amy.

Yesterday afternoon was fairly ordinary. I'd finished work and soaking in the sun, ready for the weekend.

My friend called me and asked if I wanted to head to see a matinee movie. Without second thought, I suggested seeing "Amy", the documentary about Amy Winehouse.

I've always been a big fan of her music, and if it's possible, I'm even more engulfed by Winehouse's sound, lyrics and story after the film. I loved the documentary truly focused on her artistry and wasn't afraid to go into the dark side of her life.

From working on documentaries and other news stories, it's always an interesting moment when you get into those interviews with profound characters in your story. More often than not, you'll have fairly average experience chatting with them.

But every once in awhile, you'll find a nugget that changes the entire direction of what you thought you were making.

Something else interesting that came up for me...Amy's look.

I remember my mother purchasing her first album, "Frank" and also "Back to Black" - we used to listen to them both on our drives to school, dance class, etc. My father also got Rolling Stone magazine, and I remember those couple of covers Amy graced.

As I look back at the timeline of my personal style, and why I'm drawn to a retro look, I think it started with her. I can see in photos that I started playing with flowers in my hair, experimenting with cat eyes, pin-up clothing and what not. I abandoned it for a couple years when I went to university, but now and back with full vengeance.

I used to think Bettie Page was my biggest influence, but I'm realizing this runs much deeper. The things were are drawn to early in life are certainly a calling - I always loved old jazz music and a vintage look/vibe. I think Amy really modernized and brought that to the forefront for my generation.

I'll likely never have enough hair for a beehive like hers, but you never know.

Just a thought. Have a good weekend.

mistaken.

"It's true, you are terrible at a lot of things. 

But there are a couple of things that nobody else does as well as you do. 

It drives me bananas that you will throw yourself away completely because of one or two things that you are wrong about you. 

That's what breaks my heart. 

You got to ignore those and lean towards the things that make you yourself. 

Forget everything else. Fake it. Fake your way upwards."

- Matt Berninger, Mistaken for Strangers (documentary)

marley.

Happy Friday darlings.

If you do one thing this weekend, I highly encourage you to watch the documentary "Marley". It will give you huge insight into this life and more about the background of February's show!


Enjoy.

bill.

At the end of a week and almost eve to another month, I have successfully completely two things off my list of "Staycation" activities. These two are a little bit unofficial, but were still on a list nonetheless.

Last night, I received a plus one ticket for a friend to join me at The Acorn's Toronto show. I usually go to these performances alone and/or with a photographer, so it can be weird being the only one not having anyone to talk to during setup and all that jazz. However, it was a lovely show and I was lucky enough to have some company with other writers there as well that I know. Check the Take Media soon for my review!

Secondly, earlier this week I went to see the Bill Cunningham documentary. I've been a huge fan of his New York Times column and snapshots of street style for what seems like forever, so to see the behind-the-scenes view of his life was a real treat. I've never really seen that many documentaries, and I must say, I'm hooked.

Seeing something that was real, even fashion-related, kept myself and my peers in the theatre on the edge of our seats the entire time, craving to know where Bill would ride his bicycle or take a shot of next. Every frame and moment in the film was organic, well-shot and clear. The interviews were snappy, juicy and delicious. As the lights came on, I sat in disbelief that it was over.

For the average Joe, some may say that this movie is "girly" or "too prissy" because it's about fashion, but I argue the opposite. Bill shows how our lives in every way, in every single day revolve around fashion. He just loves clothes, and doesn't care if it's a celebrity wearing them.

‎”Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.” - Bill Cunningham

Whether you like fashion or not, it's an interesting film that also encapsulates New York's culture, the history of some of the art's greatest movers and shakers (an snippets of Andy Warhol's films) and women that look just like you and I that are showcased. Bill Cunningham is living proof of art that imitates life and is a true gem of a man.

Check your local theatres! Here's a link to his New York Times videos where he talks about street style. Fabulous!