Vancouver International Burlesque Festival

...O la la. The 4th annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is happening on May 1st till the 10th (and therefore, 10 days of sexy costumes, dancing and all sorts of burlesque fun).

The festival includes music shows, art, parties, a burlesque catwalk fashion show, dance classes, workshops, and of course, what would be a burlesque festival without burlesque shows?

For all you lovers of burlesque or those just wanting to check out all the action, here's what happening on Granville Street:

Monday May 4th:

Presented by Misty Knight,"Burlesque the Catwalk" Fashion Show at Caprice Nightclub. Doors open at 8PM, show at 9PM and ends 11PM.

Wednesday May 6th:

Diamond Minx presents: 'The Diamond Mine' at Whineo's. Restaurant opens at 4PM for dinner, show at 10PM and ends 11:30PM.

For more information on tickets and to view other events happening during the festival check out: http://www.vanburlesquefest.com

So, release your inner pin-up girl - Kitty Meow Meow or Candy Cane or whatever she's called....or if you don't have an pin-up girl alter ego then make like Dita Von Teese and burlesque it up!

Grand & Toy Promotion

After renovating the store, Grand & Toy is back and ready to serve you better! From May 1st to May 15th Grand and Toy on Granville is running 2 great promotions in the Copy & Print Center.

First, get 500 full color business cards for the price of 250!! And starting at just $29.99 it seems like an amazing deal. So, if you need to get your business out there now is the time to stock up on those cards.

Second, color copies are only 39 cents each. This price applies to all single-sided, letter size copies.

Stop by the store at 550 Granville Street or call 604-688-7810 for more details.

VSO: Exciting Russian Classics

On May 9th, 2009 at 8PM the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents 'Exciting Russian Classics' at the Orpheum Theatre.

Join conductor Bramwell Tovey and Alexander Gavrylyuk on piano as they perform such works as: Rimsky-Korsakov Russian Easter Overture, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, James Beckwith Maxwell Olympic Commission, Shostakovich The Age of Gold Suite and Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture.

The Orpheum Theatre website bio on Gavrylyuk had this to say about the talented pianist:

"Rubinstein Competition winning piano prodigy Alexander Gavrylyuk is one of the top pianists of his generation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Lang Lang and Yundi Li. His performance of Tchaikovsky's other piano concerto will blow you away (if anything, Tchaikovsky's Second Piano Concerto is even more fiery and exciting than his first!)".



Visit www.vancouversymphony.ca for more information and where to buy tickets.

Pacific Center Round-Up

Now that the weather is getting hotter there's nothing better than shopping in an air conditioned mall, right?

Here's a couple deals and sales to entice you:

Sears: Sears is having their Sears Days with their lowest prices of the year...30% off all regular priced handbags, almost all diamonds are on sale, etc.

Mexx: $100.00 off all men's suits - for all you guys out there, suit up!

RW & Co: is having a contest for the upcoming movie Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. See in store for more details.

E-Sprit: 50-70% off selected items

Banana Republic: All accessories up to 30% off. I saw an amazing graphic orange and grey scarf...perfect for summer. And it's not an ugly orange but a pretty, pretty orange. Sigh, I love it.

AE: All shorts are under $30.00. Definitely a must stop to stock up for summer.

La Senza: 3 bras for $39.00. This is a steal considering some bras sell only for $39.00 - now you can get three! The selection is very spring-summerish - yellows, blues, purples...saw some cute polka dot bras and a sexy leopard print one.

H&M: $20.00 off selected ladies and men's trousers. And for ladies, buy one blouse and get one free (on selected items).

Ermenegildo Zegna: From April 25th - May 2nd, when you buy a suit/sport jacket and trouser combination receive a free made to measure dress shirt.

And, keep your eyes peeled for the store Underground opening in Pacific Center soon. They carry brands like Bench, Miss Sixty, Lacoste, Soia & Kyo (if you don't know who this brand is scroll down for a post on their jackets).

As always I recommend checking in store for more information on the sales/deals and the sale end.

...happy shopping!

The White Party at Caprice Nightclub

Thursday, April 30th Caprice Nightclub is hosting their infamous White Party presented by Bacardi. This year the theme is Ancient Greece, so get cracking on those togas and become your own God or Goddess. You will be surrounded by art, music, food and of course, drinks - like the featured Bacardi Superior Cocktails. Mmmm...cocktails.

