GO FAUX!

Let's face it. The fur farming industry is terrifyingly cruelty-based .

In spite of this, Faux Fur makes me purr! Some have deemed this hypocritical. Allow me to state my case. Then perhaps you too will proudly exclaim "Go Faux!"

Faux Fur is FUN! It's tongue in cheek, it's inexpensive, and it's warm. Some of it is so realistic that it fools people. For those articles, I proudly wear my anti-fur pin for all to see. This apparent dichotomy only ever generates friendly conversation.

Am I inadvertently supporting real fur as fashion by wearing it's faux counterpart? About as much as someone who drives an electric car supports the extraction of oil from tar sands, or someone who wears cubic zirconia earrings supports blood diamonds. Like them, I am displaying an alternative. The fact that those alternatives are not only fashion forward but also cheaper for your pocket book makes it a win-win situation!

And dare I say it? Yes I will: leg traps, anal electrocution, and live skinnings should only appear in the likes torture porn movies such as the "Saw" series. Keep these practices out of your wardrobe.

UPDATE: It has recently come to my attention that Faux Fur is sometimes real fur in disguise. CHECK YOUR FAUX CAREFULLY BEFORE BUYING!

Here are some tips on how to tell the difference.

Photo by Trevor Adams.

Food Fetish: Granola Bling!

I apologize if the concept makes your brain explode, but I am about to unveil the fresh, glamorous side of granola. The ubiquitous breakfast cereal has for too long been labeled 'hippy' food in a strangely derogatory way. Perhaps it should be a compliment. Not only were the hippies on the bleeding edge of culture, they were also the harbingers of a massive social upheaval. But I digress... hippies were around in the 60's. Last I checked it is late 2010. The crunchy delight deserves to update it's image.

Here to start a new reputation for Granola is Miss Melanie Yip . Melanie is angelic in demeanor and motivated by an artistic spirit. This busy mother of two manages to find time for everything she desires. Her art depicts all manner of animals, including humans, with a loving hand. Lately, like a proper West Coast mama, Melanie is captivated by the sea life that silently calls to us from under the Pacific waves. Her ink drawings have a vagabond spirit, finding themselves on canvass, cardboard boxes, and one-of-a-kind T-shirts and and tank-tops.


Melanie appreciates good food, and recognizes that sometimes, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Her favourite Granola recipe features a variety of players including cashews, pecans, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Any granola recipe can be altered in a multitude of ways. When preparing your own, don't forget the bling: dried ruby-red cranberries, garnet strawberries, or amethyst cherries add a bit of sweetness and dazzle.

Melanie graciously shares a bit of her world with us. Perhaps it's the granola that gives her such momentum?

V:Why Granola?

MY: Granola is such a power food. It makes me happy when I make it and when I eat it. The kids just love it too! My favourite way to eat it is with fresh seasonal fruit and organic yogurt.

V: What keeps you busy?

MY: Life! I have my two awesome school-aged boys who keep me pretty occupied, two 6-month old kittens, as well as a full time gig at Moulé where I recently helped the chain navigate through a tumultuous yet successful Fuck Cancer campaign. Somehow I still manage to create art and have a highly active social life. I feel very fortunate for all of these things.

V: What are your Passions?

MY: Art. Life. Love. Spending time with the people who are important to me. Cuddling with my boys and kitties.

V: Favourite place to eat?

MY: Japanese food makes me very happy. I love the little Izakaya style restaurants around town, particularly Guu on Thurlow and Gyoza King on Robson. These are great especially if you're on a budget. Closer to home for me on the North Shore I like Yohachi Sushi. For a splurge (or a date!), I recommend Dan Japanese on Broadway.

V: Favourite splurge?

MY: How to choose‽ Good chocolate (I'm looking at you Thomas Haas!). I'm something of a bootaholic, but lately I've been lured by gorgeous jackets & coats.

V: Favourite money saving technique?

MY: Cutting out the coffee shop and taking the extra time to make coffee at home.

I used to buy fancy lattes at about $5 a pop almost every day at work. That adds up.

Now it's money in my pocket every month... perhaps money to spend on a new jacket, in my case :P

Clothes: Moulé
Photography: Kir Mokum
Food: Home-baked Granola by Melanie Yip