B is for Brimz

The beauty of being an excessive garment collector comes with the prize of styling alongside your very own wardrobe. I've been granted the opportunity to style yet another Brimz- Big it up photoshoot. As I am always eager to display my inner wackiness by channeling the endless world of homeless chic, they were more eager to enter a 1920's fiesta which worked out perfectly as I am also a fond believer of long knee length skirts and ankle length dresses. As Brimz revives an old school vibe with their classic fedoras and floppy sun hats, I kept the girls looking oh so classic and pimping with a soiree of bling. As you can tell from my last few post, I've emphasized on necklace clashing. It's a girl thing. Though I have to say this time around the photo shoot came to life as we shot the models in our very own Little Italy which easily captured genuine and unfabricated still footages. It was a day well spent.

Cherish rainy days like these. BYE.

Jean Cap- LTF (Love Thy Fitteds)
Shirt- Bahamas
Glasses- Brimz

Paranormal Activity

As a miniature ghetto fabulous Didi a la Mode child, I was always advised to stay as far away as possible from our unfinished basement as it resided anything from a grown man, ghosts to a pack of serial killers in hiding from the FBI. I believe my big brother's fabrication of tales which were composed merely for his own amusement leaves my basement taboo to this day. The odd ruckuses and irregular creaks down below keep me at a relatively safe distance as well. My motto is I don't bother them and they won't bother me. Yes, I am 20 years old. Though I refuse to feel embarrassed as I find it relatively common for adolescents my age (or younger) to find their basement equally petrifying. Most definitely the children know what I mean. And no, I am not ashamed for that.

For years I have avoided using or entering the basement giving them the space they need and in return they will not come ask me to play with them, "them" and "they" being the monsters or murdering refugees, use your own imagination. Though let's be real here. It is nearly impossible to avoid using the basement as it is my sole gate keeper for childhood toys and academia remnants; decapitated barbies, deflated balls, elementary school projects are endless.

It was just a few weeks ago when the inevitable took place, my mother asked me to fetch an extension cord from none other than the basement. "Me? I don't know". Even though I know variations of the same story were composed almost 14 years ago, they still haunt me to this day. But I do not want this fear of basements to leach onto me until I'm an old spinster. I need to take action. NOW.

In preparation I need a checklist or some sort of plan for my departure into the blackhole. With this list I'd feel one step ahead of them;
1) Monsters shouldn't like bright lights, right? I need to be carrying or wearing something shiny to blind them as the main escape plan in case I need to bolt it up the stairs. That is why Exhibit A) Sequin dress and Exhibit B) Sparkly jewellery come into place.

2) In case my escape plan fails, I need revert to Plan B- blend in with the monster and act as if I am one of them. I need look shapeless, boxy, and rugged. And I have just the thing. MUahahahaha.

If all fails I believe turning my fear into a monster meets monster Didi debacle will eventually diminish my life long fear. I hope. If they aren't already pissed off with a stunt like this. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. Spooky. Not really though, friend.

Sequin Dress- Bahamas

Knit- Thrift

Platforms- Joe Fresh

Jewellery- J. Crew, Japanese Flute

BOYS II MEN

As it is extremely pleasant to see well dress men know whats what in the fashion industry, they pose, smoke and march the streets as they celebrate current affairs regarding the 2014 menswear runway fiesta.

You come to understand that a man cannot be taken away from a well hugged suit, the same way you cannot break apart women and their sneakers (Or heels, they say heels. Who are they?). The modern day brings forth a worldwide range of suits that are a revolutionary act on their own even if they were established before the dawn of day. Now-a-days you spot a variety of suits with intensional splotches, dirt stains and burnt holes. They are more colourful, more printed and fantastically subtle.  It's wonderful. Now let's take a step back from the suits for a moment.

How about the ordinary t-shirt or sweats? How does that hold form in the fashion industry? As I constantly make point that everything in fashion goes, this mantra applies to fashion as a whole. So men, wear your sneakers, t-shirts, sweats and caps as it is equally suave and dashing. Yes. Fashion may be uncomfortably sticky, hot and itchy but it is also all about comfort, and that applies to you too ladies.  

LATER.

