Rackstar: Kelsie Grazier Ladner Sales Associate 1. We asked our customers on Facebook this month to give us a Report Card for 2010. What area in your life would you grade yourself an A+ for in 2010 and is there an area that would get the dreaded D? Wow, great question! I would have to say that I would give myself an A+ in creating long-term goals for myself. I feel confident in the direction that I would like my life to take. In 2010, I think my closet organization rated a D!! 2. Kelsie is an amazing, talented artist (check out image on the left). When did you know you had talent and what inspires you to create? Thank you very much! I have been creative for as long as I can remember. In Grade 1, I won a prize for having the best safety poster in the school district. I suppose I knew then that I have a talent for being creative. I am continuously inspired by everything and anything throughout my day. It may be the way the skyline looks as I am driving into Vancouver or a unique street scene, which I feel compelled to take a picture of. For example, just the other day I was inspired by an ad at the sky train station that triggered an idea for a painting! As an artist, you never know when you will become inspired. 3. I'm not a fan of New Year's Resolutions (probably because I'm also not a fan of Failure!) but, I love the idea of Fashion Resolutions. What would one of yours be for 2011? My Fashion Resolution is to eliminate outdated clothes and fill my closet with adorable new pieces, including expanding my shoe collection. A girl can never have too many shoes, right? 4. I am a magical genie and I grant you 24 hours to spend anywhere in the world with anyone you want. Who are you with and what are you doing? Well Magic Genie, take my best girlfriend Erin and I to Santorini, Greece. We would lay back on the black sandy beach in Perissa where the weather is hot and the view is gorgeous. Santorini is a perfect place for photographs and inspiration! 5. We can't kick off a new season without asking the question on every Fashionista's mind…What are three things on your fashion wish list for Spring 2011? This spring my wish list definitely includes a pair of high-waisted shorts, and a polka dot dress both inspired by the 50's. I also could not go without a pair of the Fidelity Dietrich mid-rise trouser. Rackstar: Tanya Armstrong Owner of Buggy Babies Fitness & Yoga 1. As owner of Buggy Babies Fitness and Yoga in Delta and a mother of three we imagine finding time for yourself is difficult (impossible?!). What would you do if you had an entire day without kids or work? f I had the whole day to myself I know I would probably get overwhelmed and want to do everything. But to break it down; I would wake up whenever I wanted to (no alarm, no kids jumping on me). Grab a coffee with my best girlfriends, take a yoga class, get a massage, and shop for a new outfit which I would wear to dinner with my husband that night to our favorite restaurant. 2. In Coach’s Corner this month we’re talking about the Art of Giving. For some, the mere thought of Christmas shopping sends them into a state of severe anxiety while others revel in the idea of choosing the perfect gift for their loved ones. Which are you? I definately love gift giving! I love to shop for gifts, but usually find a million things for the same person like a girlfriend, my daughter and sister in law, but struggle to find something for others like my Dad! As part of my business, we are focusing on giving back which is another way that I love to give gifts. As a group we are working on a handful of great things to help families in need in our community. 3. What holiday fashion look will you be rocking this year? Glitzy glam? Classic and chic? Or is it pretty much anything without peanut butter or play-doh stuck to it? I hope to be rocking a classic look with a trendy twist this holiday season. I do have a sparkly tank top that I can't wait to wear. Also, to avoid leaving the house covered in peanut butter and play-doh I usually wait until the last minute to put my clothes on...which my husband likes and the kids find funny as I run around with wayward hot rollers in my hair and my makeup half applied. 4. I keep hearing about this Adventure Club that you organize. An opportunity for friends to get together and do stuff like kayaking, rock climbing and Circus Day (how fun!). Clearly it’s important for you to have Adventure in your life. What is one thing you have done that is totally outside your comfort zone. I definately love a challenge especially when something scares me. I unexpectantly felt out of my comfort zone when we tried the trapeze at our last event at the circus school. I didn't think I would be as scared as I was...it was a lot harder physically than I thought, my legs and arms were shaking. The feeling I get after something like that can't be beat! 5. What are three items on your Holiday Wish List this year? My holiday wish list includes; skinny cargo's, nude/beige heels and the Pinnacle Ski Jacket from Lululemon. September 2010 Rackstar: Alana Brookes Ladner Sales Associate 1. You’ve worked in retail for many years. What is it about The Urban Rack that drew you to us? As a customer I was always impressed with the customer service I experienced at the store. I strongly believe that excellent customer service is directly linked to a high level of job satisfaction. I wanted to work in an environment that supports and encourages community involvement, personal growth and a love of fashion. 