Cheerio From Up North

Howdy fellow fashion fanatics,

Enjoying my northern vacay much-ly. It's been fantabulous catching up with my best girl and guy friends in the whole wide world.

Fashion observation: Vancouver has definitely grown in terms of being fashion-forward. Raymon Ladon -- Vancouver store manager of hip, Seattle-established clothing boutique chain Zebra Club -- shouts out Main Street and Gas Town as the "it" areas to hit up when looking for new duds in this fair Canadian city. Eugene Choo, The Block, Bruce, Ray Rickburn, Gravity Pope, Jonathan + Olivia...this town is prime for fashion pickin's and fabulous boutiques!

Just getting ready to head out the door for a night out at Celebrities, Vancouver's equivalent to L.A.'s The Abbey. Haven't been before -- despite having been a Vancity resident for 18 years -- but I hear it's off the hook. More stories to follow, I'm sure.

Happy weekend, all!

xoxo
Haute Hippie

Merry Chrismakwanzakkah 2006!

Merry, Merry Chrismakwanzakkah!!

Hope your holiday was as enjoyable as mine, which included -- but wasn't limited to -- yummy food, my crazy-fantastic family and good old karaoke in a cozy, warm living room.

Too bad I pre-snacked so darn much that I could barely eat a morsel by the time grace was said and the real dinner began.

Oh, and I love love love my uncles for getting me the limited edition (PRODUCT)RED iPod Nano, with a portion of the proceeds going to fight AIDS in Africa.

My favorite part? The teensy, weensy engraving my uncles inscribed on the back: "Always be yourself & dance to your own tunes."

I couldn't have said it better myself.






I'm Lovin' it: My new iPod Nano!!!!!

I'm Over it: Waiting for my trip home!!!!! Just over 24 hours till I land. And then the next day it's off to an 80s-themed Aspen party in Whistler with my best guy friend K.!

Track of the Day: "Be" by Common. This man is no doubt the finest dandy in hip-hop right now -- not only because he looks so sharp 24/7, but also because his songs are so empowering. I hear he's killer live.

And for all my single ladies out there, look out for that man who thinks of women the way Common breaks it down about his lady love in "The Light". You'll never go wrong with a man like that.

Live performance of "Be" on YouTube

"The Light" on You Tube


* Photo property of gizmodo.com

Ho Ho Ho Mistletoe

I was up and at 'em this lovely Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. (and because I somehow semi-consciously turned off my space heater at some ungodly hour last night, it's also a freezing a.m.).

Here are a few things already on my mind upon waking:

1. Gotta get my butt to the gym before the family Christmas dinner gorge-fest tonight.

2. I really should not have eaten a caramel fudge sundae and two sugar cookies last night at 10 p.m. hanging out with my girl R. while she packed for Christmas in Texas.

3. Do I really get those flat black leather boots from Aldo before my trip?

4. God, I really wish I'd been able to fly to New York for the December 15th to 17th weekend-only urban art show "Wooster On Spring" -- this first of many more, I'm sure, launched by the Wooster Collective. The line up to see this first-time exhibition got up to five hours by the end of the weekend, and the final reviews are fantastic. What a coup for all urban artists from around the globe! If you love this kind of art, sign up for the Wooster Collective daily newsletter. It's practically the high-light of my morning e-mail check.






5. Where to heck can I find mistletoe in Santa Monica? It's needed to complete a certain something.

Maybe Google will save the day.

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!

xoxo
Haute Hippie



* Photos property of woostercollective.com, Google Images

Last Minute Fool

Today was the day I had to go last minute Christmas shopping.

Last minute Christmas shoppers are three things: rude, pushy and stupid.

I am most certainly not the first two adjectives (though there were plenty of those around to fill the role), but I certainly am the last adjective for waiting till the final hour before the holy day.

But Santa Haute Hippie is done for the year.

And I can exhale with relief that I don't have to go last minute Christmas shopping till December '07.

I'm Lovin' it: Despite my stress case day, the holiday season still rocks.

I'm Over it: Paying a little over five Benjamins in parking tickets yesterday. It still hurts. I do NOT heart Santa Monica or Los Angeles parking. And now those flat leather boots from Aldo are just going to have to wait.

