Window of the Month

So i have decided to take photos of visual merchandising around Vancouver. I will post as many as i can, and i'll make sure to not be biast. This is just to show some of the amazing window displays we have in Vancouver. The first photo is from Louis Vuitton, and it is breathtaking ( not as amazing as their security camera installation last season). Regardless, this suspended water feel is visual heaven.

Music: Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae is made of jewels. She is absolutely amazing and i cannot express that any more. Her album has just dropped and it's super short, but every song is full of beauty and that 'outkast' feel. She is the perfect mix of soul funk and hip hop. (PLUS HER STYLE ROCKS)

FOOD: Narrow Lounge

This lounge just recently opened up and it's absolutely fabulous. The food is great, and so is the atmosphere. I have heard many great things and am going to hit it up sometime this week. So make sure you check it out! http://www.narrowlounge.com

Music: Kanye West

Kanye is out with a new single: Love Lockdown. When i first heard it, i was pretty intrigued and the more I hear it it gets better and better. The beat is contagious and his voice (even though manipulated) sounds amazing. This is going to be a big one!

RUBIX!!! TICKETS - BUY HERE

Here you can EASILY buy tickets to RUBIX! @ The SFU Pub on Oct 3rd..

FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU PROPAGANDA & LUNETTEZ

Please Leave a name that the tickets will be on hold for at the door!!!! <---- IMPORTANT!!!!!!

You can still buy tickets via 778.288.6015 (Ryan)

Multiple Tickets

One Ticket $8.00 Two Tickets $16.00 Three Tickets $24.00 Four Tickets $32.00

Music: Solange Presents: Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

I cannot begin to explain how amazing Solange's sound is. She came as quick as she went a while ago ( out-shined by her ever so popular sister: Beyonce) but she is back and sounds so wonderful. Very Mo-town mixed with new sound, and she is the classic fusion of a hipster and a high fashion diva. Best songs by far this summer: I decided and Sandcastle Disco. Check out her videos too, they are insanely fantastic.

FASHION: Rings

So.. I really think that big rings are coming back into style (when were they not) But lately I've been seeing many people with large stainless steel and silver rings. Some have large stones on them, and some are just unique. Regardless of the design, it looks beautiful on the finger of an avant-garde fashionista (male or female).

Food: Slickity Jim's Chat N' Chew

Other than Bon's off Broadway.. i think that Slickity Jim's is the best place for a nice breakfast in Vancouver. Located at Main and Broadway, this 'Chat N' Chew' has everything you would need for a hearty breakfast and won't just be fried crap with eggs. I love going here, They have everything from benedict to chili.. i can't talk about this place anymore, you have to go!

Fashion: illustrated Example - {ie

This place has been a hidden gem for some for a little while now. They have the most simplest high end goods that you good ever dream of. Anytime i need something that is classy, suave, and minimal -- Illustrated Example has the street wear you are looking for. It is located on Carall St (Across from the Blarney Stone) and has some great brands and designs.

Website: http://illustratedexample.ca/

Modified: The Summer Short

So this summer, instead of buying a pair of shorts and wearing them around like a tourist, take a pair of your least favorite (or your most favorite) jeans and cut them to make some shorts. Here are tips that you need to take into consideration:
1- cut them longer than you want ( if you are looking to roll them up)
2- wear your pants and snip the right leg where you want to cut..THEN take them off and fold your pant in half so you cut it at the EXACT same length.
The reason this is sick is because shorts aren't cut to look good, but hopefully you have a nice pair of pants that sit well in the waist and can do the trick.

This is also good with dress pants, and any pair of pants that you like. DO NOT MAKE MAN-PRI'S.. That's disturbing.

good luck.

Fashion: The Drummer Boy

I've only seen a couple of people wearing this jacket a month or two ago, but it is coming back in full force. Coldplay's Chris Martin wears it in their video for 'Violet Hill', one of the Jonas Brothers ( let's face it.. they have amazing style) rocks out wearing one in 'Burnin' Up', and Chris Brown was seen in one, the accounts are endless. All there is to say is that these jackets are classy, edgy, and are the new blazer. Just make sure it fits like a glove or you'll just look stupid.

OVERstated: The Wayfarer

Okay, so there was one point in time where these sunglasses were kick ass. They are the iconic shades worn by Andy Warhol and others who paved the way for Art and Entertainment. These glasses reappeared suddenly a year ago, and now make me SICK! You can find them on any poser, and they are available in all shapes and sizes (EVEN folding ones). These glasses are overstated and overrated. The only way you can get away with them now are: A vintage pair, Making sure they are actually Ray Ban, and not buying them because you happened to go into Bang On

I do love them.. Unfortunately they are overplayed.. and it's time to move on.

PS. Sorry to all of you who are wearing them in nightclubs and own them in 17 different colors... but face it.

