We're red inside we're all red inside.

I love everything about the following.

Dragonette, Kaskade, bitchin' fashion and attitude.  Maybe I'm biased because I love Dragonette, especially this collaborative track, but Martina oozes sex appeal... and those shoes are on fire, in every sense of the word. If only the song were longer than 2:44.

HST, otherwise known as the Hated Sales Tax

Fashion costs money, we all know that.  In turn, a fashion victim must work hard or have super rich daddies to be able to afford the things they want.  Unfortunately, I don't fit into the latter category, as I am sitting here at work as I write this.  To save money, however, one can go the DIY-route and start constructing fashion for oneself.

I enrolled in a sewing class a month ago, with the hopes of maybe one day be able to craft dresses, tops and skirts myself.  Saving myself money on clothes, and at the tailor.  It would also be nice to make the things I crave in my head, but are never available in stores.  I paid the $277 fee and walked away, excited, knowing that in a month I will commence on my journey to becoming a master couturier (ha! I wish...)

The first class, I received a notice saying that I owe The Sewing Studio a balance of $43... which was news to me, considering the fact I paid in full (with taxes included) BEFORE the dreaded deadline of July 1st.  In fact, I recall specifically booking it from work to the Rosedale sewing studio on June 30 to avoid giving the mother-fucking government more than they deserved.

After explaining this to the teacher, I was emailed the following:

"We understand your frustration with having to pay the HST. Unfortunately, HST has hit everyone hard, including us at The Sewing Studio. It's a shame that this new tax has affected everyone's personal finances and it has caused a lot of confusion amongst consumers, including The Sewing Studio's students.


Please review the guideline below as listed on the Ministry of Revenue website:

16. How will the HST be applied to consumer purchases that straddle July 1, 2010?

For purchases made starting May 1, 2010, consumers will be charged the 13% HST for goods received or services performed after June 30, 2010.

For example: In May 2010, a person makes a partial payment to purchase furniture. Under the agreement, the person takes delivery of the furniture in July 2010, makes 12 additional monthly payments between July 2010 and June 2011, and receives ownership of the furniture when all the payments have been made. The HST will apply to the sale of the furniture.

Find out more about transitional rules or call 1 800 337-7222."

Argggh.  I assumed that the director of the school just twisted the rules around in order to pocket some extra cash... but after calling the government... apparently there is something called a "transfer tax" for purchases on services made between May 1 2010 and July 1 2010. 

If I do recall... my mother purchased tennis classes in June for my little sister and avoided this so-called "transfer tax"... is this the government's way for covering their asses and outsmarting consumers who bought stuff before June 30?

It sounds like a scam to me. Why does the government keep milking the public out of money for random stuff like this.  If I bought gas on June 30, I would have paid 96 cents, not 108... that rule should have applied to everything, with no exceptions, transfer taxes or any other bullshit in order to cushion the lunch budget of the MPs or to help redecorate their offices. 

I Started This Whole GTL Shit

ith the imminent season two premiere of Jersey Shore, it's only natural to bring back the GTL (that's the Gym, Tan and Laundry)...

DJ Pauly D brought his porcupine-spiked head to this marvelous track in which he proclaims that "I don't represent all Italians, I represent myself." No Pauly, you represent douchebags.



It's so bad, I can't stop laughing when he starts talking.

"Yo..Everytime I'm DJ'ing there'll be a hot ass girl, and she got an ugly-ass friend.  Come on man.  I ain't got no time for that, I'm only dealing with 9s and 10s not no 3s and 4s..."

Can't wait for the season premiere, July 29th.

Chica Bonita

Jessica Stam is without a doubt, one of my favourite models.  Add the elegant styling of Clare Richardson and the charm of Seville, Spain... and you have magic. 

Jessica Stam's intensity embodies the spirit of bull fighting.  The red dress helps too.

This is such a delicate shot... I love her booties (Loubou? Chanel? Can't tell...) And I really like the way her hair is slicked back into a tight ponytail... it's very spanish.

This photograph reminds me of my all-time favourite portrait, Gloria Swanson by Edward Steichen.  The lace veil is gorgeous... I love the contrast of textures between the lace, the fur stole and the chiffon ruching of her dress.

Stam wears a gorgeous Louis Vuitton gown.

I will always have a soft spot for the drama, ruffles, fringe and polka dots of traditional Flamenco costumes.

Photos courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue... pulled from the August 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar US. 

Favourites from Fall 2010 Couture Shows

It's that time of year again... with Fall 2010 couture shows in full swing, here are my favourite looks...

Chanel showed on Tuesday, and Karl, the Virgo, brought some of Coco's Leo energy.

The models centered around a golden lion, symbolizing Coco's birthday.  The collection itself is bold, dark and moody.  In rich, deep colours like navy, camel, maroon and aubergine, the drama reflects a Leo's tendency to crave attention and luxury.

Tapestry was accentuated by beaded and rich embroidery.  The silhouette is strong and reminiscent of a military uniform.  This dress in particular reminds me of Lucian Matis' Fall collection... proving that even Canadian designers are on the cusp of new trends.

This look evokes everything I love about fall.  Rich colours, details, and of course, boots.  The delicate cascade of floral tapestry is a beautiful detail and I love the off-shoulder look.  It's something you wouldn't expect from Chanel.

This coat is fabulous.  Drawing from the same technique as the dress above, this coat just screams "Fall in Russia".  The fur cuffs finish the sleeve, and this detail will show up a lot on coats this fall as well.

A Chanel show would never be complete without a nod to Coco's classic menswear aesthetic.  I love the bow tie and the 3/4 jacket.

I loved this collection for its innovation.  It breaks away from what is usually presented at a Chanel Couture show (think white, dramatic gowns) and shows a different side to the brand.  I didn't expect tapestries to be in, but I'm guessing that this was inspired from the screens of Coco's appartment in Paris.

Watch the Chanel show here.

John Galliano took a lighter approach to Fall with his Couture collection on Monday.

Dior definitely took a subversive route with this collection... presenting us with more "spring-like" looks.  I love the theatric quality these garments have and the great details.  Texture is a key element of any fall wardrobe (tweed, fur, wool, leather) and this collection definitely has it.  The colours don't evoke a Fall energy, but I think the palette is on trend.  As we've seen in the summer, neons and pastels are everywhere, and I think this will continue for the fall with accessories and bright hued tights.

The last Givenchy Haute Couture collection felt reminiscent of Lee McQueen's last presentation.

Ricardo Tisci was inspired by Frida Kahlo and her three qualities; sexuality, spirituality and the spine.  Kahlo suffered from spinal pain, and every detail in this collection drew from that.  Zipper pulls were little bones, and skulls and cross bones adorned the dresses.  The immense detail in these ten garments are overwhelmingly beautiful...