CHEAP THRILLS.

WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:05:00 +0000

Dilemma: It's -15C outside with a freezing windchill and you're supposed to be going to the biggest party the city of Winnipeg has ever seen--what do you wear? GO!

Trick question. It doesn't matter what you wear--your goose-down jacket is going on top of it anyway, unless you want to catch hypothermia/die on your way to the party. Thank god for coat check, though, otherwise we'd also die from over-heating! As far as shoes go, good luck wearing anything other than closed-toe leather platforms, because I already warned you: baby, it's cold outside. And, you know, slush really kills suede.

Anyways, despite the big chill, I stuck to the most sensible heels I own and paired it with one of my vacation purchases--and favourite dress to date--this insanely versatile cape dress. I found it in sketchy store hidden within a maze of lots of other stores and it was the last one in my size--there was no way I was going home without it! As for the look I was going for...I decided on futuristic elfin superhero. No explanation needed.

The party itself was fantastic and had a great atmosphere. Lots of interesting people wearing chic outfits...basically, it was fashion girl heaven. The music was great too, I especially loved Flo's live show and crazy hair! And that one really sassy back-up dancer who was working it like no other. (Seriously, it's my new life ambition to dance like him.)

All in all, it was an amazing party. What an incredible way to celebrate SANDBOX's very last issue! Jeff, Braden, Suzy, and Vanessa, outdid themselves with this party and have done such a fantastic job with the magazine. I am so very proud to have been a part of it and will miss it immensely. I have no doubt that long after the last issue has sold out, Winnipeg will still be talking about the gem that was once SANDBOX magazine!

Wearing dress bought from random Mall of Asia store, second hand and F21 chokers, eBay rings, American Apparel mesh leggings, clutch from Town Shoes and Calvin Klein boots.

BYE BYE PARADISE

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:35:00 +0000

So my plane touched down about 24 hours ago, and after refusing to succumb to jet lag, I proceeded to sleep for my usual 5 hours on a school night then went to school the next day, totally jet lag-free. The secret is to drink lots of water and only sleep when it's dark outside, even if you have to go over 12 hours without sleep (which I've done). I swear I've crossed like 14 time zones each way and never had any problems adjusting to time. Raez = 1, Body clock = 0

Anyways, I'm glad to announce I'm officially back to blogging (and school and work and life) after an incredible three weeks in the Philippines! I've got stories to tell and pictures to show, but I'm going to keep this entry short and post more on my vacation later, because I've got an important event I that really want to talk about!

SANDBOX, the Winnipeg-based fashion magazine, is announcing their final issue after an amazing two-year run. To celebrate their 298 contributors and all that they have achieved, SANDBOX is throwing a huge blowout party to launch their biggest issue yet! The party will be on Saturday, January 28 from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and will feature a live performance by Flo, debuting her new single and two levels with two DJs: Hunnicutt & Co-op (downstairs) and Chelsea Taz Marinelli (upstairs). Tickets are $10 and are available at RRC Mercantile, UofW Info Booth, UofM Answers, Hush and Rhymes with Orange. Sounds like the perfect place to dress to the nines and hang out with some of Winnipeg's most talented--I wouldn't miss it for the world!

BITTERSWEET

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a fantastic last day of 2011 last night! I sure did. I won't get into the details, but I certainly had a great time with the people that mattered to me the most and ended the year with a blast! I don't think I'll ever forget one of the most hilarious nights of my life, that's for sure ;)

Anyways, I suppose that the first day of the new year is a time to commemorate all that was good and epic in 2011. And you know what, epic is the perfect word too! Although my new years resolution for 2011 was to "act my age" it ended up being more "coming of age" than anything. Instead of living in the moment, partying, and being reckless like I had set out to do back in January 2011, I was faced with important life choices and the obstacles that followed. This past year, I accomplished pretty much everything I said I'd do back when I hit my 17th half-birthday: I graduated, moved out, got a second job and applied to university. Looking back at that post and realizing how ambitious I was, is truly nothing compared to the feeling of looking back and being able to say, yes, I did accomplish that.

