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The Anthology

Number 7!

It’s the final countdown! To 2011 at least. And we’re recapping The Anthology’s most ridiculous in 2010. (In cased you missed them — catch up on number tennummer ni and numéro huit.)

wizerdz

7. The most ridiculous reason to be a proud big sis: my brother (on the left) dresses up as a wizard and plays music. (Less ridiculous reasons to be a proud big sis — WIZERDZ headlined the Biltmore last month. And they were just #5 of CITR’s top 30 of the week. Not bad gentlemen. Not bad at all.)

P.S. Hey all you wizards and warlocks — follow The Anthology on Twitter.

Numéro Huit

As 2010 is winding down, we’re recounting The Anthology’s most ridiculous moments of the past 365 days. (You can catch up with number ten and number nine.) Without any further ado I would like to present the most ridiculously late discovery (I’m only four centuries behind on this one).

quebec-je-taime8. This summer, I finally discovered the charming parks, picturesque riverbanks and beautiful old town of Quebec City. And I was one of the few out-of-provincers to discover the Festival d’Ete de Quebec, an 11-day showcase of artists like Arcade Fire, Santana and Passion Pit. It’s huge, it’s cheap as borsch (only $50) and very few of the attendees come from out of provice (only 5% according to the National Post).

Which means next year could be your year to discover it.

P.S. Discover The Anthology on Facebook.

Nummer Ni (That’s “number nine” in Norwegian, according to Google Translate)

As we count down The Anthology’s most ridiculous moments of 2010, I would like to present to you…

team-norway-curling-pants

9. Forget David Beckham and his Armani underwear ads, the most ridiculous sports/fashion cross-polination has to be Team Norway’s curling pants at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The red, the white, the beige, the blue. The clown-like diamond print. They made a sports fan out of me. And if they don’t inspire a million knock-offs in 2011, I don’t know what will.

P.S. Check out the number ten most ridiculous moment of 2010 here.

Where did 2010 go?

I mean honestly. Is it just me or did it fly by?

Since we’re now at the countdown to 2011, I thought it would be an appropriate time to recap some of the highlights of the past year. And just like last year, I’m going to scrap the whole “best and worst” thing and head straight for the most ridiculous. Over the next ten (week) days we’re going to revisit some of The Anthology’s most ridiculous moments. Starting with…

wedding-dress-after

10. There are several things that earn this a spot on the highlight reel. First, it’s someone else’s wedding dress (likely from the sixties). I had it altered (see the before shots here) and wore this wedding dress to The Marriage of Figaro, which is admittedly, a little ridiculous. But the most ridiculously spooky example of meant-to-be-ness? The initials sewn inside this dress — they were mine.

Anyone else get shivers down their spine?

P.S. The Anthology’s Facebook page is pretty ridiculous.

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.

kd1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.