Jul

17

Knitpicking

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Vogue Knitting Spring Summer

Leave it to me to think of sweaters in the dead of summer. I just can’t help it! The Spring/Summer issue of Vogue Knitting (VK) has sparked my interest in cropped knit tops and above-the-knee dresses–that can easily be reworked as tunics when fall hits.

The “Ecologic” collection has completely won me over. Repetitive darting on an A-line dress makes for a tailored fit and inventive element of design. Peacoat details on a small, wrap sweater is a clever take on the new summer jacket (and a welcome change to the predictable cam-and-cardi-office-twin-set-then-out-for-Alize-on-the-patio attire). Adherence to pattern (or non-adherence to pattern) make for structured pieces that are casual and elegant; not too precious, but not too plain either. (Just take a look at the golden-coloured short-sleeve top with three large cable knits running through. The sweater looks like stalks of wheat amidst the brilliant sun.)

The Issue also features a bridal section that dares to knit gowns, wraps and accessories like this vintage looking purse. Although I can only manage girly-girl in small bits (I’m just not “lady” enough to pull of saccharine-sweet frills and flowers), I love the purse for its perfect blend of new and old, its whimsy, and its value as a true alternative–what I think accessories really are, and should be called.

But wait, there’s more! Read more

Jun

10

Long Last Looks: A Shift in Women

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Suzy Kendall School Dance To Sir With Love

To Sir With Love is one of my all-time favourite movies. I love the colour and texture of the film; the relationships among the characters, but more so the ones that are open-ended and undefined (more on this later); and the range of emotion the story packs in without being trite or uncharacteristic.

Sidney Poitier makes the film. He is amazing as Mark Thackeray, or “Sir.” As a teacher to some of the troubled youth from the slums of East London, Poitier’s character provides incredible honesty in depicting the complex layers of his role with subtlety and natural finesse, I have yet to witness anyone else on celluloid possesses like him.

“Sir,” like any great teacher, is a mentor, a parent, an adviser and a friend, but one with authority, who commands a certain amount of respect. His demonstration of care among his students wins them over and engages the interest of his colleagues, in particular, teacher Gillian Blanchard, played by Suzy Kendall. Read more

Apr

24

No More Drama. Not Even for Spring.

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Zip Off Sleeves Mary Rocks the Vest Hybrid

With the bit of sun that comes with spring, so does many closeted (literally!) ensembles of what to wear during summer transition.

Acceptable looks, I know I’ll never pull off, are small-floral print dresses with tall Wellies and thick knee-highs; flats paired with skinny jeans and long layered tanks; bolero jackets over vintage concert Ts with shiny, skin-tight leggings. All items, that could very well do double duty come fall and even late winter, except for maybe one item.

Vests.

Vests might be the fashion culprit of transitional seasonal wear. Read more