HOTNESS AT HORNBY

I'm highly aware that this is not a travel blog . . . But if you have not yet been to Hornby Island, I feel somewhat compelled to inform you of its awesomeness. Its own little oasis, Hornby Island is Vancouver Island's Hawaii.

It's an hour's drive from Nanaimo (or 45 minutes from Cedar if you drive like I do).

Once you get to Buckley Bay you take your first ferry to Denman Island and then another to Hornby Island. It may sound a little arduous but it's really not. Taking those ferries can actually be kind of fun!

The people are amazing on Hornby, so friendly and welcoming. During the year about 1,000 people inhabit the island - but in the summer that number jumps to about 4,000.

So many artists, artisans, jewelers, potters (you name it!) have open studios there. Many of them also show their work at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market (every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am - 2pm).

They say Tribune Bay (the main beach on Hornby) has some of the warmest ocean waters in BC. And if you're into "clothing optional" beaches, you can take a little trip around the corner to Little Tribune Bay . . .

Helliwell Provincial Park is honestly one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been to.

Hornby Island style certainly didn't disappoint either . . . I think today's photos really epitomize everything fun and cool about West Coast style.

The bluffs are crazy! That's my mom posing for my camera across the cliff. (The above photos of Helliwell did not even come near any editing software!)

Go for pizza at the Cardboard Bakery, watch the sunset, bask in the sun on Tribune, walk in Helliwell, shop in the Free Store, do absolutely nothing at all . . . While loving every second of it.

The Hornby Island Festival starts this Saturday July 31st and goes until August 9th - so what a perfect time to get up there!

STYLE MUSING OF THE NIGHT

"A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her clothes".

-- Vera Wang, American fashion designer (born 1949)

FLORAL PRINT ROMPER!

Soo cute! Love that print and the little waisted belt. (Not to mention those shoes!)

-- Photograph taken at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market.

WILD SWEATER

Dddope.

-- Photograph taken at Helliwell Provincial Park, Hornby Island, BC.

JERSEY DRESS

Perfect for a gorgeous summer evening.

-- Photograph taken at sunset, Ford's Cove, Hornby Island, BC.

RED BABY-DOLL

Absolutely adorable! Fab shades too.

-- Photograph taken at Helliwell Provincial Park, Hornby Island, BC.

MAGNIFICENT MAXI

Stunning!I loves me a good maxi dress!

-- Photograph taken at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market.

YELLOW CARDIGAN

Such a cute look!

-- Photograph taken at Helliwell Provincial Park, Hornby Island, BC.

TIE-DYE ACTION

Because it just wouldn't be the Hornby Island collection without some good tie-dye . . . That tasty treat he's eating is the locally popular (and mighty delicious) frozen mango on a stick.

-- Photograph taken at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market.

SUMMER CARDIGAN

Love those ripped up, cut-off jean shorts and those adorable moccassin-style loafers!

-- Photograph taken at sunset, Ford's Cove, Hornby Island, BC.

ROLLED-UP CUFFS

Love those shoes too!

-- Photograph taken at Helliwell Provincial Park, Hornby Island, BC.

CUTE SHORTS

-- Photograph taken at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market.

PRINT DRESS

Strapless bohemian chic. She told me she found it at the Free Store on Hornby Island! (Yep, they have a free store).

-- Photograph taken at sunset, Ford's Cove, Hornby Island, BC.

I WANT TO RIDE MY . . .

Funky-ass bicycle!

-- Photograph taken at the Cardboard Bakery, Hornby Island, BC.

FLORAL PRINT DRESS

-- Photograph taken at Hornby Island Farmer's Market.

CUT-OFFS

Quintessentially Hornby.

-- Photograph taken at Helliwell Provincial Park, Hornby Island, BC.

OFF THE SHOULDER

-- Photograph taken at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market.

MONTHLY DRAW

We're oh so excited for our very first . . . GIVEAWAY!

Has your photograph been featured on this blog since it started back up in March 2010?

Answer yes, and "like" us on Facebook, and your name will be entered into a draw where you will have the chance to win an 8 x 10 photograph of yourself, autographed by So Hot Right Now . . . In Van Isle.

This draw will close on August 21st (the winner to be announced on Sunday, August 22nd) so get "liking" and good luck!

TUESDAY SHOESDAY - High(ish) Heels

Black. Simple and silver.

