You might run into Girl of the Week GRACE ALTOBAR at Front & Company - she works in the consignment department - hello, first dibs! A recent fashion school graduate, Grace would love to pursue a career in fashion merchandising - in the meantime, over the next few months, she hopes to discover all the hidden fashion gems in Vancouver (suggestions people?). Meet the lovely Grace…

Wearing…3.1 Phillip Lim pink polka dotted dress, vintage leather belt, Spring cognac cutout open-toe shoes and Forever21 bracelet.

My style is…All over the place - I like to switch it up depending on what’s going on with the fashion world. I follow trends a lot and I try to keep up with it..I also find myself mix and matching everything from designer pieces with vintage and with “cheap mall-brandy” names, and I try to make all three elements look expensive.

Hair tricks…I like to keep that as a secret. I do however use John Frieda Frizz-Ease Take Charge Curl-Boosting Mousse and Garnier Fructis hairspray. A curling iron, and 25mm rollers depending on how I want my curls to look.

Wish list…This oversized gold runway watch by Michael Kors that’s been on my wish list since Christmas. Asymmetrical Cropped Pullover by Alexander Wang and Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots.

Best find ever at Front…This AMAZING Gianni Versace thigh-high boots that I bought from my employers consignment two years ago. It was in mint condition considering the fact that she bought it back in the late 80’s - it was well loved.

Fave piece in your closet…I have this 1940’s inspired dress that my dad brought back from the Philippines a few months ago that always get me smiling everytime I look in my closet. And all the designer pieces I have in my closet.

Fave places to shop…I’m a Main Street girl and I literally live 2 blocks away from the trendiest local boutique shops. The largest consignment store on Main, Front & Company is definitely on top of my favorite places to shop, there is always something new everyday. I also love walking down to Temple of the Modern Girl, and F as in Frank - I never leave that place empty handed. I shop just about everywhere! You can find me shopping at the mall, at vintage shops in Gastown and West 4th and to outlets stores all the way in Seattle.

Three essentials in your purse…Waterproof mascara & eyelash curler, my debit card, and 1.5 oz Johnson’s baby powder that does wonders for me at this time of year. I’m currently using this mustard leather hobo bag by Cole Haan.

Drink of choice…Red wine and hot chocolate from The Grind.

Can’t live without…Lip Smacker lip balm - my day is ruined without it! Arts and fashion IS my life.

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

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I have a little confession, I’ve frolicked under the harmful rays of the sun without a lick of sunscreen on. I know, I know, I’m a bad news bear. But I absolutely hate the smell and feel of sunscreen and luck would have it, the type I always buy ends up being sticky, ashy and irritating to my ultra sensitive skin. A recent discovery of the COOLA Organic Sun Care collection has completely turned around my dislike for sunscreen. While COOLA shields you from harmful rays, it also contains certified organic ingredients and is packed with moisturizing skin reparative extracts that help maintain the skin’s youthful appearance. Refreshing scents like cucumber for the face and Plumeria for the body mask that icky sunscreen odour while being light yet moisturizing. I love how this feels like I’m wearing a heavenly scented body lotion rather than a sunscreen. Here’s to not being relegated to the shade.

SPF 30 Plumeria Moisturizing Suncreen $45 CAD
SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizing Sunscreen $42 CAD
LIPLUX SPF15 Peppermint Vanilla $17 CAD

Coola is available at Kiss and Makeup Store at H5 - 925 Main Street, The Village, Park Royal, West Vancouver.

Jan Tong, The Style Spy
jan@thestylespy.com

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Our friends at Ishara boutique (38 Water Street, Vancouver, 604-264-7494) hosted a food & fashion tasting event at their gorgeous store last week in Gastown. We think food & wine plus shopping makes a killer combo. Check out the photos below.

While we were at it, we had to ask owner, AMRIT BAIDWAN for the three items in store that she’s totally loving.

1. Shirimiri Leggings: These leggings have great embellishments, come in several styles, and are much more polished looking than your average leggings and are sure to become a regular in your fall wardrobe.
2. Smythe Ivory Shawl Collar Blazer: This is an amazing piece to throw over jeans and a t-shirt or wear over your favourite blouse. The fit and structure of this blazer is what really sets it apart. It is one of those staple pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe.
3. T-luxury Dolman Sleeve T-Shirt Dress: This dress is super soft, cozy, and looks great on. Thrown over a pair of rich&skinny jeans or your favourite pair of shirimiri leggings, it’s the perfect everyday outfit that can pretty much take you anywhere.

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

Food Meets Fashion - the premier ishara tasting series featured canapes and wine from award-winning Boneta restaurant

Boneta owner Neil Ingram chatted up guests and presented the carefully selected food & wine pairings

Operation Style fashionista’s Jillian Cargo and Kristy Rogerson strike a pose

Ishara owner Amrit Baidwan and local fashion designer Jason Matlo

Akiko silk jersey embellished blouse paired with Paige Black label skinny pants

Ishara proprieter Amrit Baidwan is amongst friends with Puneet Grewal, Dal Nagra and Sharon Mangat

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