Welcome to my world of 70 pairs and counting...
These are my 15 favourite pairs.
where fashion trends and relationship discussions meet
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Soulmates: On your wedding day...
Two individuals fell in love and inspired* this piece of writing below. It was presented to them on their wedding day in September 2011.
Protected by © of chimerashinobi 2011.
*This piece of writing was authored by the author of this website/blogspot.
Why so drastic, Mr. Fantastic?
Why do we only listen to people after they've done something big? Why it's so hard for people to listen? Why can't we look at the root, at the problem when it's small, before things spiral out of control. Why are we so reactive that things have to fail in order to be fixed? Why don't we ever take the time to listen to someone's backstory and understand where they are coming from and offer them alternatives or solutions. Simply speaking, why does someone have to engage in deviancy or do something unconventional in order for people to realize that 'said person' couldn't afford to pay rent or send his kid to college or was being used as a child soldier? Why does a person have to go into depression in some serious cases for their partner to realize that they are hurting? Why does a kid have to disappear in order to students to realize that bullying hurt her/him? Why does someone have to make a video go viral in order for us to realize that there are child soldiers being used in various countries of the world? Why do people have to make these grand gestures in order to be heard, why weren't we listening when the problem was small?
I understand that this may sound simplistic: smaller problems are harder to hear because people may not judge them to be longer term and growing issues. Also a simple solution given may be that those who need help to simply seek it.
HOWEVER, with unfriendly institutional/bureaucratic services, labelling/stigmatization of those who 'seek help', and a lack of relateability to strangers, there is some onus on 'us' as human beings to pay attention to problems that may not in fact affect us. Notice the inequalities in society, the unfairness in courtrooms, the injustices in the job market, and if you can't do anything about it, fine - at least talk about it, make people aware of it, raise questions in discussions.
Learn to recognize the need to listen and the need to be heard, you never know if you will one day be the one who needs to be heard.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Do's and Don'ts of Fashion Week
In preparation of my first time at Toronto Fashion Week I decided to do a little research as to what I should be aware of.
As recommended by a blog post that I came across earlier this week (which I can't seem to find now)
1. Printed pants were in - I feel as if I saw the exact pair recommended
2. Water - you will definitely need some. I'm not sure if it's the amount of talking done or the wait time, but water will keep you in better company. (make is a size small though)
3. Picture-taker - be it your phone or your camera, you will want to click. However do not overestimate the battery life of your phone, make sure it's fully charged
4. Small notebook - this one was great for me, as I planned on posting my thoughts and experiences of the event but it does make you seem 'important' giving you a writer/blogger vibe and can help you fit in or simply give you something to do during the slow hours
5. Colourful clutch - definitely add a burst of colour into your outfit, be it the clothing or the accessories. (my greenie - below - and my nails were my bursts of colour which were much appreciated by Maybelline)
In addition some of my recommendations after my experience today are:
6. Arrive early - gives you some time to enjoy the fashion environment and be ahead of the pack when the doors/curtains open.
7. Prep-before-Pic - when being photographed take a quick 2 seconds to breathe, calm down, adjust yourself, and smile. This might seem like a given to those familiar with the events but can be quite a rush for someone's first time as most people are willing to smile before realizing their necklace is crooked or their collar is drooping
8. Stick around - hang out for a bit after your show especially if it's in the late evening. The scene is lively and there's a lot of people to meet and opportunities to network
9. Dress for an occasion - here is one place that you want to stand out ...in a good way. This is a great opportunity to dress 'different', 'out there' and 'to the tens' on a sunny afternoon without feeling out of place and like everyone's staring at you...well at least if they're staring at you it's because they think you look fabulous and you're probably one of the models ;) Vibrant colours, chic and stunning.
10. Talk to people - interact with people. Go in with an open mind. Sometimes an agenda may hold you back, but of course not always.
