The Back In Rez Gurl Action Playlist

Our resident Rez Gurl Meredith Gillies is back with another playlist. A round of applause, please, for the most fun this town's ever seen.

The perfect getting glam playlist for a comeback tour that won't stop til' May. So turn these tunes on, put your face and dancing shoes on and head out on the town.

1. You've Got the Love- Florence & The Machine
2. Mr. Someone Else- The Dudes
3. The Party- Justice
4. Sleepyhead-Passion Pit
5. Help I'm Alive Acoustic-Metric

Wearing Jeans With Cool Linings That Nobody Can See

Introducing Niels Horne, our gentlemanly correspondent and Editor of our newest section on Romance In The Dressing Room... The Boys' Club. Take note as he discusses how to dress to a T (pun intended).

Here’s the thing you need to know about me: I hate fashion. Hate it, hate it, hate it. It’s the most spiritually threatening thing North of the equator next to fluorescent lighting. But let’s be clear here: when I say I hate fashion, I’m not talking about hating looking good. No, no, I love that, and it’s fun. I’m talking about that ugly f-word that has somehow come to mean "dressing to ensure that that strangers will talk to me about issues and baseball".

My goal in this portion of the auspicious RITDR blog is to help you forget about all of these ridiculous words like "fashion" and help you become you. Maybe you won’t learn anything, or maybe some of what I’ll talk about will surprise you, or change your perspective on looks, love and life as a young urbanite. I’m going to try to spend some time talking about the spirit of style as well as the act of dressing well, so there should be something in here for everyone as I continue making contributions to this fabulous blog.

Right off the bat, don’t get all hot and bothered when you find out that Abercrombie polos are the VCRs of yesteryear (sad face), or that nobody is impressed that you’ve found a shirt which depicts a rock band that never existed or the name of a beach you haven’t been to. All I want you to do is commit a few of my little ‘tipz’ to memory so you too can save someone from Huntington Beach Syndrome.

Like jumping into a cold pool of gelatinous pudding, we’ll enter slowly, and begin by discussing T-shirts and (shudder) branding (two separate and distinct things that should never go together).

Here’s the thing: if your t-shirt costs more than $28 (note that coincidentally, all American Apparel [I’m throwing up in my mouth right now and it tastes pretty bad] shirts are at least $29) you have wasted money which could have gone towards a rice bowl and half-litre of grape juice in Kensie, or 2 t-shirts which don’t make you look and feel like a douchebag. I’m clear on how I feel about A.A., right?

More generally, a shirt does not need to give the world a redundant piece of advice (Wake up before tomorrow comes...) to live by. Nor does it need to indicate the store from which you bought it; that’s why the helpful sales associate prints off a receipt when you finish shopping.

It does not need to have fake diamonds attached to the edges of bohemian handwriting on top of hearts on top of clouds on top of a baseball bat on top of more bohemian handwriting. That’s not style - it's "fashion". "Fashion" is about figuring out how to emulate someone else’s life or an experience you haven’t had by wearing a t-shirt you secretly dislike. Style, on the other hand, has more to do with lakes, pianos and your favorite cheese.

I realize I’ve just described certain types of t-shirts I think you should never wear, and you’re probably wondering what I will recommend you do wear. Sadly, that depends on you and will vary invariably from person to person. But you can’t go wrong if you just buy what feels right and ignore that ugly f-word I keep mentioning. This advice works; you just have to start closing your eyes.

Style is so fantastic. It’s like a peanut butter sandwich with bananas. Or a tan. Style is easy to understand once you start poking around, so just start looking! Remember, it’s about rediscovering the you inside of you through experimentation. It’s playing with oil paint when you’re feeling pretty angsty, or listening to music in dark rooms. It’s learning about your ancestors, wearing jeans with cool linings that nobody can see, or doing social experiments on the bus. It’s about buying a t-shirt because the green reminds you of a song you love. It’s about loving that song more than you used to because of that t-shirt. It’s about streams of consciousness.

Style is circular, and very sharp. It’s waking up on a cloudy day and deciding to emulate David Bowie and just being totally random. And that’s my issue with baseball.

