UK's most expensive street...

and yes... I was shopping there yesterday... Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier .... too bad I left my wallet at home or I would have spent a fortune (teasing!)

Bond Street certainly has the best shopping in London!

Selfridge's

The Boot

Living in Vancouver, I would never have fathomed wearing these boots. At first sight, I thought they were God awful and only for dudes, but it seems "girly-girls" wear these things too, and to be honest, they actually aren't that bad. In fact, they really are growing on me. Growing on me so much that I find myself constantly looking in shop windows to find a pair that suits me best. Black or brown? Distressed or polished?

One of my top picks would be at Office, or this pick from NEXT. Team them up with skinnies, a floral T, fur gilet and a shoulder bag and you've got the complete look.

"A" is for "Absence"... and "Aviator"

It has been almost two months since I have blogged, sorry gang!, but this move to the UK has really preoccupied my life. I am pleased to say I am feeling more settled and as of late have been roaming the streets for some great fashion inspirations.

One of my faves, and which can be found in any neighbourhood Top Shop store, is this fabulous faux-leather aviator. This is certainly a "must-have" for the A/W season!

Obakki’s fall line is for the rock ’n’ roll glamour goddess

Attending a highly-anticipated fashion event and rubbing elbows with Californian blogger Rumi Neely (fashiontoast.com) is a fabulous way to spend an evening. A few weeks ago, fellow intern Dahlia James and I got to attend a fall fashion show at Obakki’s Gastown shop (44 Water St., 604-669-9727, obakki.com). Building on the brand’s staple subdued colour palette, grey tones dominated, and the runway saw plenty of rock ’n’ roll meets funky-slash-edgy meets glam goddess designs. Slouchy sweaters, tailored trousers and aviator-style jackets were juxtaposed by feminine draped sweater dresses. One of my favourite pieces was the button-front cropped capelet in a sumptuous sequined champagne silk. A close second, third and fourth: a slouchy top, an asymmetrical draped sleeveless dress, and a V-neck dress that would make anyone’s waist look teensy-tiny.

Limited Edition Quo Bronzer -available at Shoppers Drug Mart

You could limit yourself to applying one of Quo’s limited-edition Safari Bronzers ($20, at Shoppers Drug Mart) just to your face, but I say, why stop there? Grab a big brush apply wherever you need a bit of sun-kissed shimmer.

Chloe Angus cozies up to the Dunbar neighbourhood

Nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s Dunbar area, Chloe Angus Design (4273 Dunbar St., 604-224-2456, chloeangus.com) is a fashion boutique that marks a significant step for both the neighbourhood and the designer who gives the shop its name. The space acts not only Angus’ design studio, but also marks her first retail location, which was celebrated recently with a grand opening that featured live window mannequins, a fashion show and a star appearance by Angus’ miniature pony, Sonny.

While the designer has been known for her evening gowns and suiting, Angus’ design focus has evolved over the years, and there is now an emphasis on using eco-friendly fibres such as bamboo and Lyocell, which she transforms into soft wraps, skirts and cardigans. One of my favourite items is the Button Wrap (shown, $129), which is made from either bamboo or wool and available in wide assortment of colours–from berry to black to camel to coral.  And of course, they’re all made in Canada.

Latest article from Vancouver Fashion eZine - Blushing Designs

Many women dream of starting their own business. Not only has this artist achieved that, but she has successfully built a name for herself as one of Vancouver's prominent designers. Step into the world of Shelley Klassen at Blushing Designs.

What began as a love for sewing led Klassen to the Richard Robinson Academy of Design in Ottawa, which taught her the elegance of haute couture and the intricacies of pattern making. Upon graduation, she ventured on a seven-month trip to India, where she fell in love with the fabric, colours and textures of the country's traditional garments. After moving to Vancouver in 1999 and spending a year working in the costume and film industries, Klassen launched the label Blushing Designs. For close to seven years she wholesaled the label before expanding and opening her own shop doors in the summer of 2006. Known as Blushing Boutique, the garments are presented in an elegant setting in her store located at 579 Richards Street. The space is welcoming and fitted with unique, antique furniture which contributes to its stylish atmosphere.

The Blushing label is an outstanding collection of cocktail and party dresses that make the customer the belle of the ball or the spotlight of the season's social event. They are affordable, comfortable, and most importantly, wearable. The designs are feminine, classic and celebrate the female figure. Klassen doesn't want to cut a trendy line, instead she caters to women in their 30s and 40s who want to let their "girly girl out." She wants her customers to be proud of their curves and enhance the features they have. The Blushing wrap dress, a staple in any woman's closet, is easy to wear, comfortable and travels well. It sold out immediately this season prompting Klassen to do another run in four different colours and print schemes.

