School, consulting new clients and work. I'm about ready to throw in the bone. I was in Kensington Market the day and took a bunch of photos. A few of them were taken because I liked the color combinations, others were taken because I love the market for its strange and incredible people.
These last few months have flown by. After my birthday I began school and I haven't calmed down since. Life is strange, from one day to the next you never know what will happen. The universe is the limit, who knows what will happen.
x - the Collector !
Going back to school can be terrifying. Especially if it has been a while!
Walking down the hallway to your class, heart pounding, finding your seat and getting comfortable. One thing that should be on point, is your personal presentation.
Walking into class and having funky B.O and or bad breath shouldn't hold you back. My personal favorite formula for keeping my underarms soft, smooth and odor free is my Baxter of California deodorant. I enjoy the gentle citrus and herbal musk blend, it's also not overpowering. It doesn't leave color or stains on my clothing and I feel fresh all day. For the fantastic breath, I brush and swish with my Marvis toothpaste and mouthwash. I even own the matching all black toothbrush *cue eye roll.*
As far as notebooks I like to go all out! I find something from Dollaramma and bling it out! On the inside, I write down three major goals and a few extra things I want to do. Whether it be for the class or personal and finally I tape a TTC token to the inside. You never know when you could need it.
Walking down the hallway to your class, heart pounding, finding your seat and getting comfortable. One thing that should be on point, is your personal presentation.
Walking into class and having funky B.O and or bad breath shouldn't hold you back. My personal favorite formula for keeping my underarms soft, smooth and odor free is my Baxter of California deodorant. I enjoy the gentle citrus and herbal musk blend, it's also not overpowering. It doesn't leave color or stains on my clothing and I feel fresh all day. For the fantastic breath, I brush and swish with my Marvis toothpaste and mouthwash. I even own the matching all black toothbrush *cue eye roll.*
I'm so excited to be going back to school! I'm returning to George Brown to finish my styling certificate. I took a class last year and enjoyed it. My instructor was incredible, I find myself reviewing my work and reminiscing. Best believe I'm nervous to return to school but don't worry I know I'll be the best smelling classmate!
x-TheCollector
Shoes.com has just opened their first brick and mortar location on Queen St., just east of Spadina Ave.
I didn't realize it was an all black party and I showed up in mostly floral. I was greeted by two charming associates and handed champagne! I browsed through the various selections of Hardy, Richer Poorer, John Fluevog and Teva footwear.
The store concept is based on the premise of online and trunk show shopping. You are able to see and try on the shoe, then have it delivered to your house. The perfect shoe shopping for the whole family!
I didn't realize it was an all black party and I showed up in mostly floral. I was greeted by two charming associates and handed champagne! I browsed through the various selections of Hardy, Richer Poorer, John Fluevog and Teva footwear.
The store concept is based on the premise of online and trunk show shopping. You are able to see and try on the shoe, then have it delivered to your house. The perfect shoe shopping for the whole family!
#ShoesTDOT vs #ShoesThe6ix.
x- the Collector
x - theCollector
You know how they say "black don't crack?" Well, this is why.We use shea butter, black soap, goats milk and oils to keep our skin smooth and soft. I've sourced an amazing Coconut & Papaya soap that will leave your skin succulent. With Vanilla beans for texture to help gently exfoliate your skin. The delicious, silky texture of this soap was milled and fortified to cleanse and nourish even the most damaged skin.
x - theCollector
For a lot of men, mixing prints and trying to make patterns work is like attempting to figure out astrophysics through the Dummies Guide. For others, it’s as simple as taking candy from a baby!
Kenzo gentlemen look haunted and dusty, Ann Demeulemeester is all well and dandy and Ports 1961, is silky and smooth. Whenever these designers showcase a collection I am always amazed by the colors and textures they bring to the runway.
Every season it gets weirder and harsher, the jailbird looks by Acne, the confused gentlemen by Costume National Homme and the lumberjack pyjama boy from Dries Von Noten.
If ever you can’t put your stripes and plaid together these are the collections to observe and emulate [with caution!] Good luck and happy fashion!
