3 of hearts

Style Spot- Derek Blais

2010-11-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Derek Blais - Style Spot from Merrill Moskal on Vimeo.

My 1st Style Spot-John James Wilson

2010-10-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

John James Wilson - Style Spot from Merrill Moskal on Vimeo.

ODD MAGAZINE

2010-06-25T06:03:00.001-07:00

It's Odd and it has finally arrived! For the past few months I have been completely immersed in my own little Odd world. I am taking a fashion magazine minor at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute and along with 3 other editors and a whole team of 26 students making up the Odd company, we have created a magazine that will be sold internationally.

Odd aims to connect with extraordinary personalities in the creative industry. Based on the six degrees of separation theory, we explore six connections between seven peoples lives and styles. These seven key people are the core for a magazine about fashion, photography and illustration inspired by personal stories about creative life. It’s just a little bit Odd.Odd represents imperfection. It is about androgony and curvy figures, it combines both the masculin and feminine. It celebrates strange subtle details that make you look twice. It is inspired by style icons of the past like Jean Michelle Basquiat, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Dylan, Brigitte Bardot and Peter Beard. Odd loves 50’s pompadors, 60’s eyelashes, 70’s long flowing locks, 80’s lipstick and 90’s bleached hair. Odd is about being yourself and expressing your unique personality through the clothes you wear. Odd is about talent from the future and icons from the past.

Odd hits stores on July first. Keep your pretty little eyes peeled for my baby!

For more information about Odd Magazine visit:
www.thisisodd.com

It's black and white and has love all over it.

2010-03-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

MY BLOG

A portfolio of sorts...

My every day doodlebugs.

Check it out,

If you dare.

Pssst....

2010-03-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

MY ROSE COLOURED GLASSES

I decided it was time for a new blog. Inspiration and photo diary while studying magazines in Amsterdam. Enjoy!

P.s. If you didn't already know. Merrill has one too!
http://merrillmoskal.tumblr.com/

Three Days in Paris

2010-03-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Sunday night at 4:30a.m lying in bed in Amsterdam beside my best friends, I decided that I needed to go to Paris. There was no way around this, I needed to catch the last few days of Paris fashion week. 13 hours later I was on a train on my way. It was a whirlwind but it was completely worth it. Here are some of my favourite shots from my three days in Paris.

Tales of a Fashion Week Virgin

2010-03-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

{My Streetstyle Photos from Milan Fashion Week}

My Fall/Winter 2010 Milan Fashion Week was all about:
-Acting like a stalker snapping pics of people on the street
-Blisters from towering suede wedges
-Cotton candy hair from Italian spring rain
-getting lost and chasing down cabs
-Making new friends with bloggers
-Falling in love with Yvan of the Facehunter’s great hair and even greater French accent
-realizing the benefits of lip liner over lipstick after a day of running around Milan
-experiencing my first ever fashion show - Dsquared, and feeling honored to be Canadian
-learning the importance of a good shoeshine when looking down at my boots compared to the slightly pointed leather shoes of the Italian man sitting beside me at Ferretti
-Drinking warm bourbon and Coke light with Illustrator Blue Logan at his gallery exhibit
-Drinking cold vodka and soda with Illustrator Blue Logan at his Punks wear Prada after party
-Looking for lost cell phones and misplaced trench coats
-Almost peeing my heart print tights at the sight of my own face on the homepage of style.com
-Lots of facebook notifications about people seeing my face on the homepage of style.com
-obsessing over owning a silk cape and a military suit after seeing Etro
-exploring the vintage markets along the canal
-feeling inspired
-feeling tired
-spotting Anna Wintour and feeling my dreams become realized
-driving home to Amsterdam thinking the entire time about how to get myself to Paris next week!

As a total fashion week outcast wearing outfits consisting mostly of pieces from H&M and Zara, I was surprised that some people actually seemed to like what I wore! Even though Vogue UK made up that I was wearing an Hermes bag. I wish... More like falling apart Club Monaco purse!

{by Tommy Ton of Jak and Jil}

{By Yvan Rodic of the Facehunter}

{By Tommy Clarke}

It's our day.

2010-02-14T12:35:00.001-08:00

She's somewhere else, but it's where she's supposed to be.

I love her. I miss her, on this day especially.

Our day, well really, it's her day.

Because nobody loves quite like this one does.

Happy Valentines Beautiful.

{Photo by 39steps}

Smile

2010-02-04T14:07:00.001-08:00

Thank you to my brother Tom for reminding me of what a wonderful movie scene this is. It makes me smile so big!

Andie Darling

2010-02-02T11:42:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo shoot my friend Andie and I did on a lazy afternoon.
It had no real theme. All fun and games.

