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.
Philosophy
the chiffonery of Alberta Ferretti
Before I get into details, I might as well begin by declaring my unyielding love for Alberta Ferretti. Some of the more attentive readers might have already assumed as much from the title, but in the interest of keeping things clear and simple I’m officially ‘coming out of the closet’ with this (sort of speak). I love her romantic approach to the female aesthetic. For example, what can be more delicate and feminine than her chiffon fluttery frocks in pale palette of lingerie pinks, ivory, and cloudy beiges. And when she added those gorgeous elements of embroidered flowers in her 2010 Spring collection, how could a girl resist?
Layered Mini
I know that I’ve been short on words in the past few posts and it’s just a reflection of how I’ve been feeling lately. I don’t want to force what just isn’t there. I haven’t felt very inspired to write so I choose not to. It’s like I hit something of a creative dry spell and I haven’t done anything interesting lately to get myself out of it (i.e. theatre, opera, art show)….nada. I’ll have to figure something out but until then the pictures alone will have to suffice.
Cozy Monday
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.
