Holt Renfrew Contemporary Correspondent Competition

The Holts Contemporary Correspondent search is underway in three Canadian cities, and one of our Vancouver stars needs your vote to win!  Two finalists in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are battling it out through a series of fashion challenges until August 2nd.  Votes cast by the public each week will determine who secures the coveted position in each city.

Stylefinds editor Shallom Johnson is one of two finalists, narrowed down from over 300 applicants, for the Vancouver Contemporary Correspondent position - but she needs your votes over the coming weeks to win the job!

The challenge this week was to turn an outfit from drab to fab using accessories - here’s what Shallom did:

Using the same dress, she changed her look entirely with accessories:

Voting for the first week is open until Wednesday, so be sure to visit the Holts Facebook page, become a fan and vote.  It’s really simple and you’d be making this fashionable girl’s dreams come true - I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than Shallom.  She’s one of the hardest working, positive, inspiring, creative and amazing women I am privileged to know.

VOTE NOW!

Published by Terri on June 26, 2009 in Fashion. 2 Comments

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From A to B In Style?

Generally I have an opinion on something and will share it, invited to or not, but today I am confused. The source of my confusion is the practice of cycling in Vancouver. I must say first, I am not questioning mountain biking or biking as a sport. The issue in question is biking as a means of transportation in and around Vancouver’s downtown core.

The cons are evident immediately. Flat, helmet hair is comparable to runners with jeans- not cool. Arriving somewhere sweating- also not that cool. Panting up ‘hills’ while people in cars gawk- not cool unless it’s a jeep full of hotties into active chicks. Getting dolled up to go out somewhere and then biking there ensures what you saw in the mirror at home is now gone- and you’re hideous- red faced, sweaty and with helmet hair.

The pros aren’t hard to find either. There’s no arguing you’re getting there faster than if you walk. You never pay for parking. You can do it drunk. It is environmentally friendly. You’re getting exercise, aka keeping your buns in shape. You never need god dam exact change for the bus (I’ll rant on this later).

I once bought a bike when I was living in Sydney. It cost me about $150 and I rode it three times and gave it away. I just never felt I could pull it off. And I lived at the top of a hill. End of story.

What do you think? Should I embrace biking or stay true to slow and steady walking and the occasional irritating bus ride? Is helmet hair worth it or is ditching the helmet worth the potential fine? What is the most stylish/ sensible/ cost effective/ efficient mode of transportation (besides an SUV) in Vancouver?

Published by Jenn on June 26, 2009 in Lifestyle. 1 Comment

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Dogs as Social Networking Tools

terri’s dog, jill

A lot of people in Vancouver have dogs. It goes hand in hand with the wholesome lifestyle. Now originally I thought dog owners were simply animal lovers who enjoyed companionship and wanted something cute to come home to. But now I get it- they want dates.

Me, Terri and another friend were sitting at a pub in gastown with their two dogs tied up on the other side of the railing. Every second person or group that walked by stopped to pet the dogs and most had a few kind words for us. We got smiles off almost everyone. It was feeling very social and comfortable until a few hotties cruised by and my lighbulb went off. Who needs match.com or whatever that popular fish site is when all you need to do is turn to (wo)man’s best friend?!?

What cuter way to meet the man or woman of your dreams than by having your dog run up and lick them? I’m sold. Having a dog gives you free license to chat to anyone you like without seeming weird. Without a dog, you need a reason to approach the hard bodied stranger in the board shorts. Put a leash in your hand and you can run over smiling, and you’re in - at least for a chat. And if he has a dog, it’s fate.

For now I’m a dateless without a dog but am putting myself in the dog-sitting market. I will walk them, pick up their poop and put treats in the pocket of my summer dresses - all in the pursuit of meeting cute boys. So if you have a dog that needs walking (or are a cute boy and would like to cut the middle man (dog?) and take me out), get in touch!

Published by Jenn on June 24, 2009 in Lifestyle. 1 Comment

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Living in Glass Houses

I took a trip up to 100 Mile House this weekend to buy raw alpaca fiber for the larry. FW09/10 collection, and during the drive we stopped at some decrepit abandoned houses along the highway.  After walking around the property, I noticed something further back obscured by the trees.

It looked like a tile building covered in graffiti, and it wasn’t until I poked my head inside that I realized the entire structure was made of glass bottles.

