Urban Vancouver

We're late for that important date (and we forgot our cellphones, watches and blackberries). Not to worry, our list of best outdoor clocks will help us make it there (on time!).

Steam Clock in Gastown
Steaming with accuracy.
Water St. (at Cambie St.)

Ambleside Flower Clock
The flower bloom in the spring is amazing.
Bellevue and 15th Ave., West Vancouver

Olympic Clock
Not only counts time, but days until the 2010 Olympics.
Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia St. (between Hornby St. and Howe St.)

GM Place Clock
You’ll never be late for the puck-drop.
800 Griffiths Way; http://www.generalmotorsplace.com/

Vancouver City Hall Clock
A heritage watch towering high above the city.
453 West 12th Ave.; http://vancouver.ca/cityhall/

A little feminine sex appeal is great, as far as we're concerned. But there's always been a time limit on when we can wear our femininity on our sleeve. Weekday evenings and weekends? We're rockin' in the free (from work) world. But nine to five? Not so much.

Until now. Our favourite frock maven, Shelley Klassen of Blushing Designs, has come to the rescue of our workweek wardrobe. Her signature Shelley Klassen label debuts this fall, hitting stores and her boutique on September 7. Out go our old mannish tops and bottoms. In come sleek skirt suits, blouses, tailored jackets and flowy trousers. With fabrics like wools, knits and velvets, the style is classic with a feminine edge.

Our absolute must-haves: The brown fitted houndstooth striped jacket ($225) with satin piping and matching flared skirt ($136); the fully lined stretch sequins t-shirt ($104) with gathered cap sleeves; and wide-legged trousers ($176). Best of all, much of the line is fully transitional, taking us from desk-chair to lounge stool with a simple accessory switch.

Shy-yet-hunky in accounting will never know what hit him.

Shelley Klassen

Available at:
Blushing Designs
www.blushingdesigns.com
579 Richards St.
604-709-3485

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

Oliver & Lilly's boutique

Purr boutique

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Our phase of wearing 'I Heart...' t-shirts began with our homage to the Big Apple and ended after a brief, regrettable obsession with Bad Boys (about as brief as our relationship with one...).

So when we found Toronto-based Kali Clothing and their unique Anatomy of a Heart Tank Top ($22) we couldn't contain our excitement - finally a heart tee we can wear again proudly (and thanks to its neutrality, never run the risk of having to get rid of it).

We quickly added the blue and gold version to our shopping bag (it's limited edition, after all). And with the help of a clear conscious -- everything is sweatshop and cruelty free and made with 100% organic cotton -- we decided to give our entire t-shirt collection an overhaul, starting with the Pirate Ship V-Neck Tee ($30) and Skinny Bones V-Neck Tee ($30).

Now we'll just have to remember to steer clear of dating pirates...

Kali Clothing
http://www.kaliclothing.ca/
Available for purchase online 

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

Shared basics

Spotted: Wonderful Whites

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Here's what's hitting our sweet spot this week:

Fashion spotting: Museum-of-Modern-Birds dress

Pretty, shiny clutch spotting: Miu Miu pailette covered clutch

Flat spotting: Metallic Halla Jeweled flat

Beauty spotting: L de Lolita Lempicka

Indiana Jones-inspired spotting: Kokin Bow fedora

Home décor spotting: Fleur Vases

Olympic-inspired spotting: You vs. Usain Bolt

Funny online spotting: Take a virtual stroll down memory lane

The Pits: Perhaps best saved until after lunch

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From lamb to hookah, we’ve got the best Persian restaurants in the city covered – trying another culture has never been so delicious.

Falafally Good
The name says it all.
3170 Oak St., 604-731-3553

Arian
Delicious take-out lamb shank falls right off the bone.
1412 Marine Dr., 604- 922-9599

Persian Teahouse
Try an assortment of hookah and exotic teas.
668 Davie St., 604-681-6672; www.persianteahouse.ca

Shalizar
The dill rice and yogurt dip are a must.
1863 Marine Dr., 604 921-9500

Kashcool
For the most tender of chicken kebobs, this is the spot.
222 Pemberton Ave., 604-904-3904

Finding the perfect fitting pair of jeans sometimes feels akin to an epic quest (minus the knight in shining armour). Though it seems impossible, we just keep trying (and trying, and trying, and...).  

So when we found out that the makers of our favourite bum-loving, thigh-sculpting, tummy-tucking jeans -- with just enough stretch -- had finally come to Vancouver, it was like stumbling on the Holy Grail. Time to mount up and head to Lucky Brand Jeans, opened just yesterday on South Granville.

The shop is carrying the latest fall collection, featuring updated seasonal riffs on what Lucky is famous for: Bang-on belts, tops in a multitude of knits (made for layering) and, of course, jeans galore. Our must-have list includes the Zoe and the Mia ($108-$148 depending on the wash), both in a slim, slightly flared fit. According to the Lucky reps, they’re made for a pair of heels and a night out on the town.

