Howling for answers no wolf can know*

My day "job" is so boring, last week I yawned so big that for the rest of this week, I'm going to have to drink my meals from a straw.

This weekend we planted a herb garden on our balcony, and today a strawberry died.

I used to read a particular blog all the time, thinking it was the brilliant musings of an ironic and well-aging man. But last week I found out its written by a girl younger than me, and now it seems neither ironic nor something that will age well.

AFP's Kickstarter passed $1 million today, and I watched it happen.

Cilantro grown on your balcony smells better than store-bought.

I'd rather read Don Quixote than a blog any day.

*Title from mewithoutYou's "Fox's Dream of the Log Flume"; dresses from Norwegian Wood, both of which will keep me cool and comfy whether counting down the seconds at work, or watching the trees whip by on the Vermonter.

Back to School

I can't help but think I'm not supposed to be here today. A year ago, at the beginning of NYFW, I was in New York for the very first time, building the foundations for what would be my most expensive addiction yet. As I later returned around the time of NYFW in February, it seems weird to now be reading about other people getting ready for NYFW and getting fashion show invites in my inbox when I'm stuck here, without any future itineraries planned. Sigh. Not only that, but today is the first day of university. And, when I live in my city's university area and have to walk by one too many frat houses to get to work, it's hard to escape the sudden influx of 18-year-olds and American Eagle graphic tees. If I could, I would go to school for the rest of my life (and by wearing pigtails, I'd make quite a passable, albeit rather mature, 20-year-old). And yet, here I am, for the fifth September in a row, not needing to calculate the shortest distance between classes, or pinpoint the least busy washrooms, or stand in line for an hour to get the one textbook that Amazon doesn't have in stock. Again, sigh. I'll keep my fingers crossed for next September. School or NY.

Anyway, if I could do my first day of university all over again, this is what my outfit would be: 

Barbara Í Gongini cardigan (now only 56 Euros!) + The Future of Frances zipper tencel top + 

mydearthing silk husband tank + Norwegian Wood asymmetrical circle skirt + 

moop waxed canvas Letter Bag + my chucks 

In reality, I wore non-memorable blue jeans, two long sleeved tees, and a black puffy vest. I don't even want to try to remember what kind of shoes I wore. I was still blond at that time (and 11 years younger), so I'm just going to pretend that was a different person. I mean, I didn't even drink real coffee back then. Not to mention being unable to understand the Joy Division and Pixies references in the Gilmore Girls. Eek.

Secondary sources

For some reason, the last few days of Internet surfing has been surprisingly fruitful, bringing to my attention two websites/blogs that are fantastic enough to warrant being added to my list of favorite websites in the sidebar to the right. The first is Scoute, a European based blog that not only has a great minimalist layout, but has refreshingly original content. I found Scoute whilst searching for more info on Boris Bidjan Saberi (whom I found out about via Oki-ni), and was rewarded with a link to another bookmarkable online shop (Komakino), as well as an archive full of designers and labels that I have never even heard of. It'll take me a while to go through all this great material, so you're going to see links to Scoute a lot more in the future here. You've been warned.

The second site is WORN Fashion Journal. WORN is actually a semi-annual print publication out of Toronto (that I will soon be subscribing to, via their Etsy shop), but their blog has already introduced me to some Canadian designers that I'm excited to follow up on. Thanks to Canadieren for pointing me towards this mag/blog by way of posting the above pictured editorial featuring the darling Angie of Norwegian Wood (wearing Norwegian Wood). I can't wait to get my own copy. Ah, why don't I live in Montreal? I'd love to shake Jay Baruchel's hand after watching The Trotsky...

Conservative

A rather alarming (and yet relatively non-alarming) diagnosis has sent me on that dreaded search for A Bathing Suit. While I'm still not sure what possessed me to go to the mall on said search AND to enter The Dressrooms With Inhumanely Horrible Lighting and Mirrors WITHOUT the promise of being awarded The Medal of Bravery, my search has been strengthened by window shopping from the comfort of my own couch. And I must say, Speedos have come a long way. I think I've settled on a one-piece for its 'conservative fit' and lovely shirred sides. And of course, for it's beautiful (non-)colour. I must be on a conservative kick altogether this week actually, as I've been eying both this deceptively simple Peeko Apparel maxi dress (it's made of bamboo jersey and has a racer back), and this perfect layering mid-length skirt from Norwegian Wood (yes, it has sheer mesh stripes!). Perhaps I watched Lady Gaga's new video one too many times...

I heart Norwegian fringes

First off, I must say I have never been a fan of fringes, except on the amazing green velvet curtain dress in Gone With the Wind. But I almost squealed when I saw this new Norwegian Wood piece. Isn't she purdy? A lovely belt and peplum all in one! I can't help but think of my lovely ArtLab Bustle of Lysistrata when I look at it. Hmm...I think I must order it...It will also be available soon in black and red, as seen in this photo that Queen Michelle posted this morning.

I'm also loving the new colour combos/versions of the Scuba Dress. Sexy librarian, anyone?

Norwegian Wood Wood

Now here's the perfect statement necklace if I'm in the mood for doing jewelry. Angie previously sold this Norwegian Wood piece only at Topshop, but it is now available in her Etsy shop. I am very, very tempted...

As promised, Dress Up Time.

