50 Years Young

I want to wish my Dad and his twin brother (Zio Renzo) a happy 50th birthday today. As best friends and brothers, they have always been inseparable and in turn I grew up in a family of eight, instead of just four. As their wives also grew to become best friends, my cousins have always been like extended siblings. They are both the most intelligent, hilarious and vibrant pair of twins you'll ever meet. As I write this, my entire family is in my kitchen celebrating with cake, champagne and good cheer.

Technically, since they're twins, we can combine the years for a happy 100, but for now let's say here's to 50 more. Love you both. xx

Slaying Dragons

While flipping through Holt Renfrew's Fall style guide, I came across the caption, "I want the fairytale" and it made me think. 

The woman standing on the page, drenched in Elie Tahari looks nothing like Cinderella. With her slicked back bun, tweed pencil skirt and black leather gloves resting on her hip, she appears like she hasn't waited for anything a day in her life, let alone some guy named Prince Charming.

The whole idea of a fairytale is subjective, despite what rom-coms, books and those 2-D cartoons (that I used to watch 300 times over) used to tell us. Your fairytale can be anything. It doesn't have to involve a white horse, or even a white dress for that matter. You must design your own story. Create a different happy ending. Have the confidence to choose the unpopular or scary path. Slay your own dragons. Be the heroine of your own life.

Whatever your fairytale is: own it, earn it, live it.

[photo courtesy of holt renfrew style guide]

Teenage Dream

A little over a year ago I met with five great teenage girls to discuss their views on beauty, fashion and friendship. I decided to reach out to them again and invite them into the city to catch up. 

As we sat around my apartment and ate snacks (I went a little overboard with crackers and cupcakes and pink lemonade) we got into some girl talk. I realized that last year I had sophomores in front of me and this time they were seniors.

They told me about their dreams for the future; they want to study archaeology, directing, english, teaching, and business. Some explained how they also want to travel and write and wait tables before they have to give up their freedom completely. It seems they all want to fall in love (some already have) and grow up and party. They want to meet new people (the high school party scene is soooo over) and experience the highs and lows of life outside of homeroom. They're also a bit nervous and worried about the big decisions and roads that lie ahead.

After 24 years of living, I wouldn't say I have all the answers. Heck, I'm still trying to figure it out myself. Despite my lack of full ancient wisdom, I tried my best to ramble some answers.

Here is some advice I gave them:

1. You can choose anything. You'll know when it's right. It's a feeling. You'll walk into a place or meet a person, or try something new and you'll think, "This is me, this is where I belong." You'll just know.

2. Don't listen to the critics. People who judge your decisions or try to make you change them are insecure about their own lives. Maybe they wanted to do something like you (travel, try a different career path) but they never had the bravery. They are just projecting their fears onto you, so be strong and stick to your gut.  

3. You don't have to figure out your entire life at this very moment. Sure, your decisions will affect your future but you can change your mind, your heart and your journey whenever you want to.

I want to thank Bronte, Stephanie, Sophie, Nicolette and Cassie for spending their Sunday with me. I can't wait to see where you all end up a year from now. I hope you'll reach out to me whenever you need it.

So check out our photo shoot below. They even coaxed me into taking a group shot with them despite my old lady protesting.

Enjoy! xx

 

The Comfort Zone

When the air changes from stuffy to nippy,  I turn to comfort.

I want warm, tangled spaghetti in my gut and wooly socks straight from the dryer. I want to cover my exposed limbs with chunky knit sweaters and scarves the size of tablecloths. Give me holidays in hues of burnt orange and crisp notebooks to fill new dreams in. I want buckets of stuffing at family gatherings and spicy pumpkin pie. I want to watch old movies under a blanket even though it's Friday night. Wait, especially on Friday night. Please add extra whipped cream and marshmallows to every hot beverage on the list, and don't be stingy. Let's listen to the sound of the leaves crunching under our boots until it's time to switch to skates.

Let's tuck the careless, reckless hazy days of summer until we're ready to shed our skin again.

For now, let's fall.

