The daily chronicle of a fashion-and-beauty obsessed, style-writing, pseudo-Angeleno who made her way from the Great White North to La-La Land -- otherwise known as Los Angeles, California -- and back again.
Till the next big city calls out her name, that is.
About Me
Name: Haute Hippie
Location: Everywhere and anywhere
I'm a Vancouverite who moonlighted as an Angeleno. My momma is the best in the entire world, and I'll argue you hoarse on that one. I've been in love only once in my life. The East Coast calls me but the West Coast is in my blood. Social butterflies -- and party animals -- are a great species. Fashion and writing will be the death of me, but what a way to go. Carine Roitfeld is fabulous. I would die a painful death if art, design, photography, fashion, music and dancing did not exist. Always kind of wondered why Smurfette was the only girl in town. I can't draw. Absolutely believe everything happens for a reason. I feel so lucky to have the girlfriends that I do. I'm a total sun baby. Think I might be a workaholic. I may have slight road rage. Ice cream and hockey are religions. I buy too many glossy magazines. Nothing beats someone with a killer sense of humor. Chivalry is really not dead. I'm a victim of minor vertigo and a serious lead foot. Always up for meeting people from paths different than mine and crossing paths with old friends. At the very end of it all, I want to be able to look back and say: Yeah, I sure lived a damn good life.
My little gold vintage clutch is my go-to bag for evenings out, namely because the color matches my usual jewelry choices and the space comfortably holds my aresenal for the night.
Although I'm in love with said clutch, being a Taurus means I can tend to get stuck in a rut every now and then.
That then is now, bag-wise.
As a big fan of edgy and forward things in life, the Freja slip through clutch from Chloe caught my wandering eye like that. The croc skin and haphazard shape are divinity! Also much appreciated are the three choices in which one can carry the Freja: holding it firmly on the bottom, on the top or through the middle.
I opt for the middle, only because it makes the clutch look like a giant bangle that way.
FYI, it's named after model Freja Beha, but you probably already knew that.
I'm Lovin' it: Finished an article today, yay! Just need a few pieces of confirmed info and it's ready for submission...and editorial remarks. Yikes.
I'm Over it: Couldn't get to sleep till 2:30 am last night. Yawn-skis. My eyes are a little bloodshot, too.
Music of the Day: My buddy Sochan informed me of a streaming house website that's really, really, ridiculously good listening: The Fresh Page. They've already played Sneaky Sound System. Opa!
* Photos property of bagsnob.com, askmen.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Fashion Television did a five-minute segment on JD Ferguson, the gay model-photographer of JD Vision, both of which I've blogged about before (the man and the blog).
His eye for beauty and model talent is astounding -- check out his website to see what I mean. Plus, for such a huge industry insider, he seems amazingly nice and down to earth. He goes from a model casting call to a Visionaire shoot to a pow-wow with Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine, and gets shout-outs from Heather Marks, Coco Rocha and Irina Lazareanu (who recently had a "gay day" watching Dirty Dancing with him).
So this is a day in the life of JD, naturally filled with fashion, fun and all things fabulous.
I'm Lovin' it: Gold necklaces with opaque white jewel stones.
I'm Over it: Minor insomnia. I AM writing this past midnight, after all. Oh, and the really snobby hipsters working at an unnamed store* in Gastown today. I smiled at them, they did not smile back. Yeah, have a good day, too.
Outfit of the Day: I've never seen a picture of Bergdorf Goodman's Roopal Patel in anything as form-fitting as this Herve Leger before. Girl looks goooood! Very different than her usual garb. Love the dark grey and violet pairing, too. Wearing a Herve Leger means not eating anything but celery three days prior.
* Ed. Note: This was not One Of A Few or Two Of A Few or The Block
** Photo property of style.com and is used solely for commentary purposes
May Andersen is one of fashion's underrated models, known more for her partying and bad boyfriend picks -- Steve-O from Jackass and Kid Rock, um, no thanks! -- than her amazing skills in front of the camera.
This great Dane from Copenhagen, born Lykke May Andersen, has had her own share of self-induced drama, namely an air rage arrest back in 2006, but has since bounced back and delivered an AH-MAY-ZING editorial for us fashionistas to enjoy.
