When Cole Derochie waltzed in to a sweaty, beach themed fraternity party almost two years ago I remember thinking wow that guy is stylish!
Not to over generalize or knock frat guys and their sense of style, but the a lot of them could sure use a lesson on fashion from Derochie.
Although he is another beer pong playing brother, after spending more time with him it’s clear that his great fashion sense is influenced by his hidden artistic side.
Derochie has a knack for drawing and an eye for design. Recently, Derochie decided to turn his talents into a career by moving across the country from Ottawa to Vancouver to attend Vancouver Film School’s Digital Design program.
Derochie’s combat boots, tousled hair and tattoos definitely help define his personal style.
I have heard his friends teasing him saying, “Cole is always prepared for a zombie apocalypse with his backpack and combat boots.”
The old brick streets, contemporary home décor stores and dimly lit bars of Gastown, Vancouver, seemed to be the perfect scene to photograph Derochie.
Derochie’s look may fit with the grungy meets modern area of Gastown, but it doesn’t speak to his truly sincere and kind personality.
It was a pleasure catching up with Derochie in Vancouver and I look forward to seeing what he creates at school, as he explores his artistic side with more than just his personal style!
Just like the title of the 17-year-old singer-songwriter’s first single, the time is Now or Never for Mac Faoro’s music career!
I have been working with him for the past few months, helping him get his career on track. From arranging music videos, interview practice, to media coverage, I am doing what I can to help him succeed. As soon as the world gets to know him, I know he will be the next big hit! What’s not to love really? He is talented, stylish, good-looking and he has a fantastic slightly goofy personality to match.
Want to know more about him? Check out the profile I wrote below!
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Most of Mac Faoro’s high school friends are unaware he’s been recording for months in a studio in downtown Vancouver – balancing the rigors of homework and a social life with his appetite for pop music.
But with his first music video now on Youtube and the upcoming release of his independent album, the 17-year-old’s reputation is sure to change.
The North Vancouverite’s video features his first single titled Now Or Never, which will be available for purchase on iTunes on Jan. 24. The video is a preview of what’s to come this spring with the release of his eight-song album all written, recorded and co-produced, by Faoro.
Since August, Faoro has been recording at the Warehouse studio in Gastown. He was willing to make sacrifices for his music: giving up his spot on a school soccer team to help finance the project.
“I realized I had to get out there and do it for myself,” says Faoro.
After all the hard work and cab rides home from the studio on school nights, Faoro is excited for people to get to know him as an artist.
“I don’t describe myself as the typical musician type. I have a sensitive songwriter side, but that is just not me as a person. I love to just chill out, play road hockey and NHL on Playstation,” Faoro says.
His catchy pop style and relatable lyrics may be surprising to those who know him, but for Faoro finding himself in this genre is just a part of his artistic journey which began at age six.
Faoro began studying music by taking classical piano lessons. He completed grade 5 of the Royal Conservatory of Piano Examinations. Furthering his music education, Faoro completed his Preliminary Rudiments Theory Examination with the Royal Conservatory.
Eventually Faoro decided that playing Bach and Mozart didn’t allow him to explore the budding songwriter within, so at age 13 he picked up the guitar. He took lessons for the next three years.
“My parents told me if I wanted to be successful in the music industry that I should start writing my own songs, so I did,” he says.
Faoro later performed one of the first songs he wrote at the Capilano University Theatre for his guitar teacher’s end of year concert. After nervously singing and playing his guitar, Faoro says the feedback he received that evening was motivational.
“As silly as it sounds, this guy came up to me and put a note in my pocket with two girls numbers on it and that inspired me to keep performing,” he says laughing as he remembers the moment.
Faoro then decided he wanted to start a band. The band performed at small venues and community events on the North Shore, but after about eight months Faoro decided he wanted to go solo.
“I realized where I felt the most comfortable was me with my guitar in my room writing,” he says.
The more Faoro was writing, the more he found himself composing melodies and lyrics suitable for pop music.
“When I am writing I always picture the final product, how it will sound in the studio and how powerful it could be on stage. I guess I went in the pop direction because of the singer-songwriter quality,” he says.
