Inside Vancouver

Make It – over 100 artisans and crafters this weekend!

by Shawn Conner in Shop on April 19, 2013

Audra Ricketts will be selling her Rabbit Rabbit line of greeting cards at Make It April 19 – 21 at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Photo courtesy Audra Ricketts.

Make It is a craft fair with a twist. Not only does the three-day affair bring together over 100 of Western Canada’s top artisans, designers and crafters, but the addition of live music, a bar and lots of tasty treats make the stroll through the aisles even more fun (and potentially spendy) than it might otherwise be.

At Make It, you’ll find fashion, specialty foods, body care products, accessories, art, jewelry (lots and lots of jewelry), baby items, and home decor. And if this sounds like a very female-oriented enterprise, don’t worry – there’s even stuff for the guys, too.

Continue reading:
Make It – over 100 artisans and crafters this weekend!

Spring Style 101: Fashion Editor Lisa Tant Shows This Season’s Key Trends at Holt Renfrew

by Taraneh in Shop on March 7, 2013

Trend: Modern geometry. Photo credit: T. Jerven

Holt Renfrew peplum top and skirt. $75 each. Photo credit: T. Jerven

Lisa Tant, Vancouverite and Holt Renfrew’s newly appointed fashion editor, came to town to present the top trends for spring 2013 at the iconic Janson-Goldstein designed downtown department store.

The looks – slippers, platform runners, brights, print remix, monochromatic black and white, kitten heels – are fun and relatively wearable. Add that to the growing influence of street fashion on high end fashion and spring 2013 is a great time to be a style-conscious woman.

Tant, who joined Holt Renfrew in fall 2012, started out as a fashion columnist for the Vancouver Sun. She went on to become the publisher of Hello! and the editor-in-chief of FLARE. This fashion editor is no Anna Wintour-style meanie. Tant is witty and warm. She didn’t hesitate to entertain with anecdotes from her interviews with designers.

Roberto Cavalli, for example, answered every interview question she asked with “I love women.” She suggests following him on Twitter because he’s known to go rogue. Victoria Beckham, when asked why she went from singer to designer, said something to the effect of “Have you heard me sing? I’m no Madonna.”

Find the Lisa Tant Holt Renfrew Spring Trend round up after the jump. Expect tons of glamour shots. Continue reading:
Spring Style 101: Fashion Editor Lisa Tant Shows This Season’s Key Trends at Holt Renfrew

Preview: 6 Vancouver Craft Fairs in Spring 2013

by Taraneh in Shop on February 27, 2013

Photo credit: Great Canadian Craft Fair Spring Fling 2013

There’s something about spring’s approach that signals craft fairs. Early blooms remind me of the intricate, beautiful and ornamental wares by local folk artists. Plus, spring means weddings galore and all the gifts that weddings (and their little sister: bridal showers) require.

With that in mind, here are six Vancouver craft fairs coming our way in spring 2013. Whether you’re browsing the crafts on offer or looking to set up your own booth, here are the dates you need to know. Continue reading:
Preview: 6 Vancouver Craft Fairs in Spring 2013

Ready for Spring? Don’t Miss Holt Renfrew’s Powder Puff Beauty Party, Jan. 22

by Taraneh in Shop on January 10, 2013

Photo credit: Holt Renfrew

Have a case of the winter doldrums? If you’re a beauty/skincare buff, cure your winter blues at Holt Renfrew’s spring preview event, the Powder Puff Beauty Party on Tuesday, January 22.

This ticketed event ($25 per person) is likely best enjoyed with a gaggle of girlfriends. The fun takes place from 7:30pm to 10pm at the downtown Vancouver location of Holt Renfrew. Tickets include complimentary Magenta Madness mocktails and canapes from Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar. The ticket price will also count towards your shopping that night, if you spend $75 or more on a beauty product.

While the spring beauty previews are the main hook, there’s tons of other good stuff going on including complimentary manicures from the Holt’s Salon (using Lippman, Butter London and YSL), plus make-up brush cleaning, hand massages, brow waxing and makeovers. Find the full list after the jump. Continue reading:
Ready for Spring? Don’t Miss Holt Renfrew’s Powder Puff Beauty Party, Jan. 22

Vancouver Christmas Shopping: 6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

by Taraneh in Shop on December 14, 2012

Holiday Cards at We Are Local. Photo credit: We Are Local

With just two weekends to go before Christmas, it’s time to start or finish your holiday shopping. I respect both camps of shoppers: the early birds and the swift’n’serious. Early birds know what they’re after and exactly how long it takes to secure such a prize. The swift’n’serious crew relies on last minute inspiration.

Whichever camp you belong to, here’s a round-up of Vancouver’s most exciting, Christmas-only shopping options. You’re already familiar with the big malls and shopping districts. These are the seasonal gems that feature unique, often locally-made goods.

From holiday craft markets to holiday pop-up shops, here are some ideas to help you find something special for everyone on your gift list.

6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

1) The Great Canadian Craft Fair: Saturday, Dec. 15 – Sunday, Dec. 16
Bah-zillion (200) B.C. vendors take over the iconic Salt Building in False Creek selling handmade indie wares including ethical baby clothes, quilts, terrarium globes and so much more. There will be cocoa and face painting for the kiddos, plus workshops and music. It’s open 10am-6pm. Tickets are $7 on Eventbrite. Continue reading:
Vancouver Christmas Shopping: 6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

Make It – over 100 artisans and crafters this weekend!

Spring Style 101: Fashion Editor Lisa Tant Shows This Season’s Key Trends at Holt Renfrew

Preview: 6 Vancouver Craft Fairs in Spring 2013

Ready for Spring? Don’t Miss Holt Renfrew’s Powder Puff Beauty Party, Jan. 22

Vancouver Christmas Shopping: 6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

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