Cabbage Patch Kid & Female Singers

Today, we're off the annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. It's an annual ritual for Chris, whose love of maple syrup is all consuming. But we're going to be a little sore on the drive because yesterday Chris and I painted our kitchen and bedroom. Or as he dubbed it "Two Short People Swearing At Walls." I'll admit, there were a few mishaps followed by inappropriate profanity but isn't that part of the package? I've decided that when Chris and I drop our first album, that's what the title will be: Two Short People Swearing At Walls.

Speaking of albums and music. We listened to a lot of music yesterday while painting. Chris's taste is much more eclectic than mine, but because he's a good guy, he indulged my love of hip hop and R'n B with Mos Def, K'naan, NERD, Lily Allen,  Amy Whinehouse, but for variety we also listened to Kasabian, Kristy MacColl, Camera Obscura and more.

As I listened to the lyrics, especially, those on the Lily Allen 'It's Not Me, It's You' album, I had a thought about female musicians and their sophomore albums. I've noticed a trend, at least amongst pop music female singers. These super talented musicians release their first albums and rise to astronomical success like Lily Allen, or Nelly Furtado, their success becomes so overwhelming and their sophomore albums reflect sadness, challenges, difficulty, even explicitly talking about the paparazzi or the cost of fame. Then you have others like TLC or Salt 'n Pepa who enjoyed incredible success with their first album, and found out that it was their sex appeal that was the easiest way to sell, and so their follow up albums are laced with sexual lyrics, and in their videos they become more overtly sexy. 

Women, even those who are seemingly in control and successful, succumb to so much pressure. Do you think male singers go through the same pressures and metamorphosis? What do you guys think? 


~ Photos By Nazia ~
Outfit Details:
White Silk Dress  & White Belt thrifted at Double Take
Jacob Grey Waterfall Cardigan gift from Sabrina
H&M Tights
Urban Outfitters Boots
Earrings from Saskatoon
Owl Necklace from Suzy Sheir

Pink Posing

A while ago, I wrote about how I asked a complete stranger to take my pictures because I was too shy to ask someone at work to help me out that day. Well, on the next day's post I let you guys know that one of my friends and colleagues, Romilla was kind enough to say that she'd be happy to take pictures. I told her I'd take her up on the offer, and even though I still feel kind of shy about asking friends at work, I'm so glad I did. Today's pictures were taken by Romilla.

Well, the official staycation ends today. The weekend doesn't count because it's the weekend, standard holiday. The week flew by, got lots of errands done, but did not get to see the friends and family I was really hoping to see. Sigh. But did get lots of quality time with Chris, which never happens because Chris and I work totally opposite schedules, and we don't have the same days off.  If it were up to me, we'd be spending the day lying around in pyjamas, and watching a lot of movies, and Chris would occasionally look over and shout "Natasha, turn the laptop off!" Instead, we're ending the week by painting a couple of rooms in the apartment. Wish us luck. 

~ Thank you for the pics Romi ~

Outfit Details:

H&M Top gift from Umbreen

Braemar Skirt thrifted

Kenneth Cole Shoes from Double Take

Pink Coat from Forever 21 in Detroit

Rwanda Earrings gift from Rebecca

Cranky Smurfette

The blue of these tights is so brilliant that I always feel a bit like a Smurf when I wear them. Since I'm in all blue, and I look pretty cranky in these pics, I am the Cranky Smurfette.

Ever think about the Smurfs? That's Barber Smurf, and Clumsy Smurf and Cobbler Smurf, and the list goes on. Everyone/smurf has an identity based around something they do, or a personality trait. Then there's the lone female Smurf - Smurfette, whose name and identity is based solely on her sex. I mean, even Papa smurf, is a father figure, a leader. I know this might sound crazy, and I don't mean to present some sort of feminist rant. However, even as a little girl, I didn't understand why Smurfette's sole defining feature is the fact she's a female? Nothing expected of her? No role to fulfill? She just had to be the girl. Not cool. Ergo, if I were a Smurf I'd be Cranky Smurfette.

Thanks for smurfing by!

~ Photos by Photographer Smurf aka Chris ~

Outfit Details:

Blue Dress from H&M

Blue Tights from Fabulous on Yonge

Kenneth Cole Heels from Double Take

Bead Necklace from Costa Blanca

Bracelets from Suzy Shier

Silver Hoops, not sure where I got them

What I Wore: St. Michael's Hospital Magazine

 

Hi Guys, so far the staycation has been really great. This is what I wore yesterday to St. Michael's Hospital for a pretty unusual photo shoot. More details below, but first this is me trying (very poorly) to balance myself in heels.

