Barbie can be... an Engineer!

Geek chic seems to be wherever you look.  Shows like The Big Bang Theory and Glee are popularizing the underdog of highschool... the nerd.

Barbie.com recently launched a poll to help decide the 125th edition of their popular career dolls, and by popular vote, Computer Engineer Barbie was born!  http://www.barbie.com/vote/

The doll is actually really cute!  Barbie is rarely seen without heels, but this one sports pink ballet flats with a coordinating hot-pink laptop.  Her glasses are also reminiscent of a pair by D&G... which I've been lusting for!

Barbie has been a chef, a lawyer, a doctor, so this was only natural.  I personally think it's great that there is now an Engineer Barbie, especially since it is such a male dominated field.  I work at an engineering firm, and I am the only girl in this office. (And I'm only a receptionist...) It's fantastic that young women will have a female figure to look up to, if they're interested in pursuing a career in engineering. 

I'm also falling in love with the Barbie News Anchor... I'm glad that I now have a role model in plastic form!

In other Barbie related news...David Dixon, one of my favourite Canadian Designers will be debuting his Barbie by David Dixon Fall/Winter collection at LGFW tomorrow.  Tickets were sold out for the event, but I can't wait to see what he will bring to the runway this time!

I feel like we can all use a little fun in our lives... and this collection is definitely fun, flirty and classic... all qualities shared by the ubiquitous and classic doll that is still popular today.  (50s are the new 30s after all!)

Annie Clark - Profile

Here's an example of what I've been doing as a slave to my keyboard.  I got to interview Annie Clark for my profile assignment, she was a pleasure to interview and write about! I hope you enjoy...

She was wearing a cobalt blue peacoat that brought out her stunning blue eyes, and a pair of leggings that were neatly tucked into a pair of sand-coloured Uggs. Annie Clark looks like your typical teenager, and in this casual outfit, paired with her genuine and friendly personality, it’s hard to believe that she plays the part of snobby and elite Fiona Coyne on the hit Canadian television show, Degrassi.

Clark, who only turns 18 in June, was added to the ensemble cast of Degrassi in its ninth season. A Toronto native from the Lawrence Park area, Clark is getting experience on numerous Canadian TV series. She starts filming for the 10th season of Degrassi in the last week of March. The Degrassi movie, set in New York City debuts July 16, on Much Music. Degrassi fans will be seeing a lot more of Fiona in season 10, and with the show’s move to Much Music, Canada will be seeing more of Clark at events, like the MMVA’s in June.

“She was the one who sent me to that audition for Roxy Hunter, and I ended up getting the part. And from then on, that first day on set, I knew that this was what I was going to do for the rest of my life,” says Clark, taking a sip from her Starbucks cup.

Clark always knew she was going to become an actress. She would ask her parents everyday to get an agent to help her break into the business. Her friend’s mother was a casting director, who sent her to audition for Roxy Hunter, a small TV movie. She got the part, which launched her career. Clark took acting classes at Dean Armstrong Acting studios, where she honed her skills and was recommended to her agent, Norbert Abrams, who she’s been with for two years.

She lives at home with her parents, and likes to think of herself as an only child, since her brother and sister are a lot older. Acting unexpectedly runs in the family though, Clark says, “My aunt was an actress when she was a lot younger though. She did commercials and this CBC show called The Littlest Hobo, but the funny thing is my parents never told me that until I started acting, I’d never even heard of that. But other than that, my dad’s a judge and my mom’s a teacher.”

The filming schedule for season nine of Degrassi took Clark in and out of school for a six month period, but in season 10, they will be filming for nine months. Clark has a tutor on set because she is still underage, but has decided to put off university and concentrate on her career and travel.

Clark definitely exhibits a New York state of mind. “I mean, it makes more sense for me to live in LA, because that’s where all the film stuff happens, and New York’s more for theatre, but I’m just drawn to New York, I just love the city. I went there to film the Degrassi movie in November, and I completely fell in love with it. It was my first time there and I could just see myself living there someday. I’m hoping that after my contract is up with Degrassi, I might apply to some theatre schools down there, so I could live there, but still be pursuing acting,” says Clark.

