Foot and Mouth

Jill Stuart

2011-02-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

Foxes. Owls. Color blocking. Seventies? At least the seventies as I imagine them. Burnt mute leaf colors and nocturnal forest animals.

(pictures from style.com)

sexxxah

2011-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Joomi Lim is always killer.

Triumph motorcycle from vintage prints and posters

Phillip Lim bag via La garconne.

Russh shoot by Willaim Davidson, featuring Ashley Smith

twist and whisper the wrong name

2011-02-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Is this taking socks and heels too far? Can you take socks and heels too far? I kind of have an addiction to chunky socks, especially the patterned variety.
And this past weekend, we were checking out the new fluevog line-up (KILLER) and trying on the whole store. It's good that the employees there are pretty much the nicest people around.
I ended up buying these heels on a recommendation of the store-girl who said she has four different versions of it and even goes biking in them. This is my kind of shoe.
But should I maybe ditch the socks?

oh. and listen to this song:

Frightened Rabbit is all I can listen to these days.

left wanting

2011-01-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

on my lust-list:

Fox Dress from Opening Ceremony

The funkiest little saddle shoes ever, by who else but Jonh Fluevog.

The dress isn't likely, but if I'm feeling rich later this spring, I'll be prancing around with mandarin-orange feet.

hello again

2011-01-29T17:22:00.001-08:00

shit. it's been a long time. kind of. I guess two months isn't that long in the grand scheme of things, but it seems long.
But it's a new year now. And I'm still here.
In the meantime... I ate some sandwiches, and some cake. I've been reading hundreds of pages of articles, journals, poetry, novels, biographies, studies, theory... you name it. And I took naps on the couch. The necklace I'm wearing is a buffalo tooth with gold leaf, by tame and able.

I want summer to come faster so I'm sewing foxes onto my cut-off shorts.

please don't

2010-12-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

This week has been one that I just don't have words for.

awkwerd thoughts

2010-12-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

there's something great about watching being john malkovich and realizing that Lotte's intentionally unfashionable choices are now back in style. Yay anoraks!
Though I think the poofy traingle hair might still need some time.

These people are 'hipsters before it was cool'. It's kind of terrible, though, without so much irony. Practicality and aesthetic are hard to merge.
I think I like 'hipsters when they are cool' better, even if they are sell-outs just following trends.

this girl is pretty much Lotte without the hair, wouldn't you say? And I think she looks awesome.

(That being said, i did like the movie)

wilder-ness

2010-11-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

Deer photo by Juergen Teller, remaining photos by Sam Taylor-Wood.
I've been exposing myself to photography in the most high-minded way possibe: The wiki list of photographers - and random clicking on names that intrigue me.
It's like a Russian Roulette of cultural exploration.

Stupidity Personified

2010-11-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

Now Vancouver is uncharacteristically cold, the university campus is full of people wearing duffle coats and toques (/tooks/ = beanie, for you unfamiliar with Kanadaspeeks) and I have once again proved shitty at running my life. Yesterday I biked to school in -5, which is severe cold for us costal wimps. My toes were so numb I had to crawl into a corner and massage them back to life. Then last night/today I got distracted with two papers I had to write, forgot to eat, got three hours of sleep and fainted (coincidentally) in the hospital as I was visiting my friend.

But all my assignments are done now, and it is something to say that I am still alive. I did it! The semester from hell is almost over.

As discussed earlier, all we talk about in Vancouver is the weather, so it is on my mind a lot. Here are some things I would like to make me cozy and warm. Is the fox fur stole not wonderful? Though, with other clothes for now. Crazy girl.
The street style pics are from Pregnant Goldfish and they make me want to transfer to McGill and live a more meaningful existence. Though I will have to stop bitching about the cold first.

You know what song you should listen to? "The National" by Hannah Georgas. I'd link you, but then I'd be late for work and that would be a certain tragedy. People would cry.

A.P.C duffle coat that I am LUSTING over, Pendleton blanket.

Object lesson in how Vancouver is not Milan, or New York

2010-11-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

Saw this picture on The Sartorialist not too long ago, and that clinched my decision that YES! I too could be one of that cool race streetstyle blogs revere above all - The Biker. For the Biker is not only stylish, but is going places, and quickly. And has chosen an outfit that does not hamper their mobility, but instead inspires envy in all of the everyday Sidewalk People they whip past. Extra points if The Biker (as in the above picture) manages to wear a helmet and still look put-together and badass.
I no longer wanted to be a Sidewalk Person.
This morning I tossed aside my rain pants, pulled on my combat boots and headed out to conquer the world.

Only, I forgot this small fact. I live in Vancouver. Not New York.

It rains in Vancouver, if you haven't heard. I mean, I'm sure it 'rains' in New York, but it RAINS in Vancouver. In my class today, we had a twenty minute discussion about the meaning of "It must be raining." Now, it was a semantics class, but in Vancouver we take discussion of the weather to a whole new level. It is a legit conversation topic, thanks very much.

But I was not thinking. I was convinced that I could defy basic rules of practicality and sanity, and so I had to bike home in a rain/sleet storm on a bike with sketchy brakes and suburb roads that looked like rivers full of leaf muck.
And so, this is what I looked like.

Scroll back up to the top picture again, if you will, just for effect.

My poor darling Fluevogs. Thankfully designed by a fellow Vancouverite, who obviously foresaw the need to make the leather impervious to water-stains.

This is my "next time I will do the smart thing and wear rain pants" face. (And peace, because I never know how to pose my hands.)

So hopefully I learned my lesson. Though I don't know if I can ever resign myself to complete practicality. I'll just have to be a strategic dresser.

2010-11-16T17:04:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting in a coffee shop with wooden beams and a high ceiling, floating on a caffeine high and feeling like there's something profound hooked at the back of my brain and I can't quite reach behind and pick it off and see what it is.
It's five o'clock but already dark and so I guess it's winter now.
Lately I've been itching to go shopping, to run into the salvation army and buy an armload of sweaters in every color, to storm urban outfitters and carry off every eternity scarf and those fun fingerless gloves that you can never have too many of. Like a viking marauder of knitwear, but I'll pay for it and I won't be wearing a silly hat.

Because I want to include more Ryan McGinley, here's some of his Olympic photography. Remember the Olympics? Almost a year ago already, but it was fun.

I like his photos because they inspire me to get off my ass and go do something. Right now I really want to go snowboarding. Nevermind that there is no snow yet. It will come.

Mapplethorpe rivals me in last names

2010-11-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

I don't feel sad about you anymore.

Flowers are for memory as
it rains I
remember
but past is
past
That's how it
goes.

(photos by Robert Mapplethorpe)
.

verve is a good sounding word

2010-11-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not a purse person. It took me three years of university to finally ditch my MEC backpack for something a little more fashionable, and even then, not really anything daring or expensive.
So when I say I want to drop a grand to get this versace bag, it must be love. or lust. or something.

But seriously, I need help finding something unique like this but in my price range (i.e. under $200). Does anyone know any designers that might be good to check out?

eleven.

2010-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

flowers are for remembering.

thanks to all the veterans.

Ryan McGinley

2010-11-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

It helps to move.

(photos by Ryan McGinley, t-shirt by Markus Lupfer, shoes by Volta)

2010-11-09T08:57:00.001-08:00

I've always found that Etsy has some of the jewlery around... there's nothing like the unique handmade pieces that shops like Dolly bird are full of. And the prices are reasonable, considering that they are all made of quality materials and you are getting a one-of-a-kind item.
I think the copper ring is one of my favorites, such a neat color. And I have an addiction to rings set with raw stones.

mud

2010-11-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

picture from Iowa spirit walker

my thrifted Fluevogs that need knit socks to fit properly.

