VANCOUVER - MY DREAM CITY

Vancouver "City of Glass" 

Vancouver has been on my bucket list for a long time and the excitement I felt about visiting this city was immense.  I am glad to say it did not disappoint and clearly deserves its spot as one of the ten best cities in the world to live.  Its natural surroundings alone, of mountains and sea, were enough to steal my heart, but combine this with its relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere and the fact it is so easy to walk around - well, if I was younger I could be tempted to emigrate!  

PLACES TO VISIT

I can't do the city justice here, but thought I would share some of my favourite places.  This is by no means an exhaustive list and I am sure I have missed some top spots....but then this just gives me the perfect excuse to return and see more.

STANLEY PARK AND THE WATERFRONT

On our first day there we walked down from Robson Street, having taken in some of the fabulous shops, and headed through the West End to the waterfront to experience Vancouver's natural landscape.  I was beyond excited to see the sea planes (called float planes in Canada)  coming in and taking off and thought they were just fabulous.  We walked along the Coal Harbour Seawalk towards the cruise terminal  and convention centre and up into Downtown back to our hotel, The Fairmont, on W Georgia.  A really nice walk which allowed us to truly appreciate the two sides of this city - urban and natural.  

Me on the Coal Harbour Seawalk

Float Plane Terminal 

The next day, we followed the sea wall round Stanley Park which is a good 9km walk and well worth the effort.  We started on the Coal Harbour side and walked round past the First Narrows and Lion's Gate Bridge, finishing near English Bay.  There is a distinct difference as you round the corner from the Bridge as it is more exposed, the sea is choppier and we were greeted by a seal on the seashore which was just lovely.  

Me near the start of our Stanley park walk

Views back to the Brockton Point Lighthouse 

Lion's Gate Bridge 

Views across the First Narrows to North Vancouver 

GASTOWN

Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood and the statue of "Gassy Jack" Deighton, one of the founding fathers, has pride of place in the centre of this historic yet trendy area. The docks and waterfront combine with hip shops, galleries and restaurants to create an area that was recently voted fourth in Complex magazines "50 most stylish neighbourhoods in the world". 

Gassy Jacks statue in Gastown

We loved everything about this area of the city, not least the bars and cafes where you could sit and people watch for hours.  

Me in Gastown

BC's Western Boot HQ no less 

GRANVILLE ISLAND

A trip to Vancouver just isn't complete without a visit to Granville Island.  We walked to it from Downtown and over the bridge but returned via the Aquabus which is a lot less testing on the shoe leather.  

Entrance to Granville Island and the Public Market 

It is an area that encapsulates a lot of Vancouver's qualities - a waterfront location where a commercial area has been refurbished and a market created where artisans and purveyors of fine locally grown foods can sell their goods.  It also hosts live theatre, music and seasonal events in both indoor and outdoor venues. 

The covered market is huge and the range of food and goods sold is amazing and so, so tempting.  From sustainable seafood to locally grown fruit and flowers, handmade crafts to Olive Oil and micro-breweries, it is all here and of such a high quality - just fabulous.

Nectarines that you could just pluck off the page

PLACES TO EAT 

We had some fabulous meals while in Vancouver and I have highlighted two of our favourite restaurants here and have listed others of note at the end of this post.  

TWISTED FORK
at 1147 Granville

We went here for brunch on our second day making sure to get their early as it does not take reservations and is so popular they run a waitlist. By the time we left there were quite a few folks on that list.  We really enjoyed the meal here and if time had allowed would have returned for an evening meal as well.  They combine really fresh homegrown ingredients served with fabulous freshly brewed coffee in a rustic, warm environment.  

L'ABATTOIR
Between Gaoler's Mews and Blood Alley in Gastown.

Just the location says it all - Gaoler's Mews and Blood Alley!  This restaurant, which does take bookings, is on the site of Vancouver's first jail in Gastown.  Again we were here for brunch and really savoured the cocktail, coffee and amazing food.  The French influence was clear and this is a more formal restaurant than Twisted Fork and well worth the visit.  

L'Abattoir Restaurant, Gastown

L'Abattoirs' Bar area where they mix a mean cocktail

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
1017 Robson Street 

And this one is all my daughter Elizabeth's fault.  She loves chocolate covered apples and completely convinced herself that because it is an apple it must be healthy, even when she went for the chocolate, caramel and nut options.    I thought I was being quite circumspect by ordering a chocolate coated ice cream, not realising the coating is at least a foot thick (ok a slight exaggeration), but oh so good.

Other places we ate at included:

ABODE on 1223 Robson Street, where we stopped for a hearty breakfast.
POURHOUSE on 162 Water Street, Gastown a fine dining restaurant where we enjoyed dinner although thought it a bit pricey
STEAMWORKS on 375 Water Street, Gastown - a micro brewery where we sampled a Ceasar Cocktail (a must have while in Vancouver)  and a simple pub dinner before heading to the theatre to see The Book of Mormon.  

