I'm In Love

Images: ali-ro.com

....with Ali & Ro.

Girls. When you know and love fashion, it's rare to have your "hair blown back". My hair was blown back last Saturday.

Last weekend, Oliver & Lilly's took me to Vancouver to experience their fabulous new boutique and whip up a Saturday fashion frenzy.

Mission accomplished.

Oliver & Lilly's is the only retailer in Western Canada where you will find my new favorite label, Ali & Ro. Think dresses that make you feel like a lady. Think separates that are ridiculously chic and (gasp!) comfortable. I know. I couldn't believe it either.

So my Saturday consisted of the following:

• trying on the entire store, loving everything
• eating sushi snacks courtesy of, the always cheeky, Darren
• admiring the fabulous customers who actually arrived with new shoes to try with O&L styles (LOVE that)
• dishing with Jen about how amazing the clients looked (it's so much fun helping people shine)
• watching Leighann work her special kind of magic - you MUST experience it first hand.
  

A Saturday in Vancity does not get better.

YAYOBA: Train

(You Are Your Own Best Accessory)





Definition of the verb "train" from Merriam-Webster.com

• to form by instruction, discipline, or drill
• to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient
• to make prepared (as by exercise) for a test of skill
• to aim at an object or objective

I lazily refer to any of my gym time, work out classes or personal training, as "training". Some smarty recently called me out on this reference and asked "What are you training for?" My answer? "Life."

You don't have to train for marathons.

Train to perform better under duress.
Train to climb stairs faster.
Train to play with your grandkids longer.
Train to catch yourself when you're falling.

Training=Discipline=Proficiency=Preparedness

Seoul Style

Images: Jade Lake

Love these cool shots, taken by the lovely Jade Lake, in Seoul, Korea. Some very unique looks and some very stylish ladies. Certainly not afraid of color are they?

Coming Soon: FSC Stylist

You are NOT going to believe this. I used all my powers of persuasion, strong-arming and general bribery to bring this man to Calgary.

Some of you are already familiar with his stylistic-wizardry. For the rest of you, Tim Kenny is an incredibly talented (how long is the list?!): hair stylist, Kundalini yoga teacher, spoken word artist, friend. If you attended the June FSC soiree, Tim needs no introduction.

So, look forward to Tim bringing his razor-sharp style sense (and scissors) to 2009 FSC events. AND, he is pre-booking (tim@fashionistasocialclub.com) Calgary client hair consultations. The line-up starts behind me - sorry girls.

Never Shop Alone. Never Shop?

Let's make this upcoming holiday a little less stressful, shall we? Let's not go shopping on December 24th. Or how about not shopping at all?

If you're not good at, or don't enjoy an activity, outsource it if you can. This is where I come in.

Let FSC do the holiday shopping for you. Give me the low-down (your budget, who you're buying for, what their interests are) and I'll do the rest.

FSC members - did you absolutely love something and not buy it because you were being "practical"? Pass my email on to the gift-buyer in your life. I'll set you (and them) up.

Never Shop Alone - Captured

Many new members attended October's FSC event. You're all too fabulous for words.

Thanks to the brilliant Carla Fedje for the great photos!

Are you feelin' the love? I am.

Shoe Slave: The Red Shoes

Today is a very good day. My quest for the perfect, patent, red shoe is over.

You know I've been obsessing for awhile. Ever since last summer, when I was transfixed by the Marc Jacobs pair.

Since then I've pursued, unsuccessfully, many pairs of red patent shoes. FSC members are the fortunate benefactors of this quest. Specifically, the gorgeous Via Spigas that simply did not fit me. These beauties are still waiting for an FSC member to give them a home.

Back to me.

My search efforts were rewarded today when this pair of Cole Haan pumps arrived. Fit? Perfect. Style? Classic.

And bless the marketing genius at Cole Haan who came up with the Nike Air partnership concept. Cole Haan quality with Nike Air comfort. A match made in Shoe-Slave heaven.

It will be hard to save these babies for the holidays. Will try to control myself.

Image: Still from The Red Shoes