As soon as the weather starts warming up we’ll all be in our shorts, skirts and dresses.  I’ve been trying to squeeze in all the workout time I can get so I can have luscious legs for summer.  For most, flip flops are a mainstay in the heat, but they’re definitely not the most comfortable option.  Well not anymore, I introduce you to: FitFlops!  FitFlops are stylish, comfortable shoes that actually help you workout while you walk; they’re engineered to help you build muscles with each step.  They’ve become quite the craze with over 4 million pairs sold in 48 different countries!

Now for the technical jargon: FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tighten up and tone your leg muscles as you walk.  After some lengthy studies they discovered FitFlops can increase your calf muscle activity, improve your posture and overall muscle tone.  They have also been known to provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain and scoliosis.  You can read more about all the benefits of FitFlops here.  You can find FitFlops at Beautymark, Town Shoes, and view the collection online at www.fitflop.com.

The last book I read: Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella.  I’m in a Sophie Kinsella phase!

The last manicure I had: Was at Pure Nail Bar.  Love this place!

The last cleanser I bought: The Microdelivery by Philosophy.  Works wonders!

The last magazine I read: Vogue.  A.K.A. The Bible.

The last pathetic thing I did: Watched an entire episode of 16 and Pregnant.

It’s that time again, the annual Aritzia Warehouse sale is happening Thursday, April 01 – Monday, April 05.  They will be adding new items daily and have over 5,000 pairs of jeans on sale. It’s the perfect time to pick up those items you didn’t buy earlier in the year.  Or even buy doubles of your favourite items in your closet. This year the sale will be at Aritzia headquarters located at 611 Alexander Street in Vancouver, Suite 104.  It starts at 5pm on Thursday but for more information visit their website.

I once spent fifteen dollars on soda water at Hapa Izakaya.  Though surprised by the not-so-bottomless pop bill, I remained a loyal and regular customer due to their glorious Japanese tapas and loud shouts of welcome, audible from outside on the streets of Yaletown.  Picking a favorite off of the lively, dimly lit restaurant’s menu is a feat.  The incredible Bintoro Tuna is one of my usual choices.  The thinly sliced, lightly seared Albacore tuna melts on my tongue.  Ponzu sauce (which I’d happily bathe in) is drizzled on top.  Sticking to a fresh theme, the Ebi Avocado Salad is a beautiful, sizeable choice as well.

With Bintoro Tuna lingering on the palette, more sashimi may be in order.  The Wild Salmon (Spring and Sockeye) is a no-brainer at Hapa Izakaya.  This fish is smooth, rich, and delicious.  I could have eaten five, they definitely believe in quality over quantity.  Hapa Izakaya is also home to the best edamame in Vancouver.  Chilled, marinated, and utterly to die for, they’re worth a daily splurge.  You can find Hapa Izakaya at 1193 Hamilton Street.  Don’t forget to follow me on twitter @erin_ireland and check out my website www.erin-ireland.com.

Ciao for now.

At 1055 Alberni Street in Vancouver lies a magnificent boutique that is stocked to the brim with the hottest designer fashions.  Blubird (sister store to Boboli on South Granville) opened its doors in August of 2008.  I walk past every day on my way to work and just peeking in the window automatically cheers me up!  Blubird prides themselves on carrying the very best in fashion and accessories from all over the world.  Some of the hotter than hot labels you can find there include: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, Bloch, LNA, Rebecca Minkoff, Twenty8Twelve, Pour La Victoire, Elizabeth and James, House of Harlow and Ted Baker.   If you’ve seen it in on a celebrity chances are Blubird carries it.

I love stores that carry everything.  Blubird sells clothing, shoes, jewellery, purses, sunglasses, makeup – they have it all and for any occasion.  A few features you may not know about the bustling boutique is that they have free, on-the-spot hemming for their jeans.  While you wait you can surf the interweb and check out what’s new on all your favourite blogs like My Vancouver Style.  They also have free Stila makeup consultations.  For more info visit www.blubird.ca or just stop by the store at 1055 Alberni Street, just be careful Blubird is beyond dangerous for your bank account – but well worth it!

Butter London nail lacquer is made by Butter London, which is a 3-Free makeup company based out of the UK.  3 Free means their products do not include formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (3 chemicals commonly found in makeup), so you don’t have to compromise your health for beauty. With a color range as eccentric as the names themselves you’re guaranteed to find a shade for every mood and outfit.  I recommend trying Artful Dodger, Frilly Knickers, and my personal fave: Henley Regatta – which is a fusion of green and blue glitter.  An added bonus is the shape, being square they stack up nicely and make my counter less cluttered! You can find Butter London nail lacquer for $17 a bottle at Beautymark in Yaletown.