Didi

Caged

How often does one's emotions get in the way of big decisions? Duhhh, always. This isn't old news, this is everybody people, and I'm not referencing the singer/songwriter Arrested Development, I'm talking about people like you and me. I think we all can agree the world would be a better place if we were given the choice of holding back our wallets while gallivanting about the city. We live in an entrapping capitalist society where we will forever be expected to give something for something else in return. You are expected to part-take in a caffeine high if free wifi is needed at Starbucks, your thighs jiggle after you are forced to buy a junior chicken from McDonalds when all you really want is a glass of water. 

Worst of all, let's talk about clothes. My god the clothes. Walking into a retail store you try on a little of this a little of that but all you really think about is the Y3 zipper sweater that is solemnly swaying back and forth on a protruding pipe used as a single rack. Now you are already aware that this lonesome item means serious cash but you are stubborn and delusional and say 'what the hell, it won't hurt to try it on' (Tangent: Always check the price before trying on anything but you already know that). Both results  burn your soul. You either walk out of the change room, hand over a piece of your heart and be on your way or you purchase it and split it among three credit cards. Either way you are going home to a big carton of ice cream and eating away you guilt. Let me say now, this story ends well. I didn't buy the Y3 sweater but I didn't leave empty handed. Heading to the sale rack (50% off obviously), I spotted a black and white mesh sweater that resembled a Y3/Alexander Wang hybrid sweater. I didn't complain. I just went with it. 

Now I'm not saying capitalism is all evil and no good, because new clothes don't walk into your home on their own. I'm just saying there is a limit and I know it's like a pot calling the kettle black but I'm working at it myself. Kind of.

Sweater- blk mrkt

Shorts- Thrift

Lace Biker Shorts- Unknown

Heels- Nine West

Ankle Bracelet- J. Crew

Jewelled

Like everyone else I enter waves of "trends" and leave them shortly after. Now I for one do not like to stigmatize my style as it is truly unbecoming for a blogger in this day in age but let's face, I'm only human. Sometimes it is just too hard to resist. Luckily the trend I most recently claimed, the clique of necklaces, involved no monetary transaction as they were previously collected in one of my past lives. I swear to you the choker bead was my mom's ankle bracelet once upon a time. Come to think of it, the necklace soiree I so willingly proclaim to be a trend, is it really? Is it?

Even still, Didi enjoys it all. Yes. I. Do. I take pride in "necklace soirees" as they are a dignified tool which allows people of various economical backgrounds to have the same level of class and gangstah-ness. Jewellery is a shield or camouflage that hides your financial story, whether you are well off like Prince or downhill like...others. Yes. I may wear Isabel Marant sneakers and other goodies but that is only because I'm a renowned thief. Okay. That is a lie. Or is it? STAAAAP.

Shirt- Bahamas
Necklaces- J.Crew, Flute from Japan

Back on black

Last November when Margiela for H&M was the hype of the season, I recall marching into the one and only store with access to the stupendous collaboration and might I add fashionably late (3 days after the grand opening to be exact) where I encountered the Horizontal Dress. The horizontal dress can be defined as- a dress worn conventionally with the collar upright and by turning it horizontally another dress form takes shape.  

To be completely honest the duo dress was merely a rebound item as the oversized diaper jeans were all I could talk before the big show. Chaos escalated as my denim diapers were nowhere to be found. Mannequins were flying around the room, kids were being pushed down and everything was getting fuzzy.  It was only because I have never come across a pair of pants that willingly and happily display the gunt with pride. And for that I was overly excited. Without the denim diaper I was incomplete. I also felt cheated as if the entire 10 minute walk to the Eaton Centre was for nothing and most importantly as a fond believe of gunts, I could not take part in the gunt phenomenon with the rest of the gunt part-takers out there. Though in my most dark and depressed moment, the duo dress waved and proclaimed "Meeeeee, it's meee you want." So I contemplated. 

Sure, I have never had as much difficulty or stress putting on a dress as I've had with this Margiela beauty. As it takes me on average 15 minutes to slip on, the anticipation to see me clothed through store windows and car reflections are extremely worth it. I look insane in the membrane. No really. My entire mantra and beliefs lie within these perplexed shapes where the true essence of my homeless spirit comes to life like never before. It is magical.

