framework BUILD YOUR LIFE IN STYLE
BOOJE MEDIA CLIO & TIFFANY DE LA LLAVE GET SOCIAL
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NATURAL BEAUTY BOOSTERS
TRAVEL
BC WINE COUNTRY BARCELONA BUCHAREST + MORE
ISSUE 3 summer 2012
SUMMER 2012
BEACH FASHION
ISSUE 3
summer 2012
on the cover
“Cover girls Clio and Tiffany are full of personality and it certainly sparkled on set! In 'Movers & Shakers' they share tips for social media, and show us their major sisterly love."
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7 CONTRIBUTORS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 9 10
essentials 11
CHECKLIST EDITOR’S PICKS Al Fresco Cottage Country
116 FRAMEWORK
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ASKS
Summer Beauty
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The Framework Girl keeps skin glowing with barely-there makeup and plenty of H2O!
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CONTENTS
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features
10 BEAUTY BOOSTERS WEEKEND RETREAT BC Wine Country + Road 13 Vineyards
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DAY TRIPPER
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
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Summer 2012 Beach Fashion
Clio & Tiffany de la Llave
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CONTENTS
culture & living
16 BUCHAREST EXPRESS
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WINE TRIO
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C'EST LA VIE
Sauvignon Blanc
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5 Ways to French-ify your Life
68 BARCELONA THROUGH THE LENS Gabby Sutori of En Route Photography
27 ISSUE 3
summer 2012
CONTENTS
style
&
design
14 BLOGGER PANEL Randa Salloum Chelle Morgan Cara Jourdan Madelon Chan
ORSOLYA TOTH PHOTOGRAPHER
54 GLOBE TROTTER
New York, NY
Oyuna Designs
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ASHLEEN MONTGOMERY WRITER Vancouver, BC
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SOPHIE COLLINS WRITER Vancouver, BC
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CONTRIBUTORS
TIFFANY DE LA LLAVE PHOTOGRAPHER Vancouver, BC
CONTRIBUTORS
CAT WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER Vancouver, BC
AARON AUBREY PHOTOGRAPHER Vancouver, BC
JESSICA W. NOUJEIM MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST North Vancouver, BC
many thanks to this month’s contributors!
~ love, Framework
LISA GEORGE DIETITIAN & WRITER Penticton, BC
KIARA FARRANT STYLIST White Rock, BC
MINA SADAT LIFESTYLE BLOGGER Vancouver, BC framework
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EDITOR’S LETTER
dear...
At home in Vancouver, the enthusiastic energy and creativity of our cover girls, Clio and Tiffany de la Llave, set just the right tone for our summer issue. After meeting for the first time at our interview, I handed over the reigns, so everything you see in the photoshoot is a true reflection of this social sister act. From in front of the lens to behind it, I’m delighted to feature Barcelonabased photographer Gabby Sutori who takes us on a tour of her new city and shares her steps to getting there. One of many travel-inspired features in this issue, it’s no surprise I’ve been hit with a strong case of wanderlust. From Barcelona to Bucharest, and the Bahamas to our own backyard, the pages are packed with fabulous destinations at home and afar. A born beach girl, I live for sun, surf, and sand between my toes. Plenty of bathing suits are a must, and our summer fashion shoot delivers the goods, along with the perfect layers for unpredictable days. Whether you’re a shade seeker or a sun worshiper, a picnicker or thrill chaser, chic summer style awaits with “Day Tripper.” For this issue it’s destination summer, taking the Framework girl far and 8
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wide in search of adventure and all things style.
BRIA LEAR, FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
editor@frameworkmag.com
CHECKLIST
THIS MONTH WE SUGGEST
the framework girl... Transforms her patio with colourful cushions and plenty of twinkle lights Breaks in her new bikini building castles in the sand Stocks her fridge with farmer's market finds Finds constellations in the midnight sky Plays hooky and heads to the beach Hosts a wine tasting Marks the map with mini flags to plan her next adventure Packs her bag with SPF 30 and the hottest new read
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LANTERN URBAN BARN, $30
STRAPPY DRESS FRENCH CONNECTION, $298
DOORKNOCKER EARRINGS ASOS, $13
SHIMMER COMPACT BOBBI BROWN, $40
AL FRESCO OUTDOOR DINING MAKES THE MOST OF WARM SUMMER NIGHTS OUTDOOR PILLOW WEST ELM, $27 GRAY MONK ROTBERGER ROSE WINE BC LIQUOR STORES, $16
LUIGI BORMOLI ROSE WINE GLASS BLOOMINGDALE'S, $9
DROP-LEAF TABLE IKEA, $179
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DIANE VON FU WEDGE SAND SHOPBOP.CO
EDITOR'S PICKS SEQUIN TOP MISS SELFRIDGE, $70
TIBERIO SCARF MATCHES, $50
SALAD BOWL & SERVERS SET CRATE & BARREL, $85
DINNER PLATE TARGET, $13 / 4
SLIM LEG JEAN WALLIS, $52
ROMA PASTA MACHINE AMAZON.CA, $28
URSTENBERG DAL OM, $132
ELIZABETH ARDEN LIPSTICK BEAUTY.COM $22
CHAIR ANTHROPOLOGIE, $198
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SUPER SUNGLASSES 'LUCIA' SUNNIES SHOPBOP.COM, $172
BRACELET CLUB MONACO, $19
FEDORA FOREVER 21, $16
JOSIE MARAN ARGAN OIL HAIR SERUM SEPHORA, $39
COTTAGE COUNTRY FIND REST, RELAXATION, AND DOCKSIDE CASUAL-COOL
SINGLE INDOOR/ OUTDOOR IPOD DOCK HOME HARDWARE, $99
JAY FRANCO BEACH TOWEL TARGET, $10
MURAD OIL CONTROL MATTIFIER SPF 15 SEPHORA, $39 CHAISE LOUNGE IKEA, $169
STRIPE BANDEAU BIKINI TOP TOPSHOP, $28
STRIPE BIKINI BOTTOM TOPSHOP, $24
EDITOR'S PICKS DEBORAH LIPPMANN NAIL LACQUER NORDSTROM $16 MOSQUITO NET IKEA $20
TARA MATTHEWS BIKINI NET-A-PORTER.COM $180
THE CHAPERONE BY LAURA MORIARTY INDIGO.CA, $18
KEDS FOR MADEWELL SNEAKERS MADEWELL. COM, $62
TIE FRONT TOP MISS SELFRIDGE, $53
BOBBI BROWN BEACH FRAGRANCE SEPHORA, $55
BOY BY BAND OF OUTSIDERS SHORTS NET-A-POTER. COM, $315 THOMAS PAUL CAMERA CASE BURKEDECOR. COM, $26
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MEET OUR SUMMER
BLOGGER PANEL
THE UNPRECEDENTED
DISCOVERING ELEGANCE
Favourite fashion city? Hands down, it’s New York City! I love how NYC is a melting pot of styles. There’s something incredibly chic and put together about a New York woman.
Favourite fashion city? New York. I visited for the first time this February and I was completely in awe of how effortlessly chic the entire city was.
Dream destination? I’m currently dreaming of Ibiza and all of its energetic glory!
Dream destination? Roaming Santorini in a gauzy white dress, or touring Athens and soaking up all of the history.
Travel wardrobe essential? Gold jewelry is a major essential in my life, period! Anywhere I travel I need to make sure I have my gold rings, necklaces, bracelets—the works.
Travel wardrobe essential? Comfortable (yet chic) sandals. Practical for any destination whether it’s Paris or the Bahamas, I basically live in my jewelled flat sandals!
On my last vacation I... wish I could tell you but what happens in Vegas... never happened!
On my last vacation I... Went to Mexico. I can’t resist an excuse to spend all day in a bikini, sans makeup and drink in hand!
PANEL
A FASHION LOVE AFFAIR
FASHION CHRONOGRAPH
Favourite fashion city? While I love the fashion forwardness of New York City, my favourite fashion city is L.A because of the laid-back beachy influence.
Favourite fashion city? Paris.
Dream destination? There are always new destinations on my list! Right now I would love to travel around Indonesia.
Dream destination? I want to travel the world; I especially love warm sunny destinations.
Travel wardrobe essential? A cotton maxi dress-it can roll up and travel so well, can take you from day to night and can be used as a cover up..
Travel wardrobe essential? A silk top. It’s the perfect transition piece from day to night and from casual to dressy
On my last vacation I... was flown to New York to celebrate winning the Harper’s Bazaar Fabulous At Every Age Contest.
