Monthly Archives: June 2011

Bonne Fête Canada!

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I’m working this Canada Day (which involves taking a group of families to Granville Island, not bad huh?!), however if not working, my ideal way to spend Canada Day would be a BBQ at the beach, drinks with friends and viewing the fireworks alone with my hubby…

Here’s some ideas for how to spend Canada Day in Vancouver:

  • Canada Place: live entertainment, art exhibits, a parade and fireworks. 
  • Steveston: get out of the big smoke and enjoy a children’s festival, food fair, art show and a salmon BBQ at the gorgeous Steveston. 
  • Granville Island: free jazz performances courtesy of Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, face painting, roving characters, tattoos, a parade, and more… that’s where I’ll be.
  • Canada Day Fireworks: A two-barge pyrotechnic show with ticketed viewing at Canada Place. The West Vancouver barge will be located off Dundarave in West Vancouver and the second barge will be located in Coal Harbour
  • Canada Day on Robson: Mainstage features funk band Soulstream and Brazilian music and dance ensemble Ache Brasil, with street performers and family-friendly activities, showgirls and giveaways.
  • Picnic at Jericho Beach: bring your food, drinks & portable BBQ, the tables and sand is provided for you.
  • View the fireworks from the water, take a cruise on the water and enjoy a delicious dinner with Vancouver Charters
  • Not interested in the crowds? Not a problem. Instead, go for a hike at Lynn Canyon – cross the suspension bridge (this is the free one!), bring your swimmers and hiking shoes.

How are you spending your Canada Day?

xxo, SSM

30 for 30 Remix update 1/6

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Day 1/30

Started my 30 for 30 day challenge off feeling excited and apprehensive. Busy day at home baby-sitting friend’s kids, running about doing errands and in the evening a rooftop BBQ to celebrate a friend’s b’day – fabulous 360 degree views of Vancouver. And again – am posing for my outfit shoot and my little man needs me, somehow the photo was more complete with him! This outfit was inspired by a pic (the gorgeous lady on the far left) on one one of my go-to blogs: mydailystyle.

What I wore: T-shirt – Amour Lux, laundry room;  Jeans – Witchery; Shoes – H&M;  Belt – vintage; Earrings – Spank; Sunglasses – H&M, sale $2!

Day 2/30

Super cranky on this day. Early start, rainy morning, lack of coffee, bad hairday and not being allowed to shop for me (out shopping here for husband, hence the pouty face!). Day did get better – sun came out and it was our wedding anniversary so had a fabulous date night.

What I wore: Shirt: Forever 21, swapped; Blazer: Sisley, laundry room; Jeans: Blue Notes, swapped; Sandals: Target, laundry room; Scarf: Cotton On, gift; pout: priceless!

Day 3/30

Beautiful day in Vancouver – sunbathed by the playground all day and went to church at night (photos from the garden outside our church – gorgeous spot!)

What I wore: Skirt – thrifted; Top – Old Navy, swapped; Shoes – Target, swapped; Necklace, swapped; Belt – stolen from Mom!

Day 4/30

I called this outfit ‘A black day’ – the weather was rotten and I was grumpy – I’d lost my keys! My g/friend took these shots and as usual my littlest man wanted ‘in’ on the shoot!

 What I wore: Jeans: Blue Notes, swapped; Tee: J Crew, swapped; Shoes: Shoe Warehouse; Purse: Mom (!); Necklace – Spank; Sunglasses – H&M; Bracelet – made by g/friend with Hex Nuts from the hardware store, reminds me of WhoWhatWear’s chain reaction post see here

Day 5/30 

Busy day but made me realise how I love my life sometimes – after my sleep-in till nine (my husband and I take turns with our mornings), I spent my morning at one of my favourite Vancouver locations: Regent College, a Bible college on UBC’s campus. They have an AMAZING coffee and bookshop as well as great public lectures and wonderful summertime concerts. It’s kid-friendly and a fantastic place to meet up with my friends. Here having coffee with a girlfriend while listening to an incredible jazz trio. The scarf as a belt was an inspiration from Jill GG from Goodlifeforless and Linda from Rose a la Mode



What I wore: Tee – Michael Stars, swapped; Skirt – Esprit, sale; Shoes – Aldo, consignment; Scarf – thrifted; Jewellery – H&M, Moms, thrifted.

