Stressed? You’re Not the Only One!

For the last few years, research study after study has cited that an increasing number of Canadians lead stressful lives, with 76% of Canadians citing high stress levels, putting us only behind South Korea and Australia for the world’s highest stress levels.

As a backlash to the chaos of modern life, many people are now turning inward and retreating from stress by getting back to the basics and setting precious time aside to reconnect with themselves.  A few weeks ago, famous local yogi and lifestyle crusader Eoin Finn, and his band of cohorts hosted a protest of sorts with the Hammocks in the City event in downtown Vancouver.  In this pop-up art event, hammocks were strung up among the trees outside the busy Vancouver Art Gallery and passers-by were encouraged to take a few minutes to scramble into a hammock and just… be.

The Zen Moment

It was a gorgeously sunny day and if you cared to notice, the sky was full of the type of fluffy clouds that bring to mind visions of cotton candy and childhood afternoons running in grassy fields.  However, many of the busy pedestrians and impatient drives were too busy to notice, something that event founder Eoin Finn laments.  The first Hammock in the City event took place 3 years ago, but Finn vows that the events will continue more regularly.  In his quest to help others “find the best lifestyle for [themselves],” Finn strives to fight against the dominating Western drive for conquest and competition, by advocating a return to valuing relaxation and the concept of “taking in nature.”  This return to nature is one part of Finn’s top 3 tips for leading less stressful lives, which he promises will lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life

1. Listen to your bodily feedback: take a moment to concentrate on how your body feels – does it ache here, or hold tension there?  What makes your body feel good?

2. Appreciate nature: take time to notice your surroundings and to appreciate the beauty in small things, such as the way the sun shines on water, or the cool breeze on your skin
3. Activity: exercise is important, but avoid the desire to compete with others and even yourself.  Exercise to feel good, not to achieve some end goal.

Yoga is one way that Finn says you can reconnect with yourself and is a good step to incorporating his three tips into your daily life.  Spending an afternoon in a hammock is another.

Canadian company Beauty Through Balance seeks to capitalize on the current Acai trend by releasing a line of Acai berry based products. 

Beauty Through Balance is a producer of facial and body products that utilize naturally sourced ingredients from around the world to create spa-quality products that are sold in luxury resorts across North America. 

Their new Acai berry line consists of exfoliators, lotions and cleansers, including the Acai body emulsion, a rich lotion made with Capuacu butter and Acai extracts and which I was lucky enough to receive a sample to review!

The Acai Body Emulsion contains a mix of luxurious moisturizers like Capuacu butter to aid in absorption and moisturize skin as well Olivate, a derivative of olive oil and known for its ability to repair and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and of course Acai berry itself.

The lotion smelled wonderful with a full fruity scent that was refreshing in the morning, and its texture easily spreads across the skin. 

The emulsion absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling cool and refreshed.  After a few days, my skin felt softer and smoother! 

The only downside to this lotion was that the texture was slightly watery, so if you are looking for some extreme moisturizing action, then perhaps you should go for a thicker, body butter rather than this product. 

For someone with normal skin, this lotion was perfect for daily use – I only wish I had received a larger sample so I could keep using this lovely emulsion!

All Body Through Balance products have been sourced ethically, and have the “Green Seal” of approval from the Forest Stewardship Council. 

Body Through Balance products can be purchased at your local spa.  You can find out more information about the Acai berry line and the rest of Body Through Balance’s products via their website: http://beautythroughbalance.ca/

The majority of women will notice a man who stands out from the crowd. This doesn’t mean you should go around wearing loud and gaudy clothes to draw attention – the smart women go for men who are quietly confident and your style can totally work to give you that cool, confident and put-together vibe. Here are my picks, from a Vancouver female’s POV of hot trends for summer 2010 and how to wear them:

Trendy Toppers

Left to right: Goorin Bros. $35, Wrath Arcane, $70

Hats are great ways to up your style factor – just think of it as +50 XP points for you nerdy gamer dudes out there!  Not only do hats shield you from the sun’s rays, they are super easy ways to jazz up any outfit; simply pair these with a semi-formal vest, jeans, and even your regular ratty Converses will look instantly much cooler.

