Friday, November 27, 2009

Still no talk unfortunately (actually it's kind of fortunate for you), my weekend involves lots of coffee and graphite pencils.
Although I can say with a certain assurance that this is one of my favourite outfits I've worn in a while. Added a blue cardigan and my winter coat over top with my fur hat on my head for outdoors. Should've captured that too, but anywho. Tip tip cheerio, have a fabulous weekend.



Ocean print dress via H&M. Lace white shirt via Urban Outfitters. Black lace skirt via Forever 21. Bow via random fabric from dress.
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Thursday, November 26, 2009

ANOTHER OUTFIT POST I CAN'T SPEAK NOW BECAUSE OF ASSIGNMENTS
BYE
BYE
BYE
BYE

(I have to say this though - IMPOPPINGMYNEWYORKCHERRYINTHREEWEEKSOMG)
Caps were extremely necessary.
Also, can you tell I've all been doing lately is layer?
That is all.
Also ignore morning face. It was 2pm early after all k?




Skull sweater via shopwithasianstereotypes, white undershirt via WASTE, pink layer dress and black bottom layer skirt via H&M, two toned tights via a random eBay store (search is your friend).
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Head to toe bodyshots of today's outfit, is this when I stop procrastinating and start finishing my drawing assignments and sculpting assignments before I have a mental breakdown for having nothing done?









Hat, H&M. Blue coat, vintage. Blue button jacket, Forever 21. Mens black dress pants, vintage. Shoes, vintage.
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Plastic Surgery Tax Revisited

I am sure you heard last week that the Senate is once again trying to pass a "5% plastic surgery tax". We did a blog entry this summer on the same topic and based on what is being proposed now our stance remains the same. In my opinion this becomes an issue that is discriminatory against woman, because 90% of plastic surgery patients are women. I find that in Dr. Walden's office most of the woman we see that are seeking plastic surgery are middle class hard working women from 20-50 years of age. Plastic surgery is no longer a service that is just for the uber-wealthy. Most patients save for a long time to get the amount of money needed for their procedure. They are well researched, well informed, and ready to achieve their ultimate goal of surgery. The argument is always the same.....what is another 5% when you are already paying thousands?? I'll tell you....another thousand dollars is a BIG deal to most people and could make the difference between having and not having an elective surgery. Another important thing to consider is with all the popularity of "overseas plastic surgery", there will be a huge surge in this trend and essentially take away business revenue from the United States as people flee to other countries to save money. This will only decrease the quality of medical care Americans will get as other countries do not adhere to the same medical standards the United States follows.

Dr. Walden was recently on Fox News' Neil Cavuto show this week discussing this hot topic. This is one interview you don't want to miss!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!


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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I'm terrified of death. I don't mean my own personal demise. It is losing someone I love, know, respect or cherish that I fear most. Daul Kim was a person who evoked so much femininity and grace and demure that it's downright impossible not to cherish her and the mark she made on the fashion and modeling world. I can't really emote properly to begin with, and when death is mentioned, particularly with inner conflict as a catalyst, it is downright impossible. But I felt I had to pay tribute to her regardless, even if it is extremely delayed. These videos speak for themselves; seconds of her presence and you can feel her impact. The first she flirts with the camera, blinding us with the reflection of light. In the second she is departing to a location heedless to the viewer. I can't help but imagine that cab is destined for the afterlife, and that she didn't really "die" at all. She's still sitting in that backseat, luggage and all, driving through a canvas of her past until she has finally reached blissful oblivion she so dearly seemed to strive for.

.
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Monday, November 23, 2009

I present to you a Twisted Version of an Old Wedding Custom.

1) Something old. I remember buying this fringe dress and almost seizing when I saw it on the hanger. This marks a revival of my past obsession with the 1920s.

2) Something new. A tattoo of Radiohead's modified Kid A bear on my right foot. Kind of a spontaneous choice to be quite frank, though it kind of makes sense personally.

3) Something borrowed. Not the cardigan, but the idea. Deconstructing clothes from Kawakubo. When I cut the fresh button holes all over the place I had the Comme Black and Rei for H&M collections in mind. Here I only put one button in an idiosyncratic position but trust me, there are more holes. (if you're thinking what I'm thinking, we both watch The Office way too often)


4) Something blue. Don't I look so ~contemplative and ~soppy? I think I'm just unhappy because I'm staring at my closet and I'm reminding myself how little space I have and/or how much more shit I need to buy. If you don't think small closets are figuratively blue, you are seriously disturbed.


