~ Natasha Fatah ~

CBC News Network: The week of April 15th

2013-05-07T08:06:00.001-04:00

Hi friends,

Recently I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to work with CBC News Network's Breaking News Desk. The desk is managed by an incredible team of producers, writers and reporters who work really hard, and make this incredibly challenging work look easy. I thank them for letting me join their team, and I look forward to working with them again soon.

In the meantime, I'd like to share some of the work I did at the desk with you.

~ Thank you for visiting and watching. ~

Documentary: Muslim in Mumbai

2013-05-01T16:55:00.000-04:00

In November 2008, a group of Islamist terrorists attacked the Indian cultural capital of Mumbai. The coordinated attacks killed 164 people, and wounded at least 300 more. When Mumbai began to heal, an old wound cropped up again: The division between the Hindu majority and Muslim minority. This is a story about being Muslim in Mumbai. Broadcast in 2009.

Documentary: Only For a While by Natasha Fatah

2013-04-02T22:51:00.000-04:00

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

Chances are you know someone who has or is effected by autism.
And for that reason, I'm sharing the very first piece of radio I ever made several years ago. It's my short documentary called "Only For a While" about my relationship with my sister Nazia, who has autism.

I hope you enjoy it and thanks for visiting.

Take Malala's Hand

2012-11-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

Dear friends, please sign the Change.org Petition to nominate Malala Yousafzai for the Nobel Peace Prize. And share it with your friends.

Change.org|The Proven Petition Site

Swirls and Wood: A Post For Umbreen

2012-09-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

Blouse thrifted || Anne Klein pants: thrifted at Double Take || Shoes: Urban Outfitters || Earrings: Stella and Dot || Necklace: Ettika.com || Bracelets: Trustan & America and gifts from Mom

I haven't been very consistent with blog posting this week.

And I was thinking that maybe I'll take a break from the blog for a while. Maybe forever?

But last night, I saw my cousin/friend/doll-face Umbreen and mentioned this thought to her and she said "But I look forward to your blog posts."

And so this post is for you Umbers.

You never know how meaningful simple words, or a kind gesture or a sincere smile can be to the person on the receiving end. Since blogging often feels like a very solitary venture, I imagine that nobody is really interested if I don't post regularly. But Umbreen's sweet remark inspired me to fire up the laptop (something I haven't been doing these past few nights - uh, my laptop is pretty heavy - must downsize - anyway) and post this post for her.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

~ Photos by Chris ~

Last Days of Summer & The Occupy Anniversary

2012-09-18T03:30:00.000-04:00

A simple last-days-of-summer outfit I sported weekend before last.

The real star of the show are these spike earrings from InPink.com that I've been totally obsessed with since they arrived at my door. I illustrated my desire for spiky baubles in this post.

Dress: Winners || DIY Aldo Shoes || Bracelets: from Mom || Earrings: InPink.com || Sunglasses: Forever 21

One year ago this week the 'Occupy Wall Street Movement' kicked off in New York City. Subsequently cities all over the world adopted their own Occupy Movements.
A year on do you think the Occupy Movements made a mark on history? Or will they soon be forgotten?
Have they forced us to re-evaluate how we distribute wealth? Or has nothing changed?
It was a brief but moving moment in our near history and I'd love to know what you thought of it.
Thanks for visiting today.
~ Photos by Nazia ~

Love...

2012-09-17T03:00:00.000-04:00

Today, this week, this month, this season, this year, forever, let's make it about love.

Love T-Shirt: Borrowed from Chris || Orange Skirt: Zara || Black Shoes: Urban Outfitters || Earrings: InPink.com || Bracelets: Gifts from Mom, Nazia and from Tristan & America

We're so hard on each other, and on ourselves. At the very least, that's how I've been feeling lately. This week I'm hoping to be more productive, happier, easier on myself and to be more loving to everything around me.

Anyone with me?

Thanks for visiting the blog today, and let's spread the love.

~ Photos by Nazia ~

Inspiration for the Week: Camel Coats

2012-09-16T03:00:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's too early in the season to get excited about coats, but I can't help it. I love Fall, and every year there is one piece that I crave without fail...well, there are a few, something in burgundy, leather boots, and the classic, and cozy camel coloured coat. I love this rich neutral paired with everything. If you want to make any outfit instantly better, throw on camel wool coat and it instantly looks better.

So, tell me, do you love camel coloured coats? How would you style yours?

Thanks for visiting.

All images via Pinterest.

