Some Hearts
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
Torontostreetfashion ‘Trends’ Category
On the Streets: Gaudy Goggles
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Ok, ‘gaudy’ is pushing it a little – but eyeglasses are now much more conspicuous than ever! In the 70s they were just huge, the 80s made new wave eye fashion acceptable and then for the next 15 years, we used wire and frameless frames to make our eyeglasses disappear on our faces.
The cool kids have been bringing back the trend for almost 2 years, but now big, colorful, plastic glasses are even more popular – but of course hundreds more expensive!
Spring Shoes ‘10: Knock Offs of Knock Offs
Monday, March 15th, 2010
YSL/Chanel Shoesphoto: jakandjil.com
Sometimes it takes a few seasons, but eventually your favorite styles of shoes will get knocked down a few price levels, by a different company…and fortunately in time for them to still be fashionably wearable…
Obviously I’m not a huge fan of knockoffs, but
1. when it all comes down the fashion chain – unless the label is from a big-time authentic fashion house (Prada, McQueen, Balenciaga or even Manolo Blahniks), they’re all knock-offs in some way. Even more affordable, designer brands (Kors, Jeffrey Campbell, Sam Edelman) have some way or another been “inspired” by their much more expensive counterparts.
2. I am passionate about two things: Shoes and Awesome Deals. (however please note: cheap knock-offs tend to look cheap after very little wear, are much more uncomfortable really, and sometimes (well a lot of the time) aren’t even worth the $50…)
However, here’s where to find them in Toronto:
Spring Shoes (cheaper sister of the Aldo Group) In Malls or Online
While many of these strappy styles will take awhile to break in while ripping at your feet and leather-look shoes are all synthetic – Spring offers a trendy selection (think many old style ‘knock-off’ Kings: Steve Maddens/Zigi Soho)
All Shown under $60
Trends Spring/Summer 2010: Floral prints | Cork Heels | Oxfords | Blue Suede
Aldo (better quality knock-offs of our better quality knock-off or “inspired by” favorite brands – think Jeffrey Campbell/80%20)
Shoe Trend Spring/Summer 2010: Strappy Wedges | Stacked Cork | Buckles | Tan/Orange/Reddish Leather
Trend: Ganbanyoku (bedrock bathing)
Sunday, March 14th, 2010
Imagine that simply lying on your back for at least an hour is all it takes to release bodily toxins, increase circulation and lose weight?! This is the claim of “bedrock bathing” – all the rage in Japan apparently, with thousands of Ganbanyoku or bedrock bathing spas throughout.
Iyashi Bedrock Spa, located at Yonge Street (north of Eglinton) is Toronto’s only Ganbanyoku spa – with its healing silica rocks imported from Japan. I was invited to a 90 minute hot yoga/rock combo…
Like any spa, the atmosphere at Iyashi is serenely relaxing and welcoming (soft lighting, birds sounds in the background…). Yuka, the front desk woman showed me to my locker, stocked with towels, flip flops and if need be, a rock bathing outfit.
I began my session with a big cup of water (8 cups are recommended during the ‘treatment’ and easily consumed). From looking at the photos of bedrock bathers on the Iyashi website, I thought it would be weird lying beside someone on the ground for an hour, but it was totally fine – besides it took all I had to focus on how long I could last in that heat!
Fortunately for me, it is normal to leave the heated room every 20 minutes or so to cool down and drink water in the lounge area. Then on to round two:
Hot Yoga/Rock Bathing Combo
+ Yoga done on the heated silica stone (60 minutes)
+ All seated or lying poses held for 1-3 minutes
I’ve never done ‘Hot Yoga’ (only regular) so cannot compare my experience at Iyashi. I can say however that 1. I sweat more than more and was distracted immensely by sweat dripping down my forearms, etc. (first time is obviously difficult) 2. my patience and stamina were put to the test and 3. was very grateful for the mid-session break where we got to sit in the lounge and drink water for 5 minutes before heading back in. Loved the serenity and small class size – and was amazed at how much my heart beat although we barely moved position!
It is said that 60 minutes of rock bathing is the equivalent of running 6-9 miles. I can honestly say that after 25 minutes of the hot rocks and only 15 minutes of hot yoga, I felt like I had run 9 miles!
Benefits
The amazing list of benefits of far infrared technology, silica stone and bedrock bathing are endless; but the basic theory is that the heat and negative ions that come off the black silica heat your body a degree causing intense perspiration, which in turn kick starts the most internal parts of your body to push out the bad (toxins, cellulite…) and produce some good (sebum for skin, repairs cells…).
“In a study, the sweat of people using a conventional sauna was found to be 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using an infrared thermal system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.”
The results of bedrock bathing (better skin, weight loss, etc…) would be most noticed with regular attendance. Personally, after 90 minutes of being in the room, I truly got a kick-ass workout, I noticed less reddness on my face and I think even my pores are a little smaller. From speaking to some of the ladies there, I think those that most see the improvements are those that more need improvements.
Bedrock bathing in T.O. and the yoga combination class is a little pricey – but Iyashi has monthly specials on their website – like 2 for 1, 50% off for birthdays, etc…First time customers save 40% of their visit.
Iyashi Bedrock Spa
2662 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
416.488.ROCK (7625)
Feathery Hair
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
Prices for the Birds!
This is me checking out all the hair feathers at Ransack the Universe (post and more pix to follow) – all cheep, cheep, cheep (couldn’t resist)!
Prices are crazy like $10 each or 4 for $10 or 3 for $10…. Anyhow, you can DIY or support local peeps.
Ransack the Universe is part of the 69 Vintage Collective.
In the basement:
1207 Bloor St. W., Toronto (east of Lansdowne
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-7pm
Trend: Bowties 2010
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Well, they’re saying that we’ll start seeing trendy women wearing bowties this year – and it’s likely true, what with American Apparel and Forever 21 selling bowties geared to gals. I personally haven’t seen this at all in Toronto yet – but here’s some boys in bowties…soooo refreshing after seeing guys in Clubville still wearing oversized hanky scarves!
photos: lostinthewillderness.com | lostinthewillderness.com
photos: lostinthewillderness.com | lostinthewillderness.com
I’m Gonna Get Me Some Lightweight Dr. Martens for Spring 2010
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Dr. Martens Iconic 8-Hole Boot Turns 50 this Year
by Daniel Wilson
From Curt and Courtney, to That Gaga woman, to Madonna, PJ Harvey, and pretty much everyone in between, every rock star we idolize has worn Doc Martens on stage at some point during the highs and lows of their careers. They cross boundaries from a Bruce La Bruce art porn about gay neo Nazis to a Yohji Yamamoto runway show and have managed for fifty years to say, ‘I’m cool, I’m edgy, I’m practical or I don’t care’.
Even setting aside their fabulous, (and fabulously hard to find in Toronto) designer collaborations with the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier and Mr. Yamamoto, the Doc Marten brand has offerings for spring and next fall sure to set the chicest or grungiest of hearts aflutter.
Be sure to keep an eye open as they push the iconic 8 hole boot shape into all sorts of new forms. I loved the white boot with flocked black polka dots and a heel (yes, a Doc Marten heel – see below), in glossy black patent leather embossed with a tiny floral print.
And if you happen to be one of the handful of people in the world watching The Oscars this weekend, check out Jack Nicholson’s feet to see the customized silver metallic Docs he will be strutting.
The Dr. Martens Spring/Summer 2010 Collection includes the 8-Eyelet boot in both metallics and in canvas-like TecTuff Express leather, both durable and water-resistant – a more summer-like feel.
In Toronto, find Dr. Martens at:
