I need somebody to walk on my back...

Some annoying person in my building has been on a new schedule this week. FYI, getting up at 5am and banging around like crazy in your apartment for an hour before my alarm goes off is NOT COOL. As I tossed and turned for that hour, I was in extreme discomfort, as my entire upper back is in knots. I can barely move. I guess it's stress? God, stress affects me a million ways. I hit up a yoga class after work today because I felt like I needed to release some of the tension and stretch it out right now. In truth, what I need, is somebody to walk on my back. Seriously. That said, I could not be more excited that it's Friday! It's been a stressful week, but I'm learning not to be so hard on myself. Even superstars can take a night off here and there, right? I'm looking forward to my Granville Island running circuit with Shawna tomorrow morning...it's our new Saturday tradition. We're in training for the Sun Run, coming up in April.
Plus, it will help us to work off those yam fries we noshed on during Top Model on Wednesday; which, by the way I'm not even going to do a full post on this week because it was such a bore. Kimberly leaving just proved how lame it is that she was ever even on the show to begin with. I'm still supporting Team Claire...hoping that next week's makeover show can keep me entertained (not to mention inspired to write about it).


Photo: popbytes

One of my favourite babes, Gwen Stefani, will be gracing the cover of V Magazine next month. This magazine is quickly becoming one of my must reads (and y'all know what an obsession I have with the glossy things). Interesting articles about art, fashion and music seem like a given but I'm finding it's more of a rarity than one would think in this new age of trashy tabloid mags full of invasive paparazzi photos, advertising and containing no articles worth mentioning. V magazine probably knows that it shouldn't take too much effort to entertain the likes of their 20-something superficial hipster demographic as long as the visuals seem stylish and modern, but they put in the extra effort anyway. I will tell you right now that this magazine is worth a glimpse. This issue in particular contains far more than photos of pretty girls in pretty clothes. Definite creative and artistic flair across the board here, folks. I love. To see the full photo spread with Miss Stefani, check out PopBytes.com.

Photo: Smelly Danielly on Flickr

Another babe who I would like to highlight today is a long time favourite Vancouver blogger of mine. Smelly Danielly has been writing online since back in 2005. This girl is as funny as she is cute, not to mention sweet as can be. If she's not already on your reading list, stop by once and I guarantee that you'll keep going back. A fellow fashionista, she writes with passion about life, work and her thoughts and feelings. Her anecdotes are at once hilarious and brilliant plus her page is always covered in new photos. I would go for crepes, coffee and good conversation with this girl anytime.

We love that basketball...

Photo: MLive

Ok, so it's not the NBA... but Vancouver is getting a new basketball team. They're set to play in the semi professional International Basketball League. The yet to be named team will begin playing in the 2009 season, which starts on Friday March 27th, 2009 It sounds like their home court will be out in the 'burbs where I grew up, as they are slated to play out of the new Langley Events Centre currently under construction in Willoughby. Click here for details about the 'Name The Team' contest.

Team owner Jonathan Mara said, “Vancouver has gone long enough without professional basketball since the loss of the Grizzlies and during that same time period there has been a dramatic increase in participation in youth, high school, college and university basketball. The IBL will be a natural extension of the basketball growth British Columbia has experienced over the past five years.”

Amen. As you know, I love any opportunity to watch this sport, so of course I am absolutely over the moon. I will definitely become a permanent fixture at their home games. For more information about the IBL and its players, click here. It's about time we had some b-boys back in town to support!

Lightning could strike

I want you to get swept away out there.
I want you to levitate.
I want you to sing with rapture.
Be deliriously happy,
or at least leave yourself open to be.

Love is passion, obsession,
someone you can't live without.
I say, fall head over heels.
Find someone you can love like crazy,
who will love you the same way back.

How do you find him?
You forget your head and you listen to your heart.
There's no sense in living without this.
To make the journey and not fall deeply in love, well,
you haven't lived a life at all.
But you have to try, because if you haven't tried,
you haven't lived.

