Clashing prints

{Image via Charlie messing around on my iphone

Topshop trousers/ secondhand smoke top & neck tie/ bag from side vendor on Portobello Road London/ Aldo cross-body bag}

I'm clashing prints like mad and I don't care who knows it!

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Feast your eyes on some more of Charlie's photography I found...

{Clockwise from top left: some mangy cat, Lady & The Tramp movie, our entranceway, couch details}

Reverse Buyers Remorse

So I find myself perusing the Chanel Resort 2013 show on Style.com (after buying their biannual issue- go get yours gurl!  here) and stumble upon this...  

{Image via Style.com} 

Awesome, I know.  

{Warning: please read Tim Blanks collection review before browsing the pictures to avoid a bizarre, unexplainable roller coaster of sartorial emotion that is the Chanel Resort '13 Collection.}

But then I'm having mini flashbacks that involve pink wool jackets of mid-thigh length that I saw at Zara in West Ed this last weekend.  THEN I have a major meltdown today when I re-visit the Atlantic-Pacific blog to confirm my suspicions that, yes she is wearing the very same Zara jacket I fondled, pondered and moved on from, but with a double C Chanel brooch and chunky accessories.  

{Image via atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com}

There you have it.  Reverse buyers remorse.  My trips to major shopping centers are typically based around concert schedules so I usually shop like I'll never swipe a credit card again (kidding, I only use debit!), however I kept a cool calculated head this time and what did that leave me with?  

A big empty pink void.  

{Image via Zara.com}

In all honesty I was distracted by one certain Celine ss11-esque button-up that (remorse-free) did make it home safe and sound into my loving wardrobe.  But given my love of the color pink, and my apparent new sense of reverse buyers remorse, I'm left feeling that, once again, papa Karl knows what I want, even when I don't. 

Have you ever had buyer's remorse...or worse, reverse buyers remorse?  Do tell.

An evening of firsts....

Hello again dear friends!  I have a tiny confession of sorts for you.  Actually, not so much a confession as a blatantly obvious statement.   Well....not so much a blatantly obvious statement as a truth fact.  Sometimes finding content for this blog is like trying to imagine Dior without Galliano (gasping still!)- painful, saddening and ultimately impossible.  Clearly I have opinions and the ability to chat Cathy into a stupor, but lately I'm finding it more difficult to get psyched about things around here...about anything!  Hence my dilema with Southern Alberta: wonderful, beautiful, free and happy place to live....BUT....nuh-thing. to. do.  

As stated in a previous yammering, I'm looking on the brightside here in L.A. and immersing myself in anything that has even the slightest amount of interest to me. 

On that note,  here's what to look forward to (?) in Schizoland: 

1) nonsensical tales of my daily doings 

2) fashion- usually of the deeply intellectual and super important nature (ha)

3) possible post-writing hiatuses (hiatusi?) of undetermined length

...and on to the title of this post.  An evening of firsts.  Don't worry I'm not a virgin so these firsts don't have to get weird.

(Ps thanks to Instagram I document EVERYTHING and have realized I look way better in pictures when I'm slightly pixelated).

 I ate sushi.  Not a first for me but it was my first time at Makisu, the new 'all you can eat sushi' resto on Mayor Magrath Dr. S.  A first for you, my lovely readers, may be finding out that I am a sushi slut.  I don't care where it's from, I want it, I eat it, oh baby, oh baby.  

Although I chose the 'menu' route I still ate til my elastic-band high waist trousers left an uncomfortable crease.  The miso soup & deep-fried dumplings def did the trick, and I'm a sucker for raw salmon at any hour, but the real surprise was how stylish the inside of the restaurant was.  I was 'saving up' for a major mow-town so I didn't eat much today, had a glass of vino...cut two: I was giggling like a school girl and didn't take any pics of the decor.  So go and check it out!  Or, if you trust my recommendations, you can be equally satisfied by the Superstore sushi offerings, in particular the coconut shrimp concoction.  Damn you Superstore for satiating all my needs.

 The second first was a comedy show at the Yates featuring Debra DiGiovanni and a former local girl Allison (can't remember her last name so if you know please help me out!).  I laughed, cried, gasped, snorted and my face is still hurting.  These two ladies were so funny I'm going to be chuckling to myself for weeks with mini recaps.  My little posse of four was in the front row and didn't stop shoulder shaking for the whole set.  For some reason I feared the idea of a comedy show, until I realized...um, it's comedy.  Not only is laughter awesome, it tones your midsection...take that sushi roll.   