Best Foot Forward

Yves Saint Laurent
Suede Ankle Boot
£580

Tuck Everlasting

It might be excruciatingly well-known at this point, but tucking your shirt in is not only quite hip, but very flattering. Emphasize your best assets by making the tuck-in work for you with the clothing you have.

Since the last fleeting days of summer are upon us, make the most of them with a good pair of shorts. More tuck-in tips for the chillier days to come.

Flat-tummied, narrow-waisted chicas will look stunning in shorts that rise all the way up to their waists. Add a pretty belt if you feel like it, but it's not necessary. Think flirty tank tops and cardigans, with embellishments, fancy necklines, or a sweet-as-pie necklace.

For girls with a little more flesh around the hips, who might have been frightened off of the high rise trend by a horrifying case of front-bum. Rest assured, it's not you, it's the cut. Curves are beautiful. Try lowering the rise of your shorts to sit at your waist, and tuck a shirt that fits a little more loosely, like a crisp white button-down or a peasant blouse (short sleeved). A belt is a great idea with this look.

Whatever way you wear it, you'll pull it off with a good dash of confidence, so take the time to make it work.

Best Foot Forward

If you've noticed an abundance of shoes around the Dressing Room, you'll understand why it's necessary that it's about time foot candy got its own little section. Please join me in welcoming Best Foot Forward - a daily look at the world's best shoes.

And merci beaucoup, Christian Louboutin, for these gorgey-porgey "Circus" cut-out heels.
Positively drool-worthy.

A Pleasant Passtime

Watching a man get dressed - like many things in life- can be a fantastic way to spend a few cozy minutes, or something you wish you'd never known happened in the first place.

So
If you've found yourself a well-suited gent with a flair for the sartorial, nestle into an easy chair or perch on a window sill and watch as the spectacle unfolds.

So much more than just a reverse-strip tease, the art of getting dressed is as much a spectator sport as a craft to be honed and perfected by us gals. Every guy's got a different routine. If your beau digs it and has obliged to your presence as he preps, watch for his best moves. There's something irresistible about straightening a tie, or slipping on a perfectly tailored jacket. Almost dance-like in their steps, boys become positive divas of the dressing room as they maneuver about their space, ironing their shirt before slipping it on, dabbing oh-so-delicious cologne on their wrists, checking their face, hair, collar once, twice, three-times'-the-charm.

So when you're invited for a private showing of the boys' club ballet, arrive punctually, arrive eagerly, and enjoy the show.


Pay attention, boys, as nobody does it better than RITDR's resident gentleman-about-town. Whether it's a wine-and-cheese or an evening of schmoozing around the bar scene, Niels Horne takes it all in stride.

Side Note: Pay close attention as the grey suit jacket moves from dressed-up and dapper to dressed-down and decadent.

It's an art.

Mmmmm

Merci, Yves Saint Laurent

Let's Get Rolling

It's a calculated effort, but rolling the sleeves on a button-down shirt communicates many different levels of professionalism. Here, learn what each roll of the cuff says about your outfit's aura.

The Full Length Sleeve
This means business. Mess and dirt be warned, these sleeves will not tolerate any of your kind. Perfect for chillier days at the library, dashing about the office, or hanging around the house with a pair of great jeans and a pretty camisole underneath.

The 7/8ths Tuck
Hardly a roll at all, this is a very feminine look that goes perfectly with letter-writing, a cup of chai tea, or a walk through the park to yoga class. Particularly flattering for tiny wrists and very modern.

The 3/4 Sleeve
This should hit just below the elbow and gives a scholarly glow especially when paired with a sweater rolled to just above where your roll-up ends. If you're layering a shirt, keep the top buttons open as far down as possible for an easy-breezy, pulled-together and a little bit of a sexy vibe. Button to the top for a sweetly simple look, especially lovely with a peter pan collar.

The Half
When your cuff sits on top of your elbow. This gives a very ready-to-get-at-it feel to an outfit, very youthful. Perfect for gardening, arm wrestling, day-time looks, and the Happy Hands Club.

The Short Sleeve
Not often seen in a do-it-yourself situation, but this look can also be very appealing. If you've rolled your sleeves up to your elbow and keep going one or two more times, you'll be all set for your pottery class, a good heart-to-heart, kneading bread or tricking yourself into doing your homework.

