Simply Stunning: Marchesa fw2012

This collection is somewhat reminiscent of a few Alexander McQueen fall collections, which is probably why I love it so much! That being said, I've always loved Marchesa. Enjoy!

Long weekend!

Exploring the history of e-commerce

Parenting the French way

Well I'm glad I moved out of vancouver...

Daphne Guinness starts a mental health foundation and is also kind of my hero

Bon Iver speaks about the Grammys

Pictures of yawning animals!!

I hope everyone's having a good weekend! x

valentine's schmalentine's

Did you know that diamonds haven't always been tied to love? Diamond engagement rings didn't become popular until about a century ago when De Beers, a diamond company, wanted to increase its sales. So they marketed diamonds as a symbol of love and commitment. Around 1950, the phrase "A Diamond Is Forever" was coined and as they say, the rest is history. There are people who have said things about Archduke Maximilian of Austria being the original gifter of diamonds to his love or that the hardness of diamonds being analogous to the steadfastness of everlasting love, but I'm not convinced.

While I recognize its functions in modern day society, I don't really like capitalism and Valentine's Day is one of many vehicles for all of its evils. I don't believe in or fully understand the commodification of love. If you have to prove your love by buying something, I have a feeling you're going about it the wrong way. I'm sure from that you may as well conclude that I don't like Valentine's day. You're not wrong at all but let me explain before conclusions about the status of my love life are made. Pop culture may have you believe that all single people are miserable and hold a grudge against everything love-related, but that's not true. I also hate "Singles Awareness Day". My #1 reason for thinking Valentine's Day is full of it can be neatly summed up by the following quote:

"The notion of picking one time of year to be decent to other people is obscene because it's actually validating the notion of being miserable wretches the rest of the year." - Dr. Gregory House (House MD, 4.10)

While the infamous Dr. House is actually referring to Christmas, I'd say it's pretty relevant to Valentine's Day. Let me rephrase it though: "The notion of picking one time of the year to show love to your significant other/anyone is obscene because it's actually validating the notion of being less loving the rest of the year." A well meaning friend of mine once said that Valentine's day was helpful for guys to remember to do romantic things because otherwise they would forget. I guess that makes sense if love and romance is synonymous with grand gestures and spending lots of money. While I'm sure grand gestures are done with the best intentions, ocassionally I wonder if they're really done for just the other person. To me, love is found in the details, the little things that go unnoticed, taken for granted, and done without hope or agenda.

And that's all I have to say about that. Don't forget to love every day and opt out of consumerism!

Have a snowy weekend... again!

Since it was the superbowl last weekend, I figured I'd follow up with a sports-related picture. Today it's cold and it's supposed to be blowing snow later on. Funny, because we all thought winter was basically over. On one hand, I'm hoping the snow will stick because I've been wanting to make a snowman all winter but on the other hand, I have to go to the laundromat today. It's only 20 minutes away so I should really go now.

Sarah Ziff is awesome and started Model Alliance to advocate for better working conditions for models

Being both a feminist and a model. Posing, power, patriarchy.

Are we hindering our childrens' growth by oversaturating them with toys?

These MRI images really make me want to get off my rear again

A mug that's happy to see you in the morning!

Some well known but rarely followed advice on living life to the fullest

Sticking it out at a job you hate

Coolest pool ever!

Super bowl weekend!

Hello, all readers who aren't watching the football game! How was your week? Mine was wonderfully busy with meetings, assisting, shoots and friends. Oh yeah, I also bought fabulous boots to boot. I have a feeling this is going to be a really great month.

Breaking down a $155 shirt

"Being a man repeller becomes a process of elimination. If a guy is only really into your outfit and won't date you because of what you're wearing, they are too driven by the female exterior and don't care about your intellect." - The Man Repeller

Inspiration for cozy interiors

Clever necklace for holding your rings

Recipe for last minute wings

Have a good week!