There was quite a bit of garbage inside - an abandoned washing machine, a pile of rubbish that looked like it may have once been a couch, and bags of chips left by packs of teenagers.

I suspect it might have been used as some sort of steam room or sauna at one point…but all I could think was, this is a prime location for a photo shoot!  I plan to drag some models and a photographer up there soon and see what we can make of it.

The graffiti on the outside produced a wall of colour shining through to the inside - incredibly gorgeous, in a way that these cameraphone images can’t quite justify.

Not only is the structure Canadian, but so too were the bottles it was created out of - you can’t quite see, but each one says ‘Made in Canada’ on the bottom.

I should probably note that these buildings were on the property of a family friend.  I wouldn’t advise trespassing on other people’s land - even if it’s for an amazing photo shoot!

Published by Terri on June 22, 2009 in Arts & Culture. 1 Comment

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Warehouse Sample Sale Scores

This morning I scoped out the big sample sale I posted about on Wednesday - it officially began this morning, occupying quite a large space on Parker just off Clark St, and I definitely recommend you try to go.

There are lots of great Faryl Robin shoes available in a variety of sizes for $65.  I had to pass on a beautiful pair, as the price tag was just a bit too steep.  There were also some Irregular Choice shoes in lots of sizes, and then a whole load of sample shoes (size 6) for just $20.  My lucky duck of a roommate scored big time, as she is teeny tiny with teeny tiny size 6 feet to match.  Everything Colcci is $30.

I settled on these wide-legged Covet trousers that will be great paired with my new Fluevog summer sandals, set me back around $50:

And this tank from local label Lily + Jae for under $40:

Mostly everything was priced for $50 or under.  There are some $5/$10/$15 bins to root through as well.  I would expect further markdowns as the sale continues - I plan to visit again tomorrow afternoon to see waht kind of markdowns there are.  Usually about halfway through a sale, the red pen comes out and prices are slashed further.  I doubt my Faryl Robin shoes will still be there, but we’ll see what else comes up!

The sale is on until 8pm tonight, and begins again tomorrow at 10am.  Good luck!

1355 Parker St.

Published by Terri on June 19, 2009 in Fashion. 0 Comments

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Ready to Run?

this is what we want to do to your runners. espaciovictor photo.

As I made my way back to Vancouver from years living abroad, I spent a week in New York where I noticed a strange new trend. It literally had me laughing out loud in NY, so I was shocked, appalled and pretty disgusted to this trend thriving and seemingly accepted here in Vancouver.

I don’t have a vendetta against running shoes. I jog, and when I do I put on my running shoes for protection, comfort and appropriate arch support. The issue I have with running shoes is that they’re EVERYWHERE! They’re in pubs, shops, restaurants and on people who I can safely bet have no intention of running. They’re being worn with jeans, dress pants and even skirts! They don’t look cool, match what people are wearing or make any sense at all. It drives me crazy, as I really like shoes. Comfortable or not, I like my feet to look good. I’ve spent that last year in London walking 40 minutes to and from work in heels. Why? Because they look great and after a while, you get used to them. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey…and you never know who you might meet on the journey. And I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be caught in running shoes.

Active gear in general has far too large a presence in Vancouver. I recognize that it is a very active city. Everyone seems to be riding bikes, hiking, smoothie drinking and generally keeping in good health. I wonder what came first - Vancouver’s natural orientation towards an energetic and healthy lifestyle, or lululemon?

It appears lululemon is in with the government. A secret underground partnership that ensures the sun rises in the east, perhaps? EVERYONE wears lululemon, and more often than not when they have no intention of exercising! When I exercise I sweat, go red in the face, and I don’t smell good. Why would I want to spend $200 on an outfit to get yucky in? Oh wait, because I’m not actually going to sweat in it? Well that makes even less sense. Maybe I should start wearing a swimsuit to do my grocery shopping. After all, they say it might rain this week.

I’m not saying London and Sydney don’t have their own faux pas’ because they do. Sleeveless t-shirts on would-be hot Aussies….you get what I mean. London suffers from metrosexual overload. I like a guy who gets ready to go out quicker than I do and that’s not easy to find over there.  But the point is, Vancouver needs to smarten up about this athletic wear obsession. Establishments should tighten up their dress codes, and violators should seek help from their quasi-fashionable friends and invest in some decent pairs of footwear.

