Category Archives: Entertainment

September 20, 2012 · 12:14

Post TIFF Excitement

Posted by: Stacey Maka

The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) just wrapped up and a lot of us Torontonians are starting to feel the withdrawal – I sure am. It was absolutely an amazing year.

I had a chance to talk with Melanie who designed the t-shirts for the Toronto International Film Festival. An amesome part of her reward was viewing movies of her choice throughout the eventful 10 days. I asked her a few questions about her time at TIFF and this is what she had to say.

What inspired your t-shirt design?

I wanted to evoke the film viewer experience with the facial expression of someone really absorbed in the moving work of art presented before their eyes. I also wanted to capture the cultural significance of the Toronto International Film Festival while injecting my whimsical style.

What were your most memorable experiences at TIFF?

It was awesome having my t-shirt graphic printed on Me To We Style materials since they are a socially-conscious company. As for the festival, having the opportunity to meet directors and cast members after film screenings and ask questions was really cool. Even though language was a bit of a barrier, I chatted briefly with the director and lead actress of stylish and raw Polish film, Baby Blues, who tell me there is great vintage shopping in Warsaw.

Of all the movies you watched, which ones did you enjoy the most? (Why?)

I watched a silent black and white film from Spain called Blancanieves. It was a take on the story of Snow White, set in 1920s Spain, with influences of flamenco dancing and bullfighting. Unique. Another I really loved was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This was one of the rare times I’ve actually read the book before watching the movie. Plus, author Stephen Chbosky directed it. Perhaps that enhanced my experience because I couldn’t contain myself and I ended up bawling my eyes out in the middle of the packed theatre!

Did you go star searching? Who were your favourite actors/actresses/directors to see on the red carpet?

Yes! In between screenings I looked to see the movie premieres that were taking place. I wasn’t able to score tickets to watch Looper, so I settled for getting a glimpse of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, and director Rian Johnson (who also directed The Brothers Bloom, which I love too) on the red carpet. Other favourites I saw were Kate Hudson, Greg Kinnear, and Zac Efron.

Did you notice any fashion trends happening during TIFF and if so what were they?

I noticed the presence of lace and floral embroidery (Kristen Stewart, Eva Mendes), sequin embellishments (Keira Knightley, Selena Gomez), full-length sleeves (Kate Hudson, Lily Collins), peplum (Naomi Watts, Emma Watson), and sheen (Joshua Jackson, Kevin Zegers).

What were some activities to do before or while waiting for your movie to start?

Besides “star-gazing”, there is also a variety of places to go for a drink or meal. The TIFF Bell Lightbox (TIFF headquarters) houses the O&B Canteen café and Luma restaurant. Food trucks were also stationed near certain theatres. There were promotional booths with freebies and contests (Bell, Orville Redenbacher, Veet). I, myself spent some time at the L’Oreal Beauty Lounge getting a complimentary manicure, along with a full-sized product give-away for signing up to their online newsletter. I may or may not have made more than just one visit;)

What made this special from going to a regular movie?

TIFF offers the opportunity to watch international and independent films that you probably wouldn’t see in your average movie theatre. There is so much talent that is not limited to just North America. And the chance to get up close and personal with these talented people makes it extra special.

Can you explain what typically happens at a TIFF event (from your own experience)?

I learned that lining up a half hour or more before your film is the best way to go in order to get a good seat. A lot of times, the director of the film does an introduction, especially if it’s a premiere screening. When it is over, there Is a Q&A session with the director and possibly cast members and writers. Sometimes they stay a little longer for anyone who wants to go up and say a few words or take photos with them.

My funniest memory at TIFF was…

Having people wanting to get photographed with me after finding out I designed the shirt they were wearing.

Any last words people curious about TIFF should know?

A lot of films that show at TIFF end up being huge successes when they are released for viewing by the general public. How great would it be to say that you called it first!

 

You can check out more of Melanie’s artwork from her fashion designs to graphic designs on her website at melaniesimon.tumblr.com.

 

Kristen Stewart image via huffingtonpost.com, Selena Gomez image via justjaredjr.com, Lily Collins image via justjared.com, Emma Watson image via andpop.com, and Kevin Zegers image via tumblr.com.

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July 23, 2012 · 15:05

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Ramona Flowers Inspired Makeup

Posted by: Stacey Maka

I just couldn’t wait for Halloween to do this look! And if you’re like me and like to think about your costume ahead of time (this way ahead!), then I hope this might help you with some ideas. This was actually my costume last year, but I just had to show it again because it was one of my favourite looks of all time. Even though most people thought I was just some anime character it was still so much fun to be Ramona and walk along side my Scott Pilgrim.