Photo: favspottr on Flickr

In the movie Meet Joe Black, a lot of really wonderful things are said.
I always go back to it. I always think "levitate. rapture. passion."
All those things.

There may not be any deep love for me at the moment-
but things like this-
words like this and ideas like this-
they keep the belief there.
I see it in my family.
My mom and dad's love for one another.
Deliriously happy.

There's an image in my mind that I cannot shake these days.
It is half memory- half vision of a dream.
It is perfect.

This has been a hard month.
February has been mad at me.
But last night there was a twinkle of light-
hours of undiluted delight.
I realized that true friends can be made at any time,
during any season, even amidst months that are mad at you.

This friend had me over for dinner and wine...
but it was so much more than that.
It was a solidification of parallels.

Walking on stilts at the edge of your mind

Photo: James Crowle on Flickr

Like a maniac, I have been working relentlessly from home tonight. I was pounding away at my keyboard furiously for hours on end...when suddenly, BAM! the system automatically shuts down. I always forget (especially when I'm on a role) that our cut off is 11pm. Why? WHY? Son of a bitch! I wanted to cry. In all honesty, it's probably a blessing. I really should just go to bed. Perhaps the powers that be are trying to tell me something?

I need to lose myself in my dreams tonight.

My shoulders are soft and these pillows on my bed give perfect support for my tired mind. I have a light that looks like a giant ice cube. I put it on dimly when I climb into bed.
Its soft hum comforts me.

I am reading "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rilke.
It's so beautiful-describing the way an artist lives, the way he has to live, to be, to create. Describing the sadness that sometimes comes-how complicated relationships can be.

It is decidedly so...
that you must do what you love,
that it takes all your life to know who you are,
that there is no need to rush this,
that I am doing all these things.

Let me break the ice

Photo: The CW

Alright ANTM fans...our trash tv Wednesdays have been revived now that the tenth cycle of America's Next Top Model is officially underway. I always find the premiere episodes to be a bit of a blur. You don't know who any of the girls are yet and there are way too many of them to keep track of. Thirty girls are in the running at the beginning of the show-by the end of the first episode, the contestants are cut down to a carefully selected fourteen. Up and coming excitement for this cycle? The apartment will be in New York City. That's reason enough for me to want to watch right there. Plus, there certainly seems to be some personality in this group of hopeful chicas. There has been lots of drama and energy (and mild catfighting) right out of the gate with these babes. I often wonder how much of the dialogue is carefully scripted by diligent writers trying to up the controversy quotient, while being egged on by pushy producers and television execs. Either way, the show is entertaining for the most part, and what I enjoy about it is the inside look at the industry. I'm finding that I'm part of a minority group who still actually likes Tyra...and though I agree that she can be a little over the top at times (ok, waaaaay over the top), and that the show itself has its moments of serious cheese...something keeps me hooked. Whatever that something is, I tune in each and every cycle, like an old habit.
The judging panel seems to be a little bit more honest (mean?) this season. This should be interesting if it continues.
I realize that it's a little premature to make any wagers, but my preliminary favourites are Claire and Katarzyna. I also like Allison. I think Marvita has got to be one of the most annoying model wannabes in the show's history. Um, pretty sure there's a reason why she was not selected in the past. Her attitude (and her bad hair) have gotta go. Fatima seems like too much of a shit disturber to be among my favourites...which means that she will likely stick around for a while to keep things interesting.
What do you think fellow ANTM addicts? Thoughts about the premiere and first impressions of the fresh cycle of ladies?

Oceans of angels, oceans of stars

I don't feel the need to sugar coat here, folks so I'm just going to say it: I thought that last night's Academy Awards were a bit of a snooze fest. I think I tend to build it up, and forget that I enjoy the tradition of watching it more than the actual show itself. Had it not been for the witty banter with my family, the tasty homemade spaghetti in my belly and the handsome charm of Jon Stewart, I don't know that I would have been entertained or satisfied at all.

