This and That

This (I'd imagine) is the type of headpiece you wear when you have a large pimple. No one will notice the pimple. Tonight is Oscar night...I would love to see Jennifer Lawrence win for Winter's Bone (although Portman and her bump will likely win) and Javier Bardem for Biutiful (spelling?) but I can see Firth gold-manning it. Either way, my beau is in town...the night is young and we have made our picks - some fairly blindly...I am not up on my animation shorts. We're heading to Cinema au Parc for the Oscar Gala and the loser makes dinner tomorrow eve. Fingers crossed. i'll keep you posted.

Shoe of the Day: Only in Dreams

Old School Glamour, New Student Design

Five day count down to the Oscars. SOOOOOOOOO exciting. I love that womanly glamour is back in fashion. My favorite part of the Oscars is the red carpet- surprise, surprise. Predictions to follow. And post reviews.

Cold Coverage

As the months of winter drag on...it is difficult to keep the cuteness going. Boots are stained with salt, wool coats are smelling like wet dog and all around people are wearing black coats. If I see another North Face parka... This girl is working a very individual look. I don't think this is a coat most people would reach for and yet with the shawl collar and the banded middle it is really flattering. Inspires me to try out some more colour during these grey weeks ahead.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Lula magazine's version of the 1960's picture used in the header above. Found it for you...painting to follow. Be warned the nose looks like La Toya Jackson melting in the sun. No joke.

The Plight of the Intern- A True Tale

I came across these photos- and since I've been wanting to upgrade the header for this blog...I may take them as some inspiration. These shots are from a Vogue shoot I was on while in London. But before you cue the eyeroll...you must first know that I was the intern. The lowest rung on the ladder- sub-human on shoots. My poor soul had been tortured for months leading up to this shoot but the mere mention of Vogue was enough for me to stuff envelopes sitting on a cold floor for two days or endure editors screaming at me over cell phones while I did 65% of their job for free. Vogue was the light at the end of the tunnel. While this was all happening, my lovely roomie and I (who shared one bed no less) had been struggling to rid our flat of bedbugs to no avail. If you have had the misfortune of having them, you know the poor sleeps and overall general feeling of shame and disgust you feel after a night's unrest. When the day of the Vogue shoot approached- I had made a somewhat irrational decision that I would create accessories for the shoot (something I had no experience in) in order to elevate my lowly status (even if only in my own mind) and get into the pages along side the greats. The evening before, sitting on a mattress double wrapped in garbage bags, my room mate and I made various headpieces for the shoot. Low and behold, amidst all the designer wears the next day - it was our bed-bug sweatshop toppers that made the editors all swoony and wouldn't you know it....they made it in! My name never did alas- but it didn't have to because I carry that story with me and the elation we felt when we saw the published image for the first time. Priceless, bedbugs and all.

Check it Out: Back to the Future

I once had this really obnoxious hairdresser tell me that he felt there were no new ideas in the world and that nothing fresh in art could be created. Since it is never wise to argue with someone who has scissors so close to your face - I refrained from telling him that he was closed minded and sadly mistaken. I stumbled upon this website for a photographer named Irina Werning- called 'Back to the Future'....I will let you take a look for yourself but I'm sure from the pictures you get the concept. I thought it was such a cool and amusing idea. Most of us probably have those one or two iconic shots (sometimes we would like to forget them!) from our childhood that are perfect in their awkwardness. Maybe I will post mine for you to laugh at. I never returned to that hairdresser. If he was that uninspired with life- I thought that wasn't a good sign for my future locks.

Shoe of the Day: Bob and Weave

Sweet Ride

Sometimes it feels like the opposite, like the world is lurking around every corner to give you a swift kick to the crotch. That is why we have to try and cultivate our own inner pink mobile homes- and spread some good energy to the people we pass along the way. This is probably some religious business with the wing- or a gay Charlie's Angels gang. You know I would hop on that sucker in a heartbeat.

Mixed Bouquet

How do you mix floral patterns without looking like the crazy granny who smells of peppermint hard candies and bingo hall ashtrays? First, you keep that hair simple- no turbans or appliqued headbands. Second, keep your bling at home (read: no accessories). I would advise, for the novice, sticking to the same colour family (eg. all neutrals) and doing one small scale pattern with a contrasting larger print. This girl is breaking my rules but she is most likely a model (or heroine addict with beautiful skin)- either way the rules don't apply to models, drug addicts, model/drug addicts and pop/rock stars. So tread carefully unless you fall into one of these categories or you will look like you got dressed in the dark. Who am I kidding- I love those dressed in the dark people. They are the ones starting the trends and giving me something to stare at on the subway.