Even though Ramona Flowers is such a badass I kept the makeup quite cute and simple. I enhanced my eye shape to make them appear bigger and went with soft pinks for the lips and cheeks. Here’s how to recreate this easy look.

1. Ramona has quite fair skin so using a BB cream (Lioele Triple the Solution) in a shade lighter than your own skin tone, apply it to your face, 2. Next, prep your eyes with a primer (Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion), 3. Mattify your face with pressed powder (Maybelline Dream Matte Powder), 4. Fill in your brows (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Ash).

5. Taking a beige shimmer eyeshadow colour (Kat Von D in Enjoy the Silence), 6. Apply it to your entire lid, 7. As well as your brow bone for a little more shine.

8. Now taking a shimmer bronze brown colour (Kat Von D in Pray for Me), 9. Apply it to your crease, 10. You may want to blend it in a bit.

11. Taking a white eyeliner pencil (from Sephora), you want to start lining your eyes, 12. I exaggerated them a bit to make my eyes appear slightly bigger.

13. Begin by winging out with liquid liner (Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner), 14 & 15. From underneath the white eyeliner, start connecting the lines together. We are trying to create a bigger and more cartoon eye just like Ramona’s eyes.  16. And thicken the line a bit to make your eyes stand out.

17. With a medium brown eyeshadow, 18. Apply the colour into your crease, 19 & 20. Get ready to apply some dramatic eyelashes and your teal wig (from ebay)!

Ramona has short hair but I chose to keep the wig long for my own spin.

21. Using a bronzer (The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer), 22. You want to create a narrower and smaller looking nose, 23. And with a pink blush (The Balm Down Boy), 24. Apply to the apples of your cheeks.

25 & 26. Finish your lips off with a cute milky pink colour (Melliesh in 05), 27. Apply mascara to your bottom lashes.

For wardrobe, I’m wearing a blue hoodie from American Apparel, a black choker I had laying around, Geo Honey Wing circle lenses, and some goggles I purchased from ebay.

I hope you enjoyed this easy Ramona Flowers look!

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May 24, 2012 · 12:00

Hair: The Modern Disney Princess

Posted by: Stacey Maka

No one really ever outgrows Disney films, especially the classics. From Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty- these fairytales made our childhood a promising and dreamy experience. We grew up wanting to be these lovely princesses. At some point in our life, we have dressed up as a Disney princess for Halloween (I guess the slutty costumes at clubs count too?!). Now that we are older, we can’t dress up in princess costumes and walk the streets without getting some strange stares. So why not take a subtle route and let our inner princess desires show in our hair and accessories instead? I can show you the world how to mirror your favourite Disney princesses in the modern everyday world.

Belle

Belle was the first princess to show us girls, that being smart was more important than being just a pretty face. Bring out the beautiful bookworm in you with this look.

Step 1: Start with your hair parted down the middle. Step 2: Using a tail-comb or your fingers, divide your hair into two parts from the top of your head to slightly behind your ear on both sides of your head. Step 3: With the front section, twist away from your face and repeat on other side. Step 4: Secure with a hair tie.

Step 5: From ear to ear, create another section and secure the ponytail with a hair tie. Step 6: Twist and swing around the ponytail to create a bun (you can decide how high you want the bun to be). Step 7: Collect and sweep your hair to one side. Step 8: You might want to fluff around with the sides a bit to loosen the twists just like Belle has hers.

You might also want to finish off with wax on your bangs to hold down any fly-away hairs.

Princess Jasmine

Jasmine was the princess that believed in only marrying for true love. Capture your own true love with this look.

Step 1: Again part your hair down the middle. Step 2: Just like with Belle, divide the sides into two parts and repeat on other side. Step 3: Again, twist the front piece away from your face. Step 4: Repeat on other side, let both sides meet at the back, and secure with a hair tie.

Step 5: Create a side ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Step 6: Jasmine is known for her ponytail within another ponytail so recreate that. Step 7: And tie up the second pony. Step 8: Make a fluffing adjustment and you’re almost about ready.

Step 9: This is optional but in the book of Disney, quite mandatory, to add a nice gold accessory into your hair (it’s trendy these days to have hair jewellery [ex. 1, 2, and 3] so have no fear!). Step 10: You can tie it down with some bobby pins so it doesn’t move around too much.

