fashion

Endless Summer: an Urban Adventure – YYZ Imports’ Summer Shoot

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Welcome back, summer in Toronto. We had another awesome day in the sunshine, romping around on Queen Street West. The Queen Street streetcar was named one of the world’s BEST trolly rides, which completely makes sense as the tracks take you from east to west (or vice versa) from beach, through Cabbage Town, the busy Yonge Street and financial district, past City Hall, the Opera and Ballet, Much Music and the former Speaker’s Corner, along Queen Street’s shopping district, and on to the hip West-end. It’s a ride full of colour and intersecting cultures. For three bucks that’s pretty good value.

YYZ Imports - Endless Summer Collection. Photography by Carmen Farrell

YYZ Imports – Endless Summer Collection. Photography by Carmen Farrell

For YYZ Imports’ “Endless Summer” collection we hit the streets and found some excellent places to showcase the wares from Jess and Bern, who have brought some very cool pieces home from abroad.

My wife and I, celebrating year one together, in our standard side-by-side pose. Photography by Carmen Farrell - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Farrell-Photography/111550845554690

My wife and I, celebrating year one together, in our standard side-by-side pose. Photography by Carmen Farrell – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Farrell-Photography/111550845554690

People stopped us on the street to see what was going on, and many of the passers-by wanted to know where they could buy the pieces on display.

Photography by Carmen Farrell.

Photography by Carmen Farrell.

I loved this pop of colour so much that I took the whole outfit with me the following week on vacation!

Styling this shoot was the perfect inspiration for my own travels. I even borrowed a few pieces from Jess, one of YYZ’s owners, for my trip to Greece. It was my own personal vacation-look-book, complete with live models.

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Great arm candy, on a very foxy lady.

All these awesome pieces were shot in one afternoon by Carmen Farrell, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Farrell-Photography/111550845554690 and are available right now on YYZ Imports’ page. The colours are undeniably vibrant and the pieces add such a punch to brights, or a nice canvas of white. Lastly, another thing I love is that these pieces support two local entrepreneurs who are making travel and style, their passions, a reality.

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One of my favourite funny aspects of the day was the makeshift hula hoop changeroom that the girls put together, facilitating some stealthy public outfit swaps. We shot in a park along the busy streetcar route and watching the models pop out of the hoop in new clothes drew a bit of a crowd.  To celebrate, we ended our afternoon at The Beaver – eating chicken tikka nachos. Delish. Cheers to summer and to all the adventures you can handle!

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Endless Summer Collection from YYZ Imports. Photography by Carmen Farrell – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carmen-Farrell-Photography/111550845554690

Check out the entire “Endless Summer” collection (available in limited quantities) at http://www.yyzimports.ca/collections/endlesssummer

KonMari and Me: A Month of Marie Kondo’s De-cluttering

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I started my summer reading with something my close friends will find hilariously fitting: THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP. Described as a “guide to decluttering your home… Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes readers step-by-step through her revolutionary KonMari Method for simplifying, organizing, and storing.” This is serious stuff. My friend, Bronwen, wrote a funny, but somewhat scathing review of this ‘methodology’ but my interest was piqued.

My newest book indulgence inspired the month-long challenge.

My newest book indulgence inspired the month-long challenge.

This kind of wacky, eccentricity seems right up my alley. Kondo asks, “Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?” Yes, Marie, yes. They do. And I am, admittedly an OCD (mildly) freak who has used a label maker to identify the drawers (by content) in her cupboard. I have a ‘hanger system’. I have come to understand that these routines/rituals/house rules, which others find weird (but which they often concur make complete sense) are what keep me sane at home, creating a safe-haven where I can FIND my things easily and know where they go; this is a necessary process after a long day at work, teaching people’s children, in an environment which is largely chaotic, messy, disorganized and dirty. I’m going all in for this one.

This is my month of KonMari Method. As she advised, I started with SHOES.

Put ALL the shoes in a pile. All items of the same type. Get them from ANYWHERE they might be hiding and put them together so you can pick them up, one at a time, for the Konmari Test.

Put ALL the shoes in a pile. All items of the same type. Get them from ANYWHERE they might be hiding and put them together so you can pick them up, one at a time, for the KonMari Test.

