Perfect Kaden-ce

These past months, I've been eschewing heels and rockin' the low-riders -- also known as flats. Since I'm an admitted shoe junkie -- my pal TC almost fainted when I opened my closet and he saw how many pairs festered in there -- I'm always on the hunt for more souliers (French to English translation: shoes) to add my collection.

Banana Republic never used to be one of my favorite stores to walk into. Everything was too buttoned-up, too khaki, too preppy, too string-of-pearls for my easy, breezy bohemian liking. However, BR has certainly taken up their designs a notch in recent years, including their shoes.

I just spent the last minute salivating over their Kaden peep-toe slingback flat, which comes in the fabulously basic colors of silver, gold and patent black. It's always so hard deciding which hue to choose, so I'm just going to choose them all.

Flat is phat.









I'm Lovin' it: I haven't used a blowdryer or heating tool on my hair for three days and it's so fantastic. Call it the influence of Shuswap Lake (where using a blowdryer would certainly have elicited a barrage heckling from my friends), but I really kind of like this beachy look. It's been getting serious kudos from the pals -- or maybe they just enjoy laughing behind my back. Whatever it is, I sported the look to work today and save myself an extra 15 minutes in the morning. Ji-yah!

Oh, and this little undergarment/sleepwear bow babydoll set from Lornnie Louie is so goshdarn ADORABLE.








I'm Over it: Being home from the lake. I could live the rest of my life up there. Wakeboarding (unsuccessfully, mind you, since I couldn't pop myself up on the board), extreme tubing (bailed hardcore though, got about 6 feet of air and landed on me head), beach volleyball, s'mores, bunk beds, yummy breakfasts, lunches and dinners, shimmery moonlight on the water, card games, bevys all day, boating for hours, watching the boys cliff jump, eating our faces off, dock tanning, jumping in the lake to cool off, chilling to music, lounger reading, lots of laughs, close friends and all around forgetting the rest of the world existed. It felt good not to stare at a computer screen or check my phone constantly. Peace of mind for 48 hours that was needed, for sure.







Track of the Day: I've been on the hunt for the title of a Tragically Hip song that I just love. All I could describe was it was a slow ballad about something "cajun". Thankfully, TC was able to figure out what track I'd been obsessing about -- it's called Bobcaygeon from their "Phantom Power" album and it's also on their "Yer Favorites" greatest hits CD. You know how songs can really just hit you for some reason? This is one of them for me.








* Photos property of bananarepublic.com, www.peermusic.com, www.lornnielouie.com, Google Images and are used solely for commentary purposes

Shoe Clue

Last year, I was tres excited after stumbling upon the Abaete for Payless shoe collection, discovered in a rare Haute Hippie appearance at a local SoCal shopping mall.

I ended up buying black suede, faux alligator and gold trim pumps, as well as suede ankle booties -- both of which have been my go-to footwear when it comes to going out.

Abaete has gone and done it again with another collection, this time less ghetto sophisticate and more classicmod, with the same attention to detail: gradient lucite heels, shiny patent and a clear section in the shoe's body to slightly mimick the D'orsay -- well, kind of.

In any case, it seems classy and lady-like is on order for Fall '07.










I'm Lovin' it: Shuswap and me. Tomorrow night. Boo yah. Oh, and a yesterday's birthday man of the hour -- my Big Brother K -- inebriatedly pointing at our friend Trevy C. and for some reason saying, "I hate you, I hate you!" repeatedly, while trying to get him to jump off the patio balcony of Chivana's on 4th. Yeah, that would've been some birthday present.

I'm Over it: Working on less sleep than usually accustomed to is NOT FUN. Especially when it's your own damn fault for shutting down a local watering hole the night before and still not going to bed afterward.

Track of the Day: None today.




* Photos property of payless.com

Oh. My. God.

Did anyone else known that Louis Vuitton had a bag style called the "Globus"?!

Lynn Yaeger -- yes, the editor with the perpetual circle-rouged cheeks -- said so in this Village Voice article.

Sorry for those who don't get it -- only those who know me will -- but it's just so hilarious!!

This bag is so elusive, there are no cyber images of it. All that is known is that it's a white canvas tote emblazoned with a pink medallion declaring "Louis Vuitton" in the center.

Kudos to anyone who can find it OFF of Canal Street.

