Left my heart at the airport

Oh look, I’ve been revealed. There I am, not the dashingly handsome lad leering seductively into the camera. The other one, with the gummy smile. I don’t always show that much gums, I promise. It took us a while to get that picture. Lord knows it has taken me forever to finally decide to ‘show’ my face. But it was a wonderful moment, last night. Loud music thumping, my beautiful friend starring into my eyes, assuring me everything will be okay. Along with my newfound friend looking on and sharing an expensive margarita pizza with me. I learned a lot about people. And I will be making my movements accordingly. I am not an entourage type of girl, perhaps when I was younger, but now, though I realise I cannot be the introvert I was in Toronto, I have to be extra careful considering the direction I am heading.

There are people that want to be your friend for the novelty of it. Then there are friends that are making movements that will help you, and you will help them just as much. Contrary to a lot hearsay, I have been blessed with friends in London who actually care, and are working as a collective to make things happen. Those who I have had to question, for any reason, will be kept at arm’s length. If they are new to the equation, I am open, but with caution. And then there are the ones I just get on with, my spirit takes to them, and I’ll go with the motions. This is crucial. There was something I left behind in Canada.

Something I thought I held dear to me. And it wasn’t until I finally let it go that I realise how free I felt. Now, I meet people, and I can compartmentalize. I just know where that person fits into my life, if at all. And because I trust GOD, there are people who I know I can trust completely, because of the blessing. I’m not immune to bad judgement. It gets the best of all of us. But after downing a shot of Absinthe in addition to two Jack Daniels and Cokes and not feel a damn thing, I have got to be one tough cookie.

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Acne Menswear Fall/Winter 2011

A (very) brief review

Acne‘s Fall 2011 collection represents the transition from boy to man. And it makes sense. “When did you last see young boys in proper coats, a well-ironed shirt and neat trousers?” Jonny Johansson asks. Well, a lot more than he may think.

Young men are developing their own interpretations of the ‘dandy’. Man bags, colourful blazers and trench coats have become major trends on streets across the globe. However, Acne’s menswear collection takes the concept further: many young men may not be quite in tune with exploring their feminine side. So why not offer them an alternative to ‘scrub it up’?

At time, some of the overcoats look a bit robust, which in the real world, may appear a bit out-of-place on a young’un trying to look dapper. However, the tailored suits and streaks of colour, along with the slightly cut trousers are winners. A success.

You can find a selection of favourites on my TUMBLR.

If you’ve read my blog, you already know I have an obsession with Jil Sander. I don’t know how it happened. But boy am I glad. I don’t really know how it happened, but Jil Sander has become apart of my style mantra. If I’m not punk-Goth, or street, I’m minimal. I suppose the clean lines are what first attracted me to the brand, and I never strayed. I’m a loyal type of gal. Good things come to those who wait. While I can’t afford, for the time being, to purchase the brand in its higher price points – under its new designer, Raf Simons – I am more than happy to indulge in the ‘accessible’ brand by the original Jil Sander.

After continuous musing, for the first time I bought my Uniqlo +J was in March of this year. I bought a military green blazer. Since coming back to London, I bought this stunning, absolutely stunning, short-sleeved cocoon dress in black. All I could feel was overwhelmed. Because, I have my outfits, thanks to this coveted brand, mapped out for Paris Fashion Week. And Milan Fashion Week should I choose to go.

You don’t need to look too closely to see the quality in this item. From the stitching to the cut, Jil Sander has done a phenomenal job executing her vision using mass-production methods. All the while, the standards are high. This is a feat not many can do. I’m not one to go crazy over high-street collaborations. I did not by the Lavin for H&M collaboration, matter-of-fact, nor any of the editions from that series. It was not because the clothing was not good. Quite the contrary. It was simply because I was waiting for something that would speak to me.

I no longer buy clothing for the sake of buying clothes. I travel, which has lead to careful editing. It is imperative that I have staple pieces that I will cherish for years. It has come to the point that I wear things until they get holes. That’s how much longevity and practicality means to me. And this is why this collaboration means as much to me as it does.

So, here’s to a successful union. I look forward to a fruitful life with one of the most economical brands in the world.

See more of my favourite items on my TUMBLR

Life in London – Update

Those of you that read my last post were a bit shocked. Actually, anyone I told my story to was a bit surprised. I don’t really know why. It never occurred to me to be afraid, or wary about these things. I’ve been a bit nutty for as far back as I can remember. I’ve jumped into cars with people I don’t know. Went to big cities with no where to stay. I’ve done it all. Literally. So, if I end up in a mild situation in a place I once called home anyway, it’s not that big of a deal to me. You know, I’d rather be doing that in London than nothing in Toronto. And to think, my family members tried to get me NOT to come to London. Right now, there’s no where else I’d rather be.