A recent addition to her repertoire is a new label, Shelley Klassen. This label delves into a line of very wearable separates, suiting and daywear - coordinated pieces for the office and the weekend. Both the Blushing label and the Shelley Klassen label are manufactured locally in Vancouver with colourful and textured fabrics sourced from all over the world. The designer also works with her customers to create a perfect fit, providing on-the-spot alterations and one of a kind custom pieces. Together they choose the fabric, cut and style of the garment to design something unique for a special event or a wedding.

With regular visits from high-visible customers such as television personality Erin Cebula, Klassen's designs continue to reach new audiences. It is no doubt that receiving feedback from customers who wear Blushing, such as "Never in my life have I had compliments like this," is what inspires Klassen to continue producing beautiful pieces.

For more information check out the website at www.blushingdesigns.com or stop by the store at 579 Richards Street.

The Modern Woman

What a delightful way to start a Thursday - a preview of the Vancouver Art Gallery's exhibition of The Modern Woman - drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and their contemporaries, with the co-operation of the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. This is a unique opportunity, a landmark event, for us locals to experience these rare drawings as many have never travelled beyond the walls of the d'Orsay. 
Both the curator of the exhibition, Isabelle Julia, and Guy Cogeval, president of the Musee d'Orsay, were in attendance from Paris and presented the audience an overview of the collection set in the late-19th century France. This time was both fascinating and turbulent for France as it was involved in a period of social, economic and political change. It was this change which inspired French artists to take their inspirations from everyday life and experience. Modernity spread through the arts and formal portraits and landscapes were no longer convention. The drawings of the time captured honest depictions of daily life. A pure form of society in a much simpler time. Most importantly, the innovative and provocative works challenged the way women were presented as a movement away from the academic to the avant garde.
The exhibit runs until early September so I suggest you treat a dear friend to a nice afternoon "enjoying your leisure time" together.

The Dance of the Moulin Rouge, Toulouse-Lautrec 

Portrait of the Countess Anna de Noailles

Anna led an active intellectual life having wrote 

three novels, an autobiography, and many works of poetry.

Beach Scene - Boudin

Beyond the city, in the country and at new resorts.

Dance Class - Degas

Rehearsal scenes showing Degas' love for performance. 

His ballerina images and sculptures alone total over 1,500 works.

Woman Drying Neck - Degas

Looking through the keyhole of women's lives the subjects 

were in unconventional postures and unaware of the artist's gaze.

Her Hair

O fleece, that down the neck waves to the nape!
O curls! O perfume nonchalant and rare!
O ecstasy! To fill this alcove shape
With memories that in these tresses sleep,
I would shake them like penions in the air!

-Charles Baudelaire

The Burberry Trench

It was a typical day in Vancouver today - rain, rain, and more rain! Frankly, I am getting a little tired of it. Living in this city is so limiting in terms of what I can wear on a daily basis. The obvious rotation includes jeans, a wool or cashmere sweater, pashmina scarf, Hunter boots, and of course, my vintage trench. Although I really love this last piece, it's time for a change.

Originally from Spain circa 1970s and designed by Cortefiel, one of the largest fashion retailers in the region, I picked up this classic beauty from a tiny vintage store in Paris a few years ago. It's a wonderfully crafted garment incorporating warm fleece lining, a form fitted body, 3/4 length sleeves and I always get compliments on it, but I'm desiring something a little newer, something a little more modern, something a little more... Burberry!

I remember my last trip to the luxury retailer where I saw some truly exquisite pieces. Kudos to Christopher Bailey and team for creating such imaginative and inventive pieces with such a classic staple. This year's Burberry trenches feature detachable collars, luxurious furs, pleated skirts, just to name a few. I am most amenable to the double breasted fur collar trench in black. Priced at just over $2,500 CDN makes it just slightly out of reach here in Vancouver, so who knows, maybe it will be my first big purchase in London?!

Suede bootie in this cold city we call Vancouver...

Since it feels like winter though it's really late spring/early summer, I am torn between wanting to wear a sandal and wanting to wear a covered ankle boot to protect my little feet from the elements. Alas my prayers have been answered! I have Giuseppe Zanotti to thank for his creation of the suede gladiator bootie in a beautiful colour called "crema." Priced at $995 USD, the bootie can be found on various shoe websites for $445 USD so best to do some web surfing before paying full price at the retailer. A warning to the frugal folks out there - smaller sizes tend to be sold out on these discounted sites so you may have to do some "sole" searching before finding your own pair. Thank goodness for my "big feet" (size 9) that I am most fortunate to have found a discounted pair in my size. Ahhh happy feet here I come!

