let's go to Seattle

After about 5 consecutive days of going downtown for the Olympics I was definitely ready for a bit of a break. So, to get away for a bit, my friends Lauren and Natasha and I decided to go to Seattle for 2 days. Do a bit of shopping, sight see, the usual. I went with a bit of a list of what I wanted to get and had a few things in mind and am happy to report that I stuck to it (which is a a very rare occurrence). Boots, bag and headband. The bank account managed to come out not hurting too badly. Good times. But shopping was not all that we did. Seeing as it was Seattle, we went down to the market and checked out all the raw fish and yummies.

Here are some of my finds...

A pair of riding-ish boots from Urban Outfitters, what can I say, going back to my Albertan roots I guess. I specifically wanted a pair of boots like this going down, thinking that they will look good in the summer with flowy floral dresses, so I was ecstatic that I found these!

Photo credit: urbanoutfitters.com

This bag can also be worn as a backpack which makes me very happy.

Photo credit: urbanoutfitters.com

and this little crocheted number

Photocredit: freepeople.com

This post really couldn't be complete without giving this a little shout out. My friend Lauren found these really awesome italian cookies Pan di Stelle at the market she had them when she lived in Italy for a few months last year. So delicious!

It was a bit of a whirlwind of a trip but it was really nice to get out of the city and hustle and bustle of the Olympics for a bit and go somewhere I hadn't been before. Good times all around!

I'm pretty into this...

And the obsession continues! During this past fashion week in New York, Alexa Chung debuted her collaboration with Madewell, a casual branch of the American chain, J Crew.

Photo Credit: Refinery29

As it may have been made clear in one of my last posts that I am a huuuuggee fan of Ms. Chung so it did not come as a giant shock that I really loved her collection. High waisted velvet shorts?!? I mean really!

Photo Credit: Refinery29

Photo Credit: WWD

I also really loved all of the overall style mini dresses and the pretty neutrals she used. Big fan. It's a bit retro 60s/70s esque but still really cool and modern and something that I'm sure will be seen emulated and worn by many many girls.

Photo Credit: Refinery29

I really like the menswear inspired details such as the shoes and button up tops with cardigans but the fact that it's all very feminine at the same time. It's all in the cut. It also doesn't hurt that all of this is affordable too.

Photo Credit: Refinery29

This collection kind of makes me think of other thing that I like, like Beach House, this really great band that I'm seeing in April. My friends Sam and Liz got me into them and their latest album Teen Dream. Every song is pretty great and kind of fits the vibes from this collection. One of my faves is Walk In The Park It goes well with Alexa Chung clothes and KETTLE CORN, which I had last night (thanks to Nabil and his large supply) and just can't seem to stop thinking about it. Alexa Chung, Beach House, and kettle corn, what a combination!

Enjoy!

Ohhhhh-lympics

Ahh the Olympics have thoroughly hit Vancouver. So much to see, so much to do, so this post may be somewhat disjointed but I shall try my hardest for it to make some sense.

So to start it off I thought I would be a nerd and talk about what all the athletes wore, because when I was watching the opening ceremonies I found myself obnoxiously commenting on all of the countries' different outfits. Sooo, Canada, I was a fan. I actually went and waited in a line to get in to The Bay so that I could get the hat that the athletes wore in.

Photo credit: stuff.co.nz

The large arctic style jacket with fur is also something that I am a fan of. On trend but not too trendy.

Photo credit: Samantha Melnyk

Also spotted this young man downtown rocking the classic HBC coat. Nothing says classic Canadiana like The Bay and some good ol' fur trading.

Team USA wore these little numbers that Ralph Lauren designed. Generally, I quite liked them but thought they were on the cusp of being a bit too fashion-y for the Olympics with the cropped jackets and skinny pants and have a few doubts as to whether or not a typical athlete would seek out something like this to wear. But I like the fact that Ralph Lauren went for the classic American sportswear and puffy jacket with a bit of a throw back to the 70s.

Photo credit: vermontolympians.com

The Brits, oh the Brits. Classic with the blazers and berets. I don't really have any complaints about this. It may not scream sporty but I just think it's funny and kind of awesome that only they could pull this off.

