Old Man drawings...

A sneak peek at my next story (work in progress) for Chictopia's publication Everybody Is Ugly. Can you guess what trend I'm writing about? A billion Old Man Points to the first correct guess.

Above: just ink on paper thus far

Old Man cured of scurvy

At long last! Today I FINALLY got to trot out my Stella McCartney colour-blocked citrus print skirt that I ordered eons ago (feels like; actually was about a month). I fell in love with the "original" version as soon as it floated down the runway--I loved it at full price, I loved it more at a discount. But as fate would have it, when it did show up on The Outnet a few months ago, I was too slow to pull the trigger and could only watch on with green eyes and a drooling snarl as Leandra and Krystal gallivanted about town in their citron-infused bounty. Thanks to the tip-off from Krystal Bick of This Time Tomorrow (who I featured in my "Blogger Trend Challenge: Luxe Sport" story for FLARE.com) however, I was able to snatch up the last one of these zesty beauties!

The pile of oatmeal I have for brains at 2am will not allow me to describe this skirt with any word other than magnificent, but so be it because that's exactly what it is. It goes with absolutely everything (billowy chiffon blouse, neon tee, denim button-down, chunky knit pullover, sleek blazer...you name it) and plus the slit allows for a playfully sexy flash of skin when you walk. Today, in lieu of the chilly-ish weather, I've paired it with a grey striped sweater (courtesy of my little brother's closet which, I've discovered, is the best thing I've stumbled upon since my dad's closet) and matching striped socks to go with my Preen x Aldo heels.

(Sweater, American Eagle via little bro's closet; skirt, Stella McCartney; bag, Proenza Schouler; shoes, Preen x Aldo)

 Images from The Outnet; doodles by Old Man

Finishing touch: tarnished gold coin brooch, vintage

It felt like the ensemble needed a bit of decorative shine around the neck, but I wasn't in the mood for a necklace. The gold coin brooch I picked up last year at St Lawrence market in Toronto did the trick!

Modus Operandus...

My order from Moda Operandi arrived today: signed copy of American Beauty by Claiborne Swanson Frank. Beautiful photographs featuring lauded American shakers and tastemakers such as Jenna Lyons, Lauren Santo Domingo and Taylor Tomasi Hill (the two latter ones' inclusion a coincidence? I think not!). Can't wait to sit down with a nice pot of Creamy Earl Grey and savour ever page of this wonderful book.

When Old Man met Mary

Last week, thanks to the lovely folks at The Bay, I had the absolute pleasure and honour of meeting one of my favourite emerging young designers, Mary Katrantzou. To label her emerging is a tad unfair, seeing as she already has several acclaimed seasons (including a BFW Emerging Talent award) under her belt and a hefty client list--including eccentric editrix Anna Dello Russo--to boast of.

(Left: photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Upon entering the bright space that is The Room at The Bay, we were greeted by the HB Pencil Dress

My dates to the event: bloggers Serina (L) & Susu (R) of Chic-du-Chic 

(Right: photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)

(Right: photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Mary was incredibly down to earth, sweet, and gracious, greeting her guests with a big smile and patiently posing for pictures with a long line of adoring fans. "Everyone in Vancouver is so positive!"

(Photos courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Some major fashion throwdown! 

An example of Mary Katrantzou's signature photo-realistic prints which have spawned a cult-like following

(Both photos courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Working hard or hardly working? Social media-ing, no doubt 

(Photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Susu (a.k.a. my sister, if you couldn't tell by the resemblance already) got compliments all night on her blazer. Said one gentleman (clad in Mary's floral-blocked blazer), "I love your jacket! Is it Celine?" We almost didn't have the heart to tell him it's from Zara!

(Left: photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Me with Monika of The Doctor's Closet (both wearing Zara--her dress here; my skirt here); Mana Mansour of West Coast Style interviewing Nicholas Mellamphy, director of The Room at The Bay

Spooning: something enjoyed by all

(Photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)

(Photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)

(Left: photo courtesy of Serina of Chic-du-Chic)
Susu's Balenciaga pumps ("they're hurting my feet!") on the escalator leaving the event

It was an amazing event and I'm so glad I was able to attend, especially since I was already such a fan of Mary's bright, manipulated prints and architectural silhouettes. Oof. Tired now from all this blogging and must go to bed. Good night!

Today: rummage rummage

The fruits of my antiques-diving labour today on a lovely sunny day, armed with high hopes and a bestie:

1. Big-ass key to open big-ass secret (magical) doors

2A. Dusty little magazine stand in need of a little TLC. I spot a DIY project...

2B. Two hours & a Lysol rubdown later: the primer a-dryin' and The Town a-playin'

Stay tuned! What colours/print should I do? A hefty twenty Old Man Points to the best suggestion.

FIRST POST...HURRAH!

For my inaugural post, I figured--what could be more suitable than a fashion illustration?--one of my firsts after a lengthy hiatus. Sort of a first for a first, I suppose. First!

I've been so hung up on hammering out the layout of my new blog and making it beautiful before posting anything. But tonight I decided just to pump something out and worry about that later. After all, if you leave it to an old man to build a website on his own before rolling out the content, you may never live to see the blog go live.

Here it is: watercolour, ink, and pencil crayon on paper. Can you guess who/what this was inspired by? Ten Old Man Points to he who makes the first correct guess.