I was pleased that Javier Bardem won the Best Supporting Actor honour, as I thought that his performance in No Country For Old Men was brilliant...that being said, it's not my kind of movie. at. all. So Best Picture? I know I'm going to get heat for saying this but...that film was just not for me. I do think he's amazing and definitely look forward to seeing future projects from the man though. I was stoked to see Daniel Day Lewis take the Best Actor statue home for There Will Be Blood. Lewis is a phenomenal actor, one of my favourites. Always humble and gracious. Genius.


I fell in love with the beautiful French actress Marion Cotillard, who won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in La Vie En Rose. This is one of the films that I haven't seen, but am dying to. Marion plays the role of Edith Piaf in the film.


The beautiful and brilliant Diablo Cody, writer of Juno, and the winner for Best Original Screenplay deserves props for her fresh and hot red carpet style (and for daring to be herself). I especially love her turquoise skull cocktail ring.


Katherine Heigl was one of the presenters last night. I thought that she looked really beautiful. I'm always a fan of a blonde in red. Glamour at its finest.


Cameron Diaz was another Hollywood babe on the red carpet. I always think she looks great. Last night was no exception. She has a kind of carefree style which I think is hot.


First time attendee and nominee Ellen Page, who was up for her role in Juno looked adorable in a simple black vintage dress. She told Jeannie Becker on the red carpet that she bought the dress at a store called 'Decades.'

Whose red carpet look was your favourite? Thoughts on the show? The winners? The fashion?

You can find a complete list of all the winners here.

All photos: Just Jared

The stars will be out tonight

Image: Audio Excellence

Today is the day. In a few hours, the red carpet will be covered in glam celebrities stepping out for the 80th Annual Academy Awards. Cameras will be flashing, a frenzy of fans and media will be a-buzz outside the Kodak Theatre, as Hollywood's heaviest hitters emerge from limos, dressed to impress. As always, I will watch the show with my mom and dad and I am seriously looking forward to it. As usual, the three of us "movie geeks" have seen the majority of the films that are nominated this year. I love everything about the Academy Awards. I relish critiquing the ensembles of those present, weeping during speeches, cheering for my favourite films and keeping my fingers crossed for those who I think gave the best performances this year.

Photo: ZVents

Jon Stewart is hosting this year's show, which is another point of excitement for me. I have a thing for smart, funny men- what can I say? This will mark Stewart's second stint as Oscar host.

Image: Popsugar

Another year and a wealth of brilliant movies and performances to celebrate. I adored several of the "best picture" nominees, but I think that Juno is number one in my heart. I was also particularly fond of Cate Blanchett's performance in I'm Not There (she is also nominated in the Best Actress category for Elizabeth: The Golden Age). Of course, I am pulling for The Diving Bell And The Butterfly to win in at least a couple of the categories in which it's nominated, most definitely for best writing (adapted screenplay).

For those of you who are as stoked about the Oscars as I am...

Enjoy the show!

We'll reconvene tomorrow to discuss the winners and losers, plus all of the fashion hits and misses.

"Let your imagination set you free..."

Image: Movies.com

"I decided to stop pitying myself. Other than my eye, two things aren't paralyzed, my imagination and my memory..."

For a few weeks now, my friend Shannon has been raving about this "life changing" movie that she saw with her mom called "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly." She let me borrow the book it is based on, which I tearfully read from cover to cover in a single night. I am going to try to get my hands on a copy of the original French version, "Le Scaphandre et le Papillon" because I would love to read that as well.

Shannon agreed to see it for a second time because it's so amazing, so last night we headed uptown to see the film. Admittedly, I haven't been motivated to write much of anything this week; however, if anything was going to inspire me, it was the cinematic experience that I had last night. I would venture to say that "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly" is among the best films that I have ever seen in my entire life. Seriously.