Guilty Pleasure Artist of the Day: Atlanta, Georgia's very own T.I. -- not only is he super fly for an African-American guy, his music is totally infectious. "Why You Wanna" samples an older hip-hop song (though can't for the life of me remember the original artists, dammit!), but T.I. did it mainstream rap justice. He makes me wanna pop my collar.

www.myspace.com/trapmuzik

Bloggy Blog

Just got home from a 2.5 hour meeting with a real estate client.

Head's too mushy for a fashion blog at the moment.

But I do like the "professional" outfit I threw on today.

G'night, all.

xoxo
Haute Hippie

Uncle Toms (Shoes) Cabin

There's nothing like being stylish and socially aware at the same time.

Toms Shoes is a new footwear company that's taken the industry by storm with its reincarnation of Argentine slip-on shoes called the alpargatas, known for their breathability and comfort with canvas uppers, soft insoles and cushy soles.

Blake Mycoskie, the brand's ruggedly cute founder, discovered the heavenly slip-on while on his travels through South America. Taken aback by the poverty and child labor rampant in the region, he took it upon himself to reinvent the alparatatas using Argentinian materials and producing strictly under "no sweatshop" regulations. By partnering up with some very good causes -- like Insight Argentina and Freestyle Walking -- Mycoskie ensures that for every pair of Toms Shoes sold, he donates a pair to a needy child of the world.

Toms Shoes come in a myriad of colors and patterns -- from camo to stripes to solids. Mycoskie also recently began collaborating up with artists, such as Tyler Ramsey, to created limited editions Toms.

Stylish, art-savvy and socially aware?

Trifecta.

I'm Lovin' it: Romeo and Juliet Couture leggings. You'll never have to worry about these puppies being too transparent at the upper thigh and too opaque at the calf. Even all the way up and down your leg. Soft to the touch, too. I've managed to become the owner of two different pairs in a span of a week and a half.

I'm Over it: The work week. I'm ready for my family Christmas dinner on the 24th, yo!

Album of the Day: "Tales From The Turnpike House" by Saint Etienne. This British indie trio has been around since the mid-90s, falling under the "shiny happy music" category. The vocals and beats in Track #1 sound hauntingly like the late Karen Carpenter, who passed from anorexia at the height of her music career.

* Photos property of tomsshoes.com

Localites LA: Round One

So my first two articles for Localites LA are up!

Check them out, the first is a profile on Iconology and the second is a write-up about the fabulous Tom Ford.

xoxo
Haute Hippie

Random Thought This Second

Does anyone else think the term (and title song, of course) "elegantly wasted" is the most fun verbal juxtaposition ever?

Three cheers for language!

Yeah, that was random.

I'm putting myself to sleep now. For the next eight hours, I mean.

But I know what you were thinking.

All I want for Christmas: Part One

Christmas is less than one week away.

Oh, how time flies.

If anyone feels so inclined to purchase little ole me a present or two for being SUCH a good girl this year, here are some helpful suggestions for you:

1. An 8GB iPod Nano, preferably in black -- to match everything, including a majority of my current wardrobe. Y'all know what it looks like.

2. This classy, lady-like Botkier bag. Since I'm a professional, it's time to put the slouchy hobo away for the weekdays and save it for more casual weekends.

3. I haven't loved one-piece shortalls this much since I was, oh, four years old and rockin' the Osh Kosh B'Gosh. A navy, gold-stitched, pilot-inspired number sits in my wardrobe (what a hit it was this summer '06!), but I sure would like this ruffled one from Development hanging beside it.

4. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of socialites-turned-designers in the past year. Rachel Roy -- also known as Mrs. Damon Dash -- is one of the more talented PYTs out there (though Tinsley Mortimer rules). This white, waist-cinching dress is almost as beautiful as its designer. Yep, Rachel is pretty damn gorgeous.

None of these strike your buying fancy? I'll have more choices for you tomorrow.

I'm Lovin' it: My new wool short shorts from The Gap. Can't go wrong with $9.99. Perfect with, what else? Opaque tights (textured ones this time) and knee-high boots in the winter.

I'm Over it: The day. It's night night time.

Track of the Day: I was listening to some Scissor Sisters song this morning...I think it was "Comfortably Numb". Well, all I can say is the music video is a little whack, and I was UN-comfortably numb this morning trying to get ready for work in my ice cave of a room. I forgot to turn on my space heater last night. Woo hoo for me.