Ok still going strong but the freezing winds yesterday had me teetering and tottering...

...aaaaand this is me two seconds before I fell off the beam.

As I mentioned, I was at a photo shoot at St. Michael's Hospital yesterday with my dad.

Here's the story: On February 16th, I wrote this post on the blog and the good folks at St. Michael's Hospital saw it. Specifically Michael M. in the hospital's communications department. He contacted me and dad and wanted to know the hospital could feature us in their magazine. Of course dad and I are happy to do anything we can to show our support of the hospital since they took such good care of him.

We had a wonderful reunion with so many of the familiar faces on the second floor on the Queen Street Wing. We love you guys. And it was real pleasure to meet John King, the President of the hospital.

Thank you Michael for reading the post and for reaching out to our family. Can't wait to see the story and pictures in print! Thank you guys for stopping by.

~ Photos by Chris ~

Outfit Details:

Red T-shirt and Grey Alfred Sung Blazer from Zellers

Black Skinny Pants from Winners

Anne Klein Heels thrifted

Necklace from India, gift from my friend Avani

Pearl Earrings from Purple Jade

This Is Paradise

Even if it's a bit challenging or downright upside down at times - this really is Paradise.

Thank you guys for all your thoughts, experiences and opinions regarding Israel's law banning the use of  underweight models in advertising. I went to Newstalk 1010 yesterday, and had a great conversation with Ryan and John, the hosts of Friendly Fire. I emphasized that this isn't an issue related to freedom of expression, and even more than health, this is about labour. These are very young employees, who put themselves in risky health situations because their employers require them to. Not to mention, the negative trickle down effect this has on young girls who admire the models. Self-regulation isn't good enough. In the end, I applaud Israel for taking real  concrete steps to address these issues. And hopefully other countries will follow suit.

We pre-taped the interview, and they'll air it over the Easter long weekend. And thank you Andre, the producer of the show, for thinking of me. 

In other fashion related news. Last night Chris asks me, "Did you hear that Forever 21 photoshops the kneecaps off models?" And first I laughed out loud, then said, "No!" and then refused to believe him, until I googled it and it's true. The latest body part that you need to be conscious off in the world of beauty - ladies, your kneecaps are your new handicap.

I pledge that kneecaps will never be photoshopped off on this blog. 

And last night the blog reached 200 followers on GFC. Thank you all who joined the site, visit regularly and offer your feedback. I appreciate it so much!

~ Photos by Chris ~

Outfit Details:

H&M White T-Shirt

Chambray Blazer Alfred Sung for Zellers

Sparkle Skirt Tucker for Target 

Anne Klein Heels

Elephant Necklace gift from mom

Charm Bracelet from Primark in Amsterdam, and Gold Bangles gift from my sister

Big Brother and Sister are Watching

So? What did you think of Mad Men last night? I was so excited in this post last week.

I have mixed feelings. It was just ok. Don eventually turned back into a jerk. In fact, every character slipped back into their role from 17 months ago, which is fine I guess, but I think after such a long hiatus, we needed something with a bit more of  a punch. Of course there was that ridiculous "Zoobie Zoobie Zoo" musical scene.  I'm sure some thought it was a brilliant, sexy bit of television. But, I just found it uncomfortable and pretty goofy.

Remember these shoes? They were my cap toe shoes DIY project from this post. 

A few days ago, I shared a news story with you guys indicating Israel passed a bill that bans the use of underweight models and images in advertising. I've been invited to go on a radio talk show tonight to discuss this issue, so I'll spend a bit of time today getting a sense of what the reaction has been to this story. A few of you shared your opinions on this the first post, but if you didn't before please feel free to add your voice now. I'd love to include some of your thoughts in tonight's discussion. 

Wish me luck tonight and thanks for stopping by! Let's have a great week guys!

~ Photos by Nazia ~

Outfit Details:

Red Coat from Urban Behaviour

Striped T-shirt from Urban Outfitters

Black Skinny Pants from Winners

Aldo Shoes that DIYed here

Leopard Scarf from mom

Ring from InPink.com

Pearl Earrings in Purple Jake

Sunglasses from Forever 21

Cafe La Gaffe

These pictures were taken at a lovely restaurant in downtown Toronto called Cafe La Gaffe, one of my favourite places to go for brunch. They have a meal on the menu called Eggs Natasha - come on. How am I not supposed to order that? 

