Blubird Hearts Partyskirts

Follow Mary on Twitter: @marydotwu

If you know Blubird, you know that it is decadence and edge all in one brightly-lit store -- beautifully packaged Fresh cosmetics, open-backed Helmut Lang t-shirts. There isn't a more perfect place to host the spring launch of Partyskirts, the Vancouver-made miniskirt collection with a colour selection that rivals American Apparel.

Partyskirts was started by sisters Lauren and Mariel Armstrong. You can read the origin story on their website, or in a nutshell...

Lauren & Mariel: HORRORS! There are no miniskirts in our wardrobe!

Their mom: Fear not! I will make two adorable miniskirts for you!

Boutiques/fashionistas everywhere: OMG WHERE DID YOU GET THAT??

L & M: Our mom made it!

Everyone: TOTALLY JELLY.

Now that the Armstrong sisters have brought Partyskirts to the masses, the launch at Blubird drew in tons of stylish folks to admire, try on, and even buy a skirt or two of their own. As evidenced by the models and mannequins at the launch party, you can literally pair a Partyskirt with anything - cropped leather jackets, sweaters, tanks, t-shirts, floral jackets. 

With that kind of versatility, the $195 for a locally-made luxury item really does not seem that steep. Partyskirts are 100% silk (luxury!), and are specifically pleated so they poof out without a crinoline (fun!). The colours are gorgeous (ooh la la!), and with the right heels, the skirts create the illusion of legs for days. At least, that's the sense I got from all the ridiculously pretty models walking around in them. I'll just go back to stuffing my face with canapés, and dreaming of Partyskirts in oxblood.

Worth Coveting: Ora Leather Bags

Follow Emily on Twitter: @em_rossco

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: Secret Location x Man Repeller

A couple weeks ago, Gastown's Secret Location welcomed Man Repeller, Leandra Medine, to Vancouver.

The crowd to see Leandra was pretty crazy. But what else would you expect for one of North America's most well-known bloggers?

The line to see Man Repeller

Secret Location owner, Carey, looking fierce in items found at the store

And now a super awkward montage of photos.

Leandra and I quickly chatted about my favourite post of hers from this past New York Fashion Week. I had had a similar conversation with a couple friends in the menswear industry in New York a few days before that post went up and have had similar conversations with people since.

It's funny, I can totally relate to the situation Leandra describes at Fashion Week. And while there are a lot of photographers who want the crazy outfits, the more well-known, established bloggers are starting to want those who look much more effortless.

It begs the question, has street style maxed itself out in terms of it's insanity, encouraging people to dress in ways they otherwise wouldn't? Is street style going to experience a regression towards more minimalism or just cease to exist (in a world where we are increasingly self-indulgent and narcissistic)?

Leandra's face was getting sore from excessive smiling, so naturally I provided a public service

Event: Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Show

Last week I attended the annual Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Show, featuring the school's recent graduating class.

In their final semester, fashion design students have to come up with a 3 piece collection - designed and created in 4 months. What an impressive feat for students enrolled in the 1 year intensive program, with varying backgrounds in design. At Blanche Macdonald, students learn pattern making, garment construction, and portfolio development.

My favourite designs from the show:

Colleen Schneebeli 

Jena Lewis

Katy Baldock

Paul John Reyes 

Summer Li

I really love the juxtaposition of the pristine white dress and the tattooed model in that last photo.

And since I never shy away from an opportunity to look like a nerd... I ate about 6 cupcakes before, during, and after the show...as evidenced by this photo. I'm actually wearing a respectable outfit for once...unlike here, here, here, and here (and probably many more).

Dress: Banana Republic, Shoes: Zara, Watch: Timex

Fashion show photos via Dela Cruz PR.

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

Outfit: Something Very Blue

I wore this little ditty of an outfit to the 'Something Blue' event at the Loden Hotel, where I ran into the delightful Carolina & Chelle.

Is it sad that I'm just realizing now the irony of me wearing all blue to a bridal showcase called 'Something Blue'? Nevertheless, I did it. And no one was the wiser... But actually, the one time I try to look like a normal person (as opposed to a stoplight), I end up being ironic. Naturally.

Pants: American Apparel (similar style) Blouse: Joe Fresh (similar style) Shoes: Senso Belt: Club Monaco Bag: H&M

You probably recognize these amazing shoes from the time I wore them at Fashion Week (and was featured on The Cut), or the time I wore them to the espace.d opening. They kind of get around.

Photo courtesy of Chelle