Vancouverista

2012

2012-01-01T18:11:00.003-08:00

New Years 2012

2011-12-27T11:21:00.001-08:00

This year, for the first time ever, my boyfriend and I are going to just stay in on New Years Eve. The last few years the parties have been too much drama, too much fuss, just too much. This Saturday night we'll be at home, cooking up a feast and enjoying each other's company rather than the usual high expectations for 'the biggest party night of the year' and all that comes with it.

That's not to say I still won't be dressing up though! I still intend to wear a party dress, do my hair and makeup and drink champagne while we sit on the living room floor and play with our cat. In case you are planning to do the same or you do have big party plans, you'll need a party dress too. Here are some options I really like right now from Shopbop. Above l-r: Tibi, sass & bide, Ella Moss and Sheri Bodell. Below l-r: Parker, Beyond Vintage, LNA and Milly.

Though it's not my usual style, I am really leaning toward the long LNA dress, with a statement necklace, like one of these: (from DANNIJO and Adia Kibur, respectively).

What are your New Years plans? And more importantly, what will you be wearing? Do tell.

Doloris Petunia

2011-12-22T12:22:00.002-08:00

Pretty in love with these one-of-a-kind crazy colourful pieces of jewellery from Etsy seller Doloris Petunia. I came across these on tumblr awhile back and have been meaning to show you guys for ages. They're like the perfect combination of friendship bracelet, sparkly sophisticate and a certain past Proenza collection.

Winter Essentials

2011-11-21T11:45:00.001-08:00

I hate winter and I hate being cold. I mean, I'm sure everyone does, but I really can't handle it. My body practically shuts down between October and April each year. I know I live in the warmest part of the country, but it's still Canada and I'm still freezing my Mediterranean butt off most of the time. The only way to deal with this (although arguably, it still doesn't work as I really am always freezing) is to dress as warmly as possible. Now, I suppose the real challenge comes in when you want to be warm and still stylish. I suppose you would be warm in sweatpants with long johns underneath or some other horrible atrocity, but that will also have a direct effect on your self esteem. The better you look, the better you feel, the less (hopefully, ideally) you're bothered by the sleet in your face. That said, here are my cold weather essentials.

1. Frye boots. These are simply the best. I see a lot of girls wearing rubber rain boots and Uggs in the winter and I just can't fathom it. The first don't have any warmth or grip and the second are just a soggy, ugly mess. Do yourself a favour this winter and invest in some big girl boots. Your feet will thank you and so will your bum when you don't slip on a patch of black ice and fall on it (which I have done many times in inferior boots).

2. A wool coat or parka. This one goes without saying. There are obviously a lot of options here. The warmer the bettter. I generally try and buy my coats a little roomy so I can wear thick sweaters underneath, but that's a personal preference. For me, the best options are something like this parka from Penfield (this one is super pricey, but you can find a coat like this one at every price point just remember, the down inside is key - don't buy a parka full of acrylic batting, it won't keep you warm) or a good, thick wool coat in a neutral colour like this Theory one. Self-explanatory.

3. Scarves. My favourite is actually a beautiful cream wool scarf which was knit for me by a very talented friend. But a variety of warm scarves (that go with your coats) are essential. Something like this Missoni print would brighten up a dreary day, but if you're a princess of darkness like me, you might prefer this olive Club Monaco one.

4. Really great sweaters. I'm partial to a long cardigan, or anything resembling a blanket, but there are so many options. I like this one from Free People, this basic from Rag & Bone and I have several similar to this patterned one from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

5. A hat. A warm one. What's with all the chicks wearing felt cloches this winter in Vancouver? I don't get it. I need something large and slouchy to cover my whole head. I usually am wearing a hood over top too. The one I've been wearing this year is pretty similar to this one from Eugenia Kim but I also like this style from Plush for maximum ear warmth.

Honourable mentions: thick socks, mittens, ear muffs, a pair of giant ear-covering headphones, layers layers layers and most of all, these.

One last thing, not that warm but so gorgeous (save it for spring?)...

From Dover. Sigh. Not going to get over that Burberry collection anytime soon.

Greece, September 2011

2011-10-28T22:29:00.002-07:00

Parseltongue

2011-10-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Image via The Glamourai.

Image via The Coveted

A girl walking down Beatty

Snakes are my least favourite animal by far. In fact, they are terrifying. I also would not wear a dead one. But, I do like the pattern they have. Can't help but see snakeskin (patterned) bags everywhere I look.

Zippora Seven for No. Magazine

2011-10-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

Really into the mood and styling of this editorial. Clearly I am still in serious Summer-mourning mode.

Model: Zippora Seven
Photographer: Ben Sullivan
Stylist: Zara Mirkin
Magazine: No. Magazine (New Zealand)
Images from Fashion Gone Rogue

Shopping Habits/Addictions

2011-10-18T17:00:00.002-07:00

When it's 2am and I'm looking at clothes online, I can never stop myself. It's like the shopping magic hour. It's like the money isn't really being spent if no one is there to see me spend it. I practically never go into real stores anymore - dodging other shoppers while browsing, searching for your size, waiting in line to try things on, trying things on in an awkward change room, waiting in line again to pay - it's just all too much. I have had several friends tell me it terrifies them, but I say, it's 2011, get over it. If you know what you like, what your measurements are and what works for you - shopping online is almost always a successful endeavour.

Anyway, here are a few things I've bought online recently...

From Shopbop: sweater from BB Dakota and dress from Cheap Monday.

Tops from Forever 21.

Southwestern Style

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

My top 'hearts' right now on Shopbop. I am loving all the 'Southwestern' inspired clothes I'm seeing everywhere. Right up my alley. Pendleton for Opening Ceremony, ONE by Habitual, Joie, Twelfth St. by Cyntia Vincent and Pamela Love.

Want.

2011-10-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Isabel Marant Spring 2012. Will I ever get over white lace dresses? I want them all.
Image from Style.com

Betty Draper Skirts

2011-06-24T17:09:00.001-07:00

I'm really more of Joan but I can't resist this sillhouette at the moment. These are from Halston Heritage, Elizabeth and James, Club Monaco, Catherine Malandrino, Madewell and Dolce Vita. All available on Shopbop of course.

Can you tell I am sad that we have to wait until the end of the world to see new Mad Men?

Pop Up Shop: Concordia Retail and Ciaoterra Handmade

2011-06-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday was an ambling around the city kind of a day. Stopping in little boutiques, checking out the Main St. car-free day, eating lunch at Lucy's East Side Diner (I have a real weakness for '50s-style themed diner's, especially when they have a vegetarian-friendly menu). Our first stop though was at the Concordia Retail Pop-Up shop which has taken up residence in the Rize condo development building at Kingsway and 10th Ave. You can learn a little more about the project here and here ...oh and here.

The Concordia Pop-Up Shop

The main reason we stopped by this little temporary boutique (which is open until July 2nd, by the way) is because my oldest friend in the world (our Dads are bffs) is one of the local artists participating. Everything at the shop is handmade locally and incredibly adorable. Here is even more adorable Terra showing off her price tags and wearing an amazing hand-knitted cowl (one of many cute things for sale at the shop).

Terra of Ciaoterra. She really does speak Italian FYI.

New logo!

If you can't make it down to Concordia, she also has a little Etsy shop which she assures me will have more stock soon. This is your chance to buy something locally handmade and to support an artist!

no title, just blazer

2011-05-14T21:17:00.001-07:00

I have nothing much to say except that I adore this blazer. I need it so badly I'm going to try to copy it. It's Rodarte for Opening Ceremony.

Pincha Mayurasana

2011-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Oh god. Worst blogger ever, right? I don't feel too guilty though - I have just been extremely busy and I really love being busy. Above is a yoga pose called Pincha Mayurasana which I've recently learned to do (that's not me doing it though, I'm doing mine in a Vancouver yoga studio, not on a tropical beach). It's a hard one and I am pretty proud of myself. This is what my life is about lately. Oh, and working. A lot. I'm all about working hard and self improvement these days. Every day I get closer and closer to my goals of being 100% vegan and 100% yogini.
On the fashion side of things, I've been experimenting more and more with "appropriate office wear" which translates to "finding creative ways to cover your boobs." More on this later.

Cognac

2011-04-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

So into the styling of the main page of shopbop right now. Seriously, how badly do you want that skirt now?

VOTE!

2011-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Book List

2011-03-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

Because you guys asked so nicely....(I suppose this is quite an embarrassing/revealing look into my brain. Oh well.)

