Madame Grey(dient)

Gradient A-line skirt, I know I bought you years ago, and I'm extremely apologetic that I forgot about you. Don't hate me for it, you just didn't seem to fit (in with) me back then. You made me look girly and tragically pudgy at the same time, you know... since you have so much volume and all. I'm sorry, I know that you're body conscious, so I won't discuss that. Although, I must say, you're pretty good at hiding certain aspects of the body i.e wide set hips. I love that you add such whimsy and flirtatiousness to a whole outfit, you are a diamond in the rough. I know it took me a while to realize, but alas, I have realized -- so I thought it would only be fitting, to photograph you during my state of epiphany. I look so happy, and it's partly because of you. Thank you Madame Grey(dient) skirt! BIG BIG Love.

Viktor & Rolf Make Me Pee My Panties

I thought you were never into such stylized, over-the-top, or embellished anything shoes? Well, I am now! I know that you can't blame me seeing as these Viktor & Rolf babies are gorgeous. Day, night, whichever - wherever and whatever! I'd throw any 'style' rules out of the window when I'm rockin' these gems on my size 6 feet! Okay, you really need to breathe... I really need to breathe... Woozaaaaah! I should sign up for llamas (sp?) classes or something, need to learn to control my breathing when it comes to these high fashion contractions, I simply can't contain myself. Time to buy some maxi pads while I'm at it. Ha ;-P

P.S. I know I told you that I've never been a fan of pink, however, I take it back, just for these shoes. But you know I'll be strutting my stuff with solid/block coloured couture.

Welcome to Howe Sound, British Columbia

Welcome to my family's West Vancouver - Howe Sound home in "beautiful British Columbia" (cars have that on the bottom of their plate numbers). I don't know about you, but who would ever want to leave such breath taking mountain and ocean views and luscious green scenery? The bears may come and eat me, but at least I'd know I lived in a little slice of paradise. I miss my second home, but alas, I shall return very soon -- it's hard to spend time away from such a beautiful home and lifestyle.

I think that we want to rework/renovate parts of the house like the kitchen, some of the bathrooms, rooms, etc. Our houses are always evolving, they're never quite the same from the last time you walked through the front door, or shut the door goodbye. It can change within a day(s), weeks, or months. My dad being an Architect/Interior Designer doesn't believe in being static. That's not to say we're never happy with one design and can't stick to it -- we just believe in forward movement, progression: change. It can be perfect... for that moment in time, but with perfection there is still maintenance. You need to maintain perfection -- and that may involve a face lift, or refinement. Whatever it is, it's what is needed at the time. What we feel is good for it. I need to stop rambling, pictures tell a thousand words!

If you're ever in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, and I happen to be around -- you should come visit me, and take in all this spendour. And if you're lucky, my brother will give you a personal tour of his wine cellar and have a taste testing of his personal collection (if he too is in town)! I'm beginning to get second-homesick, I need to go back and get my fix...

Oh yeah, I forgot, later I'll post the photos from our friend's place who lives down the road from us (in Canada). Such a gorgeous and elegant home as well. For now, au revoir!

CHANAZL

Photographs by Another Surography
Styling by SVdB
HMU by Crystalline

Sugar Rush

Dear Body,

I'm sorry, and you're welcome. I don't really know which one to be. I know that I've probably added 2 whole dress sizes to what you usually are, but I couldn't resist the temptation of a Lindt Velour Chocolate Cheesecake and ice chocolate. How could I? I was sick, and I had 2 of my girl friends with me spurring the sugar craving. I'm sorry for that, but you're also welcome that I put some good quality chocolate into your system! You're also welcome for that I didn't eat the whole cheesecake on my own, it was shared. After all, sharing is caring, right? I thought I would pass around the calories so that I wouldn't feel so bad for what I did to you. It may be evil, but I know you're thanking me for it. Don't be passive aggressive toward me, okay? If you have a problem with it, be upfront and give me a sign. Wait... I think you did give me a sign. A huge sign. Yes, I know, the weight gain. The ever expanding waistline. Are you even 23 inches anymore? If you aren't, don't worry, I promise, I vow... that we will get us both back there. I owe it to us both. Anyway, again... I'm sorry, and you are most definitely welcome. Want to go for some Lindt? ;-P

Love,

SVdB

Featured on Hello Catherine!

Dear Self,
I'm featured on Hello Catherine! *Deep yoga breaths* She writes so well, I love her feature. I'm completely and utterly flattered at her mini tribute to the Another Surography duo. I think she is now one of my muses. What's there to think? She IS! Damn this girl, she is a myriad of inspiration for me :)
Love,
SVdB

Bobbi Brown BBU Limited Edition Palette

No, not the Grammy Award-winning American R&B singer-songwriter and dancer, who's career went down the drain... but Bobbi Brown the makeup artist. I love this Bobbi Brown BBU Limited Edition Palette. Breathe. It is any makeup lover's dream, and every makeup artist's Holy Grail. It has an extensive skin tone range to suit most, if not all faces. I'm a happy camper :)

Definitely for the pros! This limited-edition palette was inspired by the hand-filled palettes used by Bobbi and top artists at photo shoots and fashion shows. The BBU Palette includes filled pans of every Bobbi Brown shade of Corrector, Creamy Concealer, and Foundation Stick. This sleek, easy-to-use palette also features an empty well for mixing shades.