With high school graduation coming this June, Faoro says he plans to turn his passion for pop into a career. Faoro hopes that one-day people will be walking down the street listening to him on their Ipods.
“I guess my ultimate goal has always been to sell out Rogers Arena. It’s my hometown stadium and I’ve watched concerts and hockey games there my whole life,” he says.
Until then, Faoro will be promoting his music, continuing to write, and hopefully getting closer to his dream of becoming a signed artist.
Check out the article published today by the North Shore News about Mac Faoro here: Mac Faoro North Shore News
Also stay in touch with Mac on Twitter @macfaoro, myspace, and Facebook.
As I was meandering through the mall sipping candy cane hot chocolate, admiring the storefront windows adorned in silver and red, and frantically trying to complete my gift list, I was taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays.
My outfits are always influenced by the things around me and this time of year it’s so easy to be inspired!
At home as I sit by my fireplace beside the Christmas tree, stuffing my face with holiday goodies, I feel the need to dress to the occasion.
From oversized knits and cozy furs to flashy metallics and holiday colours, it’s hard to leave the house without a hint festivity.
Whatever holiday you celebrate, try adding a little jolly to your look.
For the last few days of December, pick bright reds the colour of Santa’s hat or deep reds like the cranberry sauce you slop on your turkey. Break into the new year in golds and silvers, and beat the cold in cuddly shawls and furry coats.
Not yet in the merry mood? Check out the photos below for a little holiday inspiration.
Gingerbread house building competition at the Hyatt Hotel featuring amateur bakers and professionals from all over the greater Vancouver area.
Getting our Christmas tree the real Canadian way at H&M Christmas Tree farm in Richmond.
Decorating the tree!
A wonderful holiday moment, my Grandpa teaching my brother how to tie his tie!
And when I wasn’t wearing flannel, these seasonal traditions inspired the outfits below.
At the Standing Armed Spring/Summer presentation I was transported to another continent through the worldly patterns, the mesmerizing textures, and the captivating colours of designer Lindsay Walsh’s latest collection.
The ambience of the glass room, the tasty treats, and wine created the perfect setting to observe the models poising for photos showing off Walsh’s beautiful spring/summer pieces.
Her designs are so wearable and versatile, there was not one piece that I wouldn’t die to have in my closet!
By her fabric and colour choices it was obvious the inspiration for her collection came from abroad.
“The inspiration is always changing, but quality and beauty are the constants. Travel is a big inspiration,” Walsh said.
She said that specifically the Morrocan markets and gypsy culture influenced her designs. Using her international inspiration, she created worldly pieces that any woman here could easily wear.
“I wanted to play with texture, prints and colour in a way that would work for our urban lifestyles,” she said.
Walsh said the Standing Armed Spring/ Summer presentation on September 8 was not only a preview for her latest collection, but also a way for her to introduce Standing Armed to Vancouver.
She said she really enjoyed the presentation and she loved seeing the audience’s reaction to her pieces.
“I always love seeing my clothes come to life on display, even better in front of an audience. I love to hear the audiences take on it. That really helps me grow as a designer. It’s very gratifying to have an audience appreciate your collection,” she said.
This appreciation for the clothing that she creates is one of the reasons Walsh said she loves to design.
“I love the challenge of melding design and fabric. I love the feeling you get when someone really loves and feels great wearing your design. I love the constant evolution,” she said.
Walsh said she knew that she wanted to be a designer when she started playing with fabrics and sewing in high school. Realizing that her love for fashion was more than a passing interest she attended design school at Ryerson University in Toronto.
After school and taking some time to travel Walsh ended up back in Vancouver.
Now she said she is working on Standing Armed and focusing on sustainable growth.
If you love Walsh’s collection as much as I do check out wonderMode online at http://www.wondermode.com, and FashionStake online at http://www.fashionstake.com to purchase or see more of her pieces. If you are a Vancouver resident then hit up The Velvet Room Boutique in Kerrisdale for select items.
Walsh also said to keep an eye on Standing Armed on Facebook for information on trunk sales taking place throughout Vancouver in the fall/winter season.
