paradoxical.

‎"Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires."-Charles Caleb Colton

lipstick.

I've been a Kate Spade girl my whole life.

I remember holding my mother's hand while she carried the classic striped purses (both real and not-so-much), and must have looked like we were walking within the ads. The Grant Avenue store in downtown San Francisco is my mecca - white crown moulding, bright colours and perfectly-manicured saleswomen. It is a throwback back to when ladies used to really dress for the day, wear gloves and never smeared their lipstick.

I know perfection isn't always possible, but Kate Spade is pretty darn close to it for me.

That's why I'm over the moon excited about their new collection. Being a writer and English literature enthusiast, I almost flipped when I saw their new book clutches. I'm trying to figure out how to get my hands on one of these lovelies (preferably the Romeo and Juliet one, hint, hint).

ruined.

After a crazy week, I've finally found that everything is going to be okay. There may be too much of a good thing, but in the end things always work out.

But things are falling into place - some parts of summer, new job opportunities, writing, life, etc.

It's time to celebrate. Grab your friends, have a drink and relax. It's the weekend! I'll try not to get into too much trouble...

PS song of the day: "Who's That Chick" by David Guetta featuring Rihanna.

fashioning.

This week, my Victorian Literature class took a field trip to the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto. I've walked past the building a hundred times, but inside are rooms full of history, colour and stories. Each corner had a piece of character about it - almost in an inexplicable way.

In the attic, which is open, airy and bright, English class commenced. We talked about poems within the artist's studio, which was also where we were. The Group of Seven painted their famous works in this space, high above the busy streets of Toronto and with snow dancing outside before the blizzard.

No Internet, no overheads, no slide shows. Just us, our books and natural light. We stepped back in time, and surrounded by easels, mirrors and props, immersed ourselves into the texts. The words painted themselves into concrete form beside us.

My most valuable lesson this week? Stop and smell the roses, but be sure to look up and climb one of those rickety stairs or two. Looking at the world from a different view may open a door to new thinking and ideas.

Photos by Portia Favro

prowl.

Check out my article for my fashion journalism class!

STYLE STAR: TORONTO STREETS

Someone wise once said,“Everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runway,” which is appropriate with our culture’s obsession with street style.

Therefore, on a chilly weekend, I decided to go hunting for some stylist people. Armed with my camera and an extra-hot coffee, I thought I would find my prey all over Toronto.
En route to Liberty Village, I found my first catch: blonde woman in her early 30’s trotting a fringe satchel and oversized glasses about to cross John Street. As I ran over to take her photo, she flipped open her phone to accept a call. Disheartened, I grabbed a quick “creeper” shot of her – but with a turn of her heel, I saw the flash of a red sole of her leopard-print boots.

Inspiration, thanks for calling.

Any fashion girl knows a Christian Louboutin when she sees one, and I’m certain this woman was wearing the five-inch, “Big Lips Booty” designer shoe. While hipsters tramped along in combat boots, this woman looked effortless in her heels.

My coffee cold, and my camera (sadly) dying, I headed south toward Richmond Street and Spadina Avenue.

On cue, a woman in her early 50’walked by me wearing a leopard-print coat.

She got away from me too fast to catch her, but I was lucky, having my camera phone out and catching a quick shot. Her coat was a light, champagne-coloured leopard with a smaller print. Between her and Louboutin woman, neither of their leopard prints screamed “look at me”, but were a casual wink at a neutral pattern.

A day later, I cornered Emma Liut, third-year marketing student at Ryerson University in Toronto, at the Ted Rogers School of Management.

Clad in the Canadian tuxedo (light denim button-up and jeans with riding boots) a touch of leopard in a bag added a subtle pop to her outfit. Even better? Each piece she was wearing was under $100.

Surveying my captures, the link of leopard between each of these ladies made me purr. Perhaps next time, steer away from the black and try out the print – it is subtle, fun and good for the fashion hunters.