Soft Elegance

The Style File by Leah Wong

This season, designers favoured the use of textured fabrics in their collections. Velvet, a rich, soft fabric is one way to add texture to your wardrobe. This luxurious fabric adds instant elegance for any occasion; a velvet blazer is both a chic cover-up or provides presence in the office, while wearing a simple velvet dress is both a warm and glamorous way to attend a Christmas party.

Off the Cuff :: Exhausted & Enlightened

The manic haze of the show season seems to leave me exhausted yet enlightened.
First there was the Vancouver One Of a Kind, then Prince George Studio fair, coming home to put on my first biggish show Igloo, and then I was off to Calgary Art Market and Toronto One Of A kind. This season was great overall with a few notes that struck a cord. I now know what I am doing at least a bit better, as it is my 4th real year at it, and I have luckily developed a great community of carny designer folk. Other exhibitors that I respect, admire and can call friend. Those long hours (usually 13 hr days) and intense emotions and social output of the shows creates understanding bonds.

My note of enlightenment was a deeper understanding of acceptance. Inevitably I get super high hopes and expectations for the total outcome of any show, which can leave me vulnerable and disappointed if not exactly on. I had a day of this in Toronto (even though the show was good in the end) where it was a Sat and not that busy. In my exhausted state I hit
the wall - I could not keep positive or able to converse with one more soul... So I went away and sat down for a bit at a near by restaurant and ordered myself a wheatgrass shot, a flu fighter smoothy and veggie burger in the hopes of powering good food to shift the mood. While this helped it took a day of mopping and the next morning of brief meditation for me to really get that my only way and choice for that moment, and life in general, is the truly accept the moment for what it is. To let go of my expectations and to appreciate what is given and thus to surrender. Wow - I mentally know all this rhetoric but to really feel it in a different and deeper way was a gift. And funny enough I had a fabulous time for the rest of the show, selling what I love to make, working with great friends at my booth and just being.

Flirt with Lace

The Style File by Leah Wong

While we discussed the wear of lace tights last week, this fabric accent is making appearances on any type of clothing imaginable. Shirts or dresses with lace covering the shoulders and arms, add a ladylike accent to an otherwise basic piece. The added texture to an outfit has a flirtatious charm. With a strong use of lace in Pre-Fall 2010 collections, it shows this trend isn’t fading anytime soon.

Christmas Wish List: Focus on the Men

Looking for some great gift ideas for boyfriends, lovers, fathers and brothers? We'll show you how to "Get the look" and where to find it. For the urban cowboy, check out the great selection of vintage cowboy shirts at the Rusty Zipper. Choose the shirt just right for your dude and then select a Shi lasso belt to accent.

Shown here:
1970's Mens Western Shirt. Levis - Mens tan, rust, brown, off white and blue plaid print cotton and polyester long sleeve western shirt. Pearly snap front closure, shirt tail hems, yoke accenting and snap secured flap top patch pockets on chest. $26


Shi Oval 'Lasso' Buckle and black leather belt: $131 for both or $75 for the buckle.




Shown here:
1980's Mens Leather Jacket. Latigo leather bomber style jacket with fitted elasticized waistbard, front zipper, metal snap cuffs, medium width pointed collar, angled inset pockets, chese grommet details and ful taffeta lining. $56


Shi Rectangle Lucky Buckle and brown leather belt: $131 for both or $75 for the buckle.

Style File: Far From Basic Black

The Style File by Leah Wong

A key element for transitioning your favourite summer bottoms into colder climates is the use of tights. While basic black tights are a classic way to cover your legs, there are many fun,patterned options available this season. The use of texture adds visual interest to any outfit. When wearing boots with a knee-length dress or skirt, a glimpse of lace tights adds unexpected sex appeal to the most conservative of outfits.

Style File: Romanticized Ruffles

The Style File by Leah Wong

Ruffles remained a strong trend on the runway this fall, following their appearance in last spring's collections. Ruffles have a Parisian flare, adding a touch of romanticism and femininity to any outfit. While designer's use of ruffles may seem difficult to translate into everyday wear, fashion bloggers simple incorporation of ruffles are the perfect inspiration. Adding a chic Kai belt and warm layers, can streamline a ruffled summer dress, extending its wear into the winter months.


View more of the newest collections by some of our featured designers. Golden ruffle dress by Jason Wu and Parisian chic by Tracy Reese.