So enjoy May in all her glory.
I'm Lovin' it: I stopped by Anti-Hero on Davie Street for the first time recently to talk to Grace and Peter -- and what a find that was. The store is full of overstock from Italian brands, as well as some your may recognize (ie. Young, Fabulous & Broke), at a discounted price. Tried on this crazy, cool overall dress with huge pockets. It was totally funky cold medina.
I'm Over it: Tourists in bad clothing. I'm watching a few from my office widow (aka. the window seat at Blenz on Granville) right now. Just terrible.
Album of the Day: Jenks gave me the new Al Green album Lay It Down the other day. Amir "?uestlove" Thompson from The Roots produced it alongside James Poysner, making this Green's first Top Ten album since the early 70s. Congrats to Al, whose beloved track "Let's Stay Together" was played on repeat during road trip to Texas back in 2006.
* Photos property of fashionista.com, amazon.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
On their Resort '09 collection at least, that's for sure.
The bright red is nearly blinding, but I love the whole direction Donatella took this collection -- it's like India-Meets-The Victorian-Era-Meets-70s-Glam.
Or something like that.
I think it's also the best collection I've seen from Ms. Versace to date, and she's been helming that house from quite some time now. Those dhoti pants are fantastic.
The Fashion Spot calls the color palette "Forever 21", but to me it's got Donatella written all over it.
Let's not get into the whole, "Oh my, how time flies" discussion. Instead, let's get into some of my favorite outfits from the presentations: Marchesa, Jenni Kayne, Lanvin and Zac Posen.
The Marchesa gown is a no-brainer and will probably be worn by some actress on some red carpet very, very soon. I'm a sucker for black and gold together, too, and the tiered ruffle hem just sealed the deal. Those clever upside-down Chevron stripes also trick the eye into thinking your waist is a heck of a lot smaller than it really is, so eat that cupcake if you want.
Jenni Kayne's urban safari outfit in monochromatic colors is stunning, an interesting point only because it's not about embellishments here -- the simplicity and quiet assuredness of the cuts and draping speak for itself. Plus, the model just oozes cool, no?
The Zac Posen sequin mini dress is something I see on Diane Kruger or Natalie Portman, hands-down. Black sequins are typical, navy sequins not so much, making this frock that much better.
Any naysayers of Lanvin are probably not that into fashion, because anything Alber Elbaz makes turns into sartorial gold. His Resort '09 collection is still completely feminine, but quirkier and a little like "she's come undone". Once again we have navy, and once again we have gold. And they're gold tassels, too! It's sexy 70s at its best -- Bianca Jagger and DVF are probably salivating over this number.
I obviously am, too.
Happy Friday!!
I'm Lovin' it: Matt W. Moore, aka. MWM Graphics. His job titles include gallery artist, apparel designer, screen printer, editorial illustrator, identity and logo designer, print and interactive designer, art director, curator, producer and publisher. His art is way wicked, so much so that Nike, Ecko, Burton, Smart Car, JB Scotch and Samsung have enlisted his creative services. I can't even begin to describe how amazing his solo show at the ROJO Artspace in Barcelona was. No, I wasn't there but I saw some really pretty pictures.
I'm Over it: Not leaving on a jet plane to Europe as previously planned, thanks to a little thing called work. Boo. My cronies Berry, Kenzo, Mikey, Luker and Gracie Poo are, though, with K-Dizzle taking off next week and our NYC-transplanted pal Oli meeting them there. For three whole weeks. Sigh. Paris will just have to wait.
Music of the Day: Alphabeat from Denmark. Anders SG, Stine Bramsen, Anders B, Rasmus Nagel, Anders Reinholdt and Troels Hansen came together to form this Danish pop band with a penchant to spew fun music that doesn't take itself too seriously. Which is exactly the kind of music you need on a Friday.
* Photos property of nymag.com, mwmgraphics.com, clickmusic.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
In interesting fashion news, word is socialite-designer Tory Burch -- who just snagged a CFDA award for accessory design, thanks to her uber-popular Reva flats -- hired hipster Paris-based label and cool collective Surface 2 Air as creative consultants.
