Hot Asian

Female Prisoner Scorpion

Fresh Off the Boat: V-Fest 07

Despite what has to be one of the most terribly thought-out venue transportation systems ever V-fest (at least the first day) proved to be truely spectacular. We arrived around 4:00pm after having miscalculated the enormous line-up of people waiting for the ferry, and using our smarts and feminine wiles to procure a more advantageous position.

As soon as we set foot on the island it was a race to the Virgin stage and MIA. I love this woman. Not only is she all sorts of hot and crazy energy, she just makes me want to move my feet and ass. The crowd was dissappointingly lacking in energy and movement. Only a handful of people were rocking out, well at least until the 3rd to last song when MIA invited people to rush the stage for Boyz. (Too bad the security, in typical jerkish fashion, was only allowing people to trickle in on one side of the stage).

Standing in for Amy Winehouse in the TBA spot was Kid Koala. I have not seen him perform for a very long time (despite the fact that he comes to Vancouver every year, and resides in Montreal). The heat was making his records sweat and subsequently skip but he managed to put a smile on my face nonetheless. Without fail Kid Koala always delivers. We lounged underneath a large tree and soaked up the beautiful day while listening to records that were the perfect accompaniment.

After his set we were going to see princess superstar on the blive stage but didn't want to leave our bags outside the stage entrance and so took to wandering the park instead. We ate funnel cake with the works, took a free trainride around "centreville" and doled out relationship advice to one of the employees. Then we settled in for the end of arctic monkeys (I really don't understand their popularity) and Interpol. The crowd for interpol, just like the crowd for MIA except with even less enthusiasm and this was despite and engaging performance, was ridiculously still and offered only polite applause and muffled cries of joy after each song. I felt embarrassed each time the camera panned out to the masses. People were definately into the set but couldn't bring themselves to MOVE, this is an outdoor music/rock festival, but seemed close to a contemplative meditation.

Then came the Icelandic Queen of Weird and Cute, Bjork, and her colour army (er, I mean band). Infront of colourful banners of birds, fish and reptiles and a full band, including an entire brass section, a percussionist, a dj, a keyboardist, a grand piano and about 4 back-up singers she presided over her court. Creating mass hysteria at about her 4th song, Army of Me. Dressed in an outfit that was part metallic doily, part terrible '80's prom dress with an electric green headband and barefeet she pranced, shook, and curtseyed until her particular brand of frenetic charisma had touched on every member of the crowd. Even the slightly jockish college boys were trembling and bobbing around from the spectacle. She didn't talk much, aside from introducing the band before the encore, a sprightly "tank-ou" or "merci bien" was all she uttered, but she sang almost continuously, effortlessly floating from one song to the next and offering distinct interpretations of a few of her older hits and never loosing that reverberating quality in her beautiful voice. So, just incase this review hasn't made it clear, I was entranced. She alone was worth the entire price of admission.

NYC S/S08- So Far

Colours: Navy, and a muted-gold/mustard yellow

Patterns- not so much, but those that did show seemed like linear graphic abstracts or hundreds of erratic brushstrokes

Biggest trend: Volume, Volume, Volume!! Almost all designers added extra padding or the illusion of some....could be seen mostly in the many versions of the bunched and gathered bubble hem or a boxed-out hip/exaggerated pear-shape.

Favorite Show-so far- Proenza Schouler- Sure this is apredictable pick but in a sea of what often seems to be subdued minimalism PS just stands out! Militaristic, rock references. Lots of Layering. Lovely, wearable texturization in the metallic dresses and skirts (seemed to be ref F/W07 Prada but in a classical and subdued way). Concentration on legs and the waist. All this while still managing to keep up that refined elegance that the boys have come to be known for.

