This past weekend I had the delight of going to Book of Mormon at the Jubilee. It was my first time seeing the Broadway hit and I went in knowing that it was beloved by many but I was skeptical of the humour.

Plumbers, tilers, painters, electricians, general contractors and commercial cleaners have all walked in and out of my home. Other than my renovation, they don’t seem to have much in common. There’s no discernable trait that is easy to see. That’s until I look at the back pocket of their pants. 

Now I know it’s too chilly to don summer dresses and Bermuda shorts, but it’s so close. You may want to wear that silk cap-sleeve blouse, but it’s too cold. You may want to wear that shirt-dress, but your chilly core begs you not to. You may want to push those sweaters and wool to the deep void in the back of your closet until fall, but that’s too drastic. It’s too soon. What’s a seasonally-conflicted person to do? Layer it up with a sharp shoulder jacket.

Can you have a style crush on someone’s if you don’t like their style? Can you be a fan even though it’s not all that good? Further, can you celebrate someone who dressed a bit lazy? The answer is yes. I asked myself these questions after this weekend’s Juno Awards. After seeing Alanis Morissette perform, I spent time reminiscing. 

Shame on you DSquared2, shame on you. Twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten must have been absolutely nonsensical in their new brand’s presentation at Milan Fashion Week. It was, “partly inspired by Canadian Indian Tribes.” They initially named this collection “DSquaw.”  I take issue not so much with the collection itself, rather the description and launch of it. There appeared to be no consultation, collaboration or basic human respect for the communities they were “inspired” by. Since the much deserved backlash, the purposely used hashtag #DSquaw and #eksimeaks were removed from the brand’s social media accounts. They were replaced with #DSquare but the damage was done.
 

I’ve been binge-watching a lot of Netflix these days. The recent programs most influential to me have been House of Cards and The Fall. Both have immaculately dressed, professional women in demanding jobs. The women are focused on their careers yet are allowed to be emotionally complex and even compassionate. What a luxury (sarcasm intended)...  Some may call these two stylish characters “strong women.” They can be described as both strong and as women, but I am reluctant to use that combo of words as the sole descriptor because what woman would want to be referred to as the opposite? 

Much anticipation builds about who will wear what to the Oscars is the norm come February... While I could provide my arguments for the best and worst dressed, I choose to focus on some on the more modest heroes of the Academy Awards: the costume designers. Bloggers, gossips and grocery check out magazines tend to focus on the big names that are up front and centre. Rather than spend more time arguing with the masses on who wore the best version of the body-con blush strapless, I chose to spend time learning and admiring the work of the costume designers. 

Ms. Furler rocks my sartorial world and piques my musical interest. Trying to make better sense of it, I tried to break it down. After a hard look inside I have gotten to the bottom of it. Below are the three reasons why she floats my boat.

I was not aware of this year’s apparent dress code: black. Many stars wore black on the carpet and performing. It was an overwhelming amount of black. Not just gents in their suits (a man in a black suit is always appropriate and well appreciated by yours truly). I was unsettled. Thus, I went searching for a comparison. I got thinking about showings in a particular city’s fall or spring fashion seasonal shows. After viewing hundreds of presentations, themes usually pop up and trends are often declared. Not just one, but multiple trends in any given season. However this was the Grammys. 

If ever there was a doubt about Jeremy Scott’s influence reaching the masses look no further than Sunday’s Superbowl XLIX. The Moschino Creative Director outfitted Katy Perry’s in both custom and runway outfits: the flame skirt and top, beach umbrella inspired two piece, over size “49” zip up jersey dress and the firework silver sparkler that she wore closing her performance.

This week I have the luxury of witnessing good friends get married in Mexico... As I prepared for the trip I found myself running to this store and that to pick up a few things. This was to supplement my existing arsenal of host destination travel gear and clothing. Apparently, I like to shop and support the Calgary economy it seems. It didn’t seem like much at the time but when I put it all out to pack the length of the tab started to sink in. 

Moving is big business and competitive. That’s why there are endless moving companies in the city and many make over the $150 per hour mark. Although I prefer to spend my time at stores in the mall and street level boutiques uselessly lusting after summer sandals in the bleak winter, I am spending a lot of time at one particular store: Home Depot.