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.

Style Crush: Julia Sarr Jamois

There is something about Julia Sarr Jamois’ off beat and quirky style that splits my head in two and captures my heart. The Wonderland magazine fashion editor has this impeccable knack of mixing print and colour that I certainly can not help but envy. Be it breton stripe t-shirt with kaleidoscopic Christopher Kane print skirt or pairing a velvet blazer with ripped boyfriend jeans, Jamois makes it look so very cool and effortless. Usually papped with barely any accessories and a cigarette in hand, it is her  uncanny ability to mix chic Parisian ease with typically English eccentricity that I find to be the most beguiling. With fashion month just around the corner I can’t wait to see what visual treats JSJ will whip up for us next.


Zara acrylic sweater, $60, TopShop short sleeve shirt, $30, Miu Miu velvet blazer, $1,195

 

Christopher Kane striped skirt, $808, Adam mini skirt, $300, American Eagle Outfitters rolled up jeans, $20, Dieppa Restrepo black patent leather shoes, $191, TopShop red heels, $140, Dannijo chain bracelet, 370, Prada sunglasses, $290, Armor Lux Breton Shirt, $55
Miu Miu Trick sequin purse, $380


*image sources from everywhere.I’m just horrible and don’t know where I got what from.

Link Round-Up: Topshop, Florence x Buddy Holly and Yohji cool.

I realize I haven’t done one of these in a very long while, so here goes!
A wee list of whats good on the internets according to moi.

1. I wouldn’t call myself Buddy Holly fan, but I am intrigued by the super musical collective put together to create the lastest tribute album. Florence Welch’s bajoue vibe on the ‘Not Fade Away‘ track is just perfect. A great tribute indeed. Be sure to read the little interview with producer C.C. Adcock over at Nowness.


2. TOPSHOP IS COMING TO TORONTO! Can you tell I’m excited. The Bay Yorkdale will house both Topshop and Topman. But there are tons of pop-up goodies to look forward too all summer long. So be sure to check out Topshop Canada‘s facebook page for all the yummy deets.


3. Bon Iver‘s latest self titled album is out and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. You can stream the entire compliation over at Pitchfork right now.


4. I was once scoffed at by a boy I was seeing for never having watched ‘Blade Runner’.
   “It’s the best movie of all time.”
   I of course beg to differ. Having watched it, I still don’t quite get the cultish obsession, but I do now understand where fashion’s view of futuristic wardrobe comes from. Sean Young is a total babetron in the movie and now she’s offered up a few dusty polaroids for us to oogle at too.


5. I’m so trilled to be catching The National Ballet of Canada‘s rendition of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tonight. And if you haven’t already you must watch the first ever fim version of this classic Lewis Carrol tale over at MUBI.


6. ‘This is My Dream‘ by Theo Stanley gives us a small glimpse in the the mind and private world of designer Yoji Yamamoto. Here he speaks of his love for darkness and the power of his own judgement. I’ve posted the trailer below.

Most Wanted: Accessories I covet.

I’ve been feeling more and more adventurous in terms of taste, well more specifically when it comes to my accessories. I’ve always been rather simplistic with my accoutrements. I may pair my Michael Kors watch with a vintage ring (as seen here) and leave it at that or layer a leather band or two around my wrist. I normally let the bold prints and patterns I wear speak for my playful moods and the clashing lace numbers are left to represent my darker, saucier disposition. There are an increasingly great number of accessory designers creeping in to my mindset and seeing as I have turned in to a magpie as of late, here are my top five pieces I am obsessing over this month.

1. Shourouk Vampiresa: This statement necklace from the current s/s 11 collection is a perfect piece to accompany the chicest of dresses and will easily glam up even the simplest of basic tee shirts.


2. Heavy Machine: I’ve been hot and heavy in lust with the genius that are these heels. This grey, green, leather and sheep skin number pairs perfectly with absolutely anything in your closet. I’m thinking frayed boy-friend jeans and patterned silk Equipment blouse for the ultimate win.


3. Illesteva: This New York based brand is being shown a whole lot of love by those fashion editirxs, bloggers and It-kids alike. Hand made in both Italy and Greece, these sunnies maybe smack on trend but the different washes have a truly timeless quality.


4. Danielle Scutt x Topshop: Sassy, brassy and loads of fun, these matte gold lipstick drop earrings are fabulous way to glam up any look. For a bit more punch pair it with your favourite deep red lipstick.


5. Christopher Kane: I’ve had my eye on this neon yellow, laser-cut gem since it appeared on the s/s runway show last September. It’s positively electric! Pile on the bright hues and be a real showstopper. I double dare you .

25% Off TOPSHOP Sale, starts tomorrow!

 Starting tomorrow, Thursday May 5th  Jonathan+Olivia will be having a 25% off TOPSHOP spring sale, until Sunday May 8th.

To celebrate the bleakest rays of sunshine I give you this ace announcement.

Don’t walk, RUN.

Meadham Dreaming

Designer x Highstreet retail collaborations is not much of a surprise to any one these days. It’s almost expected and appreciated by those who covet luxury pieces but can’t afford the steep prices. As a sales advisor at H&M I would sit back and watch the madness unfold around me. I’d dealt with Matthew Williamson and Comme Des Garcons but both were tame in comparison to the Cavalli and Jimmy Choo madness, and I’ve got battle scars to prove it. While these were all designers I admire, I was of course most excited about the Lanvin launch, and as I no longer worked for the company, I called upon a few friends to squat outside the store on Bloor street. Thank god for my obscene fur coat. It was a fucking cold wait! Was it worth it? I only bought the t-shirt. The experience of being drunk out on the street with friends made the event a real spectacle. Having to drag my ass to work straight after was torture. For eight hours I wanted to die and no amount of redbull was helping the situation.

As designer collaborations go I am most excited about what Topshop has to offer. And now that The Hudson Bay Company plans to house and roll out the mega-retailer across our fair nation this fall, I’m really hoping a selection of their quirkier collections make my greedy palms. I admire the eccentricity and true bonkers intellect that British designers all seem to harbour. Take the lastest S/S Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop collection. I am absolutely in love! Their mastery in creating decaying beauty is unlike any other. Then there is Ashish and his fun foodie sportswear. The guy is totally mental, but fuck I want a sweatshirt with a fry-up on it! And finally Mary Katrantzou‘s kaleidoscopic capsule collection featuring her signature prints marbled on sweet summer dresses.

With big buys, come big bucks. I am really hoping The Bay takes this oppurtunity to showcase Topshop’s designer collabos and bring a whole lot of fun and lunacy to my city and mainly my closet. Plus I am so fucking tired of paying for shipping!

David Koma x TopShop

Last night saw the launch of the much anticipated David Koma capsule collection for retail giant Topshop. The 5 pieces are a a fantastic diluted image of Koma’s earlier mainlines that have already graced the bodies of a number of pop starlets. So I wont’ be surprised if this limited collection flies out the doors in a matter of seconds. If I could choose I would be all over the black tube belt and the bodycon black dress. So sexy it makes my heart hurt!

Koma will be showing at this years London Fashion Week, and I for one cannot wait to see what this NEWGEN prize winner will come up with next.

High-Street Wet Dream

I’ve literally died
and gone to shop-girl heaven.

Jackie O’Brien, owner of super chic boutique Jonathan + Olivia ,has announced that the Toronto location will now stock a selection of clothing from London’s TopShop amongst it’s already drool worthy collection of labels!
Such joyous news! For I love J + O and perhaps now I can actually afford to shop amongst it’s too cool interior.

On Saturday June 19^th the newly expanded J+O Ossington Avenue location will add to existing labels some of the hottest summer wears from the worlds’ coolest high street retailer.  The TOPSHOP store in store will feature the TOPSHOP mainline, Unique+Boutique collections including TOPSHOP footwear.  For fall 2010, TOPSHOP Kate Moss collection and the new TOPSHOP make-up line will be added

Considering the amount of chatter ripping through the internet about this fantastic new development, we can all safely assume that the next month with be quite the chaotic. But O’Brien does plan on keeping the store well stocked through out the season, promising us all a little piece of the action.

photo courtesy of NOW