Sunday, February 01, 2009

“My Spring-dom for a Horse!”

Clopping off the salty slush and bringing on some classic culture.

Shows on the boob tube are winding down. After a season of mindless channel surfing, it is time to break that feeling of un-accomplishment. What can you do that will get you out of the house, sharpen your mind and give you an excuse to get dressed up? The answer is simple. Go to the theatre. For all theatre virgins here is a list of the why’s, where’s and how’s of theatre.

Why…
Theatre provides a sense of realism that can’t be matched by today’s television shows or movies. If you don’t believe it, then try it out. A night out gives you a chance to dress up, meet interesting people and broaden your own horizons.

Where…
Great work is being produced on our door step. Toronto is home to a dynamic theatre district. This spring Toronto will be home to a bundle of pleasurable works. Some must sees include the Mirvish production of a Broadway success ‘Spring Awakening’, Soulpepper’s production of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ and CanStage’s production of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize wining ‘Doubt, A Parable’. If you happen to be feeling more adventurous a road trip to the Shaw festival or the Stratford Festival may be more to your liking. A fantastic season for Stratford kicks off in April with the widely popular ‘West Side Story’, followed by Shakespeare’s gripping ‘Scottish Play’ of greed and betrayal. If you’re feeling more romantic then head out towards Niagara region and catch Noel Coward’s ‘Brief Encounters’ at Shaw Festival.

How…
The common concern for most people is a financial one. Going to see a show can be quite expensive. The best kept secret of the theatre world is how to get cheaper tickets. The best place to find discounted adult tickets is at TO TIX. Hidden at Young and Dundas Square this petite one stop box office offers discounted tickets for local shows, both Stratford and Shaw festivals and Medieval Times. There are three other ways to find cheap tickets. First, being a student or under the age of 30 has its benefits. The Canadian Opera Company, Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival and Soulpepper Theatre Company all provide a set rate for patrons under 30. The second way to score great seats at a low price is to show up at the box office to get some ‘Rush tickets’. Rush tickets are tickets the theatre sells at half price one hour prior to curtain. A similar service that Mirvish Productions offer is a lottery. When you show up an hour early on the day of, your name is put into a lottery. If your name is drawn you have the opportunity to see the show at half price. Finally, the last sure way to get cheap tickets is to wait until Sunday. Most alternative theatres in Toronto participate in a Pay-What-You-Can performance. Sunday performances and Monday evening for CanStage, require a simple donation of any amount over ten dollars. If any of these tactics interest you check them out online.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Tomorrows denim trends inspired by yesterdays fashion

As we head into spring ’09 the denim is heading back to the good old days of being worn in and worn out, whether it be done by you or your boyfriend. It is all about “out with the new and in with the old” as we slip out of our boyfriends shirt and into their jeans.

My Boyfriend’s Back

The boyfriend jean tends to be loose through the leg and a rolled cuff at the bottom making it look like your really wearing your boyfriend’s clothes. This is a trend that started last year and to some just looked wrong. Celebrities such as Katie Holmes were seen wearing these jeans and made them seem like a don’t right from the start. But it was other A-Listers such as Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon and Lindsey Lohan that pulled the look of just right and made it a comeback for 2009. Keep the look feminine by pairing your denim with a fitted top and cute flats in order to pull this look off successfully.

I’m All Torn Up

Back in the day of greasy hair and heavy metal, ripped denim was a staple back of the 80’s and 90’s but hadn’t really resurfaced until last year when it reappeared on the runways of spring and summer collections and bared assets of such supermodels as Kate Moss and Giesel Bundchen. It is now returning in 2009’s spring/summer collection, making it trendy to look like your jeans just came out of a paper shredder. The look, whether it is created by you or created by a designer in which you paid large sums of money for, is meant to be revealing unlike in the past when it was meant to look like you didn’t care about your appearance. So it’s time to get out your scissors or your credit card and get ripped.

