THE SARAH FILE
CARRY ON It’s officially time to put away your big black bag (I know, it’s hard) and bring out your lighter spring totes. Launching at Rebecca Bree this month is a California-made Laia clutch from Danish designer Lulu Eschelman under her LumillaMingus label. Big enough for an iPad and documents by day, fold it over after work for a pretty dinner clutch in on-trend metallic. $850, 3680 W. Fourth Ave., 604-714-0085. Rebeccabree.com
SHE’S WITH THE BAND I’ll be attending the Coachella music festival this month and on my packing list are bohemian blouses and dresses (like this one from Free People, $356) in romantic floral prints. For the full packing list slideshow, plus a custom Coachella playlist, visit us at Vitamindaily.com
BIRDS OF A FEATHER Poolside reading doesn’t get any better than The Nest, Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s new novel about a dysfunctional New York literary family competing for their inheritance. There are just enough twists and turns to keep you flipping pages (rehab! A gay divorce! A book deal?), so you’ll be done in one sitting. $23 at Chapters/Indigo
April is a month to celebrate Canadian fashion, and I’ll be on the edge of my seat like the rest of the industry on April 15 when the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards winners are announced in Toronto. It was my immense pleasure to be on the jury again this year, and to celebrate the achievements of some of our homegrown talents, such as men’s sportswear stalwart Wings + Horns and jewellery innovator Lauren Klassen, from Victoria. I enjoyed watching the recent official U.S. State dinner where Sophie Grégoire Trudeau wore Lucian Matis (a contender for womenswear designer of the year) and Michelle Obama wore Jason Wu, a former Vancouverite who is up for International Canadian Designer of the Year. On our cover this month is another of Obama’s favourites, Naeem Khan, whose dress perfectly captures spring’s embellishment theme for our cover story (page 4). Please enjoy the issue.
What would you like to see featured in VITA? Contact me: info@vitamindaily.com Twitter @thesarahfile Instagram @thesarahfile
PUBLISHER DEE DHALIWAL ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER JULIE HAMILTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SARAH BANCROFT CREATIVE DIRECTOR ADRIAN CUNNINGHAM MANAGING EDITOR (ON LEAVE) NOA NICHOL MANAGING EDITOR (INTERIM) LISE BOULLARD PROMOTIONS MANAGER KRYSTIN TYSIRE EDITORIAL INTERNS ANYA ANDRONOV AND MADISON ARROTTA COVER COURTESY OF NAEEM KHAN TO ADVERTISE IN VITA EMAIL VITASALES@GLACIERMEDIA.CA CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #42849020
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OBJECTS of DESIRE
Stroke of Genius FOR AFICIONADOS OF WINE AND MOTORCARS, quality and character are ascertained via sight, smell, touch. Opening the door of a Maserati Ghibli is much like uncorking and appreciating a good bottle, thanks to opulent materials and handcrafted quality that speak to each sense. Seats are upholstered in soft leather, with exquisite stitching reflecting the very best Italian craftsmanship. Externally, the vehicle’s gleaming metal makes a solid statement, like a wind-carved stone peak; up front, an oval grille inspired by the current Gran Turismo and the A6GCS Berlinetta—a classic of the past. In all, this Maserati represents the proud product of both the collected knowledge and the latest, most inventive thinking of this legendary marque. Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver, 1860 Burrard St., 604-215-8778. Fmov.ca
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FASHION & SHOPPING
Extra, Extra! MINIMALISM TAKES A BACK SEAT THIS SEASON WITH PIECES BECOMING MORE EMBELLISHED BY THE MINUTE. M O R E I S D E F I N I T E LY M O R E .