Style.com Spring Buyers guide picks...

2010-02-02T10:51:00.001-08:00

I only wear black.. but I could be convinced otherwise.

Diane von Furstenberg Bangles

Acne Tie-Dye Dress

Monique Péan Olanna Fossilized Walrus Ivory Ring

Balenciaga Arena T-Strap Sandal

Peter Som Shorts

I need new school supplies.

2010-01-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

Matt Robinson in collaboration with Tom Wrigglesworth compared a selection of the most commonly used typefaces for how economical they are with the amount of ink which they use at the same point size. Large scale renditions of the typefaces were drawn out with ballpoint pens, allowing the remaining ink levels to display the ink efficiency of each typeface.

via swiss-miss.com

Please don't sit down if you already love us.

2010-01-27T07:27:00.001-08:00

I hope they included a warning tag on these peices.... And, I hope it reads something like this.

Dear Consumer:

Please do not sit on our fabulous furniture whilst wearing our fabulous dry

denim.. it will stain. ♥ Acne

Sweet talking.

2010-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in my geography of global environmental issues class, and we were watching a video on the depletion of natural resources. Womp Womp, WE KNOW! WE KNOW...we're all fucked. Falling in and out of daydreams, I sipped on my double tall skinny vanilla latté to ensure that I didn't fall fast asleep. As I half listened to the painfully boring men on the screen repeating words like 'fossil fuels' , and 'suburbia', I remembered that I should be paying attention and using this time for inspiration for my other project in Advertisement Design.

The project is called 'it's all about the image" the concept- 'Alternative Energy'...that has to be associated with Fashion... with no type. I know, Good luck right?

Buzz Buzz. My blackberry dances on my desk. Buzz Buzz.

With my ever fading attention span, I remembered something that I meant to share with you all... If you are out there? If you care? ha

My roommate showed me this website/blog --> Steam Films. At first I was impressed mainly with their web design, and logo, but as I looked at their blog I came across this!

"New eco-friendly phone for Nokia, which runs on Coke, or any sugary water. Its fuel cells generate electricity from carbohydrates (sugar) in the liquid. Bio batteries have the potential to operate three to four times longer on a single charge than conventional lithium batteries and it could be fully biodegradable."

Too bad I drink sugar free lattés, use a blackberry, and drive an SUV.

Nonetheless, it's a cool concept.

Wang.

2010-01-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

mmm mmm you did good Wang.

Alexander Wang coming soon to Opening Ceremony.

rad dudes designing .

2009-12-29T01:58:00.000-08:00

Vladimir TSESLER.

Artdesign studio Tsesler&Voichenko.

Wouldn't it be fun to dream up these things all day...

Shall we give it a go?

I think so.

Yes.

Absolut acts of kindness.

2009-12-29T00:23:00.000-08:00

I know, I know what you're thinking. -> Communist Kisses.

But, its cute. non?

And I just so happen to like Absolut.

Wrapped.

2009-12-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

I realize that christmas if over.

However, if anyone has any wrapping needs I suggest choosing Magan Herberts papers.

Even if the gift isn't that great, at least it will look pretty!

Spectacle.

2009-12-26T03:28:00.000-08:00

House of Holland x Linda Farrow

Cool?

Weird?

Buy them at Collette

or don't.

The best of the holidays.

2009-12-24T23:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Whatever everyone.

I hope wherever you are, you are spending your holidays with the people that you love, and watching love actually.

(You know you've watched it. You know you love it.)

***

Miss Minnie Iman

2009-12-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

I am so crazy for Chanel Iman. Her adorable personality just emanates from everything that she does. This Vogue Germany Spread is so amazing. I keep going back to it daily to look at it again and again. I hope you all love it as much as I do.

Dear Santa....

2009-12-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

From top left: Acne Grey Suede Wedge Boot, Anthropologie Desk Lamps, The Savoy Cocktail Book, NARS Lipstick in Schiap, Rodarte Sweatshirt from Colette, Marni Bow Bracelet, Studded leather Philip Lim gloves, Striped Sweater and Trousers by Vivetta, Alexander Wang Daphne Duffel, Clock Radio/Ipod Speaker from Urban Outfitters, Wallpaper Amsterdam City Guide, Alexander Wang Safari Shirtdress, Anthropologie Deer Shotglass, Maison Martin Margiella glass courtshoes.

Tom and Annie Steal the Show

2009-12-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

The hectic Holt Renfrew Pop-Up week is sadly over. Yesterday was the last shopping day at the 560 King St. location. It was so much fun and such a valuable experience for me to try my hand at live video blogging. It was certainly a learning curve, being something I have absolutely no experience in. I was a little shaky but I would love to do more video blogging in the future. Hopefully for 3-of-hearts while I am in Europe for six months starting in February!!