Clark loves to work on Degrassi, she describes it as a very welcoming cast and team that is supportive and inclusive. “And it’s such a reputable Canadian show too to be on, and I’m so glad to be associated with that. It’s such a good launching pad for a lot of people, even if you’re staying in Canada or going to the States. Believe it or not, it’s actually more popular in the States than it is in Canada! When we went to New York to film the movie, we had to have bodyguards because there were kids just swarming us,” adds Clark with a laugh. In America, the TV station Teen Nick’s main program is Degrassi, and they run Degrassi marathons on the weekends. Degrassi alumni have gone on to become very successful south of the border, like Shenae Grimes, who is now on CBS’s teen drama, 90210.

In season 10 of Degrassi, viewers finally get to see more of Fiona’s character. Clark couldn’t reveal everything, but Fiona has the A-plot in the first four episodes of the new season. Her character goes through many changes, and some of her attention-seeking habits begin to come out. Clark says, “That’s when you get to see her true colours, her inner bitchiness comes out.”

Clark admits to be similar to her character on Degrassi. She believes that Fiona is sort of an exaggerated version of herself. She participates in the Drama Department at her high school, Lawrence Park. This year, she finds her character in the school play to be very similar to her character on Degrassi. “The past few characters I’ve played on these different shows have been that mean girl. It’s fun to play, but I just hope I’m not like that in real life,” says Clark. Fiona is known as the fashion plate on the show, and at the end of the season, Clark gets to go through her “Fiona closet” to pick out pieces she’d like. Although she describes her everyday style as being more casual, she still enjoys dressing up. Clark says, “Now I find myself going into stores and thinking, ‘Oh, that’s so Fiona.!’”

Clark’s favourite movie is Titanic, which coincidentally has her two favourite actors in it; Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. She also admires Canadian actress, Rachel McAdams. Clark says that she would love to have a career similar to Winslet’s and admires the way both actresses stay out of the media, but still manage to produce great work. She adds, “I’d love to get into movies. I think that that’s what every actress kind of wants to get into.”

Trained in numerous styles of dance, Clark jokingly says that she could be a “double threat” but would eventually like to take singing lessons one day, because she is obsessed with musicals. “I definitely wouldn’t say no to Broadway!” says Clark.

In the meantime, she hopes to gain more experience in the Canadian TV industry and guest-star on shows like Flashpoint and Being Erica, if the opportunity would arise. “I’d like to conquer the Canadian industry, work a bit more here, and then eventually go to the States when I’m ready. I want to make sure I’m ready for that competition. And hopefully be in a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio one day, even if he is playing my dad.”

Reclusive

I know, I've been living under a rock for the past week... thanks to profiles, essays and still trying to get some sleep.  I feel relieved to be done all these assignments... and have many ideas for posts to come :D

I wouldn't bat an eye over it...

Eyelashes have been an obsession in the pursuit of beauty and perfection.  Women go to great lengths, (pardon the pun) to achieve thick, lucsious lashes.  We painstakingly glue on plastic lashes (sometimes one by one) and spend hundreds of dollars a year on mascara. Some have even bought into the latest "eyelash growth" formulas that claim to increase lash production in order to achieve that youthful look.

Eyelashes are a symbol of youth and fertility.  As we get older, they gradually start to thin.  Brooke Shields is an endorser of Latisse, an eyelash growth solution.  You apply a thin layer of the solution at the roots of your eyelashes (where you would apply eyeliner), and like 'magic', in a couple weeks, people will gradually see fuller, longer lashes.  The lashes themselves do not get larger, but there is more eyelash hair production (think of it as Rogaine for your peepers).

... but beauty doesn't come without a price. 

Common side effects include irritation and redness, but "LATISSE® use may cause darkening of the eyelid skin which may be reversible. LATISSE® use may also cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent." (http://www.latisse.com/)

So kiss those baby blue eyes goodbye.