In the end, I suppose that my 2011 new years resolution was a total bust. Despite my best efforts at "acting my age" and letting go, I stuck to my truest self and proved that I will forever be one of those old souls (as much as I hate to admit it). Still, just because I totally disregarded last year's resolution, doesn't mean I won't make another one this year! A little tweak here or there, nothing too major this time.

Here what I'm working on in 2012:

Smiling at eye contact with anyone and everyone. I've been told I look a bit intimidating because I always look so serious. Now's the time to flash my parents' $4k investment right? Those braces weren't for nothing!

Spending more time with friends I barely see anymore. Losing touch with reality when you're always so busy sucks, but so does losing touch with your favourite people.

Become a better conversationalist. I'm generally good at conversing and communication, but you know how there's always that one person at any given gathering who is a natural social butterfly, flitting about from one conversation to another, thus always keeping the party fresh? Yeah that's who I want to be by the end of the year.

Anyways, I've got a wake up call for 3:30 AM to catch that plane that'll take my dad and I from Winnipeg to Minneapolis, to Japan to Manila. I won't be blogging for three weeks, but you can follow me on twitter and instagram for sporadic vacay updates. I'll leave you with this YSL Le Smoking/Bianca Jagger-inspired outfit as a parting good bye.

Wearing a jacob tuxedo blazer, thrifted gold silk top and silk pants, calvin klein pumps.

DIY MAKEUP PALETTE

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:14:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! Or if you had a terrible one, at least it's over until next year, am I right? I'm just glad I made it through Boxing Day alive. I did feel a bit ill after my 8 hour shift and ended up knocking myself out with NyQuil for over 13 hours, but what's a little drugged out sleep every now and again? But now that Christmas/ Boxing Day/ my Ryerson Portfolio is behind us (just shipped that sucker out today, can I get a hell yeah?!) may I redirect your attention to the next anxiety-inducing thing?

Basically that 3 week trip to the Philippines I've casually mentioned a few times on my blog and/or twitter? Well it's in 5 days!!! GASP! Talk about anxiety. If the nearly 24 hour flight (or rather, series of connecting flights) with my endearingly obnoxious dad doesn't kill me, I'm sure the exposure to sudden heat and lack of internet will. Also, my laptop, Gala, has separation issues. *le tear*

ANYWAYS. Can I re-redirect your attention to this makeup palette DIY? It's pretty easy to do, not to mention, the perfect solution for travelling makeup fanatics like me.

READ MORE

YOU WILL NEED

- Any makeup palette. Mine used to be one of those cheap lipgloss ones from the dollar store that I had to wash out many, many times. An empty eyeshadow palette might do the trick too.
- A butterknife or if you're all fancy and whatnot, a spatula
- Any creamy, scoopable makeup your heart desires. I used:
Revlon Superlustrous lipsticks in Love that Red and Persian Melon, Joe Fresh cream blushes in Rose and Nude, MAC cream colour base in Virgin Isle, MAC studio finish/sculpt concealers, and MUFE aquacream in #12
- Paper towels, water and makeup remover, Q-tips

STEPS
1) If you have to, empty an existing makeup palette, or at least wash the one you bought.
2) Scoop some of the product out of its container and carefully fill up one of your palette squares.
3) Don't forget to thoroughly wash you knife in between products or you'll get lipstick in your concealer. True story, bro.
4) When you're satisfied with your handiwork, clean up the edges with a q-tip to prevent makeup from getting all over the inside of your new palette.

TIPS

- DON'T get all excited and literally start digging through all of your brand new makeup, unless you don't really care about packaging. This best works with lipstick stubs and cream makeup on their cosmetic deathbed.
-Since I made mine for travelling purposes, I made my palette more multi-purpose by trying to fit in everything I'd need for my trip. Thus, it consists of three different concealers, one highlighter, two blushes, two lipsticks and one eyeshadow. However, you could also try a kit entirely made up of lipsticks or eyeshdows only.