On my last vacation I... went to Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! framework
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TRAVEL
BUCHAREST e
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p
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e
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BY MINA SADAT What was once a dark, gloomy city has now been transformed into a colourful, vibrant metropolis full of exquisite places to satisfy any whimsical traveler’s desires. With wonderful scenery, beautiful people, and great weather, Bucharest is a gold mine for the wandering traveler. If ever you find yourself in Eastern Europe, do not hesitate to spend a few days in Bucharest, my eclectic hometown. Where else could one find a mixture of neoclassical palaces, communist block buildings, and a skyscraper lost in between? With every summer’s visit I discover talented new designers to fill my treasure chest, new restaurants to wine and dine, and new corners of the city to explore. Steeped in history, glamour and charm, Bucharest will not disappoint.
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BUCHAREST shopping In the past two years, the fashion scene in Bucharest has exploded, and is bustling with a style that—dare I say—is far more adventurous and exciting than what we have here on the West Coast. My advice for travelling fashionistas? Try to plan your visit during a vintage and local designer fair. The city’s favorites are Absolutely Fabulous and V for Vintage, where the merchandise is plentiful and includes a large selection of local designer pieces. Either way, it’s hard not to find a weekend fashion event, as girls are hungry for exploring their individuality and personal style. More than just shopping destinations, these fairs have become a social gathering for the city's most fashionable, and are the best places to see and be seen! Read on for my favourite Romanian designers, and shopping do's and dont's... top: V for Vintage sign at the fair, and bottom: vintage jewellery section {photos by Laura Tenshi}
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"THERE IS ALWAYS A VINTAGE DIOR OR YSL PAIR OF EARRINGS LURKING IN THE JEWELLERY BOXES, JUST WAITING TO BE FOUND! "
FASHION FAIR FABULOUS
TRAVEL
tips for the savvy shopper
1.
DO ARRIVE EARLY TO BEAT THE CROWDS
D O N' T
1.
BUY THE VINTAGE CLOTHING
You'll get your hands on the best merchandise! The vendors are less busy so you’ll receive more one-on-one attention to help you choose the best piece. By the time you’ve finished shopping, everyone who is anyone has arrived, and you can enjoy socializing with the city’s stylish young women.
The vintage sellers are highly overpriced. Although they carry a well-edited selection of beautiful accessories and clothes, most are purchased from Western countries at already high prices. If vintage is your thing, I recommend holding on to your wallet for visits to other countries where the vintage is in abundance.
2.
VISIT AS MANY LOCAL DESIGNER BOOTHS AS POSSIBLE.
You can get one-of-a-kind pieces for extremely reasonable prices, especiall since one Canadian dollar is worth three times as much in Romania! You'll be the envy of style-mavens back home.
2.
FRET IF YOU DON'T SEE YOUR SIZE OR STYLE
Most designers will be more than happy to work privately with you to customize any item to your style and measurements. The prices can vary, but most pieces will range from $40-$100.
LOOK YOUR BEST, FOR LESS! GET EXCLUSIVE FASHION DEALS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.
SUBSCRIBE!
BUCHAREST DESIGNERS
the favourites to look for
2.
THE BAG SHOP
www.thebagshop.ro
Just recently launched, this boutique draws the local fashion set like bees to honey. With an average price of $40 each, you can easily purchase a couple new handbags every season, without hurting your wallet. The Bag Shop is a must-stop when your accessories need an update. (This orange stunner just had to come with me—it’s a lot bigger than it appears!)
1.
FANDASCIA
www.fandascia.ro
Have a royal party to go to or just love extravagant head ware? Fandacsia is the go-to designer for stunning fascinators. Even better for creative trendsetters, she will customize her headpieces and hats to each and every client’s specific desires.
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TRAVEL
"THE LIST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT HERE ARE MY TOP THREE LOCAL DESIGNERS..."
right: the famed peplum tank by Fe(male) {photo via http://frillsandties.blogspot.ca}
3.
FE(MALE) http://frillsandties.blogspot.ca/
Every season Mirela Fraser, the girl behind Fe(male), comes up with another must-have item. Two years ago, it was a braided felt vest. This summer, it’s a sweetheart neckline peplum top featured in the La Dolce Vita ads. Highly professional, Mirela will quickly customize any of her pieces to your own measurements in the fabric of your choice. I picked up my very own peplum top in a dusty rose print! far left: one of Fandascia's gorgeous headpieces {photo via www.fandascia.ro}, center: Mina's new bag from TheBagShop.ro {photo by Mina Sadat}
TRAVEL
2.
I N F I N I T Y T E A the city's secret garden
Fancy a cup of tea? Bucharest is bustling with whimsical teahouses like my favorite, Infinity Tea. Nestled in a neoclassical home with a beautiful back garden, you’ll forget that you’re in the city. Order either the rose or marzipan tea sweetened with local honey, and enjoy a quiet Bucharest afternoon while reading a great book.
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T H O M A S A NTIQUES drink while you shop, or shop while you drink
If you are a romantic at heart, Bucharest is the perfect place; in the 1900’s, the city was named “Little Paris.” A must-stop while sightseeing is Thomas Antiques, a cafe and bar disguised as an antique shop… or the other way around! Sit on plush Victorian sofas while sipping a cocktail and decide whether that lovely 18th century clock from across the room would go well in your own home. After all, everything in the cafe is for sale. Love the chair you’re sitting on, or the table holding your drinks? They’re yours to take home—for a fee of course! If the weather is nice try sitting on the small balcony that overlooks the cobbled streets of the Old Town.
"THESE ARE THREE CULINARY GEMS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS!"
BUCHAREST DINING
from tea time to happy hour
above: inside Caru cu Bere,, below: house beer {photos by Mina Sadat} far left: the patio at Thomas Antiques, and left: tea party at Infinity Tea {photos by Laura Tenshi}
3.
C A R U C U B E R E authentic meals & home brewed beer
Highly hyped, and for good reason, is Caru cu Bere. One of Bucharest’s oldest restaurants, it has served locals and tourists since 1879. Traditionally a beer house, Caru cu Bere is now one of the city’s hot spots and perfect for grabbing an authentic Romanian meal. Settled right in the heart of the Old Town, it boasts magnificent architecture, excellent beers brewed in-house, and attentive servers. To make your visit even more special, make a reservation on a Saturday night; you’ll dine on delicious food while being entertained by folkloric dance ensembles for a closer look—and taste—of Romanian culture. fw framework
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10 beauty
boosters TO GET YOU GLOWING FROM THE INSIDE OUT by Lisa George
1.
berry beautiful What BC does best! Sweet, juicy and delicious, the deep hues of local berries mean they are full of nutritional goodness. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries—to name a few— are jam packed with fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants to keep you feeling satisfied and looking young and fresh. Get your daily dose with dishes like seasonal fruit salad, blueberry oatmeal pancakes, and wild berry crumble! Why not add berry picking to your list of summer activities?
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2. 3. go green
We’re not talking about recycling, composting, and reusable grocery bags; rather, make leafy greens the star of your meals. Kale, spinach and swiss chard are high in vitamins A, C and K, and rich in lutein, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin against sun damage. In combination these nutrients are powerful skin savers, combating signs of aging, improving your skin’s elasticity and firmness, and even repairing dark circles! Use as a salad base, in smoothies, or chop up and toss into a classic frittata to reap the rewards in your complexion.
beet it
Beets contain phytochemicals, which support the natural antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and detoxification processes in our bodies—think clear, radiant skin! Try peeling and roasting beets along with other root vegetables, or eat raw, grated into your summer salad.
4. 6.
tasty tomatoes
herb-ivore
There are hundreds of varieties to choose from! From the popular heirloom, beefsteak, roma, cherry, grape, and campari, to lesser known varieties such as herald and high crimson, tomatoes pack a powerful punch. Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lycopene, the cancer-preventing nutrients found in tomatoes promote healthy cells and organs while helping your body retain moisture. Easily grown in planter boxes, plucking a juicy tomato right off the vine is a delectable summer treat!
Fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, rosemary, and mint enhance and flavour of our favourite recipes. Cilantro and basil are high in vitamin A, a building block in the maintenance of healthy vision, and vitamin K, an important player in bone formation. Also look for rosemary, mint, and basil in bath and body products— they’re known to rejuvenate dull skin and hair! Try Homemade pesto with cilantro and basil, grown on our very own windowsill…
5.
busy bee The bees have been busy this season creating one of our favourite sweeteners. With a lower glycemic index than sugar, honey is absorbed at a slower, steadier rate—great for avoiding that afternoon energy crash! Not only is honey a healthy way to sweeten salad dressings, baking and teas, it can also be used for at-home skin treatments. Naturally antibacterial, honey quickly soothes and heals acne, cuts, and sore throats.
