Inflence: It doesn't suck!

Oh me, oh my

On Friday I went to the library in search of books on YSL for my French ISU. After finding what I went looking for, I decided to browse the stacks because a) I was bored and b) I had half an hour to kill. During my browsing what should I stumble upon but 'Influence', a book written by the Olsen twins, the girls who brought us such hits as 'Passport to Paris' and 'New York Minute' (well, maybe 'hits' isn't the right word). With a smirk, I checked it out, eager to see what these skinny rich girls who I didn't really think much of could put together. I was expecting a half-assed group of essays written by them with the help of several high-paid writers explaining their love of shopping or the downside to being billionaires. I expected the worse, and I was wrong.

The Truth

'Influence' is a great coffee table book. The interviews and personal without sacrificing relevance and the photographs are impeccable. The Olsens are clearly very well connected young women!

What stood out to me in this book was the survey that the twins filled out themselves. Titled 'The Proust Survey', its questions actually required some soul-searching and thought. I'll try to write it out, but for now, I'm too lazy.

What can I say? Buy it, borrow it, steal it. Whatever. Just read it. It has its appeals.



To the Olsens: I am sorry for misjugding you. Forgive me.

Topshop NYC (it's about time!)

Something wicked this way comes!

Whenever I go to Europe, I'm constantly on the lookout for a Topshop. Since my first visit (it was to the location in the Plaza del Sol in Madrid) I've been drawn to their selection of eclectic and feisty merchandise. The store just reeks of a youthful sass that is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. But it always made me sad that my only Topshop experiences were European because, sadly, they haven't opened any stores on this side of the pond. Luckily for me, that's all about to change.

After numerous delays, Topshop will finally be opening its first North American store on on April 2nd ie 9 days from now. Yes, it's in SoHo, NYC ie hours away from Toronto, it's a hell of a lot closer than their next closest location in the UK. Fortunately, I will among the first to break in the new store because I'm going to NYC for the opening! Yessir, in little over a week I will be lacing up my most comfortable pair of Chucks and strapping on my elbow pads to fight through the crowds of hipsters and fashionistas desperate to share part of the dream.

I'm terribly excited, but none of that means anything without you there to share it with me. Haha. Right.

xoxo

EDIT: God damn this recession! Won't be making the voyage down south due to lack of funds. Merde!

Finally!

University Bound!
Today I got into Ryerson Journalism School ie my first choice. I accepted the offer today so yes, I will be going there next year. Phew. This whole university process is out of my head - that is, until I need to apply for residence. Now, if only the scholarship fairy would come by...

Local Shit: Neogami Origami

Good Samaritan

So recently I was cruising on Craigslist and randomly came across someone's plea to have something translated into French. Seeing as I'm bilingual and the woman worked in fashion, I figured I may as well help her out. I quickly translated the text for her and emailed it back.


The woman in need turned out to be Maggie Krawczky, the Toronto designer behind Neogami Origami Jewellery. We've been corresponding for a bit, and I have to say, her stuff is incredible. Here line of necklaces, earrings, and even those cute things that dangle from cellphones are quirky and different, incorporating natural and at times surreal elements into unique pieces. Here's a small preview of her work. If you'd like to see more, check out http://www.neogami.com/.

Ay, joder...

Dios mio!

I'm having way more trouble than I would ever have anticipated finding a travel partner for this summer. I mean, I've found a few friends that can spend a few days with me when our paths cross, but no one with whom to spend 41 consecutive days. This is not good.

Maybe it's wrong of me to expect my friends to be able to travel. I mean, with university looming so close ahead, is it not reasonable for them to be trying to scrimp and save? Reasonable: yes. Convenient for me: not so much.

I myself am fine with the idea of traveling through Europe alone. I don't intend to be involved with any nefarious activities or stalk through the slums late at night. It's just that my father has absolutely forbidden me from going sans partenaires de voyage, alors je suis un peu fucked right now. Hopefully someone will turn up, and I will not have to enjoy Europe through the pages of a Lonely Planet book.

DADADADADADADADADADADADADADADADAD

This is a beautiful picture of Zurich, Switzerland: home of the Dada movement, and one of the cities that I hope to visit during my Epic European Adventure this summer.

According to www.coolcapitals.com, it's a pretty hip place to be. In fact, since the early 1900s, Zurich has been a significant hub for intellectuals and creative types looking to pursue discussion and thought. Unfortunately, it hasn't been a hub for fashion designers and fashionistas, but I can see past that. It's the history that I'm there for.

How else can I some up my feelings about Zurich? It is only fitting that I do so in a Dada-inspired poem.

Ahem:

Tall buildings of
Broken porcelain
Conversation hearts munching
Seedy cafes
The best
Fish in the big pot
We call
Zurich
On the telephone

Insert tongue in cheek now.

Ooo baby, baby b-b-b-baby

Yikes! Talk about unfaithful!

I've been so busy these past few weeks with my Ryerson Fashion Design portfolio that I've not had the time to update. Tres, tres desolee. But I'm here now, and ready to write, write, WRITE!

Well, not really. I'm quite sleepy.

University Updates

I've handed in both my Journalism and Fashion Design portfolios. Already, I am starting to think that I've made dozens of mistakes on both of them. I'm honestly on pins and needles...I think I included items in my journalism portfolio that don't count as journalism. I think I mislabeled something in my fashion portfolio. The anticipation of my rejection/acceptance is killing me softly.

On a brighter note, I was given an early offer of admission to Queen's!! Hazaa! I have somewhere to go now if Ryerson doesn't work out.

Summer

I have started planning my route through Europe. I will fly into Paris and take the train to Hamburg, Vienna, Zurich, Bern, Florence, and Rome in that order. It will be a trip of decadence and thrift. All I need to do now is find someone to go with because my father will not let me go without a partner. Grr! The life of a child is never an easy one.

Smells like School Spirit

So last week I went to my school's semi-formal. The music was terrible and the company wasn't on par to last year's (a lot of my good friends couldn't make it/were smart enough to save their cash), but I didn't let that ruin my time. Why? Because I was in one hell of a dress and would not let the crappy atmosphere rain on my parade. Here's a picture.

Dress by Betsy Johnson. Shoes by Guiseppe Zanotti.