BUDD Awards

The most common question in the Drama department in the few days leading up to this party was "will I see you on Wednesday night?" As I would answer "any excuse to wear a dress and I'm there". I wouldn't have missed it for the world. A night of formal outfits, tequila shots and all my favorite people. I can't think of a better way to end my first year at Bishops. The girls looked stunning, the boys looked charming, and all despite each and every one of us being completely plastered. True class, my friends, true class. Here are some snapshots of the evening taken by the lovely Mel Hattie (winner of the cutest photo lady award!)

See if you can spot me!

Love love love Megan's black bow and Elle is just too beautiful in her lacy dress, cinched at the waist with a turned-around black leather belt (Elle how do you always manage to be the best dressed everywhere you go?)

The gold color works so nicely with Christina's new darker hair. 

Gotta love the LBD

Marry me Kevin? (and Mel for taking this gorgeous photo)

Oh right, there was a reason we were at Rob and Taylor's dressed up and tipsy as all hell.

Risa rocking my Free People bird dress. 

There is nothing in this world better than having friends your size. 

 The boys looking dashing in their bow ties and Kai loving life with her bottle of wine.

*Not shown here, I was wearing a black velvet, vintage dress recycled from one of my many proms and a peacock feather hair accessory. I wish there were more pictures of us all because everyone just looked so beautiful. I guess it will just have to remain forever in our memories (for those of us who didn't take too many tequila shots and fortunately still have that luxury). 

                                                         Peace,

                                                                     Helen

Ps. I was trying to think of a song played at the party to put at the top, but funnily enough I was completely unaware of any of the music playing, so I just picked a song that reminds me really strongly of my first year. 

METRIC!

Last Sunday I saw Metric at the Grenada in Sherbrooke.... orgasm in concert form. Seriously, outstanding. What a great night... The opening band was this super rad group called the Arkells. They're from Hamilton Ontario and a seriously recommend giving them a listen, http://www.myspace.com/arkellsmusic As for their style, I was really into their look. Comfy, casual clothes, but bright red colors, funky jackets, messy, scruffy hair of course, and a slight 80's prep vibe. A heard a rumor they might be Bishops' Frosh band for the fall, please tell me its true!

Me and two of my new best friends from the Arkells!!

 And then there was Metric. I got into Metric a few years back when I became obsessed with the song Poster of a Girl. I then found out Emily Haines did the lead vocals in an all time favorite song of mine Anthems for a 17 Year Old Girl by Broken Social Scene. My true worship of her and her music began. I've chosen this song for the top because I really can't think of anything that better represents MONROE than Anthems for a 17 Year Old Girl. Its all about losing the parts of ourselves that are fake, that are weighing us down. Its about the consequences of trying to be someone that deep down you're just not. Its about delving into friendships, relationships, interpersonal connections and forgetting what society wants us to be.  I know this is a "fashion" blog, but with every entry I really try and stress my belief that fashion is more than just "how we look", its who we are, its how much pride we take in our individuality. I first heard this song when I was 15, driving in my brothers car on the way to school. Its the kind of song that sort of makes you stop breathing. I remember long after the song had ended my ears were still ringing... ringing with the repetition of the last line; park that car, drop that phone, sleep on the floor, dream about me... ringing with the undeniable desire to be different. This song helped me realize that being myself, being different is going to be hard sometimes, but its the only kind of life I want to have.

If a song can do that for you, you have to love it forever, and I have.

 Sorry, went on a bit of a tangent there. Anyways Metric comes out, Emily Haines stands before me in all her glory. I've never seen anyone so beautiful. As my friend Ben says "like too beautiful to even like be attracted to". Apparently we had similar brain waves getting dressed, we both wore muted sequin ensembles and grey slouchy boots. Her blonde, feathery hair was blowing around, her make-up was flawless, I just couldn't stop watching her. I've never seen anyone move like her, it was magically engaging.


Collect Call. Sorry the sound sucks, but check out her outfit!

