Analogue Gallery is just about my favourite place to waste away a Sunday. Old rock and roll legends sprawled over the walls gives it this incredible energy. You're taken backstage, on tour buses, you crash out on an old couch, while screaming to a roaring crowd. These photographs are courtesy of gallery owner Lucia Graca, who has a magical eye for everything that moves you. She finds the hardest-to-get, and most resounding images, and she shares them with everyone who stops by. Plus, she's utterly charming, and an extremely talented photographer in her own right.

So anyway, obviously the girl has pull, and secured the photography legend Barrie Wentzell to help judge her latest SoundImage celebration, in addition to Exclaim! photo editor Denise Falzon, and herself. Submissions were accepted from all over...and the enthusiasm overflowed through the doors (literally). 

And the winning image? It went to Elizabeth Keith for her brilliant shot of The Flaming Lips. 

So well deserved. 

Go see it all for yourself, 673 Queen St West. It runs until February 9th. 

Rock on, 

xo Holland

Photos by Katherine Holland

When is the last time someone asked you how your sunglasses fit? For me - never, until I met Kathy Tran, the one woman show over at KayTran eyewear.  Why does she ask? Well, because it's her business (literally). Her premiere 20-piece collection is targeted towards those with small nose bridges, and her product is one of personal necessity. After spending her life looking for a pair that fit properly, and not succeeding- she was left to fix the hole in the market herself. Plus- these shades look BANGIN.

Modeled from classic shapes, they all scream Hollywood. The colors are vibrant but classic, and the shapes are edgy but approachable. Each style bears a woman's name, and reflects her mock personality. 

So what does my newfound lust for the Allison say about me? Who knows, but I like it. 

Here I am busting the Aiden's, at the Toronto launch of the line at Pink Eye Optical.

When I asked Kathy how you know whether or not your sunglasses fit, she said look for contact points. Do the nose pads squeeze your nose, leave marks, or slip and slide? Do the lenses leave lines on your face? Expect more from your sunnies...

Available in Goldstein Boutique, Optic Zone, and Pink Eye Optical in Toronto. Get em before all the New Yorkers do....

xo Holland

Photos by Katherine Holland 

Dashing English singer-songwriter Charlie Winston just finished his Canadian tour with a show in Vancouver. While he ate breakfast at 3:00 in the afternoon (such is life on the road), I joined him to talk about his prolific songwriting, how Canada reminds him of Ireland and why he chops up his favourite designer sweaters.

Kelsey Dundon: You've got quite a following overseas but in Canada many people are hearing about you for the first time. How would you introduce yourself?

Charlie Winston: That's tough because my style is so varied. In my song "Boxes" I talk about how I don't want to be put in a box because that takes away the fun. I'd hate to write within a niche. But I think the most important element of my sound is my voice, it's the one constant.

KD: You've worked with Peter Gabriel, you've written a sort of love song to Beethoven, needless to say your influences are varied. What are you excited about now? What's on your iPod?

CW: Let's see -- Jono McCleery, Bon Iver, Black Keys, Feist, Little Dragon, and M83.

KD: What's your favourite part of the process -- writing, recording or performing?

CW: Definitely writing. It's the bit which is the most mine, it's the most personal. To write is to get all those ideas out and encapsulate them so they can be explored by other people. I very rarely play my songs for myself. I guess when a dream's been realized it's dead. When I started recording this album I went to the studio with 27 songs and I had to be quite cutthroat about which ones I threw away.

KD: Vancouver is the last stop on your tour through the Great White North. Has Canada surprised you?

CW: I like that Canada's schizophrenic with the French and the English -- in some ways it felt like two different tours. Canadians have a general friendliness, it reminds me a lot of touring through Ireland, actually, people make you feel welcome. I'm surprised by how much my popularity is growing in Quebec, Montreal and Toronto. To play sold-out shows here was a pleasant surprise.

KD: What's the story behind your signature half-undone tie?

CW: I love fashion, I've even thought about starting a fashion line one day. I guess I like that you can wear plain block colours and add a little fun with ties so I started wearing them with everything. I cut these holes in my shirts myself. I cringe when I cut up my really expensive sweaters, but I do it anyway.

