Fashionista Talk » Denim Birds

Patent It!

lida — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:18:17 +0000

I really patented-it-up for this look-of-the-day. I’ve been waiting to wear this jacket for a while now and today’s decent weather finally permitted the materialization of my modest desire. I generally love large, high collars and I especially appreciate well-constructed ones that stay up as intended. The texture of the patent leather allows the collar on this jacket to stay in place regardless of how high you want it. I paired it with high, patent leather gloves, as I had done in the Gloves video. Once I decided to complete the look with the patent, Pierre Hardy boots, I kept the rest of the garments simple. The shine of patent leather was enough of a statement in itself so I went with a plain sweater and jeans to balance out the glam. That is basically all there’s to my ‘patent’ story .

I wore this outfit for a sushi-lunch (on Queen St.) with a friend that I hadn’t seen in years.

p.s. Thank you for the sweet emails. Your support means a lot to me.

What I’m wearing;

Jeans by “Denim Birds” (as seen in Jan. 1′10, Nov. 10, Dec. 11, Dec. 24, Dec. 28′09, Feb. 15’10)
Cashmere sweater by “Julie & Jack” (as seen in Jan. 13′10, Nov. 25′09, Feb. 15’10)
Patent leather jacket by “Elie Tahari” (as seen in Gloves, Let it Rain (Rain Clothes))
Patent leather boots by “Pierre Hardy” (as seen in Jan. 20’10)
Bag by “Renato Angi Venezia” (as seen in Nov. 10, Nov. 21, Dec. 3,Dec. 4′09, Jan. 8′10, Feb. 22’10)
Crystal heart long necklace by “Cristal de Sèvres” (as seen in Jan. 8′10, Jan. 16’10)
Patent leather gloves by “Fownes”(as seen in Gloves)

Tuesday on the Road

lida — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:50:13 +0000

My day so far has largely consisted of getting myself back home to Toronto. I am finally sitting in my condo, with a latte in my hand, writing my daily post. There isn’t much that you can say in relation to travel attire other than the obvious – “comfort comes first.” I used to interpret this comfort-related, three-word-rule as a limiting nuisance. A stifling kill-joy that inhibits our creative instincts and freedoms. But I now realize that it doesn’t have to. On the contrary, I’m beginning to enjoy putting together looks for very specific purposes (such as travel) because its many limitations present something of fun challenge. As long as you keep in mind what the day requires of you (mostly sitting, waiting, and trying to get comfortable with little leg room and so on) then it quickly narrows down your possibilities. Through my previous experiences I’ve learned to layer, wear stretchable, comfy pants, and to bring a big bag for all my travel stuff. Everything else is a matter of the fashionista’s vision.

What I’m wearing:

Jeans by “Denim Birds” (as seen in Jan. 1’10, Nov. 10, Dec. 11, Dec. 24, Dec. 28’09)
Boots by “Sam Edelman”
Long necklace with crystal pendant by “Robert Verdi” (as seen inDec. 4′09, Feb. 15’10)
Asymmetrical cardigan by “Goddis”
Tank-top by “H&M”
Fur coat by “AlixK” (as seen in Jan. 22′10, Jan. 30′10, Feb. 14′10, Feb. 15’10)
Cashmere sweater by “Julie & Jack” (as seen in Jan. 13’10, Nov. 25’09)

Happy New Year Fashionistas!!!

lida — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:04:38 +0000

That’s it. Its officially 2010. I don’t know about you guys, but not too long ago I remember celebrating the big millennium. Was that really 10 years ago? It certainly doesn’t feel like it. All the end-of-the-world theories fell through I guess and not only did we make it past the big 2000 but we’ve moved on to the next decade. I feel an overpowering urge to throw out a cliche at you, “It’s crazy how time flies.” In tune with these thoughts I’m going to leave you with this: life is too short to spend it in pajama pants. Fashionistas, go forth and multiply!:)

Happy New Years!!!

