MUSIC - LIBRARY VOICES

This 8 piece from Regina, Saskatchewan blends multiple synths with a little saxophone, accordion, tambourine and anything else that you may think of with multiple vocals to create their totally unique sound. Formed in 2008, they've been getting nothing but positive feedback on their work, even being called, the undiscovered band you need to hear now" by SPIN magazine.



I got to see these guys play at scenefest, and as amazing as their music is on the album, seeing it in person is a totally new experience. Their presence is unquestionable, and i have never heard a crowd clap along to the songs as loud as they did for these guys.
Definately worth checking out more than once.

-RR

RANTS AND RAMBLES - G20

We live in Toronto, Ontario Canada, and our lives for the last 2-3 days have been upside down because of the g20 summit. Downtown is a total right off, our transit system is completely disrupted and the city spent over 1 billon dollars for this whole mess. Not to mention they build a fake lake so that reporters can pretended to be at the g8 meeting which took place earlier in the week up north in Ontario; they were not allowed near the location. Why build a fake lake? Hello! We live in Ontario, where there are many lakes within a 30 minute drive from Toronto. Oh and then not even keep it around after, just destroy it. Disgusting waste of money.

Now my whole reason for this rant, is all the people over Facebook and Twitter calling out the Protestors for causing all of this. Realistically it is the FEA and the Black Bloc who are causing any vandalism or violence, which makes up for a fraction of the population who are actually there rallying and peacefully protesting. Here is a perfect example of a group of peaceful protestors. I'll let you be the judge of who was the violent group here.

Peaceful G20 protest at Queen & Spadina from Meghann Millard on Vimeo.

Elle S.

FASHION - FASHION FLICK: COCO CHANEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY

French designer Coco Chanel & Russian composer Igor Stravinsky had an affair in 1920, the same year the infamous Chanel No.5 perfume was released.

In 2002, author Chris Greenhalgh wrote a novel which chronicled the affair. The motion picture, which was first premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival was released yesterday in Toronto. The movie not only covers the affair, but demonstrates a great example of the luxurious life of Mademoiselle Chanel, filled with fashion and design.

The Chanel couture house was very involved in the process. They allowed the filmmakers to view Chanels apartment, go through archives, use several original garments and accessories, and creative director Karl Lagerfeld also designed an evening gown worn by Anna Mouglalis in the movie. Mouglalis is actually a former Chanel model.

The movie was filmed in French, English and Russian and is being played in Vancouver and Toronto's Yorkville.

MUSIC - good old canadian boys: Huron

Huron, a four piece out of Hamilton, Ontario began in early 2008. Their sound is a mix of classic rock, think the Beatles or Neil Young infused with a psychadelic Pink Floyd feel. The charisma seeping from these guys is unquestionable and their love of what they do is obvious.

HURON LIVE AT COLL AUDIO PART 1 from Mitch Fillion on Vimeo.

R.R

MUSIC - FROM THE NORTHWEST

BUCKLED UP MIX by dremorel

Andreas Morel aka Dre Morel is probably better known for his role on the Canadian reality show Peak Season, where cameras follow around young canadians and travelers staying in Whistler for the snowboarding season.


I know him as he BC native who comes up with the best house beats you'll even fucking hear. This is his latest electro mix, which I received in my inbox yesterday afternoon. Myself being a huge house junkie, I immediately fell in love with his choice in vocals and intense beats. I think he is one of the best Canadian DJs when it comes to song selection, just sayin'. Listen for yourself, and try to argue it.
e.s

STYLE ICON - MEET ALICE

Alice Dellal is a model, socialite and daughter of Brazilian model Andrea Della. Her edgy style, shaved head and collection of ink would never lead you to guess that she's graced covers of Vogue and walked down the runway for Valentino

Whether its out on the town, gracing covers, candid at events, or on the runway, this girl is always dressed to a T and looking marvelous. She definitively deserve the title of Style Icon.





Next Models

Elle xo

MUSIC - We are the take

This was one of my highlights during NXNE for sure. Theres more coming on NXNE within the next few days once i sort through my 900+ photos i took during the 4 days.

Meet We Are the Take, a 4 piece full of extremely talented kind hearted dudes. This photo set is from their NXNE showcase at the supermarket on the 18th. With a sort of cabaret style these guys dominate the stage with their sometimes jazz inspired always rocking sound.

http://www.myspace.com/wearethetakeband

I hope you enjoy them as much as i do
Rach

MUSIC - Bands you should know about: The Balconies

University takes everyone on an interesting pathway, most of the time it leads to a career and a house and kids, sometimes it leads to a killer rock and roll band, which in the case of the Balconies its the latter without a doubt. While at the university of Ottawa, Jacquie the bands energetic soulful front woman met Liam the bands drummer, after bringing Stephen, Jacquie's younger brother into the mix to complete the band with bass the band became something special thats getting more and more recognition everyday.


http://www.myspace.com/thebalconies


Their sound is infectious as hell and Jacquie's soulfulness make them something to watch for. If you live in Canada and haven't seen these guys tear up the stage you are definately missing out on something special.
What're you waiting for, hop on their myspace and find a show near you.
I promise you won't regret it.

your resident show fiend
Rach

FASHION - MY MILAN UP TO DATE

I've always had this love and passion for mens wear, although I am fully content with being a female and I love womans wear, menswears is playful, different and fun to style. I've been following Milan, and I've come up with a few of my disappointments, anticipations and surprises.

PRADA MENS S/S 2011

As excited as I was for Prada's collection to be revealed, when I watched and then later critiqued courtesy of Style.com, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would have been. Lots of navy, light blue and neutrals, which I'm always a fan of for the spring. Their suits, which to me are always done to a T were of course perfected, however some of their other pieces, like the baggy short, just didn't do it for me.

My Prada Favorites

The Full Collection

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN MENS S/S 2011

Seeing something I never thought possible actually happen was the most amazing feeling for me. After learning about McQueens death back in February 2010, I was left devastated and worried that my favorite designer/design house would be no more. I knew no one could work that runway like the late McQueen himself, but I also knew that his spirit and love of fashion was too strong to let die. And I was right, when Sarah Burton was appointed creative director for the Label. While going through the lookbook, I could feel the McQueen image, yet something new and exciting was happening before my eyes. I believe Style.com said it best:

"The truest reflection of the McQueen heritage was the sense of a story being told: Burtons interplay between aristo and working-glass rough was the lastest chapter in a book started nearly two decade ago."

And after reading their review, the collection had made that much more sense to me. All I know after seeing the pieces, is that I cannot wait until I find me a perfect man to display McQueens talent for me :) - and by that I mean a boyfriend who I can dress in McQueen daily.
My McQueen Favorites

McQueen Lookbook

MISSONI MENS S/S 2011
I do no have words for this collection what so ever. Missoni definitively perfected the cardigan, sweater vest and blazer this time around, and I am in love. I think this has to be my favorite mens collection for spring 2011. I fell in love with nearly everything they had to offer for their lookbook.

My Missoni Favorites

Missoni Lookbook

elle simone xox

FASHION - YSL's Women's Cruise 2011 Sneak Preview

Barely a sneak peak, but I'll take it. This 30 second clip has made me anticipate the runway show even more!


Here's some of their pieces from the collection, posted on their Official Facebook page.






I really wasn't pleased with the use of denim in the collection, I don' t know why but full out demin onesies don't sit well with me.
Check out the full albumCollection Femme Croisière 2011
elle xo

MUSIC - BANDS TO WATCH FOR

There must be something in the water out west cause the music coming from that coast has been amazing lately. To prove my point, here's some photos from monday night at the Horseshoes "shoeless monday" pre NXNE showcase.

We are the City is a three piece out of British Columbia that already has a few acheievments under their belts, they've toured across Canada twice and have won the Peak Performance Project which gave them $150,000 towards their musical endeavours. Their debut, "in a Quiet World" is creating buzz that is way more than quiet, 2010 is definately going to be a big year for them. They're unique sound and stage performance is something i would definately suggest seeing.

http://www.myspace.com/thecitiesmusic

The Zolas also out of the west coast describe themselves as a progressive piano rock band, and the description couldn't be more accurate. Their debut album, "Tic Toc Tic" fuses infectious indie pop with piano throwdowns and a semi oldschool cabaret feel. Keeping their audience captivated throughout they're mindblowing set, these guys are going to take this country by storm.

http://www.myspace.com/thezolas

-- RR

PHOTGRAPHY - TODAY'S INSPIRATION

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follow me xo

FASHION - THE FRESH PRINCESS OF L.A

The Smith family arrived at the L.A premier for "The Karate Kid" staring Jaden Smith all swaged out. The family not only looked great individually, but their choices of outfits (or should i say the choices made by their stylist) complimented each other well.

Now little miss Willow Smith, who's only 10, definitively stole the attention of everyone with her eccentric choice of wardrobe. Her stylist did a very good job at coordinating pieces that were funky and mature, while still embracing Willow's youth. Oh did I mention she shares stylist with miss fashionista herself Rihanna?

Check out more photo's of Willow Smith: