Yummy Mummy Makeovers

Top 5 Festive Finds for Every Budget

2011-11-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

1. Add some festive sparkle to update your outfit

Bead bracelet, $14, Joe Fresh

2. Carry your essentials with romantic charm

Lace clutch, $19.99, Payless Shoes

3. Elegant skirt for every dinner party

Tone on Tone skirt, $25, Suzy Shier

4. Make a lasting statement at your cocktail event

V-neck pleated dress, $159, BCBG

5. Host your Xmas party in comfort & style

Stripe top, $128, French Connection

Saf & Benjamin Event on Nov 3rd

2011-11-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Seeing is believing - moms watch a live colour demo

Get your own colour wallet for a fool-proof way to shop!

Yummy Mummy Makeovers is on TV!

2011-10-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Curious about what happens at a Style Party? See what other moms had to say:

Here's $10 - Shopping money for you this Fall!

2011-09-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Our 3 Favourite Picks for Autumns - What's your Season?

2011-09-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

1. Add the perfect colour close to your face & see it glow.

Safari Scarf, $38, FCUK

2. Make them green with envy because you can wear this colour.

Vine-Wrapped Tee, $78.00, Anthropologie

3. Show the creative side of you with this unique pattern top.

Ikat Print T-shirt, $29.90, Zara

Recommendation for Autumn Season

2011-09-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

The best time to shop for your colour is in your own Season. If you're an Autumn, here's our YMM star recommendation:

This beautiful mustard colour top is perfect for dressing up/down. Grab it at Zara for $49.90

True or False? No white after Labour Day?

2011-09-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Real client case:

Can I wear my white blazer after Labour Day?

Answer:

Yes. The no white after Labour Day has it's validity, but think about all the chic white coats & beautiful white pashminas. It would be a waste to store away your blazer. Instead, why not "winterize" your white blazer to make it more appropriate for cooler weather? Traditionally, materials like linen and white jeans/pants are harder to wear when the rainy season hits. But if your white blazer is a classic style in a heavier material, then all you need to do is pair it with:

- A thicker "warmer-looking" piece such as a turtleneck sweater
- Wear it with a darker multi-colour wool scarf
- Finish with a rich leather handbag & boots

In the meantime, enjoy the sun & wear your summer clothes (including your white blazer) until summer is officially over.

Busty? Here's how to minimize

2011-09-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Want the focus to be on you & not your "girls"?

Stay clear of:
1) Ruffles on the chest
2) Cowl necks
3) Designs on the chest

In this example, your eyes just can't help by look right there...

Sequin embroidered sleeveless blouse, Lane Bryant, $49.95

Shocking Summer Sales. Don't miss this!

2011-09-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here's something more to brighten up your Friday before the long weekend.

A cardigan in a beautiful array of pink shades. Fun, flirty & feminine.

Wear it now - and layer for Fall//Winter too. Originally $34 at Joe Fresh on Granville St. Can't believe our eyes. It's now on sale for $4.94!

Not loving your midsection? Avoid this!

2011-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this dress.

Jessica®/MD Placement Print Dress, Sears, $19.94

Question: What’s the first thing you look at?

Answer: The big gigantic flower.

Question: Where is the flower located?

Answer: Right in the middle.

Question: Is that where you want people to look?

Answer: No.

Always keep an eye on design elements & colour placements.

Wear the right colour for your face

2011-08-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

Having your colours done is the only way to discover your best wardrobe colours. The right colours will even out your skin tone. It’ll make you look more well rested and create a harmonious look with your overall appearance. Black should only be used strategically. Too much can make you look intimidating.

Can you see the difference?

Tuxedo Pleat Tee, Banana Republic, from $29.99

Got knobbly knees?

2011-08-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Avoid bermuda shorts.

Real client case:

“I hate my legs. They are super skinny and my knees are knobbly. I rarely wear shorts. The only ones I have are bermuda shorts.”

We are often harder on ourselves then we should be. It is easy to write off a certain look or style simply because you tried it on ONCE and it didn’t look right. Dig deeper to find out why. By learning about yourself and your body, you are more equipped to make the right clothing choices. Otherwise, you are eliminating half your bottoms by not wearing shorts/skirts etc.

In this case, avoid bermuda shorts. You might think because they are longer in length, you are “covering” more of your leg. Less exposure means nicer legs. Wrong. Because the bermuda shorts are ending right above your knees, you are directing the eye right where you don’t want them to look. Your shorts need to be shorter (thigh high not booty) or capri/cropped length. Draw the eye to your thighs or to your calves/ankles.

Best thing about slender legs? You get to rock some fabulous lace tights and textured ones too. It won’t add bulk and you won’t look like a sausage. You’ll be the envy of all your girlfriends.

Patterned Tight-End Tights® Trinket - NEW!, www.spanx.com, $28

The number 1 mom hairstyle = ponytail

2011-08-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

We know you’re busy and can’t even remember the last time you dusted off your curling iron. If a ponytail is your best bet - here’s how you can spruce things up.

Comb & create a high ponytail
Tie up your hair with this fabulous Ponytail Wrap
Look chic & stylish without changing your routine!

Sephora, $9, one size fits all, choose from 5 different hair colours

Follow our weekly Style Solution series

2011-08-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here's what to expect:

Monday - Accessories
Tuesday - Real client case
Wednesday - Colours
Thurs - Body
Fri - Sales/news/store review

That should cover all your wardrobe needs!

Wardrobe Answers for Moms Returning to Work

2011-04-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Love your post-baby bod and return to work looking better than you did before! Join us on May 3rd at Town Shoes at Pacific Center. Get discounted shoe shopping, hair consults & makeup tips too!

Playing Lego with Your Wardrobe

2011-03-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

     Get rid of the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.
     See how we turn 10 pieces of clothing into 30 outfits.
     Sign up today! Our next workshop is on March 16!

Just you: $60

You & 1 friend: $80

You & 2 friends: $90

Must-have work wardrobe pieces

2011-03-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Checklist for a must-have work wardrobe. What are you missing?

Watch Yummy Mummy Makeovers on Breakfast Television!

2011-01-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Watch us on the LIVE EYE on Breakfast Television!

Meet our sponsors:

Watch us on Breakfast Television on Dec 22nd!

2010-12-20T16:19:00.001-08:00

Watch us on the LIVE EYE on Breakfast Television on Dec 22nd!

Meet our sponsors:

Meet our Production Team

2010-11-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Meet Kirsten & Mark, the creative team behind our Bringing Sexy Back Webisodes.

Want a fresh and compelling video for your website? They are a local company that specializes in video production for businesses in Vancouver. Their team of creative directors, animators and musicians work together to offer informative and engaging videos to help promote you and your organization. Check out their latest work at www.sweetcurrant.com. (Photo by Christopher Pike Photography)

2010-10-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Four winners have been chosen, and our makeover contest is well under way! Four moms will be "Bringing Sexy Back" right in front of our eyes. Watch our online webisodes and follow their "Yummy Mummy" makeover transformation to see all the fun. With the added help from our local sponsors, these mums are getting all the advice and pampering they need to go from "Frumpy" to "'Yummy"!

Meet our "Life as We Know it" Contest Winner!

2010-10-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Meet our "Life as We Know it" Contest Winner! Yummy Mummy Makeovers wanted to hear mom's best wardrobe disaster! Contestants had to send in their story about how their child has ruined their clothes. Crystal definitely provided a convincing picture why she deserved to win!

Advance screening to "Life as We know it"

2010-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

"Life As We Know It" Contest

Yummy Mummy Makeovers want to hear all about your wardrobe disasters! Tell us a story about how your child has ruined your clothes and oops here comes messy mummy!

Enter to win a prize pack to Life As You Know It advance screening tickets, $50 gift certificate to Yummy Mummy Makeovers & more!

The advance screening will take place on Wed. Oct 6, 2010, at 7pm at Empire Esplanade Cinemas.

HOW TO ENTER:

Send an email to contest@ymmakeovers.com with the words LIFE AS YOU KNOW IT in the subject line. In the email, include the following items:

1. Full name, daytime telephone number, email & number of children (and their respective ages).
2. Tell us a wardrobe horror story and how your kids have ruined your clothes.
3. If you have one wish to change your look, what would it be?

