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Kelsey Dundon

Playlist | Hey Rosetta at the Commodore

By Erika Renfrew

I issue all of you (yes, even you!) a small challenge.  Stop and take a minute, put down whatever it is you’re doing and listen, really listen to some music.  One condition, it has to be Hey Rosetta!

No longer a Canadian secret, this Newfoundland-born band has been singing, strumming, drumming, violin-ing and even cello-ing their way across stages. Despite a definite indie-rock vibe, these six talented musicians have that extra special something; you can’t say what it is, but you know they have plenty of it.

Headphones don’t do them justice. Hey Rosetta! live at the Commodore Ballroom was beautiful, moving, happy and sad all at the same time. They are raw, honest and, to put it simply, make amazing music.

Oh, and have you heard of The Jezabels? I hadn’t, before seeing them open the show and woo the crowd. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be insulting; they left me at a loss for words (not right now, of course).

Ch-ch-ch-check it out! I dare you.

November 17, 2011 by

Before | The Mint Blazer

Oh boy. This ain’t pretty.

mint-blazer-before

But that’s okay. It isn’t supposed to be. Many of you told me you love The Anthology before/after shots because you get a kick out of watching the transformation of these monstrosities. So I’m getting this mint jacket tailored in the hopes that I can wear it for something other than dressing up as your mom in 1986.

Will it be minty-fresh to death afterward? Stay tuned and find out.

P.S. You’ll find all The Anthology’s glorious (and hideous) before and after shots riiiiiiiiiiight here.

November 16, 2011 by

Style | Art Institute Paparazzi Fashion Grad Show

By Erika Renfrew

Two words you may not expect to start a fashion show summary: Flash and Mob.

To kick off The Art Institute of Vancouver’s Paparazzi Fashion Show, students, teachers and two seriously talented hip-hop dancers took turns jumping out of their seats and gettin’ down.

The Paparazzi show presented the final collections of The Art Institute’s fashion design grads. Still an AI student myself, it was inspiring to see semesters of, not really blood, but definitely sweat and tears, come to life on the catwalk.

I swear on my Steve Madden oxfords I hold no bias.  The show was terrific! Each designer created three looks, and was given the freedom to be authentically themselves.

There were red carpet-worthy dresses, rock n’ roll patchwork, tulle gowns and a dash of menswear.  Did I mention the wired, pompom skirt?  These budding designers literally leaped outside the box.

Congratulations to the fashion design grads!  Keep your eyes peeled for them, folks.

[First look: Victoria Patterson, second look: Jonie Wong, third look: Amanda Warwaruk]

November 16, 2011 by

Diary | Cupcake Girls and Mobilicity

I have two addictions — sugar and my phone. (Actually, if you count vintage clothes, Twitter and my iPod, I have way more than two addictions, but we’ll ignore those for the moment.)

Last week, Mobilicity hosted me at the Cupcake Girls set/bakery for a delicious little cupcake-icing demo, which we shot on Mobilicity’s smart phones. “It’s as easy as getting a cupcake,” said Mobilicity’s general manager Matthew Gould.

And waaaaaay easier than icing a cupcake.

The Cupcake Girls Lori Joyce and Heather White (pictured with yours truly and Matthew Gould) are about to resume filming their third season of their hugely popular show.

And with cupcake-icing skills like these, I’m expecting an invitation to be a guest on their show…any day now.

[I’m wearing a vintage dress and a vintage YSL belt.]

P.S. Feed your Twitter addiction — follow The Anthology!

November 14, 2011 by

Sound | Yukon Blonde at the Biltmore

When Yukon Blonde head-banged their way across the Biltmore’s stage on Thursday, Braden Paul was there to capture the action.

Are these fair locks the inspiration behind the band’s name? I’m gonna go with yes. (And then you’re gonna want to fact-check that because I totally made that up.) Can you guess where they’re from? It ain’t the Yukon. I’ll give you a hint: the refrain for “Wind Blows” goes a little something like this: “Listen to the raindrops outside of my window, the treetops glistening with water running down them.”

Yes, my friends, they’re Vancouverites. And they were joined by fellow British Columbians Kingdom Cloud, a bandana-clad trio who sound like a synth-ier, happier Interpol.

And Mississauga’s energetic six-piece The Paint Movement. Her dress is amazing, non? Not unlike this photo, in fact.

[Photos by Braden Paul]

P.S. Check out Braden’s photos of Deer Tick and Guards at Rickshaw, his shots from last summer’s Sasquatch Festival, and his pics from my very favourite band to see live: Chk Chk Chk (!!!).

November 13, 2011 by

Diary | Shoppalu

By Erika Renfrew

I am neither a hunter nor a gatherer when it comes to shopping.  While I appreciate vintage clothing, I prefer a simplified shopping experience. Solution? Shoppalu. They do all the work: find, restore and revamp vintage apparel and accessories.

At the Shoppalu F/W 2011 sale, racks of retro maxis and fur coats were hung alongside brand-spanking new designs. Vintage shoes, jewellery and leather belts filled the room (I didn’t bring nearly enough money). Shoppalu also carries new fashion labels from around the world.  I was ready to give my foot for a pair of leopard print, studded Matiko loafers.

