Things I Miss About Shanghai

I haven’t been away from Shanghai for that long but it feels as though I didn’t live there for a year. Kind of like when you return from a trip and the next day it feels like a dream. As I reflect on the fastest year of my life, these are the things I’ll miss the most.

Cheap Taxis
I would take a taxi to work for no joke $2.85. I lived in the French Concession and worked in The Bund area, all the way across town, usually sitting in traffic, and it never failed – it was only a few dollars. Talk about great value!

The Fabric Market
Since I was little, I always wanted my clothes made. I would imagine bringing a picture of a designer coat to someone who would measure me and make it happen for a fraction of the cost. My dream came true at the South Bund Fabric Market. I benefited from living in Shanghai and having access to it year round, because it’s actually hit or miss. Sometimes they make it bang on, and other times your item has to be re-worked. Sometimes you can barter a good price and other times they won’t budge. It takes practice. I got practice and great clothes.

Real Chinese Food
We all know that the Chinese takeout we get in Canada is NOT real Chinese food. I don’t get it! Why don’t they stay true to their food? It was a learning curve discovering the different types of Chinese food. The variety is huge and I will miss the dumplings the most – more specifically xiaolongbao. The most delicious little soup filled dumplings. I’m on a mission to find good ones in Toronto, although I’ve been told I have to go to Markham for the good stuff.

Door-to-Door Delivery
You can get anything delivered to your door in Shanghai – groceries were a big one for me…and McDonald’s blizzards! They would actually deliver one blizzard. The sites were user friendly, affordable, and offered free delivery. I will miss it dearly because grocery shopping is one of my least favourite chores.

Seniors in the Park
I loved seeing old people dancing in the park and doing all sorts of activities like singing, playing checkers, tai chi, basketball, walking their dressed up dogs, eating, everything happens in the park. It was a spectacle every morning and evening, and especially on weekends.

KTV
You’ll see KTV signs everywhere in Asia and that means karaoke! It’s not like the karaoke we’re used to in the Western world where you sing in front of the whole bar. No. Not this. KTV takes place in a building with hundreds of private rooms. You need to make a reservation and when you show up, it’s like checking into the front desk at a hotel. They bring you to your room where you can sing your heart out until 7 am. They serve drinks and food and there’s a disco ball. So much fun!

Shanghai Moments

Some great moments to share….

I walked into a convenience store and saw a baby in a box. Need I say more? I love Asian babies so much. They are so cute with the chubbiest cheeks. And usually well behaved.
The mall that looked like a spaceship right near my apartment. Best mall ever. I’m not a mall person but in Shanghai I loved everything about this mall. The best restaurants, roof top terraces, beautiful design, clean air, gorgeous stores. IAPM mall is something to remember.
Becoming friends with local fashion designer Nicole Zhang and going to her amazing shows. She’s super talented has the coolest style. She’s been featured in Vogue China.

Getting snapped by street style photographer Roy on the Street with my British friend Selena who was an editor for Time Out Shanghai.
No joke, you see people on bicycles carrying EVERYTHING and ANYTHING, like foam boxes, cardboard boxes, random metal equipment. I once saw a giant dead pig on the back of a motorbike, but I wasn’t fast enough with my camera.Delicious street food, especially this one – a type of bread served piping hot.

Gatsby The Great

Clearly I’ve been missing for quite some time. I’ve been tied up to the max with work. I miss you blog. But more on that later, as I plan to get back on the train.
Tonight I went to the pre-screening of The Great Gatsby and I left the theater fully inspired!! Inspired to dress-up more often, inspired to party more, and inspired to listen to new music – especially Lana del Ray (love her).
I hardly ever go to the movies and I hardly ever sit through a movie at home. I get sleepy, or I can’t sit still, or I just don’t like it enough.
I went into Gatsby thinking it was going to be long and just ok, and it was long, but it was captivating.
I read the book in high school and I’m not going to say the book was better because 1) I hate when people try to sound smart by saying they liked the book better and 2) I couldn’t even remember it that well, so the movie was definitely better. I absolutely loved the costumes and the perfect cast and how gorgeous everything looked, including dreamy Leonardo DiCaprio. I wore a Gatsby-inspired outfit – a cream coloured knit top with a cream coloured crochet skirt, and lots of accessories – pearls, bracelets, rings, and earrings.
I definitely recommend going to see this movie, it won’t disappoint.