Patterns

Left to right: Urban Outfitters The Smooth Company striped short sleeve shirt, $75, Forever21 Oversized Gingham print cardigan, $8.99

Patterns are huge this season, from plaids and stripes to florals, and everything in-between.  While I doubt many guys would consider florals, a little stripe or plaid is doable by anyone.  If you’re worried about looking a bit horizontal in horizontal stripes, then choose a pattern with thinner stripes and make sure the stripe colours aren’t too contrasting from one another, such as this option from Urban Outfitters.  Gingham is also a funky new trend that is popping up everywhere.  More for the urbane than the farm, gingham is a fun pattern that is both youthful and versatile.  The slight oversized cut of this cardigan only increases the casual vibe.

White is the New Preppy

Left to right: Urban Outfitters Levis 501 skinny trouser, $54, Forever 21 Crinkled v-neck tee, $17.90

When the sun comes out, nobody wants to be wearing dark, heavy clothing, especially in Vancouver when everyone welcomes the sun like a person on a stranded island welcomes a hot meal.  Shuck off those heavy layers by investing in lightweight classics that you can wear over and over again.  A loose tailored fit and tapered trousers look great when cuffed.  Personally I cannot stand skinny pants and jeans on men. Please guys, how is it healthy for your “goods” to wear pants that are so tight?! For a topper, pair these casual pants with an equally laidback, intentionally crinkled, v-neck tee.  Again, fit is key here, as are the artfully done crinkles.  Overly pressed shirts only look stuffy, and you’re aiming for a fit just tight enough to show off your summer bod, but not too tight as to give you male muffin-top.  Yes, it does exist!

Boat Shoes

Left to right: Band of Outsiders Boo Chukka, $240, Clae Zissou, $90

In order to pull off the cuffed, or tapered trouser look, you’ll have to leave the track shoes and high-tops at home.  The theme this season is tailored, casual looks and you’ll need the proper shoes to finish off the vibe.  The only real solution is to get yourself a pair of cool boat shoes.  This trendy footwear is a definite step-up from purely athletic kicks, and are usually featured with white laces, a white rubber sole, and a huge variety of colours and patterns.  Similar to hats, shoes are a good way to express your individuality and you can get away with crazier shades and patterns on your feet more readily than you could perhaps in a shirt, or pant.  Experiment with patterns like hounds tooth (like those Chukkas), or ultra-hip graffiti patterns.  Indulge in your inner rainbow with shoes in a popping summer colour like turquoise, dark purple, or even a bright red; just be sure to coordinate with appropriate and fun colour combinations, such as pink/green, black/white, navy/yellow, and red/purple.

Style isn’t just something you’re born with, it’s just a feeling, an instinct that men and anyone can tap into with the proper guidance.  Never follow trends blindly, but absorb them, analyze what works for you, and make it suit your own needs.  The best look on anyone is the one that makes them feel just amazing and confident enough to take on the world, or at least the intimidating Vancouver dating scene.

Need even more advice??? If these tips aren’t enough to get you inspired, then leave me a comment! I’d be glad to help!

There are so many styles of yoga out there – what one should you start with? Well it really depends on your fitness level, flexibility, and goals. Here is a concise guide on various styles I’ve tried:

Iyengar

A style created by B.K.S. Iyengar, this type of yoga is characterized by its extensive use of props like blocks and straps to get you into position, which makes this style perfect for the first-timer. Iyengar yoga emphasizes correct posture and body alignment, meaning the teacher will be watching you for slouching!

Hatha

More free flowing than Iyengar, Hatha yoga focuses on relaxation and meditation through the use of poses that focus the mind and the breath. Hatha is a good overall style that has great de-stressing abilities, but can feel a bit slow.

Vinyasa

Also known more commonly as flow yoga, or power yoga, or Ashtanga, Vinyasa yoga is any yoga that focuses on the flow of movement to purify the body and focus the mind. Vinyasa yoga is more strenuous and faster than either of the previously mentioned styles. Practitioners will undergo a continuous rotation of a series of poses, usually sun salutations, which work to warm the body and get the blood flowing. Poses are held only momentarily before moving onto the next one and you can often break a light sweat during a practice. Sweating is good though as this helps to purify your body of toxins.

