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Look of the Day
Chocolate Brown Delight (Feb. 5′10)
Good day my friends,
After finishing this post I will be driving out to see an old friend of mine, Alissa, who just had a baby. I haven’t seen her since she moved outside of Toronto to the countryside in preparation for her little one. For as long as I could remember she has been a quintessential “city girl,” a fashionable “from lattes to pilates” kind of chica. She keeps insisting that I need a GPS to find her now 
. It will be interesting to see her outside of her element, and considering that she is planning on moving back soon the opportunity won’t last too long.
Today’s-look-of-the-day is filled with chocolate hues. The pattered shirt is the visually dominant piece and the rest of the garments were chosen with this in mind. The vest, top, tights, and pumps are relatively simple and are congruent with the skirt in their colour tonality. Patterns are fun but should be approached with caution because competing patterns are often a recipe for a messy disaster.
What I’m wearing:
- High-waisted pencil skirt by “DIANE von FURSTENBERG” (as seen in Nov. 12′09)
- Silk top by “Rory Beca” (as seen in Dec. 11′09, Dec. 28′09)
- Opaque tights by “Holt Renfrew”
- Knitted vest and scarf by “Marciano” (as seen in Nov. 24′09)
- Suede pumps by “6267″ (as seen in Jan. 10′10)
- Gold necklace and earrings
Any thoughts? comment here ...
Thursday: Just Another Banya Day (Feb. 4′10)
Hi Hi,
I hardly slept last night. My mind was flooded with these incoherent, useless thoughts and the more I tried to clear my mind the faster they poured in…pretty counterproductive right? I’m now sitting at the computer and contemplating all the various ways I could feel more or less functional after such a night. Maybe a cup of tea, with honey…maybe lemon? Umm, I can’t believe I’m writing about tea; this just demonstrates the degree to which sleep deprivation hinders your mental faculties . I better just get straight to the point.
For today’s look-of-the-day I took the Autumn Cashmere turtleneck dress and paired it with a simple scarf my aunt knitted. I had this idea of wearing the scarf not just as an accessory but as part of the garment itself. I wrapped it around the neck once and spread the scarf over the front of the dress, holding it in place with the belt. This is yet another way of diversifying your old pieces.
What I’m wearing:
- Cashmere dress by “Autumn Cashmere” (as seen in Cashmere Dresses, Dec. 14′09)
- Scarf (knitted by my dear aunt Laura)
- Leather belt by “Rough Roses”
- Shoes by “L.A.M.B” (as seen in Cashmere Dresses, Dec. 11′09)
- Long leather gloves (as seen in Gloves, Jan. 10′10, Dec. 13′09, Nov. 23′09, )
- Opaque brown tights by “Holt Renfrew”
Any thoughts? comment here ...
Otello in Marni (Jan. 3′10)
Hello dear readers,
I just came back from seeing another show at the COC (Canadian Opera Company). As you probably guessed, tonight’s show was Otello. In contrast to my experience with Carmen, I thoroughly enjoyed this production. The costumes were beautiful, the singing powerful and resonant, and the stage design was original and dramatic. I would even go so far as to say that the show was fully engaging and successful on all fronts. This season might have gotten off on a slow start – first with Stravinsky (enough said) and than their pitiful Carmen – but with Otello the COC finally redeemed themselves.
The only problem for me was that I forgot to bring my glasses. I am pretty dependent on them when it comes to seeing far distances and our balcony seating definitely qualifies. The reason why I forgot them was that this tiny clutch could only fit the opera binoculars and a lip gloss. I was planning on throwing my reading glasses into my mom’s purse. Anyway, I basically had to hold the binoculars to my eyes the entire show. As Desdemona and Otello passionately professed their beautiful love for each other the binoculars fell out of my hands and hit the metal part of the clutch. The noise this commotion produced woke up the elderly lady in the seat beside me. I felt bad for startling her our of her sleep. Puzzled and concerned she turned to me and asked, “What happened?” She was probably hoping that this noise came from Otello killing Desdemona and himself so that we could all go home, but it was just clumsy Lida . So naturally, in response to her question I explained, apologized, and the both of us resumed our previous activity.