Breakfast in My Skinnys

For all you Audrey Hepburn fans you can breath a sigh of relief because skinny jeans are still in for another season. The skinny jean has become a staple in every woman’s closet ever since Audrey’s dance scene from “Funny Face” was used in Gaps 2006 commercial. It is a denim that is more versatile then any other, going from flats and a flowing blouse to stilettos and a plunging neckline. If no other jean style suits your fancy then stick with what works and shimmy into your skinnys.
A Skin Revival:
After 4 Months of Hibernation, It’s Time to Peel off those Layers and Revive your Desperately Dry Derma!

The spring has begun to sprung, the crocuses are croaking and many of us are sighing a sigh of relief as CP24 is reporting temps of a positive nature. As we slowly begin to peel off the mounds of layers we have been piling on for the past 4 months, we may be a bit shocked at what may being hiding beneath. Under the tanks, the T’s, the tunics, and the turtlenecks, hides our battered and beaten skin. Ignored for months, our skin is dry, flakey and ready for a spring revival. So here are the springs latest mousses and moisturizers equipped to handle skin as dry as a desert:


Vaseline RENEWAL

This Renewal Lotion, with conditioning moisturizers, collagen and pro-retinol, accelerates skin's surface renewal. The result? Silky skin ready for a spring unveiling.






SEPHORA Body Butter

This rich, lightly scented cream rejuvenates skin with natural shea butter and beeswax, moisturizing skin from head to toe.





Burts’ Bees Rich and Repairing Cocoa Butter & Macadamia Nut Body Butter

Is your skin in need for some buttering up? This intense moisturizer will butter up your skin to its very softest side. Bees is packed with plant-derived emollients cocoa butter and macadamia nut oil to provide intense moisture. A tasty treat for your thirst hungry skin.


Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

This moisturizing heavyweight combats chronically dry skin, quenching even the driest dermas. This super-concentrated cream sooths, hydrates, and replenishes, while protecting against extreme cold and dry environmental conditions. Bonus: contains no artificial fragrance or colour!

For the Love of Basics

For the Love of Basics!
Create stability with your basic shoe collection while renewing this spring/summer

Choosing the right style for every season can be difficult, but really why shy away from the basics. There are many bonuses for having numerous blacks and whites in your closet, for one you can wear them season after season. It is more likely the garment will wear out before the style changes enough that you will have to purchase new basics to keep up with the trends. The basics are still very simple, but each has a bit of a tweak to them all. Here is your guide to the newest of the new basics for spring/summer 2009 and will bring you well into fall/winter 2009, brought to you by Moschino.

Up Me Pumps!

The classic black pump is back, bigger than ever.
We all know and love this basic for our wardrobe and some of us may not be able to live without it. Good for all seasons, the black pump is getting a boost of height, just to make it more fabulous. Pair this beauty with an evening dress for a patio party or even a white sundress for a lunch date. Really, anything will suit this classy work of art.

With Bowes and all

Even though this look is borderline cute, it is still very sophisticated and classic with a trickle of pizzazz. These pumps are exactly the kind of shoe you would wear out with friends or even at a business meeting. You must be warned, as long as these are on your feet prepare to not get the attention; theses shoes show strength, femininity, and beauty.

Slithering into Flats

Almost like a snake bite, with a little more fashion sense. Gladiator style sandals have been revamped and are still in for 2009 fashion, with a sn(e)akey twist. This incredibly elegant yet edgy shoe will help you to stay fun throughout any occasion in the spring/summer days. You can wear it for a trip to the mall, to the beach or even with a simple black cocktail dress.

Just Singin’ in the Shoe

What a wonderful feeling it is to slide your feet into spring. You can do just that with these Umbrella inspired sandals. Even though they are not ideal for all year wear, you can tuck them away for your long awaited winter getaway. Enjoy the simplicity of this flip flop will allow you to keep taking them out every spring/summer as well. Moschino has once again done an extraordinary variation of your usual flip flop.

Oh, George! Vol. V No. II

TOP 5 CUES
FOR THIS SEASON`S
LATEST HUES

Get into the Spring spirit by adding splashes of this season`s fresh and flirty colours that will certainly have you looking on the bright side


1. Yellow Fever
The 2009 Spring colour to watch for is yellow. This hue encourages hope, optimistic outlooks, and brings a lighter perspective to this season`s palette.
Super Lemon is the more prominent of yellows surfacing on the runways, contrasting well with softer neutrals.



2. Goin’ Green
With so many shades to choose from, green seems like the perfect pop of colour to accent all the greys and neutrals that are in your closet from last season. These hues will give you a fresh and fun start to revitalize the new you.
Top three tones: Vibrant Green is bright yet not too forceful.
Dark Citron is the shade that Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institut
e, claims would blend perfectly with Super Lemon.
Lucite Green is calm and cool.



3. Pretty in Pink
Taking a more subtle approach, the pink shades to look out for this season are salmon, rose, and coral. Add a spring to your step by including a flowing skirt or even nail polish in these hues.
Pantone`s Salmon Rose complements almost anyone`s complexion, while Rose Dust offers a hint of sophistication.




4. Lavender Revolution
Plums, purples, and mauves from fall’s fashions have taken a lighter and romantic approach with this season’s lavenders, lilacs, and pastel violets. Already seen on the runways of Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, and many others, these softer shades are some of the ``it`` colours to watch out for.



5. I Got the Blues
Similar to last season`s oh-so popular trend, blue hues are many designers` top colour of choice. Pantone`s Palace Blue can be combined with any colour, from grey-slates to neutral tones to any of the other top 5 tones of Spring 2009.

Insta-Emo – A guide on how to achieve that emotional sense of style.

So what is “emo” anyway? Firstly it is short for emotional. Secondly it is sub genre of music, and lastly, it is a style. How does on dress emo? The following steps will be a sure guide to help you achieve that emo look.

The Basic Fashion…

The emo style is quite different. They tend to wear a similar colour palate as their hair choices. Black. Emo boys usually sport undersized clothing. A lot of them will wear girls tapered pants. When it comes to their shirts, they like the vintage band t-shirt look. Emo girls tend to dress similarly. However, many emos make their own clothing or modify their own clothes to achieve the tight fit they are going after. Girls and boys that are emo share the same taste when it comes to fashion. As a staple rule, emo boys and girls wear several combinations of facial piercings.


The 411 on emo hair.

The side bang. Whether it is flat-ironed to the point of no return or greased up with a multitude of hair gels, glues or pastes. The side bang is an emo’s prized possession. Some might refer to emo hair as the “reverse mullet” Emo hair is usually asymmetrical, short in the back and long in the front, pushed to the side resulting in the side bang. Generally, it appears as if a four year old attacked your head with scissors while you slept. Emo’s tend to hide their eyes with their hair. No matter what their hair looks like it typically is covering some portion of their face. Since they are usually shy this helps them cover their shyness. There look is over all mystifying. Finally, go to your local drug store and purchase yourself some hair dye of the jet black variety. No emo would take you seriously with out it. However, brightly coloured undertones or streaks are accepted.

Emo Mentality.

As discussed, an emo is one who loves wearing emo clothing; will have an emo-tional character and loves jamming to emo music. These kids love to chill with other emo kids (boys and girls), and they often come off as being sad a lot. Typically they do not smile much or show any confidence or faith in anything. Making eye contact with you is something that rarely happens.

Kiss me, I’m Emo.

Emo boys kissing? Not an uncommon occurrence. It is actually considered to be the hottest thing in the emo scene. Usually there is no attraction behind the act of emo guys kissing. They just do it because they can, and they know girls think it's sexy. You ask are they bi? Most of them are not, like mentioned about they like to get the attention the girls give them when they make out.

It’s simple really. The emo appearance and mentality is easily achieved no matter how spunky the look. It really just boils down to dark hair, tight clothes, eye make up and be sad. Got it? Good. Now, go drown your sorrows with a razor blade.

FOR THE LOVE OF FLORAL
FORGET THE APRIL SHOWERS, BRING ON THE FLOWERS!


Garden Party
*Adorn your body with the invigorating scents of white blossom and Himalayan poppy with BENEFITS new Maybe Baby perfume. This is a fresh and easy way to get you in the spring mood with just one mist. This deliciously fresh scent is available at Sephora stores for $48.
*For more of an indulgence into the flower world of fragrance, opt for Ralph Laurens Romance. This fabulously free smelling perfume contains notes of lotus flower and day lilies. Also sold at Sephora and The Bay for around $72.

Home Flower-ishings
*These elegant pieces for your home can transfer a dull room into an inspirational spring setting; pair it with a sleek coffee table and a punch of colour. This floral wool rug by The Field Crest Company comes in many sizes and prices to fit your budget and home. Prices are from $34.99- $379.99, available only at Target and Target.com
*Let your girly side shine with this sleek and chic flower pot by Tiffany & Co. Use this piece to display your most beautiful tea roses from your garden and light up your home. An investment piece at $650, but will be passed down through the years. Tiffany.com


All Purpose Indulgences
*Bake up some delicious treats with this spring inspired cake pan. A pot of flowers made of cake to bring in spring is a perfect tea party present. Only $12.99 at Wilton and Wilton.com
*For those that are less talented in the kitchen, you can opt for a much easier way to impress your friends or guests this spring; with a beautiful bouquet of edible flower cookies. They come in a wide variety of flowers, colours and prices. $29.99-59.99 Available at Gourmetcookiebouquets.com


Flower Friendly
*Do your spring cleaning with these environmentally friendly products by Clorox. Their Green Works line is made with the power of Clorox, but with the earth in mind. From biodegradable cleaning wipes to glass cleaners, approximately $3.99-5.99.
*Do your part to protect the flowers by investing in some organic clothing options for your wardrobe. Get ready for all the spring weather with this beautiful and organically chic raincoat by Dace Butler for $415, available at notjustpretty.com

Growing up
*Take a hint from the big boys this spring with influences of floral designs and pieces like Marc Jacobs and Dolce and Gabbana, seen in their spring 2009 collection. Flower broaches adorn beautifully cut skirts and sweet rosettes look chic on the runway models. Get the look, without the price tag at Forever XXI for $4.80-10.80.
*Get a sleek floral look without being over the top like Chanel’s 2009 spring collection skirts. These whimsical pieces add character to your wardrobe in a pretty and delicate way. Get the look with this elegant two-toned floral skirt by Forever XXI; $27.80. Forever XXI stores or Canada.forever21.com.

Wandering Guys

With April showers and May flowers upon us, many find themselves single again as the cold winter melts away.

Its undeniable, the springtime just has a certain knack for breaking apart even the most ooey-gooey couples. Quit moping and hit the town! These cheap and cheerful ideas will have you giving someone new your number in no time.

Pamper yourself
The days of throwing out their pizza boxes and picking up their dirty socks are OVER! You may have forgotten how to take care of yourself the right way, but a spa day is sure to jog your memory.

10 Spot Nail Bar located at 749 Queen Street West offers affordable and traditional spa services as well as a package directed specifically to you ladies in need. "The Breakup" package includes pedicures for you and a friend as well as a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Also, all spa services come with a complementary cocktail, which can also help take the edge off.

Be Social
Chances are you have friendships that may have suffered due to your past relationship. With all the newly free time you have on your hands its probably time to get to work and reconnect with those friends that may have been slightly deprived of your time, and what better way to do that than over brunch? The Drake's Corner Café offers a cornucopia of snack and brunch fare perfect for reconnecting over, and it won't break the bank. Cappuccinos for $2.65 and warm and delicious scone platters ($7) are the perfect foods for comfort and conversation.

Improve your self-esteem
Okay, maybe you're allowed one pint of Ben and Jerry's to ease the pain, but that's it! The last thing your friends want to hear about is you complaining that you've gained weight, because they are already being amazing about the break-up situation, even though he probably wasn't worth your tears in the first place. If you're not a gym member already, then now is the time to become one. Everyone and their mom seem to be a member of GoodLife Fitness right now, so it might be time to jump on the bandwagon.

As they claim on their website "For as little as the price of a cup of coffee a day, you can become a GoodLife Fitness Plus member." Which allows you to access numerous workout facilities all over the city of Toronto. Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins will help to mend a broken heart, and the gym setting usually provides for some eye candy to help the mourning process as well.

