FASHION Magazine

As the weather shifts from brisk to beautiful, the dreaded bikini shopping has started to weigh heavily on my mind. I’ve been wearing the same one for two years now, which means I’m ready for a new suit…maybe.

After 30 years of collecting vintage clothing from all across Canada and storing it in what little space they had, Doug Shand and wife Lana decided they needed to open a store.

“The clothes were starting to take over our bedroom,” exclaimed Doug while explaining that their whole home had become overrun with fine vintage finds.

“You know when you were a kid and you wouldn’t think twice about saying something, or creating something, without hesitation? Well I guess my inspiration was to re-connect with the eternal child within and just get back to the heart and create!”

Balmain, Kenzo and Dior are among the many fashion designers who have been playing with studs and beading this season. Bags, shoes, jackets and jeans have all been revamped with this heavy metal look, transforming sweet and demure into strong and bold. Women everywhere seem to have fallen in love with this look, and I am one of them.

Her name is Jenny P. and she loves fashion more than I do. I always knew this about my friend, but I didn’t fully understand until I walked into her home. Her basement alone is filled with rolling rack after rolling rack of old and new clothing. She has a sewing room filled with scarves and delicate fabrics. Furs and trench coats are piled high at her front entrance. This woman is the definition of a fashion addict.

I’ve always been bad at keeping secrets. My favorite thrift shop, Ruby Slipper was one of them…until now. I decided that sharing is caring and wanted to show everyone with a little video of where half of my closet is from.  Behind the doors of Ruby Slipper Vintage Shoppe (970 Sargent Ave., 204-237-4976) is a plethora of fantastical finds for every girl and boy (especially for someone in the penny-pinching mood).

Watch a video of Sarah’s finds after the jump.

I should really have titled my blog: Proof that good things come out of Winnipeg.

My recent interview with former Winnipegger, Lara Vincent can attest to that. While she didn’t end up staying in the city, she did move on to explore the world and spread the gifts of her creativity.

How people can give some things away is a mystery to me. Especially those one-of-a-kind, classic pieces that can forever be a part of your wardrobe. This thought came to me when I uncovered a vintage Cowichan sweater from the racks of Value Village (1560 Regent Ave. W., 204-661-9045, valuevillage.com) a few short days ago.

Gaudy jewelry. Dusty books. Dainty china. Pins and buckles. Ancient technology. Tarnished silver… My Little Pony!  There is really nothing quite like the smell of nostalgia.  Sundays have historically been my day of rest, but after a little encouragement from a friend and a stiff cup of joe, I found a new way to spend my lazy afternoon: digging through rusted old memories at the Mulvey Market (1A 421 Mulvey Ave. E., 204-478-1217).

Melissa Trainor and Niki Trosky are two local ladies who really know how to throw a party.

I have three weeks off work, it’s been minus 36 degrees outside for much too long and the view from my bedroom window is obstructed with ice crystals. Cabin fever has officially taken hold and the other day I found myself standing in front of my closet with a pair of scissors.

I just turned 26. (Yes, I put my age on the internet for the whole world to see.) I’m now closer to 30 than 20 and in celebration of becoming one year older (and most importantly, wiser), I decided to buy a scandalous little dress and show some leg, just to prove that I can still run with the best of them.