CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Enhance with Silk

September 17, 2010 by Mina | Comments (0)

Accessories can make your whole outfit. By simply adding a silk scarf or a shawl, you can bring elegance to your look.  So…where can you find such an essential?  Here’s CRAVE’s suggestion: Alarte Silk (alartesilks.com)

Alarte Silk is not just your regular silk scarf.  Every product is one-of-a-kind and unique.  Izabela, a winner of a numerous textile awards, transfers the nature onto her gorgeous silk products though deep, rich colours and a special Japanese creasing technique called Shibori.  Make a fashion statement with an Alarte Silk scarf.  Her products can be found at her studio on Granville Island.

Not going to lie, I’m thinking an Alarte Silk scarf is going to be a fashion staple for me this fall!

An Artsy Party

August 30, 2010 by Mina | Comments (0)

Why is it that even though your kid’s birthday only happens once a year, it is so difficult to come up with a cool birthday party idea each time?  Everything seems to have been done.  If that is the bind that you are currently in, how about throwing your precious one a ceramic party at Bella Ceramica Studios this year?  The kids can get in touch with their inner creative selves while painting their very own plates, mugs, or whatever else it may be.  It is for sure to be a birthday party to be remembered especially with a cool memorabilia to take home at the end – which will remind them of how much fun they had at your kid’s party!

Your child’s birthday is not coming up?  That’s okay – make a mother/daughter day out of it or grab your girlfriends and make new plates and memories!  Get creative and bring out the artist in you

The Urban Girl’s Manifesto is back!

July 12, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (1)

Attention to all the chic, savvy and stylish women in Vancouver! We at CRAVE Vancouver are proud to announce that the newest edition of our Vancouver guidebook will be hitting shelves soon (Fall 2010 to be exact). For those of you who don’t know, CRAVE Vancouver is much more than a guidebook. CRAVE Vancouver, also known as “The Urban Girl’s Manifesto”, is a savvy one of a kind lifestyle guide devoted entirely to the most prominent local businesses, owned by women. Punctuated with descriptive text and photos full of colorful energy and stylish spark, reading CRAVE is like opening a door to your very own party and fashion show. With only the best of the best and nothing less, the third edition of the CRAVE Vancouver guidebook promises to exceed and go “to infinity and beyond” your expectations! We can’t wait (really we can’t!)  to announce the newest additions to the 3rd edition of our Vancouver guide:

• CRAVE guides are officially going green! All of our books are now locally printed, FSC certified and printed with soy ink on elemental chlorine-free paper with 10% recycled material.
• A brand new “Intellegensia” section will be added. This section includes business-to-business service providers such as Marketing Consultants, Public Relations Specialists, Lawyers, Graphic Designers and much more!
• Two words: CRAVE Savings. Now, each guidebook will come fully equipped with an entire page of exclusive discount offers from various businesses featured in the guidebook (who doesn’t crave to save?!)

With such great additions to the guidebook we can barely contain our excitement. And now that you’ve had a little sneak peek on what’s to come, we hope you’re just as excited as us here at CRAVE Vancouver. Remember, the CRAVE guide is always on the hunt for chic, stylish and inspirational women in business. If you or someone you know fits the bill, please don’t hesitate to contact us at arpen@craveparty.com

Portobello West Sunday the 25th

April 17, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (0)

Find your style at Portobello West market, the last Sunday of the month. Meet over 110 local artists and designers and shop for one-of-a-kind fashion and art in one of Vancouver’s most impressive indoor venues. Created in 2006 and inspired by the famous artisan markets of Europe, Portobello West brings together Vancouver’s talented artists and designers in an eclectic and often surprising mix 10 months of the year.

Come down and meet the designers, hear their stories and take home truly original garments, inventive and inspired accessories, unique and sublime jewelry or works of art that speak to you and who you are.

See you April 25th, 2010.
Rocky Mountaineer Station (1755 Cottrell Street). $2 admission (Children 12 and under free), free parking.
portobellowest.com

Best Cocktail Lounges to Visit with Gal Pals

March 17, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (1)

An important part of living the Sex & the City Lifestyle is reconnecting over cocktails with the girls. At CRAVE Vancouver, we have compiled a list of our fav’ cocktail lounges. Whether you prefer hip and vibrant, or classic and low key, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to enjoy the best cocktails that Vancouver has to offer. 

Bao Bei: Located in Chinatown, this venue serves up superior cocktails following classic recipes – all made with quality ingredients. The Bao Bei must-have cocktail? A piña colada, that combines fresh pineapple, coconut reduction, aged rum and lime juice.