We all go to the opera for our own reasons. Some come for the singing, some for the drama, some come to think, some even come to show off those fancy dresses they never get to wear, but there is always that opera-lovin’-bunch who comes for that deep, quality sleep. And I say – as long as there is no snoring involved – it’s all good. Everyone has their own way of appreciating art .
What I’m wearing:
- Dress by “MARNI”
- Shoes by “Nicole Brundage” (as seen in Jan. 22′10, Jan. 7′10)
- Crystal Nepal Ceylan Topaz ring by “Swarovski” (as seen in Dec. 18′09, Dec. 13′09, Dec. 7′09, Nov. 30′09, Sequin Dresses)
- Nude tights by “Calvin Klein”
- Clutch by “Sondra Roberts”
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Any thoughts? comment here ...
They Call me Mellow Yellow (Feb. 2′10)
Hello dear readers,
When everything gets blah and mundane often the only way to get yourself out of the rut is by taking measures into your own hands. According to studies on psychological effects of colour, yellow stimulates the brain to be more alert, decisive, and even energetic. It is thought to be a happy and uplifting colour that “builds self-confidence and encourages optimism.” Those who consider fashion to be a superficial pursuit fail to remember a simple fact. Internal and external beauty are interdependent and this example of colour illustrates this on the most basic level. If a yellow dress can make you more confident how can aesthetics be irrelevant to how you feel. The saying that “looks aren’t important, it’s what’s on the inside that counts” is not just a cliche but a dangerous fallacy because it perpetuates the same belief that the external and the internal and somehow separate and even conflicting. When you don’t look healthy and taken care of it’s pretty difficult to feel any different than that. If colour can be uplifting than incorporate it into your looks when you need that lift; take it upon yourself to brighten the world around you.
What I’m wearing:
- Silk top by “Alexander Wang”
- Zipper leggings by “LNA”
- Shoes by “Modern Vintage”
- 2 necklaces by “Ben-Amun” (as seen in Nov. 28′09)
- Chunky ring bought in Cuba (made out of fishbone)
Any thoughts? comment here ...
Amber Galore (Feb. 1′09)
Hey guys,
I kind of have a funny story about these Ottorino Bossi boots. I used to wear them a lot when I was still in university because they are so comfortable and look good with pretty much anything. Anyway, this one time I went to get a bite to eat on Bloor St. and as I was walking back to campus I noticed that a bum with a shopping cart was following me. He never took his eyes off the boots – it’s like he was mesmerized by them. It was freaky how he stared at them, as though they were speaking to him. When I said hi to the man he started trying to convince me that the boots were his. I just laughed and walked a little faster. I looked back and there he still was trailing behind me and mumbling something to himself about where he wore them last. I just thought, “I wonder what’s going on in that head of yours.” Maybe their vintage look triggered some memory from his past or he might have just been completely out of it. He started speaking with more conviction and determination and the more passionate he became the faster I walked. I ended up running to lecture…I lost him pretty fast though (I used to be on the track team). If it wasn’t for his sh0pping cart full of useful goodies (cans and other garbage) he might have had a chance to catch up. I still wonder what he was thinking. Who knows what he used to be in his better days, maybe even a shoe designer.
You gotta love the city .
What I’m wearing:
- Silk dress by “Development”
- Leather belt by “Fullum & Holt”
- Handmade vintage-inspired boots by “Ottorino Bossi for Arnoldo Marcella”
- Nude tights by “Calvin Klein”
- Amber necklace (made with my mom)
- Amber ring (made it myself)
- Amber bracelet (just a strand of amber wrapped around the wrist)
Any thoughts? comment here ...