On Saturday my brother Tom and his girlfriend Annie came down to the shop and we did a video blog about their Christmas wish lists. I guess I should have given Tom a little taking to before we sat down because I couldn't stop laughing the entire time. Maybe it's just because he's my brother that I think he is hilarious but he really seemed to steal the show with this one, and it turned out to be my favourite video of the five.

Light up my calm.

2009-12-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big believer in candles. But, as I've mentioned before I am a sucker for good advertising and branding.

On saturday I went to go and visit Mackenzie at the Holt Renfrew POP -UP store. While I was browsing, my nose literally led me to this candle. It's made my Diptyque, and the scent is BAIES - a blend of blackcurrant and Bulgarian rose.

QUE THE IMPULSE PURCHASE!

Eighty-Three dollars later the black candle was mine.

QUE THE JUSTIFICATION!

I never buy candles, but I figure - If I am going to buy a candle, it might as well be a pretty one from Paris that matches everything in my closet? Non?

Why are babies so in this season?

2009-12-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Merrill, Hannah and I just finished our big fashion project of the season, a collection and marketing strategy for Mcgregor socks. We chose to design a line for hip kids. Children's clothing is getting ever more stylish these days. Especially after the release of hipster children's films like Where the Wild Things Are and Fantastic Mr. Fox, not to mention Stella McCartney's perfection of a collection for gap kids. I just came across this editorial shoot by Ryan McGinley for Purple Magazine, and guess what, the models all seem to be under the age of ten! Most of us wouldn't (or maybe I should say couldn't) dress our children in Balenciaga and Balmain, but they are so adorable, I just had to share!

Holt Renfrew POP-UP

2009-12-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Holt Renfrew has opened a pop-up shop at 560 King Street West in Toronto. The beautiful, clean space offered the perfect canvas for the contemporary clothing hand picked for this temporary store open now until Sunday.

The theme is androgynous, casual cool with everything from butter nailpolish and keils body butter to Plaid Shits and Sequined Berets to Prada Boots and Balenciaga Bags. It is a great new concept for the store creating an environment that is fun and approachable. As Barbara Atkin said, "It is a chance to disrupt the fearful culture at holts." The store is all about girls and boys having fun with their clothes and in their lives.

Everyday I will be heading down to the shop tweeting, blogging and even trying something new, video blogging! Right now the lighting in the shop looked pretty dark on camera but check back tomorrow for more video that's hopefully a bit more visible.

Check out this video I did today with VP Fashion Director Barbara Atkin where we chat about what the pop-up shop is all about.

Ziggy Stardust

2009-11-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my long-legged friends Ben & Andie! Thank you Merrill for being my wonderful assistant.

{Final Project #3}

paperjam.

2009-11-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

You're beautiful Genevieve.

xoxo

♥♥♥

... and so are jj and miles.

{Final Project #3}

I love Jason Munn

2009-11-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

About three years ago I discovered Jason Munn. He is a graphic desgner in Oakland who owns his own firm called The Small Stakes. He makes posters exclusively for great alternative bands. I am head over heels for his clean, simple and absolutely brilliant design. Thought I would share some of my favourites with you. I have yet to purchase one of his posters but it is on my Christmas wishlist. To buy posters from The Small Stakes and check out more of Jason Munn's work go to www.thesmallstakes.com.

Mythical Creature.

2009-11-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

For those who can't speak for themselves.

2009-11-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

Purchase here

Target markets.

2009-11-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Damien Hirst put a real shark in a tank and called it

"The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living"

Supreme commissions him, and he comes up with this...

"Life's a Bitch then you die"

Trying to keep it simple for his target market I suppose?

SUPREME X DAMIEN HIRST

S.V.P.

2009-11-16T00:07:00.000-08:00

Quirked.

2009-11-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to be bored to death with Jason Schwartzman new series, but these pictures are just reminded me why I love him.

______

Jason Schwartzman for Band of Outsiders.

♥♥♥

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things

2009-11-12T18:59:00.001-08:00

subway cancer.

2009-11-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

To compliment my previous post. Here is a quote from the Mr. Neurosis himself...

"I think I'm going to get cancer from eating subway" - Miles jay.

Two days in paris.

2009-11-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

I stayed home with a friend on saturday night. We drank, we ate apples with caramel sauce, and other things that I don't care to mention. But, we also watched a film of my choice, or to put it more delicately a recommendation from another friend. The film was '2 days in Paris', said friend with all the recommendations suggested it because he claimed to be exactly like main character; Jack, played by Adam Goldberg. And he was for the most part... He was sarcastic, neurotic, allergic, and an Interior designer who was vacationing in paris. You can imagine how that might play out.

