3am = PRIME HUSTLIN TIME

It's not going to be something you're afraid of if you can scare the shit out of it first.

Goodmorning Mumbai

Although most of you have already heard, The Indian city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) was the site of a monstrous attack on both civilians and tourists Wednesday, November 26, 2008. CTV reports terrorists targeted at least 10 locations throughout the West Indian city, including two prominent luxury hotels (Taj Mahal and the Oberoi) and an assortment of restaurants and nightspots, and left 174* people dead and 288 injured.




In the aftermath of the Mumbai massacre, a group known as the Deccan Mujahedeen have stepped forward to claim responsibility. However, terrorism experts say that although the D.M. take credit for the attack, it is unlikely such a group could have orchestrated the entire episode alone, and thus is thought to have been engineered by a more sophisticated organization with greater power and proper resources.


As the dust had settles and the sun rises to illuminate the destruction, both bloggers and media groups were already in a frenzy to document the events of the past 12 hours and relay the stories of the victims and postulate theories surrounding the accused. Just what happened to cause such an incredibly catastrophic event in this town? Why so much anger? What could cause this much aggression? I look out my window and watch a peaceful city, and then I look at the news and can't help but wonder at the state of the world.

(Source: Article, Images)

Retail for Thought

“There’s too much of everything right now. Would I open a store in New York today? No. Retailing has to be reconsidered. It’s become a commodity that’s less creative. There’s too many stores selling the same kind of merchandise and it’s not as beautifully chosen. It’s ruined the enthusiasm for fashion.”

Linda Dresner, owner & operator of Park Avenue boutique, NYC.

(Source: Quote)

Balmain + Erin Wasson

Alright, I don't even really care for the girl, but there was no way I could ignore these pictures. Erin Wasson just totally killed Balmain. It's probably time for the rest of us to take a seat, and me to grow about 6inches in height. Shit.

I really do prefer the LWD to the LBD. Not only does it take real beauty to pull off the former, but uber style (white after labor day??) and grace (specially bc. if you aren't the bride).

(Source: Images)

Seriously Considering...

These absolutely ridiculous thigh-high suede boots, which were obviously barfed on by a rainbow. Oh boy, the stories we'd have.


I know they are ultra tacky, but I can't help but crave the opportunity to rock these bad boys just once. Anymore than that and it'd be too much flavor. I'm not into the whole 80-90's spanex and metallics, cheap is the new chic, or American Apparel outfitting, but could make an exception with the right outfit on these.

Check out Nasty Gal Vintage for more bananas finds.

Margot Tenenbaum Appreciation Day

AFK, buying a fur and a pack of smokes.

Lover or Leaver Alone

Les Étoffes, a hip and new retailer based out of Montreal, threw me the 'ole 1, 2 punch last week and knocked me right off my feet. The H/H Guide to Finacial Devastation in Montreal is still in the works, so I'll have to tell you more about Les Étoffes boutique later. Anyways, see this little long sleeved Tuxedo number on the lady to the left? I’ve convinced myself that I need Lover’s Tuxedo All-in-One suit in my closet, preferably sans regular retail value.

Lover, an Australian based designer duo, understands the key to creating a chic women’s tuxedo relies purely on construction and fit. The sleek tailoring conveys the image of a confident and sexy femme fatale (ugh, that sounds so cliché). While the Tuxedo top is form fitting, the jacket cinches at the waist then loosens up around the hips to provide an instant hour glass shape. The belt loops around the wait also present the option of adding a belt, ribbon or sash. For versatility, I was thinking I could pair the All-in-One off with killer platforms and a sleek updo, or dress it down with a pair of Oxford boot/flats and tasseled tresses. See, easy breezy!


So, why didn’t I purchase the All-in-One jumper? I also fell in love with Lover’s Temple coat; a billowy gray pullover in a wool and cashmere blend. I suppose I don't regret the initial purchase, but wish I had gone spendo-commander and purchased both, especially since this weekend is shaping up to be party time central.

Luckily, I'm patient and can wait for Boxing Day sales. Since investors are sending the TSX to hell in a hand basket (and every other major economic center), Canadian funds are way too low to order anywhere but domestic retailers.



(Source: Image1/2, Image3)

Josephine, I like your style.

