Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Channelling Gatsby


It's been a crazy couple of weeks; prepping for the holidays and spending countless hours rehearsing for The December Project, only to realize it's over like a dream you tried to avoid waking-up from. I'm so grateful for having the chance to get back on the stage and be able to perform in that kind of capacity - especially having not seriously danced for years.  Many thanks to my friend Michael for the opportunity to collaborate with such amazing dancers and local talent, not to mention allowing me to revisit a lifelong passion once again...  

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

When It Rains It Pours


There's always a bit of truth to the saying, "all good things must come to an end". Yet, why is it when the going gets tough, life manages to become a catastrophic shit show?  I find it comical that rather than experiencing sporadic moments of "bad", life manages to send you a whole lot of crap in one (or many) fowl swoop(s).  

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Does Destiny Scare You?



It's been a hectic past couple of weeks filled with conferences, networking/mentoring events and the odd day of Background work on the set of Fringe to top it off.  Despite the boyfriend being away, I've managed to find myself as busy as ever; immersed in work projects, making more time for friends and devoting weekends to rehearse for an upcoming Contemporary Dance project.

I was honoured to be asked to participate in the YWIB UBC Sweet Speed Networking event, where I mentored many bright, young women attempting to soak up as much wisdom and advice about their prospective career paths.  As they eagerly listened to my experience and life choices, I couldn't help but reminisce of being in their exact shoes nearly a year prior - on the brink of graduation and feeling utterly lost and anxious; fearful of the unknown and confused as to where my life would take me.  I can't say these feelings ever fully dissipate, but to know that in trusting your abilities and the connections you make, things will seemingly fall into place as they should.

Along this same topic of success, great careers and finding satisfaction in your job and life, I stumbled upon the TedX video above, which neatly explores the concept of how we prevent ourselves from achieving greatness.  I know I've personally made excuses and have shot down opportunities because of whatever reason or excuse I've made, and I won't be the first to confess that it's a hard habit to break.  I'm constantly in the process of goal setting and determining my 5 and 10 year plan, but with a hectic schedule, it's been increasingly difficult to carve out the time to buck up and explore outside my comfort zone (<< catch that excuse right there?).

Overwhelmed by the tug-a-war in my mind, it's hard to know whether what I'm currently doing is where I should really be.  Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I am beyond passionate abou the brand that I work for, but there are always moments when I ask the what-if's and allow the burning curiosity of the unknown to consume me. Regardless of whether this unexplored industry in question is the appropriate fit, at least pursuing a career in this field will grant the opportunity to cross it off my bucket list and acknowledge that I've explored all my options...without excuse or regret.




Friday, October 26, 2012

A Week in Instagram


With all this erratic weather we've been having, the weekend couldn't come soon enough! Although mine begins with a bittersweet goodbye, I look forward to having some time to myself and a chance to tackle all those overdue items on my to-do list.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Happiness


A very wise mentor by the name of Heather, once told me that we stumble upon happiness through moments in life, rather than an achieved state of being or at journey's end. What she meant truly speaks to the saying, "Happiness is not a destination, it's a way of life", and every now and then I too catch glimpses of pure happiness. Whether it's catching up with old friends, taking a Scott Augustine Contemporary Jazz class or being blessed with a "get-out-of-jail-free" card - your whole being is left radiating with the kind of unwavering optimism and positivity that makes you feel like you're on top of the world.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Try



A friend recently mentioned her obsession with this video, so naturally, I had to see what all the fuss was about.  It took a few views before being able to fully appreciate where she was coming from, yet even at first glance, I couldn't deny that some elements had already piqued my interest.  You could say it's one of those videos you end up looping on replay, only for it to become more addictive with each passing view.

Where dance is used as an outlet for expression, you can't help but appreciate the raw and visceral nature of the choreography in this piece.  The desire, desperation, emotional pain and frustration - so typical of any relationship - is undeniably evident throughout, completely overwhelming you as the song progresses.

Bravo to Pink - coming from a non-dance background and being able to execute the sequences of partnered movement with such gusto, took some serious work.  Particularly, the strength and stamina needed to tackle some of these moves (see 2:43), if not attributable to her gymnastics training, is still all the more remarkable.

See for yourself.  (My favorites: 0:59, 1:30)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Lost In The Light


TOP: Club Monaco, VEST: Once, JACKET + PANTS: H&M, BOOTS: D.Co, NECKLACE: Front & Co, WATCH: Movado

The subject matter of this post originally began as an indignant rant about my unnecessary attachment to solving problems that are not my responsibility to solve. Needless to say the details don't need repeating, but I have come to acknowledge that certain things can be easily misinterpreted when taken out of context and delivered over a written medium...

