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.