Because I know you love nothing more than a good, unflattering “before” shot…
I give you these. Which are, admittedly, nowhere near as bad as the worst.
But still, you can understand why I’d crop my head out of these shots. I’ve taken this vintage dress to the tailor so stay tuned for the “after” shot.
P.S. Want another little something to brighten your day? Enter to win a $100 Shopbop gift card!
A Shopbop giveaway!
That’s right, my friends, Shopbop.com wants to give you a $100 gift card!
And while I may not be able to enter the contest, I can dream about it. Because I’ve got sunshine on my mind, I’d use the gift card to buy swimwear by Red Carter, Ondade Mar or Tyler Rose. Or maybe I’d just head straight to the Shopbop sale.
For one entry: Comment on this post and tell us what bikini destination you’re dreaming of. (Those of you who live on the beach in Malibu, it’s okay to say your backyard.)
For two entries: Write on The Anthology’s Facebook wall.
For three entries: Holler @TheAnthology on Twitter.
The contest is open to readers worldwide (the gift card is in USD). The lucky winner will be chosen on Wednesday, March 23. Good luck!
Let’s say your closet is filled with wacky and wonderful vintage pieces. You’d want a few classics to balance out the insanity, right?
Well, in my case that situation is anything but hypothetical. So when I buy new pieces they’re often the most classic, basic, comfy ones around. Like those from Alternative Apparel. The California-based brand will open its first retail shop in LA’s radtastic Abbot Kinney next month.
In Vancouver, Alternative Apparel has set up a temporary retail shop at Gastown’s Times Profile Shop until April — you’ll find pics from the launch party here. (Times Profile Shop is kind of like the retail equivalent of a serial monogamist — it only partners with one brand at a time. After Alternative Apparel, Oliver Peoples and Cheap Monday will each have a turn transforming the space.)
It’s comforting to know you have an alternative, isn’t it?
[Images courtesy of Alternative Apparel.]
All right, travel bugs, book your plane tickets! Writer and blogger Amy Chan has compiled a list of the world’s 10 best designer outlets. Don’t forget to bring an empty suitcase.
Designer digs for a fraction of the price. Yes please. Check out these outlets that offer heavily discounted luxury items from just a season or two past.
Also, if you’re from the US or Canada and shopping at one of the outlets in Europe, don’t forget to claim your tax refund of 12% upon returning home.
To collect so much art that every wall in my house would be covered. Floor to ceiling.
While none of these pieces are hanging on my walls (insert sad face here), they are hanging on Becker Galleries’.
They’re part of Unintended Calculations, the show that unites four street artists from around the world. Curated by Indigo (far left), it features LA’s Augustine Kofie, Vancouver’s Scott Sueme, the UK’s Remi/Rough and Washington DC’s Jeremy Inscoe.
It’s about four different approaches to abstraction.
So I thought I’d dress the part in three different approaches to patterns — plaid, stripes and whatever you’d call the print on my clutch.
Want to see them in person? (The paintings, not my clothes.) Unintended Calculations runs until March 26th at the Becker Galleries. And if you want to see the artists’ work on an even bigger scale, stop by the Moda Hotel where they have collaborated on two four-storey murals.
[First piece by Augustine Kofie, second two by Scott Sueme.]
Natalie writes:
I’m a huge fan! I don’t even know how I stumbled on your blog but am I ever happy I did. I really think you need to do a bit about prom for your under 18 crowd (like myself). What did you wear? Or better yet, what would you wear?
This got me thinking. Both about time travel and about dresses. When I went to prom, I wore a printed silk dress from Holt Renfrew (pictured above). With a halter neck, angled hem and deep, rich colours, I still love it. But it’s no longer available.
So I started to ask myself if I were to go to prom today, would I opt for a little black dress? Nope. As cool as the LBD is, I’d prefer something with colour (it pops in photos). So then it was a question of whether or not I would want a glamourous floor-length number. I decided against it. Because even though they’re very on-trend, I’d rather go short (all the better to dance in).
Which brings me to this Nina Ricci tiered dress. It’s short in length but big on colour. Plus, it’s structured so it’s still formal enough for such an affair. At $1,690 USD, it sure ain’t cheap, but in my imaginary world of prom and time travel, that wouldn’t matter.
