Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Polling

I'm curious to know, now that I've gone all "modern recycler" how y'all do this internet shopping thing.

To disclose: Until 10 minutes ago I didn't have a PayPal account and I've only ever bought bags online. Partly, this is because I live in Canada, and e-bay shopping (and the like) gets complicated here for a few reasons:
  • The shipping charge is often much higher (even though I don't think it costs that much more)
  • If the item is stopped at customs coming into Canada, duty will be charged (this tends to be exorbitant, depending on what it is)
  • The exchange rate can be miserable
  • I prefer to buy in real life (I enjoy the experience and I live in a major metropolis)
  • I'm kind of scared - will the vendor be good (reviews notwithstanding) and - major question - how do I know if that unreturnable thing is going to fit?
Which brings me to my next question. Have you online shoppers - esp. the ones who buy unreturnable things - taken all of your body measurements? Does this system really work? It all seems so, um, risky.

But I really want to branch out. Just found a really chic pair of gently-used, designer jeans that should fit (on paper) at a really good price. What do I do??

Canadians, specifically, do you online shop from the UK and US often? How would you rate the experience?

Thanks for everyone's feedback.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Get a Piece of the Action

aka K's much beloved - but overstocked - wardrobe.

My driveling thought process:
  • I love to shop.
  • I love beautiful things.
  • I buy beautiful things (which come with delightful pedigree and/or fun stories).
  • All the beautiful things become like my beloved children (don't tell M!).
  • At the current level of acquisition, though, I haven't the time to take all the kids to the park nearly often enough - yes, bad simile extended.
  • Those babies deserve love and attention.
  • I'd like to make a little bit of space for my current items (and theoretically for new ones).
  • This is not to say I can bear to part with much.
  • Nor is it to suggest that my prime, or even peripheral, interest is to make a tremendous profit on anything.
Enter my experiment - which is in no way innovative - though I feel my methodology might be!

There's this lovely blog called Laws of General Economy. It's a forum for placing good, loved clothing in an appropriate new home. It's not a money making venture but a community of like-minded clothes lovers looking to recycle their mint-condition, (mainly) branded wares or vintage with others.

How it Works
  • Occasionally, on Laws of General Economy, I will post a photo of an item I'd like to release back into the wild. (I'll link to this from my blog so that y'all here will be advised.)
  • The post will give you a brief history of the piece, sizing/flat measurements and indicated shipping fee plus nominal reimbursement requested.
  • If the item appeals, you go into the comments of that post (at Laws...), and leave your email address (it's kind of like a bid, but the terms are set).
  • When the "bid period" closes, any who have commented will be equally eligible to "win" the item through a random draw.
  • The randomly chosen recipient will send payment through PayPal and then I'll ship the item.
So, all the more, I'm actively reflecting on the secret dynamics in the universe of my closet. Which pieces will be more appreciated, at this stage of our relationship, in a new environment? What lovely memories are woven in their fabrics, ready to provide an hospitable and lovely container for a gorgeous new owner?

I'm also feeling rather modern urban e-cycler!

What do you think?

Sunday, March 29, 2009

I Freakin' Love This...


Reminds me of the bathroom in the 1930s house I grew up in. It's so timeless.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

If You Can Look At...

... this mid-century modern tour without wanting to poke out your eyes with envy, you're categorically more enlightened than me.

Feel superior. I'm fine with that.

Friday, March 27, 2009

K Q/A

Oooh, here I am, once again responding to the last tag in - not that the others aren't totally on my appreciation and respond radar screen. But ya gotta love questions... (And it's a great Friday kind of thing.) Thank you From the Right Bank to the Left Coast, for tagging me - and for your lovely interiors blog.

Here are the guidelines:

1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.

2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

What is your current obsession? Blogging

Good fika place? (That would be coffee to us non-Swedes) Pantry or Ella's Uncle

Do you nap a lot? Are you joking?

Who was the last person you hugged? My daughter

What’s for dinner? Hate to admit it was Amy's Macaroni and Cheese (organic counts, right?)

