The Tale of the Skirt, Final Act

As I promised, without further ado... my finished skirt.

Needless to say, when the day finally arrived for me to pick up my finished skirt, I was ecstatic!
Mi-Lyn was like my fairy godmother... She was able to take one and a half yards of the most unsightly
tweed/poly-blend and turn it into something of quality and beauty.  The skirt is totally different than
what was originally wanted, but I'm quite happy with my decision to keep it long. At any time, I will still be able
to take it as short as Katie Holmes' if I so desire.
Under the sculpted skirt are layers upon layers of crinoline!  It really is quite tiny in the waist and the skirt is so full.  The picture does not do this skirt justice.  I promise more action shots to come.

MMMMMMMMMMcQueen

Photos Courtesy of Style.com

Alexander... why must thou torture us so? 

There was an intimate unveiling of McQueen's

unfinished collection comprised of 16 looks during

a sombre fashion week. Sombre, of course, because

of the recent passing of one of fashion's most beloved patrons.

The detail, the tailoring, and the design of all of his pieces in this 

final collection left me speechless.  Such beauty, such artistry,

and such power...  It's almost torturous how he left leaving his vision

unfinished.  We can only imagine what his finished vision would have

been, not only of the collection but in the presentation.  We all know

that his shows are unlike any other.  His shows were art.

Video footage of his final collection for fall 2010 can be seen on

Fashionista.  The video includes

footage of devinely sculpted shoes and

handbags printed using the same digital church painting prints McQueen

had special ordered for some of the pieces in his collection.  (Reference: Style.com)

I'm particularly in love with his printed handbags, and

it would truly be a dream to be able to afford something from

his final collection.

May he rest in peace...

A Prelude to the Final Act in The Tale of the Skirt

Photo Courtesy of Style.com

I have to apologize for my laziness lately.  I have yet to write the final chapter of my skirt tale

for you, even though it has been quite some time since I brought the finished

piece home.  I will finish the fable as soon as I can, and I'll be sure to post

some action photos as well.  In the mean time... I've posted a look from Louis Vuitton's

fall/winter 2010 show to give you a hint of what's to come.  I was surprised to see

that the skirts from the show were very similar to my custom concoction!

aDIORable!

Sorry Tavi... I hope you don't mind, but I stole your picture!

Tavi has credited this picture to Cafe Mode and Grazia.

I first saw Tavi featured in an article in a glossy a while back.

All I knew was that she was the tiniest new BIG name in the blogger cyber world.

I was curious and left myself a mental note:

-google tavi

I never got around to it.  A few weeks ago, I saw her featured on television.

She was collaborating with Rodarte and was traipsing around

during the fashion shows interviewing designers and big names in fashion.

Needless to say... she was adorable and smart!

I finally googled her name today.

After one look at her blog, I confess, I am hooked.

Her posts are interesting and her comments make me laugh!

Now, for the most part, I am a minimalist dying to be a maximalist inside.

I like clean and simple lines but will sport unique pieces now and then or maybe

a strange shoe.

Well, Tavi is one powerful pixie...

She makes me want to dress more quirky and makes me think,

'Hey, if a 13 year old has that much confidence and creative power, why the hell can't I?'

I'll tell you why.  It's because I'm chicken shit, and I'm a grown up, and I care way too

much about what people think!

Well... as my good neighbor says, "Piss on it!"

I'm going to be more daring and wear more of what I dream to wear.

I've been so busy lately, and I've hardly had time to chill out.

When I do, I will certainly be reading up on Tavi's adventures.

It's like Tavi in Wonderland.  What crazy episodes await her down the rabbit hole?  I'll only know if I read on.

Read with me!

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

God Save McQueen!

R.I.P.

I just learned about the tragic passing of fashion's "enfant terrible".

His shows were like no others.

I was hoping that one day, I would be able to wear one of his

ready to wear creations... Sadly, that day will never come.

I love my skull scarf, and now, I think I will cherish it ever more.

It's really a sad day in fashion...

Maison Martin Margiela

two-tone sandals

I love these sandals... You can get them on Net-a-Porter.

STELLA MCCARTNEY S/S 2010

If pictures can speak a thousand words... is there really anything left that I can say?  I adore Stella McCartney... I always have.  I'll be using her collection for inspiration for the way I dress this spring.  I love both these looks in particular. 

Chanel classic double flap with gold hardware, OTK boots worn over black opaque tights worn under a $15 dollar cotton gauze dress, navy blazer

I purchased the double flap just after I finished working in S. Korea. It was a gift to myself.  It was on my wishlist since I was 17 or so, and I'm so lucky I got it then, because they've nearly doubled in price! The good thing about classic bags is that you can use them forever... I don't have a lot of bags but the ones I have are classic and high in quality to ensure that I'll get great use of them.

The Tale of the Skirt, Part Deux

...A month went by in a flash.  It was Christmas, and like everyone else, I was so preoccupied

with the comings and goings of the season, I didn't really think about my skirt.  Out of the blue, I

received a call from my dressmaker.  It was time for my first fitting!  Needless to say, I was excited

to see what she had concocted from the pictures I showed her and the second rate fabric I provided. 

