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Workspace | Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl

Workspace takes us inside the creative spaces of some very creative people.

Daphne Guinness quoted her in her book(!). Still, Anya Georgijevic maintains she is not an It Girl. She does, however, maintain the blog I’m the It Girl, plus, she’s western editor of FLARE, a fellow editor at Vitamin Daily, and has a dog with lopsided ears (the best kind).

Here, my favourite It Girl takes us through her workspace in her own words…

1. My glossy cream desk is by a Minneapolis-based design firm, Blu Dot. I love its minimal, crisp design, although most of time, it’s in a state of complete mess. Next to my laptop is whatever I’m working on at the moment. Today it’s FLARE, but often it’s a slew of beauty products waiting to be reviewed.

2. My monogrammed Castelli notebook was a gift from my Vitamin Daily publishers, and I jot down all my notes in it, exclusively with my trusty Muji pen, which I stock up on whenever I go to New York or Hong Kong.

3. I can’t work without music or some type of background noise (sometimes I play stylish films for inspiration — see the “Screen Style” posts on my blog) and sound doesn’t get better or chicer than with Harman Kardon speakers. Whenever I get stressed, I indulge in some aroma therapy. Currently on the menu: Laduree. My dog Bun is my office mate, so he demanded that his picture be included.

4. Above my desk is where I keep my essential literature. Whenever I feel uninspired, books are my place to go.

5. This frame is the girliest thing I own and holds a picture from my wedding.

6. The two ceramic figures are from my two grandmothers. I loved this silly-looking dog as a kid and I always used to play with the little Turkish shoe (sometimes to my grandma’s annoyance). Now I’m a dog person that owns a lot of shoes, so…thanks.

[Photo of Anya by Sherry Lu.]

P.S. Click your way over to Anya’s blog I’m the It Girl, where if you’re lucky she’s writing about Cher’s Clueless style.

P.P.S. Check out the first post in the Workspace column, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, and find out how she smells when she works.

June 29, 2012 by

Style | The Wish List Collabo

A little while ago I asked you guys what you were wishing for and boy did you send in some great ideas. None of you said you were wishing for world peace, mind you, but your picks are so fun and unexpected I won’t hold that against you…

Allie
1. A lovely little heart ring by Verameat (also available at Vincent Park in Vancouver).
2. Shawl from Marche St. George (thanks to your Vitamin Daily post!).
3. Dolce Vita Kimora Sweater (also available at Vincent Park in Vancouver).

Keltie
4. I would add this little lovely to my wishlist!

Kat
5. I’ve been coveting this LL Bean Town and Field Leather Tote for a few Christmases now.  Santa doesn’t seem to be taking the hint.  LL Bean Totes are always on my list, in any form.
6. I’m a big fan of all things moose (it’s a very very long and complicated story that ends in pyjamas)… so when I found this, I instantly dropped some pretty major hints.  Plus it’s under $20!
7. I’m also a Moleskine devotee and have always wanted one of their “Passions” lines of notebooks.

Melissa
8. While my wish list is full of all things shiny and sparkly (think gold watch and sequin pumps), at the top of my list is something I never thought I’d see… a practical item. The Milly Luggage Lock Camille Coat is stunning. A way to keep warm while looking stylish this winter? Sign me up!

Judy
9. My hubby and I are on a tight budget this year. This way, he can pick and choose items he wants to get me and they won’t break the bank!

Steph
10. Am I the only one completely obsessed with the fashion on Once Upon a Time? Not only are the princess gowns fairytale-worthy, the ‘real-life’ characters’ have some fantastic outfits, too. Main character Emma has a penchant for leather jackets, especially those from ocean drive leather, located in Vancouver. Love Emma’s signature red jacket, but I’ve my eye on the gorgeous camel one.

Kumi
11.  Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling: A funny girl who can write? Big time girl crush alert.
12. Michael Kors Quinn Clutch in Kiwi: I love the clean, modern lines of this clutch. The contrast of the soft vachetta leather goes well against the gold clasp, and the fresh color makes this easily wearable year-round.
13.  Small crystal encrusted oval cup pendant necklace by Alexis Bittar: This one is my personal favorite – beautifully crafted and easily transferable from day to night.

Larissa
14. I’m hoping for an iPad because it’s a fun toy and my computer is breaking my back from carrying it around too much.

Michelle
15. A matte bangle from The Twisted Series by hk +np studio.
16. ANY painting from the lovely and talented Andrea Armstrong.

Bella
17. I have been wanting to complete my bedroom for sometime now and I feel these gorgeous nightstands would do the trick!

