Urban Vancouver

We know a brand is one worth keeping when it’s older (and classier) than the average Hollywood starlet.

Which is exactly the case with Teenflo. The Parisian line started in 1975, was acquired by a Montreal couple in 1990, and has proven its longevity in the many years since.

In fact, it’s a wonder that we’ve been able to wait so long for a boutique to open up here. Finally, a year after Holt Renfrew’s big move (where we’ve always found the label), the first stand-alone Teenflo store outside of Quebec has arrived.

Though it doesn’t open officially until tomorrow, we got a lucky sneak peek into the modern, white boutique. With a mix of 80 percent house label pieces and 20 percent other high-end brands, we’re covered for everything the warmer weather brings.

Cap sleeve shifts and blousy ruched-neck dresses ($200-300)? Check. (Gotta have that Gucci-esque black, white and yellow belted number). Flattering pants ($240-275) and matching fitted blazers ($375-450)? In the bag. Of course, we won’t forget the flirty tops ($150-225), the house brand basics ($90-110), Seven for All Mankind denim, or tunics by Velvet, too.

And if we end up buying everything? Well, at least we know it’s all stuff worth keeping.

Teenflo
www.teenflo.com
Second level, Pacific Centre
609 Granville St. (at Dunsmuir)
604-696-0402
{cherryrate}5378{/cherryrate}

When you can’t get to Europe to enjoy espresso (and the dense jolt of caffeine), our best of espresso list should help wake your senses…

Calabria Café
No frills, just the smoothest espresso in town.
1745 Commercial Dr.; 604- 253-7017;

Caffe Artigiano
Espresso Macchiato (and latte art) heaven.
763 Hornby St.; 604- 694-7737; http://www.caffeartigiano.com

Prado
Organic, fair-trade espresso from 49th Parallel roasters.
1938 Commercial Dr.; 604-255-5537;

Epicurean Caffe and Bistro
When you need dessert with espresso, or some meatballs for later.
1898 West 1st Ave.; 604-731-5370; http://www.epicureancaffe.com

JJ Bean
A late shot of espresso keeps the party rolling.
402 Davie St.; 604-684-YALE; http://www.jjbeancoffee.com/

We may party like rock stars, but we only get high off of refined sugar. (We’ve been addicts since our first allowance, supplementing the habit with couch cushion coins soon thereafter.)

Though we haven’t outgrown our sweet tooth (or diving for loose change in the sofa), we have found a new place to score the sugary stuff. Candyaisle.com has become our favourite source of novelty chocolates, gummies and even Pez dispensers.

We love their selection of international treats. The foreign packaging adds sophistication to our British Polo mints ($1.99) and Australian chocolate-orange Jaffas ($5.99). And we’re intrigued by the salty warning given to their Dutch licorice.

The site (an online portal to the Vancouver-based store) is being updated, so we’re keeping our computer screens tuned as they add treats and features (we’re fans of the personalized ‘favorites’ function).

Until someone sends us to sugar rehab, we’ll be hanging out in the candy aisle...

Candy Aisle
Available online at www.candyaisle.com

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

• Spotted: Evolution of Chocolate
• Ecco Bella’s health by chocolate

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We’ll be the first to admit that we think we look pretty good in a short skirt (hey, summer’s a-comin’—might as well lose the winter shyness now). But though our legs may have a nice (faux) tan, they’re miles away from toned.

Which is why we’re visiting Exhale Studio, Yaletown’s newest yoga, Pilates and dance spot. Owner Rachel Wainwright, a professional jazz and hip hop dancer and yoga and pilates instructor, has opened a chic fitness utopia—think dark wood floors, warm burgundy walls and plant and Buddha accents, offset by crisp white ceilings. It’s large enough for a wide variety of classes, but still intimate enough that we’re already on a first-name basis with our instructors.

Classes ($8 intro, $16 drop-in, and $130 for 10 classes; other rate options available) include everything from meditation and prenatal yoga to hatha, yin and of course, power yoga. The pilates mat class left us feeling energized and revitalized, but since we prefer the music pumping, our favourite was dance class: Wainwright offers jazz, street jazz, hip hop (don’t forget your sneakers!), video dance (inspired by music videos), belly dance, salsa, and even burlesque dance.

And our legs? Now they’re definitely in tip-top shape for sandal and skirt season.

Exhale Studio
www.exhalestudio.com
1083 Cambie St. (at Nelson; entrance in alley)
604-689-2446
{cherryrate}5345{/cherryrate}

It seemed like a fun idea at the time. But clubbing three nights in a row? Trying every obscure martini on the menu? Saddle up, eyebags!