I made/encouraged my wife to participate also. She and I moving in together, early in our relationship, was less a ‘thing’ than the amalgamation of our two closets. ‘You moved into the DRESSING ROOM?’ our friends would joke. This shared space requires a shared approach. Plus, she’s wonderfully ruthless.

Two women equal a LOT of shoes. A LOT.

Two women equal a LOT of shoes. A LOT.

Even our cat, Felix, found this process exhausting. He found a comfy spot later, on top of shoe mountain, to observe our success.

Even our cat, Felix, found this process exhausting. He later sought out a comfy spot, on top of shoe mountain, to observe our success.

I am no Imelda Marcos, but I still managed to generate and get rid of an impressive pile. Marie, I feel lighter already.

Imelda Marcos, amongst her shoe collection; impressive for a first lady of a country that was bankrupt.

Imelda Marcos, amongst her shoe collection; impressive for the First Lady of a country that was bankrupt.

Things were not so dire for us. Actually, I cheated a little, keeping a few pairs of VERY nineties shoes (for costumes), which actually makes total sense, because I love Hallowe’en and really, you can’t buy shit like this anymore. I’m just starting, so I expect a few growing pains. Also, I needed to keep my dance shoes, tap shoes, hip hop shoes, ballet shoes…

Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown in February 1986. Philippine authorities took possession of what assets could be found, including Imelda's trove of 2700 shoes. No developing country can excuse its leaders' recklessly decking themselves out this way while the people struggle to make ends meet.

Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown in February 1986. Philippine authorities took possession of what assets could be found, including Imelda’s trove of 2700 shoes. No developing country can excuse its leaders recklessly decking themselves out this way, while the people struggle to make ends meet.

Good job, Alison. Imelda would be proud ... that you had so many to start with; ambivalent that you were getting rid of so many; impressed that so many of the ones remained based on the Konmarie test of asking,

Good job, Alison. Imelda would be proud … that you had so many to start with; ambivalent that you were getting rid of so many; impressed that so many of the ones that remained passed the KonMari test of asking, “Do these spark joy?”

So, where do you put all these tidy, joy-sparking shoes? In clear plastic shoe boxes, obviously. Another thing that inspires joy…is that once you get rid of the things that are weighing you down, you can make room for things that you really love – and from selling the castoffs to a consignment store, as well as donating many pairs to Goodwill, we have some money to put towards a few pairs we REALLY love. We sold nine pairs for a profit of $58.00 and may list another online, plus we have three reusable bags FULL to drop off for charity.

Tidy and with more room to breathe, my shoes are happier (according to Marie Kondo).

Tidy and with more room to breathe, my shoes are happier (according to Marie Kondo). But this drew attention to how crowded and sad my other clothes are…

Keep your peepers peeled for the next assault on my personal possessions: The Accessories Department.

Lisa Ray, Fusia and… Me?

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My wife recently attended the launch party of the newest issue of Fusia magazine, which stands for Female – Fusion – Asia. (www.fusia.ca) This Canadian magazine, pioneered by the innovative and talented Meera, is a fresh perspective on South Asian Women’s culture and fashion and it is produced right here in Toronto.

One of Fusia's beautiful, glossy covers.

One of Fusia’s beautiful, glossy covers.

At the launch party of the most recent issue, the spectacular, gutsy actor Lisa Ray was in attendance and the crowd came together to celebrate both the magazine and Lisa Ray’s inspiring contributions to it. Amidst incredible performances by singers and messages from the magazine’s creative team, Lisa spoke about her battle with cancer and overcoming it – a story full of hope. She has long been a visible face of South Asian women’s style, and her choice to pursue inclusive, challenging roles, like the leads in I Can’t Think Straight and The World Unseen, makes her a role-model for those of us who have been yearning for more diverse representation of culture and sexuality in our media. Check out her interview on SheWired (http://www.shewired.com/box-office/lisa-ray-playing-it-gay-twice).

The magazine is exceedingly well put together and betrays none of its humble roots as a labour of love, produced as a passion project by a full-time working mom.

The magazine is exceedingly well put together and betrays none of its humble roots as a labour of love, produced as a passion project by a full-time working mom.

With all this said, imagine my surprise as I perused the issue, brought home by my wife, Allia, and found that our friends’ jewelery line was featured, and by extension, so was my face (bottom right).