And there you have it! A portable array of your favourite products at your disposal. Look at all the space I just saved by getting rid of the cosmetic packaging! Damn, if only making space for my clothes was this easy...

SPLIT

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:54:00 +0000

Ah, Christmas Eve: time to eat, drink and be merry. And you know, spend time with your family and all of that other sentimental stuff that I'm not a very big fan of, but whatever--tis the season, right? I'm actually feeling less "bah humbug" this Christmas compared to last year, but that may be due to the fact that I'm just relieved/ecstatic/proud that I managed to finish my Ryerson entrance portfolio before school ended for the holidays (!!!) Okay, so it isn't official until I finish my essay and ship that sucker to Toronto, but I finished like 95% of it, so I'm allowed to be excited, k?

As for the outfit, I couldn't decided between silver and gold so I just gave up and wore them together, then paired it with my Jekyll/Hyde tights to carry on that split personality theme and added this fur collar just for the hell of it.

Anyways, I better get started on that essay. I won't be blogging again until after boxing day, so I wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Wearing vintage fur collar, thrifted gold silk top and sequin shorts, American Apparel leggings, thrifted clutch and Vince Camuto booties.

FOOL PROOF

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:38:00 +0000

With only 11 days left until my Ryerson portfolio is due, I really haven't got time to spare on elaborate beauty routines. Keeping it simple while still making a statement is really as easy as two strokes of eyeliner and heart-attack inducing neon yellow nail polish.

And there you have it. Non-fuss, fool-proof, busy-person makeup.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:27:00 +0000

When the going gets tough, the tough wear leather pants.

Not gonna lie guys, but this month has been super hectic. I've always been the kind of person to spread myself thin, to take on too many things, perhaps too many to handle. I think it's because I'm the ambitious type, with the "I can do this!" kind of mentality. For as long as I can remember, that's how I've always gone about it--juggle a million things at once, stress out about everything, put things off, then at the last minute work super hard and surprise everyone (even myself) with the work I produce. Somehow, beneath the turmoil and stress, things always worked out, and they worked out for the better. I guess that, like a lump of coal, if you put me under enough pressure, I will eventually turn into a diamond. Or a cubic zirconia, whatever.

There is also a long story of exactly why I'm stressed out, but if you just read the bolded italicized letters, that will summarize it real quick: my Ryerson entrance portfolio along with my photography assignments at school (which aren't due until February) are due in 18 days!!! December 22 is my absolute last day at school (where I do all my work) before the holidays (which I fully intend to work two retail jobs simultaneously BTW) and if I manage to make it through Boxing Day alive, I will be heading to the Philippines for a three week trip in January! (hence the shortened deadlines!)

Yep, that is all. I'm going to try to fit in a few hours of sleep now, night night!

Wearing random tank top, vintage leather pants, Calvin Klein pumps, Casio and vintage watches, necklace c/o La Dama

YES YES YES

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Here are some things I've acquired recently:

1) A black envelope clutch I got at Salvation Army today for $2 (amongst some other great goodies)

2) Neon nail polish from last weekend's American Apparel trip.

3) Yeah, I know I'm late on the Naked Palette bandwagon, but hear me out! This elusive little thing has been the bane of my existence up until last week, mainly because it's been sold out at the Winnipeg Sephora since it's release last summer. Just when I've given up hope of ever owning it (always sold out online too), I finally saw it restocked on my way to work, literally squealed, spent three hours at work ~~thinking~~ freaking out about it, then RAN to buy it on my break. I was going to wait and ask for it for Christmas, but decided to just screw it last minute and whipped out my debit card instead. So glad I did--there were like 10 in stock and I doubt there are any left now!

In regards to my Christmas Wishlist post below--No, number one is not what it looks like, it's a banana guard and NO, I will not share Ryan Gosling!!! If I, you know, happen to get him. Kthnxbye.