Retail Therapy
Two words: Retail Therapy. Get your toenails done, drink some coffee and then go shopping, you don't have to empty your wallet either. Some of the most satisfying shopping can be done the vintage way. With a plethora of vintage boutiques in downtown Toronto it is easy to feel extra special again without breaking the bank. Vintage shop Stella Luna (1627 Queen Street West) offers hand picked items ranging anywhere from the 1940's to the 1980's to put a little something different into your regular ensembles. With dresses for $28 and skirts and bags for $24, even if you just wear it once, its something you did without your ex.

So what now?
Call up your best friend, put on the jeans that make your ass look nice and hit the town. Oh, and by the way, you're better off without him.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cheap, Cheap Chic!


Easy Ways to Update Your Spring Look for Next to Nothing!

Spring is in the air! It’s time to peel off those winter layers and freshen up your look with some much needed Spring pizzazz. Your bank account might be suffering but your look doesn’t have to! Here are some fun ways to spruce up your style from head to toe, all for next to nothing.
Best Tressed
Let’s start with the hair! Instead of going to the salon and spending hundreds restoring your dry, brittle hair you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. Try L’Oreal’s Nature Therapy Hot Oil Botanical Treatment, perfect for winter ravaged hair! Almond and mango oils nourish your dry, damaged locks giving you the professional look for only $4.95 at Shoppers Drug Mart’s nation-wide.


Shopping Spree (for Free)
Now that we’ve got the hair under control it’s time to put your best face forward for Spring. Take it from me a professional bargainista the best in beauty can be yours for free. We all want those designer products that promise youthful radiance but the price holds us back. Try going to places like Holt Renfrew, Sephora, or The Bay and chat up the cosmeticians. Act like a confused customer, not knowing which product is best for you. This will usually result in a bountiful supply of beauty samples. This will be more than enough to rejuvenate that dry winter skin. Make a day of it, hit up multiple stores to acquire enough products to last you the season.

Come Into the Light
It’s time to fix those chipped, busted nails! Ditch the dated darker hues for something flirtier for Spring. Try OPI’s new “it” colour, a bright yellow that sizzles with style for less than ten dollars -- available at Sephora. Here’s another thrifty tip; try mixing your own colors to get your own personalized polish.

Sew in Season!
You might not be able to afford new Spring clothes but you can always personalize pieces already hanging in the back of your closet. Try changing the buttons on that old cardigan or spring jacket for a new dramatic look. Add girly flare to an old dress or hat by attaching an inexpensive piece of ribbon, the options are endless at any fabric shop. Switch up the laces in last season’s oxford style pumps to bring new life to your old shoes. Take your grandma’s old fake flowers and be crafty! Sew a few together and attach a pin for a Spring look that never fails. Creating a versatile brooch, that can be worn in multiple ways.

Now that you’ve been taught the ways of frugal fashion there’s no excuse not to look fabulous this Spring. You can inexpensively move your look into this season by using some of my helpful tips. Just because your wallet is empty doesn’t mean you have to compromise looking beautiful! Go get started and you will realize just how fun bargain hunting can be!

hand cuffs


Big, bold bangles will ensure your wrists steal the spotlight this spring.

As we all continue to look warily at our diminishing bank accounts, we can’t help but pine for spring’s latest fashions. Luckily, designers have given us an easy and budget-friendly way to update our wardrobes without breaking the bank. On almost every runway, layers upon layers of bangles were spotted in a wide variety of textures, shapes, and colours to suit any gal’s style. Below, get inspired by the designers who did it best.
Heavy Metal
Rocker chic is back in the form of this edgy trinket. Vera Wang and Zac Posen showed lacquered black bangles embellished with funky gems, metals, and jewels. Alexander Wang went for an industrial feel with chunky textured metal bracelets in various shapes and sizes. Not into rock star glam? Don’t worry, these bangles look fab with a feminine frock.


Rainbow Brite
Bangles in a variety of playful colours were seen on many catwalks, and the brighter they were, the better. Alberta Feretti did it with fiery red, Marc by Marc Jacobs had a 90’s inspired neon approach, and Jaeger London flaunted pretty purple bangles with white accents. If you really want to stand out in a crowd, take a cue from Christian Lacroix, who paraded models down the runway wearing the full spectrum of rainbow colours up their arms.

