I Want A Tree House, Please!!!

I have always wanted to be the owner of an elaborate tree house. Perhaps this stems from never having owned or admittedly never having even been inside a tree house. I have only been able to imagine a world in the trees and have a vivid imagination. These daydreams often feature multi-room, fully furnished dwellings or elaborate neighbourhoods, with me and a few loved ones communicating through the classic string and can method.

I would want to live as harmoniously as possible with natural ecosystem and am realistic in my skepticism over being able to set up a sunken style recreation room with the doubles of our vinyl collection and wiring the place to play. Or having a fully operational (mini) art studio, or a little kitchenette to have beer on hand and serve hot snacks. Or, a Lovely Lady Lair for serving up conversation, crafts, cake and tea (complete with vintage wallpaper, beautifully paned windows and antique furnishings). Or, an acoustic jam space. Or personal sized movie theater with a single row of seats (most logically a set of 4 attached classic seats), perfect for a backyard double date. Or a reading nook with an over-sized recliner and optional sunroof. Or an entire space with Plexiglas walls and floor. These ideas are all implausible but not impossible.

I could win a lottery I never play or sell an art piece for millions more than it’s worth. The reality is that come my ‘later in life crisis of cool’, I will have to make one hard decision; Do I get a classic car from the 1950s or 1960s or do I build a beautiful tree house in the backyard I hope to have?
In the meantime, here are some tree top dwellings that make me profoundly jealous.

My Top 5 Movies

These are 5 of my favourite movies, not necessarily in this order. I am not going to write a plot or synopsis on each film because if you are reading this than you are also capable of using imdb.com, wikipedia.com or doing a google search to find out more. Better yet, take a chance, watch it and find out (warning: each film has varying degrees of graphic violence or a death)

“True Romance” 1993, Directed by Tony Scott written by Quentin Tarantino, is my ultimate Romantic Comedy, though the humor element is subjective and it can be amazing gruesome at times. There is no greater compliment than saying “You’re so cool” and actually meaning it.

“Hard Core Logo” 1996, Directed by Bruce MacDonald, adapted by Noel Baker from a novel written by Michael Turner, is both punk as fuck and insanely beautiful. Without a doubt this is the best Canadian film ever made.

“Battle Royale” 2000, Directed by Kinki Fukasaku, adapted by Kenta Fukasaku from a novel written by Koushun Takami, is my favourite movie with subtitles, though the action alone tells the story. When I first watched this movie I fell hard for it and instantly measured my killing abilities against those in the room; Watch it and you will understand. It is action packed.
Fun (for me) fact: The novel “Batoru Rowaiaru” was written by someone from Shikoku, Japan and takes place in Shikoku and though the location is changed in the movie version, the filming was done in Shikoku as well and I am, by coincidence, currently living in Shikoku.

“Dawn of the Dead” 1978, Directed and written by George A. Romero is my favourite zombie film. It started my love and thus (to me) is quintessentially classic. In my opinion George A. Romero is the godfather of the zombie film genre.

“Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead” 1991, Directed by Stephen Herek, written by Neil Landau and Tara Ison, was my favourite movie when I was younger. I loved the idea of no supervision, fashion and mayhem! The rewatch value for me is retained by how nostalgically charming it reads all these years later.

Honorable mentions: Hype!, The Outsiders, The Warriors, Evil Dead (I and II), Shawn of the Dead, Zombie Land, High Fidelity, and so many more.

Let's Have A Party!!

Soundtrack: Wanda Jackson's "Let's Have a Party" and Connie Francis' "Let's Have a Party"

Day and Night

By day and night my looks can change a lot but I think this is more similar than most transformations. The day look is at a local baseball game, the Ehime Pirates first game in Niihama to be exact, and the night look is at a friends going away house party.


The day look is another amazing find from Toronto's Tribal Rhythm, paired with yet another Value Village belt. I am wearing it with my sparrow necklace, purchased from Etsy, my fold-up Ray Ban Wayfarers and my over-sized military green jacket, purchased from Japanese recycle shops. Please note the amazing looks on the faces of the baseball players.



