Starting with hand-me-downs from an older cousin in the States (think a bright blue t-shirt affixed with fake blonde curly ribbon hair and real curlers—yeah, I was stylish), I have always loved clothes with a bit of history to them. Maybe I’m just wildly sentimental, but anything borrowed from Mom and Dad or with memories attached gets definite prominence in my wardrobe. As a first-year student at McGill, my rhinestone-kitty t-shirt and pineapple-splattered legging days are over, but I still love wearing clothes that carry a little baggage: thrifting is always an adventure (even if I get a little too ambitious with what I think I can fix) and “something borrowed” always applies.

I do love fashion but have never been very involved in it, so I am excited for this opportunity at WORN to discover new inspirations and ways to look at clothes!

Current Inspirations

Proenza Schouler (Pre-Fall 2010)
Though at first I didn’t really understand all the blog hype about the Pre-Fall line, “school-boy chic” has come to infiltrate my wardrobe and my mood (very studious lately), as the comfy sweaters and collared shirts are perfect for winter library trips.

Illustrations by Jonathan Bartlett
This menswear designer has inspired me recently with his bizarre and thematic illustrations. While not the main focus, fashion plays a major role in his images.

Nigel Evan Dennis
I love the design work of Nigel Evan Dennis. I first came across his personal site but soon fell in love with his commercial portfolio, filled with corporate and underground works for Lipton Tea through URB magazine.

The Selby
As I hunt for furniture and décor ideas (I am moving into my first apartment!) this site is a great space for inspiration. Todd Selby combines photographs and illustrations to exhibit creative people in their homes, from Christian Louboutin to virtually unknown artists and entrepreneurs.

The Girls from Myexcloset.com
Hayley Dineen and Cassie Cowie turned their love for fashion into a booming business venture by founding the fashion resale project Myexcloset. Their site reinvents thrift shopping for the younger set but caters to all ages, and the girls are too sweet for words!

My youth was spent in suburbia where I grappled for straight A’s and wrote sappy lyrics for music-less songs. Eventually I left the comfort of my parents’ house and my rock star dreams for Guelph, Ontario, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts and Science in English, Psychology and Political Science. Later I moved to Toronto and immediately took enjoyment in the vast and eclectic array of arts-related opportunities and events; there is a seemingly endless cascade of ideas. I spend a lot of my time poking around thrift, consignment, and rare goods shops. The social and cultural history behind anything from clothing to magazines to bathroom décor is incredibly intriguing. And trifling but true, the act of getting dressed is one of my dearest pastimes. With much delight, I now find myself at WORN as Director of Events where I can put some of this affection to work.

Current Inspirations

So Vintage Patterns
Essentially, this is a giant, well-organized catalogue of vintage patterns to tempt you, your wallet, and your sewing machine.

ill seen, ill said
This blog comes out of Toronto and is written by Jane Flanagan. It features posts on artists, designer collections, beautiful photography, and other such treats for the mind and eye.

weardrobe
This website showcases people wearing cool things, and then links to their blogs, Etsy stores, etc. It provides good visual fun for browsing, but is also a bank of other fashion resources.

FORA.tv
Yes, I am directing you to a television website. Here is the thing; FORA is a collection of videos featuring passionate people discussing their ideas. The ‘Culture’ section is my favourite.

Miranda July
One of my favourite multi-media artists and her website showcases all of the reasons why.

After graduating from Carleton University’s journalism program, I took some time to volunteer and travel in Southeast Asia. When I returned, I worked for just over a year at an Ottawa-based non-profit. This fall, I decided to move to Toronto and enrolled in Centennial College’s Book and Magazine Publishing Program, which is where I’m now happily spending my days. My fashion experimentations peaked at the age of eight when I would mix patterns and neons so obscene that my mum and sister would beg me to change my clothes before school every morning. I haven’t achieved such levels of greatness since, but am still an appreciator of anyone who takes fashion risks. I can tell that my time spent in the world of WORN will be filled with many new inspirations!

Current Inspirations

Copenhagen Cycle Chic
Pictures of people looking amazing while cycling through Copenhagen snow storms make me feel a little guilty about my winter hibernation tendencies.

Sally Jane Vintage
Lots of pretty vintage finds from this Pennsylvanian blogger. I’m always finding out about other blogs and sites through her links.

Luxirare
I’m grateful to my friend Jasmin for introducing me to this site. Killer clothes + fine cuisine = two of my favourite things in one place. The food posts make my jaw drop.

Lungfuls
I don’t know who creates this blog, but it’s always filled with beautiful photos, fashion spreads and videos.

Book by Its Cover
Ok, this one’s not exactly fashion related – but a good book can make a great accessory! I love the handmade ones on this site.

Seven years ago I found my way to Toronto after completing a fashion design program and eclectic array of university courses out west. I then studied merchandising, and have since worked doing everything from sewing to window display to waitressing to management. Really, though, my fashion education began in the very early eighties, when I skipped Kindergarten to go to work with my mom at her clothing store. I wiled away my fifth year crafting, reading and playing store DJ (that meant Culture Club on repeat). I guess it was good enough to get into grade one! My fashion inspirations come from many places - particularly old patterns, sewing and costume history books, and vintage album covers. I also like the thrill of the fashion hunt and making unloved garments happy again. When I first picked up Worn a few years ago, I was tickled to find such a smart fashion publication, and I’m excited to be here.

Recent Inspirations:

A Design Affair
Illustrator/Graphic Designer Sari Victoria’s inspirations, including many photos of New York window displays

Ysolda Original Patterns
Scottish Knitting designer Ysolda Teague makes me want to go to a stitch ‘n’ bitch in a cute Scottish Pub!

Design Sponge
Lifestyle driven, but I’m a sucker for “before and afters” as well as their Past and Present column

Vintage Sewing.info
Access to vintage sewing publications, Let’s make some gloves!

Lisa Solomon
Illustration, doily Drawings and rifle targets – interesting art subjects and mediums