A late start to the day, but it’s ok, cause it’s Sunday - a day that shouldn’t have a timetable. First stop, English Breakfast tea, lunch and fashion magazines at Coco et Olive (3707 Main Street, Vancouver), a quaint little cafe with tea & coffee, baked treats (including homemade marshmallow sticks) and a light lunch menu. Bonus, free WiFi and it’s right across the street from one of my fave stores, Front & Company.

Nicole came by to join me. We discussed the new Joe Fresh fall/winter nail polish colours and noshed on soup, salad and a peanut butter cookie.

After an hour or so of flipping through fashion mags, we somehow made our way down to Robson street for some express shopping. This is what I ended up trying on at Zara, oh, just a mere 12 items. I’m wearing an army green shirt I got last week at H&M for $15!

After an hour in the store, I walked away with four items and Nicole one. I will reveal my finds in my next shopping haul video.

Next stop, Club Monaco. Love these gorgeous red shoes. If you’re looking for a classic perfect t-shirt, we found it here, $39 CAD. Nicole bought two. Available in a multitude of colours (black, white, grey, khaki) and stripes (red and black).

Super pretty silk scarf with tiny birds flying, $89 CAD.

Last stop, the most dangerous one of the bunch: Aritzia Base. Nicole is wearing an amazing lightweight wool Mackage ‘Bessie’ camel coloured coat. Can you see the look of joy on her face? It’s the look of love. After discussing how this coat was an ‘investment’ piece, Nicole walked away with it.

Another successful shopping weekend!
Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

| print this page | 2 Comments | bookmark

All week long, Ishra Sharif will be reporting for The Style Spy on Back-to-School fashion with Taylor Jukes on Vancouver Virgin Radio 9am-12pm (look out for it around 9ish). Tune in to 95.3.

Monday - Kids
Tuesday - Teens
Wednesday - University Students
Thursday - Moms
Friday - Accessories & shoes

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

| print this page | 1 Comment | bookmark

Last week, I attended a lovely soiree to celebrate the two year anniversary of Oliver & Lilly’s. A stylish little boutique just off of South Granville, Oliver & Lilly’s is the neighbourhood go-to place for the fashion-savvy girl. It was certainly the place to be that night as space filled up quick. Everyone was having a great time shopping and socializing while sipping wine and creating delicious concoctions at the ice cream bar (the mini chocolate chip cookies were so good!). I was quite tempted to break my shopping ban because of these beautiful dresses by Line and Dot and great basics by Alternative Apparel. I also met jewelry designer Nicole Ginsberg and familiarized myself with her F/W ‘10 Collection, which featured some delicate pendants and earrings. All in all, I had a delightful time. Thanks again to Darren and Leighann for having me there to celebrate this joyous occasion. All the best to Oliver & Lilly’s in the years to come!

Oliver & Lilly’s, 1520 West 13th Avenue, Vancouver

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy
nicole@thestylespy.com

Some of my favourite people. Carolina from Closet Full of Nothing, my bestie Ace, Erin from Define Mag, Niki from A Haute Mess, Lisa from Solo Lisa and myself aka Le Mode Du Jour.

The party was packed, guests streamed outside to mix and mingle.

Guests peruse Nicole Ginsberg jewellery.


Myself with Oliver & Lilly’s owner Leighann.

| print this page | 1 Comment | bookmark

Road trips during the summer are a must-do. This weekend, destination Seattle. Shockingly, not for a shop till you drop type weekend. But who are we joking here - I still did manage to hit up a few stores and score a few purchases.

First stop - Saturday night’s pre-season Seahawks football game with the Tennessee Titans. Football? It was my first game ever - it’s very strategic! Final score, Seahawks 20, Titans 18. The cheerleaders totally reminded me of that reality show with the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.

I stayed downtown at the Sheraton - centrally located with a pool on the 36th floor overlooking the city (ask for the Union Tower - it’s the newly renovated side). Cheesecake Factory a block down (we didn’t have time to eat there, but we ordered take-out for dinner & of course, cheesecake), and two blocks from Nordstrom Rack - spotted these sexy L.A.M.B. shoes - I think they were just over $100. I scored a few goodies there that will be revealed in my next shopping haul video.

Sunday was spent at the popular Pike Place Market. Too much fun - minus the scorching weather. The bouquets in the market were gorgeous and cheap - $5 for a lovely bouquet.

I love the feel of newsstands. Checking out the September fashion reads before deciding where to eat - sadly sleeping in meant that the waffles I had been dreaming of were not going to happen. Btw, Emily Blunt on the cover of Elle - gorgeous!

Would LOVE to shop at this market weekly to buy the freshest produce, flowers and SEAFOOD! Look at the size of those king crab legs! Ended up having lunch at Lowell’s Restaurant & Bar inside Pike Place. Fish & chips (they use Japanese panko breadcrumbs), famous clam chowder and salmon tacos with a few pints of beer. Recommended with a great view of the water.

Cheese Please! Beecher’s Handmade Cheese store - yum. Not only can you buy an array of cheeses- they also serve mac & cheese (buy fresh or buy frozen) and grill cheese sammies.

All in all - a great road trip. Would’ve loved to stay a few extra days. I forget how relaxing and beautiful Seattle can be.

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

| print this page | 6 Comments | bookmark