I really loved it. Maybe you will too.

My favorite pen.

2009-11-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Let's Play House Now and Forever

2009-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

I often dream about owning my own house or loft or studio apartment and fantasize about the beautiful antiques and modern furniture i would buy to decorate it. Here are some of my favourite rooms and decorations from www.designspongeonline.com.

Just an idea...

2009-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

I don't really care where or why.

But we should fly somewhere.

And see something.

Together.

let go of my hand.

2009-11-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

She makes everything make sense.

I love you Tara.

Thank you for being you.

Project #2

...dot dot dot

2009-11-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Noir.

2009-10-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's Gate Night, (Night before Halloween when all the mischief goes down) and all i want to do is wear goth make up... Tastefully.

YO, Get a life.

2009-10-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

[photo credit ffffound.com]

And God Created Woman

2009-10-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

She's 17 and she's a newcomer on the fashion scene. Her name is Georgia May Jagger. Yes, you heard me right she is the daughter of Mick and Jerry. With her pillowy lips and sexy tousled blond hair the likeness to my favourite french film siren, Brigitte Bardot is unquestionable.

Vanity Fair, Vogue Paris, Vogue Russia

I miss you every second you aren't beside me

2009-10-23T18:03:00.001-07:00

Twinzies?

2009-10-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

She drives Me Crazy, Like No One Else

2009-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Anja Rubik by Alex Caley, Sasha Pivovarova by Terry Tsiolis, Filippa Palmstierna Hamilton by Matt Jones, January Jones by Terry Richardson, Julia Stegner by Paola Kudacki, Patricia Schmid by Andreas Öhlund, Iselin Steiro by Andreas Sjödin,

I remember everything.

2009-10-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

[photo credit ffffound.com]

Through My Rose Coloured Glasses

2009-10-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Me by Zack Vitiello, Anna-Maria Urajevskaya by Michelangelo di Battista, W Magazine, Vogue Gioiello, FutureClaw, Yvan Rodic Streetstyle, Vogue Australia, ffffound.com, POP

R.I.P WOODSTOCK

2009-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

I bought a fish, and it died 4 days later.

His death was a complete shock, and blow to my caregiving ego.

Not being able to do it myself, a friend flushed my petit poisson down the toilet while I reflected on our short time together. I fed him ritually morning and night, and followed through with all of the responsible duties a good fish owner is supposed to do.

But like they say, a picture is worth one thousand words.

I'll do better next time.

Sorry Woodstock.

Turning around.

2009-10-01T13:24:00.001-07:00

Sorry for being so Emo.

[photo credit. http://www.thatunreliablegirl.com/]

Tug-of-war.

2009-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Choose. Make a decision. This or that. Right now.

I am faced with choices everyday. To ice my latté or not to ice my latté? Black jeans, or blue jeans...hmm maybe grey? These choices are easy...most days. But lately I feel like I have been thrown into a whirlwind of life choices that require a little more then a 5 minute deliberation. Choices that involve other people, their feelings, their security and their day-to-day lives.

Choose. Make a decision. This or that. Right now.

The problem is that I am a Libra. In case any of you are unfamiliar with the 7th sign of the zodiac, the Libra is literally a scale. It weighs. I weigh. I make choices, but more often then not it takes me a little longer than the average bear.

This last February, I was sitting on the sidewalk in Barcelona one night with a friend. Two guys came up to us and we struck up a conversation. One of the boys asked if he could read our palms? Drunk, and in a better mood than usual, I absolutely agreed. With little to no prior conversation he examined my hand for all of 2 seconds and said, 'Your head and your heart line are equal, you must be a libra?' In amazement I responded, 'YES omg Yes! How did you know!?' He smiled and made me look at my own palm. Two little lines equally as long and equally overlapped, I couldn't have placed them any better in illustrator myself. It was a very cool moment and even though it may have all been a lie, I would like to believe that it was special. However, as special as it may seem, the concept of having an equal head and an equal heart is literally an emotional tug-of-war. My head says no but my heart says yes, and naturally, vice versa.

Choose. Make a decision. This or that. Right now.

My photography teacher asked me how I see the world- I said 'black and white'... in theory. In actuality, everything at the present moment is grey.

Tick-Tock the wash is almost done.

2009-09-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'll be wearing Neil Barrett come Spring '10

2009-09-28T08:32:00.001-07:00

Neil Barrett, master tailor and designer, showed an an amazing outerwear focused collection in Milan a few days ago. His background in menswear design at Gucci, Prada and Puma, has clearly influenced Barrett's androgynous womenswear style. I love this collection because each piece is so simple and so wearable. I would wear these clothes every day if I could.

