Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Vday Dday

The countdown has begun. Two weeks to go until the hallmark holiday of Valentines day is upon us; A day where existence is validated by the sole fact of having a “soul mate”. For those of us who are otherwise unattached, the singles parties are pimped out as though for one particular evening of the year its ‘in vogue’ to be single. All bitterness aside, these single bashes do seem to be a patronizing money grab. I mean really, I was single this past weekend, where was the party for that? It certainly wasn’t at Seven on Friday night, or The District. Both of which were dead and lacking of suitable bachelors. Not that I was looking for one. I am not the type to be frantically scaling the streets just to find a date for one night to avoid the alternatives which are:

1- Be the third wheel or ‘the single one out” in a group
2- Singles party
3- Drink at home alone.

The lesser of those evils, I would like to say would be to drink at home by myself; however I already experimented with that this past Saturday. Kath was away Skiing in BC for the weekend at kicking horse. So I decided to have a night in with movies, cookies and libations. The result of which may very well explain my sour attitude towards the upcoming date in question. Why on earth I would choose to watch the movies I did is beyond me. That being said, Here is my top 3 list of movies never to watch alone, single, while drinking before valentines day:

5- The Proposal
2- It’s Complicated
1- Prime

Not in favour or having a repeat of that evening and no desire to be the odd one out in a group or couples setting on Vday, I fear I must submit to the singles party. I suppose it’s due to the mental images associated with such an event that I am hesitant. As though it would turn out to be the salvage yard of everyone’s rejects. At the very least it gives me an excuse to buy a new dress, maybe some shoes. What exactly does one wear to a salvage yard though?

I certainly can’t say I was inspired by anything at the Grammys on Sunday. Beyonce was trying to hard as usual, Carrie Underwoods dress looked like an unfinished nightgown, Brittany looked like…. Well just as Trashy as that “Snooki” girl from Jeresey Shore. Why was she even there! The only winner on the carpet for me was Taylor Swift. Yet I don’t think a full length sequined gown would be appropriate for a singles party.

Sigh. I will find something suitable on Thursday. Yes, this Thursday is ArtCentrals First Thursday as well it is the grand opening of FashionCentral On Stephen Ave. One thing I do support doing single, while drinking before Valentines day, is shopping

Friday, January 22, 2010

Resolutions

Monday morning, checking out the pictures from the Golden Globes I was surprised, there were a lot of disasters on the red carpet. fFom Sandra Bullocks purple transparent garbage bag of a dress, to Mariah’s melon hammock. When I clicked across and saw Tina Fey, all I could think of was ‘Tina Fey…. Quit trying to be a lady. It just doesn’t work on her.
I turned my attention away from the computer and back to the mat on the floor where I should be laying and doing crunches. Part of my new year’s resolution is to gain more structure and routine in my life. Starting in the mornings, rather than battling the snooze button several times, I let the radio play and tune into Chris & Meg in the morning on Energy 101.5. I would prefer to wake up to a real man (not that I mind Meg being there) rather than a voice on the radio, but I am sure these two are far more reliable. Even after six months here I still get lost and home sick when trying to figure out where to go and what to do. So I feel somewhat sympathetic towards Chris. He recently moved to Calgary as well so even though he doesn’t know it, I feel that we have bonded as strangers to a new home. No it’s not very often that I wake up to a strange man.
After spending far too long on the computer, foregoing blasting my abs ( for the third day in a row. I do have good intentions about this whole structure and routine resolution.) I proceeded to get ready for work, When I put on my jacket and gave one last look in the mirror to check my angles, I sighed. I knew it was getting close to retire one of the key pieces of this past fall season: the leather jacket. Since it was such a distinctive look for the fall/winter, I knew it wouldn’t be possible to carry it over. It is a sad departure, a good winter coat is like a good man, worth the investment and keeps you warm on cold nights.
To solve this problem I can rely on my resolution of finding structure. One trend that will carry over into spring is a strong shoulder. Where military and safari inspired silhouettes have been implemented in fall lines in the past, they will crop up this spring, Light cargo, camo and organic colors with bold shoulders, ruffles and folds for detailing and unique metallic embellishments. As always fit and proportion are key. The only problem with finding the perfect spring coat (again like a man) is you never know if it will suit the weather tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Not So Silent Nights

