makes for seriously stress-free gift-giving.

5. Obakki
Baby, it’s cold outside and you’ll want every inch covered.  This Anise silk scarf ($255) may not look toasty, but that’s what all the other layers are for.

6. LYNNsteven
With a pair of Granted wool mittens ($49.50), you’ve got everything a Vancouver gal should bring to a fabulous holiday party.

7. John Fluevog
No trying-on required with a one-size-fits-all Hudson iPad or journal case ($189).  Warning: despite all budgeting efforts, you’ll probably end up shoe shopping too.

8. One of a Few
Made in Los Angeles, Clare Vivier handbags are beautiful and designed for travel, whether you’re jet-setting to an exotic destination or the other side of the city.

P.S. Follow Erika on Twitter riiiiiiight here.

By Erika Renfrew

There is something about a rainy Vancouver day that makes me crave an afternoon looking at beautiful things.  Lucky me, this weekend I got to do just that.

Jacqueline Conoir boutique hosted a Style Scene shopping event complete with sneak-peek fashion show for F/W, trend details and lots of lovely to look at.

This locally produced label brings together Parisian training with a modern “I don’t have time to change after work” twist.  Designer Rozemerie Cuevas livens up a sophisticated style and makes tailoring downright sexy.

My eyes lingered even longer on JAC; an edgier line with shorter hemlines, plunging necklines and that ooh la la factor.  Being a shopper that has to touch everything, the studio merits a visit for the fabrics alone.

Partnering with Jacqueline Conoir is jewellery designer extraordinaire Anne Carson.  Using semi-precious stones, fresh water pearls and sterling silver (doesn’t that just sound sumptuous?) she creates true showstoppers.

It pained me to leave without a amazing black velvet smoking jacket; I mean it practically had my name on it.

By Erika Renfrew

Ever been coal mining?  Didn’t think so. Ever smeared dirt on your face and strutted around in fabulous clothing while holding a mining pick? I can tell you who has.

I had the pleasure of attending John Casablancas Institute’s Obsidian fashion show.  Celebrating the graduating class of Fashion Business and Creative Arts, students put an ooh la la twist on the otherwise eerie underground.

With clothing and accessories from local boutiques and emerging designers, students styled chic and funky looks for guys and gals.  The theme came together with asymmetrical hems, teensy velvet dresses, ultra sheer tops and plenty of metallic.

With John Fluevog on their feet, chunky sky-high boots were left unbuckled for a little bit of high-fashion grunge. While the male models were left to brush that dirt off their shoulders, the ladies sparkled with gold flakes painted on their skin.

The Obsidian fashion show was a fundraiser for the Looking Glass Foundation, an organization working to open Canada’s first treatment facility for eating disorders.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

PS. If you are reading this and have been coal mining, I think that’s pretty darn cool!

By Erika Renfrew

Just because the days are turning dreary, doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to scream winter blues. FORME Fashion’s evening of music, art and fashion was full of life, colour and a whole lot of sparkle.

Every corner of Vancouver’s Ayden Gallery celebrated design. In a gathering of Indian culture, we were welcomed by live tunes and called to loiter around the treats table for cake pops and spicy brownies.

The main event, you ask? A runway show by a new-to-Vancouver fashion house Lotus Eye. Creative Director Paromita Naidu fuses South Asian flair with a contemporary west coast twist.

Draped around the (almost unfairly) gorgeous models were jewel tones, ornate patterns and embroidered fabrics. While supporting tradition, Lotus Eye created easy-breezy maxis, fitted tunics and classic blouses, all topped off with some shimmery accessories.

Judging by the audible oohs and aahs, I’d say I wasn’t the only one who thought Lotus Eye designs to be stunning.

By Erika Renfrew

I am neither a hunter nor a gatherer when it comes to shopping.  While I appreciate vintage clothing, I prefer a simplified shopping experience. Solution? Shoppalu. They do all the work: find, restore and revamp vintage apparel and accessories.

At the Shoppalu F/W 2011 sale, racks of retro maxis and fur coats were hung alongside brand-spanking new designs. Vintage shoes, jewellery and leather belts filled the room (I didn’t bring nearly enough money). Shoppalu also carries new fashion labels from around the world.  I was ready to give my foot for a pair of leopard print, studded Matiko loafers.

My favourite new piece is an amazing pair of high-waisted floral, corduroy shorts from Lucca Couture. With a spirited and trendy eye, Lucca Couture has that special something something.

Do yourself a favour and take a peek!

By Erika Renfrew

When the clock strikes twelve on October 31, an invisible switch is flicked and we move into all-out holiday fanatics.  (I get criticism for playing carols through most of November.)

Of course, I jumped at the chance to attend the opening of the Festive Collective One-Stop Holiday Shop where talented Vancouver-based artists showcase and sell everything from fashion and handcrafted jewellery to adorable kids’ apparel and vegan handbags.

A few things on my wish list?

Lotus Designs presented some truly unique jewellery ideas (think birdcage pendants and strawberry stud earrings).

Daub + Design displayed tie-dyed underwear that literally felt like a buttery second skin.

Mimosa, creator of art, fine paper and children’s clothing, showed sweet little onesies that I couldn’t help but picture on my nine-month-old niece.

Take it from a true holiday enthusiast; November is never too early. The Festive Collective takes place at The Rize until November 27, every day except Mondays.

[First photo courtesy of Lotus Designs.]

By Erika Renfrew

Vancouver Fashion Week wrapped up this weekend and lil ol’ me was lucky enough to get a terrific first taste.

In true Vancouver style, Mortar & Pestle Apparel approached S/S 2012 with effortless sophistication. This is clothing that looks chic in a hurry, when you can’t afford a doubtful second glance.

Relatively new to the fashion scene, designer Jillian Zdunich launched the label this past March. She polished up one of the season’s biggest trends and took colour blocking to a softer, more elegant level.

I loved the sunny yellows, eclectic clutches and more specifically the oh-so-svelte teal jumpsuit. Mortar & Pestle proves that less really can be more and by keeping it classic, you sometimes stand out the most.

[First photo courtesy of Mortar & Pestle]