[created by Not A Model on polyvore.com]

Dark circles & Ms. Middleton - The Kit

Looking for a bright-eyed cure for those dark circles?

My second installment for The Kit focuses on how to perk up those peepers, with inspiration from "the beauty wars" as I like to call them, between Ms. Middleton and designer Vivienne Westwood.

"In the beauty wars, Kate Middleton’s use of eyeliner was recently criticized by Vivienne Westwood. While I disagree with Westwood (Middleton’s eyes are like celery hued orbs dipped in chocolate, if that ever tasted good), I’m personally not a fan of dark liner, especially if you have dark circles.

I work in PR and while that may stand for public relations, it can also stand for purple rings…under my eyes. Long days and longer nights can bring out those dark hues that rival even the greatest plate of eggplant parmigiana..."

Sounds familiar? Looking for a solution? Read my full post at The Kit HERE.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who's been so kind over the past week with their messages and notes. Not A Model thanks you. xx

Fitzroy Boutique

Last week, my roommate Farah and I attended the Fitzroy Boutique opening in Yorkville.

Fitzroy boutique is the seasonal shopchild of co-owners Julie and Angela. They both wanted to create a shopping experience that brings unique, relaxed pieces to their store while keeping all prices under $200. The boutique features some great lines like BB Dakota, Whitney Eve, Threads for Thought and my personal favourite Brandy Melville.

Post-work event outfits can be difficult to coordinate, especially when there is a long day ahead. For this event, I chose to wear something professional (dress shirt, black pants) with a burst of colour and silver hardware accessories to keep it fresh. I've been noticing that this season is all about colour. While some people are daring enough to wear this, I find a cherry hued blazer does the trick.

As per usual, Farah and I shopped, chomped on desserts (how amazing is the invention of the cake pop?) and took some attractive photos in a photobooth.

Fitzroy boutique will be open until September 30th and is located at 162 Cumberland St. in Toronto.

Enjoy! xx

Beauty Blogger - The Kit

For those who haven't heard on Twitter or Facebook yet, I have some exciting news! I am officially a blogger for Canada's digital beauty magazine, The Kit. I've been chosen as one of their national beauty bloggers to contribute to their site.

I couldn't be happier (or more flattered) to be a contributor. My "beauty beat" will be for all things face related. The Kit features information on beauty, fitness, fashion, body and health. My first published post is about lip balm and Ryan Gosling. In my opinion, no two things are more related. 

Here's a sneak peak: 

When I purchase a lip balm, I always ask myself, “Will this product increase my odds of making out with Ryan Gosling?” If the answer is no, well then I continue the search. While lipstick and gloss are perfect for finishing up an outfit or adding polish to the workday, sometimes the lips crave something soft, smooth and nourishing. It’s all about getting back to basics....

For the full post and to see what product I recommended visit The Kit here.

If you have any beauty suggestions or products that you "can't live without" I'd love to hear from you!

Talk to me here, on twitter or at: write[dot]notamodel[at]gmail[dot]com xx 

What is Not A Model? & About Me

Hi All,

While this blog has been up and running for quite some time now, I thought it was important to create an "About Me" page. While it's not the most serious biography, I feel it will help readers (new and old) get a better sense of who I am and why I write here.

I also created another page titled, "What is Not A Model?" to better define and represent what the name is about. In the past, I've had people criticize the name, or assume that it is an attack on 6ft tall glamazons. I hope my little blurb puts the debate to rest.

I hope you check them out and as always, thanks for reading :)

The (almost) end of summer

The end of summer signifies a new start.

Every year around this time we experience the same feeling. It's the way the morning air is crisp instead of sticky, and the scent is reminiscent of lining up at a yellow bus stop with a new backpack. Some people are going back to class, others are coming home from vacation, but while we ease out of the sunshine and into the slumber, there are choices to be made. A new season always signifies something different and I relish in the forced self-reflection.

The change says, "There is no better time to try something new."

While fall hasn't officially made its arrival, I'm going to bask in what's left of those lazy summer rays.
 
Cheers to the last long weekend of summer! xx