London Calling

2009-09-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with the Spring '10 looks that came out of London this week! Each collection seemed to brighten my day. I just had to share some of my favourites.

First lets start with Luella. Miss Bartley stayed true to her tradition of creating fun feminine frocks this season. But instead of overly precious florals the Luella girls wore 60's inspired mini dresses in saturated spring colours and polka dots galore. And lets not forget about the amazing PVC bows each girl wore in their hair!

At Erdem it was all painterly florals and short hemlines.

At Burberry, Christopher Bailey catered towards a young, glamorous crowd that loves to dress up! Beautiful fabrics in pastel colours were draped, tucked and belted. The classic Burberry trench was present in full force but this time it was made of gathered silk, or emblazoned with silver pailletes. I must say this was my favourite collection out of London.

How quickly things can change.

2009-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm Back!

2009-09-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

HELLO WONDERFUL THREE OF HEARTS READERS!!

I have abandonned you for so long and I am sorry that I have not been updating regularly. I have been crazy busy starting back at fashion school and working and interning with a little bit of partying here and there. But I do have a few updates to let you know about.

1. A few weeks ago I won the Holts Contemporary Correspondant Challenge! This means I will be attending all the Holt Renfrew Events in Toronto as well as other fashion events and I will be reporting on them at www.holtscontemporary.com >>> Check it later today when my first post will go up.

2. Starting on October 9th I will be interning with Barbara Atkin, the Fashion Director at Holts. Whatever Barb says is cool will be the next best thing so I'll be sure to give you some exclusive trend reports via 3 of hearts.

3. I have been working on an event called The Art of Fashion for the last few months. It is huge trunk show and design competition to be held at the fermenting cellar on the night of Nuit Blanche. It will be an amazing event where you can shop, drink, and support young local designers so try to make it out if you can!

4. I am going on exchange to the Amsterdam Fashion Institute in January. I've never been to the Netherlands so anyone who has tips on where to eat/shop/play please give let me know!!

5. I signed up for an account on twitter in May but only now am finally going to try to use it and see what all the hype is about! Follow me 'Mackenzie Yeates' and I will follow you back.

Thats all just thought I would let you all know why I have been lacking in the blog area lately. Update me on your lives/ summer vacations, I would love to know what everyone has been doing! Check back soon as I will make a conscious effort to post often!!

xoxo

Oh la la Macaron!

2009-08-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Oh la la!! There's a new french pastry shop in town! Nadege Patisserie is a beautiful stop for delicious sweets on Queen St. W across from Trinity Bellwoods park. Pastry chef Nadege Nourian was born in France and has worked in top kitchens across Europe in Paris, London and Sweden. Now she has come to Toronto to share with us her taste bud tantilizing treats.

The interior of the shop as well as the logo and all of their collateral was designed by Red Box, the design firm I intern at this summer. The little shapes in bright pink and orange seen in all the print materials are fun, fresh and eyecatching.

If you're in the neighbourhood be sure to pop your head into Nadege, it is sure to be a daytime hot spot for trendy fashion types in no time.

Perfectly Precious

2009-08-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Tanya Dziahileva shot by Carlotta Mainago for Mixte Mag #62

Wait, they {will} love you like I love you

2009-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm gunna say it... my boyfriend is REALLY talented. I need to brag a bit. Ya I may be a bit biased when it comes to his kisses or maybe even his singing voice but when it comes to concert photography I think you will all agree with me that he has a gift. Every time when he comes home from a show and gives me a sneak peak of the shots he got I am always very impressed but after the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show last Tuesday I was particularly blown away. He was at the concert to write a review for Chart Magazine. Unfortuately he didn't get a photo pass so he shot these photos amongst the crowd with a $200 point and shoot. I think they're beautiful and I'm sure you will too. Check out more of Zack's work at:

THE TOP DOWN.

Stella Artois Légère

2009-08-05T10:38:00.001-07:00

Take pastel colours, an early 60's hairstyle, two handsome men and add a french twist et voilà you have my new favourite commercial!

I'm going to the cottage tomorrow...

2009-07-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

Photos from ffffound and my personal collection

Meeting the Sart

2009-07-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Man Himself - Photo by Krist Papas

On wednesday night one of my dreams came true... I got to meet Scott Schuman of the Sartorialist! Holt Renfrew held a private cocktail for him and Wedneday morning I got an invitation to the event. I dressed up my younger brother Tom and dragged him along to keep me company. When we got there we sipped white wine and perroni and I admired the outfits of the people around me. Finally we made our way up to Scott and I professed my love as a starstruck fan. Tom describe Mr. Sartorial as a "slightly tipsy, bite sized man." For a fashion addict like me it was quite an exciting night!