GETTING CREATIVE WITH SCARVES

As we move towards to the Autumn season we thought we would focus on accessories and in particular scarves and how to wear them.  A scarf can make such a difference to an outfit and is a perfect transitional piece to add an extra layer and warmth as we move into the cooler months.

Our first scarf is from H&M and we have teamed it here with tan suede wedge shoes from George and a Fiorella handbag purchased from TK Maxx.  A really autumnal palette of russet, oranges and browns, which will work well with both black and lighter tones.

And for the scarf we have chosen a classic tying perfect for an oblong scarf, whether it is a lighter material as this scarf or a soft knit such as cashmere. Simply fold the scarf and wrap it round your neck so the ends are to the front.  Allow for one side to be around one-third longer than the other and then tie a knot in the middle of this longer side.  Position the knot where it sits  best for you and then thread the other length through it. This is perfect for either allowing to hang free or tuck inside a jacket.

Our next set of accessories are based around a navy and cream palette with some vintage pearls the perfect embellishment. Featured here are some Manolo Blahnik sling backs that were purchased in last years sale  together with the Victoria Beckham handbag.   Anne H got them to wear at her daughter's graduation with a simple navy wrap dress and cream and navy vintage jacket.  For this feature she has teamed them with a navy and white scarf from Cos.

The cotton mix of the scarf is perfect for this style that wraps round the neck but it would also work for a heavier woolen scarf in the winter months.   Take the scarf and wrap it once round the neck so the ends face to the front with one length 3/4 longer than the other side. Take this longer length and take it round the neck again and tuck it under the previous wrapped section.  Then take the shorter length, wrap round the neck as far as it will go and tuck it in securely.  

Now for a more glitzy evening look with a rich ruby velvet scarf with tassle trim, some vintage kitten heel Prada mules with purple bows and a silver embellished handbag with metal chain. The silver grey necklace and matching bracelet are from Laura Ashley and are perfect for catching the light with a subtle glimmer.

This is a really simple way to wear an evening scarf and velvet in particular looks great as it drapes so beautifully.  Simply gather the scarf in your hands and drape it over the shoulders so the ends are facing the back.  Adjust the folds so that it drapes softly over the front and you have a really elegant look for the evening.

For our final look we have gone back to a daytime look, teaming a vintage handbag with a multi patterned cotton scarf from Zara,  glimmering  wedge shoes from Bellissimo, which is one of Paver's brands (bought at the McArthur Glen outlet in York) and a heavy necklace in black and gold from Uterque.

This style is perfect for a pashmina or heavier woollen knit as well and is really easy to achieve. Take the scarf (this one was a summer sale purchase from Zara) and drape it over your shoulders with the ends facing the front.  Allow one end to be slightly longer and take this and wrap to over it's opposite shoulder allowing the material to softly fold and sit over the other end that will hang underneath it.

NEW OUTFITS

A little bit of shopping has been going on here - after all it is the Sale season so the perfect excuse to add to our wardrobes.  As usual we have chosen very different outfits - from monotone greys for Anne H  to much brighter colours for Anne C.  Let us know what you think in the comments below and what colour you would favour.  

This outfit was purchased in the Joseph sale.  I really love their trousers and look at every sale to see what is available as they are so beautifully cut and finished and are a perfect length for my height. These are in a lovely soft silver grey, which they bill as Putty, and are in a linen mix fabric.  I was really thrilled to find this top that matches the trousers so perfectly and is the shape I love so much.    There is a matching blazer to these trousers, but that made the look all too corporate for my liking so I went with just these two pieces.

I have accessorised the outfit with a necklace from The White Company that I have had for absolutely ages and I love because you can wrap it to suit any length, I like to tie low on the chest so that it breaks the line when wearing a higher neckline.  The cuff is MaxMara and I found it in a vintage shop and the classic court shoes are from Dune London, purchased last year.

The top has a cotton knit front and rayon/cotton mix back with a deep vent for added interest. 

And now for Anne C with her palette of brights and diamante - her favourite style! The bright calypso blue silk top has a matching vest attached and is from Phase Eight and is currently in the sale - although I did pay full price for it the week before it went into the sale!

The white jeans are from Marks and Spencers, although you cannot see the embellished diamante trim around the pockets. The diamante flip flops were bought last year also from M&S, though they have similar ones here.

The champagne is courtesy of my good friends and neightbours who were celebrating a 65th birthday with a barbeque for family and friends!

The accessories are not new, I was wearing my summer sunnies, bought around 18 months ago, from Bvlgari, but are still available online in different colours.

The very bling cuff watch was bought at a jewellery party and the two small rings are Swarovski, while the larger one was a boutique buy - unfortunately not real diamonds!!

