Front and Company Rummage Sale ♥

It's that time of year again: it's time for Front and Company's Rummage Sale! Time to get up nice and early for a cup of coffee on Main Street and roll up your sleeves while lining up to get into the gem consignment store for crazy deal goodies ♥

I've been able to go to every sale they've had for the past 2 years or so now and each time I've come home with amazing finds. One year I scored a pair of COH Jeggings and a pair of super cute Prada sandals while last year I managed to dig up a couple James Perse tanks, a funky Surface To Air top and a little Marc By Marc Jacobs watch. Despite the crowd and hectic atmosphere, it's actually quite fun. I love browsing through the accessories and stationary from their store next door (they usually have a table outside if the weather is nice - crossing my fingers for sun this weekend).

I'll definitely be stopping by this weekend (hopefully before) work to see what treasures are to be found! I hope you lovelies will have the time to stop by and do some digging (and share your finds)!

xo
Lori

The New Black - Ombré Nails For Spring!

Remember how I was madly obssessed with The New Black's Ombre Nail sets? Well guess what - Vincent Park just got a shipment in today of the Spring colors! I just happened to step into the store to have a look at what's new and lo and behold there the adorable little sets were.
This shipment round brings in 3 new color sets Haze (purple), Waves (a gorgeous green to blue) and Walrus (a mix of browns to nudes).

I ended up picking up Walrus and Waves. I have yet to try them out on my nails, but I have a feeling I might be back in for the Haze sometime soon! These Nail Polish sets practically flew out the door last time Vincent Park had them in stock, so if you want them, better make your way down and get them fast (not to mention there's a good 50% off sale rack at Vincent Park topped off with many super gorgeous Spring Arrivals from Dolce Vita, Brandy and Melville and lots more).

You can also pick these guys up on the Nordstrom website - BUT I don't see any of the Spring colors available (so Vincent Park's the way to go)!

$24 per set of 5 mini bottles ♥

xo
Lori

Japanese Wellies From Much And Little ♥

Just picked myself up a pair of super cute Japanese Wellies from one of my favorite little shops on Main called Much And Little. I've been looking for a pair of rainboots that I could easily take on the go and wear without feeling dragged down (some rainboots are so darn heavy).

I've gone through several pairs now, and have to say this pair is my favorite. It's simplistic design is perfect for my lifestyle, they are so lightweight - when I first put them on it literally felt like I wasn't wearing anything, the boots have a buckle in the back to be cinched or worn loose, they can be rolled up (great for traveling around), and the rubber is crazily soft (think soft rubber like smooshy leather). They were originally made for rice field workers so they are very flexible and pliable.

Some pictures of the boots from Much And Little blog:

You can roll them up for travel!

Much And Little is another super adorable little shop along Main Street that just opened October of 2011. It really felt like home the first time I stepped in with the warm and comforting decor. The store truly lives up to it's description as being much and little with its well curated, simple and timeless goods for everyday and the grand occasion. It's really the perfect place to shop for gifts and trinkets.

 

The shop carries a variety of hard to find and gorgeous items from beautiful leather goods, Pendleton blankets, well-crafted and classic canvas totes and bags, to the perfect little striped tees from Small Trades (love them). I always find something amazing in this little room of treasures.

Some of my favorite items the store stocks are these beautiful fair trade handmade scissors made by a master artisan from India and these super cute ceramic cups from Pigeon Toe - the pop of color on the inside is such a pleasant surprise.

If you're around and visiting Main Street don't forget to stop by Much and Little for some lovely inspiration and goods ♥

xo

Lori

IFound Gallery: The Place For DIY

(Photo Via Poser Series)

For all of you readers out there who love creating jewelry, crafting or anything DIY you should definitely check out the IFound Gallery on Main Street. I have been working in the Mount Pleasant area for over a year now and only newly discovered this fantastic shop a few months ago. IFound Gallery has an amazingly extensive collection of (vintage) findings, chains, semi precious stones, keys, pendants, vintage glasses, cameos, buttons, silk scarves (and many other things that don't come to mind right now) and they have a small section of vintage clothing. They also carry tools for jewelry making, Hypo cement glue, DIY books, and wire.

