Body Politic has some amazing pieces in for spring and summer.  Below are three of my favourite items in stock right now.  You can drop by the store at 208 E 12th Ave in Vancouver, or by visiting their website at www.bodypolitic.ca.The Empire Dress by Nixxi $160 is a halter neck dress with front pockets.  Hidden pockets in a dress are a superb idea.  Great for hiding a lipstick, cell phone, or even a tampon!  The Empire also has a sash tie belt and is made with bamboo voile.The Summer Jumper by Lav & Kush $150 is a strapless jumper with ruffle detailing.  It has smocking through the waist, which makes for an easy fit.  It is 3/4 length with ties on each bottom hem.  The Summer Jumper is made of linen, rayon and spandex.The Myrra Jacket made by Elroy $149 is an empire waist jacket with a drawstring at the side for an adjustable fit.  It has front pockets and an asymmetrical zipper.  There is also a bottom hem drawstring and the jacket is fully lined.  It comes in chocolate and is made with 100% organic cotton.

If you can’t afford to visit a manicurist or don’t have the time; then I recommend getting yourself the Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Pen from The Body Shop.  Made with almond oil and organic soy oil this pen provides essential fatty acids to help repair your skin’s moisture.  It’s full of organic ingredients to aid in conditioning nails and cuticles with a simple brush applicator. An added bonus is the lid can be used as a cuticle pusher.  This pen is perfect for creating and maintaining strong, healthy nails with soft cuticles and whiter tips.

For a reasonable $12 you can own your very own cuticle pen from The Body Shop.  The size and shape make for a perfect fit in practically any purse.  So the next time you’re waiting for a friend or sitting on the skytrain thinking of how to pass the time, just whip out your pen and show your cuticles you care!

Holly boutique is a new gem in the heart of Gastown that needs to be on everyone’s shopping list.  Inside this bustling boutique are some of the hottest labels that are often hard to find outside of LA or New York.  The type of clothing you can find at Holly is fun, fresh, funky and sexy.  They carry the very best in designer clothing, shoes and jewelry.  With labels like Rebecca Minkoff, Twenty8Twelve, James Perse, Charlotte Ronson, House of Harlow, Low Luv and Monrow – just to name a few.  Are you drooling yet?   Holly is filled to the brim with what celebrities are wearing and everyone is wanting.  It’s impossible to walk in there and not want to buy everything!  I love the crisp, clean decor of the shop itself and the wide array of styles and colors.  For more information visit shopholly.ca or stop by the store at  332 Water Street in Gastown.

If you ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes in the world of high-fashion then this book is for you.  House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder and Survival is written by Deborah Ball. Ball conducted hundreds of interviews with the Versace family and dozens close to Gianni, like Anna Wintour and Gianni’s partner, Antonio D’Amico.  The book chronicles the humble beginnings of the Versace family and their climb to the top of the fashion world.  Ball gives firsthand accounts of Donatella’s battle with drugs, family and her struggle with Gianni’s decision to leave 50% of his company to her young daughter Allegra. It’s a very honest account of the life of excess the family led; apparently Donatella was spending upwards of $150,000 per year on hair extensions.  Ball dishes on the family, super models and celebrities.  An insider spoke of Gianni’s love for Claudia Schiffer and how she was unable to walk in heels and was subsequently put in flats!  This book is entertaining and is filled with juicy gossip, a definite page turner.

I went to the mall on the weekend for some window shopping.  The only place I intended to spend any money in was Starbucks.  That was until I passed Aldo and decided it didn’t hurt to have a quick peek.  As soon as I saw the Saundra sandals I had to have them!  The fabulous part about these gladiators is the zipper at the back.  Far too often my sandals have my heels sliding from side to side.  With these puppies you’re locked in and ready to go.  Perfect for those summer walks.  They also come in a rich brown and the best part, they’re only $50!

