brightlight

Bambi Northwood-Blyth for Oyster.  This spring: graphic prints, saturated colours, and a deep tan for the win!

Photos from oyster magazine tumblr

swap your stuff

Tradyo is a brand new mobile app that acts as a virtual swap party; pretty ideal for people like me (and I'm guessing you) who by consequence of always wanting more (clothing, art, books, music, films) are in constant need of getting rid of the old.  Instead of throwing the old away, however, Tradyo allows you to trade it for something new.  Out go all the summer dresses I've tired of wearing, in comes a fab new pair of shoes - for free! - get what I'm saying?  The app is launching in a few weeks, but for the time being you can submit your email on their (pretty cool) landing page and get exclusive ins when the app becomes available for smart phones (there's lots of info on their Facebook page as well).  Full disclosure: one of the founders of Tradyo is my bf (shameless promotion, I know), but the app nevertheless promises to be a much needed companion to my otherwise rampant consumerism.  So, check it out already!!

sprung backwards

I'm leaving Montreal in two days after four amazing years, and packing up my apartment today I'm feeling quite nostalgic - emotions will be running high for the next few days.  The next step has me moving back to Toronto and taking on some decidedly non-academic projects, which is all very exciting, but this whole leaving thing is a bit rattling (I never do well with changes).  In other news, Hanneli is looking ethereal and spring-like above, and reminding me that I must find a white dress for the warm months that are (hopefully) upon us.  (Also: the title of this post was inspired by a song by Scott Biggar, who is a great friend of mine, and makes really cool music with his band Poplar Pines.  Check out his MySpace here.)

Photos from Hanneli Mustaparta

backstage

The most beautiful photographs, shot by Josie Miner, have just been posted on Proenza Schouler's Facebook page (yes, I follow fashion designers on Facebook) from their Spring 2011 show.  And there are even more on their website.  See? the business of fashion can yield art.

Photos from Facebook (Proenza Schouler)

land + water

This combination - the camel coat paired with bright blue - feels very classic, but more refreshing and a little younger than navy or black.  This particular street-styler also has me hankering for some vintage scarves, and (even after more than a year of growing it back) a strong desire to chop off my hair again.  Chic bob or long, straight hair - what say you?

Photo from all the pretty birds

paris, la nuit

My style tends towards the masculine and boyish - I'm more likely to be found in a shirt than a ruffly blouse, and I'm currently wearing a pair of pants last seen on a Floridian male retiree (they're sexy, I swear).  When I'm mature enough to handle the price tag and the care of a proper suit, you will find me trying to imitate the impossible chic of Anja Rubik in this Vogue Paris shoot.  (In the other half of this editorial Rubik is wearing some very glamourous gowns, if you're interested.)

Photos from Fashion Gone Rogue

sun staples

Coachella is a hotbed for music (obviously), but coming in at a close number 2 (maybe number 1 for me) is fashion (obviously).  Summer staples as illustrated by sartorially gifted festival goers: white dresses, belted midi skirts, short-shorts (especially of the high-waisted denim variety), white blouses, and ankle boots with shorts.  My style plan for the summer in three photos - thanks for the inspiration Coachella!!

Photos from Refinery29

hbd

Grace Coddington's fashion besties gathered at Indochine in NYC for her 70th birthday.  I suppose if you're as prolific and influential and respected as Coddington is, you're bound to be surrounded by luminaries.  Above are shots of Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler, Karen Elson and Hamish Bowles (forget Beyonce, I'd rather have these two singing me Happy Birthday), Anna Wintour, Pat McGrath, Naomi, Shalom, Liya, Carolyn, and many others.  Click for the full album.  There's nothing like a little birthday love, Vogue-style.

Photos from Vogue.com

she's a lady

The above is a pretty fantastic editorial from April's Vogue Italia as shot by Steven Meisel.  For me, this shoot encapsulates everything that lady-like dressing today should be, which, when it comes down to it isn't really all that "lady-like" at all.  Bring on the big hair, bright lips, lush colours, and body flattering (but not body con) proportions.

Photos from Fashion Gone Rogue

bod

Stab Magazine & Monyca Byrne-Wickey from Alex Vivian on Vimeo.

If this isn't sexy I don't know what is.  It kind of makes me want to frolic in my underwear--except that would be far more awkward: no long blond hair, no surf-toned ass, no mood soundtrack.  Anyway, the videos good.  I'm sure all of my straight male readers (I'm sure there's soooo many of you) will love this.

Video from Bleach Black

spring awakening

I wore cropped pants and bogues with no socks today and I wasn't even cold.  (Although it's raining now, so if I go out again that might have to change.)  Either way, spring has finally arrived in Canada-land, and I couldn't be happier or more relieved.  Crop tops!  Bare legs!  Here I comeeeee

Photo from Mr. Newton

cut/copy

I'm going to see Cut Copy live tonight, and I'm obviously soooo excited and ready to rave to their psuedo-80s synth beats.  Cut Copy, I need you now!  (Wow - sometimes my wittiness astounds me.)

Life + Times

As prolific as ever, Jay-Z has just started an online platform called Life + Times.  It's a slick lifestyle website and so far covers topics as disparate as SUV design and modern furniture and blogger Garance Dore, among many others.  Everything's going digital, and Hova's staying in the game.  Prettyyyy sick.

Video from Life + Times

L'amour fou

L'amour fou is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival at the end of April.  The documentary examines the lives of Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé through the lens of the "auction of the century" that Bergé executed after Saint Laurent's death.  Certainly a must-see.

Photo from TribecaFilm.com

514

If you need to kill time on the internet (and if you don't, why are you reading this?) check out my fave tumblr, made by some of the coolest guys I know.  Be warned: it is replete with half (or fully) nude girls, sweet tunes, some pics of JFK, moving photos (like the trip-show above), and other general swag.  514boys know where it's at!