The Artist Formerly Known As Cammy D

Speaking of goddesses, can we just take a moment to worship in the splendor that is Ms. Diaz photographed by the legendary Mario Testino and featured in the June issue of Vogue. There is something about Cameron for me that I just can't put my finger on. She is just a cool chick who is not afraid to be herself, even in the superficial world of Hollywood; and the girl gives good face! Unfortunately, the same praise cannot be given to the rest of the issue. A friend and colleague of mine recently criticized, not only Vogue, but a slew of June fashion mags on her blog, ladolcerita.com, for lacking editorial content and slapping together a cut-and-paste-job of product shots. To a certain extent I have to agree that this issue of Vogue was lacking the spark that makes the mag a true leader in the industry, but as we all know, it takes a boatload of money to produce such a product and when people aren't buying copies (ahem, Rita!) and advertisers can't afford to place ads what else can they do? Don't get me wrong, no one needs to feel too badly for Anna Wintour, she created her own elitist hell, but I do think that glossies are in a serious pickle here and I'm not sure they can get out of it without serious reinvention.

So, I guess the question becomes whether or not the publishing dinosaurs are willing to let go of the industry of the past and make the changes necessary to get readers back on board. And I'm not talking about cheap gimmicks like facebook pages and twitter accounts;who gives a rats ass what a newspaper columnist is thinking at any given time? Even if I did I wouldn't want it being sent to my phone. I'm talking about looking for original thought and content, rather than continually commissioning work from their pals. 

Cameron Diaz is a fascinating woman, so why am I still reading the same story about how great her laugh is and how she has an inner spirit? If the freshest idea Robert Sullivan can come up with is a two graph lead about what a sensational driver she is, then I'm afraid it's time Ms. Wintour searched out some fresh blood. I'm not saying that youth is the answer to the industry's problems, wisdom comes with age, but it's time to start thinking outside of the box—understandably a terrifying prospect for an institution like Vogue.    

Divine Intervention

I think I may need an intervention team. I was lured into The Core shopping centre on my way to work yesterday with the intention of finally buying a black silk blouse I had been stalking for a while. Unfortunately, once inside I was not able to resist the pull of my beloved Banana Republic (if you read my recent WWBC? Swerve article you understand how deeply committed Banana and I are to each other) so made a 

quick stop to check out the jewelry case. Happily, or perhaps unhappily, depending on perspective, there was a bit of a sale happening and I scored a stunning pair of drop earrings and this blinging braided gold beauty. 

Seems I have a bit of a Grecian goddess theme going on in my recent purchases from my turquoise (aka. Weezer Blue) silk cocktail dress chosen for The Western Magazine Awards coming up in Vancouver, to my Sienna/Jesus sandals from earlier in the week—must be a summer thing, although that is mighty wishful thinking considering it snowed here last night. Damn you Calgary! 

Sandal Up

These little Nine West beauties are the perfect mix of a Sienna Miller boho moment and well, quite frankly, Jesus. I didn't have to covet them for long after I saw them in this month's In Style (aka. the bible) as I stopped to check out the merchandise on my way home from work yesterday and made a swift impulse buy. What can I say, it was love at first sight. 

Look At You...You're Like A Sexy Little Weasel

Just got back from a long weekend jaunt to San Francisco with Kimmer. What a city! Didn't realize just how much I missed the ocean living in land-locked C-town, but now I know that I am a coastal girl at heart. Luckily, when it is time to set up shop in Australia the nation will be happy to comply with my need for beaches.

In the past, I have always been somewhat of a fly by the seat of my pants traveller, but for this trip (due to the limited time and popularity of the cities restaurants and bars) the Virgo/Editor in me took over and we were scheduled and booked into the city's hotspots weeks ahead of time. Usually I would have expected such preparations to backfire big time, but happily for us the weekend went off without a hitch! 

Also in the past, I have been a backpacker on a rather "limited" (see brokeass) budget, 

but this time around K and I were all about style. Champs (Veuve Clicquot, my personal fave) and Michael Kors all the way! Every night was a new round of cocktails, wines, and fine dining with some standouts being The Slanted Door, Town Hall and a particularly rowdy evening with our new friend, the ever creative flirt Jeffery Allen, at The Bubble Lounge. This boy wins the award for most creative pickup attempt hands down. His, "I'm here with my dad, but he's picking up. I'm Jeffery Allen, can I sit with you for a minute?" line was so refreshing we even gave him our real names. The outstanding quotes about resembling prom queens, zebras and even sexy weasels that followed have earned him a permanent place in my heart.

I cannot get over just how much better the shopping is south of the border. You would think there wouldn't be that much of a difference stateside, but once you  experience it, it's like

we are living in effing Siberia up here. Why do we even bother having department stores in Canada when they are never going to measure up to the mecca known as Nordstrom? I had always thought that Nordstrom was the be all end all of retail therapy—that was before I was introduced to the wonderful world of Bloomingdales. My certainty has now been shaken. Both retailers carry goods by my boy, Michael Kors, so it makes perfect sense that my best finds (men's wear inspired gold watch and an almost too hot to handle pair of caged heels) were by the American designer.

We certainly did the town right— Even a run in with food poisoning couldn't put a damper on the experience. So cheers to you K, can't wait to meet up in our next destination of choice for some more Champs and giggles.