Tis the season to be shop hopping.

Hello my lovelies! Ti’s the season to be shop hopping. What are your favourite stores to shop in? Strolling the streets of Vancouver and wandering into my favourite little boutiques is my weakness. I think Vancouver has some of the most amazing and unique shops to visit (and splurge in) I often shop locally and purchase from independent designers and vintage. This time of year is perfect for buying unique gifts for those you love. I always find something different and affordable cause really, at this age what do you buy for those who have everything they need? And for those who can buy their own items?…I’d say, Something small, something different, something they can use forever! Here are a few of my top favourite shops that sell unique and eclectic items by a variety of independent designers. Thank you for filling my retail therapy needs. – CS xx

 

1. ONE OF A FEW – 346 Water Street (Gastown)

2. Nouvelle Nouvelle – 209 Abbott St. 

3. Community Thrift and Vintage  – 41 West Cordova St. 

4.  The Fair  – 415 Abbott St. 

5. Oliver and Lilly’s – 1520 West 13th Ave

6. VIOLET BOUTIQUE – 1312 Granville St.

Fine Finds Boutique – 1014 Mainland St.

DREAM – 311 West Cordova

 

 

private dancer and other tid bits.

I don’t think I’m the only one who does this. Wakes up…morning routine….cup o java….crank the tunes (ie. Pat Benatar) and have a dance party for 1 to wake the ol body, mind and soul up (Or maybe I am). Seriously! This is one of my favorite activities to do. Sometimes I’ll even be in cleaning mode, make my apartment spick and span, buy some flowers for myself (I think it’s very important to do), pump up the volume and dance dance. I consider this the ala Tina Turner moment, “Private Dancer”….until of course my creepy neighbour sees me. That’s when I immediately whip the blinds shut considering I always see the silhouette of a camera through his window. YIKES! I hope he is not a voyeur. Anytime you feel a bit stressed, creatively blocked or have a zillion and 3 things on your mind try it…for a good 15 minutes (or more). DO IT! It’s FUN!!!!

And other fun tid bits and news. New spring nail polish purchased this week. My all time favorite brand, ESSIE. This one is called “e-nuf is e-nuf”. Perfect for short nails. I feel ALIVE and sexy in this color! I bought it for $9.99 instead of $11.99. Saved $2 and bought a coffee instead. So really didn’t save anything. But mmmm coffee.

The Gastown Hop Shop is this week!!!  I await this occasion every year. Discounts and social times at a variety of local Gastown shops. My all time favorite area in the city. I especially can’t wait to stop by One Of A Few/Two Of A Few, Nouvelle Nouvelle, and Dream (just to name a few of my favorites). I’m in saving mode…but sometimes one has to break their resolution(s).

Buy yourself some flowers this weekend! OR better yet buy your mamma some flowers to show her you love her! I LOVE YOU MOM!

I cleaned out my closet this past week. A bag for consignment and a few for the salvation army. I came across my gold heels that I already forgot I bought about a month ago for a wedding I was in. These goldies were a hit! I wanted a pair that was vintage inspired and was not going to settle until I found them. For $35 dollars I was a very happy camper. Thank you Deluxe Junk.  I think forgetting you have a specific pair of shoes is a reminder that I have way too many of them. But I’m not complaining, a gal can never have too many shoes. I’m very excited to pair these with my favorite skinny jeans and take these babies out for a night.

Alright….Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Happy Mother’s Day MOM. Remember when the going get’s tough or you just want to let it all out DANCE! A little Tina Turner for you ….- Christina XO

What’s In Your Activity Bag?

When I’m running errands, heading to an audition, brainstorming at a meeting, or simply sitting on a blanket at the beach, I usually carry all my goodies in a big bag.  In this case it was my Nudie bag a.k.a, the “Activity Bag”.  It’s perfect for carrying around any folders, books, magazines, date books (which I am a huge fan of), ideas book, a few groceries, even my laptop.  With my bag in hand or slung over my shoulder, I can be caught reading, writing, strolling, taking pictures, working on my computer, or doodling around in my sketch book. The other day, I got home and dumped all of my goodies on the ground. I thought the dump was picture perfect. Voila! What’s in your Activity bag? – Christina xo

I also picked up this little gem at one of my favorite little boutiques, Dream in Gastown. And whaddya know! I just added it to my bag of goodies. This little charm is a perfect purse accessory.