It's crazy what lenghts women will go to these days to rejuvenate their image.  False eyelashes might look tacky and if applied incorrectly, make you look like a stripper from Jilly's, but at least you will not have to risk permanently tinting your iris...

My eyelashes are so long that when I wear glasses, they scrape the insides of the lens.  I was blessed by their length and fullness, but I also want to point out that my lashes are nearly white.  I spend tons of time applying mascara or curling their unruly, often wild ways.  But then, sometimes, it's nice to let them be natural and appreciate their beauty as they were intended to be.  I realized how much time I spend a day covering up or changing the way I look, instead of enhancing what's already there. 

From now on, I'm saving the falsies for Halloween... even though my heart still longs for the outlandish styles from Shu Umuera.

seducción

With dim lighting, and Gotan Project's "Amor Porteno" in the background, the two dancers, Jarle Sandodden and Juana Sepulveda bring a sexy mix of intrigue and tease to the dance floor.  



Their movements are smooth and sensual; each step is part of the game of this foreplay.  I love the way they don't do any tricks (i.e. lifts), yet I am still drawn to their every move.  The footwork changes from quick to slow with little transition and the partenering is exceptional.  This makes me miss Friday night tango classes...

(these photos are Circa 2007... aka Grade 10!) 

... and it makes me want to take it up again. (Don't get me started on how much I miss Flamenco... that's another post for another day.)

Alice

Yesterday, in Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens in the beautiful Lawrence Park area, four models and two (sometimes three) photographers got together to shoot aspiring photographer, Dasha Nagorodnyuk's vision.  Her interpretation of Wonderland.  I was lucky enough to be her Alice.

(from left to right) Adina Frankel as the Rabbit, Regina Efendieva as the Mad Hatter, myself as Alice and Natalie Sanchioni as the Cheshire cat.

With hair done up in (dare I say it) Snooki poufs, the stylistic vision of the shoot was an urban fantasy.

Who would have ever guessed that the nervous rabbit could look so cool in a leather jacket and cap?

Tights,vintage; Shoes, Betsey Johnson; Dress, Kensie; Apron, Recycled Ballet costume

I feel a little bit more 'Red Queen' with this outfit... OFF with their heads!

I loved the way the photos turned out, and I'm happy to have had such an amazing photographer.  I'm definitely adding some pictures to my portfolio.  It was a great way to spend an afternoon with the girls (and boy), pizza, clothes, makeup and photographing in nature.  We also got to witness a little dog named ruffles cockblock her owner.

I will update this post with pictures of the stunning Mad Hatter.

Irish I were Drunk

St Patrick's day is one of those few select holidays where there are no expectations... other than getting belligerent and having a good time.  This year, I headed downtown with my lovelies, Dasha & Regina to share a pitcher in honour of the Irish Saint.  Naturally, we went all out and decked out in full garb. 

"Keith's me, I'm Irish"  Even though a man named Ted pointed out to us that Keith's isn't even Irish, I thought the saying was clever.  Dasha literally stopped traffic as a beer maid/wench, and truly embodies the festive occasion!

My nails were painted for just for St. Patty's!  I'll upload pics of my outfit once I get them.

What I love about this holiday is that even on a Wednesday, people show their spirit and hit the pub for some brew.  You can wear whatever you want, as long as it's green.  Bring out the old Halloween costumes, Mardi Gras beads and beer-themed hats, the more outrageous, the better.

Let the Rain Fall Down.

Rain is trickling down against my windows.  The clouds are dense and a solemn shade of grey.  My feet are damp from choosing to wear shoes instead of boots.  Crocuses and tulips are peaking out of the earth...