Which brings me to where I am now. In less than a week, I’ve been threw it all. Almost, and the good that came out of it leads me to believe there’s someone with silver wings watching over me. I’ll admit that some mandatory stuff, like mailing things, have put a dent in my pockets. But that’s been balanced out with other great things. Truth be told, I needed to be here. And it’s not as bad as it could have been. The ball just needs to keep rolling.

Oh! I found out that Jil Sander will be designing indefinitely for Uniqlo. How happy could I be?

God is good

Lost in London

OK. So I am back in the UK. I expect this to be some trying times. You know, you’ll find out who has your back, who’s really going to help you out in times of need and all that good, celestial stuff.

I got in at about 12PM. Had to do the check in. Landed in a cab. For some reason, I couldn’t help but feel I was getting ripped off. Landed in front of the first and only hostel I assumed would be available when I got in. The doors were locked. No one was answering the door. What’s a girl to do? I acted on instinct. From the outside, I could hear some in the ‘kitchen’ so, I hopped the fence and knocked on the window. Someone was in, didn’t speak English. He came to the door. There were one of those direct dial phones in the front. As it turns out, the hostel was booked. Realized that I had to think quickly. Very quickly. My luggage was falling apart at the handles. So, knowing I could not take my stuff around with me, I through them in the garbage pale of the hostel in hopes of coming back to get them later. Was about to make my way to the tube until it hit me: go back. With my intuition in tact, I made my way back to the building. I stood outside and listened very carefully. Sounded like someone was in the kitchen again. Knocked on the window, scared him this time. “Hi! I thought I could stay here but this hostel is booked. If I give you 20 pounds can I leave my bags with you until I find somewhere?” He was kind enough not to charge me and brought my bags in. I took the most important stuff: my iPhone, chargers. I figured, fuck it. If people are gonna steal, they’re gonna steal. But all I have is prayer and it’s time to get tough. Besides, I suppose some will enjoy my knickers anyway. But I have to tread lightly with this. I don’t want to contact too many people. Just the pertinent ones.

Ended up in Kilburn tube, bought a zone 1-3 travel card. Started messaging people I know on Facebook and via email. All I can say is ‘We’ll see what happens.’

I’m not worried. Not in another english speaking country. I’ve been stranded in New York City, was a lone solider in Paris, didn’t know my way around in Barcelona. I suppose it’s not so much what you do, but how you do it.

Parting ways

I move a lot. So, over the years, parting ways with ‘stuff’ starts to feel less invested. Then again, I’ve been lucky. I’ve always had somewhere to store something: grandparents, friends, but this time around, I’m really treating this move back to London with maturity.

At first, I thought it’d be easy. Then I started going through my things. Inspection suddenly causes introspection, and that’s when emotions kick in. Memories kick in. I am a hoarder, kind of. But with my moving around, I have also learned to live in confined spaces which meant less things. I thought they were ‘just stuff’, I guess I was wrong.

I thought about selling my stuff on craigslist. Then I decided not to. I’m donating them. My hope is that they’ll make someone just as happy as they made me. I mean, that type of thing is priceless…

Sponge Bob, I’m gonna miss you kid. Even when and if I ever come back to the T.Dot, there will never be another you. Sure, I can go another you, but I’ve had you for over five years. You’ve been through washing machines, you’ve been a cushion as confidant, so many things. You’ve gained so much character over the years. I don’t think I even loved my Barbies this much as a kid. Then again, you were a practical and multipurpose tool.

Ah, my recorder. I bought you how long ago? I can’t remember. But you’re obviously old school. And you’ve been replaced by a more tedious yet high-tech device. But we’ve had some great moments and interviews. With you, I’ve had everyone from Lil’ Scrappy and Brooke Hogan, to Drake, The Cool Kids and Kid Cudi. You have screwed me over and you’ve been my savior. But I think what’s most important is that you were there during the pivotal moments of my career.

I suppose this is why I say I’m a hoarder. When I first left for the UK in 2008 it was a lot worse. I spent thousands of dollars on magazines and books. This time I was much smarter. But, you know, when you realize you’re parting ways with a back issue of Vogue from 1964, matter of fact, you’ve got a time line of magazine at your disposal. You’ve strategically organized your collection from edgy to commercial. And all of these readings, even if you’ve never read them (which hurts even more) come to define who you are and exactly where you’re heading. This is the one reason that I will settle down. Because as long as I’m living, I told this memory close to my heart.

