Earth Day is April 22 and we are encouraging our shoppers  to get involved by Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing all week long. 

Below we have listed all of Oakridge Centre’s Earth Week initiatives and contests. 

PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING

APRIL 19-21

Bring your plastic bags to the Oakridge Centre Concierge Desk in the West Galleria to be recycled.  Exchange a minimum of 20 bags and you can enter to win a $500 Oakridge Gift Card*.  For every bag collected Oakridge Centre will donate $1 to the World Wildlife Fund **.

*Limit one ballot per customer per day.  **To a maximum of $2000.

For complete contest rules visit Recycling Contest

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

APRIL 22-24

Clearing out your clutter?  From 10am to 4pm Metro Materials will be on site in the Southwest parking lot, near Kin’s Farm Market and the Hennessey Salon and Spa entrance, collecting end of life electronics and batteries.  For every contribution you can enter to win a $500 Oakridge Centre Gift Card*. 

*Limit one ballot per customer per day.

For complete contest rule visit Electronics Recycling Contest

REDUCE YOUR IMPACT TRANSIT CONTEST

APRIL 19 -24

Take the Canada Line to Oakridge Centre, located at the Oakridge-41^stAve Station, and show your same day transfer at the Concierge Desk.  Your green pursuit enters you to win a $500 Oakridge Centre Gift Card*.

*One entry per person, per day

For complete rules visit Transit Contest

REUSABLE TOTE BAG BONUS

APRIL 19 -24

Purchase a minimum $50 Oakridge Gift Card between April 19 – 24 and receive a limited edition Oakridge Centre 50^th Anniversary reusable tote bag*

*One per customer, while quantities last.

Visit the Oakridge Concierge Desk in the West Galleria or call 604-261-2511 for more information.

Peter T. Hoang

With just a few more weeks ’til Christmas, it’s no surprise that everyone is hastily trying to finish their holiday shopping. Don’t wait until this precious time is up or you’ll be rushing around aimlessly on Christmas Eve still shopping for last-minute gifts. Instead, spend more time with loved ones by finding everything you need under one roof.

With a great selection of spacious, new stores such as Teenflo, DKNY, Fossil, Apple and the beauty haven, Murale, there is just no reason you can’t check off every single name on your list at Oakridge Centre. Also, getting to the Centre has never been easier, with the brand new Canada Line station now open right in front at 41^st and Cambie. It only takes 8 minutes from the Yaletown/Roundhouse Station to reach the Centre and, if public transit is not an option, driving to Oakridge is a breeze too. Since Cambie Street is finally finished with construction and complimentary four-hour parking awaits you at the Centre’s spacious lot, I don’t see how this would discourage anyone from making a much-needed holiday shopping trip.

With all of the stunning Christmas decorations beautifully displayed up at Oakridge Centre, it’s a great occasion to come in to enjoy the holiday cheer with the family. Take a photo with Santa and hang out with his elves and toy soldiers in the West Galleria. And when you’re finally finished with your holiday shopping, why not let the Centre take care of all that festive presentation at the gift-wrapping station in the mall, where your gifts can be festively adorned. All of that convenience will simply save time, so you can relax and enjoy more quality moments with your friends and family.

At this time of year, it’s also deeply rewarding to give to those you don’t know. Oakridge Centre has committed to raising $50,000 for career-boosting, life-changing organization Dress for Success Vancouver. This tiny but powerful organization depends on donations to run the programs that help women in need find a suit to wear to that first vital job interview, and find the job of their dreams.

Deb Twocock, Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver, told us what donations mean to the women their organization helps.

Lots of our success stories are really small: Somebody can take their kid on a holiday for the first time. People who figure out finally what it is they want to do and have a chance to go for it. Or someone who, at the age of 50, for the first time, actually has a full time job with benefits.”

Want more info? Read on.

Want to help?
Visit oakridgestyle.com and click on Donate to Dress for Success Vancouver

LET’S HEAR IT
In what ways do you give at this time of year?

That’s why Oakridge is hosting a showing of The Polar Express, at Empire Theatres on December 13, with the $10 per person donation going to Dress for Success Vancouver.

Doors open at 10:30 am, and the screening starts at 11 am. What a way to spend a Sunday.

About Dress for Success Vancouver
Here are just a few of our favourite stories about those whom Dress for Success Vancouver helps, courtesy Deborah Twocock, executive director.