Art Deco Dancers

In the Trenches

I am planning a DYI trench coat addition this week for you. I have a trench coat that is in the last stages of its life- in all honesty, it was never a beauty pageant winner. It is from Old Navy (doesn't the name just sound defeated?) but it fit the bill in terms of length...and at the time I was headed to London and somehow felt I couldn't make this trip without a Burberry-esque coat. You know I exist in clichés and the London Fog was looming. My budget is into the negatives these day but that will not stop me from sartorial pursuits. I am going to replace the buttons with either tortoise shell or gold ones... Not too major- I will try not to stab myself with the needle but if there is a lot of blood- a splatter pattern isn't out of the question. I may remove the sleeves or shorten it. I saw a vest/trench hybrid at H &M and it was very cool. Before and after to follow. I am slightly jealous of the master trench man above because I believe I was short-changed and my 'storm flap' got left on the floors of the Old Navy sweatshop. Those six years olds and their small incapable hands. What if there is a storm? Damn you Old Navy.

Happy Valentine's Day

Chris Benz - RTW 2011

There are no words. AAAAAAAAAHH! I love this collection, it makes me want to throw away everything I own and go back to square one. These are four of my favorites courtesy of style.com. And those shoe-booties with the hidden platform and vintage rose print- come on, just come on. So elegant, so cool. The colour blocked sleeveless tunic may be my fav...I like the retro feel. How awesome would that top look with a slim cropped trouser and ballet flats. you would be the chicest person at brunch. These pieces need almost no accessories they stand alone with the impeccable cut and fit.

Stopping to Wear the Roses

Love these wild botanical patterns on the parred down 6o's silhouettes.

Exception to a Rule.

I've always hated it when friends dress alike. First off, I don't understand how this happens. Did you lay out your outfits together the night before or hold hands while shopping? Puzzling. Secondly, it is a little weird. But I will put my judgments aside for the two men above. When you dress this sharp you are only making the world a better place by multiplying that street swagger. Pass. *(plus the one on the right is wearing striped socks, not argyle)

If You're Stuck Inside...Hiding From the Cold

There was a bit of a Bell satellite debacle when I moved into my new place...the building is really old and my landlord is fairly eccentric/stubborn and consequently I have no television. I don't miss it much at all with the exception of 30 Rock/Mad Men/ Project Runway (love me some Tim Gunn)...With time to spare I have gotten into other equally enjoyable time wasters. My most recent being other people's style blogs and sites. One AMAZING personal style site is Karla's Closet. This girl has a modern day Audrey Hepburn look and her style is always on point- the perfect blend of classic/trendy, new/vintage and high/low. Very enviable. The look above has the littlest bit of a Mary Poppins vibe I am digging with the carpet bag and the trench; the over-sized hoops, stacked platforms and peter pan collar keep it youthful. Fill me in on any of your time wasters. Because I need to waste more time. Laundry still not done.

http://karlascloset.blogspot.com/

Concrete Jungle: Shoe of the Day

35 Calories, Zero Taste: Day Two Montreal Fashion

Half the fun of attending fashion shows is people watching/meeting/mingling. I met a lovely make-up artist (day 1) who did my make-up at the L'Oreal Beauty Bar. I gave her creative license to go crazy so she took me up on it and matched my eyes to my dress (blue/lime green) - everyone said I looked like a true Quebecois with the blue shadow. No doubt. Took five cotton pads to get it all off that night. Yesterday we lingered at the Source Yogurt diner-style booth that was set up. They sponsored the event and were offering samples of their new yogurts, which are supposed to be a dessert substitute for the figure-conscience folk. What does it taste like? Aspartame-y air with a subtle yogurt aftertaste. Gagh! The guys working the yog-bar told me they were lactose intolerant and winked. They could have warned me. The champagne - I am happy to report was full calorie and full taste champagne. Straight to my hips and my head just the way I like it. Annie 50 was our last show for the evening- a girly retro collection that sampled (in some cases a little too heavily) from Sonia Rykiel. Tonight I retire my heels and get back to real life, fashion tonight comes in the form of two loads of laundry long overdue.