Recently, Dejour Magazine featured a short and sweet interview with aspiring actress Josephine de la Blume. Personally, I feel that anyone with a last name like "de la Blume" automatically wins, but then she had to go and say this:

First thing I do when I wake up… …make love, drink water.

But, I'm le tired. Super winner. Although I'm a firm believer that the term "making love" also sounds incredibly cheese, I'm all about the little things, adore the sentiment, and am intrigued by the relative unknown.

I do, however, wish writers would stop creating/labeling "it girls" as such. It's a cross between an automatic red flag to stay the fudge away and disagree 100% and the impending teenage doom of atomic bomb-like copycat behavior. I can almost bet this girl is plastered all over Vice Magazine and I'm just too much of a snobby, bitter jerk to drool over that material (anymore).

(Source: Article, Image)

Ladies who Lunch

A creature of habit, you can find me reading a book or a stack of magazines at Indigo on my lunch break. Today, I bumped into three publications of interest: New York Magazine, Icons of Fashion: The 20th Century, and Digital Fashion Illustration with Photoshop and Illustrator.

The Art Historian in me loves reading about the history of Fashion Design. If you're like me and crave the occasional academic fix, I would recommend the latter two books for anyone interested in pursuing either historical or technical aspects of Fashion. The two images feature, by Natalie Hughes and Laura Laine, are part of my procrastination-productivo-superstation Tuesday list.

I don't know why I don't start drawing for this blog. I'll have to get on that.

(Source: Image1, Image2)

Apartment Love & Design Space + Misc.

The weather outside is frightful and laying in a comfy, cozy bed on a vacation day is delightful, but you have to get up and go to work. Well then, there can be nothing better than blogging. Yes, blogging. I'm in a percolatin' in the kitchen, cuddlin' on the couch, lazy-love state of mind, so I'll just have to make due with the second best activity and blog like a fiend.

Before your eyes read any further, I should warn you that this post starts as a cohesive theme (homebody love), but quickly deteriorates into a mishmash of internet images in another episode of "life, like long lasting period protection, is good" mantra. Mantra sounds like cheese, but you get the point.





















Chris has me hooked on watching/reading useless Youtube, and now I can't get enough of the 'halerious' stupidity into my system.

In other news, I am amazed at how quickly the content of my post deteriorated. The internet is so full of inspiration (and procrastination) this morning and I'd like anyone out there who can scientifically prove to me that it can't get any better to give me a holler.

(Source/No Order: Image, Image, Image, Image, Image, Image, Image, Nina Simone, Image, Image, Image, Image, Image, Image)

What are the Chances?...

...beautiful Clothes now fall from the sky?

I mean, after all, stranger things have happened.


(Source: FkKINGOAKNYC)

DIY Collectable #2

Mmmm, it's good to be home and revving the routine, running up to my usual no-good bubble of trouble, with the dreaming and the scheming, et al. With the boyfriend away, the girlfriend shall play, and so I'm cooking up a few ideas and going to get creative.



So, while I'm busy missing my boy, I can distract myself with this DIY project, courtesy Modefeber. Recognize this jacket? Of course you do! It's off one of the Spring season's most coveted collections, Balmain. As such, this project should be on many a DIYers it list.

(Source: Image1, Image2)

H/H Guide to Shopping in Montreal

I can't lie, dear bloggers and blogettes, Montreal has a very decent collection of independently owned and operated fashion boutiques on the cutting edge of contemporary design standards. Sorta, kinda, maybe like a trend de la creme of Canadian taste making.

During my visit to le petit France, I was without a trustworthy shopping guide to get me pump to burn pockets, so in the spirit of the DIY I decided to create my own. The current work-in-progress involves pieceing together all these business cards and photographs to compile an official Heaven/Haven Guide to Blowing Your Savings Account in Montreal; No responsible spending allowed.



Les Étoffes
5253 St. Laurent Blvd.
514.544.5500

Michel Brisson
1012 Avenue Laurier (W.)
514.270.1012

Henriette L.
1031 Avenue Laurier Ouest (W.)
514.277.3426

Billie Boutique
141 Avenue Laurier (W.)
514.270.5415

Momento
3678 St.Denis

Duo

U&I

Emily & Lola

TNT
4100 Rue Ste-Catherine Ouest (W.)

Mona Moore

Les Créateurs

Reborn Boutique
231 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest (W.)
514.499.8549

Montreal (Sun-Sun), BBIAB...

(Source: Image)

Me: Hey Blog! Blog: Hey Donna!

Donna: What's going on?
Blog: Oh you know, watching cartoons, eatin' some carrot sticks.
Donna: Haha awesome. I have a story to tell you that I forgot to mention yesterday!
Blog: Oh really?
Donna: Ya really. Remember how I've been trying to all get my shit together and do good/big things? Like, the grad school thing, the job, the such and such?
Blog: Kinda, but not really. I'm a pretty bad listener.
Donna: OK, well I am. Anyways, I was on my way into Eglinton subway yesterday afternoon and noticed that someone dropped a bunch of Fortune Cookies on the stairs. I really wanted to pick one up, but thought everyone would be like 'ewww, that grossy just picked up those abandoned Fortune Cookies off the grimey subway floor!?'
Blog: Well, for certain dude: those are pretty grimey floors..
Donna: Awww but, wait! I buy Fortune cookies for the fortunes inside to collect and compile on my collageries. I happen to notice one last cookie close to the bottom of the steps so I snatched it because I didn't really care about what strangers would say. You know, fuck the man and all that.
Blog: OK, well... did it grant you three wishes?
Donna: It could have, but I threw the cookie away. Check the fortune though!


Blog: Heh. I would call the number listed and demand those 3 wishes.
Donna: Hrm, I guess that could be considered as effort?
Blog: Cool. Order me some pizza, too.

Graff Kings at Kelburn Castle

Since we're on the graff theme I thought I might continue with another street art related story, courtesy my new favorite blog.

In and around 1200 CE some dude in Scotland decided to plaster stone bricks together and call it Kelburn Castle. By 1581, a larger castle was constructed over top of the existing structure at a time when the present owner, a fellow named David Boyle, emerged from relative obscurity and beginning to wield some influence within the local community. By 2008, Kelburne castle fell into the hands of Lord Glasgow and his two children, Alice and David. In an effort to attract visitors, wee little David Glasgow had the super idea of comissioning Banksy to create a piece on the side of the castle (tourist trap!), and with a zip and a pop, happened to come across the work of Brazilian graffiti artists Os Gemeos and Nina Pandolfo and Nunca.



Hence, the Graffiti Project at Kelburn Castle is/was born. Now, let's scrutinize over the pretty pictures.

(Source: Image)

Hello Friday, where ya been all my life?

Those close to me know that it's been an up and down roller coaster of a life recently, and that I am, hopefully, near the end of the ride. What better way to describe the entire experience than to post Espo's own 'Everything is Shit, except you Love', from Steve Powers - Studio Gangster.

Love it (like love it enough to purchase a 10ft. copy and plaster my studio walls), but I have to thank Joanne for this one.

Target hits the Bullseye: McQ Alexander McQueen for Target

WWD reports that Mr. Alexander McQueen and his fashion forward imagination is invited to attend Target's exclusive luxury designer party. In March 2009, Target states it will launch a new fashion initiative, entitled Designer Collaborations. I know what you must be thinking: "Wait, did I miss something? Haven't they already been doing this?"

Sort of, but not really.

The Designer Initiative program is represents well-established labels, whereas different from Go International focuses on the industry's young whippersnapper designers. And you betcha, Target also said you can look forward to additional Designer Collections in the future. Furthermore, each collection will be available in stores for a limited time.

The program will bring the aesthetic practices of the world's most infamous luxury fashion designers to the consumer masses at typical Target prices, so there will be no breaking the bank at this party.

To christen the program, Alexander McQueen is will design a version of his McQ collection called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. The collection is said to carry rock 'n' roll influences and edgy details such as studs and tattoo-print fabrics. Mmm, no leopard print?

(Source: Article, Image)

Beauty Review & Renew: CARE by Stella McCartney

Recently, I was asked to test out Stella McCartney's new skin care line, CARE. The collection is a 100% organic line for everyday use that boasts no animal additives, genetically modified materials and a respect for the environment. The line claims to be suitable for both men and women of a variety of skin types, but how will this fair for a 20-something female with combination skin?

I’m not going to lie, I was pretty stoked to get the SMC Care line. After using a gamut of products (everything from Proactiv to La Mer) I was happy to have to opportunity to try something different, something natural, because I felt I was running out of options. In fact, I had given up on cleansers and was using regular hand soap to wash my face of dirt and make-up in the evenings. You see, I have problem skin: acne prone, decidedly combination and extremely sensitive to seasonal change - ahem, high maintenance. My hope was to see the SMC line cleanse, hydrate and restore my skin and sustain that natural radiance. Here’s where the work begins…

In order to full test the capabilities of the SMC line I cleansed, toned, and moisturized every morning and night using the full array of products for ten days. Typically, my routine included the Purifying Foam Cleanser, Toning Floral Water, 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream, Radiance Youth Elixir, and the Calming & Soothing Elixir. During this period the weather went haywire and my skin went from oily to dry very quickly, which provided the best scenario to test the products. On cold and dry days I would switch the Floral Toner for the Calming & Soothing Elixir and use the Nourishing Night & Day Cream instead of the 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream then switched back with the weather. The ingredients in the Nourishing Night & Day Cream consist of Capuacu Butter, Black Currant Buds, Trace Elements, Vitamins and Brazil Nut Oil - said to be rich in phytosterols, which will help nourish and rejuvenate the skin, helping at the same time to reduce your fine lines and wrinkles.

I prefer to use the Purifying Foam Cleanser over the Cleansing Milk, but only because I like to exfoliating my skin. The Cleansing Milk is great for hydrating, but since my skin leans towards the Oily I don't like the idea of over-using this product.

After the very first night I could feel a change in the texture of my skin (uber soft), but observed nothing noticeable in the color. After watching one too many Oil of Olay commercials in my life, I constantly question the potency of products like the SMC Elixirs, specifically the Radiance Youth serum, but employed the cream on days where I didn’t feel 100% because I was curious to see if it would work as a pick me up. After 10 days of regular usage my skin is still very supple and, although I have received no out right compliments, people do believe they see a difference in my appearance. Among some of the words used to describe my skin were fresh, glowing, healthy, and even radiant (score~).

The drawbacks? The SMC Care line has not helped deter acne. In addition, I was pretty disappointed that it did not include any option for UV protection. So, I did a little bit of research and discovered that to include an acne fix or a SPF protection would require the creators to supplement the products with chemicals (ie. throwing the entire organic concept out the window). Lastly, the cost of buying into the organic the skin care trend is not exactly budget-friendly, so the SMC Care line may not fall not within just anyone's price range.

Still, I intend to continue using the Stella McCartney Care line until the very last drop. If the smooth appearance and soft texture of my skin does not change then I will definitely spend the dolos to purchase another round of the Purifying Foam Cleanser, 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream, and the Radiance Youth Elixir. The maybe list contains the Cleansing Milk, Floral Toner and the Calming & Soothing Elixir, not because I doubt their effectiveness but I believe the basics are all you need to achieve my results.

The Full Line of Care Products is available at Sephora and The Bay ($35-$80).

For those of you still reading the Giant Wall of SMC Text, I hope this article helps!

(Source: Image1, Image2)

The Harem Pant

Think of the Harem is a high-waisted-wide leg-skinny jean hybrid. In actuality, the Harem is tailored to be a baggy pant that is tapered at the ankle, accompanied by side flaps on the hip that button at the waist area (See: Aladdin). After an entire winter season of bundling and layering, the breezy nature of the Harem catches the free flow you want to feel to caught the love of Spring, akin to the glory of the sweat pant.

And here we are with the Harem pant. Many a designer has introduced the harem for Spring 2009 but can anyone guarantee that it will catch commercial wreck? I'm definitely feeling these figure flattering pants and know the fashion crowd will try their hand, but will the average Jane wearing these down and around town have a-go? After a little browsing, I have my favorite example is Hope's harem trouser from Revolve. These black wool blend garment has the oversizing so necessary to the style without looking over done or overtly sloppy; a happy medium. You know, a hint of ultra style sans the obnoxious attitude associated with being trendy.

(Hope, Fab Trouser $252)

(Marlene Cropped Trouser, $22.80)
Then again, let's be realistic: No one really wants to spend $200+ for a seasonal pant - unless you are a fashion editor/reporter/stylist - when you can capitalize on fast fashion and purchase the Marlene Cropped Trouser from Forever21. Choice is yours!

(Source: Image1, Image2)