Times Profile Shop: Alternative Apparel

A couple weeks ago, I attended the preview of the Times Profile Shop's Alternative Apparel launch.

The Times Profile Shop is the first of its kind, using Temporary Brand Profiling. Kind of like a pop-up shop, the Times Profile Shop brings in one brand at a time, profiling it for a specific period. The catch? Each brand being profiled is to produce some limited edition pieces for the store. The first brand that was profiled in the Times Profile Shop was Montreal's Naked and Famous Denim.

Currently, the Times Profile Shop is showing 60 pieces from Alternative Apparel's signature line.

Alternative Apparel, not to be confused with American Apparel, is a line of stylish basics, from outerwear, loungewear, dresses, and now, accessories. The company was founded in 1995 when Founder Greg Alterman set out to design the perfect t-shirt. Now, Alternative Apparel is one of the fastest growing (private) companies in North America.

The pieces at the Times Profile Shop didn't disappoint. From tanks and t-shirts, to hoodies and cargos (men's only), each piece felt soft to the touch and had that worn-in look. There's a hoodie that I have my eye on (it's so soft!!).

The next time you're in Gastown, be sure to stop by and pick up a piece (or two!). The Times Profile Shop will be featuring Alternative Apparel until April 2011.

Alternative Apparel can also be found at Aritzia, TNT and Urban Outfitters.


Times Profile Shop
231 Cambie St.
Vancouver


Thanks to Lotus Leaf Communications for the photos and to both Lotus Leaf and the Times Profile Shop for the preview.

Eco Fashion Week: Nicole Bridger FW11

Eco Fashion Week was a couple weeks ago and amongst all the flurry in my life (and the literal flurries in Vancouver), I made sure to hit up the Nicole Bridger FW11 show.

I first heard about Nicole Bridger around this time last year when Define Magazine interviewed her and she sponsored a giveaway.

EFW was held at The Salt Building by the Village at False Creek. While the idea of it seemed a bit odd, it turned out to be a great venue. I hate being uncomfortable, hot, and overly crowded at fashion shows.

The Nicole Bridger show was packed - with some celebs in the front row. I thought the show was great - there are some items that I'm definitely coveting! I loved all the bright coloured tights! I look forward to Nicole's first boutique opening in May at 2151 W. 4th Avenue (between Arbutus and Yew).

Here are some of my favourite looks from the show - thanks to Vanguard PR and Darko Sikman (photographer) for the photos.

I saw this model and thought, "I know her!" She ran cross-country at SFU!

This girl was stunning. And I loved her hair!

There's always one outfit that makes everyone gasp - THIS was that one

Dove Visibly Smooth Challenge

I signed up to take part in Dove's Visibly Smooth Challenge.

To be honest, I wasn't familiar with the product because I rarely watch TV in real time, so I typically fast forward through all the commercials. But when I heard that it was supposed to gradually decrease the look and feel of hair over time, I wanted to see if it were true - especially since it boasted that 99% of women who had tried the product said that they would recommend it to a friend.

Challenge accepted.

I'm about 10 days into the challenge (results start showing after approximately 4 weeks) and here are my thoughts so far:

- the products weren't entirely clear - after looking on the Dove website, I discovered that the 2 different products I received (the Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and the Clinical Protection) both help reduce the appearance of hair. Being unfamiliar with the product, I didn't know this.

- the Clinical Protection instructions say that the product is most effective during the night. However, I've been finding it difficult to remember to apply it before bed consistently.

- I received the Wild Rose scent rather than the Nature Fresh. I hate floral scents. I especially hate the smell of rose products - I find them to be chemically, and this is no different. I typically use citrus or mild scented deodorant because I can be quite sensitive. Luckily, this scent hasn't given me any headaches, but after 10 days, I'm getting used to it and no longer feel paranoid that every can smell me when I walk by. I actually asked my boyfriend is he could smell me because it was so strong for me.

I hope that I begin to see results soon so that I can provide you all with a status update!

For more information on Dove's Visibly Smooth, check out their website.

Dove products are available at drugstores across Canada.

OpenRoad Scion

At the end of January, I had the opportunity to test drive a Scion for 2 weeks. Scion is new to the Canadian auto market (first coming to Canada in 2010), but I first fell in love with them in Hawai'i. The last couple times I was in Honolulu, I noticed all these cube-like cars zipping around. Turns out they were the Scion xB - similar in aesthetics to the Honda Element (IMO).

2007 Honda Element

2009 Scion xB

I didn't test drive the xB, and I REALLY wanted to test drive the tC, but I received the xD. The xD I selected had rims, was lowered, and had an upgraded sound system.

2005 Scion tC

2008 Scion xD

The staff at OpenRoad Scion in Richmond were super nice and able to answer all of my questions. While the process of renting me the car for 2 weeks was fairly new to them, they were quick to figure things out.

