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Pinstagram | All that glitters

The Anthology’s Pinstagram column marries the dream (Pinterest) and the reality (Instagram).

A hand, please. My friend Ashley and I giving ourselves a hand at Heirloom Vegetarian and a model getting a hand (or eight) backstage at Valentino spring 2013.

Read up. Grabbing a seat at Lisa Tant’s spring trend presentation at Holt Renfrew and a coffee table book I’d love to add to my collection.

Blushing. Rose-shaped, raspberry-flavoured meringues at Gastown’s Cadeaux Bakery (a great place to go for tea) and a Max Factor ad from the 1950s.

Mr. Golden Sun. My speedy boy Roy frolicking in the golden sun and Elle Decor‘s spectacular gold kitchen cabinets, which has me tempted to spray paint my cabinets.

Keeping it old school. The Mighty Oak, a tiny general store/cafe tucked away near Cambie (I wrote about it here), and a vintage-inspired swimsuit from Anthropologie.

Reach the peak. The sun was out! (My Vancouver-based self got quite excited about it.) And a sculpture by New York-based artist Norman Mercer.

Go to (Gas)town. A shot I took after closing down the opening of Rennie Collection’s Robert Beck/Robert Buck show, which happens to be just a few blocks from one of my favourite stores Old Faithful Shop in Gastown.

P.S. There are more photos where these came from so follow Kelsey Dundon on Instagram and add The Anthology on Facebook.

March 8, 2013 by

You Asked | What to wear on TV?

Shannon writes:

Love your blog! I never miss a word (or photo!). I was hoping you might have some tips for dressing for TV?

Next Friday a crew is coming to film a very short house tour. Except, here’s the thing: I have no idea what to wear! I want to look stay-at-home-mom fabulous (in other words, casual) except I don’t think I have much that will work (black tees, white tees, loose sweaters and sweatshirts, distressed jeans.). I need to shop!

Good question, Shannon! It’s something I ask myself every single time I do a segment. Herewith, a few of the most helpful tips I’ve been given over the years.

1. Consider the theme. And then dress a notch better than you actually would if you were in that situation. If I’m doing a spring trends segment for Breakfast Television I’ll wear a brightly coloured Banana Republic blouse and skirt (see above). If I’m doing a “Camping on a budget” segment for CTV (which you can watch here) I’ll keep it casual in Joe Fresh cords. If I’m doing a “Dressing for your body type” segment (which you can watch here) I’ll wear a JNBY dress. It’s rocket science, this part.

Since you’re going casual I love the idea of a brightly coloured blouse or sweater (Joe Fresh has tons of these sorts of things) and a pair of smart pants (along the lines of those from J.Crew or Club Monaco). And some cool, comfy flats (I’m always partial to those by Loeffler Randall).

2. Get comfy. Almost as important as how your outfit looks is how it makes you feel. You need to be able to move so you can be relaxed on camera. Can you bend? Can you sit? Can you stand without fidgeting?

3. Dress like a box of crayons.  The camera loves colour. ‘Tis smart to avoid wearing all white. Black, on the other hand, can work when you pair it with bold accessories and when you’re shooting on a well-lit set (since you’ll be shooting at home, I’d opt for colour). I was going to wear a dark shirt to host Timmy’s Telethon until I saw how dark the set was behind — bright blue popped more. Prints can work, though they’re a little trickier and you’ll want to avoid small, busy, high-contrast prints like herringbone.

Christine Vu submitted another great tip via Twitter: White is too bright for the camera but if white is what you want, wear light beige. It will appear white.

4. Remember the three S’s: skin, steam, cinch. (I know the third one isn’t technically an S, but if they can cheat with the three R’s…). The camera adds bulk so you don’t want to overly bundle up. Don’t be afraid to show some skin, whether your arms, legs or neck. And consider choosing an outfit that cinches you somewhere, likely your waist. Also, steam your clothes lest you look like Helen Hunt at the Oscars.

