Qortezan has closed her doors in Yaletown

Qortezan has closed her doors in Yaletown and re-opened them as Tart Boutique on Granville Island.

We would like to thank all our wonderful visitors and invite you to come and explore our new permanent home at 1551 Johnston Street (map), Vancouver BC.

Tart Boutique has finally come home to Granville Island where she can be supervised by her big sister, Edie Hats! She is a place of hedonistic delights, where pleasure reigns in a fun and theatrical atmosphere.

For more information, please go to www.tartboutique.com.

Scents Appeal: How to Make a Good Thing Last (Almost) Forever

When you have a favourite scent or cologne it becomes part of who you are.  Like a great outfit, it can make you feel powerful, confident, handsome and sexy.  But like all good things, even scents have a limited lifespan.  These easy tips will help you get the most out of your signature scent.

If you find that your cologne doesn’t last long enough on your skin, try using a stronger concentration or combine layers of the same scent.

Cologne is the very lightest form of any scent.  It has the highest concentration of alcohol so it disperses relatively quickly.

Eau de Toilette is slightly more concentrated – the ratio of perfume to alcohol is higher so while it is still a nice light way to wear a scent, it has more staying power than cologne.

Eau de Parfum is even more highly concentrated.  This can be quite powerful and usually comes in an atomizer so that you can spray it in a fine layer.

Perfume is the most concentrated form and is often very expensive.  As they say, “a little dab’ll do ya” – you really only need to use the tiniest amount.  Perfume almost never comes in a spray.  It would be overwhelming.

Perfume Basics

By Michelle

There is not much in the world more intimidating than the perfume counter at a big department store.

Edie at Sephora's in Paris

If you are like me, there is not much in the world more intimidating than the perfume counter at a big department store. It’s not just because of the incredible mixture of scents hovering in the air, though that’s part of it.  It’s all those choices, all those special words they use, all those ladies behind the counter that seem to have access to some alchemical secret that’s … well … secret.

Finding the Perfect Little Black Dress

Audrey Hepburn

The Little Black Dress, known affectionately as the LBD, is one of Qortezan’s specialties.

It’s one of the few wardrobe essentials that can truly take you anywhere: the grocery store, a cocktail party or, well, Paris.

The LBD is all about versatility. It can be one of the hardest-working items in your closet, especially if it fits perfectly and makes you feel sexy. Fortunately, there’s a Little Black Dress out there for every size, shape and personality.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect LBD.

They say there are only a few main body types. While we think this is a very simple way to look at our unique bodies, it helps to find out what will flatter your silhouette and give you room to express your own personal style.

Evening Entertainment

If music is the food of love, Qortezan’s new Entertainment Series is sure to satisfy your appetite!

The David Anthony Project

From flamenco to jazz, from classical guitar to opera and pop, Qortezan’s special entertainment evenings are a complete sensual experience. Nourish your body and your spirit with the pleasures of live performances by some of Vancouver’s most talented musicians.

Enter an atmosphere like a courtesan’s private chambers. Treat your senses to an experience like no other by immersing yourself in the gorgeous surroundings and sensual pleasures of Qortezan.

Qortezan gets a wink from Naked Eye

Montreal’s Naked Eye is one of Canada’s boldest arts and culture magazines.  They don’t blink at much, certainly not at conventional sex shops.

Their recent article on Qortezan gets right to the point: Qortezan is special because there’s nothing to be shy about in such beautiful surroundings.  With so much on offer to encourage a sensual approach to life, Qortezan is a pleasure boutique that will make you feel like Royalty!

Read the article here.

Mad Men: The Hunt Is On!

By Harry

Chasing fashion has never been more exciting, as designers like Michael Kors create new runway collections based on the hit TV series “Mad Men”. The design department for the award winning series has fashionable heads turning to an era in which women were elegant and feminine, men dressed in slim suits polished with skinny ties and pocket squares and would never be seen without a handsome hat.

Mad Men character, Don Draper

The White Shirt: Sexy and Expressive

The White Shirt. What is it about this everyday article of clothing that makes it so sexy?

It’s all in the way you wear it and the story you tell with it.
There are so many ways we humans communicate. We use words and modulate our voices, we gesture and cast meaningful glances. The way we dress tells a story about who we are and what we want.

People are usually most conscious of the expressive power of what they wear for a job interview or a first date, but why not use this power more often and more deliberately?

Susana Erazo : Luxurious Leather Belts New at Qortezan

Susana Erazo’s handcrafted leather belts turn any waist into a Hollywood hourglass. Her gorgeous designs, in wrap and buckled corset styles, are irresistible for holiday glamour.

Toronto-based Erazo is practically self-taught, gaining impeccable leatherworking technique by working for a fine leather furniture company.  Inspired by the fine art of corsetry and the costume of classical ballet, she says that the ideal of perfect symmetry lies behind her corset belts.

Each individually crafted belt is a work of wearable art.  Many are made from vegetable-tanned leather for beautiful tones of rich red, deepest black, and dramatic cobalt blue.

Perfect for any time of the night or day, try pairing a wide wrap belt with a long tunic or sweater and leggings.  Match it up with a pair of striking high boots to really turn heads.

Bewitched

An enchanting Hallowe’en event invoking the spirits of passion and pleasure

Please join us at Qortezan and let Tart Boutique prepare you for the witching hour. Cast a spell on Hallowe’en night with sexy costumes, tricks and treats that will bewitch your beloved, body and soul.

October 21, 2009 7-10 pm

Explore the realm of sensual sorcery and enchantment. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and receive an exclusive trick-or-treat gift bag prepared especially for you.

Qortezan: Live Royally
1035 Mainland Street, Yaletown
Vancouver, BC
604 685 7755
http://www.qortezan.com/