THERE'S SNOW ON OUR NORTH SHORE MOUNTAINS.
That's a sure sign that it's winter coat weather. And if you're in the market for an upgrade, local retailers offer plenty of incentives to splash out on a new style for hitting the slopes.
West 49 stores across Canada, including the Park Royal location, have kicked off their annual Coats for Kids campaign. Winter coats and jackets that are clean, insulated and in good condition are being collected for distribution to youth shelters and charities across the country. Coats are being accepted through to next Wednesday, Nov. 21.
All coats collected at the West Vancouver store will be given to Aunt Leah's Place, a Vancouver charity that helps kids in foster care and provides support to teen moms.
Since the program's inception 10 years ago, the national clothing retailer has helped to outfit 80,000 kids in warm winter coats. The goal for this year's campaign is to collect 10,000 coats across the country.
The stores are well on their way to reaching that goal, says Jesse Brint, West 49's district manager for British Columbia.
"Everyone has got that old coat in the closet that they don't use," says Brint.
In exchange for their donation, shoppers receive a $25 store credit to put towards the purchase of a new coat.
New to West 49 this season are Billabong jackets in youth sizes, for girls ages 12 and older. Mauves and burgundies are popular right now, says Brint.
New for the guys is technical outerwear from Dakine. Lightweight shells are selling better than bulkier styles, says Brint. West 49 has donated a $330 Dakine jacket as a door prize for next Wednesday's Starry Nights mall-wide shopping night and fundraiser. (See Fashion File this page for details.)
The Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association has also launched its winter clothing drive. The association's 17th annual Coats for Kids campaign is in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.
Member companies across the Lower Mainland are serving as coat drop-off sites from Nov. 19 to Dec. 7.
Last year, Vancouverites donated more than 3,000 coats, scarves, gloves, blankets and new unwrapped toys and gifts for distribution to children, teens and adults, according to a release.
Drop-off locations for the builders' Coats for Kids Campaign include: Dick's Lumber & Building Supplies, 150 Hanes Ave., North Vancouver, Monday-Friday, 6: 30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Alchemy Construction Ltd., 1537 Welch St., North Vancouver, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4: 30 p.m., and G.D. Nielsen Developments Ltd., 2405 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver, Monday-Friday, 8: 30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Trunk Show: Blush Bridal & Special Occasions will host a Romona Keveza trunk show Nov. 16-18. View the fall 2012 and spring 2013 bridal collections, including the complete Legends and Couture collections, and meet the brand's director of fashion, Orlando Cosmelli Fonseca, who will answer fashion questions. By appointment only, at bridal@blushoccasions. com or 604-925-3218. Blush is at 1403 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver.
Fashion Show: West Vancouver Seniors' Activity Centre members will model clothing in a fashion show at the centre, 695 21st St., on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2: 30-4: 30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Drop by the seniors' centre to choose your seat at a table or reserve by phone, 604-925-7280.
Shear Bliss Hair Studios will donate $1 from every men's hair service in the month of November to Prostate Cancer Canada. The fundraiser is in support of Movember, a global campaign that sees men grow their "mo's" to raise awareness and funds for men's health initiatives. On Friday, Nov. 30, the salon will also provide haircuts for a minimum $20 donation. On Saturday, Dec. 1, the salon will host an after-shave party at Mist Ultra Lounge in West Vancouver. Admission is $30. For tickets and to book an appointment, call Shear Bliss at 604-926-0168.
Starry Nights: Join in the festive spirit at Park Royal Shopping Centre. Stores will stay open late for ticketed guests to kick off the Christmas shopping season, with "one night only" shopping specials at many retailers (including The Bay), live entertainment, a wine and cheese lounge, prizes and gift-wrapping: Nov. 16 (north mall) and Nov. 21 (south mall), 7: 30-10: 30 p.m. both nights. Visit shopparkroyal.com for details. Tickets are $10 each or two nights for $15 in support of community groups.
- Compiled by Layne Christensen
Fashion File is a weekly column. If your business or charity is planning an event, send your info to [email protected].