As for the xD itself, I really liked it. It was super easy to drive and made my Civic seem like a huge boat of a car (it was my first time driving a hatchback). My boyfriend said that the xD suited my personality because it was "zippy". Haha.

I've been so busy lately that I didn't have the chance to take better photos of the car, but here's a quick look at it:

I became very adept at utilizing my mirrors with this on the back

 

Some things I liked about the xD:

- I felt like I was sitting quite high, which helped me to see the road better

- the seats were comfortable

- the displays - the orange/white combo made it super easy to see

- trunk size - looks small, but it would work for my life - might be tight on a road trip or driving people to the airport

- cupholders!

- heated up quite quickly

- the touch screen deck - NOT stock, it's an upgrade

Some things I didn't like about the xD:

- the gas gauge was a bit weird because it's different from other cars

- the speedometer was in MPH, so I had to get used to looking at the smaller KM/H

- backseats had enough room for a trip to Seattle, but any longer (like Portland), and it would be rough

The xD starts at $17,200

Go check out OpenRoad Scion Richmond, located in the Richmond Automall.

 

Fashion's Night Out!

I've teamed up with Raul from Hummingbird604, Niki from A Haute Mess, and Ashley from Close up Rewind to bring you Fashion's Night Out!

Fashion's Night Out! is a charity event and fashion show with 100% of the proceeds going to Out in Schools, who educate youth in British Columbia on bullying, tolerance, and acceptance.

Please support this great cause by buying a ticket or donating online.

Winner of CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Congrats Liz! You're the winner of the gift certificate to CSN Stores!

Lady Orchids Day Spa

When Sandra from Middle Child Marketing emailed me to see if I wanted to visit her new client, Lady Orchids Rejuvenating Day Spa, for a facial, how could I say no?



I chose the Up5 Facial Lift - an hour and a half of bliss. Sounded like the perfect addition to a weekend. But what attracted me to this particular facial was how Sandra explained it, "[it uses] the state of the art Up5 machine from Korea." Uh, what? Koreans do have fabulous skin - is this why?? I had to satisfy my curiosity.



Lady Orchid's site describes the Up5 Facial:

Promote collagen, firming, and lifting of the epidermis with our state-of-the art Up5 machine as it restores a youthful glow and vitality, feeding your skin nutrients through our cellular repairing deluxe facial, complete with European massage techniques to revitalize tired-looking skin.

While I'm still young enough to not have wrinkles, we can all use some revitalizing, especially during these dreary winter months.

While I didn't notice any significant results from the Up5 machine, I'm not sure that I expected to, just because of my age. If you've used this technology and experienced results, let me know!

The Up5 was used 3 times during my facial, and it also included cleansing and massage. The products used were all natural and at the end, in the words of the GM, Danielle Reyes, my "skin was glowing". It actually was. My skin gets quite dry during the winter months, so I left Lady Orchid's dewy and glowing.

The facilities are very clean and the space is huge. Danielle also showed me the WAVE Body Vibration machine, which helps tone your muscles in 15 minutes, a couple times a week. Perfect for the week before your Spring Break vacation.



I did find that the spa was a bit clinical (in the back) looking for me, not very "serene" compared to other spas. But Lady Orchid's will also be home to a Beauty School, so I suppose it can't be too comfortable.

Also, I thought that my facial would be a bit more personalized. Maybe it was, but I'm used to the facialist discussing my skin problems with me and explaining to me what the action plan is prior to the facial. There was no discussion of my skin, just what seemed to be a generic facial. If it was personalize, I would recommend some discussion with the client.

Thanks Sandra!
(Photos courtesy of Middle Child Marketing)


Lady Orchid's Day Spa
117 W. Broadway (@ Manitoba)
Vancouver BC
604-569-0813

Contest: Win $35 gift certificate from CSN Stores

Thanks to my friends at CSN Stores, I have another giveaway!

Enter to win a $35 give certificate to any of their 200+ online stores! You could buy swing sets, cookware, or linens!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post.

Contest open to North American residents only.


Contest ends Sunday February 13, 2011.

Not Just For the Boys

The Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver are looking to find 100 Women in 100 Days.

What? I know, I was confused too at first.

Big Brothers is Not Just For The Boys anymore. At the end of November 2010, they launched the 100 Women in 100 Days campaign, a search to find 100 women mentors and "big buddies" to school aged children. Their search ends March 8, 2011, the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day.

If you're able to give up an hour of your week between 8:30am-3:30pm Monday to Friday, then apply to become a Big Buddy to a kid in need.

5 Things That Freak Me Out

1) Clowns. They're so creepy.
2) Needles. The kind for shots, not for tattoos.
3) Salt. I imagine having salt poured on our tongue in a pile and that image makes me want to vomit.
4) Some chenille blankets/scarves/socks. Heebee-geebees. *Shudder*
5) Cough Medicine. It's like I'm 5, I hate it that much. The taste makes me want to throw-up.