GUESS by Marciano Fall Cocktail Reception

"Glitz, glamour, and GUESS" pretty much sums up the cocktail reception co-hosted by GUESS by Marciano and TheStyleSpy.com at Metropolis at Metrotown last Wednesday evening. The store was packed with well-heeled girls scooping up party tops and dresses to try on and eyeing the new bags and shoes for fall. Media and fashion industry personnel caught up with each other over a glass of white wine or a raspberry-garnished cocktail. Servers circulated with delicious appetizers by Culinary Capers, including lemon cheesecake and strawberry-flavoured marshmallows--yum! Design director Alejandro Blanco was present and in high spirits as he greeted guests and customers.

Alejandro Blanco (who flew in from LA) with Lindsay Lorimer, project manager (marketing & special events), from Toronto

I wasn't on the lookout for anything in particular, but I did have good time browsing around and catching up with some familiar faces, including Erica Lam of The Style Spy and Marilyn Wilson of Vancouver Fashion eZine.

Marilyn pointed out the 'Anouk' leather drape to me. This gorgeous leather rendition of the ubiquitous draped sweater features buttery soft leather and stretchy fabric insets in the sleeves, and has appeared in Elle magazine.

Multiple shades of gray, pyramid studs, a dash of neon yellow, and just the right amount of hardware make these handbags so on-trend for fall.

The purple-and-orange watercolour gradients are bold enough to make this dress transition between seasons seamlessly. It'd look equally good with metallic wedges at a patio party or with opaque black tights, a thick cardigan, and chunky-heeled T-strap shoes in the fall.