BY KRYSTIN TYSIRE
STACK IT UP Take a cue from the 70s with these faux gold fold-over fringe Metallic Leather Pumps from Gucci. $990 at Gucci. 900 W. Georgia St., 604-488-0320. Gucci.com/ca
SNEAKER FREAK Victoria Beckham’s swapping her heels, and you should too, with a pair of these stylin’ Dior Fusion kicks. $1,400 at Christian Dior. 900 W. Georgia St., 604-891-1810. Dior.com
FLOWER POWER This multicoloured satin Embroidered Flower Knuckle Box Clutch from Alexander McQueen is giving us all the feels for spring. $4,760 at Holt Renfrew. 737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121 Holtrenfrew.com
THINK PINK These signature Kimura Paul Andrew pumps are elegant and ladylike, adorned in Lurex Raffia jacquard featuring a prominent wing cut and fabulous heel. $483 at Stylebop.com Paulandrew.com
GIMME LEMONS When life gives you lemons make beautiful rhinestoneadorned earrings, like Dolce & Gabbana did. $708 at Dolceandgabbana.com
METALLIC MOVE These fierce Metal & Metallic Fantasy Pearls Silver Chanel sunglasses err on the retro side. $975 at Holt Renfrew. 737 Dunsmuir St., 778-329-0338. Holtrenfrew.com HOT HARDWARE Metal hardware makes Gucci’s Dionysus Blooms floral printed shoulder bag equal parts girly and edgy. $3,070 at Gucci. 900 W. Georgia St., 604-488-0320. Gucci.com/ca
HAUTE HOMESPUN La vita é bella when you’re wearing a kaleidoscopic long split skirt like this one from Dolce & Gabbana. $1286 at Dolceandgabbana.com
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BROCADE BABE Flaunt it like you got it in this intricate fuschia Naeem Khan number, embroidered with a paisley motif. $14,990 at Naeemkhan.com
EASTERN INSPO Dazzle in this luxe dress adorned with tassels and baubles from Christian Siriano’s Moroccan-influenced collection. Christiansiriano.com
FASHION & SHOPPING
Hot Shops
MEET VANCOUVER’S NEWEST RETAILERS.
TIFFANY DE LA LLAVE/BOOJE MEDIA
TATA HARPER SUPERNATURAL CENTRE We’ve long been fans of Tata Harper’s organic line of skincare products (and drooled over the Colombian founder’s glowing skin). But we recently took our love of Tata up a notch with an afternoon at Beauty Mark and Collective Skin Care’s Tata Harper Supernatural Centre, the only place in the city where you can get a facial and pedicure using products from the cult-loved brand. After a 75-minute Purifying Detox Facial ($150), touted as a “juice cleanse” for the skin—it left our visage practically poreless—and a pedicure at the adjacent Varnish Nail Lounge, we said “Ta ta for now,” because we’ll definitely be back. 1268 Pacific Blvd., 604-642-2294. Beautymark.ca, Collectiveskincare. com and Varnishnails.ca LISE BOULLARD
PURE BARRE Pure Barre involves minimal movement and brings on a light glow (instead of an all-out sweat), but don’t be fooled: this ballet-meets-Pilates fitness craze, designed to give you a dancer’s lean body, is one tough workout. Throughout the class at Vancouver’s first Pure Barre studio (the U.S.’s largest Barre workout chain) in Kits, we shook, grimaced and most definitely felt the burn. If ever we got comfortable, we were doing it wrong and the instructor gently repositioned our
limbs till the burn returned. So why can’t we wait for the next class? The thumping dance soundtrack made the 55-minutes go by in a flash, and our classmates’ lean, toned physiques gave us something to aim for. Oh, and did we mention the ladies’ room stocked with Saje aromatherapy oils for postclass pampering? We’ll be back at Barre, just as soon as the (good) aching subsides. 1907 W. 4th Ave., 604-7312088. Purebarre.com/bc-kitsilano AILEEN LALOR