What I read in 2010:

"Last Night in Twisted River" John Irving
"Many Years From Now" Paul McCartney
"Gone With The Wind" Margaret Mitchell
"The Last American Man" Elizabeth Gilbert
"The Covert War Against Rock" Alex Constantine
"The Group" Mary McCarthy
"The Time Travellers Wife" Audrey Niffenegger
"Dance Dance Dance" Haruki Murakami
"The Autograph Man" Zadie Smith
"Cakes and Ale" W. Somerset Maugham
"Into the Wild" John Krakauer
"So, You Want to be a Lawyer, Eh?" Adam Leterneau
"The Call of The Wild" Jack London
"On Beauty" Zadie Smith
"Seymour, An Introduction and Raise High The Roof Beam, Carpenters" J.D. Salinger
"Of Human Bondage" W. Somerset Maugham
"Eat, Pray, Love" Elizabeth Gilbert
"Joshua Then and Now" Mordecai Richler
"Initiation" Elisabeth Haich
"I'm With the Band" Pamela Des Barres

What I have read so far this year/what I have sitting on my desk to read:

"Life" Keith Richards
"The Beautiful and Damned" F. Scott Fitzgerald
"The Bear Comes Home" Rafi Zabor
"The Yiddish Policeman's Union" Michael Chabon
"The Opposite of Fate" Amy Tan
3 different Graham Greene novels...
"Generation A" Douglas Coupland
A sociology/economics textbook my uncle wrote (which he gave me ages ago...better read that soon!)
??? Any suggestions? Please? I ALWAYS need more to read.

Sunday Night

2011-03-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

I finally just finished reading Keith Richards' autobiography, which took me far longer than it should have, but lately I haven't been reading nearly as much as I usually do. I have a pretty enormous stack of books on my desk next to me, one of which I'll start tonight. I can't start yet though, I always need a bit of time between books to digest them, to allow the author's words to permeate. Otherwise, I'll forget all about them and their style as soon as I start on something new. So, I'll just write here for a few moments. I'm a pretty voracious reader.
I kept a list last year of every book I read; I just checked it, the total was 19. Ask me, and I'll share the list (I'll just assume no one's interested...this is a fashion blog after all, not a literary review, but I would love to discuss books if someone's interested.) I could also share the pile on my desk, if you'd like. In case you want to follow (or read?) along, I usually try to update that little 'now reading' box on the right side of the screen as I start something new.
The above images are of three new sweaters I received from Shopbop last week. Of course, at the beginning of spring I pick sweaters. I just have to be contrary. Don't worry, I also know the bathing suit I'll be buying already. I haven't bought a new one in probably two years, despite how much time I spend on the beach each summer. This year, it'll be an Esther Williams. I'm pretty excited about that actually. Anyway, back to the sweaters, they are all really great in their own ways, each filling a gap in my wardrobe. Left to right they are Beyond Vintage, Free People and American Vintage. God, I am so predictable.
I am going to try and write here more, lately I've only written things on twitter. How horrifying. Good thing my dad doesn't read this blog!

Update!

2011-03-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it. I totally forgot about my blog for a little while there. Then, when I realized I hadn't posted in so long I kind of panicked and got writer's block. My life lately can basically be summed up as: work, yoga, sleep, repeat. I haven't had much time to think about clothes with my increasingly busy schedule and discovery of the true workaholic within me. Well, that's not entirely true. I have been thinking about clothes a lot, but it's a whole new approach then I've ever had before.

Faced with an (I now realize) almost entirely frivolous wardrobe, I am suddenly thinking in terms of appropriateness, wearability, hemline-lengths and functionality. I guess I've grown up quite a bit these past few months. I try and lay out my outfits at night before I go to sleep to make the 7 am shuffle slightly easier, which is something new for me. I've always been the 'throw things on at the last minute' type, piling on layers and accessories while turning my bedroom and closet into a tornado of consumer shame. This has somewhat changed. At least on weekdays.

I know that when my boyfriend reads this he will laugh and disagree completely, as he basically has to wade through a sea of my crap on a daily basis, but I swear, I'm getting organized about dressing! Now, if only I could make it to a dry cleaner. Anyone have a really great one to recommend? I'm terrified of handing over my precious (insert gollum voice) clothes to someone who might damage or lose them! I have dry cleaning nightmares!

I pinkie promise more posts coming up!

Never Say Never

2011-02-25T09:53:00.001-08:00

Especially in fashion.

I thought I would never like open-toe booties. I also never liked many shoes from Alexander Wang before these. Something about them is just so right though. They would be so perfect for clomping around in the summer, bare-legged with a floaty, pale dress. Available on Shopbop.

Am I crazy or...

2011-02-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

...are these the same song?

Boot Search 2011 (Yes, there is one every year)

2011-02-15T15:40:00.001-08:00

Well, as a present to myself for getting a new job and with a little help from my sponsor, Shopbop, I decided to get myself a new pair of black boots. I had been eyeing a few pairs, some of which were way too pricey when I settled on these Pour La Victoire beauties. I agonized over them for ages (as I do with all online purchases), read reviews for them on every site that stocks them and finally took the plunge ordering a half size up, as many people had said they fit a bit small.

Well, they definitely fit a bit small. Because they have no zipper, I literally could not get my foot past the ankle part and into the shoe part. So frustrating because they were beautiful and the leather was amazingly soft. However, it was not meant to be and back they went.
Then, after looking around for another week or so, I somehow changed tacks completely and decided I needed black ankle boots far more than tall ones. I have a pair of black suede Minnetonka moccasin ankle boots which I wear all the time when it isn't raining (and, sometimes when it is raining because I am dumb) but they are really a warm weather shoe and I wanted something to wear with the same kinds of outfits, but with a little more durability.

Enter Frye. I settled on these short Frye boots in the end, which arrived yesterday and are on my feet as I type. If you've ever owned a pair of Frye's (these are my second) you will agree that nothing beats their quality. They are comfy, durable, classic and cool all at once. They last forever. I already know the next pair I want, which I hope to buy at the beginning of next winter.

Public Service Announcements

2011-02-10T14:38:00.003-08:00

I know I've said before that, in general, I like to keep The Vancouverista a positive space. I want it to be a fun, inspirational fashion journal, where I can explore my thoughts on clothing and share them with you. However, that said, occasionally I just can't help doing a little complaining. I'm a human, writing an online journal, sitting at a computer just like you. This is my only public forum, so I'm going to take advantage of that whenever I feel the need to. If you disagree with the things I'm about to say, then please, by all means, take advantage of my un-moderated comment section and tell me! Argue with me! Argue with each other! Give me evidence to the contrary of what I say and change my mind! The following are some fashion and non-fashion related things that have been bothering me lately...

1) I know I've mentioned this before, but I still see it every. single. day. Why is anyone still wearing Uggs in 2011? Do you know that this "trend" was already "over" by 2005? Specifically, why is anyone wearing Uggs in Vancouver? Do you not understand that rain + suede = big soggy mess? This really needs to end, Vancouver. It's embarrassing. Even more embarrassing is that it seems at least half of you are wearing Uggs that are the wrong size! I can't tell you how often I see someone scuffling along with their feet hanging over the inside sole of their boot. If your foot isn't the same size as the sole, your shoes don't fit!

2) I also know I've mentioned this before but apparently I need to keep saying it. Leggings. Are. Not. Pants. They aren't! Wear a tunic, a dress, a long shirt, anything! If you are not in yoga class, you can't wear leggings as pants. Sorry.

3) There is something that has been really bothering me lately. Especially since cigarettes seem to be having a major renaissance in Vancouver right now. I mean, I feel for you smokers, I know it's hard. You can't smoke indoors, you can't smoke near buildings, etc etc but for the love of god can you all PLEASE stop smoking while you are walking down the sidewalk!??!!!!? Everywhere I walk lately I am forced to breathe in smoke the whole time. I should be able to walk down the street without having to walk in a cloud of smoke. Isn't all the car exhaust in the air bad enough? I thank you in advance for your future consideration and respect.

4) Skytrain etiquette rules:
Let other people off the train before you try and get on.
Let elderly people and pregnant ladies have your seat.
No pushing! No elbowing! No kicking! No shoving!
No sitting in the aisle seat leaving the window seat empty and no refusing to move over if you do!

That is all. Phew.

Why wait?

2011-01-31T12:49:00.000-08:00

These are called smittens. They are ridiculous but also kind of useful. This was my favourite picture that came up when I Google'd Valentine's Day Fashion. Image from this site.

