Linked | TEDxVancouver, I am Downtown, Wu Lyf and more…

The Anthology’s list of what’s new, what’s now and what’s next…

1. Art attack. The Eastside Culture Crawl’s 15th anniversary is coming up and there’s no better way to spend it than by creeping through artists’ studios, which is exactly what I’ll be doing November 18 – 20.

2. Ideas worth spreading. TEDxVancouver hits UBC’s Chan Centre tomorrow. I’ll be there bright and early with a triple shot of espresso in hand. Will you? There are still a few tickets left.

3. Rock out. Other Lives, the band that blew me away when they opened for Bon Iver at the Orpheum a couple months ago, will be playing the Media Club on Friday, December 9.

4. Rock out some more. New Jersey’s Wu Lyf will be bringing their husky-voiced indie pop to the Electric Owl on Friday, November 18.

5. I am downtown. Not literally, mind you, but on Wednesday, November 16, Pacific Centre will be hosting a shopping event and you’re all invited.

6. Warm up. Kove x The Anthology giveaway winner Kelsey Klassen wore her chevron scarf to shoot Vancouver Fashion Week. How much do you love it with that printed top? Soooooooooooo much!

Movamber alert. The ladies who started a fundraising campaign for the fight against prostate cancer were aiming for $5,000 and have upped that to $10,000 thanks to all your support. Donate here.

Plus (see what I did there?) The Anthology’s now on Google+ See ya there!

November 11, 2011 by

Style | Lauren Elaine

By Erika Renfrew

As a natural brunette, I could argue that blondes don’t always have more fun. I can’t, however, say the same when it comes to those California girls.

LA-based designer Lauren Elaine presented her S/S 2012 Swimwear collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. The designer also happens to be a model/actress and in true Hollywood style, the show opened with a short video featuring flirty blondes, flashy cars and some kick-ass music (excuse my French), followed by models blowing kisses to the cameras as they shimmied down the runway.

Lauren Elaine featured itsy-bitsy, metallic bikinis adorned with chains and lacing. For those of us who are a wee bit more modest, sheer tunics and street-worthy cover-ups completed the collection.  My favourites were the maxi dresses with elasticated tops and playful patterns; sort of LA cool meets Vancouver ease.

Having toted an umbrella and mittens to the show, I was disappointed that I didn’t walk outside into the California heat.

November 11, 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

Diary | Festive Collective

By Erika Renfrew

When the clock strikes twelve on October 31, an invisible switch is flicked and we move into all-out holiday fanatics.  (I get criticism for playing carols through most of November.)

Of course, I jumped at the chance to attend the opening of the Festive Collective One-Stop Holiday Shop where talented Vancouver-based artists showcase and sell everything from fashion and handcrafted jewellery to adorable kids’ apparel and vegan handbags.

A few things on my wish list?

Lotus Designs presented some truly unique jewellery ideas (think birdcage pendants and strawberry stud earrings).

Daub + Design displayed tie-dyed underwear that literally felt like a buttery second skin.

Mimosa, creator of art, fine paper and children’s clothing, showed sweet little onesies that I couldn’t help but picture on my nine-month-old niece.

Take it from a true holiday enthusiast; November is never too early. The Festive Collective takes place at The Rize until November 27, every day except Mondays.

[First photo courtesy of Lotus Designs.]

November 9, 2011 by

Diary | Canada Goose at Hawksworth

Does this look like the first Canadian to summit Mount Everest?

If you answered yes, you’re right! About the jacket, at least. It was designed by Canada Goose for Laurie Skreslet, who in 1982, became the first Canadian to summit the world’s highest peak.

So why was I wearing it as I ate compressed watermelon and drank dandelion-infused cocktails at Hawksworth Restaurant? Because it’s the coziest thing in the world. Also because I was having dinner with Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss, a man who has had his fair share of adventures — polar bear treks in the north and soon enough, a trip to the South Pole. Turns out, when you make the world’s warmest jackets you get to wear them in the world’s coldest places. (And I thought I was hardcore for going heli-hiking.)

If you were, say, a scientist in Antarctica, you’d be rocking one of Canada Goose’s heavy-duty styles. But if you, like me, live in Vancouver, you’ll probably find their new Hybridge Lite line chic, sleek and just what the cold weather ordered.

They’re made in Canada, eh!

[Thank you, Anya, for taking the first photo!]

P.S. Get cozy with The Anthology on Facebook.

November 8, 2011 by

Playlist | Deer Tick and Guards at Rickshaw

Deer Tick’s shows are famously raucous.

Or, as photographer Braden Paul, put it, “Absolutely nutty.” He was at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre last night to capture the Providence-based band’s blood, sweat and tears.

But mostly the blood. (That’s apparently what happens when you beat up your guitar.) It’s funny, because when you listen to Deer Tick’s albums, you might not picture a show like that coming from a band that sounds like they do — upbeat indie rock laced with a bit of country twang.

But that’s the beauty of live music, amirite? Speaking of beauty — you can download a free EP from openers Guards, which is filled with all sorts of gritty, Sixties-inspired tunes, right here.

[Photos by Braden Paul.]

November 7, 2011 by

Style | Mortar & Pestle

By Erika Renfrew

Vancouver Fashion Week wrapped up this weekend and lil ol’ me was lucky enough to get a terrific first taste.

In true Vancouver style, Mortar & Pestle Apparel approached S/S 2012 with effortless sophistication. This is clothing that looks chic in a hurry, when you can’t afford a doubtful second glance.

Relatively new to the fashion scene, designer Jillian Zdunich launched the label this past March. She polished up one of the season’s biggest trends and took colour blocking to a softer, more elegant level.

I loved the sunny yellows, eclectic clutches and more specifically the oh-so-svelte teal jumpsuit. Mortar & Pestle proves that less really can be more and by keeping it classic, you sometimes stand out the most.

[First photo courtesy of Mortar & Pestle]

November 7, 2011 by

Style | Miss America at Joseph Ribkoff

The delightfully charming Miss America walked the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week’s Joseph Ribkoff show last night.

And I just about lost my mind because she WORE HER CROWN!!! Which, I discovered, you are not allowed to try on unless you are actually Miss America. (Turns out being Cap’n Canada doesn’t count.)

P.S. I am loving the feedback and poetry you guys are dishing out in The Anthology’s reader survey. Thanks a million! Keep ’em coming!

November 3, 2011 by

Question for ya

We’ve got big things in store and The Anthology’s nothing without you.

I’d love your input (and I’d also like to help you procrastinate from school/work/laundry) so share your thoughts in this super-quick survey, will ya? It’s only ten easy questions. I promise to read every single one of your answers and will address as many as I possibly can. Oh, it’s anonymous so you don’t have to lie about your age.

On your marks… get set… GO!

[Photo from House of Ra’off]

November 2, 2011 by