A lot of stalker-like photographs will be taken of the various attendees by the various media, reporters, and bloggers so keep smiling :)
As recommended by a blog post that I came across earlier this week (which I can't seem to find now)
1. Printed pants were in - I feel as if I saw the exact pair recommended
2. Water - you will definitely need some. I'm not sure if it's the amount of talking done or the wait time, but water will keep you in better company. (make is a size small though)
3. Picture-taker - be it your phone or your camera, you will want to click. However do not overestimate the battery life of your phone, make sure it's fully charged
4. Small notebook - this one was great for me, as I planned on posting my thoughts and experiences of the event but it does make you seem 'important' giving you a writer/blogger vibe and can help you fit in or simply give you something to do during the slow hours
5. Colourful clutch - definitely add a burst of colour into your outfit, be it the clothing or the accessories. (my greenie - below - and my nails were my bursts of colour which were much appreciated by Maybelline)
In addition some of my recommendations after my experience today are:
6. Arrive early - gives you some time to enjoy the fashion environment and be ahead of the pack when the doors/curtains open.
7. Prep-before-Pic - when being photographed take a quick 2 seconds to breathe, calm down, adjust yourself, and smile. This might seem like a given to those familiar with the events but can be quite a rush for someone's first time as most people are willing to smile before realizing their necklace is crooked or their collar is drooping
8. Stick around - hang out for a bit after your show especially if it's in the late evening. The scene is lively and there's a lot of people to meet and opportunities to network
9. Dress for an occasion - here is one place that you want to stand out ...in a good way. This is a great opportunity to dress 'different', 'out there' and 'to the tens' on a sunny afternoon without feeling out of place and like everyone's staring at you...well at least if they're staring at you it's because they think you look fabulous and you're probably one of the models ;) Vibrant colours, chic and stunning.
10. Talk to people - interact with people. Go in with an open mind. Sometimes an agenda may hold you back, but of course not always.
A lot of stalker-like photographs will be taken of the various attendees by the various media, reporters, and bloggers so keep smiling :)
De-Fashion Week-Virginized
So...I've always had an interest in fashion and it has been growing over the past couple of years. I am no fashion blogger or fashionista, just a lady who loves and appreciates clothing of various styles and the dress-up process (I frequently find myself dressing up regardless of having a place to go;).
So this year I decided that since I've always wanted to be part of this growing fashion industry I decided to attend a show at the Toronto Fashion Week. Quite excited to attend this event the night before, I was quite nervous on the day of. Slightly unclear as to where it was, not knowing what social protocol was in play at the fashion environment (lounge), attending by myself, and not knowing what to wear, all added to quite an intimidating feel.
Approaching the white tents gave the feeling of make-up artists and stylists dressing important people inside and thereby could seem a little unfamiliar to someone not part of the fashion industry. Regardless, after the awkward moments of trying to open locked doors, I got to purchase the ticket to my preferred show.
Oh, before I forget - How I Chose VAWK?
I decided to go through the schedule and since Wednesday was the day most convenient for me I scrolled through the designers for that day. Besides the convenient time, VAWK promised to be quite the inspiring event for a newbie such as myself. Sunny Fong, Toronto native, was showcasing his new Sci-Fi Samurai themed designs/outfits, and on top of that was releasing his new line VAWKKIN, which utilized "real" women (not models but abiding by a 5'6ft rule with one exception of a 5'3 and injecting diversity~will be addressed in a later post on the modelling industry) with clothing made for women in the working world - outfits to go from work to night. I call it the line for the 'vawkkin' woman. It was a great runway with gorgeous designs and details of fur linings and cut outs. Chic and sophisticated.
However for a first-timer like myself the experience of Toronto Fashion Week was about the runways shows but was also about the fashion environment. Here in the lounge where attendees and guests mingle while waiting for the show to begin, photographs are taken, contacts are exchanged, events are promoted, and networks are formed. It was interesting to see fashion students, celebrities, photographers, reporters, bloggers and of course general interest fashion fans all come together under one roof/tent.
Being asked questions, getting photographed and selling yourself ...because you just never know when 'you'll' be in style was a great experience of a sliver of the fashion industry. There was excitement and style all over the area. And it really shows you how large the fashion industry is - but can also be an exclusive industry.
