The Anti-Pants Brigade

Although I've been fiending to find an awesome pair of high-waisted shorts forever, I've been very anti-pants lately. I can't even say it's anti-pants as much is it really is anti-anything that makes me feel like I'm wrapped like a little sausage on display. I can admit, it's the fear of winter weight, too much winter layering, and winter in general. In general, F winter.

The point being that winter is constrictive. To compensate for the Blandy McBleak forecast, I've been wearing nothing but leggings, slouchy skirts and dad cardigans. Yeah, Leggings go against the grain, but they offer me that fake optimism that just doesn't come with skinny jeans.

The above would be today's summer/winter outfits of choice, maybe with the addition of a sky blue scarf for both. Instead, Free People Dolman sleeve knit top, Hudson skinnies and, of course, the usual pair of big, ugly black winter boots. Brightside: my feet are warm.

(Source: Outfit1 - Cardigan, Dress, Sandals; Outfit2 - Sweater, T-Shirt, Leggings)

Metaphorically speaking, every dog has it's day.

I can't say I'm a fan of Jethro Cave.

I can say, however, that this choice of a 'it' make model status is predictable. Ugly is beauty, dirt is chic and (absurd) strange is the most high. [Think: art (x) fashion (=) intermingle: play denial]

I guess it's fair? I like beautifully ugly things all the time.

What I mean by this is that I'm seeing one large trend in the current fashion world of Iekeliene Stange and Agyness Deyn, ugly gladiator sandals, PVC Pants, Alexander Wang, and the cult of Anne Demeulemeester heads livin/lovin motorcycle rock chic. I just think it's funny because it's all one big trend that'll slink away in a couple of seasons. In the end all that will remain will be a trail of originators (minus The J Cave's) pretty peeved at all the bandwagon hoppers who up and killed their scene.

Did I mention the Shopping Ban?

Yeah, I put myself on a shopping ban. The idea came around when I realized that I was nothing more than another cog in the fast fashion business system (ie. I realized I was flat broke and going nowhere fast, albeit in really nice clothing).

Now, let the internet come together and show me a billion more things that I ABSOLUTELY NEED TO BUY! LIKE, RIGHT NOW (Note: This is me mocking myself; blame the absence of textual tone or common sense). But seriously, I've been dreaming up these high-waisted shorts for some time; however, the paneled leotard is a new inspiration. Either way., I'm hoping it'll go a little something like this, courtesy Style by E. Kling.



(Source: Image, Black Shorts)

Mathematical Calculations

Based on my mathematical calculations, the following items create one pretty bangin outfit for a Thursday, either work or play: United Bamboo dress, Rachel Comey boots, Wood Wood scarf and Giles & Brother necklace. Gargyle, you win again.

If the internet says it then it must be true

I AM THE AIR HOCKEY CHAMPION OF THE WORLD GALAXY.

Several witnesses will attest to the cold, hard FACT that I was wearing a yellow sweater today (see: FB status update). Wikipedia entry to follow.

Ahh, life is good.

Gold Dipped

ericaweinerjewelery

Pen15bone?

check
it out!

Corine Day - Kate Moss, 1990

These are my favorite photo's of Kate Moss to date. The photographer, Corinne Day, is no newcomer to fashion photography, so it's quite possible you've seen these already as they were big time Face features and her first ever editorial.

Even with the cigarette in hand, she just looks so young and innocent. It's an intimate and touching portrait exhibit. Let it be known, these were taken in 1990 when KM was sixteen years old.

I don't really know what to think in regards to celebrities and models who grow up in the media spotlight, for instance Kate, the Olsens, whoever, whoever, maybe even Urkel and Corky. You hear and read so much about them that it's almost as if you are a distant fam acquaintance...

Anyways, check the rest of the exhibition here.

(Side: If you're in the photography viewing mood, check Chad Moore's work here. It's pretty nice, kinda raw in a NYC skateboarder frame of mind.)

Arrrg, Thar she blows!

A couple days ago I was showing C. some of my rad new purchases and he mentioned that I had been shopping a lot recently.

Me? Shopping? Never. Ever. And anyways, HOW CAN YOU RESIST $20 SAFARI SHIRTS FROM H&M? Really though, I bought the best transitional Safari inspired shirt i... nevermind.

The truth being that I, in fact, had increased my shopping. Although pretty small, my closet is overflowing and clothes are starting to pile up until I find time to make room. Meaning, I had to do yet another clean out of unworn and unwanted items. For a long, long time, I happily give away all my old shirts, sweaters and jeans to friends. After seeing that bloggers would buy items, wear them around a couple times, and then resell for more new items I thought it best to follow suit.

I'm seeing another vicious cycle here.

You see, while applying to grad schools I was forced to review my some of my old articles and compile a portfolio of work. I chose to include a freshly edited news report on Jane Mayle closing the Mayle shop/brand in New York. In her article, J.Mayle points out that the cycle of trends and fashion fashion are what is killing the designer:

“How I came to this business was all about dreaming and building a wardrobe you would be seduced by. That mystery and remoteness and insouciance have disappeared from fashion in order to accelerate the product. I feel I have just become another cog in that machinery.” -JM.

So, hear me out now: The speed in which I make my purchases and the rate at which I tire of the items, and give away or list on eBay for resell is what connects me to this vicious cycle. Do I need another jacket? No, I don't. Will there be another beautiful jacket that 'omigod I can't live without?' Yes. I love fashion and I love these blogs, but I think in some weird twisted way the "inspiration" I get from blogger is really just a form of greed and consumption. I want that, I want this, and I need that, too.

What I actually need is to work with what I have. To save money for school (granted, I am accepted and all) and, most importantly, start counting pennys for adventures.

Hi, shopping ban. I'm you're new friend, bloggerxyz. And, fuck off eBay, I don't care how crazy that deal, because I want adventures outside of retail. And yeah, I might screw up once or twice, but for the most part I'm really tired of it.

H/H Mascara Contest - Enter to Win Mascara Kit

Hey there, H/H Blog readers! :)

I was contacting by Matchstick.ca to try out the new L'Oreal Double Extension Beauty Tube mascara and write a review. I already use L'Oreal Telescopic mascara (love it, btw) and see no qualms with further experimentation of the line of eye make-up. The plan was that I would purchase a handful of similar mascara's in differing brands that could challenge the L'Oreal DEBT then write a review of my personal findings.

Well, wouldn't you know that the kit Matchstick sent includes a liquid eyeliner that I already use and a eyeshadow kit that I also already use. Obviously, I like L'Oreal.

What am I going to do about this? I'm going to give it away to one of you lucky readers! Yay! The kit includes a L'Oreal Paris make-up case, a Make-up Artiste Travel Brush Kit, L'Oreal Eyeshadow Set (#904), L'Oreal Carbon Black felt-tip liquid eyeliner, the new Double Extension Beauty Tube.

To win the L'Oreal Mascara kit simply comment on this post or send me an email. I will collect the names and raffle off the prize. If you're name is selected I will email you for your personal information and send you the kit for free, and with no strings attached.

Mascara connoisseurs will love this, so don't sleep. Enter to win!

(Local or International, Male or Female - all welcome to enter)

Insane in the Sam Edelmen Membrane

UPDATE: Let it be known, these boots sold for $610.00 USD

While killing time before bed, I looked up Sam Edelmen on eBay and found the notorious Strapped Bootie Balenciaga copy, made famous by the likes of the Olsen twins and Fashion Toast. I think we can all give points for courage and creativity, but are these used Sam Edelmen ankle booties really worth (at the time of this post) a bid of $395.00 USD? We haven't calculated the shipping charges either.

29 Bidders believe so.

I vote a financial NAY, but would definitely wear them if someone said "Hey girl, here's some free shoes!" Maybe even bronze them like a pair of baby booties and display them on a coffee table or mantle for permanent display.

Side: I'll admit that I've developed a practical slant to my fashion preferences that is solely based around geography. I love peep-toe booties and stacked platforms, but Canadian winters just aren't having any of it. Black ice, below freezing temperature, salt stains, and slush are a shoes worst nightmare.

Adventures in Creepy Camera Lady: Part I

All of last week blew my mind with stress. This past weekend I picked up the pieces wearing nothing but the most comfortable outfits I could think of (pajama's and my oversize sweater) and went out to play with some friends.



Lookit, Jackie: isn't she so beautiful? We were having this serious conversation and I made her stop so I could take her photo. The picture doesn't do her justice, but I never feel like photo's actually do. Either way, I love Jackie. In general, I love my friends. It's good to play catch up and run some simple style hang-outs with no strings attached.

Being the Canadian's we are, we've decided it would be beyond awesome to throw a mock-SUPERBOWL party during Superbowl weekend. Oh yes, you can bet that there will be face paint, helmets, jerseys, those big finger #1 Styrofoam game souvenir nacho's, chips and dip, and a whoooole lot of fried cheese sticks.

Geoff and I pictured here, trying to hard perfect our acting skills and pose as a pose. We make for a good improv team, hey?

I've been so down with the whole top knot hair-do. I know it's slightly trendy, but I could care less. I decided to rock the messy top-knit with my over-sized gold hoopies and the usual big, fat donna-grin. I'm sooooooo happy grad applications are over and out. I don't think I could have had such a good night with the weight of the academic world on my shoulders. (Side: I didn't actually intend to match my outfit with my nail polish, that was pure coincidence)


C. Dames showed up just before we packed it all in. I have to admit that Dames and his friend Shaun are the inspiration behind out Fake-SUPERBOWL extravaganza. C and Shaun decided to start watching football for the sake of watching football and wound up getting sucked into the entertainment aspect of the entire thing. Either way, I'm pretty stoked on this party of ours. And yes, Creepy Camera Lady will be in full effect.


We were riding the train back to my place and came across the weirdest anti-advertising subway graffiti. I think it made for the funniest picture of the night. I love my city.

So, I get a fair amount of questions surrounding Canadian winter and how to dress for the big freeze. I'm a big baby when it comes to cold, so it's all about bundling up. I kind of look like a need a pair of mittens don't I? Oompa-loompa like even? I don't particularly care about looking stylish between December-March, so I'm pretty OK with big coats, wooly-man scarves and constant hat-head. I like to hide out in hibernation until Spring time anyways.

LIFE Woodstock Collection

Woodstock was a cultural festival held at Max Yasgur's dairy farm in the rural town of Bethel, New York between August 15-18, 1969. Over half a million participants peacefully converged on Yasgur's dairy farm to watch the live shoes, listen to the political speeches and just have a good time chilling out with their friends.

Most people will recognize Woodstock as an event celebrating the hippie movement, which valued peace, love and unity. Pulled from the LIFE archives, these photographs are able to capture that essence for future generations to view. I'm pretty mesmerized by everything from the clothing to the body language.

My favorite photo is a toss up between the embracing couple shot in very low-light, the father-and-sons hippie family eating next to their yellow school bus, and the close-up of the blond woman in a billowy peasant top, hair blowing in the breeze. The girl blowing bubbles, face framed in spectacles spectacle, and the bathing couple are pretty lovely as well. See, they could all be favorites.

(Source: Info, Images)

your girl friday

Have a lovely weekend~