Since its very humble beginnings in 1852 as a Teachers College, Ryerson University has evolved from a single concept discipline into an ever-expanding campus. Due to the diversity of programs and degrees currently being offered to its 100,000 plus students, one could refer to it as “The Heart of Toronto”. The fact that attending students are drawn from across Canada as well as from around the world adds to the phenomenal recognition it continues to build upon as a world-class institution. 

From its transition into a recognized Poly-Technical Institution in 1948 to a full-fledged University in 1993 Ryerson has evolved with the times. “Mind and Skill” has been their motto and it continues to inspire their cutting edge approach to offering the best education in a multitude of disciplines. 

Among the many distinguished Faculties at Ryerson is the School of Fashion. Established in the late 1940’s, it continues to garner  international attention with its guiding principles of heritage, diversity and innovation. Alumni from the fashion design program are now scattered across the globe. 

Since the late forties, the final year students have come together to participate in a fashion show that shines a light on their diverse and well-crafted visions. Rebranded 25 years ago as “Mass Exodus” as a way of integrating the talents of the students in the Schools of Fashion, Theatre and Radio and Television Arts it has become the largest student-run fashion event in North America. The focus has remained on the runway creations created by up and coming designers now equipped and eager to begin their careers. The production value of the show was of a standard any international designer would have been proud to be apart of. This also opens the door to the various possibilities of the technical support from the affiliated faculties and departments. 

Hosted for the first time at the newly renovated Maple Leaf Gardens (yet another Toronto landmark and recently acquired addition to the Ryerson Campus) it was attended by a near sold out crowd. The newly named  “Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens” was an added touch that made Mass Exodus’s 25^th year anniversary a true spectacle. 

The second floor (now regularly housing basketball courts) was transformed into an exhibition hosted by a variety of students who are graduating from the four-year program in Fashion Communication. A variety of topics was explored and presented in a thought-provoking manner. Each student was given their own designated area to construct and express their point of view. Integrating their areas of interest with the acquired skills and technology gathered from this program it was evident their futures hold much promise. 

The third floor (now regularly housing a hockey rink) was meticulously transformed into a fashion show venue that included four huge overhead screens directly above the square shaped runway. Approximately 100 graduating students showcased their designs during a daytime presentation attended primarily by friends and family. The evening presentation featured twenty students and was attended by industry insiders, sponsors, media and the general public. 

This year was a departure from a theme-based event that enabled the students to design collections based on their own inspirations, passions and visions. “The Prism” was a token nod to formulating a concept vague enough to allow the students to follow their hearts rather than attempt to fit into a designated theme. It was also an excellent strategy for Ryerson to showcase the diversity of its various disciplines. It was the coming together of the various skill sets that truly made Mass Exodus an excellently crafted and cohesive event. 

Each up and coming designer was introduced prior to showing their creations via video presented on the huge overhanging screens. Each gave their own unique slant on why they are pursuing careers in fashion design and what inspired them to create the looks about to be presented. It was a brilliant way to introduce and highlight their unique perspectives as well as draw focus to their diverse areas of interest and talents. 

Fabrication, design, creativity or simply a commercial alternative to the trends flooding the current marketplace were various elements highlighted by the twenty selected as the crème de la crème of the graduating class. 

Categories ranged from women’s apparel (lingerie, sportswear, evening wear), men’s wear (sportswear, casual, suiting) to fantasy. Some even opted to showcase pieces designed for both sexes. The intent was to showcase the current philosophy of each designer as they begin to hone and define their brand identities and build upon their commercial appeal. 

Regardless of the designer, the pieces were meticulously constructed and complimented with their own choices in models, hair, makeup and accessories. The event was also live streamed around the world to various affiliated universities, colleges and other followers of the Ryerson University. 

What a shame a Canadian television network did not seize this opportunity to telecast “Mass Exodus”. Considering the twenty showcased came from various parts of the country it would have  been an ideal way to celebrate our homegrown talent while acknowledging the rich diversity of our nation. 

Here are the twenty participants in this years’ “Mass Exodus” along with their design sensibilities: 

Renz Jayson Araja – Women’s eveningwear that features updated classic silhouettes.