Ohai, looks like Nana aka G-money approves my use of wedding custom. Bitch says that ol' rhyme is from her day, when cash didn't rule everything around her. Something about cream getting the money? And her dollar dollar bills y'all. Who knows what old people ramble on about these days though, amirite?
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Earlier today I was going through halloween pictures from last month where I was a Russian. How was I a Russian do you ask? I think this calls for a FASHEMATICS MOMENT: fur hat + wine red lipstick + vintage white button up blouse with epic gold shouldered sequins. Only one person knew what I was, it was borderline depressing. But nevertheless, I'm not here to talk about unprepared halloween costumes, I'm here about Vogue Russia, Ranya Mordanova, Tom Munro, and delectable couture.
Fashion Gone Rogue sums it by stating that "under the eye of fashion director Simon Robins, Russian Vogue showcases some of the best couture pieces in their November issue. Photographed by Tom Munro, Ranya Mordanova wears looks by Givenchy, Chanel and Versace in one lush spread." 
To be honest the Russian outfit was intentional, minimal, and totally prepared... I just wanted to be someone who can do no wrong for halloween.




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"When someone is doing sex to me..." SNL nails Obama on China. Must see TV!


In one of the most brutal political comedy skits ever, Saturday Night Live has found it's voice on President Obama. After bending over backwards to avoid criticism of the President due to their political leanings, SNL is back with it's fangs out. Obama is now forever going to be rightfully caricatured as the milqetoast technocrat rather then some trans formative figure. You wonder if there's any buyer's remorse they cast Hilary Clinton aside?






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Friday, November 20, 2009

The Results Speak for Themselves

It's no secret that Carrie Prejean had her Miss California crown taken away earlier this year after making controversial statements regarding gay marriage, as well as becoming the latest celebrity to have a private sex tape go public. Then there was the whole debate as to whether or not she should pay the pageant back for the $5,200 they shelled out for the breast implants she requested to better her chances at winning the national pageant title. The pageant people must have agreed it was a good idea since they gave her the money in the first place. Anyway, with so much attention put on who should pay for silicone enhancements I feel not enough focus was put on how fantastic she looks. Whoever did her implants chose a nice size to match her petite frame while still creating a sexy, enhanced version of the former Miss California. She seemed to walk a little bit taller, exuding more confidence than she did pre-augmentation. In my opinion that is what good plastic surgery is all about! A well proportioned "tweak" to the outside can create inner happiness that is often overlooked by society. It's really a shame she ever opened her mouth in the first place because she is a truly beautiful young woman. She has certainly proved to not be a role model for young girls everywhere however, I do hope girls of all ages feel comfortable making changes (by board certified physicians) to their appearance that will ultimately make them enjoy life more. So the pageant might be out a few thousand dollars, and will likely think twice about paying for contestants plastic surgery in the future, but don't worry beauty queens...there is always care credit!
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Thursday, November 19, 2009

The new mammogram and self exam guidelines set off a hornet's nest of controversy


The suggestions of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding mammograms and breast self-exam have touched off a hornet's nest (to say the least). The new guidelines recommend that women in their 40s no longer have annual mammograms and that women ages 50 to 74 have them only every other year instead of annually. After having the message drummed into American women that they HAVE to have a mammogram annually starting at age 40, why the change in advice?


The task force report explains that for every 1,000 women in their 40s who receive routine mammograms, only two cases of cancer are detected. Alongside this is the fact that 98 women will also have "false positives" mammograms which will detect something that possibly looks like cancer, but that further testing shows actually is not. The cost and morbidity of routine mammography of the population (and the subsequent workup of such lesions) therefore brings the issue of cost-effectiveness of the program into question.

Last month I wrote a post "The Return of the weregild" discussing how the cost of healthcare gets into the accounting practices of establishing how much a life is worth to society and how much we can afford in support of such a life. Although downplayed by the USPFTF, this actuarial view played some role in the decision. It is my opinion that this is actual the thoughtful way we'll have to address health care spending. Although no one wants the heath care curve "bent" at their expense, you have to look at cost/benefit of practices to the system to control spending and give yourself the biggest bang for the buck for your tax dollars.

If you step back from the hysteria, I don't particularly find the recommendations controversial. It actually reflects the world consensus re. mammograms that mammograms in younger women (<50) are a poor way to affect how many women actually die from breast cancer (the whole point of screening). No other western nation practices routine mammograms under 40 that I'm aware of (and hasn't for some time) looking at this same data. If you're going to screen younger women it needs to be done more selectively to those with strong family history or palpable abnormalities that require further workup. This is exactly what's endorsed by USPFTP and should be a model of thoughtful care for patients going forward.

My first though re. this report was actually that "I wonder how long it's going to be before insurers adopt this" and require certain guidelines be met for women less then 50 perscribed a mammogram. It didn't take long as some HMO's have said they're reviewing their policies in light of this. If you're interested there's a short article on that issue in today's New York Times.