Take a look at the photos I took at the presentation and tell me which piece is your favourite!
As the end of August approaches, we all start to think about our fall wardrobes and the more subdued colours we’ll wear, layer upon layer, to keep us warm in winter’s chill. But, luckily summer is not over quite yet. We still have a couple weeks to enjoy the beach and summer style. If you haven’t already explored bold colours this season, use these last few weeks of summer as motivation to play around with brights and you’re guaranteed to sizzle even after the sun goes down!
In a previous entry, I mentioned the colour blocking trend of pairing jewel-tones together, for example an orange top with a purple skirt. However, not everyone is brave enough to sport such a loud outfit and others might not be sure about what colours to use. So if you’re looking to keep it simple, I’d suggest adding a bold accessory. Of course, because of my chunky necklace obsession, I’d suggest trying a large bright necklace. But, if necklaces aren’t your thing I’d also suggest a funky pair of earrings. Pairing a great accessory with a plain shirt and a fun coloured bottom is an easy way to create an outfit masterpiece.
So enjoy the last bit of summer and bask in brights because before you know it we’ll all be back in boots and boring colours!
Here’s an example of a great way to color block with a bright accessory:
I n case you’re wondering the shoes and the shirt are from H&M, the skirt is from Costa Blanca, and the necklace is handmade by yours truly!
Depending on how you feel, what you’re wearing, or where you’re headed, switching up your makeup can make a big difference. Whether you feel like transforming into an old hollywood glamour girl with curls and rose red lips, a fresh and natural beauty with blossom coloured cheeks, or confident vixen with sultry smoky eyes, makeup has the power to make you look and feel like a new woman.
I feel like I have become a new woman since I stepped out of the box to shake up my day-to-day makeup routine. Now, before I head out for a night on the town nothing is more exciting to me than changing up my look with a bright coloured lipstick. I have become obsessed with getting creative with my makeup and my new addiction forced me to indulge in a beautiful new brush set and a collection of coloured lipsticks.
But, if you’re like me then you’re not a makeup artist and some things you try are a hit and others are a big miss. This is where pros like Eman come in handy! She is a local Vancouver makeup artist who has a fun and helpful youtube channel where she shows you the tricks of the trade and how to get celebrity inspired looks. She has a range of makeup tutorials and she has tons of videos to watch!
Here are a couple of my favourite makeup tutorials by Eman:
Get Kim Kardashian’s natural look:
Get Christina Aguilera’s old hollywood glamour look:
Since I posted about how much I love chunky chic necklaces I figured I should post my own growing collection of them! These three necklaces make any outfit complete. I love to wear them in so many ways and with so many outfits, especially with a plain Tee to dress-up an outfit for school or with something special for a night out.
The first necklace I bought is from Aldo. I have worn it with countless outfits and every time it adds a little something to my outfit or completely ties my look together. Whether I am wearing my greyish blazer, or a pink carnigan, or my purple/grey pants, the colorful necklace draws out certain aspects of my outfit and pulls everything together completing my look! The pants are from Aritzia, the body suit from American Apparel, the blazer from H&M, and the heels from Aldo.
The next two necklaces I got at the Bay. I got the big gold one for a statement making look. It can add some spunk to my plain T shirt and jeans. I like how the cube shapes reflect the light and how they are kind of sassy. The Tee is from Aritiza, the jeans are Levis from Urban Outfitters, and the shoes are from Le Chateau.
The necklace with the gold balls and black ribbon I purchased because I thought it could tie an outfit together nicely. I have tons of black heels and they go great with a necklace with a hint of black. I was also searching for a necklace made with ribbon because it means it’s adjustable which is great for different necklines. The skirt is from Aritzia, the heels are from Aldo, and the lipstick color is Sienna.
One of the best outfit combos in fashion right now is floral and jean! Pairing a boyish edgy jean piece with a girly flirty floral print is an easy creation that meshes the good girl and bad girl into one cute but cool look.