(girlfriend Steph on the left with enviable hair, brother Andy cut out of pic on the right- he's so tan I look like a Cullen next to him- are we still making Twilight jokes? Kidding- I swear- he wouldn't fit in my Frametastic frame.)

Lastly, I finally bought 'pajama' pant silk trousers (with pockets!) at Anthropologie last weekend in Calgary.  I have been actively searching for just the right pair and these little ditties were also on sale!  The high waist, trouser-like slant pockets and Dries Van Noten-looking cuff hem in a different print were an obvious sell, but they had me at pink.  Now I realize what a shitty picture I took above right so I suppose I will have to re-wear and re-capture.  It will become my post of seconds.  

French Connection blazer/ secondhand smoke tank/ Anthro trousers/ Winners shoes/ Aldo bag/ vintage earrings

252 Old & New

Alright peeps, remember my song of praise for 13th Street North diddy's in Lethbridge?  If not, do read and return.  

Ok, I'm still here...on to the diddy's.  I know people in this city are bat-shit cray cray for garage sales, vintage anything, and cheapo deals (ok fine, it's me) so I was most overjoyed to find a store that caters to my desire to rummage & scour like its my unspoken duty in life.  Enter 252 Old & New  (252 13th street North).  Apparently they have been around for six years!  Shame on me.  If you can't tell I'm trying to re-discover Lethbridge and remind myself that coolness resides here somewhere (ya know, aside from the obvious lack of traffic, ease and speed of getting places & general calmness).  

I'm not going to lie, entering this store is like walking straight into the 'lower east side' version in any city...meaning it smells like pot old, there is an abundance of brass, gold & shiny things (yay!), an eccentric hippie works the counter, time dissipates, and everything you find requires elbow grease and a determined nature.

Once you acclimatize to the mixture of aromas, they also sell fragrant soaps, lotions & oils (surprise!), the store becomes a pleasant treasure-trove of miss-matched jewelry, second-hand house fixtures and lovingly worn clothing.  Mainly it's all about jewelry though.  There is a definite tacky factor to some of the pieces, but others are charming and fit right in with the costume jewelry trend that, let's be honest, I am worshipping right now. 

After chatting with the owner I got a little more insight into the randomness of the store.  She buys from New York (I'm guessing the Lower East Side somewhere- I'm so smart) and only in small quantities with typically only one product in any design...giving her store a vintage, one-of-a-kind element.  So all us anti-conformists can rest in peace knowing our g-friend isn't sporting the same bangles.  Phew...and I thought turning 30 was a big deal. 

Anyhow if you have a burning yearning for useless knick knacks and a sensory overload trapse on down to 252 and support a local business.  However, don't buy the double-headed golden swan bowl, IT IS MINE!

Oh yes, can you tell I've finally discovered Instagram, Frametastic and an IPhone?  Shit, it's that obvious?  Either way it totally distracts me keeps me occupied on slow rainy work days like at present.

And onto a not wholly unrelated note, doesn't my Charlie look a dream in her DVF x GapKids ensemble? 

I'm gonna talk about my kid.  Deal with it.

DVF x LIFE

I mean this....DVF for life.  This all started with a wee little shopping frenzy this last weekend (see previous post), that turned into a closets-totally-cleaned-new-kind-of-woman garage sale, which barrel-rolled into an online shopping par-tay for one.  Me.  Well Charlie will actually benefit too so let's call it a party for two so I don't sound so lame. 

Back to DVF (that's Diane Von Furstenburg for you silly billy's).  I completely missed the bandwagon on the DVF x GapKids collab and was shocked to see the sweet little ad in my April issue of Elle Decor (side-note-you-don't-want-to-miss: click here for detes on Justin Timberlake's "home goods and art" line for Homemint.com.  That's right, he's bringing sexy back...to home decor...bad joke, I know, but jokes on you cause that song is stuck in your head now). 

Check out these adorbs printed little ditty's from the DVF x Gapkids ads. WOAH I forgot to mention that everything is ON SALE right now.  If you have a little girl, know a little girl, want a little girl, have a small doll (creepy), whatever...go online and get your shop on.

(Images via gap.com)

Obviously us big girls can shop DVF clothing & accessories almost anywhere from "a store nearest you!" to net-a-porter.com. BUT now Bloomingdales is housing the DVF home collection.  We are talking pillows, barware, coasters, dessert plates, bedding and more.  Woohoo!  We get to sleep with DVF too!  Ok creepy dolls & sleeping with DVF means I better wrap this up.  Sohautestyle.com has a nice comprehensive post on all the in-store offerings you could want so perhaps you should check that out.  Not perhaps, get to it!    