You're So Paper Rad

Writing a little blurb on this three-person, 80s-influenced cartoon and techno graphics art collective out of NYC known as Paper Rad seems futile.

Read the group's wee manifesto and you'll see why I say that -- they prefer not to be defined by what they call "america-speak". Which is apparently what I'd be doing if I wrote extensively on them.

Having said that, check out some of the awesome works that come from the artists.

Totally rad, dude.













I'm Lovin' it: Vancouver editorial and commercial photographer Jody Rogac. Her impressive client list includes things-cool such as Aritizia, ION Magazine, The Georgia Strait, Shine Nightclub, the band Your Say Party! We Say Die!, Spankrock, FASHION Magazine and Slum Records. Her camera-style is very, very real and authentic -- looking at some of Rogac's photos feels like catching a series of precious moments in someone's life. On top of all that, she's a total sweetheart who dotes on her dog Jonathan -- and, of course, her camera.











I'm Lovin' it, Part Deux: Today, I'm not in strong dislike of much. Maybe it's because of the two cookies I just had? Anyway, I just finished having a discussion with my co-worker Nicky P., who -- at the tenderoni age of 24 -- doesn't seem to understand why girls always go for older guys. He claims that girls have it all wrong, because once the guy hits 70 and croaks, she has 20 more years of loneliness to bear while, "he sits up in heaven, banging on the piano and drinking martinis while she sits on earth, crying her eyes out and being all depressed."

Good point, Nicky P., good point.


Place of the Day: The new Illhoiha gym facility in Tokyo, with its special Omotesando-style climbing wall masterminded by hip design group Nendo. This ain't your average rock climbing in Squamish, that's for damn sure.









* Photos property of jodyrogac.com, Google Images, core77.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Stylista Of The Day

Just call her Pete-ra Doherty.

She rules this graffed-out cement ledge for reals.








* Photo property of facehunter.blogspot.com

Vicky's Got A Secret...

And the cat in the bag is these Colin Stuart bad boys from the Victoria's Secret website -- pictured below -- are a-comin' in the mail for me.

Yes, I totally gave in. Um, who wouldn't at $24.99 USD??


Arrival time: Sometime before mid-August.

Chosen color: Patent Black in size 6.

Outfit For Coordination: TBD (to be determined).

Location For Initial Debut in Vancouver: Somewhere where martinis are shaken AND stirred.

Haute Hippie Happiness Factor: Very high.










* Photo property of victoriassecret.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Sneaker Freak

This one's for the boys.

What handbags are to the ladies, sneakers are to the men. The kind of crazy designs, color combos and graphics companies and artists are coming up with these days are mind-blowing, not to mention totally collection-worthy -- some sneaks are basically works of art.

Sneaks stores are popping up everywhere, from Sportie LA to Alife Rivington Club To Blends to Colette (yup, the Paris one) to Clientele to Flight Club Los Angeles and New York to Headquarter, Gravity Pope and Livestock in Vancity to St. Alfred in Chicago to Undefeated. And most of them probably carry Creative Recreation, a sneaker line from Orange County, California just dominating the scene.

Now, hip dudes sport suits and dress pants with sneaks instead of fancy wingtips. Creative Recreation styles have testerone-filled Italian or Latino names like the Cesario, Colombo, Don Carlo, Gambino and Torrio, as well as a special collection exclusive only to Barney's New York. Oh, and hey -- they've got styles for the chickies, too.

These puppies are no longer just for the ballerz in iced-out bling.



















I'm Lovin' it: A little bird named Michelle Rizzardo -- who owns one of my fave Vancouver boutiques One Of A Few -- told me that she and her fiance are opening up a second boutique next door to their current Gastown location. Store number deux is aptly named Two Of A Few, concentrating on menswear, exclusive labels and a bigger shoe selection. If you haven't check out Michelle's store, please do yourself a favor and stop by. I'll be the girl curled up in a ball in a sleeping bag next to the entrance, waiting till Two Of A Few opens up its doors a few feet over.


I'm Over it: Looming editorial deadlines. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!


Track of the Day: New Violence by White Williams, aka. Joe Williams and close crony of Gregg Gillis from Girl Talk. More electro-pop goodness I usually praise. It's the kind of song that gamers might dig, with its techno edge and Atari sounds.







www.myspace.com/whitewilliams



* Photos property of sportiela.com. crackersunited.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Playing Polo

Nothing delights me more than seeing friends take fashion risks.

