betwixt.

I like the idea of wearing a glamourous coat with comfortable shoes: evening dresses with flats. I like it when
there are two messages in one silhouette. I like it when it’s not first-degree sexy: when it’s not first-degree severe.
I like it when everything is mixed.
-Guillaume Henry, Creative Director of Carven

I’ve been swinging back and forth.
somewhere between a Mod and an angry librarian.
This leopard coat is my security blanket
and sadly I will have to retire it soon.

Leopard Jacket: Zara
Denim Shirt: Topman
Stripe Sweater, Peg Pants and Creepers: Topshop

The Carven pre-fall 2012 collection is everything that I have ever wanted to express through material means,
it’s a shame that I can’t seem to physically manifest it.

clothing swaps & lady dates.

This past Saturday, my gorgeous best friend Preeti hosted a much needed lady date at her new apartment. The seven of us gathered and for a bit of a twist on our scarce afternoon group hang outs, we decided to put together a clothing swap. Hoping to switch the goods we no longer loved for some new gems. We hit the piles of clothing like ravenous vultures and once on the other end all seemed quite pleased with their hauls. And what little left behind was taken in to consignment or given to charity. The rest of the afternoon was then spent gossiping, eating delicious roast chicken Viet subs,drinking a magnum of Napa Valley goodness, watching a shit ton of terrible youtube videos, before closing our evening with a trip to The Common for much needed coffee and more talk. We hugged and kissed just before all the light, slipped to pink and dark skies. Promising to meet later that very night and perhaps hold each other up for just a little bit longer. Fast forward and it’s three a.m. My mind is left wandering and I can’t seem to get to sleep. Images of the day click through my conscious like a fat, plastic View-Master (remember those?), but then it all shifts and  I am left certain of one thing. Simply, I love those girls so very much. Truly. Madly. Deeply. And it is with that clarity and peace that I drift off to sleep.

The photo above is of my favourite score at the swap.
A cute headless Teddy, courtesy of Tiyana and if I remember correctly was bought on our first trip as a collective to NYC from Ina.
Super luxe and bang on trend with the printed knitwear (Givenchy, Balenciga, etc.) non?
Also please ignore my checked boys shorts. It’s been an messy Monday.

marant dreaming.

…these are a few of my (current) favourite things.

I was on a bit of a Zara shopping binge while visiting the folks in Abu Dhabi.
The little island scattered with too many malls went on sale far before it’s Canadian counterparts,
and seeing as the buys seem to be a little more tailored to the European market, I decided to take advantage of our strong dollar.

The knit sweater and bright green skirt are my two favourites of the haul.
I love the way the skirt pops on my dark skin,
and the sweater is so very Isabel Marant with out the ridiculous price tag.
The Topshop flat-form wedge I managed to get at a steal!
And so stupid easy to walk in, I wear them about the house just because.
I bought ‘Just Kids’ while wandering about Schiphol
ShitholeAirport.
Loved it so much, I read it twice. But then I’ve always been a sucker for raw romance.

elbow grease.

I’m not much of a computer mastermind. But I’ll be tweaking this baby bit by bit over the next few days until I produce something I am happy with. Sharp corners. Clean lines. I’ve got designer ambitions and but serious skill limitations. But most importantly I have faith and a whole lotta patience that should help me beat this coding battle.

But in other news…
IT’S FUCKING GORGEOUS OUT
Happy long weekend my beautiful babies.

ps: photo above courtesy of Jakub Jasinski.

no news, is good news.

Proper snow now.
It’s all white out.
All pretty and delicate.
happy though.
Bemused?
What does it matter.
This validates my current state of constant hibernation.

 

B-Insider Presents The Fall

SQUEEE It’s finally up!

Early last month I was offered to take part and style a special set of videos for The Hudson Bay Company‘s online magazine B-insider. Seeing as I hadn’t played my hand in styling in much too long I immediately jumped at the chance. The concept seemed simple enough: bring in the cities top creatives and have them chat freely about their love of the fall/winter season, Canada and the power of social media. It was a two day video shoot with roughly fifty-five people and some gorgeous faces of friends stopping by to take part and racks of clothing for me to play with. The idea here was to have the participants dress in what they loved from the current collections housed at The Bay.  It was a hectic couple of days, but I couldn’t be more proud and grateful for working with such talented, fun and creative group of individuals.

The first of the three part series focuses on our love of the fall. It’s colour and comfort, despite the terror of minus degree weather looming not too far away. For more on the story and great images click here.

 



 

All behind the scenes photos by the darling David Pike.
Director and Producer Francisco Garcia. Director of Photography Wendell Collier. Executive Producer Christopher Sherman. Associate Producers Kate Corbett + Colleen Henman. Stylist Kiwi Mohamed. Hair and Makeup Natalie Blouin of Plutino Group. Production Assistant Jean Lee.



Francisco doing his thing.


Me trying to remain calm and pulling face shapes.

As of late…

Submarine.
Richard Ayoade has done a stupendous job with this movie. Can’t say much aside from it was really good, and if you are looking for a non cheesy coming of age drama void of cheerleaders, footballers and prom queens with more heart, depth and ridiculously witty writing then this is the flick for you. Soundtrack happens to be provided by Alex Turner of Arctic Monkey genius. Six tracks so delicious I am listening to it right now.

Too much pizza.
If you could see the contents of our recyclables the gluten/carb/mccain content is enough to make you hurl. And yet we buy more and more. Ick. Sigh. Boom.



Denim shirt as skirt.
Headed to Hanlan’s point to celebrate kid sister’s birthday on the island.
No clean clothes = improvise! Much to her disapproval of course.  (grey tee, H&M/Denim shirt, Zara)
Lobbed off my face as I looked slightly mentalist/troll like.

Body covered in After-Bite.
The itch eraser?
I smell like clorox due to the mosquito aftermath. Rain Man Chic.

Thought: This quote has been floating about my head for a while now.

‘So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.’                         excerpt from ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’

 

Headed Home.
It’s been five years and I know nothing of what to expect.
Mainly nervous, want to make a good impression.
For I am oldest daughter and a lot rides on my presentation.
Shame. Mostly in want of hugs, tamarind stains and clove kisses.

Friday Playlist #6 : Spring Gone Sprung Edition.

The sun is out!
I’m prancing about in my fave watermelon dress like a proper lunatic. JOY!
Vitamin D,
Cherry popsicles, blossoms,
patios and park brunches.

I need a bike!
Music under the stars,
sweaty sticky

Oh dear skin, soak up these rays
get yer black girl tan on!

Spring dreaming

I have this theory,
that if I dress in pretty and painterly floral prints,
the warmth of Spring will rear it’s head,
and kiss my skin.

Blouse: Zara
Watch: Michael Kors
Aligator ring: Kenneth Jay Lane
Turquoise ring:  no idea at all, but I can’t seem to separate myself from it.
Shoes: Deena and Ozzy via Urban Outfitters

magenta packages

I’ve been very lucky as of late to meet some fantastic people and over at my old place of work, there are a few that are no exception. Although my time there was short, I managed to click and bond with a bunch of the funniest, sweetest, kindest group of people whom I am honoured to call my friends. It is not often one comes in to work excited, but it was these people that made my day-to-day so very joyful. And even though things didn’t really work out in my favour, I consider my self incredibly lucky to have met them. It certainly was meant to be!

My loves, thank you for this wonderful gift. I am truly touched and miss you all very much! This was the very best surprise. xoxox

 

House of Harlow 1960 ring. A peacock to add to my growing menagerie!

Robitussin blues

The apartment has turned in to a little sick bay over the last week.  The siblings and I have all been trying to fight this agressive cold that seems determined to wring us dry of what little patience we have left. As I am lucky enough to spend most mornings at home working, I’ve been able to rest up and indulge a little more.



I don’t know what it is about warm muesli in the morning, but my God does it do wonders. I’ve been on a bit of a “cleanse” lately and figured I might as well add an actual meal to breakfast…you know aside from just the Venti bold.

I can’t wait to break in my new Dieppa Restrepo boots. Purchased about two weeks ago from Chasee Garde I couldn’t help but wear them right out of the store. But since our weather has been such shit as of late, I’ve haven’t been able to strut about in them. I smell spring, so soon I can dance in my hand woven beauties!





This vintage Eddie Bauer flannel shirt is my security blanket when I’ve fallen ill.  It’s oversized and so worn in, soft and there is nothing at all like it in my closet. Paired with my grey alpaca wool socks I will cocoon, until I emerge from my room looking nothing at all like a butterfly (more Eeyore-esque).

With reading week around the corner I am tempted to slack with the school work. At my age it’s becoming increasing difficult to focus on ones’ second degree, but since I am ill, I will take this time to catch up on the glossies. Picked up the lastest issue of Industrie and a Simone de Beauvoir’s The Mandarins. This is the sort of reading I can really get behind. Mind you anything would be better than fucking stats homework.

simple bare necessities

I’ve always been a bit of voyeur, trying to slip, slide and sneak a peek.  I suppose that is why I’ve always a been a fan of blogs, a source of creative connections and the idea that at some point we all share an idea, thought or thing in common.

As this space of late has been nothing but my delirious midnight ramblings, I thought I’d share a few of my very favourite things. Well more or less what I can’t live with out!

1. My beloved Moleskine planner. Despite all other devices, this little book is my totem. Without it I’d have no clue whether I was coming or going. Google-calendar can bite me.


2. Mah Keys. Kind of a obvs I know. But I wanted to show of my boot key chain courtesy of the little sister sibling from her recent trip to El Salvador. It’s even got my name engraved in to it! Other key chains are Marc Jacobs from my last trip to NYC.


3. The waterproof Chanel Inimitable mascara in black is my current obsession. Because I have such a poor understanding of make-up once I find something that works I tend to stick with it. This magic wand certainly does the trick.


4. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps nourishing cream. Hands down the best hand cream for this retarded weather. Nothing says ghetto like ashy hands! And while it is a little rich at first, it sinks in well and keeps my hands hydrated. Love that it’s sample size, not happy that I need to buy more.


5. My iPhone 4 is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. I fucking love the shit out of this machine! All you Blackberry peeps can BITE ME. I originally owned the 3G, but I had fallen “asleep” in the back of a cab and I left it there. This upgrade was a bit of a tortured wait, but SO worth it. Thinking of cracking it.


6. Altoids, kind of a given I think. I usually carry a packet of gum too. But it’s the packaging I love. Really feeds my font lust, while keeping me fresh.


7. I’m a recent convert to Smith’s Rosebud Salve. After using Vaseline for years, I decided to give this little blue tin a shot and I’m very glad I did. It hydrates and nourishes my lips for far longer than it’s counterpart. And again in this weather you need all the help you can get.


8. This MAC Select Cover-Up is a recent gift from the bestie and perfect for the mega bags under my eyes due to my insomnia or late nights out on the run.


9. Lastly, it’s my baby. I bought myself this Fujifilm Instant Camera when I was let go from my job for not quite “fitting in” (what ever the hell that means).  This little gadget has brought me much joy and I can’t wait to show you all a few snaps once I find a scanner.

And that is it! My wallet is clearly missing because it is heinous and makes me very upset every single time I pull it out. I need suggestions for a good strudy & sexy (yes! sexy!) wallet. Any ideas? Drop me a thought.

Till next time,
peace lust love and all that gooshy stuff.

Peter, Bjorn and lost

Crush
one, two, breath.

I look to you for supposed inspiration.

Instead, I hug my ovaries,
and pray for children, nothing like you.
Or us,
or them,
or anyone that has the capability for making me
feel terrible.

I know I shouldn’t be thinking of the

“young folks”

But it’s hard!
As I feel my hormones casting a mold over me,
and reality so happily,
willing
to set Kiwi
in a clay form
of vengeful hate.

That is why I tell the Mothership “STOP!”
I am far to battered and bitter a woman,
to be ready to grow a new life force.

Eww.
No more talk of new,
must reconnect with the old,
and then maybe, once forgiven,
will I let the new me
commiserate with the old me.

Until then,
I sleep lonely,
kissing stars and wishing I were homely.

Fashion sweatpants – casual chic or man-repeller?

As a former fat girl, current curvy girl – sweatpants are a giant no-no for anyone of normal size
- Me quoted in the Globe & Mail

Someone make me stop.
PLEASE!

curls & stripes

After much self-coaxing I managed to swing by Holt Renfrew and
catch a glimpse of Alexander Wang, current New York City design wunderkind, master of urban cool and possibly the cutest little thing on the planet.  And while the A.Wang die hards lined up to chat with the designer, I took a moment to catch up with a few good friends and run my fingers across the current A/W 2010 collection now available in store.
The footwear and accessories were the standout pieces for me, and of course the entire T-line but I can’t seem to justify spending more the $6 on a grey t-shirt. As luxe as said grey tee claims to be!

Me and Holt Renfrew's Natalie Lecomte

Striped Tee – H&M
High Waisted Denim – BDG
Wedges – Aldo

The photo above was take by the lovely Caroline Shaheed ( OfTheNow)

ps: don’t you just love how f*#ked up my cuffs are in the photo. BAHAHA fail.

they call it Dragon Nails

Little Sister treated Big Sister
to a mani-pedi, a massage
and vietnamese conversation.
A delightful O.P.I blue, to beat this sweltering hazy heat.

seeing spots

by the talented photographer
and friend  Iko Maramo

he spun Nero

dubstep indian summer Sept. 09
photograph by nimo

my friend metzti and i,
celebrated blistering heat
and beats
one rukus filled wednesday.

t’was
messymessymessy
filled with fierce joy
and the blessed moment
of losing one self
to music you love.

hey metz,
let’s shred our knees
one last time?
the scars have just healed
and fresh wounds
make for great memories.

Monday meetings

Had a few appointments yesterday,
so I opted for a more casual look.
A huge deal for me!
And yes I realize I must invest in a camera soon.
This iPhone pic thing is kind of ridiculous.

Blue oxford shirt: vintage
Cashmere Sweater: vintage GAP
Denim: no freaking idea
Socks: H&M
Shoes: Vintage from last trip to NYC

monday morning melodies #1

Butterflies tickle my insides
a quiet flutter at first.
One two three
wings beat a little faster now.
They multiply
pushing against the linings
hum beneath my skin.
Oh how i have missed this feeling.
I fear the butterflies will escape
up and out
scratch up through my through
rip out of my mouth.
So I bite.
Lips sealed tight.