I entered the shop and Mi-Lyn greeted me with an inaudible, but very warm hello.  Then, from behind the

counter, she pulled out my skirt.  "What is that?" I asked myself while trying to keep the excited

look on my face. 

Chocolate Brown Marni Wedge Sandals

I purchased these delicious chocolate brown BNIB Marni wedge

sandals on ebay two summers ago. They were over 70% off!

They were an amazing deal.  They'll look great

with spring's neutrals, nudes, and camels.

I will have to sport some action shots soon.

The Tale of the Skirt, Part One

I remember seeing this skirt on Katie Holmes on the web one day, and I nearly fell off my chair!  I love the sculptural elements and the subtle couture quality of it.  To this day, I'm not sure who it was made by, but I have

a feeling it's Lanvin, Armani, or Fendi.  I could be totally wrong, though...  In any case, I surely wouldn't have been able to afford it.  So what's a girl like me to do?  I really really wanted the skirt, and after days of obsessing over it, I decided to take action.  I printed some pics and headed to a local dressmaker.  The shop was really small and, to be honest, I wasn't really keen on the gowns and frocks that occupied most of the tiny space.  I was greeted by a very quiet and pleasant woman.  Her name was Mi-Lyn, and I think I totally overwhelmed her with my pleading and all my questions.  "Do you think you can do it? Really? Can you make it look just as sculptural and tailored as in the picture? Oh please say yes!" 

My First Hermes Silk

It's been too long since my last post...

I've been way too busy to keep up, and besides, I don't think anyone

reads my blog anyway.  I just wanted to post that my dear boyfriend

bought me my first Hermes scarf.

It's a Brides de Gala, Dip Dye in aubergine.

It's quite possibly my most favorite accessory!

If you've read my previous posts, you might remember a pair of

Louboutin boots I received as a 25th birthday present from my boyfriend.

Sadly, I could not wear them because they were too high... and after some thought,

I realized how silly it was to have chosen a pair of shoes for such a special and rare gift.

I ended up selling them. This scarf is what I purchased as a replacement.

I think this was a good purchase because I can wear it until I'm old and grey, and I

can pass it on to my daughter.

Loubs are not something that can be worn by a 85 year old lady with a cane!

My 2nd Most Favorite Pair of Pants

I love these pants so much. I bought 2 pairs. One in black and one in navy.

I'm totally going to wear these forever!
(You'd never guess I paid under $40 for both!)

Knock You Down

I had a little free time from my busy schedule.

My boyfriend and I love the song, "Knock You Down".^^

My Old School Uniform

Oh, how I long for the good ol' days...

I had the best highschool experience I could have ever

wished for. It was at Albert where I met my boyfriend.

I had really great teachers, and I just

loved the whole environment and happenings.

I loved walking into Chapel every morning

and looking for my boyfriends face in the crowd

of students. I loved chit-chatting with my hilarious Physics teacher.

I loved lining up at the lunch hall door for lunch

and hanging out in the common room or outside in the courtyard.

Oh, how I wish I could turn back time!

Johnny Depp & Winona Ryder in Edward Scissorhands

Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder are amazing in this movie.

Edward Scissorhands in one of my absolute favorite movies of all time.

I watched this movie over and over with my sister when we were both much younger.

I watched it again awhile back with my sister and fell in love with it all over again.

This time around, I couldn't help picking up all of the messages and

critiques of society that were in the film. It's an annoying thing really.

Ever since I took that film studies course in university, I can't watch a movie

without looking deeper and interpreting it somehow.

Even though I am able to see the underlying messages in this particular film

at my age now, I still am deeply moved by the story, the characters,

costumes, art, and the magic this film creates.

This film also puts me into the holiday spirit no matter what time of year it is.

At Yorkdale, T.O.

I finally got to wear my vintage Dushante pants,

which I purchased from Atlantis Vintage months ago.

I should've worn them with the waist fully extended

instead of folding them down. It looks much better

that way. In any case, they are so chic! I love'em!

The Sartorialist - The Book

I've always admired Scott Schuman ever since I first saw

his work on Vogue's website a couple of years ago.

He captures people from all over the

world. He may photograph someone because he or she is impeccably

dressed, or because he or she was able to put something together

that's risky but awe inspiring.

Many of his subjects have given me inspiration in for the

way I dress. Each season, I not only look forward

to seeing the looks on the catwalk, but I also cannot

wait to see all of the fashionable people he captures

that flood the streets during fashion weeks in New York,

Paris, and Milan. I am so excited about his new book and can't wait

until its release!

Stunning Balmain Boots

from Net-A-Porter

It's been too long since my last post.

I've neglected my blog.

Currently, I'm engaged in other more important matters.

I will return less frequently, at least for a little while.

In the mean time, I had to post these beautiful Balmain boots I saw

on Net-a-Porter. I loved Balmain's entire collection!

On another note, I may be heading to New York with my BF and his friends in the fall.

I hope we really get to go!