My favourite new piece is an amazing pair of high-waisted floral, corduroy shorts from Lucca Couture. With a spirited and trendy eye, Lucca Couture has that special something something.

Do yourself a favour and take a peek!

November 13, 2011 by

Linked | TEDxVancouver, I am Downtown, Wu Lyf and more…

The Anthology’s list of what’s new, what’s now and what’s next…

1. Art attack. The Eastside Culture Crawl’s 15th anniversary is coming up and there’s no better way to spend it than by creeping through artists’ studios, which is exactly what I’ll be doing November 18 – 20.

2. Ideas worth spreading. TEDxVancouver hits UBC’s Chan Centre tomorrow. I’ll be there bright and early with a triple shot of espresso in hand. Will you? There are still a few tickets left.

3. Rock out. Other Lives, the band that blew me away when they opened for Bon Iver at the Orpheum a couple months ago, will be playing the Media Club on Friday, December 9.

4. Rock out some more. New Jersey’s Wu Lyf will be bringing their husky-voiced indie pop to the Electric Owl on Friday, November 18.

5. I am downtown. Not literally, mind you, but on Wednesday, November 16, Pacific Centre will be hosting a shopping event and you’re all invited.

6. Warm up. Kove x The Anthology giveaway winner Kelsey Klassen wore her chevron scarf to shoot Vancouver Fashion Week. How much do you love it with that printed top? Soooooooooooo much!

Movamber alert. The ladies who started a fundraising campaign for the fight against prostate cancer were aiming for $5,000 and have upped that to $10,000 thanks to all your support. Donate here.

Plus (see what I did there?) The Anthology’s now on Google+ See ya there!

November 11, 2011 by

Style | Lauren Elaine

By Erika Renfrew

As a natural brunette, I could argue that blondes don’t always have more fun. I can’t, however, say the same when it comes to those California girls.

LA-based designer Lauren Elaine presented her S/S 2012 Swimwear collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. The designer also happens to be a model/actress and in true Hollywood style, the show opened with a short video featuring flirty blondes, flashy cars and some kick-ass music (excuse my French), followed by models blowing kisses to the cameras as they shimmied down the runway.

Lauren Elaine featured itsy-bitsy, metallic bikinis adorned with chains and lacing. For those of us who are a wee bit more modest, sheer tunics and street-worthy cover-ups completed the collection.  My favourites were the maxi dresses with elasticated tops and playful patterns; sort of LA cool meets Vancouver ease.

Having toted an umbrella and mittens to the show, I was disappointed that I didn’t walk outside into the California heat.

November 11, 2011 by

You said it!

When you filled out The Anthology’s reader survey, you told me loud and clear what you’d like to see on The Anthology: more writing, more photos, more frequent posts, more of my boy Roy (see below). Thanks a million!

You also had some questions, comments and requests, a few of which I thought I’d address right here:

I love the before and after stories! they win hands down for me!
Almost every single one of you said something similar. Which means I’m going to go foraging for more hideous vintage pieces pronto!

Ever need volunteers for anything, or take suggestions from readers?
Yes and yes! Send me a note at KDundon@TheAnthology.ca, mmkay?

I would like to see more behind the scenes coverage on cultural and fashiony things being make in Vancouver
You got it! We’ve got lots planned in the coming weeks and months, including some sneak peeks at December’s Vancouver Fashion Showcase, trips to designers’ studios, plus tons of parties and events.

A few of you wrote poems that were too good to keep to myself (such talent!)
There once was a girl,
Who liked clothes and puppies,
Which is very normal.

and…

if i had your closet
i would be set
i would be so fashiony
and be the writer of the anthology

I’d like a reminder now and then about new content
I post the latest on The Anthology’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. Plus, The Anthology’s now on Google+ too. Subscribe! Or just hit refresh on TheAnthology.ca all day. That works too.

If you ever need a beauty writer, I’m heeeeeeeere!!
Beauty! (Get it?) Send me a note and writing samples if you have ’em to KDundon@TheAnthology.ca

beep boop beep beep brrrrrrrrrrap!
Right back atcha!

All I know is that I don’t know what I would do without your blog (=
And I don’t know what I’d do without you guys! Talk to myself maybe?

P.S. Haven’t given your input yet? Share your thoughts in The Anthology’s reader survey. I’d love to know what you think!

November 10, 2011 by

Diary | Festive Collective

By Erika Renfrew

When the clock strikes twelve on October 31, an invisible switch is flicked and we move into all-out holiday fanatics.  (I get criticism for playing carols through most of November.)

Of course, I jumped at the chance to attend the opening of the Festive Collective One-Stop Holiday Shop where talented Vancouver-based artists showcase and sell everything from fashion and handcrafted jewellery to adorable kids’ apparel and vegan handbags.

A few things on my wish list?

Lotus Designs presented some truly unique jewellery ideas (think birdcage pendants and strawberry stud earrings).

Daub + Design displayed tie-dyed underwear that literally felt like a buttery second skin.

Mimosa, creator of art, fine paper and children’s clothing, showed sweet little onesies that I couldn’t help but picture on my nine-month-old niece.

Take it from a true holiday enthusiast; November is never too early. The Festive Collective takes place at The Rize until November 27, every day except Mondays.

[First photo courtesy of Lotus Designs.]

November 9, 2011 by