Bikram

Also known as hot yoga, this style is famous for taking place in a 40-degree room with matching humidity! Imagine the hottest day of your life, and then doing a series of strenuous and awkward poses in middle of the afternoon of that day. I would not recommend this for beginners as there is a high chance it will either be 1) too hard for you or 2) cause you to hate yoga forever. Once you’ve done a few classes of normal yoga though, I would highly recommend doing Bikram as you feel amazing after and it will seriously tone your body. Everyone I’ve seen doing Bikram yoga for awhile has been seriously cut.

Kundalini

A style that isn’t usually offered, but I tried this it out a few years ago and will never again! This style is not like any of the other styles and is really focused on meditation. Unless rolling around on your back like a baby with your legs in the air while chanting appeals to you, then this style is likely not what you’re looking for.

And there you have it, a beginner’s guide to yoga and the most commonly offered styles I’ve come across. I hope this encourages you to try yoga as I truly think it’s one of the best ways to unwind and exercise ever!

Florals

Left to right: Urban Renewal Blossom Pencil dress, $48 and Lucca Couture cropped jacket, $58 – both from Urban Outfitters

Continuing on from previous seasons, florals are big again for spring and why not? All of Nature is abloom and so why not you?  Prints this season are bold, complex, and big.  Small floral prints are still in, but are less prevalent.  Floral dresses are perennial favourites, but why not try a light floral jacket for something different?  Both pieces are no-brainers: simply throw on, or pair with your normal basics, and you’re good to go!

Nude

Left to right: American Apparel cotton-spandex reversible tunic, $35 and Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Ponte tank dress, $48

As a backlash against all the extremeness of recent years’ rocker chic, this season hails a return to minimalism.  In this incarnation, minimalism takes on a slightly sexier edge with details like plunging necklines, accentuated waistlines, and easy on the eyes colours.  Nudes can be tricky to wear, so don’t pair exactly to your skin tone.  Instead, go for a shade slightly darker than your skin, unless your skin is darker, in which case go lighter; the idea here is to create a subtle contrast.  Alternately choose colours like blush, cream, or very soft taupes and greys to utilize this trend more easily.

Wedges & Booties

Left to right: Guess Eille, $125

Forever21 Buckled ankle boot, $31.80

Pour la Victoire Ida Wedge ankle boot, $153.97

Spring is an in-between season.  The weather in spring can range from chilly to warm, sunny to rainy – especially in Vancouver – so the best shoe philosophy to follow for spring is versatility.  Lucky for us, shoe fashion trends aim to please.  This season, it’s all about wedges and booties.  Booties are a fantastic style to invest in as they now come in such a huge range of styles.  When booties first came out, they were highly unflattering to anyone without chicken legs, but now anyone can find hot booties thanks to the variable shoe heights that can be found.  A rule of thumb is the thicker your calves, the lower the boot should extend up your leg.  Booties even let you cover multiple trends at once – just look at the 2 pairs here; one is both a bootie and in a cool taupe, and the other has a great covered wedge heel.

Wedges are super hot this spring as they give you height and comfort.  I know, it’s hard to believe! Indulge in a summery wedge sandal in an earthy material like cork or wood, or go ultra modern by getting a covered wedge like the bootie.  While the weather is still cool, pair the wedge sandals with similarly toned socks or tights!

Now that you’ve heard my assessment on trends for spring, what fashion trends will you be picking up this year?

Ha ha…awww. I would like to see your stuffed animal; he/she is probably really cute! I’m not totally responsible for teaching myself how to sew. My mother is the best seamstress in the world and I learned sewing from her. Design wise, there was a lot of trial and error on my part. I quite literally took old garments apart and learned how they were made, and then I would draft patterns from the torn apart garments, modify them a bit and create my own designs. I’m always amazed when I meet designers who don’t know anything about sewing. In order to be a really good designer you must first understand how a garment is going to be constructed. Then the possibilities are only restricted to what you know, thus teaching yourself new tricks or learning new design techniques are always a good idea. In this field of work you never stop learning, or at least you should endeavour to keep challenging yourself.

How did you get your first fashion job?

As a retail clerk at Le Chateau. Does that count? Ha ha. Ugh…let’s talk about the one after! My first REAL fashion related position was at a vintage clothing store where I got hired to be the full time buyer. I used to frequent this one shop in town on my lunch break and eventually asked them if they were hiring. They asked me if I knew anything about picking vintage clothing and gave me a shot. I have worked as a vintage picker on and off for many other companies since then. I attribute my time doing that kind of work to the wealth of information I have now about vintage clothing and textiles.