Off the Cuff :: Building Community at Igloo

As in most ventures or adventure, we don't really understand the magnitude of what we are doing until we are in it. This is the experience I just had putting on a show and event called Igloo this past Sat Nov. 14th. Overall the event was a great success. The Marriott ballroom provided a cozy yet grand atmosphere, the designers offered great wears, the fashion show actually worked (I have never organized a fashion show so was nervous), the models looked amazing and the music, food and drink was a nice added touch. People came to shop!

But - wow - what a huge amount of work! What amazed me was the incredible help and support we received from friends and family. Marcy Ross, myself, Denise Phillips, Tanya Kirkland and Regine Brucks did the majority of the in depth organization, while Ila from the Hive, Katie and Tammy volunteered hair and makeup. All the models volunteered as did the door folk. It gives me a great pause of appreciation to acknowledge all this fantastic, generous energy coming together to create this event.

Layer up and be Cozy

Layers are a natural way to keep warm with the colder days and nights of early winter, but can sometimes leave one feeling a little bit "frumpy"! Kai belts are a great way to add some polish and finess to a tunic style top or dress. You can cinch the belt in and wear it high on your waist to give more shape to your top or leave it long and loose, worn on the hips for a more casual, daytime look. Celebrate your personal style by creating a custom Kai belt to compliment a long shirt or dress that could use a little pizzaz.



We celebrate fashion pioneers and love these one of a kind up-cycled garments made by inspired and ecologically conscious designer, Marian Smale. She makes unique garments using mainly upcycled, vintage or handpainted/dyed materials. These tunic tops/dresses would look fabulous with a Shi Studio Kai belt made to match.

ps. There is a big sale on her Etsy site this weekend, Nov.27-30th - 30-50%!

Style File: Versatile Layers

The Style File by Leah Wong

Layering is an essential technique for surviving the ever-changing weather in Canada. An effortless way to layer this fall, is with a short-sleeved jacket. Found in many designers’ fall collections, this piece is versatile, and very simple to wear. On a warmer day, it can be worn alone, accessorized with a chic cuff or bracelet. On a colder day, it lends well over long sleeves or with a stylish pair of long gloves.

Off the Cuff in Northern BC

Little would you expect that the Northern B.C. offers a wonderful little artisan fair called Studio Fair. Held at the civic center in prince George this little gem of a fair pulls some familiar faces from the regular circuit of carnie folk as well as some new talent and faces. It was a busy show with great enthusiaism from customers. A highlight for me was winning first prize for best booth display!! Ahh - the hard work pays off...

Style File: Luxurious Bohemian Flair

The Style File by Leah Wong

Though usually associated with spring collections, luxurious bohemian inspired looks found their way onto runways this fall. Wearing one of the popular faux-fur pieces is a perfect way to brave the cold Canadian winters, while still looking chic. Layering your favourite bohemian inspired dress with a faux-fur vest, tights and boots is a stylish way to maintain feminine flair on a brisk autumn day.

New Product! Artist Series

I am super excited to launch our Artist Series! We will be profiling the work of April Lacheur encased within our pieces. Truly wearable art! The artist series pieces are available in all of Shi Studio designs but at the moment we are concentrating on necklace pendants and belt buckles. The pieces will be available from Shi Studio at all of the upcoming Christmas shows as well as online at www.shistudio.com.

Local Artist: April Lacheur

April Lacheur is a self-taught artist living in Courtenay on Vancouver Island. She is becoming known for her bright and bold acrylic paintings which have been described as both contemporary and unique. Most well-known for her whimsical trees and bright flowers April has recently started painting funky animals and interesting multi-medium pieces. Her work has been shown around Vancouver Island and Vancouver and is part of private collections in Canada, Australia
and Asia. To view more of April's work please visit www.yapespaints.com

Zen Fuschia Episode 7: Mad Men and Brown Eyed-Lumberjacks

We’re grouped in the sunlit window of T.O.’s Mitzi’s on College – me and K.T., in the city visiting Card*, an old pal who happens to be the most energetic woman I know. A ‘transdisciplinary visual performance artist,’ half-Asian and hardly over five feet tall, Card packs enough nutbar for ten women twice her size. She burbles-up a new idea every 60 seconds.