5. Get your selfie on. Take photos from every angle. The camera sees things very differently than the mirror does.

6. Get your hair did. Remember how you and your ladyfriends would get a practice updo before prom? Well it’s time to do things high school style. Figure out how you want your hair ahead of time. And no, you don’t have to get it professionally blown out.

7. Paint your face like a tart. A makeup artist once told me if you do your eyes as if you were going out at night, your makeup will read quite naturally on camera. I always feel like a floozy walking around post-shoot, but that’s a small price to pay for looking polished on air. Oooooh, speaking of makeup — become best friends with powder.

Hope this helps, Shannon! Please send a link to the segment when it airs!

P.S. Find answers to your most burning questions like Meg’s How do you start out as a copywriter? Tara’s How do you make your blog look better? Emilie’s How do you gain exposure? And Shona’s How do you do it?

P.P.S. Have a question you’d like a reeeeeally long answer to? Send it to KDundon@TheAnthology.ca

March 7, 2013 by

Workspace | Erin Shaw of Shaw TV

The Anthology’s Workspace column takes us inside the creative spaces of some very creative people.

She’s a television personality, producer and blogger and I’ve known Erin Shaw for years (and her sister even longer because Vancouver is the biggest small town in the world!). But I’d never actually worked with Erin until I was a host on Timmy’s Telethon and she was my producer (thanks again!).

Since she’s always creeping other people’s spaces in her peep-worthy column over at Vancouver Is Awesome, I thought it would be fitting to creep her workspace. Accompanied by photos by Art3fact, Erin takes us through her surprisingly tidy space in her own words.

1. When you look at my desk, it’s pretty organized. When my space is clear, my mind is clear and I’m able to work. I try and my workspace pretty clear and tidy, except for a few key things that inspire me.

2. Pictures of family and friends, a reminder of the important stuff.

3. My Bay teacup – I drink probably about three pots of tea a day if I’m working from home. It’s a great procrastination strategy to always be getting up and making tea. You should try it sometime! I actually bought this cup for my boyfriend for his stocking this year, but he doesn’t get to use it much.

4. The Selby is in Your Place – Great inspiration for my Vancouver is Awesome column “The Pop-In Series.” I tend to be a minimalist in my workspace (and home) by default, and it’s a good reminder that people co-exist with beautiful creative and messy explosions all around them. I would love to have some messy explosions and this book reminds me that productive workspaces aren’t always made up of 90 degree angles and clutter-free surfaces.

5. My notebook. All my notebooks need to be lined because I can’t stand not writing straightly (again — an aversion to messiness). This one is by Leuchtturm1917 and I got it because of the colour. I can never find a black book in the bottom of my bag. It’s always handy to have a smart-looking notebook at meetings…sometimes even more than a smart tablet!

6. My clockradio. I listen to CBC most of the day while I work. I’ve had this clockradio since I was 8, and it was the first place where I got to choose the station. This thing helped me discover the romance of the airwaves…and the idea that through this technology that hasn’t changed much, you can reach an audience. I still love radio and the shared experience that it offers.

7. My pinboard. All the paper that lands on my desk goes up here. Post-its, reminders, cards, stamps, lotto, gift cards, and notes all go up off the desk and onto this board. It saves my sanity.

8. The ledge holds all the nicknacks that I love, but don’t want on my work surface. The mini elephant is from my Grandma who got it probably in the 1960s. I keep it there because it reminds me of my time in Thailand in 2011 when I volunteered with an Asian elephants rescue centre. It’s a good reminder to slow down, and remember that we’re small pieces of the puzzle.

9. Panasonic headphones. I need those for editing video mostly, but they are also really helpful when I can’t concentrate. If I find the right music, I can tune everything else out.

[Photos by Art3fact]

P.S. Get a peek at Erin’s latest projects here. And if you’re in Canada you can catch her guest hosting The Rush March 25-28.