Having lived on both sides of the country, how would you compare East and West coast style?

Ahh Montreal, what a great city! I would definitely say that people here in Vancouver tend to dress more casually and relaxed. With so many outdoor activities it is not surprising that so many people dress for practicality versus fashion primarily. Individuals in Montreal have more of a European influence in how they dress; at the grocery store you will see ladies in lovely coats with their hair done up. There is a “je ne sais quoi” and real chic demeanour in the way people present themselves out East, or at least in Montreal. I miss that about that city.

Can you describe briefly your creative process?

My creative process…briefly?! Ha ha…not really but I’ll try. In very simplified terms, I hand select vintage textiles and clothing, wash and dry them, deconstruct them and use the fabrics to create my ‘one of a kind’ creations. I use anything from old jeans, t-shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tweed, and suiting to silk scarves. The list goes on.

Is there anyone you look up to and model your self after?

My mom is a huge source of inspiration, she’s a beautiful and very strong women. I also like Vivienne Westwood’s story, she learned how to design clothing from taking old vintage clothing apart too.

If you weren’t designing clothes, what would you be doing?

I love dioramas and stop motion animation; I would probably be a film maker.

On Adhesif

You mention on your site that many of your pieces have hand-made appliqués, dyeing and details – how many hours on average, from start to finish, can a piece take to make?

Yes, much of the detailing on my designs is hand rendered. Depending on the piece or the project, it could take me anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, or more, to finish a piece.

Your press release states that the Spring/Summer 2010 collection evokes Alice in Wonderland in its whimsical nature – what is it about this classic tale that captured your imagination?

Everything about the classic tale provokes imagination. I’m sure at one time or another we have all drifted off into daydreams that take us on a little journey into a make-believe world, where anything is possible. Dreams make our world more playful, colourful, and interesting.

How do you find all your gorgeous vintage fabrics?

I get asked this question all the time! Being that I have a trained eye in picking out Vintage fabrics, I am able to walk into any thrift store or vintage clothing store and find exactly what I’m after.

Where would you like to take your business in 2-5 years?

I have many plans for Adhesif. I would also like to have a special solo show, which believe it or not, is not something that has happened yet. I would also like to have my own little boutique one day.

If you can, describe Adhesif’s aesthetic philosophy in 5 words or less!

Giving old things new life.

What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?

Keep your eye on the prize! Make realistic short and long term goals and work to make them come true. Don’t be afraid of really hard work! The first 2 years of business are the hardest and you probably won’t see the fruits of your labour come through in this time, so don’t be quick to give up. Find a cheerleading squad; they will come in handy when you need support and encouragement. Be resourceful with your time and money. The best solutions are usually the simplest. Talk to at least one new person a day about your business, the most powerful promotional tool is still word of mouth.

Why do you think vintage style is having such a comeback?

History repeats itself and this is especially true in fashion.

Just for Fun

If you could travel back in time to any era, when would you go?

That’s a tough one. I love every decade for individual reasons. For music I would say blues and jazz music from the 1920s or the 1960s for Rock and Roll. For clothing I would say 1940s; the tailoring and designs were impeccable. I would love to just sit around for the day and people watch!

A lot of your pieces feature a fun mix of patterns and colours. What would be your fashion advice to women wanting to wear multiple patterns well?

When I’m creating the composition of a piece I usually go with what I like most about whatever materials I’m working with (i.e.: a color, texture, or print) and make that the focal point. All of the other prints and colors surrounding the “focal point” are complimentary. One of my favourite combo’s is floral print mixed with plaid. Pick one feature that stands out in 1 of the two prints and accompany it with complementary colours. For example bold pink flowers on a floral printed top could be worn with a plaid belt cinched in the waist with similar colors. With that said, I think it is important to mention that it is usually not a great idea to match 2 large prints together, but better to juxtapose the size of the patterns (i.e: large flowers with a finer plaid print)

As an obvious advocate for colour, what would you say are the key colours for this season?

There are a lot of mono-chromatics in the Spring 2010 Collection, but many of the reoccurring complimentary colors include robin’s egg blue, saffron, and dusty rose.

What celebrity would you love to have wearing your clothes?

