Category Archives: CULTURE

Binge Material

BINGE MATERIAL

I am damn good at bingeing. You put a pile of sour candy in front of me? Suddenly in the blink of an eye – POOF – it’s gone. Same thing goes for any type of flavoured popcorn, form of peanut butter, box of cereal or perfectly ripe avocados. There one minute (and in its full form), completely consumed and gone the next. The only way I can explain it is that I go into a fugue state of satisfaction where I can’t remember what I’ve done, but I know I have fulfilled some type of craving. Similarly, I’m a master at binge watching T.V. I often find myself with large windows of free time, and while I promise myself I will do something creative or physically beneficial during these moments, I tend to just stream endless episodes of whatever I’m hooked on at that time. I innocently start with the intention to just watch one episode, but next thing I know – the sun has set, I haven’t moved in hours, but the stories of fictional characters are swimming in my mind. I’m a champion at it. So if you’re looking for some time to kill, please, let me help.
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Festival Hairspiration

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Picture this – a sea of swaying people all wearing the same Instagram approved trends. These trends trickled down from Coachella, to Governors Ball, and have now made their way to the festival crowd you’re currently dancing in. I myself am one of those sheep following the flock, despite my personal notion that the vibe I’m projecting is one of a kind, the truth is – it’s not. You can’t throw a discarded $20 beer can without hitting someone wearing a flower crown, denim cut-offs, or some form of fringe. While my stance is firm that my cut-offs and semi-crop tops will always be my festival uniform (as I cannot be bothered to rethink it), I am willing to put a little more thought into my festival ‘do. Here are some unique hair styles to attempt at your next festival. Inspiration c/o your favourite lady rock stars.  Continue reading

Dream Tunez: Bestival Edition

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My tastes in music are on the diverse side. I can appreciate a song by Donna Summer the same way I appreciate my favourite song by FKA Twigs the same way I appreciate Crystal Castles the same way I love Tame Impala (and the list could continue for at least another 40GB worth of music). I’m a little all over the place, but it makes for great listening, and even better live music experiences. The Lana Del Rey concert encouraged amazing swaying, and Father John Misty inspired some truly exceptional knee-slapping and George Clooney-worthy chicken pecking, but my favourite type of dancing is more akin to a) a sorceress casting spells, b) a person who is possessed, or c) a physical representation of the pulse of the music. These forms of dance can only be found at a specific breed of festival, and this weekend I will be provided two days worth of opportunity to bust out such moves – all thanks to Bestival. Continue reading

Festival Inspiration: Dark Western

DARK WESTERN

Yes – festivals are about the music and the truly joyous atmosphere, but they’re also very much so all about the fashion. I’m not sure what it is exactly, but for some reason I approach getting dressed for a festival the same way in which I dress for Halloween – with dizzying excitement and a specific theme in mind. I suppose I like to develop a mood or vibe for the show I’m about to view, based on the artists who are going to be there, and then my mind wanders (you don’t wanna know), and voilà my festival motif is born! This week I’m lucky enough to be seeing Lana Del Rey, Grimes, and Father John Misty (among others), and for one reason or another, my mind landed on the concept of a dark western – Spaghetti Western à la squid ink, if you will. Bizarre? Maybe. Sartorially savvy? Well, I certainly think so.  Continue reading

Dream Tunez: Endless Summer + Field Trip Edition

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All the evidence points to one thing – that summer in the city has arrived. Days have been spent in parks and on patios, my glaringly pale legs have made more than their fair (pun intended) share of embarrassing public appearances, and outdoor music festival season is in full swing. The thrill of seeing music live is one of my greatest joys, but the thrill of seeing it at a well-organized and well-attended outdoor festival? That’s a whole other ball game. It’s my jam. I love it and look forward to it all year long. This week my ears are going to be treated to a handful of outdoor performances by some of my all time favourite artists c/o the Endless Summer Tour and Arts & Crafts’ Field Trip. Continue reading