Charlie Winston Running Still is available from Universal.

Third photo by Andrew Gura.

After reading Derek Blasberg's new book, Very Classy: Even More Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady, we began to ask ourselves "would a lady do this?" before we made any moves. So we loved the opportunity to sit down with him and ask a few questions about being classy in Vancouver.

Vitamin Daily: It rains a lot in Vancouver, does a lady wear a raincoat or carry an umbrella?

Derek Blasberg: I love a raincoat. I love a trench coat. I think every woman should have a trench coat in their closet, a trench coat can hide a multitude of sins. I also think a trench coat can be thrown over jeans to go to the deli, and over a cocktail dress when you go out at night. I am the biggest proponent of the trench coat, which is why you can invest in a good one. You want it tailor fitted, with the right armhole. You don't want to look like Inspector Gadget or Columbo. A good trench coat is a good thing to have around.

Vitamin Daily: Vancouver was recently named second worst dressed city in the world...

Derek Blasberg: Because of Lululemon?

Vitamin Daily: Yes, because of the yoga pants. Where is it acceptable to wear yoga pants?

Derek Blasberg: In yoga class!

Vitamin Daily: Anywhere else?

Derek Blasberg: You know what is funny, I read that when I was researching Vancouver. In New York, I go to some gyms, and it is actually the reverse. You get girls in tube tops and clear bra straps, itty-bitty shorts that don't leave a lot to the imagination...Full faces of makeup. There is a whole chapter in my book about what is appropriate to wear to the gym and what isn't. When I think about Lululemon, I think, I wish there were more yoga pants in New York than Daisy dukes and tube tops and the hooker gym look. To be honest, I think there is a fine line between a very messy yoga pant look and something that is more structured and cute. I have seen some cute leisure wear, and I have seen some messy, dirty, baggy, sloppy yoga wear. I think a lot of people confuse comfortable with not very well thought out. You can still be comfortable and wear something that looks good, feels good, fits well. Comfortable does not equal sloppy. It is the same thing at the airport. I have seen some devastating outfits...

Vitamin Daily: You talk a lot about dinner etiquette in your book, and in Vancouver we eat a lot of sushi and do a lot of sharing plates in restaurants. Is there any etiquette when you are sharing plates?

Derek Blasberg: Don't be a piggy. Sharing is caring. My biggest pet peeve when having dinner with several people is the one who whips out their cell phone. That's more important than leaving the last egg roll for me... One of the things I say in the book is that person to person interaction is now so rare. I understand the attraction of being on your phone all through dinner, I suffer from it too. If my phone goes off, if I hear the beep, my instincts are to check it immediately. But I really make the effort to spend some quality time with friends. Also, if you don't know how to use chopsticks, don't be embarrassed, ask for a fork.

Vitamin Daily: Vancouver has a reputation for having a lack of men, so there are a lot of single woman. Is it acceptable to flirt using social media?

Derek Blasberg: There is a fine line between flirting, making plans, and I don't think it is inappropriate for a girl to ask a guy out... I think the problem with online interaction with the opposite sex, or the same sex, if that is what you are into, is when it crosses the line into indecency. First of all, no one should be taking nudie pictures of themselves unless it is with a real camera, a real airbrush, some digital retouching... Times change, the proactive bird gets the worm. Actually, that is probably a terrible analogy. I think it is very modern for girls to ask boys out, but when it comes to the online stuff, you shouldn't put anything out there that you wouldn't want your grandmother to see. Don't say it, don't send it.

Vitamin Daily: For our readers with kids, do you have any tips on being a lady with small children in tow?

Derek Blasberg: I am at that age where a lot of my girlfriends have babies, and I love being that surrogate uncle, where you can spoil them, and then say goodnight! There are so many tips on being a yummy mummy, and I often feel it is inappropriate telling young mothers to make time for themselves because I know the constraints and I know the stress of raising a child. It is like that Jackie Kennedy quote "If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do matters very much." The classiest thing you can do is be good mother, even if that is having more yoga and sweat pant days than you like to, then make sure your nails are clean and your hair isn't too dirty... a little mascara goes a long way. I don't think a stressed mother wants to hear my opinion, but I really do think, that if you can make a little bit of time for yourself, then if you feel good you look good. You don't need to get your hair done every day or get a weekly pedicure, but if you make time for yourself, you make better time for your child.

