Summer Breeze

Dearest readers. Oh how I've missed you! Where have I been all summer? Above is a little sample taste (these were picked straight out of my garden!) I am working on reconstructing/revamping this blog, and as I have many other commitments it will be a slower process. Bear with me. The final product will be significantly better. Cheers!

Leather and Lace

Jeans - J Brand, Belt - Vintage, Lace Tee - ooyoo

White Tank - Mendocino, Vest - Line

Yesterday I faced a new predicament...how to make a quick transition from day to night without looking too formal during the daytime. The solution? Why the beginnings of an updo paired with more casual clothing of course! While I am no hair expert (my friends will all attest to this), this look was pretty simple to create and the only thing you have to do for nighttime is add a few more pins!

Here's how you do it:

- Use a flatiron to create "kinky curls" by grabbing random 1-2" sections of hair and twisting them in a circle around the body.

- Tie hair in a loose ponytail, leaving some shorter strands out at the front.

- Use pins to secure any loose hairs at the sides and top.

For Night:

- Cover ponytail elastic with hair by wrapping strands around to form a bun. Pin any more loose pieces (such as the front strands) for a more formal look. The overall effect is a tousled up-do.

I am confident that all of you readers will be able to create this look...it's a nice change from your standard pony! Best of luck. :)

Two's a Pair

While I am quite busy amidst final exam pressures, I had the wonderful pleasure the other night of *finally* seeing Tim Burton's rendition of "Alice in Wonderland". I must admit that I was quite skeptical initially (it is my favourite children's story after all), but I was quite pleased with the results! Tim Burton and the entire crew did a great job at bringing one of my greatest childhood pleasures back to life. The film itself was thoroughly entertaining, the effects were well done, and the acting was splendid (for the most part anyway). I also fell madly in love with Tweedle Dee and Dum who are just too cute for words. Glad I finally jumped on the bandwagon!

OMG

I just purchased a brand new pair of platform pumps today which I cannot get over. There are only three initials which can adequately express how I feel about these...OMG!

C'est un Chaise!

Beret - Dynamite, Men's Jacket - England,

Blouse - Danier, Vest - Zara, Bracelets - H&M,

Jeans - Urban Outfitters, Shoes - B2

One of the funny things about living in a Canadian city is that as soon as warm weather hits people get a little confused. Today I witnessed a strange mixture of street style ranging from summer dresses with flip flops to winter coats and boots. The transition is never easy but my personal philosophy is layering. If it's too hot take off a layer, if you get chilly again you can always throw it back on. I also haven't worn coloured lipstick in a while so thought I'd try that out again. I find a red hued lip is always very empowering. Whatever your warm weather philosophy is, I hope you're all enjoying the sun!

A Horror-ific Night

Faux Fur Coat - H&M, Leather Leggings - Aritzia,

Dress - American Eagle, Beaded Vest - Zara,

Beret - Urban Outfitters, Gloves - Lavish and Squalor

Last night I went to one of my personal "must-see" shows, 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. For those of you who aren't familiar with the production, it was initially a musical that was turned into a film which is now played and performed worldwide to a mass cult following. The show itself pushes gender boundaries, and while out of the "conventional norm", is thoroughly entertaining (especially for only nine dollars a pop)! While my friend and myself didn't quite fit in with the crowd of frequent viewers (who often yelled rehearsed bits at the actors and screen, and threw various props throughout the audience), we tried our hardest by donning faux fur ensembles and sky-high heels. Whatever the occasion, I think the outfit was a success. Can't wait to explore more of the city!

Playing with Proportion

Today I was feeling a little hammy, for lack of a better word (is there a better word?), and decided to have some fun playing with proportion. I think some of the photos turned out pretty cool, especially the second two (I'm a big fan of lines right now!) If you want to recreate this look it's easy as pie. Just pop a camera onto a tripod (I just use a point and shoot), and play around by tilting your camera at unnatural angles. These were all shot with the camera pointing down towards the floor, however go ahead and play around...it's a whole new take on finding your best angle!

P.S. I think the top photo may have been a defiant act towards awful residence furniture. That or I was trying to evoke my childhood once more. It was fun regardless!

Getting Graphic

Today I experienced one of those truly miraculous mornings when you rediscover a piece of clothing you had completely forgotten you owned. As I was rifling through my closet this bland Thursday I stumbled upon this beige Vena Cava for the Gap dress. I remembered how excited I had been to find this in store last year (the last one, marked down, in my size!) and decided it must be worn. I think it's a good school piece. The simplistic design is comfortable and conservative enough but still makes a sharp statement. I also love it paired with a leather jacket (like everything else!). Ah, to be young and forgetful...