The event is by invitation and guest list only (!), so make sure to put your name on the guest list and to arrive early to avoid lines and disappointment.

Of course, white attire is mandatory for the event. It is only named the White Party, after all.

Here's the quick and easy rundown:

What: The White Party presented by Bacardi

When: Thursday, April 30th, 2009; Doors open 9PM - 3AM

Where: Caprice Nightclub

And, all you 'Ancient Greeks' are in for a treat (sorry...did not mean to rhyme) at midnight - there will be a special performance.

The music features Jesse James, Skilla, Trevor Risk, Tyson V and Buddha, live on saxophone.

Stratosphere Hair Salon 2 for 1 Promo

'Tis the season of prom and graduation. It's no doubt that tons of teenaged, and non-teenaged girls, will on the hunt for the perfect prom or graduation dress and of course, the perfect hair.

Just a hint - avoid looking like this:



Statosphere Hair Salon (1259 Granville Street) has the solution with their 2 for 1 Graduation/Prom Special. Now until June 30th, 2009, when you come into the salon for an updo, bring a friend for a complimentary style with stylists Aleks and Jackie.

Am told the response has been great and bookings are going fast...so hurry in before its too late!!

Visit the salon or call for more details.

Doolin's Inaugural Whiskey Tasting Event...

An old, wise Irish saying once said, "what Whiskey will not cure there is no cure for"...right?

In that case, cure your worries away at Doolin's Irish Pub on May 14th for their inaugural whiskey tasting event. The event starts at 6:00pm and tickets are $30.00. You can contact Alison at alison@doolins.ca for more details and to reserve tickets.

Go Canucks Go!! Doolin's Playoffs Package

It's the best time of the year...no, not Christmas - playoffs, baby!

Doolin's pub and Molson Canadian present the Molson Canadian True Fan Experience. Throughout the Canucks playoffs, catch the game at Doolin's and you could win a VIP playoff package!

The winner will receive: four tickets to see a Vancouver Canucks home game for the winner and three guests; limo transportation between Doolin's and the event; and, four Canucks jerseys. Approximate value of the package is $1400.00. Ask your server at Doolin's for more details and on how to enter.

What's a better way to cheer on our favorite boys in blue (and green) than with good food and beer and a chance to win a serious VIP package?! Nothing.

Go Canucks Go!

Tom Lee Music Coupon

Now on till April 30th, 2009 at Tom Lee Music receive $10 off any purchase over $100.00. Present the following coupon in store or online to receive your discount.

Check out www.tomleemusic.ca for more details and to print your Tom Lee Music Bucks!

Laura Petites Mid-Season Sale

Laura Petites in Pacific Center is having a major mid-season markdown sale.

New markdowns, new styles added...Ask about the Laura Privilege Card for an additional 10% off. The sale goes from April 17th - May 4th, 2009. See in-store for more details.

Breathe Spa Spring Promotion

Breathe Spa (464 Granville at Pender) lets you breathe a little easier at the cash register this month...

Now on, when you purchase a facial and pedicure receive the pedicure for half price.

Their spring promotion lasts only till the end of April so be sure to stop by and reap the benefits of head-to-toe bliss.

Check out their website: www.breathespa.net or stop by the spa today.

Spankin' Hot Jackets...

So, spring is here: that in between season where some days it's hot enough to rock a tank and others you may need something a lil' warmer...

That is why there is the spring coat.

Spank Clothing (856 Granville Street) has some very cute and funky coats in store from the line Soia & Kyo.

Soia & Kyo is based out of Montreal and specializes in outwear with the focus on asymmetrical collars, wide belts, contrast detailing, large buttons, fabulous fit and high quality materials.

I especially loved these two coats:





Other stores that had great spring coats were E-Sprit, who had a beautiful coral-pink trench, shown below:



And, check out H&M for cropped 3/4 length sleeve jackets, perfect to throw on for an evening out on the town.

Diana Krall Contest at Pacific Centre

Pacific Centre is holding a contest for you and a friend to see Diana Krall live in Vancouver at the Orpheum Theater, playing May 13th and 14th.

Winners will receive free concert tickets, accommodation, her brand new CD called Quiet Nights, even $100.00 in prize money from Pacific Centre.

For all you jazz lovers out there check out www.pacificcentre.com for more details and to enter to win.

2009 Cherry Blossom Festival Comes to Tom Lee Music

This Saturday, April 11th from 2pm - 4pm, Tom Lee Music is holding the "Cherry Blossom Jam Festival" at the City Stage.