* Photos property of shopbop.com

Stunner Shades On

Just a little observation about Southern Californians -- myself included.

Why is it that us SoCal-ers are so used to -- and attached to -- their sunglasses, that even in 55 degree overcast weather we still have our stunner shades on?

I caught myself rockin' my mens-style aviators while driving the other day in some seriously cloudy weather -- along with many, many other Angelenos.

Maybe living in La-La Land has made us all so Hollywood. It's not like the paparazzi is after me!

Wow. This trip home to Canadia (deliberately misspelled, I'm not that Americanized!) should get my butt into check.

I'm Lovin' it: My new Abaete for Payless suede, black booties with black mock-croc design. I know my closet could use a respite from ebony shoe wear, but sometimes I just can't pass up beautiful shoes on a sweet deal.

I'm Over it: Christmas shopping! Actually, I haven't really started yet....at least my l'il sister's gift is checked of my list, as of today. Such a procrastinator, I am.

Track History of the Day: I promised you a brief history on the origins of "Amber" by 311. This quintet of Nebraskans have been in the music scene for about fifteen years, blowing up big in the mid-90s. They're still kickin' it, most recently doing a cover of The Cure's "Love Song" for Adam Sandler's romantic-comedy flick "50 First Dates" and releasing a greatest hits album in 2005. I'm sure their die-hard fans are looking forward to album #9!

"Amber" on YouTube

* Photo property of Google Images, payless.com

Christian Follower

I heart Christian.

As in French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, not Nip/Tuck's Dr. Christian Troy -- though he's fairly yummy, too.

Sex And The City -- as well as S(arah) J(essica) P(arker) -- may have single-handedly made Manolo Blahniks a fashionista staple and a household name, but if shoes equalled sass...well, then Christian Louboutin is definitely sassy. In heels.

Yes, the Americans may (extremely) dislike the French, and the French may want to (permanently) annihilate the Americans, but the least we can do in this situation is call cease fire over these gorgeous shoes.

N'est pas?

PS. It's Pair #1 for me or bust.

I'm Lovin' it: The chilly, but sunny 58 degree winter weather we've been having. It makes me all nostalgic about the fall season in my hometown. This, of course, means several things to me: knee-high boots, opaque tights, sweater dresses, cropped jackets, luscious coats, knit hats, fun-flavored lattes, and hockey. For the first time since moving down here, I've noticed the leaves on the trees actually change color from green to pretty oranges and browns. And I used to think the leaves in L.A. were perpetually brown! Silly Canadian me. Oh well, at least I'm learning something new every day. And you bet your bottom dollar I'm trying to get myself to the January 7th game with the Vancouver Canucks hosting their traded old pal Todd Bertuzzi in a once in a lifetime hockey match-up when I go home!

I'm Over it: Indecisive shoppers. Beware: they come in all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicity. They can easily be picked out of a crowd by their annoying, "should-I-shouldn't-I" personalities.

Track of the Day: "Amber" by 311. Sorry, didn't do my homework on this yet since I was at work all day, but it was playing on J.'s mini iPod this afteroon and I just couldn't stop myself from jamming out. It's reggae-tinged and happy -- the only information I got from J. about the song was it's "very old". And, of course, that in itself was mere hearsay. Cold, hard fact regarding "Amber" to follow in my next posting.

* Photos property of net-a-porter.com, saksfifthavenue.com, momist.com, Google Images

The (Dirt) Devil In Us All

I have a love/dislike (the word "hate" is a little harsh in this context) relationship with Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners.

I dislike DDs -- and not the chest size, people -- because the Dyna Power 26.0 that my roomie E. and I bought less than eight months ago has already burned through its belt and is pretty much kaput.

I love DDs because of the new handheld Kone, created exclusively for Dirt Devil by design guru Karim Rashid.

The sleek, minimalistic, cone-shaped (hence the name) style makes the Kone easy to display -- don't be surprised if people think it's a modern art piece of some kind. Sorry, the champagne shade is sold out for the season but there's still stark white, royal blue, plum purple, hush pink and ebony black to choose from. The Target on the corner of Highland and Santa Monica Boulevard still has a few left on its shelves so if you like the Kone, get crackin'!

It may not be an ice cream cone, but it's a close runner-up.