You know, Valentine's Day is a really weird holiday. I always felt like it had to be invented by greeting card companies and chocolate makers to push consumers in the post-Christmas spending slump. Apparently, it does have somewhat of a long history, but I am still skeptical. 'Oh, but when isn't she skeptical?' you're probably thinking and you're probably right. I just think a lot of people tend to get a little too wrapped up in what they're supposed to do, like buying some yellow gold earrings for your sweetie. Which, by all means, click that link and do it, because trust me, no girl turns down jewelry. However, I feel like if you're lucky enough to be in love, every day is sort of Valentine's Day, as cheesy as that sounds. Why wait for a holiday of questionable origins to express your love? Buy earrings any day, bake a special treat because it's Wednesday, go out for a special meal tonight...it will be more appreciated if you don't wait for a specific socially-approved, corporate-mandated Day of Love.

Fantasy Land

2011-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

Natalia Vodianova (an all-time favourite) shot by Carter Smith for W in May 2002. Now this is what I like out of a fashion editorial.

OOC! (Out Of Control.... or Oh, Opening Ceremony)

2011-01-22T11:45:00.003-08:00

I've been awaiting the appearance of these Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony platform mary janes (favourite descriptive shoe sentence ever?) ever since the look book came out ages ago. They've finally dropped for sale on Shopbop but at that price and at a whopping 5.5" with a 2" platform it is just not going to happen. I knew they'd be high, but whoah. OOC! They're still soooooooooo good though. Is there anyone out there who can honestly wear a 5.5" platform shoe and not fall over?

Corporate Cool?

2011-01-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Continuing on this week's theme of work appropriate looks, I've put together this little collage of the kind of outfit I want to see myself wearing to the office. I am not completely willing to give up my edge, just because I've gone corporate (ha!), so this is the kind of thing that straddles the line between cool and professional. I've realized I can't wear all black all the time, so a bright (for me) necklace would provide a good pop of colour in this kind of outfit. Also, I am pretty obsessed with this dress and have been meaning to put it in a post for ages. Dress from Diana von Furstenberg, jacket is Helmut Lang, Falke tights, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace and Proenza Schouler wedge boots.

Work Looks

2011-01-17T21:35:00.002-08:00

Just a few work-appropriate looks to get us started. These are all snagged from chictopia, wardrobe remix and similar. I'm lucky I've got a casual office but I still want to look professional and neat every day. Looking at what I've collected here gives me a pretty good idea of what works and what I still need. It's clearly all about the jackets. A great pair of neutral jeans, button-up shirts and below-the-knee skirts.
Confession: I've been writing down everything I wear in my day planner every single day to try and keep track of what I wear when and with what so I can try to keep up the variety. I want to start taking daily outfit photos but I'm a little far north for that at the moment. It's still dark when I leave in the morning and dark before I get home. Come on, earth....rotate!

Thoughts on Fashionable Office Wear

2011-01-15T00:40:00.002-08:00

As I mentioned, this week I started a new job. A career if you will. For the first time in my working life, I now have a proper office to go to every day. Suddenly, my closet full of white lace mini dresses and wildly impractical shoes doesn't seem so useful. Luckily, it's still a pretty casual place. I mean, people bring their dogs to work whenever they want! Do you know how lovely it is to take short puppy play-time breaks at work? You probably don't because you probably don't work in my office.
Anyway, TGFV (Thank God For Vancouver) because no one around here wears suits or even anything resembling a suit (fashion nightmare). Regardless, my miniskirt collection is still not office wear and I have had to completely rethink the way I dress on weekdays (especially after working from home for the last year in my pajamas). Thankfully, I have a sister who is 9 years older and wiser than me, who knows what is office appropriate and who takes me shopping for serious, grownup clothes. We spent nearly a whole day in Banana Republic last week picking out office clothes (which ended with us fondling the Chanel in Holt Renfrew) and I am starting to get a 'work wardrobe' together. It's tough though! Suddenly, I'm scouring the internet for 'office casual' outfit inspiration (not always the most interesting) so, I think maybe I will start sharing my findings here.
You know what is interesting though? My new job. Which means I don't mind making some changes to my weekday look. I've read up on my company's 'corporate blogging policy' and they say it's a-ok to express yourself on the internet, so I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. Speaking of going places, I just noticed that one of my absolute, all-time-favourite places to go on the internet, nogoodforme.com put up a link to the Vancouverista, one of only a handful of fashion blogs they list and I am beyond flattered. Seriously. Beyond. What a week!

I'm still here!

2011-01-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the lack of posts. I've just begun a new job and have been adjusting to a new, busier schedule. I'm working on a few things though, so watch this space!

XOXO
Vancouverista

I Resolve...

2011-01-04T17:18:00.001-08:00

Well, here we are in the arbitrarily 'new' year of 2011. Despite my skepticism of our calendar system and my feeling that a 'new' year should really begin in the spring, I can't help being swept up in the tide of self-improvement. Plus my birthday was less than 2 weeks ago, so for me it is a new year, I suppose. Therefore, I have a list of 'resolutions' (which I prefer to think of as goals) for this new year. They include:

Blogging a LOT more. Also, dealing with everything that goes along with the blog that I generally procrastinate on like replying to emails and dealing with sponsors. 2011 is the year I make money - I've been at this since 2007 and all I have to show for all that work is a lot of clothes. Most of which I bought myself.

Eating healthily. Duh, right? Namely, committing to eating vegan most of the time, eating locally as much as possible and including a whole lot more raw food. This Vancouver Food site has a lot of great articles about locavore food like organic, free range butcher shops and how to make your own cheeses at home (I'm a vegetarian-going-on-vegan but my boyfriend is an omnivore still - at least I can make sure what he eats is as low-impact as possible).

Yoga every day. Or every other day. No less. I am also hoping that my now-defunct running group will be willing to get back together this year and get back on the ~~boredom~~ jogging train.

While I do have a few more, I think that's more than enough to post here for posterity. I don't want to overwhelm myself or you. I do want to ask you all: What are your goals for this year? I'd love to hear them.

Good Riddance 2010

2010-12-31T14:01:00.001-08:00

2010 was not such a great year for many reasons and I am more than happy to say goodbye to it. Let's all work hard to make 2011 a happier, more positive, more cooperative, more fun, funnier, sillier, sweeter and all around much better year, okay? Yes!

2010-12-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

LOVED. IT.

All The Pretty Dresses

2010-12-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is eleven days away. Do you know what you're wearing yet?

I guess you don't have to wear a dress, but in case you wanted to, these would all be great choices. All available on Shopbop. Club Monaco, MINKPINK, Elizabeth and James. Joie, Lover, Halston Heritage. Twenty8Twelve, Winter Kate, RED Valentino.

For neurotics near and far

2010-12-16T01:24:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much this site appeals to a wackadoo like me. Oh my god Things Organized Neatly, you are so great.

Triple Sigh

2010-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

I will always love a good platform. All three of these lovelies are Jeffrey Campbell and available on Nasty Gal.

Facebook Shmacebook

2010-12-15T01:35:00.008-08:00

I finally saw the much-hyped Facebook movie The Social Network the other day. It left me feeling a whole bunch of different emotions: confused about the weirdly inaccurate portrayal of 'my generation,' incredibly disappointed in myself both for not learning computer programming and not having the drive to start my own gigantic company while I was in University at the same time as Mark Zuckerberg, annoyed at the extremely chauvinist tone of this movie (every female character is portrayed as either a ditzy groupie or a total bitch and they are all just too dumb, stoned and/or naked to ever be involved in any 'serious' conversations or business) and just generally bewildered because the 'true story' of Facebook's inception and rise to popularity sure has changed drastically over the last few years.

Anyway, as usual, I digress. The point of this post is to direct you over to Zadie Smith's article about the movie in The New York Review of Books. Go read it! It's really good and smart. Damn, I love Zadie Smith, she is such an amazing writer. Some parts I liked:

"At the end of the film, when all the suing has come to an end (“Pay them. In the scheme of things it’s a parking ticket”), we’re offered a Zuckerberg slumped before his laptop, still obsessed with the long-lost Erica, sending a “Friend request” to her on Facebook, and then refreshing the page, over and over, in expectation of her reply…. Fincher’s contemporary window-dressing is so convincing that it wasn’t until this very last scene that I realized the obvious progenitor of this wildly enjoyable, wildly inaccurate biopic. Hollywood still believes that behind every mogul there’s an idée fixe: Rosebud—meet Erica."

