December 2011 VECU Magazine Holiday

VÉCU DEC 2011

independent artists

vecumagazine.com

photographer AMAIA OROZCO

VÉCU PUBLISHER The Coleman Group

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Delina C. editor@vecumagazine.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Melissa Lee vecumagazine@gmail.com TRAVEL EDITOR Lorena F. www.traveldesignery.com FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR Murissa Shalapata www.canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com

Photo by Murussa Shalapata

CONTRIBUTORS Amaia Orozco, Anna Powierza, Stacey Hendrickson, Jesa Townsend, Jeanee Duvall, Kelsea Slade, Wakako, Lia Fagan, Abbey-Jade Birden, Lisa Graystone, Aysha Alton, Michelle Rhodes

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 5

MARKETPLACE

Lia FAGAN from Mod Pieces www.modpieces.ca

astro ornament $2.95 -cb2.com

“When you start with a classic palette of black & white for your holiday decor, gift wrap, and even wardrobe, you give yourself the opportunity to introduce different accent colours as your tastes change.�

Black & White Flower Clutch Handbag - $75.00 -Bag Boy

Soviet Elegy, Plate No. 1 $75.00 -far4.net

Pascal Charmolu Christmas Tree Holder - Bonluxat

Fortune Wine Bag - Xenotees

Tegan Restyled Vintage Lamp - Mod Pieces

Gran Black Pillow Case - Fine Little Day

“Adding punchy greens, moody reds, soothing blues, or even glam gold to this colour combo creates festive charm.�

Wall Clock Little Big Time - Present Time

Matte Black Tuxedo Necklace - Stone Artisan Jewelry

Hammam Tea Towel - Hammocks & High Tea December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 9

MARKETPLACE

Kelsea SLADE from K.Slademade www.kslademade.com

“My top handmade picks!”

Frame-Made by Girl Love Candy Frame designed by Jen Ramos

Neon Cobra- Gold chain bfrend bracelet Iphone 4 Case-by daninotes stationery designed by Dani

Clutch-by k.slademade Alligator Embossed Leather Clutch

Rings-Gold Stackable Rings by Bita Pourtavoosi

MARKETPLACE

Lorena FRIAS from Travel Designery

www.traveldesignery.com

“My holiday picks are about awakening the gift of our senses during the most inspiring time of the year -” Christian Lacroix ‘Les Anges Baroques’Boxed Notecards -V&A

Louboutin Cuban Throwback Heels

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Macron Cafe’s Macaroon Giftbox - Macaron Cafe

Tom Ford Signature Blend Fragrance, Noir de Noir Bergdorf Goodman

Nook Tablet by Barnes & Noble

– feeling glam in heels and sparkly pants, smelling fragrant, tasting some goodies, touching technology, and capturing the special things I see when home or away traveling.

AG Adriano Goldschimied Sequin Pants

Rimowa Titanium Cabin Trolley - Barneys New York

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas :-)�

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 13

MARKETPLACE

Wakako TAKAGI from Baum-Kuchen www.baum-kuchen.net

Hot Chocolate on a stick The Ticket Kitchen

“We love crafting our own tradition by taking inspiration from our cultures (Japanese x German).”

Little Forest Train Starter Set -Smallable

Sheep Felt Slipper -Manufactum

Organic Mulling Spices -Twig and Leaf Botanical

Hot Chocolate on a stick The Ticket Kitchen

Origami paper Christmas tree decoration - Minieco

Jan Von Borstel cup

Noix De Coc’ advent calendarSmallable

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 15

OTHELIA GRACE Vintage Inspired Accessories www.otheliagrace.com

MARKETPLACE

Lisa

GRAYSTONE from Evolution-Vintage evolution-vintage.com

“Gift giving for me is all about planning and thought.

Really putting thought into your choice to illustrate not only how much you love someone but also how much you “know them” and “get it”.

Central Coast Sea Scape Calendar - Hayley Marie Photography

Picnic Back Pack - Red Emvelope

Custom Portrait – Marty Parker ART

Dragon Voice Software

“It always baffles me when the people “closest” to me choose gifts that make me feel as if they don’t know me at all. If you can add a customized touch, even better.”

Vintage Childs Plate -InvenTORI

Decades of Style – 60’s & 70’s Hair & Make-up

100 Unforgettable Dresses – Hal Rubenstein

Bermuda Ring - Vistage Jewelry

Evolution Vintage Gift Card Evolution Vintage Gift Card

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 19

MARKETPLACE

Jeanee DUVAL from Dirty Laundry

“Almost too pretty to rest your drink on.”

shopdirtylaundry.com

Decoylab flower coasters - set of 4

“All handmade by myself, these bath bombs in mini cupcake shapes are the cutest stocking stuffer ever.”

