Oh Yeah...

Merry Halloween!

As my buddy Jenks said to me today.

Did my whole dressing up bit last weekend, so this actual Hallow's Eve I'm off to Heath B.'s place for a little candy-eating, America's Next Top Model-watching and pumpkin carving with the gang!

xo
Haute Hippie







* Photo property of toxicshock.tv and is used solely for commentary purposes

In-Vested

I've been on the hunt for three items recently.

1. Another hat to go with the fall/winter season. I may have found the one at Mintage on Commercial Drive, but there's always the need to see what else is out there.

2. The perfect vintage sequined top. I saw a contender at Burcu's Angels on Main Street, but see my comment above.

3. A vest. I currently own a super-cropped navy blue one with brushed brass buttons, but that's been in my closet for a few years. It's in the "oldie but goodie" category and my closet needs another option. I'm quite enamored with this one below, from the Spring 2008 RTW collection by Roberto Rimondi and Tommaso Aquilano of 6267.






Aw, heck. Who am I kidding?? I don't want just that vest. Here's what else I want from 6267:














I'm Lovin' it: Getting things out in the open. And guys who wear shoes from Clae.







I'm Over it: Hungry tummy. No food in fridge.


Track of the Day: "Halycon" by Mono, an ambient electronica group from Japan. This song should be in the soundtrack to some indie Natalie Portman film. It would've fit well into "Garden State" or "Closer" for sure.








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

Are You Banksy??

Apparently someone caught under-the-radar graff artist Banksy in the act by cameraphone.

After all these years of being Banksy discreet and eluding authority/public eye, do you believe this is him?

I'm not sure what I think just yet...






* Photo property of timesonline.co.uk and is used solely for commentary purposes

Doin' the 'Do

Haute Hippie's hair, at 5 years old: Mother-induced bowl cut.

Haute Hippie's hair, at 13 years old: Bad blunt bob with bangs.

Haute Hippie's hair, at 17 years old: Growing out said bad blunt bob with bangs.

Haute Hippie's hair, current state: Tousled beach waves with side-swept bangs (a considerable improvement over the last three styles!)

Haute Hippie's hair, wishful thinking: This utterly amazing and shiny futuristic bowl cut from a Shiseido promo.






Unfortunately, due to the texture of HH's mane, this look is completely impossible for me. Can't win them all.



* Photo property of Shiseido, dailycandy.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Ziga-zig-ah Zambesi

I've been keeping my eye on clothing labels from the Southern Hemisphere for some time now, probably thanks in part to having an ex-boyfriend from Sydney (g'day, C. Gauchat) and two good friends from New Zealand (kisses to Lee Lee and Andy Pandy).

Fashion houses from these parts are undeniably daring, funky, edgy and quirky without ever crossing the line of being over-the top. It's more London Fashion Week than New York Fashion Week, and that's fine by me. Zambesi is an NZ-based label that's been around for awhile, founded by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay back in 1979. This brand took NZ fashion from frumpy to forward, encouraging the country's budding fashionistas to look at clothing differently, to use it as a means for self-expression and not merely for neccessity.

Zambesi's Spring/Summer 2008 collection is, oddly enough, full of white and black, lacking the bright pops of colors and prints so synonymous with that particular fashion season. Detail, tucks, pleats and buttons all add to the persona of the brand, while traditional silhouettes and fabrics are twisted ever so slightly to give them a fresh look.

Stockists for this brand are a little few and far between in North America, but you can find it at Elizabeth Charles (which specializes in Oz/NZ labels) on Hudson Street in New York and at Five Figs Couture in Northern California.

See, there's much, much more to New Zealand than "Whale Rider" and "Lord of the Rings".













I'm Lovin' it: The new Shop-A-Matic service on New York Magazine's site. It's slogan is "we window-shop so you don't have to". I think that's pretty self-explanatory.


I'm Over it: People who invade your personal space. Just now, the fix-it guy in our apartment building came by with Steffie's new door and brought along his wife. She came into my office and literally put her face two inches away from mine, asking why I hadn't hung up my pictures because "you know the lease agreement is bullsh*t and you can hang them up". You know what else is bullsh*t? Someone getting so close that you can smell what they ate for breakfast. And, by the way, those aren't my pictures anyway!