What was the last thing you bought? An apricot peanut bar for M's after-school snack

What are you listening to right now? My husband, mouth breathing (he has a cold)

What is your favourite weather? Oh, I love sunny and 20 degrees celsius

What’s on your bedside table? A lamp and some books I should be reading

Say something to the person/s who tagged you. Hey Right Bank, you seem to be living a very exciting, stylish life!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? This question is ridiculous impossible. I'll go with NYC.

Favourite vacation spot? Montreal or Quebec City - but this question is pretty impossible too

Name the things you can’t live without. I'm not including people, natch: coffee, beautiful food, wine, music, sun glasses, regular glasses, hand cream, purse, matching lingerie that fits perfectly, damn the cost, my laptop - there are so many things!!!

What would you like to have in your hands right now? An Eames chair with cowhide upholstery, for example, or a macaroon from Laudree

What is your favourite tea flavour? Not so fussed about any flavour

What would you like to get rid of? All the unnecessary clutter in my environment, my tendency to worry

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? An hour isn't really long enough :-) Probably Paris

What did you want to become as a child? A wealthy matron (a chic one who throws perfect parties)

What do you like better, e-mail or telephone calls? Each has its benefits but I love the phone in the day and email the rest of the time

What are you currently reading? Who reads books, really?!

What's your favourite brand of jeans? I can go in many directions, but right now my Superfines

What designer piece of clothing would you most like to own (new or vintage)? Why did I make up this question, I totally cannot decide. Maybe a Claire McCardell day dress?

I tag Sal, Miss C, WendyB, Tessa, Bel, Maegan, Tanya, Yulanda. And of course, anyone else who'd like to chime in...

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Contemplate

Truly, I have coveted this garden for years. Some days, I detour specifically on my walk up to daycare so that I can appreciate its year-round beauty.





I mean, if something looks this good in freakin' early March, you know you got your money's worth.

PS: When I get my backyard "water element", you can bet it's gonna look like this. That thing is so well constructed that it runs year-round.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Annoying Administrative Update

I think, due to the moron known as Ed (aka spammer from the abyss), I'm going to have to start moderating my comments. Fucker's been hitting my blog hard (hundreds of times) and I don't have the fortitude to keep deleting his unmoderated offerings.

Don't know when I'll get to this, or if it will last, but just wanted you to know...

I Didn't Know I Could Do This

By some glitch of modern technology, I figured out how to take video on my cell phone.

Don't get excited - this is in no way a preamble to texting.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Friday Night Walk Home

Friday night dinner at Jules was excellent. The weather, while still somewhat bitter at will, is less preclusive than it was 2 weeks ago (when I snapped this photo):


Remember when it was -20 C at the beginning of March?? Well, that was the signboard outside Ella's Uncle, the hipster hole in the wall, midway between home and work, where I get my coffee to walk with sometimes. They do a perfect extra hot, kind of dry, double shot cappuccino. And they have these dangerous yummies known as crack cookies.

But I digress. Here are some fun storefront shots taken on the walk home on Friday:




I really want the Eames chair. And you can't tell, but the lamp has plastic, shell-like facets that are very beautiful up close.

Monday, March 23, 2009

True Story

Just asked my daughter if she feels she's being raised to question everything.

To which she answered: What do you mean, Mummy?

Sometimes I love parenting.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Spoke of Inspiration

True confession: I want to join a club. Oh, you can call me shallow and social climbing and status conscious. Whatevs. I want to walk into a place that's chicer than God and hear the dulcet tones of an impeccably dressed concierge-cum-model ask me how I am today, Ms K, and can I take your coat and would you like your regular drink or the one you have just sometimes? Katie, at the bar, will get it for you. I want to see gorgeous TO media intelligencia (and the idiots) chatting animatedly about something new and deluxe.

I'm telling you, there are places in Toronto where this is happening. On a Wednesday night?!

(At least I have the good sense to feel drab.)