(Yes this is Crystal Renn before the blonde.  Image via thepinkchalkboard.blogspot.com)

Finally, I got my DVF on thrift style...vintage at Value Village for $7.99.  That's Canadian and that's how it's done.  

vintage DVF dress/ vintage snakeskin belt, Ewelina's Jewelry earrings/ Pucci sunnies

Not only am I in love with the price, ahem, YES!, I am loving the fit and the print...sweet little miss-matched/oriented shapes of the letters D, V, and F.  Lady DVF and 'bold colourful prints' are synonymous and this one feels perfect for spring!  

Run...don't walk...

 ...to the Lethbridge SPRING FLING EXTRAVAGANZA!  And by this I mean there are sales happening people, sales that you do not want to miss out on....I dare say they are mah-jor.  

Let's chat details.  Locally owned businesses Nicholai Home Fashion, The Jasmine Room, The Sous Chef, Mystique Home Decor, Freddie's Paint & Details Boutique, and finally Intrigue Lingerie have come together again in a biannual event celebrating style, community and, duh, shopping.  The event runs this weekend (Thurs April 19th- 21st) with stores open til 9pm and offerings of up to 50% off.  Not a typo...50% off!   

On a semi-related note (just kidding) my car brakes have been squealing higher than Mariah's high G7-note (yahoo answers?) as of late so I had about "1 hour" (3 1/2 hours) to burn this afternoon and thus worked my way into a shopping frenzy.  Have you wandered down 13th Street North lately? ...specifically the west side of the street?  So many treasures.  Never you fret my friends, I will post about this soon.  But, on to my point, I later found myself on 6th ave south scouring The Jasmine Room...for macarons.  

 Honestly, I thought this place was 'just' a tea room but what a fool I have been.  One half of the store is dedicated to funky pottery, bespoke home decor and knick-knacks of the hoarders variety.  The other half is indeed a tea room but filled with scents that I can scarce pronounce the name of...let alone spell.  

 These little knobs totally reminded me of Anthropolgie's eclectic assortment, and at approx. $5 per knob (plus the 15% off discount!) they are a much more buyer savvy option than journeying up to Cowtown.  The ceramic blue printed knob on the left now has a home on my entry console table...a nice little treat for my drawer that will inevitably house junk.

 Did I mention the delicious (free) snacks?  That drink can only be described as pamplemousse spiked with lavender.  Ok, so I clearly do not qualify for judging on Iron Chef...but I made a zucchini, mushroom & cheese skillet of sorts today...?  It's ok to be impressed.  I am.  

If you haven't heard already (shame on you) BAKE LETHBRIDGE is now selling macarons at The Jasmine Room thursday through saturday (or while supplies last) in a wild assortment of flavors.  I snatched the last four available today so I suggest you do as the title of this post says and you RUN to get your mac on.  

OR you run to get your funk on.  Funky accessory purchasing that is.  Nicholai Home Fashions (330 7th st south) not only treated us to wine and snacks, but also a breath of life and hope for the demise of the cookie-cutter interiors that seem to be taking over Southern Alberta Godzilla style.   

Art, furniture,  and can't-live-without accessories are just a few things that need jamming into your shopping cart.  The right side of the store is a complete market place with vendors from all over the city  selling everything from exotic sauces (Saucy Ladies) to art by local photographers (ie. Jaime Vedres).  

 The only problem with this store is having to decide on what exactly to purchase.  I go in with a clear head, "just perusing" I tell myself, and leave feeling a mixture of elation, guilt and shopper's satisfaction.  The best part (I tell myself) is that most pieces are unique to Lethbridge and basically one of a kind.  Yay to anti-conformity!  This weekend most furniture (read: trendy sectionals, chaise lounges, adorbs footstools) are 50% off!  Totes cra.  

Cheap Monday neon sweater from Shopnastygal.com/ vintage Lee Jeans jean jacket/ Marni x H&M men's trousers/ Aldo purse/ Ewelina's Jewelry feather earrings (more on her line soon!)/ vintage wool hat/ (couch pillows from Nicholai)

ALSO, the SPE has a stamp card where (after visiting each of the 6 stores and receiving a stamp) you have the chance to win a $500 grand prize.  Two down, four to go bitches.  

ps- I know I resemble Rudolph, I was obvi prepping for the (always wrong) southern ab forecast of winters snow.  And red is hot for fall '12 so....

