Q& A with Amy Lu

I’m not embarrassed to say that I’m in a fashion rut right now. My clothes are lacking that oomph factor and I am in need of some stylish clothing stat!



In addition to checking out a plethora of fashion mags and religiously watching What Not To Wear, I thought to reach out to a fashionista and find out everything I need to know about fashion, but more importantly, what the hottest trends are for Spring 2011.

I contacted Amy Lu—fashion stylist extraordinaire, to ask her about her career as a stylist, and of course to get the 411 on what I should be wearing this spring.




When did you know you wanted to pursue fashion as a career?
I must admit that I have been in love with clothes for as long as I can remember. Most of my childhood memories start with what I was wearing or what I can remember someone else wearing, so it was a very natural progression for me to pursue a career in the fashion industry.


Did you go to school for fashion?
I studied marketing for two years at Camosun College in Victoria, also at the Fashion Merchandising program at Blanche MacDonald in Vancouver. I completed a one-year Couture Sewing program from a woman named Blossom who taught out of her home in Vancouver (and studied under Jacques Fath). In addition to that schooling, I took continuing education courses at Emily Carr in photography, sewing, print making. All of which has been beneficial in some capacity of my career.


How did you get your break into fashion?
I get asked this a lot in interviews and to be honest there was never one specific event that was the trigger but rather a series of things that led me in the right direction. I suppose my first shoot was key and I got that because I contacted a student photographer who was looking to collaborate with a fashion designer on a photo shoot. I contacted him and convinced him to give me a shot.


What has been your career highlight so far?
I have experienced many fabulous moments with celebrities and fancy productions but the highlights are often times very unglamorous and easy to overlook. I suppose some of my sparkliest moments so far have been shooting Selena Gomez which was a real treat because her persona is so big yet she was such a sweetheart.

What are some of your fave stores to shop?
I love Aritzia, it is my go-to shop. I enjoy Holts and BCBG when I can splurge.


What is your favourite city to shop?
Hmmmmmm, I love different cities for different reasons but I always get lucky in Seattle. Chicago and New York are also winners but they take effort. LA is good too but parking is a struggle. Vancouver is amazing too!


If you could have any other job, what would it be?

I can honestly say, photography and fashion is where my heart and soul is, so I'd be lying if I mentioned another job. I do however, want to expand my skills into helping people look and feel their best on a much larger scale, self-esteem is at the root of people's success and style is an easy way to access that.

What celeb would you like to style and why?

Kate Moss. I love her, I grew up watching her career unfold and she is so inspiring not to mention the most stylish person ever!

What are the hottest trends for Spring 2011?

Pleated trousers, cropped tops, clear rimmed glasses, and platform sandals.

What are some trends we should stop doing now?

One-shoudered tight dresses, all things covered in grommets and spikes. The Kardashians killed those trends!

Where are you based?

I reside in Toronto at the moment but am away more than I am home.

More stats on Amy

 

* Amy began her career as a fashion stylist in 2001

* She has styled editorials for FASHION magazine, Zink, Vanity Fair, Toronto Life, among others



* In 2003 she was awarded BC’s apparel Fashion Stylist of the year



For more information on Amy Lu, please visit http://www.amylu.ca/

Michelle

Styled by Amy Lu

Ask Michelle

Have some issues that you want to get resolved in 2011? E-mail me at michelle at happygrrls.com and I will try to include it in the next instalment of Ask Michelle



Dear Michelle,
I have a little problem. I used to be friends with my best friend’s sister, but we have become less close over the years. Nothing major happened, we just grew apart. Ironically, my best friend and I have become great friends during this time.


My problem with my besties’ sis is that even though we don’t have a great friendship anymore, she randomly calls me up when she needs help. Sometimes it’s for a ride to the mall; if she needs some help with homework, and believe it or not, if she needs a reference for a job!


At first I didn’t think much of it because she’s still kinda my friend, but the fact that she calls me out of the blue only when she needs something is starting to really piss me off!

She’ll call me, and then I won’t hear from her for at least 3 months. I don’t want to sound rude, but we’re not even good friends anymore and I don’t like that she calls and texts me when she needs help. How do I tell her to leave me alone? What should I do?


Signed, I don’t like users!


Dear I don’t like users!
I totally agree with you. I don’t like it when someone talks to you only when they need something from you. That’s not how a friendship works.


Your situation is a little complicated, though. On one hand you don’t want to jeopardize your relationship with your best friend by being rude to her sis, but on the other hand, she’s totally taking advantage of your kindness!


Maybe what you might want to do is be less available to her. When she calls or texts you, don’t answer. I know it sounds super immature and juvenile, but after a while she’ll get the picture and stop using you and probably move onto the next victim!


Hope that works for you. Let me know how it works out.




Michelle

Happy New Year: A look back at 2010



2010: Year in Review

 



I love the beginning of a new year because it gives me a chance to reflect on the past 365 days. And my fave part of looking back is reflecting on the songs and artists that made the year special.

Here’s a short list of the songs that made 2010 memorable.


Teenage Dream, Katy Perry
This has become one of my all time fave songs. Serious. Say what you will about Katy Perry, but she has created an awesome youth anthem.


Find Your Love, Drake
I love practically all of Drake’s songs (it was very difficult to choose just one for this list!), but this song is my favourite. Not only is the song hot, but the tropical setting for the video ups its sexy factor!


OMG, Usher f/ will.i. am
This high energy single is great for getting your dance on in the club or getting your sweat on in the gym. OMG came out earlier this year, but has yet to leave my playlist.

Telephone, Lady Gaga f/Beyonce
Awesome song and equally entertaining video. Gaga owned 2010!


Grenade, Bruno Mars
A tormented love song? How could I not love it. J’adore Bruno Mars.

Bullet Proof, La Roux
This isn’t a song that I would normally listen to, but I have to admit, this bubbly dance track is so catchy and infectious, it’s damn near impossible to ignore. I love the 80s vibe and techno feel. This song reminds me of the summer of 2010.


Only Girl In The World, Rihanna
Thankfully Rihanna released this upbeat song. Her last CD was a little depressing (remember the song, Russian Roulette?) and I was actually questioning if I would ever like another Rihanna track. Luckily Only Girl In The World was released and I have remained a Rihanna fan.


Your Love, Nicki Minaj
What Nicki lacks in talent, she more than makes up with her wildly fascinating personality and creativity. She took an almost forgotten Annie Lennox track and retooled it to create one of the hottest songs of the year. Shout-outs to Lil X for the riveting video!


Monday Morning, Melanie Fiona
After listening to the song just once at work, I fell in love. It’s a melange of Motown-esque orchestration with a hint of reggae. Her raspy soulful voice blows all the wannabe songtresses out of the water. She’s def my fave new artist of the year.

I Invented Sex, Trey Songz

Okay, the title is a little raunchy and boastful, but it really is a great r&b song(ahem, baby making song!). On this track, Trey lets his woman know that he’s that good, that it’s like he invented sex. Daaaam!

Thanks for reading my list. What do ya think? What were some of your fave songs for 2010?

-Michelle