I met the lovely DEANNA PALKOWSKI at the Mavi S/S’10 Sneak Preview last week. Her striking blue Topshop shoes with an architectural heel are what caught my eye. Any girl who has an eye for amazing shoes is a girl I have to get acquainted with! And while she previously studied acting, Deanna found her passion for fashion as a stylist at the young age of 20. Fabulous style runs in the family, her sister Alexis was a previous GOTW. Born and raised in West Vancouver, meet Deanna.

Wearing… Of course my Serena Mavi jeans, American Apparel T-shirt, Dolce & Gabbana Blazer, Topshop heels, woodlands bracelet from Nouvelle Nouvelle and my staple chains that I have acquired over the years, each with a different story.

Style notes… Eclectic Bohemian

Style icons… Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Grace Coddington.

Top shops… Little Tiffany’s, Dujour, Blubird, Violet, Nouvelle Nouvelle.

Just charged on my visa… An Iphone juicer, so big but it gives me 10 times more battery life.

Prized possession… A floral rose skirt my grandmother gave me when I was 4, made me fall in love with fashion.

Beauty must-have… Highlighting cream makes your skin glow.

Wardrobe staples… High shoes and a good leather jacket.

Styling tips… Always dress for your body type, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Current trends I’m loving… Double stacked high heels, future warrior look, hot for the runways and anything sequined.

Wish list… A good pair of summer shorts, double strapped Hermes watch.

Reading list… Vogue, TLC magazine.

Can’t live without… My family, phone, friends, and fashion.

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy

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Since we are featuring covet-worthy, yet surprisingly affordable shoes (thank you, Aldo!) all week long, I thought I would share with all of you, the shoes I’ve been lusting after for the past couple months. These Chloe Bow and Crystal Pumps are just too pretty not to love. I think I love them mainly because their prettiness is so flashy - these are not for the faint of heart - you must embrace the bows, the crystals, the studs and the height of the straps. But if you can come to terms with all of that, you’ll be walking tall, and more importantly - pretty.

Aliyah Shamsher, The Style Spy
aliyah@thestylespy.com

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Last Thursday, I was able to get an exclusive look at Mavi’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection at their sneak preview event that was held at the OPUS Hotel in Yaletown. Upon our arrival, my friend and I had our photograph taken with the new Polaroid camera (love it!) then we went inside to mingle and drink champagne. The venue was small but cozy and it filled up quick; my head was spinning from all the fabulously dressed people! They had a live band playing jazz covers, which complemented the overall setting beautifully. At the front of the room was a small raised platform, where the Mavi models showcased the new S/S’10 collection.

This upcoming spring/summer season has a very laid-back and casual look for both men and women. For women, simple tees and plaid shirts were paired with destroyed denim, cropped denim and denim skirts. For men, graphic tees, dress shirts and cardigans are worn with light to medium coloured denim. My inner shoe fiend couldn’t help but notice the models’ footwear as well; patent black peep toe sandals with cutouts on the girl with the denim dress and grey suede loafers on the male model.

All in all, I had a good time. Many thanks to Mavi for inviting The Style Spy!

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy

**I loved the denim patchwork furniture; definitely added a nice ‘Mavi’ touch to the interior decor.

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Way back when, I was stupefied and sad when Banana Republic shoes suddenly disappeared from Canadian retail locations. Cross border trips and living in the states for a bit enabled me to snag some of my favorite boots and heels at their US locations. But luckily there’s now one less white lie to tell at the border because Banana Republic is letting Canadians have shoes again. You can expect the same quality and styling as their classic and sophisticated office attire. The Spring 2010 shoe collection consists of easy to wear wedges, flats, boots and heels in go-with-everything neutral colours. Happy shoe shopping.

Shoes are $89-$250 CAD, available at Banana Republic in Vancouver on Robson Street, in Calgary at TD Square and in Toronto at Bloor Street, Eaton Centre and Sherway Garden .

Jan Tong, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

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