Hope you're having a great weekend!

~ Photos by Zinnia ~

Outfit Details:

Men's Striped Sweater from H&M

Silk Floral Dress worn as Skirt from Zara

Green Boots from Kensington Market

Buffalo Jean Jacket

Orange Necklace a gift from Dagna

Gold Bangles a gift from Nazia

Casual Weekend Stroll & Staycation Begins

These pictures are from last weekend, after Chris and I moved back into our apartment, which I told you guys about here, and I described what NOT to wear when moving here. Anyway, I was missing our old the house and my cat, so I dropped by the house and my sister and I went for a stroll around the neighbourhood.

 

Well, today marks the official launch of my one week off from work and I had asked you guys where should I travel to? And while you guys offered some great ideas, in the end I've opted for a staycation. I have a few things lined up: a radio interview, writing a new column, a fun project with a photographer friend, which hopefully I'll be able to share with you guys very soon. Ok, that still sounds like I'm working during this forced vacation. I will do my best to have some balance with the week. I'll get some exercise, and visit with friends I don't get to see too often. 

~ Photos by Nazia ~

Outfit Details:

White Ruffle Jacket from Urban Outfitters

Purple Ruffle T-shirt from the Gap

Jeans from Express in Detroit

Zebra Print Flats from Old Navy

Scarf is dad's

Earrings are from Suzy Shier

Summer Wish List: Stylish Backpacks

Happy Friday kids. The weather in Toronto has been so fantastic and people are getting excited to load up on summer wear. Sun-dresses and pretty sandals. Neons and pastels. But there's one item that's at the top of my shopping list: A stylish backpack. I'm walking to and from work, about 30 minutes each way, carrying both my overloaded purse and my huge Nikon camera bag. My long term plan is to have my shoulders and back in working order for a long time, so in the interest of that plan I think I should invest in a pretty and practical backpack. 

Here are four options that would be perfect.

$51.17 Asos.com

$59, UrbanOutfitters.com

$32, BagguBag.com

$58, Poketo.com 

I've pinned all these backpacks on Pinterest if you guys are looking for them.

What Not To Wear When Moving

Wow. It feels like these pictures were taken years ago. But actually they were just taken last week, the day BEFORE our big move, which I wrote about here. Since our plan was to take loads of clothing, furniture, kitchen supplies and books in my poor little Ford Focus I figured that moving everything on one day would be too exhausting. So the day before the move, I did four runs with the car before going to work. Note to you friends: Don't wear a silk blouse and high heels while moving houses. Silk doesn't breathe, and heels? Well, that's just plain silly. My outfit the next day for the big move was considerably more practical.

For the most observant amongst you, there's a clue that should give away that this was the day before the move. Can you guess what it is? I'm wearing no jewelry. Very unlike me. I didn't even have my watch on. Just my wedding and engagement rings. 

Yesterday, I posted that The Netherlands is getting own edition of Vogue Magazine, becoming the 18th international edition. But then I thought, there are 18 editions of Vogue Magazine? I could only think of a handful: American, British, French, Italian, Spanish, Indian, Chinese. But there's also a Mexican, Russian, Portuguese, Brazilian, Turkish, Australian, Japanese, Taiwanese, German and now the Dutch.

Whenever I travel to another country, I usually pick up a fashion magazine or two, even just to leaf through during a coffee or breakfast. It's an interesting way to get insight into culture and politics and values from country to country. For example, in India the magazines were loaded full of so many prints, South Asian culture is just more accepting of prints and patterns compared to the West, there is a boldness about that. And when I was in Indonesia, I was actually very disturbed to see that most of the models were wearing blue and green eye contacts in the advertising. A strange beauty phenomenon and one that I only observed in the pages of fashion magazines. 

So the next time you travel, pick up a fashion magazine in another country and I'm sure you'll see something that will surprise you...and delight you.

~ Photos by Nazia ~

Outfit Details: 

Sunny Leigh Silk Blouse; More & More Trench Coat; Anne Klein Red Heels all thrifted

GAP Jeans

H&M Belt

Thanks for stopping by guys! Have a wonderful weekend!