No you’re not having a nightmare; bikini season is on its way.  I figured the best way to motivate myself into a hot bikini body (or as close to one as I can get) is by looking at as many swimwear lines as possible.  Well I think I found my motivation in Vix Swimwear!  I first heard about Vix a few months ago and was instantly obsessed!The brains behind Vix belong to Brazilian Paula Hermanny, who launched the line she named after her hometown of Vitoria, Brazil in 2008.  Paula eventually moved to America but had her bikinis and bathing suits sent over from Brazil.  After getting endless compliments on them she realized there could be big business in America if she started manufacturing her own line.  The cuts are simple but the materials and colors available are endless.  Paula creates suits with modern tastes that appeal to every type of woman.  The best part is all pieces are designed with mix-and-matching in mind, so you can create more looks as you build your Vix collection.Paula’s designs have been featured in countless magazines and are carried in high-end retailers across the globe like Nordstrom’s, Saks, Holt Renfrew and Harvey Nichols just to name a few.  Paula’s inspiration comes from her childhood and her travels.  Her Grandmother was also a big influence; from her she learned effortless style and class, as well as how to design, sew and stitch.Kate Moss, Denise Richards, Molly Sims, Sienna Miller, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore and Carmen Electra are only a few of the celebrities who have been seen wearing Vix Swimwear. To view the collection online log on to www.vixswimwear.com.  In Vancouver you can find Vix Swimwear at Holt Renfrew.

Flower rings are everywhere right now.  I can’t go a day without seeing someone with a pretty pansy on their finger.  Since purple is my favourite color, I thought I’d share this delightful flower ring with you. I saw it at Blue Ruby (I really must stop going to this store) it’s called the Pansy Ring and is made by Juicy Couture.  This pleasing posy has a gunmetal finish, with a pave glass stone in the middle and a blue/purple enamel.  Being just over an inch in diameter it’s a definite crowd pleaser. So get into the season and pick yourself a flower – ring that is.

The last pair of shoes I got: Gigi Sandals by Sam Edelman.  So comfortable it’s sinful.

The last accessory I couldn’t live without: My purple desert scarf from Aritzia.

The last reality show I watched: Kirstie Alley’s Big Life.  SUPER funny!

The last hand cream I bought: Mini Hand Cream by L’Occitane.  Works wonders.

The last skirt I got: Grey Kimchi Blue Tiered skirt from Urban Outfitters.  Perfect for Spring.

Surprise, surprise I bought another bracelet. I saw this gorgeous piece at Blue Ruby over the weekend and had to have it.  Made by Juicy Couture, the Elastic Heart bangle is part golden metal, part elastic cord, with the Juicy crown-engraved heart joining the two pieces.  Since I’m constantly wearing a black hair elastic on my wrist, I figured I should upgrade to something a bit prettier.  Like most Juicy pieces this bracelet is subtle with a punch of attitude.  You can find the Juicy elastic heart bangle at Blue Ruby for $65.  To view other pieces in the Juicy collection visit www.juicycouture.com

Looking for that perfect hot chocolate?  Then you need to try Mink Chocolate Cafe tucked away at 863 West Hastings Street.  (Which is a dangerous place for me to be, standing in between my two weaknesses: Chocolate and Chanel).  The last time I was at Mink’s was for breakfast.  I ordered waffles topped with whip cream and banana slices.  To wash it all down I had a chocolate chai tea latte.  It was DIVINE!  The little touches at Mink’s are what make it so fabulous.  With each meal you get a free chocolate square, and if you eat in your order is brought to you on an adorable silver tray.  Mink is known for their hot chocolates, the barista’s use fresh, pure chocolate ganache.  You won’t find any powders here; just thick, sinfully decadent hot chocolate.  Mink also has coffee, bon bons, chocolate fondue, espresso, parfaits and much more.  If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth then you MUST go to Mink Chocolate Cafe.  It’s the perfect place to catch up with a friend, or to escape for half an hour!

Greasy hair be gone!  If you’re anything like me you cherish a blo out.  I try to make them last as long as I can, but after a few days the grease and shine creep up on you!  My stylist recommended this fabulous product by Kevin Murphy called Fresh Hair.  It’s a dry shampoo that gives the effect of freshly washed hair.  It helps remove any grease, shine, odor, plus adds a little volume to your troubled tresses.  Simply spray a light mist on your roots and hair lines and then wipe it off with the towel provided. It costs $22 for the bottle and towel.  You can read more about Kevin Murphy products and find a list of salons in town that carry his products at www.kevinmurphy.com.au.