Sounds like the start of our next epic adventure...

Lucky Brand Jeans
www.luckybrandjeans.com                                                            
2723 Granville St.
778-329-4597

If you thought that was sweet, we think you’ll also enjoy:

• Fidelity trousers
• Parasuco’s flagship store

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Size doesn't matter; it's how we use it that really counts.

At just over four inches -- small enough to fit in the palm of our hand -- the new Powerstick ($69.99) uses its size in all the right ways. (It's a portable charger — what were you thinking?)

Boosting batteries on-the-go has never been easier now that the Powerstick is finally available across Canada. The USB-powered device is built to last beyond 1,000 full-charge cycles and comes with 10 adaptors to ensure compatibility with our plethora of electronic devices (even the new 3G iPhone we're waiting to get our hands on). 

The clever little thing won't leave us with any low-power surprises, thanks to the easy-to-read indicator showing whether we're fully charged or running on empty. And when it comes time to recharge we simply hook-up the Powerstick to any USB-port and we're at full power in only 90 minutes.

The convenience of having power at our fingertips gives us peace of mind that our cellphones won't die and our iPods won't leave us stranded in our own silence.

Who would have thought something so small could be so satisfying?

Powerstick
www.powerstick.com

Available at:
Best Buy
www.bestbuy.ca
Available for purchase online

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

Tech Junkie (Holiday Gift Guide)

Nike + Sport Band

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We practice moderation whenever possible (as in not buying that second pair of heels just because it's on sale.) But when it comes to dessert, those principles seem to disappear.

At least we can skip over any post-indulgence guilt now that we're scooping it up at Kitsilano's newest frozen yogurt dessert bar, Scoop!

Hallelujah to owner Mary Ho's sister whose sweet tooth meets diet-conscious lifestyle inspired the sensational concept. Stepping into the charming two-level abode (the former home to Liquid clothing) we were salivating after one look at the healthy soft-serve sign.

Tasting more like an Italian gelato, the probiotic, non-fat yogurt with added fibre screamed for a little more naughtiness. So, we treated ourselves to a creamy cup ($3.50-$4.40) and left plenty of room for the variety of toppings ($1.85 per 100 grams). Admittedly, crushed chocolate cupcake bits, caramel sauce and Reese's did end up in the bowl (the red bean jelly and fresh berries will have to wait until our next visit). And we even grabbed a banana-blended smoothie ($4.95) on the way out.

Who knew shamelessly giving in to second helpings would taste this good?

Scoop!
www.scoopyogurt.com
2050 West 4th Ave.
604-569-3339

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

• Goldilocks Bakery
• Café Medina

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Here's what’s hitting our sweet spot this week:

Fashion spotting: Alice + Olivia double pleat wide leg pant

Blue belt spotting: New python print Andrea belts

Beauty spotting: New Wetslicks Amazemint lipgloss

Hair-do spotting: These Goody Ava bobby slides

What's-your-sign spotting: Zodiac charm necklaces (great for layering)

Home décor spotting: Ghost table lamps

Serving spotting: Replica wooden bowls

Summer clearance spotting: 20% off already reduced items at net-a-porter (ends August 31)

Funny online spotting: Send a friend Monk-e-Mail

The Pits: We hope to have a nicer obit than this


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We've had a rough week. War and Peace sized files keep getting dumped on our desk at half past five. And you want to talk crime and punishment? Dostoevsky has nothing on the fashion KGB around our water cooler.

Our Soviet-sized bad mood was re-educated at Red Squared, a new vodka and European tapas bar. The proletariat-chic space inspired us with faux war torn finishes, Communist red mood lighting and a rousing fresco of Lenin covering an entire wall.

We started with a flight of four vodkas ($15-$21) and moved on to The Kaiser ($9), a bracing take on a Caesar made with chili vodka and finished with a smoked oyster. It was impressive enough to declare Chef Chris Dignan our new best comrade forever.

His refined golden beet borscht ($6.25) with a knob of crème fraiche is the queenly cousin to standard-issue beet soup. And the cold war in our bellies truly ended after the house-made peirogi ($11.25) stuffed with sweet potato, finished with un-cased chorizo and crispy fried sage leaves.

And with that, morale was restored and we felt ready once again to defend the motherland (or at least the water cooler).

Red Squared
1208 Granville St. (at Davie St.)
604-408-6352

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

Prefer Mexican? Try Tequila Kitchen

Best Of: Mixed Drinks

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In anticipation of the new Beverly Hills gang about to grace our television screens, we’re paying homage to mega burgers at the Peach Pit, Donna Martin graduating and teen-angst with our favourite 90210 episodes of all time.