Band of the Day: Digitalism, an electronica group from Germany. My girl Seems saw their recent show when they came into town and said they rocked out. The two founding members, Jens "Jence" Moelle and Ismail "Isi" Tufekci, banded together in 2004 and released their debut album "Idealism" this past May 2007. Their tracks are DJ favorites, from Justice to Soulwax to Boys Noize and they count Daft Punk as one of their biggest influencers.







* Photos property of zambesi.co.nz, residentadvisor.net and are used solely for commentary purposes

Why Don't You...

Invest in a little Cynthia Rowley. She has the best sparkly tights I've seen this season. Thanks to Michelle at C.R. for sending me pics and info!






Buy a some art from super-tall Sol Sallee. He's got to be one of the best emerging artists from this city. And he also happens to be my buddy (who towers a good foot and half over me). The painting I wanted to buy was sold at his "Afterlife" exhibition last night, so think I'll have to go the commissioned piece route.






Check out music from Project. My buddy Justin Tisdall is MC Project and man, can he ever rock the house and lay down the lyrics. His show at The Media Club last night was off the hook.







Find this graff art posted on some wall in conjunction with the "bait car" program that's been going on for years to lock down on car thieves. Apparently it's up somewhere in the city!






Listen to The Food by Common, featuring Kanye West. You'll find the track on Common's "Be" album, which is at HMV for $9.99. It's a steal, y'all.






Have a happy, happy Friday!

xo
Haute Hippie



* Photos property of MC Project, Sol Sallee, Cynthia Rowley, lifesaver.net, woostercollective.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Art of the Day

Most of you Wooster Collective fans know that every couple e-blasts sent out present a new masthead for the site, designed by someone artistically-gifted and undoubtedly very cool.

Check out one of the newest contributions -- by Artur Henrique -- based on color fans Pantone (the end all, be all authority of the color spectrum) puts out each year.

Color me bad.

PS. If you dig art and happen to live in Vancity, come check out my buddy Sol's "Afterlife" exhibition tomorrow at 149 Easter Pender, 2nd floor. It'll be followed by a hip hop show by The Project -- one of the guys is my pal and English Lit cronie JT -- at The Media Club on the corner of Cambie and Georgia. Tickets are $10 at the door. Don't miss it!








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

Lagerfeld Does China

You know it's a party when Karl Lagerfeld and LVMH throw a runway show, dinner and after-party worth, oh, about $10 million dollars.

The most anticipated fashion soiree of this year had to be the Fendi event last Friday, where the venue was none other than the Great Wall of China. A guest list of 500 designers, industry peeps, fashion editors, A-listers and NYC socialites made the trek to this over-the-top-in-a-good-way event in their super stilettos, leathers and fur, all to honor Fendi and catch a glimpse of Herr Lagerfeld. These movers and shakers were gifted with hand warmers encased in fabric logo and were served hot chocolate and brandy to make those insides stayed toasty warm in the rather chilly climate. The after-party was replete with dancers and laser graff artists who elicited plenty of oohs and aahs from revelers.

Standing out wardrobe-wise was the always gorgeous Kate Bosworth, who was swathed in fur and her BF James Rousseau.

Love, love, love the big fur jacket -- it's may be black and white, but it sure ain't Cruella.










I'm Lovin' it: My buddy Scootsie's grand idea to have a politically incorrect Halloween costume party. I'd name some of his ideas, but then you'd probably dislike me for listing them and Scoots for thinking of them. A wee trip with the crew to American Apparel happened to spark another costume idea: My girls Aims spotted a shiny figure skating-type dress and we thought it'd be pretty hilarious to show up as Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding -- bashed knee, "Why me?!" sign and pipe included.







I'm Lovin' it, Part Deux: Wall decals and graphics from Blik. My buddies Tys and Ads have dope stencils on their apartment walls right now -- done properly, it looks chic and not cheesy at all. If you want, send Blik your favorite quote or saying and the size you desire, and they'll get back to you quickly with a price estimate.







I'm Over it: My girl Seems called me at 9 am this morning, asking me to be a denim model for a segment she was overseeing on a local television show, since one of her models bailed. I'm absolutely terrified to see the segment playback because the tight jeans I had on may have caused a very faux pas syndrome feared by fashionistas everywhere: Muffin Top.


Art of the Day: A rogue guerilla artist movement threw red paint into the water of the famous Trevi Fountain in Italy to protest the glitz, glamour and ostentatiousness of the recent Rome Film Festival and its accompanying red carpet. They did it mid-day, too, those crazy and mad brave individuals.








* Photos property of style.com, whatisblik.com, woostercollective.com, assets.espn.go.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Sang A Song For Me

The countdown to holiday season has begun. This means lots of parties and events to attend while wearing pretty LBDs, killer heels, flashy baubles and cute clutches.

Okay, but let's not go the typical Aldo Accessories route for Holiday '07.

Let's go big, bad and fabulous with beautifully crafted clutches from Sang A, an adorable Korean pop princess-turned-accessories-designer, who just last week held a trunk show event at her Murray Street loft in NYC. She had all the best PYTs and editors come out to check out her wares, mingling with the likes of Olivia Chantecaille, Hope Atherton, Bonnie Morrison of KCD and Byrdie Bell. The celebrity starlets love her, too.

Sang A's clutches and bags are bold in color, shapes and materials -- think blue python, metallic alligator and purple ostrich. These incredible night-out wonders are sketched in a SoHo studio, sourced in France and created in Italy, making the brand internationally known on the fashion-phone.

Word on the street is she's about to receive a coveted accessories design award. The fashion crew expects an announcement in two weeks.

It's clutch time.










I'm Lovin' it: Lasr Friday, I nearly died in label heaven when I camed across a GORGEOUS McQ by Alexander McQueen cream cape coat with toggles while on a wee shopping trip with my girl Stephanucci. And I nearly died again when I saw the price tag read it rang in at much less than half the regular price of $400. So now I'm the proud owner of a McQ cream cape coat -- and extremely nervous to get it dirty.







I'm Over it: Why do fashion magazines have to cost $5 each?!?! Think I may have a lot of money sitting in those magazines stashed in my bedroom.


Band of the Day: Sao Paulo, Brazil electro-rock ensemble Cansei de Ser Sexy, their band moniker taken from a Beyonce lyric and literally translating to "tired of being sexy". German-Japanese beauty Luisa Matsushita, aka. Lovefoxxx, provides the lead vocals and is the lady-love to Simon Taylor-Davis of The Klaxons. CSS is currently a fave of the fashion set, which isn't a surprise, considering their offering of runway-friendly tunes. Check of "Let's Make Love" and "Pretend We're Alala", especially if for some reason you wake up feeling particularly Bundchen.








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

I Love...

Jen Kao.

You'll love her, too. And this is why:

1. She's a girl of America. Born in Los Angeles, raised in Kansas (yeowch!) and now based in New York.

2. She managed to get artist/photographer-about-town Ryan McGinley to shoot a photo series with model Darla Baker to serve as the backdrop of her Spring 2008 collection presentation at New York Fashion Week.

3. She's among the best emerging designers the fashion set has seen of late. If you ask me, Kao may as well be in pole position.

Her label is so quirky cool, I can hardly stand it.

In Haute Hippie fashion speak, that usually means I really, really, really like something.











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

Commuun-al

Overstimulation, too much detail and too many choices is de riguer these days.

Wouldn't it be nice to get back to simplicity? If you do indeed think that simplicity sure would be sorta nice -- and you kind of love fashion -- then I suggest taking a good look at Commuun. This pared down, Paris-based label was established in 2005 by Kaito Hori and Iku Furudate. Their first collection launched in Spring Summer 2006, with showings increasing every year since then.

The philosophy of Commuun is essentially about the construction of nature, "with its balance and tensions". Fabric from the collections are natural and organic, reflecting the latter philosophy, while shapes are strong, futuristically fine detailed and clean. French pattern-cutting techniques are used in the construction of each collection and intensive research is completed before choosing materials.

As of now, eco-minded Commuun isn't availble of the west coast but if you're particularly ambitious, hop aboard a plane to NYC and stop by either Bergdorf's, Project No. 8 or Saks Fifth Avenue to find it.

Linda Loudermilk who??











I'm Lovin' it: How CUTE is Rachel Bilson in her vintage Givenchy dress and Christian Louboutin heels?? She was snapped mingling it up at the recent Saks Fifth Ave. fete -- honoring Louboutin himself -- in Los Angeles this week. I don't care if some y'all think she's just some pop-tart starlet. She (or her stylist) has some majorly good taste in clothes.







I'm Sad Over it: Back in 2006, my girl Sushi came to La-La Land for a visit. While checking out Huntington Beach's Main Street, we were promptly accosted by a rather charming member of Save The Children and both ended up sponsoring children from Africa and India. My little boy, Mezgebu A. Diriba, is from Ethiopia and literally has the biggest grin I've ever seen -- plus he loves his llamas, from what I can see from his drawings. Unfortunately when I moved back to Vancity, I learned that donations from Canada to the USA head office weren't possible and today, I officially had to give up my "son". The bright side to this is that Save The Children has a Canadian alliance, so I'll be adopting again. But it won't be the same with Mezgebu, that's for sure. I encourage you all the sign up to sponsor -- use that $28 toward drinks on the weekend to give a child education, food, clothing and shelter. You'll feel so good inside, trust me.







Track of the Day: Sometimes there's nothing like a little chilled out gangsta music. Nate Dogg always did have some of the best chillaxin' beats. This shout out's definitely for him and for my late high school/early uni days. Rock and roll to Me & My Homies by N.D. and featuring Tupac.








* Photos property of style.com, egs-avatars.com, savethechildren.nz and are used solely for commentary purposes

Girl Hollywood

Ch-ch-check out my contributions to Hollywood Life today! A little bit of LiLo, a little bit of Kate Bosworth and a little bit of Ellen.

Two months ago, I joined the Hollywood Life Magazine and VSI Media teams as their online Fashion & Beauty editor-slash-blogger. Uber-exciting stuff!

My page is currently being built out by our tech whiz Marvin T. and the rest of the IT team, so for now I'm posting my fashion and beauty bits in blog form -- kind of in that FWD "Chic Report" or Style.com "Style File" way. For the next month, I'm also blogging about Hollywood gossip, a now-admitted guilty pleasure of mine (and everyone else's).

Will keep you posted on my page's launch date!

xo
Haute Hippie



I'm Lovin' it: Love olive oil? How's this for an idea: For $130 a year, you can own your own olive tree in Italy through Nudo Italia. Pick the grove of your choice and in the spring, you get shipped just under two litres of olive oil from your own tree, as well as the produce it generates come fall. Hey, I heard it's good for the heart -- in small doses -- so better start signing up before the trees are all gone to foster parents around the world.







I'm Over it: What?! It's not the end of Thursday yet?? Dammit.


Track currently on HH Repeat: I've shouted out this track before, but a brunch session at Wazubee on Commercial with friends this weekend reminded me of it, since it played while we waited for our coffees. Even After All by Finley Quaye is so soothing and chill, it makes me wonder why people worry about the day to day crap that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. It also makes me want to fall in love. And as my buddy Russe pointed out, if you like Michael Franti/Spearhead, then you'll dig Finley.






* Photos property of nudo-italia.com, rollingstone.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Cut & SHOW

This evening I officially became in fashion cahoots with my buddy Jenkinson's company Cut & SHOW.

Every retailer, brand and rep needs to check his site out ASAP -- it'll make your work lives SO much easier. In layman's terms, Cut & SHOW is an online fashion community that will allow retailers to search and find information about brands, tradeshows and how to find the sales rep closest to them.

If you look closely at the rotating pictures on the homepage (taken by the super-talented Darryl Humphrey), you'll catch a glimpse of Haute Hippie's gold and brown striped Jeffrey Campbell flats that were a staple for this past Summer '07 (my legs make a cameo along with them). These JCs are currently sitting retired -- and sad -- in my overstuffed closet.

So, so happy to finally become an official member of Team Cut & SHOW.









* Logo and photo property of cutandshow.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

French-ing in Polynesia

I suppose one needs a boyfriend, relationship, engagement, rockin' ring and marriage before thinking about where they want to honeymoon.

At the moment, Haute Hippie has none of the above. But I just can't shake this nagging feeling that Hotel Kiaora in Rangiroa, French Polynesia is the place where I'd pick as my final choice to lounge for days upon end with my new (and currently non-existent) husband.

Why, you ask? Take a look below at the overwater bungalows, where you can simply slip out of bed and into the clear, bright blue water for a morning dip. There are also gorgeous 25 beach and 28 garden bungalows, some with stone-tiled outdoor bathtubs for soaking under the moonlight. If you're prone to ADD and can't bake on the beach all day, get some activity in your life by signing up for scuba diving and the like through the resort.

It's all ridiculously beautiful -- just the way every honeymoon should be.

Makes me think I should have been a travel writer instead.











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

Go For The Gold

Versace shoes are best when:

1. They debut in Milan to a round of oohs and aahs from the fashion set
2. They're open-toed
3. They're at least four and a half inches hight
4. They're gilded in gold

Kind of like these pair.