All this is a long preamble to my story about an awesome evening, made possible by the exceptional generosity of my friend Jeannette. J has the distinction of being, not only an award winning documentary producer, but a woman who has, likely, contributed more to the quality of my life as an individual over the past couple of years than anyone else I can think of. See, in addition to all the public accolades, she's a mom with an inexhaustible tolerance for sleepovers. Those film types...

OK, the evening: You know it's Toronto Fashion Week, yes? Well, J belongs to the Spoke Club, gathering ground for those in the Industry, for artists with somewhat more credibility - if not passion - for their artforms than I have at the moment. Predictably, the place fucking rocks. It's all boutique chic with ambient electronica playing over good speakers and red walls and chandaliers and bathrooms with real towels. (No, I don't get out as much as I should.) There's a bar and a restaurant and a gallery and meeting rooms and a screening room and an entrance way where really attractive women remember your name and politely welcome you.

Given how media-plus it all is, on Wednesday the Spoke put together a little adjunct fashion experience in honour of TFW: a replay of Escada RTW Spring 09 (did this show somewhere last season? I couldn't find evidence on Style.com...) No mind. The gig did not disappoint.

After drinks, followed by dinner, we rode the elevator to the second floor which was decked out with a runway for the show. Practically every seat (2 rows deep on either side of the long promenade, and a couple at the prow) was reserved. Via surreptitious means that we will not dwell on here (though they do involve using one's age and stage and general moxy to promote apparent legitimacy), J and I ended up with those 2 best seats, the ones at the front, spitting distance from the models.

Fuck those women are tall.

Between the height of the risers and the complexity of genetics, I had neckache the next day. Not that I'm complaining!

J, organized nurturer that she is, remembered to charge her camera and took these shots:






It has come to my attention -and this is serious understatement - that I could happily watch a fashion show a hundred times a year. I don't know how it is that I am not an editor at Vogue.

No joke.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Printemps

Oh, last Sunday was sunny. Sunday was warm. Sunday I got five mood-alteringly beautiful vases of flowers for $25.00. I know, it's a gift.

Behold:

Freesias

Irises

Gerbera Daisy and Astrolomeria

Still Life with Apple Doll (Made by my daughter in art class)


Gotta know - and feel free to be honest - does anyone else really care about flower photos or is this some weird K-specific fetish?

Thursday, March 19, 2009

From One Bad Mother To Another

You know how sometimes, you read someone's blog post and it is so frickin' resonant that you might as well have written it yourself? Well, Her Bad Mother's got it covered. The cookie dough incident is 15 different kinds of true.

Enjoy! (And be very afraid.)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Wild Things Run Fast

So I couldn't take a decent shot of my face for anything but my outfit was totally schizo cute!

My daughter advised that I could be on an episode of What Not to Wear, which is amazing coming from a kid who piled on every item of clothing in her closet all at once yesterday.

No doubt this outfit is "out there", but it's also cheeky and tongue-in-cheek and chic (ha), IMO.

The acid yellow T is new from Club Monaco. Let me guess; you're shocked.

Some things you should know:
  • CM has a dubious new final sale on all discounted merchandise policy. I advised that this is never going to fly and the SA disclosed that certain managers seem willing to be flexible.
  • The yellow T was $22.00 on the tag but $9.00 at the cash. And I got the cheetah version of my zebra (pony) skinny belt for freakin' $19.00!!! It was $59.00 originally. Not intending to return either of these, happily.
  • The belt is vintage and cost $16.00.
  • The skirt does indeed have a housefly stenciled on it. Given my legendary hatred of all the bugs, everyone seems to think this is a) weird and b) hilarious.
Something tells me that Imogen will have a field day with this colour scheme!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Would You Try This?

There's this new alt-experience happening in Toronto: underground dining.

Apparently - and I learned about this first from BlogTO which, while fun and informative, is not exactly subversive - hip, happening peeps are supper clubbing in secret locations (!) all over the town.

