Pro-craft-ination

It is of course paper/ finals time here in university-land, which inevitably means I am attempting to avoid writing my 3 papers (or to avoid studying in general. Also: I’m avoiding anything useful really…)  After bleaching every surface in my apartment, I have moved onto more productive (and possibly less caustic) distraction from my studies. I bought these wedges a few months ago with a gift-card that was given to me. I initially loved the hardware on the straps and the slight grey-blue metallic colour, but HATED the fake wood-ness. I wore them a few times but the wood still annoyed me. So today, in lieu of actually being productive, I decided to do something about it. I present: Adventures in Spray Painting!

The orignals…

…. pretty hilarious use of pink duct tape and printer paper to prevent over-spray….

My neighbors saw them drying on the balcony and now think I’m nuts. But I must say, I’m pretty pleased with the result.

Perhaps now I will wear them more often…

Coiffeurs with Chutzpah

Currently listening to: “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane

Tired of the generic salon experience and rendered visually impaired by my too-long fringe, I decided to check out CAJH Maîtres Coiffeurs’ new location (743 Atwater, Montréal, (514) 932-6303.) I’m always a bit wary about trying a new stylist, but my worries were squashed by the rave reviews surrounding stylist, Alain Larivee and colourist, Justin Voss. As it turns out, CAJH is a Montréal salon whose reputation isn’t all hype. And their new location, like the coifs perfected by their expert hands, is cool, unique, and a breath of fresh air.

Alain and I discuss what I’d like in a hair cut. He suggests layers are the cure for my limp hair-woes, but assures me that he still wants to give me something with “a little personality.” In between deft snips of my locks and questions about my personal hair care routine, we discuss things we have in common (rescued dogs and small town upbringings) and I completely forget my haircut-anxiety; before I know it, my strawberry blonde nightmare has been transformed into a delicate dégradé of layers, which frames my face and that fits my styling habits. The best part: Larivee’s personalized approach to hair means that I might be able to replicate the truly fabulous result in my own home. Now that’s what I call getting the attention you deserve!

YSL Dies, aged 71

Click here for the full obituary.

How terribly sad. He death is a great loss to not only the fashion community, but artists everywhere.

If You Need a Chuckle…

Currently listening to: “Best for Last” by Adele

I guess interning at a magazine has me somewhat fixated on the glossies lately…. which is a good thing because it keeps me from slipping back into the winter doldrums because of this crappy weather. Reading Vogue today reminded me of this HILARIOUS ad I saw for crocs. Below is the pic, and the tagline (if you can’t read it) is “It’s hard to believe it’s parents were ugly!”

Who are they kidding??? It’s not hard at all! That shoe is HIDEOUS! God I love companies futile attempts at rebranding….

Dear Vogue, wtf??

Currently listening to: “Siamese Cities” by Metric

Don’t get me wrong… I love Vogue; a religious reader, I have every copy since the year 2000 saved in my apartment. Sometimes Anna Wintour’s magazine boarders on a bit too mainstream for my taste, and its certainly not nearly as magnificent Vogue Italia or Vogue Paris. It is, however, still one of the few fashion magazines published in the western hemisphere that occasionally boasts phenomenal photographic talents like Steven Meisel. I will admit lately though, I’ve been having my doubts about the publication: last month’s issue of the mag showcased the omni-elegant Gwyneth Paltrow with a major case of alien face. I thought this dud was just a one-off, so I was appalled when I saw June’s issue on the newsstand– not only did it look like Sarah Jessica Parker had a lazy eye, but it reminded me so much of an old Vogue cover. Sure enough, when I got home and pulled out the November 2004 issue, the similarities were even more striking: the same composition, colour scheme, even roughly the same pose and hairstyle.

