I'm in VANCOUVER trick!

I found these awesome panoramic photos of Downtown, Vancouver.  I wish I could acknowledge the person who took them but I honestly don't know who did.  Despite the rainy weather, this city is truly the most beautiful place to live!

The Aqua Tower | Studio Gang Architects

This is by far the neatest looking building! 
Located at 430 East Waterside Drive in Chicago.

Totaling over 1.9 million sf, Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use high-rise that includes a hotel, apartments, condominiums, parking and offices. Unlike a tower in an open field, new towers in urban environments must negotiate small view corridors between existing buildings. In response to this, the Aqua Tower is designed to capture particular views that would otherwise be unattainable. Among the building’s notable features is the green roof terrace atop its plinth—which at 80,000 sf is one of Chicago’s largest—that contains an outdoor pool, running track, gardens, fire pits and yoga terrace.

A series of contours defined by outdoor terraces extends away from the face of the tower structure to provide views between neighboring buildings. These outdoor terraces, cantilevered up to twelve feet, differ in shape from floor to floor. The terraces inflect based on criteria such as the view, solar shading and size and type of dwelling. When viewed together, these unique terraces make the building appear to undulate, presenting a highly sculptural appearance that is rooted in function. Aqua creates a strong identity through its architecture and has become a landmark addition to the Chicago skyline.

Early and close collaboration between architect and builder, as well as the use of contemporary digital tools, allowed the variation in the shape of the floor slabs to be achieved without increasing the building’s construction timetable. The result is a high-rise tower particular to its site that allows residents to inhabit the facade of the building and the city at the same time.

“Aqua Tower was shaped by an organic, site-specific design process. Rather than starting out with the goal of creating an icon, we let the climate and views shape the building, weaving it into its surroundings and treating the building and its environment as interconnected not separate. Even though it may appear to be formally expressive, it is equal parts data and imagination.” – Jeanne Gang, Design Principal Architect

Source(s): www.contemporist.com, www.studiogang.net, Photography by Steve Hall for www.hedrichblessing.com 

Jay-Z | The Blueprint 3 | Empire State of Mind

I'm a HUGE Jay-Z fan!  I can't get enough of his new album, The Blueprint 3.  I currently have 'Empire State of Mind' featuring Alicia Keys on repeat.

Check out Jay-Z's latest single, 'Empire State of Mind' featuring Alicia Keys on Youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8

Brothers starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal & Natalie Portman

A remake of Susanne Bier and Anders Thomas Jensen's Danish film, 'Brødre'.  I thought this film was pretty good.  The chosen cast was perfect and Natalie Portman was amazing as usual.

About the Movie | Brothers

Thirty-something Captain Sam Cahill and his younger brother Tommy Cahill, are polar opposites. A Marine about to embark on his fourth tour of duty, Sam is a steadfast family man married to his high school sweetheart, the aptly named Grace, with whom he has two young daughters. Tommy, his charismatic younger brother, is a drifter just out of jail who's always gotten by on wit and charm. He slides easily into his role as family provocateur on his first night out of prison, at Sam's farewell dinner with their parents, Elsie and Hank Cahill, a retired Marine. Shipped out to Afghanistan, Sam is presumed dead when his Black Hawk helicopter is shot down in the mountains. At home in suburbia, the Cahill family suddenly faces a shocking void, and Tommy tries to fill in for his brother by assuming newfound responsibility for himself, Grace, and the children. 

Source(s): www.apple.com/trailers, www.imdb.com,

Precious | Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

I read 'Push' by Sapphire about a month ago after watching an interview of Mariah Carey describing how the role she played in this movie was completely unlike any of the roles she's played in her past movies.  MC bombed in her movie, 'Glitter' but she definitely shined in 'Push'.  The movie is definitely not as r rated as the novel.  If you read the novel before watching the movie you'll know what I am talking about.  Nonetheless, the novel was a great read and the movie was a work of art!     

About the Novel | 'Push' by Sapphire

Relentless, remorseless, and inspirational, this "horrific, hope-filled story" (Newsday) is certain to haunt a generation of readers. Precious Jones, 16 years old and pregnant by her father with her second child, meets a determined and highly radical teacher who takes her on a journey of transformation and redemption.

About the Author | Sapphire

Sapphire was born in 1950 and spent her first twelve years on army bases in California and Texas. As a teenager she lived in South Philadelphia and Los Angeles. She graduated from City College in New York and received an MFA from Brooklyn College. From 1983 to 1993 she lived in Harlem, where she taught reading and writing to teenagers and adults. Sapphire is a performance poet and the author of a collection of poetry and prose, American Dreams. She lives in New York City.

About the Movie | Precious

Watch the movie trailer here!
http://www.weareallprecious.com/
 
Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious.
 

Claireece Precious Jones endures unimaginable hardships in her young life. Abused by her mother, raped by her father, she grows up poor, angry, illiterate, fat, unloved and generally unnoticed. So what better way to learn about her than through her own, halting dialect.

