Ever wondered how the Greek gods lived?  Or what would happen to them if they were around in the 21st century?  Well Gods Behaving Badly tells that story.  Living amongst humans in North London are all your favourite gods: Aphrodite (goddess of beauty) who works as a telephone sex operator, Artemis (goddess of hunting) who spends her days as a professional dog walker, Apollo (god of the sun) who is a TV psychic and Dionysus (god of wine and festivities) works as a DJ.  The book also includes Zeus, Ares, Hermes, Hera and many more.  All the gods are crammed under one roof in a dilapidated London townhouse and hate everything about it and each other.  They hate their jobs, are bored with immortal life and are losing their powers.  What starts as a small argument between Aphrodite and Apollo turns into an all out war that threatens human life.  Gods Behaving Badly is for anyone after a good laugh!

I managed to score 5 more pairs of tickets to Make It Vancouver!  To win yourself a pair visit our CONTACT page and fill out the GIVEAWAYS form.  In the subject line put MAKE IT VANCOUVER and don’t forget to include your first and last name!  You have until 3pm today to enter, good luck!

Flip flops aren’t always the best shoe for pools and beaches.  If you’re a germaphobe like me, you hate being barefoot or have any part of you touch a public floor.  If you’re also clumsy like me, you trip or slip on your flip flops.  But flop no more!  I introduce you to F-Troupe, a shoe brand based out of London that mixes the old with the new.  They’ve got a fabulous jelly bathing shoe that comes in a plethora of colors, enough to match to every bikini under the sun.  The shoe design is based on the old Plimsoll style, but has a modern twist to it by using the jelly material.  They come complete with laces and cut-out sides, perfect for walking on the ocean floor without cutting your feet.  You can find these shoes online at Need Supply for $42.  These are the perfect alternative to Crocs – which I hate with a passion; they are all function and no fashion!

Make It Vancouver is a fabulous event happening this weekend May 01 (11am-7pm) & May 02 (11am-6pm) at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive). Make It Vancouver is all about The Handmade Revolution, re-connecting shoppers with designers.  This weekend you’ll find clothing, accessories, jewellery, art, baby and other one of a kind items that are all handmade, up-cycled and re-purposed.  It’s a great way to get a more personal shopping experience.  100 of the coolest designers and artists from across Western Canada will be under one roof, with a fully licensed bar and Vancouver’s own DJ Leanne. Tickets are $5 at the door and kids under 12 are free.  The first 25 people each day get a goodie bag! The best part is we’re giving away 10 pairs of tickets to the show this Saturday! Just visit our CONTACT page and fill out the GIVEAWAYS form.  In the subject line put MAKE IT VANCOUVER.  You have until 3pm tomorrow to enter and only the first 10 entries will win, Good Luck!

Violet is one of my favourite words because not only does it represent my favourite color, but it’s also the name of one of my favourite boutiques.  Violet boutique was opened in 2008 by Genevieve Allen, a woman with exquisite taste.  Violet is the only shop in Vancouver to sell Sachin & Babi (LOVE THIS LINE!), Bella Jones, Les Petites, Monoplaza, Reminiscence, Sita Murt, Cotelac and Jean-Jacques Rogers.  They also carry Fiorentini & Baker, Rachel Comey, James Perse, MIH, Paul & Joe Sister, Dace and Shereen De Rousseau.  This store reminds me of shopping in Paris; such fashion forward, intricately designed clothing and accessories.  It’s a very satisfying shopping experience!  If you have yet to visit Violet at 3012 South Granville, you must; because every girl needs a little Violet in her life.

The last restaurant I ate at: Arms Reach Bistro in Deep Cove.  My go-to restaurant.

The last movie I saw: Date Night.  I could not stop laughing.  A must see!

The last time I was let down: When I bought Wagon Wheels. They used to be bigger?

The last clutch I had to have: Stella McCartney Diamante-embellished quilted clutch.

The last show I watched: Secret Diary of a Call Girl with Billie Piper.