I personally like Tory. It's massively impressive what she's done with her brand, turning it a legitimate contender in this fickle-prone industry. Her double T logo is just as recognizable as those legendary double Cs (hi, Chanel), and her Revas were accessory catnip for the past two years.
Now it seems she's looking to snag the artsy, scenester crowd, too, which is awesome and totally do-able, especially with Surface 2 Air on board.
Could there be another CFDA in Tory's future??
I'm Lovin' it: Perfect weekends, as in this past one for me. And this mesh flower headwrap.
I'm Over it: I love scarves, really I do. I just don't love scarves on people in the summertime, while they're wearing shorts, tanks and tees. It's weird.
Band of the Day: Checked out the block party on Main Street last night with Tom Tom, Fruit Cup, Chesterson, Mike Jones and Sangria, and this wicked, wicked, WICKED band called Fur Bearing Animals was playing the main stage. Andrew Clements and DJ Michael Fraser make up this electronic, neo-soul, funk band -- and they are badass. Think Jamiroquai, but cooler. Apparently Clements used to be a pro baseball player and Fraser is some sort of musical prodigy. Their track Someday is so sexy and chill. They're also playing a gig at the Anza Club on June 27th, so if you're in Vancity, I suggest checking it out. See you there.
* Photos property of yamabushi.files.wordpress, furbearinganimals.com, urbanoutfitters.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
In my ever-increasing stable of favorite Oz labels, Runaway Lovers -- founded by Jacqui and Nik Demkiw -- has that same, funky aesthetic that makes me wish I could live in Sydney half the year just for the fashion.
Their Winter '08 collection is dubbed "Backstage Antics", and am I ever anxiously waiting for its debut and its "modern take on 90s grunge". Plus, I totally dig the shirt dress pictured below (including the styling in image #2).
It's often said if you want to know what's trending next in the industry, just look at what models wear during downtime in between shows and shoots. This makes logical sense, since most models are gifted clothing from designers, who work seasons ahead.
So clearly, Runaway Lovers' new collection should be sartorially clairvoyant.
Sorry, Sylvia Brown, you lose this time.
* Photos property of ozdesigners.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Each year, Paper Magazine lists the newest movers and shakers in fashion, music, art, design, acting, sports and living the good life (aka. partying).
And each year, I look forward to running my finger down this list, just to see what people like Minnie Mortimer, Russell Brand, Sia (check 'er below), Clifton Collins Jr., Riley Keough, Taylor Momsen, Joel K, Sinister Surf Club and Sean O'Pry are up to.
I'm Lovin' it: Saw this amazing plaid Richard Ruiz top with huge sleeve openings at One Of A Few today, which you'll see under the khaki overalls below.
I'm Over it: Hmmmmm. So I'm watching the Pussycat Dolls perform their new song on So You Think You Can Dance? on TV right now. It sucks. If we're talking PCD, then nothing beats Beep.
Store of the Day: Jenks showed me pictures of The Hundreds' new store in San Francisco. It's inspired by Indiana Jones and the Goonies and all that. Super cool and kind of scary.
* Photos property of papermag.com, thehundreds.com, richardruiz.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Jenks and I were crazy excited when we picked up our UPS package today.
Could it be...??
Oh yes, kids, it was.
Nicely boxed up were identical pairs (okay, mine were about 12 sizes smaller) of New York-based Alife Everybody Mid Parachutes in pristine white -- round rubber toe, parachute material body, leather padded insole, the works. If you like the steez of this particular style, it also comes in yellow, sky blue, purple, royal blue, black and red.
Me and Jenks also decided to rock our new Parachutes this summer sans the laces and definitely not with blue-staining denim.
Thank you thank you thank you to Steph and Jason over at snkrbox on the east coast, you guys rock our world.
* Photos property of tobi.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Here are two pictures that I'm NOT saving for later.
One is of a masquerade art party at Art Basel in Switzerland recently, the other of an opera house in Dubai that was conjured up by modern day (and female) Howard Roark, architect Zaha Hadid.
