local--> original

I am so grateful to live in Vancouver- a beautiful city, brimming with art and beauty. When it comes to shopping I usually look online or at large chain stores to get great deals, but I must say, it can be so worthwhile to check into local designers.

As a freelance Makeup Artist working with various stylists and brands, I am constantly falling in love with the various pieces I see on set. The great thing about buying items that aren't severely mass-produced is that they stay somewhat original. I am going to Coachella soon, so I am making a keen effort to not dress in something from my usual suspects (ex F21 or Zara). I've been looking into what's local and has some character, here is some of what I've found, all great deals too...

Aroha Silhouettes First off, one of my local faves and a brand I have been privileged to work with. Designer Tania Hennessy comes up with creative "silhouettes" which she translates into pieces which are unlike anything I've seen! I've worn mine a few times and know they are classics I will wear for a long, long time. 

Here's me on NYE wearing my fave, the Obedient Necklace. On the right is the Molecular Addictions campaign I did makeup on, probably the most popular design for Vancouverites... THC ;)

This is one of my fave pieces, and next on my wish list... 

the Aggregate Vinyl Record Necklace at $45

 Aroha always has some Sale items available, ex: 

the Cautious necklace for $35 (left) or 

the Articulate (right) for $40

Also on Sale, the Perception Optical Illusion 

Necklace ($26) and Earrings ($23)

Anna Kosturova I am so proud that Anna is a Vancouver gal, since her beachwear is some of the hottest out there! Her line is constantly featured in Sports Illustrated and on celebs like Jen Aniston and Miranda Kerr. She is currently holding her "Sweetheart Sale" where some of her Bikinis are as low as $40!

Oh so sexy! Rangali Vest $103.50 and Rainbow Halter $40 (ordered this to use as a top or with black bottoms as a bathing suit)

The Preppy Halterkini $45 or Beach Bunny Bikini $40. 

Hurry though, items are selling out fast and the sale is 

only on until Feb.14th!

Vincent Lee Collection Vincent is not only an excellent fashion designer, but also a popular Vancouver Stylist. I've worked with him on more shoots than I can count! His line is available through him directly or at 212. He does have a couple of items on sale (most sold out, but what's left is an additional 10% off). The SS/12 VL Collection is being released right now (one photo at a time) so be sure to check his page to see what's new!

 Sale items: Shearling Jacket $49.50 and Faux Fur Coat $88.20

Sneak peak at 2 of my fave under $100 pieces from his SS '12: 

Black Lace bikini bottoms $38 and Wide Leg Pants $98

Lancaster I was so pleased to get to work on their most recent campaign (directly below). I will have to say, I am not one to ever wear a team shirt or jersey, but when the Canucks came so close to the Stanley Cup last year (I know, don't remind me), I was ready to order one of their hot Vintage style T's. They do have sales, so be sure to look at their site or fb page for updates.

 These are the Canucks t's that first attracted me to 

the line, available at the Canucks Team Stores.

Another wishlist item, this Nature of Things t $29, featuring a young David Suzuki (complete with his old-school fro). If I was 

a guy, I would rock this Hockey Night in Canada sweatshirt $49. 

Artifaax Last but certainly not least, my Aunt Denise Brillon's line of Native jewelry pieces are some that I have been wearing and getting compliments on for years. I love the modern, yet tradition take she uses when designing her pieces. I was so pleased to hear that she recently opened a page on Etsy to easily order her items. 

The Eagle Crows acrylic earrings on the left are $45

More from her Acrylic collection...

MU Crush: Lana

Currently loving Ms. Lana Del Rey and her amazzzing look. She is gorgeous, but this modern 60's vibe she has going on is just the cherry on top!

Here is what I would do to mimic her makeup:

1. Start with a satin-matte foundation, such as NARS Sheer Glow or Revlon Photo Ready. Add concealer.
2. Apply a matte shadow as a base like MAC Vanilla, then a neutral brown such as MAC Wedge or Charcoal Brown in the crease. Crease shadow should be quite heavy, yet well-blended.
3. Next, use a black gel or liquid liner and apply a fairly thick liner, lifted and slightly winged out at the edges. Try Revlon Colourstay in Blackest Black.
4. Curl lashes and apply black mascara, top and bottom. Next apply dramatic, fluffy false lashes (for a good deal, check out the selection from Ardell).
5. Line the inner rims with a white eyeliner, I do like the one from Wet & Wild.
6. Smudge black or dark brown shadow or liner under the bottom lashes. You can add false bottom lashes as well if you want.
7. Fill in brows with shadow using an angled brush. Try to lift the arch naturally.
8. Use a neutral lip colour such as Rimmel London Kate Lipstick or MAC Peachstock. For some of her other looks, try Make Up Forever Rouge Artist in these shades (or anything you might already have that can work): 8, 22, 40 (apply a bit of concealer to lips first to make this one a bit more nude) or 46.
9. Apply a bit of loose powder all over and then a neutral bronzer such as Benefit Hoola to contour to cheekbones.

Here are more gorgeous Lana Del Rey looks to get you even more inspired:

Classy or Trashy?

Last night my Stylist friend, Coreen Miller, invited me to attend an event at The Room to meet Derek Blasberg, fashion writer, author, current editor at large of Harper’s Bazaar and senior editor of  V magazine and Vman. 

I have to admit that I have not read any of his books before, however we did receive a copy of "Very Classy" which is an expanded version of "Classy." I've flipped through it and it's full of great style advice, funny antics/cartoons, and plenty of photos (lord knows I love a picture book, ha ha).

It was all very last minute and we both threw ourselves together to make it in time! I opened my wardrobe and grabbed the first thing that came out at me, which is the sweater dress I'd featured in a couple of posts from Zara. Kind of boring really, but I was in a rush. Hopefully Derek didn't think I looked too "trashy" (that's the premise of his books, are you classy or trashy, ha ha!). 

Coreen and I with the man of the evening

I was totally feeling the electric colours 

on display at The Room:

One of my fave rings I own (from Forever 21) 

and boots from Aldo (about 8 years ago):

So nice to see friends and acquaintances 
at these events...

With Actress Sarah Lind, who I worked
with on the film "A Simple Curve"

With Blogger Peter Ty of The Starving Stylist

mesh

I am OBSESSED with this accessory!!! I need this glove/bracelet/ring... whatever you want to call it. I saw it online when it came out and have since checked all the Zara locations I can get to and none have had it :...(. It's still showing up on their site, and now on sale for only $3.99. If anyone happens to see it, please let me know! LOL.

Why oh why can't Zara sell online?! They would make more $ and my shopping experience would be so much easier. It's a month and a half later... and I'm still holding on to hope ;).