 

Source(s): www.weareallprecious.com, www.imdb.com, www.chapters.indigo.ca, www.amazon.ca

Nikon D60 or Nikon D300?!?!

I'm ready to switch my Sony Cybershot for something a lot more pro.  With so many great camera brands out there, it's hard to decide on one.  I've wanted a Canon for so long but lately I've been veering towards a Nikon.  Which model though?

Nikon D60

Nikon D300

I'm in LOVE...

with this car!

The Mercedes Benz G Wagon

My sister and I were driving in the pouring rain today, when stopped at a red light I glanced over to my left and saw this beautiful powder blue Mercedes Benz G Wagon.  It's simply GORGEOUS! 

Ti Ionika Bebe Dryer

If you're looking for a hair dryer that will do the job but not break the bank then check out the Ti Ionika Bebe Dryer.  It's fashionable, functional, affordable and compact.  I bought the exact same one pictured below and so far I'm loving it!  I bought and paid $165.00 for a T3 Tourmaline Overnight Travel Hair Dryer but I figured I should buy one that I won't feel bad about if I broke it or lost it.  I'd rather risk losing my $24.99 Ti Ionika than my $165 T3 Tourmaline.   

Source: www.ti-style.com, www.t3tourmaline.com, www.winners.com, www.sephora.com

House in Dominican Republic | A-cero Architecture

This would be my dream vacation pad minus all the white/beige furniture!  I'd definitely spice things up and give the home some character.  I love how spacious this home looks and it is absolutely stunning all lit up at night!  I bet the panoramic views would be breathtaking to wake up to every morning!  

Source: www.contemporist.com

The PNC Living Wall | Mingo Design

This is the most neatest, greenest thing ever!  Kari Elwell Katzander of Mingo Design created this living wall for the PNC Financial Services Group building in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania!

Source: www.contemporist.com

Winter 2009 | Fashion Trend Forecast #1 | Warm Coats & Jackets

The cold winter season is here, so it's time to bundle up!  I've been seeing a lot of warm coats everywhere so invest in a good coat that you will look fabulous in.  If you have a chance to buy a designer piece, I say “go for it!” A good wool coat will last you at least 3 years minimum and you'll be seen wearing it most of the time!  You will definitely get your money's worth!

Traditional colours - black, brown, various hues of grey, white and beige are being seen worn by most women but if you want to stand out from the winter crowd don't be afraid to venture into brighter colours - plaids, animal prints, reds, pinks and purples.  In this season - girly details such as bows and ruffles, big buttons, fur or better yet faux fur trimmed necklines, piping details, capelets, cropped length, military style, wrap coats and lots of volume. 

Here are a few celebrities decked out in their warm coats!

(Left to Right) Natalie Portman, Jessica Alba, Hayden Panettiere & Jennifer Aniston

Demi Moore | W Magazine | December 2009

Demi Moore is...47?!

Demi Moore doesn't look a day over 30...she looks AMAZING!  Her photo spread for W magazine pretty much speaks for itself.  Read the entire article here...www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2009/12/demi_moore

Source: www.wmagazine.com

I ♥ Hello Kitty!

I was searching Google for Hello Kitty wallpaper when I stumbled upon this...

just one question

...

WHY?

Dace | Fall 2009

I had the privilege of meeting Vancouver-based designer, Dace Moore in her studio when I was still in school for fashion business.  She has truly come a long way and her designs are nothing short of amazing!  I've collaged some of my favourite looks from her Fall 2009 Collection.  To check out some of her past collections, go to http://www.dace.ca/!

Dace arose from the skill and creativity of designer Dace Moore. Since its launch in spring 2002, her collections have attracted a growing following.

Dace Moore was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. The second child of four siblings, she showed her flair for fashion at an early age by playfully dressing up her brother and two sisters.

Her appreciation of and great taste in fine quality clothing was apparent early on. When, with not a lot of money to spare, Dace’s Mother would give each child $100 to go shopping to buy back-to-school clothing, her brother and sister would return home with bags full of clothes. Dace would come back with only one or two carefully selected items. But it wasn’t until, at seventeen, she left the Okanagan Valley after a year of college and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, that Dace would discover she had a passion not only for fashion, but for design as well.

Dace began teaching herself how to sew when she became a young single mother. She started constructing garments from vintage patterns that she collected from thrift stores. She took the blocks from these patterns, manipulated them and created her own designs, which she was soon selling to local consignment stores. It wasn’t until her creations started to sell out that she decided that this new love to be creative with clothing could lead to a career in design. So Dace headed back to school, enrolling in the Blanche Macdonald Centre for Applied Design.

Dace successfully completed the fashion design program at Blanche Macdonald in 1998 and quickly gained media coverage from her participation in local fashion shows. Soon afterwards she got her first job in the industry, as a Production Manager/Designer at United Snow and Skate, a local street-wear/outer-wear company. It was here that Dace acquired strong trade skills, as the head of production for the company and as a designer for the women’s casual/athletic line.