Rob Oliver Jr.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hanna Hedman or the Jewelry God



I'm going to make this a quick post because I'm so tired and rambling won't help, but I felt the urge to post about Hanna Hedman's work. I was (and still am to be frankly honest) this heap of naivete when it comes to jewelry since I barely own any pieces and when I do I somehow get around to losing them. Thus I gave up. Ever since I heard about the jewelry crafting course my school is offering however I've grown more intrigued, but from seeing it more as an art. For example, there is a student work of a sculpted human thumb on the end of a necklace that I read about recently. It's concept is linked back to childish attachment, and as a fan of conceptual art I was so totally for this piece of jewelry. The only thing was that it was not aesthetically appealing. When linking it to fashion, aesthetics is a necessity, otherwise the contrast is inexistent. This is where Hanna's work comes in; she seems to have encountered, in obvious succession, that bridge between both the fashion and the art world when it comes to jewelry.

Born in Stockholm (those Swedes man, I'm telling yah), Hanna Hedman creates these beyond massive pieces that hang heavily around the model's neck. Although these individuals may appear to seem at ease, the chains are made of basic metallic compounds, such as silver, bronze, and copper; compounds that are known to carry with them a sturdy amount of weight, especially when added together. However, the models relaxed stances coincide with the beauty of the formal elements; intricate designs evoking ethereal impressions. 

Hedman apparently cites "human weakness and underlying defense mechanisms" as an inspiration, and the subjective matter also coincides with what we see - this big "shu-shunk" collection of jewelry, made of what typically sculptures or other technological artworks are made of. Here, she brings together fashion and art by bringing aesthetic appeal in what we consider a mechanical piece that is often shunned any beholder's eye. I mean, who thinks a big metal slab of copper is gorgeous? Not a lot of people. Yet her jewelry makes us think differently. It is the shape and form of what she has created that makes us contradict the conventions of beauty. She's actually one of the main reasons I want to go and drown myself in a tub full of jewelry and jewelry only.

This website is amazing if you want to view her work almost entirely, though I'd suggest googling some of her work - there are some obscenely large photos of her works where you can see the intricacies extremely well. And look! Even birdnest Gaga applauds this bitch. Now you know she's legit.


...and there goes my promise for a quick post.
(Hedman model photo via laufstag)
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009





Yay for the colour red and paper clips! I only had one so could only do that subtle intricacy to my skirt. I also love how I've been so so so into colour and nebulas and these crazy colourgasmic paintings lately and yet have only managed to add the colour red to my wardrobe. Maybe I'm subconsciously excited for Christmas? No, that shit is so objective, I'm legitimately one mind twitch away from screaming THREE MOTHER FUCKING WEEKS THAS RIGHT in the middle of Dundas Square (Toronto geographics, get with it). But yuh, at least I'm making the transition from neutrals! I needed to get that show on the road a long time ago.

Also can you tell I'm really into layers lately? Just recently I layered three different skirts over a dress and added a shirt on top and a blazer for warmth, couldn't breathe. I looked like someone from the Tokyo section of Streetpepper tbh. Not as epic as FRUiTs though. Nowhere near.

But I should go finish my drawing assignment. Just three more weeks, then winter break, then the greatest semester ever ensues (colour theory, printmaking, photography, and a shitload of english <33333)

PS. Spotify may or may not be the greatest thing ever created. Currently listening to Mr Oizo's entire discography aka feeding my electronic music craving. PEACE (Click here and imagine me dancing instead of doing my assignment because that's probably what is occurring at this very moment)

T-shirt dress as bottom layer, H&M. Strapless black dress, vintage. Red skirt, vintage. Tights and fur hat, H&M. Shoes, vintage. Glasses, rims removed plastic wayfarers.
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Monday, November 16, 2009

You're probably wondering why I haven't posted any outfit posts yet, as promised. I left my camera back in my hometown when I went to visit several weeks prior (excuses excuses!) but I'm excited to start documenting outfit posts on the reg because I'm so ~inspired. Just wish I had money. Or those black biker Jimmy Choo for H&M's I so desperately desire. Or just about every jizztastic article of clothing I have tried on and not been able to buy due to being a silly broke ass university student. Things will change come christmas break though, I can sense a vintage binge coming on. Speaking of christmas break, three and half weeks, bitches. Then finally I will be done with this semester. Or in the english language, hell. But now I'll abruptly stop writing and introduce another inspiration post extravaganza. With explanations (you actually thought I was going to stop talking? bitch plz)

The first two pictures smell like what epic would if there was a scent for it. First we have Ann Demeulemeester on June 21st, 1998. Second, a Lina Scheynius photo of Vivienne Westwood. The bright orange hair and the forest green sweater complement each other so well. Makes me want to dye my hair a colour that will blind people. Don't think I'd be able to pull it off as well as her though.