(Photos via Tumblr)

Word of advice: you might want to stop by when you're not in a rush. The first time I visited, I actually was in a rush to catch the bus before my ticket expired - well that failed horribly as I spent 2 hours in the shop and didn't even realize it.

I find their prices (though not the absolute best) are fairly decent and actually great if you're just doing a small project that does not require buying in bulk. I love their selection of chain, semi precious stones and metal pendants (there are some very cute sailboats, shells, and leaves) and also their "mixed chain bags" where you get a bit of many different chains.

For all those who do not live in Vancouver who would also love to browse IFound Gallery's collection and supplies, fear not! They have an online site as well as an Etsy shop!
After stopping by IFound Gallery, if you're still looking for jewelry bits and (better) stones Beadfreaks just a few blocks down should be your next stop. It may be a small store, but they have drawers and drawers and drawers of gorgeous stones and lots of little beads to finish off your project with (the stones of one of my best selling necklaces are from here).
If you're more of a knitter than a jewelry maker - also in the area you'll find Three Bags Full who describe themselves as the place for people who love to knit.
Main Street is a great place for creative minds and crafters.

I get most of my inspiration for making jewelry from nature as well as jewelry pieces I see in magazines and shops. I do love having a large amount of stones and chain so I can play around with shapes and how I might put them together - but that's very costly compared to knowing what you want to make and going to get what you need. Where do you get your creativity from? Have you made anything lately? 

 (Photos via Etsy)

xo

Lori

Last Minute Christmas Wish List ♥

Can you believe it? Only 5 more days until Christmas! Time goes by so quickly. I remember this time last year I was scrambling the streets of Beijing for trinkets and gifts and decorating my dorm room with ornaments and paper snowflakes (my roommate got quite the surprise when she got home that night). And now I'm here: home. Sitting with a cup of tea, my laptop and watching the lights on the Christmas tree winking and twinkling. Sometimes it feels like I never left Vancouver ♥

For the majority of my family and friends, Christmas shopping is complete (I'm not a last minute running around the mall kinda girl)! But hey a girl can dream of a few last minute surprises popping up under the tree.
Here are a few things on my wish list that are super easy (budget friendly) gifts to get last minute for anyone - best of all they can all be found in Vancouver!

These are adorably sleek and convenient for the moody coffee lover (like myself). Grind just enough beans for one cup of coffee - freshly grinding the beans right before they come in contact with hot water makes the difference in taste.
Find @ Homewerx 2928 Granville Street

Bistro Burr Grinder $99.99                             Bistro Blade Grinder $34.99

                          

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All Marble & Milkweed products are made by hand and with love in New York City. These pretty, aromatic and sensous teas make the perfect blend for a morning sip or an afternoon pick-me-up. Delicious both hot and iced (add a bottle of honey for some extra sweetness).
This simple lip balm is loaded with organic coconut and sesame oil and vitamin E for maximum lip protection and nourishing. Not to mention it's delightfully packed in a cute little silver tin!
Find @ Oliver and Lilly's 1520 West 13th (just off Granville Street)

 

Marble and Milkweed Organic Teas $16/2oz                              Marble and Milkweed Simple Lip Balm $8

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Whether you're young or old, a girl or a boy everybody can use a pair of cheerfully printed and colored Happy Socks. Happy Socks are high quality, super soft socks made from combed cotton. Designed in Sweden and manufactured in Turkey, the collection of socks features an almost endless variety of models and designs, crossing a wide spectrum of color combinations, materials and textures. Best of all, every pair is unisex!
Find @ Charlie and Lee 223 Union Street $13-$17/pair

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Those with a love for home decor will love one of these hanging mobiles from Vancouverite Stu Hughe's Celestial Visions collection. Elegant, beautiful and absolutely mesmerizing - perfect addition to any room. Each mobile comes pre-assembled in a box (simply remove from the box and it's ready for hanging). Available in gorgeous geometric spheres or darling dangling feathers and crystals. $40-$100

Find @ Nouvelle Nouvelle 209 Abbott Street (in Gastown)

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A holiday classic: these animal shot glasses come in both black and white, available in several animals and best of all can stand on their heads. Perfect addition to anyones collection or bar. These are super popular so make sure you get one before they're sold out! $30 each.
Find @ Vincent Park 4278 Main Street

There are tons of shopping haven cities out there, but to me Vancouver has it all. With more and more amazing boutiques and shops popping up around the city, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else to shop (okay, fine that's not entirely true, but shopping in Vancouver is still on top of the list)!