K.T.’s stroking the recycled foxfur tail on “Creature,” her ancient and eccentric carry-all. I’m sprawled out with one side of the booth to myself, dog-eared pages of a script beside me, and Card’s braiding a swatch of black hair and tapping her foot on the lino. The girl can’t sit still.
The morning reminds me of old times in Uni, three of us talking shop between mouthfuls of huevos and mole sauce – now something about Iran, Card’s riffing on the link between Ahmadinejad and Mad Men: the new bad boy traded his Triumph and Marlboros for Italian loafers and a sharp-shouldered suit – when the bell over the café door goes tink-tink, and in walks this guy who damn near makes me choke on my Americano, though I’m still half tuned in to Card.

“The phony family guy image is sooo over,” she says. “Berlusconi’s courting 18-year olds and ‘not using condoms;’ while Ahmadinejad’s stockpiling nukes like cheap suits. Don’t even get me started on Harper and Angela Merkel. Each looks like the gender-bending version of the other.”
“Dear Harper,” goes K.T. “Please give up the Fozzy Bear act. Those sweaters hurt Canadian eyes.”

I’m swishing a sip of espresso in my mouth like I want to stain my whites, mid-swallow, watching.

“Hell-ooo,” goes Card. “Enterprise to Pipar. Enterprise to Pipar. Are you with us Martin?”
I swallow, abruptly. “Yep.”

“Hummm,” goes Card, looking me over, “I’ve got an idea. You game?”

“I’m fuzzy with a slight hangover. Is it gonna take long?”

“100 words, 10 minutes or less. This will fit perfectly with my new installation, and you can be entry 1 and 2. Give me your most frank and honest personal ad.”

She flicks a sideways glance at Mr. Brown Eyes-Lumberjack Shirt standing at the counter, and then pushes a scrap of recycled paper-napkin my way, along with a cheap ballpoint pen. I know this impish gleam in her eye.

“It’s just an exercise,” she says. “Pipar, you first. What do you really want?”

Style File: Fashion over Fighting

The Style File by Leah Wong

One of the best ways to make a statement this season is by investing in a military-inspired piece. A strong, structured military jacket adds visual interest to even the most basic outfit. Fit is key to achieving the military aesthetic, regardless of the cost of a piece. A voluminous skirt, or soft, flowing dress can be worn to contrast the strong silhouette of a military influenced item.

Off the Cuff: Tickle Trunk Unleashed

Before I begin profiling artisans and designers as I had mentioned last week, I have been meaning to write a piece on Shi Studio’s fashion photography shoot that took place late summer. The experience was so fun and rich it deserves a brief story.

It was late evening, chosen for the fantastic slanting rays of sunshine. I was able to round up a couple of gorgeous friends; two professional models and two novices to the modeling camera. We pulled up separately to Snorri Gunnarson’s studio, which is in an industrial area of Victoria with a derelict essence. I was already dressed fully in a steamy cowgirl Shi Lasso Line outfit and thus garnered a couple of interesting looks from passing vehicles. The show had begun.


Kyla (leather wonder woman for Shi Studio) and I madly placed clothing and accessories on all available surfaces within the studio as our models arrived: Sarah, Danielle, Sage and Victor. We exchanged introductions with a slightly nervous energy as we began to settle into the space.

Snorri Gunnarson is a renowned photographer, highly recognized for his landscape photography which can be viewed at www.snorrigunnarsson.com. The studio, which is also shared with Clare and Jeff (fantastic photographers in their own right) is both basic and professional with a perfect shoot room.

All a flutter with the excitement of the tickle trunk unleashed we decided that the lighting was perfect to head to the train tracks for some Western Lasso themed shots. We piled into vehicles, forgetting to put our seatbelts on with that random feeling of teenage freedom. Just before pulling away I halted the jeep to rush inside. I had forgotten an essential photo shoot ingredient; Prosecco (wonderful Italian Champagne). One of the best parts of the Prosecco, beyond the sparkly bubbles, was the presentation. All we could find to keep it on ice was a small children’s sandcastle bucket.

Shooting at the tracks was pure fun. Snorri was incredibly focused while Jeff assisted running cords and lights down the tracks from the jeep. Laughter and steamy eyes were the mood. As the light shifted it was time to head back to the studio to complete the shoot.

Kyla and I developed a rhythm of dressing and accessorizing while also facilitating the presentation of the outfits in front of the camera. The models were in their element and had eased into the flow of the shoot. We were capturing some great images.