Back in Calgary, I chose to attend the first Thursday at Art Central alone (all part of my new years resolution to see more of the city). I pass the building every day on the way to work and never get the chance to go in. The first Thursday of each month, the galleries stay open late, there is live music and cocktails, so far its been the culural highlight of Calgary. Maybe my contacts were just dry, or I was still recovering from new years but the canvas and its colors seemed to radiate, bounce about. I had never seen hues like these before, perhaps forgotten what color really was. I wondered to myself how people become so talented and why there isn’t more for collaborations between artists and designers. To find colors and prints like this on a bag, skirt, dress or shirt would be to die for. Hypnotized and thoughtful, from gallery to gallery I gladly remembered the last two weeks and all the joy of the holiday season.
It was non stop reunions of charismatic chaos. From the second I landed back in Toronto and felt the movement of the city I had fled it seemed to begin again. It was freezing, worse than Calgary. Throughout my visit I caught up with old friends in what were our usual haunts and a few unfamiliar ones, some of the charms of Toronto still existed during this time of year for me, like the moving display in the windows of the Bay near Young street, the amazing shopping of the Eaton Centre (Victoria secret pink stores – stocked up on the unmentionables for a decent price). Hy’s Steak house and Hamilton Place where we spotted Stewart Mclean from Vinyl Café and one of my favourite places; The Joyce.
We laughed, we drank, we shopped, and we ate. Did everything the holidays dictate to do. At least once a day I would see one of my old gal pals wearing something that used to belong to me, a Stella McCartney sweater here, a pair of Choo’s there, the fashion show would continue in front of me from day to night. Some of the girls would comment on how much they loved the items others would pretend they didn’t remember where they came from, as though they owned (and paid for) those Betsey J skirts and Miu Miu shirts their entire life. Maybe they were afraid I would ask for them back. I was glad they were being enjoyed though. It was kind of like seeing an ex with a new girlfriend. When you finally see it you know it is no longer yours.
On the 31st, New Years Eve, I was back at the Toronto International Airport, bag behind me. Boarding a plane to Vegas with more or less of a stranger that I had just met the night before. His name was Jim; he was exactly what you would expect from a Jim. This great big mountain man type with a booming voice like the Green Giant kinda, less green though. I was introduced to him the previous evening at dinner, turned out he was visiting from Calgary as well and we had mutual friends in Toronto. So there we were, eating, drinking and talking about experiences in Calgary when he asked about my plans for New Years. The conversation evolved and the glasses kept being refilled and by the end of the night (I realized the following morning) I had agreed to go to Vegas with him to see Tiesto in concert! It was surreal, it was stupid. I’ve been putting off looking at all the things that could have gone wrong. Somehow I was lucky enough not to be left in Vegas in a body bag. Let’s hope that luck continues throughout the year.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

After the YWCA 'Open Your Purse' Event I was feeling in need of a new handbag for myself, of course I couldn't afford anything as luxurious in terms of brand, so I braved the frigid temperatures of last week and headed to Deerfoot Mall. I already had something particular in mind. I wanted something suitable for not only now but spring 2010 as well. My favorite bags so far that I have seen have been from Nina Ricci. Her spring line has (for me) been really on trend. The size, shape and embellishments are just right. I think the over sized Mary Kate and Ashley homeless person bags are over. For spring, keeping the fundamentals of your bag feminine with a strong shape and a slight touch of edge (chains straps, minimal studs) is really where it at. It's more about feeling light and sophisticated, less about making a bold and obvious statement.

Of course I managed to find what I wanted for my budget. I am quite skilled in that area now. more of my holiday shopping while I was there. The best part was I ended up with more for myself than I had originally intended. While shopping for small gifts for people from the office and stocking stuffers for the family, I took full advantage of buy one get one half off sales and BOGO's. I would give the first item and I considered the second one that was free a gift for myself! The hard part came after the shopping when I had to return home. When taking transit in ridiculously cold weather, handling multiple shopping bags is less than desirable. However these days I try less to complain and let things like that affect me. Certain things in life just aren't worth the stress when you put it into perspective. For example: Everyday when I go to work, at the same spot, at the same time, There is this man walking with two little boys ( I would imagine taking them to school). He requires two arm braces to walk. It looks as though every step is a struggle. I see him everyday, regardless of the snow, the ice, the cold. I can't imagine how he does it. So if people like that, or like the women from the YWCA, can survive their situations, I really have no right to complain about a few bags weighing me down.

Since that shopping trip, I have been packing and re packing. Undecided if I should leave room in my suitcase to bring more back. Thinking about the clothes I gave away and could reclaim. When it comes to the past though whether it is a pair of jeans or a man, I think it is best to move on. I never did try to find my ex- the photog- on Facebook. Just like my clothes I left behind, all I can really do is wish him luck and hope he has a good home and somebody appreciates him. I think it really is better that way, in terms of packing anyways. I leave for Toronto this Friday, returning on the 29th. I still have no idea what I will do with myself for NYE. Cher is going with her BF to Hotel Arts for a masquerade ball, I was invited to Vinyl, C.O.P. and a few others as well but I really don't know what to expect from any of those parties. I may just forgo the festivities and stay home. It would save me alot of money. Which in typical style I am always short on.