If you think you might be in need of assistance and have nowhere to turn, email us at info[at]theconveyorbelt[dot]com and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Published by Jenn on June 19, 2009 in Fashion. 3 Comments

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Hi, I’m Jenn and I’m Taking Over

a fun game i introduced to vancouver: DRESS SWAP! it’s pretty simple, you yell ‘dress swap’ and swap dresses with your neighbour.  Terri was a keener.

Summer is fast approaching and while some are getting their kit off at local beaches, poor Terri is holed up at home in her flat getting the newest “larry.” line ready to be shot, launched and sold.

Being the friend that I am (unemployed with time to kill), I thought I would offer to give her a hand with The Conveyor Belt. To my surprise, she said yes. I must warn readers that I have limited blogging experience, and although I understand this is a fashion-based blog I admit my personal style is questionable.

I am a friend of Terri’s who has been living overseas for about the last six years, with a few years before that on Vancouver Island. I spent three years in Sydney, Australia, and a little over two in the UK - one in London, one in Wales. I have recently arrived back in Vancouver to reconnect with my roots and enjoy this top rated city.

Vancouver has a fantastic reputation, and according to people from all over the world I am lucky to call this place ‘home.’  I agree with them, but after so many years away I have some observations about the style and culture here that I can’t help but remark on - and what a better place to rant than The Conveyor Belt?  Come back this week for the first installation of my ramblings - on sportswear as leisure wear in Vancouver.  It’s going to be good.

Published by Jenn on June 18, 2009 in News. 5 Comments

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Thrift Store Scores: v. Kajillion

I haven’t been uploading photos of my favourite thrift store scores lately, but let me assure you there have been plenty of amazing finds!  My latest obsession is vintage bags - it’s becoming a bit of an issue, as I’m running out of storage space in my studio to store empty luggage.

I must take a rare and brief moment to complain about the severe overpricing at all the Value Villages and Salvation Armys out there.  The clothes stink more than an acceptable amount, and 99.99% of the items are grossly overpriced for such ragged condition.  I’ll take the smaller stores with radder stuff at cheaper prices, where volunteers allow all the profits to go right back to the charity they were intended for, thanksverymuch.  Steveston is one of my prime destinations - I try to go about once a week nowadays.

Cases in point… cowboy boots, exactly my size at 8.5, for a whopping $5:

And this lovely sweater jacket, which was a bit ugly as it had fringe along the bottom and at the ends of the ties, but I simply cut that off when I got home and now it’s spectacular - not bad for a $6 investment:

For all you kids out there who loved and appreciated the big clothing sale I did with Shallom from Stylefinds a couple months back, you’ll be happy to learn there is another event on the horizon.  We’ve been stockpiling new goods, and saved all the great stuff that remained from the last sale.  Stay tuned for more details, but expect a date in July sometime…looking forward to sharing our wealth of fine finds with you…

Published by Terri on June 17, 2009 in Fashion. 0 Comments

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Big Sample Sale: Get In Early

Conveyor Belt readers have the inside scoop on a HUGE sample sale happening this weekend - you may have heard of it, with great labels such as Lily & Jae, Sessun and Faryl Robin, among others.  The sale officially begins on Friday morning at 10am, but lucky insiders such as yourself can drop by Thursday night between 6-9pm for an exclusive shopping session - complete with my favourite ingredient on any given night of the week…cocktails!

I am so peeved that I won’t be able to make for the stylist’s shopping event, but I will certainly be checking this sale out bright and early on Friday morning.  Hopefully there are still some goodies left by then - as I’m sure there will be.  Pssstt….I’m a size 8.5-9, if anyone spies some amazing Faryl Robin shoes for me, snatch ‘em up!

Happy shopping!

1355 Parker St.

Published by Terri on June 17, 2009 in Fashion. 1 Comment

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Happy Fluevog to Me

I bought myself a fine pair of Fluevog Oriente sandals yesterday, and have received a load of compliments.  Cork bottom, designed in Vancouver and made in Italy, and seemingly durable enough for the hot streets and beaches of summer.  I had been thinking about investing in a pair of Birkenstocks, but these sandals are the perfect marriage between style and function.

Also swung by (212) and scored a boyfriend tee and a fantastic summer sweater from their bargain bin - it’s important to treat yourself on your birthday!  There are loads of great deals to be had in Gastown right now - One/Two of a Few had some really pretty dresses, and a sizeable sale rack to boot.

Published by Terri on June 4, 2009 in Fashion. 3 Comments

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