Application closes on Mon. Oct 4th, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. PST.

Winners for the Bringing Sexy Back Contest!

2010-09-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! The FOUR winners are:

Jodelene Weir

Rehana Ishmail

Shirley-Anne Parsons

Patty Hambler

Stay tuned for their transformation stories in the next issue of WestCoast Families! More to come...

Sum of Great Style August 2010

2010-09-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

End of season sale again, it's time to find red-hot sales! Check out my column on www.vancouvermom.ca.

Get smart with Back to School Sales!

2010-08-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

With this deal, when you spend $50, you get $10 off your next purchase. Here's how to shop smart.

1) Get yourself something nice. You can't go wrong with a $20 pair of jeans that's worth over $100.

2) Try something new. For $9.99 it's worth it to give leggings a go. Dare I say it's super comfortable?

3) You love your kids. Your little girl might look more stylish than you in this cute outfit for $9.99

4) Keep 'em entertained. What better time to buy some markers than when it's on sale for $4.49

5) Don't forget your man. Holes aren't very sexy. But a Champion is. Especially when it's only $5.99

Total spent= $50.45. And everyone's happy (including you!)

Source: http://www.armyandnavy.ca/coupons_index.cfm

Coupon for Aeropostale 30% off

2010-08-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for some playwear for the whole family? Visit Aeropostale this weekend with this coupon (30% off). This weekend only, don't miss out!

Sum of Great Style July 2010

2010-07-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here...ready for the heat? Check out our article on www.vancouvermom.ca.

Fashion Fun for Real Moms

2010-06-28T20:21:00.002-07:00

Put the fun back into getting dressed at Yummy Mummy Makeovers!

Revamp your mummy wardrobe by getting back to the style basics.

Topic:    Get a fresh summer look & discover how a
              little colour can update your wardrobe.
When:   Thurs, July 15th from 7-8pm
Cost: FREE!!!

Space is limited, reserve a spot now at: info@ymmakeovers.com

Free Perfume

2010-06-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Smell fresh for free: get your sample of Kenzo's latest scent at the Bay with this coupon. Supply limited. So what are you waiting for?

NYGÅRD Tee & Capri: Buy 1 Get 1 @ 50% OFF

2010-06-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

NYGÅRD Online Store. Tee & Capri - Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% OFF! Great way to kick start your summer! (Only 3 Days Left!!!)‏

Bedo Annual Sale!!!

2010-06-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Check out Bedo's crazy annual sale, everything is reduced to half price! Drop by if you're ever on Granville and Robson. Better soon than later (esp. before the HST kicks in)!

Sale at Sears 45% off!

2010-06-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

We love surprises! Especially when it involves a sale. Consider this chic gray top. Wear it under a jacket during the day and then show off the sleeves with a statement necklace for the evening. Only $24.49 now with an additional 30% off!

3 SHOE ways to a Fabulous Summer - The Final Shoe...

2010-06-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Picture this: You’re heading to the island for the weekend and the kids stuff is packed & ready to go. You’re wearing a pair of great shorts with a sheer floral top.

Nickolls, Aldo Shoes, $60

Stay tuned for more summer recommendations! More to come in future posts!

3 SHOE ways to a Fabulous Summer - Shoe #2

2010-05-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

Picture this: You finally get some alone time and it’s date night. You’re wearing a wrapped dress in chocolate brown. It hits you in all the right places and you know you still got it!

Totman, Spring Shoes, $39.99

YYM will continue to feature your SHOE ways to a Fabulous summer in upcoming posts...stay tuned!

3 SHOE ways to a Fabulous Summer - Shoe #1

2010-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Picture this: You’re meeting another mom for ice cream and your little one is super excited. You’re wearing a pair of jeans with a simple striped T. Banana split or strawberry sundae?

Cailey Slingback Flat, American Eagle, $12.99

YYM will continue to feature your SHOE ways to a Fabulous summer in upcoming posts...stay tuned!

