Photo Credit: Bienvenido Cruz

So dramatic. So artsy. So beautiful.

Made by hand from locally sourced materials, Vancouverite Terri Portraz is the talented woman behind Larry Designs (www.wearelarry.com). Known for artfully crafting oversized scarves, the line now also includes jewelry and accessories, using techniques like weaving, macramé, and nautical tying.

The latest collection, Lobird Road, will be presented in Vancouver at the Grace Gallery (1898 Main Street) on Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 8-11pm.

Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

The architectural masterpiece, Leaves of Gold by Tiffany designer Frank Gehry, is on our swoon list. Imitating nature, each leaf is unique, shaped by hand in 18 karat yellow, rose, or white gold and covered with sparkling round diamonds. The brooch retails for $45,000 at Tiffany & Co. Sigh. A girl can dream!

I’m sure Vancouver’s fashion obsessed would be quick to agree when I compare vintage shopping to the treasure-hunting thrill sought by pirates. Really, there’s nothing more exciting than discovering an old treasure in the depths of your local thrift shop. Past the vintage scarves, through the isle of forgotten party dresses and underneath the assortment of old tea hats is where your find is sure to hide. For Teresa Smed of Dotted Loop jewelry, treasure hunting is her everyday job.

Originally stepping into the fashion scene as a clothing designer, Smed switched to jewelry after her clothing and bag collection was consumed by a house fire a few years back. On a later road trip to Calgary and sudden stop at an antique store about to close its doors, Smed was inspired by the “shelves of glittering antique baubles”, and thus Dotted Loop was born.

“I love finding an old broach from the turn of the century and imagining it twisted and tangled in a bed of chains and pearls,” notes Smed. “I can’t wait to get into my studio and play with a found treasure.” Today’s collection consists of three separate lines: Dotted Loop – the luxury vintage collection; Glam Vintage Remix – equally as fabulous but with a more affordable price tag; and dl – Smed’s venture into an ambitious, creative and indeed vintage inspired unisex line including marching-band inspired aiguillettes worn from shoulder to lapel.

Lucky for you there’s no need to hunt for these treasures. Find Dotted Loop at a plethora of Vancouver-boutiques (listed on website), and shop online too. www.dottedloop.com.

Wowing the jewellery and fashion world for years now, Thomas Sabo, the jewellery house known for sterling silver, charms, and watches around the world, recently held a party in downtown Toronto at Ultra to officially announce their desire to conquer Canada’s fashion and jewellery world.  With their global success in highly sought after accessory and jewellery markets around the world (New York, Paris, London, Milan), this won’t be difficult.

From socialites to actors and in-the-know shoppers, Thomas Sabo was welcomed with applause and cheers in Toronto on Wednesday October 28^th, 2009.

Always contemporary and unforgettable, the Thomas Sabo collection now includes watches. For 2009, Thomas Sabo definitely has one of the strongest accessory trilogies in the market (The Sterling Silver Collection, the Charm Club Collection and now the Watches collection).

The Thomas Sabo stand-alone signature store (the first in Canada) is located at Place Rosemere in Rosemere, Quebec. To find a retailer, visit www.thomassabo.com.

Four core fashion finds from boutiques around Vancouver that a girl shouldn’t be without this summer!

1. Summer dress — it’s a no-brainer when it comes to sorting out an outfit. This fabulous little dress carries many unique characteristics. It’s made from the environmentally friendly fabric Lyocell, created from wood pulp, and drapes like a dream. It’s also reversible. By Passenger Pigeon, $170, available at Hum Clothing (www.humclothing.com).
2. Jewellery — an item that no matter how bold, it leaves the impression that you’ve made an extra effort. This beautifully handcrafted necklace and earrings, detailed with ebony and a silver inlay, are the perfect accessories to enhance your outfit. By Lindsay Staniforth, necklace $75, earrings $56, available at the Wood Co-op (www.woodco-op.com).
3. Shoes — the defining factor. Nine times out of ten, it’s the one staple people tend to remember when they check out your outfit. Make your mark with these sultry, strappy sandals. They may be high-heeled, but they are heaven to walk in. Available in black and brown by Modern Vintage, $239, at Bionic Footwear (www.bionicfootwear.com).
4. Belt — it hides a multitude of sins. A belt is basically a girl’s best friend. It gives you form when you need it most, and lets you set the mark on where that waistline starts! The bigger, the better — try this cream leather belt with a large silver metal buckle by Paul and Joe, $325, available at Eden Fashion Boutique (www.edenfashionboutique.com).

Photos courtesy of Modish.

“Unique,” “hip,” “fashion-forward” and “born in Canada” are just a few ways to describe Modish, the Vancouver-based, online jewelry boutique set out to find that “missing piece” for the urban fashionista.

After storming the scene two years ago, Modish has been gaining momentum both locally and internationally for their eclectic and bold designs.  Originality is the name of the game with a new collection launched each season, and the necklaces, earrings and bracelets are made from semi-precious stones and the highest-quality metals.

The pieces are affordable, and styles range from a unique take on classic pearls to multi-layered chain motifs and exotic summer-ready chunky stones. Or check out Modish’s made-to-order couture line. There’s guaranteed to be something to fit each and every mood.  So, if you’re in the market for a dramatic accessory to update your wardrobe, visit www.modish.ca. Their sample sale is happening now with up to 80% off selected items and prices starting at only $15.00.

Check out next month’s issue for an interview with the creator of Modish.