Season One: Home Again
We loved every episode Brenda was in (and can’t wait for the return of Shannen Doherty), but her telling Dylan she may be pregnant takes the cake.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1ELkx0_Csk&feature=related

Season Three: Back in the High Life Again
The fateful night that Dylan and Kelly give into temptation. Oh, cheating.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jC43n1Cna8

Season Three: Something in the Air
Donna Martin graduating could be the best episode of the entire series and proves you never leave a friend behind (especially at Summer School).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iunYmHH0UNI

Season Seven: The Long Goodbye
Kelly sneakily buying back her engagement ring is what true television relationships are made of. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfi-0MndG6Q&feature=related

Season Eight: Aloha Beverly Hills
A fire, drug addiction, and now a gunshot wound – Kelly Taylor was like the superwoman of the ‘90s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qCvp5a2tp4

Summer spendin', happened so fast. Summer spendin', had us a blast. But oh, after all those priceless nights, there's nothing left for a new fall wardrobe.

Before you set up a roadside sangria stand, enter to win Sweetspot's Fall Fashion Fund Contest. The grand prize: A $5000 Shopping Spree at Winners. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well it gets sweeter: We're sending along our Fashion Expert, Kelly Millar, and our stylish Editor, Stephania Varalli, to help the lucky winner spend her cash wisely. Plus, since sharing is caring, we're giving 10 more broke belles a $100 Winners gift card.

Already have your own budget to blow? Download our Guide to the Sweet Life, Sweetspot's compilation of the best food, shops and services in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. Don't want to leave the couch? No problem. We've included Canadian sites that will deliver fashion, food, makeup and gifts directly to your door.

Enjoy your Guide to the Sweet Life, and try your luck at our Fall Fashion Fund Contest today!

*Contest Closes November 18, 2008. Must be a Canadian resident over the age of majority in the province or territory of residence to enter. One entry per person. Earn additional entries up to a maximum of four by using the Tell-a-Friend feature, one bonus entry for each friend you refer. Click herefor full rules. Mathematical skill testing question must be correctly answered to win. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. No Purchase Necessary. Consultation will be at a time and date to be arranged between Grand Prize winner and Sweetspot.ca, if the fashion experts are not available for whatever reason, Sweetspot.ca reserves the right to change the consultation without further notice or compensation.
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We've always dreamt of having a stylish best friend's closet to delve into when our own wardrobe went dry (you know, about a week after our latest shopping spree). Her place would be bright and spacious, and she'd be warm, smiley and always happy to help us find the perfect piece.

Or we could skip the inevitable you-stretched-my-sweater drama and head straight to Oliver & Lilly's, a charming boutique just opened last Friday by the lovely Leighann Boquist.

She's carefully chosen tops, pants, denim, skirts, dresses, jackets and bags that embody Oliver and Lilly's commitment to carry clothes crafted with imagination. All of the lines come from style capitals New York and LA.

Better Bacon ($55) white T-shirts printed with work by disabled artists tugged at our fashion sense and our heartstrings. A grey, pleat-front, cap-sleeve, cowl-neck linen dress ($178) by Ali Ro was too sweet and flattering to pass up. And we'll be back to score a pair of James Jeans (all under $180) once we can decide which perfectly accented pair we'd like.

Not that Leighann knows it, but she's about to become our new BFF...

Oliver & Lilly's
www.oliverandlillys.com
1520 West 13th Ave.
604-736-7774

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

• Purr Boutique
• Modern Boutique

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Here's what’s hitting our sweet spot this week:

Fashion spotting: The new waffle knit cape (yes, we're already prepping for fall)

Pink bootie spotting: CEST by Christian Louboutin

Beauty spotting: Cargo's (super smooth) eye pencil in black

Body spotting: Crème de Corps soy milk & honey body polish

Wrist candy spotting: Stone-mosaic cuff bracelet

Snacking spotting: New All-Bran bars with chocolate chips

Home décor spotting: Ball grenade oil lamp

Ring-less spotting: Old school chalkboard coasters

Notebook spotting: The new line of colourful Moleskines

The Pits: Vanity takes over at the Olympics

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Sure, we may be experiencing Lauren Conrad fatigue (the rumours of setups and scripting have left us jaded), but we have to admit that she does manage to look cute, most of the time.
So when we found out that Kymberley and Alexis McClay, a set of West Vancouver twins (now living in Los Angeles) who helped design LC's clothing line, had launched their own label (seen on the Hills actress), we were intrigued.

Naven Apparel is both sexy and sweet (just like, ahem, Lauren), with a fall collection that we would wear in its entirety. The line features semi-sheer cream or turquoise blouses ($175) with a black silk bow, mini-dresses ($210) with girly Peter Pan collars, and strapless dresses ($210) in chartreuse or “Vegas Pink” (a bright fuchsia) with a sweetheart neckline. The retro slip dress ($215) with an industrial zip up the front is also chic, and since fall is just around the corner, the black wool Hoodlum jacket or camel pea coat ($250-400) should do the trick.

