i want: Sorry T-shirt by Fairgoods

Sorry T-shirt by Fairgoods
Sorry T-shirt by Fairgoods

I get a lot of t-shirt pitches. If you could see the face I make when I read them you can understand that I don’t pay them much attention. I’m a fashion blogger and I like clothing design. If you t-shirt is just showing off your graphic design skills on some American Apparel t-shirt I’m generally not impressed. I have a shit load of Threadless t-shirts, believe me, I’m over that phase in my life.

However, I’ve learned to never say never in life and last week a t-shirt pitch arrived in my inbox which I adore. Fairgood’s art director Shauna Luedtke came up with the Sorry t-shirt which puts a tongue in cheek look at one major Canadian stereotype, politeness.

Anyone that has lived in Canada for a long time falls into this trap. We say sorry all the damn time, even when we don’t have to. I do this regularly and I don’t even have an idea of where in my upbringing this politeness thing manifested itself.

The Sorry t-shirt was pitched to me as a Canada Day story. I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around why some of these holiday pitches exist but I’m not going to complain now because it worked in my favour.

The Sorry t-shirt is printed on a red 100% cotton American Apparel t-shirt (buwahahahaaha, sorry, just recalling the first paragraph in this post) and costs $24USD. You can purchase the t-shirt on the Fairgoods website.

Fairgoods is based out of Calgary and sell “curated selection of accessories, housewares, apparel, and decor, as well as digital goods like type. Some of our products are things we’ve created with makers, some are things we’ve made ourselves, and some of them are existing products we love. (Source)”

images: fairgoods.com

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee
KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

Operanation might be over for the year but you can still support the Canadian Opera Company with a limited edition KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee. The T-shirt incorporates elements of this years Operanation theme, Temptation. We may not have gotten the Kaelen x Amy Burstyn-Fritz treatment but the t-shirt is a more accessible way to get into Kaelen.

As a friend of Operanation, I was gifted a KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee to wear. The first thing that struck me was the fit. It might just be me but when I put on a t-shirt with the perfect fit everything feels right in the world.

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee
KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

The next thing that hit me was the perfect branding. I hate logo shirts so it was really refreshing to have a t-shirt that managed to namedrop without it being overpowering to the design.

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee
KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

The third thing that stood out was the design itself (and that it extends to the back of the shirt). This is a t-shirt that looks like it wasn’t designed by committee. Many times fundraiser t-shirts are barren of creativity and people end up wearing them to bed or they go to Goodwill. This KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation tshirt is one that I wear outside the house with pride as my selfies attest.

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee
KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

There are only 50 of the KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee available. They cost $100 and all proceeds go to COC Ensemble Studio. The tshirts can be found online at the COC’s Opera Shop and in-person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.

Talking About My ‘Do in Worn Journal Issue 15

Worn Journal Issue 15
Worn Journal Issue 15

I’m in the current issue of Worn Journal. It’s been out since November but I’m only getting around to posting about it now. In June, I got an email from Serah-Marie asking if she could feature me in Worn’s hair issue. As you can imagine, I was a little perplexed at why I would be included. She explained that the piece would be feature on people with interesting hair styles. Accompanying the photos would be an interview with questions related to hair and identity. I said yes without question because it’s Worn Journal and it’s a great topic that my (lack of) hair could contribute to.

Worn Journal Issue 15 - Talking Heads - Seven discussions of distinctive 'dos
Worn Journal Issue 15 – Talking Heads – Seven discussions of distinctive ‘dos

The talented Lainee Dee did my makeup before I ventured to the Worn Journal offices to meet the photographer, Brittany Lucas. I brought a few different outfits to choose from for the shoot but the final decision was the Smythe Warbler Tribute Blazer, earring by Eliza Kozurno and a leather Tshirt by Danier. It was late July when this photo was taken and it was roasting outside. With the leather and the blazer on I’m surprised my makeup isn’t’ running all over the place in this shot. Brittany and I went into the alley by the office and took a number of shots against different garage doors and using different angles and mostly stoic facial expressions. I’ve always said I’m terrible at the model scowl, this photo proves me wrong. Smiling comes so naturally to me but it’s nice to see I can do the complete opposite too. I’m pretty much in love with the photo. It turned out better than I could have ever dreamed. Lainee and Brittany did a fantastic job of making me look great. I’m giving myself a pat on the back for the kick ass styling 🙂

Now your probably curious about my interview. Well, you’ll have to grab yourself a copy of Worn Journal Issue 15 to read it. The issue is fantastic overall and you should probably buy a copy anyways. It’s available online at wornjournal.com or in person at a whole ton of places in the city and beyond.