P.S. There are plenty more wishes where these came from. Take a look at wish lists by Boston-based food blogger Camille Barichello, stylish mommy blogger Anna Cohen and makeup artist Emmy Beaton.

December 19, 2011 by

Camille Barichello’s Wish List

Courtesy of Boston-based blogger Camille of Broken Record (a site that promises “lousy photos, good food”) this wish list is filled with everything but the kitchen sink. Come to think of it, there’s nothing kitchen-related on here at all…

I love your wishlist idea! Here are the things I’m not really asking for, but I secretly want.

1. I love the combination of art nouveau and nerdy topics that Karen Hallion does. My favourite, of course, is the Princess Leia one (“La Dauphine au Alderaan”), which it doesn’t look like it’s for sale anywhere or printed on anything… alas.

2. JHill Design makes gorgeous patterns based on the theme “places I have never been” and you can either get individual prints of particular places, or calendars, etc.

3. I love AntiDesigns’ “Boston Roots” shirt, but their standard colour combination doesn’t really do it for me, so I want to use their Customizer to pick my own combo.  I’m thinking white on red, but I could be convinced about other ideas.

4. I also like all the vintage MBTA photos and old maps at Boston Coasters/Ward Maps.

– Tattoo money, or some other kind of kick in the pants to finish drawing my half-sleeve

– A house…

5. And if I wore jewelry, I would be crazy for these. They’re circuitboards!

Beauty! I am especially in love with those “places I have never been” prints and the Vancouver version that says “Drink ice wine and watch out for whales’ tails.” Sage advice.

P.S. Keep on wishing! Take a look at wish lists by stylish mommy blogger Anna Cohen and makeup artist Emmy Beaton.

December 15, 2011 by

Diary | Banana Republic’s Holiday Style in the City

Holiday parties, people! I can’t get enough of them. This week, the team from Vitamin Daily, Anya from I’m the It Girl and my very blue self hosted a party at Banana Republic on Robson.

And I just have to tell you how much I love these things. Not only because I get to talk leopard print and sequins (see above left) but because I get to see so many of your bright, shiny faces IRL (that’s “in real life,” mom). And I get to play dress-up in a gorgeous cobalt number. Can you guess where my dress is from?*

Plus, there are cupcakes, lots of sparkly holiday goodness and makeovers by the lovely BeautyMark makeup artists. (I left with Essie’s Bobbing for Baubles nail colour, a dark blue-y grey that’s the same colour as Vancouver’s night sky.)

‘Twas quite the night!

*If you guessed Banana Republic, you guessed right! And if you guessed Banana Republic’s Monogram Collection, you guessed extra right! Man, you guys are good at this game.

[Thanks to Leila Pejman for that incredi-blur Instagram shot.]

P.S. There are more photos on The Anthology’s Facebook page so hop to it and tag your face!

November 25, 2011 by

You said it!

When you filled out The Anthology’s reader survey, you told me loud and clear what you’d like to see on The Anthology: more writing, more photos, more frequent posts, more of my boy Roy (see below). Thanks a million!

You also had some questions, comments and requests, a few of which I thought I’d address right here:

I love the before and after stories! they win hands down for me!
Almost every single one of you said something similar. Which means I’m going to go foraging for more hideous vintage pieces pronto!

Ever need volunteers for anything, or take suggestions from readers?
Yes and yes! Send me a note at KDundon@TheAnthology.ca, mmkay?

I would like to see more behind the scenes coverage on cultural and fashiony things being make in Vancouver
You got it! We’ve got lots planned in the coming weeks and months, including some sneak peeks at December’s Vancouver Fashion Showcase, trips to designers’ studios, plus tons of parties and events.

A few of you wrote poems that were too good to keep to myself (such talent!)
There once was a girl,
Who liked clothes and puppies,
Which is very normal.

and…

if i had your closet
i would be set
i would be so fashiony
and be the writer of the anthology

I’d like a reminder now and then about new content
I post the latest on The Anthology’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. Plus, The Anthology’s now on Google+ too. Subscribe! Or just hit refresh on TheAnthology.ca all day. That works too.

If you ever need a beauty writer, I’m heeeeeeeere!!
Beauty! (Get it?) Send me a note and writing samples if you have ’em to KDundon@TheAnthology.ca

beep boop beep beep brrrrrrrrrrap!
Right back atcha!

All I know is that I don’t know what I would do without your blog (=
And I don’t know what I’d do without you guys! Talk to myself maybe?

P.S. Haven’t given your input yet? Share your thoughts in The Anthology’s reader survey. I’d love to know what you think!