The gist is that you email "private" organizers (who work with a chef), make plans, are notified of the address to your intimate event, attend, enjoy and pay. It's like a restaurant only it's not. And by this I mean, there isn't really the same quality accountability, one imagines. Not to mention it's vaguely illegal re: licensing and food prep. Not that I'm all fussed about that. I mean I do eat in holes-in-the-wall in chinatown occasionally. (OK, I never do but I'm making the point that I'm not all fussy about it.)

(OK, I'm totally fussy about it but I'm trying to sound all urban and reasonable.)

Blog TO refers specifically to two such organizations: one of which looks pretty pedestrian (same place, same time, same folks, same food) while the other is for serious food people i.e. you have to fill out a survey and make the cut before you are invited to attend.

When speaking with my mother about this, she advised that they have a similar scene in Italy. Apparently, reputable hotels will set you up with a host who treats you to the real experience of Italian eating, homestyle. You can do it alone or with other couples you don't know. It costs about 40 euros a person.

I'd love to be a part of a fee-free culinary network in which someone like me maintained a database of others like me - decent, hand-washing, food-loving, excellent-dessert making, ambiance-inspired, music digging, vaguely vulgar, plugged in urbanites with bite - who could pair up (maybe randomly). One would host, the other guest. Like a key party but the sex would be food and everyone would get it on en masse!

Wouldn't you love to check out some sweet house in Cabbagetown/Yorkville/High Park/Riverdale/Dufferin Grove/Queen West, meet the inhabitants, drink some wine (brought by you, natch, a good guest) and eat a completely spontaneous meal with people you've never met? At its best it could be the most terrific hook-up of your life. At its worst, a food-pushing, awkward experience you could chalk up to nerviness. Maybe guests could arrive in groups of 4 (all of whom know each other) so that, even in a worst case, there would be lively conversation.

It's kind of risky, huh? Actually subversive - if friendly. And I don't think anyone's doing that yet.

I'd actually willingly take on either side of that equation - host or guest. What do you think?

Transported

I just discovered a new-to-me blog - Canelle et Vanille - and it is beyond food porn. I mean, it's food erotica:

Photo courtesy and copyright of Aran Goyoaga

And it comes with recipes! Maybe y'all have been reading this for months, but it is a terrific new find in my books. I may actually have to start kitchen testing.

Update: I've been emailing with Aran, author of C et V, who linked me to this excellent version of gateau basque - one of my fave desserts ever. Thanks Aran.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Jonathan & Olivia Has A New Site

It includes a blog. You may want to check it out. Apparently they ship anywhere.

And here are some pretty photos of the two locations.

J&O Vancouver Location (Soma)

J&O Toronto Location (Lower Ossington)





Friday, March 13, 2009

Rich Kids

So last weekend I was transported, briefly, into a melancholy altered state of nostalgia while watching the 1979 film Rich Kids. Prior to turning on the TV that night, it's a movie I'd never heard of - thanks Saturday Night at the Movies - though when I did a little research learned that a) Robert Altman produced it b) the reviews were quite favourable and c) the budget was cut rather unceremoniously to defray the financial and critical disaster that was Heaven's Gate.

Heaven's Gate is a movie that's strangely dear to my heart though I'd never seen it either, till last year (also courtesy of SNAM). My father had a little something to do with its production. Shortly thereafter, we moved to Canada. Coincidence?

At any rate, Rich Kids is a movie about urban affluence, two kids coming of age in the late 70s and, moreover, about the soon-to-explode trend of upper-middle-class, middle-aged divorce.

The kids in question are on the cusp of adolescence (12) in 1979. As I watched the film with my husband, we were intrigued by how related we felt to the boy and girl characters even though, in 1979, I would have been 9 and he would have been 15. We related to urban landscape of pre-renewal NYC though he'd been a Montrealer and I lived in Toronto (via NY, interestingly enough).

I mean, Scottie'd had that haircut; I'd worn those overalls - unironically. I'd lived in a house like that, gone to private school. We both remember those pot smoking newly single dads with their hipster, newly-single pads and all the girls. (Note: we both have parents who are still married to one another, but we're just about the only ones.)