“Needlepoint your own design. Too cute!”

DIY iPhone case -Connect Design

“A must have for every lady.”

Hammocks & High Tea gold chevron drawer liners

“Throw those earbuds out.

Listen to your music in style!”

Skullcandy Aviator headphones

“All handmade by myself, these bath bombs in mini cupcake shapes are the cutest stocking stuffer ever.”

“So easy to a quick batch of 13 cake pops!”

Cake Pop Maker -Babycakes

Dirty Laundry cupcake bath fizzies

“I LOVE this brand! So affordable for gifts or when you want to change your makeup on a whim.”

“I LOVE these! I’m docking my phone in style at my desk.”

e.l.f. Essential Holiday Eyeshadow Palette - Target

Technomud smartphone dock vase

“So chic!

This one is on my Christmas list.”

VOZ clothing and art, geometric wood bangle

“Handmade goodness! An 8 piece sampler makes a great gift for anyone.”

Kettle Confections French nougat December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 21

MARKETPLACE

Murissa

SHALAPATA from Wanderfull Traveler

canadianculinarytravel. blogspot.com

Wrapped Books

“If I am stumped for gift ideas a stroll through the local book store refuels my imagination.”

Handmade Glass Ornament - Kiva Ford

Seasonal Photography -Moonlight Photography

Fine Art Photography -Rocky Top Studio

Handmade Glass Ornament - Kiva Ford

Quails Gate Ice Wine

Owl Stocking -Eco Shop

“Books are like kaleidoscopes of cultures, perspectives, histories that everyone interprets in their own way.�

Laptop Bag - Taqilla Handbags

Christmas Movie Cards -Moontree Letterpress

Christmas With the Rat Pack -Walmart December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 23

FASHION WATCH

photography Abbey-Jade Birden

IT’S ALL TOO BEAUTIFUL Handpicked vintage for women and men

https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/its-all-too-beautiful

How long have you been selling vintage?

We set up It’s all too beautiful on Asos Marketplace in September this year but have both been selling vintage clothing at fairs all over the UK and locally in Leeds for some time now. We love the unique and original way you can mix and match vintage with current trends to be more of an individual.

What inspired you to open your own vintage boutique?

We have a passion for vintage clothing, accessories and fashion in general and the offering from Asos Marketplace is a unique website that attracts a huge customer base and makes shopping for vintage more accessible.

Our partnership was formed by chance through the Costume Department at the West Yorkshire Playhouse where we met through a mutual friend. Michelle works full time and was finding it difficult to have the time to do the daily tasks involved in running an online business, for example the social media side, but still wanted a creative outlet and the opportunity to do something meaningful which we feel passionate about. As I work part time, I didn’t have the financial stability in place to start up a boutique, but had a solid background in social media, styling and photography

so when we started talking to one another about our situations it seemed like a perfect partnership!

Our skills compliment one another from a business background working in vintage shops, product knowledge and knowing what our customers desire. Our main focus from the start has always been based upon creating affordable and original vintage for both men and women.

We will be launching our menswear collection in the New Year so watch this space!

What are the perks of being an independent business owner?

We have creative freedom with the design of the fashion shoots and can develop our own individuality and original branding. We personally select every item we sell to ensure our customer base are getting the highest quality vintage aswell as keeping to current trends as seen on the high street today, for example the “Mad Men” and “Pan Am” style.

Everything is a joint effort from making key business decisions to what we feel that month’s blog hot topic should be. Everyday we both feel we are learning something new and at the same time we get to do something we love which is already proving to be a success which is great!

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 25

FASHION WATCH What are some of the challenges you face as an independent business owner?

shoots and we will extensively research trends for inspiration for the shoots and buying trips.

The co-ordination of all the fashion shoots for the boutique can sometimes be a challenge with people letting you down last minute. I find being pro-active, having a positive attitude and developing good relationships with models and photographers helps. We are currently working with Abbey Birden who has done all of the photography for our boutique shoots so far; she is very reliable and talented for her years!

We will then try to create a collection with the stock we select, however we don’t restrict ourselves by sticking to trends, we tend to just buy things we like!

Michelle’s specialist area is the 1980’s and mine is the 1960’s, so we will tend to select stock from those eras separately then edit and make all final decisions together.

