Vanilla licorice

Let me tell you a little about my...resourcefulness and creativity.  You see that belt?  It's way too big.  Originally, it didn't even fit snug around my waist.  So I took a nail and hammered some extra holes into the belt.  But also, the length of the belt flopped awkwardly since it isn't secured by belt loops.  So I decided to duct tape the belt together.  Yes, I'm glad no one looked too closely at my outfit when I wore it to Ottawa Fashion Week because a piece of duct tape was holding my belt in place.  Classy, huh.

On another note, I tried to take pictures with my rings and such outside, but it was -10 and freezing.  I can pretend all I want that I'm not cold when I do these outfit photos, but blue hands do not lie.

What I'm wearing:
-Off-white dress
-Black vest
-Black belt
-Fishnet stockings
-Black boots

Lesser known Oscar beauties

I've been reading a few blogs/style reports regarding last night's Oscars red carpet arrivals.  The general consensus seems to be that there was no one terrifyingly out of place, but no one outstandingly stunning either.  I'd have to agree.  Clicking through galleries of photos, there were few that caught my attention for more than a millisecond.  Yes, the usuals were lovely- Angelina, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rooney Mara, blahblahblah.  I find it funny that I was more inclined to notice the less famous.  While attention was focused on the arrivals of nominated producers and celebrities, I found my eye shifting towards their arm candy: the significant other.  Seriously, some of those gowns were gorgeous, but I bet their non-celebrity status marred them from many of the best dressed lists.  Therefore, I decided to compile a hit list of lesser known celebrities and significant others that appeared on the red carpet last night.

Maria Menounos: Extra correspondant

Alexandra Edenborough: Wife of best actor nominee, Gary Oldman

Leslie Mann: Wife of Bridesmaids producer, Judd Apatow

Alexandra Lamy: Wife of The Artist actor Jean Dujardin

Stefanie Sherk: arrived with Best Actor nominee Demian Bichir

Images via http://hollywoodreporter.com

Ottawa Fashion Week A/W '12- Y!N.D.A.

Though shows are long done, I'm still captivated by Y!N.D.A. by Andy Nguyen.  At this point, I'm captivated with some of the responses that the show garnered.  An article in the Ottawa Citizen pointed out criticism where some felt as though the use of blackface expressed racist stigmas.  However, Nguyen insisted that this was a simple act of art that played on contrast and lighting.

Being at the shows, I did notice the blackface.  But as an accessory to art.  Some of the models that weren't in blackface were in powdered white makeup, but I saw no critiques that said this implied racial stigmas that Caucasians are ghostly white.  The makeup choices complemented the clothing and accessories perfectly.  With spiked masks, boxy totes, and lines down faces, these unorthodox conventions served in working with the clothing to create an impression of power, structure, and restraint.  The clothing featured an impressive balance of structure and flowing materials with a slightly frayed texture.  Added to that effect was the use of leather and sheers in dreary dark colours.  Admittedly, some of the designs evoked a bit of shock and discomfort in me (and others around me), especially one model who wore a gag with spokes.

So that brings us to the question: when does "art" become offensive?  Does it depend on its intended meaning or how people perceive it? 

Ottawa Fashion Week A/W '12- !Nu.I

I fell in love with !Nu.I fashion every since I interviewed designer Vickie Joseph a year ago where she expressed the idea that the brand was meant to empower the "superwomen of the world".  I still got a strong sense of that idea with this season's collection that tossed up a bit of vintage cuteness and a bit of modern edge.  Notable styling included crimped hair and oversized glasses that matched both feminine A-line skirts and hot straightcut leather dresses.  While leather and earthy patterns were a great match, it was nice to see the inclusion of light knit sweaters for a more practical everyday piece.  The collection also reminded me of what a lovely and versatile colour teal is.  Standalone, it was pretty and vibrant, but I enjoyed it most when paired with black as an excellent contrast.  There was also a great variety of cuts and designs.  From shirts and skirts to structured outerwear with belts, most of the collection was practical enough to wear on any day- if you're into a bit of an edge.  My favourites from this collection included the A-line skirts and fitted jackets.  The collection was presented as ready-to-wear; though, not ready-to wear enough to wear on a typical school day.  With that said, I can see most of these pieces being combined with jeans or a casual sweater to make it work for an occasion.

Ottawa Fashion Week A/W '12- Day 1

It's that time of the year again, folks.  Fashion weeks.  Now, it may not be London or New York, but I was still craving to go to Ottawa Fashion Week this season.  With promises of their biggest show ever, I just had to see what all the hype was about.  The opening day's shows were a balanced mix of hits and misses for me.  Beginning with Elena Hinke & Elena's Creations, the collection started off rather simple, but pretty.  I found a great crescendo here though as outfits hit the runway with the inclusion of unique cuts, fur, and lace.  Long gloves on the models gave this dress collection an extra elegant appeal.  Next, was Amanda Emmanuel with a vibrant collection of prints and colours with varied dresses cut with straight lines, pleats, and long and short makes to suit different tastes.  Though the patterns weren't really my style, it was a nice energetic change from the previous designer's more pretentious makes.

The second set began with frAsh jewellery, displayed on models in solemn white for a powerful regal, almost exotic look.  What caught my eye most were necklaces decked out in layers of gold and pearls, some with accents of coloured beads.  Oh, and there's the incredible sun goddess-esque headpiece.  Next up was !Nu.I, which has been a favourite of mine since I first saw its collection at OFW a year ago.  This year was no different, and definitely did not disappoint.  The first few looks reminded me how great it is to be geek chic with A-line skirts, high socks, big glasses, and bigger hair.  These adorkable designs added in an extra kick of edge with black leather works, complimented and contrasted by earthy patterns and teal tones, respectively.

Illyria started up the last set of the night with a solid ready-to-wear collection of pretty dresses.  But only a few of them made me raise my head to get a better look.  Alternatively, the collection reminded me of typical cuts used in previous seasons, garnering an "oh, that's nice...next!" reaction from me.  I do always appreciate the cutout backs though, which add just a little something extra to these wearable dresses, without being too out of the ordinary.  Speaking out out of the ordinary, I was absolutely mesmerized by the Y!D.N.A Collection by Andy Nguyen. The designs sang with creativity, power, and just general weird stuff that managed to evoke a slight fear in me from their appearances of restraint and heavy structure- literally and figuratively.  Though the masks, gags, and boxy accessories were one spectacle, the clothing was just as impressive with structured builds and flowing fabrics meshed into one creation.