Kenzo gentlemen look haunted and dusty, Ann Demeulemeester is all well and dandy and Ports 1961, is silky and smooth. Whenever these designers showcase a collection I am always amazed by the colors and textures they bring to the runway.
Every season it gets weirder and harsher, the jailbird looks by Acne, the confused gentlemen by Costume National Homme and the lumberjack pyjama boy from Dries Von Noten.
If ever you can’t put your stripes and plaid together these are the collections to observe and emulate [with caution!] Good luck and happy fashion!
x- the Collector
 |
| Pocket Square - Brooks Brothers Shirt - Wordsmiths Pants- Betty Barclay Shoes - Joe Fresh |
I remember buying all three of these pieces. The shirt is from Model Citizen and I'd been eyeing it all summer. Finally, I mustered up the courage to buy it and had cash in my wallet so Julian gave me a deal. It's one of my favourite pieces in my closet. The pants I purchased because I was looking for something "interesting." I find pants my most difficult purchase, they never fit right, my body shape isn't conducive to North American tailoring. These, on the other hand, fit like a glove, and I got them for $5.99 at the thrift shop! The shoes, again, from the thrift shop, but I got these on my 20th birthday. I used birthday money on a few items but these boots were my favourite purchase by far, I still have them.
 |
| photo's by Deanna Flinn |
x- the Collector
Use {CollectionCode} at the checkout and receive $5 off your purchase(s)!
The worst part of vacations are when they end. Yes, I'm coming home, but just in time to catch TOM*FW in Toronto! Yes, I'm excited, more so for the after parties, but nevertheless, the vacation is ending, I had an amazing time. Here are some pics of some fashion finds.
x - the Collector
Its been a while since you've been in my closet, I'm so sorry.
There are always new things happening in my life. I've opened a new Instagram account for HisCollectionsTO, and now I've been getting ready for the new year, and trying to get in three square meals a day. Where does the time go?
I've decided to change things up, I've been wearing vibrant floral's, crazy patterns and frumpy jackets, but I've decided to tighten things up. For a while now, I've been wanting to reinvent my style, make things more exciting and carefree. I need to have versatility in my wardrobe and be able to easily dress myself without flustering over "how much colour is too much!"
Toronto is a crazy city and some people will take your "vibrancy" as cockiness, sometimes it is, other times it's simply an expression of ones mood. Whatever your reasoning, find inspiration from what makes you happiest.
- photo by Free Admition
x - the Collector
There are always new things happening in my life. I've opened a new Instagram account for HisCollectionsTO, and now I've been getting ready for the new year, and trying to get in three square meals a day. Where does the time go?
I've decided to change things up, I've been wearing vibrant floral's, crazy patterns and frumpy jackets, but I've decided to tighten things up. For a while now, I've been wanting to reinvent my style, make things more exciting and carefree. I need to have versatility in my wardrobe and be able to easily dress myself without flustering over "how much colour is too much!"
Toronto is a crazy city and some people will take your "vibrancy" as cockiness, sometimes it is, other times it's simply an expression of ones mood. Whatever your reasoning, find inspiration from what makes you happiest.
 |
| skirt - River Island sweater - TSOQ |
x - the Collector
Good Morning Monday,
I find it strange that Canada has Black Friday sales; it isn't even our holiday. Whatever.
x - the Collector
I find it strange that Canada has Black Friday sales; it isn't even our holiday. Whatever.
 |
| Photo: Free Admission |
Pocket Square: Pomp and Ceremony (Model Citizen)
Shirt: Model Citizen
Pants: Betty Barclay
Boots: Joe Fresh
x - the Collector
I love colour. It's an addiction. For as long as I can remember I have been covered from head to toe in vivacious patterns, textures, and graphics. Remember when I bought my Jungle Jacket? That piece made me fall for the bright palettes I sport so often today. Since that purchase, I have dedicated myself to bringing my culture, personality and background into my wardrobe and my everyday life, and this photo series demonstrates it.
