I came across an exciting new vintage fashion boutique in the Danforth and Broadview area called Tabula Rasa. It’s owner, Jennifer Park, personally chooses all the vintage pieces for the store but vintage is not all that it has to offer. There are also some interesting new clothes from independent lines of NYC and Australia. Their overall aesthetic comes from the combination of ‘timeless treasures paired in a modernized way,” which is what I tried to do in today’s look. I bought this silk vintage top at Tabula Rasa on the way to the the bank a few days ago, and I couldn’t wait to put it to use. When we decided to go for brunch at Starving Artist (on Lansdowne) over the weekend, its time had finally come.
A few days ago I paid another visit to the Four Seasons Centre to see Idomeneo – an opera I knew nothing about. To me, its most memorable features were the emotional intimacy and grandeur of the music (I guess they call it Mozart’s masterpiece for a reason), the mythological plot, and the powerful cast. I didn’t have time to even glance at the program because the lights were already dimming as we frantically rushed to our seats (no matter how much I try to prevent this, we tend to be “fashionably late” to these things, which is pretty “unfashionable” when it comes to theatre considering that half of the row needs to get up to let you through). Anyway, after seeing enough operas their plots become pretty predictable and you know what to expect of the endings - someone is going to die a horrible, miserable death. But apparently not in Idomeneo. It was so surprising and refreshing that every character not only survived the course of the opera but was happier by the end of it. And it was based on Greek mythology – go figure…I guess those vicious gods took it easy for once.
By lida on March 18, 2010
I had been looking for a well-fitting pair of skinny leather pants and yesterday I finally found them at Club Monaco. I knew the moment had finally come as soon as I finished squeezing into them in the change room and looked in the mirror
. The sales girl assured me that they would stretch to fit my body and considering that I have zero experience with faux leather I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. As you may have noticed, I’m a strong supporter of natural fabrics but I am willing to make a compromise for these babies. So far I’m satisfied (but them again, I’ve only worn them for a total of an hour).
By lida on February 2, 2010
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.
By lida on December 21, 2009
One of my favourite things about the winter season is being able to feel truly cozy. The extreme discomfort of being outside in the snowstorm or freezing-rain is offset by the satisfying feeling of getting out of this dreadful weather. As I’m enjoying my summer, the thoughts of impermanence creep into my mind with the reminder of the inevitable winter to come. It is precisely this notion of “coziness” that dispels some of the negativity associated with the memory of winter. Sipping hot-chocolate by the fire as the snowflakes dance in the window may be corny in theory but is “delightful” in practice
. And certain natural fabrics only intensify the feeling of warmth and comfort. As they envelop our bodies with love and care, fabrics like cashmere and wool remind us of the joys of winter. Appreciate even the itchiest of wools as you layer them into your looks this season. They don’t only keep you warm but possess immense aesthetic potential.