Dace launched her eponymous collection in 2002 and began wholesaling to stores in Canada and eventually to the United States. From the start of Dace’s career her designs have been featured in group shows and applauded by the media, but with the growing success of her company, she is now gaining international attention.

With styles that possess sophisticated modern lines, the d a c e brand always conveys a sense of classic femininity. Clothing by d a c e is known for its clean lines and for being well constructed, with attention to fit and detail. The pieces are versatile and designed to be flattering and sexy, with an overall classy but fun look – recognizably d a c e.

All operations are executed through the d a c e studio in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. The line is manufactured and produced locally, to high standards of construction and quality.

Source: http://www.dace.ca/

What's with the baggy pants?

Do you harem?

How about now?

Got any blogging ideas, questions or suggestions?

Thanks to those who have emailed me with their questions!  I initially began this blog to document what I am passionate about.  It's only been days since my first posts but the responses have been fantastic!  Feel free to comment on any of my posts or email me with any blogging ideas, questions or suggestions at mindful.consumption@hotmail.com.  I will definitely delve into mens fashion and my favourite...fashion history!  Thanks Jonas for that suggestion! 

Mucho Amor,

C

Beauty TIP #3 | Hair Questions...Yes or No?

I started helping out my aunt (my dad's younger sister) at her salon when I was 15 years old.  I would help her out a few days a week after school, sweeping hair, keeping her stations neat and tidy, washing clients' hair, merchandising hair products, answering the phone and booking appointments, cutting, highlighting, colouring hair (not her clients' hair of course but family and friends that were brave and willing to let me touch their hair) and so much more.  Clients call her "the hair doctor" because she is extremely great at what she does.  I was and still am fortunate enough to learn so much from her. 

Ever wonder why our hair does what it does?  I'm sure we've all had these hair raising questions lingering in the back of our minds.  Linger no more!

  Can split ends be repaired? 

No!

I'm a huge fan of JOICO's K-Pak Line.  Their products protect and smooth the hair's cortex.  I like to use K-Pak Split End Mender, its' dual-polymer technology strongly, healthfully sinks into and bonds the porous ends of our hair.  This instantly improves the look and overall condition of split ends, and with continued use, prevents more from ever happening.  Nonetheless, a trim is always the best way to deal with split ends – it stops them from fraying up the entire hair shaft.

Will brushing my hair 100 strokes a night keep it healthy and shiny?

No!

However, brushing with a pure-bristle brush spreads natural oils along the hair shaft, making your hair appear glossier.  As for how many strokes, it's up to you – a hundred isn't excessive if you use the right brush.

Is it true that changing my shampoo and conditioner every few months

will prevent my hair from getting "used" to them?

Yes and No!

You should change your hair products every 6 months, not because your hair develops some so-called "immunity" to them but rather, the change of season, from hot and humid to dry and cold.

Is it true that I shouldn't wash my hair every day?

No!

Washing your hair every day isn't damaging, as long as you use a conditioner after shampooing, you won't dry out your hair!  I use Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin shampoo and conditioner.  Leave the conditioner in for about 5 minutes after shampooing, then rinse.

After highlighting or colouring my hair,

should I wait two days before washing it to preserve the colour?

No!

If you've had a salon colour treatment, you can wash your hair the next day, but if you've gone the DIY route, follow the instructions that came in the box, which usually recommends waiting 24 hours or more.

Louis Vuitton Flagship Store | Window Display

My sister and I were walking down Burrard Street tonight (Downtown, Vancouver) when we came upon this colourful window display.  I love the window displays at Louis Vuitton!  They're always so innovative and different!

Beauty TIP #2 | Raccoon Eyes?...How to prevent eyeliner from smudging?

Don't you just hate it when you get raccoon eyes?  I got this question from my aunt's friend, Glenda.  She asked me, "Cristina, I always end up with raccoon eyes, how can I prevent my eyeliner from smudging so much?"  Well, here it is...

Step #1: Apply eyeliner (in desired colour) to upper and lower lash line.  I love MAC's Fluidline in Blacktrack or Blitz & Glitz or Greasepaint Stick in Black.

Step #2: Use an angled brush and the same coloured eye shadow as your eyeliner and smudge over top the eyeliner that you've applied on your upper and lower lash line.

...and voila!  I always keep an angled brush and brown eyeshadow in my make-up bag when I need to make touch-ups throughout the day.

DivaDo! A 'do' without the damage!

Here's my new favourite thing...DivaDo! For years I've been teasing and damaging my hair with all sorts of hair product. Finally, there is an alternative way to give your 'do' that extra 'umf' without damaging your hair.

Check it out! www.divadohair.com

Hermès Fall Ready-to-Wear 2009 Collection

Jean Paul Gaultier did it again! Hermès' Fall Ready-to-Wear 2009 Collection has definitely caught the forties mood. Amelia Earhart/Amy Johnson headgear, bomber jackets and la garçonne silhouettes. Here are photos of some of my favourite looks...enjoy!

Atherton Residence | Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects

I love all the windows and the open floor concept of this house. Great build!

VOGUE December 2009 | Little Girl & Boy Lost