Especially my guy friends.

Case in point: My good buddy Luker actually went to upscale Canadian department store Holt Renfrew and picked up the snazzy Polo Ralph Lauren Washed Pincord Blazer (pretty sure it's this one, I'm working off my memory from a going-out night) and sported it out on Saturday for our friend Mikey's birthday shenanigans. It's light, sporty and very of-the-moment with it's blue and white pinstripes, something I imagine on tanned, dandy-ish Italian men during summertime in Milan.

I was shocked, amazed and absolutely over the moon at his fashion selection.

Yep, it seems dear Luker has some serious style.

He sure did me proud.








* Photo property of ralphlauren.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Walk On Water

Quite literally.

Today, I came across this amazing installation that simulates walking on water from the London Design Festival called Bridge, by the artist Michael Cross.

This special installation is for Dilston Grove, formerly called the Clare College Mission Church and now London's well-known raw, large-scale space available for artists. Two-thirds of the church is submerged in water and the only thing visible to the eye is a single, round stepping stone on a platform near an entranceway. Stepping on the stone causes another stone to rise in front of it -- each step you take makes another arise in front and lowers the one behind, until you reach the middle of the water (where it all comes to an abrupt halt) and need to turn back.

There are 30 steps in all, so this activity may not be the best for folks afraid of water. Intense, eery and liberating.

And you may not turn into Jesus the Lord Savior, but you'll sure feel close.








I'm Lovin' it: Four more sleeps till my big weekend up at Shuswap lake with me crew. And my girly girl Erica L. will be there, too, houseboating her bum off. I see tanning, day-time drinking, beach volleyball and incriminating photos in my future. And no, not that kind, just the inebriated-with-friends kind. Dirty, dirty minds.







I'm Over it: People -- from out of town in this case -- who get in touch to make plans to meet up with you a week and a half in advance, and then fail to let you know they can't make it on the actual day of the meeting. Yep, still waiting for a call, text, email or some form of communication saying, "Hi, I'm sorry I didn't call you yesterday to cancel because I'm a complete and utterly rude douchebag." Good thing I didn't sit around waiting for this winner. And somewhere my gut instinct -- based on my record of previous history with said individual -- is screaming, "I told you so, I totally knew it!" at me over and over.

I believe most people call this moment "the straw that broke the camel's back".







Happiness of the Day: My tickets to Kaskade at the Commodore on October 5th and my newly purchased CD of the Shout Out Louds single "Tonight I Have To Leave It" with its four different versions and "Streams of Whiskey" track. The Kleerup remix is currently on massive repeat on my vehicular stereo.










* Photos property of art-design.umich.edu, www.gucca.dk, 343guiltysnark.com, ashuswapholiday.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Cardi Party

Sure, sure.

It's not really cardigan season yet, but with the current stormy weather hovering over us and summer halfway finito, there's absolutely no harm in preparing for upcoming chillier days and nights.

Cardigans used to be synonymous with librarians, old maids, grandmothers and pocket-protector geeks. Shapeless, unflattering in color and just plain boring, boring, boring. Well, stop your yawning -- and your whining -- because Sonia Rykiel has put out a slouchy, shirred version in this season's it-color: yellow (well, citrus in this case).

Awesomely awesome e-tailer La Garconne carries the three-quarter length, light-as-a-feather cardi, which is divine for layering. I even love the rest of the outfit it's thrown together with.

So all for you jeune filles (French to English translation: girls) out there, La Garconne -- and Sonia Rykiel -- may just be the thing for you.









I'm Lovin' it: The huge, annual Coachella-ish concert event -- that goes down in Japan -- best known as Summer Sonic '07. We're not talking cheesy asian pop groups or quirky rock bands like Puffy AmiYumi. We're talking everyone from The Black Eyed Peas to The Pipettes to The Editors to the Arctic Monkeys to Gwen Stefani to Interpol to 120 Days to The Long Blondes to DJ Shadow to Hot Chip to LCD Sound System to the Klaxons. Dope, dope line-up for sure. And you can bet your bottom dollar that even the non-English speaking, dancing "kawaii" girls and boys will know the lyrics to every song. All while flashing the peace sign.







I'm Over it: Uh, how did Sugar Ray make it into the Summer Sonic '07 line-up?!?!


