In the room where you sleep

stuff i want but don't need

2011-08-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

Out of the Vinyl Deeps by Ellen Willis

To be able to write in this city/country, I have to familiarize myself with the writing style of actual writers here. (Now count how many times I typed the word write in that sentence.) Some of my favourite columnists/writers are Kate Carraway and Sarah Nicole Prickett, whose columns I read religiously whether in print or online. So when they recommend anything, I will take to it like bees take to honey (sorry guys it's 3am and I can't think of anything more creative). So, yes. Out of the Vinyl Deeps: Ellen Willis on Rock Music. Should I buy it (not available at the Toronto Public Library) and hopefully feel more inspired afterwards to write? Or will I just feel shittier about not being able to write anywhere?

tee shirts!

2011-08-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

I told myself I wouldn't buy any more t-shirts because my wardrobe has to grow up. Of course band & event t-shirts are an exception.

But these Volcom t-shirts are too cute! Also, they're on sale for $9.99 and with my employee discount it's even cheaper!

So, yes? No?

Yes they're men's shirts. Have I told you how much I love shopping in the men's sale department? Their stuff is ten million times more amazing than the women's!!

Teen Wolf

2011-06-30T02:09:00.000-07:00

I will let you in on a little secret, I'm absolutely hooked on Teen Wolf. I haven't seen the original one with Michael J. Fox, but I just might after this.

Before I tell you (why I like it), let me show you first.
Remember Ty, the adorable son of Marisa (Jennifer Lopez) in Maid in Manhattan?

Well, look at him now.

He plays Scott McCall, a regular teenager bit by a werewolf.

I mean, look at this transition!

Unbelievable! But I have to say he's kept a few of his 'Ty' mannerisms (aka pa-cute ones) which are working for his character on the show.

How about Michael Sullivan Jr. (Tom Hanks' son) from Road to Perdition, anyone see that?

I personally didn't see that movie, but I do remember him from 7th Heaven where he plays Martin Brewster.

Well look who's all grown up now and shirtless to boot.

He plays Derek Hale, another werewolf who tries to take Scott under his wing (paw? claw?) and teach him the ways of the 'were'.

He also starred as Jerry in Hall Pass, the (much) younger love interest of Christina Applegate's character.

Holy crap, right?

The rest of the cast is pretty easy on the eyes as well (Colton Haynes and Dylan O'Brien),

but these two are just too good to be true.

I think I've shown you sufficient evidence as to why I love this show, now let me give you some actual (aka not aesthetic) reasons.

Music

Given that it's an MTV show I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the music is great, and by great I mean music I listen to, bands I go to concerts for, and some I'm glad to have found. So far I've heard them play Two Door Cinema Club, Phantogram, and Tokyo Police Club. The best part is after every episode they have a link where you can check out the music and even download it for free (if you're lucky to be in the USA).

Realistic

In one of the episodes, Dylan O' Brien (who plays Stiles, Scott's best friend) is going on and on about all the werewolf research he's done and at the end of his monologue he goes "..and yes, I've had a lot of Adderall"

When I was younger, I hated it when older people started off their stories by saying 'When I was your age..' or 'Kids these days..', but unfortunately I think I will employ that phrase now. Kids these days are much different from when I was in high school which I think is pretty surprising since it hasn't really been that long since I was there..has it? Oh wait, it's been 10 years since I was a high school freshman. But I digress, I think it's still fairly recent actually. But like anything else, much has changed. When I was in high school all I was concerned about was school and swimming. I think I was pretty late in terms of developing vices to begin with, so had you told me you took Adderall when I was 15, I wouldn't have known what to do with that information. Basically I think that despite the show being intended for younger adults, the producers are very realistic in terms of situations high school kids are going through nowadays. With five episodes in, they've tackled overperfectionism, adoption, divorce, drugs, and pre-marital sex. It's a pretty honest portrayal if you ask me, and I really appreciate that.

Bromance

I love bromance movies. I think male friendships are one of the most genuine relationships there are. There's no passive-aggressiveness or backbiting, which is pretty refreshing to see on TV. The friendship between Scott and Stiles is so genuine and real that I wouldn't be surprised if most of the time they're reacting to each other rather than acting. You have to watch it to get what I mean, but it's really quite funny.