Overall, I think it was a great event and I'm already itching to head over to the great white tent tomorrow to check out the Pink Tartan. I recommend checking out the Toronto Fashion Show at least once if you are even the least bit interested in the fashion industry. Therefore if you find yourself owning more than 10 pairs of shoes, watching ANTM or PR or FS, or discussing clothes with your girlfriends, or even enjoying the shopping or dressing up process - the Toronto Fashion Week will not disappoint you. Instead it will fill you with more curiousity and intrigue for the industry, whether or not you can afford runway items...it promises to inspire you.
So this year I decided that since I've always wanted to be part of this growing fashion industry I decided to attend a show at the Toronto Fashion Week. Quite excited to attend this event the night before, I was quite nervous on the day of. Slightly unclear as to where it was, not knowing what social protocol was in play at the fashion environment (lounge), attending by myself, and not knowing what to wear, all added to quite an intimidating feel.
Approaching the white tents gave the feeling of make-up artists and stylists dressing important people inside and thereby could seem a little unfamiliar to someone not part of the fashion industry. Regardless, after the awkward moments of trying to open locked doors, I got to purchase the ticket to my preferred show.
Oh, before I forget - How I Chose VAWK? I decided to go through the schedule and since Wednesday was the day most convenient for me I scrolled through the designers for that day. Besides the convenient time, VAWK promised to be quite the inspiring event for a newbie such as myself. Sunny Fong, Toronto native, was showcasing his new Sci-Fi Samurai themed designs/outfits, and on top of that was releasing his new line VAWKKIN, which utilized "real" women (not models but abiding by a 5'6ft rule with one exception of a 5'3 and injecting diversity~will be addressed in a later post on the modelling industry) with clothing made for women in the working world - outfits to go from work to night. I call it the line for the 'vawkkin' woman. It was a great runway with gorgeous designs and details of fur linings and cut outs. Chic and sophisticated.
However for a first-timer like myself the experience of Toronto Fashion Week was about the runways shows but was also about the fashion environment. Here in the lounge where attendees and guests mingle while waiting for the show to begin, photographs are taken, contacts are exchanged, events are promoted, and networks are formed. It was interesting to see fashion students, celebrities, photographers, reporters, bloggers and of course general interest fashion fans all come together under one roof/tent.
Being asked questions, getting photographed and selling yourself ...because you just never know when 'you'll' be in style was a great experience of a sliver of the fashion industry. There was excitement and style all over the area. And it really shows you how large the fashion industry is - but can also be an exclusive industry.
Overall, I think it was a great event and I'm already itching to head over to the great white tent tomorrow to check out the Pink Tartan. I recommend checking out the Toronto Fashion Show at least once if you are even the least bit interested in the fashion industry. Therefore if you find yourself owning more than 10 pairs of shoes, watching ANTM or PR or FS, or discussing clothes with your girlfriends, or even enjoying the shopping or dressing up process - the Toronto Fashion Week will not disappoint you. Instead it will fill you with more curiousity and intrigue for the industry, whether or not you can afford runway items...it promises to inspire you.
Friday, 9 March 2012
KONY 2012
The recent upsurge in postings about Joseph Kony and the Invisible Children has received worldwide attention. While there are also criticisms on the video that was released earlier in the week, it has already received 57 million views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc&noredirect=1
The abduction of children and the use of childsoldiers has been a longstanding issue. Therefore I think the success of the video has been to raise awareness on these issues and to get young people thinking and caring about things other than themselves. There may be complications on facts used, myths or the donation aspects of the not-for-profit organization, and for more information on the criticisms read article: http://jezebel.com/5891269/think-twice-before-donating-to-kony-2012-the-meme-du-jour also Invisible Children has responded to these criticisms here: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html
However I think that the most important aspects of this whole campaign are:
1) Raising awareness of the use of child soldiers
2) Making audience members want to get involved and do something
Doing something can involve simply re-posting the video, tweeting/blogging about it, donating, putting up flyers, and talking about it. Whether or not these doings can have an impact or what the extent of the impact will be, simply getting young people talking about atrocities going on in the world today is great and the quick rise and leaps in the amount of viewers is impressive.
From here, people can be drawn in to read about the details of the LRA, the US deployment of the 100 advisors, the workings of a charitable not-for-profit, etc. Either of these ways...it's a start to something.