Ariel

Ariel is the most rebellious of all the Disney princesses. She let her curiosity roam as she entered into the unfamiliar. With this look, you too can show off your mischievous side.

Step 1: Start with a deep side parting this time (looks like that because I have an odd cowlick). Step 2: Section your hair off and starting from the bottom section. Using a round brush, smooth out and create volume to your hair. If you’re not use to blow drying with a round brush it will take a few tries to get this right, but keep at it and you’ll master it. Step 3: When you blow out the ends, keep it curled around the brush. Step 4: The results should look similar to this.

Step 5: If you can’t use the blow drying technique or want something simpler, don’t be afraid to use velcro rollers instead. Step 6: For extra volume and bounce, back-comb where you need it the most.

None of us have gorgeous fire engine red hair naturally like Ariel (unless you get it coloured) so go ahead and play around with fun, “under the sea”, related hair accessories to finish off your look.

Snow White

Snow White was all about innocence, elegance, kindness and true love’s kiss. With this look, you will be the fairest of them all.

Step 1: Start with a middle parting. Step 2: Section your hair starting from the bottom. Grab a small section, loop and twist it around your index and middle fingers. Step 3: Secure it down with bobby pins. Step 4: Repeat step 2 for the rest of the bottom section.

Step 5: For the middle section you’re going to do the same thing as in step 2 but instead this time leave a bit of hair to hang loose. Step 6: Repeat for the entire middle section. Yeah it looks kind of crazy but the top section will cover it up. Step 7: With the top section of your hair, using your hot tool of choice, curl the ends a bit to blend it all in. Step 8: Tease your crown area for extra volume.

This look is not complete without the classic red bow Snow White wears.

Pocahontas 

Pocahontas showed us that even with all of the world’s different cultures, we are equals, and that we can all co-exist as one to create peace. Let your free spirited soul shine through with this look.

Step 1: Section off your hair starting from the bottom and straighten away (this is 2012, I’m pretty sure by now everyone knows how to do this). Step 2: Once you’ve completed your entire head, tousle your hair for that natural finish.

You now can bring the looks of your favourite Disney Princesses into your everyday look! I know I missed out on other classic favourite princesses (maybe for a future post?) but hopefully this still brought as much joy as it did for me. Growing up doesn’t have to be all serious. Sometimes we need to take a step back, celebrate, and be playful with life. So go ahead and pop in one of those Disney classics into your DVD (or VHS) player, and let the wonderful world of Disney enchant your young heart once more.

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May 16, 2012 · 12:00

An App For Every APPorunity

Posted by: Stacey Maka

That title is courtesy of my cheesy brilliant sister. I recently entered the world of Android, and like with any new phone relationship, we have been attached to the hip since day one. Being that I was a Blackberry user for the last 3 years, I never had a wide range of fun apps and games. My Samsung Galaxy S II is keeping my fingers and eyes occupied in search for the next great app. It’s hilarious what you can find when you type in any random word, and trust me I would certainly know from this experience. From the enjoyable to the just plain weird, here are my findings while exploring the Google Play Store.

Poop Diary

The name is pretty much self-explanatory. You record when you went to the toilet, your turd’s colour, shape, and consistency (did you throw up a bit in your mouth yet?). When an app like this pops up you know Asians were behind this crazy operation. I can’t really pin point the obsession and fascination Asians have with poo, but all I know it is glorified as something healthy and oddly cute. If you go to any Asian store you will find “poo” in various forms such as hanging off keychain charms, hand knit plush dolls, and you can even find them shaped into pillows with a face happily smiling back at you. But we’re not here to judge about this one. Maybe people just like having this record in case they need a reminder.

Nose Dose

This is the most messed up app I have found so far. I don’t really see the entertainment in an app like this. For obvious reasons, I did not purchase nor would I ever purchase such an app that promotes drugs as a fun game to share with friends. And what type of moron actually buys the Nose Dose app for $1.95 (yea it is a lot cheaper than the real thing but that’s not the point!!). Things like this that sends out bad messages…super thumbs down.

DECOPIC

This brought back memories of my trip to Tokyo so I was very happy to discover this app. In Japan, purikura (the short form of Purinto Kurabu or in English, Print Club) is very popular among young people. In these photo booth machines you are given the choice of adding fun and girly filters, stamps, super cute (or as they say in Japanese, cho kawaii!) characters, as well, you have the choice of adding in your own text or handwriting with tons of vibrant colours to choose from. You basically have full control of how your image will turn out. You end up with multiple photo stickers for friends to share and stick into notebooks, cellphones (keitai), etc.  If you can’t go to Japan, bring Japan to you!