Shocked by the haggard tart who greeted us in the bathroom mirror Sunday morning, we immediately reached for a pack of EyeSlices in the fridge. We staggered over to the couch and placed the re-usable patches over our troubled lids (Ahhhh).

Made of a slippery hydrogel, soaked in aloe peptides, soy and rice peptides, EyeSlices (US $20) go way beyond the old-fashioned cucumber treatment. With the same active ingredient as Preparation H, the puffiness around our eyes vanished in 10 minutes. Cool and calming, we felt the active ingredients working their magic on our embattled eye area. (And the fresh scent reminded us of the mint martinis from the night before).

Now we just need to save our liver.

EyeSlices
www.eyeslicesusa.com
Available for purchase online.
Company will call to provide shipping quote after order placed.

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

Miriam Gee’s expert help with under-eye circles
Spotted Beauty Rx finds
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Who wants to count sheep when you tally the threadcount on your Egyptian linens instead? We know you read between the lines. But with our best of bed linens list, you'll also get in between the sheets…

NF DreamMakers
For Swiss Schlossberg linens that are hand-painted.
925 Main St.; 604-926-3120; http://www.nfdreammakers.com

Fullhouse Consigment
Area Home's organic bedding line is clean, green and looks great.
1445 West 8th Ave.; 604-733-7789; http://www.nfdreammakers.com

Terra Nova Linens
1000+ threadcount sheets will make you stay in bed, a lot.
1106-120 Hamilton St.;604-688-9280; http://www.threadcounts.com/

Bed
You can mix and match fabrics and order free swatches to try.
2151 West 41st Ave.; 604-736-3482; http://www.bed-online.com/

Atkinson's
Luxury and luxury. “Angel Skin” Pratesi, Sferra and others.
1501 West 6th Ave.; 604-736-3378; http://www.atkinsonsofvancouver.com

We’ve learned a few things over the years. First, it’s impossible to look confident, sexy and fashionable at all times, unless you’re a styled starlet. Second, the off days happen much less frequently when fashion is easy to find.

Resembling a European mansion more than just another store, the new Marciano on Robson, which opened just last week, had us thinking we're celebutants in the making. With delicate chandeliers and white shabby-chic armchairs in the changing area, we were instantly transformed into Hilton or van der something or another.

Adding to our high-society-like experience was the curve-hugging lines of the Reagan racerback dress ($158) in electric blue. (It would've made Ms. Mortimer blush, but not us.) We loved how the gold buttons down the side—circa Elizabeth Hurley in her Versace gold safety pin days—accentuated our tiny waist. Also spotted: the Isidoro dress ($158), whose slinky, empire waist and cinched thighs would surely make our derrières the center of attention.

And for afternoon tea (an everyday occurrence, no doubt)? The floral eyelet, crème hued Elena jacket ($218) with patch pockets suited us to perfection.

Hey, it's hard to be fabulous, but someone has to do it....

Marciano
www.shopmarciano.ca
1168 Robson St.
{cherryrate}5321{/cherryrate}

She carried you for nine months, but chances are you’ll barely find nine minutes to grab flowers for her special day. Luckily we’ve added new Sweetspot e-cards in time for Mother’s Day.

Choose from one of four messages (or send all of them – the woman did give you the gift of life!), including:

- “Dear Mom, Thanks for saving me from Dad's lesser genetic traits.”
- “Instead of criticizing my hair, job or romantic life – today I’m letting you criticize all three!”
- “Thanks for hugging me enough as a child that I don't seek love and acceptance at singles bars.”

And the sure to please:

- “They say all girls grow up to be just like their Mothers. I’m one of the lucky ones.”

Since you can write your e-card now and schedule it to send Sunday (yes, Mother’s Day is this Sunday), you won’t be google-mapping the closest florist right before brunch.

Sweetspot Mother’s Day E-Card
Available online at sweetspot.ca/ecards
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Our mommy's philosophy? A lady deserves the very best. So for all her sacrifices, we're showing our appreciation in the sweetest way we can afford this Mother's Day. (Adding her to Facebook—well, that’s a different story.)