The other snapshot I get to take away from this memorable event is this; Louis Armstrong “It’s a wonderful world” drifting from an old blaster radio, surrounded by lovely people, giggling and Prosecco in a hot pink sandcastle bucket.

Zen Fuschia Episode 6: Wise Women

To: Pipar Martin zenfuschia@ebtech.net
From: AD mr.d@lionshareproductions.ca
Date: Monday, October 5, 2009 9:24 AM
Subject: wise women

On the subject of women named Sage, who may be pronounced “Soggy”… one of the things I am coming to respect most in you is your forthrightness. Perhaps I owe the apology, in case I’ve come on too strong, or behaved too sentimentally in the current of my divorce. You’re a delightful woman, and I’m content just getting to know you. The former hippie in me hates the idea of predetermining anything… “all false expectations are a prison, man.” So, regarding NY, I’ll let you direct. No hurry. From the way you order food, I can tell you like to taste your decisions before you swallow.

To our friendship…

ps. you haven’t lived until you’ve skated at Rockefeller Center.

Style File: Borrowed from the Boys

Style File by Leah Wong

Though the idea of menswear for women originated in the 1960s when Yves Saint Laurent debuted “Le Smoking” pantsuit, the trend is constantly reemerging. This year, many “boyfriend” pieces emerged on the runway, including the blazer and the jean. There are two ways to wear this trend, either with boy-inspired pieces made for women, or by stealing a piece from a man in your life. A feminine accessory will soften any menswear-inspired item.

Zen Fuschia Episode 5: Seasons in the City

From: AD “mr.d@lionshareproductions.ca”
To: Pipar Martin “zenfushcia@ebtech.net”
Date: Thursday, October 01, 2009 12:16 PM
Subject: Seasons in the city

Beautiful lunch yesterday, beautiful company. Any thoughts on NY? If yes, let’s talk soon (the best reservations go fast). I’d love to do this with you (and please don’t let expense be a consideration)…I love this city and would be thrilled to show you around.

Rehearsals are coming along…another sunny morning spent in the dark womb.


From: Pipar Martin “zenfuschia@ebtech.net”
To: AD “mr.d@lionshareproductions.ca”
Date: Sunday, October 04, 2009 10:38 PM
Subject: soggy phones & being a drip

iphone went kaput after being dropped in the lake at a friend’s cottage this weekend…apologies for belated response.

Regret to say I’m filming and can’t get away til December…freezing in NY, hm? Also, awkward as this may be (esp via email), I hope I haven’t given off the wrong vibe regarding our friendship. I can be a tad naïve (and possibly way off the mark, in which case, ignore entirely). Anyway, I’m flattered by the attention, but can’t offer much in return. I’m just not in that space right now (What space? Um, the affectionate one? Why do I sound like a 13 year old…or worse yet, like a cross between a clinical therapist & a new agey wingnut named Sage whenever I try to talk about this? Forgive my dog-paddling). Point being, I appreciate our new friendship and hope it can continue.

Style File: Colour of Luxury

Style File by Leah Wong

Pantone’s Fall 2009 colour report, showed the strong presence of jewel-toned colours this season. Amethyst purples, emerald greens, ruby reds and sapphire blues sparkled alongside the more subdued, recession-friendly colours.


While designer’s often opted for dresses in these vibrant colours, our favourite fashion bloggers updated their neutral basics with an accessory in one of these colours. Alternatively, a classic accessory can accompany an article of jewel-toned clothing.


Shop by colour or pattern at Shi Studio.

Off the Cuff: with Cory Judge

It occurred to me as I was setting up for the One Of A Kind Show in Vancouver, which ran from Oct 8 – 11, that I now know and have an amazing community of artisans and designers as friends. The show experience is one of intensity on numerous levels; intense output of energy, long hours, show outcome anxiety, joyful highs as positive feedback and sales rock, funny and tragic experiences of life on the road, fun nights out, exhausted mumbles as we pass each other in the washroom. All of these shared experiences of highs and lows create strong bonds that require little to maintain beyond the hugs when we see each other again. What a delight to see many of these folk again, to reconnect even briefly knowing that the Christmas season is just around the corner and we will see each other on the road. I give appreciation for all these inspiring creative folk and thus will devote some of the following blog segments to highlight them.