P.P.S. Creep the creative spaces of some very creative people, like Erica Lam of The Style Spy, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, and Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl in The Anthology’s Workspace column.

February 25, 2013 by

Home | I’m sweet on you, honey

How many baby and bridal showers are you going to in the next few months? A million, right? While I’m not suggesting you go off-registry (perish the thought!) I do love this gift package, a collaboration between two of my favourite Vancouver-based artisans:The Loving Spoon, which engraves custom messages into antique silverware (I first wrote about them here) and Mellifera Bees, which makes local honey infused with vanilla, lemon or cardamom. They make great thank-you gifts, too. In fact, the ones pictured are part of a gift I just got for a client.

Speaking of lovely things, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. So what would you engrave on your spoon — I’m sweet on you? Hey there, sugar? Something much naughtier?

P.S. Give The Anthology a spoonful of sugar — like it on Facebook and follow @TheAnthology on Twitter.

January 29, 2013 by

Pinstagram | Lions, dinos and wolves

The Anthology’s Pinstagram column marries the dream (Pinterest) and the reality (Instagram).

Lions and dinos. The Lions Gate Bridge, which takes you from downtown Vancouver to the north shore mountains, is old by this city’s standards, but new compared to a prehistoric roadtripper.

We call it “snewing”. Snowshowing beats hanging out in the rainy city, unless of course you’re hanging out in the city decked out in winterwear that looks anything but.

Neck and neck. I keep a crystal close to my heart in a pouch by Vancouver’s Ora bags, just like I’d keep this necklace by Mawi close to my heart if it were mine.

Pretty Walrus. Vancouver’s Walrus Home never fails gift-wise, just like a pony T cinched with a bow never fails girliness-wise.

Wildebeasts. My wild beasts aren’t nearly as fierce as a real wild beast. Not even in the Tyra Banks sense of the word.

Change of pace. I kicked off my lectures at Simon Fraser University’s Digital Communications Program this week, which means I’m already thinking of a palm tree-riffic spring break.

Beet it. The vegan chocolate cake at Heirloom Vegetarian is a) surprisingly delicious and b) decorated with beets, just like this home is outfitted with beet-red decor.

P.S. There are more photos where these came from so follow Kelsey Dundon on Instagram and add The Anthology on Facebook.

January 16, 2013 by

Workspace | Alyssa Schottland-Bauman of Nourished

The Anthology’s Workspace column takes us inside the creative spaces of some very creative people.

If you’re in Vancouver you may very well have seen Alyssa Schottland-Bauman of Nourished share her favourite healthy recipes on Breakfast Television. And if you’re not in Vancouver, well, that’s what the internet is for. Here, the health-loving New York transplant takes us inside her kitchen and her workspace, which is filled with more greens than most of us eat in a year.

1. A pitcher of lemon water. I drink one in the morning and refill after lunch. I can’t work if it’s not there — water is like my security blanket. Two things about my water: one, I only drink ionized alkaline water and two, I never, ever drink from plastic containers.

2. I can’t live without my russel+hazel metallic gold folders (cluttered space, cluttered mind). The big one holds current client health intake, the medium one holds my journal for even the smallest ideas and the small one holds my iPhone. They keep me organized for my many dash-out moments.

3. Beaded bracelets that my three girls made for me. I keep them front and centre because they inspire me to live my healthiest every moment.

4. My tiny votive ylang ylang candle warms up my space on cool winter mornings.

5. While I am not a fan of desk eating, I keep a superfood snack on hand — today it’s goji berries.

6. Cup of MOMA unsharpened pencils from my sister. Each is inscribed with a famous artist’s quote, but my favourite is Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Whether you Succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.”

A cup of fresh flowers is such a luxury on my desk. I love having just one or two live plants around me while I work.

7. An inspiration board filled with pictures and motivational quotes.

8. I drink a huge mason jar of green juice every morning to get me going. It’s my own Nourished concoction and it changes depending on season. But its base is always kale, spinach, lemon, cucumber, apple, ginger, celery and parsley. I seriously can’t start my day without it. When I don’t, all I think about is where and when I’m getting my fix. Every single one of my clients is hooked on it. Not such a bad addiction to have!