A photo of me on the night...lookin' a little scary - Photo by Krist Papas

For more streetstyle photos from Wednesday evening check out Krist Papas' blog -

WHAT"S YOUR PERSONA

The only thing I wear to bed is Chanel No 5

2009-07-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the extreme lack of posting lately... I have been having a very busy summer but I wanted to post some of these photos that my boyfriend took for my latest challenge in the Holt Renfrew Contemporary Correspondent Contest.

The main photo won't go up on the site until Wednesday but here is a little sneak peak...

An outfit inspired by a Fashion Icon.

Holt Renfrew Contemporary Correspondent Challenge

2009-06-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

Hello lovely 3 of hearts readers! I need help from all of you on something... I have been chosen as one of the top two contestants for Toronto for the Holt Renfrew Contemporary Correspondant Challenge. For the next 6 weeks I will be completing one fashion related challenge a week on the Holt's Facebook fan page and the Holt Renfrew fans get to vote for their favourite. Voting is only 2 clicks of your mouse away!!

At the end of the 6 weeks 3 winners one from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver will be chosen as the fashion correspondent. The winners will get to attend all the Holt Renfrew events for the rest of the year, take photographs and blog about them on the Holt's website. And the winners also recieve $1000 gift card and a sony vaio computer.

SO PLEASE PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!

become a fan of Holt Renfrew on facebook and vote!!
VOTE MACKENZIE

Thanks for your help!!!!

Chanel N°5 Audrey Tautou

2009-06-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

it's friday....

2009-06-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

...let's stay in bed all day.

for today

2009-06-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Booze

2009-06-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday night and I am sensing that some partying will be happening tonight. I must say that when I go to the liquor store I am always swayed by good packaging and there is a lot of money for good design in alcohol. Here are some of my favourites from Lovely Package.

P.S. Meet me at Amber tonight!

Checklist

2009-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Should I have another coffee? yes/no

Should I work on that assignment? yes/no

Is today a Diet Coke or regular Coke kind of day? yes/no

Is today a fat day? yes/no

Can I trust you? yes/no

Do I even like you? yes/no

Should I tell you to f**k off? yes/no

Should I tell you I love you? yes/ no

Do I need another pair of sunglasses? yes/no

Should I get on the plane? yes/no

Should I get on a different plane? yes/no

Is it time for bed? yes/no

Should I judge you? yes/no

Do you judge me? yes/no

Should I cut my hair? yes/no

Is this a laughing situation? yes/no

Is this a crying situation? yes/no

Do I care? yes/no

Do you care? yes/no

Should I answer that phone call? yes/no

Should I console you? yes/no

Should I tell you you're insane? yes/no

Should I bring a jacket? yes/no

Do I have anything else to give? yes/no

Do I turn a blind eye? yes/no

Should I defend you? yes/no

Should I get involved? yes/no

Are you all wrong for me? yes/no

Do you deserve another chance? yes/no

Do I deserve another chance? yes/no

Should I do my laundry? yes/no

Another scoop of ice cream? yes/no

Another hour in bed? yes/no

Should I be taking my life more seriously? yes/no

Am I lazy? yes/no

Do fairy tales exist? yes/no

Should I feel guilty? yes/no

Is it safe to say it's over? yes/no

Have a learned anything? I think so.

Salt Rose, Topaz

2009-06-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving

but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

-Pablo Neruda

Seven Days

2009-06-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Cristina Couceiro was born in 1977. She lives and works in Lisbon, Portugal.

"I wanna be like Greta Garbo. Or a Blue Angel, Marlene, Louise Brooks, Amalia, the Fado singer. A retro look and a digital collage. On Saturdays I like to go through the market collecting memories. Feira da Ladra as we call it here in Lisbon. That means theif fair which is funny. Collecting people's memory to build a new one. I like to play with scissors and glue and paper. A little piece here and there through the hills of my city. Lisbon is old and new, vintage and modern, decadent somehow but with a white and clean sunlight. Lisbon is bright, decadent. It's filled with past and dreams. And there lays the inspiration for my work."

Annie Clark on Degrassi!

2009-05-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of you watch Degrassi but I have an insider update about the show. Annie Clark, who I have posted about before (here and here) has just signed a contract with the program as one of the new leading ladies. Judging by Annie's striking features and upscale preppy fashion sense I am hoping that a bit of Gossip Girl drama and style will be injected into the Degrassi plot line through Annie's character. She's young, shes beautiful, she's stylish and she is one of the sweetest people I know. Look out for her, I have no doubt that this raven beauty will be an it girl and fashion icon in no time.