I found some great jean and floral pieces online put together by the local Vancouver store Holly Boutique. This boutique, located in Gastown, reminds me why I love boutique shopping so much! The store carries great unique pieces which any girl would love to add to her closet. At Holly Boutique the innocent floral wearing hippie and the fierce rocker chick (who dates intimidating motorcycle men) meet.
Take note on these combos when hitting the mall or head down to Holly Boutique to check them out in person!
The lush green forests, the lapping ocean, and the protective mountains of the West Coast inspired the jewelry designer of MeiKu Designs, Karen Fung, to create her first collection.
Fung describes her collection called Karma as “upscale Boho chic”.
Her earings, necklaces, and bracelets are made mostly of gold, silver, brass, semi precious stones, leather, wood, and wax linen to create jewelry suitable for everyday wear that combines the raw wilderness of BC with the chic city life of Vancouver.
“The Western Coastline is such an inspiration for me, like the colors, the ruggedness, and the lushness of it,” says Fung.
She says the natural landscape of the area is represented in the shapes and colors of her materials. She says she uses colors seen in nature, like greens, blues, browns, and oranges.
Fung uses quality materials so there is no discoloration and she says she stays away from certain metals that can irritate the skin.
“I use a lot of semi precious stones because I just find stones carry a bit of healing energy in them and that is also very West Coast. People can be healed by nature, you come out to the West Coast and you feel very calm and relaxed and I want my jewelry to have that kind of power to it,” she says.
Fung didn’t always plan to be a jewelry designer and she hasn’t always been a West Coast girl. Born and raised in Ontario, Fung came to Vancouver about 10 years ago searching for inspiration after she realized her training in illustration and web design weren’t satisfying her need to create.
“I felt like art needed more of a purpose. I think what drew me to jewelry is that it’s something a person would appreciate everyday,” she says.
Her favorite creation she has made so far is a pair of earings that are gold colored with little feathers in the middle and a hint of blue.
“I just love it because it has a little pop of color without being too obnoxious… It really represents West Coast… the whole rugged and raw look, but yet refined,” Fung says.
She says she tries to make pieces that are accessible. The prices for her precious pieces range between $25- $190.
Her naturally beautiful jewelry can be purchased at Briers on West 4th Avenue and Ohkuol on Granville St.
Her jewelry is also available a local craft shows as she has participated in many across the city.
Currently Fung is preparing to sell and showcase her work on the North Shore at the Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver from July 29th until August 7th.
She says she is really excited for the festival and she is planning on having some new pieces ready to be premiered at the event.
But until you can see the Karma collection in person at the festival, you can check out the pictures below and see more at www.meikudesigns.com.
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Now that you’ve seen the Karma collection, I bet you can totally see how these pieces represent the landscape! If you don’t live out here I guess you can see how much you are missing out! How adorable are the pinecone necklaces!?
Oh no! My bracelet obsession is back in full force after taking one look at these amazing creations by Monika from the doctorscloset.com! I actually believe that I may have more of an addiction to bracelets since I feel absolutely no control when it comes to spending tons of money adding to my countless collection.
But obsession or addiction, it doesn’t matter I LOVE bracelets and I love the Bfrend collection by Monika. She is a Vancouver girl with an awesome blog and clearly has an amazing fashion sense!
I especially enjoy wearing multiple bracelets at one time. I think that wearing many bracelets on one wrist can really add to an outfit. I’ve always worn more jewelry together at one time than I probably should, but the thing about bracelets is you really can never wear enough!
There are so many things I LOVE about bracelets! I love how although no one bracelet on my wrist is the exact same as the other they all go together and represent different aspects of my personality. I love the sound of all my bracelets clinking together as I reach in my hand bag to find my wallet or as I write this post! Unlike most other items like a handbag, a necklace, a scarf, or earings, where I have to choose which one I want to wear, what I love most about bracelets is how I never have to choose which one I want to wear because I can just wear them all!
Check out these bracelets by Monika that are definitely on my summer wish list!
I cant decide which one is my favorite because of course with bracelets I can NEVER decide, which is why I just wear them all! But I am definitely getting at least one! Most likely Indian Summer, Golden Cobra, or Pinky Swear. Which one would you choose?