TUESDAY SHOESDAY - Sandals

Studded.

Strappy.

TUESDAY SHOESDAY - For The Gents . . .

Perforated shoes! Absolutely loving pretty much anything perforated these days . . .

BATHTUB WEEKEND HOTNESS

This past weekend marked the annual Nanaimo Bathtub Races & Marine Festival. The sun was hot - and so was the style . . .

Today's photos prove it (rather effortlessly, I might add).

PIRATE CHIC

Dressing for the occasion . . .

ZIPPER BUSTIER DRESS

Loving this look! Such a cool print - and those are some wicked shades!

STRAPLESS WRAP DRESS

The draping on this dress is just amazing! Such a beautiful colour too.

LEAF PRINT DRESS

Loving the colours in this dress! The belt is a nice touch.

RED + WHITE STRIPES

And some hella cute cut-offs.

LINEN JUMPSUIT

One-pieces are one-derful!

NANAIMO 911

A man in uniform or a man in shorts? . . . How abouts both!

PRINT DRESS

Completed with some cute summer wedges and hot red bag.

GREY DENIM DRESS

I want one!

MUSING OF THE NIGHT

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those always have been the two most beautiful words in the English language".

-- Henry James, Anglo-American novelist and critic (1843 - 1916)

TROPICAL CHIC

A little impromptu photo shoot . . .

Tons of fun . . . and cuteness!

BIG BUTTON DRESS

Adorable!

OUR VERY FIRST CONTRIBUTOR!

- Yay!
"Briana lookin' indie, oh so American Apparel!"
"Details".

-- Photos and captions submitted by Shayd Johnson, Nanaimo, BC.

HOT LOCAL DESIGNER: SHANNON ARTER OF RECLAIM DESIGN & ACCESSORIES

A gem lives in our city . . . Her name is Shannon Arter.

"Innovation out of necessity," has long been her modus operandi, she tells me.

Shannon Arter is the creator of ReClaim Design & Accessories - her very own jewelry, leather hand-bags and accessories line.

Creative wheels began to turn for Arter when she started to see or want certain fashion pieces or different items and maybe couldn't always afford it.

So, she tooks matters into her own creative hands and began sourcing out clothing and other items (especially leather jackets!) at second-hand and thrift stores.

One late night, Arter began "playing" and started to see how much she loved taking things apart and learning about how to sew, put together, design and create her very own treasures . . . ReClaim was born!

The clothing was first - then came the jewelry.

Arter's love of all things style and fashion came to fruition when she travelled to the UK and studied fashion design at Glyntaff Art & Design, culminating in a two-year Diploma in Tech, Styles and Fashion.

Even though she was a Canadian citizen, Arter had an interview with the Vice Principal at the school and he saw such talent and promise in her that he waived her fees and personally vouched for her to be treated as a UK citizen.

Arter tells me about this rather significant life event, looking back with happiness and gratitude.

Her time there was invaluable, she says, and she took advantage of this huge opportunity wholeheartedly.

She quickly became inspired, studying fashion history through WWII and loved comparing American and British style. Arter tells me she really loves British style and sees it as very innovative.

During her summer breaks from studying, she travelled and backpacked through Europe, discovering different styles in different countries, seeking more inspiration wherever she could get it.

Now, she loves finding old leather jackets and turning them into killer bags, hair accessories, different kinds of leather bows - and even has her own line of ReClaim leather baby booties (the most adorable little shoes you'll ever see in your life!).

Her bags come in a wide array of sizes, colours and styles and if you have a ReClaim bag or necklace, it will be as one of a kind as you can get (and handcrafted on Van Isle!). Don't even get me started on her jewellery - beyond amazing!

You can check out (and purchase!) ReClaim Design & Accessories goodies on Etsy.com by clicking here. Arter also has her own showcase display here in Nanaimo at Black & Blue Tattoo downtown.

If you're in Vancouver pop in to boutique Front & Company (3772 Main St., between 21st and 22nd Ave) to see it all up close and personal.

For further information you can contact Shannon Arter directly at reclaimaccessories@live.com

HOT SPOTLIGHT: RECLAIM DESIGN & ACCESSORIES - JEWELRY

Vintage feel.
Bows and gold.

Longer necklaces - exceptional!

I find it so unbelievably hard to choose a favourite!

Longer, silver chain necklace with braided detailing and bull pendant!

Saddle pendants! Wicked.