Concert Announcement of the Day: Oh. My. Gah. Kaskade is back in town this October 5th, DJ-ing himself out to a sure-to-be-dancing Commodore Ballroom crowd. My girl Seems D.'s other half is throwing -- and is the guest DJ for -- the event, so it'll be double-y wicked times. Didn't get to catch the Kaskade show last time, but I'm making up for it by getting my ticket tomorrow, which is when they hit the sales tables. Make sure to pounce. Tickets will sell faster than Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" eco-shopping bag (which was basically in 15 minutes at all Whole Foods stores in New York yesterday).






www.myspace.com/kaskademusic



* Photos property of lagarconne.com, kaskademusic.com, Google Images and are used solely for commentary purposes

Som Like It Hot

Ah, what wouldn't I give to be lounging at a resort somewhere. Especially considering summer decided to go all MIA this week in Vancity, leaving behind grey skies mid-July, completely reminiscent of our fall going into winter and our winter going into spring.

Taking into account my current work schedule, me and a resort vacay is clearly out of the question. Therefore, I must live vicariously through all the PYTs that are both able to jet-set the exotic locales in private planes and afford this stellar Resort 2008 collection from Peter Som.

A good chunk of NYC's biggest socialites live and breathe Peter Som. Just check out the stills from New York Social Diary or Park Avenue Peerage (the new Socialite Rank, now that the latter is defunct). Som silhouettes and proportions are certainly flattering to the feminine form (despite all socialites being nearly emaciated) -- his pretty details are even better. His Resort 2008 collection rebuffed the skinny pant, leaning toward the extra-wide, sailor-style hems paired with either loose or form-fitting sleeveless tops.

What really got me going was the designer's seemingly odd pairing of the colors bright lime green (on the bottom) and muted blue-grey (on top, naturally). Sounds hideous on paper, but the result is very fresh, very modern. And it appears blue -- in all shades -- ruled this collection.

Me likey some Som.















I'm Lovin' it: These lovely chick-itas are KILLIN' it in yellow and colors. I can't get over the first girl's vintage vinyl necklace on a thugged out gold chain paired with lady-like ensemble -- white gloves included. She's so "flava-flaaaav!"








I'm Over it: Rain, rain, go away on this supposed summer day...


Band of the Day: If I were P. Diddy on the MTV's "Making The Band", I'd totally make Van She. But since they've all gone and made themselves already, I'll dance out hardcore to their music. This wee quartet is about 80s post punk, synthesizers, funky tunes and electronica de Paris, releasing their debut EP in 2005 to some considerable buzz. They remix like crazy, from The Klaxons to Feist to New Young Pony Club to The Bravery to fellow Aussie consorts, Sneaky Sound System. Van She me any day.







www.myspace.com/vanshe



* Photos property of style.com, facehunter.com, musicglob.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Shades Of Blue

My buddy D. Venus has a stellar bachelor pad in the West End (complete with an authentic samurai sword as wall art), nestled just a little ways from the corner of Davie and Jervis.

Not only does he have a breathtaking view of English Bay, he also throws mad fireworks & booze shakers every year for the annual HSBC Celebration Of Light extravaganza that happens mid-summer.

No braving the crowds of 100,000-plus, biatch-slapping each other for spots on both the Kits and English Bays sides. Just a sweet pad, good friends, yummy eats (D.V. is a great chef) and an endless supply of magical juices that keep you happy and laughing (till the next day hangover, that is).

Venus is also a fantastic photographer -- check out the vignette below.

What an artiste. Love it.








* Photo property of David Venus and is used solely for commentary purposes

That Otte Do It

Any woman who knows, lives and dies by her fashion always thinks she never has enough clothing. Her wardrobe (preferably housed in something by California Closets) never has enough shoes, bags, accessories, denim and, especially, tops.

Of all the different style parts, tops can be the most expendable because they're the ones most likely to fall under the "trendy" category. Was I in big, airy blousons four years ago? No. Will I be in big, airy blousons four years from now? Unless it's a Lanvin or the like, probably not.

One of the major reasons I lament not living in the U.S. of A anymore -- besides being so far from mi familia -- is that Forever 21 is no longer a ten minute walk away from my apartment to the Santa Monica Promenade. I used to plunk down two twenties and get two tops that'd last me through an entire season, providing the stitching didn't come loose after a few see-and-be-seens (you know how cheap knock-offs go).