On a more positive note, I'm thrilled to be getting back into the studio for a Contemporary Dance collaboration with a very talented friend, Michael Kong, and other local Vancouver artists.  More details on that later.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Boots Made for Walking


Now that Vancouver has returned to its typical doom and gloom dreariness, it's time to whip out the boots!  I tried to put it off for so long but it seems like this torrential downpour renders flats and sandals unacceptable for outdoor foot attire.

When indulging myself in the latest shoe porn, I couldn't help but entertain the idea of getting my hands on at least one of these beauties :P (read: self control might be failing here).  I've already been through a few knee high boots and figured in my usual morning rush, these ankle (hopefully slip-on's) would be a better choice...


  1. Engineer Boot ($450) - JIL SANDER NAVY
  2. Anouck ($645) - ALEXANDER WANG
  3. Graphic Bomb ($395) - TRIPPEN
  4. X-Os Holy ($365) - TRIPPEN
  5. Kori ($555)- ALEXANDER WANG
  6. Petty Roccia Booties ($132.26) - SAM EDELMAN
  7. Meryther ($560)- CHURCH'S
  8. Marte Oxfords ($554.89) - ALEXANDER WANG
  9. Refine Snake Booties ($330.90) - REBECCA MINKOFF
  10. Lindsay Plate Short Booties ($293.93) - FRYE
  11. Paul Flat Booties ($381.81) ELIZABETH & JAMES

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Diaries of A (Recovering) Shopaholic Pt 1





After a weekend of turkey comatose overload, it's nice to be getting back into the routine of things.  Though admittedly I wish the weekend wasn't over, sometimes doing nothing and sitting on your ass all day, isn't something to be repeated for an extended period of time.

On another note, the concept of saving money for the purpose of moving out (and paying off student debt) has proven to be quite the challenge.  Especially when the bf gives you the stink eye anytime he notices a new purchase (which tends to be often), means having to resort to hiding tactics. Hence, when you do unveil the item in question, you can truthfully respond, "Oh this thing? I got it a while ago, just never had a chance to wear it..."

Just because I can't spend my hard earned cash doesn't mean a girl can't dream right? I figure making wish-lists somewhat fulfills my inner desire to accumulate new things without actually having to drop a dime...though it can't be guaranteed my self-control will always be victorious.

  1. Remy Spike Necklance ($388) - AUDEN
  2. Harper Necklace ($79.50) - CLUB MONACO
  3. Flynn Necklace ($648) - AUDEN
  4. Two Bangle Bone Set ($77) - WILDFOX
  5. Tusk Cuff ($160) - GILES & BROTHER
  6. Centurion Cuff ($22) - NEED SUPPLY CO
  7. Harper Ring ($29.50)- CLUB MONACO
  8. Helm Ring ($180) - SLEEP STANDING UP
  9. Franny Cocktail Ring ($59) - CLUB MONACO

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Caught Me Thinking

SHIRT: H&M, JEANS: Acne, WATCH: Movado, SHOES: Sam Edelman, BEETLE RING + BUCKET BAG: Front & Co 

When you live in a city known for its rain and grey, you learn to appreciate any glimmer of sunlight you can get.  Fortunately, yesterday turned out to be just that - gorgeous, 20°C weather and it looks like (fingers crossed) the rest of the week will be just the same.

Been apartment hunting for the past month and can't say I'm thoroughly impressed with the selection and pricing in the current marketplace...some folks really need to smarten up and NOT agree to pay $2500+ for a ugly furnished, 1 bedroom apartment - it seriously hurts the rest of us potential renters you know.  With some luck the boyfriend and I can hopefully finalize something by mid month!

Friday, September 28, 2012

To New Beginnings

Portrait of me circa 2007

There's something to be said about the beauty of a blank page.  The absence of color, markings or any evidence of prior history. The opportunity it beckons for meaningful and inspiring material as well as the tease it presents to etch your mark.

Like a clean slate, I look to this blog as a chance to share my thoughts about my passions, trepidations and what moves me.  More specifically, my interests in fashion, contemporary dance, film and photography, and how these visual mediums can be manipulated to express my mood and interpretation of my experiences. 

All musings are my own and can be taken as you see fit. (Read: I hope you'll enjoy what you come across here - haters can keep their negativity to themselves.)