My miracle cream... Neutrogena Healthy Skin NIGHT face lotion

Forget Creme de la Mer (only because my pocketbook doesn't like it!)... my miracle night cream is the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Nighttime face lotion. Almost always sold out and with a "wait list" of close to eight months, this wonder lotion promises to do a few things:

1. improve dull, rough, uneven skin and revewal newer, younger-looking skin 4 times faster than an ordinary moisturizer thanks to the powerful Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
2. provide effective moisturization with its vitamin A and Pro-Vitamin B5
3. hypo-allergenic, oil-free, and alcohol-free

Of all places, I managed to find a bottle at my neighbourhood IGA for only $14.99. Now I just can't wait to go to bed to slather it on and see my skin improve literally overnight.

FASHION Wednesday!

My second day this week at FASHION which was spent fact checking for the August issue, compiling a list for the September Focus of local and national stores which feature shoes, handbags and boots, and to end the day, a fun, and delicious hour spent at the Four Seasons Vancouver tasting samples of their new menu. Yummy!

On tomorrow's plate? Well, no time in the office but joining RT and DJ for the Sex and the City party at Opus Hotel followed by the Obakki fashion show party. Another "hard" day's work, but I love it!

myexcloset.com

I discovered this great site today... totally by accident... www.myexcloset.com... I think it's based out of Vancouver by two university students... it's great... got some cute things and definitely inspiring to start my own online clothing business!

My darling Tivoli! Je t'aime!

YourKloset.com

Nice to see my first article with YourKloset.com online today... yahoo! Here it is folks: http://www.yourkloset.com/featured/noir-bonbon/

Stay tuned for my next article on fabulous local designer Shelley Klassen and her girly girl boutique Blushing Designs. This will be featured in the June edition of the Vancouver Fashion eZine and I will be sure to post the link on Channeling Anna as soon as it's up and running.

Enjoy!

Fashion inspired artwork... sorry to see it go!

 Over the years I've collected pictures from vintage and modern-day magazines and catalogues and arranged them into stylishly framed works of art. Some of my favourites have been the iconic bottle of Chanel No 5 and last season's Christian Louboutin black suede fringe boot... can't remember the name but it is a stunner! Unfortunately with my move overseas I can't really take them with me as they are an unnecessary shipping cost. This unfortunate circumstance is breaking this poor little fashionista's heart.

Blog of an intern...

...tomorrow is my first day interning at FASHION Magazine... yipee! The days starts at noon and I am really curious to know what my first big project will be?! I will soon find out. In the meantime, I am just busy writing another article for the Vancouver Fashion eZine featuring Shelley Klassen and her shop Blushing Boutique, followed by another article (this time on a vinyl shop?) for YourKloset.com and my first article for YourKloset.com will be posted this w.end featuring a short post on local designer Noir Bonbon. I will post the links to Channeling Anna as soon as they are live! In the meantime, enjoy the spring weather! It's supposed to reach 20 degrees this w.end!

Hmmm... could this be a day at FASHION Magazine???!??! All the shoes, all the accessories, all the fashion?!?!?!? If it is... thank you God!! :O)

New hair? Maybe Tuesday!

The Urban Safari

It's been a few days...

...sorry for my hiatus... it's been a very busy past few days but I have some exciting news!

In just one week (actually less than that!) I start my summer internship at FASHION Magazine with the fabulous Rebecca Tay. Yah No 1!

I just picked up another writing gig with YourKloset.com and my first article was on the edgy local design label Noir Bonbon. The article should be live on their blog this week. Yah No 2!

In just a few months I am moving to London, England and can finally pursue a dream career in fashion. Will it be writing or marketing or styling or... ? Attached is a picture of my new neighbourhood - "WGC." Yah No 3!

I've been going religiously to YYoga and loving it. A very quick and noticeable transformation. Best of all, Baby Bear comes with me too! Yah No 4!

Denim + Depp

Rendezvousing on the Sand by a violent delight featuring Givenchy shoes

Pretty Pastels

I am not generally a fan of pastels... but I love the cowboy boots... then I began to love the little dress... and now I just love the overall look!

hold your head high by meg the cool girl featuring Bronx shoes

styleutopia... a really great blog!

I was browsing the web today and stumbled upon this really fantastic blog... http://styleutopia.wordpress.com/

The author seems to be on hiatus at the moment but I can't wait for him/her to get back to their posting. A really good capture of what is hot in makeup, TV, fashion...

Congratulations Anna!!

Congratulations Anna! Listen in to the interview with Anna where she is celebrated for her achievements in the editorial community!