Whiteside Elementary School's Spring Fair

2010-05-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

Yummy Mummy Makeovers is a proud sponsor of Whiteside Elementary School's Spring Fair (June 3rd). Which lucky moms are going to win a Chill Mama Program & get a makeover?

Victoria Day Weekend at The Bay 15% off

2010-05-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

15% can go a long way. Whether it's for the house, the kids or even yourself, stop by the Bay and pick something up.

$10 off Joe Fresh

2010-05-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Add this along with your grocery coupons. Save $10 when you spend a minimum of $50 on Joe Fresh Style Apparel. Expires June 15, 2010.

Spring Family & Baby Fair

2010-05-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

We've got plans for you this Sat May 15th! Check out the Spring Family and Baby Fair in Port Moody. With tons of exhibitors, face painting for the kids & free cupcakes, you might just want to spend the whole day there! Did we mention that it's free?

15% off at Le Petit Spa

2010-05-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Now that you're a mom, you can appreciate your mom so much more. Even though Mother's day is over, this mother/daughter promotion is still going on. Spend some time with her and get pampered together.

During the month of May, visit Le Petit Spa with your mother and both of you can enjoy 15% off of any services you choose for the day!

Style Boo Boo #1

2010-05-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Style Boo Boo #1 Look familiar? This is the typical mom uniform in Vancouver. We know how simple it is to gravitate towards the easy clean and comfy clothes. But donʼt lose your sense of self. Itʼs possible to look
practical and pretty too!

3 Step Style Fix

1) Get a haircut. The long ponytail is telling us that the last time you visited the salon was before you got pregnant. Oh and we know youʼre not going skiing, so get this cute crinkly jacket instead. Itʼs suede-like material makes it super stylish. At the same time, itʼs rugged pockets and zipper detailing makes it very playful. Perfect for the playground and grown up parties. Bonus: No ironing required!

2) Replace the yoga pants with a great pair of jeans. Go for a darker wash. Itʼll create a leaner leg and hide all those messy shoe marks.

3) Skiing, yoga and running? No wonder youʼre tired. Why not try these comfy, light gray flats? Itʼll tell everyone you do more than just run around all day.

Say Cheese!

2010-05-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Treasure those special family moments & do it while saving money. Here's some coupons from Sears Portrait Studio. Good till the July 20, 2010. Enjoy!

35% at www.Esprit.ca. Offer ends April 28

2010-04-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

35% off at www.Esprit.ca. Online only. Offer ends April 28th. Use code: MN7BFE6Q

Cost per Wear: The Best Shopping Guide

2010-04-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Imagine this: you're in the change room contemplating and second-guessing yourself because you've absolutely fallen in love with a top. You've practically checked yourself out in every possible angle. And you know the top is perfect. It's that exact shade of berry that just makes your skin glow and the soft supple material is so touchable.

AND it hangs so nicely in all the right places. Except for, of course, the price tag. It's more than you're willing to spend and you can't really justify spending that much money.

So here comes the guide. The cost per wear theory is simply just a question that asks you to break down the price of the item to the number of times you're going to wear it. And that way, you're better at deciphering if the price justifies it's worth and so on.

For example:

Top $100 vs. Summer dress $50

You think the top you've fallen in love with is kinda expensive. But you know off the top of your head that it can go with at least 5 things in your closet. You can pair it with jeans, wear it underneath a suit jacket or match it with your gray pencil skirt. Oh, you know you're going love this top so much that you'll wear it absolutely all the time.

So let's plug in some numbers. Ask yourself how many times you'll wear the top in a year. 20 times?

Cost / # of times of wear= $100/20 times = $5

This means that every time you wear your top, it'll cost you about $5. Is it worth it? Let's try again with another example. You think that you'll likely wear the summer dress a total of 5 times.

Cost / # of times of wear = $50/5 times = $10

Each time you wear the summer dress, it'll cost you $10. So instead of just looking at the price of an item, you should consider the cost per wear. This example showed that even though the summer dress was $50, it was more expensive because you weren't able to put more mileage in it's wear and so it cost more each time you wore it. On the other hand, the top was more expensive but because you're able to wear it a lot, it was more worthy of an investment in the long run.

