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Style | The Latest Scoop

A sponsored post.

Part pop-up boutique, part shopping party, the Latest Scoop is a sparkly, sequin-y treasure trove of holiday style and home décor. The three Vancouver boutiques are only open for a few more weeks so I stopped in to their West Fourth location to scout out my favourite holiday looks.

Like this one. Love, love, love the white tuxedo jacket ($79.95) and its black detailing (doesn’t get any chic-er than black and white!) and I got a little too excited about that floor-length sequin skirt (also comes in black). This look would be a stand-out at holiday parties and new year’s eve bashes. I figure when everyone else is wearing black, that’s the perfect time to show up in white. And when everyone else is wearing short, show up in long.

Or just go for sequins and be a sparkly stunner.

And if you’re, say, going to to a charity ball or an office party and you need a dress that’s a little more conservative, then top it off with bold accessories. A classic LBD calls for rainbow bracelets ($44.95).

And if you’re hosting a dinner party, I love the idea of doing so in a dress like this ($89.95). Wear an apron over top while you’re cooking and then, when dinner’s ready, reveal all that sequin drama! That, my friends, is how you earn the title of the hostess with the mostest.

The Latest Scoop Kits: 2372 West 4th Avenue. Kerrisdale: 2138 West 41st. West Vancouver: 1731 Marine Drive.

P.S. Want the latest on the Latest Scoop? Follow them on Twitter and Facebook and sign up for their newsletter here.

December 12, 2011 by

After | The mint blazer

Ta da!

You’d never guess this jacket used to be this sexy little number, would ya? Just goes to show that scrunching up the sleeves goes a long way.

And piling on the texture (via a striped t-shirt) and the colour (via a rust-coloured necklace) makes the mint seem subdued.

But the real magic was worked by my tailor who added two seems to the back to take in the extra fabric, a material so light it let in this much sunshine when I slung it over my chair this morning. Love how it highlights the texture too.

The jacket’s bright, light colour and easy, breezy fabric seems made for Miami. Or at least Vancouver’s version of Miami — the courtyard at the Burrard. Seriously, that place and that jacket seem made for each other. Maybe that’s because it’s the same colour as the doors.

P.S. It’s hot and sunny on Facebook so add The Anthology.

December 8, 2011 by

Style | Anna Cohen’s Wish List

Anna Cohen is one stylin’ mama. In fact, that’s exactly what inspires her blog Simply Stylish Mom. Herewith, she shares her holiday wish list.

Ok so this post is basically a ‘hint hint’ to husband but let’s just pose it as an ‘inspiration wish list for the holidays’ heheee…

1. A sexy so-not-Mommy dress for NYE like this.

2. A black biker jacket.

3. A pair of red jeans.

4. Some ‘Kate’ pumps.

5. A silk scarf like this one.

6. And a sequiny blazer (would look amazing paired with a white tee and jeans).

Ok, maybe I’m being a little too ambitious?

No such thing! These picks are gorgeous — who wouldn’t wish for them all? Thanks Anna! Stay tuned, friends, there are more super-stylin’ wish lists coming up on The Anthology!

December 7, 2011 by

Diary | Vancouver Fashion Showcase Wrap-Up

By Erika Renfrew

What’d you do on Sunday?  Sip pretty cocktails?  Sample mini cakes?  Or did you perform acrobatics while hanging from the ceiling?  I could never do that last one, but two out of three isn’t bad.

This weekend wrapped up the Vancouver Fashion Showcase, an event spotlighting 30 of the city’s top boutiques and retailers.  This four-day extravaganza began with a gala and runway show at the Vancouver Art Gallery. What comes after the pre-party?  More parties of course. Vancouver Fashion Showcase hosted three days of shopping with styling competitions, industry talks and exclusive discounts.

Sadly, no shopping for me!  I did attend the official wrap-up party at Canvas Lounge.  With giveaways and great music it was a night to mingle with the inspiring individuals involved, like Amy Podrasky (far left) and Marina Fernandes (centre) who volunteered to help plan the fashion shows and dress the models.

