Work in Progress


Picture Perfect
September 30, 2010, 4:45 pm
Filed under: fashion | Tags: , , , ,

As a teenager, I was in love with Pacey Witter. What girl my age wasn’t? At the time, he was my ultimate dream man. So you can imagine how excited I was one sunny Sunday afternoon this summer, when as I was having lunch on the patio at Local in Kits, the very handsome Joshua Jackson came strolling past with his beautiful girlfriend Diane Kruger on his arm.

Even on a mellow afternoon in Vancouver, without so much as a single  paparazzo on their trail, the two were dressed impeccably. They are indeed one of the best dressed and most stylish couples in Hollywood. The duo is totally adorable and quite obviously very much in love. I can’t help thinking that they could easily pass for Gossip Girl cast members.

Photos taken from various sources and are not property of Work In Progress.



Between The Click Of The Light & The Start Of The Dream
September 29, 2010, 5:30 pm
Filed under: concerts | Tags: , ,

Photo: Rick Chung, Georgia Straight

My friend Di and I were lucky enough to score tickets for the unreal Arcade Fire show last night at the Pacific Coliseum. We may have had fold-up, makeshift seats located in the penalty box, but we loved every minute of the night, nonetheless. And as it turned out, we didn’t spend much time sitting in our seats anyway.

After a show like this, it’s so hard to write a review because it’s truly impossible to capture the experience with a few words.

The enthusiasm shown by each member of Arcade Fire as they ruthlessly bashed their instruments was amazing and created an absolutely incredible sound. From the moment they took the stage, until a triumphant finish 90 minutes later, you were hard-pressed to find an audience member who wasn’t dancing or singing along. An Arcade Fire show indeed lives up to the hype.

One of the things that makes this band special is their ability to balance their huge presence with a haunting intimacy. Their performance offered a revelatory, cathartic, larger-than-life rock experience with a very human, democratic touch. That’s not easy to pull off.

Win Butler, the band’s  frontman, seemed delighted to be in Vancouver, thanking the audience profusely and mentioning that a dollar from every ticket had gone to KANPE, an organization aiming to help put an end to poverty in Haiti.

After exploding onto the world stage, then fighting to keep their identity and dignity intact, Arcade Fire has attained an exciting maturity, and unpretentious mastery of their craft. In a word, they are brilliant.

Personal highlight of the night: Hearing No Cars Go, as it’s a song that holds very special meaning to my heart.

On a final note: I want a tambourine with shiny streamers on it.



Le style de Clémence Poésy
September 28, 2010, 6:00 pm
Filed under: fashion, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Added to mix of gorgeous Gossip Girls with amazing style this season, is the lovely Clémence Poésy. The French actress, model and all around fresh-faced beauty is a regular in the front row at Paris Fashion Week and a favourite among the fashion crowd. I absolutely adore the subtle “je ne sais quoi” factor of  Clémence’s personal style. Her different looks are regularly featured in my online scrapbook as a major inspiration.

This “it” girl, with her perfectly unstudied style and her seriously enviable bone structure, favours a street-smart mix peppered with designer names like Balenciaga, Chloé and Isabel Marant.

Let’s hope B doesn’t run this one out of town too quickly. I think she might be just what  Chuck Bass needs. I’m head over heels for her.

Photos taken from various sources and are not property of Work In Progress.



Sweater Girls
September 23, 2010, 12:30 pm
Filed under: fashion, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Photo: girlfriday on Flickr

“You fellows are always talking about sweater girls. I don’t know what the fuss is about. Take away their sweaters and what have they got?” -Marilyn Monroe

My outfit today is inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s character Amanda Dell, in the 1960 film Let’s Make Love. I remember seeing this film for the first time when I was about 14 years old and just wanting to be Marilyn. She had such as spark! She was drop dead gorgeous, could sing and dance, and she flaunted her voluptuous figure in a way that I had never seen before. I memorized every one of her musical numbers, practicing them in front of the mirror until I had them down perfectly.

When I saw the Flash Is Fast Dress in the Quiksilver Women line for Fall 2010, I knew I had to have it. It reminded me so much of that infamous cable knit sweater that Marilyn had worn to perform, “My Heart Belongs To Daddy.” Of course, this one is the updated 2010 version with a fun, rock and roll edge, including chain detail from top to bottom. My look today isn’t quite as scandalous as the Quiksilver model below, or even Marilyn’s original, for that matter (although, unlike Skinny Minnie model, I do fill my sweater out à la Ms. Monroe). I opted to put on a pair of black Lululemon Wonder Unders (Fall must-have) instead of going with bare legs or sheer black nylons.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE getting dressed during the Fall season?

Photo: Quiksilver



Pocket Full Of Sunshine
September 22, 2010, 6:00 pm
Filed under: movies | Tags: , ,

Photo: Cinema Blend

Mel and I spent last Sunday afternoon at the movies watching Easy A. I went in with high-ish expectations, and came out completely floored at just how enjoyable it was.

This film’s star, Emma Stone is a genuinely funny human. And she’s funny in a sharp-and-can-totally-build-off-of-a-joke kind of way. She’s witty and she’s got that wry sense about her, like she “gets it” but she doesn’t care if you “get it,” and I respect that. That’s a talent. There’s nothing better than a fearless comedian with plenty of charisma and charm to keep us engaged. She handily carries every scene in the whip-smart and deviously funny Easy A. Seriously, go see it!



I Heart Marc
September 19, 2010, 9:15 am
Filed under: fashion | Tags: , , ,

Two Marc Jacobs entries in a row? Yes, because how can I not also mention the Spring 2011 collection for Marc by Marc Jacobs? Totally necessary. With an emphasis on sweet, pretty and innocent looks, this collection is beautifully reminiscent of a 1950′s summer holiday. The stripes, eclectic prints and hot pants are perfect for a day of summer fun. And as always, the bags and shoes are to die for. My wish list is growing by the second. His Marc collections are always very wearable, and this season is no exception. I can’t wait to get my booty into some of these pieces next Spring.