I agree, rain can be depressing, especially when it occurs for three days in succession.  But rain shows us some promise, that good things are near.  The rain nourishes the earth, and I can already see sparse blades of grass begin to grow.  Rain is also good at washing away the millions of cigarette butts on our sidewalks that are revealed once the snowbanks melt.  I watched a pigeon attempt to eat a butt today, the dumb bird must have thought "Score!  A spring roll!" ... only to succumb to an avian version of cancer.

Most people find the rain depressing, but I find it a bit romantic.  Kissing on the street is kissing on the street.  Add rain, and you have cinematic magic. 

In that culminating scene where Holly loses Cat, Fred and Holly finally kiss, and the intensity (rain included) has been recreated in so many films since (The Notebook, Spiderman...)  I guess when rain is present, that potential for a romantic scene like this kind of excites me.  I'm also kind of addicted to the smell of rain... it just smells fresh. 

Fashion has been forgiving when it comes to rain.  Everyone is sporting Hunter rainboots, and trenchcoats are as hot as ever.  

Rain also gives us a perfect excuse to just stay at home.  You can easily decline any plans by blaming the rain.  Why not take advantage and spend the day in your sweats sipping tea and watching classics like BAT? 

The best part about rain is that it makes us truly appreciative of good weather, and hey, it's better than snow! 

Teatro Verde

Bayview Village is the nearest sizeable mall to my house.  They have an excellent Chapters location, as well as a massive LCBO,(which hosts tastings on Fridays!) and a home store called Teatro Verde.  This gift store is full of beautiful displays and seasonal gifts for everyone on your list.  Consider it Urban Outfitters, but more uptown chic.

I visited the store today, and it is fully decked out in all of Spring's glory.  A metal gazebo greets you in the doorway, and over-priced patio furniture adorned with sumptuous lavender silk pillows sit amongst massive faux orchids.

The store is sectioned off into little areas.  I loved the series of aviary vignettes on the white-washed walls.  Coffee table books litter the store all over the place, so sometimes you have to go through the whole store to find something you like.

I fell in love with these white porcelain apples.  They're very romantic and add a little bit of 'fairytale' magic (Snow White anyone?) to a boring coffee table.  

In the children's section, vibrant multicoloured chandeliers hang from the ceiling.  There's also an elephant in the room.  There are great gifts for children from babies to teens.  Elusive stuffed animals and vintage-inspired books line the shelves.  

I found this Chihuahua purse in the children's section. Although it costs a steep $69.95, the craftsmanship was excellent, and it is a collectible.  It's a bit random, but that's what I love about the store.  There will always be a few standby's like their stunning floral displays and Crabtree & Evelyn products,  but you never really know what you will find.

These are salt & pepper shakers... and for only $13.95, they can be a great conversation starter the next time you have people over for Asian food.  Little housewares like these make great gifts and won't make too much of a dent in your pocket.

Everything in Teatro Verde is artfully displayed, yet it sticks to a colour scheme.  Since Easter is fast approaching, they decorated a full table with Easter paraphenalia. 

Again, if you don't look close enough, you might miss something.  Although some of these pieces I've featured are beyond the average person's budget, Teatro Verde offers a range of decorations.  If you fall in love with something expensive, chances are, there's a cheaper incarnate of it in the store.  

Yes, it might be cheaper to head to HomeSense, but nothing beats the experience of shopping at Teatro Verde.  It really is a store dedicated to beautifying your home, and giving the gift of luxury.  The displays are always revolving, and with every season, we are subjected to whimsical collections.  

Why I love Betty White.

It's official.  Betty White will host SNL on May 8th.  As her facebook page (which was started by fans, not her) nears 500 000 members, White has finally agreed to host the sketch comedy show, and I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of her soon.

This past year alone, White has appeared in the massive comedy The Proposal and starred in a Snickers Superbowl ad.



White gives us that self-depricating humour.  She isn't afraid to make fun of herself or put herself into a negative light.  My favourite White incarnation was when she starred as Rose on the hit sitcom, Golden Girls.  I watch the show religiously, and since it was brought back for re-runs on TVTropolis, I've been glued to the boobtube at 2pm or 5pm every weekday.