To top it all off, to accentuate the persona (KIDDING, Reality.), I paired the dress with Alexander Wang look-a-like chunky black platform boots (or Stella McCartney- depending on which season you refer to) from none other than Value Village. And in the words of Ray Charles "What's that? What's that you say? What's that? What's tha?" Value Village is dead? NO.

I figure adding a pair of clear cat eye glasses would mellow down the entire ensemble when in turn it only adds more juice to the madness. I can pass as an Agnes, fo shizzles.

Dress- Margiela for H&M

Shoes- Thrift

Glasses- Courtesy of Brimz

The Bob.

The reason why I appear overly ecstatic in the picture above (no sarcasm implied) is primarily because for the first time in my living existence I finally won the battle between client and hairstylist, me obviously being the client. Huzzah! Walking into the salon, I try to convince myself to be strong and simply say what I want instead of "let's just give it a trim". This time around I won't take no for an answer. "I'd like the Amelie cut" Repugnant glares from those who eavesdrop into my begging proclamation suddenly make me doubt my decision. NO. "The Amelie cut please". And then it happened. The Amelie cut is what I got. As if I have lived my life as a bald guy, reluctant and scared of the toupee, when in turn it becomes my dearest friend with a side order of respect. BOOMSHAKALAKA! Please don't close me. Though I guess there's a reason why hairstylists make all decisions and gives no real power to clients. The eternal battle between hairstylist and client. No really though, I love my hair. As if I no longer fall under the adolescent age group, I look (more so feel) like a wise old lady or a very young child. How does that even work? 

On a higher note: As more heat waves pass our way, an ongoing trend seems to stick with me; put on the bra and just go with it. No seriously. Just want to let you know, it may appear as if I'm having difficulty buttoning up my dress. Nope. Just choosing not to. At times like these I feel like the reincarnation of Tupac. Don't ask don't tell.

Bye friend.

Silk Dress

Sports Bra- National Sport

Jeans- Guess

Sandals- Chocolate Shoes

Something black and borrowed

You have to remember everything goes in fashion; there are no limitations, no rules, no guidelines. So you can purchase a pair of frilly socks worth $20 at any retail store or you can simply slip on your workout socks and call it a day, it's all up to you. Choosing the (un)conventional method of re-using what you already own works out splendidly as capital demonstrates no growth and no depreciation. Life is good.

I come forth with tips, more specifically THE LIFESTYLE to pursue if follows; you're a student on budget and a lover of fashion. Or vice versa.

1) Always borrow: Society believes it is only fair for couples to have 2 or more children, never one. Though their reasoning may differ from mine, subconsciously they agree with the notion that siblings will want to borrow each other's clothing, therefore let's have more than 1 child. Tada. All I can say is that I'm grateful I have two other closets to shop at. If you are an only child, the concept of "best friends" were specifically created for you. We all win.

2) Acceptance: In other words, charity. I know I know, just listen. If you're mother or sister's friend is giving away two big garbage bags worth of clothes, have a quick glance because you will come across some pretty neat finds, TRUST ME. It may seem tacky and distasteful but in the end you're the one with a brand new pair of jeans. WHHHAAAAAAAT?

3) Recycle and Reuse: Even through tough times the occasional shopping crave will arise and your reluctance to stay clean will fade as you encounter the most beautiful Helmut Lang sweater. You may think you like the sweater but in reality you ONLY like the idea of it. As you stubbornly convince yourself this is the ONLY sweater you will ever purchase, keep in mind that is a dangerous tactic. I have been there and I have done that. Nothing good will come from this purchase. If you ever feel a sudden need to shop; make sure it's affordable, good quality and simple enough that you can wear it in years to come. I've also been there and done that. There is less heartbreak with this route.

4) Think twice before you swipe: I haven't done this yet myself but try leaving your plastic money machines at home; debit card, credit card, mastercard. You name it! With all the plastics you have no boundaries and limitations. This is a temporary filler that will make you the happiest kid in the candy shop but keep in mind this happiness will slowly transmit into a sulky I am too poor cry. Not so wonderful when you're in tears though, right? Take note: I've also been there. Soooo do yourself a favour and follow through with this one. Then let me know how goes it as this will determine if I'm ballsy enough to pull a stunt like this one. 

I go now.

Alrightio have a great weekend!

Dress- Alexander Wang

Leather shorts- Thrift

Socks- Adidas

Heels- Aldo

Hat- Brimz