It's the true story of French fashion magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby who, in his forties and the prime of his life, awakens from a stroke paralyzed and with "locked in syndrome," meaning he is conscious and alert, but cannot speak. He can only blink his left eye. His therapists develop an elaborate system that allows him to communicate one blink at a time - which he uses to painstakingly dictate his memoirs, upon which the film is based.

It's impossible to read even a sentence of Bauby's miraculous memoir without an awareness of the monumental exertions it must have taken him to write it. Painstakingly dictated, one letter and one blink at a time (his eyelid being the only muscle he could control), it's the work of a fantastically keen and witty mind, trapped in a vegetative state.

The film is flawlessly put together from start to finish. The brilliant performances by every single cast member are striking and genuine. Shannon and I have been endlessly discussing how much this film makes you think. What would you say if you had to blink out each letter of each word? Which people in your life would come and visit you in the hospital? Who would take the time to read to you, talk to you, to communicate through blinking? At a time like this, it would certainly become very clear who your true friends are. And the other question that begs to be asked is, if Bauby was able to write this book with only his mind and his left eye, then what else are we as human beings capable of and what is stopping us? Moving, inspiring, emotional, breathtaking and dynamic, this story is captured with a kind of beautiful touch that I can only describe as magical. I cried at different times throughout the film, but it was when the credits began to roll that my eyes absolutely filled up with tears.

I find myself still welling up at the thought of it and wanting to tell every single person I've ever met that they need to go and see this movie. This story really makes you realize what is truly important. The phrase “triumph of the human spirit” hovers over “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." You have to go and see this film. Experiences like this do not come along very often.

Going to bed with Gravol

The sun on my face has felt so good these last couple days. It has been quite a lovely weekend of getting glammed up, going out on the town, good food, good friends, family time, walks on the beach, genuine laughs, cowboys, Coronas, minor hangovers and reconnecting myself with what I felt I had been missing. People you can say anything to, because it's okay to be who you are.

I'm reading the most beautiful novel, The Diving Bell And The Butterfly. I can't wait to see the film. I love French films.

I reread something I'd written late last year about being sleepless-and I realize it's no different now. Still the prettiest disposition. Still soft words and kind eyes. Still. Still. Still.

I am never sure whether all the people I love understand the way my mind is working these days. I am trying not to worry- but certain topics always make me sigh.

I am going to bed with gravol and music, to soothe me into dreams.

You can never have too much heart

Photo: heartfulhome on Flickr

Christian, in his beautiful french accent, once said, "I've had better days...like, all of them." That's how I feel today.


It was one of those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad mornings.


Like I really needed a flat tire thrown into the mix. I heart BCAA.


Happy freakin' Valentine's Day.


I'm trying my best to smile through it.


Photo: Jessica Smith

I woke up to love and wisdom from Thailand in my inbox this morning. There is comfort in the idea that my cheerleader is still so accessible, even when she's thousands of miles away. She knows just what to say; to shake me up and make me feel better at the same time. Angels of this kind are rare.

I bought two new pairs of tights last night. I love tights and I wish that I could wear them every day.

Sounds like Shaq will play his first game in a Phoenix Suns uniform tonight.

Cristi is trying to feed me double baked almond croissants from Thomas Haas.

Matt has finally come clean about his involvement in Hungarian Wrestling.

I am going to go see a chick flick with Shando tonight and I can't wait.

I want to write a book. I want to write it in innocence and nakedness of spirit (Thomas Wolfe).

Under the gun

So this what they call "crunch time." I am pretty much stressed to the max. Up against a wall, with my nose to the grindstone. I'm a jumble of nerves. Today, I just needed to get 'er done. So, I put my headphones in and turned up the volume. With Beautiful Midnight blasting, I attempted to shut out every other person in the building as I plowed away at my work load. The days are numbered. The target is high. The pressure is on. It's a pressure unlike anything I've ever experienced. All that I can do is work as hard as I possibly can and hope to God that it pays off.


