Imagination Barbie

On The Balcony of the Casa Rosada

2010-04-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Last summer I got this amazing vintage top on Queen St. West in Toronto, and I haven't had a chance to wardrobe it until now - shame on me! It's an incredible piece, although I'm no vintage specialist so I have no clue what era it's from - any ideas?

Detail shot: puff sleeves! Anne of Green Gables would be proud.

This reminds me of the old Gossip Girl book covers.

I really hate this picture. So myspace-y haha, but I included it anyway.
The skirt I'm wearing it with is from H&M and is the most amazing thing you will ever own. It's Divided black label, and if you can get your hands on it, do so! Together these two pieces feel like I'm combining My Fair Lady with The Wedding Singer haha.

Fyrinnae Lip Lustres: Review + Swatches

2010-03-31T11:48:00.001-07:00

Last week I got 3 things:

1) my Canon EOS Rebel T1i
2) my order of Fyrinnae lip lustres
and 3) an awful cold

So, since 3 prevents me from doing anything good, like an outfit post (since I look like death warmed over), I decided to take some swatches and pictures of my new glosses!

It was my first order from Fyrinnae and I was SUPER impressed. My mom and I are always looking for a no nonsense, no hassle gloss that doesn't feel gloopy or gross, and I'd heard good things about these, so I ordered some for us.

The texture is soft, creamy, and almost nonexistent, it feels like a chapstick or a lip butter. Even my mom, who never likes any form of 'that newfangled lipgloss' (she was kidding about the newfangled part, but she's never liked lipgloss) liked the texture of these. My lips are always really chapped, and honestly, I can't be bothered to spend much time on them, so I liked that these did a good job of hiding some of the imperfections with very little effort.

Shipping time was excellent, I ordered on March 3rd, it was shipped on March 12th, and I received it on the 24th (and it had to go over the border). The packaging was the most amazing part - everything was tightly held together, foam wrapped, and you could tell there had been a lot of care put into it - my invoice has a hand signed 'thank you' written on it! It was a small envelope too, so I didn't have to leave a giant box sitting in front of my door, with lipsticks rolling around in it (cough, some of you will know what company I'm targeting there lol).

One thing I love about the colours is that you can really layer them - you can put on a little and make it sheer, or put on another coat for heavier coverage. I know you can do this with almost any lipstick, but I really noticed the ease of doing it with these. Love!

The price is right too - when I bought, they were $4.50 a tube, and shipping is free over $20, which is fantastic considering most companies charge a ridiculous amount for shipping. So for $22.50, I got 5 full size lipsticks. I don't even think I could do that well at a drugstore, and they certainly are better quality than many drugstore brands!

Lip Swatches (natural light, with flash):

Lollipop-Pop

Visual Kei

Type A

Shangri-La

Pink Guitar

Arm swatch:

Type A, Lollipop-pop, Visual Kei, Pink Guitar, Shangri La

bedroom overhaul

2010-02-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

I used my Family Day/President's Day (yes, they really call it 'Family Day' here..) as an opportunity to repaint and decorate my bedroom :) So today I figured why not put on a favourite outfit and blog about it?

Lacoste long sleeved polo, H&M pleated black skirt (from the kid's department), belt from Champagne and Cupcakes, random black tights, and boots by ~~Jessica Simpson~~Aldo (because Aldo owns the factory, and I'm pretty sure the only input Simpson puts into her shoe line is her name). Regardless, they're my favourite boots ever!

My new duvet cover and wall colour - isn't it so calm and clean? I love it :)

My favourite part is the new bookshelf! I overhauled my book collection and now I have loads of room for new books.

I typically read my 'classics' via the Stanza application on my iPhone, but I like to keep hard copies of my absolute favourites..

Bohemian Way

2010-02-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with this gorgeous editorial from Vogue Italia! It makes me want to wear neon tie dye tights and bright colours...my hair is about that colour, hmm. I wish I had awesome purple cheekbones! xD

Dinodirect: "Ease your life"

2010-01-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

I finally got my sketchy Hong Kong ebay purchase! Isn't it ridiculous? I got it a few weeks ago and just forgot to post about it, but I get a million compliments for it! I would definitely buy it again, just maybe not on ebay.

They have a site, www.dinodirect.com and I actually ordered again from there - another pretty case and a clear screen protector. They also have nice silicone cases as well, and a whole bunch of gadgets. Yes, it'll probably take a month to get there - but for $5, no shipping, do I care? :P

When I bought mine, I got a free gift: some "Multifunction Crystal Colorful Ball Nutrition Mud Soil" which is those little tiny gelly balls that expand and make a kind of rainbow goo that goes into vases and looks pretty? The site says that they're "New type of decoration revolution! It is for wedding decorations, parties, events, restaurants, pubs and clubs, conferences, etc. Can also be used for decoration to complement flower arrangements and candle centerpieces." I actually wanted some anyway and didn't know where to buy it, so there you go. Dinodirect is all over that multifunction-crystal-colorful-ball-nutrition-mud-soil business.

