VFW 2014

As a first-time attendee, Vancouver Fashion Week was everything I thought a Vancouver fashion event would be-- both the good and the bad. Since I had never gone before and would have been reluctant to attend by myself, I was lucky enough to have a fellow fashionista invite me to view the collections on the second day of VFW. We were fortunate enough to choose a day blessed with beautiful sunshine and heat; however, the high temperature would require that we choose outfits that were slightly more summer than fall in nature. Both of us ended up wearing hats and bold lips (our self-proclaimed style trademarks); however, from there the similarities ended as I wore more black while Bonita wore primarily brights. Nevertheless, we managed to wear somewhat matching outfits without any real effort!
As always, we made sure to have some good food over which to catch up about our latest doings. This time, we decided to have a delicious lunch at Secret Location in Gastown (see below for some shots of my mouth-wateringly good lobster gnocchi and Bonita's halibut). We had both heard about this particular venue before from online features; however, this would be the first time in which both of us would enjoy the luxurious setting and culinary delights of this concept boutique. We both enjoyed the fabulous decor (many were imported from France), appetizing food, and friendly service by the staff during our visit.

Top // H&M

Skirt // The Underground (Singapore)

Shoes // Zara

Necklace // Mong Kok Boutique (Hong Kong)

Hat // Ever New

Bag // Marc by Marc Jacobs

We arrived at the VFW venue about 30-45 minutes late but were surprised to discover that the show was having a fashionably late start. Luckily, we were able to pass the time while waiting to get into the tent by taking photos and having random photographers take photos of us constantly checking social media on our phones (oh dear). After settling into our seats, we were treated to a rough beginning with the first collection (which I couldn't say I loved) of yoga-inspired onesies from a local 'designer.' I personally thought this show was a tad self-indulgent with its overload of performers, from a violinist to a troupe of ballerinas. I also cringed at the thought of yet another Vancouver style stereotype, the yoga-pant-wearing-fanatic, coming to life in this collection. 

However, the next few collections were quite lovely; one menswear line in particular, Shinya Yamaguchi, caught my eye and attention. In fact, I would choose to write the latest Trendy Tuesday post on his strikingly bold designs here. Sadly, I would not be able to stay the entire night to view the entire set of collections; however, what I saw later on social media was good enough to make me regret leaving quite so early!

On Bonita:

Top // Club Monaco

Shorts // Wilfred by Aritzia

Jacket // Rosebud

Shoes // Louise et Cie

Bag // See by Chloe

Lobster Gnocchi

Halibut

A special thanks to Bonita for being my trusty partner-in-crime in trying out new lunch spots and finding yet another reason to dress outlandishly (the last time was at the Hastings Racecourse). Dressing in hats and other eye-catching gear wouldn't be worth the many stares on the street and on transit without your joint effort!