Daughter on a dime ($)

My Mother's Story
The best things in life are definitely free. Surprise your mom by writing a story about her, and uploading her recipes and photos on this mommy blog.
www.mymothersstory.blogspot.com

Personalised Poetry
This handy MadLibs-meets-Shakespeare customized poetry site makes a personal poem for Mom point-and-click easy.
$4 – 16 US per poem
www.designerverse.com

Up by a notch... ($$)

The Secret Garden Tea Company
Sipping Lavender Earl Grey and listening to a harpist’s tune will make any proper Mum proud on Mothering Day. (Bonus points for sporting that sweater set she bought you.)
High Tea, including tea and three tiers of treats, $23.95 per person
www.secretgardentea.com

Chocolate Arts Signature Box
A box of designer chocolates will keep her mum (at least about that guy you brought home last weekend).
$38.95 for an assortment of signature flavours
www.chocolatearts.com

What budget? ($$$)

Ayala Moriel Parfums
The Signature Perfume is not only custom blended in consultation with your Mom, the scent is never sold or used again. The quaint bottle (bearing her moniker) will remind her all year round how much you love her.
$550
www.ayalamoriel.com, for consultation: 778-863-0806

Caleb Siemon Vases
Caleb Siemon's one-of-a-kind blown glass vases and bowls, like the Amber Low, will put your name at the top of mother’s will.
From $795
www.calebsiemon.com, available at Moulé, 2016 Park Royal South, 604-925-3679
{cherryrate}5288{/cherryrate}

While we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, we admit it wasn't always this way (grunge, anyone?).

Seeing us through our faux pas periods – and steering us right – was one woman: Our mom.

Which is why this year for Mother's Day we've decided the best present we could give was something that shows off our good taste – and tastes good.

With Language of the Leaf's Mother's Day Special ($31) our thank you (for saving our apartment from milk crates) is simple. For the price of a Tea for One Set, which includes a glass mug, infuser and lid, we can add in two yummy pairs of premium loose leaf tea at no extra charge. For the more mellow moms, try the Herbal and Decaf duos (with Peppermint and Anise or Decaf English Breakfast and Peach teas), and for the caffeine connoisseur, choose from buzz-worthy Green, Roobois and Black blends.

With free shipping for orders over $75, we're stocking our own cupboards with cookie-esque Biscotti Ceylon ($11 for 100g), refreshing Rooibois Aztec Mint ($10 for 100g) and antioxidant rich White Peony ($16 for 100g).

Mom would be so proud.

Language of the Leaf
www.languageoftheleaf.com
Available for purchase online.
{cherryrate}5259{/cherryrate}

For those weekends when you feel like getting away without having to “get away,” we recommend a little R &R in a fabulous B&B. Here’s your guide to get cozy…

The Barclay House
5-star accommodations.
1351 Barclay St.; 604-605-1351; http://www.barclayhouse.com/

The TreeHouse
Great last-minute specials.
2490 West 49th Ave.; 604-266-2962; http://www.treehousebb.com

English Bay Inn
The backyard is ideal for weddings.
1968 Comox St.; 604-683-8002; http://www.englishbayinn.com

The Victorian Hotel
Just a skip away from the steamclock.
514 Homer St.; 604-681-6369; http://www.victorianhotel.ca

Hycroft Bed and Breakfast
It’s a home away from home.
1248 West 15th Ave.; 604-307-2300; http://www.hycroft.com

Our Editorial Assistant, Ashley Bennion, just tied the knot. Here’s what helped inspire her big day…

Ear Candy
Vintage earrings by Covet Originals replaced regular pearl studs for the reception

For the Girls
Gifts for my bridesmaids of Love Quotes scarves kept them warm (and stylish)

Let it Rain
Keeping those eyes dry (or at least looking it) is a cinch with Benefit she laq

All that Glitters
When it came to covering up, nothing but the Smythe cropped bolero would do

Sky High
Gold Christian Louboutin pumps kept me dance-floor ready

Lip Lock
Lips were perfectly pink in MAC’s LIP GELEE in Glosspitality for day and Dewy Jube for night

Luxe Lashes
Mile long lashes were accomplished with Dior Diorshow Black Out mascara
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We’re a bit competitive. And since our fellow e-bay bidders can’t take a little smack-messaging, our account has been suspended “indefinitely.”

Where’s a girl to get her vintage (re: second hand and thus closer to affordability) designer accessories? At newly launched constylement.com.

An offshoot of already-bookmarked stylefly.ca, this specialty site is Canada’s first online consignment boutique where we can buy and sell (30% fee) gently used handbags, wallets, watches, scarves and more. (Designer names include the usual suspects: Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Chloe, Hermes, etc.)

We spend a full morning clicking on the ivory YSL Muse Bag ($1,600) and an entire afternoon (it wasn’t our most productive workday) considering the bright yellow Louis Vuitton Epi Gobelins Backpack ($995). We’ll have to act fast though – our favourite coin purse already sold.