7.
gratifying grains With all of this talk of fruits and vegetables, add some bulk to your meals with healthy whole grains. Oatmeal at breakfast, quinoa salad at lunch, and barley risotto at dinner are delicious ways to amp up your intake of fibre as well as B vitamins, iron and folate— super nutrients needed for super women! Whether you’re prone to breakouts or dryness, replacing processed carbohydrates with whole grains will improve your skin’s clarity and moisture for a naturally healthy glow.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
THE FRAMEWORK GIRL KNOWS THAT EATING WELL GIVES HER GREAT ENERGY, AS WELL AS THE CONFIDENCE SHE NEEDS TO SHOW OFF THAT STYLIN’ NEW BIKINI. WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTHY LIVING WE’RE NOT ONES TO PLAY FAVOURITES, BUT OUR TOP TEN INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY, SEXY, SUMMER BOD’ ARE SET IN HEAVY ROTATION...
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8. 9.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
hemp hearts
sizzle & spice
Canada’s harvest exemplifies clean eating at its best. High in protein, fibre, and omegas 3 and 6, hemp seeds are a veritable triple threat! Think youthful skin, strong nails, and luscious locks with this power player in your beauty arsenal! Add hemp seeds to your baking, toss into your salads and blend into your berry-kale smoothies for daily anti-aging benefits.
It’s BBQ season! Not only is grilling a healthy (and easy) way to boost flavour and whip up meals on the fly, it welcomes a wide variety of spicy sidekicks. With beauty benefits such as increasing skin’s radiance, decreasing inflammation, boosting metabolism and protecting against free radicals, we recommend turning up the heat! Some hot choices: cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, cumin; don’t be afraid to mix and match and play with spices to find your flavour-fit.
10.
‘d’-lighted
Last but not least, take advantage of the sunshine and soak up some natural vitamin D. Spend 10-15 minutes exposed to sunlight so that your skin can generate this highly important vitamin for your body— it’s the most natural and affordable way to feel happy and energized. Our advice? Get your daily dose, and then protect your skin with SPF 30! With an improved mood and sunkissed radiance, you’ll be glowing head-to-toe. fw.
LISA GEORGE, OUR CONTRIBUTING HEALTH EXPERT, IS A REGISTERED DIETITIAN AND WRITER. SHE CURRENTLY LIVES IN PENTICTON, BC.
G TIN P E C AC NTS! Y L T DE REN STU R CU NEW
Me
Design, drafting & sewing lessons in White Rock, BC
Classes are personalized and tailored specifically to your needs and skill level. No minimum skill level required. Classes are available for children and adults. Handouts, learning aids, and use of 4 different types of sewing machines included at no additional cost. **extra cost for fabric and notions**
Contact us at sew_me_lessons@hotmail.com or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sewmelessons
$
$$ $$$
wine trio
tasting: sauvignon blanc WRITTEN BY SOPHIE COLLINS
Sauvignon blanc is one of our favourite grape varietals, and an excellent choice for new wine drinkers. Originating in France, it has become one of the world’s most popular grapes. Most wines made with sauvignon blanc have a crisp, vegetal taste—sometimes with a hint of citrus—and are a great pairing with a variety of foods. We like to enjoy these wines with anything from a fresh summer salad, to a spicy chicken curry. They are flexible, and most certainly, delicious!
everyday table $
TWO OCEANS SAUVIGNON BLANC $10.75
This South African sauvignon blanc is a great wine to break out when the sun is shining and you want to have a casual dinner on the patio. Very crisp and refreshing, it can accompany anything from crudités and dip to a bowl full of berries. And like many other South African wines, the value is hard to beat! Make sure to stock up on this one next time you’re at the liquor store.
dinner party $$
OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC $17.99
One of our favourite wines, the Oyster Bay sauvignon blanc from New Zealand manages to be extremely refreshing, with a hint of sweetness. We absolutely love this wine paired with a spicy Indian feast. It is also good with fresh and light shrimp on the “barbie” as they call it in NZ – see Sophie The Romantic’s recipe here. Don’t hesitate to bring this to a friend’s house for a get together as it is a wine that pairs well with a variety of foods (however, we would not recommend it with any sort of red meat).
special occasion $$$
CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC $31.99
Ah, the Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc. Another New Zealandmade wine, it is hands down one of our favourite whites on the market. Cloudy Bay manages to perfect the crispness of a green apple, paired with the vegetal nature of the sauvignon blanc grape. This wine is bursting with flavour and lingers on your palate so you can truly enjoy it. We would recommend pairing this wine with a spinach salad, chicken souvlaki and a Greek salad, and even better: on its own on a sunny day.
This list is just a jumping off point. Our advice? Drink what you like, and don’t worry about what other people say! framework
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CULTURE
WRITTEN BY ASHLEEN MONTGOMERY PHOTOS BY TIFFANY DE LA LLAVE
C 'e s t l a v i e 5 WAYS TO "FRENCH-IFY" YOUR LIFE framework
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CULTURE
LONG BEFORE MY FIRST EVER STINT IN EUROPE, I DREAMT OF WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO EXPERIENCE LIFE IN FRANCE. YES, I WAS DEFINITELY GUILTY OF PICTURING MYSELF AMONGST ALL OF THE TYPICAL FRENCH STEREOTYPES… I SAW MYSELF SPORTING A BERET, WHILE SITTING IN A FRENCH CAFÉ WITH ACCORDION MUSIC PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND. I IMAGINED SIPPING MY COFFEE AND EATING A BUTTERY CROISSANT, WATCHING PEOPLE RIDE BY WITH BAGUETTES IN THE BASKETS OF THEIR BICYCLES, ALL LOOKING SO VERY CHIC IN THEIR CLASSIC CLOTHING. WELL, AFTER SPENDING A YEAR IN FRANCE, I CAN ATTEST THAT THIS FRENCH STEREOTYPE ISN’T TOO FAR OFF THE MARK. MINUS ME IN THE BERET AND THE BACKGROUND ACCORDION MUSIC, THE REST IS A PRETTY ACCURATE PICTURE OF A TYPICAL DAY I WOULD SPEND IN FRANCE. IT’S NO SURPRISE
THAT MANY OF US NORTH AMERICANS HAVE A DREAM OF LIVING ABROAD, AND I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE LIVED MINE. BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS IT ABOUT FRANCE THAT SEEMS TO DRAW US IN? IT’S TRUE THAT FRANCE IS THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE TOURIST DESTINATION, STEEPED AS IT IS IN HISTORY AND CULTURE. BUT ITS MAGNETISM IS MUCH MORE THAN ALL THE FASCINATING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS. THE FRENCH WAY OF LIFE JUST HAS THAT "JE NE SAIS QUOI ." FOR THOSE OF US WHO WOULD LOVE TO BE A LITTLE MORE “FRANÇAIS,” BUT AREN’T READY TO MAKE THE MOVE TO PARIS, THERE ARE A FEW KEY ASPECTS OF THE FRENCH LIFESTYLE THAT WE CAN TRY TO INCORPORATE AT HOME. HERE ARE THE TOP 5 THINGS I LOVED ABOUT THE FRENCH:
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CULTURE
1 THE FRENCH EAT WHATEVER THEY WANT YET STILL MANAGE TO BE THIN AND GOODLOOKING. Butter, carbs, cheese, pastries, chocolate, and wine (oh the wine!), they indulge in it all. The key here is a focus on quality, not quantity. In North America, we tend to overdo it when we indulge in the sweet stuff. This is especially true for dieters, who deprive themselves of treats because they are so caught up in losing those 5 pounds. However, one bad day can send them on a chocolate binge, which leads to thinking “well, I’m cheating anyways, I may as well do it right!” I have yet to meet a French person who thinks this way. French women have a much healthier body image and like to indulge in treats on a regular basis—all of my French friends eat dessert or some kind of treat after lunch. However, their dessert would be a fraction of the size of a typical North American treat. The French dessert would also be very high in quality and therefore more likely to satisfy a sweet tooth, which brings me to my second observation…
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2 THE FRENCH ARE PICKY And I mean this in the best of ways. They have high standards for the quality of their food. The conveniences of North American food result in many meals and snacks that are over processed, packed with sugar, and full of artificial flavours and colours. The French, on the other hand, take more time to prepare meals and are less likely to buy things prepackaged or frozen. They tend to eat food that is in season, and they usually buy fresh and good quality ingredients. Now, it would be a lie if I told you that the French don’t ever eat at places like McDonalds, but even the French McDonalds’ seem to have better quality food, not to mention smaller portions.
3 THE FRENCH HAVE STYLE From grandmothers who pass down Hermès scarves like family heirlooms, to wardrobes full of immaculately tailored, classic pieces, French women have good fashion sense embedded in their genes. They make investments in their clothing, and choose pieces that are made to withstand fashion trends and regular wear and tear. Again, the view is quality
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over quantity. They favour neutral colours, and know exactly what shapes and cuts look best on their bodies. One thing you won’t see is a French woman in an extremely short skirt and heels she can’t walk in. The French are all about class.