I'm feeling stompy boots and long knit cardigans and running around in fields with that wet green smell of mud and long grass.
Wind whips your hair into your eyes and it's that winter cold for the first time.

Sometimes living in the city makes me wistful for wide open spaces.

2010-10-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

My parents got a new puppy. And she's an actress... she played Rosebud when the Air Buddies series was filmed across the street. Seriously, this dog is just that cute. Though sometimes you really can't tell that she has been trained. She still tries to jump up on the table and raid the fruit bowl, attacks people and bites their hair/socks/shoes/hands.
Inquisitive little monkey. I loves her.

And we finally got together for another coffee date. Halloween cupcakes at Wendel's, and autumn mochas. Andrew Holliday is our talented photographer. He and Kristen were Waldo and Wenda for Halloween. More cuteness. It has been a cute weekend.

baby blue

2010-10-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

confess,

your kiss still knocks me off my legs
first time I saw you

like a punch right through my chest

and I'll will forever, for you'll forever be
my one true broken heart

(Top to bottom: Fluevog shoes, Joomi Lim jewelry, APC wallet and coat)
Editorial from Russh by Will Davidson, with Ieva Laguna and Tony Ward.

2010-10-21T09:01:00.001-07:00

Despite the fact that I neglect this blog, the last post was my hundredth post. weee!

I raise a glass of egg nog in honor of this occasion.

And maybe I'll try to update more, just because I can. Other motivations:
a) for moments such as this, when I should be cramming for a midterm, but need something else to do that has a tangible goal.
b) to keep myself thinking about what I'm wearing, so that I don't leave the house looking like a tool.

So here's an outfit post. Anything with animal prints has me getting my greedy hands all over it, and these rabbits were too cute to resist. Plus, I was in a wildly consumer-y mood and everything I saw that day that I liked, I had to buy.

I am smug. Doncha wish you had bunnies on your sweater?

morning

2010-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Call me superficial if you want.
But sometimes, it really does help to have a pair of kick-ass shoes on your feet.
When doing anything seems like an effort, having something solid to step on is one small comfort. When leaving the house in the morning is something you have to psych yourself up for, you need a ritual. And six buckles and a zipper is something that I can do.
I can do it.

I'm okay

2010-10-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Take pictures with an increasingly shitty camera.
Listen to Lazy Eye by the Silversun Pickups on repeat.
Try not to think too much.

2010-09-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year when I just want to follow my mammal instincts and burrow in the warmest things possible.
The more fur or wool, the better. I have an addiction to wool, actually. I just can't stop buying nice knit things - coats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, even skirts.
My theory is that part of me is still a little kid who wants to run around all day pretending she's a wild and ferocious animal.
Rarrr.
Aren't those Sam Edelman boots crazy awesome?

Warmth by flashbang featuring lace socks

Floral Print Lace Crop Top
$50 - topshop.com
Floral tank »

SHEARLING WRAP JACKET
625 GBP - toast.co.uk
Jackets »

LACE STITCH SOCK
39 GBP - toast.co.uk
Lace socks »

Thom Browne Varsity Stripe Scarf
$295 - barneys.com

PWS02 Swing Skirt ...
$77 - openingceremony.us

DRAKE Sam Edelman
samedelman.com

pack it up

2010-08-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

pack it by flashbang featuring tall bags

Dusen Pack in Acid Wash
$87 - idontlikemondays.us
Tall bags »

Classic Backpack :: Bags :: Women :: Refinery29 Shops
$310 - refinery29shops.com
Backpacks »

Fly Series Backpack
$112 - yesstyle.com
Googims backpacks »

Village
$80 - needsupply.com
Duffel bag »

Fjällräven Kanken Mini Daypack ab 30,00 € - wildnissport.de
wildnissport.de

yup. all I'm going to say is that it is the time of year when the fact that I need a cool backpack has become more evident than usual. So this morning I had my shreddies, bummed around, did some research and made this set, went to the library, and then went straight to Exhibit on Main St, bought the Herschel "Pop Quiz" (somewhat like the black one here) and went straight back home. Sometimes I shop like a guy.

decisions part deux

2010-08-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

I changed my mind. The Fluevog Alli Boot is what I'm getting for fall.
Tried them on today and they are killer.

blue, blue, blue

2010-07-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Me and Fred had some lunch. Biscuits and salad and soup at Burgoo.

Talon

2010-07-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

Bought this talon necklace from local designer Carolyn MacKinnon this past weekend at the Eugene Choo Market... and I'm kind of sheepish when I admit I've been wearing low-cut tops ever since just so I can show it off.

Check out her etsy shop. She uses a lot of raw stones as well, which I think is pretty cool.

sending down roots

2010-07-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

My house is a cheery new shade of yellow. And the lease is renewed, which means another year in Kits for me.
And it means I can go even crazier on the garden.

Nothing is better than fresh garden peas.

Beets. A highly underrated veggie, in my opinion.

It's finally summer in Vancouver, in case that wasn't obvious.

not much

2010-07-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that this is the perfect dress for me.
That's all.

tough one

2010-06-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

tough one by flashbang on Polyvore.com

Frye 77455-BLK Harness 2" Heel Boot Wellington Vamp at GravityPope
$268 - gravitypope.com

Fluevog BBC-W-BUR Radio Bbc 1/2" Flat Heel Round Toe Ankle Height...
$269 - gravitypope.com

In the search for the perfect short boot, I've narrowed it down to two.
This fall, barring a financial crisis, I'm pretty sure I'll be investing in one of them: the Frye Motorcyle boot or the Fluevog Radio BBC.
They are both about the same price and both are good quality. The Motocycle boot is a little more iconic, but then also maybe on its way out. The Fluevog BBC is a classic, plain and simple. And it has laces.

I've got lots of time to decide, but I thought I'd take a poll and see what other people feel. What does everyone think? Frye or Fluevog?

summer project number one

2010-06-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

One of my goals this summer was to teach myself to make bread. With help from The Bread Bible by Beth Hensperger, the whole process is a little less mysterious and scary to me.
I love the yeasty smell, the springy feeling to well-risen dough when you shape it, and - of course - eating the finished product.

drizzle

2010-06-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sunshine doesn't seem to want to stay in Vancouver...
I console myself with blue nails and kale soup.

birdy

2010-06-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Erin Fetherston Fall 2010

Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2011

woah its june

2010-06-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

My camera cable is MIA.
But my fashiony-ness seems to be thrashing its tail down in the murky waters of my brain. Yesterday I went shopping, had far too much coffee, read British Vogue and then couldn't sleep due to visions of a certain Club Monaco Blue skirt that is haunting me with its perfection.
Sadly, Club Monaco has a terrible website and is Canadian so not many people know about it. But it is fantastic. I habitually poach the men's shirt section for comfy oversized tops and it's lovely. And they make some of the best skirts I've found at the under $200 range.

But I was really going to post about Lara Stone and how pretty she is, and not go on a tangent about the skirt I am lusting over.
She is my current inspiration - rough around the edges but unapologetic about it and sexy as hell. Not that any of that is news to tons of people. I just want to somehow acknowledge it.

