Diane’s Lingerie has been a fixture on South Granville since opening their doors in 1983. I’ve been a happy customer at Diane’s for the past ten years or so and was excited to go back to see what they have in store to celebrate 35 years in business.
As always, I’m welcomed by the friendly staff as I step in the door on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Today I’m meeting with owner Sharon Hayles who bought the store from Diane back in 2012 and bra fitting expert Lynda Barr.
 
The ladies have a fitting room all ready for me and have the stunning new “Diane” bra by the luxury French line “Empreinte” waiting for me in three stunning colours – Black, Quartz and Bleu Royale. In celebration of their milestone 35 years in business, Empreinte created the “Diane” collection as a symbol for confidence and femininity and it does not disappoint. This delicate and supportive collection with beautiful crystal chandelier inspired pleats and bold, graphic embroidery fits me perfectly. Lynda had my size right on the first try as once you’re a Diane’s customer they keep all your information on file so it takes out the guessing and the frustration of trying on a million bras that don’t fit.
Over 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Not only is it super uncomfortable, but wearing the wrong size can also lead to back problems, headaches, shoulder pain and more. Lingerie should be something you WANT to wear…something that’s fun, flirty, sexy and makes you feel confident…and that’s exactly how I felt when I left Diane’s

“Every body is different. We fit them all.” is the motto at Diane’s Lingerie. Pop in for a fitting and you won’t be disappointed!

When you get an invite to attend a breakfast reception to celebrate the opening of the new Bulgari Boutique, you say yes. I made my way to Holt Renfrew bright and early on a Tuesday morning and was greeted by the cheerful staff and happily accepted a giant and delicious cup of coffee as I stepped in to the sparkling new 450 square foot Bulgari Boutique.
Following in the fancy footsteps of the newly renovated New York Fifth Avenue Flagship store and a newly opened Boston Boutique, the Holt Renfrew Vancouver locale was conceived by renowned architect Peter Marino and it does not disappoint.
The Bulgari Boutique pays homage to the brand’s Roman home with gorgeous Italian walnut square-patterned parquet floors with a degrade effect, which brings to mind the beauty of  basking in the Italian sun. Black Grand Antique marble and the White Travertino Navona can be found adorning the shop as well as the Condotti eight point star. Bulgari aficionados will recognize the signature star that dates back to the original Bulgari store in Rome which opened its doors in 1884.
But let’s talk about the jewelry for a minute…I of course made a beeline to the signature Bulgari Tubogos Serpenti Diamond and Gold Necklace valued at approximately $500,000. This piece is beyond magnificent and one can only imagine the painstaking hours it takes to handcraft its beauty. The only sad thing was, I had to give it back!
Along with the Serpenti Collection, the new Bulgari Boutique at Holt Renfrew also carries everything you’d expect from the house of Bulgari – from stunning fine jewelry, to watches and leather goods. Be sure to pay them a visit and take a moment to bask in the Italian sun!
Up until a couple of years ago, I was blessed with 20/20 vision. It almost seemed to happen overnight when I noticed I was holding my phone a couple feet away from my face in order to see the screen properly, so I knew it was time to get some specs. I initially met Sue Randhawa at a fashion show and noticed her impeccable style immediately as her outfits were always on point and she always wore the most unique eyeglasses. With my ophthalmologist’s prescription in hand, I ventured  to visit Sue at The Optical Boutique in Kerrisdale. As I went from 20/20 to needing progressives, Sue carefully measured my lenses to make sure they were perfect. My first pair were tortoiseshell Thierry Lasry’s which I adore – they are definitely “statement” frames! Since then, I’ve added a more simple, classic Theo Eyewear frame and a gorgeous pair of black Karen Walker’s to my collection as I love to have options depending on my mood, the occasion and of course, my outfit!
What I love about Sue and the staff at The Optical Boutique is they encourage you to think outside the box with the frames you choose and they always have to most unique array of designers, styles and colours. If you’re in need of a new pair of specs – be sure to pay them a visit on West 41st Avenue in Kerrisdale or online at http://www.theopticalboutique.com/
See you soon!