Denim Renaisannce

If you need a new jean jacket for fall, the logical thing would be to go shopping. I am not usually governed by conventional logic. I found two pairs of old jeans that were flared at the bottom, and therefore no longer suitable to wear in public.
Old jeans = new jean jacket.

So I got to sketching. Then I got to pattern making and cutting.

 Part of my design was a patchwork Hound's Tooth pattern on the back of the jacket. That took a little bit of math.

 For the most labour intensive part of the jacket, I started out with a bunch of 2.5" wide stripes of denim.

After sorting them out, I sewed them all together (People who make quilts, my heart goes out to you).

 Boom. The pattern turned out precisely as I had hoped.

I used the waistbands from the pants for the cuffs and bottom. The front of the jacket still needs some work. I haven't decided what to do with the collar yet and I need to buy a zipper. I'm also considering doing some jazzy piping to finish the inside.

Completed project should be around in a week. Ish.

Wrap it up...

Summer means wearing very little clothing, at least for me it does. I don't dress in a vulgar fashion (though I'm sure some people would disagree). I dress in a way that makes me feel good.
I have a great tip for those daring enough to take it.
Any scarf that is long enough and wide enough can be turned into a bandeau.
Rectangular scarves work best, but pashmina style is just as good.
Fold the scarf to your desired width and place the middle of the length on your back.
Wrap it around, so it covers what you need it to cover, then tie it in a single knot.
Twist the two ends around each other and tuck them under.
I like to wear a strapless bra underneath this bandeau, because the scarf alone isn't enough to keep my girls in check.
I love the bandeau with a flowy or a-line skirt. 

I Hate This Part...

Recently on Jezebel.com there was an article outlining a study done on ambitious people, in relation to health and happiness. It concluded that ambitious people are less healthy and less happy. I read it and related to it.
I am ambitious, I have tried to pursue my wildest dreams and I've worked really hard in the process. I've also been consistently put down and disappointed.

One of the worst parts about not achieving a goal you set out for, is telling other people you failed. You naturally want to share your passion for the work you're doing in the name of your dream. But if or when things don't work out, you're left trying to tell people that it was all for naught.

I have a fair amount of experience with this. The first and hardest was telling people I got cut from Theatre School. Then there was the period of time when I was courting Ryerson's fashion program, only to be rejected three times.

Now I find myself in this position again. I shot for something out of my reach. Another rejection letter to add to my collection.

No one said it would be easy, and I didn't expect it to be. Perhaps I just don't know when to give up, or maybe it just isn't my time yet.

So it is on to the next.

A sketch and final product
from my portfolio

The True Meaning of Award Shows...

I used to hold The Academy Awards in great esteem. I wanted to be an actor, and I wanted to win one of those statues. Neither of those things are aspirations for me anymore. Blame the soul-crusher that was Theatre School, and my philosophy professors. As an annoyingly pretentious existentialist, I've come to regard award shows for what they really are: meaningless.

That doesn't mean I don't still love them though!

I may be an insufferable intellectual at times, but I'm also shamelessly shallow and love to have my heart-strings plucked.
The Oscars is filled with gorgeous people, in fantastic clothing. It also has another quality that is more unique.
Every year there is a chance that we will get to see someone, whose job is portraying emotions, experience genuine emotions. Lord knows I love a good cry.
Two of my favourite things: unadulterated emotion and glamour.

So while I think that little gold statue doesn't really mean much, it is still a representation of things I love.

My Oscar Manicure

"With a motorbike made of jealously"

That happens to be one of my favourite come-backs of all time. It doesn't work out of context, but that isn't really important. What is important is the author of that quote is Noel Fielding. A surrealist in all his forms, he's an artist, comedian, actor, writer and general stylish, cool guy. His approach to creating is very inspiring to me. After watching a short video of him painting I got my own paints out and jazzed up this old white t-shirt.

Halloween Redux...

Halloween is one of my favourite holidays for obvious reasons. I have an excuse to use my creative skills and showcase my creations.
This year I did not have the resources that I normally have, so I had to find a way to cut costs.
Most of my ideas require a lot of time and money to execute. I was left feeling like I wouldn't be able to live up to my reputation as a costumer.
Then Betsey hit me.
I already had items of clothing and accessories of her design. Maggie generously donated a black tutu to the cause. I already had a blond wig from my Lady Gaga costume from four Halloween's ago (See Figure 1) .
But I don't half-ass things. If I couldn't make the entire costume from scratch, I was going to make sure the details were perfect.
Betsey Johnson's trademark (aside from her flamboyance and cartwheels) is her exposed hair extensions.

So I hacked up the pristine blond wig, adding make-shift extensions and darkening the roots.

Next, I had to further customize this look. Leopard print was a must. I had some left-over spandex leopard print from my Kat Von D costume from a couple years back(See Figure 2). I used a leather tag that came on my Betsey Johnson purse as a belt buckle and whipped up a quick belt.


The final look was completed by her bright red lips and black eyes.


Figure 1. Halloween 2008

Figure 2. Halloween 2009

The Dog Days of Summer Are Over...

The hottest days of Summer are done. Labour Day's chilly weather and Tuesday's return to class effectively ushered in a new season.
The calender dates are a mere technicality for me, the weather dictates the season and consequently the wardrobe.
Perhaps because I went to a uniformed High School, I always associate a more conservative look with scholarly pursuits.


Silk/Cashmere Sweater: Vintage
Collared Shirt: Le Chateau
Pleated Skirt: H&M
Knee-high socks by 'Hue': The Bay
Necklace: Forever 21
Glasses: Vintage
Book: The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone De Beauvoir