I’m sure Vancouver’s fashion obsessed would be quick to agree when I compare vintage shopping to the treasure-hunting thrill sought by pirates. Really, there’s nothing more exciting than discovering an old treasure in the depths of your local thrift shop. Past the vintage scarves, through the isle of forgotten party dresses and underneath the assortment of old tea hats is where your find is sure to hide. For Teresa Smed of Dotted Loop jewelry, treasure hunting is her everyday job.

Originally stepping into the fashion scene as a clothing designer, Smed switched to jewelry after her clothing and bag collection was consumed by a house fire a few years back. On a later road trip to Calgary and sudden stop at an antique store about to close its doors, Smed was inspired by the “shelves of glittering antique baubles”, and thus Dotted Loop was born.

“I love finding an old broach from the turn of the century and imagining it twisted and tangled in a bed of chains and pearls,” notes Smed. “I can’t wait to get into my studio and play with a found treasure.” Today’s collection consists of three separate lines: Dotted Loop – the luxury vintage collection; Glam Vintage Remix – equally as fabulous but with a more affordable price tag; and dl – Smed’s venture into an ambitious, creative and indeed vintage inspired unisex line including marching-band inspired aiguillettes worn from shoulder to lapel.

Lucky for you there’s no need to hunt for these treasures. Find Dotted Loop at a plethora of Vancouver-boutiques (listed on website), and shop online too. www.dottedloop.com.

The White Ribbon

Dir. Michael Haneke
Starring: Christian Friedel, Leonie Benesch, Ulrich Tukur, Ursina Lardi, Burghart Klaussner
Germany / Austria / France / Italy, 2009, 144 mins.

Themes of morality are explored in Michael Haneke’s new film, The White Ribbon.

The film is set in a small, northern village in Germany, a year before the start of WWI. As the story unfolds, the school teacher recounts the strange series of events and accidents that strike the people living in the village. First, the doctor is catapulted off his horse in a mysterious riding accident. Later, two young boys are found badly beaten. An entire crop of cabbage is hacked and ruined. In contrast to the “evil” incidents plaguing the village, the children are made to wear white ribbons over their mostly somber-colored clothes to remind them of their purity.

The White Ribbon is quiet and serious, shot in black and white, some scenes without any dialogue at all. The performances by the adult and many child actors are impeccable and intense. What I liked best about the film was the way a seemingly-simple narrative unfolded so delicately and intricately. From the moment the film opened, The White Ribbon had the audience holding their breath, taking in every quiet, subtle detail the film had to offer. The White Ribbon was awarded the 2009 Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Courtesy: Vancouver International Film Festival

Film aficionados will be flocking to Canada’s rainy city come October 1 for the 28th annual Vancouver International Film Festival. The festival runs for a total of 16 days and presents approximately 640 screenings of 360 films from 80 different countries.

VIFF has built a reputation as one of Canada’s premier film festivals, showcasing a variety of different films and attracting over 150,000 attendees.

The festival’s films are broken down into several categories: The Way of Nature, an environmental series; Dragons and Tigers, films from Asia; Non-Fiction Features, a showcase of documentary films; Canadian Images, some of our nation’s best cinema; Spotlight on France, a sidebar on France’s national cinema; and Cinema of Our Time, an annual spotlight on some of the most significant films from around the world. Additionally, VIFF has added two new sections to the festival program this year: Audience Award Winners, popular winners at other international film festivals; and Follow the Money, films focused on the current worldwide financial crisis.

GLOSS will be attending screenings of some of the best films VIFF has to offer, including acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s newest piece, Broken Embraces, starring Penelope Cruz; Heath Ledger’s final curtain call, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus; and the highly-anticipated portrait of legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour, The September Issue.

For more film information or for ticket information, visit: http://www.viff.org

There are few who can master sophisticated looks with downtown style, but Vancouver-based design house Jacqueline Conoir has done just that. Designed by Canadian born RozeMerie Cuevas, Jacqueline Conoir collections continue to innovate the “power suit” year after year. Cuevas’s apparent tailoring skills mixed with her eye for trends both in and out of the office have found the label success on local, national and international stages – not to mention the honour of opening for this year’s BC Fashion Week.