I went for a run tonight, to blow off steam...then I came home and worked away some more. I'm irritable and I'm emotional. I'm also pretty stoked about the pint of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked that's sitting in my freezer. Ice cream cures stress, right Patz?

I'm learning so much right now.

So I will try my best to keep all the thoughts and lessons straight.
I will try my best to keep my head above water,
to keep everyone content,
to keep phones ringing with good news,
to keep the soul in what I'm doing.

This is hard. But this is good.
And I am figuring it out. I am.
Before I let it catch the air-before that space is full of words again.
(do we not all lose strength when we let words get away?)

Nothing's ever simple

Photo: GFX

To drive free, to love free

to court destruction with taunts

to feed the remainder of life

with one hour of fullness and freedom-

one brief hour of madness and joy.

Whitman.

There is a beauty here...

Photo: Blumpy on Flickr

Blogging from under the cozy covers of my bed on Saturday morning.

To Do lists grow and time goes too fast.
My collarbone is sharp today, and my legs are smooth.
I've been rushing with the hours of each day, trying to accomplish things that are out of my control.

Now, I am still. For a moment.

Last night I sat with a girl not unlike myself. We ate wings, drank beer and talked about kissing boys, watching films, and figuring out when it's time to give up on loving someone. Telling secrets and personal things; being open and laughing about our luck, our love, our misfortunes, and our futures.

I'm climbing this mountain, and the view is amazing.
And I am so happy. This is indeed what I want to be seeing.
I wish that I could properly explain what it is exactly that I'm feeling.

***Speaking of mountains, make sure that you click over here to find out how you can support Keira-Anne in next weekend's Ski For MS event at Mt. Washington, a fundraiser for the MS Society of Canada. Props to Keira for getting out there for such an important cause.***

Do you want me to slam it? Yeah!

Photo: CNN

Another recent happening that I have been wanting to discuss is the fact that my Phoenix Suns have acquired Shaquille O'Neal in a deal that sends four-time All-Star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat. Kristina sent me a disgruntled e-mail yesterday morning. She is one Suns fan who is NOT impressed with the idea of having to cheer for the Shaqster alongside our boy, Stevie. I mean, come on, get a load of this doofus:

Photo: Spohnranch

An official announcement came about the pairing of the speedy Suns and the slow but at one time-all mighty Shaq when he cleared a physical exam this week.

The trade is most definitely a very dramatic move by first-year Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr. The move signals an unexpected change in philosophy for the Suns, adding a 7-foot-1, 325-pound centre who has won four NBA championships but has been plagued by endless injuries in recent years.

Shaq has averaged 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds over his 14-plus NBA seasons. This season, he's been dealing with injury after injury and is also going through a divorce. He's currently averaging 14.2 points. His 14-year streak as an All-Star choice came to an end this year. He missed much of the 2006-07 season with a knee injury and finished that year with career-lows in games (40), scoring (17.3 points), rebounds (7.4), minutes (28.4) and free-throw percentage (.422).

The Heat have lost 19 of their last 20 games and have the NBA's worst record at 9-37. The Suns are hoping that Shaq will be healthy and more motivated when he moves to the desert. For the three-plus seasons since Steve Nash came to town, the Suns have been fan favourites. But they have consistently fallen short in the playoffs, never making it to the finals. The Suns have the best record in the West (34-14) but have not played up to their own expectations. Their interior defense is among the NBA's worst. Kerr apparently felt that without a large presence inside, Phoenix could not combat the big men, such as Andrew Bynum and Tim Duncan, in the playoffs. With O'Neal on the court, Stoudemire can play his more natural power forward position. O'Neal's move west adds fuel to the already intense rivalry between the Suns, the Lakers and his old teammate Kobe Bryant.