What the Solange?

As per the schizophrenic nature of this blog, this post is completely random and in no way has anything to do with any semblance of relevance.  (That said, when I get my LFW collection images I will post and make a mild- if not nuanced- reference to the last few posts regarding LFW).  But now that I think about it I just need to put this out there & hope that other people are feeling the same...What The Solange?  

Has anyone else seen her creeping up in street style blogs, celeb party pics and, most recently, in American Vogue??  

Admittedly, I am a huge Beyonce fan.  Not so much the name of her child...but Beyonce, yes she can really do no wrong (I'm pretending that the song Deja Vu didn't happen).  Like every other sibling to a celebrity I figuratively tossed Solange to the side until recently when her wicked cool sense of color and energy caught me by surprise.  Also, I am unexplainably drawn to afros and clashing prints so she proved impossible to ignore.  Check her out... 

 (Images via Hairspiration.blogspot.ca)

I still don't know what she actually does (DJ maybe?) as I haven't bothered to exercise the google machine except for images.  She is however, a fantastic inspiration for colorful spring dressing...and lunges.  Look at those gams!  Clearly, toned thighs runs in the Knowles family.  

The only answer to the aforementioned question I can conjure up is perhaps...where have I been?

Has anyone else been feeling a What The Solange enter your vocab?  

Post LFW...

So it has taken me a few days to recover from Lethbridge Fashion Weekend...so what, who cares? (Yes I'm still living by this SNL character's mantra).  In recovery I have found that I am capable of running 10k in 44 mins and then promptly falling asleep for 4 hours with my running shoes still on while taco'd sideways in my bedspread.  Also, recovery is made drastically more comfortable with retail therapy, baby cuddles (thanks to my sister Peggy & her Sawyer)  and tales of hilarity in Southeast Asia (thanks to Andy & his mullet).   

We all know how pretty and fresh I look post LFW (wahhh) so I thought I  would share my most recent shopping outfit c/o LFW designers this season.

Sleeveless blazer by yours truly/ New-news-to-me-sheer top by Robert Rodriguez/ red trousers by Bow-tied (Tammy McNamara)/ double cameo necklace by Fuzion Accessories (thanks Holly & Anna!)/ neon green envelope bag & floral wedges by Aldo/ neon pink socks- Ardene/ Pucci sunnies

As you can clearly see I am outside without sleeves in Canada in March.  Oh yes, summer is teasing me...

What I have been up to lately...

Aside from styling random photo-shoots, lusting after clothing online that I can't afford and basking in the Southern Alberta chinook winds I have also been....

....designing & sewing my summer collection for Lethbridge Fashion Weekend (LFW- see details here!)...

...buying porcelain animals that I don't need I can't live without...

...taking shitty pictures in an attempt to get a skinny angle all to prove to myself that working out is worth it...

...receiving beautiful flamingo drawings (x100000000)...

...getting postcards from my sister in Cuba....

...and phantom snuggling my newest nephew...

In case you are wondering this is me responding "Why YES I would love to take him home with me!"

....Now here is what you need to do....

COME TO LFW!!!

Wicked. Shoes.

Channeling your inner Elphaba could not be easier and more satisfying come fall.

  

Defy gravity (pun was bound to happen) with Stella McCartney's oversized buckled offerings...

...or...embrace Glinda's glitz via Marc Jacobs.

 (All images via Vogue.com)

Which witch are you? 

I'm such a sucker...

...from her head...

 ...to her toes.

Taylor Tomasi Hill is the sartorial love of my life.  

 (Images via Tommy Ton via JackandJil.com)

Seeing her makes me want to SING SING SING King's of Leons' Head to Toe in the likeness of his crazy voice in the chorus of that tune.  

Check out this youtube video (Head to Toe) if you want to see it Pulp Fiction style (trust me, you do)...or simply press play here...

Sparkles in the morning

Not the best photo of yours truly (taken by my 5 yr old) but that is besides the point.  The point is that I wore sequins before noon and it felt great.  I suggest you try it if you haven't already.  I have been leery of the lingering sparkles-for-daytime suggestion (even after seeing countless Jenna Lyons/Jcrew looks- see here) simply because sequins and southern Alberta clash...figuratively? literally? obviously.

My sequin-endorsing friends out there know how it feels to shine in the daytime...glamourous, happily out of place and totally unnecessary.   

Joe Fresh white skinnies/ Zara fringe booties/ H&M studded gloves/ Gap jacket/ Lord & Taylor sequin top/ Equipment chambray button-up