Material Archive

Marni for H&M: What I got

I was lucky enough to attend a Marni for H&M Preview shopping event last night but just barely survived it! As the fourth person in line, I had no idea what fury was behind me. No sooner was I finished looking through the first rack when a crowd decended and cleared the place out in mere moments.These particular VIP fashionistas were bloodthirsty! 

Luckily, I managed to get through with a few choice items unscathed physically. Unlike my dear friend "Janice" that was scratched and berated at an Hermes sale some years back by a fellow shopper. Women on a shopping mission are bananas.
 

Great dresses from Hatch Collection

Recently, I ripped the hell out of my favourite black silk Joie dress and haven't been able to find anything comparable on the whole interwebs, and believe me - I have looked! To my surprise, even though I am not expecting, the perfect dress for me was from The Hatch Collection. Finally a brand that can pull double duty for expectant moms and those who just like a loose fit! Nice job Hatch!

My Christmas Wish List

Truth be told, we don't do gift exchange in our family anymore – unless you happen to be under the age of 18. Instead, we travel or buy one another fun food items – like great chocolate or wine. So this list above is not a not-so-subtle hint for my beloved – I wouldn't dream of asking for these things (beyond vulgar!). Rather, it's a wish list for the things I hope go on sale Boxing Day...so I can buy them myself, if I have any fun money left after 3 weeks in Europe! ;-)

 Starting from the top, left to right:

1. Dries Van Noten Snake Boot from MyTheresa

2. Gold heart drop earrings from St Kilda

3. Sparkle needle point pillow from Jonathan Adler

4. Hipster heads from Jonathan Adler

5. Red plexi clutch by Charlotte Olympia

6. Gold snake Sang A Pop bag from Kirna Zabete

7. Multi-wrap watch from Burberry

8. Camel coat with fur collar from Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

9. Creme de Rose lipbalm from Christian Dior

10. Soap on a roap from Diptyque at Barneys

11. Pave diamond earrings by Janis Provisor at Kirna Zabete

12. Gold devil pencil sharpener from Jonathan Adler

13. Blue satin ribboned heels by Liam Fahy

14. Constance H bag from Hermes

15. Green star earrings from Bochic

16. Glitter ankle boot from Barneys Co-Op

17. Nail lacquer in Scarlet Chinois by Tom Ford

18. Pink enamle bracelet from St Kilda

19. Yellow drop earring by Tom Binns

20. H Ring, little square dishes and collier de chien, Hermes

21. Bag by Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

22. Needle point sunglasses sleeve by Jonathan Adler

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Two Weeks in New York City: Quickie Intro

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I recently spent 2 glorious weeks in New York shooting an upcoming campaign for a client. During my "free time" there, I took the opportunity to indulge in two of my favourite past times – shopping and eating – and what better city for it!

This post is just a little preview of some fun stops. In later posts, I'll get into more detail about the specifc restaurants I visited.

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I have literally seen Ghostbusters enough times to actually recite the majority of the film from memory. Heck, my Mr. Stay Puft action figure is watching over me right now as I compose this post! So, you can imagine the unique childlike thrill MB and I had when we randomly walked by the original fire station from the film, while strolling through Tribeca. :)

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The new Uniqlo flagship store on 5th Avenue is ridiculously big. So large, that I actually was overwhelmed and felt lost on more than one occasion. Despite that, I still managed to find several great items to bring home. One of particular note was a great wool and cashmere trench coat.

Their prices are so reasonable, I really had to calm myself to not buy a whole other suitcase's worth of clothing.

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Wow – the Christian Louboutin store on Madison Ave is intense! When I arrived at 5pm on a Friday after work, I was greeted by a line-up of other patrons and a massive body guard! According to Mr.Big, a wait time to get into the store is a normal daily occurence. I noted that no other luxury retailer on the street had the same traffic.

When I got inside shortly after, I was met with an unusal scene. Picture: upper crust ladies who lunch, sitting next to hardcore rapper type dudes (all trying on majorly tricked out sneakers I have never seen the likes of before) and then working girls like me. A very odd mix indeed!

Regardless, all were very happy – especially this girl! Why? I had called ahead and secured the last brown Simple Bootie in size 40 anywhere in the whole bloody world after weeks of looking, calling and visiting every retailer that carries CL  – major shopping victory!

