Daybreak and Heartbreak

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

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

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.

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.)

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.

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

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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

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

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.......

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

I need them baaaaaaad

Yay! Another opportunity to write really bad puns.

Baaaad News by flashbang on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Modcloth.com boots, $150

But honestly, I absolutely love these shoes and when they sold out on modcloth last time (in like 3 days), I hardly had time to lust over them before they were gone forever.
I mean, these hit my style exactly. Slightly boho? check. (Faux) Animal Product? check. Buckles? check. Laces? check. (Buckles and Laces!!!! eek) Stacked heel? check. Badass shade of red? Check.

I love. It's a good thing Christmas is coming soon.

Sam Edelman has designs on my money

haha... aren't I clever? he has designs on my money because he is designing things that will steal all of my money away.
I will be poor with pretty shoes and bad puns.

Sam Edelman by flashbang featuring Sam Edelman shoes

Items in this set:
Sam Edelman boots, $158
Sam Edelman sandals, $79
Flora Moccasins, $149
Flora Moccasins, $149

This summer I already caved and bought the Ginnie gladiator.
Now the fall collection is tempting me... but what should I choose? The moccasins in zebra, or in leopard? Or (seeing as I already have piles of flats and a pair of moccasins) should I go with the suede heels? The color is perfect. Yet I absolutely adore the moccasins - how often do shoes have calf hair?
Kristen and I had this talk and we agree that both are brilliant.
What do you think, oh people in internet-land? Heels or flats? Zebra or leopard?

Slick by flashbang featuring Betsey Johnson shoes

I have a thing for patent lately. And guess what? All of these shoes are under one grand! Isn't that absolutely fantastical?
(For some reason shiny fake leather makes me want to type exclamations and weird modifiers).
Included are D&G Verni, Doc Martens, Betsey Johnson Karatta, F-Troupe Perforated Oxfords and Betty Johnson Flat Ankle Boots.

Min glof

On 41st Street, there is this wondrous place called The Hills Although we should have been doing piles of other things, we decided that we were in the mood to go spend lots of money on beautiful and expensive things.
There were lots of beautiful things. Cowichan knit sweaters, colorful moccasins, fred perry bags, blue skinnies...
But I bought hand warmers. Because I love hand warmers.
I realize that they kind of give off a hobo vibe, even if they cost you forty bucks and have a nice pattern. But they are so cozy. And what better things to drink mint hot chocolate with than mittens?



For all you know, this is a bucket of porridge and I haven't eaten in five days and the ladies behind me just gave me two quarters and a penny and told me not to spend it on drugs. But I have warm mittens.



Behold! The mittens are by Echo. I believe you can find some of their other stuff here



Kristen is wearing my Urban Outfitter mittens from last year. They say 'deer' on them and make me happy and warm.



the sunny-sun shine outside.

Modcloth to the Rescue!

Modcloth to the Rescue by flashbang featuring Proenza Schouler shoes

No, of course they are not of the same caliber. But they are still pretty! And only $62.99. If you don't know about modcloth yet, you really should investigate. In terms of shoes, the best thing is that they often carry Jeffrey Campbells, but the best sell out fast.

I'm curious: has anyone else found a good  and somewhat affordable alternative to the Proenza Schouler? 

Art AND Shoes AND Food. oh my.

I imagine these pictures have already been dissected quite a bit as they do contain some of the most iconic and lusted after shoes since who knows when. I'm young, what do I know? I'm also fairly new to the fashion/blogging world, so in my travels through various blogs, I sometimes unearth things I like deep in the archives (these I found on Bleed for Fashion) and I have little idea how relevant my opinion of them may be.
But let's move on and talk about the shoes, dammit!
Actually not quite yet.
Truth be told, I don't have any particular obsession over 'Loubs.' Yes, they are nice. That stiletto is pretty sexy, but cheaper knockoffs abound. I just don't see enough originality to negate the obscene price. Regardless, the ad campaign for.. um... was it fall 09? not sure... the ad campaign was stunning.
Kristen and I have Dutch backgrounds, 50% and 100% respectively, which works out to a fair bit of influence. This summer I went to the Vancouver Art Gallery's exhibition of the Dutch Masters, and was appropriatley speechless. I forced poor Kristen to listen to a rant about the way the light fell on the flowers for at least 10 minutes and I'm pretty sure no words or pictures can really do them justice.

Enter Peter Lippmann, who most gorgeously orchestrated all the things I love best: shoes, art and food.
what a clever guy. he must have known i didn't like poor Christian's shoes and decided that must change.
I must admit, I am a little more partial to them after seeing this campaign.



I particularly like the ones where you hardly even notice the fact that there are indeed shoes in this picture.
I did not include, i.e. the one with piles of candy, because it looks garish and not at all Dutch-master-ish.



The little butterfly is genius. Thank you, Peter Lippmann for making my day.

Geometry and Shrooms

I got inspired to create an outfit for frolicking among shrooms. 

Sadly, I can only afford the shoes. But seeing as that is the most relevant part, that is okay.

Aren't they cute? I'm not usually a polka dot sort of person, but these flats set me off on a geometric trip. 

Shrooms by flashbang featuring Alexander Wang tops

(see the shoes here)

Shrrrrooms

We had our first bout of crazy (i.e. regular) Vancouver rain/deluge/drizzle/sleet this weekend. Boo. But on one of the rainiest days I looked out my window, and the lawn was dotted with these fairy-tale mushrooms. 

Can't you just see Hansel and Gretel skipping around them?

We need a resident gnome. 

Kristen contemplates the leaf...



So pretty... 

Sugar and Spice

It's 12:04. You still have mounds of stuff to do and it's dark and rainy outside and generally ick.
But there is a solution.
On nights like this, I brew myself a cup of chai tea (the starbucks one is the best) with plenty of milk and sugar, and grab a handful of dried pineapple. Take a sip of tea, take a bite of pineapple... and drink your troubles away.



(Pineapple, my tea mug and Dennis -the prickly one- hanging out)

Boudica

I know this isn't exactly current (a month late), but I was browsing and found the Rodarte Spring 2010 collection. 

...!... I was impressed. Once again, kind of like McQueen, and not anything directly useful for the street. But all of those plaids and tribal tattoos are very Boudica-esque. I instantly imagined this remake of Braveheart, but with Boudica running around killing things instead of whatever-his-name-Mel-Gibson's-character. And of course everyone would be dressed in these amazing trailing and woven outfits. It would be badass. 

And then we discovered that in 2010 there will be a new film about Boudica, and guess who is producer? 

But I'm kind of sad that I wasn't the only one wanting to revive this idea, because I'm pretty sure the costumes won't be this awesome. But one can hope? All images courtesy of Style.com

(images from www.style.com)