However, there is some online solace: OTTE, with two locations on the east coast in New York's West Village and Brooklyn's Williamsburg. This retailer has some fantasmic numbers from Alisha Levine, 3.1 Phillip Lim (lots of them), Hunter Dixon, Whistle & Flute, Clu and Jenny Jen.

The nice thing is that OTTE-carried labels are forward, but classic all at the same time.

Meaning that you won't be hucking the tops out -- Forever 21-style -- when the season is done and done.












I'm Lovin' it: I may love the vino, but don't ask me to decipher its parts. Oaky, smokey, crisp, full-bodied -- that's wine connoisseur language. And I'm just a wine drinker. People like me are raising the roof everywhere now that Wine Answers has hit the world wide web. Drop-down boxes let you figure out which wines complement certain foods and sauces, a glossary provides lingo to make you sound smart at a fancy dining establishment, and -- heck! -- you can even take quizzes should you be feeling Einstein-like. All I know is that if someone was about to pour me a glass and asked me what wine I wanted, I'd say, "Sangria." Told you I was clueless.






I'm Over it: My pal Bri J. sent me this hideous ad campaign from Sisley. Looks like heroin chic is out. Fashion and blow is in. Sick.






Photo of the Day: This is an amazing photo taken of my friend Aggs, who's left us in tears now that she's en route to a new, fabulous life in Berlin, fashion photograph-ing her way to fame. The girl's got some serious gams, no??








* Photos property of otteny.com, cocktails.about.com, Agata Baranowska and are used solely for commentary purposes

Be That All You Can Bedo

I love discovering new things.

Yep, I'm a regular Christopher Columbus, but instead of discovering America -- which he thought was India, what a smart guy -- I'm uncovering new stores in town.

My roomie Steffie D. and I decided to take a stroll on Granville Street, partly to get me some food ASAP (my sugar level was at an all-time low), mostly to get me some much-needed Redken Anti-Snap and definitely to not get stuck in our apartment at 5 pm on a summer Saturday -- young, fabulous females should be prancing about in the sun at that time, preferably sipping sangria somewhere of equal fabulosity.

Anyhoo, after I stopped into some random hair product store to get my Redken, I tottered over next door to meet Steffie at Bedo, which became one of my favorite things in, oh, about two seconds after stepping into the store. Everything is at such a great price point, from summer dresses to night-on-the-town tops to casual tanks to flirty skirts to bubble hems.

The price points were so damn fantasmic, I picked up two new going-out tops with bubble sleeves and square necklines in richly colored satin. And yes, two of the same style in two different colors ( (a royal blue and a bright, bright green) somehow made it to the cashier, they're that cute. I also snagged a super Haute Hippie-ish camel blouson -- at only $24 -- that'll go like two peas in a pod with my new vintage (is that an oxymoron?) belt.

Not only did I leave Bedo grinning ear to ear, I also declared to my uber-adorable cashier: "See you in a couple days!"

Oh yes, that dark brown and gold blouson tee will be mine.

I'm such an easy sell. Sigh.









I'm Lovin' it: The fashion photog Craig McDean. Can't wait for the day my girl Aggs -- who is in the process of moving to Berlin to build up her fashion photography portfolio -- is just as famous as he. She gave me a gorgeous photo she took of a model for my still picture-less wall and it's so McDean-worthy.








I'm Over it: The horrid shoes best known as Crocs. I wish people would stop buying them. Especially for little tykes and toddlers -- don't you people know that children are our future?! A psychic I'm not, but I do know the future will be so much brighter with these things annihilated as quickly as possible.






Track of the Day: She Said by The Pharcyde. These rappers from South Central L.A. put out their Labcabincalifornia in 1995, and 12 years later I'm still rocking out to the tracks. If you haven't checked out this song -- or album -- then you haven't lived. And I say it's coolin' (a lyrical reference to another Pharcyde jam...look it up....aaaannnd go!)







www.myspace.com/thepharcyde



* Photos property of bedo.ca, facescafe.com, msn.com, Google Images and are used solely for commentary purposes

Romp The Yard

Playing in the sandbox would've been SO much more fun if I had this LaROK romper on.

About 23 years ago, that is.







* Photo property of couturecandy.com and is used solely for commentary purposes.

My Name Is Gladiator

The city is in midst of a major heat wave.

It's too uncomfortable to wear jeans, too hot to eat (the best diet ever!) and too sweaty to wear closed-toed shoes.

Welcome to the season of gladiator sandals.