Favorite accessories-so far- jewellery at Vera Wang (pictured above), the shoes at Alexander Wang (multi-coloured, lace-up, saddle-shoe-inspired booty)

Birthdays that keep giving

I love birthday gifts, especially ones that don't fully come into fruition until 5 months after the birthday. Damn, if only Winehouse could deal with her crackhead ways... doesn't matter coz Bjork and MIA are really the ones to watch. LOVE IT! (Repping for the heterogamic chromosome there's Interpol, Arctic Monkeys, Matt Costa, and a Hood family favorite- Paulo Nutini, among many others)

http://www.virginfestival.ca/toronto/#/lineup/

Truthiness

Insightful, out-of-character interview with the real Stephen Colbert:

read it here:

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/15243839.html#cutid1

and it begins

Start thinking about those fall wardrobes ASAP (if you haven't already). I've started formulating outfits in my mind, like the one above.

The gloves (H&M) and shoes (Chloe- from my Montreal binge @ Holts) are new purchases.

I promise more on the shoes later.

Men in Black

Too bad Owen Wilson couldn't be there, but still, there's something for everyone, even without the butterscotch stallion.

An Almost Postsummer Nights' Play

Shakespeare in the park is a very common summer theme.

A great one.

So I went with some friends to High Park - my nature oasis- to see The Canadian Stage Company's modern take on A Midsummer Nights Dream.

I don't know what the synopsis was talking about by a paparazzi, pop-culture referencing rendition, I did not see any of that. What I did see was a few mild hip-hop references, many Afro-Caribbean ones (including Oberon and Titania's amazing, hypercoloured costumes) and an exuberant and jubliant celebration; the perfect "end" to summer. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a performance of Shakespeare, nor have I ever thought that every member of a cast was so equally impressive.

Sure, it isn't as idyllic as Bard on the Beach or as traditional as the Globe but it far surpassed my other summer Shakespeare experience, King Lear in Stratford (not to take away from the pleasure derived from a mini summer road trip with a few friends). Plus it is pay what you can (suggested $20) and outdoors among towering oak trees. You cannot really ask for a better setting for a play that requires audiences to be transported into a magical land of fairies.

Read about it, and prepare yourself for next year @ http://www.livewithculture.ca/content/view/full/15424/

Words of wisdom...

from The Sartorialist:

...she said like a throw-away qualifier was "I didn't know anyone in New York when I moved here...."
I think that is such a huge factor. To move to a city where you are not afraid to try something new because all the people that labeled who THEY think you are (parents, childhood friends) are not there to say " that's not you" or "you've changed". Well, maybe that person didn't change but finally became who they really are. I totally relate to this as a fellow Midwesterner even though my changes were not as quick or as dramatic.

I bet if you ask most people what keeps them from being who they really want to be (at least stylistically or maybe even more), the answer would not be money but the fear of peer pressure - fear of embarrassing themselves in front of a group of people that they might not actually even like anyway.If you were really honest with yourself and really wanted to change your style what is keeping you from doing that? Is it really the cost? Is it really your psychical shape? availability of goods? Or is it not fitting in at your office, or PTA, or skateboard park? ...

The subject who brought about this particular observation is actually roking the same hair cut as I am (or was since november). I've since decided that while i really love my bangs I might have to try something new now.

Anyhow, to see the before and after and to read the rest of Mr. Shuman's wise words:

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html#7700413181879634287

Confashion

This afternoon, when I finally saw fit to get dressed and take advantage of the gorgeous sunshine and mild humidity I decided to throw the above clothes on. My hair is a bit dirty and going a bit crazy (I need a hair cut but can't seem to actually and go and get one- I do love my Vancouver stylist- Nura @ Bent- so) so I threw on Kk's NYC New Era Skyline cap (flagship store just opened on Queen St) and off I went. Let me tell you, I have never recieved so many up and downs from a casual, semi-put together look. It was more a look of intrigue; I wasn't getting the nasty- what is she wearing- look. I really didn't think this outfit was anything special and so this reaction surprised me greatly: Is this outfit REALLY that stare worthy???