This site has so many different things it's ridiculous. Just from the 'gadgets under $4.99' section, you can stock up on some printer cartridges, screwdrivers, usb sticks, tweezers, or what I'm sure is their most popular product, some "Stylish Costume Fake Mustache Fancy Dress Party":

"If you want to have a cool style, this pack is fit for you of these different kinds of mustache, you can choose what you like."

But wait! I haven't even gotten to the best, most useful, product they offer:

"Fire Extinguisher Shaped Tissue Box Holder"

Specifications:

This is a 100% brand new Fire Extinguisher Shaped Tissue Box Holder
You can wipe snot when having a cold, can clean buttocks
Can clean buttocks
Can practice boxing
Can be used as a pillow
Also can be a great gift for your lover or friends
Material: Leather

I don't even need to comment on this. Really. So many uses!

Basically this site has it all, ridiculous prices, ridiculous stuff, and entertainment value to boot, plus I tested the waters for you all and have confirmed that they don't steal your credit card and actually send you what you ordered. I need to go order these mustaches now.

I can't explain...

2010-01-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

...why I like these so much.

Boutique 9 Oxford Flats

I do need flats though, because I used to walk on my toes all the time until I was about 13/14, my calves never properly developed, so it's more comfortable for me to wear heels, but because I've been wearing heels - all day, every day - for so long, I now have problems with my feet as well as my calves! Yuck. So I need a nice pair of flats to wear more often...I'm really into all these brogues and oxfords popping up all over the place now. I'm just afraid they'll make my legs look short! I might try searching for a vintage pair as well.

I found a pair of jeans at work yesterday (H&M) that were from before our location even opened! They were super faded, with a big flared leg, and embroidered flowers up the leg, and embroidered parrots that looked like they were eating each other on the butt pocket. Ridiculous. Literally, these were from maybe 2002/2003! They were my size and I would have bought them for $5, but they were SO low, they hardly covered anything! Can you believe we used to wear pants that low? Haha. Blast from the past!

More outfit posts coming when I finish my pile of essays due. xD

wheee!

2010-01-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

Received my super cute PigMentShop order yesterday! Unfortunately one of the shirts had sold out and I didn't place my order soon enough, and I only got one of them. I guess I'll just have an excuse to choose another one with my refund (which was issued very promptly, such a sweet girl running the store)! I was afraid at first that it would be small on me, since the models on the site are cute teeny Asian girls, but it fit me just fine :)

Excuse my makeup free face and eye bags, Tuesday is Hell Day for me - 9:30-4:30 straight class, no breaks, and I usually do an hour at the gym after - which is usually the best part of my day, but today it was so packed with people doing New Years resolution exercise it was insane!

The necklace I got as a gift was super cute as well! Unfortunately, last night I was sitting on the couch and Pookie, my miniature poodle, decided to step all over my chest, got his foot caught, and broke the chain :( This is what it would have looked like, had it been complete :P I may try to fix it with pliers, or just use another gold chain, because the pendant is so very pretty!

He's behind me in that picture, my bad little monkey. I'm lucky it was just a necklace - when he was younger, Pookie decided to dismantle my dad's glasses - we found the lenses and the wire frames left in a little trail in the living room.

Too legit to quit.

2010-01-07T21:40:00.000-08:00

I need to be really honest with all of you. I'm wearing a Snuggie. And I am not ashamed. Actually, slightly ashamed. But as ridiculous as Snuggies are... they're actually incredibly cozy and fun.

I know what you're all thinking. You're thinking that I'm a psycho. But I'm not. Or that this is a joke. It's not.

And I didn't want to jump onto the bandwagon. But my friends started getting them... and the peer pressure got to me. And I do not regret this decision at all.

Thank you and goodnight.

I'm wild again, beguiled again

2010-01-06T15:18:00.001-08:00

Shirt: Guess

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti

I've been trying to make an outfit with these shoes for awhile now - they're so huge and ridiculous and awesome! I wish I got to wear them out tonight, but I don't think they'd fare too well in the snow (which we FINALLY have, for the first time this winter!). The blouse was a gift for Christmas, isn't it pretty? I wish I could wear it to work, but I don't think I can with the sleeves, they don't fully cover my shoulders.

I want an SLR so badly, ah. Which brands have you readers used? I want something where I can really work with the pictures afterwards on photoshop, instead of having them go all grainy like these :(

PS:

The 'H&M throws out unsold clothes' craziness: I don't know what that particular store was doing, but in our store, unsold clothes go back to the stockroom to be sold next season. We only cut up our damaged clothes: the ones with big coffee stains, missing pockets, and ripped seams - only the stuff that can't possibly be sold, and this rarely happens. Most of the sale items go on to very low prices (like $2) that even a family in hard times can afford. And this is straight from an employee, so get mad at that particular store that is probably not following protocal, and not the company.