LIBERAL ARTS With a background in fashion journalism and five years at Aritzia, Liberal Arts founder, Candy Soo, knows a thing or two about womenswear. In fact, with the launch of the Gastown boutique, Soo’s fashion line has graduated from Chinatown pop-up last fall to one of Gastown’s newest and most stylish boutiques, in less than six months. With 25 designers, all focused on carefully selected effortlessly stylish pieces, the line specializes in easy, high-quality, and comfortable womenswear, with a slightly androgynous twist. (Think linen blouses, chunky denim, light knits, soft draped dresses, oversized anoraks and cocoon-shaped coats.) Not only is the line well-made and thoughtful, but the boutique is an intimate, well-designed space, with mixed materials, Persian rugs and a live green wall. And with prices starting at $38 for T-shirts, and $168 for coats (with other pieces falling within that range), Liberal Arts promises to be a go-to on our shopping circuit. 419 Abbott St., Shopliberalarts.com ALEEZA KHAN
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THE BIG CHILL A pitcher of margaritas and this Gloster Bay love seat and lounge chair is our recipe for relaxation. Price upon request at Brougham Interiors. 1855 Fir St., 604-736-8822. Broughaminteriors.com
MODERN MOVE Is it a coincidence that this Dodecahedron Side Table is the perfect size for guac, chips and a glass of white? We think not. $613 at Pottery Barn. Potterybarn.ca
EXOTIC LOUNGE Bring the Mediterranean to your backyard with Vondom’s Biophilia lounge chairs, sofa and coffee table, inspired by Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. Price upon request at Ginger Jar. 1420 Fell Ave., North Vancouver. 604-988-7328. Gingerjarfurniture.com
BONFIRE BLISS Keep your patio open after hours with the steel Mercatus BBQ Grill (it’s a fireplace, too). Price upon request at Inspiration Furniture. 1275 W. 6th Ave., 604-730-1275. Inspirationfurniture.ca
PILLOW POP Channel the oh-so-hot neon trend with piles of French brand Fermob’s Cabanon outdoor cushions. $96 to $157 at Ginger Jar. 1420 Fell Ave., North Vancouver. 604-988-7328. Gingerjarfurniture.com
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HAMMOCK HIGH Take a trip (to cloud nine) on Royal Botania’s Wave hammock. $22,024 to $34,069 at Inform Interiors. 50 Water St., 604-682-3868. Informshop.com
NEUTRAL TERRITORY We’ll be getting our Patrón (and hors d’oeuvres) on with this gray-washed wood Parker Serve Stand, Tiered Serve Stand and Shot Set. $81 to $146 at Pottery Barn. Potterybarn.ca
GLOW ON These organically stunning Gregg Outdoor Lights emit a beautifully tranquil aura. $486 to $865 at LightForm. 425 Carrall St., 604-688-7022. Lightform.ca
HOME
NIGHT LIGHT This Canvas Oslo Outdoor Chandelier adds a sexy ambiance to any yard space. $90 at Canadian Tire. Canadiantire.ca
BEAT BOX Transform your terrace into a Miami Beach nightspot with Vondom’s Italiandesigned Bum Bum Toro Speakers. Price upon request at Ginger Jar. 1420 Fell Ave., North Vancouver. 604-988-7328. Gingerjarfurniture.com
DINE OUT Elevate your al fresco experience with this Gloster Split teak table and Sway dining chairs. Price upon request at Brougham Interiors. 1855 Fir St., 604-736-8822. Broughaminteriors.com
VA N C O U V E R T E R M I N A L S T O R E NORTH
VA N C O U V E R
M O E SH OME. CA
1728 GLEN DRIVE
#125-1305 WELCH STREET
1.800.990.MOES
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Sea to Sky Getaway
NEED A QUICK WEEKEND ESCAPE? Look no further than Nita Lake Lodge and OPUS’ Wild Weekend/ Clean Living package, which recently provided us with the perfect mix of party time and relaxation. First stop was Yaletown’s boutique OPUS Hotel, where we were welcomed with a near-constant flow of drinks and an in-room Hangover Kit (complete with Red Bull, a mini Absolut vodka bottle and a “thirst-aid” kit of much-needed recovery meds). On the food front was high-end Italian at the hotel’s La Pentola (where the wild mushroom risotto was to die for). We started day two with brunch at Hawksworth Restaurant (do opt for the seared albacore tuna) then dinner at Glowbal’s raw bar. Later that night, we put on our party shoes and headed to the OPUS Bar for flirty cocktails like the sweet, fresh “Little Chile” and nightcaps at Vancouver’s new underground cocktail lounge, Hello Goodbye. The next day, our hair of the dog was the pink “Hibiscus Wit” beer on the Vancouver Brewery Tour. (Now that’s what we call a brewskie!).
