Vancouver Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2014 Day 2

Vancouver Fashion Week is well under way, with yesterday being the first day of shows, featuring Christina Exie, Elfer Castro, Theresa Chen, and a host of other talented designers. There was a good amount of diversity among the designs shown, with everything from bikinis to eveningwear, from bright hues to muted tones.

I started off the week with a retro-inspired look with a few modern touches. Peplum is always a way to amp up the ladylike factor, and a red lip makes things a little more dramatic. On a regular day, I'd pass on the hat and just wear this outfit for work, but for fashion week it's all about the flair!

Theresa Chen's collection was easily one of my favourites of the evening; it's hard to resist when she uses my favourite colours red, white and black. Not to mention lace. Sara Roka had some stunning designs as well; these aren't my usual style, but I have to admit there was something very beautiful about the way the silk flowed as the models walked the runway. On the other hand, Elfer Castro's collection of Columbian-inspired designs was a fresh, avant-garde surprise. It was great to hear that Elfer has worked hard to support and create jobs for Columbians in the cotton-making community : that's truly sustainable fashion!

Sara Roka:

Christina Exie:

Regina Jessen:

Theresa Chen:

Designer Theresa Chen herself (right)

Dominique Hanke of Hive Mind Millinery:

Elfer Castro:

Designer Elfer Castro after his show

Nina Tan:

Ovide Couture:

Rony and Pavan - always the most stylish couple:

Shelley Klassen - Story of a Girl:

Shelley Klassen - Blushing Boutique

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Out in Schools: Gardé Entertainment Fashion Show

It's that time of year again, when the sun starts to go down earlier, it starts to get just a tad cooler out, and the fashion shows are plentiful. That's September for you! I was lucky enough to be invited this past weekend to Gardé Entertainment's fashion event at the Imperial, supporting Out in Schools, a charity supporting LBGTQ teens dealing with bullying and homophobia.

The team at Gardé put together a fantastic show, featuring the designs of Eva Chen, Monika Georgieva, and Sandro, and short films from Out in Schools video contest. The venue was teeming with elegance: its seductive black and red decor was the perfect backdrop to a stunning lineup of couture and ready-to-wear designs. In favour of such a classy evening, I went for very some gatsby-inspired attire. I have never been one for headbands, seeing as how they always seem to have a boho vibe to them, but this beaded one felt much more glamorous.

One of my favourite designers, Eva Chen, showcased an awe-inspiring collection of gowns, some of which I've seen at VFW in the past. Her designs are spectacular, glamorous, and oh-so-feminine. While equally feminine, but with a lot less fabric, Monika Georgieva's lingerie collection had everyone 'ooing and awing' over her sexy little numbers. On the other side of the spectrum, Sandro's ultra modern designs for men and women were a real treat: the structured and minimalist silhouettes dominated the runway, but some spicier pieces, including some leopard print, snuck in there too. A delightful evening with a superb show and a great cause: who could ask for more?

Katrina, my glamorous partner in crime for the evening

The designs of Eva Chen:

Elite Cocktails served as entertainment in between runway shows, flashing some fancy moves while making drinks for the VIP


Lingerie by Monika Georgieva:

Designs by Sandro:

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Look of the Week: The Deighton Cup 2013

We threw on our fancy dresses and hats for a day at the races this past weekend for the Deighton Cup's Thoroughbred event. It left us wondering...where do these people hide the rest of the year??? It was amazing to see everyone so impeccably dressed, even the gentlemen, and the hats were just so fun to look at. The bestie/photographer and I picked out our lovely fascinators from Roxann's Hats in Fort Langley, and our friends Katrina and Alison (of Styling My Life blog) found some stellar hats as well. It was a great afternoon of mint juleps, yummy porchetta sandwiches, great old-time live music, and lots of people watching!

(photo courtesy of Oliver-Alison's photog bf!)

(photo courtesy of Oliver-Alison's photog bf!)

Dominique Hanke of Hive Mind Millinery looks ethereal in a rosebush fascinator and carrying a birdcage purse!

Lovely looking Yvonne sporting a super-high feathered fascinator

I made friends with an equally pale counterpart Wendy; doesn't she look regal in lacey blue?

(photo courtesy of Oliver-Alison's photog bf!)

Fascinator-Roxann's Hats, Dress-Lovely Day, Necklace-Stella&Dot, Shoes-Zara(thrifted)


Happy Styling! xo
~Britta

Look of the Week: The Sheer Maxi Skirt

Sometimes the weather cools off just a tad, and and you want to wear something that's summery but that covers you up just a bit more. I love how this version of the maxi skirt has a shorter liner underneath, so it's extra breathable and flows even more. It makes for an interesting silhouette too, with the shorter lining just visible under the sheer fabric. I found this particular skirt at one of Betty Be Good's pop up shops; it has beautiful gold embroidery along the waistband that is just the perfect finishing touch on this sheer coral maxi.

I love how pink looks with polka dots: they both exude femininity and simplicity. And some cat eye shades and a high bun play up the classic Audrey Hepburn look. Overall, it's a girly outfit with more mature detailing.

Shirt-Ross Dress for Less, Skirt-Betty Be Good, Shoes-Aldo, Watch-LOULOU, Jewel Bracelet-Smart Set, Sunglasses-H&M, Necklace-Blue Ocean Jewelry

follow me / make your ownLYST

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta

Thrifty Thursday

And for my weekly happy-time, another thrifting trip!

Don't you love buying something that you already know exactly how to wear? I can picture this shirt-dress with a pair of sturdy brown leather strappy heels and some big tortoise sunglasses and an oversized bag. This is one of those looks that I've always loved to try, but I wouldn't want to spend a fortune putting it together. Thrifting can be a great way to test out different looks without feeling ultimately commited.

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Banana Republic Petite

Section: Dresses

What I Paid: $6.99

What it's Worth: ~ $110

With university all over, that means the business world is coming my way, so it's time to start stocking up on blouses! This was a hell of a steal, and it's a unique piece. I am not much of a fan of the starchy white blouse, so this blouse is a breath of fresh air!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Armani Exchange

Section: Change room rack

What I Paid: $7.99

What it's Worth: ~ $80

This blouse has beautifully exotic feel to it. I love the caftan design and the bright flower colours. A great special piece to wear over a simple pair of shorts!

Store: Salvation Army

Brand: Forever 21

Section: Blouses

What I Paid: $7.99

What it's Worth: $21.80

Happy Styling! xo

~Britta