Oh, and check out this video where Dylan sees Selena Gomez on the red carpet and gets so absolutely starstruck.

UO on TV!

2011-06-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

I know if this is a telltale sign that I'm working too much or watching TV too much that I know when celebrities are wearing Urban Outfitters stuff. I've noticed enough to actually make an entry out of it. Embarrassing? Impressive?

Props to the stylists though for choosing a brand that seems plausible for the TV characters to be buying. I mean how do you justify a high school student wearing Chanel or something like that right?

Here are a few I spotted.

Casey from Greek wearing a Pins and Needles chiffon top

Channing Tatum wearing a Deter tee for the March issue of GQ. This shirt actually went on sale for $9.99!

Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) wearing the Kimchi Blue Nora dress which actually sold out the same week this Glee episode aired.

Rachel Berry in another Kimchi Blue dress. We still have this in store in yellow and a mint green colour which I actually really like.

On the latest episode of Teen Wolf Stiles (Dylan O' Brien) is seen wearing the cassette stacks tape shirt.

I can't find an image still yet, but I promise he is!

J'adore Montreal (parte une)

2011-06-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

Is it a little odd that I've been to Montreal three times this year and June hasn't even ended yet? Well if we're gonna be specific I might as well tell you that I went three times in the span of two months.

Why?
It's amazing, that's why. The rent is cheap(er), the men are gorgeous, and the city itself is so easy on the eyes!I'm gonna shut up now and show you some photos so you can decide for yourself.
This is from my first trip of the year, during the dead of winter.

You can't go to Montreal and not go to Schwartz, which is one of the (if not the) most famous Hebrew deli in the city. Known for its smoked meat sandwiches, this place is always full and yes, there was a line that crept out of the restaurant even if it was -20 outside.

What is creepy? Mannequins of children covered in manila paper in the basement of an antique store, that's what.

I totally regretted taking off my mitts to pose with this guy, it was the coldest, most painful thing ever.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure this is Concordia.

College Notre-Dame

St. Joseph's Oratory was built on top of a hill, so the trek up was pretty breathtaking-literally. It reminded me of the high altitude training my team and I used to do every summer in Baguio.

Posed for scaling purposes. Seriously, Montreal snow was crazy! Toronto didn't really get a lot of it this winter though it was pretty cold. P.S. Doc Martens may just be the best boots for winter. It keeps my feet dry & warm like no other!

Oh I watched the Goo Goo Dolls concert. This was the primary reason I went to Montreal!

Chandeliers, always.

Crossroads

2011-06-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

We've come across a crossroad that is actually pretty tough while planning our trip. Maybe if I put this question out into the universe I will get an answer somehow through some cosmic way.

Here it goes.

Easter Island

vs.

Machu Picchu

The only hard part about the Easter Island option is that I'll have to get a Chilean visa since it's a special territory of Chile.

Good lord I cannot wait to get my Canadian passport just so I can be done with all this tourist visa business!! Just.one.more.year.

Anyhoo, Machu Picchu vs. Easter Island. SERIOUSLY, how do you choose?

Animal Farm

2011-06-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

Last year I saw a customer wearing a wolf ring and the minute I saw it I knew it had to be mine.

My customer said she got it in a store "it's kind of like the Lavish & Squalor of Montreal"

I asked Joe to buy it for me and I finally got it when we met up back home.

This was the first night I got to use it, at Bugsy's.

Gem was excited to play with it too, her swim team in Nevada is known as the Wolf pack.

Unfortunately I was only able to wear it twice.

I lost it on this night.

But recently I found out that this company called Verameat makes a whole zoo of rings! Oh wow!

Closet Visit

2011-06-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Take baby steps into the world of voyeurism by peeking into people's closets via Closetvisit. It also makes you live vicariously through all these wonderfully dressed women.

Allison Miller

Ahh, I need overalls. I need to live out my Alex Mack dream!

Perfect for summer.

Beatrice Valenzuela

Oh so cute! I've always wanted to wear a scarf that way. Shall we have a picnic?

Camille Cregan

Blue and red vertical stripes on cream, always yes.

Deborah Kaplan

How would you describe this colour?

Giorgia Tramontano

So amazing.

Jennie Baek

Holy hell, if this isn't love I don't know what is.

