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The Anthology

It really is the most wonderful time of the year

All the holiday parties. All the excuses to pull out the floor-length gowns that have been sitting in your closet.

floorlength-vintage-gown

This one is vintage — sixties maybe? I wore it to the opera last year. And I’m still so, so glad I didn’t have this bad boy hemmed. (That would have been a travesty.) A floor-length gown is a thing of beauty.

octopus-ring

Speaking of things of beauty — say hello to my little friend. He’s from Barefoot Contessa in Vancouver.

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And he’s such a bold little guy I feel like he deserves a name. Thoughts?

P.S. On Facebook, The Anthology is wonderful any time of year.

December 13, 2010 by

Say you’re off to a party

You’ve picked out the perfect dress, found some sparkly new shoes and even got your hair did. But what on earth do you bring for your glamourous hostess? I have no idea — but Courtney Starheim, event planner and principal of C Star Events does. She shares with us part two of her gift guide. Read part one here.

Anthology-gift-guide-two

Let it Snow
For the hostess who manages to cook a gourmet four-course meal after a long day of work, yoga class, and finishing her book club book (two weeks early).

7.  Cozying up with a Wool Throw after a long day is just what the doctor/ Santa ordered. I love this one from The Cross. [$205]

8.  Paperwhites are a joy to watch bloom and a breath of fresh air over the (long) winter months. The bulbs can be arranged in pebbles or in stones, as pictured here.

9.  Tree Ornaments are both festive + fun and a unique option for that hostess who has everything. Paloma’s Nest has a great holiday collection. [$28]

10.  Holiday Music is meant to be shared.  For a quick-yet-thoughtful gift, pick up a copy of your favourite album or gift the download on iTunes. The Winter Songs compilation gets my vote (check out the title track and “Auld Lang Syne”). [$7.99]

11.  Warm Drinks (think special coffees, hot chocolates, and teas) are a cozy treat that complement gift ideas 7 and 9, brilliantly. The “Perfect Tea Mug” by David’s Tea is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received; I use it every day. [$19.50]

12.  Scented Candles are a popular choice for hostess gifts as they are a lovely little indulgence. I’ll take one from the new Dirt Candles collection at Body Politic, please. Specifically, “Bah Humbug” because it makes me smile. [$31.50]

Hooray for parties and presents! Thanks again, Courtney! Love, love these ideas.

P.S. You’re invited to our Twitter party. Follow Courtney here and The Anthology here.
December 11, 2010 by

Tis the season to shop for others

Tis the season to shop for others. Tis the season to shop for others. I’m hoping if I repeat it often enough, it’ll stick. I’ve never been very good at buying for other people. But you know who is? Courtney Starheim of C Star Events. Event planner and gift-giver extraordinaire, she shares with us her picks for the hostess with the mostest.

Anthology-holiday-gift-guide

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
For the fun loving hostess who rocks out to Brenda Lee while preparing appetizers, mixing drinks, and answering the door (among other party-related tasks).

1.  Note Cards are one of the best gifts to receive; pretty stationery is such a nice thing to have on hand.  This set — by Vancouver-based Pink Door Paper Company — is particularly sweet.  [$10 for a set of 6].

2.  Pinatas that sparkle like disco balls are the perfect addition to any party.  No longer reserved for the kids’ table, pinatas are a fantastic way to incorporate personality.  The Confetti System makes this beauty.  [$140].

3.  Another fun gift idea is a Mixology Book. “Vintage Cocktails” found on Amazon is on my wish list.  [$50].

4.  Journals are a great way to capture memories from parties throughout the year.  Guests can sign these pages and jot down quotes, inside jokes, and other fun quips which will no doubt evoke laughter and memories when read back at future events.  Isn’t this one from Anthropologie beautiful?  [$18.00]

5.  Bubbly is a party staple and a unique alternative to gifting a bottle of wine.  Elephant Island’s “Pink Elephant” is a crowd favourite; who doesn’t love pink champagne?

6.  French Macaroons are en vogue; however, they are not the easiest treat to find (at least in cupcake-crazy Vancouver).  If you are able to pick up a box (these lovelies are from Thomas Haas), your hostess will be forever grateful.

Bearing gifts like these, you’d be welcome at my place any time, Courtney! Tomorrow: part two of the gift guide!

P.S. Hey tweeps! Follow Courtney here and The Anthology here.
December 10, 2010 by

Just a little crazy

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.

grey_gardens

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.

grey-gardens-lola-vancouver

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.

December 7, 2010 by

Well this is a first…

Nokia gave me an N8 to play with (thanks guys!). And while I’m not a very techy person and can’t elaborate on all its fancy features, I can tell you about its video camera. Or, more specifically, I can show you what you can do with it.

So without further ado, please allow me to introduce you to The Anthology’s first video. Shot entirely on an N8, set to the tune of Moth’s Wings by Passion Pit, and starring my pup Leroy.

P.S. The Anthology’s Twitter feed is a first, too.

December 6, 2010 by

Make Your (Beauty) Mark

I’m like a kid in a candy store when it comes to cosmetics. I could spend forever spritzing and sniffing and sampling. (Some might call it an addiction. I prefer to call it a keen interest.)

beautymark-grace

That’s why Vancouver’s BeautyMark is one of my favourite shops to get lost in. And also, to celebrate in.

beautymark-yaletown-event

The Yaletown boutique just marked its ten year anniversary (hip! hip! hooray!). So owner Marc Brunet (on the left) did what anyone would do — threw a party. (That’s Melania Dela Cruz of Dela Cruz PR to my right, and Erin Gee of Define Magazine to my far right, by the way.)

stila-cosmetics

Soon, BeautyMark will have even more reason to celebrate. Come spring, this cosmetics candy shop will be moving to a new location — twice the size, twice the floors, and twice the sugar-free indulgence. Can’t wait!

[Photos by Ellen Ho.]

P.S. The Anthology’s Facebook page is kind of like a candy store too.

December 1, 2010 by

Partying Mad Men Style

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

sixties-inspired

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

lashes

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

kelsey-candy-cigarettes

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.)

mad-men-outfit

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.

November 28, 2010 by

Walking in a winter wonderland

winter-white

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

target-leggings

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

plaid-and-plaid-and-more-plaid

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.

vancouver-snow-skyline

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

plaid-on-plaid-on-plaid

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.

November 24, 2010 by

Yay WIZERDZ!

I am quite possibly the proudest big sis there is. Because my brother’s electronic dance rock band has hit the big time.

WIZERDZ are headlining the Biltmore Cabaret this Monday.

In my very biased opinion, they’re the best band out there (Phoenix be damned). They’ve played sold-out shows in Vancouver and Victoria, a 30-minute live set on CITR, they opened for The Humans at the Canadian debut of their new video and they’re one of three bands currently in the finals of CITR’s Shindig.

wizerdz

Oh, and they dress like wizards.

So put on your cloak, grab your dancing shoes and don’t miss the show. The WIZERDZ at Biltmore Cabaret (395 Kingsway, Vancouver) on Monday, November 29th with The Killing Time Quartet and Vincent Parker. Tickets at the door.

November 23, 2010 by