HauntedFace

I have seen the ZombieBooth many times but never have I seen HauntedFace before. I know, I’m definitely behind on this one but it’s still sinking in for me. I’m terrified of ghosts but this one sets my fears aside a bit since I can take a picture of anyone I know, see their haunted alter-ego and having a good laugh at what is generated. I’m relieved to say I’m not a scary-looking ghost at all!

 Animating Touch

If you have time to kill this app sure frees you of any boredom. Let your creative side run wild and have fun animating little mannequin and stick figure characters into any motion you want. With the paid options there are a lot more to choose from such as creating your own characters or adding more items into your scene, but using the app free is still pretty entertaining even with the limitations.

Sumooru Kyara Kame

Is your flask looking a bit dull? Why not make it interesting by adding some eyes to it! Yes this is another wacky yet extremely amusing Japanese app. You think it’s a little silly at first but then you find yourself constantly trying to look for objects around you to add some funny cartoon eyes onto. There is quite the range of eyes to choose from – flirty, batting eyelashes to ecstatic happy eyes. I also like that you are able to show off your images on facebook or twitter. There is no English option for this app but I’m sure if you play around with it you can figure it out on your own.

Psychological Test

Yet another app to cure your boredom on the bus and train ride home, waiting in the dentist office, or just those plain lazy laundry days. There’s always something very enjoyable about psychological tests because they do make you think twice about your decisions and the paths you take. In this app, there are multiple tests to choose from, such as discovering your personality traits based on your favourite animal. The one I like the most is, “A walk in the woods”, which gives you certain situations and with your chosen actions describes the inner meaning. This app is in Korean but there is the option of changing the language into English.

I love discovering new apps so if you have any to share please feel free to leave a comment. Happy APPing!

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April 30, 2012 · 19:29

Films That Didn’t Need a Remake

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Why can’t Hollywood just leave perfectly good movies in their original state? Not only do they butcher already wonderful films but scar what love we had for the originals. The way I see it, there are the two types of remakes. 1: The directors attempt to improve the film. Though the success rates aren’t high, there are the rare ones that are even better such as Let Me In (originally from Sweden: Låt den rätte komma). And 2: The typical Americanized version. This can mean anywhere from being more provocative, unnecessary extended scenes, to dreadful acting (or simply just don’t live up to the original cast).

These are 5 films that shouldn’t have touched the goods:

The Experiment (Das Experiment)

I admit, I watched the remake for about 30 minutes before I started to skim through it. It’s just another American remake trying to make an impact by exaggerating the story and characters when it was perfectly fine to begin with. Why do these people forget a little goes along way? In my opinion the original was a lot more raw in action and emotion than the remake. It was almost too polished that it lost its authenticity. I do give a thumbs up to Adrian Brody’s outstanding performance though. I will probably get hate for this but I did like his performance better than the original actor (Moritz Bleibtreu). Either way the German Das Experiment is still a lot better and worth the watch.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)

The time when I first heard Tim Burton was doing a remake on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory I thought the movie was going to turn out amazing. But once the movie posters for the film were released I was kind of disappointed, mostly the way the oompa loompas looked.  Something looked a little too familiar…

Though the visuals were amazing it still didn’t live up to the original. It was probably not even Burton’s intentions to do so, but just to play around with a classic and bring some joy to a new generation. It wasn’t completely horrible but I wasn’t too fond of this version and especially the ending (I’ll leave it at that in case you still haven’t even seen it). I don’t think it’s a bad idea to watch both but like they say do watch the original first before the remake.

My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo)

Americans are well-known for butchering a lot of Asian horror films and romantic comedies are no exception. I was surprised how much or if not all of the exact same script was used for the American version. Asian humour is a lot different than American humour so certain jokes that are translated into English just don’t make sense or have the same effect than in its original language. Watching My Sassy Girl in English is super awkward. So awkward that to Americans this movie can appear extremely cheesy but to Asians this is a typical romantic comedy. It is also difficult being convinced by new actors that they can emulate the original characters (this being said from a girl who has watched the Korean version over 5 times). Don’t even watch this remake. Deal with the subtitles (reading is good for you anyways) and watch only the Korean version.