Lets Sail Away (Jan. 31′10)
Ay, Ay Sailors,
I hope you guys all had an amazing weekend. You want to know what I did? I spent the entire time watching Dexter and got through over two seasons. The show is so addictive that it turns you into a degenerate in no time . Considering that I don’t even have cable, it feels strange for me to commit so much time to a tv series. I’ve always been more of a film buff (I even minored in cinema studies in university) but my mama got me hooked on this bloody show. Anyway, for those of you who are familiar with it; is it just me or is the character of Rita (Dexter’s girlfriend) incredibly annoying? What’s up with the constant huffing and puffing? She reacts to the most unpleasant news in the same way as if she just chipped a nail – she literally just inhales or exhales loudly and calls it an emotion or thought. Oops, I’m sorry, I think I’m venting a little. Too much Dexter see…he gets under your skin (get it, because he cuts people).
Today’s look-0f-the-day is not at all related to what I just said. It’s from my trip to Moscow. I generally love simple stripes and for me this Marc Jacobs dress really hits the spot. The only thing is that it was a little windy the day I wore it so as we walked all around the Red Square I had to stay conscious of the potential wardrobe malfunction. I really didn’t want to give those tourists more than they bargained for so I had to be careful the whole time. As you can imagine this wasn’t as relaxing for me as it couldn’t been but it was worth it. As the wind carried and blew the silk into shapes that resembled sails it gave the dress a life of its own – wild and spontaneous. For this reason this “billowing brushstroke-stripe silk dress” is a pleasure to photograph when it’s windy.
What I’m wearing:
- Silk dress by “Marc Jacobs” (as seen in Trip to Moscow (2009))
- Shoes by “Marciano” (as seen in Jan. 25′10)
- Sunglasses by “Victoria Beckham” (as seen in Trip to Moscow (2009), St. Petersburg (2009))
Any thoughts? comment here ...
Everything Belted (Jan. 30′10)
Hello my lovelies,
It’s Saturday! I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend so far. I just came back from having brunch at this cute little restaurant on Baldwin St. in Toronto, called Cafe La Gaffe. For my brother, Taras, eating out for brunch is his favorite pastime so we end up doing a lot of that – to indulge both him and our morning appetites. Over the past two years Cafe La Gaffe has become one of our brunch spots. It has this urban-esque “the paint is pealing off our door” look; cozy, charming, and untraditional. It reminds me a little of my parents’ kitchen (only we just finished renovating it).
What I find myself wishing I had more of, for variety, is belts and clutches. With clutches I’ve decided to only expand my collection if the piece is truly exceptional whereas I just need all different kinds of belts (colors, sizes, and styles). I’ve had a hard time finding interesting belts until I started periodically walking into Urban Outfitters. While the style and quality of most of their clothes is not really “me,” I am liking their cool belts. I only go to the store on Queen St. West, because it’s 5 minutes from my condo, and as soon as I get there I head straight upstairs to the sale section. The belt of this look-of-the-day was on sale for $5 bucks…unbelievable. It was the only one left and the size on the price tag said “large” when it was definitely a small. I suspect that this might have had something to do with its final price. I bought 3 other belts that day (on sale for $10 bucks each) and they are definitely going to come in handy this spring. So if you want to widen your belt possibilities I would recommend you taking a look at what Urban Outfitters has to offer. They are trendy and inexpensive.
What I’m wearing:
- Silk dress by “Marciano” (as seen in Jan. 7′10, Let it Rain)
- Opaque tights by “Holt Renfrew”
- Necklace by “Marc by Marc Jacobs”
- Belt by “Deena & Ozzy”
- Fur coat by “AlixK” (as seen in Jan. 22′10)
- Boots by “Guillaume Hinfray” (as seen in Jan. 21′10, Jan. 18′10, Jan. 13′10)
Any thoughts? comment here ...
My Maxi Dress and my Little Bodyguard (Jan. 29′10)
Hello my darlings,
Today’s look of the day is taken from my summer trip to St. Petersburg. We did a lot of touristy things when we were there, which is only right considering that it’s one of the cultural capitals of the world. In these pictures we were visiting the Cruiser Aurora Museum and the Central Artillery Museum. Umm, ships and tanks, how fascinating! There are few things in the world that I find less exiting and to me the experience of being on the Aurora was more sentimental than anything. See, growing up during the years of perestroyka means that certain soviet imagery will forever awaken feeling of nostalgia within you. Standing on the Cruses Aurora did it for me. My whole childhood I heard about this ship and I was finally on it last August. My friend’s little nephew (aka. my little bodyguard) came along with us and he was loving it for a completely different reason. To him it was a new playground; an opportunity for climbing, jumping, hanging, and dangling. To each his own I guess .