The late seventies were a time of gorgeous, modern (nascent, but as we know it) debauchery that resonates because I was conscious and I was there.

The divorce sub-plot was particularly interesting to Scott and me, as a long-married couple, with a daughter, who have managed to bandy around the concept a few times in our day. I mean, not to put too fine a point on it, but I've almost got divorced just slightly less often than I've had depraved, passionate make-up sex. I'm not proud. Sometimes it's tough being married. It's tough to carve out a meaningful life in the context of family while desperately striving to nurture one's own needs as an individual. It's tough parenting. These things are frequently unsexy. They are insistently real.

A propos of divorce in the movie - as in the day - I should mention that it was driven by the (then-emerging, almost in full swing) ennui brought on by changing mores, by first wave feminism crashing against old-school conventions. While watching the film I wanted to scream at the screen, occasionally, to say "Listen, Cushy Richies with the house in the Hamptons: Do you honestly think the world gets better for leaving what you've struggled to create in the pursuit of free love and some soft drugs?"

You know you can do that within the construct of marriage.

Rich Kids was melancholy, rather than tragic, because it tackles divorce without the 360 degree view. It's about moving on without backlash.

Look, I'm as much for divorce as the next girl, when it's the clear course of action. (And really, other than in my own marriage, who the hell am I to judge what constitutes that?) But I've seen enough people go through it - people from then, people from now - who start off believing that divorce is redemptive when, sometimes, sadly, it's pointless.

One night, as early parents, sleep-deprived by paralysing stress and the needs of a baby, after another fight about another stupid subject about which we were destined to disagree, I advised my husband that the word divorce was theretofore off limits. I clearly remember saying if you want to crash and burn, let's do it. Otherwise shut the fuck up. I cannot carry on a relationship in the black shadow of its demise. I remember cuz I thought it was kind of smart and poetic for 3 a.m.

And he thought about it for a second. And then he said ok.

And, so far, we're still married. (I recommend it.)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

City Scene


This house, now for lease, comes with an interesting story. It's on a particularly iffy stretch of Harbord - not that it's a bad/dangerous street, really, but it's high-traffic and it's in the crappiest stretch of this long urban thoroughfare. That shadow on the right is a lane way - aka alley for those who live elsewhere.

What you see in this photo is not what existed on that spot of land a year ago. A year ago the land was razed. And that's because some idiot (I presume drunken) clipped the former edifice (admittedly a 1 room shit box that might have been 400 sq ft. including the basement) and knocked it half to pieces.

What ensued was a year long slog with the municipality to get zoning for a new structure. Now, almost 2 years later, you see this. Let me assure you, it's quite lovely, even if the photo doesn't show it. You know how I like boxy modernism, intelligent urban design and improvement of my general surroundings.

There's a great skylight at the top and a terrific roof top terrace (seriously wanted in TO). The place is still tiny but, I imagine, well put together - if my observation of its construction is anything to go on. And it is 2.5 floors above ground with a basement. Probably hits 1000 sq. ft. now. Note the cement box, the extent of its frontage, is yet to be landscaped.

What do you think?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Evil Inspiration

If I were one of those computer wizards, I would seriously consider hacking into Desire to Inspire just to rename it K.Line.

In lieu of that, I am seriously considering taking one day a week and calling it "K.Line lifts great photos from Desire to Inspire post" day.

Is that so wrong?

While you give the moral question some thought, perhaps you'd like to hang in this Swedish "flat" - yeah, they're calling this monster pad a flat:





I just know if I lived here, I'd overwhelm myself with self-important coolness. And I'd be blond.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Better Late Than Never

A while ago, I promised a coupon for the L'Oreal Paris Beauty Tubes mascara. In case it appeals, here you go:

Monday, March 9, 2009

New Gimmick Alert

You know how I love Pantry. You know how I love all things Dutch.

And, damn straight, you know how I feel about food.