Two months ago, my dear old granny shipped me a navy duffel (which is, no joke, as large as a body bag) full of my shoes. I waited anxiously because I just knew my beloved white Zara gladiators -- which have served me oh-so-well the past four summers -- where somewhere in there, buried among the platforms and stilettos.

I was completely horrified and crushed when I realized my Zaras weren't in there. It appears granny decided to huck them in the garbage, due to the four years of considerable wear and tear they suffered -- she just didn't understand that it wasn't cruel and unusual punishment I put them through, it was footwear love.

Time to go shoe shopping. Once again.


* Note to readers: Yes, not everyone likes gladiators. I forgive you.
















I'm Lovin' it: Rachel Antonoff and Alison Lewis -- the creative minds behind the label Mooka Kinney -- have mad styles.






I'm Over it: All these apres-work meetings with other parties about doing more work. By logical deduction, this means no time left over for little, ole me. Just how I like it.


Track of the Day: "I'm From NY" by Basement Jaxx. Serious hardcore electro is exactly what this track is. Lots of echoing shout-outs (think DJ Clue, but less annoying and in electronica-speak). A deep, rumbling bass gets your body moving, while a digital voice intro encourages you to, "Spank it!"

In high school, this track was voted most likely to play in a gay club or at Lotus Sound Lounge.








www.myspace.com/basementjaxx



* Photos property of anthropologie.com, victoriassecret.com, nextag.com, nytimes.com, Googe Images and are used solely for commentary purposes.

Meet The Beckhams

I haven't been this excited for an issue of W Magazine since Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt -- shot by fashion photog great Steven Klein -- graced the cover.

Yes, I love Steven Klein's work and, thus, am beyond thrilled that he also shot this month's glossy with Victoria and David Beckham (Posh and Becks, respectively) as the cover and central spread subjects.

Cheerio and hasta luego, London and Madrid.

The Beckhams are a-comin' to America.














* Photos property of style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Spy Vs. Spy

Before becoming a Los Angeleno two years ago -- and subsequently reverting back to a Vancouverite -- I didn't really don the shades that much.

Being an Angeleno changed that all. You practically live with sunglasses covering your face down south, 'cause no one likes being blinded by the beating, scorching SoCal sun reflecting off the sizzling 405 Freeway asphalt.

The little habit I acquired in La-La Land certainly transplanted itself here up north -- I wear my aviators everywhere. In fact, I came home yesterday and began to cook myself a little dinner before realizing they were still perched on my nose. Whoopsie.

This weekend, while hightailing it to Spanish Banks with Trev C., Ry H. and crew for some suntanning, I extolled the virtuous and sexiness of men in Spy sunglasses. There's something about the brand that's incredibly hot -- thank god they put out kickin' styles for the ladies, as well.

Sun, sand, surf and Spy: the ulimate summertime combination.
















I'm Lovin' it: During a magically delicious breakfast of english muffins smothered in PB & J with T.C. on Saturday, I was asked how I come up with topics for my little bloggy-blog. Quite honestly, a lot of the time I get inspiration from random things, especially random people. That's why I love sites like The Sartorialist, Facehunter and Style.com. Seeing the incredible, eclectic style of others is muse enough for me to keep doing what I'm doing -- and to continue taking as many fashion risks as I can.


















I'm Over it: Bangs that grow out too fast. I just got some cute sideswept ones last week, and they already need a trim. At least my salon clips them in between your major haircuts for free. Except for the $5 feeling-guilty tip I give whomever does the trim -- can't be a cheapskate like that, you know.



Track of the Day: "The Kill Tone Two" by Odd Nosdam, the musical artist having been born with the decidedly caucasian name of David Madson. This track is a very cool electronica, monotone hip hop mix of sounds, sounds, sounds. I think some of the best music out there has auditory surprise every couple phrases. Much like this tune.







www.myspace.com/nosdam



* Photos property of spyoptic.com, style.com, facehunter.com. thesartorialist.blogspot.com, soundoo.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Protect Ya Neck

Last week, I dug up my beloved wood and burnished gold ovals Arden B. necklace with dangle that I acquired from an in-store event we did for them, in conjunction with VOGUE, a few years back.

Though I had a douchebag of an ex-boyfriend call it fish lure -- which it totally does NOT look like at all (and there's one good reason he's an ex) -- I still loved it to death, wearing it nearly every single day.