That Model Has Bad Posture: Day Two Montreal Fashion Week

Day two and my mini free toiletries count is up to three. Oh yeah, this bitch is going to be ball'in next vacation with all my mini shampoos and conditioners. I was gifted a ticket for the Micalla show (see above)- and got a sweet seat in the front row. Hopefully the person behind me could see around my hair; I don't want any Tavi-bow backlash (google it). Micalla was my first jewelry runway show. My M.F.W partner in crime and I had obviously taken the short bus to the show because we both didn't realize until about three models in (wearing identical black bodyshapers/pencil skirts/pumps) that it was only accessories. The show began with a vocalist belting out an old school crooner love song. After which a steady procession of Veronica Lake-esque models strutted out with red rhinestoned lips (like Dorothy's ruby slippers) worked their multi-strand necklaces. There is this trend towards over-sized chest ornament necklaces that wrap around the shoulders. Hugely impractical for arm wrestlers, sign language teachers and vogue dancers but striking on the runway nonetheless.

Fashion, Not for Sissies: Day One Montreal Fashion Week

Technically it is day two..but I am slightly behind so forgive me. The Procter & Gamble products were flowing at last nights shows and I almost lost a limb as girls tittering on Jeffrey Campbell wedges lunged over me to grab free lipsticks/razors and mini bottles of scope...calm down people. I caught the TRUSST show ...which was an interesting hybrid of fashion and performance art. Models with muted make-up and sleek hair, wearing shapeless charcoal and black garments sat along the sides of the stage and periodically took pictures of the audience. Simultaneously, two models, depicted on either side of the main runway on huge screens, manipulated a grid-like web of fabric onto eachother's bodies. Strange? I think that was the point. I think most left feeling a little disappointed. As much as the fashion crowd appreciates the bizarre and the unconventional- in the end it is still about garment design. The lack of colour, shape, styling made it fairly one-note once all the crazy was stripped away. I did like the creepy models staring down the who's who in the front row. A very satisfying role reversal indeed.

Here comes the sun...even if it is from a computer stereo speaker.

I am really not trying to sell you Kate Spade. But I will sell us both a day by the seaside and adventure flirting (tamer than regular adventuring). Oh sun - please come back to me I miss you sooooooo. I almost remember what a regular sunny day looks and feels like. I have been cooped up in an office with no windows (very inhuman, probably illegal in sweden). I am become a pastey shade of yellow. I am protesting by playing One Love by Bob Marley and reliving those Jamaica commercials from the late 80's. Yes, I have a limited point of reference.... but I feel awwww'right.

Shoe of the Day: Red Spade

Speaking of which...

On another note, I used much of my weekend to get caught up on pre-Oscars Oscar film watching. So productive. I am a little obsessed with the Oscars - a merging of my two loves film and fashion in one glorious night. Thus far, I am not crazy about many of the 'best films' nominated. I know you loved Black Swan and to that I say re-watch it. One 2010 film that is truly incredible is, I am Love by Italian director Luca Guadagnino. If I begin to gush about the multitude of reasons I adore this film you might be turned off and never see it- and because I care about you and feel it will enrich your life I won't gush (haha). But if you are curious there is an amazing review in the New Yorker (Second Helpings, by Anthony Lane)- don't read it all if you want some mystery because he gives away 75% of the plot. The music in the film (by John Adams) is dynamic and adds a whole other layer of emotional richness to the film.

Love...Don't Look Now but it's Creeping Up Behind You

I know you have to hate me after I say this- but promise you will hear me out...o.k. my confession is, I love Valentine's Day. I know it is terrible and most have filed v-day along with New Year's as an anti-climatic non-holiday holiday that favors the 'coupled' folk and is filled with gross overspending on not-so-great fancy-sounding dinners and cheesy gifts (pink plush gorilla with a heart that plays music- definitely worth that $40) . But alas, I have so many fond memories from childhood that I can't seem to shake... getting an afternoon away from school work to decorate an oversized manilla envelope with stickers and giving out cards to all my friends - it was a pretty sweet deal. I still hold strong to my mantra that it is a day to celebrate all kinds of love not just the bad cologne and victoria secret's padded bra kind. I am making a suggestion that we rethink v-day and use it to say loving words to all the people we care about in our lives... And perhaps an afternoon off work to do arts and crafts wouldn't be so bad either.