Now for the acrobatics.  I watched a strong, elastic-y woman perform an aerial dance.  She was all-smiles as she twirled mid-air; I was holding my breath that she didn’t fall.

Take part in any of the fun this weekend?  If you missed it this time around, consider this an ever-so-gentle nudge.

December 7, 2011 by

Bookmark | Atlantis Home

In The Anthology’s Bookmark column we explore some of the most inspiring places on the wild, wild web.

You’ve already bookmarked Sea of Shoes, right?

But have you bookmarked Atlantis Home? Run by Judy Aldridge (mother to Sea of Shoes’ Jane Aldridge) it’s one of my very favourite style/design/inspiration-filled blogs.

I love her jewelry line. I love her style — she’s mastered the art of the ladylike jacket, rock ‘n’ roll t-shirt and roughed-up jeans with funky footwear. And that’s a style that will take you from work (if you, like me, work in a creative industry) to post-work cocktails to a midnight show.

And I especially love her love of all things vintage.

So bookmark Atlantis Home already. And bookmark The Anthology while you’re at it.

December 5, 2011 by

Beauty | Emmy Beaton’s Wish List

To kick off The Anthology’s series of wish list guest posts, Emmy Beaton, a makeup artist from Victoria, BC, shares her picks for holiday beauty must-haves. And boy are they sparkly…

1. Lise Watier Eye Glitter Liner in Black Diamond and Smokey Gold
This year, glitter has been huge – from shimmery frocks to those famous glitter-heeled Miu Miu booties. I’m taking some artistic license and adapting that trend by incorporating some glitter into my eye looks. These Lise Watier glitter liners are amazing – they are easy to apply both as a thin liner or across the lid, and are also easy to layer for more intensity.

2. Julep Maven subscription
Lately the hottest thing in beauty is subscription boxes. Glossybox, Luxe Box, Glymm Box…there are many companies offering similar services – every month they send you a box with trial sizes of premium products, allowing you to test a large quantity of different things without committing to full sizes. Most of the boxes contain a large number of skin products and I love this idea, but alas, my skin is very sensitive. The Julep Maven subscription is different: for $20 a month you get around $40 worth of nail polish and treatment products. I buy two nailpolishes a month (that’s a conservative estimate!) so for me this would be perfect. Are you listening, Santa?

3. Sultra The Bombshell
I’m obsessed with conical wands. They are so versatile, style your hair in half the time of regular curling irons, and never snag or pull your hair. You can even use them to create volume by running holding them against the root while you hold a section of hair vertically. Amazing. So far this tool has been something used exclusively in salons because it’s easy to burn yourself. This one, however, comes with a protective glove!  How smart is that!?

4. NARS Danmari All About Cheeks palette
Whether you’re a hardcore beauty junkie, a lady who travels for work, or just someone looking to simplify your life, these six shades are made for you. This palette has been haunting my dreams. I can’t wait to glow, bronze, and shimmer my way into the new year with this sleek black, mirrored palette. I die!

5. MAC Cosmetics Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Quite the Thing!
MAC describes the colour of this lipstick/gloss hybrid as ‘deep blue plum.’ I’m deeply smitten by the shade – it’s both sheer and bright, and complements all complexions. On fair skin you’ll have a just-bitten pout and on darker skin you’ll get a sultry berry with a bit of shimmer. When everyone else is doing red lips this holiday season, you’ll stand out wearing this knockout purple. The best part is that the formula is so amazingly comfortable, you feel like you’re wearing lip balm!

6. Shiseido Perfect Rouge in BE208 – Baby
Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge line is an excellent range of lipsticks with a really sophisticated formula. Neither glossy nor matte, these lipsticks are somehow light, hydrating, and long-lasting with none of the waxy feel of other lipsticks. I love the warm nude colour of 208 – Baby for the holidays – the perfect complement for a sparkly new years eve look.