5 down, 15 to go!

Woo woo woo!!

xxo, SSM



Bloggers Do It Better

Style it up on Canada Day

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While on the 4th July our friends across the border will be adorned in stars, stripes, blue, red & white we Canucks will be celebrating OUR special day on the 1st July wearing simply red & white.

Aside from wearing the cheesy Joe Fresh t-shirts (festive shirts are SO not me nor simply stylish as far as I’m concerned), here’s some ideas for a simply stylish Canada day outfit!

Thankfully Gap offers a multitude of fantastic red and white options for us.

For Mom:

For Dad:

For the little men:

and for those of you who have little ladies:

Happy stylish Canada Day friends!

xxo, SSM

Tuesday’s giveaway: Soulful shoes

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Alice OakDarling readers, I have an absolutely fantastic giveaway this week!!! Local company Colourful Grass designs and makes eco-friendly shoes for men and women. They create stylish shoes from recycled products and work closely with their manufacturers making sure they use sustainably sourced materials and treat their workers ethically. Their main aim is to reduce our environmental footprint and to reuse and recycle resources to make fashionable shoes. Their materials include Organic Hemp Canvas, Organic Cotton, Recycled Rubber, PU, and Coconut Shell Buttons. They sent me a pair of their Rachel shoes (in slate). Not only is this shoe hand stitched and made of hemp, it is super comfortable and looks fabulous worn casually with jeans and a tee. I live in these and they’re so easy for a simply stylish Mom to slip on when running out of the house. For today’s giveaway, Colourful Grass is generously offering a 50 % off purchases voucher for their online store. Also you have to do is: 1. Visit their website here and let me know your favourite Colourful grass shoe! 2. You get an extra entry if you tweet and/or facebook this offer also. This is a fantastic offer – you can purchase these amazing shoes for you AND your husband.

Susan WoadDavid SandMaude Bark

Rachel SlateSepp NaturalVandana Rose

Happy giveaway Tuesday!

love, SSM

Need a chuckle?

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Wow, it’s been a rough week for some of my friends and I. I’ve really appreciated the love and laughter provided by my family this week. And also, little moments of laughter provided by YouTube. Unless you’ve already seen these, here’s two videos that have helped me smile through the week. Two things I love: watching men who are great with babies & watching babies interact with animals. Wow, this sounds like I really love babies. Hmm, not so. I like my babies and some of my friends babies but i am definitely NOT A person. Just to make that clear. NOT a baby person. ANYHOO… onto our laughter for the week:

Heheheehohohoho!

xxo, SSM

Saturday’s schmoozings with…

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… 4 year old blogger and budding fashionista Tallulah of This Is How I Stroll. Tallulah’s Mommy is Erika Pantages, a local simply stylish Mom and founder of Dirty Laundry a gorgeous kids fashion line. Erika is also the Moms and Kids contributor for one of my go-to blogs Vitamin Daily. It was a great honor and pleasure to be able to interview these two gorgeous ladies.

SSM: When did you start blogging and what inspired you and your Mom to start doing this?

Tallulah: I started blogging soon after I was born inspired by so many wonderful products and clothing I was given as gifts or that my momma picked up.

SSM: You certainly have an eye for style, is that due to nature or nurture?

Tallulah: A little of both – inspired by stylish great grandmothers and my momma has been in the fashion industry for a long time.

SSM: Your Mom is certainly a simply stylish Mom, where are her favourite places to shop a) in Vancouver b) internationally c) online?

Tallulah: In Vancouver all the little shops popping up in Gastown are fabulous – but favorite long time shopping places include Moule, Fine Finds, The Block and a good sale at Holts!  Throw in a great vintage store and we are set! Internationally not much beats NY for me!  Online she loves the British site ASOS and in the USA Kirne Zabete and Catherine Malendrino for inspiration.

SSM: What are your favourite shops and places to hang in Vancouver?  

Tallulah: Great kids shops for me are Hip Baby, Dandelion Kids and EIO Kids (and my momma loves their big sister shop Beauty Mark of course)  We spend most of our time at the beach or great local parks (like our amazing neighborhood water park in Strathcona)

SSM: I see that your favourite colour is pink, we are seeing plenty of that in the stores this summer, what are some of your – and your Moms favourite fashion trends at the moment? 