The Religion dress that I chose to wear for this activity is a bit paradoxical. It’s completely simple and plain in the front – made out of cotton quite casually and shapelessly. It may look modest at first glance but wait…the whole party is the back. Religion garments are known for these unbalanced and unconventional contradictions. Just when you think you have the girl all figured out she turns around and you don’t know what hit you. Brilliant!
What I’m wearing:
- Cotton maxi dress by “Religion”
- Sandals by “Marciano”
- Long chain necklace with a large Swarovski crystal pendant
- Leather clutch by “Steven” (as seen in Nov. 25′09)
- Aviator sunglasses by “GUCCI” (as seen in Jan. 8′10)
Comments
One Response to “My Maxi Dress and my Little Bodyguard (Jan. 29′10)”
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Something Blue and Bright Balloons (Jan. 28′10)
Hey guys,
I’m falling a bit behind again with my daily posts so today’s look-of-the-day is going to be another throw back to this summer. I celebrated my 26th birthday in Moscow last August and I chose this dress by Oktober for my special day. The detail of the pleated silk, the elaborate bodice, and the built in metal brooch make it one of my favorite couture dresses to wear. Considering how interesting and unique their designs are, I’m surprised that the Oktober as a brand is not more known and written about. Googling for Oktober doesn’t take you much farther than their own website, which is pretty uninformative and doesn’t do their clothes much justice. The name of their designer is Uros Belantic and from what I’ve seen he must be quite talented.
All the balloon activity is birthday related (I just wanted to reiterate that for those who weren’t paying attention) .
What I’m wearing:
- Silk pleated dress by “OKTOBER”
- Leather pumps by “Guillaume Hinfray” (as seen in Jan. 19′10, Nov. 20, Nov. 28, Dec. 20′09, New York and Montreal, Jan. 17′10)
- Chunky crystal ring (as seen in Jan. 27′10, Dec. 12′09, Opera)
Comments
One Response to “Something Blue and Bright Balloons (Jan. 28′10)”
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alex says:
my god, you are gorgeous !!!
Any thoughts? comment here ...
Carmen in Black (Jan. 27′10)
Hello my fashionista friends,
I just came back from seeing Carmen – an opera at the Canadian Opera Company (COC). I have seen Carmen about 5 times in the past: a few times in St. Petersburg, a few times in Moldova, and once before in Toronto. Because of my previous experience and considering that Carmen is one of the most popular and recognizable operas of all time I sort of assumed that the COC was going to make it “the show” of this season…boy was I wrong! It not only failed to live up to my expectations but the first three acts were just painful to watch. Aside from the mediocre singing, the lead and the costume designer managed to completely shatter my perception of Carmen as a character. I always thought of her as this exotic, gypsy seductress who exudes both confidence and charm; whose beauty and strength makes her irresistible. But their Carmen was non of those things. For the first half of the performance she looked more like a bum than a coquettish temptress that she was intended to be. I’m not sure if it’s a budget issue but the COC needs to reconsider their costume approaches. Their modern takes on the period pieces is getting stale. Don’t we go to the opera partially because we want to be taken into the wonders of some other world? Quit trying to rejuvenate this art form by modernizing the costumes. Or is it realism that the COC is striving for? I hope not because the constant singing kinds of breaks the illusion anyway. Seeing Escamillo (a toreador) in a blazer and Gap pants is not going to magically make the story more relevant to today’s society. Let us have the enjoyment of the escape and please stop butchering the classics.
What I’m wearing:
- Silk dress by “Giorgio Armani”
- Opaque tights by “Holt Renfrew”
- Shoes by “Pierre Hardy” (as seen in Dec. 2′09, Nov. 25′09)
- Clutch by “Murval”
- Necklace by “Kenneth Jay Lane” (as seen in Royal-inspired Necklaces)
- Chunky crystal ring
he’s a very cute little fellow !!!