Style and Fashion

Jackie O’s relatives Big and Little Edie have inspired a documentary, Broadway play and HBO film. Now, the eccentric recluses have inspired a display at one of Vancouver’s favourite stores; Lola Home & Apparel.

The boutique just moved to Vancouver’s Beatty Street. Its most prominent — though temporary — feature? The scene recreating some of the most famous moments of Grey Gardens using pieces from Vancouver designer Jason Matlo, crinkled newspapers, and stuffed raccoons. With tons of scarves, brooches, and fur (though no pantyhose as pants), it’s all the right kinds of crazy.

I was at the new Lola for a launch party recently and the display was so off-the-wall batty, I had to watch the documentary. And the documentary was so off-the-wall batty that I now need to watch the HBO remake (starring Drew Barrymore).

I have a feeling there’d be no better inspiration for eccentric vintage fashion. And we all know how much I love that.

Have you seen it? Did you love it?

P.S. The Anthology’s Facebook page is a little eccentric too.

Holiday parties have started! And my first one was Mad Men-themed.

Which means big hair (got a blow-out at Blo in Yaletown).

Big lashes (got some outrageous fakies at Noir Lash Lounge).

And big shout-outs to the way advertising agencies were in the sixties. (The party planners even customized Popeye candy cigarette packs for guests. You’ll notice “Kelsey” brand’s slogan is “High Flavour. High Fashion.” You’ll also notice I’m not condoning smoking, just the eating of candy.)

Surprisingly, not a single piece of my sixties-inspired look was vintage.  My dress was custom-made (you might recognize it from my Twitter avatar), my printed coat is H & M and my shoes are Calvin Klein. What does it say about my style that I can create costumes out of things I wear normally? Wait. Don’t answer that.

P.S. Don Draper thinks you should follow The Anthology on Twitter.

‘Tis chilly in Vancouver so I’m bundling up to the nines in a heckuva lotta plaid. (Very Canadian.)

And thick, thick leggings with piping detailing — only $25 at Target. (Not very Canadian.)

My love of hiking has taught me one thing about how to dress for wonky weather — layer like crazy. Hence the men’s scarf, men’s shirt, oversized vintage wool jacket. And a million other layers of t-shirts under that.

I should be fine. As long as it doesn’t dip below -5.

Please, Vancouver, be kind to us. (And please, Saskatoon, don’t laugh at us for being such fair-weather wussies.)

P.S. Stay warm with The Anthology on Facebook.

Who wants blah-blah boring basics? Not me! Give me unexpected details. Give me subtle attention-grabbers. Give me JNBY. With modern staples (and an eco-friendly slant), their designs each have their own twist.

I should know. I got up close and personal with plenty of them. Like the butter-soft leather jacket with bleached details.

And the sweater with swiss cheese holes.

JNBY’s palettes are often muted, so the looks are all about textures and layers.

Or, in the case of the skirt I opted for, built-in, rough-edged layers. As soon as the holiday parties start I’m going to be wearing this baby all over town. Nothing blah-blah boring about that.

Thank you JNBY for the mini shopping spree!

P.S. We pick a winner on Tuesday, so enter the Summer Ellis Eternite necklace giveaway before it’s too late!