PigMentShop - I'm In LOVE!

2009-12-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

I started frequenting the livejournal community called t_shirt_surgery about a year ago, and I was fascinated by this user named ninjatoshiba. Her sewing designs, silly pictures, and creations were so amazing! Later, I found her youtube videos - SecretLifeOfaBioNerd - and I use her sewing, hair, and style tips all the time! So when I found out she started a site, I was beyond excited, for good reason!

PigMenTShop (for some reason blogspot hates my link, but it's www.klpigmentshop.com) is everything I wanted in an online store. It combines absolutely adorable clothes with amazing prices, and the best part for me (as a Canadian) is that the shipping is so affordable! Shop owner K.L has an amazing eye - I want to buy every single top! They're all so pretty and girly and fun - and compared to the places I usually shop, the prices are out of this world!

I settled for these two:

and

Again, the best part for me was the shipping costs! It is SO refreshing to not be charged outrageous amounts just to have it shipped to my house because I'm over the border. My mother, who normally doesn't approve of my purchases, couldn't even argue with $3 shipping - AND, when I already thought I was getting an amazing deal anyway, I realized that I get a 'Tie Me Up' necklace as a bonus gift!

The site truly went above and beyond my expectations, and I wanted to give it the best review possible and wish it's creator the best of luck!

'tis the season!

2009-12-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

Well, Hope's Christmas List is about to be out of this world ridiculous. Ready? Ok.

Phi zipper leather ankle booties (these are necessary to my survival in the world)
Phi buckle leather ankle booties
Balmain suede buckled boots
Tickets to see Lady Gaga in Chicago
Tory Burch lace up leather boots
Antik Batik bongo fringed leather bag
Alexander Wang tina suede shoulder bag
Alexander Wang brenda chain bag
Proenza Schouler PS1
AG Tomboy Jeans
Ever Boyfriend Shorts
Alexander Wang leather vest
Alexander Wang Abbey high heeled sandals
World peace (doable, right?)
Warmer winters here in frosty MN (I'm wearing my gloves inside right now.)

2009-12-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Since my old iPhone case was looking a bit tired, I decided to go ebay shopping for a new one - my friend ordered the cutest pink glittery one from Hong Kong awhile ago, and her father and brother both got really nice ones too (but not nearly as exciting, because they weren't glittery!). She said to be careful of shipping costs, and expect around 2 weeks waiting time when ordering from Hong Kong, but it's super worth it.

Tonight, I bought this one:
Completely cluttered and covered in jewels? Yes please! I'm SO excited to get it in the mail. It wasn't the only one in the auction either, you can order yourself one here. Best part is, FREE SHIPPING! :D So even if it takes a month to get here and all the beads fall off eventually, I'm not particularly concerned because it was about $5.

When I was looking, I couldn't believe the sheer amount of options there were for cute iPhone cases - and Blackberry, and Palm Pre, and Sidekicks...everything! Go look!

Converse All Star Rant :)

2009-12-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Note: Keep in mind I'm not targeting people who buy them just because they're cute. I would too. This ranty rant is for people who think they're making a ~statement by wearing Converse sneakers.

About four years ago, I bought a cute pair of green Converse high tops. Naturally, I ran to tell my best friend at the time. To my dismay, she was unimpressed. “Converse,” she scoffed, “are for making a statement. You can't wear those.” I naturally assumed she was referencing my love of 'mainstream' things like fashion, and of course, I ignored her and her snotty comment (until I realized how uncomfortable those flat rubber soles were with my high arches and calf problems) but I always thought that there was some sort of argument against this that could be made. Now, much later, I just might make it.

To get a greater understanding of the topic, allow me to first speculate on what Converse sneakers apparently 'represent'. An article in the Washington Post says that they are “an emblem of the counterculture, a rejection of the mainstream, a lonely stance against the onslaught of consumerism”, which sounds about right in the context of my then friend. "People that buy expensive Nikes have more money than brains. They're followers. People that wear Chuck Taylors are leaders," said David Blackwell, 50, in a Washington Post article.

I find this amusing.

You will too, in a minute, but first imagine this. A consumer rushes out to her nearest retailer for a pair of shoes. She immediately eschews big, 'mainstream' companies like Nike – too many people have those, and she wants to be an individual. So our young consumer picks a pair of black Converse high tops, to prove to the world how different and unique she is, and leaves the store content that she is rejecting the accepted 'conformist' way of thinking and materialism.

Our consumer has some flaws in her logic.

