Oakridge Style

Jessie Carlson

What can I say? I had so much fun at The Festival of Lights. Have you been lately? My husband, our dog and I all got bundled up and headed up to Vandusen Gardens. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I think the last time I saw the Festival of Lights I was 6.

It was like walking into a wonderland. Complete with an outdoor train set.

I highly recommend it, and when you go don’t forget that cold weather offers a whole new fashion experience. A tailored wool coat, or down jacket, big scarves and cashmere hats, warm socks and cute boots all work for a night at Vandusen.

If you don’t think you have clothes that are warm enough, drop by Oakridge Centre. You can do your Holiday Shopping and find pick up some cute hats and scarves.

Valerie Tiu

Although it was one chilly Sunday afternoon, the mood certainly felt warm and fuzzy at the Rogers Santa Claus Parade last weekend. The event marked the sixth year of ringing in the Holiday season with the help of local businesses and organizations. Everyone from dancers, singers and musicians, to veterans, to sports teams, and of course, Santa and his Reindeer, were on hand to cheer on the large crowd.

Bundled up in my warmest winter accessories and Ray-Bans (from Sunglasses Hut at Oakridge, naturally), I made sure I was ready to brave the windy weather. The streets of downtown Vancouver were lined with everyone from playful tots to trendy teens to ladies and gents in their cozy winter gear.  Looking into the sea of people, it was easy to spot out many reindeer antlers and Santa hats, surely a sign of the festive times.

With numerous performers and beautifully decorated floats, there was plenty to feast the eyes on. But of course, what caught my eye was the fabulously dressed. There were plenty of stylish broads and beaus and surprisingly, tiny trendsters in the making. The most popular fashion of the day was to chic-ly shield from the cold. Warm wooly winter accessories, like scarves, toques and mittens were definite must-haves, while layering pieces were de rigueur. Standing in the brisk weather for a few hours surely made me think of an upcoming shopping trip to Oakridge for some fashion essentials. 

• Warm winter wear from The Gap for the whole family is always great.
• Fashion fans should check out Coach and Fossil for some chic accessories. Try picking scarves and mittens in bright colours and patterns to liven up your look.
• Mount Cashmere has luxurious knits that are sure to keep you warm for winter. Layer a cashmere piece to keep both warm and stylish.
• Gymboree and Please Mum have great winter fashions that both you and the youngster would appreciate.
• Invest in outerwear from Hugo Boss, Max Mara or DKNY.

These pieces are sure to last you through Vancouver’s chilly seasons. Just be sure to pick the right silhouette for your body and avoid the Michelin-Man look.

Valerie Tiu

The holiday season is upon us and the shoppers at Oakridge Centre are bustling. As the days creep closer to Christmas, I am certainly finding myself in a frenzy to finish up my gift shopping. I must say that it is a rare occasion for a shopaholic such as myself to–dare I say it?– take a break from buying. But we all know how hectic the holidays can get, so it’s important to relax and maintain your sanity.

What better way to unwind than spend a little time at the Oakridge Festive Family Film Event! It takes place this Sunday, December 13^th at 10:30am. Bring your best friends, your significant other, and the tots to watch a screening of the holiday classic, The Polar Express. Not only is this a great way to take a load off, but it is also the perfect approach to give back this season. A $10 per person donation from attendees will support Dress for Success Vancouver. Dress for Success helps women and their families work towards a positive future in the workforce. Read on, for more on Oakridge’s initiative for the DFS cause.

 Tickets for Oakridge Festive Family Film Event are available at the Concierge Desk. Just remember, the best gift during the holidays truly is giving back.

We adore a feel-good movie. Especially at Christmas time. And when we can watch a feel-good Christmas movie, and give to one of our favourite causes at the same time, we’re thrilled.

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.

Ana Serrano

This week, Oakridge Centre–and hundreds of festive folks–helped bring the beautiful Christmas spirit to life. It was certainly another defining moment for all shoppers of Oakridge Centre as Santa Claus, his elves and toy soldiers paraded through the centre greeting children. Then Santa sat on his throne waiting to hear Christmas wishes and take memorable photos.

It was a busy day for Oakridge as the line was full of excited children, all anxiously waiting their moment with Santa Claus. I remember when my brother and I were little, every year my parents used to take us for a picture with Santa Claus. It is such a great memory to have from your childhood and the best part is being able to look back at the pictures and remember how much those moments meant to you. It is great that Oakridge offers this opportunity each year. For an insignificant price, you can have a memory that I guarantee will last a lifetime – and the pictures make great Christmas gift ideas. Don’t you think that your mom will love a framed picture of her two daughters with Santa Claus?  Take your children to see Santa Claus at Oakridge Centre–there until Dec. 24^th. Visit www.oakridgestyle.com for Santa’s schedule.

With Santa on site and Christmas parties and Christmas shopping to plan, don’t forget those that need a little support this season. Oakridge never forgets about those people and that’s why they raise money for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice through the Santa Photos–as they have done for over 15 years. This year, Oakridge is also the proud host of the Cancer Society’s “Giving Tree”. Oakridge generously donated a humongous Christmas tree to the deserved charity. You can donate to the cause while you shop and a little note will be handed to you, on which you can write the name of a person you knew that has been affected by cancer. All of these meaningful notes will then be hung from the Christmas tree.

From trees to ribbons to glitter, I was impressed by the Christmas decorations at the centre this year. Led by a big O (for Oakridge) all lit up in red at the entrance, the decorations are so beautifully displayed. A vibrant Christmas red is the theme; it just looks so elegant and very much in keeping with Oakridge’s signature sense of style. You can feel the Christmas spirit as soon as you enter. Visiting Oakridge Centre will make your Christmas much more special!