I just love Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Blanchett

What are your favourite vintage stores in Vancouver

There are so many…Legends, Used, Woo Vintage, Delux Junk, True Value Vintage, and Mintage

What is that you love, and hate, about living in Vancouver?

Ahhh Vancouver. I love the obvious thing that everyone comes here for, it’s a breathtaking place, even kind of magical if you’re a nature lover. Nightlife wise though? This is a very sleepy city. Everything that isn’t a bar or club closes at 8pm it seems. This city is a long way from being a Cosmopolitan city like Montreal or Toronto. Unlike its counterpart Canadian cities, Vancouver is a very young city, so with that said; I hope that there will be more to do that isn’t drinking related in the years to come. One of things I liked about living in Montreal was that you could go see a flick, grab a bite, and see a show at 2am if you wanted.

iPhone 3GS

Unless you’ve recently emerged from a black hole, you know about the iPhone.  The mother of all smart phones, this phone woke up the public to touch-screens and caused them to ditch their old phones forever. Sorry Razr, we had a good run.

Looks: Easily the most customizable, it’s super easy to find a variety of fantastic face plates to customize your iPhone for every mood.

Size/weight: easily fits into a purse, but perhaps not a clutch.

Price: $299

Battery: 5 hours of talk time

Features: Standard features (music, GPS, bluetooth, wifi, internet browser) and the latest version has video recording capability as well as a video-editing tool.

Apps: 128,000 and counting

Pros: the iPhone is the phone for you if you are keen on using apps.  You know how they say in the commercial that “there’s an app for that”? It most definitely is true.

Cons: No multi-tasking function, no way to expand the built-in memory (although with 32GB, do you really need to?) and no replaceable battery unit means the iPhone is exactly as-is and nothing more.  Rumour has it that too, that the screen is easily scratched.

Blackberry Bold 9700

The Bold is the most popular model of Blackberry and with its latest incarnation, RIM hopes to wrestle for the spot of top dog against its “fruity” competitor.

Looks: Still pretty much the same, with its business-like aesthetic and iconic leather-like backing.

Size/weight: slightly smaller than the iPhone and the lightest of the bunch, the Bold wins in this category

Price: $199

Battery: 6 hours

Features: standard features plus Blackberry Messenger, a Blackberry specific messaging service that allows all BB users to message each other.

Apps: 2000+ via Blackberry app store

Pros: Perfect for professionals or anyone always on the go. Also good for people who like to text a lot, as it has a great QWERTY keyboard. The new Bold has also replaced its trademark track ball for a sleek optical scanner that is fast and easy to use.

Cons: A small app store is a major disadvantage and really decreases this phone’s “cool” factor. The Bold is more functional than pretty and its interface is a bit clunky. The Internet browser is also slow and ugly. Finally, the screen size on the Bold is the smallest of the bunch, which is also a big minus. This phone is like buying a practical no-name briefcase when all you want is a sleek Valentino tote!

These next two devices are new to the smart phone scene, but are already making a splash! If you’re a trendsetter, you might want to pick up one of these just to be ahead of the curve.

Motorola Droid

Looks: Ugly, with sharp rectangular angles, but has the biggest screen of them all.

Price: $199

Battery: 6.4 hours

Size/weight: The clunkiness is exacerbated by its heavy 6oz weight. Considering it’s the same size as the others basically, its heavy weight is a disadvantage since with everything else you’re hauling, who needs a heavy phone?

Features: Besides the standards, the Droid has multi-tasking functionality that allows users to maintain multiple screens of stuff, and since it’s an Android phone it has built-in Google services. Having Google services built-in is a huge plus because it means you can have Google Maps GPS service for free, whereas the other devices charge for GPS service usually. Also the Droid features 3 keyboards: one physical and two virtual!

Apps: 16,000+ via Google Android app store

Pros: Very fast and free services! A great alternative to the previous two.

Cons: QWERTY keyboard has very flat keys making it a bit hard to type on.

LG Eve

Looks: Slick curved design that fits easily in your hand. Features landscape slide-out keyboard. You can also change the phone’s skin, but otherwise there isn’t anything distinguishable about this phone.

Price: $399.99 via Rogers

Size/weight: Average weight and this phone easily fits into your hand. Its narrow shape will let it fit into your teeny clutches.

