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.
Even though I shouldn't be buying anything these days (except for Christmas presents for OTHER people) I innocently walked through the doors of Holt Renfrew in downtown Montreal. For all of you non-Canadian readers, Holt Renfrew is the equivalent to Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Le Bon Marche, etc. I knew this wasn't a good idea, but I thought I would be strong enough to resist any purchases....well, I was wrong. But in my defence I thought this was a complete steal considering it's absolutely stunning and that it has the Alexander Wang touch. I saw this olive green, grey, and taupe mixed silk and cotton dress from across the room, saw the price tag (125$ CAD), and knew I was going to buy it before even trying it on. The dress is slightly longer in the front than in the back and it has two small slits in the front where the silk and cotton fabrics are separated. In the back the top is in cotton and the bottom is all in silk. The most amazing part is the open slit in the back where the cotton is draped over the silk and there is a tiny unnoticeable weight in the silk that makes it droop down. All I have to say is GENIUS. I can't wait to wear this with grungy, black leather, short motorcycle boots!
Ps. The focus is a bit off, but the lighting in my room was super dim!
This film is so absolutely stunning I had goosebumps the entire time while watching the dreamlike technicality and artistry in the McQueen House.
“I’ve dreamed a lot. I’m tired now from dreaming but not tired of dreaming. No one tires of dreaming, because to dream is to forget, and forgetting does not weigh on us, it is a dreamless sleep throughout which we remain awake. In dreams I have achieved everything.” - Fernando PessoaThe Book of Disquiet
I remember writing a post a LONG time ago about my Tumblr blog, but it was when I was just starting it. Now I have done over 2,000 posts and I'm completely obsessed! If you have Tumblr follow me :) and I'll follow back! Here is a sneak peak at some of the photographs that are inspiring me lately on my Tumblr blog along with a short film by The Selby featuring Lucy Chadwick for Zara. If only everyone could have a life so beautiful and simple!
Here are my top 6 skin products that are going to save me and my skin this coming cold Canadian winter!
(Ps. I made the post extremely colourful in hopes that it will bring a little bit of optimism when it comes healing the flaky, disgusting, and horrible skin that creeps up every winter. Don't worry, your skin will get better.)
Alright, so...I need to express the love, envy, and admiration I am currently having over the Lulu character (played by Nicole LaLiberte) on my favourite show How To Make It In America. Not only does her effortless cool-factor exude out of her pores in the show along with her stylish deep red hair, but it translates into her real life. There honestly isn't that much information on her, but I've decided to combine everything I could find on her (at least all the interesting stuff) into this one post. So bare with me....this might be a long post, but I guarantee you that you will become just as fascinated by her as I am. Also might I just add that these pictures don't do her justice, you have to see her in film because that's where you will witness that cool-calm-and-collected-artsy-and-crazy-yet-confusing-Bushwick-residing-bright-colored-wearing girl that has slowly but surely won over all of the artist, fashion and HBO lovers out there. I am warning all of you to keep a close eye on this celeb, because she's bound to become huge SOON.
Ps. I feel like she would be a huge Grimes fan. This is what I picture her listening to while walking down the NYC streets in some crazy, colorful outfit:
Down below I have THREE different sections on the lovely Nicole:
1. Photo collage showing off her beauty and style
2. YOUTUBE CLIP OF LALIBERTE ON
HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA
3. Elle & The Coveteur: Nicole LaLiberte
I can’t live without…
1. Clarisonic, my absolute must-have beauty item. It's genius—cleans my skin like no other product I've tried before. They sell it at Sephora; everyone should have one!
2. [Christian] Louboutins. Period. The end all shoe.
3. Filet mignon from McCall's in Los Feliz. [My boyfriend] Anthony cooks this to perfection on our grill…yum!
4. Hummingbirds. They nest outside my window. I know I'm home when I see them.
5. Old movies, and my film projector. Movie night is every night at my house! Our most recent screening was Zatoichi, a Japanese film series about a blind samurai warrior. Love.
6. Harold Guskin, my acting coach in New York City. Think Yoda for actors. He's beyond description.
Digital inspiration:
shareenvintage.com
jennifergeorgenyc.com
openingceremony.com
sephora.com
abchome.com
bodhitree.com
Light Delights
“This yellow chiffon dress is by J. Mendel. I wore it at the Venice Film Festival to the premiere of Paul Morrissey's film News From Nowhere, in which I starred. The glasses are classic Ray-Bans, which I wear everywhere. The lantern was an auction find on a brief visit to Chester, Connecticut. It was a fight to the finish, but thankfully I prevailed! It's completely magical at night. It hangs in my bedroom window and twirls in the wind, reflecting candlelight around the room. I could write pages on this beautiful treasure, but I'll save that for another time.”
