More TIFF

Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to do a whole lot during the limited time we had in Toronto (As I was writing this we were on our way home, driving past a streetside antique market. Icanteven...). A lot of our time was spent walking far away to theatres or getting trapped by red carpet street blockades. Or by me trying to drag my friends to the most Asian restaurant possible. All I wanted was some sushi from the multitude of sushi restaurants around but that didn't happen either. Sadness.

But besides that, TIFF itself was a great experience. It's always great to have to filmmakers and people involved in the process around to hear their own take on the film after we viewed it. I wasn't able to get any gala tickets but I'm sure they were amazing! I was also really excited to be out of the country for the first time and observe how the world works outside of the US. It was really interesting when we were told about how Canadian cities don't really have "bad neighborhoods" like the US does in pretty much... every city. The whole place was generally glassy and so clean! And their theatres were all HUGE.

(I'm standing on Chicago :)

On a slightly different note, we crossed the Canadian-American border into New York State on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The lines weren't as long as expected (maybe travelers didn't even want to chance it) and border patrol were actually nice when we had to go in for stamps. I haven't traveled often throughout my life and once I'm away, I always miss home and familiarity. Coming home today just seemed more special than usual.

Though I'm living in NY for the year, I haven't been to NYC yet. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to be there today. I would probably be a crying mess all day. The only thing I can compare it to is if (hypothetically) the same thing had happened to Chicago. If the Sears Tower had been hit instead... I don't know how I would ever be able to look at the city the same way again. To not see that icon at the end of Rand Rd. on a sunny day... unfathomable.

Fly your flags proudly today:

(mine is above my bed, given to me by a friend in the military)

Starstruck

My first post about TIFF comes to you straight from the red carpet. I wasn't on it, of course. I did get to watch from the sidelines, though. We got to Roy Thomson Hall and set up camp across from the red carpet and press area, right behind some photographers who seriously thought they were the greatest thing since the digital camera (obviously, they weren't great enough to acquire a press pass with the real photographers. I digress).

The movie being premiered was A Dangerous Method, directed by David Cronenberg (A History of Violence) starring Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen, Sarah Gadon, and Michael Fassbender. We couldn't get tickets to the actual screening because my program had to be at a different movie at the same time... bummer.

At least we got to see all the celebs roll up in black Cadillacs and pose in front of the press. As budding journalists, we were all pretty jealous of the people on the other side of the rope. Here are a couple of pictures I took from between everyone else's heads... Keira Knightley's dress was absolutely gorgeous!

OHHH Canadaaaa!

For the next 3 days, my graduate program will be in Toronto for the Toronto International Film Festival. This is HUGE!!!! So you will not see an update from me until after I get back to the states. Then you can expect postapalooza.

What am I looking forward to in Canada? Well, first is getting to use my passport because I've never been out of the country before! Second is going thrifting, I already mapped out some places to go to. And third is obviously getting to see some great films! Can't wait!!!

Pumpkin Cocktail

Finally! The best season of all has almost arrived!! Maybe I'm jumping the seasons gun a little bit, but if Starbucks says it's ok to have Pumpkin Spice Lattes again, I can bust out this recipe. A friend told me about this lovely and simple drink last year that she learned from a bartender at her work. I believe I made them last year post-Homecoming football game!

Pumpkin Cocktail

- 2oz vanilla vodka
- 1 TB simple syrup*
- 1 TB canned pumpkin
- 1oz heavy cream

Add all ingredients to a shaker and SHAKE! Serve over ice.
*heat 1 part sugar and 1 part water until dissolved. Easy-peasy.

(picture is not mine)

Yesstyle.com Fall Fashion

Oh yesstyle, you are so cruel with the way you send me weekly emails reminding me of your huge variety of clothes and speedy international shipping. I happened across yesstyle last year and have been in love with their slightly cutesy fashion aesthetic. Their brands vary from East Asian countries (Japan, China, Korea, mainly) but seriously, their shipping beats anywhere you will buy from in America. The first time I ordered, shipping from Hong Kong really did only take 3 days and was only $10. It was amazing.

The one thing that is a little discouraging is their lack of sizes. Nearly everything is “one size fits all.” If I know humans at all, I know that we are not all once size. Be very careful with ordering. At least they always give a diagram of exact measurements, make sure you use it. I've ordered a dress and a sweater and they both fit me perfectly, but I would never buy pants or shorts from them. These clothes are made to fit Asian women who are generally on the petite side. Use the measurements they give and make sure your clothes will fit you before you order.

Their clothes can be either very simple or very heavy on embellishments. Stripe or polka dot heavy, lots of ruffles and bows. I guess I like a lot of these things too, but in moderation. Seeing them all lined up on the website can be a little bit overwhelming. Think of walking into Forever21 on Black Friday. It can definitely feel like that. Most of their items are on the girly, classic, and preppy side; you won't find anything grungy or super edgy here. One thing you will learn after viewing the styled shots on each item's page: the Asians are MASTERS of layering (enter the lacy hem slipdress).

Their clothes range from super cheap to slightly expensive for what you're getting. I can't speak for all the brands since they have so many, but I'm sure they range in quality. I've read tons of horrible reviews in regards to service all across the web, many people got charged in taxes (which depends on the laws of your country, USA didn't add any at all for me) and shipping times. This depends on whether it says “ready to ship” on the page you order from. Not all of the clothes are in this category.

All I can say is: know what you're getting into and read all the conditions regarding shipping and cost before you order. Once you sift through their thousands of items and find some things you like, you'll be golden.