Any shorter than these, and you really should just try a tank top.

Sippin' in Style

Calling all classy ladies - this ain't no flip cup tournament. It's time to learn how to suavely sip - what's our poison, you ask? Why it's none other than the quintessentially chic and oft-dreaded
Dirty Martini

Three Ways to Knock One Back

Whether it's your first attempt at this beverage or you're a veteran of the craft, follow these little tricks to add a bit of flair to your bar presence. Introducing...

The Classy Lady
-
The Vixen
-
The In-Over-My-Head-Get-Me-Out-Of-This-Now

Firstly: For the Sophisticated Set
A handy style for high society bashes, moments of pure luxury or for general maintenance and upkeep of a good image. Sit with your legs crossed demurely at the ankle (as Julie Andrews/the Queen of Genovia deems a-propos. Shoulders back, head held high - cocked to one side with one eyebrow raised when questioning someone's oh-so-intriguing views/opinions/commentary. If you are in a mingling situation, maintain eye contact with your conversation partner always, but cast a downward glance when sipping so as not to come off as... crazy. Once finished your sip, pop your eyes back up, give a little (really little) raise of both eyebrows and a teensy-weensy smile. Roll the liquor around in your mouth discreetly and savour the bitterness. As for those olives, do not chomp them off the little sword, or whatever else is holding them together. Leave it in your glass. Ladies slop up every last drop. It's tacky, and an activity best conducted in the privacy of the washroom, if you absolutely must.

Secondly: The Sexy Swig
This is where the fine line between low-brow and impossibly alluring really requires a great deal of focus and attention. Because you're going to pull off some unorthodox and previously shunned tricks. And you're going to do so masterfully, with grace and dignity. We said sexy, not skanky. Hold your glass in the hand you won't be using to swish and flick about as your natter away about your posh lifestyle to whichever hunk has been lured in by your charms. If you're in a not-so-conversational situation (a show, for instance) simply narrow eyelids and cast smoky glances at your beau of choice- but keep them space few and far between, and you'll have him just starving for more. When you go for your initial sip, boldly look your man in the eye for two full seconds as you slowly raise the liquid to your lips, then lower the eyelids and glace sidewards. Damn, girl. Now we deal with the olives. When you are quite finished with your cocktail, remove the sword holding your olives captive and press one olive onto your tongue, remove quickly but not like you're panicking, chew it once, twice, three times, slowly and confidently (WITH YOUR MOUTH SHUT), swallow. You'll have the gents lining up just for the honour and privilege of watching this feat of artistry once more.

Thirdly: For The Girl Who Bit Off More Than She Could Chew
Rest assured, you are not alone. Martinis are not for the feint of heart. Relax, you'll be okay. You're not going to waste your money, you're not going to be humiliated. If you simply cannot stand it, want nothing to do with it, don't even like the idea anymore, put it down on a passing tray or a table (make sure there isn't anyone dining at that specific table, however). If you've just gotta finish it, for the status, for the image, for the sheer joy of getting through it, you're going to have to pace yourself and brace yourself. The secret lies in the olive. Something of a follow-up to the main event in the previous two methods, the olive gains guardian angel status now. Get the olive in your mouth. Discreetly, but not like you're ashamed of it. Chew once, manoeuver to nestle under your tongue. Do not converse with anyone while attempting this, merely nod and smile, nod and smile. Every time you knock back your little glass of kryptonite, chew your olive. The saltiness will interupt your mouth from any real contact it could make with the liquor. Pray you've got more than one olive to work with, but make due with what you've got if the fates have turned against you.

So next time you hit the bar, raise a glass to Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. May the force be with you.

This Is Love

Do you want to know what love is?

Do you want me to show you?

Click.

Here.

Hit the Road, Jack!

Saturday mornings are market mornings. This is just a fact. So here's a foolproof plan for a lovely day of shoppin' and enjoying this beautiful city. So grab a reusable bag (or a baggie of nickels) and put on your walking shoes. Did you eat, do you have the energy? (Please click link if this pop culture reference escapes you - your life will never be the same).

Stop One : Queen Street West (Follow along with the photos - this formatting is being difficult)
Fashion Crimes and Misdemeanours is a shop that every girl worth her weight in frivolous purchases ought to visit on a regular basis. You don't need to buy anything to benefit from the positive marvelosity of it all.