Kath has informed me she can get me in anywhere and not to worry about tickets or anything. however, I would feel like a third wheel joining her and her newly acquired piece of jewellery. Her BF proposed to her last week. We found the dress two days later at ETHOS. It was one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences ever. She is so cut throat when dealing with salespeople who have attitude. I guess she doesn't make all her money from being a push over. So to join her and her fiance as they cling to each other in their newly discovered bliss... Might not be for me. Maybe I will just stay in Ontario for New Years. I guess anything is possible. I do feel as though I should start 2010 with a bang, in grandiose out of control style.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Open your purse

What’s better than a designer handbag? A gorgeous male model displaying it. That’s exactly what we found last Friday at the YWCA's Open your purse event at Hotel Arts. Right after work we headed over to the event that started at 6:00pm. I don't know how these well to do women manage to pull it off but it seemed that only a handful of the some 200 guests were in casual attire. Myself only having time to re apply some mascara and lip gloss, The rest dressed in cocktail dresses and recently coiffed hair and fully done make-up. I imagine they must be hockey players wives or the type of woman who is certainly not working the 9-5 job. The bags were stunning, from the Elisha Cuthbert donated and signed to the Fergie. I would have bid and tried to win each but my dire circumstances only allowed me to glance and the bags... I am referring to the purses not the mens'. Kath however attempted to bid on two yet was outdone by another ferocious bidder. Beyond the material aspect of the evening, the theme and message of the night was clear and relevant to all the female attendees. Domestic abuse. Hitting on the somewhat current topic of Rhianna and Chris Brown. Stories were shared from victims to educate and drive home the importance of supporting foundations like the YWCA that assist women in their most strenuous and life changing events. I was glad to have taken part in it. It truly shows that this is an issue that can affect anyone at any time and the effects can be far reaching, from the individual victims to their children and families. During the later half of the night after the auction was over and women began to leave with their prizes, I was introduced to Kaths Stylist from SHE Apparel, who in turn introduced me to a couple members from Energy 101.5. I thanked them for the shout out they game me on twitter and Facebook that one day. They of course had no clue who I was or what I was talking about but were gracious and pretended they did. We exchanged pleasantries and common first impression statements. When asked about myself and explaining I came from TO, what I do fro work, who I was wearing and finally where I was living, I felt embarrassed to tell them I had just moved into Kaths (which for the record has been awkward and I lost out on my damage deposit from my old place for late notice on vacating but the price is right and her tub is huge!) I looked and spoke radiantly, Kath tried to set me up with the few straight men that were in attendance and single. I think the total was two. Before we left for the night with our gift bags, I caught a familiar face.... An ex from back home. Not necessarily a bad break-up. He was a photographer who I use to see for 2 years, attended many a fashion show and once to Montreal fashion week with him. We ended the relationship as he was moving to Vancouver for a job op with a magazine. Like most couples we played the staying touch card but never did. He looked good. I looked better. I don't think he caught my gaze as I walked out. I wonder if I can fid him on Facebook.

Friday, November 6, 2009

FML

I was only kidding myself. Thinking coming here would solve anything. Unfortunately I have relapsed and once again find myself in debt. Somewhere around the point of 5 grand maybe more. I haven't received my October statement. Not that it matters as I went overboard for Halloween too. I am certain it has only jumped up an additional couple of hundred since then. It's not all bad though. No, not at all (note any sarcasm?). The first three months here living in denial and foolish notions were great until I realized any kind of significant change or attaining a quality of life comparable to what I had is hopeless. Honestly, my empty apartment, empty closest, empty social life. Dealings with men that are nothing but games and being strung along; hopes high and heads low. Even work is turbid. I've been striving for some sort of balance, some modicum of happiness therein. I just can't seem to get it right and really I am done with trying. Let my credit cards max out and then I will just file for bankruptcy. All these large corporations and everyone else have been receiving bailouts for their stupid mistakes worth millions, why the hell shouldn't I for a couple thousand? At least then I will have temporary moments of felicity.

How did this happen? Besides the trunk sales from fashion week, I went out to the unicorn with Katherine and a couple of her friends from her social circle. Even though it felt familiar, the setting, the women and conversation, I felt out of place. I looked great of course, was dressed in my labels which, of course they all recognized and appreciated. I of course recognized the same on them. The only difference was one of us was a lie. They invited me to come shopping with them the following day at Holts. Apparently it had just been renovated and they all love it. I told them I hadn't been yet and I guess that was unacceptable and outlandish to hear from me. So I agreed to go. Long story short, they were all shopping, buying, just like I used to with my ladies back home. I stumbled and was eaten alive by old demons. I've repeated this over and over for the last few weeks. Thrown all the good ( if there was any) I have done out the window. Whether it be at the shops on 17th, back at Holts or anywhere I was that anyone else was shopping. When I was with Cher, we would shop. When I was out with Katherine we would shop. With Jen shop.
I knew each time I signed what was going on. to say I didn't care would be a lie but