What I’m wearing:

Layered top (silk on sequin) “Elie Tahari”
Jeans by “Denim Birds”
Long necklace by “Angie Gooderham” (as seen in Nov. 10, Dec. 24)
Pig ring (made out of fish bone bought in Cuba)

Monday Calm

lida — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:12:08 +0000

In the past few years I’ve grow increasingly fond of loose, draping cardigan with asymmetrical silhouettes. Their deliberate aesthetic sloppiness is so freeing that it’s almost fashion-cathartic. They are awesome for travel and other occasions that require hassle-free, low-maintenance, versatile garments. All the fabric pulling, stretching and general wear will only add to its intended asymmetry. I noticed that such cardigans are often worn with a belt over it or wrapped around. All that dangling fabric creates possibilities, and that’s always a good thing.

What I’m wearing:

Asymmetrical cardigan by “Goddis”
Cashmere top by “Holt Renfrew”
Wooden necklace by “Kenneth Jay Lane” (as seen in Nov. 23, Dec. 27)
Skinny jeans by “Denim Birds” (as seen in Nov. 10, Dec. 11, Dec. 24)
Coin clip-on earrings (as seen in Dec. 24)
Knitted mittens (as seen in Gloves)

Denim and Tweed

lida — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:59:11 +0000

Today my family and I will be driving for about 3 hours to spend our Christmas in the country. I love a change of scenery even if it means leaving the city. I can’t wait to chill out by the fire at the lodge; it will be so country-fabulous. There is more snow, greenery, and fresh air, which should be refreshing considering that I’ve spend the last couple of days couped up in my condo like a prisoner (this might me a little melodramatic but I think I made my point ). Anyway, I’m finally stepping out into the world, albeit with slight apprehension and pockets full of kleenex.

For a change, this look-of-the-day is actually of my outfit for today. I didn’t want to put you guys through yet another vacation look this week so I pieced together this little in-season combo. By mixing different fabrics and textures I added dimension and funk to these relatively simple garments. The thickness and heaviness of tweet is balanced by the silk scarf. The plastic necklace subdues some of the scarf’s body while its white pieces help incorporate the plain t-shirt into the mix. The denim and cotton give the look a casual tone by de-statemenizing its overall impression.

What I’m wearing:

Tweet jacket by “Pinko”
Jeans by “Denim Birds” (as seen in Nov. 10, Dec. 11)
White t-shirt by “DOE”
Coin clip-on earrings
Long necklace by “Angie Gooderham” (as seen in Nov. 10)
Chunky ring made out of fish bone (purchased on a resort in Cuba)
Suede boots by “Penny loves Kenny” (as seen in Dec. 3)
Silk scarf by “Filippa K”

Green & Mustard Friday

lida — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:21:35 +0000

Today’s look-of-the-day is a colorful blend of mustard, forest-green, and blue. I felt like playing with color today and when I thought of my new Dries Van Noten silk kimono jacket the rest of the pieces were chosen to complement it. When putting together looks, I try not to resort to jeans because I feel that its an easy, and slightly boring, way out. In this case I would have preferred to wear a lose, flowy skirt but (in Toronto) we are now extremely limited in our fashion range because of weather limitations. This jacket is from Dries Van Noten’s spring 2008 collection. I’ve included 4 pictures of other kimono jackets and tops from the same collection to illustrate how creatively he plays with patterns and color. You have to be skilled and brave to pull-off mixing patterns, but there examples are still inspirational. In describing this collection Dries Van Noten said “I worked on printing several different patterns on one piece of material so that you can end up wearing four or five prints in just a couple of pieces.” How brilliantly wild of an idea.

What I’m wearing:

Silk kimono jacket by “Dries Van Noten”
Skinny jeans by “Denim Birds” (also seen in Nov. 10)
Silk top by “Rory Beca” (also seen in Nov. 28)
Finsbury Crisscross Mary Jane Pumps by “L.A.M.B” (also seen in Cashmere Dresses)
Long fish necklace by “Pellini Italy”
Multi-strand vintage-inspired metal/stone bracelet
Wild-pearl necklace (also seen in Nov. 12, Nov. 16)