Stop Two: Courage My Love (Kensington Market)
This, fashionable fashionable fashionable people, is the vintage boutique to end all vintage boutiques. Not only are the clothes simply drool-worthy and also on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but the vibe on Saturdays addictive! The whole darn family comes in to hawk their wares. Nothing like buying a racy slip and matching nightgown from a six-year-old. Keep an eye out for Dooney & Bourke bags (the real deal, no foolin') and their gorgeous postcards. A whole dollar might seem like a lot to ask, but talk to the owner and get the story of the photograph- they're from her private collection and include absolutely darling shots of her Mum.

Stop Three: That fabulous candy-coffee-tea-and-bulk-food store on the corner
You know what I'm talking about. A must for Kensington-goes. Check out the neato globes on the ceiling and make sure to stock up- this stuff is good quality, and the price is right. If you haven't had a chocolate covered blueberry, march straight there immediately and indulge. You won't go back to no almonds when you have.














Stop Three: Cheese Magic (Kensington Market)
These cheese boys are seriously cute. Seriously. Cute. Some have beards. Some have accents. Cheese is dandy, and de rigeur for a classy evening of inhaling red wine by a roaring fire, but those boys are doubly delicious. Mmmm.

Stop Four: My Market Bakery
If you like bread (i.e. everyone) or delightful pastries and things, this is the place for you. Check out their montreal-style bagels, perfect pizza dough, and day old bread (a whole bag of mixed-up goodness for a measly loonie!) -get there early though, this cat's outta the bag.

Stop Five: Trek through Chinatown and award your loyal subjects points for the funniest signs you can spot. Sample deliciousness from an array of yum-o restos, or stock up on Pocky from those basement supermarkets.

Stop Six: Picnic at your friend's house. Surprise aspect a major bonus.

Stop Seven: Find inspiration, sticky-tack to wall. Look for beautiful glossy photographs that will a) make you melt (Mr. Bass, you don't know what you do to me) b) make you ramp up the glam factor just to keep up, or c) inspire positive fashion prowess!

As if!

"Dionne and I were both named after famous singers of the past, who now do infomercials"

-Cher Horowitz


Those hopelessly clueless and infinitely fabulous California girls have passed these names once more, though this time with a little more flare. Washed-up as the original Cher and Dionne may be, the latest reincarnation at ModCloth goes more along the lines of handwash and treat with care- enter the Clueless skirt, a beautiful flouncy little number with an elasticated waist that comes in blue (Dionne) and pink (duh, Cher!).

Do swing by ModCloth.com, brought to our attention just recently by the effortlessly chic Camille Jovanovic.

Needless to say, you'll be neither "fashion victim" nor "ensemble challenged" in this number.

Fashion Royalty - The Pre-Throne Life of Queen Chanel

"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."
-Coco Chanel

Please rush out on October 2 to the nearest cinema and watch this film.
For now, watch this trailer.

Pleeeeeeeeease

If you love a good shoe, if you love a great shoe, if you love a better-than-great shoe - look no further than Nicholas Kirkwood. More fittingly described as walking works of art, Kirkwood's shoes are stand-alone outfits. Matched with the simplest of clothing, they will take care of all the statement you're looking to make.

Exhibit A
*droooooooooooooooooooooool*


Care to see more?

Fall Fashion Starting Points

Autumn is officially upon us, and to quote Old Navy's best, it's time to get your Fash on.
While personal taste is always in style and individuality is important, find below a few helpful starting points when putting together your fall wardrobe.

The Trench
A positive essential for those crisp autumn afternoons... or mornings... or evenings also.

The White Shirt
Obviously this one goes without says, but Banana Republic has done a fantastic job making this essential even more essential, if that were ever possible.

The One-Stop-Shop For The Frugal Among Us
Always easy on the wallet, and always particularly stylish. Also happens to be the baby sister of the link below.

The Whole Enchilada
Click on this link for a precise visual example of exactly what it is you must wear to be fashionable. Period.