Features: The Eve has some very intriguing features as it was designed to optimize the social networking experience. Features include integration with Facebook, Twitter, and Bebo, letting users easily access and update their various profiles. As well, your phonebook is synced with other network data and has a really cool photo-tagging feature; as you tag your contacts photos in your phone, Eve will learn who is who and auto-tag future photos! The Eve also has a QWERTY keyboard and photo/video editing software.

Apps: 16,000+ via Google Android app store

Pros: Great integration for social networks, rotational multi-tasking screens, and good sensitivity on touch screen.

Cons: Menus aren’t the most intuitive and it can be tricky trying to figure out how various functions work. The battery life is terrible, meaning you will likely have to charge it almost daily.

I hope you found this guide to be informative and helpful!  Please feel free to share your own experiences with any of these phones!

About Nicole

When did you realize that a career in fashion was for you?
I learned how to sew in grade 7 and sewed a lot of my own clothes from then on. Both my parents are in the medical field so I thought I was supposed to do that too. My first boyfriend’s dad was a shoe designer and I saw that I could do what I love and have a successful career. So it was then, in grade 10, that I put it together and it has been my goal ever since to have my own line.

If you weren’t a designer, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
Maybe a vet?

What are your largest fashion inspirations?
Vivienne Westwood, Isabel Marant

Being a graduate of Ryerson’s Fashion Design program, do you think that an education in fashion is the way to go, or is creative talent and determination really all that is necessary to a designer’s career?
It definitely helps to get into the job market to have a good education. It’s expensive and time consuming for a company to hire you without the proper training.

How many hours do you work per day? What is your daily routine?
Half of my week I am a mom to an 11 month old baby boy and the other half I am a designer and business owner. So, on a work day, I wake up at 6am with my baby, feed him and myself breakfast, the babysitter comes at 8am and I have a shower and get to work. I answer emails, fill online orders. Then I take care of production, or fabric ordering or pattern making. I have lunch at noon with my baby. Maybe I have a meeting with my brand manager or my web programmer. Maybe I run down to the factory. I finish up my day in time for dinner at 5:30pm and then bathe my baby and put him to bed. Maybe I go out for dinner with friends or just stay home and go to bed early. On my mom days I do fun activities with my baby and I also get to go for a workout.

On being green

Sustainable design – so many designers are coming out and being “green,” but many of these attempts come off as half-hearted marketing gimmicks and excuses to charge higher prices. What do you think marks the truly sustainable designers from the posers and how do you ensure that your audience receives the best quality pieces while maintaining that sustainable ethos?
Well first of all, it doesn’t bother me if other designers start using eco practices even if their heart isn’t in it; it is still a great thing to do. For me, it is just what I believe in, so I don’t need to try. It’s just authentic, and that translates into everything we do and our customer knows and feels that. Sustainability certainly doesn’t compromise quality, if anything; it raises the quality of the garment. And these fabrics are more costly than conventional ones, so the garments are often more expensive but the customer understands why and sees the value.

On the collection

Who is the woman you have in mind when you design NBD?  Alternatively, do you have a muse?
Myself, really. It’s all about what I like and how it works into my life. I like to wear things that are comfortable but look stylish or interesting. I like to throw everything in the wash and dryer. I like neutral colours.

For this season’s collection, why did you choose the themes of community and self-worth as the dominant theme you wished to express?   How is this expressed in the designs?
I look to my personal life for inspiration. At the time I had a brand new baby and was trying to understand the importance of community, seeing how it changes when you have children. It’s just what works for me. I then take the feelings of that life lesson and it transmutes into colours and shapes. Clothing gives off a feeling, so I translate the feelings I’m feeling into the visual of the clothing.

I noticed that the model featured in your Spring/Summer lookbook has multiple tattoos – was this on purpose? Do you have any tattoos yourself?
Yes and yes. I like tattoos. I like to challenge people’s assumptions of others. Tattoos are often stereotyped to be only on criminals or pirates. I think they are beautiful on a lovely young woman too. It’s really about being current with the times.