That is until last week because, um yeah, I broke it. Taking it off from around my neck.

This means I'm currently on the hunt -- in tears, of course -- for a replacement. Most of the ones below are from Shop Bop and an Escapularios Saint necklace (though I'm not particularly religious, in fact, completely non-denominational) from Steven Alan.

Here are some that I have ALMOST captured my heart:













I'm Lovin' it: My fantastic weekend. Nothing beat a great girls' night out dinner with my bestie Sushi and some other girlfriends in Yaletown on Friday night, pre-drinks at Kenzo and Mikey's after and followed by more bevys at my new favorite wateringhole Chill Winston (apparently the name was taken from a scene from a Guy Ritchie flick, my boss Ren told me). Saturday was also a full day, with a Monet To Dali morning with some of the T. Camp crew at the Vancouver Art Gallery, followed by the beach tanning at Spanish Banks, an ensuing BBQ at Luker's and then a rocking building party for my girl Aggs, who's heading off the Berlin very soon to pursue a fabulous career as a fashion photog. Sunday was lazy, lazy lazy -- as it should be always! Rolled out of bed at nearly 1 pm (not a usual thing pour moi), then headed over to meet my haggard building party friends for some lunch/brunch and outside lounging in an East Van park. Another BBQ followed at Tang's -- complete with watermelon for dessert and a root beer to wash it all down. Then I high-tailed it home and got some incredible guilty pleasure watching Columbus Short tear up the dance floor in "Stomp The Yard". I wish every day could be exactly like the weekend I just had.

Oh, and I can't get over how my buddy Shaft is now my dentist. Saw him this morning for a teeth cleaning and check up -- he's an excellent dentist, by the way -- and couldn't help getting flashbacks of first year university, when he saved my life in the dorm stairwell, the victim of being overly ambitious with screwdrivers. A total no-no when you arrive at uni completely alcohol-intolerant. Thanks Dr. Kara, you're the reason I made it all the way to twenty, um, something...


I'm Over it: This work day is OVA.


Track of the Day: Too tired to lay down a track for y'all. I'll try doubling it up tomorrow, m'kay kids??



* Photos property of nytimes.com, shopbop.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Good Hadid For The Day

Last week, I spent most of my morning typing away at a trend newsletter on influential women designers for a client. My boss Renee-nee narrowed the designers down to Eva Zeisel, Kelly Wearstler (yay!), Patricia Urquiola and Zaha Hadid.

For those who know Rem Koolhaas-trained Hadid -- and also have read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead -- will probably understand why I associate her with Rand's protagonist Howard Roark: a visionary architect who creates and does the impossible without wavering from her utmost vision, despite all opposition from the critics and the masses.

Hadid gained notoriety first through her paintings, which served as blueprints for the fluid, deconstructivist buildings she dreamed of creating. She now no longer needs any introduction in the design world.

Having one of her paintings on my wall would be even better than a walk through any one of her famous buildings.

For real.












I'm Lovin' it: My very sweet co-worker Nicky P. grabbing me an apple juice this afternoon, just as my sugar levels were starting to plummet. I'm ready to take on the work world once again. Ah yes, and these three looks from the new RM By Roland Mouret collection.









I'm Over it: Stuck at work again. Friends are at the beach. Blech.


Album of the Day: "Soundboy Rock" by Groove Armada. You like electro? You like UK artists? You like their remix of the Sex & The City theme song? Then you'll like-y this vinyl, too.







www.myspace.com/groovearmada



* Photos property of style.com, Google Images and are used solely for commentary purposes

Doing The Dali

This weekend I have tentative plans to check out the Monet To Dali exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery for an early a.m. viewing with friends -- followed by tentative beach tanning plans post-field trip.

Most of my Salvador Dali prints are still tucked away in some obscure corner of my granny's garage, no doubt waiting breathlessly to be shipped up north to be tacked onto my apartment walls.

A little e-browsing on Art.com led me to a plethora of prints I don't yet own. Here are some stunners:
















Dali: crazy, psycho and absolutely genius.



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R. Mouret at Net A Porter

Sacre bleu!

This petit morceaux of fashion news is most certainly going to make all you online couture shoppers quiver with excitement: Roland Mouret will be sold on the web exclusively by Net-A-Porter!!