So this was a no-brainer when I saw it while brunching last weekend:





Oh, and I also got a mini packet of Soma Malted Milk Hot Chocolate:


It's like crumbles of insanely high quality chocolate - like, it has 4 ingredients and you've heard of all of them - and you put them in a saucepan with water (cream would kill you) in a ratio of 2:1, chocolate to water. The packet shown makes 2 espresso sized cups. And it cost 5 bucks (?!) but it would be cheap at twice the price because it's the most awesome thing you've ever tasted. Like hot chocolate custard in a cup. But richer.

No word of a lie, it's like an orgasm in a tempered glass and I am so about to foist it on everyone I know. If only this had been in my life during the Xmas shopping season...

What I particularly like about Soma, aside from the chocolate, is the fact that it's all Canadian. What I don't like is that it's located in the Distillery District, a place I truly loathe.

Oh, I know, you're thinking, K - what's not to like about "the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America". Oh, I don't know. Maybe that the developers have made it feel Disney-built, somehow?

I mean, you go to Montreal and literally every surface gleams with history. Hell, even Toronto has some pretty nicely preserved enclaves (Wychwood Park, anyone??). And then, in the most contrived of commercial ventures, up goes "historic Toronto". And they don't even have the decency to put it in a convenient location. That last sentence is a joke. Sort of.

The point is, I don't care how good this chocolate is. If they didn't distribute, I wouldn't be eating it.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Ermine not Included

This is not the best picture I've ever taken. And it sure as hell doesn't do justice to the glamour-quotient of the sunnies... But it was super bright outside.

And I'm trying to be optimistic.


PS: I was outside like this for 2 seconds. Don't imagine it was actually warm enough to walk around without a coat.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sunday Snap Shot

So I got it up a little:

Experimental layering


Springtime on a Tray


M thought this tasted like Emergen-C


You can't tell in the photo, but the windows are original stained glass...


You can read about this TO institution here


M took this photo. Not bad, huh? And yes, that's the parka.
And the sunnies - not the glamour shot needless to say.


Evidence of the sugar high from the cherry pop.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

God Help Us

I notice a few of my blogger friends have been posting about the value of Lent in their "spring healthy lifestyle" tactics. And, of course, I say whatever works - though they do tend to give up the most painful things! From the perspective of habit creation, 40 days is a terrific time frame. And, when you give yourself a limited - but significant time spans- unlike, say with "this is the new me" January resolutions, you're increasing the likelihood of succeeding.

I also note with interest - though not surprise - that many of the Lenten self-deniers (aka healthful habit changers) are being all Lent-positive in a completely agnostic fashion.

Now, I was raised horrendously Catholic. My parents are first generation Italian and Puerto Rican from New York (yes, it is like West Side Story without the non-diagetic music) and there was not a holy day I could escape. I have been christened, first holy communioned, confirmed. Despite this - or maybe because of it - I never truly got with organized religion - the overriding, phallocentric philosophy of Catholicism grated particularly. But my extremely traditional father would hear none of it.

In his words (also like something out of West Side Story): As long as you live under my roof (or till you're 18 - whichever comes first) you go to mass.

You gotta know he was a hard ass. And a very principled man. He continues to go to church ever Sunday, God love him.

You know, I still haven't seen the end of Sybil, a movie which positively hooked me back in 1982 for its "modern take" on multiple personality disorder. My father made me turn off the TV and leave for church 20 minutes before it was over. (Daddy, if you're reading this: I told you I would never forget!)

Reactionism is a mysterious thing. The day I turned 18, I turned my back on the Catholic church. Oh, I've stopped in a couple of times to make my grandmother happy, but I have never felt the lure to return. (Allow me to detour briefly to say that my self-ex-communication from religion in no way contradicts my overriding spiritual beliefs. Not that it's particularly relevant here...)

My daughter has not been christened, does not attend church. We try to teach her about pan-religiosity to the extent that we understand, and continue to learn about, other belief systems. And we absolutely espouse morality and values and respect for everyone. I only wish the edicts of the Catholic faith did more of that. Please note, also, that this is no dis to the religious peeps - Catholic or otherwise. Believe as you do. I am a good person today for all of my life experience - Catholicism included.