7. LeSportsac Charleston Kevyn cosmetics case
Recently I’ve been on the hunt for a cute cosmetics case that I would be proud to pull out in a club or restaurant. This super cute case is fun yet classy, and bears the name of my favourite makeup artist. The collector in me also loves that there are lots of other coordinating items with the same pattern, so I can mix and match. Sold!

December 4, 2011 by

Style | Blanche MacDonald

By Erika Renfrew

Like the energizer bunny, the fantastic designs just kept on coming, and coming…and coming!

Blanche Macdonald presented the Colour Couture fashion show celebrating this year’s graduates in fashion design. Over fifty students showcased their work and with more than one hundred looks it was Blanche Macdonald’s largest show ever!

The designers set no limits on their imagination and wowed the crowd with just about everything under the sun.

There were plenty of wearable pieces; cropped varsity jackets, tuxedo blouses and flirty summer dresses.  And on the other side of the spectrum? Bedazzled swimwear, architectural outerwear, an ultra-sheer suit and dress complete with steel cage.

My pick for showstopper of the night was a black satin gown by Lillian Lim.  With a train of tulle, sequin embroidery and removable hot-pink skirt, the audience got some shock value before finishing off the night.

What’s that old saying?  Less is more?  In this case I’d have to disagree.

P.S. Keep up with Erika on Twitter.

December 2, 2011 by

Now it’s your turn!

Tell us…

What’s top of your holiday wish list? Share it and I’ll post it on The Anthology!

It could be a new book, an old dress, a pair of snowshoes or a puppy. Send me a note at KDundon@TheAnthology.ca, tell me what’s on your wish list (and why!) and I’ll post your picks on The Anthology just in time for the holidays. Need a little inspiration? Take a look at Erika Renfrew’s wish list.

[Image found here.]

November 30, 2011 by

Thank you WE Vancouver!

For featuring my smiley face in your Out After Dark column alongside some of my very favourite Vancouverites — the ladies of the Cross Decor and Design (happy 8th birthday!), Chambar’s new bar manager Jacob Sweetman (whose winter punch you really need to try) and Marc Brunet of BeautyMark (where I am about to stock up on all sorts of holiday sparkle).

May Globus, you’re the best!

November 30, 2011 by

Style | Vancouver Fashion Showcase Wish List

This weekend marks the first (possibly annual) Vancouver Fashion Showcase. To celebrate Erika Renfrew picked her favourite pieces from a few of the 30 participating boutiques. She’s made her list so you can check it twice…

1. Ishara
Save a little and splurge a little, the holidays are about give and take.  This studded Rebecca Minkoff bag ($295) is not for the meek of heart.

2. LYNNsteven
Literally all a girl needs, this Ela clutch ($280) holds your M.I.L.C.K. (money, id, lipstick, cell and keys).

3. Nouvelle Nouvelle
The holidays should be all about R&R, so spread the word with an uber-comfy Cheap Monday sweater.  Hands-free never looked so cool with a T leather phone case.

4. Oak+Fort
Mila lace shorts and a Nicolas blouse are lovely pieces together and apart.  Easy to fit and easy to wear makes for seriously stress-free gift-giving.

5. Obakki
Baby, it’s cold outside and you’ll want every inch covered.  This Anise silk scarf ($255) may not look toasty, but that’s what all the other layers are for.

6. LYNNsteven
With a pair of Granted wool mittens ($49.50), you’ve got everything a Vancouver gal should bring to a fabulous holiday party.

7. John Fluevog
No trying-on required with a one-size-fits-all Hudson iPad or journal case ($189).  Warning: despite all budgeting efforts, you’ll probably end up shoe shopping too.

8. One of a Few
Made in Los Angeles, Clare Vivier handbags are beautiful and designed for travel, whether you’re jet-setting to an exotic destination or the other side of the city.

P.S. Follow Erika on Twitter riiiiiiight here.

November 29, 2011 by