What’s Cookin?
“I love my kitchen; it's like camping in L.A. I know it's nothing grand, but you'd be amazed at the feasts that come out of it. The dress is vintage Anne Klein, which I wore at the Venice Film Festival. It was a little too long, and I kept tripping over myself, but it was worth it. I love my colored Le Creuset cookware; flame red, azure blue…what could be better to channel your inner Julia Child!”
Dancing Shoes
“I bought these shoes for the first play I ever performed in. The show was called Artfuckers, and I played a downtown It girl and wore these shoes and nothing else onstage. It was totally liberating! They are Fendi, extremely comfortable and perfect to dance in. They were once straw-colored, but they were spray-painted gold for the show. Placed expertly on top of the shoe is Lambi, a pendant given to me by my beloved boyfriend, Anthony.”
Lady of the Night
“The original signed [George] Hurrell print of Joan Crawford was a gift from Paul Morrissey and has a silver cast that I love. Can you tell that I love Joan Crawford yet? No wire hangers in this house! The sequined Diane von Furstenberg jacket is a staple of mine. I wear it almost every day over jeans with flip-flops or to a black-tie affair over a cocktail dress.”
All information and photographs from the Elle & The Coveteur section can be found on:
The other night I attended the Grand Opening of SELECTED, a trendy Danish clothing company that is all over northern Europe and just arrived in Montreal. It was a beautiful event filled with champagne, octopus in small waffle cones, Olympic swimmers, and of course shopping. The clothing is an overall youthful, casual, modern aesthetic with a few party dresses here and there and handsome suits for the guys. SELECTED successfully offers trendy garments with a twist through its fabrics and cuts. I bought a pair of amazing sweatpants in a salt & pepper colour, I don't have a picture of them right now but I've been wearing them every single day since. I'll definitely make sure to take a picture of them in an outfit soon! Here are a few pictures from the event and also a picture of what I wore:
FYI: I look a tad disheveled/crazy, but in my defence I was pretty sick and the picture was taken at the end of the night when I was more than ready to hit the sack. Also, my outfit is kind of covered by the enormous black Club Monaco cashmere sweater/cardigan.....okay enough explaining.
Going through a minor obsession with Francoise Hardy: currently sporting stripes and heavy liquid eyeliner. However, successfully becoming a fashion icon and Parisian singer might be a little difficult...
Yesterday I spent the day with a few friends at the newly opened building at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and was blown away with how the museum converted this old church into a space filled with Canadian art. What fascinated me the most was the juxtaposition between the old architecture combined with the ultra modern architecture through texture, line, and color. Furthermore, they incorporate aspects from the modern part of the building into the areas of the old church in the front, which is shown in the picture down below where the windows replicate that of the glass walls in the back. I was not allowed to take pictures inside the museum (due to it being a new section of the museum...security is ridiculously strict/annoying), but this combination of classic and contemporary does continue into the interior space of the museum. I love how they not only made a clear distinction between classic and contemporary, but they also discreetly and sporadically combined the two together. This was shown in the interior as well where one floor would primarily showcase classical Canadian art, but in the midst of all of this art there would unexpectedly be one contemporary piece; same goes for a classical piece of art in a primarily contemporary filled space.
Is it obvious I studied Art History in University? Clearly I could go on and on about this new addition to the museum, because it's really just THAT amazing, but what I'm trying to get at is that while I was strolling the rooms and hallways of the building I started thinking of how this translates into fashion (obviously).
Subsequently, I came up with comparing and contrasting vintage garments with modern garments. I myself own a few vintage pieces including a sequined top from the 1920's that I bought in Paris, some old bags, and a LOT of jewelry both from flea markets and my Opa, who was a jeweler back in the day. I absolute adore it when people wear one or two vintage pieces to accent an overall contemporary outfit. I did some research to find a few special vintage pieces online and I found AMAZING online vintage shopping sites where you can BUY everything I added down below. I found so many beautifully intricate pieces starting from the turn-of-the-century that are so wearable and inexpensive I could not believe it!!
Even though I shouldn't be spending any money, I really have my eye out for that Victorian collar and 1920's Blouse...early Christmas gift perhaps?!
Everything shown above are from the following sites (and keep in mind every piece is available for purchase!!):