First of all, and most obviously, she is a consumer. She is going out and buying a product based on the way it has been sold to her – Converse, like many other companies, has a ‘brand book’ that details the brand image and guidelines for using it. They have been carefully advertised and promoted, usually on the premise of anti-advertising, to sell their products to so-called 'nonconformists'. For example, Converse held a contest for independent film makers to produce short ads for the brand. This worked, because it created the illusion of a 'by the people, for the people' company, which is all fine and good, but what is missing from the picture is that it is still advertising. It's well executed, and carefully thought out to help further the company's brand and appeal. More so than the actual shoes, the customer is buying the ideals of the company – she does not go out and buy a pair of no-name high tops, she buys Converse. Why? Because that's who sold her the idea. This is no different from every other marketing campaign or consumer purchase - and therefore our consumer is just as mainstream, just as materialistic, and just as conformist as every other person. Consumer culture commodifies out dissent, there's no way to get around that (and I think it's pretty pretentious of people to think they're so special that they've managed to).

Secondly, let's take another look at that anti-mainstream sentiment. Here's a fact: 60% of all Americans own or have owned at least one pair of Converse All Star sneakers in their lifetime. That is nowhere near any other footwear product produced in the past century - more than 800,000,000 pairs of chucks had been sold by 2008, which was the most recent statistic I could find. Try that one on for size - 'mainstream' brands such as Nike, Fila, Reebok, New Balance, or Adidas can't even come close to those numbers. I'll let you figure out which one is actually more mainstream.

Finally, let me point out one last big, fat, flaw in the argument. Nike owns Converse, and it has for 6 years now. In 2003, Nike completed its acquisition of Converse, purchasing 100% of the shares for about $305 million. Even though it's widely available fact, consumers still buy into the Converse brand, thinking they're rebelling against huge companies such as Nike. Let's bring out that quote again:

"People that buy expensive Nikes have more money than brains. They're followers. People that wear Chuck Taylors are leaders."

I don't know about him, but I think that next to the eight hundred million people trying to make a statement, my mainstream tastes and my conformist lifestyle are looking pretty good to me.

ps. I know this isn't strictly 'fashion blog' stuff, but it's my blog and I'll do what I want :P

pps.

I'm not citing my sources properly because I have done quite enough of that for school, thank you very much :P But here is where some of my facts come from:

http://chucksconnection.com/articles/ConverseArt51.html

http://www.thirdwayblog.com/category/converse/

http://chucksconnection.com/history1.html

and a bunch of Wall Street Journal articles about Nike's acquisition of Converse that I lost because I get very distracted reading Wall Street Journal articles - once I read one, I end up reading a bunch/dooork.

APOLOGIESSSS

2009-12-07T17:21:00.001-08:00

I am SO sorry I've been such a bad updater lately. A lot going on in my life :( but I'll try harder, I promise.

I just ordered a pair of Charlotte Ronson boots. :) All the shoes I want lately look kind of the same haha. It's kind of awful.
These are my new booties. Although of course then Taylor Momsen wore them in a photoshoot. Just like she wears every other thing I want. No big. Hahaha.

I've got a serious Balmain obsession too. Except I'm not completely sold on the shoulder pad idea yet. I love the textured leather and the fun... and I am so obsessed with the Phi booties that Taylor Momsen has been wearing EVERYWHERE. And Gwen Stefani has a pair too. I want a pair. Too bad they're sold out online. And if I hadn't just spent my money on a new Prada bag I would have totally gone in for the kill on those Phi booties... it's too bad I just couldn't hold off. The bag isn't all that practical either... which makes me sad. The booties would have been such a good idea. The bag is orange suede. Why would I do a silly thing like that? We all know that as of late, I've been carrying strictly black bags. I disappoint myself sometimes. I could be tracking all over in a pair of Phi booties, but nooooo. Failure, Hope.

I've also been listening to A LOT of Lady Gaga lately. If you haven't checked out her new album, you probably should. I learned to play Speechless on the piano, and I'm quite proud. My friends and I are trying to plan a road trip to see her in January. Flail! Can't wait.

In random news, my friend and I had a crazy photo shoot the other night in her basement with a disposable camera. The pictures turned out pretty nicely too. Sharing is caring ;)

Just one for now!

ahhhh

2009-11-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

So in love with these DSQUARED2 booties, omg. Amazing.

2009-11-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

So, I'm not a skull kind of girl. At all. I don't see the appeal of wearing a dead person's disembodied head anywhere on my body. I wrinkled my nose at skulls worn by my teenage peers back in the day. But I have to admit, I am seriously loving these McQueen rings. (Available from Saks)

Vegetarian boots?

2009-11-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

The phrase 'suitable for vegetarians' amuses me...I think the word they were looking for was vegan? Vegetarian kind of makes me think that they want us to eat the boots, and vegetarians can join in.

like disco lemonade

2009-11-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

2 footwear options in the Ann Demeulemeester spring rtw photos, but they're both gorgeous and so typically Ann D that I'm completely in love with them both and feel the need to flail over them. :D Can't seem to find a picture of the heel though, boo!

jimmy choo for H&M

2009-11-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Jimmy Choo collection comes out for H&M this Saturday! Sadly, we don't carry it at my location, which is actually a good thing because I'm sure it would be MADNESS. We had a bunch of pieces from Matthew Williamson collection, and that was crazy enough for me. Apparently there's already people lining up outside the Toronto stores (they carry it at the Eaton's Centre and Bloor St.), and we're expecting it to be as crazy as the Cavalli - which was pure insanity, people just grabbed as much as they could get their hands on and traded it with each other for the things they really wanted :P

The Christmas gift boxes for H&M are suuuper nice this year as well, but I won't give away too much ;)

Quick Outfit Post

2009-11-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

Sweater, skirt, lace tights all from H&M, stiletto booties from Guess.

