Here are a few discoveries I have made lately and they pertain to my homeland of Montreal!
I have a minor (actually more like major) crush on Anthony Bourdain and he has a new travel/food show called The Layover where he visits his favourite cities around the world for just 24 hours and basically says where to eat if you're only in these cities for a short layover. You MUST watch this episode, not only is it absolutely hilarious, but he does an excellent job showing just how good the food here is.
I've also added a funny/cute little Montreal sweater I found on Acne Studio's website for men.
Clockwise from Top-Left: 1) Erickson Beamon White Wedding Crystal Earrings, 2) Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings, 3) Erickson Beamon Ice Age Headpice, 4) Erickson Beamon Bette Davis Eyes Necklace, 5) Tom Binns Bracelet, 6) Erickson Beamon Chain Gang Ring
A mental condition marked by persistent depression and ill-founded fears.
This might be a little late considering this movie came out quite a while ago, but I suppose it's better late than never. I went to Cinema du Parc the other day to go watch Melancholia by the controversial and wildly talented Lars Von Trier featuring Kirsten Dunst and was completely awestruck by the films impeccable beauty and dream-like aesthetic paired with an overwhelmingly powerful story-line. The scenery was outstanding, set in the Swedish country-side where the characters are isolated in a castle by the water. They have no contact with the outside world and are just waiting for the planet Melancholia to come closer to earth in hopes that it will pass by and not hit. It is a subtle Sci-Fi film that also touches upon depression, love, longing, reality, and family. There are no political influences in the film , which is unusual yet a relief because we are able to see the raw, true emotions and reactions to ultimately the end of the world. The differing dynamics of how the few characters deal with the end of the world are juxtaposed with one another giving the film depth. Many critics might say that the film is tedious and slow, but that is the point. The directors intentions were for the viewer to feel what the characters were feeling. The viewer had to wait for the planet Melancholia to approach just as Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) had to. There are so many themes I could discuss about in-depth such as the influence of art in the film, the use of money and wealth, character development, Justine's emotional movements in relation to the movements of Melancholia, how Justine's melancholic depression affected her relationships, and so on and so forth, but then this post will be ten pages long. I will therefore leave you with the opening scene of the film. I urge all of you, if you have not already, to go see Melancholia because you will leave the theatre in such a state that you will pinch yourself and question if that really just happened. Yes, it's that good.
The weather here in Canada is getting colder and colder and I wish I was wearing these amazing New York made clothes by Engineered Garments. The fabrics and textiles have a vintage feel, yet some of the designs and cuts are very modern and Nordic/British looking; definitely a unique look and feel.
I went to go see the movie Hugo in 3D by Martin Scorsese and was astounded by just how amazing it was. The story, the location, the cinematography, and especially the acting/cast were all perfect and complemented each other so well creating a magical Parisian winter wonderland. All of the acting in the movie was flawless, but Isabelle played by Chloë Grace Moretz stood out with her graceful and innocent curiosity and thirst for adventure. In the movie, which takes place in 1930's Paris, she is wearing a tweed oversized men's blazer, a striped sweater underneath, and a black beret over her short wavy hair. She is definitely someone to watch not only for her talent, but for her style that is so fresh and charming.
So Christmas is just around the corner and I am beyond ecstatic...everyone's decorations are up and Montreal has lighted up into one huge Christmas candy cane land. I added some photographs down below of Montreal/Quebec City during Christmas time and yes it's gorgeous, but my biggest Christmas wish is to spend one year during this holiday in Germany which is basically the mecca of all things Christmas. Until that time comes...I thankfully get a little taste of a German Christmas every year when my Mom (who's Swedish/German) makes around 20 loaves of Bavarian nut Christmas stollen. Yum!
Anyways, enough of my ranting on Germany, stollen, and just how amazing Christmas is and let me get to the point of this post: the things I want Santa to bring me this Christmas (obviously the most IMPORTANT thing that matters in life...right?! right?!....yaa). I've made a list down below of the ideal gifts....however, it ain't gonna happen so all a girl can do is dream *sigh*.
In the meantime, enjoy this song called The Christmas Waltz by the lovely She & Him:
1. How cute are those little sequinned birds on this Topshop jumper? Super cute!
2. I am legit DYING to get my hands on these Austrian hiking boots, I've fallen in love with them. I've been searching for the perfect pair of ankle hiking boots and these have it all. They are feminine yet have the perfect amount of ruggedness to them and the knit in the front makes it so European wilderness looking.
6. This bike is everything I've always wanted in a bike. It's by Bowery Lane Bicycles, a New York City company that hand-makes their bicycles. Famous for its vintage Dutch aesthetic, these bikes come in black or white, leather seats, and a handcrafted wooden box in the back which is perfect when one is doing groceries in the city...or to put ones dog.
7. The iPhone because it's the iPhone and the phone I'm using right now doesn't even work so this would be helpful/useful.
8. I have a love for anything that has to do with high-end stationary and pens so these cute little international cards made me so giddy. Each card has a different drawing of a global stylish girl. An Italian saying "Ciao!", a Parisienne saying "Bonjour!", and a Londoner saying "Hello!". The illustrations and the cream coloured cards make me just so happy!
9. I've had my eye on this Kate Spade bow ring in silver for so long. What I love so much about it that you can't see by the photograph provided is just how big it is! The size is what makes it so special and I love the textured lines in the folded ribbon area.
10. Last but not least this casual every day Zadig & Voltaire parka in grey with a fur collar. It's pretty simple but the color is what caught my eye...and the fur. But it's rare to find a stylish light grey short puffer jacket and especially with fur, usually I'll see something like this in black, navy, or charcoal grey.
