Graffiti Pockets

Whilst trying to rectify the neglect of my blog-reading duties (I've been rather sidetracked by all the superb new albums coming out soon, AND my man's first trip to NY next month), I happened upon a couple perfect dresses via Style Bubble. These knitted and graffitied beauties are by Brazilian-born and London-based Lucas Nascimento, who, from this day forward, shall be known as The Creator of the Most Perfect Strapless Dress Ever (see Susie Bubble's post for photos showcasing the awesomeness of the first dress). Why don't more/all dresses and skirts have pockets? Would have a whole lot less women walking around with fanny packs, that's for certain...

While we're on the subject of graffiti, have you ever seen Banksy's statues? Apparently this is like six years old, but I only remember seeing the red painted elephant from this show. The statues (via NOTCOT) are heaps more interesting (and, err, more ethical), even for someone with a vested interest in classical and Renaissance art. In any event, I have a very strong urge to go to an art show. Probably because of sudden and unexpected interest in Amanda Palmer's Kickstarter, happening right now. Somehow between Monday and today, I've stopped being scared of her and started being really quite intrigued with her. I'll be staying just a couple blocks away from her backer-only NY art show too...

Dack and Cover

Bringing me out of my bored-with-fashion phase for at least a brief moment is London-based designer Manuela Dack, specifically with her S/S 11 jacket (which was also a part of her graduate collection). I believe that the main part of it is leather, and so I'd obviously prefer a heavy canvas or waxed cotton instead. What I love about it though is the very unexpected juxtaposition of the pleated chiffon with the heavy material and zippers normally found in a biker jacket. I've always like the look of the stylized biker jacket (i.e. one found in a boutique and not on an actual biker), but I know myself well enough to have never even tried one on. However, if given the opportunity to get a leather-free Manuela Dack version... Anyway, I found Manuela via Fashion156, but apparently she's been all over Style Bubble as far back as July of last year. So now I'm wondering what that says about my (changing) fashion sensibilities and/or my state of mind. Perhaps I should rethink my whole never-getting-my-driver's-license-thing and start shopping around for a motorcycle, or at least the more chiffon friendly Vespa. Or, maybe I should actually pay attention to the blogs that I supposedly 'read'...

Unnamed Marble Bliss

With us ending the 'saving' of our daylight as of yesterday, i.e. making the sun go down at the ungodly time of 5:30pm, I'm already feeling the draining effects of the long dark winter ahead. However, I was told that I need to focus on the good things of life. So here are three things that I did manage to enjoy yesterday:

1) The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris. This is by far one of the best novels I have read in a very long time. I can't believe that this is only the author's second book, and that it is so completely different from his first (which is also excellent, but is completely hilarious). I don't want to say too much about the plot because you should just go out and read it, but it's this intense modern Odyssey that follows one of the most realistic love stories that must exist, while having a completely fictional (and sometimes humorous) disease as the central character. I don't remember crying in a book since the first time I read the last Harry Potter book (which I understand might not be a good selling point for some of you, but will make sense to those who were addicted to HP). For some reason I was under the assumption that Joshua Ferris was under 30, but in fact he turns 36 today. He looks like he's under 30 anyway. He also looks like my man. Give Mr. Ferris a nice birthday gift and buy this book today.

2) Coconut Bliss Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge ice cream. It's dairy free, soy free, sugar free, gluten free, and is made of all organic ingredients. It also is the best ice cream I've ever had.

3) The photoshoot in the current issue (#23) of POP that goes along with Susie Bubble's article "Who? How? How Much?", which highlights three 'one-collection-wonders' (being Hakaan, Pedro Lourenco, and Joseph Altuzarra). I was hoping to like one of these three designers enough to write a whole post about them, but all three use too much leather and/or fur. The shoot, however, was set in the Dionysos Marble Quarry in Athens. I never really thought much about where marble comes from, so my jaw kinda sorta dropped when I saw the photos (by Rene Habermacher), much moreso because of the location than the clothing. I need to go to Greece. Though they also observe the antiquated practice of Daylight Savings Time. Sigh.