Dork

2010-05-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Did anyone have dorky hobbies as a kid like stamp collecting?
I certainly did not. Nope. I was not a fanatic about checking the mail in hopes of exotic postcards. I did not pester the post-office ladies for free stamps. I did not spend hours of my life soaking stamps to get them off envelopes - only to see them blow away in the wind. Nor did I rifle through boxes and boxes looking for huckleberry stamp to match my set. I did not learn what countries actually called themselves outside of my English-centric geography class so I could figure out what the heck Magyar was. And I definitely did not have them meticulously organized in huge books.
Nah-uh.

Okay maybe.

Nerdy associations aside, let's look at stamps objectively. What are they but tiny little art exhibitions that you get to attach to letters and send to your friends/family/government agencies?
Some of my favorites were British stamps. Large, perfectly square, and with the little embossed queen's head in the corner.
So when I saw these London 2012 stamps, I had the urge to dig out my collection again.

Whip It

2010-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to watching Whip It last night. It's been on my to-watch list for too long. I love Ellen Page. And Drew Barrymore... I may be warming up to. Mostly because she had the guts to wear the dress below (McQueen, yes?). Her hair though - I like what the fug girls had to say: "She may think the hair is hilarious but she still has to be the one wearing it." (While Ellen Page wore the most boring funeral/weddingesque LBD ever. Strange.) In any case, I hope she directs more movies like this.

(pic from the socialite life)

Most of all I liked how the movie ended. (need I say spoilers? or is that obvious?) The team doesn't win. She doesn't get rocketed to fame and fortune. She slaps her cheating (?) uncalling boyfriend even though he's cute as hell and who knows if they fix things. And the last scene, she is sitting on a giant pig, looking philosophically off into the future. Dude.

In which I explain some things no one needed explaining

2010-05-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

I apologize to anyone who cares that my updating has been so scarce. And that this blog kind of follows my capricious approach to hobbies. One week its Cooking! then Gardening! then Fashion! then Cooking Again! then Art!
I may have inherited my Opa's bipolarness when it comes to such things. For him it manifests more in terms of collecting objects. When I was young it was Clocks! (a WHOLE garage full) then the clocks disappeared, and it was Exercise Machines! then Bikes! then Organs! (the instrument, don't freak out)... currently I think he is on a chair kick, but I'm not sure.
In any case, all of that to say - don't expect consistency from me.

Lately fashion has fell by the wayside as the nicer weather rolled into Vancouver for a week. I knew I had reached a critical moment when I turned down the Fluevog sample sale to go buy rain pants for biking.
Slightly regretting that at the moment...
But I did have a fun afternoon. My roomate Inga and I biked over to Deep Cove and then went kayaking. It was kind of an epic trip, considering neither of us knew where we were going and Dollarton Highway proved a challenge to find.

Deep Cove. Full of Aussies who know how to dress. One girl had the most gorgeous cable knit sweater. Should have snapped a stalker picture.

Squinty-Wool-Hat and her roommate Inga.

Adventure #2 was today, a sojourn to Les Faux Bourgeois on Fraser. We just went to the cafe, but reviews for the restaurant praise it as being better than Paris fare. Me and Laura suspect this was just people name-dropping their fancy Euro credentials, but it could be that good. Further research required.

This last picture is awesome because of the hippie dude and the fat black cat.

Street Stuff

2010-05-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of random street art and/or amusing notes here and there.
When you walk the same way every day, it's nice to have the mundane broken up by a little bit of creative vandalism / sign writing. Usually these kind of things get painted over pretty fast, so it's also one of my goals to collect pictures of them before they disappear.
Hopefully I can remember to keep my camera with me at all times so this could be a regular feature.

Happy Bats Cinema - (In case you can't read it:"We're going streaking... err.. I mean... we are closed on Monday May 24th")

This is on the wall of the store selling Catholic figurines on Main. The store itself intrigues me. I never see anyone in it, but presumably they have customers...
This stencil has been there for a couple of weeks, so presumably either no one cares or they think it looks rather nice.

This one's brand new - last night or something? It probably won't last long either, because it's on the bank at the corner of Macdonald and Broadway. Creepy baby. Reminds me of those terrible tattoos proud parents get.

garage sales

2010-05-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

The only thing better than thrifting is going to garage sales.
It's kind of a family tradition at my house, My mom is the Queen of Lowballing and I hunt down the Good Stuff. I find, she bargains, we leave victorious.
It can take a lot of patience, and you lose your Saturday mornings, but if you keep at it enough it's amazing what kind of things can pop up. Particularly in the vintage/antique department. Even people who know they are selling antiques are often willing to let them go for reasonable prices.
Today I was lucky enough to find something I actually needed - a metal watering can.
The Christmas ornaments and the tin were just bonus - things I know are worth a few bucks but that I will actually put to practical use.

a step

2010-05-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

so. very. bored.

green

2010-05-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

My garden is growing! These pictures are my second set of window-sill starters - lettuce and bok choi and pansies. Peas and cucumbers and strawberries have been moved outside with general success. Radishes and sunflowers are also going strong... and I'm waiting on the rest. It's turning into quite the project.

As I result of all of this gardening, fashion has been abandoned. Sport shorts, first t-shirt at hand and hiking boots. My new uniform. There's constantly dirt under my nails and blisters on my feet.
But then Woo Vintage moved right next to my work on Main Street. I have found in the last little while that vintage stores on Main Street are very picked over, but Woo Vintage has stock that isn't the same tired plaid shirts and knit pullovers.
I found this neat little broach. Made of leather, it's a lady slipper orchid.

petals

2010-05-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

colors by flashbang featuring Repetto shoes

Soft is one of my favorite words. It's one of those onomatopoeic words - the f and the t rustle together and the s is like a brush from a feather duster. And who can resist puppies, knit sweaters, or silk miu miu purses with swallows on them?
Not I.

escape

2010-04-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Stuck in the library. Voltaire and Shakespeare battling in my head.
The world is sunny and growing and doing things, but I can't join in until next week.

In the meantime, I can still find small escapes. Like these lovelies.

The Kensington Bootie by Rag and Bone. Gravity Popeis where I found them.
I imagine pairing it with a floaty dress and then going for long beach walks and eating blackberry sorbet.

Carrying stuff

2010-04-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

I need a spring bag with a lot of practicality and a bit of style.
Seriously considering the modcloth canvassing backpack, and dreaming about skipping from class to class with the want les essentials de la vie laptop bag.

Anyone have other suggestions? I'm more of a shoe person, really, so I'm not up on the affordable-yet-stylish bag designers.

earthy things

2010-04-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to find the UBC pottery club having a sale... and promptly bought these gorgeous blue and white dishes. Seriously, it makes eating that much better.
Plans are to join the pottery club next year.

Other projects include my garden - at this stage, it is not much more than some dug up beds in the backyard. But I bought a few plants this weekend, and today I planted some seeds. I've discovered it's actually pretty fun to grub around in the dirt, making big piles of weeds and soil. There is a reason why there aren't any pictures yet... it looks pretty horrible.
But my indoor collection looks neat and tidy!

let's not try to figure out everything at once

2010-04-06T12:19:00.001-07:00

the last couple of weeks:

This is where I come back from school and decide to model my coffee mug.

Where stuff gets done. Relatively speaking.

Crab cakes at The Wallflower.

Peeps on Good Friday with Laura.

Yeah, I make semantics look damn sexy.

An collaborative art project for my English class. We smashed a mirror. We put it back together as five new mirrors.

those seventies shoes.

