Granville Street is where the world came to Mix it up during the 2010 Olympics. We're carrying this same spirit into the summer with a slew of summer events including dance, music, food and drink. Come visit Vancouver's Street and get the details here.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Manolos and the City



No doubt throngs of gals and their pals have booked cosmopolitan dates for today's momentous occasion. In honour of the long awaited Sex and the City Movie release today, today's post features the new Browns Shoes store in Pacific Center... keeper of Manolo Blahnik.



WWCD (What would Carrie Do?)
She'd probably buy them all! Fictional, Sex in the City character, Carrie Bradshaw unapologetically owned 100 pairs of shoes including Jimmy Choos, Manolos and Louboutins, averaging $450 a pair. A grand total of $40k folks. Ouch! but really, is 100 pairs that much? I'm already at 65. No need to go to such extremes, thankfully, with Brown's designer sale, these animal print Manolo pumps are on sale for $498. Love the Zebra.



If you need a pair to step out on the town tonight, they've over a dozen varieties to choose from on the curved shelving near the back of the store. The upper row of shoes are the Manolos.



Having never been to a Browns Shoes before, I was blown away by the selection of high end designer shoes. Miss Sixty, D&G, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Steve Madden, Stuart Weitzman, Chie Mihara to name a few. Here is a picture of their window display... sadly I love everything in this window. *sob* Who kept this secret from me?


WOWsa, these boots are caliente! Here's a pair of boots by Mimosa that might catch your fancy. As one uncomfortabley awkward boyfriend coined it "Honey, these look like they could... um... stay on. With all them there... buckles." If his girlfriend had been kind she would have let him visit the Apple store while she enjoyed the Designer Sale. Poor schmuck... Tho there was also a selection of men's shoes as well, same excellent quality and brands.

Back to the boots... Hot if you have the body for it. Perfect for a night out on the Granville Drag working the club scene. Buy them, let me know if you feel the hurt. I'm dying to know.



The store is well lit, with beautiful bamboo backlit furnishings while the staff is welcoming, helpful and inobtrusive (refreshing). A very comfortable experience in itself, but customers are also invited to enjoy a refreshing beverage while they shop. A nice touch of hospitality I've only seen at stores like Aveda.



A fantastic selection of shoes from special occasion, to street and office wear with fantastic quality.


Also an assortment of cute purses.


Been somewhat obsessed with celebrity culture as of late.. noticed wedges are very popular with actresses such as Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson. The height without the balance issues. Saw these wedges that might look good with a pair of jeans.

Overall, LOVE Browns and so happy they've hit Granville. Will be posting on them frequently... for *your* benefit, of course.

Have a Great weekend!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

An apple a day....



The rumors were true! Apple has set up shop on Granville in the freshly renovated wing of Pacific Center. This flagship store, the first Apple store in Western Canada, welcomed no less than 600 visitors in the first hour alone this weekend. Wondering whats the hype?





There's been a long and vicious rivalry between PC and Macs users. While PCs have been widely accessible, until the arrival of the new Apple store, purchasing an Apple was an endeavor only for the most devout Apple enthusiasts. Check out these hilarious commercials for rivalry enlightenment.




Just like their corporate identity and product designs, the store is bright, contemporary and simple. The space is more about experiencing the life as an apple user... the sleek white computer, the gaming system, the easy to use eye pleasing peripherals to recreational pieces of the multimedia mp3 players. All seamlessly working together. Crazy. Sexy. Cool.

Shoppers are invited to come in and explore the various gadgets first hand. Half a dozen of each product lay on large tables for shoppers to play with. Surf the web or play video games on a high powered mac system, listen to some music on the iPods, or fiddle with the iPod Touch and chat about the products with the on floor personnel garbed in jeans and T-shirts reading "I could talk about this stuff for hours". I believe it. The young, hip staff related easily with customers of all ages, particularly the youthful-facebook-obsessed-techno junkies attracted by the glow of the white lights.

