Steamcon III

The Steampunk scene in North America is growing rapidly. The Seattle based convention Steamcon is a testament to that growth, with an annual gathering of the masses in October of each year. 2011 is my second time attending this fun filled weekend with my good friends Heather and John Bollman.  Heather and John introduced me to the scene in the US, prior to attending these conventions I had only witnessed a few small gatherings in Vancouver. Here in Vancouver our efforts to dress up and Steampunk our outfits does not compare to the works of art you will see at Steamcon each year.

I selected some of John Bollman’s photos from our weekend at Steamcon III to share with you all here.

Metal corset with beautiful cutouts, a work of art

Amazing back view of the metal cutout corset

My first attempt at a Victorian Steampunk ensemble

Heather’s beautiful mermaid inspired look with feather fascinator

Amazing backdrops for posing in an underwater world leagues under the sea

Our humble photographer in dashing tophat and goggles

Funk up your feet!

Hey hey!

I recently came across these cool new stockings from another friends blog that I wanted to share with you. I love how artistic they look and how unique the patterns are. You can have your own for only $28. Check out the website to shop online. http://strathconastockings.com

Add a pop of colour to your outfit with these striped stockings

Animal prints… Wild but Classy!

Animal prints is one of the main trends for this Fall 2011. Leopard have been the most seen prints on the catwalks everywhere from accessories, dresses and footwear.

        If you are really into animal prints this season, a good way to playup a neutral outfit would be to wear animal print shoes. Make sure that your outfit is very plain because you don’t want to over do it. Wear jeans with a shirt and pair them with these shoes. You can find similar shoes at aldoshoes.com

(212) Fall/Winter Preivew

Word blockandstrut followers!

So I’m bringing you coverage of (212) Boutique’s fall runway this week! I got invited to go to the event through working at LYNNsteven in Gastown. They decided to show their fall collection in season so you could get the looks hot off the runway. The event was held at Montauk Sofa on Abbot St.  The venue was buzzing with an attractive crowd of Vancouver’s local designers, fashion bloggers and industry people. Delicious cocktails were flowing and funky beats were streaming to get the energy level up for the big show.

This collection was about  solid colours, simple cuts, and form fitting silhouettes. It was about elegance with a youthful flare of layering. The models painted the runway with silky blacks, winter grays, gem stone purples, emerald greens, and splashes of cobalt blue.

Here are some pictures of the great looks from (212). Enjoy!

Notice the high neckline we are seeing so much of now.

Love the leather trimming

Splashes of cobalt blue

Collar peekin’ out

All about layering

Main Magazine alternative fashion feature

Main Magazine Fall 2011 published by the Westender

Trendy Nails

      A trend I'm loving lately and have seen in already on a few of my girlfriends is the new
rocker-chic nail trend sweeping celebrities finger tips! This trend is all about having fun and 
getting creative with color and it's very easy to do.

 THE ACCENT NAIL
       The accent nail was first spotted at New York Fashion Week, and now a stylish list of celebs
 who rock the look now. To get Vanessa Hudgen's look, you can purchase any bottle of Nicole by OPI

OMBRE NAILS

      To get the ombre look just pick five colors from the American Apparel Blues and Greens
 Nail Polish 7-Pack.Then starting with your pinky finger, paint each nail a different shade,
 gradually fading from light to dark.

FLARE Fall/Winter 2011 Trend Report

Hey gang!

This past week I decided to go shop around at The Bay again because my sister had not been to see the improvements. Of course we peeked at The Room and wished we had all the money in the world to snap everything up. While browsing through the shoe area I noticed Brian Atwood (world renowned shoe designer) sitting down being interviewed!! Unexpected and awesome. Apparently that Thursday night there was an opening party held there including guests like supermodel Jessica Stam, Canadian designer Erdem, and Fashion Televsion’s Jeanne Beker. I also saw a runway being set up for Friday’s Flare fashion trend report. I asked Desiree to come along with me so we could use this event for our feature story project. We would be quoting The Bay’s fashion director, Suzanne Timmins and a special guest.

We weren’t sure what to expect so when we arrived, we were quite surprised. Everyone in attendance was dolled in their best duds. We recognized more Canadian fashion celebrities such as Jason Matlo and Flare’s editor, Lisa Tant (the special guest giving us the report). We arrived early so we got the front row in front of the podium. We were served white wine and delicious hors’ doeuvres from Hawksworth. We also got a copy of October’s Flare and the first ever Trend Report issue. What a fun way to spend our Friday while getting some homework done too!