Mikaela Skoretz- Women’s wear designed with a focus on textures and knits.

Michelle Nguyen- Her Ming label emphasizes details and construction in men’s wear.

Anastasiya Kuyevda – Women’s sportswear inspired from the great outdoors.

Yu Sun Kang- Her Nusuy label celebrates the playful nature of women’s wear inspired by her love for Peter Pan.

Corinne Furniss- Her Sea Collection is a unique yet creative take on oversized purses and bags primarily made from leather.

Michons Marigot- Emphasizes her passion for fabrication and her unique approach to women’s wear.

Shannon Nielson- Ethereal is her label that focuses on exquisite women’s lingerie.

Leah Alocilja- Her women’s multi-layered pieces fuse chiffon with leather in a very wearable and uncomplicated manner.

Ryan Joelson- His Fay label transforms women’s eveningwear into fantasy creations.

Michelle Im- Experiments beautifully with hand painted silk day dresses for her Mim label.

Angelica Colucci- Creates her own take on the global influence with her men’s wear collection.

Mani Jassal- Reinterprets classic East Indian women’s wear into a modern and refined mode of dressing.

Jennifer Scholten- Celebrates her passion for knitwear with a unique and well-crafted twist.

Nicole Galbraith- Launched her Nicole Anne label of west coast inspired women’s wear.

Jessica M. Lau- Her JML label celebrates the sensuality and allure of lingerie.

Andrea Lung- Creates a men’s and women’s athletic line that combines function and colour into very unique but wearable pieces.

Vivian Lin-Transforms mid-century silhouettes and transforms them into her own vision of modern day dressing.

Vincent Huynh-Takes a post-apocalyptic yet inspirational approach to men’s wear designs that has a unique edge and appeal.

Meagan Johnston- Interprets her passion for African nuances in her asymmetrical and flowing women’s wear pieces. 

This showcase will be a wonderful memory for all those who contributed and to those that also had the privilege of witnessing it. One can only look forward to more from each one of those that participated. How wonderful it was to see them all strut out at the end of the presentation to a standing ovation that rang through the venue. “The End is only the Beginning” was the catchphrase used to signify this talented collective was indeed ready to embark on their promising careers in the world of Fashion. 

Congratulations and best wishes to all of those that participated in Mass Exodus 25! The Fashion Industry, like many other professional endeavors, is riddled with many hills and valleys along the road to success. Kudos to Ryerson University for equipping their students with the cutting edge disciplines that will serve as a reliable resource for each one of them to build upon as they continue to transform their creative thoughts into reality.

Despite Mother Nature's reluctance to launch spring, fashionably speaking there are now plenty of options for at least looking the part. Retailers are now eagerly awaiting your patronage in selecting from the key looks that best suit your needs. And there are plenty of options to choose from.

This season it basically comes down to reflecting the person you truly want to be perceived as. Fear not, there is no need for deep introspection or psychoanalysis. By thoughtfully selecting the best key pieces and color options while keeping your own natural attributes, lifestyle and personality in mind your individuality and sense of style will naturally shine through. After all, this season's fundamental message is about rebirth and growth. Cheers to a season where you too can literally bloom and grow. Welcome to Spring 2013!

Your colour options range from chalky (read pastel) to vibrant shades. Various shades of red, yellow and blue figure prominently and can be teamed up or worn separately. For maximum results, keep the intensity of each colour in the same category. Utilize white, black, brown (especially camel) or navy to tone your looks down and amp up an understated edge of sophistication.

Introducing patterns and prints into your wardrobe is yet another way to add some punch to your look. Head to toe looks tend to be more playful and whimsical. A floral or sixties inspired printed top with your favorite jeans, chinos or walking shorts can suffice in creating a look that is on trend, tasteful and in keeping with wearing pieces that you wear as opposed to them wearing you. This concept can work wonders when reversed as well! Opt for flashy bottoms and solid coloured tops and PRESTO you have created a look that still works with your own comfort zone but creates a fresh approach to dressing for this season. Remember, you want your looks to represent or at least give an indication as to who you are. There are times we want to appear mysterious and there are those times we want to go for broke. This season allows us to run the gamut by playing with the wide range of colour options simply by experimenting with solids and prints and how we chose to team them up.