The earrings were another jewellery party buy (I love jewellery parties!) and the beaded necklace was bought in a boutique in Santorini.

STUNNING SANTORINI

Anne C here:  We have holidayed in Santorini for the past 15 years, and of course this year is no exception, as we are due to go again very shortly.  Sometimes hubby and I have been with just the two of us, often we have taken along our daughter, Louise, and Anne H and her daughter Lizzy have joined us a couple of times - but we love to share our ideal holiday destination, and this year will be just the same!

For the first Santorini post, I am going to share some photographs from previous years, but will obviously update you with new posts once I get there!

Santorini is a wonderful Greek Island - part of the Cyclades group of Islands in the south Aegean Sea. Famous as being a possible location for the lost city of Atlantis, there are many wonderful stories about Santorini, which we just love!  One of the biggest volcanoes in history, it blew out the top of the island into the sea, some 3,000 years ago, creating a huge crater and towering cliffs which today form the tourist towns including the capital, Thira, but other destinations such as Imerovigli, and Oia, all of which are west-facing, and have stunning views of the sunset as the sun dips behind some of the smaller islands created by the volcano.

Legend has it that when Moses parted the Red Sea, this was actually the tsunami created by the volcano in Santorini.  It also wiped out the Minoan civilization some 130 miles away on the island of Crete, and caused the Dark Ages which followed.  

the legacy of that volcano is still evident so bcause Santorini is a volcanic island, the beaches have black gravelly sand, the sea is quite rocky underfoot and the water looks very dark, though in fact it is crystal clear.

Today Thira hosts as many as 8,000 cruise ship visitors a day and makes it a magnet for souvenir hunters - meaning that goods, souvenirs and food are much more expensive here than elsewhere on the island.  The magnificent jewellery shops drip with gold and precious stones from sapphires and rubies to diamonds and emeralds, and with watches from Rolex to Philippe Patek to Tag and Breitling.

I will be writing about some of the interesting places to visit during the coming weeks, but for me - I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation - sitting next to a pool with a long cool drink, a pile of novels to read and thinking about where to eat! Watch this space.....

A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WEDDING

Anne C here.  Although this post is about our fashion style and follows what we wear from casual days out to holidays to more formal occasions, I also particularly wanted to talk about family and friendships, since the wedding I went to was the daughter of a very special friend - someone with whom I have laughed and cried with during the past 30+ years.

My friend and I have been through some tough times together, from work-related stress to relationship issues to family bereavements, to happier times including holidays together, nights out with more than a glass or two of vino flowing, to the momentous highs of giving birth.

I was the Matron of Honour at her wedding (I didn't know her when I got married), while my hubby was her husband's best man, and my friend is one of my daughter's God-mothers.  She is the mother of three beautiful girls and I held each of them within hours of their respective birth (actually two of the girls are twins). We have  agonized over teenage years, exam results, university degrees and empty nesting.

So when she invited us to her eldest's wedding at a beautiful country house just outside Harrogate, I knew that this would be an amazing wedding and that I would have to buy a complete new outfit.

She told me what colour she would be wearing and where she bought her outfit, so I knew which shades to avoid, but she was almost as excited as I was to hear what everyone would be wearing - and I can honestly say it was one of the best-dressed weddings I have ever attended!

In addition to the actual wedding, the bride held a "hen" afternoon tea party in her own lovely home, with home-made cakes and beautifully decorated muffins ( the bride's specialty) which was great fun and meant I got to know some of her friends rather than meet them for the first time at the wedding.

My outfit began with the hat!  Regular readers will know that we spent a day earlier in the year with my friend Liz at her lovely shop, Simply Devine, in Tadcaster (between Leeds and York). I fell in love with the hat the first time I saw it, and although although I loved the dress, I worried that it might be too young for me and bought another one instead. However, that was really too short so I decided to buy the original one anyway - I worry less these days about what other people think. So the dress was bought from Coast, and the shoes are Carvela- a sale find in TK Maxx - but also on the Kurt Geiger website (and in black too!)  I had previously seen them at full price and thought they were too pricey. 

The accessories however, are ones I already had - the pink pearl earrings from Simply Devine (again!), the bracelet and watch from a jewellery party, the ring from an independent jeweller and the diamante evening bag from Dewsbury Market of all places!

I thought I would also include a couple of photographs of myself with the bride and her mum at the "hen" party and then some of them from the wedding day - which was about as perfect as it could be.  The sun shone and the setting - the stunning Rudding Park Hotel just outside Harrogate - was beyond amazing.

For information - the dress I am wearing below is from Florence and Fred at Tesco bought last year (although I am a regular impulse buyer from Tesco I have found very little suitable for me this year), the yellow bag is a vintage find in a charity shop and the white platform shoes from an independent shoe shop.

Here's to a lovely young couple just starting out, to wonderfully happy families, and to long and lasting friendships!