I'm Lovin' it: This military-inspired coat by Via -- in black, of course. It's about to become my new winter coat for "The Trip" I've been talking about forever. The final seal on the deal? Victoria's Secret is shipping items over $100 for free on two-day express. Not bad considering what it normally would cost. Oh yeah, the mega sale they're having, too, is more icing on the cake.




I'm Over it: Demeter Fragrances actually created a Play Doh scent. I had the dishonor of sniffing it at the Ulta location on Highland. It's olfactory hell.




Album Buy Of The Day: My first errand of the day consisted of going to Best Buy and purchasing the "Songs To Live And Die By" album from 8mm, like I promised in my last post. Played it from start to finish. I may not be Billboard or Rollingstone, but this one gets a four-point-five out of five musical stars.



* Photos property of dirtdevil.com, victoriassecret.com, demeterfragrances.com

Hood-Winked

Ah, the hoodie. Essential for comfort in cold weather.

Husband-and-wife design team Mike Gonzalez and Christine Park-Gonzalez hail from the east coast, where chilly weather is not a stranger. Thus, Mike & Chris was born.

Now, we're not talking about a hoodie from your high school or university days. These hoodies are tricked out: big buttons, interesting silhouettes and design embellishments far from your alma mater version. Not only have they conquered the hoodie universe, the Gonzalezes are working on conquering the accessories world with their handbag collection. And who doesn't need another great purse hanging in their closet?

I love me some MC.

Mariah Carey included.

* Fashion Bite: Check out the Mike & Chris Bailey Hooded Dress. The design makes it a sort of style enigma. Is it a hoodie? Is it a coat? Is it a dress? Or is it all three? Image #7, y'all.

I'm Lovin' it: Jaden Smith, the progeny of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett. He is so, so adorable I can't take it. See The Pursuit of Happyness and you'll know exactly what I mean. Very touching film, by the way.

I'm Over it: Trying to find a coat for my trip. Actually, it's just me being lazy. I know exactly what coat I want (a Via military-style number) and where to order it. I just need get all Nike and just to do it.

Track of the Day: "No Way Back" by 8mm. This trip-hop duo consisting of New Orlean-er Juliette and Nine Inch Nail's former sound engineer Sean (no last names) made their way from the dark, jazzy recesses of New Orleans to starry, glitzy La-La Land. Juliette's voice is hauntingly beautiful and the beats are jazzy down-tempo. Everyone who's familiar with my musical preferences knows I'm a trip-hop head, so it's no surprise their album "Songs To Live And Die By" is most definitely my next vinyl purchase.

www.myspace.com/8mm

* Photos property of revolveclothing.com, ronherman.com, activeendeavors.com, myspace.com/8mm

Mad For Moschino

During my trend report research today, I was thoroughly disappointed with most of the European collections for Spring 2007.

Springtime is not for dreary, muted colors of geometric silhouettes. It's a time for colorful, bright splashes of ruffles, frills and light-heartedness.

But I must admit I love the Moschino Cheap & Chic collection. Though it was hard to pinpoint a particular color palette -- it ranged from earthtones to brights to black, white and red combos -- the silhouettes themselves were all spring.

Ruffles, bubble hems, short shorts, prints, sky-high heels... oh my!

PS. Sorry, I couldn't narrow down my favorite outfits down to the top ten. So I practically uploaded the entire collection.

I'm Lovin' it: Meeting the madre of Jessica and Ashlee: Tina Simpson. She was a refreshingly sweet and down-to-earth showbiz mom -- must be her Texas blood -- except for the fact she was able to plunk down tons of cash for sweaters and other such goodies. It's nice to know she's nice. No resemblence to Dina Lohan at all.

I'm Over it: Rachel Bilson not yet making the cover of Harper's Bazaar or another such privileged publication (Cosmo doesn't count). She's such a little style icon with her teeny frame and vintage flair. Plus, from what I hear, Rachel's a pretty nifty actress, too. Case in point: The Last Kiss with Zach Braff.

Track of the Day: "Radio" by Jurassic 5. This local hip-hop group blew up big with hits like "What's Golden" and "Concrete Schoolyard", continuing on to this day doing collabos with big names like Nelly Furtado and Dave Matthews. Check out this J5 jam: lots of bass for shoulder bumpin' and booty shakin'. There's something happy old school of this one, probably because it's a reference to their hip-hop rise in the 80s and 90s.

www.myspace.com/jurassic5

* Photos property of nymag.com