Thank you Worn Journal.

 

North Star Sportwear x Geoff Mcfetridge Collection

North Star x Geoff Mcfetridge Collection - Hoodies and Tshirts
North Star x Geoff Mcfetridge Collection – Hoodies and Tshirts

North Star + Geoff Mcfetridge Pop-up Shop runs from June 22 – 28, 2012 at Magic Pony. I attended the launch party because I was dying to get a look at the collection. I wasn’t disappointed, it’s pretty damn cute.

North Star x Geoff Mcfetridge Collection - Tank Tops
North Star x Geoff Mcfetridge Collection – Tank Tops

My favourite is the moose print. Thanks to North Star I walked away with a red moose tank that you will see on Instagram soon, ha.  You can take a look at the North Star Sportwear x Geoff Mcfetridge Pop-up shop launch party photos on their facebook page.

images: Courtesy of North Star

I want – I got’s BeachMint Top Picks

I want - I got's BeachMint Top Picks

So, the BeachMint team are expanding internationally and now JewelMint, StyleMint and ShoeMint are shipping to Canada. Rock-it Promo sent me a sneak peak package from BeachMint consisting of the Victorian Charmer Necklace and the Pauline Wedge in Wine. The jewellery is the quality you would expect for $30.  I have stayed away from Steve Madden shoes since the early 90s but I have to admit I like the Pauline Wedge.  I’m a bit obsessed with e-commerce retailers and packaging.  The packaging for ShoeMint and JewelMint are pretty nice with jewellery box being my favourite.

I want - I got's BeachMint Top Picks

I’ve been browsing the JewelMint, ShoeMint and StyleMint sites more seriously since they started shipping to Canada. Here are my top picks.

I want - I got's BeachMint Top Picks

Shipping costs to Canada are from $9.99 to $19.99.

images: jewelmint.com, shoemint.com, stylemint.com

Primer by Greta Constantine Spring Summer 2011

Greta Constantine Primer Spring Summer 2011
Collaborations are the news in Canadian fashion so it’s good to see something that isn’t about one. Greta Constantine has created a capsule collection called Primer which consists t-shirts done Greta Constantine style.

Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine are bringing their master drapery and attention to fit to a whole new audience. The capsule collection, aptly named Primer, serves as the base coat for a woman’s wardrobe and is to consist of both separates and dresses.

But don’t expect basics. Every piece in the collection features a subtle feminine twist like leather straps on a tank top to allow for easy belting or draped t-shirt dresses with exaggerated pocket detailings. This is all part of Stephen and Kirk’s desire to re-imagine contemporary staples.

As Stephen elaborates, “designing the collection demanded that we consider what makes a t-shirt so perfect. Fabrication, lengths, colours. While a woman may be willing to suffer through a pair of heels, comfort without looking comfortable is what we sought to achieve with Primer.”

The line, with prices ranging from $95 to $275, offers numerous options for both current clients and those who may otherwise be constrained in purchasing Greta Constantine.

“Our dream has always been to be a part of every woman’s wardrobe. This collection offers us that very opportunity,” explains Kirk. “There’s been a push in fashion, as in other industries, to further democratize or enhance accessibility. This is our contribution.”

A Greta Constantine Primer pre-capsule collection will be available at TNT The New Trend’s Hazleton Lanes location (87 Avenue Road) beginning Thursday, May 20, as part of the Canadian retailer’s 20th anniversary celebration. The pre-capsule will be available through mid-July.

image: courtesy of Greta Constantine

Iris Clothing Fall 2010 – 2011 Motion Lookbook

Toronto based Iris Clothing is a locally made menswear label that is available online and at Uncle Otis in Yorkville. Merv Maranan is the man behind Iris Clothing. Merv cut my hair once. I cheated on my first and long-term barber with Merv because he was way closer to home at Mike Scissor’s. He’s also a friend of my brother’s who facilitated my infidelities. I attended the Spring 2010 launch party at Uncle Otis earlier in the year and really liked his collection of well crafted classics.

My brother is a big fan. I’m tempted to call my brother a muse to Iris Clothing as he gets special one of a kind styles that aren’t available to the public. That seems pretty muse worthy to me. My brother has great style and is immaculate in his dress. I’m sloppy while he is perfect. He’s a jeans, t-shirt, button up, hoodie, hat, jacket and sneakers person but looks really good.