NYFW: Street Style

2012-09-15T03:00:00.000-04:00

Let's face it, half the fun...maybe more than half the fun of New York Fashion Week is seeing what people wear to the shows and on the streets hoping that they will get snapped by a Sartorialist or a Bill Cunningham or a Garance. These are just a very few of some of the street style from last week.

Images via Pinterest.
Thank you for visiting.

NYFW: Marchesa Spring 2013

2012-09-14T03:00:00.000-04:00

There is just so much gorgeousness streaming out of New York City during Fashion Week, that I'm continuing to put my own outfit posts on hold, because I can't resist showing you more of some of the shows that I thought were the most fabulous. Marchesa's Spring 2013 Collection is absolutely stunning. And it makes me kind of emotional, nostalgic and proud all at the same time. The entire collection is inspired by South Asia - from the jewel tones, to the heavy beading, to the layers and folds of fabrics - we South Asians know that more is more, and Marchesa has given us lots more to dream about.
It's absolutely 'khoob sooruth' - beautiful.

Images via Vogue and all pinned on Pinterest

Let me know what you think of this collection. Is it too much for you? (You're wrong)

Or do you love it? (You're smart)

Thank you for visiting.

NYFW: Rachel Roy Spring 2013

2012-09-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

More beauty from New York Fashion Week. This is part of Rachel Roy's Spring 2013 Ready To Wear Collection. Like other great New York based designers, she makes clothes that real women want to wear. Each and every outfit I've posted below would find a loving home in my closet. Enjoy.

Images via Style.com and pinned on Pinterest.

NYFW: J. CREW S/S 2013

2012-09-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, I am not in New York City enjoying the excitement and inspiration that is New York Fashion Week. I've been here doing garage sales and such. But thanks to the wonders of the internet, and by following bajillions of style blogs, I get see through other people's lenses what are some of the big hits of the Spring and Summer 2013 collections. The J.Crew Ready To Wear Collection does not disappoint. Here is just a small sampling.

Which is your favourite?

Images via Style.com and can be found on Pinterest.

Do you think you'll be sporting any of these trends?

Thank you for visiting.

Designing In The Junction

2012-09-12T03:00:00.000-04:00

Photos from a few days ago when me and members of the Brown Peeps Crew checked out an artists and designers tour in the Junction neighbourhood in Toronto.

Polka Dot Blouse: Street Vendor || Red Jeans: thrifted at Double Take || Chambray Flats: Old Navy || Belt: Tristan & America || Bracelets: gifts from Mom || Earrings: gifts from Sana and David

Ice cream and intense conversations with Umbreen, Sabrina and Rohan. Chris is behind the camera.

Thank you for visiting.

Openly Sheer

2012-09-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

Sheer Pink Blouse: Suzy Shier || Black T-Shirt: Joe Fresh || Silk Snake-skin Skirt: Vintage Underground || Anne Klein Heels: thrifted || Necklace as Bracelet: Previously loved by Mom || Pearl Earrings: Purple Jade || Necklace: Street Vendor in India

Thank you for visiting.

~ Photos by Chris ~

Garage Sale - Instagrammed

2012-09-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday got rained out, but on Sunday two Bow-Tied Garage Sale-ing machines hit the intersection of Carlton and Sackville in Toronto to sell our wares.

I say five dollars, Daryl says four.

C'mon Farah, just please buy these pants already --- The coolest customer of the day picked up these sunglasses for 1 dollar.

Left to Right: Bonnie, Merv and Farah. Thanks guys so much for your help cleaning up at the end of the day.

Friends and neighbours Bargain Hunters

Chris, David and Sana My girl Kamla got a dress

My lovely friend Vijaya picked up this skirt and a couple of books.

To everyone that came and picked up a piece or two, thank you so much. It was so lovely to see you.

You know, it was a lot harder to part with many of those clothes than I had originally anticipated. The clothes are wrapped up in memories and emotions. Some were gifts. Some were souvenirs. But I hope the people that picked up the pieces will enjoy them and be happy.

Thanks for visiting.

Garage Sale!

2012-09-07T03:00:00.000-04:00

UPDATE ON FRIDAY AT 12:55PM: Hello friends, the weather people are forecasting rain for tomorrow. And not a little bit of rain either. Like Indian monsoon torrential downpour rain. If that is the case, the bow-tied team may move the garage sale to Sunday instead. Stay tuned...

Image via Jerad

Dear friends, especially those in Toronto and in the Greater Toronto Area, I'm having a garage sale on Saturday. My friend Dagna, her husband Jerad who created the very sweet poster you see above, Chris and I have teamed up, cleaned out our closets and are having a big garage sale of our gently used clothing, shoes, bags, tons of books, and lots of other goodies. You can see more information here.