Photos via: Elle



Blast From The ’70s at Marc Jacobs
September 18, 2010, 10:00 am
Filed under: fashion | Tags: , ,

For his Spring 2011 collection, Marc Jacobs looked to Yves St. Laurent and the ’70s for inspiration. Also citing the New York Dolls, Antonio Lopez and Calvin Klein as references, Marc explained that he wanted to celebrate all the things that made him fall in love with fashion.

The show for New York Fashion Week had a full-on ’70s feel. The runway looks channeled Bianca Jagger and Jodie Foster from Taxi Driver - metallic sparkle eye shadow, frizzed out hair, wide-legged trousers, oversized flower corsages and floppy sun hats with gold glitter platforms. I am head over feet in love with the rich colour palette mixed with black and camel. There is a real luxe, glamorous feel to this collection. One thing is for sure, Mr. Jacobs never disappoints.

Photos via: Fashionologie



Colour Me Giddy
September 17, 2010, 10:48 pm
Filed under: comedy | Tags: , ,

Photo: Los Angeles Times

I’ve been watching the adorably charming Jimmy Fallon on The Late Show since he started, and as I look back at my archives and read what I wrote when he took the reigns from Conan back in March 2009, I have to say that I really think my words ring true. Over the last year and a half, Jimmy has fine tuned his skills as a comedian and host. He’s hit his stride and has truly come into his own, gaining confidence and getting funnier every single night.

What do I love about The Late Show With Jimmy Fallon? Jimmy’s monologues, his comfortable rapport with his guests, hilarious  impressions, elaborate videos and sketches, Thank You notes, celeb beer pong challenges, competitive games of charades, dance-offs, Spit Takes and Lick it for 10 segments are only a few of the reasons that I suggest you tune in.

I especially love the bits when his old buddies from SNL stop by…

Photos: NBC

And now for the part where my perma-smile comes in…

Jimmy made my “Follow Friday dream come true” when he started following me on Twitter this morning. My mind was basically blown when I got the e-mail. It happened so fast! I was instantly giddy as hell and of course, I had to take a screen shot just to make sure it was legit. Then I texted my brother, who I knew would share in my delight. Then I broadcast what had just happened to every major social media site within about 3 seconds. Yes, I’m a total geek.

Obviously I will now become best friends with Jimmy and convince him to co-star with me in the new sketch comedy show that I will create and write.  Commence master plan. It’ll be unreal. Happy Friday, indeed!

I have to  go DM Jimmy now…



Made With Love: The Evolution of Whitney Eve
September 16, 2010, 7:11 am
Filed under: fashion | Tags: , , , ,

My girl Whitney Port showed her Spring 2011 collection for Whitney Eve at Industria Studio 6 on September 11, 2010 as part of New York Fashion Week. Inspired equally by the laid back energy of California and the edginess of New York, Whitney’s latest line not only appeals to both coasts, but transitions from day to night seamlessly.

The collection’s palette is gorgeous, consisting of sherbet colours like sage, peach and lavender. She kept some fun prints: Ferris wheels, geometrics, and a feather print, but also incorporated a more utilitarian feel and added pieces like harem pants, jumpers and blazers. I think she’s really showing signs of maturing as a designer.

Personally, I love Whitney’s style and I am often inspired by the looks she puts together with regards to her own wardrobe (one must look no further than my Tumblr page to see that). She says that she takes direction from her own life when designing, trying to incorporate her sense of style and accessibility to the pieces. Her collection encourages spontaneity and mixing and matching for women to create looks that express their personality. Most of us like to look effortlessly chic, but don’t want to be pigeonholed into one particular “style” that defines us. Whitney Eve gives us a gorgeous mix of styles to choose from.

These are a few of my favourite looks from the presentation:

Photos via: In Style



Flirting With Fall
September 9, 2010, 7:00 am
Filed under: fashion | Tags: ,

Photo: Ugo.com

Fall has been my favourite fashion season for as long as I can remember. Even as a little girl, Back To School shopping came in ahead of Christmas morning in my books.

So, with that distinct September nip in the air, I suppose it’s only natural for me to start thinking about what I want to add to my wardrobe for the coming season. The days of strappy sandals and mini skirts with bare legs are just about behind us until next year, making way for new jackets, fabulous Fall boots, chunky sweaters, leggings and perfect skinny jeans. The truth is, once the Gossip Girl season starts, I pretty much want to channel Serena Van Der Woodsen each week until the season finale. She’s my Fall and Winter style idol.

I’ve come up with a list of things I’m lusting after. I’m not going to call this a Must Have List because (God and my bank account know) it’s really only a Wish List, unless I win the lottery. Here’s a peek at some of the things I’m inspired by at the moment:

Grace Newington Fedora, Urban Outfitters

Wilfred Tie-Dye Print Silk Dress, Aritzia

Alice + Olivia Steph Sequin Jersey Cardigan, Net-a-porter

Anna Sui Lace Stripe Tights, Revolve Clothing

We Who See Victorian Lace-Up Boots, Urban Outfitters

Marc by Marc Jacobs Orion Oversized Cardigan-Coat, Net-a-porter

Kooba Cinched Leather Shoulder Tote, Nordstrom

Marc by Marc Jacobs Blade Watch, Revolve Clothing (Hat tip to Style Nine To Five for pointing this one out!)

Seychelles Hush Hush Clogs, Nordstrom

Mackage Lauren Leather Jacket, Aritzia

I know you’ve all been thinking about it too. What’s on your Fall Wish List this year??




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