Part of The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver, join Tim Readman for two 45min group sessions.

Check out the picture below for more details or visit www.tomleemusic.ca.

Men's Suit Sale at the Bay Vancouver

Click on the above image to enlarge for more details...

700 Block Granville Street: Open During Construction

Though the construction on Granville Street in the 700 block is steaming ahead full force, the shops are still open. Don’t let a little noise and gravel dismay you!

Here are some deals on the block:

Shoe Warehouse: Buy 1 pair get the 2^nd 50% off

Ideal Jewellry: Closing out sale…scroll down the blog for more details on their sale.

Sleep Country: Need a new mattress? Sleep Country is having their year end clearance sale: free delivery on purchase, free takeaway of old item, 60 day night trial and free financing. Stop by the store for more details…

Bedo: Towards the back of the store is their sale rack…1 item receives 10% off; 2 items 15% off and 3 items 20% off. I saw some beautiful black and purple dresses just waiting to be snapped up. One dress in particular was a purple silk dress, v-neck with a tie around the waist - perfect for an evening out.

Mantique: Just received new shipments of jeans – was shown a great looking pair of jeans, Plastic by Gly Jeans, in a beautiful wash.

Pacific Center Round-Up

Spring has hit and the sales are on in Pacific Center! What a better time to stock up in anticipation of summer than now? Great new items have hit the stores – summer dresses, sandals, shorts and all the spring essentials for your office wardrobe. I recommend calling the store for full details on sale including sale end and discounts…or, better yet stop by and visit today.

Here are the sales:

RW & Co: $15.00 off of a minimum purchase of $75.00 (before taxes) & best part – receive a Lindt Gold Bunny. Mmm…shopping AND Easter chocolate. I saw cute spring dresses (including an amazing strapless graphic print dress) and tons of new spring office wear!

Guess: 50% off already reduced items

Mexx: Extra 25% on already reduced spring merchandise

E-Sprit: 50-70% off selected items

Gap: Three days only – April 9, 10, 11: new arrivals (for men, the lightweight shirt) and for ladies (the summer t-shirt) reduced to $35.00 from $40.50 and to $15.00 from $18.50.

Danier Leather: 30-80% off; Jackets from $99.00

Laura Petites: 10% off $125.00; 15% off $250.00; 20% off $500.00

Banana Republic: Select dresses $120.00 and below. Saw a beautiful silk, coral-pink dress with criss-crossed straps in the back…sigh, so pretty.

Bodyshop: Free Satsuma shower gel (winner of the 2008 Fashion Award), a value of $13.00 free with $30.00 or more purchase.

American Eagle: up to 50% off select items. Saw great summer shorts in store in blue and green.

Joneve: Final Clearance on winter boots and more and $20.00 off purchase of $100.00 or more. Found a cute pair of black suede boots last week that were significantly reduced in price!

La Senza: The Hot Bra Sale: 30% off select styles of bras

TeenFlo: 30% off select styles…saw some gorgeous dresses in here as well.

...and there you have it!

Playoff Packages from Comfort Inn Downtown

Go, Nucks! As soon as the playoff schedule is released, the Comfort Inn Downtown will be selling playoff packages.

The package includes: tickets in section 103 rows, 8,9,10, a room at the Comfort Inn Downtown, parking at the hotel, deluxe continental breakfast in the morning, plus VIP access before 10pm to The Roxy Cabaret, The Cellar Nightclub, or Doolin’s Irish Pub.

Package price is $219.00 per person based on double occupancy; total package price including tickets and taxes is $474.57.

This is a great deal considering playoff tickets alone run in the upwards of $200.00. Now, you can watch the game, party all night and walk (or stumble) to your hotel. Please, just please, let the Canucks win...!

If you’re interested call the front desk at the Comfort Inn at 604-605-4333.

100 First dates...

"Henry Roth! Why didn't you tell me you were a secret agent?"

If you enjoyed 50 First Dates you'll just love the excitement of 100 First Dates. 100 dates in 100 minutes.

The Rendezvous Club is hosting a special event for singletons between the ages of 19 - 40. Sorry Cougar Hunters, there are three different age categories. Looks like 

April 16 | 7:30 pm | at the Caprice Nightclub

Sign up here: http://rclub.ca/

Blo & Four Seasons Hearts Wedding Belles…

Calling all brides! Are you getting hitched soon and in need of some inspiration?