Shirt: Lorenzo (thrift)
Skirt: Zumel (Queen St. w)
Jewelry: Anice jewelry (Kensington Market)
shoes: Payless
Photography: Deanna Flinn
It's October 1st and I have nothing interesting to say except, fashion week is in a few weeks.
Enjoy your day!
Sweater - Lemon Powder
Skirt - Made in California
Belt - My Lady
Shoes - Sacha Too
Everything is from the thrift shop.
x - the Collector
Standing on shaky ground
I was coming home from grabbing chips and beer and the Temptations' horn crawled its way through my headphones and soon I found myself dancing, beer in hand around my house. I don't know if you know, but I recently began taking classes at the local fashion school and wow! It's been a while since I've been in a class, it brings back memories! I was given a task, and that was to come up with some ideas for a final project, I've compiled a list, I'll share it with you when I'm ready. Until then, here are some photo's that I've taken, hopefully you haven't seen them already!
I was coming home from grabbing chips and beer and the Temptations' horn crawled its way through my headphones and soon I found myself dancing, beer in hand around my house. I don't know if you know, but I recently began taking classes at the local fashion school and wow! It's been a while since I've been in a class, it brings back memories! I was given a task, and that was to come up with some ideas for a final project, I've compiled a list, I'll share it with you when I'm ready. Until then, here are some photo's that I've taken, hopefully you haven't seen them already!
 |
| Copious FAT14 |
x - the Collector
So as you may or may not know, TomFW is currently happening.
Yesterday was the first day of runway shows. I spent most of the morning
running around getting ready for the day, but 3pm hit and suddenly it was time
for lights, camera, action!
First show was Parloque, It was a type of
boxer, meets urban street wear look. I enjoyed the color palette, bold kimonos
and long shorts, but a bit unfinished around the edges. Next, Nuvango; mostly
tank tops and tees with leggings and scarves. All done in high voltage graphics
all hand sewn and constructed here in Ontario. My favorite show of the evening
was Philippe Dubuc, from Montreal, also a winner of this year’s CAFA. He's well
established and it showed; his collection was handsome and polished. Neoprene
shorts, mesh jackets, joggers and suits. I skipped Kennith Barlis, and after
seeing the photo's I was sad I did, but being cooped up inside makes you
irritable. Next was Pedram Karimi, I applaud his hunger for avant-garde, but it
was not polished or ready for a runway just yet. Last was Swam, and I skipped
this completely, I wanted to go home, after the constant seating catastrophes,
I was finished with fashion week for that night.
My outfit for the eve was a wild one; I
went to A Home Run vintage boutique in Kensington Market and grabbed these
amazing striped shorts. Paired it with my polka dot tee from the vintage shop
and threw the manfriend's Philippe Dubuc long sleeve around my waist so I could
wear it home. Fashion week front row always gets grab bags, so having a tote
big enough to stuff goodies in is always useful. I took my favorite royal blue
Aldo for the eve and thrift shop kitten heels for the road!
 |
| photo - The Walking Canucks |
necklace - from Osafo
polka dot shirt - vintage thrift
shorts - A Home Run vintage boutique
wrap around - Philippe Dubuc
tote - Aldo
kitten heels - Bruno Magli
Do you still shave? So why not get the best shave every time?
So, I use what is called a Double Edge Safety Razor, for many of you, you've never heard of this, some of you, your grandparents, or even parents have used one of these, and believe me when I say this but the shave is astronomically better than those Shick, Gillette crap things.
Lets begin with WHY they're so great.
Because you can have different types of handles, different lengths, widths, shapes and weights.
Cost
What do you spend average a month on blades, $20, $40 or maybe more? Does that not seem ridiculous? Average cost of razor blades is $1.50 for a pack of 5! So you save $18.50, a month.
"Hold up Erica, this is sounding WAY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!"
Well, it is, a little, but only a little. The cost of the razor itself will start you off at anywhere from $20-$100 for a good one, but when you think you maybe able to pass it down a generation, is $20 really going to make you cringe.