What is the story behind the name “It’s All Too Beautiful?”

We both have a particular soft spot for the music of the 1960’s era and the name comes from the song Itchycoo Park by the Small Faces. The song is an upbeat timeless track and we think it sums up our boutique’s clothing range which is all too beautiful!

Are the buying decisions a collaborative effort?

Yes we both have an input into the buying process and hand pick the stock together. We have to agree on the pieces we are buying which is not usually difficult as we have similar tastes and trust each other’s judgement. With both our creative input I will style the fashion

Any advice you would give to an upcoming boutique?

Trust your creative instincts, be original with your ideas and be organised. If you are thinking about working in a partnership make sure you choose someone who you can trust, is hardworking, can meet deadlines and who is supportive as we both are to one another. Networking is also very important and we use social media as a form of marketing and relating with our customers and it is also a great way of getting customer feedback. You can find us on facebook at -www.facebook. com/itsalltoobeautiful

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 27

ART MAJOR

JESA TOWNSEND www.paintingsbyjesa.com

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a visual artist who is very much a free spirit. I’ve finally set up shop here in the states after a couple years of singing my way through Europe in order to make money to travel, study and paint.

I’ve been working and exhibiting regularly as an artist ever since. I manage my time between creative pursuits, running my websites (WearableDreams.com and PaintingsbyJesa.com) and traveling.

What are some of your early art memories?

I grew up on a farm in Northern California to parents who very much allowed me to run wild creatively. My earliest art memories pretty much involve me running around my small town in paint covered cowboy boots, walking my potbellied pig, Pumba, in a TuTu….(unfortunately, there are plenty of pictures documenting this). From there painting organically became apart of my everyday life.

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 29

jesaTOWNSEND What things have you learned about your craft since then?

I’ve learned how important it is for me to create work that is as visually strong as it is conceptually developed.

I pour just as much energy into my metaphorical concepts as I do my literal work.

It allows me more freedom once I have an anchoring foundation of thought.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the places I’ve lived and countries I’ve traveled to. Meeting people from contrasting cultures and learning about cultural differences is a huge source of artistic motivation. I also gather inspiration from travel photography and music. Music is one of my absolute passions and often reflected in my work as I can absolutely lose myself in one song and create work inspired by just one moody or thought inducing melody.

Preferred medium?

My preferred medium is Oil but I work across a wide array of disciplines.

Formal training?

I don’t have a formal background in art, I’m actually a formally trained musician.

This often resonates or raises eyebrows. My artwork and resulting business all happened very organically.

From word of mouth to now showing in international galleries has been a pretty lovely journey.

Plans for the future?

I’m currently working on my second solo exhibit taking place in May and finishing a 5 ft sculptural rendering for the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation to debut in February.

Feeling really brilliant about a few other projects in the works and even more brilliant about what the future holds.

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 31

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December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 35

TRAVEL

TRAVEL D E S I G N E RY

by Lorena F., Travel Editor www.traveldesignery.com

The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland is such an awe-inspiring and mythical place – fire by way of volcanoes, ice through glaciers, exploding geysers, the northern lights, geothermal pools... It could very well be the purest place on earth. So clean you can drink fresh spring water straight from the bathroom faucet. Contrary to belief though, the sun does in fact come up in the winter and December proved to be such a beautiful time to visit. No colder than New York winters for the most part, it was an unexpectedly perfect place to take in some holiday spirit. If ever you wished for that perfect White Christmas with sparkling lights, sleds and snowy hillsides, then look no further.. Iceland awaits.

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 37

ICELAND

by Travel Designery

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 39

ICELAND

by Travel Designery

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 41

ICELAND

by Travel Designery

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 43

ICELAND

by Travel Designery

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 45

ICELAND

by Travel Designery

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 47

ICELAND

by Travel Designery

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 49

FASHION WATCH

CASPER &PEARL www.casperandpearl.com.au

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am the 19 year old designer behind the little handmade fashion label named casper&pearl.

I work from my home in Adelaide, South Australia spending all day dreaming up new designs and bringing them to life; I love my job.

What are some of your early fashion memories?

I received my first sewing machine for Christmas when I was younger, it was purple and half the size of a real sewing machine.

But I still managed to whip up little outfits for my Barbie dolls and clothes for dress ups. I also did ballet so I remember trying to help my mother and dance teacher construct my costumes, I was just in awe. It really all began from there.

What things have you learned about your craft since then?