Psycho

First off, who dares touch an Alfred Hitchcock film? I do love his films even though I wasn’t even around at the time when they first came out. I actually watched the remake first with my parents in theatres and didn’t really have an opinion of the film. My dad argued the original still being much better so I decided to watch it and couldn’t agree more.  The original was just so beautifully done (yes, a beautiful horror film!) and all the scenes were set in such an astonishing and imaginative way, while the remake was just plain vulgar. After seeing both makes, the original Psycho has absolutely no competition. This remake just proves that you should never mess with a classic ever.

Death at a Funeral

It was basically the same movie but with an obnoxious cast. I personally don’t think this remake was THAT bad but was very unnecessary. The UK original was released in 2007 while the American version was released in 2010 so I can’t understand why a remake was needed that soon for a film that wasn’t even close to being outdated. I can see how American youth would enjoy this film for it has your typical black comedy and a hot naked James Marsden (it’s a known fact young people like things dirtier), but for the more mature crowd or the ones who already love the original this version will not do. The original just had the right amount of wittiness while the remake tried too hard to overtake the British one without succeeding.

 

The Experiment/Das Experiment images via listal.com & subtitledonline.com, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory images via lonelyreviewer.com & collider.com, oompa loompas/Britney Spears images via mediocremama.com, My Sassy Girl images via listal.com & wolvesinwinter.wordpress.com, Psycho images via vvaughn.com , hitchcock.tv, Death at a Funeral images via jaredmobarak.com.

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April 24, 2012 · 11:13

Things No One Tells You About Growing Up

Posted by: Stacey Maka

In school we learn how to multiply, about Christopher Columbus’ discoveries, how the periodic table works, how to make a gargoyle with paper mache, etc. But we were rarely taught about real life situations or about what to expect once you enter into adulthood. These are just some of my observations and realizations so far that I never heard as a student.

Boy Band Boys Don’t Exist

It’s hard not to be charmed by a guy who serenades you with lyrics like “I’ll never break your heart, I’ll never make you cry” (-Backstreet Boys). In my 90s generation, boy bands such as *Nsync and 98 Degrees were our untouchable boyfriends and practically our rated PG-13 escorts. They told us what we wanted to hear to made us feel good, sometimes gave us a little shirtless show, then afterwards took our money, emotions, and ran. I now like the whole concept of boy bands being THE ultimate dream boys in our lives as young girls (or guys). They did help us get a head start into finding what we liked but at the same time left us all confused once we got out into the real world of dating. The “perfect” guy with all the right things to say doesn’t naturally exist (known as “smooth talkers” but every smart girl knows to not be fooled). But the right guy for you doesn’t have to say swavey things to impress and steal your heart away. Actions do speak louder than words. So a warning to the new generation out there and with the return of the boy bands such as One Direction; don’t be fooled by their swanky lyrics and cuteness for they’re just like every other young boy out there, naive hormonal crazed beasts!

Save! Save! SAVE!

Anything is possible: You move out, pay for college/university, start your own business, buy a car, buy a house, get married, or start a family. Even though you’re not even close to any of those it doesn’t hurt to just save any money you make now. I think not saving earlier is one of our biggest regrets. It’s fine to spurge and reward yourself once in awhile with more of your wants than needs, but always remember to put away that money too. We don’t think it’s important when we’re younger to save much because when we get our first job we’re excited about just even having our own money and being able to buy anything without parental permission that we often take it far and forget to save. If only they kept reinforcing this into our heads growing up, it could have changed a lot of lives. Saving accounts can be quite amazing. If you just leave it alone and let your money grow, then next time you check up on it you’re in for a treat.

Your Social Life And Status Isn’t Everything

“Blame the media” is a cliché but movies and television do put these ideas in our heads of what we should look like, be like, and have in our lives. We all have tried it at some point as a teen to fit in with a clique we thought was cool. And if you passed all tests and got accepted as one of them sometimes it was hard to decide if you really wanted to stay or leave. There were those who just continued to be what they’re supposed to be even if they weren’t happy, but there were also those who broke away and stuck to their gut with being their unique selves. You may lose friends but if they can’t accept you for who you really are then they weren’t truly your friends to begin with. The clique we belonged to was so important and continues to be for teenagers till this day. But even if you were one of the popular kids in high school it was all forgotten once you graduated. In the working world no one cares about who you were back then, who your friends were, how you dressed or what music you listened to. Growing out of that confusing time made us realize that being popular wasn’t the world.  It is what we make of ourselves that counts. If I could go back in time and talk to 16 year old me I would tell her to stop worrying about not fitting in…and do your homework.

