Oakridge Style

Jessie Carlson

Time to get your dress-up on! New Year’s Eve is the one night of the year during which it is perfectly acceptable–even expected– to be as glamorous as possible.

This week, I went to Oakridge Centre to see what I could find for New Year’s and I thought I would dedicate this blog to finding the perfect New Year’s outfit.

After Five was a perfect place to start. There are literally hundreds of dresses to choose from. Like this BCBG number – very Hervé Leger.

The best way to accessorize a body con bandage dress? Earrings…big ones. Thankfully, Blue Ruby just opened their newly-remodeled store. It is the perfect place for accessories. Look at all the earrings to choose from.

 And that’s just a small sampling. I also found a fabulous cuff, or two…

Now the only question left unanswered is do I get my make-up done at M.A.C. or at Murale? Maybe both?

Have a safe and happy New Year!

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.

Jessie Carlson

There is something about holiday collections that always gets me.

I love dresses, and I love parties. So you can probably imagine dressing up for parties is one of my favourite things. I wandered through Oakridge Centre earlier this week looking for some seasonal style. Eggnog latte in hand, I took in all the holiday decorations and considered which dress(es) to buy.

Take, for example, the darling dress from Teenflo. It’s just arrived. Add high heels courtesy of Brown’s or Kris+Cris, and hair done at Hennessey. Love.

Then there was this fabulous skirt and silk top (below, far right) at Wear Else that I thought would be perfect for a less formal party. I think it is the belt that I love the most. It truly brings the whole ensemble together.

Maybe it was just my own mood but it seemed as though the mall was filled with happy people that day. There are sparkling decorations and huge deals–an irresistible combination for anyone, no? 

A newer addition to Oakridge Centre, Perfect Match had the exact shade of scarf I have been looking for – the perfect cream – for months. Imagine how thrilled I was to find it that day.

The good news here is that many stores are still receiving holiday shipments. I plan on spending a lot more time at Oakridge Centre this season. See you there?

Jessie Carlson

Our fair city may not be New York, Paris or London, but Vancouver does have a fashion week that showcases some of the most creative local minds. Vancouver Fashion Week came to a close this Sunday, after six days of fashion, music, make-up, parties, hair and tons of photographers.

I saw a number of shows, including Red Jade, Lav and Kush, and Kersh.

If the runways of the event were any indication, next spring, we can expect to see a huge focus on natural and organic materials, short dresses and bright colours. Think yellows paired with grey, and bright floral patterns.

VFW was held in a huge warehouse in Gastown – and it was packed! It was hard to move but so much fun. I swear I saw some of Oakridge Centre’s most stylish people there. In fact, I know I did.

The colours were bright and the styles simple, easy and comfortable. Perfect for our laid-back west coast lifestyle. I can’t say for sure, but I have a feeling we will be seeing some of the best pieces at Oakridge come Spring/Summer 2010. I know that the Bay carries Kersh. Check out their fabulous cardigans!

I am told the week was a huge success and, in my opinion, it most certainly was.

Valerie Tiu

There’s no doubt that Oakridge Centre is committed to supporting Dress for Success Vancouver. I must admit, however, that before I joined the Oakridge team, I didn’t know much about the charitable organization. After getting to know the faces behind Dress for Success Vancouver, I now fully understand the significance and hope that these people bring to women in need. This was further solidified when I had the pleasure of attending Dress for Success Vancouver’s Wrap Up Event.

Swarming with elegantly-dressed women (and the occasional dapper gentleman), the Pacific Palisades was transformed into a marketplace of sorts, complete with a showcasing area, a decadent buffet, and a makeshift runway. Hosted by CTV’S Keri Adams, the Wrap Up Event was packed with plenty of activities, giveaways, and of course, a little shopping! A percentage of proceeds went to support DFSV. Guest speaker Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale, DFS Worldwide Board Chair, delivered a truly inspiring speech. Rosalyn’s statement was simple: the women that DFS supports could be you or me; surely, a poignant and thought-provoking message.

The main event was a fun-filled scavenger hunt that led corporate sponsors for DFS scrambling through the hotel in search of interview attire. The players ended up strutting their stuff in front of a panel of judges to win prizes. The judges included Keri Adams, corporate representatives, and , along with fellow Style Agent Jessie Carlson, yours truly. I must say that it was definitely a challenge to judge so many chic ladies; given the short time they had to put together an ensemble.

Fun and games aside, I felt truly honoured to be invited to this Dress for Success event. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by women who dedicate so much time and effort to a cause like this.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”  – Anne Frank