The night look is brought to you by multiple Ebay shopping sprees. The dress was listed as a 70s Boho look, but I opted to add some curves to it with the use of my favourite corset belt. Truth be told I bought this dress because I fell hard for the the delicate bird design despite the muted colour palate. In keeping with my bird theme I paired this dress with a vibrant turquoise vintage hat. The hat is a velvety over-sized feather design and thin veil. I paired this look with some turquoise eye shadow, black stockings, the sparrow necklace, a monocle necklace (recycle shop), and a mini harmonica purchased from Japan Yamaha.

So I spent the day with my buddy James whom is a musician, performing under the name Frightened Seller. We got all gussied up and headed out to various places in Niihama, Japan, to have a picnic and explore.

I am wearing one of my favourite little black dresses. It is a sweet vintage dress that I bought from Tribal Rhythm in Toronto. It was never worn and came complete with the tags from the 1950s. The sunglasses are also form Tribal Rhythm, which I have since lost.

I paired it with a staple in my wardrobe; it is an elastic and leather snapped up corset belt bought for ridiculously cheap from Value Village. The first image is actually my black leather and metal ring biker belt, also from VV.

The shoes are a pair of basic black Keds that I bought new before leaving.

The cardigan pictured is a mens oversize gray sweater bought to be a staple in my wardrobe (I have since shrunk it to only fit a clothed mini monkey, oh well).

The hair accessories featured are both from the 100 yen store; one is a sprig of fake orchids and the other is a bow worn around the necks of female students with their uniforms.

The gorgeous picnic basket was bought from a recycle shop here in Japan.

Here's a sneak peak!

A couple of weeks ago, a few friends came down to my island to visit. Among these friends was Margot, whom was visiting her man for 5 weeks (both friends from Toronto). Her and I took the opportunity to do a quick photo shoot up in the mountains. On our hike we came upon these abandoned houses which made the perfect backdrop to our plans. Armed with kimonos, instruments awaiting their demise, and a camera, this magic happened. The photos were taken by Mike Gagne and Nicole Lees on what once was my Canon Rebel XT SLR. The walls came tumbling down and the instruments made their final sounds.

Japanese Artists (I Think) You Should Meet

These artists are not necessarily what one would expect when thinking of Japanese art but each is predominant in the contemporary art field and mind blowing. Seeing these artists work in person is a religious experience as that no detail is spared.


***Tomoko Konoike
***Tabaimo
***Rockin’ Jelly Bean
Manabu Ikeda
Kumi Machida
Akira Yamaguchi
Makoto Aida
Yuken Teruya
Mika Kato
***Yasuyuki Nishio
Takashi Murakami
Yoshimoto Nara
Hisashi Tenmyouya
Hiroshi Araki
Yayoi Kusama

Summer Nights

I am getting very excited about heading back to Toronto this summer for a few weeks of glory and celebrations. Thus, I thought I would revisit a great memory from right before I left for Japan. This picture is me and my platonic Russian Lady Love and Band Mate, 'Margot'. We are unintentionally two sides of the "red lipstick and leather" look; I went for the casual dressed-up look and she went for the dressed-up casual look. This photo was taken outside of an art show at P165 in Kensington Market, Toronto.

I had just dyed my hair back to dark brown after 7 years of red (an effort to blend slightly in Japan).

THE OUTFIT

The Dress- This dress was a cheap little vintage number I found at my favourite Value Village. I loved the colours and how casual the cut is. I added some cinching at the waist using my elastic and leather all-purpose corset belt, also from Value Village, and a white scarf from my mother's collection.

The Jacket- This jacket was an early birthday gift from my parents as that I would be in Japan. It is the only new leather jacket I have ever owned. Though I feel conflicted about it from an ethical perspective I also love it so much! It is a forest green, buttery leather, exaggerated collared jacket from Danier Leather with loads of stitching detail. My mother calls it my grown-up leather jacket.