But, sure as hell, I'm not observing Lent.

Maybe I should round up this rant with a little amusing tale of the kiddie variety, hmmm?

Last spring, I got an anxious call from the director of M's daycare. It appears that, very accidentally, one of the caregivers had purchased some craft supplies that were in some way notably christian. My child, on seeing them, first admired the beautiful colour scheme and then advised: "My mother isn't going to be happy about this. She really doesn't approve of Jesus." When the teachers then scuffled to round up the craft stuff stat - it is a specifically non partisan organization - M told them not to worry, that she was making her craft on behalf of her American Girl doll who "has religion". Phew...

Of course, I wouldn't have said a thing about the craft supplies. I really don't care if they are Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Catholic or anything else. I'm just glad the daycare puts together thoughtful aftercare programs and treats the kids with openness and respect.

But Jesus, kids say the damnedest things.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

What? It's a Chick Site.


Thanks to Stephie and Dottie for posting about Le Love, a site dedicated to sexy and "heart fluttering" images. I vote for the sexy ones, myself.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Props to Prada

Usually I don't give Prada a second thought. Oh, I know it's all fantastic and industry-approved. But frankly, I think too many people are topping out with the fabric wallet and the key chain. For me, that's kind of undercut the appeal.

Having said this, a while ago the photolicious Yulanda and I stopped into the Prada on Bloor Street and were greeted by a) very solicitous sales staff and b) some really lovely creations. And by some I mean 12 in the entire store.

And now I'm looking at this runway collection and I'm feeling it:



PS: Do not consider the hair and makeup styling here. It's horrendous. And please don't think I endorse posting pictures of women who look like victims of famine. In fact, I desisted from posting at least 5 photos I liked more, because I feel that skeletal frames send a bad message.
What do you think?

Monday, March 2, 2009

In Which K Discloses She Can't Get It Up For Much Right Now

I've been meaning to pair those new hot pink tights (I finally bought them, maybe I should frickin' take a photo) with the fuchsia mini.

I've been meaning to take a glamorous picture of me in the new starlet glasses.

I've been meaning to discuss some interesting stores.

I've been meaning to have a meaningful shopping experience (not expensive, just good).

Somehow none of these things has happened as yet.

What's happened lately is I drag my ass out of bed fighting off whatever illness is gripping my household that week, put on the most inoffensive (yet casual) thing I can get away with at work because it's minus 150 degrees, grimy wet outside, and nothing else goes with a fucking parka. Then I try not to eat my body weight in questionable carbs because I'm so bummed by being a) freezing b) light deprived c) hideously dressed in 50 layers and just a bit tired of everything. I force myself to walk because it's the only frickin' exercise I seem to do lately what with the urge to practice yoga having gone on a strange hiatus. Bad timing really.

I'm loathe to apologize for having neglected the personal style portion of this blog because it is my blog, after all, and I figure y'all like me enough to give my posts the benefit of the doubt, topic notwithstanding.

I also recognize that, realistically, I have to post on a broad variety of topics - from fashion to sex toys to weird life occurrences to interiors to food and on - in order to continue to do it frequently, and happily. Right now, and this could change in 2 days, I'm not feeling very lovely. I'm not feeling very photogenic. I'm not feeling very well put together.

And I'm not loving so much of what I've seen in the fashion weeks. Admittedly, I'm not invested this season. I'm trying to be a little less gripped by novelty because, really, what do I need (even if, in my wardrobe, I am going to acknowledge the designer look diffusion-style)? What does it benefit me to get caught up if I'm really making an effort to be more "edited"? I'm not getting off the bandwagon because I don't love to shop or because I don't love clothes. I just don't want to give away anything I currently own, and I'm not leading the life of an American socialite.

This post is in some measure to mention that the personal style (and/or fashion) element of the blog may be a bit thin on the ground until the weather changes. Or not.

You know how I like to practice the white art of caprice...