The staff were really great too and recommended that I get my soles reclad in red rubber – see below. That's one of them holding his colleague's boot to show the non-slip red rubber add ons. It's a brilliant idea, as the signature red does wear off pretty quickly in my experience.

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I had a pretty productive visit at Prada as well. A new winter coat, bag and wallet were amongst my newly adopted cohorts. :)

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Some random snaps I took during breaks while working at the photography studio...

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A quick visit the to the MET on the weekend recharged my creative inspiration batteries!

...

Coming up over the next several posts: reviews and photos of Jean Georges, Corton, Del Posto, BLT, Gramercy Tavern, Nobu, Lucali – amongst others!

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Dying for this Givenchy:

Buy it here.

Today I bought: Ports 1961 Perf Suede Booties

Saw these in the window at Ports 1961 on Bloor Street and decided I had to give them a good home...

Crazy cold AC is making me want this fur jacket:

 

How crazy adorable is this girl's style? The jacket is a: Must.Have.For.Fall.

From Jac&Jill

Naoto Fukasawa: Designing Accessories with Paper

If you read this blog with any regularity, you already know that I love it when objects are designed with unexpected materials. I'm particularly fascinated with the idea of clothing or accessories made with paper. The items above were created by famed IDEO industrial design master Naoto Fukasawa – who is known for his collaborations with Muji, B&B Italia, Driade, Magis, Artemide, Danese and Boffi.

Here he has created a line of items called Siwa in collaboration with Onao, which are made with traditional Japanese washi-paper that can withstand moisture and over time becomes softer and takes on the patina of leather without the heat or weight. "Soft Naoron", as it's called, is a type of paper developed from wood and polyolefin fibres, which is derived from recycled polyester fibres, plastic bottles and repurposed textiles.

I recently bought the handbag at the top from Mjölk. Loooooooove it.

Koto Bolofo’s book "La Maison" is finally available

 

 

 After six years of detailed documentation of everything Hermès, Koto's book is finally available for purchase.

Here's more info:

Koto Bolofo’s dream came true in 2004 when he started working for Monde d’Hermès, the Hermès magazine, and when he met the Chairman: “Mr Dumas asked where I came from. I said South Africa. He asked what part. I said Lesotho. He was shocked and very excited. He explained that his great great great grandfather was a missionary in Lesotho and that the Zulus used to attack his mission, but the Sothos – my tribe – protected him. I was very happy to be a Lesothan in Mr Dumas’s office that day. He called me his cousin and said that his cousin was welcome any time and I had carte blanche to photograph what I liked in Hermès”.

Over the next six years, Koto Bolofo worked his way through all the workshops of the Maison Hermès, getting to know the craftsmen and discovering how everything is made: from handbags, perfumes, scarves, prêt-à-porter, and shoes to the original objects of the house, saddles. Nothing escaped his lens, even the most secret places, such as the museum, a treasure trove of history and all things Hermès tucked away in the midst of the Maison on rue du faubourg St Honoré.

Net-A-Porter is having a sale right now & I snagged some good stuff:

Alexander McQueen Gold Wrap Bracelet

Michael Kors Cork Platforms







J Crew Polka Dot One-Piece

 

If it came in my size, this Mary Katrantzou dress would have been mine as well!

 

Check out the sale at Net-A-Porter

Miu Miu Fall 2011: The shoes that might cause a riot

 

 

 

These will sell out in minutes once they hit the stores – trust.

Images from Style.com

The Cosby Sweater Project

This site instantly put a smile on my face. I grew up thinking my father was the Eastern Euopean version of Bill Cosby. And the show overall had a way of making me feel the future would be good.

Finally picked up my dress!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shipped in from New York – I finally picked up my birthday dress today after waiting for what seemed like forever...

Looks like all the editors liked it too ;)

 

 

It made an appearence on 9 covers and the collection overall was on 77 covers this season...

And lastly – my personal fav of the bunch. Even MJ couldn't resist :)

Today I bought: Ted Baker Maxi Dress in Abstract Snake Print

I've been wearing a long black version of this dress in black silk from Joie all year and it has been indispensable.This Ted Baker version from ASOS is the perfect counterpoint for Summer.

