Story Online

I'm very pleased to announce that my short story, Consolation, has been published online by Juked.  You can find it here.

You Give Me Fever

Yeah, that's right.  Sing along.  Another possible title had been "Rattle & Hum," referencing the sound of phlegm in my chest, but thankfully that's gone now.

However, still sick.  Not going into work tomorrow, but the real tragedy is that I'm not in the third row of the HSBC Center in Buffalo cheering on my beloved Rangers like I should be!  Instead, I'm sitting at home, watching it on the computer.

Yes, I'm feeling a little sorry for myself and sharing that with you.

Cute & Graphic

This Anthropologie dress is really cute and looks infinitely wearable.  It plays into the graphic, photo-based prints seen on the runway but at far less the investment.  It's also made in the USA.  I try to be conscious of where things are made; not in a xenophobic way, but in a way that considers labour conditions, price-to-production cost ratio (granted, I don't have exact figures), and construction.

Sure, I'd love a Jil Sander t-shirt...

... but I'd like a pied-a-terre in NYC as well.  This Anthropolgie dress could be the sartorial version of my visits to the city.

I'll be posting my projects/possible purchases for spring/summer soon.  There's far more that I'll be making (or finishing) than buying, which is a good thing given my recent post on my budget.  Of course, I'm curious - what's on your wishlist?

Fashion & Food - Two Favourites

I've started glancing at the What I Wore column in the Style section of the Sunday NYTimes.  Sometimes they feature people that, to put it diplomatically, I'm not particularly engaged by or interested in.  (Does that count as diplomacy?)  However, this past week featured chef Marcus Samuelsson.

I watched Samuelsson on season 2 of Top Chef Masters.  Friends of mine (one a former chef) have eaten at one of his restaurants and raved about his food. Additionally, I've been interested in going to Red Rooster Harlem although it might be nearly impossible to get a reservation now that Obama is holding his next Democratic National Party fundraiser there.  However, one of my themes for 2011 is "Book early to avoid disappointment," so maybe I'll guess when I'll be in NYC next and try for a reservation.

Anyway, I really enjoyed his diary of what he wore for the week.  Such a dapper dresser!  I'm impressed with his colour play, the way he represents his different identities/backgrounds sartorially, as well as his clear appreciation of clothing in general.  Plus, he's into thrifting!  Why aren't we friend?  To me, he's demonstrating how one can have their feet in multiple worlds without sacrificing commitment to any.

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 19

It's a sick day, and I'm not teaching.  Just recovering.

Robe:  Puella
Pajamas:  Charter Club
Slippers:  unknown
Face:  Sean Penn on the cover of T Magazine (New York Times)

Shoe of the Week: Sometimes It's All About Fantasy

These Manolo Blahniks are just a dream of deep velvet and maribou feathers.  Vintage cocktail girls (hanging off the back) just an added bonus!

At School, In the Hallway

In addition to the plaintive nature of this message, I like that it looks like someone corrected the grammar.

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 18

With 20cm of snow yesterday, I'm back to taking the train, back to being up early, and back to the kitchen.

Turtleneck:  Neiman Marcus
Skirt:  Ralph Lauren (originally full-length, but hemmed to a more wearable length)
Stockings:  Merino, unfortunately I can't remember the brand
Boots:  La Canadienne
Coffee mug:  Red Iguana

Really?

Really.

Soup's On!

Please check out my guest blog post for Marusya Borciurkiw's blog, Recipes for Trouble, here.

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 17

I just can't escape the "hands on the hip" look.  I definitely would not go far on Top Model.

Shirt:  Ralph Lauren
Skirt:  Comme des Garcons
Shoes: La Canadienne

Shoe of the Week: Patent Pending

I happen to be a sucker for patent leather, and when combined with an oxford or brogue, it's pretty irresistible; however, I have been unable to find the pair that answers my desire for a pop of colour in a traditional, but not staid (if you know what I mean), oxford.

In the March Vogue, there are a pair of Church's red and silver ones (oooh) on page 504.  Unfortunately, the actual Church's site does not have them nor do they acknowledge their existence.  I'd also thought that Cole Haan had a pair that were forest green and brown croc embossed, a little bit of an unexpected combo, but the real deal is that they're lighter and while still attractive, not what I'd imagined.  Green or purple patent are my first choices, but those red and silver ones could be swell.

So the search continues...

Dinner with Friends; Breakfast with the Cap'n

Springtime - entertaining and being entertained.

A little duck breast...

goes nicely with leek bread pudding, salad, and friends.

The next morning, it's nice to have breakfast with the Cap'n.

Judge Not Lest Ye Miss Out

I'm probably the first to admit that I can be quick to judge.  I don't like "judgmental" because it sounds so negative and persistent.  However, I judge, and I had judged Amanda Brooks' book I Love Your Style as yet another socialite's unnecessary foray into publishing.

