Sunday, August 28, 2011

5x5: Chihuahua's Love Getting Dressed Up


Lee Lee

If you would have asked me a little over a year ago, I would have told you I was a cat person.
Ask me now, and I will profess my love of dogs.
Well, Chihuahuas mostly.

I have a little guy that has stolen my heart. He's small, cute and acts just like a cat. He's so loyal and dependant, and melts my heart whenever I look at him.

How does this tie into fashion you might ask? Well, you may not know that there is a whole world out there of puppy fashion! A huge niche market that borders on crazy (think people who walk their pets in baby strollers). Some clothes are for practicality (little dogs + winter months = makes sense) and others are pure vanity and fun.

I sort of find myself some where in the middle. After all, there is nothing cuter than my little Cheewee in a mini hoodie or a bad ass leather jacket.
BFFs that wear leather together, stay together!

Cheewee had such a great time this summer trying new things (surfing for example) that he will be sad to learn that winter will be here before he knows it.

But he need not be scared, as this year he is going to be rockin some fabulous new little booties. These will help him strut his stuff through our salt lined sidewalks. He hates them, but in the end he will thank me. I'll be sure to post pics when the time comes...


And for those long winter nights? Pajamas of course! Okay, maybe that's getting a little carried away but its just so damn adorable.
Okay, so maybe he actually hates dressing up... maybe its me that loves it all... maybe...

I'd like to think that he secretly loves it.. he did after all help me pick out this years Halloween costume...

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A 5x5er's Dilemma: Don't Flop, Crop Top!

5x5 Clothing
Margot



Belly buttons. Remember those? Haven't really seen 'em since fluorescent bike short and colour-blocked crop top combos circa 1996.

So let me get a little Seinfeld here for a moment (imagine the nasal voice)... What's the deal with crop tops?

It's awesome to track the way they have changed silhouettes over the last few seasons, and I adore them in theory, but every time I get ready to go out the door with a bit o' that stom showing I second guess myself.

Is it too much skin, even for summer? Wearing a crop top to the beach-- NO PROBLEM! But out to a bar? Still too risque? To work? Ain't gon' happen! (I work at a recycled clothing boutique and the dress code is totally relaxed, but even then...). Wear a tank top underneath? Lame! Even if it's the thinnest fabric I still feel like it adds bulk. 

5x5 Girls, I need your help! Seriously! Is it finally okay to lift the bare midriff ban pounded into our subconsciences since elementary school?

Oh yeah, rockin' our high-waisted Lolita shorts definitely helps.

P.S. If you are into this new fave necklace of mine, it's by The Wild Moon, f.y.i. Asia Clarke's mystically magical jewelry is available at Pretty Freedom, along with 5x5's exclusive line!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

5x5 Clothing: Paging Dr. Spencer Reid!

5x5 Clothing 
Lola

K, guilty!  I have a total crush on Dr. Spencer Reid!  Umm who is that you might ask? He is the super cute nerdy doctor from Criminal Minds (a TV show, following cases from the behavioral unit within the FBI)



In real life Dr. Reid is Matthew Gray Gubler, former Fashion Model!!




















What I love about him, in general, is how he doesn't seem to try when it comes to dressing himself.  Simple, classic cuts that look great and make him look amazing!  He pays attention to what is hot and makes it his own.  

He is for sure my top "Hunk" pick 

Fun fact:  He played an intern in "Life Aquatic"

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

5x5: New Hotkid Rip It Into Pieces Video!

5x5 Clothing
RA RA


So if you haven't yet seen Hotkid's Rip It Into Pieces video, oh boy are you missing out!


Not only do you get to see Shiloh ascend to the skies in a Bowie Labyrinth inspired handmade faux-leather, one-armed jacket, but you also get to see glass boxes of squished wrestler-painted Toronto indie rockers.  To that I say, YES!


Since Shiloh is a 5x5 Girl, we knew she'd have the fashion visuals of the video down, so I asked her to give us some of the details on inspiration for the video.


RA RA: How did you come up with your warrior-esque goddess costume?


Shi: I had a vision of myself suspended in air wearing some elaborate flowing gown, some ridiculous unreal costume, that would just be really visually stimulating.  I told the director, Alon Isocianu, my plans to make such an outfit and he was into it.  A week before the shoot Alon asked how the dress was going and if he could see a picture of it.  I told him it was going well, "almost done," when in fact I had not yet started said costume.  So I got some material from Value Village, and Lens Mills (wicked end of the line fabric store in Cambridge, ON) some tassel material and tools from downtown T.O. and started construction.  I wanted something long, big and dramatic but not too overwhelming so i made a bustle half skirt thing that could be worn over a shorter skirt.  I wanted a more structured top, referencing Lady Gaga;    
         

Or even Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

After watching Labyrinth before going to bed one night, I was struck with the inspiration to make a Labyrinth-Bowie style jacket.  

I had used this cheap stretchy fake leather material once before for a Halloween costume so I grabbed some and started hacking it up.

I embellished it with rhinestones I had off an older dress and friend's collection of metal trinkets she had since high-school.  In a manic high i actually beaded an intricate pattern on the front tassel loin cloth piece, which you obviously cannot see in the video, but they are there believe me. The one arm tassel was probably inspired by the Macho Man - may he rest in piece.     




RA RA: how about your jeans and shirt ensemble?
The jeans I got at the Value Village in Cambridge on a 50% off day.  The very sheer undershirt material tank I've had for quite some time, not sure where I got it.  The boots are Aldo and I've had them forever as well.  The necklace was sent to me my by foster child Marsella from Indonesia; It's got an awesome energy to it, I think it helps me stay grounded when I have it on.  