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4 THE FRENCH KNOW HOW TO TAKE A BREAK While taking a two-hour lunch break could be grounds for dismissal here in North America, the extended lunch is a common occurrence in France. Over here, many of us would rather grab a quick bite while working through lunch and then just take off two hours earlier. However, the French make a point of having an enjoyable sit-down meal with family. Though mildly annoying for those trying to run errands at lunchtime only to find closed shops, sometimes a good afternoon break is necessary for a productive, focused afternoon.
5 THE FRENCH LOVE THEIR HOLIDAYS North Americans love their holidays too, but I know many people who would get restless after taking four weeks off of work. The French will often take the whole month of August off— in addition to other holidays throughout the year. How do they keep themselves occupied? Usually by going on vacations with friends and family, preparing lots of delicious meals, and drinking fw lots of wine. Count me in! .......
la fin
CULTURE
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W
eekend Retreat WRITTEN BY LISA GEORGE
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TRAVEL
DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE SOUTH OKANAGAN WINE TRAIL
photo by Chris Stearns
TRAVEL
FGirl... this summer the
ramework
works hard to play hard, and certainly strives to make the most of her weekends. Always on the lookout for quick new getaways and summertime adventures, our love of travel has led us to the South Okanagan wine trail—just a skip, hop, and a jump away from the city! Given that clinking glasses of red, white, rose, and bubbly are often integral to our special occasions and everyday celebrations, we’re delighted to share one of our favourite weekend retreats. Perfect for spending time with your best gals, a family reunion, or a romantic getaway with your special someone, the South Okanagan delivers world-class wines, fabulous local fare, stunning scenery, and great weather. Your itinerary is up to you, but may we suggest one or two? Start your day with
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a sunny, morning walk or refreshing dip in the lake, then pack up your picnic and hit the wine trail! Spend your afternoon enjoying the scenery and a tasting (or two!), and relax for the evening with dinner and dessert at one of the winery restaurants. Catch the last rays of sun setting over the vineyards, and toast to a wonderful weekend… Read on, as we feature Road 13, one of our favourite Okanagan wineries, in a special interview with their accomplished winemaker, J-M Bouchard.
photo provided by Road 13
photo by Lionel Trudel
PURCHASED IN 2003 BY PAM AND MICK LUCKHURST, THE WINERY HAS EVOLVED from the old “golden mile cellars,” to the elegant yet approachable road 13. With the acquisition of prestigious winemaker j-m bouchard, road 13 is now a british columbia favourite; they’re rocking the menus of many of our favourite restaurants! 42
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CULTURE & LIVING
Producing world-class wines full of flavour and available at every price point, Road 13 tops our winery list for more than just the wine. With amazing scenery, laid-back style, and great staff, we couldn’t possibly keep them to ourselves! So without further ado, pour yourself a glass and let us introduce you to J-M Bouchard, winemaker at Road 13 vineyards:
You’ve worked in wineries all over the world; what is about the Okanagan vineyards that captivate you? Part of it is the lifestyle here; being in your country— Canada—is a great plus, it is a relaxed un-crowded environment. I love the skiing and the lakes in the summer; it is a very active place to be.
As for the vineyards, there are a wide variety of climates and terroir. From the south to the north of the valley there is huge variation in the soil, temperature, and what you can grow. The fruit is also much cleaner, much riper. Terroir is a word often referred to when describing vineyards. Can you elaborate on what
this means? A wine maker came up with an English translation for terroir as “somewhereness,” although it doesn’t fully describe it. Terroir is the geographical location, the soil, the aspect, the altitude, the amount of sunshine—what is within the environment that affects how things are growing. You don’t have terroir everywhere. There are some vineyards, that, whatever you do, the wines will be just mediocre, a happy 1015 dollar wine. And then there are some places, the places which exhibit terroir, where you can make fabulous wine. This is definitely a growing wine region. Do you think the south Okanagan will gain further international recognition?
photo provided by Road 13
It will take time. There is already so much diversity in the world and we are not producing anything that is yet recognized as unique to our region. We make world class wines, but because again we have such a wide variety of terroir and climate, we don’t framework
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make something uniform. For example, Hunter Valley in Australia creates a simeon that is unique, and the Willamette regions in Oregon produce pinot noir of a certain style. You can market your region with style. We make so much variety that it is hard to create the synergy and volumes to market ourselves so we are recognized the world-over. That is our challenge; however, what makes us special is that we have variety and we are one of the prettiest wine regions of the world—the landscape is fabulous.
It is always evolving. My last project was working on a much smaller scale; here at Road 13 we work on a slightly larger scale. There is an attention to detail that is easy to achieve when you are smaller, and you have to learn how to maintain this detail when you are in a larger environment. I changed the focus of the wines here by creating more high-end wines than we were 2 years ago. We also follow the demand from our customers. Road 13 is now making more single vineyards wines; pinot noir, petit verdot, syrah mourvedre—the syrah
brings with it concentration, power and a sense of place. There is a definite terroir to the wine. The Jackpot chardonnay is another one of our outstanding wines. When you have very strong wines, you are allowed, as a wine maker, more creativity. If the fruit is weak you need to be very protective of its flavour. If it is strong you can do interesting things—use more natural yeast, ferment at a higher temperature, create wines that have more character, fullness, more tactile feelings—and those two varieties are the best
"THERE ARE SOME VINEYARDS, THAT, WHATEVER YOU DO, THE WINES WILL BE JUST MEDIOCRE, A HAPPY 10-15 DOLLAR WINE. AND THEN THERE ARE SOME PLACES, THE PLACES WHICH EXHIBIT TERROIR, WHERE YOU CAN MAKE FABULOUS WINE." What is it about the Okanagan that lends itself to good wine making? Clean fruit, ripe fruit, and an interesting terroir. All that plus vines that have age—thirtyplus year-old vines. When you have older vines and a good terroir you can make even better wines. How has your relationship with winemaking evolved since working for Road 13?
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mourvedre is a rare variety. I was sceptical; however it turned out beautifully in a challenging year.
examples of such. Do you have a personal favourite to grow and make?
You have had several award winning wines in the past few years. Can you highlight the elements that make for an outstanding wine?
Pinot noir
Great fruit from great vineyards. The most solid wine from Road 13 year in and year out is the Chenin blanc; it
And your favourite wine to drink? The Ribera del Duero from Vega Sicilia, Spain—it is phenomenal. However, it runs around three-hundred and fifty to four-hundred and thirty dollars a bottle, so it’s a
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photo provided by Road 13 very rare occasion that I get to indulge. What is your favourite Road 13 wine? One wine which has set us apart is the Rockpile. It is such a great value wine and an interesting blend. It is also a very accessible blend and a great choice for people who are not sure if they like wine. Consider it the perfect starting point that will open to the door to loving wine. I also enjoy the Chenin blanc; it is a world class wine. The Southern Okanagan “Golden Mile” is home to many wineries and vineyards. What
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differentiates Road 13?
produced wines.
Our approach to blends for our entry and our tiers. Honest John is our entry level tier and we offer white, rosé and red. Our mid-level tier is Rockpile red and our Stemwinder white. These are our most widely
How many different vineyards do you have? We own five vineyards and last year we received fruit from 23 vineyards. We buy from selective growers that
"A GREAT WINE TO PAIR WITH FOOD HAS AN ELEGANCE TO IT. WINES WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ACIDITY AND HARMONY ARE MORE EASILY MATCHED WITH FOOD."
are as passionate as us in producing great wines. They are spread between Osoyoos and Kelowna, as well as five growers in Cawston and Keremeos. Does Road 13 have a signature wine? Fifth Element, Jackpot chardonnay, the Home Vineyard Chenin blanc, and the sparkling Chenin blanc are our most recognized wines in the marketplace. What is your bestseller, and what would you serve alongside it? The Rockpile. We also sell out of our Chenin Blanc each year—it is a smaller, limited release as our vines are 43 yrs old, so we cannot produce more of it. The Rockpile is a BBQ wine, and meant not only for pairing with food, but to enjoy out with friends. It is a celebration of life type of wine, very Okanagan—accessible, beautiful, sunny. The type of wine you drink when you spend a day chilling at the beach with your friends. Wine and cheese is an obvious combination, but can you tell us a bit about wine pairings with other foods? While I’m trained as a winemaker, not a sommelier, usually the ones which are the hardest to pair are highalcohol, overly rich, and usually red. A great wine to pair with food has an elegance
In what order should you taste the different varieties? Usually taste from lighter to heavier wines—from white, to rosé to red. Can you describe the atmosphere that Road 13 strives to create for its guests? The castle here was built by the previous owner. The current owners are more blue collared type of people—approachable, welcoming. Our motto is “It’s all about the dirt.” We are unpretentious, humble, and authentic. We strive to offer good value. Throughout the summer you host a variety of winery events. What can we look forward to this year?
photo provided by Road 13 to it. Wines with a little bit of acidity and harmony are more easily matched with food. For example, the Chenin blanc paired with delicate Indian food, or the Merlot syrah with Italian osso bucco. Wine tasting is considered an art. What advice do you have for getting the most out of one’s experience? You must approach wine tasting with an open mind. If you close your mind you are closing your chance of being
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surprised and appreciating wines and flavours for what they actually taste like, rather than what you think they will taste like. If you are just starting out with wine tasting, it is always good to taste with people more experienced than you—they can open you up to the experience. We start at ground zero and build from there; what we need are reference points. I think most importantly, we shouldn’t drink what people tell us to drink, but instead follow our own taste buds.