And for a small finder’s fee, the site’s creator Patricia Angyal will unite us with our dream bag (yes, she says she can find a Birkin).

Who needs an online auction when our favourite bag, is well…in the bag?

www.constylement.com
416-855-7355
{cherryrate}5235{/cherryrate}

Whether we're honoured as a maid or—gasp—the bride to be, over the next few months, we already know we’ll be saying (or watching others say) “I do” to love. So, from cake to candids, here’s our local guide to making wedding season one to remember.

The Cake
Pre-ordering your sweet specialty four months in advance should give an indication of the goodness of Ganache Pâtisserie. And no need to mess with a sensitive belly on the big day: Look for vegan, wheat-free, dairy-free and even sugar-free varieties that still taste great.
www.ganacheyaletown.com,1262 Homer St, 604-899-1098

Thomas Haas takes the velvetiest chocolate, adds a cake, then tops with sugar flowers customized to match your bouquet. (And you won’t have to throw these posies over your shoulder).
www.thomashaas.com,128 – 998 Harbourside Dr., 604-924-1847

The Photographer
If you're an IT girl, you'll want these girls: Reine and Jana. (The prices – ranging from $4,500 to $9,000 – are worth it.)
www.reineandjana.com, 604-739-0881

Even traditional couples will love the free and edgy look of Wendy D. (Highly affordable with packages averaging $2500),
www.wendyd.ca, 711 – 1701 Powell St., 604-253-1451

The Flowers
Find trendy, stylized and affordable bouquets arranged to fit your personality at the Flower Factory.
www.flowerfactory.ca, 3604 Main St., 604-871-1008

Head to Hilary Miles Flowers for timeless, classic designs for brides on all budgets.
www.hilarymiles.com, 1 – 1854 West First Ave., 604-737-2782

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

• How To Do I Do
• Spotted: Wonderful Weddings

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Some of the helpful things we do for our girlfriends are easier than others. We like to rate them on a scale from “bathroom buddy” (easy) to “bridesmaid” (ouch).

This wedding season, we’re actually ok with the floor-length tangerine dress we’ve been asked (er, told) to wear, thanks to Covet Originals. With vintage pieces hand-worked into a beautifully modern line, our dress might not be our first choice, but we’ll at least be accessorized perfectly.

For our token gift, we’ve already started hinting for the pearl and crystal Bridal Bracelet ($45), which will look pretty on the day (and every day thereafter). Next we’ve got our eye on the Classic Pearl Necklace ($120) and Vintage Cap Earrings ($35). And after we’re back to nothing-to-prep-for weekends, we’ll be treating ourselves to the Gold and Crystal Necklace ($120) for a job well done (if we do say so ourselves).

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride finally has its advantages.

Covet Originals
www.covetoriginals.com
Available for purchase online

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

• It’s My Party: Bridal Shower
• Spotted: Weddings

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One is a lonely number, two is a pair and three is a charm—especially when it's the number of H&M stores we can (soon) visit. That’s right, Vancouverites: looks like the fashion goddesses have finally answered our prayers.

We made space in our bulging closets before riding out to Lougheed Town Center, where B.C.’s second H&M store opened at noon yesterday. Focusing on the ribbon cutting was a feat in itself: the Spring Garden collection really stole the show.

With pieces ranging from boho-artsy (we love the baggy dhoti – a.k.a. Hammer – pants) to romantic florals to 80s-inspired, we thought we had died and gone to fashion heaven.

But us downtown fashionistas’ true heaven? That’ll be the gigantic, double-floor, Pacific Centre location opening on May 22. We can’t wait for the summer dresses (should we go patterned maxi or tube?) and accessories galore (we’re talking scarves, earrings, hats, headbands and necklaces), all at H&M’s famously affordable prices. With three locations to choose from, we won’t even bother trying to count how many great finds we snatch up.

H&M
www.hm.com

Lougheed Town Centre
www.lougheedmall.com
9855 Austin Ave.
604-421-3434

Pacific Centre
www.pacificcentre.com
633 Granville St.
604-688-7235
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There’s nothing we hate more than cracked, dry lips (lipstick flakes never look good). To keep things soft, we always make sure to have a best balm on hand…

Smith’s Rosebud Salve
What started as a cash register impulse-buy is now a smoothing staple.
www.smithsrosebudsalve.net (Available at Sephora)

Burt’s Bees
The classic beeswax original lasts all day.
www.burtsbees.ca (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Tween Beauty Vanilla Mint Lip Shine
A lightly scented organic offering (even if we’re far from being tweens).
www.tweenbeauty.com (Available at Lilou Organics)

Lypsyl Lypradiance
A touch of colour without sacrificing any softening power.
(Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)

Kiehl’s Tinted SPF 15
Sun protection and sheer raspberry red is a perfect primer.
www.kiehls.ca

Once upon a time there was a fun, shoe-addicted girl. For six television seasons, this stylish gal fell in love with Big, then Aidan…then Aidan again…and finally Big.

