On the Street... 104 Ave, Edmonton


Outfit Details:
On Jasmine: Dress: Club Monaco / Shoes: Hibou / Watch: Michael Kors / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
On Kaila: Shirt: Club Monaco / Pants: J Brand / Belt: Vintage: / Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti / Bag: Balenciaga 

NYC Freature...Alexandra




We haven't done a freature (friend-feature) in a very long time! While I was in New York last month I decided to take the opportunity to discuss dance and fashion with one of my long-time friends, Alexandra. 

Alexandra is a freelance commercial and concert dancer in NYC. She graduated last year from SUNY Purchase College, magna cum laude with her BFA in dance and minor in arts management. She is currently performing with CoreDance Contemporary, an Australian based modern dance company; rehearsing for the off-broadway show Ready 2 Die, a hip hop musical based on Notorious BIG, and performing as Tinkerbell in a children’s show. If you’re in NYC this summer you should definitely check out her performances!

Style and fashion inspiration?
My style is definitely very girly. I spend half my time in rehearsals, classes, auditions and the gym sweating hard! So when I’m not rocking my lululemons (I’m obsessed) I love to dress up and show off my feminine side. Flirty dresses are my staple once summer hits, as I hate being restricted because I never stop moving. I’m obsessed with lace, delicate details, bows, high, high heels and my bright blue Sperry’s!
My fashion inspirations are the girls riding the subway beside me! New Yorkers are so stylish and can rock any look- no matter how crazy. You can get really inspired here. 

Favorite places to shop in the city?
SOHO!!!!! How can you resist that area! I also love all the awesome little stores around Washington Square Park and the West Village. I love wandering through the cobble stone streets and finding unique stores that have clothes no one else has. And there are tons of bakeries to keep your stomach happy while you shop ☺

What's the most exciting thing about dancing in NYC?
Is running into a famous dancer in your dance class!!! I have had a beautiful poster of two ballet dancers from American Ballet Theater on my door back home in Edmonton since I was 12 and I walked into a ballet class at Steps and they were standing right beside me at the barre!!! Reality check! I have also auditioned alongside winners of SYTYCD which is kinda fun. And just the whole atmosphere of all the dancers trying to make it in NYC is exciting and just pushes you as a dancer to a whole new level. 

-K 

Loft 82 Grand Opening Party

The Canadian based boutique, Loft 82, has officially settled into their new home located at 8213 104 street. The boutique was inaugurated with a fashion show and an evening of cocktails, shopping, party favors, and music spun by Girls Club.

Some of the stores strongest pieces mirror must have items from fashion's most current trends and designers. They have Alexander Wang inspired bags, dramatic draped blouses, Miu-Miu inspired dresses, and Givenchy-inspired gothic print tees. 

Definitely check out Loft 82 for fun summer prints, a cute but inexpensive party dress, or cute and creative statement jewelery. They also have a selection of trendy shoes. The majority of their pieces are in the $50-$100 price range. Like sister store, Oak + Fort, many of Loft 82's pieces are available in OS (one-size) that is designed to accomodate many body types. While fit is a weak point for the store, the inexpensive price point and unique designs make a visit to Loft 82 worth your time.

- J

Summer Solstice


happy summer everyone!
- J & K

 photo credit: Jocelyn McKenna 

Ristretto Series...Abraço & Stumptown

I've posted about these two places before, and I'm going to do it again because they are two of my favorites. Abraço and Stumptown Coffee Roasters make amazing cups of coffee. The slow drip coffee is worth the wait at Abraço, and Stumptown is pretty well-known that you can find their roasts served at other cafes and coffee shops around New York. 
- K

J. Crew, Welcome to Edmonton!

We were invited to the private preview of the debut J. Crew store in West Edmonton Mall. The quintessential American brand specializes in classic and colourful preppy pieces and the store is absolutely beautiful. It will be a much needed breath of fresh air for Edmonton's shopping scene. While the prices of clothes are more on the expensive side and online shopping may prove to be a cheaper alternative, the quality of clothing and the in-store experience is unmatchable. Definitely check out the store for staple pieces and bright neon classics. 
- J, K, & A
Outfit Details:
On Jasmine: Schoolboy Blazer: J. Crew / Shirt: J. Crew / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Shoes: Sam Eldeman / Watch: Michael Kors / Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim /
On Kaila: Jacket: Tibi / Jeans: Siwy / Shoes: Alexander Wang / Bag: Lanvin / Bracelet: C Wonder / Watch: Timex / 
On Allie: EVERYTHING J. CREW 

The Bamboo Ballroom


The Bamboo Ballroom hosted another "Bloggers' Shopping Night". This shopping event included a make-your-own-necklace station, in store make-up artist, tasty drinks and refreshments, and goodie-bags filled with candy (my personal fave). They've got a nice collection of easy summer tees, cool t-shirts, and statement jewelry. And it was nice to catch up with the other bloggers in the city who we haven't seen in a while!

I ended up buying a new black hooded leather jacket. I wasn't really looking for a new leather jacket, and IT'S STILL SPRING,  AND IT'S NOT EVEN SUMMER YET! Butttt I really fell in love with this jacket. When something this good comes along you can't just pass it up. I made the mistake of not buying a jean jacket at Club Monaco last summer and I still regret not buying it. I now wholeheartedly understand the meaning of SERENDIPITY - to find something good without looking for it! I'm obsessed with the detachable hood and the buttery soft leather and can't forget about the PERFECT FIT. It's an investment piece that I know I'll keep wearing for seasons to come. Soooo.... can we fast-forward to autumn now?! 
Thanks again to the staff at Bamboo Ballroom for hosting the shopping night!

- J & K
Outfit Details:
On Jasmine: Blazer: BCBG / Top: Zara / Pants: Joie / Heels: Ann Taylor / Watch: Michael Kors /
On Kaila: Oak + Fort / T-shirt: Elizabeth & James / Pants: R13 / Shoes: Isabel Marant / Bracelets: C Wonder,  Giles & Brother / 

29 Armstrong

We headed over to the downtown market to pick up fresh veggies and KETTLE CORN!! The best thing about the downtown farmer's market is that you can enjoy all the vendors and the great stores 104th street*. Some of our favourites in the area include Credo and Coup.
*(And the brick buildings are a pretty good back drop for photos!)
- J & K
Outfit Details:
On Jasmine: Gray Crop Tee: Forever XXI / Denim Jacket: Zara / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Pleated Skirt: Club Monaco / Lace-Up Booties: Zara / Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim / Pearl Collar Necklace: TopShop /
On Kaila: Plaid Shirt: What Comes Around Goes Around / Denim: Hudson Jeans / Shoes: Isabel Marant / Bracelet: C Wonder / Watch: Timex / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Bag: Lanvin /