Killer Boot Montage

2009-10-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hope and I are both loving distressed details on black boots. You could go kick some ass in these! :D

NEWSFLASH

2009-10-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Double post, I know, but:

HOLY SH*T YOOX IS HAVING A SAMPLE SALE AND EVERYTHING IS SO CHEAP OMG.

Except none of the shoes I like are in my size :( Harrumph. But everyone else - get on that!

I kind of need those Stella McCartney boots? $170 down from $570. I want. Also, the exchange rate for us Canadians is amazing right now. Damn you, people with size 8 or 9 feet. All the footwear on sale seems to be in larger sizes. *siiiigh*

don't cry for a little deaf boy (he can't hear you)

2009-10-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post pics of my Razza necklace when it came in! I love it so, so much! I've hardly taken it off since I got it, it's that amazing. Pictures don't do it justice, the amount of tiny, intricate detailing is incredible. I'm SO glad I finally got one!

I wore it with a new jacket from H&M (at work we call it the Jackie Kennedy jacket haha, I kind of want to wear it with a pillbox hat), a black sweater from Guess that I got a long time ago, and Guess jeans.

Also, a lot of my post titles (like this one!) seem to be lyrics from The Battery's Down. Obsessed? Me? Absolutely :P

I should be writing an essay right now.

2009-10-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Can I just take a minute to gush over Lime Crime's lipstick line? Because they're awesome. And I don't lie about the serious business of lipstick.

So the "Candyfuture Lipsticks Collection" pre-sale is going on now! There are 10 fabulous, futuristic, and show-stopping shades to choose from, and limited quantities of the first shipment, so pre-order yours today to ensure delivery by October 25th.

Seriously, the shades are AMAZING and I can't wait to get my hands on some. I'm especially lusting after Great Pink Planet and Countessa Fluorescent. The whole Lime Crime line is so magical and pretty, go out and get some! NOW. :D

Go to http://www.limecrimemakeup.com or click that little link in the sidebar :)

why do we like to hurt so muchh

2009-09-29T17:54:00.001-07:00

So, amidst my craziness, I sat on style.com for a VERY long time. I need to express my LOVE for Balmain. And Christian Dior's fall couture. It's like Barbie clothes for real women. awihg;alkjsdf. It's amazing. Look!

i wasted every day

2009-09-24T20:17:00.001-07:00

So, long time no Hope-Update. What a fail. I see that Kristen has had some ROCKIN updates. Well, I GOT A LOOKBOOK! So I just posted my first look. Which is as follows.

To keep updated on my insanity check out my Lookbook!

http://lookbook.nu/user/63835-Hope-N

Also, my T Moms obsession is still in full swing. Hope. Why.

Proof that my hair actually did this.

2009-09-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

I straightened my hair yesterday, fell asleep last night, and woke up this morning with the most perfect half curls ever. Sometimes (like 0.5654% of the time...) I actually like having curly hair.

this is your life, yeah it's cliche (what I wore today)

2009-09-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

The look I wore today was inspired by Clueless, haha! So many cute little outfits in that movie. It's a classic, I don't care what anybody says. Classic.

H&M tank and long sleeved cardigan (hey, I work there, leave me alone for wearing so much of it! ;P), Guess pleated skirt, H&M wool socks (I can tell these are going to be amazingly warm in winter over tights!) D&G belt, and Michael Kors flats (not pictured)

My Mission..

2009-09-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Should I choose to accept it, once I have money again, is to shop exclusively online. When I shop online, I think much more carefully about what I buy: I honestly don't think there's one online purchase that I regret. Well, maybe the vintage military jacket. But I might wear that once I take out the shoulder pads...

Anyway, compared to the impulse buys I've made in person? Ridiculous. So I figure if I get clothes at H&M (where I work, so there's no point in not wearing the clothes, they're so damn cheap) and get all the other fun stuff online, where they're usually cheaper anyway (aka have you ever seen prices like Bluefly and Yoox in stores? I think not) and where I'll think harder about what I buy. Good plan, yes?

Yay!

2009-09-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago, I discovered what was possibly the most perfect necklace in existence. This necklace, of course, was a huge vintage Razza Pisces pendant. I was immediately smitten.