"Watching this movie, even though you know Sorkin wants your disapproval, you can’t help feel a little swell of pride in this 2.0 generation. They’ve spent a decade being berated for not making the right sorts of paintings or novels or music or politics. Turns out the brightest 2.0 kids have been doing something else extraordinary. They’ve been making a world."

On Wish Lists

2010-12-14T13:51:00.007-08:00

It's that time of year again. Birth-Christ-'Mukkah season. I wish that all of us December babies could just be allowed to move our birthdays to another month in order to spare us the inevitable Christmas-themed birthday party. In fact, I've had good friends throw holiday parties on my birthday and require I attend. Moving our birthday celebrations to say, July (oh how I've always longed for a birthday on the beach!) would just be easier and less awkward for everyone. Anyway, I feel a little silly making a wish list at all, let alone putting it on the internet, when all I actually need is continued good health and love but this is a fashion blog. It's all about needs/wants, right? Well, I don't need these things but they would be nice to have, even if some are a little far fetched. It doesn't hurt to let the Universe know exactly what your heart desires though. Just in case.

First of all, these shoes that I have been in love with since they walked down the Chloe F/W '06 runway. Jeez, that is a long time to love a pair of shoes, but I have. They are just so great and I doubt I'll ever own them, but whatever.

Also, these Chloe flats which may or may not be from the same season. God, 2006 and 2007 were good years for fashion!

A new bike. Oh god, I want a new bike so badly! I think I mentioned before my boyfriend and I both had ours stolen. Boy, that was a fun Sunday morning. I now have bike envy. I watch all the smug cyclists zip past me in my extremely bike-heavy neighbourhood and every single one makes me sad as I slowly walk to wherever I'm going. Any bike will do, really, but this Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser Bike (26-Inch Wheels) from Amazon is on sale and so so pretty! LOOK HOW PRETTY!

Okay, another totally irrational want is this (or any) teepee. I think this one is also a bed or couch and that is just too good to be true. I don't know where this comes from but I will be keeping this photo around until I can recreate it by building it myself. A backyard teepee with little twinkling lights inside to read by on hot summer nights would also be sublime.

A slightly more practical need is a serger. This Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger is such a good deal and the online reviews make it sound really good. Ever since I started using an industrial serger at school I have been plotting on how to get one at home. They just make everything you sew look so professional. It's really a must for me (eventually).

Okay, one last fashion-related thing for good measure. The elusive perfect riding boot. I don't know what the perfect ones look like yet, probably black and knee-high. I've been trying to find a good/reasonably priced vintage pair for years without luck. The closest thing I've seen is crazy expensive ones that are the real thing at horse shows. I just can't imagine shelling out that much for something that will never be seen anywhere near a horse. My sister has amazing, custom-made riding boots (for actually riding horses ha) though, maybe someday she'll need a new pair and will discard those in my direction.

I started writing this post last night, then I went to a yoga class where the instructor asked us all at the beginning what we wanted for Christmas this year. Everyone said all these really selfless and non-material things like more time with family, a meditation retreat, or something to do with world peace and then this one girl, who went last, piped up and yelled I WANT MONEY! Everyone laughed and yelled ME TOO!

Normally Jeffrey Campbell and shearling are things I like

2010-12-12T19:27:00.003-08:00

But, not together I guess. This boot has gone beyond fashion into ridiculousness. Actually, I've been trying to type a clever sentence for the last ten minutes about the things this boot makes me feel when I look at it, but it just isn't coming out right. Instead, here is a list of descriptive titles I have thought of for it: surreal in a very 'mall' way, prissy, like wearing an unkempt poodle's foot, Shopping Channel/QVC-esque. I have more, but I'll stop there.

It must be so sweet to be a billionaire

2010-12-09T02:39:00.001-08:00

I learned tonight that jet packs are real now.

You too can FLY for only $139,500.

MANIAMANIA

2010-12-08T12:55:00.001-08:00

I really can't remember if I've already posted about this amazing jewellery line, MANIAMANIA, but I'm too lazy right now to check my archives for it. Instead I just want to show you these awesome, ancient Egyptian-inspired pieces. So cool, no? Their lookbooks are full of dreamy photography too.

A Tale of Two Dresses

2010-12-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

I've been stalking this Free People dress for ages. Hemming and hawing and generally being my incredibly indecisive self over which colour to get. I finally went with the black (courtesy of my sponsor, Shopbop.com) and when it arrived this morning, I tried it on and pranced around for ages admiring how lovely it is. This, to me, is a really (I know I throw this word around a lot, but it's true) perfect dress. It's ideal for dressing up or down. Anyone who knows me, has seen my closet or this blog knows how much I love lace and the fit (for me) was just right. I knew I had picked a winner. I also knew I needed to get this dress in cream as well. When something is this good and fits this well, you need to get multiples.

Well, I hate to brag, but I have the nicest boyfriend in the entire world. He ordered me the dress in cream as an early birthday present (not that early - it's in 2 weeks! whoah). I am such a happy and lucky girl. Holiday party outfits are sorted. Thank you sweetie!

Pretty Pictures, Inspiring things

2010-12-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Cozy Up

2010-11-28T10:55:00.002-08:00

Isn't cozy such a weird word? Typing it just made it lose all meaning to me. Anyway, it's cold outside (also dark, grey and dreary). There is something about wearing a printed and/or colourful sweater that makes it all just a little easier to take. Here are some current favourites. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, M Missoni, Alice by Temperley, Beyond Vintage, Dolce Vita, Free People, Free People and Marc by Marc Jacobs. All available from my sponsor, Shopbop.com. Stay warm!

Pink Suede Shoes

2010-11-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Isn't this picture just so appealing? Really loving the black tights + pink shoes combo.

Image from Solestruck.

Feast for the eyes

2010-11-22T22:00:00.002-08:00

I am dying to jump right into these springtime photos full of gorgeous purples after the frigid day we had in Vancouver. The Weather Network said that with wind chill, it 'felt like' -10° C today. It certainly did. I like to think that, having lived in Ottawa (coldest. city. ever.) for university, I have been toughened up a little to the cold. I'm Canadian, I should be able to handle it, right? Turns out I can't. Today was terrible!

Images from Marie Claire by photographer Corrie Bond.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the H20+ giveaway!

The Beatles are Forever

2010-11-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

I can't get over how modern The Beatles look in this picture. If you didn't know who they were and you saw any one of them walking down the street, looking like they do here, you wouldn't look twice. They could easily fit right in, in my neighbourhood, circa 2010.

Image from the iTunes website.

H2O+ Giveaway!

2010-11-18T15:55:00.005-08:00

H2O+ was kind enough to send me some holiday skin care gift packages to give away! If you'd like to enter to win an H2O+ gift pack all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me something funny. It could be anything - a joke, a story, a quote, whatever you like. You can gain extra entries by following me on Twitter and joining my Facebook page. I will pick the 3 winners by Dec. 2 (that gives you 2 weeks) based on who makes me laugh the hardest! Good luck!

Fidelity Denim Warehouse Sale Info

2010-11-17T01:08:00.001-08:00

Click to enlarge and see details.

Currently Obsessed With: Velvet

2010-11-15T13:43:00.001-08:00

Image from Nylon September 2010, scan from The Fashion Spot

After seeing the above image in a Nylon article months ago, I've had it in the back of my mind to recreate this look. I've scoured the local fabric shops and am now working on a dress that will end up looking nothing like this, but the general feeling will be the same. As a trend, velvet has been building for awhile now. It's one of those fabrics that seems to swing wildly in and out of style. I don't think I've owned anything made of velvet since I was 11 or 12.

Image from Moth Love by Gretchen Jones, found via Delightfully Tacky

This dress was worn by winning Project Runway designer Gretchen Jones in one episode, even though I think it's too short and I hate the way she styled it on the show (very autumn elf girl), I really love the colour and the sleeves. I discovered via the blog Delightfully Tacky that it is, of course, from Jones' own line, Moth Love.

All dresses from ASOS

Looking through the results of what comes up on ASOS when you search 'velvet' I found these. None of them are 100%, but there is something I like about each, either the colour or a detail. These are by (L-R) Carin Wester, Dagmar, Unconditional, Selected Femme, TNA and TFNC.

All from Shopbop.com

Then I searched shopbop for velvet pieces...their selection is decidedly more dark and moody. These are (L-R) by DvF, DvF, Winter Kate, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth and James and Madewell.

