all photos by yvonne chew
Saloon is not a typo. It may sound like an old western brothel, but Barbarella Saloon is actually an ultra trendy hair studio in Vancouver. I was fortunate enough this week that something came up for Terri, and she had to send me to this bloggers hair party instead of herself! I willingly accepted the invite and took my mop down to Main Street.
The party was greeted by a team of uber cool looking stylists bearing Pimms and lemonade so we were off to a good start. Deandra took on the challenge of my untamed locks and with a few highlights, some interesting hair cutting techniques and a toner, my hair was looking fabulous. I have super thick hair so it’s always a bit hard to get a good style going but somehow she managed to keep the length (my one request) and thin it all out in layers so I feel pounds lighter.
The salo(o)n has a great vibe with super funky interiors and crazy artwork on the walls. The stylists are friendly and really listened to what everyone wanted done. All the other bloggers looked fabulous and were thrilled with the end results. The word STUNNING reads across the back wall of the salon, fitting as that’s how I felt when I left.
The other excellent aspect of the evening was the party atmosphere. What more could you ask for than Pimms, pizza and chats with all the other ladies about new boyfriends – all while getting dyed and styled? Barbarella provided a grown up slumber party vibe that I loved. Female bonding over beauty treatments never gets old – especially when you’re picking the brains of Stylefinds‘ bloggers!
If you’re looking for a change but uncertain what current trend or classic ‘do will suit you best, I highly recommend Barbarella. Deandra and the other stylists are highly experienced and knew, far better than I did, what would really compliment my big head and its stubborn, brown tresses.
Barbarella Saloon
3277 Main Street Vancouver
604-876-1414
re-find hat by nate organics
If you want to get all decked out in fall and winter goods without trekking around the shops you should stop by this event and save yourself time and hassle. At the Scotiabank Dance Centre Aug 21-23, Spend on Trend celebrates and promotes independent Canadian fashion designers. From fresh to old favorites there are tons of big names with some awesome new pieces from clutches and jewelry to knitwear and eco-friendly head pieces!
I’m totally onto this think global; spend local kick at the moment. I’ve seen and met so many local and Canadian artists from all walks of life recently and am so inspired to scrap my H&M wardrobe (but don’t worry-I would never) and eat, wear, walk and live local product. Promotion and support of what’s locally ours to take pride in is so exciting. Especially as we’re now less than six months away from hosting the 2010 Olympics I am feeling very passionately Canadian. Not Roots sweatshirt with those weird little creatures on it Canadian, but real, independent Canadian. I will definitely be at ‘Spend on Trend’ to see what our local entrepreneurs and creatives have to offer.
Friday, August 21: 5-9pm
Saturday, August 22: 10-7pm
Sunday, August 23: 11-6pm
Tickets are $5 at the door. And remember, the first 25 people through the door each day get a swag bag of goodies!
Leave a comment and tell us who your favourite Canadian designer is – the first two people to do so will win free tickets to Spend on Trend this weekend!
There are obvious downsides to being 25 years old and moving back in with your parents. However, I am discovering the many upsides. These include a well stocked fridge, a newspaper subscription and non existent rent. Another advantage to living in the depths of a Vancouver suburb is discovering little gems like wine bar/fromagerie ‘gudrun.’
jenn wint photo
I had heard talk of this trendy little spot in Steveston and went to check it out with my friend Rebecca and her dog Marley. The rumors were true and the place is amazing. An intimate décor with the menu chalked right up on the wall and a delicious menu of fresh, locally sourced meats, cheeses, salads and breads. The extensive wine list includes local and imports and there are also options for no-winers.