It's from a line of costume jewelry from the 60s to the early 70s, and they're very collectible - aka super hard to find, blah. Unfortunately for me, the Pisces is especially popular. I scoured the internet, emailed antique dealers, and generally went crazy searching for a few months. I was actually about to give up my search when I posted my last post - I figured I should just give up and find another pretty Pisces piece instead. AND THEN. Magically, a few days later, I get an email from one of the dealers I contacted ages ago, who actually had one! It's in the mail right now! I'll have to post when I get it, this sucker is 2 months in the making!

Also, a BIG shout out to Nancy at http://www.whimseysantiques.com who made this awesomeness happen.

ny fashion week

2009-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY NY FASHION WEEK, EVERYONE!!! I hope some of our readers get to partake in the fun!!!

2009-09-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've discovered a new love: vintage zodiac jewelry! Back in the 60s-70s-80s, chunky zodiac signs were in, and now I'm on the hunt for my very own vintage Pisces pendant.

Now mostly I'm not into horoscopes, and I'll admit to calling them hokey every now and then, but there's no possible way to deny how well my sign suits me - maybe because I was born right in the center of the Pisces time frame, but every single thing I've read about describing the personality of Pisces people is me, exactly. Like, so exact that it's incredibly creepy and I seriously wonder if the people who write about it are stalking me. SO, I think that a vintage necklace would be ironic and awesome. Sadly, I haven't found the perfect one yet. I'm on the hunt!

Also, I'd like to thank Hope for being awesome and updating our blog while I was busy with frosh week :D

i wanna get back to the old days when the phone would ring and i knew it was you.

2009-09-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

New Ray Bans!!
LOVE.

let's have some fun, this beat is sick.

2009-09-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well, my Taylor Momsen inspired Ray Bans came in the mail today and I'm in love with them! I haven't taken them off since I opened the box. Pictures will come tomorrow. But here are some of Miss Momsen.

2009-09-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

I just remembered that I didn't do my Saturday silliness this week! I've been a bit distracted by frosh week partying, haha. But here you go!

i'll be your sleeze sister

2009-09-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

EDIT: Figured it out. Tarina Tarantino designed it specially for Taylor's sweet 16. Jealous. I want it. Not that I have any use for a tiara. But... you know. Kristen, please make this okay.

i simply remember my favorite things and then i don't feel so bad

2009-09-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga's wig with the bow. Cutest EVER. And totally outrageous, but look how cute!

For those of you who haven't been turned onto the Gaga craze, check her out on YouTube.

- LoveGame
-PokerFace
- Just Dance
- Eh, eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)

can't break free from the things that you do

2009-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well. I need to do this. I just do. I ADORE Kelly Rutherford. I have to admit though, when I started watching Gossip Girl, I wasn't so sure about Lily. Now... Lily Van der Woodsen is clearly my favorite character... And I'm not sure where it started or what changed. But honestly, Kelly Rutherford is one of my favorite people. And yes, I DVR Hollywood Squares. I think she's absolutely hilarious and adorable. So Kelly, if you ever happen to read this, I ADORE YOU. Adoration is really a bigger deal than love in my world. JSYK.

She also has the cutest collection of beautiful handbags. Yes, examples will follow this long blog about my fascination and love. She has this gorgeous ostrich Birkin... and then she has a kind of... creamish colored Kelly... Hermes, of course. And she has a bunch of other cute bags. Those two being my main obsessions. Because once I have the money, I'm treating myself to a matching Kelly. The bag, not her.

So I think it's safe to say she's adorable, right? And the bags are awesome, right? And those shoes in the picture at the top, the snakeskin, they're gorgeous. I want them. I need to know who they're by. Because I'm just sick when it comes to shoes. And bags. And clothes. And people have been hating on that pink dress, but I actually thought it was cool. With the pleated section in the back. Anyway. I think she's wonderful. And I want to work with her someday. Kelly, play my mother in some movie about an adopted Asian girl. Cool? Cool. Glad we could get this worked out. Also, if we could become best friends that would be awesome too. And the chances of her reading this madness are low. But that's not stopping me. I will awkwardly confess my love for her right here on this blog. In fact, I already did. Several times. So... congrats Hope, you're really awkward.

I was going to look for some more pictures but I figured that would be too much spam for one night. Anyhow. All that needs to be said, I love Kelly Rutherford and her Hermes bags.

:)

2009-09-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

Finally all moved into the dorm room...ours is awesome, all the RAs keep coming in to say how awesome it is :D

We changed the layout so out beds are beside each othere haha. Like a big sleepover!

My closet. I thought I kept my shoe collection moderately small! Apparently people say otherwise. There's 2 other shelves in the room containing shoes haha.

Our makeup station. Oh hi, Chace Crawford.

Also, I need these Givenchys. They would complete the shoe closet, yes?

Fall shoe picks!

2009-09-04T10:54:00.001-07:00

First of all, YAY HOPE! Y'all should see her shoe collection. It's ridiculous in the best possible way. :D

Secondly, my fall shoe picks: apparently I like black and white right now haha..