Every 13th of the month from May to October, we host wine dinners here. We also feature events during the wine festival in the fall. What are your favourite things to do during an Okanagan summer? Water sports like water skiing, going to the beach, and eating outside with friends. I would also like to take on kite surfing; I love speed! Do you have any recommendations for accommodation in the area?
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photo provided by Road 13
In Penticton, I love Naramata. It is very quaint; a romantic setting. I gravitate towards its peacefulness and old architecture. When a regular gal wants to learn more about wine, where’s the best place to start? Most of us have a budget. Find like-minded people who are roughly around your level of experience, buy some wines together, and organize a tasting. Have friends over, each bring a wine and place a brown bag over it. Taste the wines, discuss the flavours, play games with it. Ask questions like: where is it from? Which variety? Which vintage? These are easy ways democratize the experience of wine tasting in an informal and un-stressful way. Don’t be afraid to say what you think as there is no right or wrong. fw
"YOU MUST APPROACH WINE TASTING WITH AN OPEN MIND. IF YOU CLOSE YOUR MIND YOU ARE CLOSING YOUR CHANCE OF BEING SURPRISED AND APPRECIATING WINES AND FLAVOURS FOR WHAT THEY ACTUALLY TASTE LIKE, RATHER THAN WHAT YOU THINK THEY WILL TASTE LIKE." 50
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PPicnic pack yourself the
erfect
Packing the perfect picnic is one of our favourite summer pastimes; it’s an easy way to entertain while soaking up the sun and getting away from our laptops. Classic picnic party spots include the beach and the park, and we’re now adding wineries that list! May we suggest... While some wineries feature their own restaurants, many welcome you to pack your own picnic to enjoy with your favourite new sip. Just bring your basket of goodies, and they’ll assist you in finding that perfect pairing. There’s not much better than discovering a great new wine to enjoy with a delicious spread while looking out onto one of B.C.’s most beautiful landscapes. In our basket? A fresh baguette, an array of cheeses from smoked gouda to creamy brie, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of cherries for dessert! Since countless orchards and fresh produce stalls line the Okanagan wine trail, packing a picnic is as simple as taking your pick. fw
OUR TOP 5 ROAD 13 WINES Sparkling Chenin blanc Rockpile Home Vineyard Chenin blanc Jackpot chardonnay Merlot syrah
TRAVEL
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OUR FAVOURITE FIFTEEN SOUTH OKANAGAN WINERIES It started out as our Top 5, and then our Top 10, but we just couldn’t narrow it down! Now separated into regions, it's even easier to plan your very own wine country weekend escape:
Naramata
Hillside Winery La Frenz Red Rooster Therapy
In Between
(Penticton & Oliver)
Blasted Church See Ya Later Ranch Jackson Triggs
The Golden Mile
Road 13 Tinhorn Creek Stone Boat Silver Sage Winery Burrowing Owl Rustico Farm & Cellars
Osoyoos
Nk’mip Cellars Moon Curser photo by Chris Stearns
GLOBE
TROTTER
photography by Orsolya Toth
STYLE & DESIGN
FROM MONGOLIA
to Uzbekistan, and Canada to the Caribbean, Oyuna Tuyssuzian’s namesake fashion label takes global inspiration. The designer, who honed her talent working for high-end fashion lines in Asia, now calls Vancouver home. But that doesn’t keep her rooted in one location. Oyuna Designs’ recent resort collection was inspired by, and created on, the beautiful islands of Turks and Caicos. We tracked her down— en route back to Mongolia, no less—for an insider’s perspective on her life as a designer, and the making of her current collection.
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STYLE & DESIGN You grew up in Mongolia, watching your mother sew and creating unique clothes for yourself. What drove you to pursue fashion as a career? When I was little, I had to wear a school uniform and I would always alter my uniforms myself. In fact, I found most of the clothes found in stores at that time to be rather boring so I always needed to take them apart and reinvent them. The first piece I ever made was a pair of pants based on a pattern I found in a magazine. It turned out a little warped, but I felt a great sense of achievement and knew that I wanted to do this as a career. When did you launch your first namesake collection? I launched my first collection in 2009. Your tailoring and draping skills are certainly evident in your designs. Tell us a little bit about your past work experience… One of the most valued experiences I had in the industry was designing uniforms for the military. It taught me a great deal about fit and construction and probably influenced my clean and modern design aesthetic. I also worked as a tailor for a high-end company. Working with designer clothing in this way increased my appreciation for high quality fabrics and the
workmanship that goes into creating these pieces. Also, I believe that having good technical skills reflects in the clothing and I certainly learned a lot about pattern making, sewing and draping as a tailor. What was the biggest challenge in transitioning from designing for someone else’s company, to creating your own? When working for someone else’s company, you need to focus only on the creative process, whereas in your own company, no matter what the industry may be, you have to wear a lot of hats. You are responsible for every part of the business and must pay very close attention to detail. Who is the Oyuna Designs woman? She is a modern woman who dresses to please herself and who wants quality, flattering clothes that are also fashion
forward. She likes to travel and is culturally conscious. She’s a confident woman who appreciates workmanship and creativity. We like her already! How would you describe your design aesthetic? I combine great fit and high quality fabrics with a clean and modern design aesthetic. I like simple lines that streamline the silhouette instead of adding bulk. Some of my designs are influenced by men’s tailoring and reflect that simplicity. I also prefer to use natural fabrics, as I believe that they are more comfortable and durable. Does it vary at all from your personal style? My designs definitely reflect my personal style. Someone once told me to simply make clothes I would wear and that’s what I do. framework
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“THE LIFESTYLES ARE VERY DIFFERENT IN EACH COUNTRY OR CITY I VISIT, AND I LIKE TO TAKE MY CUSTOMERS ON THE JOURNEY WITH ME SO THAT THEY TOO CAN EXPERIENCE THESE PLACES THROUGH THE CLOTHES.”
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Although you’re now based in Vancouver, you seem to travel all over the world to create your collections. How does this affect your design process and garment production? Travelling inspires me in many ways, from the culture to the climate to nature and of course the people I meet and work with in each place. I am very inspired by nature and find it very stimulating to be exposed to different kinds of places. The textures, colours and fabrics in my collections reflect the nature I am surrounded by. Also, the lifestyles are very different in each country or city I visit, and I like to take my customers on the journey with me so that they too can experience these places through the clothes. This 2012 resort collection is perfect for the summer heat. What was your inspiration? I created this collection in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean, so it’s full of pieces that are perfect for the beach or for going to dinner on the patios or for lounging by the pool. The nature on the island is beautiful so I used a lot of blues and greens like the water as well as neutrals, which reflect the sand and of course a lot of white which is a staple for warm weather. Take us through your design process… First comes the inspiration,
which can come from my surroundings or even a certain fabric I find. It can also come from people’s personal style. Then I sketch my designs, make a pattern and create a sample. I sew a lot of samples, and then select the designs that I like the most. I also try the samples on different people to ensure the fit is perfect. Lastly, I create the final piece.
dying silks. It was a process of trial and error in which I tried different methods that had differing effects, but I’m quite happy with the results. What other fabrics were used? I used natural fibres like cotton, silk jersey and linen—for breathability and durability.
“ONCE I FIND A POINT OF INSPIRATION, I AM VERY ENERGIZED BY WORKING WITH OTHERS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR CRAFT.” When are you most creative? Once I find a point of inspiration, I am very energized by working with others who are passionate about their craft. The photographers, models or craftspeople I work with give me a lot of energy. I find I work best under pressure as well! That is definitely an asset for the fashion industry. Can you tell us how you achieved the beautiful colour variation in your silks? This latest collection was the first time I experimented with
What was your favourite part of creating this season’s pieces? I probably enjoyed dying the fabrics the most because I was able to experiment and invent new methods of dying. The photos are absolutely stunning. What was the concept for the photoshoot? Because the collection was inspired by the Caribbean, nature was certainly very important in the photoshoot. The photographer understood my collection extremely well and was key in conveying the concepts. She scouted the beautiful locations and did an
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CHEAT SHEET Oyuna Tuyssuzian
Guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate Season? Fall Fluent in? Mongolian, Russian, English Style Icon? Karl Lagerfeld Online addiction? Pinterest Favourite snack? Fruit incredible job of creating these photos.
world, who would you choose and why?