Chambar: This Vancouver favourite delivers fabulously mixed, creative cocktails that pair perfectly with the Belgian dishes in this restaurant. We suggest the Vesper Lynn Martini or the Blue Fig Martini

The Diamond: This swanky Gastown venue really delivers. The carefully crafted drink menu is separated into categories like “boozy” and “refreshing,” contributing to the Diamond’s funky, fun atmosphere. There is an interactive aspect to the Diamond too – the Gastown establishment is now offering courses for aspiring bartenders and amateurs alike keen to master mixology.

Do you have a great recommendation for us? If so, please share!

Put a Spring in Your Step with these Hot Colors

February 22, 2010 by Madeline C. | Comments (0)

When we think of spring we think of pastels and floral prints, but those just seem a little too passé and boring. What will you be wearing this spring to spice up your wardrobe? Here are some of the color trends that you won’t want to miss out on. Pick up a few bright accessories that are both trendy and timeless.

Turquoise – We’re pretty sure this is on EVERYONE’S hot-list, along with other aqua-colored hues. This vibrant color turns every outfit up a notch, making you just exude that cool confident aura that will make you the center of attention. Splurge on a Jamie Joseph brightly colored stone ring. We love this Sea Blue Chalcedony Ring for a beautiful eye-catcher.

Light Pink – More specifically, champagnes and corals are two “light pinks” that won’t have you gagging on pastel and cotton candy. Champagne is the closest you can get to a nice neutral color while adding a little pop! And for coral, try some of Cara Lyndon’s hairpins, we recommend Coral Wheel . Whether your hair color is light or dark, this feminine flair will turn heads.

Yellow – In every shade and size. Add a dash here or there or a big bright bag to have everyone around you smiling. Evoking sunshine and happiness, everyone could stand to integrate this cheerful color into their wardrobe or even their home. Try a bright throw pillow to add to your living room, we like the yellow Gloria pillow from Henry Road. The great thing about throw pillows is, when spring is over, you can just throw them back into the closet until spring comes again!

Feature: Vetrina Moda

February 5, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (0)

Vetrina Moda invites you to experience European designer fashions in their elegant salon-style boutique. Each piece has been hand-picked in Italy to enhance the beauty of our ladies. With exclusive European fashion lines, gowns by Jenny Packham, personal consultations, very feminime plus sizes, and complimentary refreshments, Vetrina is the best kept secret in town! Check out our feature with owner Rachel Kapsalis!

What was your inspiration behind starting your own business? 

I have always enjoyed fashion, travel, and working with people!

People may be surprised to know….

An independent boutique has such a selection of exclusive designers. We carry Paciotti and carry various show sizes and some of our designer fashions go up to a size 24!

Where is the best place to get a pedicure?

Thorough no frills- I see Simon at Sukhis, for a shanghai treatment. When I have time to relax – Jelena at La Raffinage and for cheap and cheerful – I go to Pro Nails. 

Check out Vetrina Mona: Elegant, Addictive, and Exclusive!

Best of Vancouver’s Nail Salons!

January 21, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (3)

Searching for the ultimate Mani/Pedi Experience? Rather than spending hours researching spas online, relax, and take a look at our list compiled by some of Vancouver’s most savvy women. Check out the top 5 places to get a Pedi or Mani in Vancouver, BC. These salons, spas and lounges are some of the best places to wind-down, or doll up. They each have a wide selection of treatments, expertise, and locations. Check them out, treat yourself, and invite the girls!
 
1.  Pure Nail Bar: This swanky nail bar has exceptional service and is known as the ultimate girls night out! It’s time to relax with the girls…Pure Nail Bar is calling! Has over 7 locations over the Lower Mainland.

2. Pink Mobile Spa: Perfect for the bride-to-be, a busy professional, or a well-deserving mom, Pink Mobile Spa team knows how to pamper.  The Pink Team brings all the luxuries of a high-end spa into your home, office or lunchroom.  Treating yourself to some much-needed spa time has never been easier.

3.  Bloom Essentials: This sister owned Spa is an urban oasis in the chaos of Vancouver. Bloom Essentials offers luxury on a local scale and even features three in-house product lines. Try booking a “Bloom Bash” with the girls to  sample a variety of Bloom treatments as you would at a friend’s place.

4. Gloss Nail Bar: Looking for an absolutely divine pampering experience? Gloss Nail Bar has it all. This salon and nail bar on South Granville offers colour, nails, fashion and fresh ideas.  Gloss is also the official glamour crew behind the Junos this year, so expect genuine star treatment!

5. Nailpolitan: Nailpolitan is the hidden gem of our city. If you find yourself seeking a mobile spa offering a detail-oriented experience, then this is the perfect place for the girl-on-the-go!