Photo credit: dailymail.co.uk

Here's the Russians, lots of red, lots of white, lots of Russia.

Just so many countries and so many outfits. But, let us not forget that there is more to the Olympics than sheer athletic talent and national pride. There is art, and concerts, free art and concerts!!

Here are some of my pictures from concerts and art exhibitions that I also have had a chance to check out during the Olympics. Gooooood times.

CODE Live 2 exhibit held at Emily Carr University of Art and Design

Malajube playing at Livecity Yaletown.

So there it is, my disjointed little rundown of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics so far!

Alexander McQueen

This morning it was announced that the visionary fashion designer Alexander McQueen has passed away. The 40 year old incredibly inspirational designer was found dead in his home after reportedly committing suicide. I found out about the news on Twitter of all places (there's participatory journalism for you) was shocked and immediately went to check out other sources for info.

With the beginning of Paris Fashion week this week, it definitely puts a sombre mood in the fashion world as well as cast a light on the timeless artful pieces that McQueen created and for his legacy to be celebrated.

I don't really know what to say about the loss of this visionary man, and all the talent he possessed and the inevitably amazing creations that were yet to be seen by the world. I was told about the piece that Tim Blanks, one of my personal favorite fashion journalists, wrote for style.com. I think he really says it best, simply, kindly, and honest.

http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/02/alexander-mcqueen-rip/

As a tribute of sorts, here's a compilation of some of my favorite pieces by the designer and the works that will stand the test of time as true pieces of art that speak for themselves.

Spring 2010 Ready to Wear

Fall 2009 Ready to Wear

Spring 2008 Ready to Wear

Spring 2007 Ready to Wear

Fall 2006 Ready to Wear

Spring 2003 Ready to Wear

He really was a true legend and inspiration that will be greatly missed.

(All Photos credit to Style.com)

stairway to heaven

What's a good thing to do on a Tuesday afternoon? Go to the Vancouver Art Gallery. My friend Sam needed to go for a visual arts assignment and was told she could bring a friend, so I there I went! I had never been and kept hearing amazing things so I thought it was critical that I go (instead of my history class that lectures directly from the text book). There was some pretty cool stuff. They were actually putting up this sculpture when we got there so we got to see that whole process in action.

I must say my favorite part was when Sam and I stumbled into a room that say "Please Enter" and came to find a dark room with a giant projection of a guy playing Stairway to Heaven on the beach. I don't know what it was that I liked so much, maybe the simplicity, or the colours, or the combination of everything but we ended up going back a second time.

And yes, that is Sam attacking the screen...

The gallery also has these really cool short videos that play outside on to the street that we ended up watching for a while. They were very abstract (boy being hit in the head with a ball repeatedly and people pouring milk and various dairy products into and around their mouths) but if you actually stand and watch them for a while they become quite mesmerizing.

Everything downtown seems to be going a bit crazy right now with the Olympics and everything getting transformed in some way or another. I like the way the gallery stands out and has become a sort of interactive thing for everyone without even having to step inside. I was into it. It was kind of a last minute decision to go but I'm really glad I did. It now comes highly recommended in my books.

higher than high, lower than deep

I love a good sale. This Saturday after a late Friday night, my firend Liz and I went alllll the way out to Burnaby to Metrotown to do a bit of shopping. Let's be honest, the purpose of the trip was so Liz could buy stuff for an upcoming holiday and I really shouldn't be spending money on clothes but I somehow always find a way to justify it for myself. Especially when I spotted a giant pile of over sized mens sweaters at Zara for $16!! It was on sale from $70 so it really did not become an issue. I think I was sold when I put it on, didn't even see it on myself and Liz immediately insisted that I buy it. It even has fuzzy elbow patches which reminds me of a sweater an old man would wear which somehow is very appealing.

Also picked up this little number with the folded shoulders...

Oh and a few stripes...

Sorry parents! Though after 18 years of knowing and raising me, I'm sure they're not all too surprised.

p.s. I also love that it took me and my lovely friends Liz and Sam (who took these pictures) a total of under 20 minutes to get down to the beach. Oh the joys of UBC!