The Art of Patience: Or, a really long story about finding the perfect coat

2010-11-13T19:00:00.001-08:00

I was just discussing with my mom the other day the fact of my former complete lack of patience. When I first tried to sew on a machine (Grade 8 mandatory home ec.) I just could not do it. I didn't have the focus. I couldn't sit still long enough. I didn't even finish the one assignment we had to complete (an apron! How un-P.C. and anti-feminist! And this was 1998!). The frustration of this one quarter-semester requirement pushed me into four years of choosing cooking class over sewing - something I somewhat regret. But now? Now, I can spend all day sewing. I'll happily focus on my machine for 10 hours with hardly a break. Patience is certainly something I've had to develop over time. That brings me to my winter coat dilemma. A certain street-style photograph of a girl in a navy blue, Paddington Bear-style toggle coat has been in the back of my mind for a few years now, keeping me always on the lookout for a coat of this style. It's been so long that I can no longer locate the original inspiration, but then, the coat above walked down the Fall 2010 Proenza Schouler runway. I have been wearing the same, vaguely Edwardian-style black wool coat for the last three or four winters (bought at one of my absolute favourite Vancouver boutiques, Spank) because I hate over-consumption and I like to wait to find the perfect piece before I buy. I knew that it wouldn't take long for the Proenza to be copied and mass-marketed down to a store I could afford. The only problem with the coat above was the lack of hood - something vital in rainy Vancouver winters. Then, in a typical late-night scouring of my usual online haunts, I found the coat below at ASOS. Navy, wood toggles and hood. Did I dream this coat? No, I waited for it.

It is currently flying across the ocean to join me here. I'm certain we shall be together for many winters to come. Patience, my friends. So glad I finally got some.

Overheard at Vancouver Fashion Week

2010-11-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

"I never even heard there was a fashion week in Vancouver... because there is no fashion in Vancouver!"

Harsh words, lady.

Vintage Inspiration: Boardwalk Empire

2010-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend my boyfriend and I binge-watched the first eight episodes of Boardwalk Empire. If you like The Sopranos and/or Mad Men you will probably be into this show too. It's a mobster drama set in Atlantic City during prohibition with just as amazing period costumes and sets as you would imagine.

The aesthetic of the show is fantastic. The intro sequence has the feeling of a Magritte painting.

One of the most striking things about the way this show portrays the era is the level of elegance in everyday dress. Everyone was so civilised. Can you imagine needing to wear a petticoat, hat, gloves and elaborate hairdo every time you leave your house? I love having a peek into a world that no longer exists.

Vancouver Fashion Week 2010 Explosion: Maggie Coloumbe, Jacqueline Conoir, Valeria Moda, Rainbows, etc

2010-11-08T15:17:00.002-08:00

Last week was exhausting! I was running around the city for various Vancouver Fashion Week events along with a million other commitments. Can I tell you a secret? I don't really like fashion shows. I know I'm not supposed to say that, but they are just so weird to me. I would much rather go to a designers showroom to see the clothes, or a presentation or just look at pictures. I'm a little uncomfortable sitting in a room full of people all trying to ignore each other (maybe this is just Vancouver though) and focus really hard on models walking by.

I went to the Loden Hotel to meet up with Maggie Coloumbe in her temporary showroom and check out her new collection. She was really enthusiastic and cool. Her clothes are all about easy travel which makes sense as she's a Canadian transplant to Hawaii.

Image from Maui Magazine

Her colleague modelling one of her beautiful flowy silk pieces. These were my favourites. All the silk was hand-batiked in Bali.

So pretty. These are voluminous, one-size fits all beach/anytime pieces.

Later that night, I went to the opening of Vancouver Fashion Week at the Empire Landmark Hotel. I didn't end up staying for all the shows but I did see the Jacqueline Conoir Collection and Valeria Moda menswear. My camera did NOT enjoy the lighting in that space so most of my images aren't the greatest. I wish I had a fairy blogmother who would bring me a fancy new camera.

Saw many boring suits and pretty dresses in the Jacqueline Conoir show...I think I am just not their target demographic.

This plaid flannel/leather jacket above from Valeria Moda was my favourite piece - could this be made for women please?

BEAUTIFUL rainbow over the city on Friday. It lasted for what felt like hours and was a complete arch.

Stay tuned because I have a lot of posts planned for this week to make up for last week's silence. Including a beauty giveaway. P.S. See that toolbar below? It will take you to my new facebook page, RSS feed and Twitter. P.P.S. I am not sure what is with the numbers showing up at the end of my posts....can anyone explain this phenomenon to me? No idea how to get rid of them.

Dogs Looking Depressed In Their Halloween Costumes

2010-10-27T02:44:00.001-07:00

Go check this out. SO funny but I do feel terrible for these dogs. Mine always hated when I so much as held a hat over her head for comic effect.

Beyond Vintage

2010-10-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

One of these days I'm going to get my act together and take outfit photos again - until then, here is a Shopbop model wearing my new favourite top. So obsessed with this - the neckline detail is actually the most gorgeous embroidery. This was one of those things that turned out even better in real life - which is just so satisfying. I seriously have been stalking this shirt/blouse/drapey thing since mid-July and once it dropped in price (twice!) I finally went for it. It was briefly sold out which made it all the sweeter when one became available again (in my size!) and I finally snapped it up and nearly 1/4 the original price! Fate? This top is sold out but Beyond Vintage has a lot of other cool stuff. I love the philosophy of this brand (even if it's a little pricey). They source the best vintage clothing and recreate it with a modern eye. Amazing.

Tweet Tweet

2010-10-20T18:21:00.001-07:00

If you just can't get enough Vancouverista, you can also follow my thoughts, ramblings and panic attacks on my Twitter account @vancouverista. Enjoy!

Coco Rocha's Apartment

2010-10-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

I love these images of Coco Rocha's NYC apartment from Vogue. She remains my favourite model no matter what; namely because she's from Vancouver! I love the little office nook, her purple (!) couch and that incredible view of Manhattan! Vancouver's own supermodel has done very well for herself. Is it weird that I am so so proud?

BANG BANG POW

2010-10-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Colour backstage at Proenza Schouler. Images from Jak & Jil.

Seasonally Appropriate Shoe Porn

2010-10-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Mmmm so many good boots at Shopbop right now. These are Elizabeth and James, Jeffrey Campbell, Jeffrey Campbell, Pour La Victoire, Rag & Bone and Sam Edelman. It's funny how your taste can evolve - I feel like a few years ago I wouldn't have liked any of these. Oh, fickle fashion.

(More) Random Inspiration

2010-10-13T00:36:00.000-07:00

Random Inspiration

2010-10-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to upload pictures here for days. The lack of posting is not from lack of trying! More to come.

Fall Palette

2010-10-06T17:40:00.001-07:00

I'm really digging the colour palette and styling of the cover of the October issue of Jalouse. The pants-less look may not be practical, but it works in fashion fantasy land and/or prancing around your bedroom. Image from Fashion Gone Rogue.

Are you suffering from buyer's remorse or something?

2010-10-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

I bought this dress at H&M last week and after trying it on again at home, I promptly returned it. As Cher Horowitz once wisely said, "I don't trust mirrors, so I always take poloroids." In my case, I take digital pictures, but the effect is the same- a more objective view of your clothes. I'm finding more and more that 'fast fashion,' while inexpensive, just doesn't cut it for me. I like the idea of this dress, but the waist was too low, the top too baggy, the length a little too short, the material too thin and cheap, etc. It's hard to find things which really work at these stores, and the better I get at sewing, the more I just walk around them thinking "I could make that, (and that and that) so easily." I need to start putting my money where my mouth is.

Fiat Mode: VCC Grad Fashion Show

2010-09-30T15:04:00.002-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Vancouver Community College's grad fashion show at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. I think when I was invited, I pictured a much lower-key affair (this is Vancouver after all) but I was pleasantly surprised by both a fantastically produced show and some serious talent on the runway. Now, I'll tell you off that bat that my camera is just terrible and I was so fed-up with it that I didn't end up taking nearly enough photos, especially of my favourite looks! Also, sometimes you're just too busy taking in all the details of a work of art to bother taking a picture as it quickly walks by. I did snap a few, which I will share here, as well as some press preview shots. I am hoping that the professional photographers at the end of the runway will be uploading their images today, if so I may update with some of those later.

The three looks above are by designer Ho-Chi Huang, who's 1950's-inspired collection had the most incredible lace veiled hats.

The party dresses by Karen Niven were some of my favourites of the evening - especially the gold and turquoise brocade full-skirted look worn by the designer herself (I wish I had a picture!).