If that wasn’t enough for me to question the authority of the so-called “fashion bible,” the next little tidbit threw me over the edge. News that famed hockey player, Sean Avery, is interning at Vogue this summer (and getting PAID for his time) certainly peed me off. The magazine business is an industry where interns typically NEVER get compensation (trust me I know, as an intern at FASHION Magazine, I have the bank account to prove it), so what’s a meathead hockey player doing getting paid AND attending fashion week for minimal work? Recent events really make me wonder… with preferential celebrity treatment, and continual lack of originality, is Wintour losing her touch? The twin covers are below… you be the judge.

Recent Acquisitions

Currently listening to: “Sunshine” by Atmosphere

If there’s one thing I’m a sucker for, its socially responsible designers. If there are two thing’s I’m a sucker for, its socially responsible designers and sample sales. Naturally I was THRILLed when I heard the Montreal-natives Matt & Nat were having a sample sale this week. Unfamiliar with the brand? Matt & Nat is a company started 8 years ago with a mission in mind: cruelty free bags. Not only are they vegan-friendly, they’re also gorgeous and unique; the company counts vegan leather, linen and even recycled plastic bags among their materials. This isn’t your grocery store’s plastic bag though, they come at a somewhat steep price (especially if you’re on a student budget like me), ranging from $ 50 for wallets to $200+ for the larger satchels. But with a price tag thats 50-70% off of the retail price, it’s a socially responsible message I can afford. If you’re still interested (and in MTL) it’s still going on, at least from 10-3pm tomorrow & the address is: 225 Chabanel, suite 405. Read: Spend money now! It’s worth it even if your bank account (like mine) is dwindling (hence the my ironic use of Holly Golightly-inspired furniture in the photo.)

Aside from another enormous purse, I’m also continuing to live outside my means with the purchase of a FCUK dress. Normally, I’m sort of lukewarm to the French Connection brand, they have a couple of pieces I like but really how many play on FCUK can you make? (I guess endless, since a friend of mine pointed out that fuck can be used as a noun, verb, adjective and adverb….) I changed my tune about the company when I spotted this toxic-yellow beaded “Bex Dress”. Not only am I obsessed with the colour, but it’s the type of dress that’s perfect for cocktail parties for the Magazine (covered enough but not too matronly and still fashion forward.) The price was $100 off the original so I caved. In my defense, dresses are impossibly hard to find, and this is a work-related fashion purchase, so it can’t be that bad, right? Okay, that’s just an excuse to add more toxic yellow to my closet and justify a week of heavy spending…

Many apologies….

Yes, it’s true, I’ve been a bit of a bad blogger. The lax posting is due to the horrendously busy week(s) I’ve been having. Not only am I finishing finals, but I’m also moving (YAAAAAY! i promise APT pics once its all settled) as well as attending a few fashion events. Never fear! I should be back up and running in about a week a week or two.Fingers crossed you’re not as busy as I am!

xx

-k.

Quite the Comedian

Currently listening to: “I Think I’m Pregnant” by Soko

I’m so glad that designers are starting to inject a bit of humour back into their collections. Make no mistake: I definitely treat fashion in a business-like manner, but it’s refreshing to see that designers aren’t taking themselves too seriously. This comedic effect has been particularly evident in the details. I admit it: I’m really in love with the plethora of cartoon acessories that have popped up on the runways. From YSL’s mirrored Perspex star accessories, to Philip Lim’s long circle necklaces, I’ve been watching these statement pieces like a hawk. Of course, I don’t have the financial means to buy a bazillion dollar necklace and thus I must look for alternatives. I found these two necklaces on etsy.com that will satisfy my “caricature jewellery” desires quite nicely. I’ve already worn the yellow knit chain once, which resulted in 3 random people coming up to touch it…. Creeps! But at least someone besides me is appreciating my new jewellery acquisitions… and it certainly makes for hilarious stories.