They were too beautiful not to share with you.
* Photos property of FWD, nytimes.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Even though this shot is posed, professionally-shot (Annie Leibovitz, y'all), airbrushed and not exactly caught candidly, it's still worth a thousand words.
Francis Ford Coppola and Marc Jacobs' BFF Sofia Coppola are the latest subjects in Louis Vuitton's Journeys ad campaign series. Dad is talking to daughter over a script, naturally.
I wasn't sure what my thoughts were on the Journeys series, but it has since grown on me. It's not every day you see Mikhail Gorbachev, Andre Agassi with Steffi Graff, Keith Richards and Catherine Deneuve hawking LVs, but I suppose that is the point -- and to point out the amazing lives of said people.
This picture makes me really miss my dad (and mom), that's all.
Sniffle.
* Photo property of Louis Vuitton and is used solely for commentary purposes
So here I am at Blenz on Richards and Davie, doing intense research for my upcoming WE article (this intensity is courtesy of some hardcore iced Americano) for the past two hours.
I was thoroughly enjoying working away with a little J Dilla playing in my ear until someone walked in and sat down with some majorly major BO, stinking up the java joint.
Now I'm trying to type while simultaneously holding my nose.
Not an easy feat, let me tell ya.
PS. People are starting to blow this popsicle stand. Gee, I wonder why.
* Photo property of scrutinyhooligans.us and is used solely for commentary purposes
Alison Lewis and Rachel Antonoff make up -- or is it made up, since I heard rumors they may have parted ways? -- Mooka Kinney, an NYC-based indie label of dresses, tops and cute rompers.
I've blogged about these gals before, but I just thought this last photo of Alison and Rachel in their Spring '08 lookbook is so peaceful and way adorable.
If you think either of the frocks they're wearing are adorable, too, the maxi is the Lefever and the mini is the Catwalk.
My big thing about Mooka Kinney is that it's almost like finding a great vintage dress that no one has, only it's brand spanking new.
You won't find runway knock-offs here.
I'm Lovin' it: Haute Hippie is officially a new addition to the fashion team at The Westender! It'll be so amazing to see by-lines in print a lot more. My first piece is coming out this summer...more deets later!
I'm Over it: It's June, it's raining and I'm still wearing my coat with faux fur-trimmed hood. Something's wrong with this picture.
Music of the Day: Me, Luker and Gracie-Poo were walking to our respective homes from Subeez last Friday and got caught in a huge wave of hipsters leaving Richards, who had obviously just seen a show. Upon questioning, one unnamed hipster said they just saw Crystal Castles, a band I then remembered a friend mentioning to me a week earlier. One MySpace Music peruse and Torrentz download later, I present to you Toronto-based Crystal Castles, in all their electronic glory.
PS. The band name is a She-Ra reference, you know, as in that magical castle where Light Hope lived.
* Photos property of mookakinney.com, andrewkendall.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Boy, was I ever stoked when I picked up my Biggie's Greatest Hits CD last month.
Now I'm double stoked to learn about Coup De Grace, the sister brand to a rockin' Southern California streetwear brand called UNIV, which touts itself as a label with "a classic aesthetic, intricate unique details and a sense of added irony".
Coup De Grace has a pretty rad tee with a picture of Biggie coupled with the French phrase: "Si te ne savais pas, maintenant tu le sais Coup De Grace."
Translation? Roughly "If you didn't know, now you know Coup De Grace".
The brand is also part of a online boutique called Robust Flavor, based in Encinitas, California, located in the skate and surf region of northern San Diego, which "boasts more taco shops per capita than any other town in the US" . Tees, wovens, hoodies, jeans, books, watches, sunglasses, shorts, dress and " stuff" (think backpacks, pillows, tables, bikes and Kid Robot) make up the site, so you'll never be short on anything to browse during any downtime.
Make sure to check out Robust Flavor's blog, too.
Of course while throwing your hands in the air if you're a true player.
I'm Lovin' it: These Circuit Cuffs from jewelry brand Lia Sophia's West End collection. Didja know NYLON's "Factory Girl" Dani Stahl collabo-ed with Lia Sophia on some wicked baubles? If not, now you do.