The typical trends (retro, sporty, romantic, androgynous and arty) now all have blurred and even overlapping boundary lines. Typecasting looks is becoming a thing of the past. Most designers have opted to explore the human condition thru modern day technology rather than attempting to make us a victim to it. Retro looks, for example, appear fresh and modern due to the influence of technology (both in construction and fabrication) that emphasize a certain demeanor rather than yet another weary trip down memory lane. Various prints  have been tweaked by digitally toying with their imagery to make retro looks more forward than simply nostalgic. Textiles have also been toyed with to create a new slant on tried and true looks that are a far cry from vintage hand-me-downs. This especially holds true in all fibers: from man made to natural.

Globally we are becoming more and more concerned about our future rather than our past and fashion is more in sync with this perspective than ever before. Old stereotypes are falling by the wayside as a result. Hence, trends may be a foundation merely to build upon as our desire to celebrate our differences rather than question them becomes more and more socially acceptable. There's also a healthy dose of humor tossed into this perspective which the warmer seasons tends to embrace more readily.

"Global fusion" in fashion takes various ethnic attributes from around the world and creates looks that manage to blend distinct styling attributes harmoniously making them appear less "costumey". Eastern and western influences now have morphed into wearable ensembles that are more and more difficult to pin point their origins. Designers once tapped into eastern influences in their efforts to create a larger demand in those countries for their labels. Ten years later, designers are now cleverly creating looks that appeal to a broader global market in their efforts to survive these turbulent and fiercely competitive times. One could look at fashion this season as yet another industry trying to strengthen its profitability by being more innovative and also, dare I say...practical.

There's also a "No Fuss" approach to dressing this season that taps into this mindset. A solid coloured polo shirt teamed up with a new looser fitting cuffed trouser could be an ensemble that will carry you thru the season in true ease. Add a pair of canvas shoes or sneakers in a patterned or solid colour and you have a great head to toe look that despite its simplicity still packs a punch. Untucked long sleeved shirts rolled up the arms to a flattering length can also create a look that keeps you from falling into fashion victim territory and again adds to your own sense of wearing what best suits you. These looks may appear simple but it's the cut and fabrication that really drives this "less is more" approach to dressing home.

Regardless of what style you chose to follow or dabble with, remember the over all message this season is about the end result of not just looking great but feeling great too. Spring maybe a little late this year but why wait to lift your spirits? Get into Spring and begin to feel and look blooming wonderful. Now might be a great time for Mother Nature to also . . "Jump start Spring"!

In the 1953 classic, “How to Marry a Millionaire” Marilyn Monroe’s character refused to wear her glasses in public, causing much hilarity and adding credibility to the somewhat convoluted storyline. Her reason being “men don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses” was at the time, a strongly accepted social convention. Who could ever forget her brilliant comedic timing and the way she added so much depth of character to an otherwise shallow role? And those “Cat Eye” frames she wore, by the way, caused a global sensation. 

Sixty years later, six out of ten of us in the developed world use some form of corrective lenses and are certainly not shy about flaunting the fact we do. Over 15 Billion dollars a year is spent in this milieu in the United States alone. It has become a fiercely competitive and controversial industry. 

CBS’s “Sixty Minutes” featuring Lesley Stahl did some serious investigative reporting on this particular subject matter in 2012. The Luxottica Group based in Milan Italy, who have been accused of trying to monopolize the industry and the main reason why eyewear has jumped ten fold in less than a decade, were vague and/or dismissive of the accusations raised. Their president was quick to point the finger at supply and demand and what the general public is willing to pay. And unfortunately, there is some credence to his passing the blame onto the consumer. 

