You may know Devon as the past co-owner and founder of the Blo, Blow Dry Bar enterprise. Or perhaps you’ve seen her featured in FLARE Magazine as one of Canada’s Top 13 Bright Young Things. Or maybe you just know her as the bubbly, positive, go-getting Vancouver girl who is always put together and well-spoken.

But what you probably don’t know about her is that she was brutally assaulted in two separate incidences at 18 and then again at 21, and went through a painstaking judicial process that eventually led to a guilty plea by both men. Because Devon always has a smile on her face and can find the humour in any situation, you probably also don’t know that she has over-come violence, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The startling reality is that 94% of people who experience sexual assault and rape do not come forward, let alone press charges. Devon is part the 6% who has. And on April 5, she will share her story and lessons learned in a presentation titled, “Talking Trauma, Transforming Truth” at TEDxKidsBC.

It takes courage to share your story. It takes strength to be vulnerable. Let’s congratulate and support Devon on this event that will inspire many.

There is no fee for the pick up/delivery as long as you meet a minimum service of $15.00. Prices are at par with regular dry-cleaning services – a basic shirt launder costs $3.25, a pair of pants $8.45 and a 2 piece suit is $18.95. You pay for service after you receive the clothes back with any major credit card.

In my day, the last thing I want to do is bother with dropping off and picking up my clothes and I was impressed with this business.  They are offering 10% off your first service with them – just note “Fabulous” as your refer source when submitting your order. Service is available to Downtown addresses with some special exceptions.

To get your clothes dry-cleaned, sign up with the address you’d like your pick-up from on http://www.dressedinblue.com/form.html and they will call to confirm your pick up time, or call 604-683-2583.

www.dressedinblue.com

You are a jetsetter with places to go and people to meet. So, look the part. And just like your drink of choice, your luxury travel accessories can say a lot about you (well, at least the type of traveler you are). Here are three luggage options perfectly suited for the fashionista, the business traveler and the leisurely lady.

Fashionista: Polka dots are the latest leopard print, stripes are the new paisley, cobalt is the new black. With the trends changing faster than you can say the words “recessionista”, I’d suggest going with a brand and print that doesn’t have an expiry date, such as the classic Louis Vuitton Keepall bag. Just like fine wine, the signature Louis Vuitton leather only gets better with age.

WANT Olympic DeGaulle Bags

The Modern Business Traveler: The must-have travel accessory for the modern traveler is by WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie. The “new kid on the block”, this brand originates from Montreal and was launched in 2006. Using beautiful Norwegian leather and a clean, understated, design, these travel bags range from the $500 – $1700 range and can be found at leading luxury department stores such as Holt Renfrew, Barneys, Lane Crawford and Harvey Nichols. The various pockets and functionality of the bag makes it perfect for the business traveler. The latest from the brand, the limited edition WANT Olympic DeGaulle Bags comes with five interchangeable handles in yellow, blue, green, red and black, reflecting the colours of the Olympic rings, and gold hardware emulating the prized medals. Just another reason that makes WANT the “it bag” of 2010.

WANT Carry-on Bag

The Leisurely Lady: A week in the Hamptons would not be complete without the elegant and classic set by Globe-Trotter. Since 1987, the company’s philosophy is to never compromise the integrity of craftsmanship. Their designs are sleek and uniquely handmade, with each piece constructed from Vulcan Fibre – a material as light as aluminum yet as hard wearing as the finest leather. Definitely ideal for multiple outfit packing while ensuring your favorite Manolos are safely protected!

www.KiwiCollection.com

In her new boutique in Soho, you can find some of Lauren Urstadt’s most coveted accessories including the Cashmere Leather Fingerless Gloves and the elegant Racing Stripe Glove. Also, another one of her signature pieces showcased in the store is the new Flip – a convertible accessory that can be worn as a cowl or hood and can also transform into a dress when flipped upside down!

The store is located at 79 Sullivan Street (between Broome and Spring). Can’t make it to the store? Don’t fret, you can shop online at www.laurenurstadt.com.

Amy Chan, partlySunny Contributor

The headbands are designed and produced in small batches in Vancouver and can also be custom ordered to suit your unique style! Ranging from $15-28, you can find A Farmers Daughter headbands at Fine Finds and Barefoot Contessa.

From my article on www.partlysunny.ca