The music was out of this world too, mostly stuff from Fantasies, but a few oldies like Monster Hospital. We danced and moshed and screamed our heads off. It was a wonderful night, I'll never forget being so close to Emily for as long as I live. All I can say is that if you get the chance to see Metric in concert, go, you won't regret it, MONROE promises you that.

Peace,
Helen

*bonus: me at 15, just getting into the wondrous world of Emily Haines

Spring Awakening

Hey kiddos, I hope things are going well with each and every one of you. I'm sorry it's been a while, it's getting down to the end of my first year here so work is really starting to pick up. Unfortunately that means I need to spend my time writing essays and studying for finals instead of blogging to all you lovelies. This week I thought I would share with you some cool websites that always get me inspired, so check them out!

http://www.modcloth.com/
The spring weather is finally here! To me all this sunshine we've been having only means one thing, time to break out the sundresses. Those of you that know me know that I have a huge addiction when it comes to sundresses, especially vintage ones. Unfortunately, being stuck in Lennoxville with zero clothing stores means that I haven't been able to indulge in my addiction for quite some time. This is where modcloth comes in. They have so many ridiculously cute vintage inspired dresses it makes me drool. The best part, they have fantastic names for all the dresses. Nothing makes me happier than scrolling through and seeing a drop-dead adorable "blueberry cobbler" dress or the totally magical "Copacabana" dress. The only downside is that they can be a little pricey, but hey, I've never been one to be practical. If you find a dress that makes your heart soar, buy it, it may change your life, or at least bring a little sunshine to your day.

"Blueberry Cobbler Dress"

"Copacabana Dress"

There are lots of really great clothes on this website and a whole list of wonderful fashion blogs to check out as well. A lot of them have inspired the creation of MONROE. If you're feeling a little worn out from all the studying, I swear Modcloth will brighten your day.

http://www.thestylerookie.com/
This is one of my favorite fashion blogs to read, and it definitely inspired me to create my own. The Style Rookie, Tavi, gives in depth analysis on all the latest high fashion collections, plus posts totally cool pictures of her daily outfits. She has a great eye for feminine, detailed clothing that contain entertaining twists and quirks. Whats the catch? She's only THIRTEEN! Well maybe she's fourteen now, but still. When I was thirteen I was wearing skin tight Pac Sun jeans and black hoodie sweatshirts every day. She's been a favorite at New York Fashion Week for a few seasons now and designers love to send her free stuff because she's so damn cute. More than that, she makes me look at fashion in a different way. I know all you will enjoy her blog, so have a look. 

Tavi looking cooler than I ever will (note the too-big heels)

Postsecret.com

 Most of you are probably already aware of postsecret, I know I've been talking about it since I was 17, but just in case one of my readers hasn't heard of it yet, I've just got to mention it here. Postsecret is a community art project started years ago by a man named Frank Warren. Frank had the idea to distribute a thousand blank, self addressed postcards with an invitation on the back for strangers to send their deepest, darkest secrets to him. Each secret that found its way to Frank's mailbox was a work of art, completely unique and inspiring. Some secrets are funny, some sad, some absolutely heartbreaking, but the impact of these secrets has resonated with people all over the world, connecting us in more ways that we could imagine. Postsecret makes me realize the things inside me that I have kept hiding. It makes me remember that I am never alone, that there is always someone with the same, shameful, exciting, or consuming secret as me and that's a really lovely thought.

(the background of my computer screen)

Postsecret posts new secrets every Sunday. If you're feeling brave, maybe send in one of your own.

Have fun browsing all of these sites! The song at the top is really spectacular. Jonsi, the lead singer of the icelandic band Sigur Ros just came our with a solo album. I haven't been this inspired by music in a long time. I really suggest downloading the whole thing (and if you don't know Sigur Ros, check them out as well, their music makes me melt). More to come when I'm not so busy. All my love,
                                                                Peace,
                                                                            Helen