We're holding it in the neighbourhood of Cabbagetown, during the annual Cabbagetown Festival. The festival is wonderful celebration of one of Toronto's prettiest and most diverse neighbourhoods.

So in case you're confused:
What: Bow-Tied Blogger Garage Sale - because we'll be wearing bow-ties.
When: Saturday, September 8th starting at 9am.
Where: Millington Street and Metcalfe Street in Cabbagetown/Toronto.
Who: You and Us!

The festival is always a lot of fun. Hoping to seeing you there!

Thanks for visiting!

Split Personality Dress

2012-09-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

It's all together possible that this garment is actually a shirt, maybe even a tunic, and not so much a dress.

I say the jury is still out.

Split Personality Dress: H&M || Canvas Shoes: Arden || Earrings: Can't Remember || Bracelets: gifts from mom from Amsterdam, Tristan & America

Ok jury deliberations are complete. We the jury have decided that this piece is guilty of being a dress only on weekends or after work. At work, it will play the role of a shirt, accompanied appropriately by pantaloons or jeans.

Thank you for visiting today.

~ Photos by Nazia ~

2 Years and 1 Day

2012-09-05T03:00:00.000-04:00

Two years ago on September 4th, Chris and I got married at Toronto's City Hall. Although Chris will be the first to let you know that the 4th isn't really our anniversary, it's actually the 25th when we had a small party and ceremony at my parents' home. The 4th was the civil ceremony date. But I figure it's ok for us to have two anniversaries.

"Wedding" Dress: Le Chateau || Shoes: BCBG || Bracelets: Little India || Pearl Earrings: Purple Jade || Clutch: Pakistan || Fascinator: Blair Nadeau Millinery

It was just us, our parents and my sister.

The last two years have really tested us. A few months after getting married, my dad got sick which sent our lives and our life together into a tailspin for a very long time. But we've made it through the storm, and I'll look forward to smoother sailing ahead.

Thanks for being the lighthouse Chris.

And thank you for visiting today.

~ Most photos by Chris ~

First Day Of School

2012-09-04T03:00:00.000-04:00

My apologies for the long-hair lies on your screen right now. These pictures are (obviously) from a week (or two) ago before the hair got chopped off.

Striped T-shirt: Joe Fresh || Skirt & Scarf: Thrifted from Double Take || Shoes: Payless || Bracelet: Suzy Shier || Earrings: Blanco in Lisbon

If it's your first day of school, have a great new year. I miss school.

Thank you for visiting today guys.

~ Photos by Sinisa ~

Yellow + Red: Inspired by Shala Monroque

2012-09-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

Primary colours. Colour blocking. McDonald's chic. All brought to you by the always inspiring fashion icon Shala Monroque.

Yellow T-shirt: Zellers || Red Skirt & Necklace: Thrifted || Shoes: Arden || Bracelets: Gifts from Mom || Hoop Earrings: Saskatoon

This weekend, I finally got around to seeing 'The Iron Lady' the Margaret Thatcher biopic starring Meryl Streep. How to put this delicately? It was not good. Having said that, I know any criticism of an act of creativity is meaningless in relation to the creativity itself. And Meryl Streep is a genius. And biopics are particularly difficult movies to make. But with all that in mind, what bothered me was that Thatcher was reduced down to her feelings and emotions, and really her frailties and insecurities. Even if you don't agree with Thatcher's politics - and history has shown she didn't make the wisest or even kindest decisions, she was an important person. Half the film was dedicated to her hallucinations in her old age. Vulnerability makes someone easier to relate to. But this was someone that accomplished great things, during a fascinating time in history, and little time was spent on her beliefs, her ideas and even less on her actions. Sometimes I think we have begun to celebrate fragility to the point of ignoring accomplishment.

In the movie, Thatcher's character herself says she's tired of people asking her 'how are you feeling?' she wants people to ask her about what she is thinking. And then she offers this: Watch your thoughts, for they will become actions. Watch your actions, for they'll become habits. Watch your habits for they will forge your character. Watch your character, for it will make your destiny.

Watch those thoughts kids.
And please forgive me for talking about Thatcher on a day dedicated to the Labour movement.

For those of you who have today off, enjoy this long weekend.

For those of you (like me) who have to work, let's hope it's a fun-filled day.

And thanks for visiting.

~ Photos by Chris ~

Inspiration for the Week: Drop Waist Dresses

2012-09-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday Friends.
Here is a dress shape and trend I've been enjoying all summer - the Drop Waist Dress. While many are available in block colours, or with mixed patterns. However, I definitely prefer the ones that are a solid block of colour. It's a perfect blank canvass for jewelry, blazers, sweaters, high heels and my other favourite Fall craving, loafers. And for most women, it's a pretty forgiving shape.

I've pinned all these images from bloggers I admire on Pinterest.
Thanks for visiting and I hope you're enjoying this last weekend of summer.

Column: How to Fix An 'Upside-Down' Immigration System

2012-09-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, I've written a new column based on one of the discussions that came up at Palmer Conference earlier this summer. It's about how Canada should revamp it's immigration policy. I know, I know, it's not a sexy topic, but it's incredibly important and the idea in the column is one that I've haven't heard seriously discussed anywhere.

"You know all those "illegal aliens," meaning the Mexican migrant workers that the Americans want to throw out? If we had any sense, we'd bring them to Canada.

It is not an idea you hear very often. But it is exactly what James McNiven proposed, albeit more for dramatic effect, at the annual Palmer Conference on immigration at the University of PEI this summer."

"Ask any immigrant to this country, and they'll tell you the two cruelest words they've had to encounter while looking for a job in their field of expertise are "Canadian experience."

If you're a newcomer to this country how are you supposed to have any? Thus begins the cycle of underemployment among so many of Canada's immigrants."

You can read the whole column here.

Stylish Movie: Moonrise Kingdom

2012-08-31T03:00:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day of summer. Well maybe not officially, but come on, it's the last day of August, and it's a Friday. School starts up next week. It's the end of summer. So let us celebrate (or commiserate) by enjoying the beautiful visual feast which is Wes Anderson's latest movie. also set at the end of summer: Moonrise Kingdom. It's been out in theaters for ages but I finally saw it this week, and for me it was love at first sight. Everything in the movie is pleasure for the eyes, and now I want to want to join the "Khaki Scouts" or at the very least, get their uniform.

This is "Social Services" in her gorgeous deep blue uniform.

This is our narrator, sporting a look we've also seen in The Life Aquatic.

Here's an actor I've had a crush on for ages, Bill Murray sporting an array for fantastically printed pants.

With book covers this beautifully illustrated, I think it's ok to judge them by their covers.

"Sam: Dear Suzy, walk four hundred yards due north from your house to the dirt path which has not got any name on it. Turn right and follow to the end. I will you in the meadow."

Thanks for visiting this week. Have a wonderful weekend guys.

"Don't You Look Corporate Today?"

2012-08-29T03:00:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, sometimes I just don't know how to respond to the things people say. We've all been there: someone makes a comment about your appearance that isn't really a compliment, and it's not really a criticism. Or if it is a criticism, the person saying it is being pretty passive aggressive. And it's difficult to respond when you're not really sure either way. For example, I wore this outfit two days ago at work, and someone in the office said: "My, don't you look corporate today?" And yes, she did say "My" at the beginning of the sentence.

I just offered up an awkward laugh and said "Uh, I try."

I'm not trying to be difficult, I genuinely don't know what to say. Maybe it's a compliment, but maybe it's not.

Other examples I get from time to time: "I read your article in the paper." - Um, thanks? Or did you totally disagree with my point of view and you're just too polite to say it?

Or how about: "I saw your blog." - this one definitely makes me uncomfortable. What am I supposed to say? Potentially the subtext is "I saw your blog = I judge you for being shallow." Help!

This post is my submission to the Trend of the Month Challenge.

Purple Dress and Kenneth Cole Heels: thrifted at Double Take || Blazer and Belt: Tristan & America || Pearl Earrings: Purple Jade || Necklace: Le Chateau, gift from Chris

So tell me, how do you gracefully manage through those awkward social exchanges?

Thanks for visiting guys.

~ Photos by Sinisa ~

What I Wore: Adam and Erin's Wedding

2012-08-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

My colleague and friend (and occasional blog photographer) Adam Killick got married a few days to a very lovely lady named Erin. I was honoured to be invited to their wedding, and this is what I wore. It was tempting to wear a summer dress to their beautiful ceremony at Erin's family's home. But, you know, why not take this old standby out for a spin?

Blue Shalwaar Kameez was a gift from Chris || Bracelets from a small shop in Little India || Pearl Sandals from Karachi || Earrings: Gift from my aunt in Amsterdam || Ring: InPink.com || Purse: Aldo

Photo of Adam and Erin, stolen from Adam's Facebook page.

Adam said something incredibly sweet during his speech at the wedding: He said that in Erin he had found someone who accepted and liked him exactly the way he was. And it was a nice feeling.
If we could all be so lucky to be accepted and liked for being exactly what we are.

Congratulations guys! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!