Managing Your Waistline

2010-04-21T03:18:00.000-07:00

Accentuate the smallest part of your waist. Don't fall into the "WWE Championship" belt look. Choose one that is proportional to your size. If it's so big, you can end up looking like a choked up sausage. Other ways of creating an hourglass look is empire waist tops and dresses.

Source: www.bebe.com

Legendary Shoe Sale is Here!

2010-04-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing feels better than getting a great deal on something you love. Here's an iCal event you need to set the alarm for. April 21st is when the Army and Navy Legendary Shoe Sale starts! Doors open at 8am. Tons of brand name shoes for over 80% off. New stock everyday until May 2nd.

A Juno post-wear critique

2010-04-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

We were all pretty curious what our little Canadian Olympic singer Nikki Yanofsky would wear to The Junos. After seeing her sport a little red number while singing the National Anthem, we had high expectations. But this time we were a little disappointed. The baggy t-shirt underneath the cute jacket made her mid-section look heavy. The elastic waistband shorts didn't help either. Check out Style Sergeant's perfect alternative for you. It's called the Juno Dress. Now that would of been easy!

Source: (LEFT: Nikki Yanofsky by George Pimentel/WireImage.com, RIGHT: www.shop.obakki.com)

Seeing is believing

2010-04-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

Now in the comfort of your own "phone", you can try a new look with Silhouette Virtual Mirror. Load your own pic and play around with a variety of frames/colours and sunglasses. Then email it to your friends and ask what they think. And the best part is, the ap is free!

Fifty bucks & under!

2010-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Brew your own coffee this week and save some money for the Nifty for Fifty local fashion sale happening April 17-18 at 560 Seymour St. One-of-a-kind pieces and vintage treasures will be showcased here. Nothing over 50 bucks (we're talking 50-90% off!). Look unique & support your local designer!

Red Over Heels

2010-04-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

Wines make such great gifts. You can't go wrong, especially with this fashionably branded grape by Strut Wines. Check it out. You might just fall "Red Over Heels" too.

Wines make such great gifts. You can't go wrong, especially with this fashionably branded grape. You might just fall "Red Over Heels" too.

April 22 - Gastown Spring Shop Hop

2010-04-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.gastown.org/shophop.html

Book this in your Blackberry because on April 22nd from 5-9pm the boutiques of Vancouver's Gastown will be flinging their doors open to welcome you with some great tunes, special deals and drinks too! A Fashion Block Party for all!

Participating Retailer's Include: (212), Roden Gray , Inform Interiors, Bruce Eyewear, Nouvelle Nouvelle, Obakki, John Fluevog, Ishara, One of a Few/ Two of a Few, Mandula, Lloyds of Gastown, Secrets of Identity, LYNNsteven, parliament, Nika design, dutil denim, Gentille Aloutte and Planet Claire.

i.am.

2010-04-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

Take charge and plan a great weekend with your man. Before heading to the Black Eyed Peas concert at GM Place, make sure you stop buy Leone to update his wardrobe. Will.i.am will be at L2 Boutique from 1-2pm (April 11th) launching his line of clothing called: i.am. Don't worry, he'll be distracted and won't even notice you're changing his look!

Charge up Your Wardrobe

2010-04-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here's how fashion & practicality can work together. You'll never have to cut short a phone call with your girlfriend because of a low cell phone battery. Imagine a dress that charges your portable devices! The genius is in the solar panels and conductive threads. Talk about putting more mileage (or rather voltage) in your clothes! Let's hope it hits the market real soon.

Source: www.ubergizmo.com

Your friends are lying to you!

2010-04-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

I know. It sounds crazy. But check this out.

You're out with your BFF on a mission to find the perfect outfit for a hot date. You don't know what you're looking for, so what do you do? You raid through racks and racks of clothes, picking up things that resemble something you already own.

Depending on your mood, you may venture into foreign territory and pick up something you've seen someone else wear that might possibly look good on you. So then what? You head to the changeroom trying not to get too anxious or hopeful that maybe something you picked out might actually work. So you come out to show your BFF. It's a black top. Nothing special, nothing crazy. It goes with everything (apparently).