Mouret is a Paris-born, London-based jack of all style trades, having already been a model, stylist, art director -- and now designer. His fan legion extends all the way from high-falutin' magazine editors to the red carpet-dwellers (hello, Demi Moore in the emerald green number a few years ago). The aesthetics of Mouret's label walks on the side of structured and fitted, emphasizing the female form and extremely flattering with its rich color palettes.

Je t'aime Roland.










I'm Lovin' it: If you were ever obsessed with Tinkerbell, then you'll be equally obsessed with these sandals from Pixie Mart in both the "Jackie" (in brown) and "Portobello" (in cream) styles. Now that the beach weather has finally, finally arrived in our fair city, it's really become time to strap on the sandals.








I'm Over it: Sitting inside while all my pals are frolicking at the beach. In 28 degree celsuis weather. Yeah, we're Canadian and my buds all took the American July 4th holiday off. I was thisclose to calling in sick, at the behest of my friend Stephanucci. But I'm too much of a good girl. Damn me!



Art of the Day: Discovered on the streets of gay Paree, this urban rendition of the old school Tetris game makes me think of my childhood, sitting in the car engaging in numerous kid-catfights with my sister while trying to win at Tetris on my Gameboy. In fact, I think I may have hit my l'il sis over the head with it. Hey, people just gotta learn not to bother me while I'm concentrating! 'Cause apparently sometimes I get a leeeeetle bit snappy. And agro.









* Photos property of Google Images, woostercollective.com, pixiemart.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Tippin' My Hat To You

One of the best things about a long weekend with no internet in my apartment is that I actually feel like I've been on vacation -- from the world wide web and work, the latter being very, very closely tied to cyberspace (aka. emails).

Another great thing about a long weekend is something I like to call inebriated shopping, something I'd never done before, but got "coerced" into by Phyll C. and her super fun friend Jen. Inebriated shopping -- in my world -- goes down as follows:

1. Receive 11 am text from girl friend RE: shopping.

2. Hop in the shower and get prettily primped for buying shiny new things for the closet.

3. Watch an episode of Sex And The City while waiting for friends to pick your hungry arse up.

4. Slide into the car, realizing said friends are already tipsy from having a few caesars beforehand.

5. Find an awesome noshing joint in Gastown called Chill Winston and promptly get seated on the fabulous patio.

6. Immediately order a white sangria, then browse through menu while admiring the server's wicked haircut.

7. Decide on the shrimp salad on a croissant with shoestring fries -- and another white sangria.

8. Get super tanned and buzzed for the next two hours.

9. Pay bill, then instantly make yourself grin huge by heading into Hitz Boutique where you find the most perfect straw Hedy fedora with red and white polka dot sash around the brim top.

10. Repeatedly thank the shop owner for making your day by having the newly-purchased Billabong fedora in their store -- you'd been searching for the past month with no success until that fated moment.

11. Amble into favorite store One Of Few and find out they're opening another store called Two Of A Few next door that will carry menswear, exclusive One Of A Few labels and oodles of shoes.

12. Drool over the blue and white lace Fremont vest that's on sale.

13. Put it back with a big sigh.

14. Hit up other major Gastown boutiques, then head over to Robson to do more damage.

15. Call it a day after another two hours. The buzz is beginning to wear off and the fatigue is setting in fairly quick.

16. Toddle home to apartment with fedora in hand and smile on face.









I'm Lovin' it: Long weekends filled with hack session-watching (Dan T, Mikey J, Tom Tom and Pauly rule that world), Spanish Banks beaching, Saturday nights at Lola's in Kits (I may need a refresher course on that particular evening), Canada Day BBQ-ing with friends and food, buzzed shopping, late night welcome back chats with my just-returned-from-San-Diego roomie Steffie D. and sleeping in.


I'm Over it: This is-it-or-is-it-not-sunny-outside summer we're having here in Vancity. Damn global warming is seriously eff-ing up my summer.


Band of the Day: Last Friday, one of my projects du jour was to find bands and music -- basically come up with a soundtrack -- for a home trends book we're putting together for one of our clients. A little reading on Pitchfork led me on the path of UK band The Clientele, comprised of Alasdair MacLean, Mark Keen and James Hornsey. They're the musical equivalent to Salvador Dali: mega-trippy, pyschedelic and completely surreal. In an indie kinda way.








www.myspace.com/theclienteleofficial




* Photos property of dianesbeachwear.com, carlsandburgvisits.blogspot.com and are used solely for commentary purposes