Maybe everyone was staring so hard because I was kinda rocking the androgyny and people were trying to figure out if I was a boy or girl? I don't get it.

(not included in the picture is the yellow leather shoulder bag I was carrying- featured in "hello yellow- August 5th 2007" an earlier post)

Shaw & Bloor

The 2nd mural is done by a local artist, who explained that he wants to start using images not commonly associated with graffati/street art in his murals.

When I happen upon these decorated alleyways I can't help but wish there was more of these little artisitc havens around town. Walking down the accompanying alleyway, towards Christie Pits Park, its pesky scrawled out tags that adorned the garage doors and shop backs it seemed foolishly childish and in stark contrast to the eye candy right across the street.

Just for you

Camera and The Stephen Bulger Gallery

1026-1028 Queen St. West

(no pics of the stephen bulger gallery- I wasn't allowed- but a very cool- small- space and Mr. Bulger is very friendly and welcoming- unusual for a gallerist)

TGIF- What I Want

All can be mine for the reasonable price of USD$3414.00. Maybe i'll just treat myself to the brangle ($89), maybe not.

blantant & excessive materialism helped along by: http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Yeah, I think you're pretty lame too

The above photo exactly describes my feelings on faux-fashion fixation Sienna Miller, especially after sitting through two hours of my life I desperately want returned but will never get back (aka Factory girl)
I have never felt so mixed about a September cover for American Vogue. I know that her article and accompanying well-shot fashion spread (with Testino, Meisel or Demarchelier no doubt) will be easy to gloss-over but it's just the principle. I really feel that the industry is forcing their ill-concieved opinion on me. She just copies Topshop/K Moss, who has spent years being directed by the industry. I definately don't percieve her as any kind of trendsetter, if anything she's a follower.
I'm actually considering not buying it. I think I'll do a in-store flip-through before I make my final verdict. Besides what can I see in the magazine that I can't see online, except the hundreds of advertisements? That may have been a pre-emptive why-i-didnt-buy-this-seasons-fashion-bible explination, but I like to be prepared. Afterall, I was a girl guide.

To see the September 2007 cover go to:
http://fashionverbatim.blogspot.com/2007/08/us-vogue-september-2007-featuring.html

Around

Went to see Jasmine yesterday at the Factory Theatre. Written by fellow transplanted Torontonian and ex-Vancouverite, Norman Lup-man Yeung (who also plays one of the three characters). I found it to be at times humorous and poignant, and as an asian-canadian it struck a certain emotional chord with me, very relatable, but I don't think you have to share that heritage to enjoy the play. Great performances by all actors. Congrats!

read about it: http://torontoist.com/2007/08/summerworks_200.php

go see it: http://www.summerworks.ca/play_wrapper.php?url=play_2007_Jasmine.php&s=Jasmine&p=Stage%20One%20Productions%20

My friend Sarah Shafey (www.myspace.com/sarahshafey) is performing tonight at Honeyjam at the Mod club. She also performs with a collective www.myspace.com/goodsoundsgood at the Cameron House the first tuesday of every month. Check her out!!

Pompoms

Are you kidding me with this shit?

but actually I quite like it, I just can't deal with the pompoms and leggings.

i love goldenfiddle.com http://goldenfiddle.com/set/280/zoom/8319/large

Hello Yellow

Italian made, leather, deadstock handbag (can be worn with or without shoulder strap)

from Carte Blanche on Queen W.

While doing some research for a few articles I am hoping to write and get published for blogTO's fashion section (www.blogto.com) I came across this beauty and I knew right away that I had to make it mine.

V magazine and Simon Procter team up to bring you some amazing catwalk portraits. So lovely.

See more: http://www.vmagazine.com/fashion_article.php?n=1174&p=1

It's all Patches fault

and of course...

Proenza Schouler Spring Sneak Peek

An Absolute MUST watch!!!!!

http://www.fashionologie.com/fashionologie/2007/08/a-sneak-sneak-p.html