In the words of Rachel Zoe, “I DIE”.  Stella & Dot jewellery is amazeballs!  I don’t even think I have to write anything; the pictures below speak for themselves.  So I’ll keep this brief. Stella & Dot jewellery is not available in stores.  You can only get their pieces through their website, saleswomen, trunk shows or hostess parties.  Stella & Dot is a company similar to Mary Kay; they have a team of dedicated women selling their products and in turn securing their own futures. It’s all about women selling beautiful jewellery while empowering themselves.  Our local saleswoman for Stella & Dot is Stacy Williams; through her you can order pieces or arrange to host your own parties.  You can also view the entire collection and shop till you drop at www.stelladot.com.

Bloom flower ring $49

Kelly cuff ~ $99                                                        Selma brooch cuff ~ $173

Garden party necklace ~ $276                       Boca necklace with bee brooch ~ $109

Sofia pearl bib necklace ~ $131                                  Gilda links earrings ~ $49

Colette necklace ~ $148                              Garden party dot earrings ~ $35

Charlize teardrop earrings ~ $38                     Stella vintage link bracelet ~ $88

Starfish earrings ~ $38                                 Garden party chandelier earrings ~ $65

I don’t know why bikinis cost so much money.  I only own two and that set me back about $400!  I remember almost going into convulsions when I got to the cash desk and found out the bra top was $90 – not the whole bikini!  Finding a bikini that is flattering, sexy and affordable is a difficult task.  When I saw H&M was selling bikinis for as low as $5.95 per piece, I almost had convulsions again – but they were the good kind.  These bikinis are gorgeous!  They are cheap, vibrant and you can mix and match to your heart’s content. The best part is you can buy 5 or 6 to take with you on vacation; you can have one for every day of the week!  Head on down to your local H&M to take advantage of this amazing offer!

Spring has sprung for Shereen De Rousseau and her new collection.  These amazing necklaces are inspired by spring with stunning shades of pink, yellow, blue and green.  The chains are made of oxidized silver and add a great contrast to the stones.  You can find the pieces below at Provide.

$400

$200

$400

$375

Say hello to the Marni pump by Rosegold. These GORGEOUS pumps are the perfect accessory for summer!  They remind me of the Christian Louboutin Coussin Pumps; but these are just as cute and considerably cheaper! I’m loving the leather panel feature at the toe and heel.  Perfect for those days you couldn’t get that pedicure and great for keeping your toes hidden – not the most attractive appendage on a woman.  Plus it’s great ventilation for those hot summer nights.  You can find these provocative pumps with a four-inch heel at Holly Boutique in Gastown for $225.

Oliver & Lilly’s on South Granville is one of my favourite stores in Vancouver, and here’s one of the many reasons why: Ali Ro.  Ali Ro was launched in 2007 by Kathleen McFeeter; she named the line after her mother and daughter.  It’s a collection of whimsical, modern dresses that add a little punch of attitude and cuteness to any closet.  The 2010 Spring collection is fun, playful and colorful with sexy silhouettes.  You can find all these pieces at Oliver & Lilly’s on South Granville.

Dot Corset Romper  $315 – This romper is perfect for summer and BEYOND adorable.  I love polka dots, which is amazing seeing as how I was forced into them for most of my childhood.  But if they had polka dot clothing like this when I was a kid, there would have been no problems.

Domino Dress $298 – Fabulous color or what?!  Usually I have a problem with exposed zippers, but the gold accent actually adds to the dress.  So cute and perfect for any occasion.

Lemoncello $388 – I can see myself in this dress while on vacation in Europe, walking through some square or market.  The Lemoncello has a sexy, European feel to it.  I love the detail at the neckline.  Stunning.

Grotto $238 – I love the gold buttons on this.  This piece is great because it’s high-fashion but it looks as if you just threw it on with no effort at all.  Goes perfectly with a pair of gladiator sandals.  I also love the rope belt, great touch.

Grey Dawn $330 – This is another piece that is hip, trendy and screams fashion forward. It’s subtle, relaxed and I’m loving clothing that doesn’t cut off your circulation.  Loose fit is the name of the game this summer.  Plus who doesn’t love cuffed pants?!

I have to say I never used to be a fan of one piece swimsuits, I’ve always been a bikini kinda girl.  But as you get older your stomach ain’t as flat as it used to be; so one pieces start to look better and better!  But even if I had the abs of a 12 year old, I would still hide them in this piece by Seafolly swimwear.  It’s called the Goddess, Boyleg Maillot.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!.  It retails for $134 US and its made of 93% nylon and 7% elastane.  You can find Seafolly swimwear at Swimco and Holt Renfrew.