WOW.  Jeffrey Campbell shoes are loud, proud and ready to party and the Tick peep toe wedge is no exception.  With a 4inch heel and 1inch platform, that is COVERED in ‘tacks’, these are perfect for a summer night out!  The top portion of the shoe is made from leather and hides a full inside zip.  You can find the Jeffrey Campbell Tick shoe online at Need Supply for $165.

We all have that one special restaurant.  The place we LOVE to go to because the food is decadent, the atmosphere is divine and it never disappoints!  My special restaurant is Arms Reach Bistro on the North Shore.  Nestled in beautiful Deep Cove, Arms Reach looks out onto the water, providing a spectacular view year round.  It’s a cute little bistro with amazing staff, reasonable prices and food that is to die for.  I recommend the Spicy Reach Spaghetti with tiger prawns and handmade sausage, lightly tossed with chilis, lemon zest, tomato sauce and fresh basil.  Also the Veal Scaloppini, which is sautéed in a velvety smooth Italian Marsala sauce, served with garlic whipped mashed potatoes. Also, you must try their Beef Carpaccio and Fresh Malaspina Mussels.  For a closer look at their menu, or directions visit their website at www.armsreachbistro.com.  Bon appétit!

Starting this Thursday Moulé will be having their first ever warehouse sale.  The sale is on until Saturday and will have items up to and even over 80% off!  Moulé carries the very best in designer labels for your closet and your home.  This store is one of my favourite places to go when I’m looking for fun, unique gifts for others – or something funky for my home.  At the sale they will be accepting cash, credit and debit. There is even an ATM on site – for those who get a little too carried away! Also, Moulé is offering $1.00 off your purchase if you bring a reusable bag to put all your fabulous finds in.  So head on down to 1355 Parker Street in East Vancouver to take advantage of some amazing deals on even more amazing stuff!

Don’t forget to follow me on twitter and become a fan on the My Vancouver Style facebook page.  You’ll want to make sure you get all the MVS updates possible, because our giveaways have begun!  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!!

So I lied.  I know I said last week that I would take a break from Sophie Kinsella books, but this book is about a girl who gets amnesia.  So I figure I can say that I too have amnesia and forgot about promising anything.  Remember Me? is about 28-year-old Londoner Lexi Smart – who thinks she’s 25.  Lexi has a car accident and wakes up in hospital with amnesia, having lost the last three years of her life.  Her marriage, job, even her own polished, glammed up body are a mystery to her.  In the beginning, Lexi loves her fabulous wardrobe, her hotter than hot husband, her Mercedes and high-powered job.  But as time goes by Lexi realizes life isn’t so perfect from the inside.  As she begins to get a handle on her new, old life a bombshell is dropped by her husband’s co-worker and Lexi is left scrambling to find answers.  Remember Me? is a great book for any hopeless romantic.

Necklaces are a great way to add some color to any outfit.  If you feel like dressing down in a comfy t-shirt and jeans; then I recommend spicing up your outfit with a colorful necklace.  A great, affordable option is the Oppliger necklace from Aldo. For $25 this multi-strand necklace will do the trick.  It has 18 rows of chains and glass beads, perfect for complimenting the simplest of wardrobe choices.

I think thongs are the devil’s invention. Normally one changes one’s underwear to fit one’s outfit.  I change my outfit to fit my underwear. Unfortunately for me, there are certain outfits that require a thong.  For these moments there are few brands of thongs I will wear, but my first choice is always the Hanky Panky low-rise thong.  This thong is trusted by celebs like Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Rihanna, Cameron Diaz and Beyonce.  Hanky Panky thongs have a 2-inch lace waistband and no seams on the side or back, this allows the thong to sit perfectly flat and move with you.  The lace is soft and comfy with no digging or pulling – you’ll barely notice it’s there.  For $25 you can have your own Hanky Panky thong from Beautymark in Yaletown or Diane’s Lingerie on South Granville.