Life Lessons c/o Sex and the City

LIFE LESSONS SATC

Confession: I have spent an absurd amount of my life planted in front of a screen. Specifically, I have spent an absurd amount of my life planted in front of a screen watching Sex and the City. Truthfully I have watched the entire series, start to finish, at least 9 times – and I suspect that’s an underestimate. Some may view this as a complete waste of time, that I have now said sayonara to many brain cells during these moments ‘lost’. I see it as a grand education in the intricacies and comedies of life and love (lol). While not always a completely relevant frame of reference for me personally (I am hardly living the fabulous life, nor am I dating approximately one billion dreamy men), I have learned some very important life lessons from these HBO-crafted women. Here are the top tidbits of advice I have taken away from each of the characters of the show. Continue reading

P-A-R-T-Y Wasn’t I Invited?!

P-A-R-T-Y

I’m the type of person who sometimes lives in fear – fear of missing out, or as it’s more popularly known FOMO (often seen with a hashtag in front of it). You find yourself in a situation where you must decline an offer to go out with your friends – let the feeling of FOMO set in. You’re working while your roomies decide to have an impromptu pizza party – yep, that’s gonna cause some serious FOMO. A handsome rockstar invites you to come with him to New York, but you have other obligations – in your dreams (!), but also major FOMO. Missing out on great parties is often my most recurring cause of FOMO, but what about fictional parties? Well my friends, that’s the FOMO that never goes away, because it never actually happened. Here are some of the most splendid imaginary soirées I so desperately want an invite to. Continue reading

Met Gala Superlatives

MET GALA

Of all the red carpets, in all the world, this is the one you wanna walk. Here the worlds of celebrity – art – fashion all collide in one beautifully sophisticated soirée. Each year the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute puts together a breathtaking exhibit and a subsequently fabulous gala. This year’s theme was China: Through the Looking Glass. The effort put into curating this visually explosive conversation between East and West was the greatest ever undertaken by the institute. Thankfully the attendees of this year’s gala took the sartorial challenge of dressing for such an ambitious event with as much zeal as the event’s organizers. The list of exquisite gowns, and ornate accessories is staggering – only a thorough collection of superlatives can assist in keeping track of them all. Continue reading

Best of: Kirsten Dunst

KIKI DUNST

This Monday I enjoyed a wonderful movie night filled with laughs, pizza, and guacamole. Our movie pick for the evening was the oh-so-funny Nixon comedy, Dick. Not only did it remind me of my love for films that focus on the Watergate scandal, but it also reminded me of how truly laugh-your-ass-off funny Kirsten Dunst is! I’ve been a huge fan of Kiki (part of a nickname c/o Perez Hilton, that always stuck with me) since..forever! Many of her films are those I count among my favourites, and I find myself watching them over and over again, year after year. Ms. Dunst is rad on all counts – super stylish, cool posse of friends including Sofia Coppola and Rodarte’s Mulleavy sisters, and a wildly impressive filmography. As it was her birthday yesterday, let’s take a chronological look at Kirsten Dunst’s best films. Continue reading

What Would Liz Do?

LIZ LEMON

We’re very fortunate – we, the young women of today. We are lucky enough to be provided with an endless supply of extraordinary female heroes whose footsteps we want to follow. I am constantly seeking guidance in the documentaries, interviews, Instagram accounts, TV shows and films of my idols. I find I turn to Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, and Tina Fey just as much as I turn to Elle Woods, Frances Ha(lladay) and Carrie Bradshaw. While flesh ‘n blood figures offer you proof of a real-life trajectory to follow, fictional characters can illuminate life’s mysteries just as well. We see ourselves in these characters – we see them face issues within their daily lives, and we watch them overcome their challenges with creativity, grace and humour. One such character who will always hold a special place in my heart, who shares my traits (sense of humour/self-deprecation) and flaws (lack of grace/affinity for Cheetos), is Liz Lemon of 30 Rock Continue reading