In the vein of ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ ‘Pussy Cat Dolls’ and ‘Girlicious’….                   Burlesque Beauties are the next evolution of Burlesque. With their own style of nuevo-burlesque they are part of an entertainment movement that empowers both men and women. It’s romping girl power – ka poww!

Burlesque has seen a revival, but now it’s kinda ‘been there done that,’ but not with these gals. You won’t see nipple tassels – instead it’s some brand new sexy moves for the ladies to watch and learn….and a good old-fashioned teasing for the men.

Here’s the fun part – they need to replace one of the original members: Miss Baby Doll. The final three have been narrowed down - and perform at the new Edgewater Casino. It’s the perfect date nite so grab your tickets, and cast your vote: May 30 & May 31.

Edgewater Casino. 750 Pacific Blvd. Vancouver, Canada. Facebook info

I spent last nite resurrecting my high school crush on Nick Rhodes. Duran Duran kicked off their North American tour in Vancouver.

A mass of 30ish women (and their loyal boyfriends in tow) holding up cell phones, screaming to ‘Rio’, echoing bad dance moves and living in the 80’s.

I forgot how genuinely fun this band was - I really had a great time. Oh, and I must admit that Simon Le Bon did the least painful introduction of the band - that I’ve ever experienced at a concert. He actually made it fun.

This time I wasn’t working, so my seats weren’t as fantastic as when I was working the Kanye West gig. But I still managed some good shots.Um, and that’s me groovin away to ‘Save A Prayer’.

Winter means Christmas social circuit, and also lots of cocooning at home to ponder your decor. We live in a loft with these huge walls beaconing for the art my budget hasn’t (yet) let me buy.

I’ve thought of wallpaper, but that hurt my head more than my budget. So the compromise is Surface Collective’s removable wall tattoos (‘stencils’ for the less hip).

Swirls of design, pussy willows, or origami storks - all work on walls, windows, or mirrors. I love the idea of tone on tone decals for the more subtle,  but that gold metallic would look sold in the den. Hmmmm.

Order at Yaletown Sofa Company or check out the online catalogue.
 
 

Before one of the best things about a Vancouver-based fashion chain, was it’s name: SPANK.

Spank’s always been great for Canadian designers (like one of my favs - Chulo Pony). And now it’s added a fourth location all about shoes: Spank Shoes. If you’re looking for a value option to local Gravity Pope, but still want something funky then you’ve just scored!

Spank Shoes is the newest offering of interestingly unique footwear for shop-a-holics. Or shoe-a-holics, for that matter. They offer designer brands such as Jeffery Campbell, Seychelles, Poetic License, and London Underground. 

I recently scooped up two-tone brown & black pair of Marcs. No their not Marc, by Marc Jacobs - rather a German line. Soft leather, Euro-style.

And don’t forget to check out vegan, Matt &Nat bags while you’re there.

Spank Shoes
2003 West. 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC                                             Pic: Seychelle’s One Night Only

Every season I adore Chulo Pony more and more! Looks like this Vancouver-based women’s clothing line is really all grown up - from its designs to its persona.

Their Fall theme revolves around 16th century pirate and princess, Claire O’Grady, who had a penchant for plundering ships for clothing and leaving the gold behind. She married twice before her 20th year, each time gaining title to her new husband’s castle and then kicking him out. Her father said she could never go to sea because her long hair would get caught in the rigging, so she cut it off, earning herself the nickname "The Shorn One."

While I might not chop my hair, I will follow her shawsh-buckling lead in this red coat (2078). Funnel neck and trendy bell sleeves are stylish. Stunning! Cleverly combining old-fashioned elegance with tough girl chic, ornate antique lace blouses with delicate silk covered buttons along with exquisite cotton sateen empire waist dresses and ruffle neck tunics provide an undeniable contrast to shrunken wool plaid pleated mini-skirts and double twill sailor pants. Check out my other picks: 4015, 2075, 5089

You can find Chulo Pony at are Nordstrom, QLLC, Life of Riley, Miss Coquette, Spank, Suasion, or you can shop online at their site.

This last trip to Bali was one of my best trips yet!! But there was one teeny little, half second pang of regret on something I was missing back in Vancouver.

When I’m not blogging I’m involved in Vancouver’s fashion or music scene. One of my many gigs is PR for concerts - such as Tiesto: Elements of Life at GM Place.

Now you don’t have to be a jaded raver to appreciate this man’s talent. Come on he opened the Athen’s Olympics…and now set Canada’s record for playing to the largest electronica music audience. But my dear friend Kevin Shui opened for Tiesto so that technically makes him the “first” dj to do so, but semantics right.

Anyway, I did all the pre-concert PR work but didn’t get to be there for show day and missed the actual concert. Here’s what I missed…

Ami’s promo Tiesto car & Tiesto.