In the province of Ontario where I live, for example, eye exams are free once every two years for minors and seniors only. The rest of us are looking at about $100. Frames can range from $50 to over $2,000 a pair, depending on quality, brand and materials used. Lenses then also add to the cost and vary in pricing due to quality, strength and requirements. Bi-focal lenses can be a much-needed yet incredibly expensive necessity. Adding to that… some may want to update their old frames with new lenses adding to the fashion diversity eyewear has evolved into. And then there are sunglasses to consider… 

So every two years, pending the degenerative nature of your eyes, one could easily shell out a couple of thousand dollars on vision enhancement that due to it’s necessity has become quite a racket. 

Now what makes this all plausible and somewhat underhanded is the fact many working people have employee benefits that cover these expenses and are quickly reimbursed by their company's plan. So why should they care? And that is exactly how the eyewear industry has become a multibillion-dollar enterprise. 

Clothing Designers and various celebrities can also take a portion of the blame by licensing out their names to the likes of The Luxottica Group or even online cheap and cheerful alternatives that are just beginning to infiltrate the market place. Sixty Minutes was able to find out that many frames are marked up by at least twenty times the actual cost it takes to make these frames and then passed onto the consumer. 

Quite frankly, you are paying more for a name rather than a well-crafted original frame. It is not uncommon now for various designers to have a few versions of frames at various price points with license agreements and these unfortunately can be made with cheaper materials

If it sounds too good to be true always remember you get what you pay for. The idea of buying prescription lenses online is a huge gamble unless they are for one singular distance. Determining your line of near and far in bifocals requires an actual fitting and done incorrectly can create further deterioration to your vision. 

There are eyewear designers around the globe that despite competing at the going rates, do offer some justification for you to invest in their product. They are the ones that are true frame designers and are passionate about their product rather than simply cashing in on a much-needed commodity. 

Brands, in my opinion, worthy of supporting from the United States are L.A. based Chrome Hearts and Dita and New York based Robert Marc, David Yurman and Bevel. France based brands include Cartier, Face a Face, Lunettes Beau Soleil and despite being owned by the Luxottica Group, Alain Mikli. Belgium based Theo and Danish brand Lindberg round out the top European brands that also offer design, originality and a passion for the craft of making exceptional eyewear. 

For 2013, eyewear designers have used technology to create frames like you have never seen before. Granted there are plenty of retro silhouettes, including those now famous ones worn by Marilyn. But they too, have been reinterpreted thru technological advancements making them more forward than simply being yet another lackluster “knock off”.

Creating overlays of patterns into plastic or metal frames is a huge trend for 2013. We have yet to see this done to the degree it is this year and with such boldness. These frames are not for the mild mannered but reflect a bold personality willing to carry off a frame that defies convention. Fashionista’s will appreciate frames done in hounds tooth patterns or mottled frames featuring a variety of unusual color combinations done with an abstract influence. 

Plastic or metal frames were once the option but this season both are combined onto one frame adding a unique twist and futuristic look that also make familiar tried and true silhouettes appear new and innovative. There is also a 3D influence that adds a new sense of depth yet to be seen on eyewear by overlaying various metals and in different colors. Being light as a feather also adds to their charm and appeal. 

Alain Mikli was one of the first eyewear designers to develop techniques of creating layered colors onto plastic frames (mottled effect) when precious or endangered species were becoming politically incorrect and far too costly to utilize in frames. This season he has taken it a step further. Rather than trying to replicate tortoise shell, for example, he has opted for outrageous color combinations and decided to boldly flaunt his skills with plastic. 

Selecting the right frames requires some common sense. First and foremost, you want them to flatter your natural attributes. Size, silhouette and color must compliment your facial features before you begin to factor in your lifestyle requirements. If you decide to go bold, make sure you can carry off the look without making them a sad cry for attention. No one wants to look like Dame Edna Everage except her creator Barry Humphries so if you do go for “out there” silhouettes own them and carry them off with your own unique and true sense of style. 

A good trick is to play up your eye color. I always suggest this with clothing and eyewear is no exception. Your brown eyes will pop all the more with a complimentary brown tinted frame, as will those baby blues with a blue tinted frame. 