I'm Lovin' it: Writing away with music in the background and CSI: Miami (this one's for you, Tom Tom) muted on the telly. Oh yeah, and this amazingly frothy dress from the recent Rodarte collection. I see wither Tilda Swinton or Charlize Theron in it for sure.






I'm Over it: Moncler boots. They're pretty much the Crocs of boots -- which is one of the biggest fashion faux pas EVER.







Track of the Day: "Only What You Want" by Hayley Sales. First heard this song while waiting with Tom Tom for cowboy flick "3:10 To Yuma" to play on the silver screen at the Paramount downtown (well, now known at Scotiabank Theatre, how's that for going corporate). Think of Hayley as the Canadian, female version of Jack Johnson. Then picture yourself on the beach with a pina colada or Corona. Trust me, you'll like this gal.








* Photos property of style.com, lei.excite.it/news, myspace.com/hsales and are used solely for commentary purposes

The Hunt For Red Oktober

A good way to squash the joy of discovering a new clothing label is by realizing there are no solid leads to be found on it.

This happened to me yesterday, while ambling through Holts with Scootsie after showing him the men's clothing preppy-casual glory brand that is Modern Amusement.

Coming up the escalator back to the top floor, I was immediately distracted by a very short, very bright, almost cerulean blue dress with big fluttery sleeves and an attached black camisole, hanging lazily and captivatingly off the shoulders of a very skinny white mannequin. The label read "Oktober".

Ah, new find! Ah, no info on the net.

All I know about Oktober is it comes from Slovenia, is originally known as Studio Oktober, is designed by Uros Belantic (who collabo-ed with Slav electronica group Melodrom on music for one of his shows a few years back), made it's way across the pond to New York boutique Institut about two years ago, has no official website, has its studio housed in an old socialist warehouse in the capital of Ljubljana and is available at Holts in small amounts.

I'd put up some images, but none are to be found thus far. Super stealth label, apparently. Everyone likes a little mystery, but c'mon now! It's killin' me.

Anyone know anything more about Oktober? Hit a girl up.


I'm Lovin' it: Tom Brady as the new face of Stetson. Could this be the underhanded work of his supermodel galpal Gisele Bundchen?? Yeah, probably. That, and his handsome face set off by a blinding Super Bowl ring.






I'm Over it: Three more days till freedom time.


Art of the Day: Street art around our city is out there, but not as visible as it would be in a bigger city, like say Los Angeles or New York. Thanks to Flickr, now you can check out the work of local graff artist Weakhand, who has lots of stuff up all over the city and lets you know exactly where.



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

Deep Frieze

The lines between art, design and fashion are still rapidly blurring.

Exhibit A: Restoration Of The Monarchy, the new denim collection from furniture scion (and former model) Eric Villency. The face of Villency's line is none of than Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, the effervescent daughter of French Vogue editrix Carine Roitfeld. Chere Julia is also a former art designer of Baron + Baron. And yes, Baron as in world-renowned designer Fabien Baron.

Exhibit B: Alasdhair Willis, former publisher of Wallpaper Magazine and now creative director of new UK-based furniture line Established & Sons. He's also husband to spawn-of-Sir-Paul Stella McCartney, formerly of Chloe and currently the fashion world's best collaborator (hello, Adidas, H&M and god knows what else). Recently, Willis was recently spotted mugging his very boyishly handsome face for The Gap.

It's all six degrees of separation in these worlds. The latest place of art/design/fashion hedonism, excess and, arguably, incest is at the Frieze Art Fair, held every every October at Regent's Park in London and sponsored by a Frieze Magazine-Deutsche Bank partnership. Over 150 art galleries from all over exhibit here, representing over 1,000 artists worldwide. Expect the usual gaggle of British socialites, designers, editors, art critics (ie. Neville Wakefield) and architects (the "it"-architect is currently Zaha Hadid). Of all the see-and-be-seen art fairs, this may be the least commercial of the bunch.

Yet, when the day is done, the ubiquitous parties and wild fun commence.

When in Rome...or in London...







I'm Lovin' it: Anything and everything from Alexis Bittar, especially his rings. This collection is the king of luxe costume jewelry. If you can even call it that. Currently I'm in red-hot throes of passion with the fuschia color block ring, gunmetal disco ball ring and medium cerulean deco pendant.








I'm Over it: The well-dressed suit on his cellphone who saw me struggling to open the door at The Hudson -- due to holding an extremely heavy box -- and turned a blind eye. WTF happened to chivlary?!