For A Good Time, Call

Last night I attended the Canadian premiere of For A Good Time, Call.  Former college frenemies Lauren and Katie are forced to become roommates in New York City, and in order to pay their rent, the unlikely pair start a phone sex line together.  It stars Lauren Miller, Ari Graynor, and Justin Long, with cameos by Seth Rogan, Nia Vardalos, and Kevin Smith.  Directed by Toronto’s Jamie Travis, the film at heart is about female friendship and is hilarious, colourful, and fun to watch.  There’s never a dull moment and it’s different because it’s not a rom com, and it’s not a chick flick – it’s somewhere in between.  Guys will like it just as much as girls…or maybe even more.
After the movie was over, film critic Richard Crouse did a Q&A with the actors, director, and co-writer, and I got a shot with one of the leads, who was super friendly.  The movie comes out Aug. 31st – check it out! JD

Me with Ari Graynor – who looks a lot like Bette Middler!

Watch the trailer

Things I Like

Things I liked this past weekend…

Sunshine on my newly built deck

Lemonade stand in Kensington Market

Delicious Mexican churros

Great jewelry store in Kensington….was drawn to this mint green table

New zipper bracelet to add to my arm party

Drinks on my deck with the lovely CM

Play Me, I’m Yours

Yesterday I decided to eat my lunch in the Village of Yorkville park, and I saw a colourful piano that said “Play Me, I’m Yours.”  Within minutes someone sat down and played a few great tunes, another person followed up with more music, and another! It wasn’t planned, it was literally just a piano sitting there for randoms to play.  I thought ‘what an amazing idea, the city should have more of these.’  Turns out we do.  I did a little Google search and there are 41 pianos spread across the city as part of an art installation to celebrate the three-year count down to 2015 Pan American Games.  You can read the full article here that was published in the Star.  After I ate my burger and quinoa salad (leftovers from the weekend), I got the courage to play a tune of my own.  Fact: I used to play the organ and was quite good back in the day, but I can’t read music anymore. SAD.  I still remember some stuff by ear, but taking lessons again is on my bucket list.

There’s a video too – just trying to figure out my iMovie. Also on my bucket list!

Moonrise Kingdom

I saw Moonrise Kingdom the other day and can’t say enough good things about it.  Written and directed by Wes Anderson (who also did The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited), it’s about two rebellious 12 year-olds who fall in love and run away which sparks a search party to go after them.  It’s set in the summer of 1965 on an island off the coast of New England.  It’s an adorable story with a quirky sense of humour.  It has a stacked cast, and feels very much like a play.  The most incredible thing about it is the attention to detail and how everything is so perfectly shot.  The sets, props, wardrobe, everything is so meticulous and amazing.  I love 1960s style so I was ooing and awing at everything.  The colours are amazing too.  Some people criticize that it’s too perfect and a distraction, but I really appreciated it.  You have to see it to judge for yourself.  Definitely worth seeing in the theatre.  JD

Pho Real

I have a slight obsession with Vietnamese food.  I can legitimately eat it everyday.  My favourite Pho go-to spot in the city is Golden Turtle on Ossington, but there are so many other good ones I frequent on College, Dundas, and Spadina – I don’t even know what they’re all called.  But I decided to bust out a recipe and attempt making it myself.  I’m no culinary genius but I didn’t do so bad.  I followed this recipe and voila! It was satisfying and tasty, but I do love me some  Golden Turtle. Especially #80.  Can’t wait for my next bowl. JD

See ya soon GT

Advanced Style – The Book

I expressed my love for the blog Advanced Style on my Facebook page a while back, and the just-released book of the same name is now available for $25 at Amazon.ca.  Advanced Style (by Ari Seth Cohen) is a collection of photographs and stories of the most stylish women around – aged 50 to 100!  These women embrace aging and define their look by their attitude and demeanor.  A common theme is that they no longer dress for anyone but themselves and simply for the joy of it.  Sounds familiar!  It’s so inspiring to see and read.  Here’s a peak at a few pages….

Baby News!!

Didn’t think that would ever be a title on SDP did ya?  Well we have some exciting news to spill — CM has a bun in the oven!!!  Yes, you read that correctly, CM is with child.  I’ve been holding it in for 6 months now and I’m excited to blab it.

CM has also left the city for a more relaxed life when the little one comes along.  It’s been a fabulous and exciting time learning the ropes of the blogosphere with each other, and I’m sad to see things change, but SDP will keep on truckin’ as I take over the blog on my own.  I’ll be changing the look and feel of Seven Dollar Pants, and I’ll do guest outfit pics of CM when she’ll let me.