YYZ Imports and yours truly. http://www.yyzimports.ca/

YYZ Imports and yours truly. http://www.yyzimports.ca/

By her own report, Allia says the night was dazzling, sleek and intimate, filling The Berkeley with beautifully dressed, impeccably-styled women – exactly the kind of crowd to inspire and be inspired by Fusia Magazine. 

Lisa Ray, on stage at The Berkeley

Lisa Ray, on stage at The Berkeley

Opulent interior and pre-crowd venue.

Opulent interior and pre-crowd venue.

Jess and Bern of YYZimports celebrate!

Jess and Bern of YYZimports celebrate!

Step By Step, Ooh, Baby

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Ralph Lauren is not a label that comes to mind when I think of items I want to add to my closet. But, man, Lauren is doing something right in the shoe department! I am currently coveting a record number of his spring designs, and am no closer to narrowing down which I’ll choose, thanks to the totally adorable and well-priced pairs that are on offer.

I can imagine each one of these adding a pop of colour, or subtle texture, or … being just too freaking cute for words, with a whole slew of outfits. How can you pick just one? Since I’m not in the market for several, which will be my Cinderella pair?

Ralph Lauren Espadrilles, all $80 at HBC

Ralph Lauren Espadrilles, all $80 at HBC

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Ralph Lauren Espadrilles, all $80 at HBC

Ralph Lauren Espadrilles, all $80 at HBC

Ralph Lauren Espadrilles, all $80 at HBC

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Ralph Lauren Espadrilles, all $80 at HBC

Rear View: Flirting with the new shapes of Spring

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“I love to watch you walk away,” I say to no one. Especially not to a pair of pants that makes my butt look great.

Sit down and stay awhile, I’d plead.

But… I’m torn between two loves. The high waisted skinny and the flared cropped trouser. Fashion, fortunately, requires no fidelity.

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The contenders: skinny acid wash with an ankle crop.

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The contenders: cropped cullottes in a sweet print.

This season’s silhouette has a whole lot of variety on offer. Obviously these below zero temperatures, on April 1st no less (in Canada), have unfairly teased those of us who are waiting (impatiently) to bust out our open-toed shoes and some of the ankle-baring pants in our closets.

A great pair of jeans with a sky-high waistline, heels and a cute top means sitting on patios, not a whale tail in sight; never sticking to a hot chair or car seat; sitting however you please, and having your cake (too).

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Just a peek of skin and a pant that plays as well with a tank and blazer, as it does with a tunic.

How could I resist you?

But, here comes my new crush; hello, variation-of-the-trouser. I haven’t really noticed you since we had that falling out in the nineties, or for that brief moment when we flirted with the idea of ‘trousers’ for work, realizing (thank god) that the lax dress-code means pretty dresses and jeans are my steady. You are so much softer than before. So much less ironing and starch. Cut so much more flatteringly!

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Tied with a bow. A gift, really.

I am smitten. High-waists are definitely on my list, but hemlines and cut are all over the map. I recently purchased a pair of flowy, wide-leg and high waisted trousers, with pleats and an ankle-length hem. With flats they will skim the floor, looking summery with a hat and gladiators, a tank tucked in, and lots of jewelry. With heels, we could go anywhere. As long as there isn’t a lot of walking.

Trousers, culottes and crops, I’ve been waiting for you. Sit down and stay a while.

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Light and bright. Simply chic.

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More subdued and boxy. Man-repelling? Muwah.

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Canadian-tuxedo, done right for summer.

Sing it, Sister

Open Letters, style

Newly minted website, No Woo Woo (http://nowoowoo.com/) features the scathing, witty commentary of Bronwen Keyes-Bevan, a Toronto-based writer and filmmaker. Her recent article about the feeding frenzy on the red carpets, in particular – the impact on those who are breast-feeding, perfectly sums up what I’d want to say on the subject. For a great read, that calls out the complimentary way we backhand women (in general), by complimenting individual women’s ability to ‘bounce-back’ from pregnancy, check out her full article:

http://nowoowoo.com/bounced-back-golden-globes-how-the-media-tears-women-down/

I also love the Elle interviews that she cites, where male celebs are put through the same inane series of questions that women hoop-jump through regarding their pre-event prep routines and clothing choices:  (http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/g15584/elle-asks-men-inane-questions-on-the-red-carpet/?slide=3  ).

