Worth Coveting: Ora Leather Bags

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Nouvelle Nouvelle is one of my favourite boutiques so its not surprising Ora Leather Bags, another one of my local favourites, hosted their Spring 2013 launch a the little shop on Abbott St.

Keeping to classic lines, shapes, and materials, Ora Bags took the Spring launch as an opportunity to try some new things. Laser cutouts, fringe, and two-tone combos mix-up the line a little bit while still maintaining the sleek, minimalist look this one-woman bag crafter is known for.
 

All locally made, Ora Bags are handmade one by one and the quality and attention to detail is evident. The smooth buttery leather and slick suedes will make you swoon while coveting every piece from the modern briefcase and tonal totes right down to the tiniest crystal pouch and card holder.

Since browsing the collection after a silent auction, I literally haven’t stopped thinking about these bags and can’t wait to save up my pennies (can I still do that?) to finally have one – this new collection has furthered this obsession. Only eating ramen is normal, right?

Event: Little Burgundy Spring 2013 Preview

Last week I attended the Little Burgundy Spring 2013 media preview at their new store on Robson.

Little Burgundy is the go-to destination for shoppers looking for branded footwear (and accessories) to rock on the streets or at the office. They have 30 locations across the country, and are able to provide a boutique feel in their locations. The updated Robson location boasts a custom lounge designed by the team at Vans OTW.

Even though Summer just ended, and I'd finally come to accept Fall (and all that comes with it: boots, socks, sweaters, scarves, hot chocolate...), seeing the Little Burgundy Spring'13 collection made me really excited for warm weather, bare legs, dresses with cool sneakers....

What month is it again?

Madonna's Truth or Dare line

Hats, Herschel, and Obey for the boys

Gorgeous women's leather boots from Spain

Cute spring bags

Amazing desert boots with contrasting soles - men, take note

Kicks for the men (and Obey hats)

Love these from Vans OTW

Playing dress-up at the Little Burgundy x Ion Magazine after party with @sarallin

Hamming it up? No, that's just my face

Wedding Season: Dresses

June is here! I think. It's actually been more like Junuary lately in Vancouver. So, it's officially the start of wedding season. Thankfully, I only have to go to one wedding this summer, so while that's good for my credit card, it's saddening sartorially. But only because I really like buying dresses that I only get to wear once or twice (#firstworldproblems ?).

A couple tips when picking out a dress to wear to a wedding:
1) white is not ok...unless ok'd by the Bride; and
2) know what kind of wedding it's going to be - more on the fancy/formal side or more on the "let's get drunk and the guys put their ties around their heads" side (FYI: I'm going to the latter this summer)?

For day-of tips, wearing a light colour? Keep the red wine at the table. You wouldn't want a red wine stain on the front of your new dress (although, a little hydrogen peroxide, soap, and elbow grease will take that out the next day - TRUST).

Also keep in mind that wearing a dress is not a must. If you can find something equally appropriate that doesn't quite give you the same...breeze, then wear that too.

Carnal Design Pleated Dress - $116 - LOCAL!

alice+olivia Meghan Side Cinched Tank Dress - $367

Madewell Chevrons Twisted Back Dress - $158

Diane von Furstenberg Lou Colorblock Dress -WAS $298, NOW $208

Addison Ruffle Top Jumpsuit - $298

Menswear: Generic Surplus S/S'12

So, I've covered man bags (twice) and menswear, but not shoes yet. Well, you're in luck! I love shoes. I love men's shoes; loafers, boots, brogues, derbys, oxfords, MONKS. Sometimes, (ear muffs!) I like men's shoes more than women's.

The Spring/Summer'12 collection of LA based shoe company, Generic Surplus, was inspired by the change of seasons from Winter to Spring, along with the laid-bak 1960s outdoor culture of LA and the cutting edge urbanity of 1970s NYC.

Generic Surplus is a brand that doesn't want their customers to feel like they're compromising themselves. Part sneaker, part shoe, Generic Surplus marries the casual and dressy with unwavering ease.

In Canada, Generic Surplus can be found at:

Vancouver - The Block, Livestock

Edmonton - Gram Slam

Calgary - Group Seven

Toronto - Bungalow, Woodlawn

Montreal - La Boutique Panache

Halifax - Soled Out