The best advice…Shop around! Remember that you will probably sport these frames for at least two years so look at them as a solid investment that will ideally stand the test of time. Unfortunately, like most things…if it sounds too good to be true then it isn’t. Other than having a job with great benefits that covers your eyewear expenses, look for eyewear that is made by a true eyewear brand rather than clothing designer labels or celebrities opting to sell their name for a lucrative licensing agreement. At least this way you are guaranteed a quality item made with a sense of passion and conviction that will stand the test of time that you will be able to wear with a sense of pride, integrity and that will ideally bring out and flatter your own sense of style. I hope this piece does help you to see things more clearly! 

In Fashion, descriptive words like practical, timeless and endearing are rarely used to describe a label. And that is exactly why the British based Fred Perry Brand continues to be in a league of its own sixty years since its inception. 

One must first look at the man himself to fully appreciate the standard of excellence that continues to be the driving force behind the brand and its unique and amazing client base. 

Frederick John Perry was born in England on May 18^th, 1909 to working class parents. His Father was a cotton spinner who eventually forged a career in politics. Despite his humble upbringing, Fred won the World Table Tennis Championship at the age of twenty. He retired from that sport when he fell in love with lawn tennis. 

Tennis was a sport reserved for the elite and despite the indifference he received from the British tennis “establishment” he won three consecutive Wimbledon Championships from 1934-1936. Andy Murray, in 2012, is the only other Brit to win a singles title at Wimbeldon. 

Fred then turned pro which only made him all the more ostracized in his homeland. As he always marched to the beat of his own drummer, he decided to take up residency in the United States in 1938 and continued his world domination and active involvement in the sport until 1956. His unique form, passion and contributions to the game made him one of the top ten players of all time. 

It wasn’t until his twilight years that the British Tennis authorities fully recognized his contributions. A bronze statue of Fred was unveiled in 1984 at Wimbledon, London commemorating the 50^th anniversary of his first win. Never one to hold a grudge, Fred was a regular commentator for the BBC covering various tennis events throughout his lifetime. 

He also served in the US Air Force during World War II in honor of his adopted country. Fred was also quite the globe trotting ladies’ man with love affairs with the likes of Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich and was married four times. His Hollywood experience also included a few films but it was his lifetime friendships with the likes of Errol Flynn, Charlie Chaplin and Bette Davis that he truly treasured and that also depicted his own remarkable sense of humor. 

In the late forties Fred was approached by Tibby Wegner, a retired Austrian Footballer, who wanted his input on designing a sweatband for professional athletes. Upon its success and inspired by Rene Lacoste, they decided to create their own version of the Tennis Shirt. In 1952 the Fred Perry Sportswear Collection was launched and quickly became the favorite choice of professional tennis players around the world. 

Fred’s integrity and desire to be the best was also quite evident in the brand as well. Fit, fabric and detailing were unparalleled. Unlike the Lacoste tennis shirt, Fred’s logo was woven into each and every garment as they still are to this day rather than being appliquéd onto it. The Laurel Wreath logo is actually the first emblem Wimbledon used and was graciously given to Fred as he himself earned the privilege and wore it proudly throughout his lifetime. 

The British youth of the sixties embraced the “Fred” sports shirt for its ability to sustain a night out on the town and still look fresh the next day. As the British Pop Culture Movement invaded the rest of the world the Fred was along for the ride. From the Mods of the early sixties to the present day youth movement the Fred has been an understated yet relevant and treasured wardrobe necessity. 

Expanding on its’ sports wear appeal the twin tipped cotton pique tops featured various colors depicting the various football teams of Britain. Fred Perry became the first sportswear brand to integrate street wear into its design elements due to its affectionate relationship with British youth culture. Musicians and other artists began to take to the Fred as well, giving its “performance wear” credo a new and broader meaning. 

The collection expanded into other elements featuring a knitwear program of cardigans, crew necks, vee-necks and shawl collared pieces for men, women and children all featuring pure yarns (cotton, silk and various wools) made with the same level of excellence Fred insisted on with his tennis shirts. To this day, the knit wear program remains free of synthetics preventing pilling and assuring longevity with the proper care. Sizes range from xsmall to xxlarge and are moderately priced. These stylish pieces also stand the test of time rather than falling into trendy territory.