2010-04-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Pretty excited today when I saw that urban outfitters is now carrying some swedish hasbeens clogs. I'm not quite sure I want to jump on the clog bandwagon yet - I can see myself gardening stylishly in clogs, but that's hardly a reason to drop a hundred or two on these beauties. Speaking of gardening... it's pretty much spring now, and I'm feeling like getting out the trowel and burying my exuberantly sprouting potatoes. And planting strawberries. And rhubarb. And fifty other things. So much ambition, so little time.

In the meantime, I can hope that urban outfitters will also decide to carry these lovely things. Haven't you always wanted jodhpurs? Just for the name alone? Nevermind that these are in fantastic colors and have nice chunky wood heels.

(images from magnifeco, style hive, and swedish hasbeens)

You know what is also awesome (if slightly irrelevant)? Golden beets. I had a spinach salad with strawberries and golden beets the other day at Sprouts, UBC's student-run organic cafe, and there is no going back.

(image - and a recipe - from fare to remember)

Calla

2010-03-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

Susie Bubble posted about Calla's A/W 10-11, and I fell in love with pretty much ever piece. Then I checked out her current spring collection, and I really can't decide which I like better.
These are two of my favorites:

(images from fashion magazine and wolf eyebrows)

weekend finds

2010-03-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

I kind of went on a bit of a shopping spree this weekend, because there was just so many things I couldn't pass up.
I mean... a coat for forty bucks. It's not ridiculously cheap, but it's exactly what I wanted.
And I have a critical need for jewelry, so these were easily justifiable.
The earrings are rehabilitated vintage by Bueno Style, you can check out some of their other pieces here.

Bam.

2010-03-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today I discovered all sorts of cool things. I thought I'd share.

1) The Wallflower on Main Street. Peach Waffles says it all. But the menu has a whole bunch of other intriguing stuff, like Blackened Halibut and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese. Plus, every month an artist is exhibited there. This month was some woodburning by Sara Stoness with ostriches and owls and people sitting in shopping carts. Sadly, I didn't have my camera, and I can't find any of her work online.

2) A red wool coat. You can never have enough wool coats.

3) Yarn Bombing. A crafty take on graffiti that seems to be pretty popular in Vancouver, though I've never seen any. Here's a few pictures from yarnbombing.com, based in Vancouver.

(Apparently done by Howie who has his own blog 'Woowork')

It's a cheeky take on 'raining cats an dogs'. How cute is that?

snuggles!

2010-03-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Me: OMG! DUDE I TOATS GOTTA HAVE IT!
Tiger: meh.

Me: Snuggle attack!
Tiger: you're crushing my face. leggo.

Me: you so cute :)
Tiger: meh.

yeah, well... yeah.

2010-03-25T18:20:00.001-07:00

(It seems all I do is post about my opening ceremony lusts)

yeah, this is more of a fall look. but i love it. this girl shot by the face hunter has only convinced me further that if these go on sale...
my bank account will be sad.
but my feet will be happy.

a camel coat is another thing on my to-get list. but... one thing at a time.
I calculated about half of the things I want for spring: fifty bucks here, two hundred there, and the total was already reaching a grand. i wish i was more lucky / more skilled at thrifting.

Dinner Tonight.

2010-03-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished eating these lovely sauteed parsnips and carrots. Definitely on the sweet side, but that's the way I like it. Why make eating veggies a chore?

Dilemma.

2010-03-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

I don't neeeed more shoes. But I want these. Can you blame me?
Things I do need: skirts. I currently have one (one!) good skirt, and lately pleats are on my mind. Despite spending 13 years in a private school with hideous kilts, I still want pleats.
Pastel! Pretty! Floral! That's what's on my mind, but I really have difficulty styling these things. I'm not a girly girl. I love my combat boots and skinny jeans. Anyone have tips for making the transition easier?

(opening ceremony pics)

Peanut butter on toast.

2010-03-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

A visual essay: I suck at video games. But I have peanut butter toast. Things balance out.

Camilla Skovgaard

2010-03-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

There are shoes, and then there are shoes.

(Find them on opening ceremony)

you got your ball you got your chain

2010-03-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Mondays are my favorite day of the week. The one day where I can grab a coffee after class, talk to a friend about whatever the hell is on my mind, read a graphic novel on the bus, spend a couple hours cooking / baking... and still have time to get a bit of homeworking done.

The graphic novel of this week: Aya by Marguerite Abouet and Clement Oubrerie. Originally in french, but it was hard enough to find in english... so I can't pretend I'm practicing french while I simultaneously get my bande-dessineé fix.

I love it. From my limited experience, it seems typical of modern french comics. Not the solid lines of Tintin, but a looser, flowing style that is nonetheless very controlled and full of detail. Any recommendations on what I should read next? Most of my success with graphic novels have been things I've stumbled on by chance, but I'd love to hear what other people enjoy reading.

Other Monday amusements include mini walnut soda breads, as Saint Patty's day isn't so far away. I have ambitious plans for a guinness stout ginger cake as well. Pretty excited.

Here's the soda breads:

I think if I do make them again, I'm going to load them with dried fruit. I have a terrible sweet tooth that cannot be ignored.

Does anyone else have Saint Patrick's day plans?

i'd leave this blank but then the first sentence becomes the title... well... looks like it's just as long

2010-03-11T22:35:00.000-08:00

I always have shoes on my mind... no matter how many I have in my closet.
Sadly, I haven't really been able to wear my newest ones much. Silly March weather decides to snow - only after tempting us with a week of glorious sunshine.

Question: does anyone else have an unbalanced closet like me? I love fall clothes - peacoats, wool sweaters, tall leather boots, chunky scarves, layering. So when it comes to spring, I find I have nothing to wear, and end up walking around it the most hideous american eagle and h&m combos known to man.
This year, I resolve to be different! And the first step towards that is buying pretty spring shoes. Because once you have nice shoes, half of the work is done. At least, that's my theory.

Some lovely options tempting me via modcloth:

Does anyone else have spring shoes they are lusting after?

comfort

2010-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered Epicurious, thanks to a certain talented photographer we know. Since then, I've been making absolutely every meal from it... I will never need to spend a cent on cookbooks.
(More for shoes!)
My favorite so far was these corn muffins, accompanied by vegetarian chili. Seriously some of the best comfort food around, and pretty cheap to make.
The great thing about this website is how people post feedback on the original recipe, substitutions and modifications. That way, you don't have to learn everything the hard way... and no one has to munch through ten servings of bland chili.

crisscross

2010-03-01T09:43:00.001-08:00

this collection really speaks to the part of me that would just like to spend all day swaddled in a mound of wool and crocheted blankets. And if you saw me at all during the last few weeks, you would know that I give in to that compulsion a little too much.
But the genius is how she made blankets sexy. Although I guess its not really that surprising, but just impeccably executed - a slouched shoulder here, an exposed back there - imitating a kind of unintentional, luxurious exposure.

I'm tempted to thrift some blankets and attempt a DIY imitation of the first look. Totally my favorite single outfit for fall so far.

run.

2010-03-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

the pantless ones are coming....

I'm having a few issues with this collection. I appreciate the daring in the relentless pursuit of sexiness. And I was fully willing to believe in pantlessness and blazers - but the collection as a whole just didn't pull through for me. Just too many unflattering silhouettes, and lots of icky textured crocheting.

She looks like she wants to hit someone. It makes me laugh.

this is the kind of shape I was hoping to have seen more of: it works.

But this trend does seem to have dug in its pointy little heels. So I'm sure someone will pull it off eventually.

the color of our planet from far far away

2010-02-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that's right - my camera still works. But all of the pictures now have a funny ethereal quality about them, probably because the lens is fogged with stickiness. 'sokay. It looks kind of pretty.
Maybe it will last? My phone has also decided to die this week, so electronics are not my friends right now.