ACCESSORIES

White Woven Oxford Style Shoes- These shoes are lovingly referred to as my "Martina's" because a girlfriend of ours consistently rocks them. These were bought at Good Will while visiting my parents at a cottage in Northern Ontario. They are Dr. Scholls, so they don't have the thin soles usually found on shoes like this.

Stiff Grey Leather Purse with a Woven flap- The leather flap is woven in the same material as the rest of the bag. It was yet another Value Village purchase.

Straw Veiled Mini Top Hat- While all my others are vintage, I saw this one in the window of Le Chateau, a store I usually avoid like the plaque, mainly because I avoid malls* and think their products usually look cheap. This however, was a beautifully crafted little number reminiscent of a time and place I love. Walked in, bought it, walked out, happy.

Tights and Necklace- I wish the tights were more opaque as that I am blessed/cursed with muscular legs. And the necklace was replica of a 45" RPM Adapter, purchased from and artisan vendor in Montreal while on a road trip.

*Malls are like zoos for fashion. Like the animals garments are taken out of context and made more palatable for a broader audience. Both leave me feeling sad, even if I have had a couple of oohs and aahs moments.

This was taken prior to going to the Evil Dead Musical. I wanted to wear white because we were sitting the splatter zone. Dress: Vintage from 'Beacons Closet' in Williamsburg, New York. Bra: Freya from 'Secret's From Your Sister'. Glasses, a 2005 street vendor purchase that I have since stopped wearing, but do love. I guess at the time I thought the glasses and super minimal makeup, kept the outfit from looking too slutty.

Current Obsession

As I write this, spring has just sprung in the land of the rising sun. Along with the beauty comes the rain. The contradiction between the bright blossoms and grey skies is appropriately Japanese. Today is an even numbered day, so it is sunny, funny enough, most odd days and more have been rainy; making me feel strange and a little blue. Something, that rain or shine makes me feel better is looking at pictures from another time.

My current obsession is the work of John French (1906-1966). The clothes are gorgeous, the models are gorgeous and the photos are gorgeous. Check it out here:

http://www.glogger.ru/blog/2/13/134602.html

Though I can definitely dig the ease of jeans and a t-shirt (I often play it up with a punk or grunge feel or camping look), there is something so special about outfit dressing (head to toe) and about being able to push boundaries. These days everything seems to be done so we have nothing left to do but be ourselves. I am just glad my self happens to be a 50s housewife in the kitchen, a 60s glamour puss (sometimes in mourning) when at parties, a 40s/50s pinup in the bedroom, and a 70s/80s punk and 90s “grunge cream dream”* queen, when I am casual. My life and wardrobe is a mash-up and as eclectic as my record collection.

*A term inspired by my husband who is a total Grunge Cream Dream

Other sites to explore:

http://myvintagevogue.com/

http://www.shorpy.com/node?page=1

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1282632@N21/

But really, google when armed with a few key phrases and some patience is my favourite.

If anyone out there in the internet abyss has some suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Wait for me my lovelies....

I am not teaching any classes today and was wise enough to bring my computer along. I have spent the better part of the morning looking on various food and fashion (with a focus on vintage or independent designers) blogs. I am now quite hungry and mourning the distance between me and many of my beloved outfits. Thus, I dedicate this posting to all the outfits patiently awaiting my return and their ever-changing incarnations.

All photos below are by the very talented Sabrina Lantos circa June 2009. Nothing was planned, on her way out the door I asked her to quickly snap a few pictures of outfits I would not be bringing along to Japan, so we slapped together a 10 minute photo shoot in my very messy room. Every single item that I am wearing is vintage, aside from my undergarments and the stockings that are new vintage.

My Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

When it comes to movies, I want something that is going to make me laugh, has a lot of action and if possible, zombies. Generally I avoid the science fiction genre because it often is beyond what my mind wants to accept as plausible or entertaining. But what happens when you see a science fiction movie or in this case, a BBC series (narrated word for word from the novel) that came true and is genuinely enjoyable?!?!