Vintage Dushante Faille Suit from Atlantis Vintage

Thank you Judy from Atlantis Vintage!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This suit has got to be in my top 10 favorites.

It's absolutely stunning, and sorry, but there is only one

out there, as far as I know... That's the beauty of vintage.

As soon as I put it on, I feel transformed and uuber chic!

(The pictures are crummy... I'll have to take more when I wear it out, but alas...

sadly the weather has gotten too warm for this ensemble. I will wear it out when

it gets cooler.)

Absolutely GaGa Over Clutches

Dries Van Noten
monamoore.com

Ann Demeulemeester

monamoore.com

I've always loved clutches; they're oh so chic! With all of the eighties silhouettes out there, i.e., tapered parachute pants, emphasized shoulders, etc... a clutch seems like the perfect handheld accessory. For some reason, large bags or bags with straps just don't look right to me. Give me a great pair of heels, an outrageously chic outfit, and a beautiful clutch to seal the deal.

I am so excited about my vintage purchase from

www.plainobjects.com

I can't believe that I was lucky enough to get this one of a kind vintage 80's suit.

It's absolutely gorgeous! It will take a while for it to get here,

but as soon as it comes, I will post a picture.

Thank you so much Judy from Atlantis Home.

Eiko Maekawa's Colette Blog

• 
  
  
  "Fashion Victim 2" by Eiko Maekawa from Colette in France.
• 
  
  I was looking at the Colette website and came across Eiko Maekawa's
• 
  
  amusing and charming blog. Eiko lives in France and
• 
  
  is learning to speak English. Her posts and illustrations are
• 
  
  quite funny and strange in a good way. I had fun looking at them!
  http://www.colette.fr/

A Little Dries Van Noten Inspired DIY Project

I love the Dries Van Noten cuffs that came down the spring runway.

As I said, I'm trying to save my money. I decided to try and

make a cuff myself. I used dupioni silk, black square

paillettes, and black leather strands for the straps.

I made the straps extra long so I can wrap them around the

cuff a few times for a really cool look like on the runway.

I'm going to do a different look on the other side using

beading and embroidery. It will be much more detailed.

I didn't have any tiny needles for the beads to fit through.

I'll have two cuffs in one by the time I'm finished!

No one was home to help me tie the leather

strands so I did my best to do so myself for the last picture. :)

I also had another cool idea...

I tried tying the cuff around my ankle and

I realized that if I had two, they would look so cute with black pumps!

RODARTE Fall 2009

OMG I love these looks and the boots from Rodarte!

The leather jackets and deconstructed sweaters

and skirts were all made from a collage of different

materials and with so much detail.

I'm in love with this collection!

Over the Knee Boots

I am so happy that so many designers are doing the

over-the-knee boots for fall 2009! I posted last year that

I really wanted to buy a pair this fall, and now I will surely

be able to find a pair. I swear that Kate Moss was probably

the one who kickstarted this trend way back when she

was photographed traipsing around London looking so

chic and effortless in hers. I can't wait! I'm not spending a

dime until fall comes around for I've seen way too many

beautiful things!

Jane Aldridge

This fashion darling needs no introduction. Jane Aldridge,

has been featured in TeenVogue and TeenVogue Korea.

It's hard to imagine that this inspiring gal is only in her mid teens!

She has a truly innate sense of style and is not afraid to express

herself sartorially. If you haven't checked out her blog yet,

it's worth seeing! Her mom, Judy Aldridge also has her own

blog and is also very stylish in her own right.

She also runs a new vintage clothing store online and is

designing clothing!

I am waiting for her clothes to be available online.

She has designed a beautiful blouse, which screams for attention!

I will have to post a picture up next time.

Before I forget, here is the link to Miss Aldridge's blog,

where you can also find a link to her cool mom's blog.

http://www.seaofshoes.com/

Thanks to blogger Jane Aldridge for letting everyone know about Sophie Arancio's (pictured first) blog!Miss Arancio is like the female Sartorialist and takes beautiful photos of really cool people. She herself is very beautiful and very stylish as well. I love the picture just below Sophie's. I love the French! They are so forward in fashion and effortlessly chic! Style seems innate in them. I wish I was French!

You can see Sophie Arancio's blog at:

http://www.nast-magazine.fr/

Repurposed Lego Jewelry

I love these cuff-like bracelets by Emiko Oye!

I found these bracelets on http://www.objectfetish.com/

a shopping website that features artists from around the world.

Emiko Oye not only creates jewelry but sculptures

as well, using recycled materials.

Her work has been exhibited in the US and in Europe.

I personally like the first and last bracelets!

Shots from British Vogue January 2009

By far, British and Paris Vogue along with British Harper's Bazaar

have got to be my absolute favorite publications!

I loved the fall issues from 2008 and I'm loving the spring issues

as well. There's just so much to observe and take in from them.

When I pop into Chapters and see a new issue on the shelf,

I feel like I do on Christmas morning!

The issues are released like 2 months after

their publication date here in Canada, but I don't hesitate.

I've been cutting back though, because they cost so much...