My favorite feature besides Patrick, the delightfully chatty owner, is the communal outdoor table built around a massive tree trunk. I am finding Vancouver’s seating arrangements slightly anti-social (that’s another post) so this was a pleasant surprise. Rebecca and I had a wonderful evening of delicious wine and great chat (guaranteed). As a bonus, ‘gudrun’ was very dog friendly and had bar staff that were easy on the eyes… and Patrick assured me there were other delicious, fresh, locally produced staff on special other nights. I’m starting to think getting social in the suburbs might not be as devastating as I thought…
gudrun.ca
christina ladwig photo
Two weeks ago I was able to sneak onto the shoot of the new larry. fall 09 line. I got in with promise of refreshments and it worked! The shoot was done down at Fraser River Park. I’d never been before but what a great location! I loved all of the boardwalks and different swampy and sandy niches in the area. Perfect for a fashion photo shoot. Kim Cathers was looking stunning despite the intense heat and ants running up her legs. She makes every piece look effortlessly chic and makes me want to own everything she puts on. The scarves, wraps and shawls featured in the new line are different to last year. More details and doodads, new leather and buttons, more feature elements in each piece, and the colors are as awesome as always. I can see a few of the scarves as regular, solid accessories this winter.
jenn wint photo
I love the natural colors of the wools against the green of the trees and the bluey grey of the Fraser River. There were a few pictures taken under a boardwalk looking so rustic and cabin-like. Anything that appears to have happened at a cabin, I’m in love with! I haven’t seen any of the pictures yet and I was too nervous to sneak any of my own but I took a few of the park where the team was set up. The photographers, Christina Ladwig on film and Matthew Timmons on digital, were awesome and with models like Kim, Terri and Rachel, they had some pretty sexy subjects.
jenn wint photo
It was a fun group, a fantastically BC location and some amazing pieces that I can’t wait to try on. I’ll be staying tuned for the release of the pics and will let you know if I get my hands on any other undercover Larry goss… especially if I hear news of a sale. There are a few of last years scarves and neck warmers I would still like to get my hands on before our summer disappears once and for all!
Don’t miss larry. at the Olio Festival Friday August 14 at the Rickshaw, August 14 at the grace-gallery shoe show, and again at grace-gallery for the official FW09 launch on October 3, a show which which will feature both live works and photographs of larry’s by Christina Ladwig.
colleen heslin photo, courtesy of gudrun.ca
As I spend more and more of my unemployed time wandering the streets of Steveston I’m discovering new things every day. First thing I’ve discovered is it’s weird to go to the dog park when you don’t have a dog. People stare and put their dogs back on leashes. So after my night at gudrun fromagerie earlier in the week, where I enjoyed a fine selection of wine and artisanal cheeses, I’ve been sticking to the people streets and in doing so have uncovered some more treats in the suburbs.
Best undiscovered treasures are always found in thrift stores and there are lots to choose from around here. My favorite things to check out the accessories as they seem timeless and I love funky plastic. Next I always head straight to the bookshelves. I shouldn’t laugh but self help books from the seventies instantly make me feel better about whatever situation I’m currently pondering. And an old 25c romance novel is the perfect afternoon coffee companion.
After a tour of the Moncton St thrift stores and a stop in at the old converted bike shop, it’s off to Second Ave to the General Store. From sewing machines to potato mashers to table runners this place has everything a 50’s housewife could want, and a lot of weird and wonderful that I actually want (need?). Terri got a great vegetable dicer that makes some of the best guacamole (or guaca-salsa) that I’ve ever tasted. You need at least an hour in this tiny store to feel like you’ve had a good look at each shelf. Aside from food this is your typical ‘General Store.’
Last thing worth mentioning is the Artisans Gallery on Moncton. They’re hosting the 2009 Indian Summer Art Show Aug 19- Sept 30. One artist, Elise Quarmby, let me have a sneak peek at her piece ‘Snow Ghost’ (pictured above). Local artists will display their art in this gallery/boutique amongst pottery, jewelry and other locally made pieces. Definitely worth checking out.
Whew, a day in the suburbs can take a lot out of a girl. Good thing there are coffee shoppes and cafes on every corner. The problem is choosing! Only from locally owned options of course…
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?
