MANDULA

Mom and I did our annual spring trip a couple weeks ago, and headed up to the Canadian PNW for a peek at Vancouver. I have long wanted to spend time here, and get to know the city I have been ever so curious about. I can honestly say after just a few short days here, this is one of the first cities outside of LA I could easily live in. I have always had a fondness for the PNW landscape, the attitude and tempo of those who live there... pair that with O'Canada and one might say - TRIFECTA!
We wondered around various parts of the city with our amazing guide and friend Ros. We spent time in Gastown where stumbled upon MANDULA. Every piece of handmade couture was incredibly strange on the hanger. So strange that you weren't sure how to wear it, or what it was... but after a couple hours of trying on almost every piece in the store, mom and I agreed we were blown away. Each piece is designed in a sustainable fabric, and fits every body type. There are no sizes, labels, or vast color choices. This is a store for basics made from yummy materials, and amazingly interesting cuts. Pieces wrap, and tie, and pucker. They are paired with vintage belts from the 1800 used wars of days past. The gritty combinations of old and new, the smell, the texture... it was a one of a kind experience.
ON TOP OF IT ALL... the designer is HUNGARIAN. She was in the store that day, and loved seeing the pieces on our bodies. I picked out a couple incredibly special pieces (that i am not even sure how to put on), and will cherish them for the rest of my life. Thank you mom for this very specaial birthday treat. I will never forget it.
We went for a celebratory lunch afterwards at the Salt Tasting Room. It was the kind of lunch you can only have on vacation. The one that starts at 2pm, lasts a couple hours, and consists of only wine and cheese. It was super duper lovely.
We spent the rest of the week checking out Granville Market, the newly reopened Museum of Anthropology, Ros beautiful condo where I got to meet her amazing friends (she can party like a rock star), and Hammam massage.
I haven't mentioned, because I wanted to focus on the good, how sick Isaac was when I left. I have saved that for its own blog entry...