Style File: Crazy for Cowls

Style File by Leah Wong :: Complimenting a Cowl Neck

A popular neckline seen on the runway this season is the cowl-neck. Though this soft, draped neckline is gaining popularity on store shelves, it is still uncommon enough to make you stand out. A chunky cowl-neck sweater is a wonderful way to brave the Canadian cold, while a soft, jersey cowl-neck top is perfect for any workingwoman. It may seem like this is a hard neckline to accessorize, layering a necklace from the movement line under a cowl-neck is the perfect compliment.

Design Wonderland

Focus on Local Design: Allison Wonderland

Allison Smith's design inspiration can be summed up simply by "how much food and drink you can consume without having your belly pop out."
This may or may not be the result of her being born and raised in BC and her love of fine food and wine.
But a girl has to live.
And a girl wants to look good

Allison Wonderland Clothing is created in Vancouver, BC and provides satisfaction to the style-savvy of North America and Japan.

Check out the complete fall collection on her website.

Where to buy:
Vancouver
Dream 311 West Cordova Street
Hum 3623 Main Street

Victoria
Rebel Rebel 585 Johnson St

Zen Fuschia Episode 4: Hungry for Harvest

Honesty is an everyday practice, says Zen.

I’m flipping through what I call my pocket Buddha-Bible, a steadfast guide I’ve stuffed into the cellphone pouch of my J.Crew crackle-metallic hobo bag. The book is old, the handbag new. Colour: pale gold. Following a three-month “buy nothing” vow, I’ll testify to shopping abstinence as an aesthetic practice all its own. Ready to shed that habit like a scrawny muslin tunic, I’m hungry for harvest. Food, wine, fireside, and fall fashion. I crave anything the colour of caramel-apple butter.

But last things first. Mercury is retrograde: not a good time for new purchases. (Hey, I put the coveted Lily + Jae winter coat on layaway. Meaning, technically, I haven’t paid for it…yet). Mercury retrograde is a time to look back, to assess, to sift through: bank accounts, bills, grant-writing applications. Deadlines and commitments.

I’m thinking of the Ageing Director.
Zen says, if we are looking for real, if we are looking for true, we must be honest. No acting. No pretending. We are nearer to truth than to our own heartbeat.

“Maybe it’s harmless,” I say to K.T., over the phone. On the bus. Late to an audition I really want. Should be running lines.
“Autumn in New York, with a man who is clearly into you?”
There’s a grinding whirr from her end.
“Hang on,” she says. “Coffee beans.”
“But think of the shows,” I start up again, once the racket quits. “And the clothes. I can just about smell the Fall Sales. Besides, maybe he intuitively gets it that we’re friends. He hasn’t made overtures. He hasn’t actually said a thing.”
“Well,” says K.T., “neither have you.”
Okay, she’s on to me.

I can’t swallow my heart to satisfy my stomach. It’s time to clear things up with the Ageing Director. Before visions of autumn in New York, or Christmas in the Greek Isles whet my appetite. Let’s hope I haven’t bitten-off more than I can chew.

Style File: Belted to Perfection

The Style File by Leah Wong

Celebrate and show off your curves with the perfect belt this fall. While designs were often tailored to accentuate a waistline, designers also used belts to cinch in loosely fighting garments. With a belt, you can add a new twist to an old classic; making an old outfit feel fresh. Fashionistas in the blogosphere have harnessed the power of the belt to remix their favourite pieces. Creating a custom Kai belt is the perfect way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.

Off the Cuff: Final Sale Days

I am delighted to say that the host of small events Shi just put on were great! The Studio sale in Victoria and the show at my dad’s house in Vancouver brought an intimate crowd of some new customers, some great friends, and some of my very first customers.

What an honour to have people that love Shi and have since the beginning. It is also good to get feedback on the new products. Definitely gets me pumped.

My dad and family, however, while enjoying the event as it happened, were not to sure about the thought of a Shi booth and sales event moving in. Luckily I used to be a ‘dusting diva’ (aromatherapy product cleaning lady) – so we cranked some hip hop and got down with a family cleaning session. Bonding actually!

Our online sale continues for just two more days. Don't miss this chance to treat yourself to one of our custom Shi accessories or get ahead with some early Christmas shopping. All accessories are 15% off until the end of the day on Oct.2.

Visit our online store!