Jesse Kamm

I never would've thought of putting these colours together.

Lauren Soloff

My boss Angela wears a scarf inside her denim jacket with the collar up all the time too. She also has bleach white hair. Strange coincidence?

Matilde Riccardi

This turban trend isn't going anywhere, is it? I want her necklace.

Excuse me, tan shoes and red gloves? This woman stops at nothing!

Melissa Coker

This watercolour shirt dress is so inspiring.

Minji Kim

Maroon tights and white shoes, keeping that in mind for fall.

Sophie Assa

I'm not too sure if I can pull off the whole socks in clogs thing off, but this is too hard to resist.

Stripes & brogues, always! I don't have that colour yet..

I would learn to ride a bike for the sole purpose of being able to dress this way.

Stella Berkofsky

You can't see it in this photo but she's wearing a lace cami inside. This is just priceless.

Can't get enough black and white stripes, especially since this is vertical. I feel like Urban had a Yaya Nom de Plume top similar to this a while back.

The military jacket, scarf, cuffed pants, and ballet flats remind me of something Christy would wear.

Clare Cottrell

I am a stern believer in the saying 'No one can have too many stripes.'

I made that up, so I gotta believe it.

Sunshine Fox

Sunshine Fox is such a pretty name, I always wanted to marry a man with an animal surname (Fox, Wolf, Fish).

Are these not the prettiest accessories? That green studded cuff seems to be everywhere, who is it by?

Pretty. Pretty flimsy. Pretty scarves nonetheless.

Wandie Kabule

Let's count the reasons this is a wonderful photo: amazing colour schemed (red, white, black, tan), the presence of the Ferragamos, and the leather suitcases!

Wandie, I need your dress. Thanks!

Larisa Oleynik!

2011-06-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

I'm half surfing-half watching TV and guess whose button nose appears on my TV.

Her pixie cut fits her so well!

She plays CIA analyst Jenna Kaye on Hawaii 5-0.

She does not look 30.

Remember her Alex Mack days?

Did you ever wish you had her powers at one point in time? I did. I always wanted to melt into a puddle of golden glowing liquid to get into places I couldn't go into otherwise.

The ubiquitous Alex Mack porma. I always wanted to dress this way, backwards cap, over-alls, and the white T.

I totally forgot about her best friend Ray (Darris Love)!

I haven't seen/read Tiger Beat in years, but do celebrities still pose with stuffed animals? This is the best sweater, ever.

Do you remember trying out that hairstyle?

And of course there was Ten Things I Hate About You

I really loved that red dress & pearls combo.

And there was The Babysitters Club too! Oh I loved her wardrobe in this movie.

So many pretty girls in this movie, including Bre Blair (Stacy) and Rachael Leigh Cook (Mary Anne).

Did anyone see this movie? I caught 100 Girls on Star Movies a bunch of times, it was pretty funny! I think it's the first time I saw Emmanuelle Chriqui.

Do you know who that is? It's Katherine Heigl!!

I feel like there aren't a lot of celebrities nowadays with the same simple girl-next-door beauty she had. Or am I wrong?

Wedding Invites

2011-06-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself slipping into daydreams of your wedding? I do. The funny thing is that it's not the man or the dress I think of, it's the small details. The time of day it will be held, the entertainment, the venue, the food, the decor, the giveaways, the photography, and the invitation.

A few months back my friends and I were talking about how we all like watching wedding videos of people we don't know. Call it creepy (maybe even bordering voyeuristic?) but it makes us cry all the time. Our favourites are those by Bob Nicolas & Jason Magbanua. For amazing (almost magazine editorial-like) wedding photos, Mangored just may be the best I've seen so far. Have you noticed that all of my faves are in the Philippines? I'm pretty sure I want to go back home to get married.

I stumbled upon this awesome site, For Print Only that is probably every graphic designer's dream. Heck, even as a normal human being (yes artistic & creative people are a notch above us simple Homo sapiens) this site is my dream. I wish I were more creative!

I saw these inspiring wedding invitations that I am re-posting for future reference. Who says wedding invitations have to stick to the gold & white, cursive, parchment paper and ribbon theme? I want mine to extra fun.