No outfit posts lately because all my clothes are packed up and ready to be moved to my dorm room at university. I'm super excited, because my roommate is my bestie of many years and we're combining our wardrobes - her tight, bright, and pretty meets my quirky, girly, and ruffly haha. It's sure to be an interesting wardrobe explosion. :)

bittersweet and it's all your fault

2009-09-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should introduce myself before I just jump right in. I'm Hope. I'm a friend of Kristen's. And together we make FIERCEEE. I'm currently in this Taylor Momsen phase. I mean, fashion-wise. Music-wise, totally into her band The Pretty Reckless but I'm also into Joan Jett and Blondie... The Ramones... Demi Lovato. And of course Miley Cyrus. Because I have the most eclectic mix of things on my iPod. Umm... I however go through periods of A.D.D. and one day I'll be going with sort of a Taylor Momsen look and the next day I'll be wearing something that's entirely NOT Taylor Momsen's current style... I alternate... because I love to mix it up. That's basically all that needs to be said in this paragraph so MOVING ON.

Currently wanting:

Black leather motorcycle jacket a la Taylor.
Leather jacket with a hood. I like hoods a lot.
More slip dresses. Preferably stuff I can mess with a lot.
Hanes men's white v-necks! The most comfortable things I own. Toss them on with a pair of leggings and a pair of cute boots and I'm good to go.
I need new tights. Fun tights. And then plain black tights.
Leggings. I got these awesome leggings at this janky Saks outlet... but they're SO soft and they have cute zippers running about four inches up the leg. I love them.
Fishnets. I have a pair but they're getting a little worn. I also want to get some ones with bigger holes... I don't know if that's the right terminology but, I don't even care.

Music to check out

Do the Panic by Phantom Planet
Zombie by The Pretty Reckless
Sleeze Sister by The Pretty Reckless (via YouTube)
Black Leather by Joan Jett
Fetish by Joan Jett
Obsessed With You by The Orion Experience

Things I'm waiting for (in the mail. Hurry up.):

Prada over the knee boots
New Ray Ban aviators! the 62mm, arista frame with green polarized lenses. I can't wait.

Well. This was wayy too long. But I'm avoiding my homework. NICE TO MEET ALL YOU READERS.

I'm a dork, I know

2009-09-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is kind of a kickass book. I think I would bang the author just for his brain.

...now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Yoox makes my heart hurt

2009-08-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, hi there Yoox, why so awesome? Why must you make me cry with amazing deals when I have no money? Siiigh. 60% off, yo! Well, here are the amazing finds:

Comme des Garcons sandals, size 6 (MY SIZE, FML)
$142

Buy them for me. Somebody. Haha.

Lanvin sandals (size 11, so I don't feel so bad)
$160

Marni high heeled sandals (also a 6, fmllllll)
$225

And finally, the most amazing Margiela boots EVER:

AWESOME. Awesomeawesomeamazing. And they're $215, down from $525, in a size 6, kill me now. WAAAAANT.

Alexis Mabille

2009-08-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

I'm confessing now to my utter adoration of this collection. At first I was kind of like 'meh, the styling could have been better', but then I read the motivation behind the fall collection: in the words of Alexis Mabille, it's about a "girl waking from a languorous night of dreams tangled in her bedclothes". It's not how I would have styled the clothes, but within the theme, it works. Plus, they're gorgeous.

Saturday Silliness

2009-08-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

Some things that made me laugh this week:

1. Bananabasket's YouTube Parodies of Patti LuPone's Diction

Totes swiped this from the [title of show] blog, but this guy's parody of Patti LuPone singing Rainbow High is just too good to not repost! A must watch for theatre nerds :)

Oh Patti. *I* understand what you're saying. Er, sort of.

2. Choose Your Own Adventure Books With One Possible Ending:

Cheerful!

3. This Runway Model:

She's got a job to do and she's not taking any of their hippie bullshit, haha! This is why I love fashion. Hah. I don't know what show this was, but I believe it's Dior? Correct me if I'm wrong!

Look out for this every Saturday. I've got a whole computer full of this craziness!

My Latest Obsession...

2009-08-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ostwald Helgason is my newest addiction right now - I can't wait to get my hands on one of their pieces! I first fell in love with the bright, fun pieces from SS 09:

The designs reminded me of The Nutcracker ballet - so I wasn't surprised
to find out that the SS 09 collection was inspired by ballet russes' les noces

But what really has my heart all aflutter is some of their amazing pieces for this season:

Look at the detail!

This jacket is from AW 08, but I'm still 100% in lust with it. I neeeed one! Apparently I can't find one anywhere online though...any ideas?

Dancing in the back yard, kool-aid mustache and butterfly wings

2009-08-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

And then Pookie came to join in the fun!

Do any colours here look off to you? My monitor can be deceiving sometimes!

Top from Guess, skirt from H&M, belt is D&G, chunky wedges from somewhere, I can't remember their origin I've had them so long! Vintage pearls courtesy of my mom in the 80s, green wooden beads also of unknown origin.