Merv directed two short fashion films for the Iris Clothing Fall 2010 collection and they are amazing.

Directed by: Merv Maranan
Video by: Ian Schwaier
Performance by: Marcel Da Costa
Music by: IRIS 88 by Gameboy

Directed by: Merv Maranan
Video by: Ian Schwaier
Featuring: BJ Diona and George Carijutan (Inner City Circle BMX)
Music: Dream by Gameboy

This video features my current barber love, BJ Diona. He’s got a wicked barber themed blog at http://tonsorialist.wordpress.com. BJ is popular with fashion bloggers. He also cuts Kevin Naulls of Dressed for Dinner and my old alma mater blogTO. BJ cuts at Mike’s Scissors.

Iris Clothing is available at
Uncle Otis
26 Bellair Street,
Toronto

Sanrio 50th Anniversary – Sanrio x Girl Skateboards

Sanrio 50th Anniversary

Here is some Sanrio 50th anniversary goodness from Girl Skateboards. It’s a Hello Kitty skateboard along with matching t-shirt and wheels. Hello Kitty for the guys seems is the focus of this collaboration.

Sanrio 50th Anniversary – Sanrio x Girl Skateboards

You can see more details about this collaboration on the JapanLA blog. They are also selling everything from the Sanrio x Girl Skateboards collection.

Sanrio 50th Anniversary – Sanrio x Girl Skateboards

As a “thank you” to their ever-loyal fans, SANRIO plans to unveil special co-branded collections, starting this summer with SANRIO x Dr. Martens. Signature Dr. Martens 8-eye boots & mary jane strap shoes will be bestowed a trademark Hello Kitty bow for this limited edition collection. Collaborations with a diverse group of brands including Brunswick, Girl Skateboard Co., Aerial7, Lomography, Demeter Fragrance, Mimobots, and Build-A-Bear Workshop will launch a plethora of amazing products at retail partners worldwide, featuring an assortment of SANRIO characters. A benchmark of SANRIO’s 50th Anniversary will include iconic characters appearing together for the first time ever (outside of SANRIO’s Harmonyland and Puroland theme parks in Japan), on products including the 8-eye Dr. Martens boot, a Brunswick bowling ball, iPhone cases, apparel, accessories and many other unique products. There will be plenty of signature “small gift” items at market as well, including pens and notebooks, coin purses, key caps & lunch cases, all carried in the 95+ SANRIO stores located across the country and at www.sanrio.com. “Our retail partners and licensees are equally as excited to be part of our 50th Anniversary celebration,” says Ms. Hsu. “We are working with each on targeted programs to mark this special occasion.”(source)

image: freshngood.com and japanla.com

i want: An Ashley Rowe Limited Edition Splatter Paint T-shirt

An Ashley Rowe Limited Edition Splatter Paint T-shirt

I’m digging Ashley Rowe’s Limited Edition Splatter Paint T-shirt

The ASHLEY ROWE limited edition splatter paint t’s are the anticipated must-have of the FW10 season.
Choose from five unique styles, created by five guest designers and their unique inspiration & vision for the FW10 season.

Looking to customize your very own t? ashley@ashleyrowe.com for details

I also love that I know some of the five guest designers and I think they are pretty cool women. My favourite the bunch is The ALBANO. You can purchase them online for $125.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Loves Holt Renfrew

A magenta bag was waiting for me when I returned home from work on Friday.  I love unexpected deliveries from Holt Renfrew.  I removed the grey and white tissue paper and was greeted by a black, white and pink box.  I saw the tell tale jumbled letters, it was Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Loves Holt Renfrew

I was right, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Holt Renfrew teamed up to create a limited edition tshirt celebrating the winter season.  I absolutely adore that the scene takes place on a chairlift.  It’s a pretty cute tshirt.  I’m wearing an x-small in the photo.  I would have preferred a small just for some extra room.  However, the x-small is comfy, soft and not claustrophobic in anyway.  Breathing isn’t an issue in this shirt.

The tshirts are available only at Holt Renfrew all across the country.  The box comes with it too but there are limited quantities available.  It’s pretty sturdy and I plan on storing some jewellery in it.  Danielle from Final Fashion tweeted about her package and asked an important question, Who is Marc’s artist?  Do you know?