This is one of my favourite scenes from the series:


Dorothy (Bea Arthur) and Blanche (Rue McClanahan) poke fun at Rose


The Golden Girls gives us raw dialogue, and four old ladies that haven't given up on having fun.  They're the Sex and the City gals of Florida, no doubt.



White was offered the host spot years ago, but declined it.  "Years ago, I turned it down three times.  It's so New York, and I'm not New York at all.  But my agent said he'd divorce me if I didn't do it, and I love my agent," says White.  I can't wait to see what White will bring to the table to SNL.  It's about time they have more diverse hosts in an older age group.  I've grown kind of sick watching Taylor Swift (painfully) act.  White is a seasoned comedienne that will surely bring in the ratings and the laughs.

A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life

March 11th marks the (suspected) 413th anniversary of Romeo & Juliet's wedding.  I read this for the first time in grade 10, and continue to read it once a year.  I love the gothic nature in Shakespeare's plays and R+J remains to be the love story.  

Last year, our drama class got to act out scenes from the famous play, and I was lucky enough to recite the infamous balcony scene.  Although it is not as ripe with passion as other excerpts from the play, I love the immature yearning for each other they display.  Their words are sometimes frantic and desperate, after discovering that they cannot be together. 

"'Tis but thy name that is my enemy.
  Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
  What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
  Nor arm, nor face. O, be some other name
  Belonging to a man.
  What's in a name? That which we call a rose
  By any other word would smell as sweet. " (II,ii)

The scene makes us question what IS in a name?  Titles and social hierarchy often dictate who we should or shouldn't be with, but in the end love and companionship conquers.

Juliet's impatience and persistence to be with Romeo can teach us something about relationships as well.  Juliet is embarassed that she wasn't more coy (or "strange") when dealing with Romeo.

"O gentle Romeo,
If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.
Or if thou thinkest I am too quickly won,
I'll frown and be perverse and say thee nay,
So thou wilt woo, but else, not for the world. (21)
In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond, (22)
And therefore thou mayst think my havior (23) light;
But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true
Than those that have more cunning to be strange. (24)
I should have been more strange, I must confess,
But (25) that thou overheard'st, ere I was ware, (26)
My true love passion. Therefore pardon me,
And not impute this yielding to light love,
Which the dark night hath so discovered. (27)" (II,ii)

I remember saying those lines, and internalizing all the times I had played hard to get instead of showing how much the person meant to me.  Juliet fully devotes herself to him and proves that one does not need to play games to win another person's affection.

"This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath,

  May prove a beauteous flow'r when next we meet."

Romeo + Juliet always brings out my inner romantic.  I still remember these monologues, and one day, I hope I can feel the way about someone as Juliet does about her Romeo.

Yorkville en Printemps

It may not be April in Paris, but it certainly is March in Yorkville. With pleasant temperatures and hardly any class today, I met up with my lovely friend Dasha (who's also redesigning my blog!) and hit the streets of the trendy neighbourhood.

I love her outfit today.  It's a perfect mix of girly florals and earthy texture with the suede boots and jacket.

Out on the sidewalk, we came across a dozen, if not two dozen little dogs... the man was a bit crazy, toting around all his pups from his breeding business... but he let me snap some pics of the sweet puppies.  I hope they find homes that will love them.

My aunt spent many years working at William Ashley, and every time I'm in the neighbourhood, I love looking at their displays.  Even though they sell housewares, we spend so much time with these pieces day to day, and they deserve the recognition of having a fun display.  This Alice in Wonderland themed "Tea Party" was cute and captured the spirit of the Spring trends ahead.  We just can't seem to escape those "Easter" pastel colours.

At Canada's mecca of fashion, Holt Renfrew, the windows were filled with mannequins with platinum fingerwave hair, showcasing the spring designer collections.  This setup clearly illustrates the whole "lingerie as outerwear" trend we've been seeing at Dior's Spring 2010 RTW show.