Designer of the Day: Easy-peasy choice today. Double shout-out to Alasdhair Willis because he's talented, ambitious, stylish and, well, incredibly good-looking. He can also hook a girl up with a ton of Stella McCartney and Adidas clothing if you're his friend, thanks mostly in part to his holy matrimony with Stella herself.







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

My Funny Valentine

Traditional meaning of Valentine: lover/crush/obsession who is the sole object of your affection on February 14th.

New meaning of Valentine: the oh-so-girly NYC label by Valentine Leung, a former Northern Californian-gone-East Coaster. After designing clothing for her performance art videos at UC Berkeley, Leung decided to pack up for the big city shores of the Big Apple, where she attended design classes at FIT while fashion styling on the side for the likes of Italian Vogue, W and I-D. You can just tell the girl has a well-developed editorial eye, judging by the look of her lookbooks. Who knew that customizing a pair of slip-on Vans for fun would bring Leung to design a full collection? The owners of Satine actually hunted the designer down after seeing a pair on a model perusing their store.

Leung's Sping/Summer 2008 collection is breezy -- the silhouettes are loose and the fabrics are light, making her dresses, blouses and shorts perfect for taking the beach cruiser out for a spin on a bright, sunny day in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, Venice Beach or South Bay (big shout out to Hermosa and Manhattan beaches). There are stripes, prints, color blocks, long, short and flattering cuts that'll work on both women who like their carbs and women who like their macrobiotics. And now Leung is a hot commodity, thanks to some impressive coverage from Teen Vogue.

Will you be my Valentine?









I'm Lovin' it: Five more business days till I'm just like Carrie Bradshaw! Next Thursday I'm celebrating for sure. Sans cigarette, but with Cosmo -- perhaps.

I'm Over it: See above. At least the first part, anyhoo.

Designer of the Day: John Varvatos. My buddy Hanna and I went shopping this weekend to find him a coat -- one good for going out, without looking like he was trying too hard. On a whim, we decided to suss out the men's section of Holts with the help of my girl A-Lice, who sure knows her fashion (she can put me to major shame when it comes to cuts and details). There, on the bottom floor of the behemoth that is Holt Renfrew, we found the Holy Grail of all jackets: a $1400 number from Varvatos, calling out Hanna's name. Unfortunately, the rather hefty price tag left this jacket more of a pipe dream than a fashion reality. The good news is Hanna found a dope sports coats at Zara. Too bad I don't live in L.A. anymore, because just today I got an invite for the John Varvatos/Converse event in West Hollywood.

Maybe the $1400 jacket would've came in the gift bag.

Riiiiiiight.









* Photos property of refinery29.com, teenvogue.com, timeout.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

XOXO, Gossip Girl

Uh, I think the whole world is addicted to this show.

Hate to admit it -- I'm an G.G. addict, too. In fact, just got back from Sangria's, where we watched the latest drama(s) go down in Josh Schwartz-producing history (though nothing quite tops Mischa Barton's Marisa Cooper getting killed off The OC).

And I sort of really love practically everything Serena Van Der Woodsen (played oh-so-charmingly by Blake Lively) wears on this new CW Network hit, mainly because she defies UES odds by dressing more downtown than uptown: floppy hats, skinny jeans, the ultimate collection of flat knee-high boots, slim jean vests, scarves, gold-sequined tunics and the like. Ah, the girl's a rebel.

"You know you love me..."

XOXO
Haute Hippie








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

So Muk-ed Up

Last Friday night before Kaskade, I indulged in a little catch up/gossip sesh with my girl Aims on the patio of a Granville Street Starbucks.

About thirty minutes into our conversation, I realized that coat and boot season had for sure arrived -- I could see Aims' breath as she talked, and we tied the scarves around our necks just a little bit tighter.

Inevitably -- as always with girls -- our talk turned from gossip to fashion. In our case, we began waxing poetic about boots of all kinds, but particularly fringe boots and Mukluks, the latter of which I'd always refused to publicly admit I actually really like...a lot. My fine fashionista friend Aims gave me a little (actually, huge) lead on the Canadian company Muks, who were the first to put Mukluks (those calf-high suede and fur beaded boots with pom poms) on the likes of Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan. Check out their feature in the October issue of Elle Magazine, introducing the new ankle Muks.