A long-time staple with the Canadian fashionistas, this season one can expect Conoir’s signature pant and skirt suits in chic blacks, greys, browns and khakis, cut to provide a sleek, modern silhouette. Those hoping for more colour in their wardrobe will be pleased with the collections billowy tunics and floating silk dresses shown in bright pinks, bold violets and icy blues.

Shop Jacqueline Conoir Studio (by appointment only www.jcstudio.ca) or find the collection at Wear Else locations across the city (www.wearelse.com). For a sneak peak at new collection pieces, Wear Else will also be hosting a Jacqueline Conoir trunk show on October 15th at their Park Royal location.

We’ve all had those issues. You know the kind. Those pesky hair removal techniques that leave us with hair and horrid bumps! Vancouver sister-in-laws Alia and Farzana Sunderji decided to help us all out by creating Sticky Lemon, an all natural wax, made from their family sugar recipe. Alia Sunderji sat down with GLOSS to chat about her sticky solution to hair removal!

GLOSS: What gave you the idea to turn your family sugar wax recipe into a business?

AS: I’ve been using our family sugar recipe for a long time because I have extremely sensitive skin and my skin would react when I used other store bought waxes.

After years of using our family sugar wax and making tweaks to the recipe along the way to make it even more efficient and all natural, my friends and family got jest of the product and encouraged me to start making it available to the public.

My strongest support came from Farzana, my brother’s wife. It was her enthusiasm for the product that not only inspired me to start this venture but also to get her on board to getting people Stuck on Sticky!

GLOSS: We get the sticky, but why Sticky Lemon?

AS: We wanted the products’ name to reflect the wax …something simple yet straight to the point. Sticky Lemon is made from freshly squeezed lemons…and wax is STICKY…so Sticky Lemon.

GLOSS: Why does your product work so well?

AS: Sticky Lemon is easy to use, it’s all natural and it’s effective! Let’s face it… body hair sucks! It was important for us to introduce a product that not only gets the job done but also leaves you with smooth hairless silky skin without the irritation…and Sticky Lemon truly delivers!

GLOSS: Your wax is void of preservatives, additives, and hard to pronounce chemicals. Why is that?

AS: As per my uber sensitive skin I needed a product that was all natural yet still effective. All the ingredients used to make Sticky Lemon are wholesome items found in every kitchen. In fact the only ingredients used to make Sticky Lemon are freshly squeezed lemons, sugar and water.

GLOSS: What is your worst waxing experience?

AS: Oh goodness…thinking about this gives me chills up my spine. It was my first waxing experience. I was post puberty and started growing hair on my underarms and decided that I should probably get rid of it ‘cause hairy pits are not cute so instead of using our family sugar wax I decided to be just like my friends and go out buy some store brand wax (not knowing I’d react). I went ahead to use the product and I swear more of my skin came off than my hair and to make matters worse I had these gross red bumps that were so itchy that I couldn’t put my arms down for days.

GLOSS: What is the most painful area to wax?

AS: Downstairs!!!! BUT it’s gotta be done! Our advice… dust the area with baby powder first then spread on the wax in small sections, firmly attach the cotton strip, say a small prayer and pull! BELIEVE US…the hairs become sparser the more you do it so even though it’s easier to shave, just do the deed and wax… it’s worth it in the long run!

GLOSS: Any tips for optimal waxing results?

AS: To get the best waxing results grow or cut your hair to a quarter of an inch to half an inch. At this length the hairs adhere to the wax the best which ultimately allows you to pull out the hair easier. Also dusting the area you want to wax with baby powder first gives a great result because it helps the hairs to stand up and aids in catching the hairs better and it also helps ease the pain in sensitive areas.

Another great tip is to wax in sections of three to four inches for larger areas and one to two inches in smaller curved areas. When you limit the size of the sections you are going to wax, you are also ensuring that all of the hairs are adhered to the cotton strip before pulling it off.

Lastly, be consistent. If you continuously wax, your hairs follicles will become weaker and weaker and new hairs that will grow will become softer, sparser and less frequent.

GLOSS: Any new products in the works?

AS: We are so excited to be introducing some new products in the near future! We believe in all natural eco friendly products so to keep true to our stance…we will be coming out with some great products that stay true to our philosophy.