But more importantly.... I got those Camper shoes. I took them on their maiden voyage to the grocery store and I couldn't stop looking at my pretty toes. Look at me, world! I have blue feet.

sheeps

2010-02-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

Look! Two blog posts in one morning!
Right now I'm attempting to multi-task: drinking tea, watching cross-country skiing on CTV, doing linguistics homework and lusting over the Burberry lineup for fall.
Understandably, the latter has taken over.

Earlier, I was griping about how it seems designers are competing to see who can put the most buckles on one shoe. But I think I've come to terms with it now. Just like I came to terms with gladiator shoes, and how I am slowly warming up to clogs.
The shearling on these are amazing. Hardcore slippers.

I love the buckles on the sleeves. And the fact that it would make you look like a giant mouton. My only complaint is that there is no hood, but I guess the collar is so high that you could just snuggle right in.
I also really like the colors in this collection. Nice burnt leaf stuff.

Is this crimped-up velvet on the dress? I like it.

If he was wearing a men's version of the boots, I think this would be perfection.

I love this look.

(images from style.com)

Decisions...

2010-02-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

It's spring, and I kind of want something cheery for my feet. And lo, two (kind of) affordable options: the Radio BBC by Fluevog, and this Camper Mary Jane. Any votes? Is the plaid too much?

Erdem

2010-02-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

This spring I have my eye on patterns. Motorcycle and ship motifs on blouses, plaid tights and oxfords... these are all on my to-get list. So when I saw the Erdem collection, I was pleased. Swallow patterns, tiny little origami - and even patterns on the heeled combat boots. Patterns on combat boots... does it get any better?

(images from Style.com)

2010-02-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

I kind of felt like commenting on some fashion week stuff, but I it's hard to do when you are staring up from the bottom of a landslide of enthusiastic praise. Praise that is keen and sharp-edged and gets right to the point. Something that I have a hard time doing. So rather than throw my token heap of stuff on the Rodarte pile, I will toss at you some random images of Tao Okamoto.
I was looking through some collections that I had nothing to say about (my critical inner commentary: hmm... this coat is nice and square and I bet it's warm... ooh, boots with sheepskin. cozy.) when it occurred to me that I really liked whatever Tao was wearing. I have a thing for structure, and she pulls it off really well. Maybe it's her hair? It brings back days of skipping around in fuchsia jumpsuits, but... it's lovely. And so is she.

In Jaeger London.

Pucci Spring 2010

United Bamboo Spring 2010

Yigal Azrouel Fall 2009

And best of all, here she is killing it for Burberry, making pastel look punk.

jumpsuits and saris

2010-02-21T09:30:00.001-08:00

It's amazing what you can find in a thrift store.

Knit strawberries on bell-bottom pants.

Gannnngsta.

This jacket was Miu Miu. But kind of clownish.

Last stop was a coffee shop where I took this lovely macro right before dropping my camera right in the coffee. But if it breaks.... I can't say I'll be too sad.

sticky

2010-02-18T22:02:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or is so much happening lately? And it's February. Nothing interesting ever used to happen in February, until this year - my first year for caring about both the olympics and fashion week. Sadly, fashion week is not quite so close by... and so my focus is a little shifted at the moment.
My usual internet rounds have been rerouted - instead of the morning blog circuit and flipping through style.com, I watch downhill skiing, speed skating, halfpipe, even biathlon - I'm a sucker for it all. Speed skating is still my favorite, though I'm not sure if the main reason is the pretty Dutchman or the fact that it's practically Canada's medal bank.
I may also be jealous of their badass leg muscles.

After watching other people's great feats of endurance and technique, I putter around with a little bit of exploring downtown, little bit of painting (badly), a little bit of cooking at a little (a lot) of eating. So far my main success was these 90 min cinnamon buns. So bad it's good.

fun and games

2010-02-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

In all the hype leading up to the Olympics, I was a little bit unfazed. Woo hoo. Curling. Hockey. Whoring ourselves out for corporate sponsors. Feeling the pressure to be 'Canadian.' But UBC did give us an extended reading break, which is nothing to whine about. And as soon as the Olympics began, I realized...

...this is actually one big two week party...

dude.

Walking downtown, there's spontaneous dance parties, the restaurants are packed, every third person is wearing those coveted olympic mittens, it's drizzling as usual - and the propaganda is seeping into my bones. I can't help it.
In Gastown I shared lobster ravioli with Laura, watched speed skating, and made the obligatory trip to the Olympic torch and all of the other tourist traps. I didn't have my camera, but I'm sure there's no shortage of good pictures around.
I have a new appreciation for skating.

(Picture from Licht Leven)

okay, maybe it's because of the pretty Dutch boy Sven Kramer.

After, we had a house party. The aftermath was kind of fun to take pictures of.

.

......

2010-02-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

RIP Alexander McQueen.

we'll miss you.

rrrarrrgh.

2010-02-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

I actually hate Fridays, so I will not thank God for them, but it's the one day of the week that I don't walk around very much and can therefore work up the courage to wear heels.
Here's the one happy moment of the day, prancing around in front of the self-timer with my pretty shoes.
How do you make your sucky days a little more bearable?

I'm standing in front of the 'concert chair' - where my roommates have wonderfully joyful renditions of depressing City and Color songs. And behind me is the esteemed Bob Marley, striking a pose.

This is what it would look like if you were a worm and I stepped on you. Except I'm not cruel like that, I hope.

I don't quite know how this pose came about, but I like the motion.

"No.... you can't drag me out of the house to lectures and then work and then back home for homework. I won't go!!" (I did) (I regretted it).

Mini

2010-02-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

Mini by flashbang featuring Proenza Schouler bags

So usually the only things I could even remotely consider spending a grand on would be shoes. Definitely not a purse. I only own two purses - one is a beat-up ALDO bag that has had everything from beer to yogurt spilled on it, and the other is a hand-me-down from my Oma. And I'm okay with that.
But these little mini PS1s make me almost ready to just close my eyes and press those magic four numbers on the debit card pad.
They are perfectly geometric, and yet very classic. I can see them matching with everything I own. And am I understanding right that some of these are like a 2-in-1 purse, with a detachable front pocket?
En tout cas, I must have one.

Sick Day.

2010-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

Since Dani and I sadly didn't spend the Tuesday together, I thought it would be fitting to fill in my side of the story as well..
Long story short: I am sick. Ew. This involves migraine headaches, nausea, a ridiculous ear-ache and copious amounts of neocitrin and advil. I even conducted a poll on facebook to find out if it was actually dangerous to mix up a cocktail of neocitrin and nyquil.. surprisingly, it isn't advised. hmm.
anyways, today went as most sick-days do.. the first half was spent lying on the couch, eating crackers, and feeling generally sorry for myself while watching reruns of "criminal minds". the evening has been a bit more productive: I painted my nails, used up ANOTHER box of kleenex, cleaned my room, made a 'to-do' list, and surprise! found ANOTHER uncashed paycheque (a bad habit of mine.) You know the feeling, when you don't have enough energy to get off the couch, but are super bored because you can't do anything? Yeah. That was me today.

Oh, and.. I switched from platinum blonde to a rather bright shade of coppery-gingery-red. I suppose this isn't the best picture.. but it's rather difficult to hold up a giant Canon to your head. and i didn't really want to draw attention to how it isn't styled..