Views on the industry and the world

It seems that the modern woman is losing her sense of self-worth, with photos of celebrities like Heidi Montag and her multiple plastic surgeries everywhere you look.  As someone who believes that “…our spirit and sensuality comes from the inside out…” what do you think that those in the fashion community can do to counteract such dangerous outlooks?
I don’t even know who Heidi Montag is. I don’t pay much attention to those kinds of shallow things going on in the world; it’s a waste of my time. I’m inspired by celebrities that are doing great things with their status like Angelina Jolie. It is sad that people feel so empty about themselves. But at the same time I feel there is a movement going on that is more about self-worth and natural beauty. Really, we all are living our own lives and do the best we can with what we’ve got. It’s up to Heidi Montag to decide what she wants to do with her life and me with mine.

The Future

Where would you like to take your brand over the next 3 years?
Our online store is doing really well, so I would like to continue to expand that. We have also been marketing the maternity friendly pieces in the line. And eventually I want to start a baby line.

Would you ever expand your brand into menswear or accessories?
Absolutely, when the time is right.

What is the best entrepreneurial advice you’ve ever received?
Keep your overheads as low as possible.

All about Vancouver

Many fashion lovers in Vancouver complain that style in Vancouver is non-existent, but I would beg to differ as I’ve seen many examples on the street, in blogs, and at fashion events, that would rival style anywhere.  As a designer, what are your opinions on Vancouver fashion, and how would you characterize it?
Sure Vancouver doesn’t show a lot of great style on every street and there are a lot of bad jeans worn with outdoorsy jackets. But there are also little pockets, like Main Street and Gastown, where you see lots of stylish people struttin’ their stuff. Vancouver is great for a certain kind of fashionista. You can go to some of the best restaurants in jeans, boots, and a sexy top. I also think people here are about functionality, so your clothes need to work for you and the weather. So you rarely see any seriously outlandish digs.

It’s a typical rainy Vancouver Saturday afternoon, where can you be found shopping for your latest finds?
Truthfully, I don’t shop a lot in the city. And usually on a Saturday afternoon I would take my baby to the farmers market. I love fresh produce and market people. But if I am in need of something, I’ll go to Vincent Park or Jonathan and Olivia on Main Street. For shoes, I go to Gravity Pope on 4^th. Gastown also has some great shops and wonderful furniture shops too.

Just for fun

Your go-to fashion reads (online or in print)?
I don’t read mags very much; I just don’t have time now being a mom, and really was never that into mags. I do get inspired by biographies on TV or movies though. I recently watched Coco Chanel and found that very inspiring.

What do you see as the top trends for 2010?
Well as far as the West Coast goes…I think people are becoming a little more daring with the drapey pieces. But maybe that’s just me hoping.

What are the top 3 trends you wish would die a violent and swift death?
Not much, I love when people wear ridiculous things with confidence. But… actually, I don’t like it when girls wear skirts so short I can see their “whoohaaas”, nobody needs to see that.

The winner of our Nicole Bridger contest is Bex of The Styling Bee! Congratulations!

Well, while we may not be able to top Beijing in terms of architecture, or population, we certainly shouldn’t feel like losers! In my opinion, Vancouver is tops among the world for sheer natural beauty, lifestyle, food, and hotness.

Yeah you got that right.  I’ve traveled around a bit, and from what I’ve seen, Vancouver has quite a good looking population.  And along with natural beauty we also like to look good, whether it’s along rainy streets, or up mountains.

Canada’s own Hudson’s Bay Company stepped up to the challenge and created one of the best looking Team Canada Olympic wear collections yet.  Continuing on the tradition started by Roots, HBC’s 2010 Olympic collection is sure to impress.

Left: Women’s Full-zip hoodie, $50
Right: Men’s full-zip hoodie, $50

Firstly, check out these styling and functional hoodies!  Featuring sleek, classic, styling the hoodies come in several vibrant colors: red, green, yellow, grey, black, white, and navy.  What makes these hoodies plain awesome is the soft lining inside that makes this hoodie so warm that you can throw it on and head out the door without a thought.  Perfect for Canadian autumns!

Besides hoodies, there are a variety of t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts for both men and women.  For the men, my top choice is this graphic tee.  What makes this shirt the best of the bunch is its curvy, slightly retro font, and the fact that it doesn’t scream “Olympics!!!” so you could actually wear this year after year without feeling dated.

On the ladies end, there is this great bamboo tee.  Hot pink is one of the trendiest colors of the season and looks great on most everyone!  Bamboo is super soft and has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, making it a great workout shirt.