Alba y Carlos

This invitation feels like a Mexican restaurant menu and now I want to head over to Tequila Sunrise for some sangria.

Amy & Forrest

Oh wow! Talk about colour & fun! I can only imagine how fun this couple is in real life. It's almost like receiving a little art book. Those little packets on the bottom left are wildflower seeds with instructions to be planted 'to celebrate the beauty of this day'. Are you crying yet?

Brandon & Jacob

This was taken from an actual drawing on a whiteboard. The whole invitation is hand rendered & based on nicknames they have for each other (Firefly and bumble bee). Too sweet!

Darwin & Jennie

Calling all ICAns & Xaverians, this goes to show that even if you're Chinese it doesn't mean your wedding invitations have to be red and gold (resembling an ang pao envelope). The chicken and the pig stand for the couple's astrological signs and the favours are kitchen magnets with those respective animals. And no red or gold anywhere! Hen hao!

Jessica and Steve

Oh my, this just may be my favourite of the bunch.This invitation/programme reads like a diner menu complete with diagrams, trivia (couple's favourite beer, history of venue), a prize ribbon and the best lay-out ever. Seriously, please click the link. You won't regret it.

Ryan and Jeshurun

Coffee and books = match made in heaven. Equally divine is this pairing of Ryan (coffee shop manager) & Jeshurun (design student) who used burlap coffee bags from Ryan's coffee shop to hold the buttons that feature her designs. The books (in the silhouette of a wedding cake) were her own doing as well. The Save the Date bookmark is an exceptional touch.

Triple Wedding Shower: Molly & Alex, Katie & Tyler, Erin & Cory

Good lord, a seafood (crawfish to be exact) wedding shower? Yes please! This makes me want to go down south and get married there! The bits about how the couples met are really heart-warming.

Whitney & Andrew

It reads like a welcome booklet of some sort, which is really adorable.

Tyler & Elsa

Ahh, stamps! I love this, I really do. Will definitely incorporate stamps in my wedding materials.

Catherine Breillat

2011-06-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

While we're on the subject of Catherine Breillat, let's take a look at her past movies. Seriously, such a treat.

The Last Mistress (2007)

Bluebeard (2009)

Romance (1999)

In a perfect world where I can understand French fluently, I want to be able to watch Peau d'ane (never mind that it's creepy), read Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, and listen to Carla Bruni all day long.

Also, I love the wardrobe of all female protagonists in Catherine Breillat's films. Is it a French thing?

Sleeping Beauties

2011-06-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

2011 with Emily Browning

2010 avec Carla Besnaïnou

1959 with Mary Costa's voice

Oh and why not throw this in for good humour?

Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens

Photographed by Annie Leibovitz

Am I the only one who thinks Zac's costume resembles that more of Beast's rather than Prince Philip?

Valentino

2011-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for kitten heeled, studded, or pointy footwear, however I just met the ultimate exception.

My favourite is the pink & beige one Alexa Chung is wearing. I actually saw someone wearing this on the street just this week, and I thought it was a sign from God! Ok, not really but how do you justify buying a pair of shoes that's as much as rent??!

Movie: Bridesmaids

2011-06-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with those gold rings (pointer and ring fingers) Kristen Wiig is wearing in Bridesmaids. I found a few similar ones on Etsy for pretty good prices. Should I?

14k gold filled smooth skinny ring for CN$14!! by June Designs.

I'm not a huge silver jewelry girl, but this secret message ring is really cute too.$37. really!

So many laughs all throughout the movie. Also so many Urban Outfitters pieces. ~~Worst~~Best part is I didn't have to Google it to make sure it was from the store, I just knew.

Top from Urban Outfitters, maybe Reformed?

Cope dress from Urban Outfitters, also worn by Rachel on Glee

Nom de Plume dress from Urban Outfitters

These outtakes are from a Harper's Bazaar shoot, which I think are so amazing. Rose Byrne is gorgeous.

I like Kristen Wiig better as a darker blonde/brunette.

Fierce

David Blackwood

2011-06-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

I was able to catch the David Blackwood exhibit at the AGO a few months back and it was amazing. He captures the small town maritime life I always pictured Canada would have. He makes me want to travel to Newfoundland right this minute.

Fire Down On The Labrador

Probably my favourite of the bunch. It's very Moby Dick-ish.