Going Au Naturale

Currently listening to: “Dream” by Alice Smith

I really am trying to be more environmentally conscious: I’ve switched to energy saving light bulbs, started using reusable sacks at the grocery store and even tried biodegradable laundry detergent (though I’ve yet to find one that I’m not allergic to. If you know of one I’d love to hear it.) But when it comes to my favourite body creams and lip glosses, I’m a little reluctant to give them up in favour of their 100% organic counterparts. All-natural beauty products can’t help but remind me of when I was younger and my sister and I used to make “makeup” out of leaves, mud and berries. Premium natural products tend to come at a premium price (and thus they’re not exactly “destitute student” budget-friendly.) I got the push I needed to go au naturale when the editor of the magazine I intern for gave me some free eco-products. I’ve never known anyone to say no to freebies, and it solved my “over-priced naturals” gripe, so I decided to give them a go.

The first product I tried was Lush’s Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter. I’m not going to lie, never in my life have I used cuticle butter. In fact, I didn’t even realize I HAD dry cuticles until I started using this stuff. Now, I’m hooked: gone are winter hands and many, many hang-nails. My toenails look better too, and it left behind a pleasant tangy, lemon smell. Lemony Flutter is like a quickie pedicure, only at a very reasonable $11.95, it perfectly into my limited budget.

Feeling a bit better about these eco cosmetics, I ventured into lip gloss territory. Anyone who know me can tell you I have a lip-fixation. I’m constantly applying lipstick, gloss or balm as sort of a nervous tick. I’ve tried loads of different brands, but I always tend to cycle back to my favourites: Lipsyl Honey Rose for balm, Benefit Silky Finish for Lipstick (party crasher is my shade du jour) and Bath & Body Works’ C.O. Bigelow Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine for gloss. But after trying Tarte’s new Double Dose ($21 at Sephora), I may have to add this gloss to my list. Supposedly it contains what Tarte calls a “T5 Super Fruit Complex,” that is rich in naturally-occurring antioxidants and has skin restorative benefits. So… what does that translate to in a lip gloss? A super smooth, glossy lip with just the right hint of colour. I got it in “Acerola Rush” which turned out to be a sort of sheer-coral shade, and I’m truly in love with it. The hue is bang on with the coral-lip runway trend but it doesn’t leave you looking like a circus clown, so it’s wearable for everyday.

Although I loved both Tarte and Lush’s natural beauty offerings, I must say my favourite eco-freebie was the Babassu Body Crème from Inara. While the other 2 items I talked about contain natural ingredients, this cream actually delivers a product that IS 100% organic. It is a bit more pricey than the others ($41 for 5.5 oz.) but it’s totally worth the sting to your wallet- I don’t believe that I’ve had skin this smooth since I was 5 months old. The best part though, (aside from the fact that my senstitive skin is not allergic to it) is I can actually pronounce every single word in the ingredients list…. now isn’t that refreshing?

Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better

Currently listening to: “The Spy” by The Doors

I suppose today’s outfit is somewhat of a rebuttal this week’s release of the Gap Design Edition’s 2nd Annual “White Shirt” offering. For those of you have not been to one of the approximately seven zillion Gap stores on the planet, the basics giant partnered with 2007 CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists Phillip Lim, Three AsFour, Band of Outsiders and Michael Bastian to create a capsule collection of variations on the iconic white button-down. After initially hearing that Gap was having a 2nd go at the classic shirt revamp, I was ecstatic and promptly starred it on my calendar (no I am not too old to use star stickers thank you very much.) But once I saw the shirts in person, I found this year’s offerings to be a bit lacklustre. And then I discovered the only shirt that I would be willing to pay for (the Patchwork Shirt by Band of Outsiders) was priced at $88. Needless to say, my mind was sufficiently blown. I’m never one to question the value added to a garment when a designer’s name is tacked on…. but Gap’s clothes are still produced in Malaysia (or whichever 3rd world country), so it seemed a bit excessive to me to spend almost $90 on a shirt one of my ex boyfs could have left at my house. In protest, I’m wearing my own large dress shirt. As it happens, it’s a men’s tuxedo shirt that I believe was once intended as a gift for an ex (obviously we never made it long enough for me to give it to him.) The only difference between my oversized fashion and that of the “Design Editions” is that mine wasn’t $90 and made with sweatshop labour. Well that, and its black. I hope my irony here is not lost on you.