“Recently, one of the people we dressed and who then went through our professional women’s group, and then became a mentor, is now in a position to donate a scholarship to our program. When our clients become our community of help is really quite cool. We had a girl come in, carrying one beautiful suit in a garment bag. She said, “You gave me this suit, and I don’t need it anymore. I just wanted to pass the karma on to someone else.” Lots of our success stories are really small: Somebody can take their kid on a holiday for the first time. People who figure out finally what it is they want to do and have a chance to go for it. Or someone who, at the age of 50, for the first time, actually has a full time job with benefits.”

Read on, for more on Dress for Success Vancouver.

Valerie Tiu

Spotting stylish finds at Oakridge Centre’s newest retailer won’t require much digging. Fossil offers up vintage-inspired treasures that are timeless and easy to wear. Known for their classic watches, Fossil also features leather goods, handbags and functional accessories. Though I must admit that the brand was far from top-of-mind on my list of lusted-after labels, I was pleasantly surprised at the array of stylish items that I found on a recent visit to the newly-opened store. 

With its vintage style fixtures, rich wooden furnishings and rustic stone walls, the Fossil store is a charming addition to Oakridge Centre. Homey displays, like checkerboards and stacks of books, along with a welcoming and friendly staff, made me feel as warm and welcome as I do in my very own living room.

As I strolled around the store, I found myself making mental additions to my Christmas wish list. I loved the glazed leather cross-body satchels from their “Montreal” holiday collection (One in every colour, please!) Cute clutch wallets and coin purses would also make the perfect accompaniments to a brand new handbag.

 One of the latest trends in accessories for the season is the single tone watch. Fossil’s “Stella” watch collection includes all white elements for women, while their “Black Out” line focuses on dark hues for men. The best part about these watches is that fashion meets function with their water resistant features. 

I must say that my trip the Fossil store certainly motivated me to start shopping for the holidays. For the men in my life, I will be sure to gift a leather duffle bag or a chronograph watch. For my girlfriends, trendy bracelets and neckpieces. But I may also need to reward myself with one of those satchels while I’m at it. 

Visit Fossil at Oakridge Centre, located by the Food Court.

Who Linda Price

What Shopping for fall fashion updates

Where Outside Edward Chapman Woman

Wearing Shoes, skirt, suit and sweater from Wear Else

Tips “In this economy, people could wear brighter colours.”

Ana Serrano

The lucky winner of Virgin Radio’s Oakridge Style Makeover Contest was revealed Tuesday evening at the Oakridge Centre Fall Fashion Affair. The gorgeous Emily Aragon was pleased to be the recipient of a full day of shopping, complete with hair and makeup courtesy of Hennessey Salon + Spa at Oakridge Centre. Upon meeting Emily for the first time, we quickly made note of her cheery personality and bright smile. You’ll notice in the photos that it is exactly the kind of smile that lights up a room.

Valerie Tiu

Although Emily is beautiful to begin with, her ensemble fell short of stylish and lacked the shape that would flatter her features–it was evident that she needed a change.After our initial chit-chat, it was time for a one-on-one shopping spree with Style Agent Jessie Carlson. Jessie helped Emily find pieces that would suit her figure and be versatile enough for her busy lifestyle; not to mention give her a boost of self-confidence and please her soon-to-be-hubby.  A key component of this makeover was teaching Emily how to wear the latest fashion trends while finding the right cuts and shapes for her silhouette.

Some great finds included basic denim from the Gap, chic separates from Jacob, trendy pieces from Aritzia (including a pair of leggings, which Emily thought she could never wear), and drool-worthy footwear from Nine West and Michael Kors at Oakridge Centre.

Just when you thought that was all, Emily was treated to primping and priming at Hennessey Salon + Spa. Over the past few years, Emily claims that she has lost interest in hair and makeup. That admission was the perfect reason to spice things up. Emily has a round face so a hairstyle that frames her smile and accentuates her high cheekbones was called for. The hairstylist took off some length, crafted a classy bob, and added some side-swept bangs. C’est tres chic.

With stylish clothing, and a trendy new hairstyle, a fabulous make-up application was all Emily was missing to complete her makeover. The Hennessey makeup artist used the Jane Iredale makeup line. In our opinions, it was an excellent choice. Emily is naturally blessed with a beautiful complexion, but was enhanced with golden tones and pinks to bring out her gorgeous features. The makeup turned out to be the perfect combination of the natural and the glamourous. Emily was simply radiant.