I’d opt to carry a printed vintage snakeskin clutch (there’s nothing like pairing statement accessories with a statement dress). I’d just want to make sure there’s enough room in my purse for a camera, cell phone, and touch-up lipstick.
To finish the look, I’d rock a pair of very pretty shoes, like these classic tie-ups by Diane von Furstenberg. Which reminds me; I would pack a pair of ballet flats in my purse too. After dancing all night, I’d want something to carry me through the after-party (sore feet are not happy feet).
Oh, and I’d arrive in a classic Bentley and bring James Franco as my date.
I hope this helps, Natalie! And I hope you have tons and tons of fun at prom.
Have a question for The Anthology? Send it to theanthology@live.com.
a) You’re totally missing out.
b) You might not know that I’m now contributing to VitaminDaily too. So read away! And start following along on Twitter and Facebook already.
Some might say my vintage shopping is a little out of control. But I do it all for you. I swear.
How else could I answer Nicole’s question? She asked via Facebook which Vancouver vintage shops are my favourite. The short answer is Deluxe Junk in Gastown, F as in Frank on Main Street and Burcu’s Angels off Main, among many, many others.
See? My shopping is selfless.
Now, because I want nothing but the best for all y’all, I thought I’d update my guide to vintage shopping. (If you want a crash course, watch this clip where I take the camera crew from The Express on one of my excursions.) Below, you’ll find The Anthology’s top ten tips to sourcing spectacular vintage finds:
10. Be happy. If you’re not, it’s probably not the best time to wade through the peach palazzo pants in search of a treasure.
9. Hunt with an open mind. You can’t go searching for a midnight-blue floor-length sequin gown, you have to wait for it to find you. And when you do find a beauty, buy it. Even if it’s out of season. You’ll always need another dress to wear to the ballet.
8. Bring a friend. I would have never found this red leather skirt if my girlfriend Laura hadn’t spotted it. Just don’t bring your boyfriend. Or your mother. Or anyone who’s going to rush you. These things take time.
7. Short on time? Head for the accessories section — you don’t have to hit the change room to figure out if a belt, scarf or handbag is perfect for you.
6. Be adventurous. Thrift stores, which don’t curate their offerings the same way vintage stores do, can also have amazing finds. You just need to be a little elitist. Thrift stores in the ritzier parts of town tend to get donations from the ritzier parts of town (which means you’re more likely to find an Yves Saint Laurent scarf or, for that matter, an Yves Saint Laurent belt). My sister Larissa never fails to find the wacky and wonderful at the Sally Ann on fourth avenue in Vancouver.
5. Think outside the shop. You can’t even imagine the gems I’ve found at antique fairs, church sales and private school fairs (like Saint George’s and York House, to name a few).
4. Become best friends with your tailor. It’s so much easier than learning to use a sewing machine. I take almost every one of my vintage treasures to Oakridge Tailors before I wear it. That’s how my vintage wedding dress (pictured below) became a ballet-length beauty. But don’t forget that can add anywhere from $20 to $120 to the price of the piece.
3. Seek perfection. If it’s not in pristine, like-it-was-only-worn-once condition, put it back on the rack. But don’t worry if it doesn’t fit you perfectly. Your tailor is your best friend, remember?
2. Wash before you wear. Take your new-to-you skirt/dress/jacket to the dry cleaner. But this too can add big bucks ($50 for a leather skirt, $150 for a leather jacket).
1. And last, but not least… if you’re not into the hunting part of the treasure hunt, head straight to online supershops like Shrimpton Couture and Girl on a Vine where you’ll find nothing but amazing pieces. And if you’ve got something specific in mind, like, say, an eel skin purse, try Etsy.
Many of you are vintage connoisseurs — have anything to add to my list? Leave a comment. And if you have any questions about anything vintage or otherwise, ask via Facebook or send me an email at theanthology@live.com.
Cocktails are always better when you enjoy them for a cause, non? The same could be said of fashion shows. And what do ya know — Fashion’s Night Out Vancouver combines them both.
Next Tuesday (the 8th), The Bay’s beautiful White Space will be putting on a show at V Lounge at Earl’s Yaletown. You’re invited! Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go to Out in Schools, a nonprofit that works to end bullying. Want in? Get your tickets here.
