The AERIOSA Dance Society at UBC - Greenheart Canopy Walkway-Botanical Garden

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Thanks to an exciting email from Sean McColgan of BeVancouver, we were extraordinarily fortunate to experience an Elegant Evening Performance by AERIOSA Dance Society!  We've seen them dancing down the high walls at the Vancouver Public Library on Robson and so knew we were in for a unique kind of dance from somewhere way up there!  After a warm welcome and careful instructions about how we would eventually end up in the treetops, ourselves, we were lead along a path through gorgeous flowers and trees to the Greenheart Canopy Walkway, where in groups of 4, we made our way along the swaying bridge and up to the first landing, where we saw the first dance act.  We then went further along the bridge, where we saw the second act.  We saw the dances from different perspectives and had lots of support for safety from our guides.  Because we were so entranced by the soft music, soft words of the dancers and by their graceful and intricate movements up and down the trees and then out into the space around and between them, we didn't worry about how high up we were.  It was a special experience to be in the forest, in the dark, watching the bright flashes of pink fireworks disappearing, then appearing in pairs, in quartets, dancing in the arms of gentle giants. 

A lovely wine and cheese afterwards, gave us a chance to meet the director and her dancers.  Wonderful hosts and a terrific event to be long remembered!

Thanks again to BeVancouver, to AERIOSA Dance Society and to our hosts and sponsors.  We will be revisiting the gardens and the Greenheart Canopy Walkway, again, very soon.

Fluevog Shoes and My Sister's Closet - Working Together To Stop Violence Against Women

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen 

On Wednesday June 18th from 5-7, Fluevog Shoe Store and My Sister's Closet teamed up to raise money in support of programs and services for Battered Women.  Fifty per cent of the sales, during this time, were donated to this great cause.  Samantha Kearney, Manager of My Sister's Closet, and volunteers decorated, distributed info about the event, sold raffle tickets and worked side by side with friendly and stylish Fluevog staff.  The $1200 raised, will help immensely.  While the music and balloons brightened up Granville, the money will brighten up lives.  Fabulous job everyone!

Woo To See You - New Store Opens in Yaletown!

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Very busy with customers anxious to get a closer look at this little jewel of a store at 1062 Mainland, Hans Woo took the time to show me some of her favorite pieces and told me about how she and her husband took their online business to a storefront and how they designed its unique look, and how he made all of the furniture and shelving.  Clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts are plentiful and yet the store is uncrowded, with soft grey and white paint, light woods and one or two pictures.  The real art is the product - much of it locally made.  There are two dressing rooms as well as many mirrors, which make it easy to see how fabulous you'll look in whatever you choose, here.  My favs include the eye-catching shoes and vibrant scarves and leather bags.  Loved the scarves by Milena Velez, a graphic artist/designer whose work reflects nature, here and abroad.

There's a pair of shoes waiting for me....I'll be back.

New Store Opening, Woo To See You - 1062 Mainland St. Vancouver

Gorgeous scarves you can wear in a variety of ways.  The orange leaves are from Stanley Park.  

Graphic Designer Milena Velez takes inspiring photos and transforms the scarf

 I had my eye on these fab shoes

On The Runway: Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design and Merchandising Program Students at My Sister's Closet

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Recently, the centre aisle of My Sister's Closet became the runway, minus the red carpet but plus the confident clicking of 'new to you' highest of heels and fashion forward, camera ready modelling.  Students have a limited time to choose two outfits and accessories, show us the looks, talk about their vision and invite feedback from their instructor, fellow classmates and even staff and customers.  We applaud you all!

Students observe intently and seem inspired by what they see

Program Director and teacher, Tyler Uddal gets things started.

Samantha Kearney (Manager, My Sister's Closet) (right) and 

Dianna D., Researcher and Volunteer, (left) watching the transformation 

and taking notes and photos.

Prints and smiles - great fashion statements

Victoria's Secret Kimono, nightwear does daywear 

Beautiful purple, leather jacket goes well with sunny yellow dress

Scandinavian silk scarf over silky party dress and fedora to mix it up

Ending with a pow of red shoes

Made our day colorful, eventful and full of possibilities about how we, too, could be on the red carpet, even if just for an hour.  Thanks all!

Book Review: Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible

You may know Tim Gunn, from his work on Project Runway, as a host, mentor and advisor to the designers. You may also know him as the Chief Creative Office of Liz Claiborne, past Dean of Parsons or as host of his self-named TV show Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. Tim Gunn's career continues to sky rocket and he amazes us with his fashion knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine interest in ensuring everyone has access to fashion history and fashion tips that we can all apply to our daily lives! 

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible is not his first venture into the world of fashion books. In 2007, he released A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, co-written with Kate Moloney. My sister sent me his latest book (Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible) as a gift and it has been a pleasure to read and also made me really think about the items I own in my closet and their origins. Tim provides a history of all of the major garments we wear today and his take on how they should be worn today as well. He emphasizes the importance of history, but always brings a sense of humor and truth to it. I have read/seen many great fashion history books, but haven't read a lot about American designers, to be honest. This is one of the exact reasons Tim chose to focus on Western fashion history in his book:

"I am especially concerned that American fashion not be forgotten...When I look through Project Runway applications, I am always struck by how few American designers are cited in the influences section. Invariably, the only designers they name are Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel... You rarely see American designers listed. If you do, it's usually Donna Karan. (I don't understand why people don't write Michael Kors - even just in their own political self-interest.)" 

Having always loved fashion and written about fashion for six years on Clothes Line Finds, I have gained a lot of knowledge of what works and why, but there is always more to learn. I specifically learned important "how-tos" such as figure slimming techniques by shape, how to buy a great pair of jeans based on your body size, hat etiquette, investment pieces, accessory "how-tos", dress fittings and more. Tim is ever inspiring and realistic as well. Fashion can be confusing and difficult to interpret for those who aren't immersed in it. He breaks it all down by item of clothing, shares his honesty (he hates cargo capris!) and also brings some truly talented American designers to light, for instance, Claire McCardell, Bill Blass and Pauline Trigère, to name a few.

Overall, I found this to be a highly informative history of fashion, with some fantastic words of advice from Mr. Tim Gunn. I would highly recommend this book whether you are involved in the fashion world or not. Bravo Tim Gunn! As always, we love you!

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