Being In Your 20s Are The Most Difficult Times

Having a quarter-life crisis is the new mid-life crisis. Being in your 20s is that awkward puberty stage all over again but without the training bras and discovering hair growing in places they never did before. It’s all about finding your place in life. You’re not a kid anymore, but you’re not a full grown adult either so with that being said you still make a ton of stupid *** decisions. You’re still figuring out who you are, who your friends are, where your relationship is going, and questioning if what you’re doing now is the right career decision for you or if you need to go back to school again. And you do all of this aggressive thinking while working at a crappy job that pays peanuts. Overall it’s just a horrible time as a young adult. And it’s hard to not be discouraged when you see someone around your age find their luck and fortune in a career they enjoy. Don’t feel as if you’re the only one out there who hasn’t figured it out and got it all together because those lucky ones who do are rare (and if they didn’t have rich parents to support them then they worked hard and earned it so you can too!).  We definitely have those days where everything seems impossible, but the best thing you can do is use those successful people for inspiration and keep a positive outlook that things will turn out, because they will if you believe they will.

 

*Nsync image via sodahead.com, Abraham Lincoln bill image via freemoneyformulax.com, Clueless image via merigoesround.com, and 13 Going On 30 image via filmfresh.com.

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April 2, 2012 · 16:29

Svpply me with what I WAnt, NEed and LOve

Posted by: Hana Gabrielle

How convenient is it being able to buy a pair of denim jeans that are only physically sold in Japan or being able to avoid the line up and overly anxious customers at your favourite local store all by way of the Internet shopping trend.

I will make it known that I have recently found an obsession over this new way of shopping. I come from a family where females are the majority in the household. So, it comes as no surprise that I am surrounded by shop-a-holics (if you knew my sisters, you would understand). Poor daddy, had to deal with once an overflow of shopping bags lying around in the house to now an overflow of shipment boxes and excessive doorbell rings from the Purolator guy.

Independent shopping sites are extremely convenient. Yes, if you’re looking for something specific from a specific type of online store. But what would top that convenience and also add a little visual stimulus and social media connection is having online “superstores” which sell or link to other shopping sites through one site.  It’s similar to an infamous “Wal-Mart”, except that it’s online, it has higher end suppliers or brands, and of course, a different clientele. Wait, just scrap the “Wal-Mart” analogy, you know what I’m getting at.

As an avid shopper with a keen eye for style, I don’t mind spending “x” amount of hours in a day hunting, stumbling and finding new things. Two of my most favourite sites that act like one big continuous shopping channel but also have a touch of a social aspect to them are www.svpply.com and www.wanelo.com.  (These sites should have a disclaimer warning other shopaholics and fashionistas it may foster increased spontaneous spending habits).

Svpply.com

Svpply, is a site where people discover the products the love by communicating with members and their postings. Every one of their 1.1 Million products on their site are by efforts of the members sharing and posting their finds over the web.

For instance both men and women will be exposed to an array of higher end clothing and online clothing shops such as http://www.lagarconne.com, http://www.norestore.com and http://www.endclothing.com. Also, they’ll soon discover new media types such as BULLET Magazine, an art and fashion quarterly from sites like http://www.needsupply.com.

Wanelo.com 

Wanelo, pronounced “wah-nee-lo” comes from “WAnt, NEed, LOve” (How creative is that? ) Started by Deena Varshavakaya, it is a social store curated by the community where they share, post, organize and follow products they like. You’ll find things and link to other online shopping sites you never even knew existed.

For instance, you’ll stumble on obscure things like this type of coffee mug from http://www.thinkgeek.com or this unique chandelier from http://www.potterybarn.com and even this native inspired hipster backpack from http://www.tillys.com.

Mind you, these channels I find are for those who like to spend their time searching for the rarest things. It’s for the shopper and style feen who would normally spend their time at Marshalls, Winners or Value Village hunting through the racks, browsing hanger by hanger until something strikes them. And I’m that type. I patiently find reasons to spend a buck. Ha!

You’ll find that both these sites are somewhat similar but they offer qualifiable differences. At the end of it all, they both serve their purposes. They socially, creatively and in fact brilliantly lure us into a spending frenzy. No one ever said that was a bad thing.

Maybe, only Dad.

 

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