While a store cannot exist without sales, I didn't feel like another number to push through the door. Workshops on how to work iTunes were being held for a crowd of no less than 15, while others jockeyed for a spot at the Genius Bar, the hands-on technical support for your Mac, iPod, or Apple TV. The buzz seems to have died down enough for us mere mortals to venture into the store for a fondle of the merchandise.





I've been frustrated in the past with crude, masculine accessories for my iPod, and despite my internet savvyness have baulked at making this very personal purchase online. I need to touch and feel it.... Yay! Hooray! A generous assortment of accessories in contemporary/unisex style were found against the wall. The gem of the day was the Paul Frank Rubber iPod touch Case. <3. (if you squint you can see it in the middle of the photo... How's that for an afternoon 'Where is Waldo'? ha!)


True to every apple store, I enjoyed the experience but I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed at the lack of architechtural *wow factor* that is typical of other Apple stores.

New York: http://www.writersblocklive.com/images/bigapple.jpg
San Francisco: http://www.dprinc.com/images/projects/large/APPLE%20LARGE%20Stairs.jpg

Regardless, definitely welcome to the Downtown if the iPod enthusiasts walking to work or riding on the transit are any indication.

Happy Hump Day....

Its midweek and you need a reason to get through it all.. Happy Hump Day from ShopGranville!






If this video is lost on you, you've probably neglected to keep up with the most cherry viral bits on 'the interwebs'. No fear, we'll bring you up to speed with a few clips to get you through....

Click here to read an interview with the director of this ingenius video. Enjoy. Review of the new Apple Store and Browns coming up!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Upcoming Feature Shows at the Yale

Ten Years After
Tuesday, June 10 beginning at 9pm/ $27 in advance or $30 at the door
Woodstock legend Ten Years After headlines The Yale for one night only. The latest incarnation of the British blues-rock sensation features Chick Churchill on keyboards, Leo Lyons on bass guitar, Ric Lee on drums, and the dynamic 29-year-old new vocalist/lead guitarist Joe Gooch. Together, the quartet released the 2005 studio album TEN YEARS AFTER ....NOW, followed by the 2006 double live album ROADWORKS, recorded in France and Germany. Plans are now underway for a new CD and DVD release scheduled for 2009. Tickets available online at www.theyale.ca. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this performance.
www.tenyearsafternow.com

Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble
Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21 beginning at 9pm/ $12 at the door
The son of zydeco great Jude Taylor, Louisiana-born vocalist/accordionist Curley Taylor heats things up with his danceable zydeco-meets-R&B style. Get a taste of fiery southern-flavoured blues, soul and zydeco sounds featuring Matt Sonnier and Charlie on rubboards, Errol Taylor on bass, Keith Clement on keyboards, and Erick Minix on drums.
www.curleytaylor.com

Tinsley Ellis
Friday, July 18 beginning at 9pm/ $18 in advance or $20 at the door
Following up on the success of his 2005 release LIVE-HIGHWAYMAN, famed guitarist Tinsley Ellis returns with MOMENT OF TRUTH. The 2007 release is deemed Ellis’ most guitar-driven and aggressive studio recording yet. Soulful vocals, ferocious guitar playing and introspective songwriting set this album apart from previous works. Performing over 150 shows a year, Ellis has appeared throughout Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, and South America where he has shared the spotlight with renowned artists such as The Allman Brothers, Robert Cray, Koko Taylor, and Widespread Panic. Tickets available online at www.theyale.ca. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this performance.
www.tinsleyellis.com

Jason Ricci and New Blood
Thursday, July 31 beginning at 9pm/ $13 in advance or $15 at the door
Compared to acts as diverse as The Rolling Stones, John Coltrane and Lou Reed, Jason Ricci and New Blood have garnered accolades and distinguished awards from blues societies all over the world. Listed in the Mercury News “Top Ten Shows of 2005” alongside Prince, Rush and Green Day, the Eclecto Groove Recording Artists perform at international festivals, events and venues, where they successfully merge the energy of punk rock with the skill and refinement of jazz. The virtuoso hipsters are led by harp player Ricci whose musical resume includes contest winner of the Sonny Boy Blues Society, Mars Music National Harmonica and The Muddy Waters Award. This performance is generously sponsored by CiTR 101.9 FM Vancouver. Tickets available online at www.theyale.ca. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this performance.
www.jasonricci.com