Making Your Marc

I am currently in the midst of writing a research essay on the lovely Marc Chagall, an artist from the late 1800s-early 1900s who fell into many movements while simultaneously standing apart as a talent all his own. Chagall was a whimsical and happy artist. Common themes that appear in his work are his wife Bella (whom he was passionately in love with), his Jewish heritage, and images from his youth in Vietbsk, Russia. I am also in the process of reading his autobiography which is titled "My Life" and is frequently referred to as one of the "most beautiful autobiographies of all time". I must admit that it is certainly written for a particular type of audience, but I myself do find it quite charming indeed.

Summer Lovin'

White Shirt - Urban Outfitters, Leather Jacket - Danier

Dress Pants - Bedo, Quilted Purse - Vintage

It is a personal belief of mine that a beautiful sunny day can cure any ill feelings one might be having. While it is not summer (or even spring) just yet, I cannot imagine myself anywhere other than the big city during this transitional period. Heck, I'm even wearing colours again!

These Shoes Are Made for Wearing

For one of my upcoming assignments we have to render a sentimental photograph but change many of the elements (e.g. background, colour scheme, etc.) My selected image makes me feel entirely nostalgic. It is one of me as a child trying on my mom's high heels (we have about 10 different recorded incidents of this!) I think that this early curiosity definitely foreshadowed my involvement with the industry!

I AM CANADIAN

Last night I was more proud than ever to be a Canadian as I watched our men's Olympic hockey team bring home the final gold medal, concluding possibly the most impressive winter games thus far (at least for us Canucks)! In sheer excitement I ran straight to Dundas Square in the heart of Toronto with my friends (and thousands of other joyous Canadians), and partied the night away. My friend Theresa took these lovely photos. You can check out her blog here: http://www.thelimelightescape.blogspot.com/. GO CANADA!

A sea of flags.

Thousands of people crowding the streets...I'm in there somewhere!

A Crosby jersey, this will quite possibly be the most popular garment of 2010.

My incredible roommate joining me in the festivities!

Winter Blues

Sometimes all you want to do on a cold winter day is snuggle up in a big knit sweater with a hot cup of tea. Here's to spring being just around the corner!

Excess Baggage

Recently on a spontaneous trip to Winners (where else?) I was lucky enough to come across these vintage style trunks, and immediately claimed them as my own. What I love about them most (other than that they point to my own love of travelling), is the fact that they are so eclectic. I am so excited to decorate my future apartment with these! (But unfortunately for now they will have to reside alone in my parent's house...poor little trunks.)

On another note, I hope everyone's Valentines Days were spectacular, I was super excited as V-Day is by far my favourite holiday of the year! Already looking forward to next year's festivities. I'll definitely have to get creative with my card-making...how exciting!

Je Suis Paris!

The day has arrived! I finally got my Agyness style bob (see older posts). I must say I am quite pleased. It is a refreshing change and I feel much more mature. Looks like it's a case of new hair new girl (or something like that anyway)!

RIP Alexander McQueen

There are so many things I could say about your influence and impact on an entire generation but no words could truly capture how I feel. I will leave it at rest in peace. You were truly remarkable.

Popular Culture

While my 'Popular Culture' textbook would likely heavily advise me against such low-minded things (I love electives), I have managed to consume my fair pair of pop culture this past week. Firstly, I have finally finished reading Emily Bronte's acclaimed classic 'Wuthering Heights'. To be honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. I didn't set any expectations going in so I am neither pleased nor displeased. It was an interesting take on a romance though, I was not expecting so much brutality! I also saw 'Youth In Revolt' last night which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was smart, witty, fresh (if anything is fresh these days), and just plain funny. I highly recommend it. I am seriously desperate to discuss these matters with somebody! Perhaps I should join a book club...so uncool it's cool...or the other way around. Really, who cares anyway? Time to bury myself in a new book! In case you want to join my club, I'm starting 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquirel. I've been told it's wonderful. Until next time, happy reading!

Fendi and Me

Up until this point my relationship with Fendi has been quite distant (mostly just admiring magazine spreads and occassionally lurking the racks in Holt Renfrew). After the completion of my most recent painting however, I feel much more intimate with the brand (perhaps it's the obscene amount of hours that I spent staring at the logo!). For this school assignment we were asked to render the original photograph of our choice (in my case, a 90s Fendi ad) as precisely as possible with a primary focus on colour matching. We also had to paint 72 of the squares in greyscale (just in case you were wondering). I'm personally quite pleased with the results...and just pleased that it's over in general! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the painting, the brand, anything! Let me know what you think.

In the Nude

Blazer - Zara, White Tunic - Urban Outfitters

Belt - Aldo, Leather Leggings - Aritzia

As I mentioned previously, last week I was lucky enough to find some delicious pieces at Zara, which most definitely cured my school week blahs. Amongst them was this great nude blazer which I have just about fallen in love with. Is it okay to wear leather leggings to work? I'm about to find out. Wish me luck!