Shaq entered this season talking about how he wanted to win at least one more title, saying his "legacy" wouldn't be complete unless he left the game with at least five rings.

"The first thing to winning a championship is the belief you can do it," O'Neal said. "Now I think these guys really believe they can do it. The sun will rise in Phoenix."

Photo: Discogs

This is a tough move for me to take as well. As a kid, I dribbled around my elementary school gym, warming up to the "music" on Shaq's rap CD's. Back in 1992, I loved the guy. He was the first overall pick in the NBA draft that year, taken by the Orlando Magic after playing at Louisiana State University. He went to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 and was traded to Miami in 2004. In these more recent years, Shaq hasn't been one of my favourite NBA superstars. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of his attitude or his arrogance.

Here are some trade reactions.

I suppose only time will tell whether or not this was a smart move for Phoenix. In the meantime, I have offered to lend Kristina all of my Shaq CD's so that she can brush up on his rap tunes (*cough* yes, I do own all of them *cough*) . The sooner she starts supporting our newest player, the better, hehe. Plus, it sounds like his rap skills might be his bigger strength right now. Shaq, who turns 36 next month, attended Wednesday night's game when the Suns lost to New Orleans in double overtime but he isn't expected to be in uniform for at least a couple of weeks.

Random Friday Thoughts

I absolutely love that it's Friday! Tomorrow will be the first Saturday of the new year in which will not set my alarm. Truth be told, I probably won't even sleep in very late...but the idea that I don't HAVE to wake up at a particular time, to the sound of my squawking alarm clock is good enough for me. This weekend I'll be working from home, but the load will be lighter and I am very much looking forward to a little down time. I'm actually quite pumped about doing laundry and cleaning my apartment. Maybe even coffee with Danielle. We spoke on the phone last night, which made me ache like you wouldn't believe for a face to face catchup fest. The wedding date is set. T&D will officially tie the knot on May 30, 2009. I can still remember wondering who the hell those shoes in the foyer belonged to. Who would have known back then...

The Vancouver International Boat Show is going on right now at BC Place. I will be attending, as I do every year. My friend Marc and I have made it somewhat of a tradition to attend the show together. It's definitely the best place to see and buy boats, gear and accessories. From fishing to cruising, to family fun, there are boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget—see everything from motoryachts to kayaks to sailboats displayed on land. Shop booths showcasing the latest in engines, marine electronics and accessories, too. Do either of us own a boat? Nope, but Marc sure wishes that he did! It's always fun to walk around and check out the show. My favourite part is scoping out all of the sweet speed boats and wakeboarding set ups. If you're looking for something to do in the city this weekend, check it out!

When I was 16, I dreamed about working in hip a record store and losing my virginity in Tuscany. My inspiration? The lovely Liv Tyler. Empire Records and Stealing Beauty are still easily two of my favourite movies of all time. Through the years, I've continued to be inspired by this beauty who, quite obviously has her head on straight. She has most recently been spotted around town at events for New York Fashion Week, which is drawing to a close today. Liv was looking babelicious in a 3/4 length white coat at the Calvin Klein show and again in leopard-print Prada, attending a private concert by the Raconteurs at the Prada store in SoHo. To unwind after a long day, I watched Stealing Beauty last night and drank copious amounts of chocolate milk. All that was missing was the crazy straws.

Photo: Popsugar
Photo: People.com

If I can get out of the office at a decent time today...tonight will be Death Cab in our ears, red wine down our throats.

I am still.
Quiet as a cup.

I wish I could carry your smile and my heart

With all the recent New York Fashion Week media coverage, I was reminded of another favourite fashionista of mine. Chloë Sevigny has been all over New York at fashion events, looking fabulous. My favourite Big Love actress and girl to watch on the red carpet, Chloë always gets people talking about what she has on.


An actress who chooses roles as interesting as her clothes, Chloë is one fine looking woman with the ability to pull off looks that most of us wouldn't dare.