Good Job Getting Dressed Today

The unveiling of a new series of fashionable photographs
Good Job Getting Dressed Today
features individuals who were particularly successful in the sartorial department

Today's stylish specimen: the girl at Bay and Dundas with the positively perfect pink pumps

A Flannel Jammies Kind of Night

Today is Sunday. A perfect day to wake up late and get things done early.

The Night Out

The Night Out
A Start-to-Finish Guide
Part One of Three in a
Romance In The Dressing Room Series

First Things First - A Mid-Afternoon Prep Session
If you know you're hitting the town- whether it's for an evening of boisterous tomfoolery, a night of elegance and regal poses, or a class-tastic soiree of epic proportions- it's always a good idea to get a head start on your look, your mindset, your body : the image you plan on putting in the public sphere.

Your Body
Start drinking now - and we're not talkin' premature cocktails, ladies. Have an ever-present bottle of water at your side and take frequent sips- any alcohol you plan on consuming later should be at least matched with H2O beforehand. Just be sure you're not going to spend your night dashing to the loo!
Shave early - it's stressful and sometimes even painful to do so later (that burning sensation you get when you moisturize right after shaving, anyone? Yikes!) Get those gams, underarms, and nether regions ready for whatever it is you have in mind for them later on, and get an advance dose of that self confidence only a perfectly shaven limb can give.
Wash your hair - Everyone knows day old hair looks and styles best. Unless you've got a blowout in mind, of course, because that means you're going to have to have wet hair for the blowdyer part.

Your Mind
Get your gals to commit - No one - I repeat, no one- is happy when the plans are rushed. Have everyone decide on a venue, transportation, dress code and extra guests before you meet. Now, that's not to say throw spontaneity out the window entirely, but having a plan is a sign of good organization, and just so much less stressful. Stress = breakouts. Breakouts = let's not even go there.

Your Look
The most important part? Possibly. The most fun? Definitely.
Makeup - Think long and hard about this one. What will the lighting be like at this venue? How much dancing (i.e. sweating) do you plan on doing? What will others be plastering all over their faces?

If you plan on heading to a dimly-lit dive bar for some manic dancing and prancing about, keep the amount of makeup light, but have fun with it. This is an appropriate time for sparkles and colours that POP to make an appearance. False lashes might also be a neat idea.

If you're going for a more laid-back look (i.e. "Ohh, I just decided I was going out a few minutes ago, I had zero time to plan, and positively noothing to wear..."), go along the lines of your everyday makeup but apply it fresh and take your time to make it purrrrfect. Powder that nose, add a little extra noire to the eyes and shimmer to the lips and you've taken a look from day to night, easy peasy.

If it's off to the Oscars for you, it's time to pull out the big guns. Do you have the confidence, ability and desperate lack of funds required to pull the look off yourself, or is a trip to ye olde Department Store for your friendly neighbourhood Chanel counter girl to weild the makeup wand and work her magic? With enough time and patience, anyone can pull off a fantastic look, but these gals can really do a number. Just make a small purchase and ask how it is best applied, or go full tilt and kindly request that they make you up for however many gold coins they're charging. Keep three things in mind: simple sophistication, high quality goods, and a good dash of fun. To elaborate (in respective order) you want to make your look special, but keep it close to what you usually wear so you're not constantly stealing glances at yourself in each passing champagne flute. Build on what works for you and take it to the next level with the best the makeup world has to offer (combined of course with what your wallet can handle). Remember, though, to take calculated risks and enjoy the process of elevating your gorgey little blank canvas of a face to masterpiece status.

The Dress - This could take days, so will be kept simple. Follow these golden rules and you will never, ever, ever fail to impress your audience.
Wear what looks good on your body. Play up your curves, play down problem areas, highlight your best assets. Any good store clerk or friend with particularly good style is your best ally when a second opinion is necessary.
Wear what makes you feel fabulous.
Wear something you thought you never would.
Wear your dress with authority, with confience, with presence.

Wear your dress, have your cake and eat it, too.

Happy Prepping

We're Ba-aaa-ack!

And have we got a treat for you!
Check back soon for a brand new batch of gorgeous photographs, how-to tips, shops to peruse, and fabulosity-a-plenty.

If you are interested in becoming a contributor for Romance In The Dressing Room, please contact me via Facebook or Hotmail.

Merci and see you soon
-a.