Jennifer Gagne's use of colour was right up my alley-this was one of my favourite collections of the night, it was full of pieces that I wanted to steal off the models and wear right away myself.

Monica Fraser's show-stopping collection made the entire room gasp. These were fantasy, couture-like clothes which were definitely inspired by Alexander McQueen's sumptuous work. Also, the designer herself was quite a presence in the room with her elegant demeanor, electric blue hair and giant sunglasses.

Blake Hyland was the only men's designer, in fact the only male designer of the evening. His work was like an incredibly complex, future-tribal-warrior's wardrobe but not nearly as cheesy as that sounds. I loved his work with leather and the styling of his models was so fantastic. I wish I'd taken some pictures of his looks!

Another collection I wish I had my own photo's of was Leah Mosoff's. Really, I am such a sucker for nude chiffon, but I loved these looks.

Another contender for favourite was Robynne Redgrave McPherson. This incredibly innovative designer used a technique of hanging pieces with delicate strings like marionettes. The effect was less puppet and more edgy and unique fashion. It was really something I haven't seen before-and how often can you say that about clothes? I feel like this girl is really one to watch.

Oh my god, there were so many more designers, but I just can't fit them all in here. I think I've given a pretty good idea of my favourites of the night though, though I know missed some. So many clothes-it is now such a blur! I really enjoyed the entire show, there was so much talent present. Thank you again to the organizers for inviting me and for making me feel important with front row seats!

Horseshoe bangle

2010-09-28T13:46:00.001-07:00

House of Harlow 1960

Now that her birthday has passed, I can show you the present I got for my sister - the horse lover. I think that if you have a horsey person in your life, this House of Harlow horseshoe bangle (it has little studs on one side) is a really perfect gift.

A cruelty-free solution

2010-09-27T16:37:00.002-07:00

Puppy scarves for FW 2011?

Faux fur looks too real. New fur is too cruel. Vintage fur is a grey area. How do we feel about living fur?

Live a Little

2010-09-25T18:23:00.017-07:00

Annabel of Blushing Ambition currently has a link up to an article on Jezebel which has gone on the offensive (or maybe I should say defensive, as it's a personal reaction to something external) towards blogs which she says make her (actually she uses 'we', which, as a Journalism-school alum, makes me a little ill for her undiscerning inclusion of all who lay eyes on the piece) feel somehow inadequate at life.

She begins, "Our moms had Martha [Stuart] to make them feel inadequate. But we have a whole new generation of perfection which is rapidly proliferating online. Let's call them the Marthettes." She goes on to include the aforementioned Annabel, as well as quite a lot of other bloggers whose online realms I frequent, as examples of modern "Marthettes."

I would go on to explain what exactly it is about blogs that makes her feel so less than, but she does such a great job of explaining it herself: "Because, whereas Martha and her ilk may have preached a gospel of aspiration, this world is all about attainability. All these folks are young, on a budget, and, presumably, have day-jobs — or at least have the motivation to busy themselves with the less-glamorous end of their creative jobs (like uploading stuff, and bookkeeping) some of the time. Theoretically, you could do all this — you, too, could (and should) be living a beautiful life. But most of us are simply not skillful enough, or committed enough to beauty or, as I always end up morosely chastising myself, pure enough of heart to attain it — let alone make it look so good online. Some of us have to watch SVU reruns instead. Yes, maybe I might use someone's idea for a cupcake decoration or whip out the occasional homemade card. But it's not the same. It just reminds me that I'm falling short of the Lifestyle."

Now, what is it about that paragraph that just seems so...bitter? whiny? jealous? hypocritical? I think what it comes down to is her complaint that she is too darn busy watching television to care about her real life or to work on attaining any of the talents she feels she lacks (practice does makes perfect, you know). I suppose part of this is a big generation gap. I think there is a massive movement of young people now, myself and many friends included, who aren't satisfied buying new things which are poorly made, or in the case of food, unhealthy and unethically produced. We choose to spend time making things, cooking and creating beauty. This isn't a competition, it's about enjoying your life, focusing on the little (but important) things and choosing not to participate so much in an overwhelming consumer culture. Little by little, things are changing, and articles like this one are only looking backwards.

Another thing that struck me about this, was that the author disregards that blogs are a positive space, created to share ideas. No one's life is perfect, and I doubt any bloggers would claim theirs is, but this isn't TV, it's not the media, these are real people like me at their computers sharing with the world. Would you accept the illusion that a Hollywood actresses' life is 'perfect'? No, so why would try to pretend that real people who write blogs for fun have perfect lives? How perfectly ridiculous.

First day of fall

2010-09-22T02:10:00.010-07:00


Burberry Prorsum


Dolce & Gabbana

Dries Van Noten


Marc Jacobs

Proenza Schouler

Stella McCartney

While I admit I can't help taking a few peeks at the new spring collections, in order to keep myself in the now I have been looking through the fall collections for current style inspiration. Grounded in the now, yes. In reality? Clearly not. One can always dream and take inspiration though, no?

A few quick notes. Burberry: Leather and lace - forever a favourite combination. Dolce: Nude on nude and lace. Dries: Mixing patterns, casual with more dressy pieces, and there is that combo of khaki green and leopard print again. Marc Jacobs: librarian chic always works for me. Proenza: This is how I want to look half the time. Only half though. Stella: The simplest looks can sometimes be the most effective. Is there anywhere you couldn't go in these outfits?

All images Style.com.

Next Generation

2010-09-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Next Wednesday. Go go go!
Info and tickets here.

Into Calico

2010-09-19T18:50:00.005-07:00


Photo by Lucy Calico

I am so happy to introduce to you my gorgeous, brand new header! It was designed by my dear friend Lucy, who is an incredible photographer and artist who has left Vancouver, and is now based in a beautiful seaside Spanish town. I have also been working on a re-design of the blog, so expect lots of aesthetic and practical changes over the next few days as I sort out the details. Thanks, as always, for reading the Vancouverista! xoxo

Fall Picks

2010-09-16T09:19:00.002-07:00

I really am not a mindless consumer and you should not be one either. This might be a fashion blog, but mindlessly following trends is never recommended here. I suggest being aware of the trends, but not buying into any that don't suit you or your style. It doesn't take a lot of new clothes to look new every season, just a very keen eye for what is a good purchase for you. Any of these would be a great update to your wardrobe this fall, but not all of them at once. From my lovely sponsor Shopbop we have here:

1) An army jacket. Oh man, we all know how much military is in (again). All the magazines have told us and told us. The thing is, while I've wanted one for a couple years now, and have come close to buying one on many occasions, I just can't get over the fact that military clothing is a pro-military statement. I am anti-war. Anti-all and any war. I can't bring myself to dress like a soldier, not now, not ever. I don't know though, you might like to and army green looks fantastic with leopard print. This one is Twenty8Twelve.

2) Something leopard. I love the cut of this dress, though it wouldn't suit me at all. That's okay, this is imaginary fashion dress-up where everyone looks like a model. Dress by AKA New York.

3) These boots are so perfect! I must invest in black riding boots sometime soon, they are a major staple missing from my wardrobe. When I was at horse shows this summer watching my big sister compete I was really into the outfits. Although, it didn't seem like an appropriate place to ask for outfit photos-they're obviously a lot more focused on their horse than their clothes. However crisp button-up shirts, great belts and perfect riding boots all look so awesome-riding pants not so much. Boots by Madewell.

4) A faux fur vest. Faux fur is another one of those iffy items. I don't agree with real fur (unless it is vintage-it would be wasteful if no one wore them-it just doesn't have to be me) and faux can look so real that I wouldn't want anyone thinking I was wearing a dead animal. Grey area!? Like the army jacket, I like how it looks from an aesthetic standpoint but I don't like the connotations it inevitably carries. It is fascinating how a piece of clothing can have so many hidden meanings though, no? Vest by Burning Torch.

5) I don't really have anything to say about this Bird By Juicy Couture blazer except that I like it a lot, it's a Givenchy knockoff, Erin Fetherston designs this line now and I want to wear it with grey t-shirts and black jeans and my brown Frye boots.

FMA Fashion Week

2010-09-15T13:50:00.005-07:00

This is going on all over Vancouver this week. I meant to tell you sooner! I'm a little slow at dealing with my email (sorry!) - my blog's inbox is a scary place sometimes. Go visit their website for more info.

Dear spellcheck: I know that maximalist isn't a word.