Unfortunately, the new charcoal grey style is already sold out (I'm sitting here pulling my hair out trying to find another e-tailer carrying it), but the all-matching black shade and raccoon fur kinds are still available for charging. The ankle Muks are also still up for grabs. If you can fit into Gap Kids, then you can probably squeeze into a kids size, but the downside is it comes sans pom poms which, if you ask me, is the crowning achievement.

I can't imagine a better, more ostentatious and fabulous way to cocoon my size six feet this Winter '07.










I'm Lovin' it: Watching the city outside my window while I work. There's whole bunch of stuff going down!

I'm Over it: Not scoring tickets to the second M.I.A. show at the Commodore. Let me guess, it sold out in eight minutes...again. Doesn't look good on me, who tried organize a whole whack of peeps to go -- most of whom said yes. Uh oh, spaghetti-o.

Track of the Day: Otha Fish by The Pharcyde. They may be doing their own thang these days, but their beats and lyrics still kill it every single day. Word is their new album "Eclectic Compassion" was supposed to drop earlier this year, but as of now hasn't yet hit the music shelves. Keep your eyes peeled, Pharcydians.









* Photos property of muklukstore.com, musicselections.files.wordpress.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

They Tried To Make Me Go To Rehab

Leave it to Uncle Kaiser Karl (Lagerfeld, of course) to make the most fantastically cheeky new accessory for the season, straight from the house of Chanel.

May I present to you the "Rehab" ankle bag, which looks suspiciously a lot like those ankle monitoring bracelets recently seen on starlets by the names of Eve, Paris Hilton and Michelle Rodriguez. Expect a lot of knock-offs to circulate the black fashion market at Canal Street within the next few weeks and appear of the slim ankles of fashionistas from coast to coast.

And hey, anything with that distinct quilting and those famous double CC's is fine by me.







I'm Lovin' it: Turkey dinner times two. Since this is the first year I'm spending Thanksgiving away from mi madre (my momma), mi padre (my poppa) and mi familia (who are all in California), I got to spend Sunday with my girl Sangria's family and today with the rest of my orphaned friends who are also far from their nearest and dearest.

I'm Over it: The bum outside my building who just can't seem to stop incessantly screaming vulgar things to god-knows-whom. Probably his imaginary friend.

Track of the Day: I once went to a piano bar in Newport Beach with an old buddy of mine for a little catch-up session. Having grown up taking piano lessons -- which I hated at the time, but now glad I was forced to -- I truly did enjoy listening to live piano while nursing a drink. Wow, did I ever feel like Frank Sinatra. So here's One For My Baby, courtesy of Ol' Blue Eyes.










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If You Think You're Cool, Then...

Check out NY-based label Sunshine and Shadow, which is all about the downtown chic. Love the Fall/Winter 2007-2008 look book pairing a lot of the outfits with shiny bronze tights. New Yorkers, find the collection at Barney's, Steven Alan and I Heart. Angelenos, stop by Hilary Rush, Switch and DVLA. Vancouverites, Eugene Choo is the place.









Dance your arse off tonight at Kaskade at the Commodore. My dancin' shoes are ready to go, my ticket is on my fridge, my friends are getting pumped to go and my Redbull Vodka is somewhere, waiting to be made.






Make like a celebrity and ring up Ask Sunday, a New York-based membership service (with hubs in Toronto and L.A.) that acts like a personal assistant. Need to buy a plane ticket to Paris for the couture shows? Ask Sunday. Need to make a reservation at Da Silvano or Dan Tana's? Ask Sunday. Need a reminder to pick up your YSL dress from the dry cleaners for that huge gala? Ask Sunday. All you have to do is email or call your request and -- presto! -- it'll be done ASAP.


Cruise into the Joe Fresh pop-up store on 888 Seymour Street (at Robson) in Vancouver, courtesy of founder and former Club Monaco head honcho Joe Mimran. But do it fast, 'cause it's only in that location for a month.






Buy some Modern Amusement duds at Holts for that favorite guy(s) in your life. The apparel is pretty slammin', with patterened fedoras, striped skinny scarves, bad-ass jackets and soft tees. If you missed meeting the M.A. team -- who are a hoot, by the way! -- at the Holts event last night, then at least stock up on their gear. Guaranteed, fellas, you'll always look good in it. Brownie points for sure.






Get yourself on Ticketmaster and buy your tickets for the second Vancity M.I.A. show on November 13th because the dude at Zulu Records told me that's the only place to get it right now. And if you don't know who M.I.A. is, she's the funky Sri Lankan rapper who looks like 80s street fashion barfed all over her. In a good way.