I took plenty of this:

crossed off a couple of days on le calender (note: "february is a fantastic month" because we get 2 weeks off, thanks to a certain sporting event.) only 8 more days until the break! woot!

and my favorite: Japanese lanterns. I have a dried bouquet of them sitting by my art easel.

here's to hoping tomorrow is a better day, health-wise, at least.

doing nothing feels great

2010-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

It's not as if things are any less hectic than usual, but more that the hecticity (I like the sound of that) is postponed - Kristen is sick. Otherwise we'd have some fantastic pictures, because she has been converted to Ginger-dom. By that, I mean she has red hair. Crazy girl.
but instead we are both sitting on our respective couches. i am masquerading as a dutiful university student - not going so well, as you might have guessed. This is pretty much how I spend 93% of my waking hours at home.

The plaid blanket is my roomate's, but I have adopted it.
And our ghetto little house has a coffee table now! Who knew furniture could be exciting?

The other 7% of my time, I make food.

Don't parsnips look kind of like bananas? I thought so.

Yesterday I had parsnips for the first time (at least, the first time I was aware that I was eating parsnips). I made veggies stew, but I used far to many other things and it was a bit of a muddle. Next time, just carrots, parsnips and lentils. And way more spices.

These days it comes and goes

2010-01-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

An outfit post! I've been meaning to do one of these for ages now, because.... that's what you do if you want to talk about clothes, right?
We'll see if this conformist mindset works out, or if it's just too much of a bother. I'm not home very often during the times of the day where it is conveniently lit to take pictures, and sadly I am not the member of the duo with the SLR. So please excuse the graininess of the shots, and the lack of color. Hopefully this will be practice for my photog skills.

Sweater Dress: Banana Republic, Belt: Vintage, Shoes: Fluevog, Socks: Front and Co.

Mix

2010-01-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've done so very much this week... and yet, so very little. All week we've been writing snarky articles, and going to places for material for said snarky articles.
There gets to be a point when you just don't have anything clever left to say...
And so you hide away in a comfy coffee shop and eat things. Like sandwiches with apple and cheese and desserts solely of chocolate and caramel.

Kristen's shoes (the brown ones): Fluevog. Kristen's hat: Off the wall. My shoes: Dolce Vita. Ring: Random Bumbershoot purchase.

la mer est...

2010-01-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

excuse the french. I just watched Coco avant Chanel, and so plenty of french swirling around in my head, along with visions of being as amazing as Audrey Tatou. One can dream.

A couple of weeks ago we had Justin visit us from Arkansas.
Out of the blue, we decided to just walk from my house to Granville Island... it was pretty fun...
Then we skipped out on psych and hit up Benny's, as per usual.

Glint

2010-01-12T23:57:00.000-08:00

We were both having terrible days today, and so rather than do something constructive, we went shopping.
In retrospect, it's a bad idea to go to Gravity Pope when you have just spent two and a half months of your clothes budget on one pair of boots.

We tried on Fryes. So very comfortable. After making a pile of boxes, we made vague promises about coming back and buying a pair... I think the sincerity of those promises was mostly wishful thinking.

The situation got worse when I was suddenly transfixed by the sight of my absolute favorite Christopher Kane t-shirt in the Gravity Pope 'tailored goods' side (it sounds so high brow, and it is). So very soft. And the rest of the store was full of clearance Comme des Garcons, Rag and Bone, Alexander Wang, Opening Ceremony...

Some days, though, there's no need to actually buy anything. The experience of just gliding happily into the store, stroking the fabric, cooing over the unattainable... a little fantasy land.

Here's a few things that have caught my eye lately. The ring in particluar. It's made by Alkemie, a company out of LA that creates everything out of reclaimed metals. A store on Main St. here in Vancouver carries them, and I fell in love. I'm a big fan of all of their animal rings, the wolf, the hedgehog and the octopus. Take a look and find your favorite.

Glint by flashbang featuring Opening Ceremony

Come back baby

2010-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

So.. If you check this blog at all, you may remember the shoes I was posting about here.
I went and tried them both on, and the boots won hands down. I actually ended up liking the brown boots better than the black.
This morning I had fun jumping up and down in them. Wheee... new shoes.

I can't stop humming Combat Baby by Metric.

Anthropologie 101

2010-01-07T11:14:00.001-08:00

So this morning, the sun is (sort of) shining over Vancouver, and the birds are singing outside of my open window. I nearly forgot it was January, and instead, mistook the month for April. These happy spring-ish thoughts (and being in a shopping-y mood) led me to www.anthropologie.com. I have always been a huuuge fan of the store/website, but had never quite explored it to its full potential.
Let me explain.
The first thing I see is their new collection of 50's inspired dresses. SAY NO MORE, I was hooked. Imagine this:

With a bright red trench and a brown square leather bag, umbrella in hand, braving the drizzly spring morning to go to class. Perfect. And then I found these:

The scarf is perfect to brighten up an outfit and add some pattern and texture...and the green cardigan looks like the ultimate vintage store find, with the bright woodsy green colour and the flower embroidery. I can imagine it nicely paired with a short brown skirt, a red skinny belt and oxfords. BUT WAIT, that's not all. They have shoes..the prettiest, most delicate jewelery I have seen in a long time...and then I found the house and home section.
You can DECORATE YOUR HOUSE through the same store?!?!?
heaven. bliss.

That bowl is gorgeous. So is the weigh scale timer. And yes, that is indeed a cookie jar in the shape of an owl. There was also a utensils' jar that looked like the lion-monster creature from "Where the Wild Things Are". They had everything from baking dishes to curtains to those decorative sticks for martinis.
And I was positively enchanted by these:

These are KNOBS. You put them on cabinets and drawers and things. My mind was sufficiently blown. I didn't even know you could buy individual knobs as pretty as these. The white and blue porcelain inspired knob reminded me of the traditional Delft Blue pieces from the Netherlands that my Oma has hanging on her kitchen walls.
I had to stop looking, or I would have too much to blog about, and too many pictures to post! I hope to take a trip down to the States sometime in the near future, and Anthropologie will definitely be on my list of places to shop.

Indeed, it feels like home here.

2010-01-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

This evening, whilst downloading some stuff from off the camera, (a recent Sartorialist-like photography spree for our Ubyssey stint), I uncovered the following pictures... Oh and I just got off the phone with Dani, who reminded me that we had already written a bit on Benny's, buuut, seeing as thought it's ONLY the best coffee shop this side of Vancouver, another post can't hurt...
So, picture the two of us, on a late Tuesday night after a hellishly long Psych class, sitting at a solitary table on the staircase landing. We're sipping some delicious tea that smells like flowers, and we've covered the table in our journals and artist pens and pencils. And then we write and draw to the sounds of...whatever's coming up next on the barista's iPod. There is no better way to spend a weeknight.

Scaley things that taste good

2010-01-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I decided to work on one of my New Year's resolutions to stop subsisting on rice and beans, and actually cook something interesting. So when I saw trout on special for $2.50, what could be better?

I googled 'pan fried trout' and the first link turned out to be the simplest recipe. But this seemed good to me. I could stick to my other resolution, i.e. don't spend so much money on bags of cornmeal and random spices you will never uses again.

Mind you, I had never done this before. Cooked fish, that is. Any sort of fish. Fortunately, the fish had already been gutted, or this might have been a bit of a disaster. I probably would not have been able to decapitate it... I felt sad enough with this pitiful little guy flopped in the bowl.
Doesn't it look sad?

It took me forever to work up the courage to actually roll it in the flour-pepper-salt mixture, but it looked rather cool. Like a fish mummy.