If you wanted to get a set of lashes at Noir Lash Lounge but have been too afraid, now’s your chance to try one of the hottest trends in the city.  Noir Lash lounge is offering a service called “Le Fling”.  It’s a half set of lashes that are placed on the outer corners of your eye and tapered in to blend.  The end result is flirty, natural and super subtle lashes.  It’s a fabulous way to see your lash potential.  For only $35 you can have a spring fling at Noir Lash lounge.  For more information visit their Yaletown or South Granville location or their website at noirlashlounge.com.

Don’t forget to follow me on twitter and become a fan on the My Vancouver Style facebook page.  Also, if you come across anything you think should be on MVS visit my CONTACT page and drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you!

“There is life, there is art and in between is fashion.” This is what Fluxus represents.  If you want to get back to the basics I recommend heading down to Oliver & Lilly’s on South Granville.  They’ve just received a new shipment of Fluxus clothing from LA and it’s all fabulous.  If you haven’t heard of Fluxus before, they are an American label based out of Los Angeles that launched in 2007.  They make simple, functional basics every woman should have in her closet.  Celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian and Rachel Bilson have all been seen wearing Fluxus clothing.  The line ranges in price from $40-$100 and can be found at Oliver & Lilly’s on South Granville.  To view their full collection visit www.fluxusbrand.net/.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Nicole Ritchie-Oseen at her fabulous eco-fashion boutique, Body Politic located at  208 E 12 Ave in Vancouver.  Nicole opened Body Politic in 2008 because she wanted to open a boutique that was ethical, sustainable, organic and stylish.  Her motto for Body Politic is, “sustainable design – limitless style” and there really is no better way to put it.  Body Politic breaks down the myths of eco-friendly fashion.  It does not mean burlap sacks and clothes made out pop cans.  You don’t have to sacrifice style to be sustainable.  It’s all about thinking of the environment first.  This could mean using reclaimed fabrics or fewer chemicals and water when manufacturing items.  You still get beautiful, REGULAR clothing in fabulous colors and soft fabrics.  Nicole makes sure to carry the very best eco labels from all across North America.  Some of the fabulous names you can find at Body Politic this spring are: Feral Childe, Josh Podoll, She-Bible, Nicole Bridger, Dagg & Stacey, Bahar Shahpar, Lav & Kush and Noir Bonbon.  Not only does Nicole carry eco clothing but the store is furnished with repurposed antiques and energy efficient lighting – even the bags are recycled!  For Nicole, watching her carbon footprint is not a fad, it’s a way of life.  She truly is setting the standard for the eco-fashion movement in Vancouver.

To find clothes to feed your closet and peace of mind to feed your soul check out Body Politic at www.bodypolitic.ca.

Spring is in full bloom at Pour La Victoire.  Colorful opened-toe shoes as far as the eye can see for their SS2010 collection.  Pour La Victoire means ‘for victory’ in French and you’ll definitely be winning the fashion battle with these sexy shoes!  Launched in 2007 by designer veterans Jay Adoni and David Giordano, Pour La Victoire seeks to redefine what a designer shoe should be.

PLV shoes are inspired by European fashion –  Marie Antoinette is said to be a muse for the designers.  Each shoe has it’s own French name to add to its European flare.  Adoni and Giordano wanted to revolutionize the fashion world and give women a unique way of expressing their individuality.  The believed women’s shoes needed a new concept and their high-quality, comfortable, fashion forward designs were going to do it.  Prices run $150 and up but are well worth it.  These shoes are made with premium soft leathers and are carefully crafted in Brazil.

But don’t take my word for it celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Rachel Weisz and Alexa Chung have all been seen sporting fabulous PLV heels, boots and sandals.  Not to mention the collection has been featured on Gossip Girl, Melrose Place and The Hills.  You can find Pour La Victoire shoes at Eden boutique and Atomic Model in Yaletown and Oliver Barrett in West Vancouver.

You can look for a hand bag collection coming this fall by the boys and if it’s anything like their shoes they’ll fly off the shelves!  For more information or to squeal over their SS2010 collection visit www.plvstudio.com.

The last restaurant I ate at: Vijs.  Fabulous Indian food.

The last pair of shoes I bought: The Ardrey from Aldo.

The last dumb thing I did: Locked myself IN my apartment.  Don’t ask.

The last crazy/dumb/smart thing I did: Dropped 600 EURO at Paul and Joe in Paris.

The last eyeshadow I got: Bobbi Brown Goldstone Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow