Paper or Plastic?

2011-09-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

About a month ago my mother and I migrated to NY for a temporary stay. She suggested we go on a whim, and considering this city always serves me well I took up her sudden offer. I'm not one for all the touristy bullshit that comes along with NY; my mother's approach to traveling however strongly contradicts mine. So we split during the afternoons. Therefore, I got a chance to go around where I wanted to, without interruptions.

Frankly, there were only three things I was desperate in making it out to: the Chelsea Hotel, the Comme des Garcons boutique, and the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan. The Chelsea closed three days before I arrived in NY, which was a complete bust (I did get to step foot in El Quijote however). On the second day I took the subway to the West Village and went to the CdG boutique (among other stores, eg. Balenciaga, where I just shamelessly pet everything). The graffiti of Mao in drag was the perfect welcome, as was the entrance itself; it was as if I was walking into a spacecraft. The staff and fellow customers were incredibly kind, even complimenting my collared shirt with the gold beading. The doorless change room was such a mind fuck too (see picture below), and completely mesmerized by it all I caved and bought a Play tee, the most inexpensive article of clothing in the store. The happy go lucky middle aged woman beside me at the check out counter spent over three grand. Must be nice.

Finally, as tenacious and patient as ever, I pulled through a monotonous four and a half hour long wait to enter the McQueen exhibit. Anticipation trumped frustration, and looking back, there is absolutely nothing negative to say about the experience, even as a whole. As you entered the first room, you recognize the attention paid to every part of the exhibition. For one, the pieces were placed in unbelievable atmospheric settings; the mood of each room worked in perfect conjunction with the collections that were situated in them. And there was something about seeing everything in person that even the most perverse of McQueen's work became delicate in their intricacies; I don't mean simply craftmanship, but the details involved in his design process. i.e. The sculptural quality of his work in that each angle mattered was obvious. When he said he designed from the side and worked his way to the front and back, he wasn't fucking around. Seeing it in person made me appreciate him even more, and subsequently pained me even more. I got all sappy by the end and for the following few hours I was especially fragile.

Proving that fashion and art can be hybrid and no longer mutually exclusive was definitely Lee's speciality. Grateful I got to see his brilliance up close.

2011-09-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Stan Brakhage's The Stars are Beautiful, part one.

And part two.

Chosen excerpts:

The sky is altogether not composed of such great distances as we suppose. In truth, it is an old fire. The stars are sparks. The Sun a burning coal.

The black of the sky at night is ashes in a bubbling drop of water. This is the same with us—i.e., as the universe burns, so do we. Our heads contain water very much like the sky holds moons. The burning in us keeps the water in our heads boiling and sputtering.

The sky is the dead, decaying body of God. The stars are glittering maggots.

The sky is the solid state of time. The Sun? Its emergence. The Moon, the tube it falls into. The stars are the fragments that never move on.

Everything is happening at once, but the sky is a clock, and makes things look like they are happening one at a time.

2011-09-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm going to update this more often now, I've made a point to do so. I will follow routine at first until all is no longer ritualistic and simply becomes the norm. I've fallen out of the loop with many things and most of them I wish to revive; this here is one of them. I will have a dissimilar approach this time around, though. I'd rather not limit myself to one aspect of my interests and let all of them reflect the character of this blog.

So ahem, hello again, if anyone is still out there.

Unknown times two, Sally Mann, an untitled diptych (self-portrait).

Both of these albums have been on repeat recently.
Ambient noise band Loveliescrushing's "Ghosts that Swirl" from Xuvetyn.
German krautrock band Can's "Halleluwah" from Tago Mago.

This lost video that I discovered in the abyss of my hard drive is from March 5th, 2010. Song that is playing is Alarm Call by Björk. Anything with sequins on it is from H&M, the rest is thrifted, that Batman necklace (rip) was made from a loose chain and a mask from a costume shop.

Lastly, some writing from earlier today.

The night takes me by the wrist and does not release me until oblivion sets in. I wander into the ice fog, my eyes become iridescent in the mist, and suddenly I cling to consciousness. I am a newborn attached to my mother’s breast as hunger strikes. A soldier clutches the edge of the cliff, as the sea below threatens to consume him, a comatose state threatens to consume me. I will not be forced into submission; I will tear the night from its seams until light breaks and the morning dew sets on my skin. Now you are insentient, I hear. A persistent vegetative state.

The light has appeared. I feel as if I am transcending, my corporeal being now a figment of the past, which has now faded into nothing. The mind cannot keep the past alive - the present’s arrival means each passing moment has suddenly found its demise.

Yesterday is dead, tomorrow is not yet born. Though it does not matter; I now exist in a state where there is no notion of tangibility, nor of time. The body is a disposable shell made of matter that eventually decays into dust. The air lifts us up and we become the ice fog that films over the living’s scintillating eyes.

2011-07-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

- Agnes Varda's The Beach of Agnes

- Paul Burty Haviland

- Unknown

- Jonas Mekas' Walden

- Marie Taillefer, Rodarte A/W 11, cyanotype process

- Miroslav Tichy

- Egon Schiele's Two Girls (Lovers), 1911

- Richard Diebenkorn, Untitled, 1952

- Blonde and red, red and blonde

- Grizzly Bear, "Foreground", Veckatimest

- - - - - - - - - -

Scribbled this on a bus ride home.

a half heart, purple lilacs peppered white

as green becomes obscene with the arrival of summer’s haze

the colour expands, widens under the eye of light

a product of the sun’s gaze

the child’s delusion grew rapidly in the heat

his mind not yet concrete

wept as if it was the end

his lashes caught his tears like a web

they glistened as he winked and begged,

“shelter me o’ mother, these laments are obsolete”

instead she simply wet his feet

and whispered, “all is transient dear boy,

the lilacs will die, much like you and i,

and, in time, so will this relentless heat”

2011-03-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Playing with buttons,

Otis Redding,

Winona in paradise,

Rike Doepp by Robert Wunsch,

& The Selby.

2011-03-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

So much fucking work, dudes. Everything is thrifted/vintage/not new. Cool beans.

And a good afternoon to you.

2011-02-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

In order of appearance:
Modigliani's Portrait of Jeanne Hébuterne

Brueghel's Flowers in a Vase

Schiele's Blonde sketch, 1912

Claude Monet in his garden

Still of Christina Ricci in Vincent Gallo's Buffalo '66

Still from Dogtooth

Jil Sander pants (season?)

Still from Stan Brakhage's A Child's Garden and the Serious Sea

Reality Bites promo shot (can we talk about J Garofalo's outfit for a second)

Another still from Buffalo '66

Still from a Jonas Mekas film (Walden, I think)

Excerpt from An Object of Beauty via

Own shot

Source unknown (kick ass outfits though)

Frida Gustavsson via

Robert Frank's Home Improvements

William Faulkner wearing a very desirable tweed blazer (*the elbows*)

Broadcast's tune Corporeal (long live Trish Keenan)

+ what I wore today - Old Navy red plaid blouse, H&M cream wool-y cardigan, thrifted skirt/belt/brooch

2010-12-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to begin articulating the fascinating aesthetic that is Vanessa Reid's styling work. I was first affected by Reid as I voraciously consumed my Autumn/Winter 2010 issue of POP - she was behind the resplendent outfits in nearly every editorial. There is a meticulous tendency to Reid's work - she considers each individual detail with utmost concern. And there are so many details. She has a maximalist tendency which is extremely difficult to perfect, yet she appears to do it with such ease. The various colours and textiles blend together to seemingly create one entire whole - as if the multitude of layers have been previously sewn together. Reid also integrates feminine and masculine pieces to create an outfit, regardless of the gender. In Cairo.Return, an editorial from the latest issue of POP, she styles entire outfits from the women's fall collections on a series of men, creating an epic (the Ulysses of editorials, imo). Mismatching the gender and body form that conventionally dons these outfits, Reid proves herself to be a reformist of sorts. It's difficult to think of another stylist like Vanessa Reid with such an established, inventive, and overall incredible stylistic aesthetic.

Kenzo's Spring 2011 40th Anniversary Retrospective. She teamed up with Antonio Marras to style this. Overwhelming abundant layering that includes a variety of different textiles and shades and is successful drives me absolutely bonkers. There aren't enough flattering terms in the English language to describe the genius of this.

Missoni Autumn/Winter 2009 (look at that layer coordination.)

"moscow. protection" from POP F/W 10. Shoutout to photographer Hellen Van Meene for using natural light in such an advantageous way. Really suggest getting a tangible copy of the magazine to see the photographs in full, the way it was intended.

"This is Pop" Editorial from the F/W 10 issue of POP. The Comme toe shoes, neon hair seemingly fading into white, and mermaid vibes. You could never go wrong with that kind of combination.

POP S/S 10. "Patchwork Girl in a Patchwork World"

"C.R.E.A.M." in POP S/S 10. Tenenbaum family inspired editorial. The sun print on that pant suit and floral print over the crotch. Best.

"Lindsey Wixson 42nd Street" from POP S/S 10. A white blouse with a crisp collar, large bouncy skirt, biker shorts, and those Miu Miu pumps. This is one of those perfect outfits you don't see very often.

"Spent!" from POP F/W 2010, an editorial that exemplifies her skill more than any other thing she's styled I think. She's giving unappealing articles an odd beauty through amalgamation. I mean the last thing I would pair a gold floral Burberry dress with is grey house slippers. But Vanessa Reid does, and by throwing a couple of coats and fitting accessories, everything compliments each other brilliantly. You begin to forget that she's wearing the same type of shoes your grandfather hasn't taken off since the Watergate scandal broke.

I aspire to look like this when I turn 20. I mean 60. (20)

Photos almost entirely from TFS.

2010-12-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

Some details from an outfit I wore earlier this week.

And hey, here's some good music you should all listen to.

I'm sort of getting tired of blogging. More on that later.

2010-12-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

I've been totally neglecting this thing. Sorry! And I still don't really feel like writing, so I'll just be really brief.

This is a picture my pal Anna took of me a week or so ago. Floral galore. (PS. Everything is thrifted! Goodwill is your friend, people.)

Oh, and here's something I wrote about clothes with nebula prints over on the Worn Journal blog. Nothing special, but hey, it's pretty damn accurate. Not to mention one of my favourite collections I've seen in the recent past is entirely based on space - take a look at the ethereal goodness of Setareh Mohtarez's Breaking Dawn collection.

......right?

2010-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

Today's outfit, then inspiration. Photographs I've hoarded mainly from Tumblr (major credit to Cotonblanc). Not in the mood to write today. On the bright side, pretty pictures are better than rants, no?

Also dyed the bottom half of my hair blue. It's fading out now unfortunately.

Everything is thrifted but the sheer top with lace trims which is from H&M, and the leather jacket which is from Forever 21.

Moving on....

Viktor and Rolf 1993 Hyeres.

Mary Katrantzou Spring/Summer 2009. This dress reminds me so much of the Space Sequence from Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Photo via Style.com.

John Hughes' Pretty in Pink. The only thing that is relevant is Duckie's outfit.

Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Spring/Summer 2009. I have so much reverence for this dress, you have no idea.

Rick Owens' wife, Michele Lamy, and her incredible ink stained fingers. Photo via Jak & Jil.

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2000. Photograph by Mario Sorrenti. Just realized the model and I basically have the same hair. Not the same dress though. :(

CdG Spring 2000 explosive cotton candy hair do. Photograph via Style.com.

I believe these are both via The Sartorialist. These ladies sure know how to colour coordinate.

Alexander McQueen's chess piece collection, Spring/Summer 2005.

An Egon Schiele work and a 1972 Eaton's catalogue (or more specifically, that coat.)

2010-10-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is what my top half looked like today.

And this is what the Comme des Garcons website looked like today (and for quite some time prior to today actually). Gorgeous stuff. Includes collaborations with the Brothers Quay, a set magnificent stop motion animators (also illustrators) whose work is enchantingly grim. I always like contradictions in art, for example how something morose can evoke beauty in a perverted sort of way. The Quays achieve that perfectly with their films. Ai Weiwei is also another collaborator; he is a Beijing-based artist whose work typically involves a social commentary of some kind, and thankfully it isn't distasteful by any stretch. His series 'Fingers' is one of the greatest things, I recommend searching for it. It's bound to be somewhere on the internet, no? One of the photographs, entitled 'White House', is simply an image of his hand in the foreground, out of focus, flipping off the White House which sits in front of him. From a safe distance, of course. Finally there is Mondongo, a group of Argentinean artists whose intricate collages are preoccupied with portraying sexually obscene situations. Similar artistic style with what they're doing for CdG but the subject matter is slightly altered. The characters in the collages are reasonably clothed on the website, for one. Regardless, I am fond of all three collaborations because I feel they do coincide with the Comme aesthetic. The website is simply and purely good artists working jointly with equally good artists and creating something interesting. And I'm definitely interested.

Images courtesy of zee Comme des Garcons official vebsite. Und zee tiger sveater und belt are both thrifted.

2010-10-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Some favourites from Spring/Summer 2011: Part 1
(I saved this post weeks ago and just remembered it exists now. Woops!)

Ann Demeulemeester.

Typical Demeulemeester aesthetic: dark, asymmetrical, completely achromatic. I've been feeling more whimsical and clean cut this season but I can't deny how good Ann is at her craft. The shoes with the sculptural quality, the missing sleeves, the metal veil (top notch), and the black vertical eyebrows which was the cherry on top of it all.

Balenciaga.

The prints, the collars, the slits in the blouses where the leather belt protrudes, not to mention everything about Freja's outfit (sheer skirts, layers, the top blending colour with the bottom, plus Ghesqiuere's signature architectural cut). I find I always swoon over a chunk from a Balenciaga collection and this was definitely it. The only thing that I resented about this collection was the lack of vibrant eye makeup I adored from last season and the recent Resort.

Band of Outsiders.
Very clean cut, very New York, which is atypical for me to refer to as a favourite (I'm much more for intricate, almost chaotic outfits). But I can't get over the patchwork and plaid on something as regular and versatile as a well-tailored blazer. Plus, androgyny is something I've been drawn toward in the past few months, so these looks are high up on my list of outfits to emulate.

Charles Anastase.
Collars again! I'm telling you, I'm a sucker for anything with them, especially lilac dresses with a nerdy vibe (is it just me or does the left look scream muted Luella S/S08?). I like how Charles took the literal take on florals - making them tangible on sheer fabric as opposed to having it merely as a print. And a major contrast of the soft subtle type with those shoes. How much taller do they make the models, do you think?

Comme des Garcons
CdG is the collection I anticipate the most each season. Each time the collection is ready for my anxious hands to click through on Style.com I scan through the pictures voraciously, consuming every single aesthetic and conceptual detail each look has to offer. I felt the collection held a lot of the latter; the concept is something I still contemplate when I look at each outfit, particularly the four I decided to post. The black band wrapped tightly around the model feels like something Chalayan would do. The white jacket with the different textures had me gawking with infatuation - it was a blazer with bipolar tendencies, two sides morphed to make one. Definitely one of the most appealing coats I've seen this season. What really got to me however, were the final two looks consisting of four models - two pairs conjoined by little fabric. I think to Rei clothes is another flesh (consider her Lumps and Bumps collection), so what I did dictate from those looks were a pair of Siamese twins linked together by fabric ("flesh"), though not completely, since regardless of this connection they still have their own individualistic qualities. I feel like I'm delving too deep into my own personal opinion on the concept of this collection and taking it way past it's conceptual intention. But until I stand corrected that's what I gathered from Rei's S/S11 collection.

Erdem.
This was one of my favourite collections. The abstracted floral prints, the shapes of the dresses, the blouses, the lace; for me it screamed teenage garden fairy. Since florals are so relevant nowadays I find I'm less inclined to like prints with flowers on them because I see them around so consistently. But Erdem had me going nuts. This collection had a lot of elegance, but a sort of juvenile elegance (I mean that in the best way possible). Honestly, these dresses make me want to lay in a fucking field surrounded by pansies and carnations and petunias and whatever else.

Gareth Pugh.
I'm not typically a fan of this kind of stuff but I have to hand it to Gareth Pugh. His signature radically inventive collections are always intriguing, regardless if it's not up my alley. I felt like he created a futuristic Queen from an undiscovered planet and thought 'what would her closet contain?' and worked from there. The silver reflective dresses and psychedelic prints were almost too much for me to handle; I mean that in the best way possible.

Hussein Chalayan.
The flat vests! That was the first thing that caught my attention. I believe Margiela did something like this in the past? (it was revisited this season as well, I think, even though Margiela himself wasn't responsible for the work). Nonetheless I loved the fact that it seemed to have only two dimensions, a contradiction considering it was placed on the three dimensional body.

I don't think there's justice done in Chalayan's intention with the bottom two photographs which should undoubtedly be seen in motion (I think all of his collections should be seen in motion; photographs seem to detract from the concept). Dark figures take hold of the dress from separate edges, shifting the fabric in such a manner that the dress seemingly dances, flowing softly with the air. The film of the presentation is called 'Sakoku' and can be seen here. Fast forward to about 6:45 to see what I mean, but you should just sit through the entire thing. It's well worth it.

Proenza Schouler.
So I did love Proenza this season (especially the floral lace, cue tears of sweet sweet envy towards those who will be able to afford the fucking things) but I felt a bit nostalgic for the previous season's teenage witchy vibes. Obviously it proves that Jack and Lorenzo can graduate from one thing to other with ease, completely shifting their aesthetic without recycling the recent. I think my preferences are irrational here for they're more subjective than the opposite. Objectively, this collection was lovely and regardless of my useless nostalgia, I truly adored it. These boys do no wrong.

Rodarte.
There were no words when I first saw this collection several weeks ago, and quite frankly there still are no words. Kate and Laura Mulleavy are masters at whatever they do. Aesthetic, concept, textiles, tailoring, colour palette, etc etc etc. This is easily my favourite of NYC fashion week and could quite conceivably be my favourite of all four. I want to be a teenage fairy of the forest like these girls.

Viktor & Rolf.
You could easily find the link between fashion and art with V&R's dresses; these works belong in galleries more than the runway. S/S11 was Wedding Dress meets Architecture, and I didn't expect any less from these two - they always seem to integrate some sort of harsh, overtly radical design with a seemingly gentle beauty, and somehow it works. Zis ees signature Viktor und Rolf. (Also: contemplating wearing the dress on the left to my wedding. Think I'm being sarcastic?)

(All photos from Style.com with the exception of the Rodarte shoe shot which is courtesy of Dazed Digital)

2010-10-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

A few days before the last, I ran a bath and filled it with vermillion. As I sat and peered at white foam growing beneath the water as it punctured itself, I realized my craving for the sound of drums and strums and crooning voices. A crackle of neural energy, somewhere underneath my scalp, occurred in the form of a notion. My fingers grasped for the cabinet handle and holding its breath under shadows an old friend resided. I apologized as I blew and rubbed where a thick layer of grey garnered in between plastic creases. The knob clicked on as my fingers guided the volume higher until it reached its end. Through the static I rolled, as it grew thinner, wider, playing games with my ear canal. The skin upon my fingers moist from temperature measure, I slipped past a gentle guitar strum, and when I scrolled back from the screech of the static a man’s voice echoed in between tiles and scorched liquid, melted vermillion and my own wet skin. A drum began to shed noise in even paces, a series of palms clinging to one another for merely a moment, reverberating between my consciousness. They all built among one another as the tide turned behind the white of my eyes and the drops of waves fell from my chin and became one with the body water. When the song had concluded I lay in a pool of salt and tap and waited for the man in a glass booth to give this series of sounds a name.

p.s.

lol.

2010-10-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! It's been two months to the day of my last post; time passes by much too quickly. It's the fifth week of school although it still feels like the first, the weather is changing rapidly though I say this with no negative connotation (for I can now layer and not melt, you see), and Fashion month has already come and gone. But I'll leave another post for an amalgamated collection of what I consider the most aesthetically and conceptually appealing looks of the season. Though that isn't to say this was the most interesting season I've seen; I found some of the collections I was anticipating anxiously left me underwhelmed and even feeling a bit morose (it's weird how clothes can do that). There are however a few more Spring 2011 shows remaining that may shift these sentiments. I guess only time and the looks (I'm specifically glaring at you, Miuccia) will tell.

On a personal fashion-related note, I took a few snaps of today's outfit before I ran out of the house and into the seemingly perpetual rain (I'm reasonably positive it's been pouring for at least a week). Listening to Dry by PJ Harvey whilst purchasing her live DVD Please Leave Quietly at the local record store later that evening did help though. This unremitting obsession with Polly Jean hasn't died down since I first heard Is This Desire? sometime in the Spring and then proceeded to get the rest of her stuff. This woman is incredible. She needs to either adopt me or permit me to become her passionate lover. Or both. I would say something like LOLJK here but I'm not actually kidding so.

Unremitting. Anyways, yes, right, clothes.

Everything is basically either thrifted or from H&M with the exception of the sequin blouse which is from the vintage store Courage My Love located in Kensington Market, Toronto (you should go if you live in the area). And the white thigh-highs are from American Apparel.

Lots of white and lots of layers. I've been tending to stray in that direction with my outfits as of late. Plus I can't get over collars - they've somehow found a way to incorporate themselves one way or another into every outfit I put together. Should have probably saved up for that Miu Miu collar then, don't you think? One day...

Oh, last thing: I've been accepted for an internship at Worn Fashion Journal for their 12th issue! Orientation was the previous evening followed by my first shift this Friday. The atmosphere and the individuals affiliated are marvelous from what I've gathered so far, not to mention the journal itself being the cat's pajamas. Or the bee's knees. Or any other flattering idiom you can think of.

Here is a glimpse into the 10th issue. After you finish watching this short endearing stop motion video whilst bobbing your head to "96 Tears" you should go out and buy it yourself. We're cool with the shameless advertising, right?

2010-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore to the free Metric concert today. Gonna go watch a movie now k bye.

(Everything is from H&M except for the Keds on my feet.)

2010-07-30T11:46:00.001-07:00

It's odd to be posting after such a long absence - nearly a month and a half - but I felt like I should re-invest myself into this blog before I find myself completely out of the loop. I have thought about why I have lacked any means of motivation to post and I find it is two things: one, the weather has become an obstacle for it does not permit me to layer and thus I have found myself incessantly moping around and about my closet and as a result: two, my personal taste in style has been making a bit of a transition. Finding I can only generally wear one article of clothing at a time, I began acquiring a taste for collared shirts (don't ask me why because I don't know either. Miu Miu Spring 2010 could possibly be the catalyst but as much as I adore the collection I don't believe it had that much of an overwhelming influence in relevance to this 'style transition' I'm currently discussing. Also I feel like reading Virginia Woolf's The Waves had something to do with it but I haven't really discerned this yet and I'm beginning to digress so). Irrelevantly, I've found myself growing fonder of late 19th century and mid 20th century style as of late, a contrast in taste considering my favourite designers consistently challenge the constructs of what we know as fashion through their radical designs (McQueen and Chalayan primarily come to mind for a multitudinous amount of reasons). I'm not implying that I only admire post-modern designs, simply that they attracted my admiration more than collections that derived inspiration from the eras I currently admire with such a simplistic approach. Possibly now I'm just broadening my view rather than completely changing my style. I can't be entirely sure just yet. I'm writing this post with my mind in a rut regarding this topic so I might come off a bit misunderstood. Still trying to put some pieces together. However, I believe I should work on doing that in a different fashion than digressing in an oppressively constant manner on this here blog, don't you think?

So yeah. I've been relentlessly browsing vintage photographs of the past as of late, generally from the Tumblrs I follow or the Google LIFE archives. I've been posting the photographs consistently on my Tumblr so you can frolic over there if you want to see more but for now I'll simply post a few here for a taste.

Teenage girl having nail polish touches added to her sunglasses. Oklahoma, July 1947.

Teenage girl styling her hair. US, December 1948.

The Indian Tribal version of Givenchy Fall '08!

Teenage girl talking on a telephone. Missouri, December 1944. Photograph by Nina Leen.

Victorian era bourgeois sisters I'm presuming. Date unknown.

Young girl blowing a big bubble from a bubble gum. Photograph by Bob Landry, 1946.

"Young Pioneer Palace in Leningrad", year unknown.

St Louis, 1944.

I wore this outfit several weeks ago on a day where the weather finally allowed me to layer without dying if I stepped out into the blistering heat for more than five seconds.

(Pink blouse from Old Navy. All the skirts and the apron are thrifted except for one of the tulle layers which is a tutu from the kid's section as H&M five bucks baby. The socks are from the men's section at Urban Outfitters.)

Basically being in a style limbo plus lacking motivation for doing anything are the catalysts to my infrequent posting. I want to say I'll post again soon but I don't want to lie to you. I'll end this post here with something I wrote a while ago because I have started writing again on a regular basis just recently. Later days dudes.

it is true i attempt to suppress the feeling of indigence that perpetuates whenever memory is rekindled, mentioned in a whisper through the crevices of thought, working it’s way deep into the core of my mind. i blame my present tense by contemplating my recent past, and the actions committed regarding the circumstance. but this suppression is merely that - an attempt, susceptible to a demise like a human heart after death. that potentiality begins to decompose until it is nothing but a canvas marked with blank failures. as i realize this, the contrast of body and emotion begins to wither and they begin to form a link; they are brought together by collision in an objective sphere. my mind focuses on the fluctuation of resentment while my body battles its uncontrollable nature, and for an instance my being is at war with itself. but only for an instance, for one side eventually overpowers the other. in the end, my emotions become a lover’s figure under a silk slip, unsheathed at once, instantaneously.

2010-06-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

After weeks of working and having basically no time to go out and get dressed! up! I finally was given the opportunity for my town's heritage day (which is, incidentally, today, therefore I'm wearing this outfit as I type). I decided to play it safe because of the weather (which is so humid it's on the verge of thundershowers) and wear my tutu with as many layers I could have possibly integrated without melting like witches in Oz. Clearly I didn't get very far!

Moving on - I really do hope to update this here blog more often than I have in the past month. I don't know if I will fully comply to this self-proclaimed affirmation until about July 1st though. Which is also known as the day I move from here and into my TORONTO HOUSE. I don't even want to think about it right now however, for then I will be reminded of the two and half weeks of waiting I must suffer through until that wonderful day. UGH I CAN NOT WAIT.

Back to heritage festivities now.

All thrifted with the exception of the tutu and socks, both from H&M.

WAIT ONE MORE THING. See this? I'm dying my hair this colour in a few weeks. (Then back to pink possibly? We'll see). I doubt you even know what colour her hair is because you're so hypnotized by the beautiful thing on her back; Miu Miu AND Comme des Garcons. This is literally a masterpiece.

(via stockholmstreet)

Anywho. Later days.

a thought on La Jetee

2010-06-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

if you’re a photography major like me and you ever doubt the credibility of your program and what they make photography out to be, please watch this and trust in everything that lies outside of these educational based contrived claims. tell them that there is beauty in simplistic photographs such as these, those with a raw purity, those bare yet full of expression. a moment stopped in the eye of a lens, immutable, lingering forever through mutable reality - these are the photographs that make hearts feel pleasurable pain, like a warm emptiness realizing these easy moments have come and gone. they are once, always were once, will continue to be once, until death tears us from time and space like life tears a child from its’ mother’s womb. moment after moment after moment, never repeating, never returning. the only manner in which we may return, aside from a subconscious reawakening, is through the photograph. we recall each moment, let it be a tedious one or a dismal one or a glorious one, as a moment of our past caught in the web of present. one of the most beautiful things are these photographs, where a moment you will never relive or be able to replicate is shown to you in all it’s simplistic glory, just as you remembered it.

i get tired of people telling me that photography should be dramatic and salient and obvious and look! at! me! because i don’t think that’s what it necessarily should be. it should be all about moments. naked photographs are just as striking in it’s subtlety.

a moment in an ordinary life. no other kind of photographs matter.

(La jetée, Chris Marker, 1962)

2010-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Still mulling things over with the zine so I won't bring it up now, instead I think I'll dedicate a full fledged post to it.

Here are some pictures from several weeks ago I had just chillin' in my camera. This is what my room looks like at night.

2010-05-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Just really quickly what I wore last night, plus black lipstick I was just trying out from a halloween costume makeup kit I bought for a school project. I think I was going for a Courtney Love/Lydia Deetz integration with a bit of a Miu Miu twist (the bejeweled collar combo). It's a bit too simplistic considering what I normally tend to wear, but regardless I like it a lot.

I have some pictures of my room I took several weeks ago that I'm going to post soon, as well as my idea regarding a zine still in it's rudimentary stages of brainstorming. It's going to be about Dreamers - I don't mean all about the subconscious, I mean about people who approach art and language with a mentality that contradicts reality; they remove themselves from it to create something illusory and pensive that material reality constantly seems to lack. They thrive off the notion of a utopian world yet simultaneously acknowledge that this world we inhabit will always be tainted with imperfections. What immediately comes to mind that falls under this category is everything about Speed Levitch, Alison Scarpulla's photography, Richard Linklater films such as Before Sunset and Waking Life, and Tim Walker's editorials.

I will discuss this more in depth next post when I have my ideas regarding 'Dreamers' have become less hazy.

Sequin collared shirt is vintage. Dress from Forever 21.

2010-05-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Just a really quick write about this particular piece from designer Dion Lee's S/S10-11 collection at RAFW.

This blue pleated dress was probably my favourite (aside from the crystal heels). The architectural symmetry composed by the intricacies of the knotted pleats made my eyes literally widen (to be quite frank I almost audibly gasped). I’m constantly reminded of the almost rudimentary stages of a Roman soldier’s uniform when I see this dress, the shape the fabric over her shoulders and the taut wrap of the pleats a presumable catalyst of this reminder. Though the harshness is negated by the visual fragility of the dress. It’s almost as if the only thing left to make these uniforms out of was brilliant powder blue organza, so the Romans had nothing more to do but work with the resources they had.

(Photo via Jak&Jil)

2010-05-13T06:37:00.001-07:00

Sorry for being such a bad blogger guys; my Macbook broke several weeks ago and I've been busy weeping/petting it/moaning for it to revive itself. Since then I've been using my old pre-modern chunky desktop Windows which whurrs like a dying beehive whenever I turn it on. I sound ungrateful even though this is technology! and I should be grateful! (quote unquoting all of my foreign relatives) , it's just that once you've gone Mac it's hard to go back. I'm also hesitant to send it in for repair; the guy behind the counter at Future Shop said my entire hard drive has the possibility of being completely erased and when he showed me the price of a temporary hard drive I probably had all eyes in the store curiously glaring in my direction (wouldn't you glare too if you heard a little girl's voice frantically screaming FUUUUUUUU- in a basically silent electronics store?). POINT IS, I need to get it fixed so I can up some clothes photos STAT.

While I'm here for appearing to be the opposite of negligent's sake, I want to show you a few of my favourite stylists' works. I mainly post this on my Tumblr since I practically reside there whenever I find I am on the internet browser (which isn't Safari thus it angers me, but holy shit am I digressing), but I felt it was necessary to acknowledge them here as well since the tumblr is merely an inspiration board and not a very credible manner to cite my endearing sentiments towards the editorials they style. I'm going to narrow it down to three today even though I could definitely mention more (sorry Camille-Bidault Waddington :c).

NOTE: Clicking each picture for #1 and #2 will link you to a post on TFS which has the source + complete editorial.

1) Panos Yiapanis
I don't even know where to begin regarding my love for Panos' work. This dude's layering skills are absolutely incredible, and he does it without making it appear ostentatious. I first stumbled upon the editorials he styled via Tumblr (I'd probably discover more stylists/photographers/the like if some people credited what they were posting, in the cases where they consciously are aware of the source). I was in such adoration with the variety of textures, prints and vibrant colours so evident in the outfits he put together that I had to see more. His work integrates this sense of destruction and neurotic tendency within the aesthetics, and these contradictions work together to create this imperfect perfection which should overwhelm the viewer if successful. And his outfits without a doubt do (I can't stress enough how much they do). I'm really at a lack for articulating myself properly when it comes to his stuff. All I know is it makes my heart swell and my knees buckle. So fucking good.

2) Marie-Amelie Sauve
I came upon Marie-Amelie after I began getting really interested in who was behind all the outfits in my most cherished editorials. After extensively searching the "Behind the Lens" sub forum on TFS I came upon her thread, and after dissecting each post within I realized that she was the stylist for nearly every. single. editorial. I've swooned over in the past. I find she has similar stylistic tendencies as Yiapanis, particularly in the layering, which is probably why they are the stylists I am fond of the most. There are several blatant differences between their individual styles however; for example, I find Sauve approaches her work by manipulating the way she styles to coincide with the mood of the editorial, whereas Panos' manner of layering is so determined that I find it's actually his outfits which affect the mood, rather than the other way around. Also, Sauve evokes a femininity that Yiapanis' editorials lack - not to imply that this missing effeminity negatively impacts his work, there is just a notable difference which creates this distinct individuality in the manner that they style. Finally, I find Marie-Amelie focuses on appropriate colour schemes more than Panos does, but not as drastic as to go into detail about the fact of the matter. Regardless of these comparisons and contradictions, both of these stylists rock every fucking editorial they style. 10/10. They are literally untouchable.

3) Catherine Baba
With Catherine I find her personal style bleeds into her editorial work much more than the previous two. I know this is probably breaking some sort of artistic code, one which states that the artist is not a representation of their work; that although their creation, the work they produce is channeled through a different perception of understanding, extinguishing the artist's personal characteristics and acknowledging this mirrored version of their being; the removed version that creates the art objectively as much as the viewers see it objectively. What I'm trying to essentially state is that there is this inevitable rule, in music, in art, in literature, where the outer party see the work of the artist as an autobiography of their psychological state. And although I typically prefer art that contradicts this notion (where the artist removes themselves from their art), I find Catherine Baba is the ultimate exception. This editorial from 10 Magazine Summer 2009 highly exemplifies that.

Here are some street style photographs further exemplifying this integration. (Both photographs via Jak&Jil.)

2010-05-01T17:05:00.002-07:00

So several weeks or so ago, Melissa Luk emailed me asking if she could take some better quality photos of previous outfits captured with a bad quality cam (aka Photobooth on my mac), and I accepted. This project was extremely convenient for we both attend the same university, so we decided to meet up one day during finals week (procrastinating the efficient way) and just roam around and photograph and whatnot. It was a new experience for me seeing as I'm typically the one behind the camera and not in front, so it was a bit awkward at first. Eventually I got the hang of it though (I think I don't even know dudes). But the pictures turned out great and I'm happy lappy (thanks again Melissa!).

Outfit numba two!

Ghost World! Fun fact: I'm staring at ("reading") my favourite part from the entire comic.

You can see the entire set here (I'm technologically deficient and can't figure out how to blog all of these flickr photos at once using the Blog This button, so this'll have to do).

2010-04-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore to study today.

This is me showcasing my hair, and oh shit! It's pink again!

This is the song I've been listening to on repeat for the past several days.

This is me saying bye because I have an exam in seven hours. Bye!

Top and blazer are thrifted. Tights are from a halloween costume shop called Malabar located in Toronto.

2010-04-14T19:55:00.001-07:00

Today I've felt a sense of clarity for several reasons:

i) I have realized my Macbook has in fact not shattered internally, the battery just won't charge. I have in fact wasted several (many) hours mourning what I thought was gone forever but as I type this I emit a sigh of relief. Forget my lecture notes and research essays - do you know how many photos of neon hair I have on this thing? Enough to make people with naturally coloured locks genuinely frightened. But no, I'm actually very grateful it isn't trivial, or else I would be stuck on a wonky 1997 Windows PC (can you say D:) for the remainder of the summer. Let's just say things would not be a slice of cherry fucking cheese cake.

ii) I was in New York City for the first 6 days of April and I've decided I'm going to try and move there after I finish school if everything falls into place. I know the typical claim with New York is that it's pleasant to visit and lingering for too long will result in this perpetual overwhelmingly claustrophobia and intense craving to distance yourself away from it's habitual hectic activity. Yet I feel nostalgic whenever anyone mentions it, like I'm missing a limb and they only place I can get it back and use it is when I'm in the city. I mean, when our bus drove over the bridge and that panoramic landscape came into view, the plethora of lights consuming every inch of my vision, I felt my heart float and my eyes water. And I don't care how cheesy I sound! I remember watching a documentary on the philosopher/poet/NYC tourist guide Speed Levitch a year or so ago and being mesmerized by his relationship with the city. After it concluded I recall thinking "my hopes for the extravagance this city has to offer will always be unsurpassable". This is why as I sat in my bus seat on the way down I anticipated disappointment by the inevitable mediocrity of what I was about to experience. I mean, what we're fond of differs with each individual. It's all subjective. So naturally I thought Speed's adoration with this cornucopia of edifices and busy bee individuals on an island was based on his own subjective ideals, completely contradicting my own. Yet over the near week I spent there I discovered the city was all it was built up to be (a result of my own subjective ideals or general objective claims I've still yet to determine). Thus I find myself missing the island more each day. Guys, I would sit on a crammed bus with stale air for 11 hours one way like I did a few weeks ago just so I can see it again for a mere 24 hours. The anticipation for a next visit is killing me. Like it's literally gnawing at me.

....did I rant there? I think I ranted there. I almost forgot about this clip from the Speed Levitch documentary (entitled "The Cruise") I was gonna post back there before I ran off on a WTFHOLYSHIT tangent. Here he talks about his relationship with the city.

Ugh, embedding is disabled. Whatever guys CLICK HERE it's worth it, trust. Here's a quick quote from the beginning though if you suck and don't want to watch:

"New York City is a living organism; It evolves, it devolves, it fluctuates as a living organism. So my relationship with New York City is as vitriolic as the relationship with myself and with any other human being which means that it changes every millisecond, that it's in constant fluctuation."

Moreover, since my mac is back, here's an outfit I wore today. It was so hot out though :c. I need to realize spring is here and I can no longer layer so much D: Whatever I'll pretend like pit stains and profusely sweating is IN.

I started working around the bottom because it made me feel like a mermaid. Thought it would work best if I left out prints and just worked with pastels. And pink. Also I'm not going to lie I've been inclined to never take off this skirt because of the influence the cute little asian girl from two posts ago has had on me (the skirts are slightly similar. You know what that means? never taking it off, ever)

Everything is thrifted except for the pink skirt over top of the blue dress and under the apron, which is from H&M. Oh wait, the white lace blazer is from Courage My Love vintage in Kensington Market. :3

I seriously meant for this post to take only ten minutes, and alas it's taken me FORTY. Now I must get back to watching Annie Hall and drinking hot chocolate and pretending to sort through photographs for a project.

2010-04-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Comme des Garcons Fall/Winter 2008 (this is the Comme Comme line, right? correct me if I'm wrong). Fast forward to 3:53 until 4:15.

So I felt like literally translating this outfit because I realized I had just about all the piece she was wearing. Well, cheaper versions of the pieces anyway. I better run though I have a lot of errands to run before hopping on a bus to New York tomorrow morning. I'll try and blog those days, but nevertheless I'll have pictures for when I arrive home. Later days!

Blue button up from mom's closet. Skirt and shoes are thrifted. Pants and socks from H&M. The white thing on my skirt is a piece of string.

2010-03-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

I never know how to start with blog posts when ever I want to write something of consistency and/or with a valid point. Typically I write a post while I'm eating or half asleep or watching 30 Rock or doing all three simultaneously ("if you want a shot, you're going to have to dance for it...") so I don't get my mental gears going like I should. But then when I sit in silence in front of a computer screen with a black text bracket flicking on and off and on and off, I remain stuck in my thoughts and eventually I just write a couple of sentences, upload some pictures and then go off and do something else. And here I am again doing the exact same thing, but now instead of the mundane repetition, I finally admit I want to talk about something legitimate. Or at least something that's been lingering in my mind for the past weeks, months, years. I think I'm just going to go with the flow and see where my mind takes me (you'll probably be in that twisted dark cave from the 1970s Willy Wonka movie by the end of it, just a word of warning).

Fashion is frivolous. I hear and see that in so many different ways, contexts, confused proclamations, concerned glances, condescending laughs - the list goes on. It took me a long time to understand it and even longer to accept it. These days I tend to ignore cynical things that are said and I won't let it get the best of me (I'm talking about things said about fashion, not personal style, because I'm at a point now where I don't really mind what is said about the latter). I've grown to learn that frivolity comes from a hazy subjective lens of a certain individual, ones who can't go "I don't get it but do whatever floats your boat" but instead declare the opposite.

I thought about this a lot after a quick but discerning conversation with a 76 year old architect that constantly comes into the restaurant I work at for coffee. When he asked me about my career path and I told him what my plans were, he congratulated me and wished me luck in whatever I decided to do with my future.

"Well I'm actually considering something in fashion" I told him after his "good for you!"s and "stay in school!"s. I remember he just raised his eyebrows and asked, "what, like a designer? are you going to design ball gowns like Valentino?"

"Haha, no, I'm interested more in concept."

"LOL. Fashion isn't concept at all, it's just for girls to look good."

At this point I started asking him if he knew any Japanese designers and he responded that no he didn't because they only became notable in the past few years to which I started mentioning early 80s Paris Yohji and Rei (I thought the architect cred maybe he would know some of them because of their store's minimalist designs? or it's most likely because I'm stubborn and don't let anything go) and it completely escalated to the point where we raised our voices a touch. Even though it was maybe a minute long conversation tops, the fact that this man denied that fashion had any concept at all got me so angry I could have burst right then.

This was last summer. Since then I've come to terms with the fact that someone could have such an opposing mentality, mainly because they don't see the thing you find as meaningful or legitimate to you the same way. I think why I got so offended by his "fashion isn't concept" was because the only reason I liked (and like) fashion is because of concept. It's naive to think that fashion is only just Cosmopolitan and TLC style shows because that is media fashion, not actual fashion. True fashion is it's own breed of art, complete with tinges of what society labels as general art within it - for example, some runway shows can be seen as a performance art (early 2000s McQueen and A/W 98 Chalayan come to mind almost immediately). Fashion is also one of the only arts that adds physical real human form and concept to create an overwhelming feeling in the back of your heart like you know you're staring at something miraculous. Look at the ballet dancers wearing CdG S/S 97 pieces, how they gracefully move their body and the juxtaposing tumour-like shapes the dresses create against the viewer's predetermined notion of form. "Dress meets body, body meets dress". Everything about this is in the concept. It takes a toll on us through visual means but that overwhelming feeling of uncomfortable, radical beauty is in the end a conceptual means.

This entire video is about the Lumps and Bumps collection (it's from a documentary on Rei in Japanese on Youtube, but skip to 4:05 if you want to see them dancing while wearing pieces from it).

A lot of opposition is a repercussion of personal subjective ideologies. But sometimes I just want to show a person a video such as the one I just posted or of other runway shows for them to realize that fashion isn't only that one street style blog they read and that one US Vogue magazine they bought eight months ago. But I don't want to seem uptight and pretentious when it comes to fashion. Maybe I am a bit protective of it like a mother to it's cub, but admiring something so much has also taught me to respect what others admire to (as long as it's not like beating someone up with spatulas or throwing dogs from the Empire State Building).

I am getting tired (aka I'm not reading this back so if I come off as unintelligible I apologize) but here are some poorly lit pictures of what I wore a few days ago.

Harry Potter shaped-Willy Wonka TV room glasses. Also my hair is fading so fast, but on the bright side it's getting whiter fast which means I can dye it again but this time ANOTHER NEON COLOUR :D

Pinned my cardigan up because it's boring without being pinned.

Hiding behind lights and my fading hair :'c

Everything is thrifted except for the sunglasses and the maxi dress which are from H&M.

P.S. This is the most perfect thing I have ever seen ever EVER. It is my actual aim to look like this in negative 1 month. (Does anyone have a source to this? It would be much appreciated bbs)

2010-03-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

LOL me and my promises for Miu Miu on the same day as a post (see: last sentence that is a lie in previous post). Anyway I feel like going back to eating tomato soup and watching Dexter so here's a quickie of my outfit from yesterday. Note my hair is literally non-edible cotton candy. It's kind of uneven but then again it's pink so it negates the primary fact. I just hope it doesn't fade out too quickly. Gonna ask the god of bubble gum locks to retain the colour (lol if there was a god such as this he would deny my wish on the basis of how bad that joke was).

Also if you think the black dress over top just chillin' is not entirely on, then you are absolutely correct.

Black dress just chillin', Urban Outfitters. Everything that is pink and the socks are from H&M. Black skirt underneath is thrifted. Hair dye is LaRiche Directions hairdye in Carnation Pink.

2010-03-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

BAH this is what I wore last night. Sorry about the shitty Photobooth pictchas I forgot my Pentax at my school residence home. It's not krazyohshit but it's legit, y'know? (No not really)

I would have rather gone without the top jumpsuit part because it didn't really comply with the colour palette I was aiming for. I worked my outfit around the three tulle scarfs I knotted together and I felt it was too monotone for what was going on. But alas I had no clothes for they are all in Toronto and I am not.

A lot of people were all WTF IS GOING ON YOU HAVE 3 SKIRTS ON which was a legitimate question to ask but I was all I AM A SKIRT LAYER RING MASTA which no one understood and to be quite frank I didn't understand either.

I do love the jumpsuit top but now with scarf removal you can see how blurgh it is in comparison to the bright skirt/scarf aspect of the ensemble.

I tucked the skirt into itself because I wanted to make the socks noticeable (see: three pictures down) but I love love the pastel rainbow colour going on which is displayed when it's left in its originally intended state and almost reaches my ankles.

APRON :3 If this was a person I would have a crush on it. Yo FACK IT I do have a crush on it. And it is an inanimate object that should be used for cooking. Thus I have a crush on inanimate objects that should be worn while cooking.

Lol my posture in this is reminiscent of Gagz in Bad Romance circa spine-ful nude monster.

This is where I happily display to you my unintentionally uneven socks and somewhat unclean bedroom floor.

Floral jumpsuit, Topshop. Pastel skirt and pink apron and three scarfs knotted together, Courage My Love vintage in Kensington Market. Floral skirt underneath, Frvr21. Tights are my mothers, socks are my fathers. Bracelets are from a trip to Jamaica.

SO YAH. Miu Miu later today promise k kool.

2010-03-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Quick post before I go to work (THEN THRIFTING BAH I MISS U SALVATION ARMS) but I've screencapped a lot of Miu Miu so I'll review that either tonight or tomorrow.

This isn't a life-altering outfit but I forgot about this blue dress from forever ago (I got it winter of 200and8) and felt I should take pics of it and stuff. The lighting in my bedroom is oddly amazing even though clouds are literally pouring buckets of cold water down upon the earth. And breathing heavily to boot. So like it's a mini (aka legitimate) hurricane outside right now.

Jacket, blue fitted dress, green tulle fabric scarf, all vintage/thrifted. Everything else is from H&M.

Also: I'm blonde! I'm not as content with the shade (I wanted it to be much whiter than golden) so I decided I was going to go back next week to dye it more. As I contemplated this I realized that in the past I've been eager to colour my hair either pink or blue each time I've decided I was going to change hair colours. In addition to this notion, I set a date several weeks ago to dye it pink (or blue) but things came up with the individual who was supposed to do it for me (+ I have no money to go to hairdresser + I'm afraid I'll mess it up if I try to do it by myself) so in the end I thought "why not fuck the blonde and go neon like you promised yourself at the start"?

I'm tired of trying to comply with conventions (no I'm not in a REBEL FUCK SOCIETY! mentality but I just hate caring what people think), which eventually creates this fright in me to try things I've admired on others for ages. So fuck this, I'm going to do it. I'm bored with my hair already anyways.

2010-03-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Two points I will acknowledge in this seemingly quick post.

1) The Case of the Grinning Cat meets today's outfit

Everything is thrifted and vintage except for the rib shirt which is from shopwithasianstereotypes and the socks which are mismatched (deliberately) from H&M.

and 2) I dye my hair blonde tomorrow!!! Well, that's the first part, then I'm going to go pink, blue or fire truck red (with a hint of pink)... my roomate goes to school at Aveda and said she could do the blonde for free, so I was in no shape to pass up the chance.

I'm bringing in this picture from Proenza S/S 2010 because it's just about the same shade I want. The last time I was a blonde I was thirteen and it was nowhere near this white. I'm ecstatic right now but I'll probably get a bit shaky during. I'll post pictures as soon as I cannn

(via style.com)

Paris F/W 2010: Lanvin

2010-03-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Lanvin:

With the arrival of pre-fall collections several months prior and a sneak peak into what we would see during Autumn/Winter 2010, one of the most anticipated for me was whatever Alber Elbaz was concocting in his little studio full of whimsy perfection and whatever else it's like in there (I imagine flowers, rainbows and kittens... even though he's specifically stated before he watches news programs I can't help but imagining him rolling around with a plethora of kittens as he comes up with a concept... I envision it kind of like (well, exactly like) Jonah Hill in this video) I've digressed from my point, whaaat else is new? My point is that there is so much elegant obvious beauty in the clothes he makes for Lanvin each season. For Spring the atmosphere of the runway was similar, a dark greyish air hung over the audience and the models as they trotted down displaying clothes in monochrome then big frilly frock dresses made from loose fabrics of varied colours swimming with form as if this tulle was one with the body. For Fall he took the mood and carried it further, deeper, to the point where the link between Spring and Fall was a blur and all that could be seen was a slight shade of darkness.

There was a juxtaposition he created with the structures tailored and molded against the body. This is an accordance only with his past collection, for Alber's clothes always seem to compliment the female shape (even the thick jackets somewhat oversized in certain proportions). There was a rebellious vibe exuding from both the clothes and the models, with the chain necklaces and metals and rough texture of the black dresses. Adding onto this would be the colour palette; which seemingly lacked any true pop of colour, only in deep reds and browns, as the black coincided with the atmosphere. And yet, with all this so apparent edginess, there was an elegance evident in the way the dresses creased into one side of the hip, the creamy nude gloves, the simplistic overly-feminine shoes, etc. It was good to see the subtlety of paradox in the collection. It was almost like he retained a touch of the Spring collection and didn't entirely translate himself (which, believe it or not, can work to one's advantage sometimes).

In my opinion I'm not really sure if I liked the Spring or Fall collection better, but I'm leaning a bit more towards Fall. I think maybe the Spring weather that's finally creeping up is taking a toll on my taste. My point is (do I ever have a point, really?) that Alber, you did good kid.

(all images via style.com)

Paris F/W 2010 so far

2010-03-06T13:00:00.001-08:00

Balenciaga:

Nicholas Ghesquiere, if I ever met you in real life I would have to fist bump you for all of the geometric things you're doing with Balenciaga. I know it is hallmark Ghesquiere, looking forward in time and space to the point where it becomes beyond futuristic (since fashion is all about looking forward by six months, always), most designers outdo their signature (see: Ball Mane) and it starts to become a repetition of the past, but it never, ever happens with Nicholas' work for Balenciaga. The odd fabrics combined with the industrial cutouts of different shapes was clearly looking beyond six months (sixty years I would say) even though it was an extension of the spring collection; most noticeable in the spiderweb pattern on the knit sweater and a few of the geometric dresses. Also, I loved the sweaters with geometric neon squares printed on top of one another so precisely cinched by a belt at the waist - I don't know why but it reminded me of the Stargate sequence in 2001: A Space Odyssey, mainly because the prints seemed to begin falling into this vertical abyss; the same sense of vertical oblivion seen in the film. (Note: I don't care if you don't see the link because it's awesome and Stanley Kubrick and I are dating so back off k)

The latter of the collection was basically large cutouts of what seemed to be newspapers, but with the large eccentric prints and neon-colours used I felt it was, again, futuristic (Nicholas bb did you travel back to the early 21st century from the future? I won't tell promise). And although some of the concept was maintained and it was a neat idea, I didn't really like the latter of the collection. It was too much of a stray away visually, from the geometric BAM! to the neon word collage 'yeah okay I guess' feeling I got.

But the greatest thing ever was hands down THE SHOES. LOOK AT THEM. I honestly can't even begin to express how awesome these are. I guess I'll have to retract what I said about fist-bumping you and change that into a full blown hug-kiss combination.

Manish Arora:

The colourful sequins! Oh my god I think I died when I saw these. It's like if Columbia from Rocky Horror Picture Show met Rainbow Brite and they designed an outfit together that they would wear whenever they kicked some ass. Overall though I think my love for this collection stayed within the realms of the beginning looks. The colours and patterns blended together so well that I want to break into a dance. Which I did. In figurative sequins and neon wigs.

Issey Miyake:

Although there were several looks I liked from the latter (well, pretty much the last 50 looks) of the collection, I loved what Dai Fujiwara did with the first six or seven looks - how he took geometric tube-like knits and intertwined/layered them within each other. In my opinion I felt he should have integrated them into the collection near the end, instead of bringing the viewer (aka me) such immediate joy which I kind of lost by the end. The colour palette also reminded me of his Flying Saucer collection. Also, S/S 95. But the reminder was only there in colour, not in concept or aesthetic. I mean I like what Fujiwara is doing but in comparison to Issey? Not at alll.

Vivienne Westwood:

Vivienne will always be that designer who always combines clothing with a sense of radical patriotism. There's no denying that she integrates her British roots into each collection, some more obviously than others. But the thing about this is that it always, always works. It's a British rebellion, a radical outlook on things, sometimes punk, sometimes merely not conventional. This blunt influential outlook is Westwood's signature method and in F/W she maintains it through prints, text, styling, color palette, etc. (For some reason I thought the make-up got influence from imagining Galliano as a trans? Do other people see this or is it just because I'm writing this at 3:28am?) But I love loved the styling and how well the colours coincided and everything was just great. For some reason it reminds me of an avant-garde film I saw recently entitled Jubilee (probably because it revolves around Britain in the future). It was weird but pretty good and plus, Tilda Swinton is extremely fond of it and she's on par with Zeus so like that means it's definitely good.

(all images via style.com)

2010-03-06T11:19:00.001-08:00

This post is nice and quick so I can separate it from the Paris-so-far post I'm about to put up. I wore this last night to see Alice in Wonderland (which was p. good). Also COMME and TAO today :3 So excited I can't even begin to describe.

White lace blazer, vintage. All sequins from H&M. Red frilly dress, mother's closet. Black batman necklace, halloween mask on a chain.

2010-03-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

With the first few looks that had been sent out onto the runway for the Prada A/W 2010 collection, a vision of a scenario from the past came to my mind: a set of pleasant housewives making their way down stairs outside of their titanic home to their pristine vehicles, Lucky Strike in hand, determined to reach the cars before the cold began to bite their skin. In the 50s to 60s, when feminism (like many other controversial political topics) came to it's second crescendo, the modern housewife was almost a caricature of what a wife is; pristine, attentive, orderly, etc. These clothes capture that era of feminist indecision (think: Joan Allen's character in Pleasantville) but with a sultry touch, for as much as one seems to revisit past eras through reinvented designs, the influence of the twenty first century is almost inevitable. By this sense of influence I mean the flash of abdomen, patent leather, pointy bra formation, etc.

The clothes themselves definitely depicted the woman of that era, with wide, almost trapeze skirts and a cinched waist (a product of either small belts or tailoring) The coats of the same effect layered collar of knit over fur, with knit tights of beige neutrals adding to the sombre effect of housewives in the fall. The dresses (all of the pieces, actually) focused entirely on the female silhouette and bodily shape (something feminists typically objected against for sultry silhouette=sex) as a focus on breasts was through lace ruffles on most dresses or the exaggerated pointy bras on some of the coats, as breasts is one of the key pieces in creating the feminine shape of the woman.

Miuccia Prada also brought her somewhat signature knits to the table with skirt and sweater combinations cinched at the waist, as well as nearly all of the tights she pieced together with the dresses. The black coats and dresses emblazoned with pristine embroidery brought a sense of lavish regality to the collection so similar to the meager housewives, like puppies to men aka their husbands (Pleasantville again), juxtaposing the concept with aesthetic. I was very fond of the abstract grid prints, and that although they had somewhat of an artistic demeanor, they brought a sense of feminine simplicity to the clothing, and gave silhouette a bit of a bite.

Again with reference to the 50s and 60s, Miuccia brought it particularly with beauty and accessories. For one, the lack of any make-up whatsoever and the tight, perfectly concocted up-dos brings me back to that era of the cliche stay-at-home wife. Also brought to my attention is similarities to Mad Men (although I've only seen a few episodes) and Pleasantville (the latter focuses more on 50s though so I'd say the first is more prevalent), that sort of fictionalized perfection of a meticulous housewife which exaggerates the notion of what they must be. Stepford Wives (not the Nicole Kidman one) comes to mind as well, but that concerns more notion than time era. The cat-eye glasses also took a twist with the addition of eyebrows, which adds irony and satire to the collection, and to be honest they remain a favourite piece of mine from A/W 2010.

Also SHOES! As much as they fit into this cute, housewife grace again (and that's it's not particularly my cup of tea when it comes to shoe tastes) I particularly wouldn't mind owning a pair.

So what else can I say? I did very much like this collection because it brought back a classical set of clothes with tweedy knits and wide skirts and the rest. A commentary on the feminine role in the 50s/60s is apparent (if this is subconscious or conscious I'm not sure, because I haven't read any articles with her yet other then acknowledging she was going back to the stuff she did in the 90s) and brings back to life an era we thought dead, or in coma at least, considering that this stage in feminism seems to be a figment in comparison to what feminists are focusing on in this decade and the one that just came to pass.

Also MILES DAVIS SOUNDTRACK!
At least I think it was a jazz remix of Bitches Brew because the trumpets are the exact same. BB is one of my favourite songs of ever too, so I got extremely happy while watching the livestream :3 I sighed a lot, pretty much, because the clothes were awesome and music was awesome and I was just generally happy. (Also lol at confusing runway, it was literally a maze)

(All photos via style.com)

2010-03-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

So etcetera etcetera I apologize for the absence, but my reading week just passed (which I spent working both a job and on assignments) and the week before that was a bit busy as well. So not only have I been absent from the blog but I've been pretty behind on all of the fashion weeks as a result. When I say behind I mean so far back I've lost the pack (just finished all of NY and about to start London). So tomorrow I'm going to sit in my school's computer lab and catch up because guess what? PARIS IS STARTING TOMORROW SAY WHUUUT. I'm going to do review posts eventually as well (also I couldn't decide which to do so I requested my Tumblr bbs to suggest some - so far we've got Prada, Missoni, D&G and Marc Jacobs) because I need to brush up on my writing skills (even though I have a 1200 word research essay due on Monday which I should be working on instead). Anywho this is what I wore today (the red skirt irritated me on the way to school so I took it off after only a bit of wear, unfortunately. Gotta remember skin on zipper contact isn't comfortable)

Moreover, what possessed me to make this face? I need to plan facial expressions pre-taking pictures of outfits.

I DO WHAT I WANT. No but actually, this expression needs to get off of my face.

Pale beige cardigan on backwards, H&M. Detailed beige tee and red skirt, vintage. Cream skirt, thrifted. Tights from eBay.

Also, remember the book Radical Fashion I was talking about? It's basically a compilation of essays on what the book describes as 'radical' designers, which is a sentiment I share. So far I've only managed to read the first three essays (I believe there are about five or six?) and the research that has been put into them is astounding. Although the two latter essays I read were concerning facts about the past and present of certain designer's work (for example, the second essay was about Jean Paul Gaultier and Azzedine Alaia's work in couture and the third regarded Yohji, Rei, Issey Miyake and to an extent Junya Watanabe, as they brought to Paris a sense of perfection to what the western considered a degradation of beauty; imperfect) which I already was aware of, the first essay didn't concern so much the designer as it did the role that the Futurist movement played for each designer, both consciously or without conscious influence at all.

The essay itself is entitled 'Looking Forward, Historical Futurism' and it's written in an articulate, quite fluent manner by Judith Clark. I'm not going to delve too deep into discussion of the essay itself because it'll basically lead to a summary from me and I'd rather you guys read it yourselves (don't tl;dr this you guys! It's intriguing I swears). Basically the Futurists were turning their back on timeless, elegant, goddess-like clothing that of course was a radical thing to do.

It's online, you can read it here. But I'm going to post some excerpts I found interesting nevertheless.

The tradition of the dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the minds of the living. And, just when they appear to be engaged in the revolutionary transformation of themselves...in the creation of something that does not yet exist, precisely in such epochs of revolutionary crisis they timidly conjure up the spirits of the past to help them; they borrow their names, slogans and costumes so as to stage the new world-historical scene in this venerable disguise and borrowed language... In the same the beginner who has learned a new language always retranslates it into his mother tongue: he can only be said to have appropriated the spirit of the new language and to express himself in it freely when he can manipulate it without reference to the old, and when he forgets his original language while using the new one.

Futurist clothing had to be aggressive and dynamic (through the use of triangles, spirals, cones, that 'inspire love of danger, speed, hatred of peace and immobility'). It has to be asymmetrical as opposed to classically harmonious (he specifies examples—perhaps a jacket with one sleeve longer than the other or one rounded lapel and the other square.) It had to be agile, simple (easy to put on and remove) and hygienic (for war marches). It had to be joyful and hence its colours had to be vivid (here Balla uses the emphasis typical of Futurist manifestos to describe colour 'Reeeeeeeeeeeds, Viiiiooooooleeeets, greeeeeeens') and fluorescent (an early example of its application to textiles used for everyday dress). It had, vitally, to be reactive, achievable, with modificanti (fabric badges), applied to an outfit both to reflect the wearer's mood and to enhance its impact, using 'war-hungry, decisive' adjectives never before applied to dress. Finally, it had to be disposable, not durable, to ensure fast renewal.

(ironically Balla and I seem to have the same method of emphasis ^^)

Futurists enjoying daring, novelty, originality, even absurdity in its own right, highlighting the obviously associated behavioural dimension of dress. For Futurists both wearer and dress were active.

But I think what mainly piqued my interest in Futurism integrated with fashion is how Futurists wanted to translate paintings which completely abstracted the human form into clothing. For an example, take Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending A Staircase No. 2. I'm not talking prints, structure or color palette; I'm talking the complete translation of bodily form and posture. That is definitely what I would call radical.

Finally, there were pictures in the latter of the book of collections, advertisements, exhibitions, artwork, you name it, by the designers. I'll start with Gaultier and Alaia, the first of the two essays with focus on designers, then end it with my favourites; Kawakubo, Miyake, Yamamoto and Watanabe. :3 (I'll post the Margiela/Chalayan/McQueen/Westwood ones when I get to the essays)

Azzedine Alaia:

left: A/W 2000-01 right: A/W 1979

Jean Paul Gaultier:

both from Haute Couture S/S 2000

Comme des Garcons:

Issey Miyake:

A-POC 1999 (from Issey Miyake Making Things, ACE Gallery, New York, Nov 1999) (I would throw fluffy animals from cliffs to go back and see this, ngl)

l: A-POC Knit 2000 r: Jeux de Tissu performance by Yayoi Kusuma on A-POC King and Queen 2000

A-POC 2001

Junya Watanabe:

Yohji Yamamoto:

l: A/W 1986-87 r: A/W 1995-96

l: S/S 1997 r: S/S 1998

l: A/W 1995-96 r: S/S 1999

2010-02-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

Also, slightly unimportant since the previous post is obviously taking over everything, but this is what I wore today.

(lol not showing my eyes: see last post)

Faux fur hat, beige lace dress, purple floral tights, grey knee highs all from H&M. Floral jumpsuit, Topshop. Floral cardigan, forest green skirt are vintage. White lace shirt, Urban Outfitters sale rack I think? Or maybe it's vintage. I forget.

Lee Alexander McQueen.

2010-02-11T17:35:00.001-08:00

My head and heart and body hurts so much right now.

A man who’s work has had such a profound effect on me is just gone? I still can’t come to terms with this.

To apply the term "exceptional" to his work is demeaning and arbitrary. His work surpassed the exceptional, went beyond the contemporary vision. He formulated bodies of work (through his multiple collections) pieces that were heard of not only tangibly but conceptually. Of course an idea is one thing, but to execute it in an objective space and then excel above the concept is a rarity in the societal era of the tedious and indolent. His execution, his designs, his artistic demeanor, his heart and soul were the epitome of brilliance, not only within fashion but within modern art. He was fearless. He challenged himself each season and when doubts as if he could surpass his previous collection(s) were raised by viewers and critics alike he shot those uncertainties in the face with a sawed off shot gun. There was no climax of McQueen's career for each new collection was it's own climax. He was this climatic entity that never ceased to amaze.

His work was one of the reasons I'm this passionate about clothes today. I feel like I lost a teacher, a friend who I could rely on to keep me inspired with every collection, and I would still maintain this inspiration for months and months until he released his next brilliant collection of clothing. The fact that I no longer have this is like someone ripped a piece from this passion and fed it to dogs.

I'm not reading this back because I'm incapable at the moment.

I'm just going to return to going through his archives and crying until my eyes are dry.

2010-02-09T20:17:00.002-08:00

*This post has no relevant point or thesis to it. It's just a bunch of random closely related shit placed together.

So firstly let me acknowledge what I wore today. I left my camera back where I originally live and so I'm just resorting to Photobooth. I had a very limited choice of what to wear since all of my stuff was here, where I am now, but yeah, TEXTURES. Mad props to you.

Everything is vintage except for the striped skirt which is from H&M.

I got my nails manicured for the first time in ever at my mom's friend's nail salon and she was a bit thrown off when I asked her to omit two of them from being painted blue and to be done in white instead. I don't know why I have a sly grin on my face in the picture though, especially when all the notes in sharpie pen on my left hand are a series of errands I have to run. That involve spending money. AKA I should look genuinely upset in this picture.

This is a jacket I bought a couple of weeks ago from the Goodwill, when I saw it I immediately ran to a mirror and put it on my back and did the Blue Steel look which seemed to be an unconscious reaction. I suppose when you put on an article of clothing covered with MULTIPLE PICASSO PAINTINGS one inevitably tends to do this. In short it's a bad ass jacket and it's the best 5 bucks I've spent in a while.

This is from that book 'Radical Fashion' I was talking about previously (which I still have to finish, I just read three other books though so I'm leaving this one for the very end). It's only one of my favourite collections of EVER - Hussein Chalayan's "After Words" collection from the Autumn/Winter 2000 season. It's amazing in so so so many ways. I always admired Rei for her association with the design aspect of Comme des Garcons and how she perpetually played an integral role in coming up with the concept and execution of the architectural part of the house (i.e shop interiors, furniture, etc.) So when I first saw this collection and saw how Hussein literally integrated the two, essentially making the design his collection and his collection the design, I couldn't help but obsess over it. It also plays out like an installation (nearly all of his collections do), evoking a conceptual artistry as much as it does a series of clothing.

Here is the video also, which I do recommend. It was definitely intended to be viewed in motion rather than in stills, and it leaves much more of an impact than the images do.

I'll end this post with an excerpt of something I wrote for a creative response assignment for my literary studies class. It has to do with Baudelaire's flaneur - basically someone with a child-like demeanor and sense of astonishment as they walk through a social place buzzing with life. In this paragraph this flaneur is watching individuals, couples, groups, deep in conversation and laughter as he walks by windows during a stroll through city streets.

Continuously in the bins they go, in between blood clots and stolen names, and I forget of this ridden debate as I glare through the shimmer of invisibility at spoken words my eyes don’t hear. But how glorious these conversations seem! A gap between each seat and life is translated through a different set of lens, and yet they all find joy in conjunctions tied together through seams. Different eateries I make my way past, with the silver of each spoon more dull than another, a chair less comforting than the next. But heads still bob back with gaping mouths escaping the echoes of satire still fresh on their breaths. I feel as though I can touch their hearts as they rise and pace, and the simultaneous lives shared through laughter makes my chest peak and suddenly I am unleashing waves in giggles to nothing, in particular, in the grey of the streets.

2010-01-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

JUST A QUICK OUTFIT POST. Can't talk anymore. Refuse to. Must stop. (I was missing autumn today).

ALSO: I rented this book (among others) from my school's library and after reading the foreword and skimming through pictures I will definitely be talking about it to a further extent in the mere future. Maybe even tonight.

Beige winter jacket, H&M. Grey over-sized cardigan and forest green skirt, vintage. Underneath brown cardigan and grey zipper skirt, H&M. Shoes, vintage.

2010-01-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

I wore this on Thursday for a karaoke outing where hecklers screamed 'eat something!' because of my bones (drunk people are so witty) and the karaoke DJ referred to me as Skulls all night. Also, these pants are from the H&M sale bin, which contained surprisingly stunning pieces. For example, there were high waisted teal blue cotton trousers; if they had my size I would have been all up on that like cheese on rice. They also had expensive black sequin harem pants which I couldn't afford. I guess I should have taken a better picture of these black pants since they sort of swim with your legs due to the light weight of the fabric. I was cold since it was so low under zero degrees celsius but hey, suffering for fashion is like burning your tongue a little whilst drinking hot chocolate. It's the chocolate-y burn that matters (potential that's what she said?). Also, a close-up of my make-up since there is rarely any colour on my face ever.

This is from Friday night when I tried doing a tame version of Luella's Spring 2010 make-up. I did this with the same lipstick I used in the previous photographs. I don't know if it's lipstick in general or just the brand I was using but it ended up melting a bit and hence fading and at one point ended up all over my fingers. I'll be doing it again though nonetheless.

I've been away for so long because I've been busy with school and with this blog I always feel like I need to write long posts like a journal article or something. With assignments piling up as the semester progresses, I find that I have little to no time or head space for anything legitimate or extensive. Hence Tumblr (I actually mention it in every blog post I'M SORRY). But here are some quick dash notes about stuff. I have to wake up in five hours for a lecture so I'll be quick.

- Pre-fall report: PROENZA SCHOULER OMG UNF. Lanvin was also great, both aesthetically and the mode of presenting the clothes, it was sort of like an exhibition. I have to also mention Thakoon scarf-like skirts, I have a soft spot for them. And the latter of the Chanel pre-fall collection. And more I can't think of right now. I also need to get caught up on the men's collections. Falling behind here...
- Radiohead for Haiti benefit concert tonight, if you went and are reading this right now, KILL YOURSELF. Then come back to life so I can murder you out of spite and envy. Whatever, I'm still $450 richer UNLIKE MOST OF YOU WEST COAST BITCHES.
- JH Engstrom may be one of my new photographers, google his book Haunts. Eerie stuff with gorgeous use of lighting.
- I'm going to see MF DOOM and Mos Def in a few days with a friend. Will I be the only tiny white girl there? Most likely. Check back to see if I come out alive. Or if I've been involved in a shoot out.
- The FRUiTS magazine exhibition wasn't really an exhibition rather than a restaurant with enlarged street style photos from the mag put up above each table. Although I did get to see them, I was a bit upset I couldn't take pictures without being glanced at by the hawks that took form as waitresses ("take a seat wherever you like" x12). I was planning to post them here. Bummer.
- I saw Youth in Revolt and Precious yesterday and both were amazing but for independent respective reasons. Also Mo'Nique's acting is ace in the latter. Michael Cera making overtly sexual comments and wearing tight white trousers is also ace.

That's all for now, I need to sleep, goodnight goodnight goodnight.

Skull bodysuit originally a 4 year old's halloween costume. Light black pants, H&M.

2010-01-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

I never know how to begin with these things linguistically, which comes as quite of a surprise seeing as I ramble consistently, but yet when I write (or type for that matter) I always end up with this abstract incoherency that is totally irrelevant to said topic. I guess I could start by acknowledging that I started school again this Monday. I'm done every week as of 1130am on Thursday (thasrightnuccas) and I have it, I wouldn't say easy, but definitely much more enjoyable than last semester. I just love that I get to read books and essays of authors that not only can I tolerate but am fond of as well. For example, I just finished a book by Anne Carson entitled The Autobiography of Red and am starting on a short story by Juni'chiro Tanizaki about beauty and aesthetics in Japanese culture (a culture that evokes in my opinion an epitomized sense of allure and perfection). Aside from this, my studio classes include realizing colour through paint and sculpture, an introduction to experimental printmaking, and exploring narrative and sequence through photography.

So there is no doubt that consuming such a wide variety of art and literature has influenced my "style" in a certain way. I use these scare quotes because I don't think I have determined my literal style yet, and thus I don't believe label my own just yet. All I can say is that the monochromatic prevalence (and I mean prevalence) in my daily wear has reduced substantially. Not to say I've lost all appreciation for it, but as I kept being fed all of these things, it sort of shone a light on this limited notion I had of what fashion is. I realized that black and white clothing can only do so much. It's like if Picasso's Blue period expanded throughout his entire life; of course the works would still be brilliant, but he realized that art is this entire spectrum that needs to be discovered. Picasso constantly translated himself. In terms of fashion, his artistic periods could be depicted as styles or eras, as dissimilar as they may be from one another. They are little pieces that form this finished puzzle that we know generally as fashion today. Some people will be more fond of say the monochromatic combinations of Rick Owens' work, other of the elitist royalty that Valentino gowns exude, some (myself included) of the clothing of Rei Kawakubo which typically are deconstructed and placed back together to create breathtaking compositions, others of the androgynous appeal of Ann Demeulemeester's collections, etc - and that's okay. It's just making it past a self-inflicted limitation in succession is all. Once you come to realize the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, then this naiveté is diminished and you tend to see the bigger picture.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that when I didn't acknowledge variety I was stuck in this little bubble of repetition - wearing the same colour schemes, watching similar films, reading the same types of books, etc. I don't know if it was art school that opened my eyes exactly, but straying away from routine took an extremely positive toll. Although I can safely say Japanese fashion is my favourite out of everything else, I'm afraid that if it wasn't for realizing how multifarious not only fashion really is, but art and literature also, I would still be in my monochromatic bubble on this day.

Don't ostracize me if none of that translated very well - I didn't really write it with an envisioned central point or thesis. Just something I've been thinking about in an abstract set of thoughts that I needed to write down somewhere.

I'm not going to go into details about anything else any further, just that I wore this outfit yesterday with a fur coat on top and that these below are some of my favourite photos from editorials, and that clicking on the photos will send you to my Tumblr from whence they came. By the way I'm addicted to that site and you can blame it for my absence here like I've stated before.

PS. I don't like buttoning blouses unless they're in the wrong button holes. Asymmetry is my new best friend.

Everything I have on is vintage except for the tights which are white translucent ones over top of thick black ones.

2009-12-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted in so long, its probably because I live on Tumblr. Basically the past few weeks have been spent working working working, spending a weekend in New York City (my first time and my heart aches whenever I recall the view driving out, I miss it so so much), buying a Picasso painting printed blazer which I have yet to wear even though its so unbelievably amazing, going into Topshop for the first time (I hyperventilated walking in, how so epic), going on thrifting binges, eating my weight in carbohydrates on Christmas eve and day (boxing day too but whos counting), finishing the novel Memoirs of a Geisha (conclusion: I'm buying a kimono painting my face white and moving to Gion), slept, ate, drank. The usual stuff.

This outfit is a toned down version of what I wore on Christmas eve (a date where my camera had no batteries, unfortunately). Lately all I've been doing is mixing prints and colours, throwing on layers of clothing even if it doesn't really work, playing around with my resources (i.e. the black skirt - I turned it inside out to give it a bunched up effect). I'm so unbelievably excited to go to this exhibition, I am literally going to weep. Not to mention its 10 minutes from my Toronto apartment? It is fate, brothers and sisters, there is no other explanation. I ended up wearing this out to a club, where I typically tone down my wardrobe because of horrible prior experiences with nice clothes and alcohol in a simultaneous situation. I'll try and keep you guys updated more often until I go to Mexico on the 2nd, so keep a look out kiddies.

Blazer, thrifted. Floral jumpsuit, Topshop. Both skirts, H&M.

2009-12-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Out on friday, some nice man stopped me and asked to take a picture of what I was wearing. Not much else to say, really. Sorry I haven't updated in a while - just been focusing on finals. (More pictures here)

Cardigan is thrifted. Sequin dress via H&M. Skirt is thrifted. Batman mask and tights are from Malabar costume shop. Shoes from Courage My Love in Kensington Market. Bag from Black Market on Queen St.

2009-11-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

Still no talk unfortunately (actually it's kind of fortunate for you), my weekend involves lots of coffee and graphite pencils.

Although I can say with a certain assurance that this is one of my favourite outfits I've worn in a while. Added a blue cardigan and my winter coat over top with my fur hat on my head for outdoors. Should've captured that too, but anywho. Tip tip cheerio, have a fabulous weekend.

Ocean print dress via H&M. Lace white shirt via Urban Outfitters. Black lace skirt via Forever 21. Bow via random fabric from dress.

2009-11-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

ANOTHER OUTFIT POST I CAN'T SPEAK NOW BECAUSE OF ASSIGNMENTS

BYE

(I have to say this though - IMPOPPINGMYNEWYORKCHERRYINTHREEWEEKSOMG)

Caps were extremely necessary.

Also, can you tell I've all been doing lately is layer?

That is all.

Also ignore morning face. It was ~~2pm~~ early after all k?

Skull sweater via shopwithasianstereotypes, white undershirt via WASTE, pink layer dress and black bottom layer skirt via H&M, two toned tights via a random eBay store (search is your friend).

2009-11-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

Head to toe bodyshots of today's outfit, is this when I stop procrastinating and start finishing my drawing assignments and sculpting assignments before I have a mental breakdown for having nothing done?

Hat, H&M. Blue coat, vintage. Blue button jacket, Forever 21. Mens black dress pants, vintage. Shoes, vintage.

2009-11-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'm terrified of death. I don't mean my own personal demise. It is losing someone I love, know, respect or cherish that I fear most. Daul Kim was a person who evoked so much femininity and grace and demure that it's downright impossible not to cherish her and the mark she made on the fashion and modeling world. I can't really emote properly to begin with, and when death is mentioned, particularly with inner conflict as a catalyst, it is downright impossible. But I felt I had to pay tribute to her regardless, even if it is extremely delayed. These videos speak for themselves; seconds of her presence and you can feel her impact. The first she flirts with the camera, blinding us with the reflection of light. In the second she is departing to a location heedless to the viewer. I can't help but imagine that cab is destined for the afterlife, and that she didn't really "die" at all. She's still sitting in that backseat, luggage and all, driving through a canvas of her past until she has finally reached blissful oblivion she so dearly seemed to strive for.

.

2009-11-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

I present to you a Twisted Version of an Old Wedding Custom.

1) Something old. I remember buying this fringe dress and almost seizing when I saw it on the hanger. This marks a revival of my past obsession with the 1920s.

2) Something new. A tattoo of Radiohead's modified Kid A bear on my right foot. Kind of a spontaneous choice to be quite frank, though it kind of makes sense personally.

3) Something borrowed. Not the cardigan, but the idea. Deconstructing clothes from Kawakubo. When I cut the fresh button holes all over the place I had the Comme Black and Rei for H&M collections in mind. Here I only put one button in an idiosyncratic position but trust me, there are more holes. (if you're thinking what I'm thinking, we both watch The Office way too often)

4) Something blue. Don't I look so ~contemplative and ~soppy? I think I'm just unhappy because I'm staring at my closet and I'm reminding myself how little space I have and/or how much more shit I need to buy. If you don't think small closets are figuratively blue, you are seriously disturbed.

Ohai, looks like Nana aka G-money approves my use of wedding custom. Bitch says that ol' rhyme is from her day, when cash didn't rule everything around her. Something about cream getting the money? And her dollar dollar bills y'all. Who knows what old people ramble on about these days though, amirite?

2009-11-23T21:54:00.000-08:00

Earlier today I was going through halloween pictures from last month where I was a Russian. How was I a Russian do you ask? I think this calls for a FASHEMATICS MOMENT: fur hat + wine red lipstick + vintage white button up blouse with epic gold shouldered sequins. Only one person knew what I was, it was borderline depressing. But nevertheless, I'm not here to talk about unprepared halloween costumes, I'm here about Vogue Russia, Ranya Mordanova, Tom Munro, and delectable couture.

Fashion Gone Rogue sums it by stating that "under the eye of fashion director Simon Robins, Russian Vogue showcases some of the best couture pieces in their November issue. Photographed by Tom Munro, Ranya Mordanova wears looks by Givenchy, Chanel and Versace in one lush spread."

To be honest the Russian outfit was intentional, minimal, and totally prepared... I just wanted to be someone who can do no wrong for halloween.

(via fashiongonerogue)

Hanna Hedman or the Jewelry God

2009-11-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

I'm going to make this a quick post because I'm so tired and rambling won't help, but I felt the urge to post about Hanna Hedman's work. I was (and still am to be frankly honest) this heap of naivete when it comes to jewelry since I barely own any pieces and when I do I somehow get around to losing them. Thus I gave up. Ever since I heard about the jewelry crafting course my school is offering however I've grown more intrigued, but from seeing it more as an art. For example, there is a student work of a sculpted human thumb on the end of a necklace that I read about recently. It's concept is linked back to childish attachment, and as a fan of conceptual art I was so totally for this piece of jewelry. The only thing was that it was not aesthetically appealing. When linking it to fashion, aesthetics is a necessity, otherwise the contrast is inexistent. This is where Hanna's work comes in; she seems to have encountered, in obvious succession, that bridge between both the fashion and the art world when it comes to jewelry.

Born in Stockholm (those Swedes man, I'm telling yah), Hanna Hedman creates these beyond massive pieces that hang heavily around the model's neck. Although these individuals may appear to seem at ease, the chains are made of basic metallic compounds, such as silver, bronze, and copper; compounds that are known to carry with them a sturdy amount of weight, especially when added together. However, the models relaxed stances coincide with the beauty of the formal elements; intricate designs evoking ethereal impressions.

Hedman apparently cites "human weakness and underlying defense mechanisms" as an inspiration, and the subjective matter also coincides with what we see - this big "shu-shunk" collection of jewelry, made of what typically sculptures or other technological artworks are made of. Here, she brings together fashion and art by bringing aesthetic appeal in what we consider a mechanical piece that is often shunned any beholder's eye. I mean, who thinks a big metal slab of copper is gorgeous? Not a lot of people. Yet her jewelry makes us think differently. It is the shape and form of what she has created that makes us contradict the conventions of beauty. She's actually one of the main reasons I want to go and drown myself in a tub full of jewelry and jewelry only.

This website is amazing if you want to view her work almost entirely, though I'd suggest googling some of her work - there are some obscenely large photos of her works where you can see the intricacies extremely well. And look! Even birdnest Gaga applauds this bitch. Now you know she's legit.

...and there goes my promise for a quick post.

(Hedman model photo via laufstag)

2009-11-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Yay for the colour red and paper clips! I only had one so could only do that subtle intricacy to my skirt. I also love how I've been so so so into colour and nebulas and these crazy colourgasmic paintings lately and yet have only managed to add the colour red to my wardrobe. Maybe I'm subconsciously excited for Christmas? No, that shit is so objective, I'm legitimately one mind twitch away from screaming THREE MOTHER FUCKING WEEKS THAS RIGHT in the middle of Dundas Square (Toronto geographics, get with it). But yuh, at least I'm making the transition from neutrals! I needed to get that show on the road a long time ago.

Also can you tell I'm really into layers lately? Just recently I layered three different skirts over a dress and added a shirt on top and a blazer for warmth, couldn't breathe. I looked like someone from the Tokyo section of Streetpepper tbh. Not as epic as FRUiTs though. Nowhere near.

But I should go finish my drawing assignment. Just three more weeks, then winter break, then the greatest semester ever ensues (colour theory, printmaking, photography, and a shitload of english <33333)

PS. Spotify may or may not be the greatest thing ever created. Currently listening to Mr Oizo's entire discography aka feeding my electronic music craving. PEACE (Click here and imagine me dancing instead of doing my assignment because that's probably what is occurring at this very moment)

T-shirt dress as bottom layer, H&M. Strapless black dress, vintage. Red skirt, vintage. Tights and fur hat, H&M. Shoes, vintage. Glasses, rims removed plastic wayfarers.

2009-11-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

You're probably wondering why I haven't posted any outfit posts yet, as promised. I left my camera back in my hometown when I went to visit several weeks prior (excuses excuses!) but I'm excited to start documenting outfit posts on the reg because I'm so ~inspired. Just wish I had money. Or those black biker Jimmy Choo for H&M's I so desperately desire. Or just about every jizztastic article of clothing I have tried on and not been able to buy due to being a silly broke ass university student. Things will change come christmas break though, I can sense a vintage binge coming on. Speaking of christmas break, three and half weeks, bitches. Then finally I will be done with this semester. Or in the english language, hell. But now I'll abruptly stop writing and introduce another inspiration post extravaganza. With explanations (you actually thought I was going to stop talking? bitch plz)

The first two pictures smell like what epic would if there was a scent for it. First we have Ann Demeulemeester on June 21st, 1998. Second, a Lina Scheynius photo of Vivienne Westwood. The bright orange hair and the forest green sweater complement each other so well. Makes me want to dye my hair a colour that will blind people. Don't think I'd be able to pull it off as well as her though.

Jak and Jill photos of Chloe and Ann Demeulemeester shoes, respectively.

The following two I found in the abyss of my harddrive, too essential not to post. I need both of these in my interior living life immediately.

A Matheus Chiaratti photo. Love the colour contrast and perfect angle.

PJ Harvey during her recent White Chalk days. I've been watching this video on daily basis for weeks though. Gotta love her during Rid of Me.

Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes in Fader Magazine earlier this year. She's inspired me in more ways than one. Not to mention she pulls off those eccentric, gorgeous headdresses as if they were ballcaps.

Man oh man oh man. Björk during the Volta tour. I can not even begin to describe how much solace I've derived from her music. Her performances are on a whole other level completely; she reminds us common folks what it feels like to be inferior. In this photo, she was in midst of completing 18 month world-wide tour for her most recent album some time in 2007. I really suggest going out and getting the Volta Live in Paris DVD, but if you suck you can watch it on Youtube (first song from disc). She is beyond words and has been my ultimate inspiration for as long as I can remember. Even just googling this bitch under the Images tab will make you weep.

This is a photo by renowned photographer Phillipe Halsman from In Voluptas Mors, a collaboration with the surreal artist Salvador Dali. It is a series of multiple human bodies taking the form of a skull. I love both Dali and skulls, not to mention Halsman's portraits of iconic celebrities, so I'm inevitably fascinated by this piece. Oh, and a pop culture tidbit for yah: it was also on the Silence of the Lambs movie poster. The one where Anthony Hopkins is a cannibal and says Clarice like a pedophile and Jodie Foster acts badly in. Horribly. Don't care how great you thought Panic Room was, if there was dislike button to her acting career I would click it so hard.

Mia Wallace. Uma Thurman. Quentin Tarantino. Pulp Fiction. Iconic two word phrases that are recognized almost instantly and for a good reason. I think I've broken my tape of this movie from rewinding and playing it so often like I used to do with Disney classics (aka The Jungle Book and Dumbo) thirteen years ago. It's like cocaine in VHS form. PS. Take Mia's advice and stop being such a square.

I've had this on my computer since my junior year fashion class where I had to do a presentation on fashion in the 1950s (yes, that was as intricate as the topics ever got) and found this on Wikipedia or something just as basic. Needless to say I've been obsessed with finding a similar skirt ever since. Pretty sure I've already posted this on the blog before, too. Whatever dude, repost was essential. Who can say no to something that looks like that?

A Colin Dodgson photo from his Just Because It's In Your Head Doesn't Mean It's Not Real collection. Love the parallel of her face paint to her pants. Want patchwork pants please. Does anyone know Gloria Vanderbilt's number?

This is Stella McCartney, right? Correct me if I'm wrong. Also, is it odd if I noticed Anna Wintour in the audience before I noticed Sasha working it on the catwalk in that bitchin' dress? Kind of creepy, tbh. Her bob and sunnies are fucking everywhere.

Rodarte Spring 2009 RTW! One of my favourite collections ever from one of my favourite pair of designers ever. Kate and Laura Mulleavy, if you ever stop doing what you're doing my reaction will almost certainly be something like this.

The next doesn't even need an introduction. Words do not justify. Click here if you still don't know what it is. Mr T concurs when I say "I pity da foo' who don' know masta' Rei"

I have no idea where the following two come from for again they were unlabeled in my harddrive but oh hot damn. This just reminds me that I need more jewelry on the pronto. Note to self: father's old watches can be recycled.

This picture is so UNF right now. Sequins in any colour make me weep almost immediately but a sequin sweater with a different colour for each sleeve, the back and the hood? So so so so so UNF. I don't care what anyone says. (for the street vernacular challenged UNF is a very good thing)

And finally, my current pivotal inspiration, the top of the pyramid, the cream of the crop, the apple to my inspirational craving eye. SPACE. Although it is primarily nebulas nebulas nebulas, I make exceptions for crazy cool space-inspired art prints such as the dress two pictures below. But those pants though. Those pants. They need to be on my legs. Must find similar pair. It is an emergency. But no, go to FuckyeahtheUniverse, one of my favourite tumblrs, and you'll see exactly where I'm coming from.

This dress is from the WKND spring and summer 2009 collection by Karl Grandin. They have tights too! Would it be too much if I wore both at the same time? No? Good. (Thanks Style Child!)

If you wish to help me out with any of the credit, please don't hesitate to leave a comment!

2009-11-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

This probably won't make sense because it's 1:30am but here goes - lately I've been into colours, but there's a bit of a problem. Since I am a bit naive when it comes to styling it together (so used to neutrals being pivotal) I've just been throwing patterns and tones and shades together. I'll begin documenting my progress this week, because I have a feeling neutrals won't be so pivotal anymore. By the by, isn't it ironic that as the sombre season of winter approaches, which is typically linked to outfits that are monochromatic or almost completly lacking any vibrant colour at all, I am growing more fond of bright and jovial articles of clothing? Maybe it's the shift in scenery or new school or swine flu or something.

Inspiring pictures. Most of these are from the abyss of my hard drive, if you know a source please let me know.

Muse #14 Elsa Sylvan by Horst Diekgerdes via TFS, same as previous, unknown x2, Katharina Trudzinski, In Rainbows album artwork by Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke

2009-10-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

Packing for Ottawa now, spending the weekend of Halloween there. I also have lots of projects to do, so I can't write here much. All I can say is that this hat has been living on my head for the past week. Moreover, this is the most simplistic outfit I've worn all week. The jeans are also a bit unflattering and make me look like I put on twenty pounds so I wore a coat over it when I had the chance. Oh, and I got tights with bones on them (!!!) which I have a feeling will also make way onto my legs and not remove themselves for a long period of time.

Shirt, H&M. Jean shorts, thrifted. Tights, random outlet. Shoes, thrifted. Sunglasses, Kensington market. Hat, H&M.

2009-10-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I wore this today to shop and go to my Times Based Media class, which focuses on artworks in relation to time - basically video art, installations, internet art, etc. I had to present this in class today for a critique. You can interpret it yourself.

Also, we watched Stan Brakhage videos several weeks prior which led me to a collection of his stuff. He's definitely a new favourite. This is his film Rage Net, which was the video of the bunch that we viewed that left the biggest impression on me. Basically the colours come from filling in scratched emulsion of the film. (The quality of this film is SHIT by the way. Go rent the Criterion Collection DVD with most of his pivotal works on it if you want to see it much clearer)

Off to eat cake and watch Dazed and Confused now. Bye!

Leather jacket, Forever 21. Shirt, H&M. Sequin dress as a skirt, H&M. Floral tights, H&M.

2009-10-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

These shoes! I've admired the YSL Spring 09 cage boots ever since they hit the runway, and when I saw these subtle border-line replication I almost bought them without trying them on. They're oddly comfortable too for being in the 20 dollar price range, too. Proud with my purchase.

Ever since I subscribed to The Sartorialist's blog, I've felt very simplistic, which completely contrasts what my mind is usually aesthetically focused upon. Any way I caught up on some of the runway shows last night after a day of classes and I have a feeling near future outfits will not be simple. At all. I think Viktor and Rolf, CdG, and of course Mr. McQueen (God's maiden name) contributed to this largely. Here's a video I found on Vimeo of the show. Some would say crappy quality, but personally I find audience member perspectives via video to be just as great as the professional eight-point-of-view videos. Makes you feel like you're witnessing it in the flesh.

I love that the title had reference to Plato's account of Atlantis; it just proves to show that the inspiration of collections can inevitably link back to aspects of conceptual art. The opening sequence made it feel more like an installation in an art gallery than the beginning of a fashion show. It foreshadowed the entire collection, which, in a personal interpretation, is seen as a delusional futuristic account of the mystery and consistent denouncement of the existence of Atlantis. The woman slowly morphing into a disturbing tentacled sea creature implied a semi-eccentric sexual violence was to be integrated into the clothes as well, which can not be denied once the models begin slowly trotting and we get a full view of the clothes. Yes, I said slowly trot. I think everyone who has seen the collection here knows why I'm referring to it as that as opposed to walking. Not only because the shoes were huge and armadillo-like and probably impossible to walk in, but because they were BEYOND EPIC. Srsly, the next time I wear shoes as epic as the ones in this show I'm going to slowly trot just because I'd believe it's the only way to walk in them. Beyond amazing I tell you. Overall, the show was disturbing yet endearing. Honestly, I feel like I'm not doing this show any justice with my praise, because it deserves so much more than that. You just have to see the video and pictures for yourself and try to comprehend the brilliance of all that is McQueen.

Blouse, American Eagle. Men dress pants, thrifted. Shoes, Forever 21. Headband, random fabric.

2009-10-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to put up the picture of the inside of the outfit as a whole, don't ask me why. There's no mystery behind it to be honest, I just disliked the picture and what it depicted. Or something. Either way I didn't even unzip my jacket so you're seeing the version everyone else saw too. I'm just putting up the picture of the Radiohead shirt because I love it too much not to post it.

I'm going to make the rest of this post in bullet form since I like to be lazy and organized.

- I was reading the recent issue of Dansk Magazine the other day and one of the pages was dedicated to the term 'bahnhof chic'. The description was spot on of what I aspired to dress like just a while ago and semi-currently (I can see tinges of it in this outfit actually), and I'm not even going to try and recite it because I will butcher it entirely. If someone could help me out I'd love them forever. If not I'll probably edit this later as soon as I find out.

- In the same magazine the editor was complaining about the "awful techno beats" at the last Rag & Bone show, which made me laugh; Thom Yorke curated the playlist.

- Holt Renfrew is down the street from where I live and I walked into it several weeks ago (see: Yohji Yamamoto rage toon) but didn't spend much time in it. Recently I decided to go again and investiage further and oh sweet mother of god. I sat and pet Issey Miyake pleats for a good twenty minutes I assure you. And don't even say Balenciaga and Holt Renfrew in the same sentence or I'll probably cry. No wait, currently weeping, make that a definitely.

- I'm extremely jealous of Mary Baskett and her collection of clothing that mainly consists of Yohji, Issey and Rei's wearable art. There's a good interview with her here if you wanna watch.

Off to do some work now. And by work I mean watch Freaks and Geeks.

Leather jacket, Forever 21. Radiohead shirt, W.A.S.T.E. store. Skirt, vintage. Belt, vintage. Scarf, H&M. Tote, local underground vintage store.

2009-09-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

I hope this post doesn't sound too pretentious, but here goes. Last night as I lay in my bed, an insomniac succumbing to sleep by force, I realized in full what I eventually want to become in life.

A civil rights environmentalist who documents everything by photo. That's how I'll get by - taking photos of everything. Eventually I'll begin to see the other side of journalism by writing, but only until I come to grow somewhat content with my photography. My literary journalism is flexible - it can range from politics to fashion, as I have interest in both. But I'll only begin literary journalism with one condition; my language is the polar opposite of conventional journalistic diction. I'd rather write with descriptive poetic language. Well, not entirely poetic but more so than generic journalism nowadays. This would obviously take some sort of credentials in the journalism world since it would be the first of it's kind for some time now. If all that ends up being successful, I'd eventually switch from being a full time photojournalist to juggling both simultaneously, while still playing a part in civil rights. After a while I would slowly distance myself from all three as I adopted or had a child with someone I loved. Or something. I would take care of this child and when I found the time span that has passed suitable enough I would begin to write my first and only novel. When (and if) that gets published, I would have a second child. Possibly a third. At this time I would devote myself entirely to my children, but still somewhat manage to do some journalism (both photo and literary) on the side.

Note #1: My hobbies throughout my life would include painting, sketching, and collecting mass amounts of vinyl.

Note #2: Even though it hasn't been mentioned, fashion would fit in somewhere and have a major influence on it all, like grains of salt and pepper, the condiments to my life.

To be honest, this is one of many, many lives I wish to live out. Basically for the past several weeks I've felt like Esther Greenwood (essentially Sylvia Plath if you really think about it) trying to pick all of the figs from the tree but due to hesitation and selfishness they all fall sheepishly to the ground.

This is an excerpt from a poem entitled Let it be.

Don't let the light fall on the ever sheer life of war;

weep and you will have wept,

see and you will have seen,

be and you will remain to be

however long your days will last.

Dress, H&M. Tights, homemade.

SO MUCH HOMEWORK OH MAH GAHD

2009-09-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

Ahh I have to make this uber uber brief but here goes.

So guys, I found this awesome site via Jujiin (an incredibly awesome blog by the way) and it is called Looklet. Here you can create realistic looks featuring pieces from high end designers to retail fashion shops to even vintage. This is the first look I made and it will be the last for the next few days seeing as I'm literally SWIMMING in assignments right now. But yeah, check it out, it's like crack for the fashion addict. Not to mention the immediate source of inspiration this website can give. This look definitely caught my eye at first, and there are so many others that have that I can't even pin-point another. Ouu, another one of my favourites is this one. K oh my god GET ME OFF OF HERE I HAVE HOMEWORK TO DO. Srsly I will not shut the fuck up if I stay here any longer.

PS. I've been putting off Fashion Week reviews but I will do it soon, okay? (This promise is more for myself than for anyone else)

2009-09-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, is it just me or am I getting remotely persistent in my posting? Not like they're that interesting any way. Or anyones reading them. But whatevs.

I wore this sometime last week which I haven't put up yet seeing as they've been taken with my BlackBerry. Pretty clear for a phone's camera though, huh? They were just a bitch to upload seeing as my phone is hormonal and thus twice as likely to intentionally delay things. Technological PMS.

Speaking of hormones, by style has been acting up lately as well. This is what happens nearly every time I get dressed in the morning, for about the past few weeks.
i) Decide to pair something together, put them on, too conventional.
ii) Add something on to the set, still too generic for my taste.
iii) Add a third piece to the ensemble, begin questioning outfit.
iv) Realize this would work better if I changed my bottoms, so I proceed to do so.
v) The top now looks too weird with the bottoms, proceed to change top.
vi) Proceed to change top a second time.
vii) Proceed to change bottoms for the second time.
viii) Add a belt and then remove it. Add a second belt and then remove it again.
ix) Change the entire outfit to one I wore last week.

Ugh literally every single day. The numbers will shift places but typically it all ends in the same manner. Or I'll just wear jeans and a sweatshirt, which I truly despise to no end. The odd thing though is that this indecision hasn't happened since my interest in fashion first began back in the day. Even since then if this has happened I will regardlessly end up with something I thoroughly condone by the end, no matter how long it takes. It gets to such a point of frustration that I just give up, and I hate myself for giving up. I don't know if my style is just entering transition mode? If I'm in limbo with how to aesthetically express myself through articles of clothing? My only concern is that this will work itself out in one way or another. I'm getting frustrated of being frustrated.

Moreover, my only means of procrastination nowadays takes form in the BBC TV show Skins. Before I begin ranting about my obsession with it, I'll leave you with one of my favourite Cassie outfits. Mmmm, black.

PS. Her Skins profile creeps me out; her favourite television show and her favourite film are my absolute favourites too. Not to mention our reciprocated love for Bowie? I know she's fictional and all but what the fuck.

Shirt, mother. Skirt, H&M. Bow, random black fabric. Sunglasses, H&M.

2009-09-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

You guys know what Ragetoons are? Well I made my own depicting exactly what happened today when I encountered a vintage Yohji Yamamoto tuxedo cape in my size at the local Holt Renfrew. The ragetoon explains it all.

2009-09-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Quick post: I hate when you discover designers most recent collections only to find out it will be their last. Take, for example, Michel Berandi.

if you take a walk, i'll tax your feet

2009-09-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

I hate photobooth. I need my camera back, but you know how odd that shit would take photos in my six inch bedroom apartment? It would be like trying to fit a large jungle animal into a baby carriage. Maybe I'll get a photographer when I start photography classes? Before that? Never? Always? Hm.

Anyways, in the past week I've moved here I've become vegan, spent too much money on vintage clothing than needed, started reading four books all at once, frolicked around downtown barefoot, met some exponentially awesome people, watched Edward Scissorhands for the first time, etc etc. To be honest I'm positive I'm not having the same experience as people in actual residences of universities and with actual frosh weeks (come to the conclusion our orientation week coordinators think that us art school freaks are incapable of socializing, and can only paint) but I've managed to sneak some nights in of university hopping and whatnot.

So, this is what I wore today, gave off somewhat of a mother-baking-with-a-floral-apron-on sort of vibe. Then I threw on the Doc Martens and negated that vibe. Or maybe now I just looked like a mother who would kick your ass with her big black boots if you interrupted her as she mixed her cookie batter? Played guitar instead of folding laundry to relieve stress? Will iron her son's grungy clothes as opposed to his school uniform? (am I being a little too obvious as to what I wish to look forward to when becoming a mother?)

By the way, I don't know if you've noticed but I've sort of become fond of taking black things and turning them into bows. Today was a pair of black leggings. You can make anything into a bow if you improvise, really.

Oh and look at what the fuck I found the other day.

That's right. A Revolver lunchbox. They also had Sgt. Peppers. Almost considered getting them both until my mother chose for me so we weren't in a financial pickle. My mother isn't here to help me control my finances now, though. You can imagine what my bank account must look like now. (nearlyemptycough)

PS. The building to my fire alarm rang minutes after the last picture was taken. Apparently people on the fourth floor of this building don't know how to properly remove a bagel from a toaster. (and good luck in university to you, sir)

Black button up undershirt, H&M. Black skirt, thrifted. Floral printed skirt, Forever 21. Bow, tied up pair of black leggings. Doc Martens, thrifted. Sunglasses, Kensington Market.

draculahead

2009-09-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

I don't think I posted this here before, but this is a video I made last summer to Metric's 'Rock Me Now' after watching several films directed by Grant Gee and David Lynch and music videos inspired by the latter. I considered going into something cinematography related but ended up going to school for general fine arts instead. Films are one of my passions though - I'm currently trying to watch every movie on the Criterion Collection list. The last one I saw was Peeping Tom. Probably the most eccentric film I've ever seen. Eccentric is putting it nicely. It's like calling Anna Piaggi completely normal. You think that shit's going to make sense? Nuh uh.

Speaking of weird films, I saw flyers for this all around Toronto and I am so there it's not even funny. 7pm Monday bitches. But honestly how amazing is this combination? The first time I saw it on a street pole punctured by staples I almost wept. I literally took the flyer for it down and hung it up in my room. Currently staring at it as I type. (/fan girl rant) Oh and I'll add in a clip of the film to the song 'Idioteque' too. Makes zee heart swell, no? (channelling my inner french woman). Oh god speaking of, I successfully convinced many, many people I was an exchange student from England last night after speaking in a british accent for no less than twenty five minutes. Apparently intoxication will do that to you. BUT THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT, back to stereo face (radio head, eh eh?)

I bought Kid A on vinyl yesterday too. Best 31.95 I've ever spent. (fan girl rant ends now i swurr) Also staring at that as I type. But it's currently nestled on my pillow so I can fall asleep cradling it in my arms like a child does to a stuffed animal.

Too much?

2009-09-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

I moved in to my Toronto apartment, starting school on Monday. Today's outfit. Don't feel like writing much, sorry.

Black undershirt. White shirt, Forever 21. Skirt, H&M. Shoes, gift. Random black ribbon.

moonage daydream

2009-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Mmmm yeah. Two new blazers, the blog introduces itself to you. I didn't know which one to wear, hence the pictures, because I was still in the stages of indecision. Still am most likely, even though the outfit has been worn. Due to the heat I ended up putting the second blazer in my bag just in case it got cold (which it didn't) and I wore the last, too-simplistic-for-me outfit at my friend's birthday party. Had to come home early because strep throat likes ruining people's lives. I've had so many peppermint teas I think my blood has been diluted. My days have consisted of napping, drawing, listening to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, and watching Almost Famous and Pretty in Pink. So I can't really complain now, can I?

Oh, and if you're wondering what shoes I wore, refer to previous eighteen outfit posts.

Both blazers and belt, thrifted. Sequin dress, H&M. Shorts, gift.

oddly enough less sleep makes me more sane

2009-08-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a series of photos concerning last night's outfit. You kids are lucky, no lunacy posts today. I'm so tired the last two sentences took all of my willpower to type. see?thewillpowerhasbeensosuckedoutofmeican'tevenusethespacebar.

backtobed.

Corset thing is from H&M. The skirt and ring are from Forever 21. Zebra bracelet is from Urban Outfitters. Doc Marts are thrifted.

stoned on shoes and literature

2009-07-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

I'm too lazy to write anything like I usually do (eccentric/overlysatirical/slightlydisturbing) so I'm going to write an excerpt from something I found in my sketchbook journal. By the by, who wants to buy me these shoes? My email is over there --> or you can reach me via phone call, my number is 1888DESPRIT. Thanks. Anyways, right, the excerpt.

Her eyes told me something. A silent strife, subjectively weeping in the most crucial manner. It meant something. Not only to her but also to me. My sympathies began to well underneath my chest, and I impulsively took her hand in my own.

"It's going to be all right" I told her, and suddenly objectivity took its toll and she was wearing her heart on her torn up sleeve. And I joined her in her anguish, the sruggle to grasp the reassurance. We wept and held onto each others hand as tightly as we could, as if our hands were the concrete form of my previously uttered statement.

I probably wrote this in a delusional state because typically my writing is shit in comparison. Oh, and the picture of me is from a few weeks back. Yes, I realize those glasses have no lenses in them. If I had a nickel for every time I've said that I would be able to buy every pair of the Chanel gun shoes that were ever made and rent out an empty pool and go to town via diving board.

sincere apologies, mkay

2009-07-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't been home for a while. The past few weeks actually. And now that I'm home I've started working to save up for the city in a month and the rest of the summer's shenanigans. So yeah. Don't expect a lots of posting soon. I mean, what can you expect? When you're a procrastinator and a blogger and the weather's perfect you're bound to fail somewhere. Anyways.

I leave you with a picture and a thought.

walking down the hallways of my memory, the hardcover spines of my past, i notice something that catches my eye. don't judge a book by it's cover, it wrote, and i thought about irony and literary devices and all that. i removed it from it's home, dust lingering around my lips, and glanced at the cover. glitter, rainbows, unicorns, sunshine, nostalgia. i placed the book under my nose and inhaled. it reeked of flowers. life. rain. happiness. intrigued, i opened the book. the pages were cut out in a square and in the middle lay a severed earlobe, the smell of angst and death attacking my nostrils. the words were smeared with blood. unreadable. i placed it back in it's original spot and kept walking. spines always tell the truth.

post Joy Division, it's okay I still love you

2009-07-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving in about five minutes so I can't convey a lot in this post (I think this is for your own benefit however as my rambling is full of psychological toxins and will probably turn you into a wingless bird if entirely read) but sorry for being gone. I just graduated high school (liberating!) and haven't been home or on the internet for 1 week+ so it explains quite a bit.

Anyway I've been pretty inspired by Eastasian fashion lately so I've been into quite a bit of layering lately. Plus I've been listening to New Order a bit lately so it probably explains the song choice (title of tune is Ceremony download it now and you'll be doing yourself a favour). PS. Lately.

PPS. A million points goes to the person who can guess what piece of clothing (footwear) I haven't taken off since purchase. I love love love them. Oh and if someone can get me White Eyelet Doc Martens boots I will create world peace.*

*I'll try my hardest, k?

PPS. This outfit was intended for future reference as I did not attend an important enough event for this beautiful of an ensemble.

Black coat is from Old Navy. Floral cardigan, jean shorts, Doc Martens are all thrifted. Black/pink undershirt which is actually a dress and the pink tights and all necklaces are from H&M. Glasses are 3D movie rims. Pink necklace bow was originally fabric to tie graduation flowers.

2009-06-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is what it looks like when I try to emulate the amazing glorified awesomeness orgasmic I-would-end-my-life-for-you perfection that is CdG Black. I literally died when I saw it. It was like when you can't convey your point properly and someone does so perfectly you can't help but scream "OH MY GOD YES THAT'S IT!" at the top of your lungs. That's what I felt like. Like the perfect outfit I just haven't fully become conscious of yet, these photos did it for me (is that cheating? I'm probably going to hell. In drop crotch pants.) Yeah, I have a feeling the next few posts are all going to be me wearing these drop crotch pants. And blueblack blazers. And blouses. Dude, at this point I'm going to dye my hair red like the model wearing the original clothing. Sheesh.

My camera wasn't working (bitch) so hello Mac Photobooth.

Can I just have one piece? Please? Pretty please? The socks? One sock? Thread?

I'm spending tomorrow evening practicing how to perfect these eyes for when I go to any store with Comme in it. Fuck exams.

Blazer is thrifted. Blouse and drop-crotch pants from H&M. Shoes are thrifted.

awesomenessmess

2009-06-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

So, like, no words, except for

HI ANNA are you per chance Anna van Schurman and decided not to mention it? Proficient in 14 languages and UMFUCKYEAH is one of them? I would not be surprised. (I realize this would mean you were a zombie but that would make you, like, the coolestzombievur.)

But yeah. Let's just say I pulled a James Cromwell when I saw this and went

no. effin. way.

2009-06-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, guys, I actually posted something. I got off of my sloth-y ass and posted something. Probably because I just remembered sloth as one of the seven deadly sins and realized if I didn't I would be burning in the fiery pits of hell for all of eternity (I just vividly imagined Satan in an internet cafe sipping a green tea latte browsing his favourite blogs and being all "I WANT AN OUTFIT POST MOTHERFUCKER")... so on the basis of my afterlife's status I decided to skip school (don't judge me) and play dress up (fine judge me but don't admit you're not jealous). I went biking around town too, but that is entirely besides the point. Because, you know, my blog posts always have a point. :/

I bought this shirt yesterday and it reminded me of pirates so I decided to dress up like (gasp) a pirate! Improvised an eye patch with an old bathing suit top I have. Yeah I realize the eye patch isn't on my face because, I'll be honest, eye patches scare the living estrogen out of me. But again, that is besides the non-existent point.

I used my black scarf as a skirt. Seriously, every single person should own a black scarf, they are the Oxy Clean of fashion. I even contemplated using it as a shirt last week (don't ask how or why but it is living proof, man, living proof. The thing can be/do anything).

I'd like to sincerely thank the Tag for sticking out. Really. You mean so much to me and all four people who read this blog.

Honestly I have no idea why I put this up. Probably to show off my CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. Yeah it's June, keep walking.

Probably the worst close-up known to photography. This is what the shirt actually looks like on the website though, if your curiosity peeks your interest.

I look like such a nerd in this photo. Upon posting this Urkel is going to ring me up and ask me to be his friend.

This was what was underneath the scarf; a touch of lace peeking through. Ignore my unshaved legs, children. Sloth strikes again in the form of hygiene.

Pink shirt from Urban Outfitters, Roxy bathing suit top from God knows where, scarf from mom's closet, lace skirt from H&M, Doc Marten boots are thrifted, and glasses are 3D rims.

Hi sanity, hi!

2009-05-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Gonna make this a quick post for I have some majorzstudying to do right now. I drank coffee past 6pm today. When I said majorz I meant it.

Hi today's outfit! Hi versatile thrifted blazer slash cardigan slash love of life! Hi vintage scarf! Hi H&M drop crotch pants! Hi lazy outfit post!

Hi new vintage shoes!

Hi H&M ring!

Bye! What you thought I was going to say hi when I was to end this post? I'm no paradox! Hi paradox! (see what I did der)

What I'm seriously saying hello to is homework. But instead of a formal hello it's more like (enter vulgar crude comment here).

Epic Epicer Epicest

2009-05-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

So today I went grad dress shopping in Toronto. We decided to hit the vintage stores first, some of which I had previously shopped at before and others of which I was essentially a virgin to. I was a bit unlucky regarding dresses in Courage My Love, a store in which I will probably rape with my debit card when I move here in September, but I found some shoes and earrings and conversed with the owner about epic, out-of-price-range rings from the outskirts of Turkey which he let me fondle/caress/molest (thank you, kind Sir, I hope I did not scar you too much). But I'm kind of straying from my point. With no dress in hand, we decided to venture a bit to the West side of the city to a store I had presumptuous doubts about but when I walked in and took a look around the room my knees slightly buckled. Slightly? I'm being modest.

The store I'm talking about is Cabaret, a vintage clothing boutique of two floors containing 1930s/40s/50s vintage clothing that were fucking amazing. The main floor is dedicated strictly to women's dresses. They were so stunning I (purposefully) forgot to check the price tags before trying them on. The man behind the counter thought he'd mention the second floor as my pupils started dilating and I thought I would remain sane but it was too late. I got downstairs and the knees buckled again. Can I even put this store into proper literary speak? Honestly I don't think so. All I can say is I now know what epic looks/smells/tastes like. Yes I said taste. DON'T JUDGE ME.

And apparently Bjork and Dita Von Teese shop here when they're in town. Just gets epicer and epicer, doesn't it? Literary speak can shove it, this store trumps my inability to convey adoration properly.

These are some of the pieces I saw/tried on and some that I was probably too late to witness single handedly their perfection. SHOVE IT LIT SPEAK, shove it uncomfortably far. Oh god that didn't make sense either, I'm just going to stop even trying.

This dress reminds me of Christopher Kane SS09.

PS. Feedback on new layout? The girl is supposed to screaming at the Paper or Plastic title by the by. Screaming from too much epic or too little posts? You decide.

PPS. HEY LIT SPEAK? THIS IS WHAT I THINK OF YOU.

[Picture removed as a result of diminishing dignity]

I should remind myself to not post dignity diminishing pictures at one in the morning. It just diminishes dignities. It also makes lit speak laugh a revengeful cackle. Yeah, well you better watch out, litty. It's always better served cold. Cold as a polar bear's uterus.

Alright that's it, I'm going to bed. I've ended a post about vintage boutiques by arguing with my literary skills. So essentially, I'm arguing with myself.

your mouth is running

2009-05-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hazel tagged me to list seven random things about myself, which is kind of ironic because I wanted to blog but had no idea what to blog about.

i) I have a tendency to misplace things often.

ii) Whenever I'm alone in my house, all I do is sing, usually what's been in my head all week. Currently it is this. My mouth... is touching...

iii) Sometimes I feel like quitting blogging because I feel as if I come off too pretentious/narcissistic/egotistical, which is pretty contradictory to the truth.

iv) The taste of grapefruit repulses me to no end. Same goes for tonic water.

v) I could sleep like an infant listening to the sound of Alec Baldwin's voice.

vi) Today was the first day I thoroughly read an issue of i-D magazine.

vii) I find I always take out my camera in the most lethargic of moods; with the exception of photographing outfits. They aren't meant to beauty shots, but more regarding sincerity and actuality I suppose.

2009-05-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Last night's outfit. I was a bit inspired by the impeccable Pandora, though really I don't know what I'm inspired by anymore. For some time now I can never start off with a certain inspiration in mind. I've just been pulling shit out of my closet and it's like my mind goes blank and when I'm finally completely dressed it's then when I realize the square root variable of my what I was inspired from.

My birthday was fun, I have no pictures though (from the fresh bruises all over my legs that seemed like a good call) but these ones. You're just going to have to live with it, bitchez. Oh, and I've had Good Charlotte stuck in my head all morning GET IT OUT GET IT OUT GET IT OUT. I've been walking around my house screaming "I just wanna LIVE!" like it's my day job. A day job that constitutes slaughtering cute babies/puppies/kittens/anythingcute. So a bad one.

Scarf is vintage, sheer black top from H&M, black strapless dress from Forever 21, shoes from a local shoe store, tights from WalMart, and glasses are rims from a 3D movie. Broke people need to work with their resources.