Rather than brazenly selling the line thru slick advertising campaigns and flooding the marketplace the brand has continued to gain global appeal by affiliating itself with various musicians and athletes. Long a favorite in European countries, the brand is now just beginning to catch on in North America. 

Prior to the death of Amy Winehouse, she collaborated with the design team at Fred Perry to create a division of women’s wear inspired by her offbeat approach to dressing. They continue to work with her family going forward with her collection and proceeds of the sales of her items go to her foundation helping troubled youth. 

Bradley Wiggins (the new poster boy for competitive cycling) seven times Olympic medalist, first Brit to win the Tour de France in 2012 and this years recipient of the BBC’s Athlete of the Year also has a collaborative series of cycling shirts included in the Fred Perry Men’s Collection. Made in either 100% cotton or 100% wool and in short or long sleeve they have become a welcome addition to the brand. This collaboration will no doubt continue forward in the coming seasons.

And speaking of No Doubt…the band has also collaborated with the team at Fred Perry for Spring/Summer 2013 and will feature a line of pieces for both men and women emphasizing their musical influence and styling.

The footwear program for both men and women is a unique blend of sport and street. One could refer to them as “Urban Kicks” and the price points range from $75.00- $275.00. The quality and design details make them a total bargain compared to other well-known designer brands.

Children’s wear is absolutely adorable and some of the pieces are exact replicas of the adult pieces. Leaning towards the male side, these pieces also feature an androgynous edge making them all the more appealing to the open minded. Sizes range from 6 months to eight years and the “Fred” tennis shirts are indeed a highlight. 

The line has evolved into complete head to toe looks for both men and women (including accessories) with its emphasis on quality over quantity. Even though Fred Perry left us in 1994 the collection still honors him by remaining true to his legacy and his standards of excellence. As they say, “Fashion comes and goes but style is eternal”.

It is for this primary reason that the Fred Perry clientele has no age, race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation or social class barriers inhibiting it from being recognized as a brand of apparel created by a man willing to follow his heart while defying social convention. His legacy lives on through the integrity and passion he chose to live his life and in the high ideals he set for the brand that bares his name and remains its foundation. 

The Fred Perry Collection is available online, in better Shops around the world as well as in limited free standing Fred Perry Boutiques. In Canada, The Fred Perry Shop is located on the outskirts of the west side of downtown Toronto at 964 Queen Street West. If you live in or are coming to Toronto, it would be my pleasure to meet and assist you in selecting the most appropriate pieces best suited to your needs, as I am one of the proud members of Fred Perry Team Toronto.

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best during the Holidays and in the coming year ahead. One Love! 

We evolve from both unexpected events and those we facilitate ourselves, regardless of whether they are good or bad. Physically, mentally and/or emotionally the best we can do is turn those lemons into lemonade. It is our faith, optimism and the love of those near and dear to us (including ourselves) that serves as the motivation to keep us slugging away. 

Life is indeed a journey filled with many hills and valleys riddled with all sorts of obstacles. It’s not always easy to make changes or adapt to those that do come our way but the world keeps spinning. Sometimes getting over our own self-inflicted insecurities or egos can be the best way to begin to move forward. 

As I look back on this year of change and my own efforts to move forward it initially seemed like one step forward and two steps backward. After the death of the love of my life, my dear grandmother, nearly three years ago I dropped out from the public eye. I needed some “me” time to mourn, grieve and do some serious soul searching. My desire to please others has always been the foundation of my achievements - in the fashion industry, captaining a competitive volleyball team for over 25 years or being a support to others in need. Losing such a remarkable human being who instilled so much in me, including her unconditional love, had me at quite a loss. 

Fortunately, I found away to continue my grandmother’s legacy by being a significant presence in the lives of my best friend’s two boys. They mean the world to me and is a constant source of all that is good, even during those turbulent and exhausting growing pains kids go thru! Their unconditional love, like my grandmother’s, has mended my broken heart and regained my vitality and desire to move forward once again.

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On the career path, after a couple of years of freelancing as a window dresser, I began to once again feel the desire to return whole-heartedly to the work force and back into the public eye. Despite my career accomplishments, finding an appropriate job and going through a multitude of interviews was a daunting and frustrating process. 

In light of the legal issues regarding discrimination regarding one’s health status and other issues, there was an elephant in the room that I needed to address. Having over 25 pages pop up when you Google my name, mainly regarding my HIV status and involvement with PositiveLite.com required acknowledgement on my behalf. Nearly 30 years in and with seven being undetectable, I needed to clear the air and point out that this is just a minor, though relevant part, of who I am. Being tall, male, gay and of a certain age were other issues that I also see as various parts of who I am but they too seemed to be hurdles that did get in the way of my determination to get on with my career. 

Meanwhile, in July, I received notice from my landlord that the building I had been living in for nearly 20 years was going to be demolished to make way for a Condo come November. This was a plot twist that I did not see coming. It put my job search on hold and made me wonder what was next?  Luckily, my roommate and dear friend of over 25 years and myself were able to find a descent place to move into. We agreed that our new place would be a non-smoking environment and the communal deck would have to suffice when the urge hit. I have been struggling with kicking the habit for nearly two years with mixed results. My excuses were pretty pathetic in retrospect. 

Having a month off to make the transition to a new home was a great opportunity to get settled in. I scrubbed, cleaned and even repainted what I could to detoxify and rid my treasures of the years of nicotine exposure. I was faced with the disgusting effect all those years of smoking had on our belongings as well as us. It is a nasty habit to overcome and requires harsh measures including a few days of hell that is apparently comparable to crack or heroine withdrawal. 

For me, cleaning everything added to my disgust. Being a positive influence on my friend’s two boys and wanting to be around to see them have children, the financial implications that tap into wealth and welfare, striving to be healthier and to take better care of myself, and seeing smoking as a habit rather than a source of pleasure have been the major factors in quitting. Once you begin cutting back the bad odour in your clothes. the good ones more apparent from your cooking serve as positive reinforcement. My mantra has been… “Ditch the self inflicted suicidal soother and grow up”! Sometimes harsh love has its merits. Taking the time to analyze why you smoke opens the doors to some valuable self-enlightenment that helps in remaining determined not to ever torch up again. 

Some other tricks that are worthy of sharing, as they helped me, are fairly simple. First, get your Doctor to prescribe you a mild tranquilizer like Lorazepam (not as addictive as valium) to get you through those three to five days of wanting to climb the walls or become “Super Bitch” when you completely quit. When you feel the craving, three slow deep breaths can also serve as a miraculous preventive measure. A straw cut down to a cigarette’s length is also a good placebo in ridding you of the habit. Mints, candies or anything to supplement the oral desire also helps. More exercise can also help. A quick set of push-ups or a short run just to refocus your mind can do wonders.  Determining what works best for you is often done through trial and error. And if you do happen to fall off the wagon don’t beat yourself up but try, try again. It will eventually become a past obsession. 

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As PositiveLite.com celebrates a new year I am amazed to see the progress we have made and am so proud to be a part of the process from the get go. I admire many of the contributors for sharing their experiences and determination to reach out to others offering support and knowledge in making HIV a manageable aspect of our lives. This past year, I also had the pleasure of seeing some of my own pieces reposted around the world on a variety of other sites. 

My piece on Donna Summer will always be near and dear to my heart. Her music had such a profound impact on my youth and life. I never stopped looking forward to what she was going to come up with next. She was a brilliant and unique artist in so many ways. Through her untimely demise I became friends with someone very close to her who was gracious enough to contact me personally after reading my tribute on her. 

In late July, Nick Petrone released his own sophomore CD “Moon Songs and Angels” which not only showcases his unique and beautiful voice (Josh Groban meets James Taylor) but also his very personal and touching writing skills that one can easily relate to. He single handedly rekindled my own spiritually impoverished side and restored my faith. His tribute song to Donna Summer, “Woman of Faith” included on the CD is such a personal and touching masterpiece I still get Goosebumps and overcome with emotion when I hear it. I look forward to the day we actually meet in person. His CD, by the way, is easily available on iTunes. 