I believe every girl should have a signature fragrance; a perfume you are known for wearing.  I myself rotate between two: COCO Mademoiselle by Chanel and Bleu by Paul & Joe.  I bought Bleu at the Paul & Joe boutique in Paris a few years back.  It’s an older perfume that’s definitely different.  It has a strong, distinct scent but it’s one I find unmatchable.  My Father bought me COCO Mademoiselle two years ago and I’ve been obsessed ever since!  I wear it almost everyday and get endless compliments from those around me.  It’s a light, floral fragrance that has a soft sweetness to it.  COCO has an air of sophistication that is perfect for any girl who is sassy and classy!

It takes time to find a scent to call your own – especially one you won’t get tired of smelling each day.  I recommend heading down to Holt Renfrew, or your local department store and spend a good hour soaking up the scents.  Don’t trust those paper sticks either; you HAVE to try on the perfume.  Each scent smells different when you apply them to the skin.  If you’re out and about and smell someone nice, don’t be afraid to ask them what scent they’re wearing.  It’s definitely hard finding a signature scent; but once you do it’s well worth the effort.  You can’t rush good taste, or rather smell…

Oh my lord these are adorable!!!  I have an obsession with stuffed animals, remember in the movie Dodgeball when the blonde chick was obsessed with unicorns and they were all in her house?  Well that’s like me with stuffed animals – except their not all over my home.  (They’re hidden in my closets and storage room!)  So when I saw these Tinywarblers at Provide I had to blog about them!  These are perfect for adults, like me, who are obsessed with stuffed animals.  You could even buy them for kids –  if you felt like it.  You can find the Tinywarblers at Provide on Beatty Street, they range in price from $48-$55.  But you better get there quick, they’re selling out fast!

‘Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.’  To some, this describes the perfect man.  To others, like me, it illustrates the perfect coffee served at 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, located at 2152 West 4th Avenue.  The rich aroma of roasted java was lingering heavily at yesterday’s announcement that 49th Parallel and Chip & Shannon Wilson (founders of lululemon and imagine1day) have teamed up to raise money for Ethiopian school children, by serving one of the world’s most rare and expensive coffees from that country: Sidamo Nekisse Micro Selection.

This coffee is grown in volcanic soil at an altitude of 1800 meters – clearly rendering it exceptionally scarce and worth the $30 49th Parallel charges for 12 oz.  The few cafes serving the pricey coffee by the cup are charging addicts $12 a hit.  Clearly the brewing process, which looks more like a beautiful science experiment, is complicated.  A sip of amazing coffee with a bite of a fresh baked good is heaven.

As I entered the media circus, the soft, buttery smell of croissants hit me.  I hoped the odor would linger on my clothes, as Chip and Shannon Wilson said it might.  49th Parallel’s chocolate sour cherry torte is another of my baked favorites.  100% of the pricey coffee’s net proceeds will go to Ethiopian children – the perfect excuse for you to splurge today.

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

Ciao for now.

It’s the season for weddings and that means shopping.  Now I understand it’s all about the dress, but there is an important part of your outfit that no one really gets to see – the shoes! Bridal shoes often get neglected, so I think we should pay a little more attention to our feet by letting them have some of the glamour on the big day.  The 2010 bridal collection by Pour La Victoire is amazeballs!  I would get married just so I could have the dress, shoes, purse and be a princess for a day.  Who am I kidding; I’m a freaking princess everyday! Pour La Victoire shoes are usually priced around the $200 range, but one shouldn’t scrimp on their wedding day, because this collection is well worth it.  These shoes are modern and push the traditional boundaries of the typical bridal shoe.

Divia – Sometimes wedges are safer than heels, at least I find anyways.  If you’re paranoid you’ll fall over on your big day then maybe stilettos are not for you.  These wedges are a perfect alternative; plus you have to love the giant bow on the side.

Freya – This shoe is gorgeous!  It also comes in a vibrant red, which is also a great touch for any bride.  Can you imagine having that touch of red peeking out from under your dress?  No matter the color, this shoe is a winner and a perfect choice for any style dress.