Viva Cuba

2009-05-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

I just got back from an amazing trip to Cuba with four of my best girlfriends! It was amazing to spend everyday sipping pina coladas, going on long walks on the beach and swimming in the bright blue ocean. We went for a walk before dinner one night and the light was so beautiful we decided to have a little impromptu photoshoot. Here are some of the shots of Kirsten, Lianne, Jillian, Shauna and I.

Wilder! Wilder! Sicker!

2009-04-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Steven Meisel in this 1983 film Portfolio is hilarious!

"I just loove Steven. His pictures are the hottest thing since Richard Avedon!"

Style Crush: Dree Hemingway

2009-04-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Enter the Halston website and you see footage of a waif like girl with long flowing hair running down a city street, her yellow chiffon dress billowing up behind her. The minute I saw her I needed to know...who is this girl? I havent seen her on runways or on the big screen before so where could she possibly have come from? A few clicks later I had found my answer.

Her name is Dree Hemingway. And not only is she a ballerina turned up and coming model and fashion 'it' girl she is also great granddaughter of THE Ernest Hemingway. Doesn't hurt her reputation to have a name like that I suppose.

She is beautiful and has great personal style. I'm gunna keep my eye out for more from this new style crush.

SUMMER

2009-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

The minute I walked out of my last exam this morning a wave of relief flooded over me. The long cold Toronto months are finally behind us and summer is ahead. As I look out my window right now the sun is shining, a cardinal is sitting on my birdfeeder and there are even little flowers poking their heads out of the ground. Although I have been so busy with exams there have already been a few summer like days spent:

sipping coronas on the roof with Merrill and Miles,

a photoshoot infront of a magical mystery door (See more of the photos Zack took of me at http://thetopdown.blogspot.com)

Predrinks on back porches with old friends,

and a trip to Kensington market!

Zack trying on some glasses

Mmm Cupcakes

Colourful Crinolins

I am so looking forward to many more days like this!!

HAPPY SUMMER

It really doesn't get any better than this.

2009-04-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

This video put the biggest smile on my face, and now I can't stop watching it.

Enjoy!

You Can't Design Love

2009-04-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

School and life has been holding me prisoner. I feel free... for a night.
Let's hope this summer is stress-free and full of beaches, best friends, and biking.

This photo is captivating and the colours are perfect.

'Ohhh miss Sarah Nicole!!'

2009-04-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

My BEAUTIFUL friend Sarah Nicole was my model/muse for my photography project. There was cake, champagne and a sexy hotel room but none of it could have been done without Miss. Prickett. Enjoy her, I did.

food for thought

2009-03-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

"...after awhile, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh"

-Mr. Big.

Magic

2009-03-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Let's run away to Tim Walker's pastel playground where unicorns run wild, we survive on a diet of cupcakes and pink champagne, the sun always shines, everyone wears couture and we can just love eachother all the time!

The dressing dance.

2009-03-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Usually it can take me anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to decide on an outfit. Clothes will be flying, Ill be tripping over shoes and trying to do my hair/makeup in between.

In my dreams, this is how I would like my dressing experiences to be... Poolside, a plethora of designer shoes to chose from, and of course the entire "The Row" line at my disposal.

One day..

Jeffery Graetsch

2009-03-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

In my desperate attempts to get a sneak of plastique magazine before it FINALLY hits the bookshelves at Indigo, I found out that he man behind the cover is in fact a Torontonian. His name is Jeffery Graetsch. After more investigation I found out that the proper pronunciation of that interesting last name is 'Gretch... like fetch.'

Here are some of his images from the SS 09 issue of Plastique.

"A migrant from Toronto, Canada, Jeffrey currently resides in New York City." ... I guess it's time to move.

Oh! You must have been a beautiful baby, 'cause, baby, look at you now.

2009-03-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a photoshoot I did yesterday with the beautiful Annie Clark a.k.a Fiona from the new season of Degrassi. I told you she was a real up and comer, keep your eyes peeled for this one, there are big things in her future! Thanks for making my job easy Annie!

Special thanks to Andie for doing makeup and helping me with my reflector and to Tom and Zack for entertaining us by falling off skateboards and down muddy hills. Love you all!

Happy Birthday Miles

2009-03-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

We love you very much... mainly because you are 'so fucking chill'.

V

2009-03-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

As if the fact that the cover of their latest mag glows-in-the-effing-dark isn't awesome enough, the latest issue of V magazine features some incredible shoots.
This one, entitled "Venus Envy", by Willy Vanderperre is particularly inspirational and the styling (Olivier Rizzo) contributes to the dramatic photos.

How do you capture so many strongly contrasting emotions in one shoot?

I decided to explore his earlier work and fell in love with his style. He just has way of portraying haunting profiles and unconventional ideas of beauty, while playing with light and shadow. This was in i-D a couple years ago and is a perfect example of his talent.