On Wednesday this week, I ran into Katherine again outside of "She apparel" on 17th. Almost quite literally ran into her, she was exiting and I wasn't looking. She realized I wasn't in the greatest of moods and demanded to know why, we went across to the Starbucks and sat down. I confessed my sins in a blubbering mess. My $30.00 Chanel mascara didn't run though. I felt like a fool, a child, a complete mess. A hot mess none the less. Katherine looked sympathetic and contemplative. Then she spoke,
" why don't you move in with me?" she asked. " Yes! that's what you will do, you will move in with me and pay little in rent, then you will come with me to a benefit event I was invited to this afternoon. It won't cost you anything."

I began to compose myself and started to shake my head forming a polite yet grateful resignation of her offer. Before I go much of it out Katherine cut me off

"Spare me your excuses and false pride, I am more or less responsible for getting you in this predicament, I can at least help you get out of it. You know I have the room and its just sitting there empty. So make arrangements with your landlord, hire some movers and just deal with it!"

I really didn't know what to say. I was shocked, a little humiliated to be accepting the help.
I didn't have to say anything Kath continued on, "So this benefit I was invited to, Just a bit ago when I was in "She" getting fitted for a few new items, I always see the same sales associate, usually call ahead to make sure she is in, but I digress. I was given a pair of tickets to the event as I am such a loyal client of hers. It's on the 20th at Hotel Arts. Its called...." she paused as she dug through her bag and retrieved the tickets "Open Your Purse, with funds raised going to the YWCA. Apparently there will be some gorgeous bags auctioned off and some hot men displaying them."

I really couldn't argue with that.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Surpise Of The Century

OH MY GOD! really? shut up! Friggin UNbelievable! I was walking DT yesterday, walking past Holt Renfrew, which apparently just remodeled, walking past their store front windows gazing into the glass at this other world that I came from. Each manequine in a distinctly gorgeous ensemble. As I moved past the second window I caught it; my own reflection. Like a ghost in that other world barely visible. Walking along a parrallel path to my own. Barely visible. My heart sank as I wondered if the path I currently tread will ever link back up with the path the girl in the glass was walking. As I moved beyond the display she dissapeared. I dared not to turn and enter. I was feeling vulnerable to consumption. I could never just look. My pocket virbrated. The text read "OMG Rach Energy just posted your blog online!!!" Whatever feelings of doubt and insecurity I had were immediatly banished. I jumped inside the next doorway, away from the cold. Logged onto Facebook and OMG they totally did! Rather than ask the questions of how and why I started texting everyone I knew about what happened. The best part is that I actually listen to the station and follow them online! So bizzare and out of this world. I was already content with the week from attending the opening shows for AB fashion week. They were great RTW accesable collections. Alala was lovely tapping into ladylike chic. Dutch Blonde was youthful and fun. Both worked with alot of color and print in different silhouettes. I truyl couldn't call a favorite as for each model that stomped it out I could see myself in need of her outfit for one event or another. Like all premiere events there we some glitches and bugs but that is certainly to be expected. I certainly hope this is going to be a recurring event in the city.
A Big THANK-YOU to anyone who checked my blog out yesterday! I hope you enjoyed. I never really thought it would receive many reads and I am actually kinda embarassed now that it has. So many people have read the intimate details of my life. If anyone is interested I am on twitter and update it when I post a new blog. Or they are on FB too.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. I'll be at friends on Sunday for dinner, Katherine, ( I don't think I have mentioned her before but she is amazing and was my escort to ABFashion Week) is hosting a dinner with a few other people who she says I should meet. So prior to Sunday I will be out searching for winter clothing this weekend. I left most of my winter wardrobe back in TO, currently there are some very warm, well dressed ladies there in my wool and fur. So completly unprepared for the cold to arrive so quickly I am in desperate need of hats, scarves, gloves and coats. I was invited via FB to a Thanksgiving weekend sale at Deerfoot Mall, so I will see if I can make it down there however, this is one shopping trip I am not looking 100% forward to. A perfect winter coat is so diffult to find. Granted the selection is endless however when it comes to a sublime wool that you can wear throughout the season, the pattern has to be just right. It's all in the details, the collar, the buttons, stitchin, tailoring, length, color, the actual wool itself. The accessories though! J'adore an extensive variety of gloves and scarves. The power of accessories is essential to keeping yourself thrilled with a garment that you have to wear in and out day to day. So I must face the cold and the plastic demons in my bag to ready myself for the coming months and for this dinner. Meeting new people always requires one to make the best first impression. The thing about first impressions is you only get one!

XO Rachel