Excuse my language but you see this computer? This right here is the mutherfucker. And I mean that in the nastiest way possible. OK. I’ll admit that it was on its last legs, I was even told that when I brought it into Future Shop when it was acting up. But the fact that it couldn’t just hold on a little bit longer. The fact that it gave up and out on me THE DAY BEFORE I was leaving, that’s just not cool. What sickens me even more is that there’s stuff on there that I need: Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, documents, etc. I was told that after all the costs, it would be better to just get a new computer. Forget that. I need this computer. We weren’t together for very long, maybe four months or so. And maybe I wasn’t the nicest to it, but I was not terrible. I had it on 24 hours a day, this is true. But it became a life line. I need this life line when I get to the UK. Man, I can’t even go on about this anymore. To hell with you.

And yes, there’s clothes as well. A lot of you who know me, who read my blog, know me as all black everything, or jeans, tees and kicks. But I’ve got a lot going on. I’ve got rid of a (real) fur coat I’ve never worn. Beautiful blouses, dresses, colourful ensembles (yes, I adorn colour!) and lots and lots of shoes. I’ve donated them all the my nearest Salvation Army (on Queen and Landsdowne). If even if I don’t see you, I know you copped my shit.

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Kris Van Assche Fall/Winter 2011/2012

A very brief review.

Fall/Winter 2011-2012 is the mark of a new silhouette for Kris Van Assche’s eponymous collection. Roll over funnel necks, over-sized knits and low slung trousers are a way of life for this man of style. He’s been on a path to self-discovery during a time when men were in skirts, heels and lipstick. He has risen to the ranks as a self-assured dresser and he knows exactly where he is going.

Round collars and zippers were key trends in the collection. And though Assche knows how to work his blacks, there were elements are caramel overcoats and perfectly creased white button-ups. A notable accessory was the Eastpak bag in collaboration with the designer that slung over the shoulder for an added touch of sophistication. However, let us not forget Assche’s talent: shoes. And there were many. Whether in the form of a black lace-up with a thin beige lining around the heel, or a low-cut burnt sienna loafer, the footwear was a ‘step’ towards the maturity Kris Van Assche is gearing his line towards.

Shout out to Bayoucool and Kris Van Assche’s team for providing the video and images.

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In with the new

converse THE WHO british flag stitch via gravity pope

I don’t really have anything to say. I tried once. It was hard. Now I’m trying again. Hello UK. The place I’ve wanted to return to for a long time. I will, however, say this:

When I pull up in something new and park it by the haters,
And when you get to talkin’ bout the greatest, I just really hope that
You’ll think of me,
I just really hope that (you’ll think of me)
I just really hope that (you’ll think of me)
‘Cause I’m trynna be unforgettable.

“Unforgettable” Drake featuring Young Jeezy

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Out with the old…

Supra Skate Shoes with the Canada flag via Supra on Foot

It’s about two days until I head back to the UK. Once again. New life, new start, less screw ups. Well, the latter is inevitable – I’ve experienced some royal mishaps already – but it’s good times. At least it should be.

I know where to start; not from the beginning, somewhere in the middle. You know, I remember being told, when I first moved to London, that you could create a whole new identity if you wanted. But I don’t want to do that. I’m me. I’d rather create an extension of myself.

I’m a Canadian of Caribbean heritage. I grew up in Toronto. I traveled, when I a kid, to my family’s home country – Dominica – went to the US for one month when I was 18. And never traveled again until 2008. I was 26 (I’m still in my 20s, don’t get it twisted). So, you can imagine the frustration I felt with Toronto. When I came back to Toronto in 2009, things somewhat appeared to be getting better.

But I mean, really, I don’t want to go to The Bay, or Holt Renfrew every week for a fashion event. I’m sorry, I just don’t. It’s the same old shit here. Especially when it comes to the fashion scene. Some people don’t want to rock the boat about this, but, as much as I support the organic talent in Toronto be it the designers, and the culture. The scene can be a different flex altogether. It’s in its own little orbit that’s far away from the rest of the fashion globe. Mind you, there are some brands, concepts, people that are open to new things. I’ve been very fortunate to meet a few. And I hold those few very closely to me. But I’m not going to be knocking down doors that quite frankly, just a waste of my time. And those people, places, things that have been on their high horses know exactly who and what I’m talking about.

So, I have to try to make sure this is it, you know. But before I go, here’s a little homage to the place that’s been my home. I did see a lot of beauty in you, I really did.

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Some morning fun

Shout out to Hightsnobiety for locking these down.

I use to be a Sponge Bob freak. Shoot. I still have my SB pillow. He’s tucked behind me right now. But there was a time when I was ‘Sponge cards, Sponge cards, Sponge Bob everything.” Down to my PJs. So I got a bit sentimental when I came upon these Sponge Bob glasses by the newly launched French eyewear brand Nunettes. But for those of you trying to get on these (they’re available at Colette), don’t get your hopes up, they’re already sold out. Probably because they’re only 29 euro a pair. If you’re a patriot, you can get your Nunettes in ode to your home country. I’m not missing out, though. I haven’t seen Canada on their map.

You can check out some of my favourites on my Tumblr