Ma Reine – a missed connection.

I forget that missed connections exists. Both the spell and the entire Craigslist collection devoted to that very dubious moment of time. Then one day, while meandering about the internet, I will stumble upon it, and will usually fall quickly bored with what seems to be very desperate attempts at rekindling drunken make outs at Cheval. Or worse, salacious invites of the creepiest kind.
But then this morning, there was this…

She’s the first thought I have every morning, she’s the last thought before I finally manage to fall asleep. I think of her when I dress knowing what she liked me wearing, I smell good and remember how she would nuzzle into my neck and tell me how good I smelt, I eat good food and great wine and remember how we shared meals together in great appreciation, I see new things, have new experiences and wish I could share them with her. I can’t seem to shake her out of my head, it’s like she’s flowing deep in my veins. Alas…..she doesnt have faith. I tried everything yet it is amazing how the past can determine peoples present and future. How can one not see love that is so blatant, one that gives me the power to change my life completely to be with her yet for her it is a mere game. She blamed me for what she was doing because it’s harder to accept and acknowledge your actions and easier to pass the blame on to others without realising how the consequences of their actions are born by people who love them. How can one have so much hatred for someone and have it rise within a matter of weeks. From spending time on a beach professing our love to each other to sheer anger and hatred within a few days. Why are people in love so scared, why do they judge, why can’t they have faith and believe that love can be so powerful and all encompassing that even if our minds sometimes doesnt want to believe it’s true, it is. Why do we use anger to push it away rather than joy to pull it closer.

She hates me and I love her madly….what a dichotomy.
I love her and I will continue to and she will always be Ma Reine. Just being able to say it out to the world even if in this manner gives me a certain amount of calm.

So I am left mute.
Feeling rather silly of my presumptuous dismissal of Missed Connections. Rather silly indeed (this is RARE).
If this man were infront of me I would tell him to let her go. His heart will ache, then bend and mould for the better.  To try and not be bitter, but drink warm drinks. Play music loud. Write feverish words. Kiss many girls and kiss them hard. Dance with friends then cry on their shoulders. But most importantly seek that rush of love again from someone willing to pour it back in to you.
Symbiosis. Of the perfectly mutualistic sense.
Till then I shall join you, dear Sir. A Tom Collins if you please and let a fender filled record spin.

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.

whoops, it’s been a while

I’ve been back a week now,
and I do apologize for the lack of posts.
Since I’ve landed,
I’ve embraced Toronto in the tightest of  hugs.
Have barely been home since.
Pride and Canada Day celebrations have made it nearly impossible.
But I am certainly not complaining!
It’s been one incredibly sun drunk few weeks,
and I am so very blessed.

Here is to more adventure in the near future.
Till then promise to be back with more
random ditherings,
wants/needs,
mega music playlists
and general what have yous.

xo

ps: please do follow me on twitter! I’m only four followers away from 400!

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.

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.

the gray hour

I’ve become accustomed to these permanent gray skies.
I’ve started to find methods to alleviate the  gloom that usually accompanies the clouds.

• Going to pick up the camera again. I miss the shutter click.


• Air – Moon Safari on loop.


• Heading home to Dubai in two weeks. Mum says it’s 40 degrees out there. Humidity so thick, you can taste the salt in the air.


• Bought little sister this Hudson Bay Sweater. So soft and classic, perfect for fickle weather such as this.


• Coffee floats, my most favourite morning indulgence. A scoop of vanilla butterscotch ice cream in the darkest of brews.


• Late afternoon naps with my kitty. Better than anything in the world right now.


• ‘Photography is Easy, Photography is Difficult‘ By Paul Graham. A great essay that I’ve been going back to over and over again.

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!

MYKTA Trunk Show:

SHOP THE COLLECTION //

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 + Thursday, March 24

Josephson Opticians

60 Bloor St. W. (on Bay), Toronto

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

MEET MYKITA’s FOUNDERS //In-store appearance and custom fitting with MYKITA founders, Philipp Haffmans and on Thursday, March 24 from 3:00 p.m. onwards

MORE INFO //josephson.ca

Lark & Hazel F/W 2011

With LG Fashion Week right round the corner, the number of off site presentations have been picking up over the last week. This miserable and wet Wednesday I found my self at the Brill Communications building greeted by the warmest smiles and a strong cup of coffee (THANK YOU!) for the Toronto based label Lark & Hazel F/W collection preview.



The soft-spoken and talented designer Sarah Kelpin’s debut collection is heavy with whimsy and sweet nostalgia. Pieces perfect for the dreamy young woman who collects antique postcards, listens to skipping vinyl records and sips on vanilla fragranced tea.  What initially drew me to the line was the texture and warmth of the individual pieces. So much silk cashmere, twill, organza and buttery soft leathers to make one’s heart melt. The neutral colour palette of camel, off-white and cream is accented with bursts of berries, pinks and deep blues creating depth and multiple coordinating options.