*more opinions on this campaign:
http://justiceinconflict.org/2012/03/07/taking-kony-2012-down-a-notch/
http://innermostponderings.blogspot.com/#!/2012/03/thoughts-on-kony-2012-critical-optimism.html
The abduction of children and the use of childsoldiers has been a longstanding issue. Therefore I think the success of the video has been to raise awareness on these issues and to get young people thinking and caring about things other than themselves. There may be complications on facts used, myths or the donation aspects of the not-for-profit organization, and for more information on the criticisms read article: http://jezebel.com/5891269/think-twice-before-donating-to-kony-2012-the-meme-du-jour also Invisible Children has responded to these criticisms here: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html
However I think that the most important aspects of this whole campaign are:
1) Raising awareness of the use of child soldiers
2) Making audience members want to get involved and do something
Doing something can involve simply re-posting the video, tweeting/blogging about it, donating, putting up flyers, and talking about it. Whether or not these doings can have an impact or what the extent of the impact will be, simply getting young people talking about atrocities going on in the world today is great and the quick rise and leaps in the amount of viewers is impressive.
From here, people can be drawn in to read about the details of the LRA, the US deployment of the 100 advisors, the workings of a charitable not-for-profit, etc. Either of these ways...it's a start to something.
*more opinions on this campaign:
http://justiceinconflict.org/2012/03/07/taking-kony-2012-down-a-notch/
http://innermostponderings.blogspot.com/#!/2012/03/thoughts-on-kony-2012-critical-optimism.html
One Ain't Enough
Hanging around with a bunch of my very close ladies during a much looked forward to girls' night the topic of men came about, as can only be expected. While we talked about guys who were friends, dates, lovers, exes, colleagues, etc. I began to think of the different qualities that we loved in different men and how great it would be to combine different aspects of different men into this one 'perfect' being.
But then came an absurd question: while some (douchy) males have suggested that men should be forgiven when they cheat because they aren't 'wired' for monogamy, is it that weird for women to want to date more than one man since just one man can't/may not be able to possibly fulfil the physical, social, and emotional goals of a woman?*
"There's the guy at work who just clicks with me, we have the same interests and can talk for hours about anything. And then there's the ex who is the perfect lover that makes your toes curl. And lastly the best friend who completely understands how you're feeling without even saying anything and your friends love him. Ahhh, how I wish I could date all three" - a friend of a friend.
But then came the reality checks - women look for 'the one', they look for 'one' person to satisfy all their needs, they look for the 'one' who can fufil all three categories - physical, social, emotional (I'm sure there's more categories) - maybe not perfectly, but to a level that makes her happy. So even if he may not be an Adonis in bed, he understands you, listens, is by your side at social events, and has your trust OR he may be socially awkward, but is there for you when you need him and makes your toes curl as necessary.
So as women's lives get more complex and their needs and desires grow will the search for the 'perfect' man get harder or will double and triple dating come back into fashion or will we continue to be happy with partners who come close to perfect?
*none of this suggest that all women feel the same way towards dating and relationships
But then came an absurd question: while some (douchy) males have suggested that men should be forgiven when they cheat because they aren't 'wired' for monogamy, is it that weird for women to want to date more than one man since just one man can't/may not be able to possibly fulfil the physical, social, and emotional goals of a woman?* "There's the guy at work who just clicks with me, we have the same interests and can talk for hours about anything. And then there's the ex who is the perfect lover that makes your toes curl. And lastly the best friend who completely understands how you're feeling without even saying anything and your friends love him. Ahhh, how I wish I could date all three" - a friend of a friend.
But then came the reality checks - women look for 'the one', they look for 'one' person to satisfy all their needs, they look for the 'one' who can fufil all three categories - physical, social, emotional (I'm sure there's more categories) - maybe not perfectly, but to a level that makes her happy. So even if he may not be an Adonis in bed, he understands you, listens, is by your side at social events, and has your trust OR he may be socially awkward, but is there for you when you need him and makes your toes curl as necessary.
So as women's lives get more complex and their needs and desires grow will the search for the 'perfect' man get harder or will double and triple dating come back into fashion or will we continue to be happy with partners who come close to perfect?
*none of this suggest that all women feel the same way towards dating and relationships
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