LA PENTOLA
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NITA LAKE LODGE
Once we were all partied out we drove the Sea-to-Sky highway for some serious chill time at the area’s only lakeside property, Nita Lake Lodge. Here we were welcomed with a delicious eggs benny brunch at Cure Lounge & Patio before heading out for fat biking, skiing and snowshoeing with The Adventure Group. It wasn’t long before we’d worked up an appetite again: good thing fine dining restaurant Christine’s on Blackcomb was conveniently located right on the hill! (The breathtaking views didn’t hurt, either). Post-ski was another meal at Nita Lake Lodge’s Aura Restaurant (hey, a girl needs her energy!). Finally, the pièce de résistance: A Kundalini massage and vitamin IV wellness treatment at The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge which restored our nervous system and sent us off into a stress-free oasis. The result: boosted energy for our busy week back in Vancouver. Grab your girlfriends and go! KRYSTIN TYSIRE The Wild Weekend/Clean Living package runs until April 30th. From $1756 for two at Hawksworth.ca
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STAY With one of the cottages designed by American fashion royalty, Ralph Lauren, Round Hill Resort’s spacious white villas with preppy nautical touches offer the ultimate in privacy. Oh, and did we mention your own pool (skinny dipping, anyone?). While at this Montego Bay property, treat yourself to some time at the spa, where they use luxurious Elemis products along with a superb scrub made of local coffee and a rich moisturizer made with local coconut oil. That said, the tranquil 10-minute walk to the 18thcentury plantation house the spa occupies is therapeutic in itself, thanks to abundant greenery and stunning ocean views. John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay, Jamaica, W.I. 1-800-972-2159. Roundhill.com
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SAVOUR The rough drive to Stush in the Bush made even seasoned travellers like us crankily ask, “Are we there yet?” But after we stumbled into a seat at this hillside property and took one bite of the perfectly crisp plantain chips dipped in guacamole (washed down with sorel juice) we quickly forgot the struggle to get to Zionites Farm. Enjoy a superb farm-to-table meal (while chatting with lovely owners), and you’ll be ready to ditch city life just as they did. Free Hill, Bamboo, Saint Ann, Jamaica, W.I. 1-876-562-9760. Stushinthebush.com
FERN TREE SPA
COUTURETRAVELCOMPANY.COM
ROUND HILL RESORT
FERN TREE SPA
SPA If 68,000 square feet of spa space sounds like heaven to you, then an afternoon at Fern Tree Spa is a must. Located at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, the spa is famous for its signature massage, which begins with a relaxing foot bath that incorporates Jamaican cerasee (a local herb known for its purifying properties) and mint. After working tight muscles and knots with the spa’s signature essential oil blend of allspice, ginger and orange, get your therapist to finish your treatment with a Jamaican rum body splash. Plan for plenty of lounge time afterwards so you can take advantage of the spa’s serene outdoor oasis where you can dip your feet into the refreshing pool beneath the shade of lush palm trees. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Saint James, Jamaica, W.I. 1-876-684-0477. Halfmoon.rockresorts.com
HALF MOON RESORT
SELECTTRAVELHOLIDAYS.CO.UK
ROUND HILL RESORT
SIP Although Negril is not a quick jaunt from Montego Bay (budget at least 90 minutes to drive there), be kind to yourself and go to Jackie’s on the Reef. With no Wi-Fi service, you can truly disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasure of breathing in those cooling trade winds. Take part in a yoga class or meditation at this eclectic property and then sit back to enjoy the waves of the Caribbean Sea lapping at the shore while sipping one of the unique fresh-pressed juices Jackie is known for. Choose from seagrape or almond (made from the tasty but usually discarded fleshy exterior of the seed); each is combined with a healthy dose of ginger. Negril, Jamaica, W.I. 1-876957-4997. Jackiesonthereef.com
STUSH IN THE BUSH
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PEOPLE & PLACES
It’s a Bachelorette’s Life planning to launch a YouTube channel. This is where we’ll take our subscribers along with us on our many travels and adventures. You’re so fit! Tell us about your workout routine. Well, first off I give my parents a hug daily as I got their genetics and they’re built so lean. Next, I try to eat really healthy; I snack on almonds. I also used to teach spinning so I do a lot of that as well. Any go-to beauty or hair products? Anything that will make my hair big. I like to use texture sprays, and root pump products. I also carry a backcomb in my purse for those moments when I need a tease.
We caught up with former Bachelorette and Vancouver native KAITLYN BRISTOWE, who recently traded in her yoga pants for cowboy boots to be with her fiancé, Shawn Booth (the lucky recipient of the final rose in season 11), in Nashville. Here she dishes on wedding plans, date nights and what she does with her precious free moments.
We loved watching you in the Bachelorette. What have you been up to since taping wrapped? Thank you. Everything—from blogging, to appearances to campaigns—people are constantly emailing me and I’m always travelling … in fact tonight I’m going to L.A. for a Family Feud appearance. Sounds crazy! How do you spend your me-time with such a busy schedule? It’s hard, I don’t get time to myself very often. But when I do, I go to yoga and take classes at the gym. I also like to meditate, especially when I’m on the plane with my headphones in, which is quite often as I travel so much. Any chill-out essentials? Candles. I don’t really have a favourite type, but I do love the Christmas-scented ones. And I love wine, Smartfood popcorn and dark chocolate. I feel like wine and dark chocolate go together, no?
