ISSUE 11 (Winter 2013/14) by Xquisit Magazine

Xquisit

XQUISIT ISSUEEIGHT SPRING2013

the issue

XQUISITcontents

XQUISIT WINTER 2013 | ISSUE X! www.xquisitmagazine.com

Cover image photographed by Thomas Cole Simmonds

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Caileigh Kyle LIFESTYLE & FEATURES EDITOR Michayla Caughlin SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Jenna van Klaveren PHOTOGRAPHERS Christina Alikhanova Bianca Des Jardins Jessika Levine Thomas Cole Simmonds Kaja Tirrul WRITERS Tara Okeke Kennedy Ryan

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DISCLAIMER: The views of the contributors are not necessarily shared by that of the publishers. Unsolicited manuscripts, submissions, artwork are accepted on the understanding that the publishers incur no liabilit for their storage or return. Unsolicited content submitted for use in Xquisit will be decided upon at the discretion of the publishers. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced without our permission. All prices listed are correct at time of published but are subject to change anytime at the discretion of the featured shop owners.

IN THIS ISSUE

STEPHANIE LING Style Spotlight

AQUARIUM By Bianca Des Jardins

SHE’S A LADY By Christina Alikhanova

GUISE By Thomas Cole Simmonds

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XQUISITlifestyle

TIME FOR CELEBRATION Article by Kennedy Ryan

Lighten up, kittens! The skies outside may be bleary and the temperatures may be cold, but that doesn’t mean that winter can’t be any fun. EVEN WHEN the Christmas ornaments are stashed away and the New Years sparklers have since been extinguished, you can still live life with a little bit of joie de vivre. In accordance with the theme for this issue, here are some ways to introduce the spirit of celebration into your everyday life. MAKE IT COUNT. In the immortal words of Tom Haverford: “treat yo self”. Make a habit of doing something nice for yourself once a week. You could buy yourself something small to perk up your day: a drugstore lipstick or a hot chocolate with extra whipped cream. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, it just has to be something to lift your spirits and remind yourself to keep working hard. Extra points if you save your treat day for your hardest or busiest day of the week. Go see a movie and sneak in your favourite snacks and a miniature bottle of wine in your purse. You don’t have to spend money on your treat. You could draw yourself a piping hot bath and pamper yourself. Put the smart phone down, pick up a magazine you won’t mind getting water droplets on and relax. BLING. Glitter sales hit their peak in the winter. That’s not a scientific fact – I just made it up based on anecdotal evidence. It does seem like winter holds more opportunities for donning the sparkly stuff. It’s woven into sweaters, sold in holiday makeup palettes and it gets all over the place when you rip open gifts wrapped in shiny paper. Wear glitter because you can. It’s an instant mood booster. If glitter isn’t your thing, try piling on the jewels. Forget what Coco Chanel said, put on an extra accessory before you leave the

house. Nothing implies celebration like a little bit of cheeky excess. ROCK OUT. Have a celebration play list locked, loaded, and ready to go. Nobody likes a get together with dull music. Include songs that put you in a good mood instantly. USE IT OR LOSE IT. Don’t save things for a special occasion. Think about those glittery tights in the bottom of your drawer that you’re saving for a party. Rip those suckers open now. Wear them with a neutral sweater and some boots and you’re good to go. Saving things for best means waiting for things and why should you wait? Use the nice cutlery for your takeout. Burn that decorative candle. Wear the hat that makes you look like a street style goddess. Don’t let things collect dust as you wait for the perfect moment to use them. GRATITUDE. I’ve started a daily practice that’s been miraculous for my daily mood. At the end of each day, I write down three things that I’m grateful for. It’s so easy to focus on the events in our life that cause us frustration and pain. Try flipping the narrative and focusing on what’s good in your life. It could be as simple as a little note about the soul-saving properties of Netflix, blankets, and warm mugs of tea or as spiritually deep as you wish. If you’ve ever failed at trying to keep a consistent diary, this will help you stick to that habit. It’s a simple practice and it feels amazing to acknowledge the things that perk you up. What’s more celebratory than being grateful for everything you’ve experienced?

MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE Put cinnamon in your coffee. Or eggnog make your own eggnog latte! Drink tea out of your fanciest mug. Play dress up as a grown up. Burn some incense. Hang up some fairy lights. Have a party “just because”. Have an impromptu photo-shoot with friends. Wear lipstick to lecture. Eat the best chocolate you can get your hands on.

XQUISITfashion

FOREVER PLAID

We give you full permission to rekindle a fierce addiction to this reinvigorated winter trend.

ZARA $39.50

MIU MIU $1,217.50

MARC BY MARC JACOBS $131.84

ALICE + OLIVIA $445.85

THAKOON ADDICTION $587.95

ZARA $79.90

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN $581.03

H&M $14.95

SPERRY TOP SIDER $132.97

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KATE SPADE $33.24

BAN.DO $16

WILFRED $225

KATE SPADE $35

LEIGHTON DENNY $19

ZARA $79.90

TORY BURCH $195

H&M $29.95

INDIGO $27

HOUSE OF HARLOW $38.78

CHAKO $168

KATE SPADE $40

XQUISITfashion

style spotlight

STEPHANIE LING FASHION BLOGGER & STUDENT

HOMETOWN: Markham OCCUPATION: Undergraduate student, Marketing and Administrative Volunteer Assistant at Museum London, & Fashion Blogger at www.two-sum.blogspot.com 3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE: Clean, muted, & versatile.

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY TRADITION: Any and all of my mom’s home cooking (especially scalloped potatoes). THIS NEW YEARS I’LL BE... Not sure where just yet, but I’ll most definitely be spending the night out with my good friends. WHAT SHE’S WEARING HERE: Urban Outfitters (dress), Zara (shoes), Aritzia (Jacket), H&M (bag)

Photographs by Alan Li

AGE: 19

XQUISITeditorials

is in

GLITTER THE AIR

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessika Levine MODELS: Sarina (Stars Model Management), & Scarlett (LA Models) HAIR & MAKEUP: Ty Marie Combe STYLING: Erin Riley

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Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Lady PHOTOGRAPHER: Christina Alikhanova MODEL: Natalia Malofeeva HAIR & MAKEUP: Alexandra Kloss

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AQUARIUM Photography: Bianca Des Jardins Model: Karolann (Dulcedo) Hair & Makeup: Marianne Caron, using Mac Cosmetics

XQUISITeditorials

Red lips & roses PHOTOGRAPHY: Kaja Tirrul ASSISTANT: Hunter McCaig STYLING: Carissa McCaig MODELS: Elana Baum (Models International) & Danika Cziranka-Crooks HAIR: Theresa Sabourin MAKEUP: Hailey Sin WINTER CLOTHING: Copious Fashions

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Shoulderpiece (Rouge Pony), Lace top (Topshop), Necklace & earcuff (Zara), Rings (River Island)

GUISE Photography: Thomas Cole Simmonds Model: Toni B (Leniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Model Management) Makeup & Styling: Lydia Pankhurst STYLING ASSISTANT: Lizzy Perry

Shoulder jewellery (RCK+SKLL), Earrings (H&M), Head jewellery (New Look), Headpiece (Rouge Pony). Opposite: Top (Topshop), Necklace & ear cuff (Zara)

Headpiece (Rouge Pony), Kimono (Topshop), Dress (Zara), Necklace (Miss Selfridges), Rings (River Island), Hair accesories (RCK+SKLL)

Headpiece (Rouge Pony), Rings (River Island)

Office tour images by Harrison Studio; Opposite: Kelly Braman Photography (top and middle), Cyn Kain Photography

XQUISITlifestyle

RHIANNON BANDA HEY GORGEOUS EVENTS

Talking winter, weddings, and more with Xquisit’s Jenna van Klaveren X: Tell us a little about yourself. R: My name is Rhiannon and I’m a Cana-

dian-born, 27-year-old business owner living in Western Michigan with my very handsome engineer husband and our two pets. I’m fiercely loyal, incredibly creative and always grateful for the beautiful life I’m blessed to have. When I’m not up to my eyeballs in timelines, emails, floor plans and rose thorns, I love to read books (I’m a nerd), paint, try new restaurants and simplify our home. I was born and raised in Canada and have been trying to convince my other half that there’s more reasons than just a good poutine and hockey to move back home closer to family and friends. Oh and because it’s hard to make sense of without a back story, I ended up here in Michigan after accepting a full ride gymnastics scholarship to Michigan State in 2004. I met my cute neighbor down the hall in 2005, and as they say, the rest is history. X: CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS? R: Hey Gorgeous Events is my treasured

boutique business that specializes in creative event design, comprehensive wedding planning services and floral design. We only take on five to nine events