(Top photo of Alana Zimmer in Hakaan piece via here)

Gary Bigeni

A huge thank you to Susie Bubble for reporting from Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, as I've just been introduced to a designer whose work has convinced me that I need to move to Australia. I love every single one of Gary Bigeni's pieces from the A/W 10 collection posted on his site (yes, even the pink ones), and would buy every single one from his online store if I could (meaning that I'd have a hard time picking just one). These are the perfect everyday basics that would go with everything I own and that I could practically live in. I think I should look up what the Australian dollar is compared to the Canadian dollar. And I think complexgeometries' Clayton would fit right in if he decided to switch continents too.

I'm all ruffled up

How on earth did I miss these? I've been oogling Gemma Degara's newest Sleepless Night collection ever since it was posted on her website a while back. But it wasn't until Susie Bubble posted a picture of her little gloved hands (above centre) that I noticed these spectacular ruffled things. Oh I do hope someone gets back to me so I can know if they're still available in black and at a reasonable price. Although I spose I could attempt some DiY, as I do still want the owl t-shirt (pictured on right, and available on Etsy)...

Edit: Answered! They're now listed on Etsy for $82 (and are 30% wool, 70% cotton). Sigh.

giia: Felt Extraordinaire

I've been eying giia's felt neckpieces since I saw the Wave and Graphic pieces on Susie Bubble and Queen Michelle. But I think I'm liking the new collection even more! There's a lot of hexagons, stones, and 3-D detailing this time around, as well as a new take on the Wave pieces. These four are my favorites though (I think - hard to choose!). Ah, textile jewelry...

Winged shoes

Somehow I missed these during my weekly perusal of Vivienne Westwood's website, but Susie of Style Bubble kindly pointed them out today. I'm a huge fan of the VW/Melissa shoe collaboration (especially this season's 3-strap ballerina shoe), as they are entirely vegan friendly. I have not yet gotten myself a pair though, as shoes are quite low on my list of priorities when it comes to spending money. And I'm pretty sure that I would never purchase these new S/S 10 shoes (available either October or November or February - ?), as I'm too tall for even a flat wedged shoe. I'm also not too keen on the foot strap detailing - I'd perhaps prefer if it were a nice closed rounded toe. What I do love about these, though, is the classical mythology nod with the Hermes/Mercury wings at the ankles (and the marble effect of the PVC itself). What can I say? I'm a Classics nerd. It's worked out so far for me, as it's what attracted me to Patricia Ayres' ArtLab pieces, with titles such as 'Bustle of Lysistrata', 'Athena's Head Covering', and 'Andromache's Deconstruction'. And so, it only makes sense that I give Vivienne Westwood yet another thumbs up.

3 blue pigeons...

1) The renowned Susie Bubble of Style Bubble has linked me under 'Cool Canadians'. I'm listed as 'Musings of Buffy Leigh'. Close enough I spose, eh?

2) While THE piece that I wanted to buy sold last night, Susi has posted even more one-off pieces from her Rag and Bone collection in her Quillinan shop (providing me with more options)! AND, she's opened another shop, etcétera, to sell her limited edition collections. Each piece is made of quality Peruvian cotton and are so reasonably priced that I want to buy every piece. I wish I was more comfortable wearing shorter tops and jackets though. Her Madame Bovary jacket is absolutely gorgeous!

3) The nose flute guy has returned! There's a lovely portly red-head who travels from Quebec every summer to our fair city to stand in front of my Starbucks and serenade passersby with his three flutes/recorders. One is played through each nostril, and one in his mouth. It's seriously awesome. I was lamenting his absence when summer started, since his arrival usually signifies the beginning of this short season. But I'm quite happy that he made it for at least the last dregs of the warmer weather. Sigh.