Paper bag princess or just...paper bag?

2009-08-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

I love Stella McCartney, I really do. But it's hard to be loyal when she comes out with something like..this. Maybe with a belt, a blazer, and some killer shoes, it could be awesome. But on that pointy headed Barney's mannequin, I'm trying to decide what it most resembles: a paper bag, or a potato sack?

Stella McCartney Organic Tie Front Dress, $1095, Barneys

Yum?

2009-08-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Possibly the most delicious looking shoes known to man. As in, the ballerina pink froth of leather on the front of the shoe actually looks good enough to eat. It just looks like whipped frosting or crepes or something!

Er, nobody else has fantasies of eating $1850 shoes? My bad.

Christian Louboutin, at Barneys

Retail Porn

2009-08-26T11:21:00.001-07:00

I would be lying if I didn't say that I love online shopping – the privacy, the variety, the anticipation of your shiny new purchase's appearance on your doorstop. It's certainly a welcome change from the pulsing music and pushy salespeople of the average retail store. However, online shopping has it's own set of downsides. Ranking high on that list is something I've come to call 'retail porn'. Otherwise known as 'things you see online and can't buy but keep looking at'.

It always happens the same way: find an item, fall in love with said item, and discover some valid reason that we could never be together. This, of course, leads to obsessive ogling of that item anyway – sneaking a peek before checking my email in the morning, using the magnifying glass tool to inspect every seam, trying to come up with a valid reason for finally purchasing it. If I were to do that in stores, I would probably be hauled out of the mall in a straightjacket. Online anonymity, however, has made it easy for me to lurk, drooling over a Chloe wallet like it's the female equivalent of 'Dirty Dirty Lesbians Gone Wild”. I know I'll never buy the wallet, the same way a guy knows he's not going to be surrounded by wild dirty lesbians any time soon. Nevertheless, I continue to lust. Take, for example, a gorgeous vintage Armani bomber jacket from Atlantis Vintage, with an attractive price tag to match. According to the size, it's a 6-8, and no matter how small and adorable it looks on the mannequin, the measurements confirm that yep, I would be swimming in it, and not in the cute way either. Doesn't stop me from pouting over it daily, dreading that day I see that little 'sold' sign and cursing my small stature. For online sample sale sites such as Gilt Group, or end of season sales online at Barneys, I usually end up with a few things in my cart before realizing the horrifying truth – they don't ship to Canada, or even take Canadian payments. Thus begins another cycle of drooling over half-off Lanvin pumps and the last pair of deeply discounted Louboutins that just happen to be in my size.

But life does go on, albeit with a little extra time wasted every day looking at things I'll never have, and coming to terms with that. Has anyone experienced the same phenomenon? What's your retail porn?

Here are mine:

First of all, the aforementioned jacket from Atlantis Vintage

Some impossible Barney's items I fell in love with,

Fendi:

Lanvin:

Chloe Wallet:

And a current favourite of mine, these dazzling sunglasses from a-morir

When Cougars Attack

2009-05-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Matthew Williamson is designing a line for H&M right? And it's like getting Pucci stuff for H&M prices, which is awesome. The stuff at my store sold out in 14 minutes, so I went to the Eaton's centre to see if they still had some, which they did. But it was INSANITY. HOMG. Me and a crazy bleached blonde, pointy toed platform wearing cougar extraordinaire were both trying to get the size 2 in this patterned one piece, and SHE. KICKED. ME. IN. THE. SHIN.

I GOT KICKED BY A COUGAR. But while she was distracted by kicking me, I grabbed it and booked it out of there :P There was these really cute bikinis but I didn't even TRY because I would have to try and find my size in both pieces and pft, so not happening, but now I have my bellybutton pierced and don't even have a new bikini. Haha. In my defensee, it was insane in there. Insanity makes you do crazy things.

That was enough excitement for a long, long, time.

Overreaction to an Overreaction

2009-04-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

So we were walking to the mall today, and I was wearing a pair of super cute shoes that I thought were giving me blisters, but it was no big deal. UM YEAH. We get there, I take my shoe off, and my foot is GUSHING BLOOD. So I go to the mall assistance or whatever desk, and ask for a bandaid. I show the lady my ankle, she goes pale, and gets on her walkie talkie, and starts going "WE HAVE A CODE 857, I REPEAT, WE HAVE A CODE 875"

That's when the stacked sexy beast of a security guard came in with his giant first aid kit, and I had to sit down as he cleaned and bandaged my ankle while my friend went and bought me flip flops. And of course the only chair is super tall and the guy is kneeling at my feet and I'm trying not to flash him because I'm wearing a super short skirt. And then I had to give him my driver's license, and file an INJURY REPORT.

*CRINGE*

Moral of the story kids: don't wear uncomfortable shoes, and if you do, check to make sure you're not dripping blood. :D

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