I don't know if I could pull off a look like this in real life, but I like the idea of letting your slip show beneath a dress, and if I had the money, I would certainly invest in a corset or two in delicate shades of nude and blush.

Yorkville always seems to do the trick for me.  It lets me fall into a fantasy mode.  I like to call this window shopping mode.  I draw inspiration from the windows and people out on the street -for example this one woman, in her 50's had a lavender coat and black chanel bag... she was fabulous!  I can't wait for more sunny afternoons to spend in the district, Starbucks in hand, and a best friend in tow.

Garden Party.

Forever 21 is known for its ability to provide the masses with cheap, trendy clothing. Granted, the quality isn't the best, but it's the perfect thing for a cheap fix. If you plan on wearing an outfit a couple times, or looking to add a splash of colour with their fantastic prints, XX1 is a bargain option.

I am a big fan of their Twelve by Twelve collection. Think of 40s vintage pieces with L.A. flair. Their new collection doesn't disappoint... and the photos remind me of a punk garden party, mixed with a bit of Alice in Wonderland...

I adore this vest. The tailoring is really unique and I like the shape it gives the model. This would look perfect layered on top a sleeveless white ruffled blouse, with Audrey Hepburn-esque black pants or a pair of dressy satin shorts (for when the weather gets even better!)

This photo is amazing. It rips off editorial shoots I've seen before, but the red hair is delicious in the shot. Not to mention that yellow and black is one of my favourite colour combos. The only problem with this is the awful headband. It looks like a dog-poopy bag scrunched up on top of her scarlet locks. Not a good look.

This is obviously a Chanel rip off (right down to the black lace gloves). Forever 21 has had legal troubles in the past for ripping off fashion and graphic designers. This clearly draws inspiration from both of Karl's latest shows, but it is a cheaper option if that is the look you're going for.

This is my favourite look from this lookbook. The jumpsuit is rocker, yet feminine enough to wear to a more formal event. I love the way they accessorized it with the chains and the belt. If Katherine Hepburn was alive and young today, she would rock a jumpsuit like that (minus the headband... again.)

Pastels are the highlight of Spring. Although there is probably one too many colours happening here, I love the soft-toned hues. Every piece in this look will probably end up in my closet. The lavender skirt would look amazing with a plain silk tank, and the cropped trench has the potential to be a piece I could base many outfits on. Summers in Canada aren't exactly the hottest, but a light trench could mix well, layered on top of sundresses or even more casual outfits.

Best Dressed...

This year, the vast majority of stars looked fantastic on what Gabourey Sidibe describes as, "It's like prom night for Hollywood."

1. SJP. She never seems to disappoint, and this year, her lemon hued Chanel frock is modern and very Carrie... I can't wait to see what she wears to the premiere of SATC 2. Let's hope she tunes down the Snooki-esque tan though.

2. Zoe Saldana. In this Flamenco inspired lavender gown by none other than Givenchy, she literally stole the show when she went up as a presenter. Some hate this gown, but it is daring and unique. Saldana is a star that will likely become a red carpet fave, especially since she embraces colour.
3. Vera Farmiga. The Up in the Air star dazzled us with a raspberry Marquesa gown that was ripe for the picking. It made her look young and sexy and the ruffles are in line for what's in this spring!
4. Elizabeth Banks. What a stunner. This dove gray colour is just divine and angelic and isn't a typical colour you see on the red carpet. . The Versace gown echos the elegance of Grace Kelly.

5. Jennifer Lopez. JLo always seems to capture our attention when she graces the red carpet. This Armani Prive gown is no exception. Unfortunately, during the broadcast and in this picture, the colour is washed out... but it's really a pale lilac colour (that doesn't resemble bubble wrap...contrary to popular belief!)

My personal favourite was Elizabeth Banks. She looked elegant in this voluminous (yet airy) frock. I always say that what we see on the Oscar red carpet predicts the trends for the summer, and this year couldn't be more true. A lot of ruffles, silk and pastels are in the future... and I can't wait.

xo