Freddy Flats

I am so behind the times. I wasn't aware that Christian Louboutin did mens shoes! But alas, now that I do, I love these Louboutin 'Freddy Flats'! I want a pair for myself. I love the studded loafers, they are ultra cool! I wonder if they cater for my small feet? ;-P

Fashion Food Collaborations

Fashion and food collaborations, talk about tasty fashion! We already salivate over Louboutin heels, now he decides to collaborate with Ladurée? He's going to be the death of me!

These legs scare me.

Fafi

I adore Fifi, the French born artist's work. It's very cute, yet cheeky at the same time. It's like she has the good girl image happening, but beneath the surface, she's a bit of a naughty girl. A flirt even. She has had collaborations with Colette, Adidas, LeSportSac, Coca-Cola, M.A.C cosmetics and countless press stories in the most prestigious magazines (ie. Vogue, Elle, The Face, XLR8R, Yen etc...).

Liberate Your Sexy

I love the splashing of water image. Chanel Calendar.

Adidas Originals - The Street Where Originality Lives

The new Adidas Originals campaign is all about celebrating originality in fashion, style and just life in general. Adidas got together a really eclectic group of personalities for the campaign. Being true to yourself is one of the most important things that you could ever do for yourself. Stay fresh!

Don't Settle For Anything Less Than Butterflies by Judith Caingat

I loved this; so let me share it with you.

---- snip ----
This criminal had committed a crime. He was sent to the king for his punishment. The king told him he had a choice. He could be hung by a rope or take the punishment behind the big, dark, scary steel door. The criminal quickly decided on the rope. As the noose was being slipped on him, he asked, "Out of curiosity, what's behind that door?" The king laughed and said, "You know, it's funny. I offer all you guys the same choice, and nearly all of you pick the rope." "So," said the criminal, "what's behind the door? Obviously, I won't tell anyone," he said, pointing to the noose around his neck. The king paused and answered, 

"Freedom, but it seems most people are so afraid of the unknown that they immediately take the rope."

Do you take the rope? More often than not, it is our own fear -- not external obstacles -- that stop us from going where we want to in life. Are you staying in a relationship because you are afraid of being single? Are you staying in a job you hate because you are afraid of being jobless or taking on a new job? Are you living in the same town because you're frightened of starting over somewhere new? We all do this, stay where we are certain and feel safe, because it is easier and it is something is known. We would often stick with a painful, unhappy known than risk something that is unknown.

But how can we truly be happy if we're doing this? Sticking with the known for fear of the unknown is settling. Do we really want to settle in our lives? One of my favorite quotes comes from the mouth of Carrie Bradshaw, a character from Sex and the City. She says, 

"Some people are settling down. Some people are settling. And some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies." 

Take a moment to think about your life....


By Judith Caingat

Stephanie Archer Does Paris

Aw, Steph! I love that you searched for the Chanel boutique in Paris for one whole hour so that you could take a photo in front of it for me and peruse the boutique! I wish I could have been there with you to share in the joy of being in such luxury fashion heaven! ;)

She did also mention that the theme inside the boutique at the time was nautical ;)

Pretty In Ink

Hannah Holman with the gorgeous eye make up, you may not be inked, but the fellow behind you surely is. I adore this photograph, there's just something about it. Is it the contrast of inked skin and clean skin? Is it the youthful glow? I don't know what it really is, but it's simple in composition, and the ink makes it somewhat complex. Did you enjoy this shoot? Looks like a fun time.
Vogue Russia 2010

Coco with a touch of Narsisco

Coco, here is some positive reinforcement on how fabulous you really are. See Chanel, I still love you despite your fashion misgivings in 1994. And Narcisco, I love your skirt!

Chanel WTF?

So I love Chanel and all, we even share the same initials... but honestly, this just looks ridiculous. Haha, it's like they dressed and styled this model in the dark. Maybe they were going for quirky, well, it didn't work for me. It's just so over the top. Hence, why I'm not a fan of maximalism. It's like 3 looks put together. I'm trying to wipe off my look of disgust, but it's taking some effort. You know how they usually say that "it'd look perfect on a model" well here is proof that that statement is NOT always correct.

Chanel

A Chanel helmet + Chanel cruiser + Chanel thigh-high boots + Chanel patent python skin booties = A Chanel addiction like no other, an expensively stylish one. I'll take all of these to go, thanks. Damn you, Coco!

SVdB

Meet Sebastian, Everyone

TEA X TWO 2005
(Duchamp series)
Porcelain

Absolutely Fabulous! I love this Tea X Two! It's genius, very smart and cheeky. Form and Function, what a plus! I never finish my tea either, so sharing it with someone is perfect! Bravo Sebastian.

SEBASTIAN ERRAZURIZ (1977)
Chilean born, New York based artist and designer Sebastian Errazuriz seeks to create works that can remind people of their mortality, invite them to look again at their lives and cuestion at their daily routines.

His obsession with the dichotomies of life and death are present in his sculptures, public art works, consumer objects, furniture and even fashion.