By October of this year we will be introducing a lemon sugar body scrub which will be perfect to use after waxing as it will help prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating your skin and getting rid of dead skin cells.

We’re also currently working on some all natural soaps and body butters as well. We hope to get them out by November so make sure you keep us in mind for your upcoming Christmas gifts!!

GLOSS: Where can people find your products?

AS: Currently we sell our product online on Ebay and Etsy. Just type in Sticky Lemon and you’ll find us on there. We also sell our product at local markets such as Portobello West and in the near future we’ll be selling through local retailers around Vancouver.

To find out what we’re up to and where you can find us…please join our Facebook group “Sticky Lemon” and visit us online at www.stickylemon.ca.

Farzana and Alia Sunderji

Jester Lace Bubble Dress at Forever 21

Without fail, donning a dress from Forever 21 will result in compliments. Gone will be the days of driving to Seattle for a clothing fix or trying to convince your boss that a quick trip to Forever 21 while in New York really is important business.

Forever 21 is finally coming to Vancouver. Doors are expected to open mid-November at Metropolis at Metrotown and until then, we have our next online shopping cart ready to check out the Jester Lace Bubble Dress ($27.80), Ruffled Petal Dress ($33.80), and Dotted Mesh Dress ($29.80).

Shop online at www.canada.forever21.com.

Dotted Mesh Dress at Forever 21

Pleated Petal Dress at Forever 21

It is more than just some trend that is here today and gone tomorrow. Sustainability has become so en vogue that even top designers like Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs have launched eco-friendly looks.

Vancouver designer Margarita Angelatos creates clothes out of fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, merino wool and jersey for her collection, Red Jade, named after the stone that represents courage.

“I have designed for as long as I can remember,” says Margarita. “I took design in high school. When I was 25 I opened up a bridal boutique and custom designed evening and wedding gowns.” Early in 2009, Red Jade hit stores, providing us with yet another label with beautiful designs made in an environmentally conscious way.

The new collection was inspired by “perfection in the midst of chaos and confusion,” explains Margarita. We love the Neema Dress, Asuka Wrap Dress, Tallulah Blouse, and Dyna Coat.

Red Jade is available in Vancouver at Hum and Tenth and Proper, in Victoria at Not Just Pretty, in Winnipeg at Lucy’s Hidden Closet, and in Alberta at On A Lark. For more details, check out www.wearredjade.com.

Neema Dress by Red Jade

The Asuka Wrap Dress by Red Jade

Tallulah Blouse and Pants by Red Jade

Jody Phillips; credit: Shannon Mendes

“Any friend of Jody’s is a friend of ours” was the comment made while shopping at one of her vendors on Main Street in Vancouver. Nanna, now owned by designer Jody Phillips, started out as a joint idea with a university friend who later decided to head back to school to become an art teacher. The name “Nanna” simply refers to her grandmother, who Phillips contends “is immensely creative and she taught me to sew.”

From handbags to clothing, Phillips finds that after eight years in the fashion industry, she is still learning the ropes. “I had this one design disaster I created called, ironically enough, the ‘Jody’ shirt — it just never fit right, but I have to say, it was a great seller. You live, you learn, you create better designs.” When asked to describe her collection, she says, “Overall, it’s flattering pieces that are simple, clean, and comfortable.”

For Fall 2007, in addition to her handbags, she has included four great pieces in the collection: the cozy sweater, the form-fitting jumper, a slim leg pant (which she loves), and a basic, long-sleeved, long-in-the-body, everyday shirt. The Fall collection ranges from $65 to $100 and is available in Vancouver at Hum and Liquid, in Edmonton at Nakomis, and in Toronto at Frock and Fleurtje.

Her view on sustainability is to keep informed and to make socially conscious choices. “I don’t mind being small right now and just nurture my stores.” She wants to focus on producing a small, well-made collection that is quality first over quantity for her stores across Canada and the few that are in the United States. “I have a great relationship with my manufacturer in Vancouver. He’s local, so I can see how everything is being made, and that’s important to me.”

She’s come a long way from her university days as a fine arts student, becoming one of Vancouver’s most beloved local designers.

Website: www.nanna.ca