SANTA BABY

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:47:00 +0000

You listening, Santa? I'm a simple girl. I don't want anything fancy this year, no expensive trinkets or electronics or questionable infomercial products (that means you, snuggie). I'm really not a holiday person to begin with, and I *try* to avoid being materialistic, but then again--who am I to deny people from giving me gifts? Now that would just be rude!

Without further ado, my Christmas wishlist in no particular order:

1) A banana guard. Preferably in blue or purple.

2) Moleskines. A weekly or monthly agenda or art folio book would be nice, but any moleskine is a treasure.

3) I heard Benefit's Coralista is a really nice blush.

4) This book's not out 'til Jan 31, but I figured I'm gonna need some post-holiday-trauma reading.

5) Ryan Gosling wrapped up in a bow under my tree. Because I've been a really good girl this year...

6) I'm running out of my favourite MAC Technakohl liner in Photogravure, and Graphblack would be a nice addition.

7) PLEASE. CAN I HAS?!

8) I need a snazzy new case for my iPhone. This, this or this.

What are you asking Santa for this year?

SHINE ON

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

What's a busy girl to wear to a holiday staff dinner party? If you're crunched for time, you have two options: 1) Throw on something sparkly or 2) buy yourself a new outfit. Seeing as I have neither time nor money, option two is out of the question--which leaves me with sequins. Not that I'm complaining...My closet's half sequin anyway (the other half, leather) and people get so transfixed with the serious amount of shine on this tunic, that I could be wearing UGGS (!) and no one would even notice! How do you think I got away with pairing it with mohair, snakeskin and spandex? Seriously. Never underestimate the power of sequins.

Wearing vintage sequin tunic, Acne blue cardigan, vintage clutch, Casio watch, American Apparel Disco Pants, Matiko wedges.

MINIMA-WRIST

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Remember when I used to wear loads of rings and bracelets all the time? Well gone are those days! I think I'm a new woman when I say my fingers and wrists have been bare for ages. At a time like this, when the flu virus runs rampant and extra metal just gets in your way of frequent hand washing--not to mention, snags all of your favourite knit sweaters--perhaps less is really more.

Wearing Casio watch off eBay, thrifted bracelet and American Apparel cropped sleeveless turtleneck

NAUGHTY LIBRARIAN

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:52:00 +0000

According to Urban Dictionary, a naughty librarian is "a hot-ass chick that wears glasses", and for many people, the term often connotes fantasies involving books, glasses, and rowdy library romps (or is that just meeee?) Although I rarely wear my glasses out (contact lenses are just so much more convienient) I still pride in the ability to go from normal to nerdy with these tortoise beauties, as well as going from nerdy to naughty with the raise of an eyebrow, ha!

As for the accompanying outfit, you can't go wrong with the addition of bad-ass thigh-grazing leather boots. For the purpose of adding an interesting story to my outfit, let's just say my librarian character doesn't make enough at her day job and thusly, resorts to...another one.

Wearing a thrifted shirt, vintage sweater and leather skirt, random tights and Calvin Klein over-the-knee boots.

CHANNELING WEDNESDAY ADDAMS

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:02:00 +0000

I figured since it's Wednesday today that it would be appropriate to do a tribute on one of my favourite TV characters ever, Wednesday Addams. I remember watching "The New Addams Family" with rapt attention as a seven-year old, instantly fascinated by the grim little girl with braids. With her dark wit, love of macabre and determination to murder her brother Pugsley, she certainly left quite the impression on me. You even could say channelled Wednesday back when I was super cynical and wanted to be goth (middle school, ha!) but I've since gotten over that phase.

Today, I still admire her from afar, but mostly for her simplistic, black and white outfit. I'd like to think this is what she'd wear all grown up; perhaps she'd trade in her signature dress for a shirt-sweater-shorts silhouette and finish it off with sky high wedges?

On a another note, the talented Ola of Eat That Art has drawn a portrait of me! You can check it out on her blog or on my Facebook page here.