Yet I was intrigued enough by it to get it from my local library. (Yes, I own a library card and use it often; you should too - good for the budget.)  I hadn't dismiss it in its entirety because I'd read how she wanted to create something like Cheap Chic, my style bible.  I believe in this book so much that I own two copies of it - my original that's falling apart, with notations throughout, and a second copy scored from Powell's for far less than it now goes for on the open market.  It would be one of the first things I saved if there were a fire.  It's that monumental.  Trust me on that.

Anyway, now that I've flipped through I Love Your Style, I think I might've been wrong. (If I were really judgmental, that would be difficult for me to say.)  While there's a lot of Brooks as style exemplar in here (at least it shows that she walks the walk), I find the attention to detail around different kinds of looks really great.  In addition to outlining, say, "Street" or "Bohemian" style, she provides ideas for mixing it up, icons (both contemporary and historic) who embody that style, as well as books and movies you can turn to for further information/inspiration, and more.  I have to admit - it's a pretty nice package, and when I can, I'll try to find my own copy.

I'm always on the lookout for great books about style and fashion.  If you have any favourites, I'd love to learn about them.

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 16

Driving to work means I can leave later and make the ladyfriend take the photo.  Look!  No brick kitchen wall.

Dress:  Hunter Dixon
Tights:  Hue
Shoes:  Faryl Robin
Cat:  Max

A Sense of Accomplishment

This past weekend I ended up replicating efforts on a couple of recipes (one of which will be documented soon in a guest post on Recipes for Trouble).  One of the projects that didn't require an automatic "do-over" was this sweater that I started way back in November.  The sweater has, in fact, been knit in its entirety for months now, but I have a habit of procrastinating on the sewing together.  This weekend was the perfect time for it - do a little sewing, engage in something else, weave in a few ends, make lunch.  And then, I had a new sweater!

I found the pattern via Ralvery and used some yarn I'd gotten in a sweater kit.  The buttons are from a stash of vintage ones I inherited via the ladyfriend.

I think it'll have great utility.  It swings out a little and is thick enough to act as a jacket.  On a budget?  Get crafty!

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 15

Not loving this photo.  Hopefully I can get another one taken tonight when I get home...

Shirt:  Banana Republic
Tie:  Vintage
Skirt:  Comme des Garcons
Striped fishnets (yeah, I know, you can't tell):  Pierre Mantoux (?!)
Shoes:  Ralph Lauren

Reality Check (Not in the Mail)

Sometimes I forget, and I guess you can't blame me for forgetting because my closet might indicate otherwise.

I forget that I am on a budget and that I can't really take advantage of my hunting & gathering skills without taking into consideration said budget.  This became painfully clear to me today as I checked my bank balance.  It is only the 11th of the month, and I feel pretty broke.  Now,  this feeling is not new to me; however, I'd fallen in love with something, something Vivienne Westwood, and I'd just about convinced myself that a) I couldn't let such a find go, and b) I could afford it.

Quick Question

Is it a requirement of employment that if you work at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Ministry of Transportation, or whatever you call the place where you get your driver's license you are humorless and unpleasant?  I mean, they're technically public servants, and I am part of the public.  Is it an unpleasant experience in every country?  Is it meant to be a driving disincentive?

I'm just asking.

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 14

Dress:  Kedem Sasson
Jacket:  Comme des Garcons
Tights:  Wolford
Shoes:  La Canadienne

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 13

Happy International Women's Day!

Jumpsuit and jacket: Isaac Mizrahi for Vogue Patterns from the '80s.  My mother had it made for me a few years ago, staying true to my colour choices on the pattern sleeve.
Turtleneck:  label missing
Socks:  Target
Shoes:  Camper

Shoe of the Week: Mighty Real

Yes, you make me feel mighty real.  These shoes are super comfortable and totally in line with the spring's '70s vibe.  Mighty real indeed.

Comme des Garcons

I stopped by the Comme des Garcons store while in New York to pick up a new supply of perfume (their original scent), and I saw this dress.

Photo courtesy of Style.com

I wish I'd tried it on, but it's probably better that I didn't.  I don't think CdG has layaway...

Cashmere Challenge

Last weekend I finally got to visit with my good friend Celine, and I left with far more than I'd come with:  freshly made madeleines, some Liberty fabric, and of course, yarn!

One of the yarns was this gorgeous cashmere.  I had a choice between the light gray and the dark gray, and chose one of each, leaving Celine with one of each as well.  Since we have the same materials, we've decided to have a little challenge - what will each of us come up with, using this yarn, by the end of March?

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 12

If I hadn't been running out of time, I would've reshot this image.  Too many "hands on hips, don't know what to do with face" shots.

YYigal dress
Secret (brand name) tights
La Canadienne boots

What I'm Wearing to Teach Today: 11

It's back to school after our winter break. 
J. Peterman velvet jacket
Etro shirt (same one from #10, but I thought - who cares? who remembers?)
Rohka skirt

Publish Post

Hue tights (in a pink-toned brown)
Robert Clergerie shoes