Next, lets talk about the crap in the can I know you're using! Or if you're a cheap skate you may even purchase yours from the dollar store, for Pete sake, DON'T! Reason one, read the ingredients list, reason two, why put something on your skin that cost less than a dollar and expect to have good results! Think about it!
Shave cream can run you anywhere from $4, to $300. so for the sake of most of my readers, lets begin with something around the $20 mark. I say shave CREAM, instead of SOAP, for this reason; easy to lather and quicker. If you would like to spend a few extra minutes, buy a soap and a brush and lather on the puck, but for times sake, and sanity, just buy a cream.
Last but certainly not least, expensive, aftershave. Believe it or not, but this is life or death for shaving and getting the smoothest results! Aftershave is the perfect way to close pours, clean cuts, and protect your skin without drying it. Find something that contains Witch Hazel if you'd like, alcohol based aftershaves are good as well. Don't use an obscene amount, there is no reason.
Stop shaving your beautiful legs, armpits, and lady bits with butane and bad razors. Stop, ingrown hairs, razor burn, irritation and discomfort. Even when your hair begins to grow back, its even softer, smoother and the shave *whispers* lasts longer!
Take it from ME
For shave creams click HERE, HERE and HERE
For razor blades click HERE
For double-edge safety razor click HERE
Aftershave HERE
x- the Collector
So, I use what is called a Double Edge Safety Razor, for many of you, you've never heard of this, some of you, your grandparents, or even parents have used one of these, and believe me when I say this but the shave is astronomically better than those Shick, Gillette crap things.
Lets begin with WHY they're so great.
Because you can have different types of handles, different lengths, widths, shapes and weights.
Cost
What do you spend average a month on blades, $20, $40 or maybe more? Does that not seem ridiculous? Average cost of razor blades is $1.50 for a pack of 5! So you save $18.50, a month.
"Hold up Erica, this is sounding WAY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!"
Well, it is, a little, but only a little. The cost of the razor itself will start you off at anywhere from $20-$100 for a good one, but when you think you maybe able to pass it down a generation, is $20 really going to make you cringe.
Next, lets talk about the crap in the can I know you're using! Or if you're a cheap skate you may even purchase yours from the dollar store, for Pete sake, DON'T! Reason one, read the ingredients list, reason two, why put something on your skin that cost less than a dollar and expect to have good results! Think about it!
Shave cream can run you anywhere from $4, to $300. so for the sake of most of my readers, lets begin with something around the $20 mark. I say shave CREAM, instead of SOAP, for this reason; easy to lather and quicker. If you would like to spend a few extra minutes, buy a soap and a brush and lather on the puck, but for times sake, and sanity, just buy a cream.
Last but certainly not least, expensive, aftershave. Believe it or not, but this is life or death for shaving and getting the smoothest results! Aftershave is the perfect way to close pours, clean cuts, and protect your skin without drying it. Find something that contains Witch Hazel if you'd like, alcohol based aftershaves are good as well. Don't use an obscene amount, there is no reason.
Stop shaving your beautiful legs, armpits, and lady bits with butane and bad razors. Stop, ingrown hairs, razor burn, irritation and discomfort. Even when your hair begins to grow back, its even softer, smoother and the shave *whispers* lasts longer!
Take it from ME
For shave creams click HERE, HERE and HERE
For razor blades click HERE
For double-edge safety razor click HERE
Aftershave HERE
x- the Collector
This heat is amazing! Toronto is gorgeous, and my tan looks amazing.
Despite the fact that its Monday, I'm happy! I woke up this morning with a vicious headache, so I went back to sleep until noon, had brunch and got to work. I may or may not have had a Caesar during my meal, so I came home a little bit more chipper, anyway, makes for a more eventful day!
How was your Monday?
x -the collector
Despite the fact that its Monday, I'm happy! I woke up this morning with a vicious headache, so I went back to sleep until noon, had brunch and got to work. I may or may not have had a Caesar during my meal, so I came home a little bit more chipper, anyway, makes for a more eventful day!
How was your Monday?
x -the collector