Hey, just because we don't like Lauren, doesn't mean we can't be stylish like her.

Naven Apparel
www.navenapparel.com

Available exclusively at:

Seventy Three
www.seventythree.cc
114 – 73 E. Cordova St. (at Columbia St.)
604-683-7313

If you thought that was sweet, we think you'll also enjoy:

• Chelsea Flower blouses
• Vancouver line Cyanne Clothing
  

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Bicycle Rentals

There's no better way to see the city (and get some exercise in) than by riding a bike. Don't worry if you don't have your own, here's our list of the best places to rent...

Spokes Bike Rentals
The tandem bikes are a riot.
1798 W. Georgia St., 604-688-5141; www.vancouverbikerental.com

Reckless Bike Rentals
For the seasoned pro, racing bikes are also available.
110 Davie St., 604-648-2600; www.rektek.com

Bikes ‘N Blades
Look great while riding one of the pink “cruisers.”
710 Denman St., 604- 685-9755; www.denmanbikeshop.com

City by Cycle Tours
Join the tourists and cycle around Vancouver's hottest spots.
9-1040 West 7th Ave., 604-730-1032; www.vancouver-tour.citybycycle.com

JV Bikes
For those lazy days, the electric bike is perfect.
955 Expo Blvd., 604-694-2453; www.jvbike.com

If we could click our ruby red slippers and go anywhere, we wouldn't head home as quickly as our girl Dorothy. Instead, we'd want to kick around and find the sweetest deals in town.

And, naturally, we'd share our finds with you via our weekly Sweet Deals newsletter. From winning heavenly trips to scoring designer jeans at discount prices, we hook you up with the very best your city has to offer.

And for the next six weeks our Sweet Deals will be even sweeter. All our current and new Sweet Deals subscribers will be eligible to win a weekly prize. Not on the list yet? Sign up for your chance to win* (and to be in the know of all the deals).

Every week for the next six weeks, one of the following sweet prizes could be yours:

1. A wicked Toy watch. And the winner can have her pick of what's behind door number one, two, or three (US $195-$275).


2. Ten CDs courtesy of Universal Music -- including an autographed copy of Duffy's best-selling debut album, Rockferry ($200).


3. A vegan, design-centric handbag from Montreal designers Matt & Nat ($250).


4. The Shopping Channel is serving a basket-full of Ojon hair products ($250) to naturally hydrate, strengthen and restore your locks.


5. Enough Cargo Cosmetics ($114 worth) to rival the contents of your once-hot kaboodle.


6. A Foxy gold and purple necklace, with earrings to match! ($60)

* Winners will be randomly selected. Prize winners will be contacted via e-mail.
** Prizes may vary slightly from above image.

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We learned a long time ago that Calgary’s shopping finds go far beyond cowboy boots. (Plus we love the one-tax land bonus.)

With South Granville’s new Purr boutique, we no longer need a flight to steal their fashion sense.

With two well-established locations in Calgary’s trendy 17th Avenue and Kensington areas, the mini-chain has a loyal, sophisticated hipster following—and given that nothing exceeds $250, it’s no wonder why.

Everything you need for a great fall wardrobe is in the bright and airy new space, which bears little resemblance to the Jennifer Kostuik gallery that once stood there. It may be too hot for jeans, but we knew we’d be coveting new Fidelity denim ($59-198) in a few weeks. We picked up a pair of those, as well as a flowy Free People sweater ($124-160) and affordable tops by Only and Kersh ($30-100) to wear with them. Dresses by Vero Moda ($50-100) are on our future hit list, and we’re sure to stock up for fall with lines like Fred Perry, BB Dakota and Velvet.

Now if only there was a way to do it without the extra sales tax…

Purr Boutique
2928 Granville St. (at 13th Ave.) 
604-742-9880

If you thought that was sweet, we think you’ll also enjoy:

Modern Boutique

The Skinny on Skinnies

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Here's what’s hitting our sweet spot this week: Fashion spotting: The new Black Label by Paige Premium Denim (available exclusively at Holt Renfrew) hits shelves this week

Shoe spotting: Miu Miu’s jeweled banana flats

Bright bag spotting: Foley + Corinna Mini City Tote

Hair spotting: Frizz Control Therapy Taming Cream

Nail spotting: L’Oréal Paris Pro Manicure in Apple of my Eyes (considered corals & reds)

For the men spotting: Wishbone cufflinks

Home décor spotting: Knubbig table lamps (for under 10 bucks!)

Charity spotting: This is my Heart Tee

Hilarious online spotting: Cake Wrecks

The Pits: Not a story (involving thousands of rats) for the faint of heart

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