I wanted to try and elongate my legs so high heeled boots and high waisted pants was the trick. I also wanted to contrast the crazy outfit with something really simple but still sexy.      

RA RA: And the hair and makeup?

My good friend, hairstylist Jenny Smylie did the hair for the shoot.  She brought the long feathers and the blond extensions for the up-do with my costume.  We had to keep in mind that Alon was going to be working with the green screen so we had to keep the hair rather clean - no big frizzies because it would be impossible to substitute the green screen in post production.  I loved the big hair! We also had two wonderful make up chicks workin with us that day - they drew on 80's wrestlers and traditional war paint for the extras. It was the first time I ever had airbrushed makeup on--pretty neat really!                                 


Check it out fer yourselves, ladies! Girlfriend knows how to rip it up!

                      

Monday, August 15, 2011

5x5: I Just Can't Get Enough of Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. Bags

5x5 Clothing
Lee Lee



Anyone that knows me and knows me well, is aware of my love affair with all things L.A.M.B.

L.A.M.B. (Love, Angel, Music, Baby) is the creative outlet of Gwen Stefani. It all began as a purse collaboration with Lesportsac in 2003 and lasted only a few short years. Together, they created super cute purses, wallets, coin purses and duffel bags in a ton of shapes, styles and prints. After the collaboration ended, Gwen went on to build the L.A.M.B. brand into a clothing, footwear, and accessory line.


My first L.A.M.B. bag was given as a gift. A 2nd generation Large Backstage Bag in red. She was beautiful and so unexpected.
My love affair continued on when I discovered my favourite shape, the Hella Hobo. I have since made it my mission to own almost every single print.


All of my hobos on display. I'm only missing a few hard to find prints.
Because these are now practically extinct I'm not sure I'll ever have them all.

Two of my faves are first generation bags and feature the beautiful guitar strap and are super rare.
Of course my second gen leopard hobo is right at the top of the list.
Like you already know, I'm a sucker for all things leopard.                                                           


And as if having a bizzillion bags wasn't enough, I can't forget about all the accessories. Not so practical, the heart shaped wristlets are super cute and just big enough to hold a few bills and ID.
I love my hot pink metallic wallet I purchased on Boxing Day but the pink paint is starting to wear. Sadly not the best quality.


My most recent L.A.M.B. was a gift from my dear bf Lola.

Mostly leather, this bag is a step up from my other painted canvas totes (I have three others), and features a monogrammed silk lining.  Ooh la la


And my love affair with LAMB doesn't end here... It branches out into Gwens more youthful line Harajuku Lovers (dare I mention my canvas tote and matching shoes?) but please don't get me started... that's a whole other blog...

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

5x5: Fall Line in the Works!

5x5 Clothing
RA RA


So I arrived back in Thailand from my hot n heavy trip back home to Canada, and immediately, hit the sweaty alley of Sam Peng fabric market.


While not suffering from a hung over battered heart, the jet lag was enough to put anyone in a sort-of mind smear.  But when it comes to fabrics, textures, colours, shapes, no one was ever harmed by some LSD-esque influences.....right?


Anyway, suffice to say, everything went smooth, and I completed the mission within 2 days, and dropped everything off to our lovely seamstress.  

A tripper's dream?  or nightmare??


So the highlight of my trip was this Button-Man.  His shop is on the main street (not the crowded alley) so I actually had never seen him before.  




A glorious shop filled with many wondrous things, the best of which were the buttons. 


In the Western world, I'd have to say, given our fast n cheap consumption habits, the art of buttontry has been lost.  I could have fawned over these lil brass and glass beauties all day. Unfortunately, however, these babies go for over $1.50 per piece!! 


So, like, what I'm trying to say is: get ready for the fall line, 5x5 Girls!  It will be a non-hippy, dazed-inspired, glass-button-longing, ready-to-conquer, fashion indulgence!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

5x5 Clothing: Pippa Middleton, Who ya be?

Love the brown Animal Print!
5x5 Clothing  
Lola


So after watching "Say Yes to the Dress", "Cake Boss", and let's not kid, a lil "Kate plus 8" (!!!),  I kept seeing the same advertising for yet another new show for TLC (like they don't already have enough!!).  They kept showing the same ad over and over again, and after a long time tuning it out,  it finally got my attention  (late ya, I know!).






So, Who the fuck is Pippa Middleton?!?? 

Well she just ended her relationship to Alex Loudon
Born September 6th 1983; ummm, She will have a show all about her on TLC and Oh, and she was the Maid of Honour for her sister in April.  You know, Kate Middleton, she just married Prince William, and made fascinators the talk of the media after her wedding!!


So lets she how she does in regards to what I care about, FASHION!!


Looking Good!


Looks good, but safe.

So after spending some time on the web snooping around on our new claim to fame girl, my thoughts are simple.  She will have a hard time stepping outta "Kate Middleton's" lil sis shadow.  Although she is super cute, her fashion is safe and simple.  But, it's still early!!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

5x5 Grrl: Risky, Sexy, PEACHES

I don't give a fuck!
LOLA



My pick for insanely talented music female artist is Merrill Beth Nisker.  







Who the fuck is that, you might ask yourself: it's the brains and pussy behind Peaches. Canadian hot bitch and electronic musician.  

She is best known for her dirty, sexually explicit lyrics and stage shows.  




yeah I’m rocking a camel toe, what you gonna do about it? 

From dildos to group pet downs, her on-stage performances only enhance her music and overall bad-ass vibe!  She pushes the limits of not only her music but her fashion as well.


Love the metallic zipper suit!

 Well before Gaga was taking all the fame and glory for amazing stage outfits and overall “weirdness” little did you know Peaches has been doing this since ‘95.  



Keep it comin', Peaches!