every year in an effort to give each and every client the time and attention they deserve. Our planning strategies are very hands on, as we strive to really get to know our clients and create events that are truly a representation of the couple. Blending together classically lovely but a little out of the box details, is what we’re known for and what’s in my opinion, pretty evident in the gorgeous images we’re fortunate enough to have in our portfolio. X: What made you decide to pursue event planning and styling? R: With two journalism degrees and

close to nine professional internships on my resume, I spent a good chunk of time in my early twenties, chasing an industry-related gig to no avail. And worst of all, somewhere in the process of trying to find a job I would love, I started to feel like a job in the journalism realm wouldn’t even be right for me; I just had this feeling. At the time as I was finishing up a magazine internship as part of my post graduate degree, my husband and I were planning our wedding and I felt like for the first time in my adult life, my passions and my talents converged into one harmonious destination. Like if

XQUISITlifestyle I could get to the point where those two things met, I’d be golden. I also remember thinking at the time if no one else would give me a job I would create one for myself. Taking my passion for really gorgeous things and my creativity and attention to detail, this business was born; with I must admit not a whole lot of experience but a boatload of heart, soul and determination. X: Any advice for aspiring event planners? R: Work hard. Harder than you’ve ever worked. And be nice. Honesty

and kindness are everything not only in this industry, but in life. X: What does the future hold for Hey Gorgeous Events? R: When you find something you’re passionate about and engage

your time in your passions, the potential for greatness is remarkable. I’m such a big believer in following your intuition and if your gut’s telling you something you really should consider acting; not just thinking about it but literally doing it. I’m known for being a constant (over)thinker and a calculated risk taker (I was told this once by a role model of mine; love that), so thoughts of the future and what’s in store for my business and I is exciting. I started Hey Gorgeous (the blog portion of it at least) when I was 23 and if I’m capable of doing what I’ve done so far in four short years, then I say bring on the next ten! X: Your favorite holiday traditions? R: I am a sucker for any sort of tradition. Even more so, I love put-

ting personal touches on popular traditions whether they be holiday or event traditions. I have so many childhood memories of watching Christmas movies with the fam, sledding in the day old snow at some abandoned hill my Dad always seemed to know of, sneaking cookies out of the literally dozens and dozens of huge Tupperware containers filled with goodies my Mom had baked for weeks, waking up to a stocking from ‘Santa’ on my bed and opening it in by myself because I couldn’t contain my excitement (my husband and I still do this now, despite how tricky it is to get a stocking on to the edge of a bed you share with someone). Traditions are everything. X: What do you love MOST about your career? R: Is everything an appropriate answer? Truthfully, there’s so many

things about running a creative business like mine that fuels me everyday, that keep me excited and inspired and on top of my game. There’s two specifics that come to mind though on the execution side of things. The first is I absolutely adore giving my brides their bridal bouquet on the big day. Seeing my brides’ faces light up over something I worked on for hours is so fulfilling and special. On that same note, the second thing I love is a room reveal with the the bride and groom at the wedding. Before any guest goes into the reception space, I make sure to bring my bride and groom in there alone with me and the photographer. Then I ask them to close their eyes and on the count of three they can open them to see their dream wedding brought to life. I have the facial expressions of almost every couple I have had the privilege to work with, from that moment, saved in my memory forever. It makes the long hours, budget meetings, table mock ups, late night calls, and vendor communications all worth it.

XQUISITlifestyle

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also remember thinking at the time if no one else would give me a job I would create one for myself.â&#x20AC;?

X: What are some of your favorite winter-wedding trends? R: Tons of pillar candles and tea lights, a hot cocoa bar with

liqueurs and garnishes (and monogrammed take home cups for guests), cozy throw blankets in the lounge area to snuggle up with by a fire, ChrisTmas music played live by a string quartet, lush over-sized garlands made with magnolia leaves and seeded eucalyptus, family style dining tables; I could go on for hours. Hailing from south of Toronto, I associate so many holiday memories with traditions based around staying warm, cozy and intimate. A wedding based around these same feelings could really be something quite delightful.

throw blanket wrapped around my legs at my desk, a warm cup of home brewed coffee by my side (that often goes cold before I want it to) and a festive balsam scented candle burning on my coffee table. If that doesn’t make you feel warm in a Midwest winter, I’m not sure what will! Interview by Jenna van Klaveren

To see more of Rhiannon’s work, visit www.heygorg.com

X: Favorite way to keep warm in the winter months? R: Since I most often work from my home office, I’m a big

fan of over-sized sweaters, fuzzy warm slippers, black leggings and my trusty space heater. I usually have a knitted

