5 Minutes 5 Questions: Amy Gilson

You know when you shop too much when you have your favourite go-to sales associates in your contact list.

Amy Gilson, a luxury lingerie connoisseur and writer/blogger has sold me a pair of knickers (or maybe a few) and she’s definitely changed the way I see something as basic as underwear – as well as writing. Her blog posts are raw/honest and I enjoy the candid nature of her storytelling. Overall, I’m super excited, as Amy is the first writer that I have ever interviewed and her work will be featured in an online magazine soon (details to follow). Yay!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the fun and creative Amy Gilson:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

I will have been in Vancouver 3 years August 1st. I am always flipping back and forth between feeling like a “city girl” and like I just moved here and still get lost on the bus.

2) What is your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite thing about writing is all the places it can take you. I typically post a lot of rant-like material and strong opinions so I love writing because it gives me this avenue to express myself in a calm and thought out way rather than screaming at strangers on the bus.
I also write fiction and I think that is a really great release because you can create something that is an escape from the real world. You can explore thoughts or themes that maybe your real life isn’t going to create for you. I am a pretty big homebody so writing is in a lot of ways how I get “out”.
3) What is your single best piece advice for aspiring writers?
Read! Write! Repeat!
I am not the most talented writer, however I do it constantly and can only hope that will help me improve. I read every single day and I wish I could push that habit on everyone around me.
4) What is your favorite piece of lingerie and why?
I love a good high-waist knicker. I have one pair that is fairly simple, black power-mesh with a silk panel at the center front and the waistband is above my belly button. I have been told specifically that it is a man-repellent number but it is my favorite because I do not wear it to be attractive I wear it because it makes me happy.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?
1- Timing: I personally have no interest in finding a partner currently so anyone who would work out needs to be in that place as well. I would not want to meet someone who may be otherwise “perfect” for me only to have them express a desire to be married within the next year.
2- Communication & Passion : These two go together as one for me because though I would want someone who can communicate with me on all things I need someone who is going to not only have strong opinions but who is willing to talk about them. If I cannot have a lively debate with someone I tend to not even do well attempting friendships let alone a romantic path. Indifferent individuals do not tend to last long in my life.
3- Must Love Dogs (and not want children) : I often say that this is actually my only requirement in a future partner. I have never been overly picky when it comes to physical appearance, I have dated everyone from uptight engineers to stoner-types who spend more time skateboarding than actually working (and yes as adults), and I do not require my partner to think like me simply to think. My big deal breakers revolve around dogs and children. . I have small dogs and whenever a guy says they “only like big dogs” I see a giant red X floating above their head. Whenever someone says they want children a similar effect happens except with slightly less resentment. If a man feels the need to tell me I will change my mind about children the red X is accompanied with flashing lights and a siren.
I feel when it comes to finding a partner for myself it isn’t so much what I am looking for in a partner as what I am looking for in my life and what kind of person could fit inside that life. The concept of a “perfect man” is so dehumanizing and puts the concept of a partner on a pedestal. I would want someone to share my life with not someone to be my life.

With that said I fairly recently wrote about how I do not want a partner at this point and genuinely mean that so I may be the worst person to ask haha.

ELENA:)

Beautulleful Review

Many people know that I’m girly. I love a great skirt that twirls. And nothing gives rise to my inner ballerina than Beautulleful skirts. I’m so excited that they are a local Vancouver find!

The Beautulleful gals are 2 BFFs that have worked on their collection for 2 years, producing 4 colours of skirts in 3 different styles (knee, tea and full) – each with 6 layers of tulle! And don’t worry about being itchy – they are all lined! Phew! The skirts are truly the perfect POUF.

I think that the graceful grey tea skirt would look amazing with my pink Valentino’s and All Saints black leather moto jacket! You can wear them day or night. So many style options – I can’t wait to order mine 🙂

And to make sure you get yours asap, the lovely Beautulleful gals have given me a pre sale 30% discount code to share: SECRETSUMMER14  This is a day early because the sale officially begins on July 4-6!

Make sure to add them to your Twitter/Instagram to stay in the loop: @Beautulleful and ‘Like’ them on Facebook

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Rony Walia

Here is a picture of stylist Rony Walia working with Miss World Canada contestant Jasmeen Johal. I also had the pleasure of working with Rony on Valentine’s Day during my signing for The Love List at Holt Renfrew. We had so much fun dishing about fashion that I had to interview him.

Here is 5 questions/5 minutes with stylist Rony Walia.

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

Born and raised in this amazing city.

2) Describe your style in 3 words.

Black, abnormal, and clean.

3) What interests you about fashion?

I love the world of fashion, the hardships, the rewards ect. I LIVE for fashion week. Fashion is truly what helped me become the person i am. I can express how i feel, want to feel, or even how i am going to feel that day just by putting my outfit together. The world of fashion is also forever expanding, there is something new to learn everyday. With my attention span i need a career that keeps me on my toes everyday.

4) Tell me about your favourite accessory and why.

I have to say a watch is my favorite accessory. It keeps you looking put together but, you can also dress it up and make the look very edgy. The watch is a forever piece, its been around and is not going anywhere. I actually advise anyone to own a nice timeless watch. My go to watch right now is a silver / bronze metal mix Breitling.

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

I say intelligent, caring, and well rounded. By well rounded i mean someone who is multicultural, and can hold a conversation in most topics. (I am a talker)

 

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Cookievonster

Two years ago I started working with the lovely and talented Evon Au of Cookievonster. Since then, she has made many cookies for me: nursing week, birthday cookies and of course the cookie to honour my first book, The Love List.

Here is an interview with the gal behind all the cookies.

5 minutes/5 questions with cookie extraordinaire Evon Au.

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

Almost 8 years.

2) When your not baking, what are you up to?

Sleeping!!! Sleep is very rare for me these days LOL!

3) When did you decide to take up cookie making and baking?

About 4-5 years ago?? After this workaholic went from working 7 days a week, to staying at home 7 days a week, had to find something to keep myself occupied and challenged, and feel in love with baking/ cookie decorating.

4) Tell me about your most favourite cookie you have ever made.

Hmm….. almost every new cookie becomes my new favourite as I apply what I have learnt from the previous cookies to the new cookies. But saying that, I think the set of Minions cookies are my favourite because they make me happy every time I look at them.

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

Ambitious, hardworking, respectful

ELENA:)

Holt Renfrew Valentine’s Day Book Signing

I posted more pics on my actual blog – not just this events one. Opps. I had such a great time at Holt Renfrew and I got to keep my signs – which will be framed in the near future 🙂 I enjoyed meeting all sorts of people who just wanted to chat. Plus – I can’t complain about my pretty dress and big hair. The best way to spend a Valentine’s Day.

ELENA:)

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