I have had a lot of practise and gained a lot of experience since then, I’ve also developed my own sense of style which really reflects in my designs. I want success in the design industry more and more each day so my motivation has grown immensely.

What inspires you?

I am very inspired by the innocence and freedom of childhood, I love to think that casper&pearl girls are running through fields and going on picnics in their dresses. I adore the 70’s, 90’s, vintage findings, the spring time and everything girly and sweet.

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 51

Formal training?

I enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology around the same time that I begun the journey of casper&pearl. As they both became more and more full on I new I had to choose one so I could put in 100%. My heart was in c&p so I think you know the ending to that story.

Plans for the future?

I am just taking it one day at a time for now, though at the moment I am working on my first official seasonal collection for S/S 2013. It’s something I have been working on for a long time so I hope all of the hard work pays off.

I hope to stock in more stores overseas and dress some of those who I find an inspiration to me.

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 53

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 55

all clothing Casper & Pearl styling Stacey Hendrickson hair & makeup Jess Paech photography Claire Alice Young models Taylah Veling and Eilish Rogers

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 57

BON APPETIT

WANDERFULL

T R AV E L E R

by Murissa Shalapata, The Wanderfull Traveler canadianculinarytravel.blogspot.com

Alas! This year’s Sugar Plum Fair, at the local Quails Gate Winery, was devoid of the pirouetting snowflakes I had hoped for. Fortunately, there were ballerinas, wine, cheese and dessert. And even though I didn’t get my way this year, the view wasn’t so bad.

The Sugar Plum Fair offered Christmas gift ideas, discounts on all wine, tastings, an early visit from Santa Claus and graceful Nutcracker ballerinas from the Canadian School of Ballet. The ice wine grapes still hang from their fading vines, waiting for the first freeze (-15 degrees or so). Canada is quickly becoming famous for its quality ice wines, a specialty that is traditionally German. The event itself was extremely busy and I am glad to say the Food Bank donation boxes were full. The crowds were hectic and it was nearly impossible to taste wine during the afternoon due to the busy turn out. My sister and I headed down to the winery’s Old Vines restaurant to sample the winter culinary offerings of West Kelowna at our own relaxing pace.

We began with some appetizers that aren’t quite worth mentioning.

The flights of wine (three glasses of 2oz. per person), of both red and white were delicious, however, I have to say that the dessert wine, paired with the pineapple and cranberry upside down cake was mouthwatering. The sweet and tart flavours were enough to make an ice wine believer out of me, so much so that I nominated Quails Gate’s ice wine as one of my top ten Christmas picks. My sister, who only recently became partial to red wine, enjoyed the Riesling ice wine as well. Any of these slender bottles would make an excellent stocking stuffer or as a gateway for bonding. The Sugar Plum Fair may very well become a tradition between my sister and I, although I can’t say the consumption of wine is new.

As luck would have it, snow did fall only a few days after our visit to Quails Gate Winery.

The Okanagan Valley appears as picturesque as ever with a powdered sugar glaze cushioning the forest floor. The housetops are once again white, the Ponderosas boughs hold ribbons of white and the Christmas tree glows like gold. With this image in mind I wish you all a Happy Holiday!

www.casperandpearl.com.au

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 59

QUAILS’ GATE WINERY

by The Wanderfull Traveler

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 61

QUAILS’ GATE WINERY

by The Wanderfull Traveler

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 63

QUAILS GATE WINERY

by The Wanderfull Traveler

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 65

Quails Gate Winery Old Vines Restaurant 3303 Boucherie Rd West Kelowna Central Okanagan, British Columbia (250) 769-4451 www.quailsgate.com

Thank you to the Ballet Kelowna for providing me with images.

GONE WITH THE WIND photographer Anna Powierża www.annapowierza.com www.facebook.com/AnnaPowierza Designer Joanna Misztela Models Ela P.(Mango Models) Sandra W. (Joost Agency) Make up & stylist Justyna Kobyłecka Producer Marta Pawlak/Verre Studio Place Primate’s Palace, Warsaw, Poland

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Fur jacket, Zara Leggings, model’s own Boots, model’s own Watch, model’s own

PORCELAIN photography, styling and make-up Amaia Orozco model Charlie Siddick @ Nevs Models

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 77

Knitted cardigan, Urban Outfitters Leggings, model’s own

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 79

Fur jacket, Zara Leggings, model’s own Boots, model’s own Watch, model’s own

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 81

Fur jacket, Zara Leggings, model’s own Boots, model’s own Watch, model’s own

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 83

December 2011 VECU Magazine pg. 85

Bershka