Visitation On Braggs Island


Young Mummer from Wesleyville

All these people with veils are mummers. Mummering is one of the oldest customs in Newfoundland that date back to their early English and Irish settlers. It's a little unnerving, but still so interesting nonetheless.

Google!

2011-06-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

Google's done it again!
Just in time for Father's Day they come up with this commercial that tugs at heart strings of everyone with daddy issues.

Here's another one that is also so amazing.

Of course, another commercial on something I don't have- a brother!

Here's one about something I did have, but only for four days. Oh, Ruby..

However, I am confident that I will have these next two ones, especially since the baby one is set in Toronto!

Thrifting and then some

2011-05-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Mars was here last week and she wanted to go vintage shopping so I did my research, bought a day pass, and traipsed around the city to go thrifting.

Our first stop was Value Village, where I was patting myself on the back for putting down everything I was holding (I had shoes, a suitcase, some books, a manual camera) when Mars came up to me with this.

Mars taught me how to look at the lining of clothes to tell if they're real or fake; it's all in the seams. This was 100% wool and I am confident it will keep me warm during the cooler months.

And for this price? Yes, please!
The last leg of our trip was to Penny Arcade Vintage, where I found these buttery soft leather oxfords. I wore them all day of Friday and Saturday and had no problem whatsoever.

The price of these bad boys? $20! And when I thought all was well and done, I saw this bag. Damnit! Vintage Coach is my weakness.

The size was perfect too since it fits my umbrella! I know it's a really weird condition to have but I really hate lugging umbrellas around. I love the wear and tear of it.

Ballpen marks and all.

I met this man who taught me how to tell how old exactly a vintage Coach purse is. He said that if it says it was made in New York or USA, it was made in the 60s or 70s since everything is now made in China.

The next day we dropped by Haute Classics after lunch. It's a designer consignment store in Yorkville that was on our list of places to go to the previous day but wasn't able to. I unfortunately saw this pair of shoes, and it was love at first sight.

They're barely used, I'd say the previous owner maybe wore it twice? The leather hardly has any creases.

The next day, mom and I ventured out east to eat at this place called Dangerous Dan's but passed another Value Village.

This was $9.99! The colour's a bit similar to the one I bought two days before but it was so pretty! I bought another pair of shoes but I can't find them right now so that will come later on. On our way to Dangerous Dan's we passed by Common Sort and I saw this!! Ugh, so pretty, but also so poor! So I decided not to get it.However I couldn't stop thinking about it for the next 24 hours and asked my mom to pass by and get it the next day.

And that, my friends is why I am not eating forever. Or buying from actual stores again.

Elle Fanning

2011-05-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

One of the prettiest girls in Hollywood today. I loved everything she was wearing in Somewhere, and everything she wears-period.

Gorgeous.

Misunderstanding

2011-05-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

I will never make a joke like that while a guy is driving.

Fake Shopping

2011-05-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Let's pretend for a moment that I actually have money. Let's go fake online shopping, shall we?

all from asos.com!

Bally lace ups

Bally Rachele


Marc Jacobs bamboo bag

Mulberry oversized Alexa


Vivienne Westwood Pirate Patchwork Patent & Nubuck brogues

Vionnet ankle strap satin pumps

The Concert: Miami Horror

2011-04-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

Welcoming spring (and the month of April) with Australian-based Miami Horror!

Pretty plates at Regina's

Margot

2011-03-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

And of course there's Margot-inspired art.

oldies

2011-02-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

I wanna watch these movies, NOW.

Peru

2011-02-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

Holy cow! Or I guess in this case, holy rabbit!
Yes, it is indeed Chinese New Year, which means a few things.
It's my Chinese birthday AND it's also my year- that of the rabbit. Although technically I'm a tail of the tiger and head of the rabbit.

Enough with the technicalities.
My point is, I booked myself a ticket to Peru! Yes, it is finally coming true. And you know what the best part is? I'm staying for THREE WEEKS.
I should definitely start doing my research, starting with these movies.

Okay maybe those won't help me as much as this?

Then again I don't live in 1952.

Whatever, I'm so excited to see these places!

LCD Soundsystem - You Wanted A Hit

2011-01-31T21:50:00.001-08:00