Isis – If you’ve got a short dress, than this shoe is perfect for that little extra oomph.  The pearl cluster and diamond straps are what make this shoe what it is.  Plus there’s nothing more elegant than a slingback on your wedding day.

Antoinette - These are my favourite in the collection.  They are breathtaking!  Traditional yet modern.  I love the blue sole because it counts as your something new and blue. The diamonds and bows are a fabulous touch too!  Very french.

Sonya – The Sonya is a great shoe for a bride or even a bridesmaid.  This shoe definitely has a Marie Antoinette or Alice in Wonderland feel to it.  It’s as if the shoe has a dress of its own.  Very cute and I’m loving the blue-grey shade.

Baylie – This elegant shoe also comes in light pink and violet.  It’s a simple, structured shoe, with a light flare.  Like most Pour La Victoire shoes, it takes something simple and adds some spunk to it.  Just enough to make you stand out, which let’s face it, you have to do on your wedding day.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday.  This is an important occasion; it’s every daughter and son’s chance to pay back the woman that raised them. To show her that we are grateful for all that she has done for us. Although how could we forget, if your Mother is anything like mine; you are reminded daily how fortunate you are to have her. That she got stretch marks from us and we ruined her flat stomach and put her through hours of painful labor.  So if you’re stuck for ideas of how to honor and pay back your Mother on Sunday here are a few ideas:

A FRAME FULL OF MEMORIES – A digital picture frame is always a great idea.  Future shop has a wide selection priced anywhere from $49-$159.  To make the moment even more special, fill the picture frame with pictures of you and your mom and then put it back in the box.  That way, when she opens the gift, all she has to do is plug it in.

HIGH TEA – The Secret Garden Tea House is a great place to take your mom on Mother’s Day. Seeing as it might be one of the busiest times of the year, maybe get her a gift certificate or make a date for later in the month.  It’s always nice to catch up with your mom while drinking tea and eating desserts!

SEASONS IN THE PARK – Now that the days are prettier outside take your mom out to Seasons in the Park.  It’s a fabulous restaurant with stunning views of the city.  If it’s warm enough definitely get a patio seat.

MOVIE NIGHT – DVD’s are always a great idea; but instead of just buying her favourite movies, set up a date night.  So it’s you, her and some serious chick flicks!  I recommend It’s Complicated, Julie & Julia, and Mommie Dearest.

BEAUTIFICATION – Facials and mani/pedi’s are always a big winner with Mom’s.  But don’t forget that you and your mom can get your hair did for around $30 at Blo blow dry bar this Mother’s Day.  Blo also sells Good Hair Dayz satin pillowcases; that’s a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s only $30 too!

SUGAR MOMMIES - Moms definitely have a sweet tooth, and nothing says I love you more than giant, colorful, yummy cupcakes!  They’re only $16 for a half dozen at Cupcakes.

BOOKS - If your mom is a big reader than try these titles on for size: Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart, My Life in France by Julia Child, Vanity Fair Portraits.

Hopefully this has helped you, or given you an idea of what to get for Mom this Mother’s Day.  If all else fails just buy her a gigantic bouquet of flowers!  Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms and Moms to be out there!

I’m back on the cocktail ring band wagon, you didn’t really expect me to stay off that one now did you?  The latest one to catch my eye is by Juicy; it’s called the Floral Cluster Ring and comes in at $88 US.  It’s a golden metal ring covered in gorgeous enameled flowers and clear rhinestones. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!  You can find Juicy Couture jewellery at Blue Ruby and Stone Ridge on Robson street.

The two most cherished and dreaded words to any shopaholic: WAREHOUSE SALE.  Cherished because, well I think that’s obvious. Dreaded because seeing all those designer pieces for so cheap can cause mass hysteria and debt. Boboli, MaxMara and Blubird are having a warehouse sale for both men and women tomorrow at a temporary store in Oakridge Mall across from MaxMara.  You can get deals from 60-90% off all the best in designer labels.  The sale starts tomorrow and goes on for a few days, so check it out if you’re in the area!  Also don’t forget to visit Blubird this weekend for their Mother’s Day sale, 25% off selected items.