Adidas x Star Wars Spring 2010 Video

I’m a bitter Star Wars fan. I loved episodes 4 – 6. I felt insulted by episodes 1 – 3. I wasn’t a fan at all. I tried and now I’m a bitter Star Wars fan. I don’t take much joy in the Star Wars universe. However, I blogged about the Adidas x Star Wars collection. I thought it was well executed and I would totally love the Tie Fighter sneakers.

Adidas xStar Wars Spring 2010

This new promo video brought back that love I had before episodes 1 -3.

It was the scene where Dark Vader walks out that got me. Magic.

Adidas x Star Wars Spring 2010

Adidas xStar Wars Spring 2010

If you haven’t heard Adidas is doing a Star Wars collection. People are going going crazy for the adidas x Star Wars Spring 2010. I’m liking the graphic tshirts a lot. I’m also a fan of the Tie Fighter, Stormtrooper and Millennium Falcon sneakers.

Adidas xStar Wars Spring 2010

See the full Star Wars X Adidas Spring 2010 Lookbook at Sneaker Freaker.

Livestock has received the first drop of shoes and will be carrying the Stormtrooper and Vader sneakers. I’ve heard that they will also be available for sale online in January.

i want: Yaudie tshirts

200911_Yaudirumprodshot
Yaudie is a line created by a high school friend of mine. It’s funny how lives come together years afterwards in unusual ways.

Yaudie is very influenced by Caribbean roots and heritage. So, when I saw this Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum inspired shirt I was in love. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum is a crazy rum you can only get in the Caribbean. It’s Jamaican actually (my parents are from Barbados). It’s 63% but it’s fantastic in punch and other fruity drinks. They won’t allow it in Canada so the only way to get it is to travel or get friends to bring you back some. As you can imagine, it gets you drunk fast and doesn’t taste like the hell you would expect. It’s one of my favourite rums.

200911_YaudieYaud&NephYell.Coll

Yup, that is Samuel L Jackson you see in a Yaudie T
Yup, that is Samuel L Jackson you see in a Yaudie T

You can purchase Yaudie Ts off the website. You can also check out the Yaudie blog.

images: yaudie.com

H&M has something for you Star Wars fans

I was walking through the Eaton Centre H&M when I saw these Star Wars tshirts. If George Lucas didn’t make Parts 1 – 3 I would have bought both, however he has killed much of the love I had for the series.

The White Tee Project – Complex Geometries x Jak & Jil

The White Tee Project - Complex Geometries x Jak & Jil

Complex Geometries and Tommy Ton have teamed up to present The White Tee Project and it’s stunning!

The White Tee Project - Complex Geometries x Jak & Jil

See the rest of The White Tee Project at jakandjil.com.

These shots make me want to go out and buy the Bag Dress and Split Square Dress.

Complex Geometries is available online and at Fawn Boutique and UPC in Toronto and Reborn in Montreal.

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Launch at Jezebel

Alison  Joe and MJ
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer - Alison Joe and MJ

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer held it’s launch last week at the new club, Jezebel. I attended to because I’m always interested in getting myself into Jezebel and see some fashion friends that would be in attendance. This year Joe Fresh Style is selling the shirts for $12 at all Joe Fresh locations.

Amanda and Kristin
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer - Amanda and Kristin

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) began as the fashion industry’s response to breast cancer – a widely recognized effort that raises public awareness and funds to support breast cancer research, education and patient care. Inspired by Ralph Lauren in memory of his late friend Nina Hyde, The Washington Post columnist who died of breast cancer, the campaign centres around the sale of Target apparel reminding women to “target” their breast health. The target has been worn by such fashion icons as Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Helena Christensen.

1TS_1583
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer firemen

Since its launch, FTBC has become the worldwide fashion community’s singular and most successful response to breast cancer. This incredibly simple and powerful awareness campaign has raised over $1.4 million in Canada alone over the past 8 years. Rethink Breast Cancer is the organization and inspiration behind FTBC Canada.

1TS_1691
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer - The girls give us a show

Since Jezebel is a burlesque bar we were treated to a few dances. The girls were okay but they were no Dita. I think the concept of the bar is cute and I’m hoping that there are dancers in Toronto that will make us stand up and take notice.

1TS_1785
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer - Getting interviewed
1TS_1636
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer - The cupcakes

My favourite part of the night was the cupcakes. I think I had five of them, LOL.

Photos by Tom Sandler provided by Rock It Promotions.