BOOJE MEDIA
KRYSTIN TYSIRE
We’ve got to ask, how do you and Shawn maintain your relationship with such hectic lives? We try to take advantage of when we’re on the plane and make it like our very own date night. This usually entails playing a good ol’ game of cards, watching movies and just spending time together. When we’re not flying, we like to go for coffee and walk the dog (his name is Doodle; and yes, he approves of Kaitlyn.) But our perfect date night would be leaving our phones at home, finding a quiet spot in the middle of nowhere and going camping. We love your recent collab with Vancouver-based clothing line State of Grace. Do you have any other projects in the works? There are a lot of things on the go, but the main one is that Shawn and I are
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We’re just heading into wedding season … Have you set a date? Can you share some of your own wedding plans with our readers? We haven’t set a date yet, we’ve been so busy. I can’t even imagine planning a wedding, but when we get to that point, we’re going to incorporate our wedding adventures into our upcoming YouTube channel, so watch out for that. What’s your wedding countdown routine beauty-wise? Well, I love getting hydra facials, so I would definitely start with that. And I already chopped my hair this year and people always say you’re not supposed to go short until after the wedding ... so I would probably opt for extensions. Also, I would get Shawn to train me everyday before the wedding. That’s going to be a huge priority in terms of fitness. We’re dying to know, have you found your dress yet? I have an idea of what I want but haven’t nailed it down to one prospect. I do have tons of screenshots from Pinterest and one of my stylist friends sends me photos for inspiration daily. For our full Q&A with Kaitlyn, visit Vitamindaily.com
A Daimler Brand
B-Spontaneous. The 2016 B-Class. Total price starts at $34,760.*
FEATURES INCLUDE: » Available in 4MATIC all-wheel drive » Efficient 2.0L, 208 HP Turbocharged engine » Fuel economy: 8.0L/100 km combined » Optional Apple CarPlay » Standard safety features: Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist
» Current Mercedes-Benz owners will receive a loyalty rate reduction on their next new purchase.1
© 2016 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
1-855-604-6477 | mbvancouver.ca
Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group Mercedes-Benz Vancouver 550 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver | D#6276 Open Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Mercedes-Benz Boundary 3550 Lougheed Highway, Vancouver | D#6279 Open Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Mercedes-Benz North Shore 1375 Marine Drive, North Vancouver | D#6277 Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Mercedes-Benz Richmond 5691 Parkwood Way, Richmond | D#6278 Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Mercedes me Aberdeen Centre, Richmond | D#6278 Open Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Mercedes-Benz Surrey 15508-104 Avenue, Surrey | D#11013 Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm
©2016 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Shown above is the 2016 B 250 with optional Static LED Headlamp System. MSRP of advertised 2016 B 250 is $31,700. *Total price of $34,760, includes freight/PDI of $2,295, dealer admin fee of $595, air-conditioning levy of $100, PPSA up to $45.48 and a $25.00 fee covering EHF tires, filters and batteries. Vehicle options, fees and taxes extra. Vehicle license, insurance, and registration are extra. Dealer may lease or finance for less. 1 The loyalty program offers a 1% rate reduction off of the lowest posted lease (minimum lease rate is 0.03%), retail finance or star advantage rate on new and demonstrator Mercedes-Benz passenger car vehicles. To be eligible, a customer must have leased or financed a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and currently have an active account or had an active account within the last 90 days. Certain limitations apply. Offer may change without notice. Visit a Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group dealer for details or call 1-855-604-6477.
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Manjy Philanthropist Vancouver
Tina Architect Vancouver
Monique Photographer Montreal
Come in-store for the hottest looks inspired by our featured customers and Holt Icon Privileges members for spring, and take advantage of our complimentary personal shopping service to bloom into your own spring look. 7 3 7 D U N S M U I R S T R E E T, PAC I F I C C E N T R E
Clara Event Planner and Business Owner Vancouver
Lindsay Producer Toronto
Andrea Fitness Professional Calgary
HoltRenfrew.com /SpringAllTogether #AllTogetherAtHolts 604-681-3121
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