Some other great shops around Vancouver to go looking for stocking stuffers and trinkets:
Front and Company 3772 Main Street
The Hach 197 East 17th Avenue (just off Main Street and 17th)
Much and Little 2541 Main Street
Mr. Lee's General Store & Haberdashery 109 East Broadway
Old Faithful Shop 320 West Cordova Street

Happy last few days of shopping lovelies ♥

xo

Lori

The New Black - Ombré Nails

I recently picked up these adorable mini nail polish sets at Vincent Park and I am absolutely obsessed. I change my nail color every couple of days. Some days it'll be ombré pink, other days ombré black, ombré blue, sometimes all glittery and silver, other times pretty in pink, shiny metallic blue...the fun never ends with these! I can't wait to start experimenting and create the gradient on a single nail!

Each set comes with 5 mini bottles. They claim to be free of toluene, formaldehyde, camphor and DBP and to be "expertly curated colors carefully selected for perfectly graduated tones. Take nails beyond the pale and graduate from the monochrome to incremental colors, one for each nail. Vegan-friendly, long-wearing and chip-resistant."
Vegan-friendly? I sure hope so! Long wearing and chip resistant? I can't quite answer that yet...since none of my nails have worn a single color for more than 3 days (but I'll let you know later on). I've never been a nail polish fanatic (that might change), but since I purchased these ombré sets I find myself looking at nail polish all the time when I'm out shopping.

These adorable sets make great stuffing stockers. They come in blue, pink, black, and red. I personally love red nail polish - but didn't quite take a liking to the red set (it seemed a bit dark, dull, and not too fun). The pink is super pretty and vibrant. The blue is very cool, I love the metallic. The black would have to be my favorite as not only do all the colors look amazing together (the glittery silver and shimmery black are so pretty), but I love each one by itself as well.

So if you're scrambling for a last minute gift add-on, stocking stuffer, or even Secret Santa head out to Vincent Park on Main Street and pick one (or two...) up before the sell out (*warning* visiting the shop might entice you to leave with more than just nail polish)! Don't be shy to strike up a good conversation with the lovely ladies there.

$24 a set ♥
You can also pick these up from Nordstrom!

xo

Lori

Cutest Shop Ever: The Hach ♥

Carefully tucked away just off the corner of Main Street and 17th, The Hach has to be one of the most adorable and lovely stores I have ever stepped foot in. First thought that came to mind on my first visit was how similar it was to the quirky little boutiques I used to frequent while studying in Beijing - think chic cool clothing alongside adorably classy stationary sprinkled with darling trinkets. Ah nostalgia.

The Hach is a whimsical mix of Korean and Japanese stationary and accessories and a classically cool curated collection of shoes and Korean as well as local clothing (think minimalistic chic). Whether you're a lover of everything cutesy, pink and Hello Kitty or love elegant and classy trinkets and tidbits, you will love The Hach.

 

Prices are amazingly reasonable for such unique and pretty items. The Hach has officially become my stop for stationary, notebooks, desk writing pads (so perfectly convenient), an addition (or two...) of clothes to my wardrobe, and best of all...gifts! So if anyone out there is scrambling for gift ideas or stocking stuffers, a stop at The Hach is a must. How can you go wrong with a super cute pen in her favorite color? Or a fun oversized desk planner? Or a timeless, chic, minimalistic open asymmetric sweater (this one beats all other ones I've ever owned...even my most coveted one from Aritzia)?

All the shoes and clothing curated to be in the shop will definitely not disappoint - seeing as they were carefully picked out by owner Tara Hach, who previously was a designer for Obakki (Obakki!!!)! Need a card to go with that? Hach's got your back (and if you forgot the sweets, Hach's got candy and chococlate design cards). 

 

I can't say enough about this little gem. I wish I could just bottle up the entire store and carry it with me wherever I go.
If you're ever in the sweet little neighborhood of Main, don't forget to take a peak into The Hach! 

Did I mention they have an online store and a blog? ♥

xo

Lori