Wearing a thrifted shirt and crewneck sweater, vintage leather shorts and belt, American Apparel mesh leggings and Matiko wedge booties via Town Shoes.

MULTI-TASKING

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:55:00 +0000

I like multi-tasking and so do my beauty products. One woman's lipstick is another woman's eyeshadow, as is the case with this look. I liked the berry on my lips, so I figured, why not as a dark eye? You have to be careful about applying it though...the deep purplish red made me look like I had a black eye until I blended it out and added a bit of brown eyeshadow on top. Lipstick on the lids also creases like mad, so it helps if you put an eyeshadow base underneath and layer shadow on top.

What are your favourite ways to multi-task with your makeup?

On eyes: Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Blackberry and Black Cherry, random brown eyeshadow, MAC technikohl liner in Photogravure
On lips: Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Almost Nude

FAIRLY ODD HALLOWEEN

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:20:00 +0000

I know I must seem very serious all the time and whatnot, but I swear there's still a bit of kid left in me! Which would explain why I love Halloween so much: it's a great excuse to dress up as your favourite character and eat as much junk food as you want!

Now I may not have gone wild partying it up at Ozzies or the Pyramid this year, but that doesn't mean I gave up on celebrating Halloween! Quite the opposite. My friends Nikki, Queenie and I loved last year's group costume so much that we decided to do it again; this time as a loveable trio from one of my favourite cartoons, Fairly Odd Parents. For those of you not familiar, the show is about Timmy Turner (me) a 10-year old boy who has fairy godparents (Cosmo = Queenie, Wanda = Nikki) that grant all of his wishes, most of which are always disastrous.

And to add to the joy that is Halloween, I also went Trick or Treating with my little sis and cousins...as Chuck Norris! Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good--or I'll roundhouse kick you in the face!

Now what did everyone else dress up as for Halloween?

CLICK HERE to see more of my Halloween shenanigans!

photos by Kayleigh Armstrong

BUSINESSINTHEFRONT

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:08:00 +0000

So what has everyone been up to this weekend? Are you well rested or totally hung-o after Halloween Weekend? I'm going to need costume deets! Man, gotta love that the 31st falls on a Monday this year...just a better excuse for everyone to party from Friday to Monday and maybe even next weekend, right? Not that I'd know; the highlight of my weekend involves visiting my parents and patiently waiting for the third season of Misfits to come out so I can start hunting for it online. Wow, I'm exciting! Next, year, I promise.

But enough about my boring life, how about an outfit? This dress is actually a 90's maxi with thigh-high slits up both sides that is as much fun to wear full length as it is to wear half-up, mullet style. I love the clingy jersey-like material because it looks so sleek. The only downside is that it hides nothing. Control top undies are non-negotiable.

Wearing thrifted dress, vintage belt, thrifted cuff and LAMB wedges c/o Shop The Far Out

BLACKTANGREY

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:09:00 +0000

It's Wednesday, y'all, and you know what that means! Okay, so maybe you don't because it's not like I've made it "official" or anything, but it's time for another WIWIW (What I Wish I Wore) post!

Also, I forgot to mention this in my previous post, but I've been featured on Canadian fashion career website, Style Nine to Five, along with fellow Winnipeg bloggers Kylie and Andrew (to name a few). Check out our feature here!

Helmut Lang sweater, Modekungen shorts, The Row sunglasses, Helmut Lang leather jacket, YSL ring, The Row backpack, Surface to Air boots

HEAD TO TOE

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:42:00 +0000

I seriously hope posting exclusively on Sundays doesn't become an ongoing trend, because that would just be sad considering how often I regularly post. And you don't need to hear the same story of how busy I am again because you already know how it goes, right? Moving along!

I finally set up some decent lighting in my apartment for the sole purpose of taking outfit pictures. It's still nice out, but then again I live in Winnipeg: enough said. At least now I can document my outfits more conveniently and full length shots at that! Remember my front-of-closet, upper-half-only outfit pictures? Yeah, gone are those days. Guaranteed leg-time from now on, ladies and gents.