What has been your most memorable experience in the Caribbean?
I would love for my sisters to wear my clothing because I have a great deal of respect for them and value their opinions. They are amazing women who have great careers and families and I think they are beautiful.
The photoshoot was very exciting! I was lucky enough to work with a great team and a great photographer and we were all enthusiastic about the project so it was definitely a highlight for me. I was also excited to be able to participate in the fashion show for TCI top model. If you could put your clothing on anyone in the
When we first spoke you were in Turks and Caicos, and now you’re back in Mongolia. Can you give us a few hints about your next collection? Well, I am already feeling extremely inspired and am
ready to start the design process. You can be sure that the culture and nature of Mongolia will be integral to the clothing. Expect new fabrics and a lot of luxury. The Framework Girl loves to explore new places… what city or country most inspires you, and where is next on your list to explore? I will probably return to Canada soon, but I’d like to explore another city—maybe Montreal. Then I’ll head back to Vancouver, the city I most enjoy living and creating in! fw
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BARCELONA THROUGH THE LENS
photos by En Route Photography
CULTURE & LIVING
AT 29, GABBY SUTORI OF EN ROUTE PHOTOGRAPHY HAS LIVED IN SEVEN CITIES SPANNING FOUR CONTINENTS, AND IN MORE APARTMENTS THAN SHE CARES TO COUNT. A TRUE MODERN GYPSY, THE HUNGARIAN-BORN, BARCELONABASED PHOTOGRAPHER IS FINALLY LIVING IN HER DREAM CITY. THOUGH SHE’S IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A PERMANENT MOVE, GABBY IS A SELFDESCRIBED “PHOTOGRAPHER WITHOUT BORDERS,” AND IS BUILDING A BUSINESS THAT ALLOWS HER THE FREEDOM TO SATISFY HER WANDERLUST. BETWEEN EN ROUTE CLIENTS IN BUDAPEST AND IBIZA, WE CAUGHT UP WITH GABBY TO DISH ABOUT HER LOVE OF TRAVEL, THE ROAD TO BECOMING A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND THE BEST THAT BARCELONA HAS TO OFFER.
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First of all, we can’t get enough of your photos at the En Route Photography blog. Your genuine passion is evident in every post! What drew you to blogging in the first place? Well thank you so much! I’m definitely a hardcore blogger at heart; I just wish I could write better! I’ve been blogging for over 4 years now—En Route is my fourth endeavor into the blogging world—but I think I’ve finally found my place. When I first started writing online I really had no idea of what I was doing, I just used my blog space to collect inspiration, things I liked, etc. Eventually I started a very personal lifestyle and travel blog, which became successful beyond my imagination. But I never intended to be a professional blogger and the pressure of having so many followers and having to write and post all the time got to me. It just wasn’t fun anymore. When my dream of becoming a professional photographer started to materialize I decided to discontinue my lifestyle blog and dedicate myself entirely to my photography and En Route. It was the best decision ever! You went to school for business and marketing. When did you realize that photography was your true calling? I never knew what I wanted to be when I grow up. The only thing I was sure of was that I wanted to travel and
live a free, creative life. I kept wishing my talent would appear but I couldn’t find my calling so I dove into the melting pot of people with no idea of what they want to do with their lives—business school! I eventually ended up in Berlin working for a big international call center where
I quickly climbed the corporate ladder and found myself in an amazing European management position by the time I turned twenty-four. Everything was perfect except for the fact that I hated the job! It was around that time that I started to be super engaged with blogs and I met
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CULTURE & LIVING so many wonderful women online whose stories literally blew me away. Women who were not afraid to make big changes, who dared to dream big, and who were ready to take action to make those dreams happen. It was because of my lifestyle blog that I picked up my first DSLR, and it was love at first sight! Those women gave me the courage to pursue my newfound dream, and I’m happy to report that after just over two years, I am a professional wedding photographer and I love every minute of it. What advice do you have for aspiring shutterbugs? Practicing is really the only way to learn and there are no shortcuts—I went second shooting and assisting with whoever would take me and I tried to absorb knowledge like a sponge. I started shooting everyone and everything… for free. I also read every photography and business related book I could get my hands on and became obsessed with photography workshops. I’m still at the beginning of my journey and things are just starting to fall into place, but even though it’s hard, frustrating, and exhausting at times, it’s totally worth it! What has been the most challenging part of becoming self-employed? Giving up the security of getting a monthly salary for sure. It’s not a romantic answer, but it’s true. Some
months are good, some months are bad, and you can’t really plan ahead until you have a few wedding seasons behind you and a stable client base that brings in continuous referrals. You love to photograph weddings and engagements. Would you consider yourself a
They’re both fantastic places to visit! Where does your love for travel come from? It must be genetic. Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted to travel, discover the world, and live in different countries. I remember being eight or nine years old and cutting out pictures from travel magazines
“I REMEMBER BEING EIGHT OR NINE YEARS OLD AND CUTTING OUT PICTURES FROM TRAVEL MAGAZINES TO MAKE COLLAGES OF THE PLACES I WANTED TO VISIT ONE DAY.”
romantic? Oh I’m definitely very romantic, a crybaby, and an emotional junkie—but I’m also very realistic! I know what I want and I’m at a point in my life where I’m not willing to compromise. What does your dream photoshoot look like? Shooting any weddings in an exotic country I’ve never been to. I’d love to shoot a wedding in Indonesia, but Mexico is a close second as well.
to make collages of the places I wanted to visit one day. Can you share your most memorable travel experience? There are really too many, but one of my best trips was spending five weeks in Thailand travelling through the jungle on elephants, island hopping, and discovering Bangkok. How many cities have you lived in so far? Hmm… seven cities in four
countries. Thank you for not asking in how many apartments I’ve lived in—there are way too many to count! You’ve recently moved from Berlin to Barcelona. What is it about this city that speaks to you so strongly? I don’t even know where to begin… You remember that eight year-old girl cutting out travel pictures from magazines? The same little girl decided that one day she was going to live in Barcelona. I made a list of all my future hometown must-haves—a big city in Europe, on the beach, close to the mountains with a very international atmosphere—and when I looked at the map, I realized it had to be Barcelona! I started learning Spanish when I was twelve and even though it took me almost twenty years to get here, I’m finally in the process of moving to Barcelona indefinitely. A dream come true… What was it like, moving to and starting a business in an unfamiliar city? I think I’m a pro mover by now so it really wasn’t that big of a deal. I sold all my furniture and stuff I didn’t need and sent everything else by post. As for my business, I want to be a photographer without borders, who goes wherever her clients ask her to and is not bound by any geographic locations. Air travel, especially within Europe, is so cheap
that the location of your photographer shouldn’t even really be a factor. I’m happy to fly anywhere. Last week I was in Vienna, Paris and Budapest, this week I’m travelling to Ibiza and Formentera, and next week I’m off to Hungary and Italy. Yes, I am living my dream! Has it been difficult to make new friends in your new city? Not at all! I’ve actually made more friends in Barcelona in a month than in Berlin in 5 years. People are so much more open, friendly and embracing. I also reached out to many old blog friends and local photographers and wedding planners, many of whom are close friends now. Are you starting to feel like a local now? (Laughs) Si! What advice do you have for transitioning into a new city? Take it easy, be open-minded, and be ready to have an adventure. Reach out to people and don’t stress over small things. You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough! For someone traveling to Barcelona for the first time, what is your top must-see or must-do? Hanging out on the beach is definitely a must do—there
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BARCELONA GABBY’S TOP TEN TO-DO LIST Watch the sunrise at Barceloneta Drink a fresh smoothie in the Boqueria market Walk around Parc Guell Have a cold sangria at Placa Real, preferably at Ocana Rent a bike and ride on the coast Have a Sunday picnic in Parc de Ciutadella with sandwiches from BodeBe Drink a one euro glass of cava at the Champagneria Ride up to Tibidabo and enjoy the breathtaking view Go to a beach party like the ones at Macarena Get lost in the Gotico
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is such an amazing vibe with people from all over the world! I also love to go up to Tibidabo, where you have the best view of the city, and Guell Parc, though touristic, is a must-see! Framework Girls love to check out international style when travelling. How would you describe Barcelona’s fashion vibe? Barcelona is the home of some of the biggest retail giants of the world—Mango, Zara—and you can really see that in the way people dress up. Barcelona is also a beach town and the electronic music culture is evident too, so I’d say a hippie beach girl dressed head to toe in Zara would be an accurate description. In your opinion, where is the city’s best shopping? Shopping is definitely not something I do these days, but I’d walk around Passage de Gracia and Portal del Angel if I wanted to drop some cash. Where is your favourite place to hang out in Barcelona?