P.S. Get a peek at Alyssa’s latest projects here.

P.P.S. Creep the creative spaces of some very creative people, like Erica Lam of The Style Spy, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, and Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl in The Anthology’s Workspace column.

January 7, 2013 by

Pinstagram | Twigs and Twiggy

The Anthology’s Pinstagram column marries the dream (Pinterest) and the reality (Instagram).

Take a hike. Walking off holiday turkey with my beasts in a coat c/o Old Navy and boots c/o Cougar + my favourite place to get lost.

Colour wonderful. One heckuva bright book at Elliott Bay Books in Seattle + one heckuva bright door.

Purple haze. A pastel sunset in Seattle + a pastel-clad Twiggy.

Bright lights. The flying neon pig of Save On Meats + a neon kiss.

Oooooh sparkly. Baked at Home’s delicious sugar crystal-covered cookies and Olivia Wilde’s crystal-covered top.

Ring it in. My headpiece wants to wish you a very happy 2013. May it be a colourful one!

P.S. There are more photos where these came from so follow Kelsey Dundon on Instagram and add The Anthology on Facebook.

January 3, 2013 by

Home | DIY Paillette-covered Favour Boxes

My dinner guests are lucky if I don’t make them set the table themselves. But some of you are far more organized. And crafty.

So for all you hostesses with the mostesses, my friend Maxine of Tulle Box Designs shares a DIY so simple even I could D it. Inspired by paillette-adorned clutches, these favour boxes will make your guests feel loved, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner party, New Year’s soiree or fêting a January baby.

They couldn’t be easier to make: place round gold label stickers (available at just about any office store) onto your favour box of choice, fill with something delicious, and voilà!

Now let’s see that one more time in slow motion:

Brilliant. And brilliantly simple! And you know what? They’d work wonders for a winter wedding too.

I’d still like your help setting the table though.

Want to D more Y? There are tons of ideas on Tulle Box Design’s site.

[Photos supplied by Tulle Box]

December 21, 2012 by

Style | The Fashionably Techy Gift Guide

A post created in partnership with Caya

You know what the holidays are? Major gift-giving pressure. How do you surprise and — more importantly — delight your girlfriends, boyfriends and dog-walker friends? These unexpected finds scouted at Caya should do the trick.

1. Fuji Finepix XF1 ($449.99) Think I take all the photos for The Anthology on my phone? Heck no. You need a proper camera to get proper photos. And here’s a bonus: the Fuji Finepix FX1 looks as sharp as its shots.

2. Diana F+ Camera ($89.99) A modern take on the lo-fi camera Andy Warhol used, the Diana F+ uses real film, which means you’ll actually end up with real prints.

3. PKG Black Crown Collection Case Your laptop deserves better treatment. And so does your iPad. This handmade-in-Canada leather case (available in several sizes, from $124.99) ensconces your gadgets in cushy comfort.

4. X-mini Speakers ($29.99) When I was in New York with my girlfriends we spent our pre-party time in the hotel room sipping champagne and listening to Paul Simon (who knows why) through portable speakers. These X-minis produce a lot of volume for their size so they’re essential for anyone who loves music and traveling (read: everyone).

5. Urbanears headphones A cool, colourful upgrade to the earbuds that come with your mp3 player. I actually have two pairs of Urbanears: the Plattan (pictured, $69.99), which I use when I’m working at a café and trying to tune out those around me, and the Medis (which Caya also carries) that fit snugly in your ear.

6. Jack Spade Computer bags Sure, Jack Spade is the mantastic answer to Kate Spade, but a rugged computer bag like this (from $122.49) will be appreciated by ladies and gents alike.

You’ll find all these picks at Caya. Happy giving, friends!

December 20, 2012 by