Holiday Wish List :: Shannon Ander

If the name Shannon Ander looks familiar it’s likely because she’s been known to make periodic appearances on this here blog. She’s my favorite Canadian, a former Closet Caser (check her out here) and a self-professed George Michael fanatic. At any rate, Shannon wanted to share one of her fondest Christmas memories with us…as well as some items that made it onto her wish list this year. Enjoy!

What is my favourite part about the holidays? OBVIOUSLY it’s the fact that I can play Wham’s “Last Christmas” on repeat and actually get away with it! My favourite Christmas of all time was in 1987. I hoped and hoped and wished so hard (and maybe even prayed a little) for George Michael’s Faith tape. I remember laying in bed all night singing “Faith” in my head and wondering why, when I sang it out loud, it never sounded as good as when I sang it in my head.

My parents had a Christmas tradition of putting three gifts at the foot of my sister and I’s bed. We could open those three at 7am when my Dad got up. Then, around 10am, we’d move to the family room to open the rest of the gifts under the tree. That Christmas I woke up at 4am and saw the little trio of gifts at the foot of my bed. I grabbed the 5″ by 3″ shaped box and very, very slowly peeled the tape on the corners off the edge to see what was inside and it was…a Kylie Minogue cassette!  I must have frantically looked back at the pile and grabbed another 5″ by 3″ box.  This time, I ripped at the tape holding the ends of the wrapping paper together and opened what would forever be known as the best Christmas gift in the world.

Wicked Good Moccasin Slippers in Fuchsia from LL Bean ~ Calligraphy Pen by Lamy ~Puffins Passing Lithograph by Charlie Harper ~ Atlas of Remote Islands from Amazon ~Vintage Map of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Shannon’s hometown) from Etsy seller ~Letterpress Thank-You Cards by Etsy seller Palmetto Press ~ treats from home like dill pickle chips or coffee crisp chocolate bar ~ Introduction to Letterpress Printing Workshopfrom the San Francisco Center for the Book ~ Nikon D90 (A Super Wish List Item) ~“Reworked/Remixed” CD by Trentemoller.

Closet Case :: Kellen Walsh

“I love fashion and working with clothes,” remarked this week’s It Girl Kellen Walsh, who works as the web operations manager for LuLu*s. “I think that being a personal stylist would be amazing. Shopping and dressing other people sounds fun,” she continued.

Considering how amazing this lady always looks, I know I would trust her to dress me in a heartbeat! Of course, the 29-year-old stunner can pretty much rock any look. And, as cute as Kellen is in these “Closet Case” photos, she’s even more adorable in real life. True story. She has a charming personality that makes you feel as though you’ve been best friends with her for…like…ever.

Originally from Elk Grove, Kellen now lives in Chico with her hubby, Mike, and their pooch, Rascal. When I showed up at Kellen’s house for last weekend’s photo shoot I instantly felt at ease—probably a combination of this lovely lady’s charismatic character and the bubbly she had cracked open for us. Also on the scene were Kellen’s super sweet hubby and her gal pal, Amy (who also happens to work at Lulu*s). With bubbly in hand, we spent an hour shooting the shit…and pictures. We had a blast—with Kellen as my fabulous model and Amy as my rockin’ photo assistant. So. Much. Fun.

A self-proclaimed accessories junkie, Kellen has a killer collection of rings, necklaces and earrings to accompany her kick-ass wardrobe. One of her favorite jewelry designers is Claire Fong, who fashions some amazing earrings from scraps of leather and suede. I was seriously coveting Kellen’s collection of accessories.

Describe your personal style.
My personal style has certainly evolved. It is a little bit boho, a little bit preppy, a little bit rock & roll. I love T-shirts and jeans, but I also love getting dressed up. I take pleasure in getting ready for a night out on the town. I think that clothes should be fun and make you feel good. When you have that perfect outfit on you can’t help but feel happy. I like mixing patterns, classic with edgy, etc. I like putting something unexpected together and having it totally work out.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?
Diane Von Furstenberg is number 1. The colors and patterns she uses are so vibrant and fun! Zac Posen, Christian Siriano, House of Harlow (Nicole Richie), Elizabeth & James (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) are all amazing. House of Harlow and Elizabeth & James are lines that are easily wearable.

If you could raid anyone’s wardrobe whose would it be?
Stacy London (from “What Not to Wear”) immediately comes to mind. Zooey Deschanel is a close second.

Where do you turn for fashion inspiration?I love reading blogs. Cupcakes and Cashmere, Pandora’s Box, and the Glamouri are good sources for inspiration. I love Vogue, InStyle, and Lucky Magazine. “Project Runway” and “What Not to Wear” are good TV shows that help inspire me.

Is there an item you’re currently eyeing?

I am dying for a pair of fringe boots. I found a pair by Jeffrey Campbell that are a little out of my price range. So, the hunt is on for a similar pair!

What was your most recent wardrobe purchase?

I bought this really fun dress to wear to my friend’s baby shower. It has such a southwestern feel. I love the color combo. The same day I bought some chunky socks. I am loving the chunky socks with tights and boots for the fall.

What is one item in your closet can’t you live without?

My Steve Madden brown boots. I wear them with everything all year round. They are so comfortable.

What’s in your closet that you’ve never worn?

I purged my closet about a month ago so I have worn everything that is in there. But I have only worn this green pleated maxi skirt once. Its a little sheer so I need to find a good slip. I have been struggling to figure out what to pair it with.

How often do you purge items from your closet?Twice a year, in the spring and the fall. My husband, Mike, has really had a hand in keeping me from being such a pack rat. If I didn’t wear it all season it goes to Goodwill.

Style-wise, is there a current trend you can’t stand on men? On women?

On women I do not like that bodysuits have made a comeback. Unless you are super skinny it is just not flattering or comfortable on anyone. On men, I would have to go with the turtleneck. It was featured on GQ’s website the other day. I don’t know why I dislike it. Maybe cause it seems so restricted.

What are your favorite styling products?Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Hair Serum and Moroccan Oil are my absolute favorite hair products. They help contain my little frizzies and smell so so good. Giorgio Armani’s Sensi is my favorite perfume but it was discontinued so I need to find another one. MAC’s black eyeliner pencil is so smooth. I recently bought a Cover Girl tinted lip balm from their new Natureluxe line. It is amazing. I wear it everyday. I need to buy more shades.I cannot live without mascara. My eyelashes are very light so it looks like I don’t have any without mascara. I use Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume in very black.

Have any shopping spots you’re willing to divulge? 

Well, obviously I am partial to Lulu*s. They have great clothes and great prices and the discount is pretty awesome, too. When I do go shopping I love Urban Outfitters, H&M, Piperlime, and DSW. I also like exploring a city and finding the local boutiques. Those  are my favorite.

What are some of your favorite spots in Chico?
Basque Norte, the Banshee, Shubert’s, One Mile, and Nettleton Stadium.

Unrelated to fashion, but because I am interested…what’s on your iPod?
I am a junky for Top 40 dance songs. Haha! Jack’s Mannequin is my favorite band. The Black Keys, Adele, the Heavy, and She & Him are on my current rotation.