November 10, 2011 by

Trippin’ | Vancouver

One of my out-of-town ladyfriends is getting married in Vancouver this weekend (congratulations, Claire!). She hasn’t lived in the city for years but she’s bringing a gazillion guests from Europe with her so she asked for some advice on restaurants. I’ve upped the ante and started a list of the 29 best, most touristy things to do in Vancouver. Some of them involve eating. So grab your umbrella and sunglasses, friends (you never know what the day might hold). Let’s hit the town…

1. Go to Gastown. But skip the trinket shops and head to Vancouver-based boutiques like Lynn Steven, Oak + Fort, Roden Gray, One of a Few, Two of a Few, and vintage shops like Deluxe Junk and Gypsy Market.

2. Catch an up-and-comer at the Cobalt, the Biltmore, Fortune Sound Club, the Railway Club, or the Media Club. Or see a bigger band at everybody’s favourite venue, the Commodore. Check the Georgia Straight for listings.

3. Take a long walk on the beach. There’s nowhere more spectacular than Spanish Banks at low tide.

bard-on-the-beach

4. Get all Shakespearean at Bard on the Beach.

5. Ride the Grouse Mountain gondola if you’re feeling lazy and hike the Grouse Grind if you’re not.

6. Go to a place called Blood Alley — it’s every bit as lovely as it sounds — and then eat there (Salt and Judas Goat are great).

7. Eat sushi! Tojo’s is the most famous but you’ll find a gazillion other shops on every street (I love teeny tiny little Zipang on Main Street).

8. See the seawall at Stanley Park. Better yet, bike around it.

9. Get gelato on Denman and then walk to English Bay.

10. Go shuck yourself at Rodney’s Oyster House in Yaletown.

11. Sample sake and squid at Hapa Izakaya in Kits.

12.Get inspired at the Vancouver Art Gallery and then refuel on the cafe patio.

13.Head to Granville Island (locals love it too). Take in the madness at the market then wander through the artisan galleries on Railspur Alley before heading to Go Fish or Edible Canada for lunch.

14. Stroll through yoga clothiers and skateboard shops on fourth avenue, but first, stroll through the emerging Armoury District.

whitecaps-fan

15.Pretend you’re a sports fan and catch a WhiteCaps game.

16. Try a hot, hot caesar at the just-opened Oakwood Canadian Bistro in Kits.

17. Want to meet Vancouverites? Book at spot with the Social Feed.

18. Join the crowd on the patio at Six Acres and when it gets too cold, head across the street to the Diamond.

19. Hike to the Peak of Seymour.

20. Join the crowd of tourists on the patio at Bridges late in the evening (I used to work there — holler!).

21. Geek out at the Vancouver Public Library (it’s so pretty!) and then rock out at Library Square.

22. Make like a kid and spend all day at the Aquarium.

23. Sit on the patio and watch the sunset from the newly renovated Seasons in the Park.

24. Want to shop all the big North American clothing brands? Head to Robson Street.

25. Stuff your face with cotton candy at Playland.

26. Stuff your face with pizza at Campagnolo.

27. Take in the beauty inside the Museum of Anthropology and the beautiful views outside.

28. Fall head over heels (shoe pun!) at Gravity Pope.

29. Try a Japadog and then tell me what it’s like ’cause I’ve never actually had one.

What else do you want to add, folks? Share your favourite things to do in Vancouver in the summertime. Don’t be shy — get as cheesy and touristy as you like.

August 11, 2011 by

A Super Giveaway by Dr. Nicholas Perricone!

Let’s talk luxury for a second. There’s nothing that makes me feel more spoiled than using fancy shmancy face creams, elixirs and serums.

super-by-dr-Nicholas-Perricone

I want to share the feeling. So The Anthology is hosting a Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone giveaway! This line features ingredients so tasty — think coconut, green apple and acai — you won’t know if you should eat them or wear them. (Trust me, you should wear them.) Want to add one to your beauty routine?

For one entry: Comment on this post and tell us which Perricone product valued at up to $150 you want and why. (I never get enough sleep so I’m partial to Bright Eyed Flawless Eye Treatment with melon benefits myself.)

For two entries: Write on The Anthology’s Facebook wall.

For three entries: Holler @TheAnthology on Twitter.

The contest is open to readers in Canada and the US. The lucky winner will be chosen on Monday, May 23. Good luck!

May 13, 2011 by

The A-list | Vintage shopping cheat sheet

Some might say my vintage shopping is a little out of control. But I do it all for you. I swear.

How else could I answer Nicole’s question? She asked via Facebook which Vancouver vintage shops are my favourite. The short answer is Deluxe Junk in Gastown, F as in Frank on Main Street and Burcu’s Angels off Main, among many, many others.