No Woo Woo is full of on-point observations and includes some excellent links to support the views on offer, including the Onion’s mock report about jumpsuits on the red carpet to help people focus on the talent, not the tail.

Thanks, Bronwen, for keeping it real and sharpening our focus.

The Onion's fake news.

The Onion’s fake news.

Friday Night with Cairo

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Heading out tonight to see Cairo’s show, featuring the talented Caitlin Grieve et al. I was lucky enough to have her lend us her expertise on the violin for our wedding and can’t wait to see them take the stage at Lee’s Palace for the album release of “A History of Reasons.”

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What do you wear to a pre-party and concert for a band described as “orchestral alt-pop,” that reminds me of a freezing landscape thawing in the sun and stars that come out in fast-forward through time-lapse photography? Something hard and cool, but also warm and sweet, with something that could be mistaken for an icicle or quartz crystal. Check them out, or visit their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wearecairo

Calum Slingerland, for Exclaim.ca writes, “Toeing a line between scintillating pop and subdued folk, the precise rhythm section and reverb-laced guitar work are only made richer by the inclusion of Caitlin Grieve’s violin.” Amen, sister.

So what do you wear to an Icelandic (for the weather) folk-indie-orchestra. A little something like this: warm and whimsical, with a little ‘bleak’ and ‘rugged’.

aaaaa aaaaaaa aa aaaa Tough enough for a rock show, cozy and femmed-up.  What is your go-to outfit for a night show?

Be your own stylist

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Pic pulled from a magazine featuring a dress that is remarkably similar to a vintage piece that my grandmother made by hand.

It started with a picture I pulled from a magazine. Or maybe it started back when I’d raid my mom’s closet. Or, probably,  it started with the fact that today is a snow day. When else am I home during the day, with beautiful winter light streaming through the window, no chores to be done, and a -26 with windchill happening outside?

The other day my co-worker turned to me and said, “I want your closet.” This is sweet and flattering, but loving your clothes is not so far out of reach. Admittedly, dating and marrying a woman with an extensive collection of her own has expanded my wardrobe options, but I’ve always loved clothes and collected them lovingly. So, on this beautiful snow day I saw the magazine picture of Zoey Deschanel wearing a sweet polka-dot dress and knew exactly what I had in my closet that would replicate it.  Today’s challenge: be my own stylist.

On a limited budget ($100-$150 a season if I’m being honest), how can you maximize your wardrobe potential?

Granny's dress and the inspiration page.

Granny’s dress and the inspiration page.

1) Look at magazines for inspiration. Part of what keeps you in a rut is forgetting what you have and thinking of ways to wear those pieces in new ways. It looks like I have many more things than I do, because I rarely combine items the same way twice.

1B) Never throw anything out. Just because it’s out of style now doesn’t mean it won’t come back. Also, ‘out’ of style… according to who? If you love it, keep it; if you need a break… take it, but don’t pitch a piece you love just because its moment is over. Put it on hold, especially if you love the way it fits.

2) Know where to find it: not new clothes, the ones you already have. Keep your closet organized! When things are clean, ready to wear and easy to find, you are more likely to wear them. My hanger system is annoying, but I know where to find my stuff.

Some great bargain pieces in blush and with embellishments from Dex and Material Girl.

Some great bargain pieces in blush and with embellishments from Dex and Material Girl.

3) Know where to find it… if you don’t have it yet. Some stores will fit you, some won’t. Trying things on, shop around. Go into places you haven’t tried before. Some places will fit like a glove. I tend to have few problems with tops and dresses, but pants from places like Zara, Club Monaco and … most places actually, are tricky for me. I’m lucky that I’m not corporate, because Second Denim’s yoga jeans in 5 washes and cuts are my absolute favourite (they are super long-legged, really stretchy, have the high-rise and sky-rise fit, and never gape at the back).

