[Photo by Eyekahfoto]

Yes. I am absolutely ready to rock a revolution. And that was definitely the case for Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, who started up this eclectic clothing company out of sheer will and creativity. Sass & Bide represents one of Australia’s most prominent international women’s fashion labels, and rightfully so, because after following Middleton and Clarke’s blog, it’s clear to see that these ladies will stop at nothing in terms of pushing limits to their designs, and doing what it takes to make sure the right people know about who they are.

Oooh oooh ooooohhhh, you don’t even know how much I love this vest! Made of cashmere and silk, this super lightweight sweater-vest surprisingly provides a lot of warmth, not to mention the fact that it feels like butta on yo breakfast toast (well… on your skin, obviously.) It’s such a great layer to add onto any outfit — dressed up or dressed down. The idea of absolute comfortability partnered with 1st class luxury is like the ultimate marriage, and who better  to express that through their designs than LA based company, EVER.

I am in absolute LOVE with this dress. Very reminiscent of Pleasantville’s 1950’s housewife… except, let’s not get it twisted folks, I don’t depend on no man fo my DOLLA. This dress is from an LA based company called WREN — started up by designer Melissa Coker, who had previously worked for publications such as Vogue, W, and Details. It’s no wonder her label was able to make it’s way into the eyes and hands of the right people — she, herself, is one of them. Coker’s designs and the materials she uses breathes “free-spirited exuberance, restrained elegance, and low-key sophistication.”

A couple of weeks ago when I was home in Vancity, an old high school colleague of mine emailed me asking for us to get together to catch up, as well as talk some bihnnizzz regarding Lovehard and his new found company called The Clothes Hangar. Edmund Chiu, from how I remembered him, was more of a nerdy, quiet type of dude, but always so nice to everyone and down to help if ever I asked. He was that guy who, no matter what you told him was going on in your life, he would just be super into what you’re saying and actually care. I loved that about him!

A little while back during a school multi-cultural festival, a booth was set up representing India and had henna tattoo artists giving people free henna designs. I immediately noticed this one girl who’s designs were so intricate and detailed, I was blown away. After trying to see if I could snag a spot in line to get a tattoo done with this artist, she and I ended up talking about how she had always wanted to do a full piece on someone’s back. It took a little while for us to finally get together and manifest her idea, but we did it! And holy, did it look amazing.

Oh man oh man oh man oh man. I have been a HUGE fan of this woman’s work since I first saw a necklace she did for my boy Kit Knows. Her style is so distinct, simple, elegant and wicked cool. My girl Asia Clarke, affiliated with 88 Days of Fortune, has started her own jewelry line under the name of Wild Moon, and is throwing her first special event, introducing the world to her unique and wonderful pieces!

Courtesy of a post by Miss Natasha Singh of  Singhnature.com, she had reminded me that during the last 2 years of living up the street from St. Lawrence market, I have had yet to explore the glory that is Sunday afternoon on Front and Jarvis. I made it a point that during Hangover Sunday, I would make a lovely bike trip down there to see what the haps is.

My, oh, My.

Oh, oops, sahhhhrrrrryyy. I just can’t help that these look SO FRICKIN GOOOD!!!! Giles Monette X Lovehard = the Lovehard Monsty, baby. YUP.

[Logo sits across middle of the chest]

Say hello to the Lovehard Monsty, illustrated by my wonderful and dear friend Giles Monette. His obsession with monsters never cease to amuse me. A post about Giles will come tomorrow so you can learn more about this wicked illustrater/designer. For now, PUT IN AN ORDER for your own Special limited edition Lovehard Monsty Tee!! Original Lovehard Tee is also available in these new colors as well as the original Red and White. Get your orders in QUICK, I’m only taking them down until next week (and they will be ready by end of Feb/first week of March!).

My dear friends over at Pretty Freedom have been workin’ hard this winter season, stocking up on faaaabbbulous fur coats, one-of-a-kind knit sweaters and cardi’s, and collaborating with independent accessory designers to make sure they’ve got fresh goodies for potential Christmas presents. Popping into the store late Saturday evening, Jodee introdced me to the new Pretty Freedom tokens, also known as their custom-made gift certificates. Coming in increments of $25, $50, $75, $100 or whatever  your heart desires, these “tokens” given to someone special as a “token” of your appreciation, love, and respect makes for a wicked Christmas gift.