Tallulah: A great floppy hat, long flowing skirts and jumpsuits and fun wedge shoes.

SSM: Before your Mommy was a Mom, how did she spend her days?

Tallulah: Co owning a fashion label Dirty Laundry (www.ilovedirtylaundry.com) and consulting in the fashion industry.

SSM: Do you have any words of wisdom for any other four year old fashionistas out there?

Tallulah: Wear what feels great that day – keep it feeling effortless

SSM: Finally – Erika and Tallula, time for a style minute, say the first thing that comes to mind:

Favourite thing to wear -

Tallulah: any dress with jeans under

Erika: long dress

Favourite shoes - 

Tallulah:  my biker boots

Erika:  ballet flats

Most regrettable fashion purchase: (meanwhile Tallulah has left the interview and has gone to play…) - 

Erika: too many to mention – but they always seem to find a good home!

I know I look good when -

Erika: I feel great with one look in the mirror.

Most prized accessory -

Erika: My beautiful Alexander McQueen scarf from my husband

Last purchase - 

Erika: In NY – some great white linen pants

My most coveted movie/tv show wardrobe -

Erika: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

My style -

Erika: Classic with a fun twist

Thanks so much for your time Erika and Tallulah, you are both two of Vancouver’s most simply stylish ladies!

Happy Saturday!

xxo, SSM

Simply stylish celeb moms: wearing our brands!

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The First Lady in GAP

celebs in highstreet | celebrity fashion | british high street

Demi Moore in H&M trousers aka ‘trews’

Jennifer Lopez | celebs in highstreet | celebrity fashion | british high street

J-Lo – can you believe she’s had kids?!- in a cute Topshop jacket

Kate Moss | celebs in highstreet | celebrity fashion | british high street

Sexy Kate Moss in Mango, one of my favourite European brands, I wish it was here in Vancouver!

Miranda Kerr | celebs in highstreet | celebrity fashion | british high street

Aussie and a new simply stylish MOM, Miranda Kerr showing us how easy it is to get your pre-babe body back (?!) wearing a Topshop mini-skirt

Natalie Portman | celebs in highstreet | celebrity fashion | british high street

Another new Mom (to a boy, congrats – and good luck!) and wonderful actress (I recently watched Black Swan – woah!), Natalie Portman looking gorgeous in H&M

images courtesy of huffingtonpost & instyle

Latest looks from Anthropologie

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I love these six outfits from Anthropologie. Note the hints of trial print. Lots of cream & burnt oranges and whispers of blue.

I tried on this sweater, it’s wonderful and suits a variety of skin types. It’s a useful summer sweater but could be paired with a long sleeved collared shirt and be good as a Fall/Winter sweater. Just waiting till it goes on sale!

I have these pants! Just don’t get them dirty! How snuggly does the cardigan look?

How gorgeous is this boho maxi skirt? I love it! Pity about the price, again another one to wait for! Interesting shoes, not sure if I’d wear those though.

This is my favourite look. The shoes and the scarf are so vintage-inspired and I love the idea of wearing a scarf instead of a necklace with a strapless sundress.

Thanks again Anthro for inspiring me!

xxo, SSM

Thrifty Thursday: 30 for 30 challenge Summer 2011

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I’m linking up with Kendi Everyday to partake in the 30 for 30 challenge:
What?
1. Take 30 items in your closet.
2. Make 30 outfits in 30 days.
3. No shopping for 30 days.
Why (or in the words of my husband “HONEY, WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING THAT?”)?
1. I have been challenged to ‘shop my closet’  - in efforts to realise how blessed I am with some great pieces and to challenge myself to make the most of what I have!
2. Re-mixing. I’ve never really been good at remixing clothes and being creative with separate pieces so I’m really excited to try this out!
3. What else does one do when she has two kids, a part-time job, a blog, endless events and activities already planned…?
Hehee, I love the challenge!
Here’s what I’m going to have to choose from:
9 tops

5 pairs of shoes

3 pairs of pants

1 cardigan, 1 vest & 1 blazer

3 dresses
5 skirts (because i love skirts!)
2 pairs of shorts
Wish me luck!
xxo, SimplystylishMom