2010-09-13T23:35:00.008-07:00

After looking through all the fall collections today for the second time while creating a massive fall 2010 fashion/trends post (which I'll put up tomorrow most likely) and seeing so much minimalism with clean lines, militarism (there was an ARMY of black blazers at Dolce & Gabbana) and super-feminine, retro-throwbacks; it felt kind of like pressing a modern lens re-fresh button when I looked through the J. Crew fall look book. I've gushed over the style of their creative director Jenna Lyons before, who told Style.com she's "not expecting people to dress like this, but they could, and I would love it if they did" in reference to the maximalist styling of simple J. Crew pieces. I would love it too! I think mixing true classics with whatever shiny things are catching your eye at the moment is a great way to get dressed.

Ahhh I Can't Wait To See This!

2010-09-07T17:58:00.002-07:00

This is going to be so much better than Center Stage.

Coat Search 2010

2010-09-07T11:59:00.006-07:00

The search for the right coat is on. This rainy season (winter in Vancouver) I am determined to stay warm and dry in a coat that I'll actually want to wear for months. The thing with a winter coat is that you'd better be in love - because you'll be together every single day. This Proenza Schouler from Fall '10 is my inspiration, but I don't do umbrella's which means I need a hood. Toggles, navy, hooded-my new coat mantra. Thank god I have the leather jacket situation under control.

Image from Style.com.

My generation

2010-09-03T21:52:00.012-07:00

A few weeks ago, I read this article from The New York Times Magazine which attempts to examine the reasons why my generation is having such a hard time 'growing up.'

When I read it, I felt simultaneously insulted by its condescension and justified (a little) by the acknowledgment of a situation I have discussed at length with my parents and friends. While it may be true that us 20-somethings are moving at a slower pace toward so-called 'adulthood' than previous generations, we are also facing a world where formerly accepted ideals of adulthood are no longer feasible.

Whether you like it or not, things are changing fast right now; in our society, economy, culture, politics, values, and most importantly, our environment. For myself and my peers, the future is not just scary, but also very uncertain. While, at 25, I am finally starting to figure out my plans for the future (by going back to school...again), I don't know many people who aren't working jobs they hate, feel are pointless and have nothing to do with their education (myself included for the time being-blogging is no day job, let me tell you). Not because we want to, but because that's what is available to us as over-educated, 21st century young adults.

Today, I read a rebuttal to that article on AlterNet News, which I was glad to see. It addressed some of the things I also felt in response to the New York Times article, while also attempting to explain the current reality to anyone over 30 who might be reading. For us, those things which supposedly define 'adulthood' (serious careers, owning a home, marriage, having children, etc) are no longer what they once were. We don't have an economy that supports them and as a result I think most of us are looking for new, unexplored ways to live which don't cost so much, come with as much risk, or are as damaging to our planet. Don't tell us we're lazy. Lazy would be submitting to an already broken system.

Summer, please don't end!

2010-08-28T11:55:00.008-07:00

I really can't fathom how it could be the end of August already. Time just moves faster and faster the older I get and if I don't enjoy every day it just slips past me.

My friend's new puppy. She's a Vizsla-Labrador cross. She sleeps all the time and loves to cuddle.

I'm not sure how well you can see this but if you click on the picture it will be full-sized. This is one of many cops on ATV's polluting the beach and harassing innocent people on a Monday afternoon. So relaxing. Not.

I loveeeeeeee you summertime.

My sister and her horse.

I promise that we will be back to our regularly scheduled fashion programming as soon as I squeeze in a few more beach days and the weather forces me to start thinking about clothes beyond my bikini.

Serene

2010-08-21T19:45:00.001-07:00

First World Problems

2010-08-18T13:23:00.006-07:00

Picking out a designer bag is just soooo hard, guys. I spent way too long choosing a new purse courtesy of Shopbop. I narrowed it down to my 'needs': small, black, cross-body, simple but chic, versatile; then further narrowed it to 3 top choices, which then somehow became 6 top choices but finally, finally I ordered one of these beauties. Can you guess which one?

1-3 Marc by Marc Jacobs, 4 State & Lake, 5 Marc By Marc Jaocbs, 6 Foley + Corinna.

Oh Vancouver, you've won me over again

2010-08-17T20:22:00.005-07:00

Playing with light

2010-08-11T14:59:00.003-07:00

I really wanted to move my angry note to the bike thief down the page so I wouldn't have to see it anymore. It's bad enough having to see the empty spot outside my door every day where they were locked up. These are some photos I took playing with light (christmas lights on the balcony and the city in the background) awhile ago when I was house-sitting my friend's ridiculous penthouse. I have a few friends who are amazing photographers and my shots just pale in comparison, but hey it's something to look at and there is no swearing in this post. I am really trying hard to quit it with the swearing these days.

And sometimes, I hate Vancouver.

2010-08-10T00:00:00.003-07:00

Dear asshole who stole my boyfriend and I's bikes this weekend,

Fuck you. You are a terrible person.

Sincerely,
The Vancouverista

I Wish I Was Wearing

2010-08-05T18:35:00.003-07:00

This outfit-especially this amazing ruffly Rebecca Taylor cardigan. Which is apparently already sold out? Whoah-who are all these people dropping $350 on a cardigan?

Mid-week inspiration

2010-08-03T18:35:00.006-07:00

From all over the internet: images I like today.

Vancouver, you're not perfect but I love you.

2010-07-29T13:30:00.005-07:00

I recently read an article about Vancouver in The Walrus which I've been meaning to write about for awhile, but every time I began, I just didn't know how to approach it. If you have a bit of time, go read A Tale of Two Cities: The Vancouver you see, and the one you don't by Gary Stephen Ross. Essentially the piece is one long Vancouver-bashing session with the occasional nod to our successes (while simultaneously belittling them). It makes reference to the hugely disparate divide between rich and poor, the somewhat fledgling cultural landscape, the silly 'world class city' title, the image of the 'green city' and various other clichés about Vancouver without really attempting to examine them. While Vancouver does have a lot of problems, which we are the first to admit, I am a little offended by the snarky tone toward the people of my city and the total lack of compassion or understanding displayed. Here are some excerpts:

"Vancouver, even more than most places, lends itself to spoof. The melodramatic views, the dependable wackiness of local (and provincial) politics, the green roofs and sustainably harvested spot prawns and Critical Mass cycling rallies, and, especially, the alternating smugness and insecurity of the citizenry: what’s not to parody?Everything’s in 3-D. You want drug addiction and wrenching, in-your-face psychosis the likes of which you’ll find nowhere else? Stroll through the Downtown Eastside, a twenty-square-block human zoo. Want to visit an Asian enclave that’s a cyberlike parallel universe? Check out the Aberdeen mall in Richmond, south of the city proper: two solitudes, Pacific variety."

"Amid the stereotypes, of course, obscured by them, Vancouverites live substantial, complicated, inaccessible lives. Newcomers say folks here are quick to engage you in a friendly chat but slow to invite you over for dinner. There may be a flaky, hippie vibe to the lineup at Trout Lake Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, but there is a seriousness of purpose as well, an act-on-it conviction that organic tomatoes from the Okanagan are in every way superior to industrial tomatoes from Mexico."

I am used to the clichés about Vancouver. I did my undergrad in Ontario where it was often demanded of me by new friends and acquaintances that I explain my reasons for being vegetarian, for being left-wing, for buying organic vegetables or for being a 'BC hippie' (we take that as a compliment, by the way) and whatever characteristics that particular person had assigned to me based on their opinions of where I am from. It often seemed as though it was very important to them that I justify my life choices to them. Why exactly this was, I still haven't quite figured out. It often felt as if they saw me as a rare bird, a person with conviction. Someone who possibly made them feel embarrassed for their own lack of ethical decision-making.

I would like to point out that this article was written by a Toronto-transplant to Vancouver. The only local source he speaks with in this article is a billionaire, no regular folks, and the rest are from Toronto. Referring to his first experience visiting Vancouver as a kid he says that, "to us highly sophisticated easterners, the place felt like a frontier town." I am hoping this comment was tongue-in-cheek. While Vancouver is a young city, it is certainly as 'sophisticated' as anywhere else in Canada. This is Canada! We don't try to be sophisticated, we are a land of beer and hockey.

Here is the thing, there is this belief that everyone hates Toronto. There was even a documentary made on the subject (which I've heard was carefully edited to bolster this myth). From my experiences, I'd say I think a lot more people hate Vancouver. I don't think many Canadians, certainly not Vancouverites, hate Toronto. I like Toronto, I wouldn't live there because my family is here, but it is pretty fun and it's size offers the kind of social and cultural pace Vancouver lacks. The major difference between Vancouver and Toronto, to me, is that in Vancouver you have to make your own fun. You go hiking, you go biking, you go to the beach and generally just revel in the scenery. But, in Toronto, the fun is laid out for you like a noisy, all-night buffet.