It smelled very yummy once frying.

The fish actually goes really quick. Like the recipe says, it's pretty much 5 minutes on each side, and done! I added some rice and peas, and had the best dinner in ages. Inexpensive, quick and tasty.

Ate. the. whole thing. In one night.

I'm sorry about the picture quality. And the lighting in this room is kind of making me look ghoulish. Rarrrrr fish.
(my hands are like that to keep it from dripping all over the place)

Dishes time! With my scrubber friend :)

Does anyone know any other good fish recipes that they would like to share?

Step carefully...

2010-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

When I was a little kid, I was fascinated with bugs. Well, any creature really - bugs were just the most plentiful living things in my backyard. Under the guise of helping my mom garden I would overturn rotten wood, dig around in the soil and rummage in the compost to find some new friends. Then I would either attempt to catch them and give them names like 'wormie' and 'snailie', or peer from a healthy distance with a mixture of revulsion and fascination.

Beetles in particular amused me. We had this one species in our yard that was pretty easy to find under old wood, they were big and black and shiny. It was always great fun to pick one up from its hiding place, and then watch it clamber furiously back into hiding.

But one day, I picked up one of my friends, not one with any obvious horns or big pincers. I was in the process of christening him when out of nowhere he bit me! I had never felt so betrayed - I flung him down on the ground and started crying, although it didn't really hurt. No more beetle friends after that.

That's not to say I've let one cranky beetle ruin things completely. Just the other day I saw all these shiny blue beetles on pins in glass cases, and although I have no idea what use they could be, it seemed like a potentially wise purchase at the time. There's something about the glossy color that they have... out of nowhere something bright and shiny can appear, then fly away as soon as it came.

Yes, all of that just to say that I think that these Fluevog boots are just as nice and shiny as beetles.
My brother was amazing and got me a gift certificate to Fluevog, so now I am contemplating my choices. Heels or boots, that is the question.

Step Carefully... by flashbang featuring Fluevog

Daybreak and Heartbreak

2009-12-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

Exams are done.
For two hours I wrote a lot of words about a lot of stuff... filled two exam booklets with ideas, but nothing I was passionate about.
Took the bus home, drank some coffee, packed up everything to go home for the holidays.
This set is the result of my mood. Part elation, part disappointment.

If it isn't obvious by the choice of the shirt, I love the new Christopher Kane collection. I wasn't big on the gigantic gorilla snarls, but these skylines are a great combination of beautiful and gritty.

On the Run

2009-12-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Much thanks to Tavi from Style Rookie for getting the word out about the Rodarte for Target collection. She's a great rep. As far as I know Canada doesn't have Target, so I might not have heard about it at all. *gasp*
One of my first posts on this blog was about how much I loved the SS 2010 collection, and even though the Target collection isn't nearly as high-fashion and artsy, it really is inspiring.
My favorite part is how it is partly inspired by the story of Bonnie and Clyde.
I did some wiki-ing, and before long I found this video:

It's heartbreaking how you can see Bonnie slumped at the wheel, as this monotone voice drones on with an emotionless account of the grotesque details of the shooting and how so many bullets were necessary.

If this isn't already a graphic novel, it should be.

(Picture from http://bonnieclyde.info)

In the mail

2009-12-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

Bon Voyage by flashbang featuring Seychelles shoes

I'm really excited. I ordered my first pair of shoes online... It's like a blind date planned a month in advance.
Anxiety!
I have size 10ish feet and I've never worn a Seychelles shoe, so this could be interesting.
Does anyone know how Seychelles shoes fit? Do then run big or small?
I would be so sad if I had to send them back.

I didn't really accomplish my goal of texture or structure with these shoes.
But i do need a good basic pair of heels.

I shall call him Crinkles.

2009-12-16T17:34:00.000-08:00

I am on the hunt for a book with pictures like this.

I love the textures and the structure of the illustration. From the stretched-out armor of the stomach to the fishy scales on the feet. I have to wonder, did this artist ever see a rhino in person, or did they just work from heresay?
In any case, this beastie is my new fashion inspiration. I want to incorporate some more structure and texture into my wardrobe. Everything I have is so... flat.

Merry Christmas (to YOU.)

2009-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

December 1: a tiny tree, egg nog + baileys, christmas baking, some decorations, and two girls sick and tired of psychology class with creativity to spare= a rather festive house.

The tree was from an Aunt Leah's christmas tree lot (Broadway and Burrard) and we couldn't really complain about the sky-high prices with the proceeds going to a charity of some sort...but the tree was adorable and we fell in love instantly.
We also got to carry it on the bus back to Dani's place, and were stopped with compliments and smiles by all. Surprisingly, no one was annoyed with being poked with wet bristles whilst being herded to the back of the bus, but perhaps our eager Christmas spirit was infectious. (cough).

That evening, a batch of gingerbread cookie dough was quickly whipped up, and we arrived at Psych 10 minutes late, and were let go 15 minutes early. (yay!) however, as we mistakenly though, this did not give us more time to decorate, as we spent the entire time figuring out how to parallel park Dani's (albeit rediculous) Tracker between a delivery vehicle and a soccer mom van. But this is beside the point.

Hilarity ensued, as we realized that Dani had brought a tree stand made for a fake tree (ie. no watering mechanism), and which could barely fit a pencil into the space where the trunk was supposed to go. But hey, this small setback didn't stop us. we borrowed a knife from the guys downstairs, to whittle our tree's trunk down to size. And about the watering problem? Stick the tree in a vase for a while. Perfect. We also made gingerbread men WITHOUT a rolling pin (very difficult. despite what you might hear, a water glass does not make a very good substitute.)

All in all, it was an evening filled with much laughter, fun, and some Baileys thrown in for good measure. Here are a few of the pictures:

Derivation.

2009-12-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Although this is a bit of an aside from the overall food and fashion theme, music is kind of the mid-ground where everything can meet. The basic cultural trio, I think. And because we are Vancouver focused, why not highlight some local musicians?
Ever since we Vancouverites were granted The Peak, I realized how much talent is in my own city. Take a listen.

The Young Talent: Mother Mother and Said the Whale. Both have a clever quirkiness, Mother Mother with a darker edge.

The more established talent:

I love the energy that Daniel Wesley always has. His new album is killer.

Matthew Good has been a favorite of mine for years, the first Vancouver artist that I knew of. Then I saw him live a couple of weeks ago... it was amazing. He just saunters up on stage, gives some attitude and then just plays for hours with perfect sound.

Buck it

2009-12-07T12:14:00.001-08:00

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Buckles are nice. I like them.
But it seems most designers are following 'the more the better' type of maxims. Why have one buckle when you can have buckles going all the way up your leg. I'm looking at you, Balmain.
Drop a grand and skip around in these babies, and you will have the time of your life. but within a year or two they will be locked in your closet. For decades. And then twenty years later, when 80's bondage wear / punk / over-the-top metal accents are back in, your teenaged daughter will steal them and have the time of her life wearing "real Balmain from 2000 and 9!!!!"

I'm thinking it's about time to throw some more cuteness in the mix. Not nine buckles on your shoe, but one oversized one. It's more vintage, which I like. And if you combine it with some more hard-edged pieces, the contrast will be great.
I think. It's more of this idea floating in my head.