See? My shopping is selfless.

vintage-sequin-cardigan

Now, because I want nothing but the best for all y’all, I thought I’d update my guide to vintage shopping. (If you want a crash course, watch this clip where I take the camera crew from The Express on one of my excursions.) Below, you’ll find The Anthology’s top ten tips to sourcing spectacular vintage finds:

10. Be happy. If you’re not, it’s probably not the best time to wade through the peach palazzo pants in search of a treasure.

9. Hunt with an open mind. You can’t go searching for a midnight-blue floor-length sequin gown, you have to wait for it to find you. And when you do find a beauty, buy it. Even if it’s out of season. You’ll always need another dress to wear to the ballet.

8. Bring a friend. I would have never found this red leather skirt if my girlfriend Laura hadn’t spotted it. Just don’t bring your boyfriend. Or your mother. Or anyone who’s going to rush you. These things take time.

kelsey-dundon-hat-750

7. Short on time? Head for the accessories section — you don’t have to hit the change room to figure out if a belt, scarf or handbag is perfect for you.

6. Be adventurous. Thrift stores, which don’t curate their offerings the same way vintage stores do, can also have amazing finds. You just need to be a little elitist. Thrift stores in the ritzier parts of town tend to get donations from the ritzier parts of town (which means you’re more likely to find an Yves Saint Laurent scarf or, for that matter, an Yves Saint Laurent belt). My sister Larissa never fails to find the wacky and wonderful at the Sally Ann on fourth avenue in Vancouver.

5. Think outside the shop. You can’t even imagine the gems I’ve found at antique fairs, church sales and private school fairs (like Saint George’s and York House, to name a few).

4. Become best friends with your tailor. It’s so much easier than learning to use a sewing machine. I take almost every one of my vintage treasures to Oakridge Tailors before I wear it. That’s how my vintage wedding dress (pictured below) became a ballet-length beauty. But don’t forget that can add anywhere from $20 to $120 to the price of the piece.

wedding-dress-after

3. Seek perfection. If it’s not in pristine, like-it-was-only-worn-once condition, put it back on the rack. But don’t worry if it doesn’t fit you perfectly. Your tailor is your best friend, remember?

2. Wash before you wear. Take your new-to-you skirt/dress/jacket to the dry cleaner. But this too can add big bucks ($50 for a leather skirt, $150 for a leather jacket).

1. And last, but not least… if you’re not into the hunting part of the treasure hunt, head straight to online supershops like Shrimpton Couture and Girl on a Vine where you’ll find nothing but amazing pieces. And if you’ve got something specific in mind, like, say, an eel skin purse, try Etsy.

Many of you are vintage connoisseurs — have anything to add to my list? Leave a comment. And if you have any questions about anything vintage or otherwise, ask via Facebook or send me an email at theanthology@live.com.

March 2, 2011 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

Let’s hear it for new talent!

There’s something fun about discovering the up-and-comers — whether they’re artists, musicians or, in the case of Vancouver Community College’s Fiat Mode XXIII Fashion Show, designers.

vcc-grad-show-2010

The grads of 2010 blew me away. And the fun thing about seeing 21 designers at one time (aside from the fashion overload) is the variety. Some, like Ana Jost, looked to the future with architectural pieces.

blake-hyland-sketches

Others, like Blake Hyland, drew inspiration from the past. (Sketches found here.)

blake-hyland-vcc-fiat-mode

Blake crafted his rugged, textured menswear out of up-cycled fabrics sourced from vintage clothes (he’s a buyer for one of Vancouver’s favourite vintage shops Mintage). And the result was quite a spectacular show opener.

designer-vcc-grad-show

Some, like Karen Niven (pictured in her own design), crafted pieces I would wear all day every day. Her brocade dress was part of a collection inspired by 1950s Manhattan.

vcc-grad-show-101

Some of the students kept it conservative. Leah Mosoff wasn’t one of them. Her modern, asymmetrical dress is draped with a nude-coloured cape that you wear in front. It’s gutsy. And I love that. (She was one of two VCC students to be finalists in Montreal Fashion Week’s Telio Design Competition.)

vcc-grad-show

And speaking of capes, I fell in love with  Fay Zhao’s graphic butterfly-printed beauty. Also a piece I would wear all the time.

vcc-grad-show-sketch-book

All the work that went into these collections made me think of one thing: late nights spent at a sewing machine. Maybe that was also because the students’ sketchbooks were on display (Quito Quinn’s is pictured) to give the audience a glimpse of how these collections all began.

ConGRADulations, class of 2010! You guys killed it.

P.S. Let’s hear it for following The Anthology on Twitter!

October 3, 2010 by