Material Girl
Need something for a night out or just want to splurge? Armani Prive has you covered with structured yet glamourous pieces. Beautiful bangles in gold, silver, red, and black were adorned with luxe jewels and gems. For all over sparkle, La Perla had eye-popping creations consisting entirely of diamonds. Truly every girl’s dream, these sparkling bangles are so large they could light up a room!
Wild Child
Explore your wild side with animal prints and African-inspired bangles. Not a look for the timid, the bangles at Louis Vuitton consisted of vibrant animal prints, chunky details, and even some dangerous-looking gold bracelets covered in tubular spikes. Taking a more subtle approach to this earthy inspiration, Burberry Prorsum showed an array of large round and square bangles made of leather and dark wood.

Works of Art
Looking for something special? Some designers thought outside the box with this trend and transformed bangles into art pieces. At Marni, the bracelets looked like beautiful, delicate flowers around the models’ wrists. Emilio Pucci took on a modern sculpted approach and moulded bangles into unique shapes using many different materials such as wood, resin, and delicate silk. At Dries Van Noten, bangles constructed entirely of small gold baubles were truly eye-catching.

No matter which style of bangle you choose, you’re sure to stand out as a fierce fashionista. Just remember, with this trend, the more the better!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Break-up – Break-downs
10 ways to get over that crushing break-up!

1.Water Works
Yes, of course every girl is going to cry after a break-up, its only human. We all know it seems like the end of the world when you and your partner end the relationship. The number one thing to do to get over that break-up is to suck in the tears and smile! Wipe those tears away, and get off your butt because that is the start to recovering from this hard time. Once you get the tears away its all fun from there.

2. Munch-Out!
From Hagen Das, to chocolate, to a huge bag of chips; these are three things that make any girl feel better after a rough day. Although these are a huge factor to getting to your happy days and forgetting about that boy, do not go over board! One thing that is going to make you feel worse is if you gain that ten pounds from eating way too many potato chips.

3. Bubbles, Candles, Music
Draw a hot war bubble bath, turn on your favourite music, and light some calming candles. A soothing bubble bath is a great way to relax and forget about any troubles you may have. A bubble bath is also a great way to get your day started or even end it.

4. Break- up, to Make- up
Makeover—one word that any girl wants to hear. Go out, get your hair done, buy a new outfit, and make yourself beautiful with awesome new cosmetic products. When you look your best, you feel your best. You can even go to a small make-up stand in your closest mall and get your make-up done—its cheap and you feel pampered.


5. Mani, Pedi.
Relax in a spa while getting your nails and toes done. There is nothing better than being pampered. Sitting in that soothing massage chair while getting a pedicure will separate you from your thoughts.

6. Feet First
Dog—mans best friend, a hot new pair of shoes—girls best friend. No matter what any girl is going through, shopping for that perfect pair of shoes is an awesome way to boost your spirits. After your relaxing pedicure, you need that pair of shoes to show them off.

7. A night on the Town.
After a day of pampering, and shopping, a night with all of your girlfriends will take your mind of that crushing break-up. Get dolled up, go dancing and have some drinks!

8. Batter those Eyelashes
Yes, you just had a terrible break-up, but there is nothing wrong with a little flirting from across the dance floor. Spot a cute boy, dance, and maybe get a number. A little re-bound always helps.

9. Slumber Party
After a long, but fabulous day, have your girlfriends over, gossip, and girl talk before the night ends. Spending time with your friends is a major factor in the break-up stage of that relationship.

10. REWIND!
The one thing you never want to do is give in to calling the boy. Keep yourself busy with fun activities with your friends. If you do end up calling him you may start right back at number one; water works. Yes, ending up in the first step would not be such a bad thing because it ends up in a fabulous day! Keep your mind off of him, keep in touch with your friends and do not worry. Everything works out in the end.




Monday, January 19, 2009

Oh, George! Volume V Number II

Theme: Urban Renewal

Here are the words the class would use to describe this issue:

  • Fun, not too serious
  • Cheap 'n' cheerful*
  • Fresh** (for spring)
  • Flirty*
  • Positive*
  • Vivid, smart, intelligent
  • Practical
  • Distraction/uplifting/ daydream
  • Inspiring/innovative
  • Very real(istic)
  • Glamourous, high fashion