During the commotion of the move and getting settled I was contacted for a job interview. After three interviews, I am pleased to announce that my new chapter does include a new and challenging job that will certainly utilize all my acquired skills and enable me to move forward once again with my career aspirations. You can expect a posting regarding this unique opportunity in the near future. 

I have included some pics of my new digs and my eclectic assortment of treasures for your viewing pleasure and curiosity. My apologies for making you wait for this posting and only hope it too inspires you to turn a page in your life as well. We are all a work in progress. 

Some photos . . 

Photo credits:

1) The east side of downtown Toronto from my new deck.

2) The demolition of my old building. So much for…if walls could talk!

3) A flock of Canadian Geese I made for a window display and now placed on my mezzanine wall.

4) A Tamara de Lempicka print I adore from an exhibit in Montreal in 1994.

5) Freshly repainted vintage Yves Saint Laurent mannequins and pillars.

6) Black and white photo enlargement of a house front in Paris mounted on foam panels. Hiding a wall of boxes behind it.

7) One of my “Turks” guarding my homemade Carrot Cake for my first visitors.

8) “Cat” named after the one in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” that wandered into my life at my old place nearly 17 years ago. 

In fashion, when the pendulum swings one way you can expect it to eventually swing back in the opposite direction.

Over the last couple of seasons we have seen a resurgence of bold colors, patterns and ornamentation that has slowly crept back into the mainstream of fashion. This Fall and Winter showcase these trends in bolder and more vibrant possibilities, leading the way to new, if not formerly borrowed upon, influences. 

The 17th century was the birth of the Baroque period, which has been a favorite era for many designers to be inspired from over the last 100 years. It was also a favorite source of inspiration for Gianni Versace in the 80’s and became the foundation that catapulted his label to global heights. This influence is once again the source of inspiration for a new and exuberant way to dress that has infiltrated every price point in the retail market place. 

Upon the unexpected and senseless death of Gianni Versace in 1997 his sister, Donatella, became the head designer at the House of Versace. After years of striving to create her own identity while fighting a variety of demons (both professional and personal) she has finally made peace with the incredible burden of replacing a true genius. Keeping a Fashion House in business during the last 15 years is a remarkable accomplishment and testament to her own brilliance. That being said, she has now begun to tap into the label's archives without apprehension or insecurity as she continues to build upon the brand. Like many other designers, especially Dolce and Gabbana who have been capitalizing on Gianni’s taste for the rich and opulent, this is an ideal time for her to pay tribute to him and continue to build upon his legacy. 

Textured fabrics (velvets, leathers and quilted materials), silk tapestries (brocades, florals and religious nuances) and ornate details (studs, grommets, appliqués and even gold threading) come together this season in an unabashedly lavish manner.  Regal and Rock Star influences add to the unpretentious diversity that enables this look to infiltrate and expand on our various modes of dressing. 

All it takes is a few key pieces to spark up your wardrobe and prevent this look from falling into costume territory. Rather than going head to toe, opt for integrating this trend as a means of sparking up your basic wardrobe pieces. A brocade blazer or coat will certainly work with jeans for casual times and can easily flatter your formal needs as well. A tapestry vest worn over a shirt or turtleneck can also be a great wardrobe add on that will easily update your look. A two piece brocade and/or velvet suit can be mixed and matched with other pieces to add diversity and create new permutations that will keep you on trend with style and grace. 

Sweaters are always an essential component to a solid winter wardrobe. Look for jewel tones in solids or patterns that will flatter both your current wardrobe and skin tone. Ties, shoes, scarves and bags are key accessories that will add to your sense of style without falling into the depths of fashion victim. Gold jewelry is another possibility that will work terrifically with all the rich color options available this season. For women, a pair of large ornate earrings will do the trick and for men a bracelet will be just dandy. 

Going for Baroque is a whimsical departure from the minimalist approach that is slowly fading from the world of interior design and fashion once again. An apt way to sum up this rebellious approach to modern day living is lavishness against all odds. The times, if not just our mindsets, are indeed a changing. Embrace the new you this season with a nod to a period in time that was a departure from the simplistic and perhaps you too will reflect an individual that possesses many facets as well.