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If it isn`t general knowledge than it should be known that, The Hitchhiker`s Guide to the Galaxy featured in Douglas Adams book of the same name (and the Trilogy of Five books thereafter) predicts and predates the internet. What began in 1978 as a radio sketch, before being published into five novels a year later, is hauntingly familiar. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a source of universal information for those hitchhiking the galaxy, accessible from anywhere and is reminiscent of a `lap computer`.

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So, in honour of things that make me go whoa, I will revisit a mild obsession of mine, for which I can thank my man… and Douglas Adams of course.

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My Top 5 Websites that make up my version of THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY.

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1) Google.com- this is often my first stop and aids me in linking to cooking sites, how-to sites and answering the random questions that come into conversation.

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2) AllMusic.com- It does a pretty damn good job filling me in on bands I love and introducing me to others, with brief biographies, discographies, etc… it has settled many debates.

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3)IMDB.com- it tells you all about movies and television show with episode guides, casts and synopsis. One of the most used features is the actor`s resumes because when you think you recognize an actor it tells you if you are right, or often in my case, wrong.

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4) Wikipedia.com- is an online encyclopedia compiled by international volunteers, most often experts in their subjects. Interesting fact about Wikipedia: it follows the same format as H2G2.com, which is an actual online Hitchhikers Guide to the World that invites users to contribute content and it predates Wikipedia by 2 years.

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5) Favourite time wasters*: Trendhunter.com, various food and fashion blogs I peak at periodically (such as seriouseats.com and stylebubble.typepad.com). For online shopping: I use ebay.com for vintage and etsy.com for artist products and unique jewelry. I also have become a fan of themeatguy.jp.co and theflyingpig.com to order food goods while living in Japan. *I know that this is actually more than one site and I would probably say that I waste the most time on ebay but I thought the others were worth noting.

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What is your Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy? What sites do you used the most?

An ongoing love affair

I have already spawned/inspired local gajin/foreigners to sport the lipstick and badass leather look but you need not worry as that hers is fake leather.

Dayum!!!! My man makes this and takes this coat to a whole new level of cool while in Tokyo.

Sunday Morning... heading out to vintage shop.

Coming home after wearing the coat out for the first time, it was so good, I had to cap it with a smoke.

******

Shit son, it's been a long time gone since I have contributed to the inter-web. My apologies if anyone has been awaiting word(s), I have been too busy having Japanese adventures in my dream leather coat. Thus I am dedicating this post to my beloved.

Before I start having to make unnecessary apologies, my jacket is vintage and thus I am saving it from the blazing death that is my town's incinerator.

I am living in small town Japan; no not all of Japan is technicolor, neon, explosions of technology and fantasy.

Once upon a time....
After work one day I met up with my favourite friend, a musician from Brooklyn, and we headed to a local reuse shop. He had already visited earlier in the day and spotted this punk rock and roll beauty but was turned off by the original owner's decision to puke all over the back with a poorly painted white tribal design. But it was 2300 Yen which is about $27 Canadian dollars and I just couldn't resist the challenge to revive/ rescue the jacket I was already calling mine (until I turned around). Purchase made. My friend was not even trying to hide his mounting jealousy.

I have dreamed about this coat, or something like it, leather, studded, androgynous, used and abused with a story to tell. So I barely felt bad about scooping it up and making it my own (perhaps a better person would have offered to help him remedy it).

Knight in, soon to be, shining armour...
But there was no way that I was going to unleash the back design on the world as any kind of personal style. So, before heading home I stopped at a food/drug/home store to get some nail polish remover and scrubbing sponges (a challenge considering my lack of Japanese). After some exhaustive charades I was finally armed with the necessary tools for the surgery ahead.

Four hours of switching between aggressive scrubbing/cursing to forceful caresses/ promises of the life we could have, only the faintest ghost of it's former ugliness remained.* *Unless I shove your nose in it and use the power of suggestion you would never know it had been there.

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER...
I love wearing it with sweet little lady dresses and pared down basics. Recently, I insisted upon hauling it around to Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto to have it's own parade. I also made it worth my man's while to carry it by demanding he don it and look like a total stud (hey! that's a pun and I'm not even going to change it).