 

New Polyvore Set: Spring Dresses

 
See the set in detail here.

Going Spring dress shopping Saturday:

 

Spring 2011 Shopping List

 

Click to see larger:

1. Gryphon Crochet Sequin Tee  •  2. Pierre Hardy Buckle Espadrille Wedge  • 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Envelope Clutches in camel & green  • 4. Prada Banana & Stripe Dress  • 5. IRO Secret Sequin Sleeve Sweater  • 6. Dolce Vita Nude Sandals  • 7. Miu Miu White Dress  • 8. Cartier Love Bracelet  • 9. Michael Kors Double Buckle Sandal  • 10. Lover Underwire One-Piece Navy Swimsuit  • 11. Michael Kors Cork Sandal  • 12 Jill Sander Platform Sandal  • 13. Valentino Cat Eye Sunglasses  • 14. Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket  • 15. Prada Cut-Out Pattern Suede Boot (last season)  • 16. Erie Basin Vintage Amethyst Ring  • 17. Miu Miu Two-Tone Jersey Mini Dress  • 18. Hermes Cape Code Double Tour Watch  • 19. Vintage Gold Rolex  • 20. Jenni Kayne Camel Leather Booties  • 21. More Prada Bananas  • 22. Alexander Wang Ines Oxford  • 23. Rochas Platform Sandals  • 24. Druzy Earrings  • 25. Queen of Hearts V-Neck Sweater  • 26. Prada Fur Stole  • 27. Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas & Leather Boot  • 28. Giles & Brother Archer Bangle  • 29. Devi Kroell Wood & Crystal Minaudiere

Must have: Trish Grey Sequin Sweater by IRO

 

Saw the cardigan version of this IRO sweater yesterday at Love of Mine Boutique – love the sequin peek-a-boo detailing.

* Update - found it and bought it at The Narwhal boutique in Rosedale. There's still one left if you want it ;-)

Nice job Talbots

 

 

 

Wow Talbots – way to go to make me pay attention to you.

Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket

Argh! Already sold out! Reminded that one must move fast –

ASOS Spring 2011

Hey Stella

 


Buy Stella McCartney here.

Today I bought: Vintage Miu Miu

Remember this Miu Miu collection from SS 2004? It's one of my many favs from the brand.
I recently came across the super cute pink dress pictured above, but, alas, it was not my size. Liked it so much, I almost bought it anyways to hang on the wall. Luckily, I came across a unworn vintage pair of the matching embellished pumps in pink today and all is redeemed. So excited to get them – it will be like wearing mini gilded birthday cakes on my feet. Yes, I am crazy. ;-)

Prada Spring/Summer 2011 Video Campaign

Love the clothes, the colour, the girl, the song.

Gimmie Gimmie:

Bangle by Lady Grey  •  Sparkle Bag by Miu Miu  •  One-piece pale pink swimsuit by Miu Miu  •  Medor Clutch by Hermes  •  White leather bracelet by Hermes  •  Gold oxfords by Nicholas Kirkwood  •  Pyrite ring by Lunessa  •  Linen oxfords by Jill Sander  •  Silver pyrite ring Carole Tanenbaum •  Gold sequin top by Vince • Velvet dress  • YSL Nail lacquer  •  Gold lace cuff by Aurelie Bidermann •  Hammered gold bangles by Osanna Visconti  •  Caramel booties by Celine  •  Trench by Burberry  •  Jypsiere by Hermes  •  Coin ring by Aurelie Bidermann  •  Silver sequin / pink scarf by Club Monaco  •  Bow brooch by Balenciaga  •  Boots by Hermes

 

 

Resort Must Have: Heidi Klein Cover-Up & Ralph Lauren Bikini

 

 

  

 

Can you tell the cold weather is getting to me? I need warmth soon and am already picturing myself somewhere in these colours & patterns. Buy both here at My Theresa.

Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2011

See the rest here.

Marie Antoinette

If you turn the volume off and just watch this film while you play some music – it's a spectacular feast for the eyes.

The perfect wardrobe:

Love these:

 

Stuff I'm liking today:

Shot by Colin Angus.

