![[insert]calgary](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWU31XIFMRs/Tg5d68oSidI/AAAAAAAAABY/Yxzx7tBB8nM/s1600/n647085327_7325522_4008079.jpg)
Just recently I moved back to Calgary from Vancouver where I was at school at the Art Institute of Vancouver for Fashion Design and Merchandising. How did this happen? By accident. On something less then a whim, I signed up for information about the school and next thing I knew, I was in Vancouver for a tour of their campus. One thing led to another, and before I knew it my bags were packed and I was heading to the west coast.
I thought that moving away from home and living in a huge city would be such a glamorous adventure, but at first is was nothing short of a series of unfortunate events. I lived in 5 different places in the span of 7 months, and finally settled in the heart of Van, just off Robson Street. Living in Vancouver was both the biggest party of my life, and the hardest challenge I've ever experienced. It's cultured me a lot and forever changed who I am. Since then, I've landed a job at Harry Rosen, where I dress and merchandise the windows and interiors of 4 different locations.
I find that in Calgary the fashion and art scene is so underground, like it's some sort of secret. You really have to do your research about upcoming events and shows, which is why Chelsey and I have decided to blog about all of the events we'll be attending! We will be covering fashion events from shows and markets, to sales and launches! You'll find us covering festivals, concerts, new restaurants, launch parties, art galleries and anything fun we can find! Come join us, we'd be happy to have your company.
Chelsey: I suppose my story starts in small town Saskatchewan. I always felt bigger then my hometown, I wanted more. I got just that when I met my boyfriend Jason. He convinced me to stop talking about it and just leave, to come to Alberta where he worked and lived. I did. I took the first job I could find in Canmore, packed up all of my things, and left everything I'd ever known. I've spent the last 2 years in the mountains, and I've loved every minute of it, but I still couldn't help but feel like I needed something more. I worked up the courage to apply for Legal Studies at SAIT, and I start this fall. I've never been more excited, scared or nervous. I can't wait!
Each time I move I discover something new about myself. I never realized my love of art, fashion or photography until I moved away from home. I feel like it's more accepted here, and that there are more opportunities to see art and consider it interesting. There is an abundance of like minded people and opportunities to take photos or visit galleries. I had never been to a gallery before moving, and most certainly never taken photos in public. As a birthday gift my parents gave me my first DSLR, and since then, I've fallen in love with photography. I spend a lot of my time taking photos or seeing things and imagining how they would photograph. I'm almost always lugging my camera around!
In the summer of 2011 I will be in the middle of my move to Calgary. As a newcomer to the city, it seemed so hard to find my way into the local art scene, but there had to be something more to living here then going to the same malls, bars or clubs in all of my spare time! The first time I stumbled upon it was at Alberta Fashion Week, and I was hooked. The art scene in Calgary may be hard to find, but when you do, it's a tight-knit community with a family like atmosphere. Ivanka and I spend so much of our time looking for new fashion events or festivals to attend, restaurants to try (though Ivanka is far more adventurous when it comes to the menu), shops to see and so much more. It is our goal to make all of this more accessible to Calgary locals and newcomers alike. A one stop Calgary lifestyle blog, where like minded people can come and find things to do and see to fully experience the city. We're so excited to start sharing the amazing things Calgary has to offer!