Photograph by Pasha Antonov, via wwd.com

Not to mention, her capsule collection for the New York boutique Opening Ceremony looks to be the start of a very successful celebrity line. The photos above feature pieces from her collection. Chloë is one indie icon that deserves respect. Her impeccable style and dedication to the scenesters makes her collection so much more desirable. It's photo tribute time again. If you ask me, Chloë’s been making clothes, influencing style and embodying the fashion forward concept for longer than she has been getting recognized for it. The line will officially launch in February 2008. Click over here to view a video about Chloë's inspirations and how the idea for the line was conceived. Also click here for a fabulous style Q&A with her.
When asked in an interview for Black Book Magazine, Sevigny explains that style has been important to her for her whole life, "from kindergarten on I wouldn’t let my mother dress me. I had very specific tastes, and refused to put on anything she wanted me to wear. I was really into clothes, often kind of outrageous, not quite typical kid-wear, like hats and things."
Love Chloë! Two thumbs up on her style and her clothing line!

**Photos are not property of Work In Progress. All images in this post have been taken from various websites and stockpiled in the archives over the years. If your photo has not been credited and you would like it to be, please e-mail me.**

Is it really only Wednesday?

I've been go, go, go! Weekends, weekdays, they're all work days for me lately. Tonight, it has caught up with me and my body is aching. I'm tired on absolutely every level. But I'm smiling. This job is a journey and not a destination, I do realize that. I'm putting it out there and taking it all in. I'm learning and loving every minute of it.

It has been a week of eating out with clients and colleagues. I've done some fine dining, that's for sure. Tonight, I wanted to cook something healthy for myself and eat at home. I finally turned the key in my apartment door at about 7:30pm, after a quick stop at Capers. I needed to replenish my lame grocery supply, plus I'm addicted to the yogurt covered malt balls from their bulk section and needed to stock up. It's all Shawna's fault.

I've been watching The Science of Sleep, to learn about humble rejection, platonic love, and waiting.

I've been reading a book called Blink,
slowly,
to observe my own snap decisions
and first impressions.

I've been listening to Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Just because I love it.

And I'm wishing on stars.

Dirty girls

It's Fashion Week once again and I've been so busy with work that I haven't even had a chance to post anything about it. So, I've decided to highlight a designer who, in my opinion, has his finger on the proverbial downtown pulse. Did I mention that he's only 24 years old? Enter Alexander Wang.

This man knows how put a fresh spin on old school favourites. Known for creating separates that suit the layered look of today’s ever-expanding ingénue pool, the designer offers plenty of daintily masculine separates and tough-girl clothes for fall. Dark vests of varying lengths, boucle knits, and boxy tweedish jackets were made available in a palette of graphite, beige, and rich, inky black. Edgy biker jackets and leather pants were streamlined into clean silhouettes, left retaining only a whiff of their rebellious origins. Also, grunge-era staples like rolled tees, ripped tights, and sock hats seemed refined when paired with fur clutches and cashmere knits, all of which played well to the crowd.


Always inventive, Wang had bags of dirt brought in to cover the concrete floors at his Fall 08 show last night. Every model left a haze of dirt around her on the catwalk, making for an effect of, um, I don't know, but it was kind of cool.

Wang's collection continued the season's theme of androgynous dressing (see his grandfather sweaters, trousers and vests for evidence). There were also plenty of high-waisted, wide-leg pants, which I'm loving for fall.

I think it's quite possible that my adoration for this collection is drawn from the fact that many of these pieces are in line with the kinds of pieces that I myself have been wearing lately. Perhaps it's the fact that although these are runway looks, they seem slightly inspired by the segment of the industry in which I work, the skate/snow side of things. Either way, I'm obsessed with his Fall 08 looks, which are just edgy enough to set one apart but simple enough to actually wear in real life. I'm a serious fan.

Photos: Coutorture