For What It's Worth

It is easy to get seduced by the lavish, beautiful and frivolous but THINK.

We are supposed to enjoy looking at photos of gourmet cupcakes and pastel coloured macarons but we dare not eat them. Photos have zero calories, but what is the effect on our minds? Seduction comes in the form of a glossy image of overpriced heels, but no one ever photographs sore feet or a credit card statement. Will we ever be able to look at a cover of a magazine without seeing a person who hasn't been snipped and clipped?

We don't want to see real people struggling but we live to see celebrities failing. How many people can name all the members of the Kardashian family but can't name the governor general of Canada*? How many young girls and boys will grow up with florescent screens as friends? How many messages can we send without actually saying one real thing?

I'm not trying to ride some cliched high horse. I do covet pretty things and I sometimes believe they will make me happier, but the quest is always emptier than one that comes from the heart.

Search for something real. Critically analyze what you see. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions. Live for today. Buy nothing for a weekend. Turn off your phone. Surround yourself with people who make you feel amazing. Dispose of those who don't. You're better than that. Don't feel guilty. Read a magazine; don't just look at the pictures. Be a mentor. Go outside. Get healthy, not skinny. Eat the damn dessert if you want to. Listen to the voice that you created, not the one that you read about. Be influenced without being changed.

Above all, in every situation, THINK.
You were always you before the rest of it anyways.

 
*Kim Kris Khloe Kourtney Kylie Kendall Bruce Rob
*David Lloyd Johnston

 *guess which one I had to google?

Something Blue - Not A Model Photo Diary

My cousin Diane is getting married in June and we celebrated her bridal shower last month. It was a departure from the usual Sunday brunch fare with a cocktail party on a Friday night instead. As a bridesmaid, I was on camera duty for the night. I didn't mind, as I find staying behind the lens is the best way to capture the little details and sneak some cookies when no one is looking.

The gifts - umbrellas at a shower? How fitting. I'm obsessed with my new clear dome umbrella, and with all the rain this month, I don't know how I managed without it for so long.

The Shoes - something blue, something Lou.

The bride-to-be - beautiful is an understatement. Imagine on her wedding day? 

The treats - It is a tradition at Italian bridal showers that close friends and families make cookies and treats for the event. Check out the spread below. Everyone got a hefty box to take home and I was a cookie monster for days.

The sis - I think we look more alike when my hair is straight. Well, I sure as heck would love to hope so.

My dress - I will forever be in love with this dress. It reminds me of my day at the Portobello Market in London where I bought it. Oh, and the 'one-size-fits-all' tag means I'll probably be sporting it when I'm 85. 

Emerge Fashion Show 2011

A couple weeks ago, I attended the Emerge 2011 fashion show hosted by the school of fashion studies at George Brown college.

The show was at the Design Exchange in Toronto and I was invited by Not A Model reader and fashion student Tarah K. At the show, I was blown away by the detail and dedication that went into each collection. The scenes were broken down into different categories from daywear to lingerie to street scenes. I could feel the energy in the room as you always can when you are surrounded by people who are passionate and proud of what they do. I especially loved Tarah's mini collection (photo 3) with the amazing tulle skirts and crinoline hoops. Her designs made me want to scoop my hair up in a pony and drink a strawberry milkshake.

That's the thing about fashion, it can evoke the most real desire and images in people who allow themselves to fall in love with it.

Congrats to all the students for a fantastic night and a bright future ahead!

On Moving Out - From suburbs to skyscrapers

What would you do with 3 hours of your life back?

This is the question I ask myself as I have finally made the big switch from the suburbs to the city. After months of talking about moving, searching for a place and drinking my body weight in commuter espresso, it finally happened. 

This past week I was a mess. The first morning I realized I didn't pack spoons so I couldn't eat cereal. I tried to open a can and couldn't figure out how to use my roommate's IKEA can opener, even though she did a full demonstration the night before. The other day, I went to work and left my wallet on my bed. I said to my co-workers, "Hmm...I may be falling apart. I lived away for 4 years at university and yet somehow, I can't get it together?!"

There are also moments when I think of my family and dog all together in my old house and I get a little bit homesick. Cue the Full House sap song. I tell myself that people are continents away from their families and I can see mine with a hop over a highway. It's all part of growing up, I tell myself.

But wait, did I mention that I can walk to work in 5 minutes? 5 minutes! With the move, I have more time to sleep, write, exercise, socialize, live, breathe, relax and just be. I already love living with my roommate Farah who is superwoman and can assemble anything while simultaneously finding me the perfect belt to punch up my outfit. Oh, and I also inherited a cat (Horton) who has decided to fall in love with me and my bedroom. I already find myself leaving for work in the morning with a smile on my face and a hop in my step. I don't recognize my morning reflection anymore, I mean who brought the annoying happy girl?

Cue the musical montage. Look out city, I'm home.

Bill Cunningham New York

Not A Model movie pick

Last week I attended a special pre-screening of Bill Cunningham New York courtesy of FASHION Magazine, the Globe and Mail and Holt Renfrew. A fashionable friend of mine won tickets and invited me as her guest. (Thanks Dee!) After watching the trailer, not only was I intrigued but I had a grand realization: I've "met" Bill Cunningham before.

Please let me apologize for my ignorance in advance.

When I was in Paris, I was so hopeful to catch a glimpse of Scott Schuman because I narrowly thought he was the most famous street style photographer of my time. However, while watching editors fly by to enter the show, I noticed this man, old enough to be my grandfather, wait for his turn to enter with his black invitation. I watched as the man paused in front of this diva of a boy, who was dressed to the nines with some feather ensemble yet wouldn't crack a smile for anyone. As soon as the man snapped his photo, the kid let out the warmest grin. The moment was so fantastic that I couldn't stop talking about it after. I had no idea who this adorable old man was but I appreciated his presence in a sea of stereotypes. It was only after seeing the trailer that it all clicked. It was Bill!

Bill Cunningham is the "original" street style photographer. The documentary focuses on his life as a photographer for the New York Times, while lending a view into his world as a genius, a recluse and a pioneer of his craft. The film is visually gorgeous, but Cunningham's story and kind character is what draws viewers in. Well into his eighties, Cunningham keeps on his bicycle with an eye and hunger for fashion that is both rare and genuine.

The film will leave you asking many questions about what it means to live a life fully passionate about something. I'm not going to give away too many details of the film, but I did talk to my sister for an entire hour afterward. Watch the trailer and go check it out, you won't be disappointed.

"He who seeks beauty will find it" - Bill Cunningham