2. September is probably considered THE month for fashion and we all start thinking of what we need to update our wardrobes for the new season (leather patch leggings by Inwear pour moi). What’s on your wish list? I just finished writing my wish list! I am excited about fall as it is my favourite season for fashion. As a curvy girl I love the way I can manipulate my shape with all the layers, textures and accessories of fall styles. My wish list is long but my priorities are the Dex Blanket Cardi (a perfect piece for our West coast winters), the new AG Decade denim, and if I hit the gym enough a pair of AG Premieres. But, an absolute MUST for me, above all else is the new Metalicus wool turtleneck in Praline! 3. While you lived in Japan and China (where Alana worked for two years) were there any aspects of the Asian culture that you adopted into your own life. It is a work in progress… but I would say that the collective social structure was what I noticed the most and one that I attempt to adopt into my way of thinking. It is a challenge because I come from such and individualistic culture. 4. I have met so many people over the years that inspire me through their heroic efforts. Whether it’s managing to live with what often seems like unfair obstacles or always putting others first, I feel they should have capes underneath their clothes. Who have been the hero’s in your life? I have been blessed by many heroes, in all stages of my life, and I feel very fortunate. The hero who has had the biggest impact on me was a young woman I meet in China. She was born in a small rural village in southern China with a debilitating disease. It left her unable to walk and completely dependant on her family for care. The first time I meet her she was on her mother’s back. That was the only way she could get around was to be carried on her mother’s back! I spent 4 months with her and her family. I have never met someone so determined and so full of life! 5. One of the things I notice most about you Alana is the way you “eat up life” and embrace pleasure. What would 24 hours of pleasure look like for you? (remember this is a PG website ☺) Well, I’ll have to omit several things as this is a PG website! There are so many different things that I take pleasure in doing that I find it difficult to narrow it down. I would have to say that for me I take the most pleasure in enjoying the outdoors. I love the feeling of the sun on my face, the wind in my hair and the sounds of nature around me. It’s about all the sense combined to create that feeling of connectedness. My 24 hours of pleasure would definitely involve being outdoors - preferably on a boat in the Gulf Islands with good friends and my husband. I try to find pleasure in every day and I always finish my day with a hot bath and a glass (or two) of red wine.     July 2010 Customer Rackstar: Jeannette Kraan Favourite Store: The Urban Rack in Ladner 1. We know that in order to find Balance in life we must discover a way to nurture our mind, body, and soul (see Coach’s Corner this month). Whenever you come into the store you bring such a happy, positive energy. What do you do to nurture yourself and find Balance in life? (Plus Jeannette has four kids. Yes, four!) To nurture myself I enjoy fitness and going out with my friends, I also love to entertain. And of course I enjoy going into The Urban rack to see the girls even if it's only for a visit. 2. Hailing from Holland, do you think you incorporate a European flair to your fashion? Tell us how the Dutch Fashionistas dress for a night on the town? As I have been going back to Holland a lot I think I do incorporate a European flair. They are definitely ahead with their fashion and when I buy things I keep in mind what I have seen over there. When the ladies go out on the town they usually wear skinny jeans, with a button up blouse, boyfriend cardigan and some funky boots. 3. What was your favourite purchase for this season? My favourite thing I have bought this year is a knitted grey Inwear cardigan with cables along the trim, it is versatile and I can wear it with everything, along with my Cookie Johnson jeans. 4. Everyone’s talking about tightening their belts due to the HST. Will you and your family be making any budget adjustments? We will not have to adjust our budget now that the HST is here, we are always careful with our spending and will continue to be. 5. What are your summer plans? Do you like to escape or enjoy local pleasures? Summer plans for us will include camping at Christina Lake and enjoying downtown Vancouver. We will be showing off our "back yard" since we will be getting lots of company from Europe.