Left: Men’s tee, $20
Right: Women’s bamboo tee, $20

If investing in Olympic clothes isn’t your thing, you can still wear your pride via cool accessories.  Like any trend, accessories are a great way to subtly try out a new style:

Unisex fringe scarf, $20

This unisex scarf features fun fringing and the classic HBC colours.

Mascot slippers, $24.99

Aren’t these slippers just adorable??? Each mascot has their own version.  As the proud recipient of not 1, but 2 mascot slippers (Quatchi and Muk Muk) this Christmas, I cannot rave enough about how cute they are. I found these slippers to be velvety soft and cozy, with their only disadvantage being that the soles aren’t reinforced, which makes them a bit tricky to walk in.

Torchbearer Adults’ Red Mittens, $10

Finally, we have the super popular red torchbearer mittens!  These babies are now rare finds as they are torn off the shelves as soon as they arrive and no wonder – they are cute, comfy and oh so Canadian.

Hosting the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I encourage every Vancouverite to get out there, get the gear, and just GIVE’R!!! Go Canada!!

Cheaper than Dirt ($0-$10)

Instead of dinner dates, grab brunch! Breakfasts can be just as hearty as dinner, but usually cost less. For the most bang for your buck, it doesn’t get much better than Bon’s Off Broadway where you can get a full breakfast for only $2.95! 

Price: < $10 for 2, including refillable coffee

Instead of the usual coffee date, go out for bubble tea! I highly recommend Dragon Ball Tea House for quality and variety of flavours, although they can get pretty busy.

Price: ~ $10 for 2

Work off those holiday dinners with some brisk sea air and Vancouver’s gorgeous coastline, by walking or jogging along the Sea Wall.

Price: free

Price: free

Take up a sport meant for two, like squash or badminton! There are tons of courts available in Vancouver, and drop-in hours are readily available on weekends. 

Price: usually around $10/hour for a court

Fiendishly Frugal ($11-$20)

For classier decor, but just as much food as Bon’s, another alternate breakfast place would be The Twisted Fork downtown.  With its home-style decor, and open concept kitchen, this place was meant for animated conversations.

Price: $10/entree

A movie date is always a good standby because who doesn’t enjoy a good movie? Rent or go out to the theatre, but always bring your own snacks. 

Price: < $10-$20

Cook a romantic dinner for 2 at home.  Cooking together is fun, cheap, and delicious! Who knows, you may even end up in a sexy food fight.  Check out Food Network Canada for great, fool-proof recipes!

Price: dependent upon recipe and how well stocked your kitchen is

Learn more about eating local by visiting your neighborhood Farmer’s Market! Each location contains a huge variety of stands carrying goods that reflect the residents’ tastes and culture.  Find out the location and dates for the nearest market to you via Eat Local.

Price: ranges from free to the cost of whatever you decide to buy

Check out the next Michael Buble, Nickelback, or Nelly Furtado, in the final round of The Peak Performance Project! Presented by The Peak and Music BC, this massive clash of musicians is a province-wide competition for new talent, with the winner receiving a $150,000 mentor-ship. 

Price: $10.05 + service fees per ticket

Somewhat Thrifty ($21-$50)

Movies getting old? Then check out some live entertainment, like NEVERMORE: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe ($25-44), or a comedic rap musical like BASH’D: A Gay Rap Opera ($20-35)! 

Price: around $50 for 2

Dance the night away in each other’s arms, while showing off your skillz at Dance Marathon, a fun dance event evoking the dance marathon shows of the American 1930s.  Those who can dance the hardest and longest are eligible to win special prizes!

Price: $25-30 each

Indulge your ears with some rockin’ music, care of Tegan & Sara on Jan. 6.

Price: $25-32 each

Laugh your asses off, and maybe even get in on the act with Vancouver’ premier Theatre Sports League on Granville Island.  Featuring the city’s best and zaniest improv talents, Theatre Sports offers always refreshing comedic takes on well… just about anything!

Price: < $20 per ticket

As you can see, your significant other is right: you just have no more excuses to have yet another night staying in and watching trashy reality shows, or the sports channel.  There are tons of imaginative, fun, things you can do here in our own city!  Sure, most of these do cost some money, but in my opinion, free love ended in the 60s.  In my opinion, love is like an investment.  There’s no need to splurge a ton of money into it all the time, but investing a decent amount over time in your relationship, is sure to give you a large rate of return.