 
Jak and Jill photos of Chloe and Ann Demeulemeester shoes, respectively.


The following two I found in the abyss of my harddrive, too essential not to post. I need both of these in my interior living life immediately.

A Matheus Chiaratti photo. Love the colour contrast and perfect angle.

PJ Harvey during her recent White Chalk days. I've been watching this video on daily basis for weeks though. Gotta love her during Rid of Me.

Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes in Fader Magazine earlier this year. She's inspired me in more ways than one. Not to mention she pulls off those eccentric, gorgeous headdresses as if they were ballcaps.

Man oh man oh man. Björk during the Volta tour. I can not even begin to describe how much solace I've derived from her music. Her performances are on a whole other level completely; she reminds us common folks what it feels like to be inferior. In this photo, she was in midst of completing 18 month world-wide tour for her most recent album some time in 2007. I really suggest going out and getting the Volta Live in Paris DVD, but if you suck you can watch it on Youtube (first song from disc). She is beyond words and has been my ultimate inspiration for as long as I can remember. Even just googling this bitch under the Images tab will make you weep.

This is a photo by renowned photographer Phillipe Halsman from In Voluptas Mors, a collaboration with the surreal artist Salvador Dali. It is a series of multiple human bodies taking the form of a skull. I love both Dali and skulls, not to mention Halsman's portraits of iconic celebrities, so I'm inevitably fascinated by this piece. Oh, and a pop culture tidbit for yah: it was also on the Silence of the Lambs movie poster. The one where Anthony Hopkins is a cannibal and says Clarice like a pedophile and Jodie Foster acts badly in. Horribly. Don't care how great you thought Panic Room was, if there was dislike button to her acting career I would click it so hard.

Mia Wallace. Uma Thurman. Quentin Tarantino. Pulp Fiction. Iconic two word phrases that are recognized almost instantly and for a good reason. I think I've broken my tape of this movie from rewinding and playing it so often like I used to do with Disney classics (aka The Jungle Book and Dumbo) thirteen years ago. It's like cocaine in VHS form. PS. Take Mia's advice and stop being such a square.

I've had this on my computer since my junior year fashion class where I had to do a presentation on fashion in the 1950s (yes, that was as intricate as the topics ever got) and found this on Wikipedia or something just as basic. Needless to say I've been obsessed with finding a similar skirt ever since. Pretty sure I've already posted this on the blog before, too. Whatever dude, repost was essential. Who can say no to something that looks like that?

A Colin Dodgson photo from his Just Because It's In Your Head Doesn't Mean It's Not Real collection. Love the parallel of her face paint to her pants. Want patchwork pants please. Does anyone know Gloria Vanderbilt's number?

This is Stella McCartney, right? Correct me if I'm wrong. Also, is it odd if I noticed Anna Wintour in the audience before I noticed Sasha working it on the catwalk in that bitchin' dress? Kind of creepy, tbh. Her bob and sunnies are fucking everywhere.

Rodarte Spring 2009 RTW! One of my favourite collections ever from one of my favourite pair of designers ever. Kate and Laura Mulleavy, if you ever stop doing what you're doing my reaction will almost certainly be something like this.

The next doesn't even need an introduction. Words do not justify. Click here if you still don't know what it is. Mr T concurs when I say "I pity da foo' who don' know masta' Rei"

I have no idea where the following two come from for again they were unlabeled in my harddrive but oh hot damn. This just reminds me that I need more jewelry on the pronto. Note to self: father's old watches can be recycled.


This picture is so UNF right now. Sequins in any colour make me weep almost immediately but a sequin sweater with a different colour for each sleeve, the back and the hood? So so so so so UNF. I don't care what anyone says. (for the street vernacular challenged UNF is a very good thing)

And finally, my current pivotal inspiration, the top of the pyramid, the cream of the crop, the apple to my inspirational craving eye. SPACE. Although it is primarily nebulas nebulas nebulas, I make exceptions for crazy cool space-inspired art prints such as the dress two pictures below. But those pants though. Those pants. They need to be on my legs. Must find similar pair. It is an emergency. But no, go to FuckyeahtheUniverse, one of my favourite tumblrs, and you'll see exactly where I'm coming from.

This dress is from the WKND spring and summer 2009 collection by Karl Grandin. They have tights too! Would it be too much if I wore both at the same time? No? Good. (Thanks Style Child!)


If you wish to help me out with any of the credit, please don't hesitate to leave a comment!
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