Now about this outfit: The lovely Rachel of Style Stalker sent me these amazing shorts from their "Baby's on Fire" collection about the same time I dug out this vintage snakeskin clutch from the depths of my closet. How my closet always spits out gems when I need them, I will never know, but I'm not one to question it's magical ability. How good do they look together with the stole?! Meant to be, I tell you.

Wearing a Jacob tank top and leggings, vintage stole, thrifted blazer, vintage snakeskin clutch and belt, shorts courtesy of Style Stalker and Vince Camuto booties via Town Shoes

SUNDAYMORNING

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:53:00 +0000

Sunday morning and shoes...what's not to love? Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Left to right: Kate and Mel leopard pony hair oxfords via Town Shoes, BCBGeneration blue platform heels via Town, Vince Camuto booties via Town Shoes, LAMB wine suede wedges courtesy of ShopTheFarOut, thrifted Doc Martens

LEAVES

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:05:00 +0000

One of the best things about being in the photography course I'm in (besides being surrounded by camera gear galore!) is getting to work with other creative people. We haven't spent much time in the studio as it's still a bit early on in the year, but we have been spending a lot of quality time with each other! It's during those times that we fool around in class or at lunch that we get to know a bit about everyone. Take for example, the talented guy who shot this video, Denny! Although he's in the photography program, he is every bit of a film-nut! Watching him capture seemingly mundane daily moments and turn them into something a little more magical is an art in itself. I'm sure putting together this short film wasn't the easiest, but working with him (or rather, watching him work on it, haha) was such a breeze! Definite props; dude knows what he's doing and he makes it look so easy!

Hope you enjoy the short video. Make sure you go onto Vimeo to watch it in full HD!

PS. Sorry for the lack of updates. Unfortunately, posting will become even slower due to the fact that I've finally registered with OUAC to apply to Ontario universities and am currently in the process of working on my Ryerson portfolio (!!!) Welcome to Stress City...

Wearing a secondhand denim shirt, Jacob leopard scarf, vintage watch, chiffon skirt courtesy of American Apparel and Vince Camuto booties via Town Shoes.

WHAT (I WISH) I WORE

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Work and school have indeed taken over my life and has thusly rendered me useless when it comes to...you know...being a blogger. Whoops! To make up for my lack of face time I thought I'd post some e-outfits, aka a new feature I'd like to call "What (I Wish) I Wore" or WIWIW for short, haha! Get used to these non-outfit outfits, because although I spend all day surrounded by photographers, I'm usually too busy being behind a camera to get in front of one.

LEFT: Incognito Assmblé sunglasses, Asish Pants, Adam top, Camilla Skovgard shoes, Jil Sander clutch.

RIGHT: Chloe sweater, Journelle bra, Gucci pants, Givenchy flats, Proenza Schouler bag

"ALL THE WOMEN, INDEPENDENT, THROW YOUR HANDS UP AT ME"

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:08:00 +0000

Photos by Bryce Creasy

Everything I said I'd accomplish by now has indeed been accomplished and life is good. Or is it...? Whenever I talk with friends, the subject of what we're up to now that high school is over always comes up in conversation. In a way, I think we want to hear what everyone else is doing as a way to escape our own reality; we do it to compare our own busy, draining, demanding schedules. Because maybe you're getting tired of your own life and hearing a friend talk about university makes you wish you were there too, or perhaps it makes you feel glad you're not. It doesn't take a genius to know that everyone has their own separate path in life; the real challenge is knowing which path is yours--which one to take. You might have to take several turns to get onto the right one, or maybe--just maybe--you knew it all along.

