Left My Head and My Heart On The Dancefloor.

When I was contacted by Skype Events to attend the Saturday show of Lady Gaga's stop in Vancouver, I was certain that I could not turn them down. My love for Gaga has been waning the past year or so, but I was intrigued to see how her arena performance would compare to the first time I saw her live, back in 2009 at the Commodore Ballroom (when I had a Louise Brooks inspired bob). Naturally, I asked Kate to accompany me. We got gussied up in mildly over the top outfits (gold fake lashes and orange lipstick) and shimmied on down to Rogers Arena.

Briefed with an itinerary that claimed the show would start at 8:45, we played it fashionably late and expected the show to follow suite. Sure enough, it would be a night of several suprises. The house lights dimmed at 8:50, and thus began two and a half hours of pure, unadultured entertainment. My head is still spinning from the sensory overload. The backdrop for the entire show was a multi-story castle, housing her live band. This full mobile "castle" also opened to reveal a mechanical horse for her enterance, a motorcycle, and even a demolished wall from which an elaborate piano appeared. Surrounded by the Haus of Gaga, the unified dedication of team Gaga was exponentially exemplified. Her dancers are phenomenal, words can't quite explain how exhilarating (and almost tiring, ha ha) it is to see them in motion. One undeniable fact about Stefani Germanotta: she has chops. Singing, dancing, at points sprinting (while wearing four inch heels, no big deal) and playing both keytar and piano, "Mother Monster" tirelessly gave herself to a full Rogers arena.

I have to admit, although I may not agree with some of her opinions or choice of creative collaborations, I am definitely a huge fan of Miss Gaga yet again. She won me back. A songwriter and a confident, consumate performer, one can't deny that shiny, happy, heart-warming feeling from the connection and gratitude Gaga clearly has for her "little monsters". She repeatedly referenced the fact that her "monsters" were the reason she went from being "a waitress five years ago" to headlining some of the best selling tours of the past few years. I've got admiration for any woman able to propel herself to success by simply working very hard at being the best possible version of herself, especially one who embraces her imperfections. Providing a performance that clocked at 2.5 hours meant that this was one arena tour where you get what you pay for.

Did I mention she has candy floss pink hair? That would have been enough to win me over...AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE CLOTHES. LKAJSLJDSKL.

Thanks to Skype Events for providing Kate and I with such a fun filled evening, I surely won't be forgetting this spectacle any time soon!

PS. 2013 is the year of the bare midriff. I'm callin' it.

Thrifted vest, skirt, belt, shoes | Front and Co leopard crop top
F21 Minnie Mouse tights over We Love Color tights

Despite Color.

Iben Bergstrøm is my Norwegian dream. That hair, the textures, those colors! I only discovered her blog a few days ago. Going through the archives has proven to be a wealth of inspiration since I've been lacking in inspiration lately. Been feeling that "I have nothing to wear" state of mind...

This woman has no shortage of bold & imaginative outfit posts. You get the feeling that she is fully aware of the best part of eclectic style: the ability to play! I'm sure she'll be a daily obsession; check out her blog, Despite Color.

Wise Man Don't Exist.

2012: You were pretty dope. I learned a lot about myself, (finally!!!) identify as a feminist, starting feeling body positive enough to post a swimsuit photo on the internet, made several new web friends (want to meet you IRL, buds) and real life pals as well! Style is Style was featured in print and online, and I started working at a job I love. One which doesn't involve being covered in miscellaneous syrups at the end of the day. I even started wearing pants (er, jeggings) again.

I'd like to thank you, dear reader, for putting up with my lack of posting. I would like to say I'll post regularly in 2013, but I've come to realize that isn't always an option. I've been majorly sidetracked these past 12 months (broken down laptop, big trip + moving, new full time job) but I hope you guys do enjoy the content here at Style is Style. I enjoy having a platform where I can cultivate my voice, and share it with like-minded folks like you! I love you guys.

I'm looking forward to 2013 (even though it's an odd number). I feel like I am coming into my own, finding my style and slowly defining who I am, and who I want to be. Life keeps surprising me, and bringing unexpected blessings, be it opportunities or friendships. I would like to write more, style more, maybe even do a video post or two. It's a little strange that I'm rolling up on five years of Style is Style and I haven't spoken out loud on the blog. We'll see.

Hope you had a wonderful New Year's, and here's to a safe, happy and healthy 2013!

Oh, and just 'cause, here's my favorite outfits of 2012. Apparently all I wore in 2012 was skirts, collared blouses, and those Co-Operative wedges.

post title is from one of the most honest, moving, spot on songs I've ever heard.

January, February, March, April, May, June (one), June (two),  July, August, September, October, November, December.