“TAKE IT EASY, BE OPENMINDED, AND BE READY TO HAVE AN ADVENTURE. YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE BUT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, ONCE IS ENOUGH!”
adore shooting on the beach, but Parc Guell or the forest behind the city is also amazing. Every city has some hidden gems that are usually only known to locals. Can you share one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets?
The beach! I also love cute little breakfast places like Brunch & Cake, Picnic, or Federal Café.
There are many amazing roof terraces that mostly belong to hotels. I love the terrace of the Hotel Pulitzer or the Hotel Neri.
Do you have a favourite location to shoot in the city?
What are 3 local dishes that visitors just have to try?
Not really… I love that the city is so diverse and there are so many possibilities. I of course
Paella, patatas bravas, and gazpacho! Oh, and sangria of course!
Summer in Vancouver can be summed up in a few words: beaches, patios, and biking the seawall. What screams summer to locals in Barcelona? Hanging in Barceloneta listening to Brazilian jams, picnicking in Parc de la Ciutadella, and escaping to small beach towns. fw
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THIS AUGUST, GABBY IS VISITING NEW YORK AND PHEONIX. LIVE IN THE AREA? SHE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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CHEET SHEAT SECRET OBSESSION? Ice cream and FroYo
TWITTER OR FACEBOOK?
I prefer Facebook, but my new obsession is Instagram
FAVOURITE SEASON? Spring
HIDDEN TALENT? I’m still looking for it
BIGGEST INVESTMENT?
My camera, the Canon 5D Mark II
DAILY INSPIRATION? Pinterest
ON THE WEEKEND YOU’LL FIND ME… Shooting a wedding
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Sunglasses, bikini top, and hat, H&M. Tank, $35, Courtney Boutique. Bracelets, $25, Aldo. J Brand jeans, $195, Maison Scotch necklace, $15, and C Pak stacking rings, $12, Violet Hill.
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DAY
TRIPPER ESCAPE THE CITY AND HEAD TO THE SEA IN SUMMER'S HOTTEST LOOKS
Photographs by AARON AUBREY styling by KIARA FARRANT hair & makeup by JESSICA W. NOUJEIM NEXT model LAUREN C
Sunglasses, $12, Aldo. Bikini top, H&M. Necklace, Blue Ruby. Bikini bottoms, $170 (with matching top), Cuchèbikinis.com.
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FASHION
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Sunglasses, bikini top, and hat, H&M. Tank, $35, Courtney Boutique. Bracelets, $25, Aldo. J Brand jeans, $195, Violet Hill.
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Hat, stylist's own. Material Girl necklace, $20, The Bay. Alden Rae bracelet, $44, Violet Hill. Maillot bather, $180, Cuchèbikinis.com.
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Sunglasses, H&M. Bikini top, $170 (with matching bottoms), Cuchèbikinis. com. Shorts, $76, Courtney Boutique. Alden Rae bracelets, $44, Maison Scotch necklace, $15, Sakbijous necklace, $40, and C Pak stacking rings, $12, Violet Hill.
Maison Scotch shirt, $109, MINKPINK skirt, $84, and Alden Rae bracelets, $44, Violet Hill. Roxy reversible bikini top, $52, Swimco. 7 For All Mankind jean jacket, and necklace, stylist's own. Boots, model's own.
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M OV E R S +SHAKERS THE GIRLS OF BOOJE MEDIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAT WATSON
WORKING GIRLS
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WORKING GIRLS
CLIO AND TIFFANY
DE LA LLAVE, THE
SISTERLY
DUO
VANCOUVER-BASED ARE
MORE
THAN
BEHIND
BOOJE MEDIA, JUST
SOCIAL
BUTTERFLIES. WORKING WITH BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CLIENTELE, THESE GIRLS ARE CONNECTING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP WITH DYNAMIC SOCIAL STRATEGY AND MEDIA PLANNING FOR NEW AND BOOMING BUSINESSES. WITH THEIR GENUINE INTEREST AND PERSONAL INVESTMENT IN EACH CLIENT, IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT CLIO AND TIFFANY MAKE MAGIC HAPPEN AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON.
ON A MUGGY,
SUMMER AFTERNOON, FRAMEWORK MET THE DE LA LLAVE SISTERS FOR A STYLISH COOKIE
BREAK,
AND
CAUGHT
THEIR
CONTAGIOUS ENERGY IN THE PROCESS…
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It’s such a pleasure to meet you! Tell us, what are your backgrounds, and how did you get into this career field? CLIO: My educational background is in Marketing Management. Being very active online I saw an opportunity for businesses to communicate with their audience and offer added value. TIFFANY: Mine is in Interior Design. In the last few years I’ve continued my creative development through special events planning, photography, and working in a corporate office. I have always been passionate about visual art. In this day the online world bring so much opportunity whether it be to showcase or to inspire.
What did you want to be when you were kids? C: When I was really young I wanted to be an ice cream maker, but somewhere along the road being a lawyer sparked my interest. T: I always knew I wanted to be immersed in design and I have followed my heart. Clio, have you always been a social connector? Yes, that’s always been what I do best! I’m a very social person, and in every aspect of my life I seem to be the person that brings everyone together. I thrive off of people’s energy, and building connections, and I encourage others to do the same. After all, Vancouver
is a small city with a very entrepreneurial spirit—we can all learn something from one another. What’s it like working with your sister? C: I get asked this question all the time. It’s been amazing having Tiffany as part of the Booje Media team. After all, who can be more honest with you than your sibling? The reason I believe we work so well together is because even though we come from the same gene pool, we have very different qualities and skill sets. Okay, we’ve got to ask, who’s the oldest? C: We’re so used to everyone
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assuming we’re twins, that now even we seem to forget who’s older! Do you ever revert to childhood dynamics, or is it pretty easy to stay “professional”? C: T has always thought I was bossy, so naturally it’s been easy to keep it professional… seeing as I’m the boss, that is. Tell us more about how Booje Media came into being… C: I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. I feel very fortunate that I was able to translate my idea and passion into a business. Even though social media was still at its early stages when I first started, businesses were already realizing the opportunity it could create for them. Through my network I landed my first couple of clients and the referrals came after. Where did the name come from? C: It’s spelled differently, but “Booje” means “Movement” in French, and that’s what I thought best-defined social media when I started—it’s always moving forward, the motion is constant. T: We came up with that name right on the water at this beautiful house during a quiet weekend. There was water everywhere, which kind of goes with the whole movement thing.
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What does a day at the Booje office look like? C: 7am—energizer smoothies for the brain! Then Ipads out and check for news updates and what’s hot today. We start working the magic behind the scenes for our clients… Boxing at noon—we believe in changing patterns and what better way than a quick afternoon power workout! In the afternoon we have concept meetings, and the rest of the day is usually filled with events, meetings, and creating content for our clients. But after all what is a day anyways? Because I am so passionate about what I do and about my clients the line between days, nights and weekends can often blend all together. What is your favourite part of the workday? C: Hands down, the positive interaction between our clients’ fans and followers. It’s like instant gratification. T: Being more on the creative side of things, I get a lot of gratification when I look back at the end of the day and see a theme throughout each page with beautiful content that people are responding to. What are your titles? Or, what do you call yourselves? C: I guess I would call myself a Social Media Strategist… T’s the Creative Director. T: Yes, I’m the Creative
Director. But Clio doesn’t talk herself up as much as she should. What’s really cool about Clio’s role is that while she’s a strategist and also the founder of the company, she’s still very involved with every single account. She does a lot of the big picture stuff, but she dips into all the small, daily posts, tweets, and interactions, which you don’t really get with a bigger company. Are there distinct responsibilities for each of you? C: I do a lot of acquiring clients, and then—although we do this as a team—we’ll come up with the social media strategy and how we’ll best execute it. After that, I keep track of what’s happening in
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CLIO: WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER, I LOVE THAT I DON’T FEEL LIKE THE BOSS, AND I CAN ASK FOR HER FEEDBACK AND GET A REALLY HONEST ANSWER.
TIFFANY: SHE KNOWS ME SO WELL. SHE KNOWS MY STRENGTHS AND WHAT I LIKE TO DO, AND SHE MAKES A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO GIVE THAT TO ME.
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CLIO’S CHEAT SHEET DESTINATION? The world!