Well no fear, Blo Blow Dry Bar is joining forces with Vancouver’s finest wedding vendors in a glamorous event that will showcase wedding services and products to elite Vancouver brides. An all-about-wedding-workshop in an intimate format will help brides get fab-in-a-flash without turning into Bridezilla. And, of course, a glimpse of one of the most exclusive and beautiful bridal venues Vancouver has to offer — The Four Seasons.

Highlights include complimentary mini services (hair, make-up, nails, skin care and lash extensions), wedding paper couture, wedding jewels and dresses, on-site wedding planner and dance choreographer, décor and floral ideas, gift registry, wedding photographers, lingerie + bridesmaid dresses, honeymoon destinations, and more!

It’s all about modern brides being ready for their big day, so bring your bridesmaids and tackle those anxieties!

When: Thursday, April 16^th 2009 5pm-8pm

Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver 891 West Georgia Street

Price: Tickets are $10 per person or $25 for a bride plus two

SPACE IS LIMITED – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. RSVP by this Tuesday, April 14^th to hilary@blomedry.com

More event details can be found on Blo Blow Dry Bar's facebook or the 'Aisle Talk' event page on facebook.

Stratosphere Salon Spring Promo Sale

Stratosphere Hair Salon (1259 Granville Street) is holding a 50% off Spring Promo sale on select Sebastian hair products in store. 

Sebastian hair products (out of California) are some of the hottest hair products on the market, used by people like designer, and celeb, Charlotte Ronson. 

Supplies are limited so hurry in now to Stratosphere and get your tresses some hair therapy for spring! 

Visit http://www.stratospherehair.com for information or stop by the salon today! 

Summer Kickoff Party at Ceili's

A White Affair: Summer Kickoff Party

Wednesday May 6th, 2009

Yay, summer is just around the corner! Ceili's is celebrating the best season in Vancouver... specials are $4.25 highballs, Cuervo, Kokanee; DJ Feroz will be playing. 

Party-goers must dress in white. Tickets are $10.00 - go to early to avoid the line/cover (subject to capacity) and 1 complimentary drink before 10:00pm.

Call 604-697-0990 for more information and for tickets.

Lingerie Lunch at Ceili's

Lingerie Lunch: The Naughty Nooner

Friday April 17th at 1:00pm

Tired of the same old lunch routine and want to spice things up? In that case join Ceili's for a "corporate lunch for men" featuring a lingerie fashion show, sponsors and prizes, and gift ideas.

Contact Kim at Ceili's for more information and to reserve tickets: 604-697-0990 ext. 28 or kimb@ceilis.com

Buy your Bling

Ideal Jewellry has announced their closing out sale. Pearls, Diamonds, Gold and Silver. Everything must go.

Sign up for the Tom Lee Facebook Group and Win an iPod Touch

Sundays at Ceili's...

Every Sunday is Funday at Ceili's Irish Pub.

Ceili's is open 3PM to late on Sundays with $4.25 drink specials and $10.00 burger &  beer combos.

If you're not quite ready for the weekend to end keep Ceili's in mind...

Call 604-697-9199 for more information.

The Bunny Bash at Ceili's Irish Pub

Sunday, April 12th, 2009.

Just in time for Easter! Doors open at 9PM and tickets are $10.00. DJ Feroz will be playing, specials are $4.25 highballs, Cuervo, and Kokanee.

For information regarding the events above or to make reservations contact Kim at kimb@ceilis.com or call 604-697-0990 Ext. 28.

Ahoy, Sailors!

I spotted this striped shirt with pockets the other day while in American Apparel. It suits the nautical theme that was all the rage last summer and would be a perfect addition for a summer’s day of sailing…

Wear it as a mini-dress or a longer shirt with a pair of tights or pants; comes in red/white, navy/white or black/white.

Stop by American Apparel today to see for yourself or check out: www.americanapparel.com

Wedge Shoes at Payless

Now that it’s finally decided to warm up in Vancouver it’s time to break out the summer dresses, sandals, bikinis and those perfect summer shoes...

...like these cute wedge heels that I found at Payless in both black and teal:

When I first spotted them I thought they were so-so but they’re the kind of shoes that you need to try on to win you over. Plus, you can wear them with anything or dress them up or down.

And currently on sale for $19.99, they’re a steal! How can you go wrong?

Visit Payless (804 Granville) or check out www.payless.com