4) Make friends with accessories and don’t spend a fortune. If you’re into

Clockwise from top left: White Feather Designs' geometric silver and gold, Kensington Market graphic beads, E-bay $10 gold collar, 2 long pendants from YYZ Imports, H&M silver fringe, black and gold statement piece from a garage sale, Joe Fresh $5 sale baubles/rinestone necklace

Clockwise from top left: White Feather Designs’ geometric silver and gold, Kensington Market graphic beads, E-bay $10 gold collar, 2 long pendants from YYZ Imports, H&M silver fringe, black and gold statement piece from a garage sale, Joe Fresh $5 sale baubles/rinestone necklace

classic jewelry (your favourite studs, one necklace)…lucky you. But I’ve found that an array of versatile costume jewelry keeps me feeling excited about new combinations.

5) Don’t try to solve your other issues with a new purchase. Moods, insecurities, … can’t *usually be solved by buying something. Unless you’re celebrating.

6) Buy things that you find challenging (formal dresses, swim suits) when you don’t  need them. Purchasing them under pressure is rarely a good way to find a great item. I regularly look for dresses to wear to events and occasions, so that I have a few on stand-by. When I see a great deal, or when it fits well and I don’t have to wear it that weekend, I can take my time and usually get things at a way better price.

7) Borrow/trade with friends, casually, or host a full-on Clothing Swap

Knit floral-edge jacket from a play that I choreographed. The costumers gifted me this piece after the show wrapped.

Knit floral-edge jacket from a play that I choreographed. The costumers gifted me this piece after the show wrapped.

party. These are a ton of fun and I never go home empty-handed. Some of my favourite pieces are from swaps.

8) Don’t discredit things from unlikely places or that don’t immediately catch your eye. My mother and grandmother’s closets have been great sources (with permission) for handbags, jewellery and vintage pieces. Winners is a veritable treasure trove. Same goes for the H&M sale racks. I am the girl who picks up stuff other people pass by because it seems impossible to wear, or ugly. I dare you to try on things you think won’t work and surprise yourself.

9) Keep track of what you like. Pin-it, tear it out of a magazine, keep a file on your phone. Stick some images that inspire you on the inside of your closet door.

What are your tricks for keeping it interesting in your wardrobe and preventing major splurges?

Most days I pick my outfit by sitting down to drink my morning coffee with chicfeed.com as my homepage. I scan the pages until I see something like what I own, and once one piece is decided I build from there. Rarely does the outfit end up looking like the original, but that’s the starting point.

With this in my, I played stylist and using one piece from the closet to start, I laid out outfits built around one inspiration piece at a time. Now I know what I’m wearing for the next week and a half. If the outfits feel too summery, I add thick tights or leggings, plus tall boots, a cardigan or blazer.

Ready, set, snow.

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Joe Fresh sale button-up, costume jewelry and high-waisted dark denim.

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Cozy fine-knit sweater and lightweight striped blazer (both Zara), skinny black jean and statement necklace (from a garage sale of jewelry previously worn one time by television hosts), Club Monaco steel ring and hand-crafted ring from a hippie beach shop.

IMG_8763 IMG_8765 IMG_8771 Three outfits for wearing with thick leggings and tall boots or booties. Left to right (clothing swap Mexx sweater, Winners dress, Anthropologie necklace from ebay/ clothing swap Rachel Roy dress and H&M necklace/ woolly vest from Winners, vintage jacket with floral border, summery tunic from Winners, layered for cold weather and Anthropologie necklace).

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Lots of texture and complimentary finishes help to keep these mix-and-match pieces feeling more cohesive.

Winter brights keep me feeling happy, and chartreuse is one of my favourites. Layered to keep cozy and worn with unexpected colour combos. Vero Moda soft blazer and tunic cut from a previous theatre costume, necklace from The Bay (on sale).

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Clothing swap pink dress, two necklaces for $1 each + belt swiped from a different dress.

Cozy-up a summer dress with leggings, fuzzy shrug sweater with bat-wing sleeves. Earrings (vintage) free from a co-worker, geometric necklace from http://wfdjewellery.com/, long pendant from http://www.yyzimports.ca/collections/rumours.

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Casual bright blue long sweater with Winners tunic and vintage jewelry. Good for a Friday where I’ll be on my feet and needing to move around.

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More of a splurge: wear-anywhere Anthropologie dress with ebay choker necklace and nubby long sweater, add an extra faux-sheepskin layer for drafty rooms.

Have fun in your closet!

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