Emily’s head-to-toe makeover not only helped her look fabulous, but feel great too. Just take a look at what Emily had to say about her experience:
“I had the most amazing experience with the Oakridge Style Agents during my makeover. Jessie helped me get great basics to start re-building my wardrobe and gave me invaluable tips on looks for work, play, and partying that would suit my body and personality.Especially helpful were the tips on what to avoid! Hanging withVal, Ana and Peter while getting my hair and makeup done was so much fun. I adore my new haircut. I can’t thank Oakridge Centre enough. I feel like I had a makeover inside and out. Not only do I look great but I feel confident, sexy, and stylish again. I think my inner fashionista is starting to shine.!”

Valerie Tiu

Don’t let the name fool you: Teenflo is anything but a clothing retailer for the younger set. In fact, the Parisian label offers up classic yet fashion-forward pieces for women of all ages. Designed with quality fabrics and an emphasis on impeccable fit, Teenflo is set to be a sure-fire hit.

Located in Oakridge Centre’s West Galleria, Teenflo stands out with its striking window display. A sleek wooden door serves as the entryway into the inviting interior. Bright spotlights lend their way to carefully merchandised walls and highlight the exquisite fall collection. The store itself is elegant and modern, with its clean lines and beautiful furnishings. One of my favourite elements of the Teenflo store is its black and white portraiture, certainly a homage to the label’s rich history.

Of course, it was difficult to ignore the clothing itself. The Teenflo fall line is brimming with treasures: silk ruffled tanks, impeccably tailored blazers, gorgeous double-breasted peacoats, and my personal fall “must have”: black skinnies with leather detailing. Naturally, the lovely ladies of Teenflo served as great models, decked out in the hottest pieces for fall.

Francine at the Teenflo store also made sure to give me the lowdown on the company’s history. Founded in Paris in 1975 by Maurice Tarica, the company’s claim to fame was creating “the best fitting pants a woman can own!”  The most unforgettable part of this is the love story between a power couple, Charles La Pierre and Judy Richardson. After a chance encounter on a beach, La Pierre followed his love, Richardson, to Canada. Richardson had a fascination with Teenflo, and it was not long before La Pierre also fell in love with the brand. Licensing rights were acquired by the couple in 1990, leading to an expansion of Teenflo into North America.

And the rest, of course, is history…

Valerie Tiu

When I heard about the Apple Store launch at Oakridge Centre, I channeled my inner geek and jumped at the chance to cover the Grand Opening event. I am definitely not alone with my Apple-obsession. Google the words “Apple fan” and you will find thousands of websites dedicated to a love for Mac, iPhone, iPod, and game and software applications. It is no surprise that Apple products have such mass appeal, with their innovative technology and attractive advertising as well as their sleek and stylish designs. Oh, and did I mention that this very post is being typed up on my Macbook?

Over 1000 of my fellow fanatics lined up along the West Galleria to celebrate the Apple Store Grand Opening at Oakridge Centre this past weekend. According to Guest Services Supervisor Amanda Chung, a few folks were even lined up well before Oakridge opened its doors – at 7 am! Despite the fact that it was an early Saturday morning, the energetic Apple Store staff ensured that the crowd was hyped up before doors opened. Standing up on a platform, the store manager clapped and shouted as she began the countdown before the official opening.

Upon entering the store, each person was greeted with an enthusiastic cheer and handed a mysterious white box with a discreetly placed Apple logo. After all, what is a grand opening without a freebie?  The store itself is certainly attractive to the eye, with its clean lines, bright lights, sleek furnishing and pops of colour. I have to say, my inner nerd was certainly unleashed when a fresh new iMac caught my eye. Although I was unable to take one home that day, I was more than happy with my “mystery gift”: a stylish new Apple Oakridge Centre t-shirt. Geek really is chic.

Visit the Apple Store at Oakridge Centre in the West Galleria, right beside the Bay.

It might have been the 80s that did it. The era’s emphasis on suits, and nothing but suits, for working women meant that, well, we got a bit sick of them. Enter the dress-and-cardigan combo. That look was our savior–until now. Fall has designers showing workwear-ready trends that are reminiscent of the era of excess–but made fresh for 2009. We’ve listed our top five fave looks.

Top 5 Workwear Trends
1. Strong shoulders
2. Sheath dresses
3. Bold colour
4. Leather
5. Suits

Dress for Success
Oakridge Centre has committed to raising $50,000 for career-boosting, life-changing organization Dress for Success Vancouver. This tiny but powerful organization depends on donations to run the programs that help women in need find a suit to wear to that first vital job interview, and find the job of their dreams. Want more info? Read on.

Want to help?
Visit oakridgestyle.com and click on Donate to Dress for Success Vancouver

Get the Look
Find your workwear solutions at Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Femme de Carriere, and The Bay.

LET’S HEAR IT
What’s your pick? Dress-and-cardigan, or suit?