For now, I’ll leave you with a picture of CM and I, and the future babe.  Stay tuned.  JD xo

Dreaming Of

This…

The private roof top terrace I had last week in Mexico.  Look at the happiness on that face.  And today I’m wearing long johns under jeans, a long john top under a wool sweater, and a big puffy vest.  I’m basically the Michelin tire man.  Oh Canada.  JD

Dear Santi Claus

Dear Santa, I would like pretty much everything from Club Monaco.  And I want my apartment to look like Club Monaco too.  The soft colours and heritage feel make me happy.  JD

Club Monaco on Bloor is the prettiest of all the Club Monacos.

Ralph Lauren: In His Own Words

I love this video of style icon Ralph Lauren.  Someone needs to do a documentary on him. And I love his voice.  Check it out. JD

Cute.

Rain Sucks

When it’s rainy, dark and gloomy everyone is grumpy.  But it doesn’t have to suck, it’s all how you perceive it.  My favourite making the most of rain memory is running through a rain storm in Amsterdam with three friends.  I was wearing a dress and sandals, my hair was drenched and I ran and smiled through the cobblestone streets until we reached the nearest pub.  I suppose it was amazing because I was on vacation in Amsterdam, but still.
Yesterday I came across a beautiful picture of a gloomy day that made me think of that memory.  It was shot by a 19-year-old photographer named Remi.  His stuff is dope.  I’m bringing back the word dope btw.  I just have to share it….

Alesund, Norway

A Pretty Place

This makes me smile.  I’d love to do a shoot here dressed up in something very feminine and proper like a Betty Draper dress. JD

Toronto’s Booming Vintage Scene

I love this video the BBC did on Toronto’s competitive vintage scene.  It’s true, we have so many unique and amazing vintage stores that make this city a great one.  Every store has a different vibe and every item has a story.  It’s like going into Mr. Dress-up’s tickle trunk every time you step into another store.  No matter how old I get, I don’t think I’ll ever get over the thrill of the find.
Check out the video by clicking here.  JD

69 Vintage (Queen West)

Movie Night: The Wackness

As some of you know, I’m the queen of making lists.  I pretty much organize my entire life by making lists, and I couldn’t get by without them.  I have a “movies I need to watch” list and last night I finally got around to watching The Wackness.  It’s been on my list since 2008.  It’s a cute movie about a lonely teenager named Luke Shapiro who spends his last summer before university selling weed throughout New York City, trading it with his unorthodox psychotherapist for treatment, while having a crush on his stepdaughter.
Two best things about this movie – it’s set in 1994 and there are so many 90s throwbacks, and 2) the soundtrack is AWESOME.  I need to buy it on iTunes right after I finish writing this blog post.
If you’re a geek like me and make movie lists, add this one to it – it’s good.  JD

Here’s the trailer…

Songs With Soul

If you read the About section on this blog, I say I love songs with soul.  I recently discovered Alex Clare and he has lots of it.  He’s rad.  He’s a British singer-songwriter composer from London, UK and his debut album was released this past July.
Side note – isn’t it weird when someone with a thick British accent doesn’t sound like they have a thick British accent when singing a song? This will forever baffle me. Take a listen to these tracks….

Caroline

Damn Your Eyes

When Doves Cry

Top Shop Personal Shopping

Do you ever wish you could get someone to put amazing outfits together for you without having to pay for such a service?  If so, you’re in luck.  If you didn’t know, Top Shop at Yorkdale has a personal shopping service that’s free of charge and it just so happens that their amazing personal shopper is a friend of mine.  Meet Lindsay Bell.  She has an impressive background in fashion, a wicked eye for detail, and puts outfits together so effortlessly, you’ll forget how difficult is.  I caught up with Lindsay in the personal shopping suite and asked her a few questions….take a look-see.  JD

Q&A with Lindsay Bell
JD  How would you describe your style?
LB  Modern vintage with a boho rock n’ roll edge. I can’t live without my leather biker jacket and a pair of vintage boots.

JD  What are your favourite trends of the Fall/Winter season?
LB  There are too many trends to choose from. I’m a firm believer in creating your own trend. All you have to do is pick something you love and wear it with confidence. But as a shoe gal, I would say don’t forget your platforms!

JD  How should we dress for a holiday party in December if we want to look stylish and pretty?
LB  I always start with shoes as they are my biggest vice! You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. For a holiday party, I would wear a platform ankle boot, tights, and high waist velvet shorts with a glitzy embellished blouse. Velvet is a great holiday fabric because it’s always rich in texture and colour. Throw on a blazer and you’re good to go!