I'm Over it: I have 280 emails to check in my inbox. Yikes.
Track of the Day: Rich Girls by New York-based indie band The Virgins. Right now, they're on the NYLON Summer Music Tour and have opened for the likes of Sonic Youth. A shoot involving ultra-cool, downtown photographer Ryan McGinley brought the two founding band members together, which is pretty much equivalent to a fairytale in hipster land.
* Photos property of Coup De Grace, liasophia.com, Rollingstone and are used solely for commentary purposes
Heatherette's Richie Rich is striking out on his own.
The flamboyant partner of flamboyant club kid label Heatherette is collaborating on an apparel collection with Hot Topic. You know, that cheesy, pseudo-emo retail chain that Perez Hilton just teamed up with for his clothing line.
No offense to Richie Rich or Perez -- both of whom are hilarious -- but Hot Topic is somewhere real designers should stay away from, no matter how mass market you want to go.
Plus, I'm just sad that Richie is doing something without Traver.
Pout.
I'm Lovin' it: It's Cafe Medina work morning! And VRBF!! Oh no! I'm wired off of Americano! Again!!!
I'm Over it: Why is it that fairly clean bums always use the line, "I'm not homeless, I'm just travelling through and need some change for train fare..." Like today, a sorta raggedy dude bounded up to me as soon as I pulled my wallet to pay a street meter and waved his decade-old cellphone, as if trying to prove to me he's not homeless. Good thing I only had enough change for the meter, so at least I wasn't lying.
As you can tell, I'm on a shoe rampage lately and today is no different.
Say cheerio to Nicholas Kirkwood from the UK, who honestly trumps Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Brian Atwood and Rickard Shah for me right now.
I'm not sure if there's more to say, other than look below.
I'm Lovin' it: So You Think You Can Dance? just got to the Vegas stage! Woot woot...
I'm Over it: Our Brita is so freakin' slow. I've been watching it for an hour and it's still not filled up. Unless I feel like being dehydrated for the rest of the night, I gots to take that thing back.
Track of the Day: The Conversation by The Lodger, off their Life Is Sweet album. This indie pop group from Leeds was founded by one Ben Siddall, who does the vocals and mostly everything else, too. Joe Margetts, Bruce Renshaw and Timothy Corbridge round out the percussion and second guitar set. "Nothing Left To Say" is another peppy track, in case you find yourself loving The Lodger, too.
* Photos property of nicholaskirkwood.com, indiependentmusic.blogspot.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
With the sunny season peeking its rays around the corner, it's all about keeping the hair down, loose and wavy, in that hippie Nicole Richie kind of way.
To spice up the 'do this season, I really think those on the same hair-waves as me should order this Marykate Peacock Hairclip from Ra Creations, which I personally think is more Ali McGraw than Mary-Kate O.
And if you've been using your Redken Anti-Snap lately (as I have been for the past six years), then the peacock colors will be framed perfectly against your shiny cheveux.
All those summer musical festivals are certainly on the event roster, so why not have a totally fabulous accessory to go along with them??
I'm Lovin' it: I ain't gonna lie -- I'm sorta loving these Hackle High Leg Fringe Sandals from Topshop. Most unfortunately, it takes a certain leg type (long) or model (Daria Werbowy) to work the heck out of these, and frankly, that may not be me.
I'm Over it: Hanging my head in shame, I'm admitting I watched "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" last night. Their mother is just terrible. I'm proud to say that'll be last time I ever let boredom allow me to watch that show.
Album of the Day: K-Dizzle just sent me the name of J Live's new album to check out. If you're a hip hop lover (not Nelly or T-Pain styles, though, we're talking Pharcyde and De La Soul), then check out Then What Happened? fo' sho. I'm bopping to "The Understanding" right now.
* Photos property of shopbop.com, myspace.com/jlive, media.lvrj.com, topshop.co.uk and are used solely for commentary purposes
On Sunday, legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent passed away from a yearlong battle with brain cancer.
He leaves behind some of the greatest couture silhouettes, terms and legacies every known to fashion: le smoking, the trapeze, pantsuits, beatnik looks, safari chic and ready-to-wear.