The Trends, according to Flare, for the F/W 2011 season: From Runway to Retail

1. The 60′s

2. The 70′s

3. Pattern Play & Vivid Brights

4. Man Up!

5. Boho Folk

Here are a few of the pictures Desiree and I snapped at the show, enjoy!

xoxo Dewy

The podium

Setting up

A shot of the crowd.

Flare’s Editor, Lisa Tant…looking sharp as always in her printed dress.

In front, The Bay’s fashion director, Suzanne Timmins. Notice the girl with the great outfit in the back – pink blazer and black cropped skinny’s with a sequin black booty – adorable.

Best Dressed. Mustard top with chunky green necklace, awesome combo.

Best Dressed. Look at the trio of these shoes. The leopard booty goes so well with the mint patten platform!

60′s inspiration. Leather pencil skirt with sweater and leopard accessories is a great look. Notice her slick low-bun hairstyle too!

60′s. The cape is popular this season. I <3 leopard!

70′s trend. Turtleneck and floppy hats. Love the scarf for a punch of print.

Vivid brights & patters. Wear large print on top and small print on bottom in similar colour tones.

Man Up trend. A feminine feel to a masculine look. Tuxedo Jacket with a sporty pant and oxfords.

Another androgynous look. The top is a “timeless piece” according to Lisa Tant.

Boho Folk trend. This look was under the “luxe grunge” category. Fun gold sequins with a Navaho print sweater, sure why not!

Another “luxe grunge” look. Layering sheer fabrics with velvet, plaid and leather.

Halloween Tyme

Week 4

October is the most important month for the alterna crowd. Every one gets ridiculously decked out for a long roster of Halloween themed events. What I’m enjoying is no one asking me where I’m headed all dressed up.  They of course say this in a what are you crazy kind of tone… which is somewhat satisfying but I prefer getting props for my fun and outlandish wardrobe choices. This is the one month of the year where people actually seem to get it. So give me some more reasons to get dressed up in October, and thanks for the wicked outfit comments strangers.

Accordion Noir at the Waldorf brought out a serious lack of costume clad folk. I treated this event as a warm up to the Halloween season… along with the other 11 months of the year.

Custom costume onslaught. Nancy in the studio looking stylish under pressure in a bowed polka dot top.

Human skulls are so last season, give me animal skull imagery any day. This would make a great mask!

The Bride of Frankenstein has such a classic horror style. I’m feeling inspired!

Getting Discovered!

As many Vancouverite’s are aware Downtown Robson Street is a well known venue for celebrities and model scouts who have produced many known models in the past. So, it is imperative to be well groomed and unique on any given day, because you never know whom you may run into or what opportunities might arise. Like for many, this was the case for one of my  friends and co-workers Zalina at Armani Exchange.

Vancouver Fashion Week ”A Look That Could Kill”Zalina Zakirova, 24, Sales Associate at Armani Exchange Spotted At: Robson Street 1. Can you tell me a bit about what you are wearing? Where did you get each piece? “My bag, top, and skirt are all from Armani Exchange. And these shoes are from Spring.” 2. Which piece is your favourite right now? “The skirt.” 3. What do you look for when choosing your outfit? “I like something comfortable that looks good at the same time.” 4. I want you to finish this sentence…“I would never be caught in…” “I’m really open to wearing everything really.” 5. Do you have any fashion icons that you look up to? “Gisele Bundchen, she’s so amazing.” 6. Do you have any favourite places to hangout? “Kitsilano beach.” 7. What kind of music do you like? “I love electronic music.”

Week 2 – Strathcona

Welcome to Strathcona, where the fashion conscious kids come out to play.

I make my way out to this neighbourhood mostly to visit friends and people watch on the stoop. This hood is made up of trend setters galore. Whether the fashionistas are wearing designer or vintage, they always find a way to stand out in a crowd.

Cruising in the streets of Strathcona you’ll be sure to find several bicycles, BBQ’s and guitars. Come to the area and meet your fellow fashion savvy friends and hang out at the nearest block party.

When you are walking to Strathcona be sure you pop into Charlie and Lee Boutique, located on 233 Union St – http://www.charlieandlee.com/store/ –  This shop is home to many unique designers creating quality clothing for men and women.

Peace out friends, xo Dewy

Party shot of casual favourites

Lounging in denim

Look its a young Dustin Hoffman. Check out his funky sneakers

One of the many guitar players in Strathcona

One of the most outgoing fashionistas I know.

Hipsters you say? They just like to look good. Nice bow tie Campy

Photos all by Scott Loudon