JD  What are the different types of looks you can style up?
LB  Styling a look is about listening to the needs of the person you’re working with. The key to being a successful stylist is to not impose your own style on others. I can style anything you want according to your needs, but I’m good at business casual with a unique or creative edge, bohemian chic or grungy glam. However, I’m not tied to those, they just resonate with me.

JD  What’s a good gift we can buy our best friend or sister for the holidays?
LB  A good statement necklace can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment and can easily complete an outfit. And who wouldn’t want the gift of that finishing touch?

JD  Thanks Lindsay! How can people get in touch with you to make an appointment?
LB  You can call me directly at 416-789-8666 or email me at topshoppersonalshopping@hbc.com

Joe Fresh Spring 2012

We love Joe.  All of our readers know that.  We’re stoked about the new downtown store at Queen & Portland and can’t wait for Spring to pick up some of these pieces.  The Joe Fresh runway show is always a highlight at LG Fashion Week, and here are our favorite looks from the runway.

Photography by Silvia Drugea

SS12 Jay Manuel Attitude for Sears

We have all been fans of America’s Next Top Model.  Whether you watched season 1 or went through all the installments, we are all fans.  So the big question is, Jay or Tyra?  Julie and I have always been Jay Manuel fans from start to finish.  The sympathetic judge who still has enough edge to take a jab at the aspiring models – we think he is the cats meow.  And on top of that, he is Canadian, born in raised in Toronto.  Toot toot!  So you can imagine we were delighted to hear he was working with Sears Canada, designing a collection for their home brand Attitude.  Here are our favorite looks.  CM

Photos by Silvia Drugea Photography

Pink Tartan Spring 2012

Julie and I were delighted to attended Wednesday nights Pink Tartan show.  One of the hardest to get into (along with Joe Fresh), every seat in the house was filled with Toronto’s fashion elite sitting in the front row along the catwalk.  Although fall is just coming to a close, we made out list for what we need from Pink Tartan next spring.  Here are our favorite looks.

Pictures courtesy of Silvia Drugea Photography.

The Works at The Ten Spot

The amazing staff at The Ten Spot graciously invited us to their Queen street beauty bar to try out their new service “The Works.”

The Works is a manicure + pedicure + facial done all at the same time – in one hour!  Perfect for the busy woman living in the city, who doesn’t have time to sit around waiting for her nails to dry.

The experience was simply amazing.  After a long and tiring day at work, we decompressed in white robes, chose fun polish colours while gossiping and sipping on delicious tea.  A team of four extremely efficient estheticians took us to a peaceful little room and sure enough got all 3 services done in 1 hour. They worked quickly but still maintained a relaxing atmosphere. In fact it was so relaxing CM kept falling asleep! I was enjoying the amazing soundtrack one of the girls created for the service. Music really sets the tone. We were very happy with the end result – our faces felt soft and glowing and our manicure/pedicures were perfect.

Next time you’re feeling the need for a mini makeover but can’t find the time, consider The Works. Go with a girlfriend and treat yourself – you deserve it!

The Ten Spot has two locations – one on Queen West and one on Queen East. Click here for more info.

The Arthur

While walking along College street this weekend, I came across an adorable little store called The Arthur.  They sell antique home decor and unique vintage items that encapsulate little pieces of history.  They opened an online store a year ago and the College street shop opened a month ago.  I just loved it.  It reminded me of The Drake General Store, but much more authentic….and more affordable.  If you’re looking for cute home accents but aren’t the best at antiquing — this is a great place to start.  Check it out at 550 College st (at Euclid).  JD

On the walk back, I fed my summer nostalgia soul by jumping through every sprinkler I came across. The best.

Outfit details:
Jean shorts – Levis 501 from Club Monaco
T-shirt – H&M
Sunglasses – Cheap Monday
Canvas shoes – Payless

Mela – Amazing Little Lunch Spot

We love eating at Mela – it’s one of our favourite lunch spots in Yorkville.   The tag line “Italian Vegetarian Magic” is perfectly true.  Owned by a legit chef straight from Napoli, Italy he creates amazing dishes that are Italian, but vegetarian or vegan.  Today we tried the stuffed pepper, ravioli, eggplant panini, and mushroom potato pie.  We went with a few others – we didn’t eat all of that ourselves!

We always leave feeling satisfied and never gross.  They play good music and it’s cute inside.  Always a pleasurable place to be.  Check it out at 7 Yorkville Ave.  We guarantee you will love it!