Here's the reaction you get: "Oh that's not bad" or "That's cute". Your friends are lying to you. Don't believe me? Here's a translation of the most common responses...some of which you've used too!

1) "Oh, that's not bad."

Translation: Are you serious? I can't believe you picked it out. I mean, I don't want to say anything because if you really like it then go for it. But don't you see that it's making you look kinda chunky?

2) "That's cute".

Translation: That's cute...for a 12 year old girl.

3) "Do YOU like it?"

Translation: I'm going to be very careful with my words. If I tell her I like it, or it's cute...she might just buy it!

4) "Is it on sale?"

Translation: It better be on sale. Cause I wouldn't pay more than $5 for it.

5) "That could work"

Translation: It doesn't really work. But I'm gettin' tired and you keep looking at the same things over and over again. You're going to MAKE it work.

So what should a girl do? Spend some time and get to know yourself. Go through magazines and cut out pictures of people and outfits that you like. Clean out your closet. Pull out the clothes you wear all the time. Why do you like them? Does it need replacing? What do you wish you had? Then throw a pre-shopping party. Serve some cupcakes & bubbly and give away the rest of your clothes (you don't wear them anyway). Then bring your BFF along on your shopping trip. Instead of asking her for her opinion, save her the agony and just tell her to make sure you don't go broke.

Win a New Pair of Shoes!

2010-04-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Need to beef up your shoe collection (or start one)? Don't miss this chance to win a new pair of shoes from Town Shoes every month for an entire year. Now that's what I call, "A Dream Come True!" Contest ends May 9th.

RW & Co. $20 Gift Card

2010-04-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

Shop now and save for your summer purchases later. What a great way to justify adding a few more pieces to your wardrobe! Offer expires April 7, 2010.

Something "Juicy" for your Fingers

2010-04-02T00:17:00.000-07:00

Not sure how to wear those "garden-inspired" floral splashes this Spring? The key is to add a little bit at a time. Never been a flower kind-of girl? Don't fret. You don't have to be. Check out Juicy Couture, try something fun & non-committal like this stunning little accessory for your finger.

Foxy & LouLou

2010-04-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

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Get a $10 Foxy Jewellery Gift Card with one year of LOULOU! Style Sergeant loves the real fashion and discounts from LouLou Magazine. For less than $20 a subscription, you can have some great reading material while waiting in line for your coffee. The $10 Foxy Jewellery Gift Card is definitely icing on the cake.

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The Future of Shopping

2010-03-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this video. This could change the way we shop forever! This amazing technology can definitely save us the trouble of getting in and out of the change room, but will it really help you to "see" what you look like...so you'll never buy the wrong thing again? Leverage this technology to your advantage. Start by understanding YOU. How do you describe yourself? What is your body type? What are your career goals? Do you want to spice up your social life? By answering these questions, you can CREATE a look that others will SEE that'll describe WHO YOU ARE. Then you can prance around on the screen and know exactly what to buy. FYI, CSCO trades on the NASDAQ. It closed at $26.61. Might be a worthwhile investment...afterall, it's for your wardrobe.

21 Men

2010-03-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

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Get your guy the goods now at Forever 21! Stylish & affordable, make sure you take a peek at 21Men - only available online. Why not kick start his spring wardrobe with this stand-out polo shirt?

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What other women specific brand will start branching out next?

Portobello West Fashion & Art Market

2010-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

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This weekend (Mar 27-28) is the opener for the Portobello West Fashion and Art Market! This event is located at the Rocky Mountaineer Station (1755 Cottrell Street).

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This is a great chance for you to meet over 110 local artists and designers and shop for one-of-a-kind fashion and art. 12pm to 6pm. $2 admission (Children 12 and under free), free parking/shuttle. Check out www.portobellowest.com for more info.

To Have & to Hold - Your Handbag

2010-03-22T03:43:00.000-07:00

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"...Handbags are like Cars - some models are vintage while others are classics, but neither is just a means of getting from A to B" - Carmel Allen (1999, The Handbag)

Carmel Allen is a contributing writer for Observer, Marie Claire and the past Beauty Editor at Vogue. We can't agree more with the fact that handbags are not only functional, but also a personal statement. In your closet, you should have at least 3 handbags:

1) Work Appropriate- Depending on what industry you work in and the work you do, a functional & stylish handbag that can fit all your essentials is necessary. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have some room for a snack/lunch, umbrella and a magazine for the commute.