Make a pit stop at my buddy Sol's "Afterlife" art show on October 25th from 6pm to 11pm at the Lemonade headquarters on 149 East Pender. He's one of the tallest, funniest and talented guys I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. And he's damn cute. But taken. Sorry, ladies. His art is the bomb, though.







Happy Friday, kids!
Haute Hippie



I'm Lovin' it: Packing the day in early with my boss. Nothing like getting off at 2:30pm on a long weekend when you expected to work until 5pm. Oh, and catching up with Aims at 6 pm while, uh, window shopping.

I'm Over it: Working in an office, other than the one in my apartment.

Track of the Day: Because I'm hitting up Kaskade tonight, then It's You, It's Me. Sorry for the girlfriend/boyfriend fan montage on YouTube, but it's the only link on the site I could find with track playing somewhat decently.




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Whirlwind!

It's been an interesting couple of days, folks.

I decided to take the plunge and follow my dreams by essentially channeling Carrie Bradshaw.

This means no more corporate job Haute Hippie -- just fashion-writing, music-jammin', food-eating, art-loving old me, typing away for the publications that employ me in my office den overlooking the street each and every day starting November 1st. I put in my notice as of yesterday and, boy, does it feel good.

Ah, the life of a freelance writer.

But for now, I've got to get ready for the Modern Amusement party at Holts, followed by dancing the night away to Chromeo with my honorary little bro Nate at Sonar later on. Thanks to D.P. at the Georgia Strait for the hook-up!!

Night night, y'all....
HH







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So De-Pleated

Once upon a time I, Haute Hippie, went to small, independent private school in the town where I did most of my growing up.

There, I was forced to suppress every morsel of fashion obsession and wear boring, boring, boring uniforms for almost eight years of my life. This included button-ups, ties, blazers and kilts in the winter and long bermuda shorts with tucked-in, baggy polos in the summer. And let's not talk about the gym uniforms -- it'll seriously make me cry.

The only way around this situation was to roll up my kilt a few inches, wear navy blue knee socks and cute little black Mary Janes. This seemed to work, as is bagged me my first boyfriend who DID NOT attend my school. Heck yeah!

Anyway, the fashionable thing I learned from wearing my pleated kilt (though not really from my pleated bermuda shorts) was that these amazing folds called pleats can actually be flattering, if applied correctly. Kind of like this purpled pleated hem dress from Madison Marcus. Evidence of other pleat-age occurred on various runway shows this past season, including Stella McCartney.

Hey, like they always say, you can always take the girl out of private school but not the private school out of the girl.







I'm Lovin' it: Hookah night (or "shisha" for you experts) at 2903 with my honorary little bro Nate. Whoooo aaaaare yoooooou?






I'm Over it: Me being too lazy to get up in the morning and hit the treadmill in the gym downstairs. I'm behind four days and currently trying to stave off a nagging chocolate craving.


Track of the Day: Everyday I Write The Book by Elvis Costello. Pre-Diana Krall, during Adam Sandler's "Wedding Singer" days and still with those same crazy glasses.








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Manic Monday

Sorry for the lack of postage.

Haute Hippie is currently without a phone number -- due to some "technical" difficulties -- and is trying to get a local Vancity number ASAP. I found this all out at about 7:15 pm tonight.

It's the universe telling me it's about time I get a local phone, I'm sure much to the relief of all my pals up here who are still calling/texting me long distance when I live in town.

So you can imagine I'm not really thinking about fashion right now, but instead thinking about just how isolated I feel from everyone and how I can rectify this immediately! I'll be back on track tomorrow.

Good-bye, L.A. digits...you were good times.


I'm Lovin' it: The hot fuzz that caught me going thirty over the speed limit today on Great Northern Way and let me go without so much as breaking out his ticket writer. Whew, that would've made my day reeeeaaaaally bad.


I'm Over it: Uh, no phone. Obviously.

Art of the Day: Anything by the Parisian graff artist Fafi (her followers are called "Fafinettes"). Born in Toulouse, France, Fafi made her mark back in 1994 and eventually grew her art empire to include exhibitions, artwork in music videos, coffee table books and collaborations in the fash industry. Her work is kind of like Miss Van, but less dark and more dreamy -- and slightly more sexual. I've totally become a Fafinette, yo.









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