 

I don't know what this means but I love how the purple smoke looks – esp. against that blue tile. Wouldn't it be nice if it smelled like grape?


This is a Christmas garland from TOAST. Wish it was a necklace instead.






This is an awesome mural from the Ace Hotel.

 

  

This is Melissa Auf der Maur and Olivier Theyskens during their collaboration. He reminds me of Trent Reznor in this outfit and haircut.

This is a brilliant fucking idea. I'm mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner. Why isn't everything this good?

 

  This charming illustration is by Ben Weeks. I met him recently at the Design Thinkers conference.

This is a detail from a dress I want to buy from Urban Outfiters. It looks very similar to one I fell in love with last Spring from Jonathan Saunders.

 

The necklace and dress are both Lanvin.

 

Some lovely packaging design for Merchant & Mills. Have you ever seen a more beautiful pin?

 

I don't know where this is but I want to go there and never return.

Ensemble: The Style of Music – Iconic Outfits

Buy the main poster here and see the other individual looks here.

Perfect Jacket: Top Shop Sheepskin Flying Jacket

Currently sold out online but mayhaps Jonathan & Olivia have it. Will investigate...

** Update! It's back in stock – I just ordered it here.

My favs from Neil Barrett SS 2011

I want each of these looks – easy, wearable, real clothing. See the rest of the collection here.

Wishing I was wearing Miu Miu Fall 2010 squash dress to Thanksgiving dinner

 

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Came across the photo of Miuccia and her niece wearing Fall 2010 at the Spring show - notice the banana earrings on Ms. Prada – cute. Forgot how much I love the collection, that specific yellow dress and the campaign that went with it. Here it all is for your enjoyment too.
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Favs from Dsquared² SS 2011

Typically, although I love what D&D do, they are generally a bit too costumey and overtly sexual for my personal taste. With the more preppy take on their usually amped up vibe this season, I could happily sport Dsquared² regularly.

Favs from Michael Kors SS 2011

You don't crack a billion in sales by indulging silly fantasies like Margiela did this season. Micheal Kors truly understands how modern women really want to dress. He does classic sexy American sportswear better than almost anyone. See the rest of the show here.

My Favs from Lanvin SS 2011

See the rest here.

Must have coat for Fall: Smythe Cadet Coat

 

See more here.

Thieves: 5 in 1 Dress

I love buying Canadian – nothing makes me happier than supporting amazing local designers and businesses. And it's so easy when the product is great and sold at an accessible price point. Last week I bought the Thieves 5 in 1 Dress and I've already worn it twice – which is a lot for me ;). The cut is so flattering and the versatility is undeniable. I was at dinner last night, sitting on a patio, and the minute I felt a chill, I converted my short dress to a long one right at the table. Obviously, this would be brilliant for travel as well. Buy it here at Thieves.

Today I bought: Top Shop @Jonathan and Olivia

Go to Jonathan and Olivia or have a boo at Top Shop directly here and here.

Today I bought: Alexander Wang Leather Jacket w/removable skirt

Yes! :) Seriously, this might be my favourite purchase of the year so far. I think I'm going to be 80 years old and still rocking that jacket with my walker and Blublockers. Look out –

Miu Miu SS 2010 Textile Prints

 
The older I get, the less and less the colour black appeals to me. When I enter a store now and scan a rack of clothing, I always gravitate towards colour and pattern first. These clutches and shoes from Miu Miu are a current obsession!

Micro Giovannini S/S 2010

 



More here.

Summer Staples

Some fun recent buys:

Racer-back Dress: James Perse  •  Nail Head Trench: Gryphon New York  •  Sandal: Matt Bernson Estancia  •  Bag: Alexander Wang  •  Glasses: Ray Ban Caravan

Colour:

New Sartorial Favs

This is so me – minus the ciggy of course.

AW Rocco on pre-order - excited!

Today I bought:

It's hard to see it from the photo above, but this dress has a marvelous old boat illustration on it - just love it. Buy it here.

Look at the styling...

J Crew never ceases to impress with how well they shoot and style their collections. They always manage to make pretty average clothing look quite desirable and fresh. Anyone know who their agency is? ;)

W's "Run of Show"

 Great SP10 dress editorial from W Magazine – I want one of each please! See the details here.

(click on images to see larger)