Upon his official retirement in 2002, Saint Laurent told WWD, "I always served women and I did it without compromise until the end, with respect and love."
Yes, you did, Monsieur Saint Laurent -- and that respect and love will always, always be forever returned.
* Photos property of nytimes.com, brightstarlights.wordpress.com and are used solely for commentary purposes
Proenza Schouler is expanding into shoes and handbags!
This news is so heart-warming to fashionistas everywhere who love the accessories of Proenza, but have limited access to them (read: not a celebrity, not an editor, not a socialite).
My jaw dropped (and stayed that way for about, oh, five minutes) over the heels worn by Kate Bosworth in a shot in January's Vogue spread, where she was styled by Jack and Lazaro of PS. You know, the shot where she wore that big marching band hat and safari emsemble.
Anyway, Proenze Schouler just inked a deal with Vicini SpA , which was founded by famous shoe cobbler Giuseppe Zanotti, for production and distribution rights. This means these highly-anticipated pieces of footwear will be available at luxe department stores and boutiques near you very, very soon.
Plus, Jack and Lazaro are promising a handbag line in the near future, too.
Have I died and gone to the great, big closet in the sky?? 'Cause it sure feels like it right now.
I'm Lovin' it: Famed graff artist and OBEY founder Shepard Fairey is launching a jewelry collection. We all knew the subculture of graffiti artistry was gonna go extremely commercial one day, so it's best just to accept it. And I want, I want, I want these earrings.
I'm Over it: My roomie bought me this awesome water bottle for my bday last month, which comes with a piece you stick in the freezer so your agua stays cold throughout the day. But now my pretty blue bottle is tasting really plastic-y, making me understand why all those Siggs are so damn popular these days. Besides the health concerns, I mean.
Track of the Day: Never Win by Fischerspooner. There's a great 80s electroclash vibe to this song. Plus their new track "The Best Revenge" just made an appearance on hip French music label Kitsune's newest compilation CD, which basically seals the deal on their cool status.
* Photos property of popsugar.com, fashionista.com, thisisfakediy.co.uk and are used solely for commentary purposes
There's nothing like taking a trip to get away from it all: work, bills (well, a trip would probably incur more of these) and the humdrum of daily life.
The only thing better than a trip far, far away is a trip far, far away with your belongings in Marc Marmel carry-on luggage, and I mean every handmade, vintage-inspired piece.
Los Angeles-based Marc Marmel launched at Bergdorfs, Harrods, Maxfield, Celux and Holt Renfrew in 2005, and has since expanded from a six-piece line to a full-blown collection that included handbags and accessories. The cracked-leather line looks lovingly worn in, but trust us, it's all brand new -- and lined in silk brocade.
And did we mention MM has an 18-slot shoe suitcase called The T-Bag? If you're an editor packing up for Paris Fashion Week, you now have an excuse to go heavy on the footwear. There's even a guitar case for globetrotting Jack Johnsons and a ball bag monikered The Becks, a la David Beckham.
Traveling in style -- not such a hard thing after all.
I'm Lovin' it: The Sex and the City movie. Saw it last night with girlfriends and did all of the following: laughed, cried, clapped and gasped (mostly at the clothes, but also when Carrie actually called Big by his real name John). Getting to the movie more than an hour early? Worth every millisecond and initial feelings of dorkiness.
I'm Over it: Okay, y'all know I'm rah-rah-rah about SATC, but there were women at the theatre fully dressed up. Like cocktail dresses and heels. Let me tell you, I would NOT want to get greasy popcorn, Coke Zero and melted Junior Mints all over my favorite dress and heels. Just sayin'.
Track of the Day: Street Talkin' by Slick Rick with Outkast. This is such a classic, classic, classic hip hop, rapping jam. The boys busted this tune out at Luker's on Saturday night and none of us ended up sitting still during its duration. Slick Rick's voice is unmistakable.
PS. I'd post the Street Talkin' video from YouTube, but it's been disabled. Just click on the link above, playas.
* Photos property of Marc Marmel, hoodlines.com and are used solely for commentary purposes