(See more of his portfolio here)

Patio season.

2009-03-06T17:23:00.001-08:00

Today Mackenzie and I sat on a patio all afternoon celebrating the first real warm day of the year. The weather man predicted 15 degrees but at 1pm today the temperature reached a high of 18 !

Over a few beverages, and couple pieces of cake, we discussed our future; Where we were going to travel, our summer plans, and as usual we ended up on our favorite topic, Love. Hopeful on all three counts.

After a few hours of soaking up some much needed sunshine, she took me on my very first ride on the street car. Yes I know, I'm pathetic. I've lived in toronto for almost two years now and have never taken a ride. I'm really just more of a Taxi kind of girl.. (She also took me on my first subway ride!)

As I'm writing this, five hours have now passed and I am still smiling after a wonderful day with one of my favorite people in the whole world, and a new hope that summer is just around the corner.

Love you Mackenzie.

___

Just thought I would pair my thoughts with some accessories!

KENETH JAY LANE

NYC Love

2009-03-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

click-click!

The city that never sleeps only has me wanting more.
From Chinatown to Central Park, from the Upper East Side to Soho, from Bryant Park to Broadway...
So when are we all going back??
All I know is that I'm not waiting until the next Fashion Week to return.

Are you as impatient as I am?

2009-03-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

'Teen Vogue' (Spanish addition)

2009-03-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

My beautiful friend and model Alison- Violet.

So nerdy.

Oh. And this is where we did the shoot. It's called Tibidabo, and it's one of the highest points in Barcelona. On the top of the mountain, there is a church, and an amusement park.

Such a beautiful day.

I miss you Spain.

Oh la la! Let's go to Paris!

2009-03-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

I am feeling very un-inspired at school these days. Watching this commercial on mute when I should be paying attention in Marketing class makes me want to run away to Paris. Care to join me?

Absentimental

2009-03-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been gone for the last couple weeks on the blog. I'm going to do a post about New York and about the last couple shoots I've done. Just because I'm so excited about this one, here's a sneak peek...
(Tell me what you think!)

Legs.

2009-02-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

Even though I didn't end up using these images for my final project, I really like them. Interestingly enough, I shot these images in our hostel room in Barcelona. Luckily the floors were cleaned every morning!

Words are Pictures

2009-02-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you some great typographically led design, illustration and art direction by Craig Ward.

CRAIG WARD

The Outsiders

2009-02-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

I did a photo shoot yesterday with 3 handsome models...my brother, his friend and my boyfriend. My inspiration for the shoot was the book, The Outsiders and the opposing styles of the greasers and the socs. Just thought I would share some of them with you. They are no where near perfect but I was still pretty happy with them since it was my first attempt. Hopefully when Merrill and Hannah get home they will post photos from their shoots as well since all three of us have this assignment!

Music of my Heart

2009-02-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day and also happens to be the beginning of our long awaited reading week. Merrill has already jetted off to London and Barcelona, and Hannah will be off to New York tomorrow. And me? I'll be staying in Toronto for my reading week. It won't be so bad though. This week I am planning on hanging around in my pajamas, listening to music, and spending time with my loves who are still here.
I'll be kept busy with a few new magazine purchases and with a bunch of music I've downloaded the past few days thank you to a great new blog, The Top Down. Blog author, Zack Vitiello, has a broad and unique knowledge of great music. Writing and taking concert photographs for Chart Magazine as well as interning at indie Toronto record label, Arts & Crafts, has exposed him to a lot of bands and has made him somewhat of a conossieur on the subject. He started off his blogging venture with a bang by writing reviews on what he believed to be the top ten albums of 2008. Whether you're planning on putting on your sexiest dancing shoes, rocking out to some metal in your old leather jacket or curling up on the couch with the new copy of Nylon, Zack probably has a suggestion for some appropriate music to accompany the situation. He has only begun to share his thoughts on the subject but I am already so excited for what more there is to come. Check out this little gem.

THE TOP DOWN

Oh and... HAPPY HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! LOVE YOU ALL!

Destiny

2009-02-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hannah Crop Jeans in Snowstorm

(by Siwy)

Blogging vs. Studying

2009-02-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

As much as I adore photography, I'm having trouble bringing myself to memorize all the history of fashion photography for my midterm tomorrow.

I'd much rather wander the internet until I stumble upon someone like this. Ann Benaroya is an illustrator from New Jersey who has worked with DC/Vertigo Comics, ABC World News Tonight, The Ottobar, The 8 x 10 Club, and The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. Her work is highly graphic and her use of typography is something to be recognized. Here are a few of my favourites from her portfolio and sketchbook.