We caught up with designer Mark Fast, one of the Canadian stars of London fashion, in Paris last weekend!

We've got the details on his pop-up shop happening in Vancouver this weekend (you'll want to be there!) as well as Mark's take on his collection, the celebrities who wear it, and what's inspiring him right now.

With the Faster pieces being quite sexy and revealing, how does a woman style it for winter?

One of the best things you can do is to layer different deniers of tights under the pieces themselves. For example, because the knit is open, you can layer up a hot pink tight underneath the tights we have.

What's inspiring you right now?

I am inspired by collaborating with current artists. There are a bunch of collaborations that are happening at the moment, which I can't talk about, but its the dream scenario of working with Hollywood actors and designers that I have always wanted to work with is coming to fruition. I am really excited to be taking some stuff off the catwalk, and bringing them into a different stage-like setting.

You've had a lot of celebrities support your brand. Is there a particular celebrity that
really represents Mark Fast?

My work is like a chameleon, it blends into different lifestyles and different artists. The clothes sculpt into the characters... Nicky Minaj is an inspiration, Kylie Minogue. And I am really inspired by Jen Brill (photographer's agent and Chanel ambassador) from New York, she's got that intelligence, that hard edge, but also she is really fun. She knows how to style a garment, work it, and just be natural and effortless with her style.

Tell us a bit about the collection selling in Vancouver.

A lot of the Faster pieces are quite classic and seasonless because it is more about the body and being body conscious. They feature intricate stitches, lace up on the side, and are quite revealing. I describe my Faster range as Wolford on acid.

Pick up some pieces from the Mark Fast Faster range this Friday from 4pm to 9pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the “Try and Buy” event at the Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver. Cash only. Prices are 50 per cent off regular retail and range from $80 for a pair of signature cut out tights to $350 for a dress.

www.fasterbymarkfast.net

How's this for an enticing scene on a dreary January day?

The new Saguaro hotel in Scottsdale got around the city's strict building colour palettes (restricted to desert neutrals) by painting in the colour palette of the local wildflowers and cacti. 

The lobby and lounges are set-decked with locally sourced vintage cowboy art.

Destrito, the Mexican restaurant, features brightly-painted Mexican day-of-the-dead skull candle holders (which we picked up in the local tourist shops for $5).

Vintage Western novels are on the bedside tables while the bright colour scheme extends to the beautiful throw blankets.

Cocktails made with fresh fruit are the order of the day at the hotel's Old Town Whiskey Bar.

Although this was technically Christmas decor, it sure summed up our stay.

The Saguaro, 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale Blvd., AZ, 480-308-1068, www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/saguaro

For our Scottsdale dining itinerary, please click here.

An intimate group of Vancouver's media elite gathered at Save-On-Meats last Wednesday for a private screening of Gastown Gamble, the new show documenting the trials and tribulations of restoring a butcher shop and diner in Canada's poorest Postal Code. Funny, wry, stylish and inspiring, don't miss tonight's premiere: 6:30 PST/9:30EST on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Nothing like a serious challenge to kick off the year, at least that's what I thought when I registered for my first half-marathon (yikes!). With less than a month to go, here's the running gear that has been helping me get race ready:

The Phillips Wake Up Light
Getting out of bed at 6:30am is never nice but it is ten times worse when you know it will be dark out for at least another two hours. Thirty minutes before your actual wake up time, the clock slowly fills your room with light calibrated to mimic the sunrise—so much more peaceful than being ripped from sleep by a jarring alarm plus this light therapy will have you feeling ready and energized for the day. $119.99 at www.londondrugs.com

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve
I swear by this long-sleeved tee . Not only does it wick away any moisture but it somehow stays smelling fresh even after a sweat-filled interval training session. Great alone or as a base layer. $68 at www.lululemon.com

iPod Nike + GPS app
Since I am new to marathon training I wasn't so sure about committing to a super fancy (and seriously hard-core) GPS enabled watch. Instead I loaded the Nike+GPS app on my iPhone to track my time, distance and pace while running. Automatic syncing to www.nikerunning.com allows you to have a look at your runs online, breaks down your time per km and connects you with other runners. And, for those who enjoy a little competition, you can play tag with your friends. Simply challenge a friend to race (distance or time) and get your app in gear! $1.99 at www.itunes.com

