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Last time I appeared on television…

I was dancing my heart out at the Roxy (thank you Jessi Cruickshank for that opportunity). And the time before that? I was on the news — in tears — because Prince William was visiting Vancouver (I was twelve. He waved at me. Don’t pretend like you wouldn’t react the same way.)

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Which means you’re in for a real treat. Because today I return to the airwaves.

Set your PVRs, Vancouverites. My interview/vintage shopping adventure airs on The Express on Channel four at 3:00, 6:00 and 10:00. Fret not, far-off friends, it’ll be up on Youtube in due course.

Thanks again, Melanie Pineda, for a really fun shoot. And many thanks, Erin Shaw, for your words of encouragement!

January 5, 2011 by

The ball has dropped

The hangovers have hit and somewhere someone has already broken their New Year’s resolution. Me? I made New Decade resolutions at the beginning of 2010. So this year, I asked some of my favourite Vancouver-based style bloggers about their fashionable resolutions. And here’s what Niki Blasina, Alexandra Suhner Isenberg and Erin Gee had to say about green couches, amazing presents and jet-setting…

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Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess

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My style-related New Year’s resolution is slightly ridiculous. Remember how back in the ’90s everyone’s parents had hunter green and dusty rose living rooms (and maybe even that terrible matching floral wallpaper)? Yeahhhh you do. The token 90s living room is about as indicative of the decade as snap bracelets and Screaming Saucers.

Anyway. I’ve been lucky enough to inherit an amazing set of hunter green leather couches straight outta the late 20th century. The leather is great and they’re so comfortable and I love them because I’ve probably spent a good amount of time over the past 15 years or so making my ass groove juuuust right. The only problem with them is their dated colour. And so my style-related New Years resolution is to redecorate my living room around these jolly green giants and make them look good. And current. Wish me luck!

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg of Searching for Style

hermes_kelly_chocolate_brown I don’t usually make New Years resolutions, if I decide to do something, I do it, whether it is January or not. But this year I do have a goal, and although it might seem silly, it is quite important to me. I received an Hermès Kelly bag for Christmas, which was a very pleasant surprise. But right now it is tucked away in a box (in a box), awaiting insurance coverage.

My resolution is to actually wear and use the bag, as that is what it was made for and it will be completely wasted if it spends most of its life sitting in a dustbag. It is so easy to be overly precious with items like this, and then they end up going to waste. Hermès bags are built to last, and it would be ridiculous if I don’t get some wear out of mine. So next time you see me around, hopefully I will be making the most out of this fantastic present.

Erin Gee of Define Magazine

I’m going to try to save up to make some great purchases in Europe in the Spring – the last time I was there was for a three-month backpacking trip, not the ideal situation for shopping!

Thanks team! Here’s to an amazing year! Tomorrow three more local style bloggers share what they (hope t0) have in store for 2011. Thank you, Kim Zatlyn, for that first beautiful photo!

January 1, 2011 by

Number 4

Whereas everything else on The Anthology’s top ten of 2010 is just plain ridiculous, number four is ridiculously heartwarming.

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4. The most ridiculously heartwarming display of community: your support of Hope in Haiti. After an earthquake devastated Haiti last January, my sister Larissa, my friend Kim, and I decided to raise some much-needed funds. Thus Hope in Haiti was born. The WIZERDZ, DJ Flipout and DJ Soo performed, Barcelona hosted and no less than 37 companies sponsored the auction.

Thanks to you, we raised more than $17,000 for the Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti. And when matched by the Canadian government, that means more than $34,000 of aid went to the devastated country. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and talents to make it such a success: Mattie, Rica, Gregory, Rachel, Alexa, Lara, Lib, Kim, Dana, John, Rob, Sonja, Connie, KellyAnn, Michael and Mike. You guys are the best!

To support the Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti, donate here.

December 28, 2010 by

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…

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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.

December 20, 2010 by

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.)

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

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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.)

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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