Fashion: Roden Gray

Roden Gray has been a hidden Gem for some. Located on Cambie St ( Just after Cordova), Roden Gray is defined as underground meets high fashion. This store has everything for the urban man who knows what sytle means. As one of my friends said " It has comme de garçons.. i like any store with comme de garçons" .. Check the place out.. it's pretty sweet.

Fashion: Gladiator Sandals (Men)

So we all know that Gladiator sandals have been around for a while. I've seen a slough of them at Urban Outfitters and all the random stores you walk by on Robson. Recently though, it struck me that there aren't any available for Men. After searching around like crazy, trying to find the right pair of Gladiator sandals downtown..i realized that they aren't there. I predict that they are going to be all over the place next summer.. ( just like i predicted the friggin white canvas shoe in '07)

Food: Salt Tasting Room

Salt Tasting Room is hidden in the Alley's of Gastown. This small tasting room has a lot of class, and prestige. The Wine selection is absolutely stellar and the staff know exactly what they are talking about. The concept is simple, you order a flight of wine, your meats and cheeses, and condiments to accompany.. The rest is history. BE WARNED: this seemingly small meal will a) fill you up and b) be a lengthy affair.. it tastes better when you enjoy it slowly and the time will fly by!
http://www.salttastingroom.com/home.html

Music Video: Rihanna

Rihanna is a Goddess whether we like her or not. She has reinvented herself, and has her fan basing growing with every single she puts out. Her video is amazing.. The visuals are spectacular, the cinematography is creepy..She has created a post-modern MJ Thriller.. Check it out.

Song: I Kissed a Girl

People are hailing this as the best song of the summer.. i think it's shit (Kind of). Regardless this remix takes it to a whole new level of amazing heights. Listen!
Copy & Paste to Download:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/16156589c4d07772

WHO: RETAIL JUNKIE.

Over the last couple of Months, I have realized that Vancouver can be either two things: i) a small city that is absolutely boring or ii) The most fun, avant-garde city, that is fusing with fresh Arts and Culture. After traveling to New York and becoming extremely interested in the night life, fashion, and arts and culture on the island of manhattan.. i decided it was time to find the same in Vancouver. Retail Junkie is a site to showcase what Vancouver has to offer, and be the first to reveal style, music, and artistic trends that I predict to be huge. Read, enjoy, take what you want and leave what you like.. Deep down inside we all are RETAIL JUNKIES.

xoxo.

H&M is in Vancouver..but do we care?

Soo...H&M has finally opened in Vancouver, but do we care? Every time I've go in I am unimpressed and the fashion seems to be so 'regular'. Usually I find one or two good things, but lately i've been let down. I guess the novelty of an H&M in Vancouver has worn off quite quickly.. Oh well.

Music: Sam Sparro

Sam Sparro is a God. That is all i can say! He comes from the Producers of Amy Winehouse and MIKA ( Amy is the one that i am reppin' here) but Sam's voice is full of beauty and wonder. His latest single 'Black & Gold' is taking off, and he'll be the talk of the town any moment now.

Music: MGMT

I came across MGMT a while ago, and posted a fan made video for the song 'KIDS' since then they have taken off, and i hear them everywhere. Their music is electrifying and sounds so good on the ears. Take a listen before you buy it, but be sure that you will be listening to it over and over again.

Music: Ratatat.

RATATAT is out.. LP3 is what it is called.. GET IT! That's all i have to say.. They are amazing.

Fashion: The Commodified.

http://thecommodified.blogspot.com/
Created by the fashion inclined Craig Long, The Commodified has grown in leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. Being showcased on Canadian television and all over the internet. It is one of Vancouver's only fashion blogs (and none dares to compete with it). Compared to Avant-garde fashion blogs like Face Hunter, The Commodified is showcasing fashion and individuality on the streets of Vancouver. The only down side to the site is that viewers are tremendously rude and demeaning, they de-characterize outfits and sometimes people. Let's remember this is about fashion..not feeling better than other people. Keep up the fantastic work Craig!

Food: Cascade Room.

The Cascade Room recently graced the South-side of Vancouver's trendy Main St. district. It is the ultimate stop in before any late night on the town, and a great place to get one amazing cocktail or a bite to eat. I have been there over a dozen times in the last couple of months, and it has never let me down. Their chefs, bartenders, and staff are fantastic, and i have nothing but good things to say. Looking for something a bit more 'natural' check out habit!

http://www.thecascade.ca/

Gadget: iphone.

Apple has Finally released the Iphone 3G in Canada after a year. I personally thought that this was a good move for Canada because let's face it when Apple designs new state of the art products there are always limits/flaws. Apple has revamped it and the Iphone 3G is better than ever. The iphone now comes with built in GPS, 8 or 16 GB, Wireless, Ipod capabilities,and is packed with new features and applications. The last thing that makes it the hottest phone on the market is that it's only $299.