The Sport i-20 Armpocket
I absolutely hate carrying anything in my hands while running. Lightweight and made from water-resistant fabric (essential in Vancouver!), the Sport i-20 Armpocket is big enough to carry my iPhone, keys and debit card when I'm out clocking some klicks. $29.95 at www.armpocket.com

Blue Monkey Pure Coconut Water
The idea of chugging a fluorescent-coloured drink after running isn't that appealing to me (pretty sure those colours aren't found in nature) but Blue Monkey's Pure Coconut Water sure is. High in natural minerals and electrolytes, this is great way to naturally hydrate your hardworking body and prepare it for another day of pounding the pavement. $2.19/520 ml can at Choices. —Kelsey Mulyk

French band, Brigitte, is busy recording a song for Lancome. We love their quirky-chic outfits. The French can get away with anything!

I may not be big on weddings, but they certainly have a penchant for attracting beauty.

Big kid on campus, Wedluxe Magazine, has moved from their Vancouver homebase, and taken over the Toronto wedding scene. Amidst photographers and models clamouring for covers, and employees who are only just settling into the new building, they somehow managed to throw the biggest wedding trade show of the year.

With it, they've certainly got the wedding planners covered. There were tons of them, and they were focused. Pen and pads primed to document their new favourite photographer/dress/makeup artist/baker, etc. Littered among them, of course, but somewhat less confident, were the brides-to-be. And instead of the bridezilla mentality I expected, they were all pretty rational, simply interested in finding out as much as they could about the business of weddings (and how to avoid waiting in line for an hour for the elevator). "Do you spend your money on the food, or the dress?, "What makeup application ensures the longest wear, with the least caking?", and my favourite, "does my boyfriend have to be into it?". No comment.

Here are my picks for the best of the best on the wedding scene.  As seen at the Wedluxe Show:

The Best Wedding Photographer: I was really impressed by what I saw from Verve Photo Co. Their shots are almost as good as their post-processing, and that's a hard combination to find. Their shots were tasteful, timeless, and flawless. Plus they're extremely likeable ladies...you can't go far wrong provided their availability can accomodate you.

Mad love also for Alex Albojer at LifeImages. I've spent a crazy amount of time looking at their blog in the past, and it was great to finally meet in person. See their shot on the cover of Wedluxe, above. The angles and use of light in their portfolio is amazing, and extremely creative, which is so hard to maintain on the 12th hour of a wedding, but somehow they seem to manage. The website is one of the Bible's for wedding photographers...and I spot shot-copies everywhere...

Both studios are pretty incredible, so let's just call this a tie. 

The Best Cakes: This one was really no contest (sorry everyone else). Cake Opera is just the sh*t. In the best way possible. If these creams don't make you cream, well...I'll just stop. But trust, Cake Opera is in a league all of (her) own. As is her website! How can you have a website that great, for cake? 

I can't even fathom how many hours it would take to make something like that. Or, how much it would cost. 

The Best Use of Flowers: Pretty Bloom. I hadn't heard of the company before, but this floral headdress is all I need to know. Hippie heaven...

That said, if you're talking centerpieces and bouquets, STEMZ is a no-brainer. 

The Best Invitations: I have to give this to Paper and Poste. I've worked with these lovely ladies before, and will always have a soft spot in my heart for them. They will bring your invitation to life, and you'll be dreaming in fonts and seals...

The Best Innovation: Onsite childcare. A company names Little Party Goers will make your wedding magical, even for the biggest procreator in the bunch. They can be hired for virtually any occasion, but a wedding seems absolutely genius. What kid likes listening to speeches? But bouncey castles?

The Best Table Dressing: Susan Murray operates a luxury linen & decor rental company, and I really dug her style. Warm and detailed, with a renaissance flair. Her stuff was so beautiful, I was excited just to be able to photograph it!

More of what it looked like inside....

xo Holland

Photos by Katherine Holland