This is the dress that keeps on giving.  It’s made by H&M and costs only $39.95!!!  The luscious material and vibrant color make this dress a must have for every closet.  It’s bound to get a few stares and stop a few cars!  But the picture doesn’t do the amazing detail any justice.  This floral inspired dress is part of the Garden Collection at H&M – a fabulous new initiative where the clothing is made from environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyester, organic cottons and linens.  So not only will you look good, but you can feel good too.

The last party I went to: Noir Lash Lounge South Granville opening.

The last website I was addicted to: Crack Shack or Mansion.  Sad but funny!

The last color I painted my nails: Diamond Geezer by Butter London.

The last purse I lusted after: Judith Leiber Cupcake Crystal Clutch.  AAAGGHHH!

The last book I read: If You Have To Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutron. LOVES IT.

It’s that time of year again!  This Thursday is the Spring Gastown Shop Hop sale.  On April 22nd from 5pm-9pm the hottest boutiques in Gastown are opening their doors for an evening of fun music, free drinks and fabulous deals, over 22 stores are taking part! Some stores involved this year include: (212), John Fleuvog, LYNNsteven, Obakki, dutil denim, one of a few and two of a few - just to name a few!  The sale is easy to spot, just look for the balloons in Gastown. This is a fantastic event that showcases the amazing talent and boutiques in Gastown.  For a complete list of stores taking part visit The Gastown Blog.

The world is crazy for Japa Dog.  During the Olympics, the unique hot dog stand’s multi-cultural lineup often hit Le Chateau (approximately 40 meters away).  Considering the overwhelming success of the ballpark food’s Asian-American twist, where is ‘Japa Burger’?  Last week, I found its equivalent in Town Hall, located at 1032 Alberni Street.  The rebranded Saltlik’s elaborate dining room and ultra high ceilings are reasons to visit in themselves.  Plus, there’s no better way to feel prior to consuming a big, juicy burger.  Once you’ve absorbed the scenery, noting the cozy fireside dining and the baby grand piano on which live jazz is performed weekly, order the juicy Miso Turkey Burger.

Lathered in a tangy Asian bbq sauce and lemongrass aioli, then finished with fresh baby arugula, you’ll never again be satisfied by mustard, ketchup, and relish.  This simple-looking sandwich proves that it really is all about the sauce.  If you’re not a ‘burger person’, I suggest converting, or trying the Oyster Mushroom Tempura sprinkled with Asian salt.  Observing my hesitation towards anything deep-fried; fun and informative Chef Dawn Doucette took me to the kitchen to demonstrate the very quick oil dip taken by the fungi.

Turns out the appetizer is basically health food.  I dove in, dousing each delicious bite with its green onion and basil mousseline, a creamy tzatziki-like sauce.  Now for some serious health food: the whitest halibut I’d ever seen.  On the inside, its meat was the color of pure snow.  I would love a classic white shirt in this shade.  At the table, champagne butter was generously poured over the moist fillet, surrounded by green beans, roasted fingerling potatoes, tender sweet peas, and crispy capers.

To help develop an appreciation for art, I recently attended a lecture featuring world renowned artist Dennis Oppenheim.  He was interesting, but edible art (like this vanilla pastry cream-filled sugary phyllo cup topped with bruleed bananas, served with rich chocolate gelato) is what I’d prefer seeing in giant proportion on display in English Bay. Japa Dogs are great, but it’s time Vancouver discovers Town Hall’s Miso Turkey Burger – the amazing sandwich that doesn’t cost you $5 and a thirty minute wait in the rain.

You should follow me on twitter @erin_ireland and check out my website www.erin-ireland.com.

Ciao for now.

Clothing nowadays is made with such thin fabric.  When the weather is sweltering it’s helpful, but not at the risk of showing underwear lines!  If you are sick of sharing your delicates with the world, then I recommend going Commando!  But not the kind of commando you’re used to.  I’m talking about Commando underwear; it’s the thinnest, most comfortable underwear you’ll ever try. They’re guaranteed to hide any panty lines and celebrities like Amy Adams swear by them!  Commando thongs come in a multitude of colours and patterns, and can be found at Wish.List boutique (2811 West Broadway) for around $20.   For more information on punishing your panty lines and other Commando products visit HerLook.com.