My favourite pieces included a delicious pair of indigo suede paper bag shorts, a crepe back satin silk skirt in the palest of sea foam green and a balloon sleeved silk satin dress featuring the labels signature print. And an honorable mention must go out to the slim fit stretch legging in cream. So soft! DAMN MY TIGHS!

If Klepin is the Lark, then jewelry designer Molly Buckel is her Hazel. The collection is complimented by Buckel’s incredibly detailed hand-made pieces that really set off the clothing, making Lark and Hazel a one stop shop for all the pretty girls with their curls in the clouds.











Once again I would like to thank the Brill Comm for the invite and wish the Lark&Hazel team the best of luck this season. xo

13 Q’s with Kiwi: featuring Sarah Nicole Prickett

When I decided to relaunch this blog, I knew that I wanted it to be more than a medium to shamelessly feed my narcissism.  I wanted a to create a space in the massive world of the interwebs to really connect, reach out and perhaps create a platform where like minded individuals could come together and chat. Kinda like coming over to my house and drinking chai tea. So I came up with a little segment called 13 Q’s with Kiwi, where I ask a variety of creatives in the biz thirteen random questions and hope to gain a little insight on what makes them tick.

And to kick things off, it is my pleasure to introduce the always-lovely and wickedly well-dressed Sarah Nicole Prickett. She’s a fierce fashion and culture journalist (most notably over at Eye Weekly and FASHION) whose words are laced with much verve and bon mot. Whenever we play the catch up game, her passion for her craft is evident and she certainly does not present her opinion to please. If prodded, Prickett will spit fire and perhaps that is what I heart most about her. She’s a lover, a fighter, a melancholy princess and most importantly my friend.

1. Tea or Coffee? Coffee (better yet, cappuccinos) in the a.m., tea in the p.m.


2. Favourite City? Berlin. Or Venice, because I haven’t been, so it exists only in my childhood daydreams.


3. Favourite scent? This is different than smell, right? I like the smell of laundry wafting from dehumidifiers, but the scent of lilacs in rain. Or vanilla.


4. Love or Lust? Love, still.


5. Your favourite living designer? Olivier Theyskens.


6. What is your greatest extravagance? Magazines and taxicabs.


7. What quality do you admire most in a man? Stamina.


8. One quality you loathe most in humanity? Stupidity and disinterestedness. Wait, that was two. Now who’s stupid?!


9. The natural talent you would like to be gifted with? Singing.


10. When and where are you happiest? In the unexpected sunshine.


11. Who are you greatest novel heroines? Emily of New Moon, Jane Eyre.


12. Who is your biggest living girl crush? Sofia Coppola.


13. Could you describe yourself in three words? Difficult, not hard.

last friday afternoon

Clearly Mother Nature is taking the piss with this freaking weather. Why just last Friday we’d been blessed by such gorgeous spring like day. Le Sigh. In an attempt to hone my photography skills I dragged about the camera, and well anyway here are some pictures I took on my walk about the city.

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.

#G20 Police Fail

Queen Street was eerily quiet this afternoon,
almost too quiet. And covered in so much horse shit,
it was disgusting.
Then we spotted this lovely little Riot Van,
disgust, now replaced with the bitter taste of shame.

TORONTO POLICE WHO EXACTLY ARE YOU TRYING TO INTIMIDATE HERE?!

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

eleven Boutique celebrates!

In celebration of it’s one year anniversary Yorkville’s eleven boutique will host a stupendous spring sale of all it’s regular priced goods next month. Receive 30% – 50% off of top Canadian designers including: Pink Tartan, Nada, Joeffer Coac, LUNDSTRÖM,Lucian Matis and Obakki. The sale will include accessories as well, which is fantastic news to me! For I can finally get my hands on the Vita Fede Jewelry I have been coveting for oh so long (pictured above).

So my darlings mark your moleskines, because Kiwi Says Cop This!

Date: May 14th through to the 23rd
Where: eleven Boutique.116 Cumberland St.,Toronto, Ontario

WHAT’S YO IZM

Calling all hip Cats and fierce Ladies!
Come out and celebrate the release for Erykah Badu’s latest album New Amerykah Pt. 2 (Return of the Ankh), at The Beaver here in Toronto this Monday night.

It’s going to be a mad cap mash-up of
Ankhs, Hieroglyphics
Headwraps and Haters
Booze, Belligerence
Badu-Beats and KARAOKE
With Soul Siblings Kevin Ritchie and Preeti Torul spinning
your favorite Badu chunes ALL NIGHT LONG!

So come out here me slur sing.
Cop your self some free UNIVERSAL SWAG
and start your week off with beautiful people
with bitchin attitudes to match!

ps: The RIDUNKULOUS POSTER created by Diana McNally.