NICKNAME? C. Bundles.
FASHION MUSTHAVE? White jeans in the spring and killer comfortable heels!
FAVOURITE BOOK? I love biographies, and really enjoyed The Alchemist.
TEA OR COFFEE? Herbal Tea.
DRINK OF CHOICE? Vodka water and lime. (Why not avoid a hangover if possible)
MY SISTER IS… My kindred spirit. 108
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the accounts, and make sure that we’re meeting the goals we set. T: Clio’s more about the big picture. Even though we help each other and ask for opinions all the time, I thrive on putting out good visual material, for no other reason than I really care about the clients. Because we’re representing a brand and telling their story online, those small details are really important to us. It’s something that really sets us apart.
what direction we want the business to take, and what kind of clients we want to work with. That’s really what I love about being an entrepreneur and having my own company. T: Coming from an artistic background, I enjoy working for Clio because she knows me so well, she knows my strengths and what I like to do, and she makes a conscious effort to give that to me.
C: I think she’s so talented. When I give her something to work on I have so much trust in her abilities and I don’t have to worry about it—I’m really lucky to have that. When we work together, I love that I don’t feel like the boss, and I can ask for her feedback and get a really honest answer. It’s hard enough planning social media initiatives and interaction for
It must be great always having someone to bounce ideas off of. Do you generally have similar creative visions? C: We do, especially because we grew up in the same environment, so we have very similar tastes. Tiffany and I also come up with a lot of ideas that the other might not think of, but we’re very good at incorporating them together. It gives it a little extra oomph sometimes. T: And as long as things are done in a very beautiful manner we can appreciate it. We’re not set in stone with one aesthetic. We can see beauty in a beer company, and in something completely different like a mining company. Tell us the best thing about your jobs… C: I like not having to answer to anyone, and I love working with Tiffany. Because we’re a small company we can decide framework
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one company. How do you manage multiple accounts? C: When we first get a client, we come up with a very clear strategy and plan for our goals. It always takes a little bit more effort the first month or two. There are three of us working for Booje, and there’s a project manager for each client. We always lay out our responsibilities and allocate time properly. T: One of the benefits of having different projects assigned to you is that you become attached to that company and you start to learn the ins and outs of that brand
and their language. What industries does Booje specialize in? C: We work with a very broad range of industries— mining, fashion, breweries, wineries, food, health, and sustainability. T: Also really cool causes like Quitters Unite. It’s all over the map but it keeps things interesting for sure. Is it challenging to create content for all different types of businesses on a regular basis? T: It is and it isn’t. We
maintain a close relationship with our clients—they’ll send us content to work with, and we stay updated with their activities. We’re also really good at creating content, and if we get stuck we’ll pull our strengths and hobbies together to put out something unique. Can you give our readers any tried and true tips to building followers and increasing interaction? C: For me, social media is all about creating relationships. I think that some people may get discouraged really quickly if they reach out to someone and it’s not reciprocated. But if you have good, consistent
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TIFFANY’S
CHEAT SHEET DESTINATION? Hawaii is where I want to go next.
NICKNAME? T and T.La.
FASHION MUST-HAVE? Jewellery and shoes, to start and finish off an outfit.
FAVOURITE BOOK? An Annie Leibovitz photography book
TEA OR COFFEE? Coffee. (A non-fat latte with some honey)
DRINK OF CHOICE? A Soho citrus martini
MY SISTER IS… My other half and my better half.
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SOCIAL MEDIA IS ALL ABOUT CREATING RELATIONSHIPS... IF YOU HAVE GOOD, CONSISTENT CONTENT THAT YOU PUT OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS, THE RELATIONSHIPS WILL FOLLOW NATURALLY—THE FIRST HUNDRED IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST.
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- CLIO DE LA LLAVE
WORKING GIRLS
content that you put out on a regular basis, the relationships will follow naturally—the first hundred is always the hardest. Another huge thing is keeping all your social networks separate. For example, not connecting your Twitter and Facebook accounts. You need to focus on each individually, because your audience and your relationships are different with each avenue. If you’re a business, remember what your goal is and why you’re on social media. It’s easy to get carried away and distracted.
C: There’s an account that we just love—we think we’d be a perfect fit for them and their product—it’s Butter Baked Goods. We just approached them, so we’ll see… I could see them benefitting so much from a strong online presence.
T: Being consistent with your online voice, and almost building your own brand “language,” can be really important and go along way.
C: That is so hard because I really believe that every company is different and certain social networks are better for certain industries. Thinning yourself out over all networks when you don’t have the time is never good. Pick one thing and be good at that one network.
If you could get your hands on any company’s social media presence, who’s would it be? C: One of my dream accounts would be Burberry. It would be such a challenge, and when a company has a big budget you have the ability to be creating content and putting on events. And I do love the clothes. T: For Vancouver, I’d say Inform Interiors. I just love design so much and it’s really art in my eyes. Being able to represent those brands from Italy and Spain would be really wicked. C: Should I tell them about the account that we’re dying to get in Vancouver? T: I think so, yeah!
Even though we all know how important social media has become for business, not everyone loves doing it. What one thing should all businesses be doing, if nothing else?
T: The way that Booje works too, is treating every account as a very custom account with a different approach for each audience. Custom-tailored so to speak! Even though it can sometimes be difficult, Framework Girls know that balance is key. What is your favourite way to relax and de-stress? C: We’re both very social, so we love to go out—we have a great group of friends and there’s always something going on. For me de-stressing is going to boxing and yoga. We also really like spending framework
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time with our family, and we’re lucky they live in Vancouver. T: Often we’ll go for walks or runs on the seawall since we live quite close. But I think it’s safe to say that we feel just as enriched by our personal lives and our professional lives. Both of us really love to travel as well—it helps to be away to relax and shut everything else out. It’s pretty easy for social media to infiltrate all aspects of life. Do you ever switch everything off, or are you always connected? T: I can turn it off just because I need to. I know who I am and how I am, and if I don’t… that’s when I get stressed and overwhelmed. So I try to say, “Okay this is the end of the day and I’m not going to think about work anymore.” C: It’s a little bit harder for me, but I’m trying to learn how to find more of that balance because I really believe in it. I’m so passionate about what I do though, that I don’t mind working a lot. T: One of the huge benefits— and maybe also a downfall—of working in social media is that you can connect anywhere in the world. So if you need to take a trip, or want to, you’ll never be completely pulled away from your work. It’s also a luxury that most industries don’t have. fw
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THIS MONTH WE ASKED...
“What's your summer beauty routine?” “REST. SUNSHINE. AND AN AMAZING PILE OF BOOKS! (AND I KNOW THAT PROBABLY ISN'T WHAT YOU MEANT, BUT THAT ROUTINE CERTAINLY MAKES ME HAPPY, WHICH IN TURN MAKES ME BEAUTIFUL!)" ~ Julie Nowell
OCEAN POTION ANTI-AGEING QUICK DRY SUNSCREEN, SPF 30 DRUGSTORE. COM, $7
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“TINTED MOISTURIZER, BLUSH, BRIGHT LIP - NARS FUNNY FACE IS A NICE SUMMER COLOR.” ~ Dee Wang NARS "FUNNY FACE" LIPSTICK SEPHORA, $30
“LOTS OF WATER, FRESH FRUIT AND OCEAN POTION ANTI-AGEING SUNSCREEN! I FOUND IT YEARS AGO ON A TRIP TO HAWAII AND IT'S MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE (MY HUSBAND WOULD SAY I HAVE AN OBSESSION)! IT'S PARABEN FREE, INEXPENSIVE, NON-GREASY AND SMELLS LIKE ORANGE CREAMSICLES! PLUS IT MAKES MY SKIN FEEL SILKY SMOOTH." ~ Kiara Farrant
FRAMEWORK ASKS
“BB CREAM OR A LITTLE BRONZING POWDER, BLUSH, EYE SHADOW AND MASCARA. AND LIP BALM OR REVLON LIP BUTTER!” ~ Leonie Markhorst
“SPF 30 SUNCREEN AND A GOOD TONER SO THE GREASE DOESN’T BUILD UP." ~ Melissa Skoda PALM BAY RUBY GRAPEFRUIT SUNRISE BC LIQUOR STORES, $10/6
ESTEE LAUDER BEAUTY BENEFIT CREME THE BAY, $45
“WATER! IN BETWEEN ALL THE PALM BAY... AS SOON AS THE SUN DECIDES TO GRACE US WITH IT'S PRESENCE THAT IS!" ~ Jessica Minnie CLINIIQUE UPLIGHTING LIQUID ILLUMINATOR SEPHORA, $31
SMARTWATER SMARTWATER. CA
“SUNSCREEN, BRONZER AND ILLUMINATOR." ~ Oyuna TL
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