XQUISITlifestyle

an open letter to winter (and an aide-memoire for us all)

Dear Winter,

I have been compelled to write to you by the combination of some elemental forces and an epiphanic moment: I have never liked you - or, more accurately given my current position (sitting - by a radiator - swathed in enough woollen-wear to make the world’s entire population of sheep mistake me for one of their own and induct me into their flock) I had never liked you. During my formative years, you always suggested the end - but never gave any indication as to what was to come thereafter; you always arrived too early, smothering the embers of golden late-autumns - and always left too late; you always engendered inky skies, brimming with rain - but hardly ever any snow. For these reasons alone, late spring was more my thing. But, sitting - as I am - by a radiator, today, I am struck by a weighty sense of something more; I am struck by the sense that there is far more to you than pavements slick with rain, dark skies from dawn through ‘til dusk, and my familial tradition of eating one’s bodyweight in chocolate boxes as a means of feeling festive. As much as I lament your arrival, equally, I could wax lyrical about it with woolly loungewear-induced ease (oh, how duplicitous of me!) - but don’t worry, I’ll spare you that. In any case, Edith Sitwell put it far better than ever could: “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Ah yes, home. Home is where the heart is; home is where the hearth is. Sitting - as I am - by a radiator, basking in warmth not commonly connoted with

your elemental constitution, it would be easy of me to play ignoramus for the hour; it would probably please me more to forget the alternate side of this picture-postcard scene in which I am situated. You may be the time for comfort, but you are also the time for uncomfortable truths (who’s the duplicitous one now?). This year, 2.4 million Britons have been classed as “fuel poor”. Fuel poverty affects those already struggling with energy costs that are at an all-time high, and leaves them with a “residual income below the official poverty line”; fuel poverty affects 4% of the populace of the world’s eighth richest country (in terms of GDP); fuel poverty is not a consequence of your arrival - but it certainly is not mitigated by your frosty gales and infinite stretches of blue-black. But, really, what are you to do? Summon the more clement disposition of summer? Don’t be mistaken: this letter is not meant to coerce you into amending your meteorological make-up. This letter is meant, however, to rouse me, others like me, and others unlike me - essentially, anyone to whom fuel poverty is just a Parliamentary phrase co-opted by the press - from a reverie in which nothing, really, can go wrong; this letter is meant to remind me, others like me, and others unlike me blissfully seated by a radiator - that though you may be the time for celebration, “comfort… and warmth”, you are also a time of the cold, sharp, intolerable converse; this letter is open, and it isn’t open for nothing.

Article & illustration by Tara Okeke

TH E NAUG HTY LI ST

XQUISITlifestyle

Celebrate the new year with these festive drinks.

KINKY NOGG

CANDYCANE MARTINI

XQUISITlifestyle

POMBERRY TONIC

CHAI EGGNOG

POMBERRY TONIC

2 cups eggnog 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup oversteeped chai tea 1/3 cup Bailey’s Original Irish Cream Cinnamon for sprinkling, Cinnamon sticks for decor.

1 1/2 oz Bombay Sapphire Dry Gin 1 oz POM blueberry pomegranate juice 5-6 oz tonic water A few drops of lime juice.

1. Steep chai tea for at least an hour. 2. Mix together eggnog, Bailey’s, vanilla, and chai tea. 3. Sprinkle with cinnamon

1. Pour the Bombay Sapphire gin and blueberry pomegranate juice into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes. 2. Fill with tonic water, add lime juice to taste, stir and serve. Optional: garnish with pomegranate seeds for an extra zing.

CANDYCANE MARTINI 1 part crème de menthe 1 part crème de cacao 1 part vodka Crushed candy cane for rim 1. In a shaker, combine all liquid ingredients and shake vigorously until well mixed. 2. Crush candy canes with a hard object (typically rolling pin) between wax paper or in a ziploc bag. 3. Dip rim of chilled martini glass in water. Dip wet rim into crushed candy canes. 4. Pour drink into glass and enjoy!

XQUISITcoming up

THIS BLOG WHAT: A Pair of Pears WHO: Jake & Jamie Bartlett WHY WE IT: This blog epitomizes what a stellar design blog should be. For one, it is so consistent in style that it makes out hearts melt. The dynamic duo also post a mix of DIY’s, incredible freebies, and overall perfectly curated inspiration for all readers to enjoy! WHERE: www.apairofpears.com

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