Buckles by flashbang featuring Gabor shoes

Mary Janes from: Not Rated, Modcloth, Gabor

2009-12-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

So I work on Main St, which I think is one of the best streets in the city, in terms of hidden treasures.
I think it has a pretty good reputation as the best place to vintage shop in vancouver, but I can't say I've been vintage shopping long enough to know.
It also has antique shops, used shops from the entire spectrum, and lots of quirky and somewhat dive-y places to eat.
A couple weeks ago, one of these burnt down: Slickity Jim's is now only rubble.
It must have only been three or four days before, we were standing outside waiting for the bus, reading the menu and planning to eat there sometime.

The only good thing about the fire is that the rubble makes for good melancholy musings.

How did the fake flowers on the door frame survive? Considering that the bus shelter and the little time clock that used to be on the sidewalk in front was completely obliterated. I think its poetic.

One of my favorite things about this place was the kitschy Jesus pictures that hung all over the walls. I think there was only two that survived the fire, and I really want to jump the super save fence and save them.
If you look carefully you can see one (ironically, along with the license to operate) hanging askew on the wall.

I apologize for the fuzzy pictures... I only had my cell and I am afraid that if I keep forgetting they will clear the rubble and all this beautiful mess will be gone forever.

Edit: here's the facebook page . Apparently there are plans for a new restaurant, but in a new location. too bad.

Metal and Milk

2009-12-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Papers are done!
The sudden halt of all interesting blog activity can be blamed on academic endeavors. Frivolousness is now free to continue.
Today I was inspired by an unlikely item: a cream and sugar set.
Well, we all know that those Scandinavians are killer when it comes to designing for practicality and style. Ikea comes to mind, but that vision is somewhat corrupted by hours of DIY chair and shelf construction... there is always one missing bolt. I swear.

I have this wonderful vision of an ideal kitchen. It contains lots of stainless steel, lots of simple glasses and bowls, some plain white crockery as well. And then, for a bit of funk and soul, colorful Le Creuset and that crazy pottery those talented Italians and Ukrainians like to make. The ones with pretty floral patterns in blues and yellows and reds.
I plan on slowly replacing all of my value-village castoffs, one teacup at a time.

Really, the last thing I need is a cream and sugar set. But Bodum made one with such lovely lines. And the Danish name is fun. 'sukker od flode saet'. Just look, and be seduced.

30 bucks for this much style? More Danish magic.

Image from www.zaccardis.com

All I Want For Christmas Is.......

2009-11-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here is my Christmas Wishlist...

Campaigning very, very hard for these absolutely spectacular Frye boots. I could never be content with anything else, considering its vintage-y equestrian style, deep brown colour, and extreme durability. I mean, they make Fryes with Goodyear rubber soles. As in, the tires. How can these NOT stand up to everything a Vancouver winter throws at us? My only complaint.. by buying these I am not supporting a local designer (ie. Fluevog) or promoting any sort of ethical, organic materials or manufacturing. Two things that are pretty important in my mind, and would justify the purchase a bit. But honestly, I have exhausted all other options, these boots are simply the best.
Oh yeah, the price is $388..which is pretty reasonable...ish..

photo courtesy of www.thefryecompany.com

Yes it's another Polyvore don't hate me

2009-11-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, life is busy. But I am going to put some pictures up of us doing stuff. Soon.
Our friend is visiting from Arkansas, so today we will have some crazy adventures and hopefully one of us will think to bring / use a camera.
In the meantime, behold my Christmas list.
All of this is somewhat affordable, no? And I have carefully justified each item:
1) Isn't the heart-shaped pot to die for? I need to find one. Everything Le Creuset comes in pretty colors and lasts forever. See here
2) Desert boots are awesome and wool ones are awesome-er. It's a scientific fact. They may be men's shoes but that means they will have my size.
3) A sparkly brooch would make my plain coats a little cuter.
4) The scarf is faux so don't worry about the animals.
5) The clutch is inspired by the latest teen vogue

Wishes by flashbang featuring Opening Ceremony shoes

Misty

2009-11-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

When I was about 10, my daydreams were about getting lost in the forest. There I would ingeniously fend for myself by building clever and cozy houses, eating whatever I could catch (slugs, if need be) until I was rescued due to skills with my shiny orange safety whistle.
In my current daydream, I sit on a rock in a misty forest, thinking about how soft my sweater is and how I love my shoes.
It's up to you what is more realistic.

Untitled by flashbang featuring James Perse

Items in this set:
James Perse sweater, $395
Celine skirt, $820
Opening Ceremony boots, 295 GBP
kate spade earrings, $75
Shopplasticland.com necklace, $27

this was just a typical fall day.

2009-11-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

This picture is a result of a spontaneous photo shoot around the upscale neighbourhood of Kerrisdale with the extremely talented Andrew Holliday.
Before you criticize the jeans + converse + tee, let me remind you that a) this was SPONTANEOUS and b) sometimes comfyness takes precedence over avant-garde fashion. (although, ideal situation: the two co-exist.)
Dani, on the other hand, looks amazing in her Urban Outfitters hand warmers, envy-educing shoes (I am absolutely terrible at remembering names, are they Jeffery Campbell or Dolce Vita? gahh) and a Banana Republic cashmere cardigan. the rest of the photoshoot coming soon..to a fashion blog near YOU.

Edit: yup, dolce vita shoes. i wish i owned jeffrey campbell.

The In-between

2009-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

It's rainy and cold and my camera resolution sucks and I can't wait for Christmas.
When your umbrella is rusting and the drains are backing up and your paper on Hamlet and the metatheatrical is due in two days... a vision of snow and christmas oranges and relaxing around a fire seem five million miles away.

Rainy day

2009-11-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

I went shopping downtown today, and of course I had to go to gravity pope. I couldn't find any shoes that were just right (life sucks when you fit size 11), but I went next door to the clothes side.

they. carry. alexander. wang.
i did not know this... pretty much had a freak out right in the shop.
they also had very pretty things by rag and bone (100% cashmere sweater), fred perry, acne, flippa k...
I think I need to hurry up and be a lawyer.

Here is a set inspired by today... including the gorgeous alexander wang skirt i saw.
and some chloe boots for good measure.
The jeans picture are close to the one thing I could actually afford. Nice comfy skinnies: i got the 'denim condom' ones here

Rainy day by flashbang featuring Repetto shoes

Items in this set:
Alexander Wang skirt, 310 GBP
Acne sweater, 180 GBP
25park.com jeans, $78
Chloé boots, 495 EUR
Repetto flats, $135

Fuzzy Lights and Jasmine Tea

2009-11-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

Today after psych we kind of ended up at safeway so that my cinnamon toast crunch will have milk in the morning, and what better place to take pictures than a sketch underground parking place?

safeway is where it's at.

lookie i have milks.

my dolce vitas. if they look big here it's because they are.

Caution! Caution!

On Broadway, this is Benny's. It is fantastic, a coffee shop with the best ambience. A loft, good music, interesting decor without trying too hard. That well-worn look that is difficult to duplicate.

jamms are yumms. don't let my face fool you.

jasmine tea that smelled like pretty flowers.

"I have a question. When you bite things, do you use your lips?"
This is the resulting attempt to do so.

colours of fall.

2009-11-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Everything in this set makes me feel like walking through a school campus underneath a canopy of red, yellow, and orange leaves, and then afterwards, sitting primly in a small cafe by a bustling street, sipping chai tea while reading a large, leather-bound novel. Ahhh fall.

Here we have a "Pringle of Scotland" cashmere cardigan, "Sally's Wearing A Red Dress" uh..dress.. and the pendant timepiece from www.modcloth.com, an ultra cozy knit scarf, and some kick ass Jeffrey Campbell oxfords. pair it with some tights and you're good to go.