I know is this some heavy shit to process on a Friday night (techically Saturday morning), but this is really my only time to think. Right now my "path" involves working 5 or 6 days a week, usually straight from school (Mon-Fri), staying home on the weekend to cook/clean, and choosing between food or shoes (2 times out of 3 I will choose shoes over food). Despite this, I still find it funny that hardly anyone can (or wants to) believe that I'm juggling this crazy schedule while still finding the time to blog AND eat healthy. Because, well...this mad house lifestyle is just what I wanted, and sure, it's not easy, but I wouldn't change it for the world! I love being independent, it's just who I am. I mean, this is just another challenge that I've already tackled. All I've gotta say to the universe is, "BRING IT ON!" I've done this, now give me a new challenge.

Wearing a thrifted shirt, vintage leather shorts and belt, F21 bracelets, Vince Camuto booties via Town Shoes.

PS. Yes, of course, I had to quote Destiny's Child in my title. This song is my mantra!

TEAMBUY X AMERICANAPPAREL

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:40:00 +0000

My blog isn't called CHEAP THRILLS for nothing, dear readers. Not only do I get a thrill out of finding vintage items at rock-bottom prices, but I also love telling people about major deals! Which is why I have the overwhelming need to tell you about the newest cheap thrill on my radar: Team Buy has partnered up with American Apparel to provide Canadians everywhere with a deal you ~~shouldn't~~ can't refuse--for $25 you get $50 to spend towards any clothing or accessories at any Canadian location, as well as online (your choice!)

For those of you not familiar with Team Buy, it is a Canadian website that allows users to buy services and items within their city for a cheaper bulk price, without actually having to. Each event is dependent on a minimum number of buyers signing up; if the buy is successful, a Team Ticket is sent by email within 24 hours to those who purchased. If the target number of customers is not reached, the buy is not made available and no one is charged. Basically, it's a win-win, risk-free situation--what's not to love?

Personally, I love the idea of team buying. The best part is that everything is personal and local. You support local businesses, explore the city and save money while you're doing it. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited...I've already bought two! Can't wait to get my hands on some of the stuff I've been eyeing on the AA website.

1) Unisex Circle Scarf 2) Mesh Shirt 3) Cable Knit Pullover 4) Denim Disco Pants (!!!)

CLARK + HUOT / PASS IT ON EVENT

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Photo taken by Jeanine Saurette

What do you do when you're invited to an exclusive party for the sole purpose of meeting other creative people over a few drinks? You go of course! I was more stoked to have been invited to the "Pass it on" event hosted by Clark + Huot last Thursday. According to their invite, it was a place to meet, drink, talk and think, which sounded great to me! Because when you're presented the chance to rub shoulders with some of the most creative people in Winnipeg (writers, photographers, stylists, architects, directors, etc) you just can't say no. Needless to say, I had a great time. I bumped into some familiar faces (oh hey, Andrew, Suzy, Braden + Mike!) and met some new people as well.

Wearing a thrifted sweater, vintage belt, vintage leather shorts and vintage eel skin bag.

CLICK FOR MORE PICS!

All photos (with the exception of the one of Andrew) were taken by the event photographer, Leif Norman. To see more pics from the event, visit Clark + Huot's FB page.

FALL BEAUTY

noreply@blogger.com (Raez) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:00:00 +0000

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you'd know just how much I like to play with make up. Makeup on myself, makeup on other people--really anything that involves mixing colours and creating new looks.

This time around, I was inspired by the idea of "the new kid in class". You remember how it goes: September rolls around and you're expecting to be sitting in all your classes with the same old people as last year, when bam! a new girl walks in and her look or attitude just fascinates you, even if it's not really your style. Maybe she's a bit of a flirt, or maybe she's the girl who lives in her leather jacket, or perhaps she's got the highest marks in class--either way, she's new and she's different, and you're totally girl-crushing on her hard! Those were the three characters I had in mind when creating these looks. Something girly, something rocker and something bright.

This beauty shoot also kind of serves as the introduction to the real "new kid"... my roommate Adair, who is lots of fun to put makeup on, BTW. Isn't she pretty?! It's about time you met her!

Makeup, styling and photography by Raezavel Argulla