Then Sex and the City ended, and the fun, shoe-addicted girl had nothing else to watch.

Well, click your stilettos three times, because this story has a happy ending (and we’re not referring to a big white dress and even bigger rock). Sweetspot is giving you the chance to Get Carried Away! You and a friend could find yourself at the red carpet premiere of the Sex And The City movie in Toronto. (And not to worry if you’re not from T.O. – we’ll handle the travel and accommodations as well.)

And that’s not all! We wants to you to experience a day of the sweet life just like Carrie and the gang (regretfully, Big not included). So you’ll also be getting pampered and prepped with spa indulgences and your own hair and make-up team at VIKASPA, plus dine at one of Toronto’s newest hot spots, Spice Route. And there’s no need to wear comfortable shoes – chauffeur services are taken care of by First Class Air Charter & Limousine Services (so get out your ultra-tall, ultra-painful pumps).

Enter for your chance to win now; start shopping for the perfect premiere outfit later...

The (Very Happy) End.

sweetspot.ca Get Carried Away Contest
Enter to win at http://www.sweetspot.ca/contest/carriedaway/
Click here for contest rules are regulations.

Contest Closes May 18, 2008. Must be a Canadian resident over the age of majority to enter. One entry per person, earn additional entries by referring your friends up to a maximum of four bonus entries. For entry and full rules click here. Mathematical skill testing question must be correctly answered to win. No Purchase necessary. Must be able to travel on May 29-May 31, 2008. (If the winner resides within 300km of Toronto, alternate means of transportation will be provided, and the airfare portion of the prize will be forfeited). Approximate retail value of trip is $3500.00 CND.
{cherryrate}5178{/cherryrate}

We never thought we’d see the day when we’d be sitting at home eagerly awaiting the arrival of PMS.

Of course, we’re referring to PMS of the Pink Mobile Spa variety. Owners Carman Lau and Bonnie Mah, who also own Pink Nail Spa, have recently expanded their spa portability, now offering their pampering, relaxing services anywhere, anytime in the Lower Mainland.

Anywhere, anytime? To test that out, we invited a friend and the PMS-ers to our home (why settle for a cubicle mani when you can have a full crib facial?) and indulged in a chocolate covered cherry facial ($85), a calorie-free, 60 minute service featuring a rich chocolatey mask blended with sour cherry, divine for dehydrated skin. Our friend tested out the fruit sensation facial ($85), which uses a custom-blended fruit mixture to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne and blemishes.

Of course, PMS can help with sore feet and cramps, too, so we also got a luxury pedicure ($50) and a healthy lunch provided by Extreme Pita. The day was so luxuriously enjoyable, we’re sharing the love by booking a Mother’s Day Pink Pamper Package ($165 per person), which includes a facial, massage, mani, pedi and gift bag.

So hard being a woman, isn’t it?

Pink Mobile Spa
www.pinkmobilespa.com
604-220-6832
Call for appointments.

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

• The selection online at Spa Boutique
• Nefer Spa’s Pyramid of Pleasures

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Regular bra plus low-backed top equals fashion crime. (Carrie may have pulled it off a few times, but until we’re cast as a fashion-forward journalist in a late-night TV drama, it’s a no.)

In need of a suitable replacement for our bra’s supportive band (nipple pasties just don’t, well, cover it), we were overjoyed when we heard about Elaine Cato’s Breakthrough Backless Bra ($42). The winner of last summer’s TV show American Inventor just landed on Canadian shelves thanks to The Bay.

This full-cup bra (in B through DD) provides us the seamless coverage and structure of an underwire but eliminates the hook-and-eye necessity of a band since it rests on shoulder straps alone. And a silicone strip along the wire (familiar from our strapless lingerie) holds the cups closer than a plain bra. OK, it doesn’t give the exact same security as our super supportive bras, but our open-backed looks have never looked better (while still keeping our front crowd-ready too).

Maidenform Breakthrough Backless Bra
www.maidenform.com

Available exclusively at:

The Bay
www.hbc.com
Retail locations listed online

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

• Curvation Sin vs. Sweet
• Lovely Lingerie Spotted

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