2) Weekend & Play- Whether you're heading out for Sunday Brunch or a casual house party, complete your outfit with a fun and non-fussy handbag. Try something with a little hardware to give it an edgier feel.

3) Sexy & Special- Nothing is more tacky then showing up to a cocktail event with your roughed-up wallet and cell phone. Go classy and get a clutch. Consider one that gives you a chain strap or wristlet, so you have the option to wear it differently (and free up the hands)

For your next coffee table book, check out Carmel Allen’s classic read The Handbag. It has some great illustrations of the most popular handbags in the 20th century.

Roots $20 Online Coupon

2010-03-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

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Online Only: Spend $100 - Get $20 Coupon! Expires March 21, 2010. Visit http://canada.roots.com/ for more details.

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Image at Work

2010-03-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

Would you do business with a man who wore sporting gear to meetings?

Philip Porado's article in this March's issue Advisor's Edge "Look Sharp" echoes the importance of projecting the right image in the business world. Just because you don't care, it doesn't mean your clients feel the same way. He argues that "working with wealthy clients requires one to fit into a rarefied world". He speaks of how one investment advisor "traded in his silver diver's watch for something round, gold and slim after a prospective client told him she wouldn't do business with a man who wore sporting gear to meetings".

Imagine all those lost sales and missed opportunities, simply because of the way you dressed! Very rarely will we get the blunt truth (like in the example) for being overlooked for job opportunities and promotions. So why not have that competitive advantage?

What you wear communicates a certain message. What do you want to say? Make sure it is consistent with what you want people to SEE. If you want to be seen as credible and professional, make sure you wear structured clothing (crisp shirts and darker colours). Attention to detail is key. Make sure you're clothes aren't too baggy/tight. Go and get regular haircuts. Take care of your hands & nails. And please. No white flakes on your clothes. As Head and Shoulders brilliantly puts it, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression".

A Woman's Best Friend

2010-03-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

A woman's best friend could very well be diamonds, but the real friend is actually the good ol' tailor.

There's only 3% of the population who can actually wear things straight off the rack. The rest of us have to try and squeeze into the standard sizes or be hanging onto dear life while we're swimming in our clothes. The typical fit issues are pant and sleeve lengths. However, there are many women who have difficulty finding pants that fit at the hips AND at the waist.

This also goes for dress shirts that may fit at the shoulders, but gaps at the buttons. So what is a girl to do? Make friends with the tailor. The fit of the clothes is the most important thing. If your clothes fit your body oh-so-well, it'll immediately make it look more expensive, you'll look more polished and pulled together. Sleeve lengths should end at the break of the wrist (flex your wrist and and the sleeve should touch the top of your hand with no bunching up). It's super important to get your blazers and jacket sleeves hemmed. The peek-a-boo bra between a gaping shirt is not all that hot. Only buy jackets and shirts that you can button up. Then get a tailor to take it in to give you more shape. Never buy clothes that are too tight. It's easier for your tailor to take it in to fit you, then to let clothes out. Resetting sleeves is a pretty expensive job, so make sure the shoulders of your tops fit. This means that the sleeves start where your shoulders start to drop.

Olympic Madness at The Bay

2010-02-12T01:24:00.000-08:00

Looking to get some Olympic gear for tonight's celebration? Don't even think about lining up at The Bay's front door (Vancouver). Rather, go to their 5th floor in the Olympic section to avoid line ups. Your local Zellers will do as well.

Joyce on Breakfast Television

2010-01-07T05:28:00.000-08:00

Joyce has been working with Breakfast Television Entertainment Producer Thor Diakow for the past two weeks. She whipped him into shape with 2 new outfits on BT!!! The first is a casual effortless look for the everyday sponsored by RW & Co...

and the second is a trendy show stopping look from Mexx. To finish the outfit, we paired it with unforgettable shoes from Town Shoes. Our generous sponsors are all from Pacific Center. Sales are still going on so stop by today!