My man is at work and I have the day off, so I thought I'd finally post some photos starring my wonderful new ArtLab pieces, plus some old(er) favorites. Changing my outfit more than once causes me to work up a frightful sweat, so you'll have to be content with my dress form standing in as the model. You can see my shadow in a few of the pictures though, so don't complain (please). You'll probably get the gist of it from the picture descriptions, but all but 2 of the pieces are handmade pieces bought directly from the designer, with all but 2 of the handmade pieces purchased on Etsy.

First up: the lovely ArtLab Space Odyssey dress, styled with various harnesses/accessories. From left to right: ArtLab Space Odyssey harness; ArtLab Couture Bib Noir; ArtLab Clinical White Harness No. 1; Norwegian Wood Elastic Harness; ArtLab Charlie Chaplin Couture Bib.

All the rest will feature the versatile ArtLab Military Skirt No. 1, as well as a basic white American Apparel ribbed tank. As pictured on the dress form, the outfits look mostly spring/summery. However, I would be wearing these over leggings, pants, jeans, or other skirts, and with armwarmers, mittens, and more/non-white underlayers (ie. tank tops, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts, especially my trusty treehouse 28 basics). My dress form only has one leg and no arms, so you'll have to use your imagination to fill these details in.

Basic outfit with one accessory. From left to right: Quillinan The Forgotten with Zip Neckpiece; Bonzie Le Coquette Ruffled Scarf; hier apparel Boldt Canvas Carapace; drapey vest by Covet. You can also kinda see my extra-high black monochrome Chucks in the 2nd photo.

Adding one more layer (except for the 1st photo - tank top missing). From left to right: ArtLab Charlie Chaplin Couture Bib; hier apparel Golden Mean Peasant Shift; hier apparel Vock Canvas Armour; Liza Rietz half circle tunic in black.

Adding an accessory. The first two photos feature the Liza Rietz waffle tucked tunic in herringbone, with the ArtLab Couture Bib Noir on the left, and the Attila Design Cown Neck Scarf on the right. The last photo features the ArtLab Andromache's Deconstruction Blanc dress with the ArtLab Couture Bib Noir.

This group features the ArtLab Bustle of Lysistrata, plus an accessory. From left to right: Las Lopez Wood Nymph Point Lace Shawl/Scarf; Attila Design Cowl Neck Scarf; hier apparel Boldt Canvas Carapace.

These are full outfits (minus the leggings/pants/mittens) that I would wear. The black top underneath is the complexgeometries two face dress, and the hoody is The Hoody (a.k.a. the Alexandra Groover 5-hooded hoody). The first two photos feature the ArtLab Clinical White Harness No. 1 over top the cg dress, with the Las Lopez Wood Nymph Point Lace Shawl/Scarf in the second photo. The last photo has the ArtLab Bustle of Lysistata instead of the Clinical White Harness No. 1.

And here are the two looks you would see me most often in, as I tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to throwing on an outfit quick. The first look (and probably the worst picture I snapped all morning) is the ArtLab Andromache's Deconstruction Noir, with The Hoody. The second look (and probably the best picture I snapped all morning) is the complexgeometries two face dress, ArtLab Clinical White Harness No. 1, Las Lopez Cobwebs Shawl/scarf, and my Yokoo East Hampton tote in pumpkin spice and charcoal grey.

Now I have to put all those clothes back in my closet/on their pile. Sigh.

Top of the line

Today marks the launch of two of my most favorite labels' collaboration with Topshop Oxford Circus' pop-up shop, EDIT. Yes, Topshop. The first and long-awaited one is that of Norwegian Wood. As posted on Angie's blog and later reported by Susie Bubble, Angie of NW will have her signature fringe necklaces, feather necklaces, leather cage skirts, and Road Warrior elastic harness available (some in Topshop exclusive colours), as well as brand new panelled leggings and a panelled t-shirt. Eek! A big congrats to Angie for being given such a huge opportunity, and for being the first Canadian to be picked for EDIT! Here are photos (via Style Bubble) of the custom tags that illustrate the new pieces:

Second up is the announcement that E-Label will be arriving at Topshop Oxford Circus. No more information than that brief Facebook post. I can't wait to find out more, especially if this means some more beautiful black clothing to drool over!

So, seems I'm on the wrong side of the pond again, as there's no indication that any Norwegian Wood or E-Label Topshop pieces will be available online. There is however another exciting collaboration that is closer to my neck of the woods: Yokoo, who made my gorgeous new bag, is teaming up with Urban Outfitters! The launch of this new line will be end of October/beginning of November, with this adorable logo (below; via Yokoo's Flickr). Congrats Yokoo!

I do indeed heart Norwegian Wood

I cannot wait to see this piece in its entirety. This is the new 'Jersey Fringe Jacket' by Norwegian Wood, which will be available in November. Where? I'm not sure. Are the black ropes underneath part of the jacket? Don't know that either. (Edit: The answer to this one is 'no' - the ropes are a top styled with the jacket for the shoot.) Whatever/wherever it ends up being, I'm sure it'll be yet another gorgeous work from Angie.

(Photo via the Norwegian Wood blog)

My new favorite fall outfit

complexgeometries two face dress in black + Treehouse 28 Wide Strap Dress in olive +

Norwegian Wood Keep Warm Leggings in grey (and they really did keep me warm in sub-zero weather!) + My super old (ie. pre-Nike) extra high black monochrome Chucks

I think they only thing that would've made this outfit better would be this fabulous new ruffle bib from ArtLab. I've said it before, but Patricia honestly might as well be my personal designer.