So, to Mr. Ross and those who feel the way he does, I say... Maybe if you didn't paint us with your clichés so readily, without getting to know who we are or what we are about first, you might find that Vancouverites are a lot more than the labels you are so quick to put on us. Or that those things we do that you find so unnecessarily 'serious' actually have a lot of reasoning behind them. We don't actually think we're the 'best place on earth' (some marketing team did) but we do love living here, and if you can so easily label the downtown eastside as a "human zoo" (seriously? How did the editors let that by?) without any compassion, maybe Vancouver is not the place for you.

I Wish I Was Wearing

2010-07-27T18:01:00.003-07:00

These chic macrame sandals from Boutique 9 which look like a fishtail braid and have those awesome ballerina pointe shoe-style straps that tie up the leg. My former 8-year-old self is just dying for these. And, they're on sale. From Shopbop of course.

Beauty Review: H20+ skincare

2010-07-26T12:32:00.010-07:00

This morning I was treated to a preview of the new Sea Results Anti-Aging line of skincare at H20+ on Robson St. as well as an amazing mini-facial, product rundown and store tour from their fantastic store manager, Mathieu. This guy really knows his stuff and has great skin. We had a nice little chat about skincare, life in Vancouver (he recently moved from Toronto), fashion and art. It was the perfect way to start out the week!

It's funny, I have walked past this store a million times before and for some reason had never ventured inside. I'm so glad they invited me, because it's just the kick I needed to start paying better attention to my skin. I've never been one of those beauty product-obsessed girls (much more clothing obsessed, clearly), but I have been craving something a little more powerful than the average drugstore moisturizers and cleansers which I have been using for far too long. H20+ is made from ocean ingredients and is not tested on animals so it's pretty natural and guilt-free. In fact, the first thing I did when I got home was throw out the totally blah moisturizer I've been using this summer. So long average, probably-full-of-evil-chemical-ingredients crap! You've been replaced by this soon-to-be-released cream:

Right now my skin feels incredibly refreshed and soft, so something is definitely working. If you're interested, they are having a sale throughout the month of August where you can get any two products from their Oasis line (I love the Face Oasis hydrating gel-they sell one of these every minute around the world) for the price of one. Love it. Thanks again, Mathieu!

My Parents Record Collection: Part 1

2010-07-25T22:51:00.006-07:00

My parents are probably cooler than yours. I unearthed some of their amazing record collection this weekend and decided to photograph the covers while we listened. This is only a small selection and I will take more photos next time I'm there, so that you can see the awesome cover art and I can remind myself of what I need to download. You can click on these pictures to make them a lot larger.

These are: The Beach Boys-20 Original Hits, Donovan-Mellow Yellow (front and back), A Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris collaboration called Trio (front and back), The Rolling Stones-Their Satanic Majesties Request (front, inside fold and back) with a holographic cover!, The Incredible String Band-The Big Huge (just look at these two epic dudes!), The Fugs (front and back covers, this is a band my dad's good friend from high school was in), The Mothers of Invention-Freak Out! (front and back-omg "Suzy Creamcheese, what's got into you?"!!!), and Cat Stevens-Tea for The Tillerman (I really recommend you download this one, if nothing else).

Currently Listening To

2010-07-21T19:37:00.002-07:00

This Happiness is A Warm Gun/DRE cover by Sky Ferreira. So good.

Thoughts on Winter Coats in July

2010-07-21T14:38:00.007-07:00

All year long I wait desperately for summer. I hate being cold. I am obsessed with sunshine, warm weather, the beach and everything that goes along with it. Seriously, obsessed. However, I will admit that it is not the most fashionable season. All I have been wearing is the same few light dresses over and over with the occasional change in footwear. It is easy and freeing but I do miss wearing 'outfits.' I'll admit I have been dreaming of my fall wardrobe and am already taking the choice of a new coat very seriously. I have a few very warm wool coats, a jean jacket, a rain coat and a perfect perfecto (leather moto jacket) but I don't have an in-between, go-to coat for Vancouver's (many) mild fall, winter and spring days. It seems silly that I don't and I think it's time I fixed this (boy, this post is sure shaping up to be heavy on the overt consumerism). I have come to the conclusion that a cape is the answer. Good thing they'll be everywhere this fall. I am still kicking myself for not buying a very marked-down in the sale, navy cape with duffel coat-style toggles from Urban Outfitters at the beginning of spring. It was really perfect and I was thinking- 'oh, it's almost summer, don't buy a coat now!' What a fool. Always buy things you love love love, no matter the season.

Images from Vogue from Fashion Gone Rogue.

Paper Doll

2010-07-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by this LaROK shaggy vest to create an outfit based around it. I often seem to do this in my own closet - pull out one thing I just have to wear right away (usually whatever is newest) and then figure out the perfect combination of things to go with it. Unlike in my own closet however, where I often seem to be missing the one element that I feel would pull it all together, creating an imaginary outfit on Shopbop is as simple as having an idea. I knew I wanted mixed prints in the same colour family, bangles and some 'grounding' shoes, but I couldn't decide between over the knee boots or clogs. Both would work. This outfit is either for Penny Lane in Almost Famous or a modern hippie riot grrrl.

Top Anna Sui, skirt Only Hearts, clogs Jeffrey Campbell, boots Stuart Weitzman, bangles House of Harlow 1960.

Cinema Mode: A Single Man

2010-07-15T21:01:00.004-07:00

I'm so glad I finally watched the film, A Single Man. It's definitely the best one I've seen in ages.

This movie has everything I could ask for: an early '60s setting, a story that makes you bawl practically from the first scene all the way through, a lot of actors I really like and of course really great style. Tom Ford directed it! Of course it's stylish. Not just the clothes though, every scene and image is carefully considered from an aesthetic point of view.

The most stylish character? Julianne Moore of course. What is it about a beautiful tragedy that is so appealing?

I highly recommend you see it if you haven't already.

Sewing Suggestions

2010-07-14T01:44:00.004-07:00

I've been doing some research on sewing machines to decide which one is for me. From what I've seen it seems that Brother has the best reviews but I'd love some advice from you guys. What kind/model of sewing machine do you have or prefer? Why did you choose it? What's great/terrible about yours? I'd love to hear any and all advice you have!

Fashion Trickle Up?

2010-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Doesn't the styling in this editorial from Nylon remind you of Tavi from Style Rookie?

KILLing it

2010-07-07T20:21:00.006-07:00

More unbelievable shots from Sisters of the Black Moon Vintage. So inspiring. Also, I saw the music video they styled and starred in on Much the other day which was surprising and awesome (Much is MuchMusic, Canada's MTV-not to be confused with MTV Canada which never plays music).

Statement.

2010-07-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

I love a good necklace. The kind that elevates a t-shirt to evening wear. All of these would do really well.

L-R: CC Skye, CC Skye, Citrine by the Stones, Fiona Paxton, Jen's Pirate Booty, Jenny Bird, Jenny Bird and Haute Hippie.

Fashion is Revolutionary

2010-07-02T03:42:00.002-07:00

TED talk: Joanna Blakley: Lessons from fashion's free culture. A must-see.

Copyright law is something that has always fascinated me. The line between what is a unique, creative idea and what is part of the collective consciousness can be incredibly blurry at times. There are areas (music, literature, film) where plagiarism is a strictly uniform idea. Copy someone else's song and they will likely sue you. Even George Harrison has been sued for musical copyright infringement. But, there are also many areas where this concept is not so defined.

It does seem unbelievable to me in this time of media over-saturation, where I could just as easily access practically the entire last hundred years of art, music, fashion and film, as I could write this blog post, that any idea is 100% original. How can an idea be original? This is a rather philosophical discussion for this time of night, so I won't delve too much further into the question at the moment. However, I will say that I am happily overwhelmed to discover that my feelings about fashion's ephemeral nature are well-founded. Fashion is utility at heart and denying inspiration to necessity would be cruel. I don't want to hear the term 'knock-off' ever again.

I would really like to know what all of you think of this video and this issue as a whole-feel free to comment and we can start a discussion about it.

July 1

2010-07-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

Bag Perfection

2010-06-30T19:54:00.003-07:00

I know I call a lot of things 'perfect' on this blog which is pretty silly since it's fashion and in fashion, things are only perfect for a short time. However, this bag from Oasis via ASOS is a classic and it really is...great.