Flow Yoga Day 4

2 pilates classes... 2 YRide classes... and a whole bunch of infrared sauna... today is my fourth day of my 14-day trial at Flow Yoga. Located at the corner of Burrard and Smithe, the studio offers a two-week trial for only $30, giving you access to hundreds of classes at any of their studios around town. The studio is completely serene and zen-like, and a no-shoe policy is enforced throughout, which I admit I especially like as it brings me back to my childhood hippie days. The chill-out lounge located near the entrance is a great place to relax before class or catch up with your current novel. The classes are as challenging as you want them to be and the teachers are positive and encouraging. My favourite part of the experience; however, is the infrared sauna, where you can relax and unwind after your lesson. Flow Yoga... a wonderful way to be at peace.

Cle de Peau mascara integral

Released last month, I decided to try out the newest from Shiseido's sister line, "The Mascara" by Cle de Peau. Unfortunately I am not one bit satisfied with the product. At a cost of over $60, this mascara is just a tad too thick and gooey for my tastes. It initially goes on smooth and fluid for the first few strokes, but as you add more mascara for definition and volume, it becomes clumpy and sticky and gives you "tarantula eyes" - you know, Tammy Faye Baker circa 1982. What's worse, is when you want to remove the gooey stuff at the end of the day it's nearly impossible. It doesn't come off with water, it doesn't come off with an oil-based eye makeup remover, so basically you are left to gently pulling it off your lashes and going to sleep with it on, leaving you at risk of losing your natural eyelashes in your sleep with all the tossing and turning. To sum up, I would give this product a 6 out of 10, but after factoring in the expensive price, I rate it a 4.

Skin be saved!

Just wanted to share with everyone my favourite skincare products at the moment... the Aveda Outer Peace collection. These products are incredible!! If you have acne or a tendency towards oily skin, these products will honestly save your face. I've tried so many products, from that nasty Proactiv to the expensive La Mer, and nothing has given me the same perfect results as Aveda products. I am particularly fond of the Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser. Priced at $30, this deep cleanse truly clears up the pores and makes your skin feel perfectly clean without that harsh, overdrying sensation. You know it's working the minute you start using it and I highly recommend it. From my bathroom to yours... enjoy!

The Army & Navy Shoe Sale

I've never been to the annual Army & Navy shoe sale. So when I leisurely woke up at 7am for their store open at 8am, I thought I would have enough time for some breakfast and a quick internet browse before I made my way down.... wrong! I turned on the local news and saw the number of women lined up around the block for this sale. To be honest, my immediate impression of an Army & Navy shoe is one that is $29, you know, the kind that you can find at Payless Shoes. So could all these women lined up around the block be telling me something different? Can you find a rhinestone encrusted Zanotti? Is there really this season's canvas Gucci Sunset platform heel?

Chances are no, but then again those are not your everyday shoe. The only way I will know is if I venture the trip down the street to see the shoes for myself. I just hope I don't get trampled in the crowd.

Suede nailpolish?

 

So today I went for my "cheap Tuesday" pedicure at Bling just down the street. The new hot colour these days is a muddy taupe and we all know that Chanel does it best with their No 505 nail colour, which is in stores now. Never would I imagine that the trend in nails is a "suede" finish, which I ended up getting today. Basically it's a super matte nail colour that looks almost rough to the touch, as pictured above. Gritty yet girly.... ohhhh I love it! The colour I opted for was OPI's "You don't know Jacques," which also comes in a regular glossy finish. I kind of like the suede look on my nails. It has an edgy yet earthy sort of feel, and the colour is neutral enough to go with almost any outfit.

Wed, April 21, 2010 is a BIG day!

So after submitting an application last week, I received a call back (or maybe I should say an "email back" since it truly was an email I received!) about a position I applied for. Ok yes, it is an internship which means I won't be paid, but honestly, who cares!! I am more than 110% eager and thrilled to devote my time to something I am really passionate about... fashion writing! Apparently lots of candidates applied for the internship so now I just need to sit down, pick my favourite published fashion articles to include in my portfolio, head to Kinko's to print them out in colour, and voila, I am all ready for Wednesday afternoon at 2:30pm. Well I hope so anyways. There are still plenty of things to do, such as make a list of questions to ask the editor interviewing me, and of course, plan my outfit. Will it be the new silk top from H&M with Wolford leggings and Louboutin boots, or will it be last year's Nicole Bridger dress and MaxMara's version of a gladiator sandal? Let me know what you think and don't forget to wish me luck!

Why the title "Channeling Anna?"

Good question! Ever since I can remember Anna Wintour has been the fabulous fashion icon most notable for her role as editor-in-chief of Vogue America. Although highly praised, Anna is often cited as a monster in the high-fashion world. I couldn't disagree more. Even though I do not know Anna personally, I respect and admire her for her determination in pursuing a career in journalism when those closest to her criticized her decision, I respect and admire her vision and authority in the sometimes silly and fickle world of fashion, and I respect and admire the relationships she has nurtured and developed in supporting young designers. Go Anna go!