Secondary Shows:
Dalannah Gail Bowen
Thursday, June 12 beginning at 9:45pm/ Donations accepted for DECA
Dalannah Gail Bowen continues her march on the comeback trail with songs from her recent CD MAMMA’S GOT THE BLUES. Donations gratefully accepted to support the Downtown Eastside Centre For The Arts (DECA) start-up fund.
www.dalannahgailbowen.com

Harris Van Berkel Group
Monday, June 23 beginning at 9:45pm/ No Cover Charge
A founding member of the award-winning group Skywalk, Vancouver guitarist Harris Van Berkel has a busy career as a studio player and musical director. Van Berkel’s guitar chops are legendary as he covers a multitude of styles with ease

Vince Mai Project
Tuesday, June 24 beginning at 9:45pm/ No Cover Charge
Jazz trumpeter Vince Mai is a dynamic soloist and well-known member of various Canadian jazz and funk groups. Deemed a top call studio musician in the Pacific Northwest, Mai explores contemporary smooth-groove jazz from a world perspective that is inspired by travels and performances abroad.
www.mai-music.com

Lesismore
Thursday, June 26 beginning at 9:45pm/ No Cover Charge
One of the Lower Mainland’s ‘must-see’ entertainment gems, Lesismore delivers a high-energy mix of roots, R&B, and a healthy helping of the blues. Lead singer Leslie Harris fronts this tight and talented five-piece band that features Curtis DeBray on guitar, Nino DiPasquale on drums, Steve Hilliam on sax, and Lee Oliphant on bass.
www.lesismoremusic.com

Billy Dixon’s Soul Train Express
Friday & Saturday, June 27 & 28 beginning at 9pm/ $12 at the door
Vancouver born vocalist Billy Dixon pays tribute to the soulful sounds of Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and the Righteous Brothers. Dixon began singing gospel at the age of ten in St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to his hometown where he became a consummate entertainer and former member of popular 60’s and 70’s R&B groups such as Night Train Revue and New Breed.
www.billydixons.com

Special Events:
BC SPCA Benefit
Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 9pm/ $10 at the door
Rob Montgomery and members of Vancouver’s professional music community will congregate onstage for Blues for Paws, a fundraiser for the BC SPCA and animals in need. Top notch entertainment by Rob Montgomery’s Incognito, No Quarter, Sibel Thrasher, Jim Byrnes, Jamie Dale Band, Dave Vidal, Linda Kidder, Billy Dixon, Lesismore, and many surprise guests are guaranteed to satisfy music-savvy patrons while contributing toward a very worthwhile cause. The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization that works to prevent cruelty to domestic, farm and wild animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay and neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Proceeds from Blues For Paws Benefit will go to the Vancouver branch of the BC SPCA. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this event.
www.spca.bc.ca

Aboriginal Day Benefit
Thursday, June 19 beginning at 9pm/ $15 in advance or $20 at the door
Aboriginal Day Benefit is a fundraiser for the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) ~ Elder’s Program. This occasion will also mark a celebration of National Aboriginal Day. For 40 years, the VAFCS has been providing quality programs and services to the community such as the Elder’s Program. The Elder’s Program hosts weekly luncheons, food banks, drop-in sessions, arts and crafts, fundraisers, as well as visitation trips to other service organizations, allowing participants the opportunity to liaise with members of other cultural groups. Proceeds from this event will enable 20 Program Members to attend the “Elder’s Gathering Conference,” hosted by the Kaien Island Elder’s in Prince Rupert during July, 2008. Featured will be a spectacular showcase of traditional music and dance, as well as performances by contemporary local bands Bitterly Devine, Sistersays and The CoyesThomson Band. Price of admission includes a 50/50 draw, silent auction, door prizes, and raffle items donated by local Aboriginal artists. All proceeds will be donated to the VAFCS ~ Elder’s Program. For volunteer opportunities or to make a financial or prize item donation, please email executivedirector@vafcs.org. Yale VIP passes not accepted for this event.
www.vafcs.org

