Aaagh!  This outfit is perfection!  Aritzia has done it again with their Fall 2010 collection. You’ll find more Wilfred labels in my closet than any other.  This Wilfred ponti backless bodycon dress and woven wool scarf are two reasons why.  With fall fast approaching we’ve all got to start bundling up – which sucks because that usually means wearing less fun clothing.  But as you can see Wilfred has figured a way around that.  So if you’re looking for funky not frumpy this fall; head down to your local Aritzia today!

Photo courtesy of Aritzia.com

I was window shopping at Aritzia in Pacific Centre yesterday and frankly window shopping at Artizia is impossible.  It’s not polite to leave empty handed.  If you haven’t been to the Pacific Centre location I suggest you get down there and check it out.  The Den at Aritzia PC is decorated with antique birdcages, Victorian benches, peacocks and fabulous chandeliers.  If you’re looking to add some culture to your closet or home then you’ll be quite satisfied with their collection.

They carry traditional Turkisk “Fouta” linens, fabulous stationary, Korea’s O-Check Design Studio totes and pouches, soy candles from Montreal’s Casa Naturotherapie, Marvis toothpaste from Italy, Penguin Classics and oodles more.

Photo’s courtesy of Aritzia.com

A few weeks ago I wrote about the shoe that best describes me.  Well now I’ve found the dress that best describes my personality with a capital P.  I introduce you to the Colette bouquet dress by the urber amazing Alice + Olivia.  Much like me this dress is fun, funky and unique.  It’s made with silk and spandex which is much like an intersection of classy and tacky – just like me!  The only issue I have with this dress is its price – $597.  I guess you can put a price on happiness.  I’ve got some serious re-thinking to do though; I was meant to buy the new iPhone, but this dress costs just as much.  Phone or dress?  Phone or dress?  Phone or dress?!?!  I’m ridiculous….

Photo courtesy of AliceandOlivia.com

Who says you can’t wear black in summer?  I love Diane von Furstenberg, but I love her even more for making a resort collection that has very little color.  If I could live in black and beige without being labeled a goth I would.  This collection is utterly chic sprinkled with a bit of edge.  The trench coat means business, the black wrap dress is tres chic and the black and white print dress screams diva.  For a more serious summer look you should definitely check out DVF.

Photos courtesy of DVF.com

I was never a huge fan of the color pink, but in the last few years I have found my inner Princess.  If I wear pink it would look a lot like this.  This dress says, “I’m a Princess but I came to party”.  The ruffled petal detailing is beyond fabulous and the black belt is the perfect punch of attitude.  For $118 you too can be too cool for school.

Photo courtesy of ShopNastyGal.com

This week is all about my trip to Las Vegas.  There are a lot of fantastical things about Vegas, but the best part is most definitely THE SHOPPING!  I was blown away with the shops inside the hotels.  At one point I was standing in front of a Christian Louboutin boutique, with Chloe to my left, Salvatore Ferragamo to my right and Barneys around the corner!  After I got over my designer-induced aneurysm I decided to start spending my  hard earned.  My first purchase was this uber comfortable, uber chic fleece sweatshirt dress by James Perse.  For $146 US I bought this dress in the charcoal grey color.  Now this obviously isn’t suited for the hot Nevada weather; but it’s perfect for those chilly summer nights here in Vancouver.  It hits right above the knees and goes great with a pair of boots or flats.

Photo courtesy of James Perse

The first thing I do when I get home from work is throw on something comfy.  As much as I love clothing and fashion, when I’m all alone in my apartment I dress for comfort.  It used to be our sweats and hoodies were the least fabulous items in our closet; but that’s quickly become a thing of the past.  These flashdance fleece sweatshirts are the perfect example of how you can dress to impress, even when you’re not feeling your best.  This sweatshirt is perfect for throwing on and dashing out of the house.  As you can see below, it pairs beautifully with sweats or shorts.  You can find this sweater in a few colors at Oliver & Lilly’s on South Granville for a reasonable $48.  So the next time you feel ashamed to be seen in sweats, don’t be.  These sweaters prove you don’t have to sacrifice being chic for being comfy!  Plus who doesn’t want to feel like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Looking for a skirt that has some character and attitude?  Well then this Knight Out skirt from Nasty Gal is for you!  For $60 this cotton/spandex blend is 13″ in length and has a gunmetal studded panel in the front.  There is also a hidden zipper at the side.  This is great with a blazer or a draped top.

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.

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.

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.

Our Canadian dollar is climbing higher than the greenback, which makes for some fun-time U.S. shopping!  If you haven’t tried Nasty Gal, I suggest you do.  Nasty Gal is an online store that offers a wide array of coveted vintage and modern designer clothing and accessories.  Started in 2006 by Sophia Amoruso, Nasty Gal has grown into an international brand.  They are the go-to site for unique, original pieces that can express any and every personality.  The buyers at Nasty Gal stay ahead of the trends, providing their clientele with the best the fashion world has to offer.  Below is a small sampling of some great summer pieces.

Funktional Silk Plunge Romper – $98.  Steel blue silk romper with slit pockets at the hip.

Structured Drape Top – $42.  Heather gray top with an oversized draped neckline.

Torn Tiers Tank – $44.  Sexy lace and tulle, perfect with shorts and sandals.

MinkPink Leopard Flare Tank Dress – $48.  Oversized dress, perfect for summer ventilation.