Holt Renfrew Spring Eyewear Event




From Holt Renfrew:

Shop the finest spring 2008 designer eyewear collections by BALENCIAGA, BURBERRY, CHANEL, Chloé, Dior, DOLCE & GABBANA, GIORGIO ARMANI, GUCCI, LANVIN, MARC BY MARC JACOBS, MARNI, PRADA, RALPH LAUREN, Ray-Ban, Roger Vivier, theory, TOM FORD, VALENTINO, VERSACE and YVES SAINT LAURENT.

Join us for our exclusive SPRING 2008 EYEWEAR EVENT* and choose your favourite eyewear MUST-HAVES. This event will feature trunk shows with special styles from the designers listed above and a special gift with purchase: with any eyewear purchase, receive a cleaning kit as your gift.**

Click here to see the flyer

Thursday, May 22, 2008

H&M Preview - For your eyes only!



H&M's special opening last night proved that shopping on Granville Street is unparalleled. Fashionistas agreed it was the best shopping to be had in a good long while.

The location of the latest H&M is literally steps away from Granville skytrain station, making it oh so easy to access from anywhere in the Lower Mainland. The journey, worth every step.

Where to begin? I arrived to see a LONG line up all the way down the block! A definite buzz on the street. Plastic being primed in anticipation. The word was out... H&M had landed.





The store is ultra clean and quite modern. Those who remember the old Holt Renfrew digs will enjoy this hip transformation. Bright lights, White walls, and vibrant color accents. lots of space to manoeuvre even chock-a-block with a frenzied clientele not seen since Boxing Day.



What was there? In a nutshell.. Business clothing (I saw a lovely white blazer that would be great in the office. I was surprised that the blouses were so innovative. You could definitely see the european influence), casual clothing ( alot of prettty summer dresses, tanks, athletic pants, tanks), children's wear, trendsetting pieces that would take confidence to pull off, lingerie, men's wear (lots of really nice dress shirts) and some interesting accessories. A little something for everybody.

Here are a few pieces I thought you'd enjoy...


A gorgeous white sun dress. only $39.99. An awesome dress if you are slim with very little bust. I cried a little inside I loved this dress so much....



Adorable flipflops with a slight heel. Sexy and fun. Be sure to get a pedi first. Manky feet = not so hot.


Despite having about 20 Points of Sale open, they could not keep up with the exhuberant shoppers last night... with due cause. Shoppers enjoyed 25% last night at the VIP event. I enjoyed having three location to pay for my selections as being in one mind crushing line up is exhausting (not to mention discouraging). The red, purple and yellow sundresses in the above picture were only 7.99, and fit like a DREAM even on curvaeous figures. Bargoon, kids!


If you had less than 12 items in your arms last night, you weren't trying hard enough! Line up of no less than 60 ladies at one point. It will be no different when you go. Bring a girlfriend and tag team the line-ups.



Love these shoes. Don't you?


The New H&M store has two beautiful levels.


Upstairs housed the younger, trendier fare. Saw a fun hot pink tiger print dress that would have pleased me to no end during my Jem and the Holograms phase... circa 1985.



A DJ was spinning upstairs providing energetic beats through out the entire store. Plenty of selection for the gents as well. No shortage of attractive men last night.





I'm not a H&M fan girl, but last night they had me converted. I left with 10 items with a total less than $160. You just can't beat that style or price! Downtown Vancouver celebrates the arrival of H&M. Check it out today... Grand opening in less than 10 mins..

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Happy Hump Day..

To get you over the hump today.... Enjoy


Wait for it!!! H&M review tomorrow!

I'm going to a special H&M media opening today. Will give you a sneak peak 411 tomorrow morning for those of you who can't make the grand opening tomorrow. Work does get in the way of great shopping opportunities doesn't it?

Clinique Special Offer...




Clinique in the Bay is having a special promotion today.
Go in, enjoy a "Attracted to color" make up workshop with a Clinique expert and enjoy a free travel size of Fresh Bloom Blush in your choice of peony or almond blossom.
Limit one per client, and while supplies last.



Monday, May 12, 2008

What's Going on at Tom Lee Music

Taylor Guitar Road Show @ Tom Lee Music
An Evening Of Guitar Talk And Demos With The Taylor Factory Staff And Guitar Makers — Straight From El Cajon, California. A rare opportunity to see one-of-a-kind guitars and take advantage of special pricing and financing on Taylor Guitars. If you love guitars, this event is for you. 7PM Wednesday May 21st, Tom Lee Music Hall

Make Music! Workshops
Time to dust off that old guitar and get the band back together? Did you always want to play a musical instrument. What's holding you back? Looking for the best microphone for your home studio? Take a look at our fun and informative workshops that are taking place this month at your local Tom Lee Music store.

Band-stravaganza Instrument Clearance Sale
You are invited to an exclusive clearance sale featuring a huge selection of top brand name brass & woodwind instruments featuring Intermediate & Pro Brass & Woodwind Instruments from Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Buffet, Jupiter, Leblanc, Getzen, King, Hans Hoyer and more 10am - 6pm Saturday May 24th Best Western Richmond Hotel & Convention Centre.

Are you a Rockstar?

Love the PS3 game RockBand? Come check out the Rockband championship at Tom Lee Music... Win prizes including real instruments amps, mics, gift cards, video games, t-shirts and swag.




Watch the video

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

CAPRICE V YEAR ANNIVERSARY



THE CAPRICE presents a night five years in the making...
CAPRICE V YEAR ANNIVERSARY- VALLEY OF THE KINGS

A night of Mystery & Wonder
Thursday, May 22nd
Door 9:00 till 3:00
Join us for complimentary drinks and no cover before 10:30pm.
Dress to impress. Don’ t just come….. Be part of the night!

Salad, it's not just rabbit food.


I was walking around Granville, looking for a place where I could get a quick, inexpensive meal- I refuse to settle for greasy fast food! Just as my feet were getting sore, I stumbled upon SaladLoop.


This spacious, well-lit self-serve salad bar offers an assortment of leafy greens, fruits, nuts, cheese, potato and pasta salads, and meat and alternatives- everything you need for a well-balanced meal that’s easy on the tummy and the wallet. You can also pick up some coffee, tea, or juice, and have a bowl of hearty soup or a gourmet sandwich (grilled upon request!). Eat in or take out. A nice dining area, if you need a place to rest the rump.

I made myself a spinach salad with nuts and dried fruit, drizzled in japanese apple ginger dressing… dee-licious! A decent-sized dish for under $4. I definitely will be going back again soon.

Snackers rejoice! Even if your stomach is grumbling, go ahead and indulge. You can pile these goodies on your plate guilt-free.

- Celia Cat

iRumor...

Rumor has it that Apple may be opening up a store in Pacific Centre, across from Harry Rosen. Will keep you in the know.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

SAVE THE DATE: May 22



H&M opens its flagshop store at the Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver on May 22, 2008. Occupying over 28,000 square feet of fashion on two floors (The old Holt Renfrew space), the store will be the largest in Canada and will feature H&M collections for women, men, teenagers, and children.


To celebrate the opening, the first 250 customers in line will receive a randomly selected H&M gift card preloaded with a value between $10 - $200. Throughout the day, customers will also receive a stylish H&M gift with purchase. In addition, there will be extra special opening offers on already amazing prices for and after the opening day. Store opens at NOON after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

AC/DC tribute band



Love AC/DC? Tonight at the Plaza Club the AC/DC tribute band, BC/DC is performing at 9pm.

Oh Boy! George..






Don't even *bother* to pretend you aren't excited that BOY GEORGE is coming to town. Tickets are going on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10am. Dig out your slouch socks for the July 21 show. I'll be there.. with spandex on.