Category Archives: STYLE {WISE}

Style isn’t as cut and dry as most people would love to make it. Style is a studied and labored tradition that has been carried on, and handed down for generations. We do not want to dictate your wardrobe, as much as we’d love to inspire the mind, and open up possibility. Style {Wise} provides resources to inspire creativity through exploring the mysteries and wonders of the past.

BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

KYLIE + TRAVIS vs. JANE + SERGE

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Since the beginning of time (or at least, the beginning of our blog) we have been saying there is a definitive relationship our collective {PAST} plays into the {PRESENT} – always influencing and helping create what inevitably will be known as the {FUTURE}!

Well here we have a case of {PAST}, {PRESENT}, {FUTURE} featuring the notoriously infamous billionairess Kylie Jenner and her new man, Crown Prince of Rap, Mr. Travis Scott on the latest cover of GQ causing controversy for being a “cheap rip-off” of  a now forty year old photo shoot of iconic French couple of cool Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin shot by Helmut Newton.

It is absolutely undeniable, and I don’t think they were trying to be chill about the inspiration, or rather recreation, but who is to judge her for that. If anything, I find it strange that Paola Kudacki, the photographer, would feel comfortable putting her name on such a mainstream copy of the work of a great artist like Helmut Newton! Now the controversy has flooded the internet, but then again, for the right paycheck these days, a little backlash isn’t the worst if it pays the rent.

Obviously, inspiration from the past is one of the cornerstones of our beliefs, but being 2018, it might be nice to have a fresher interpretation of the past than just a flat out copy. Where’s the fun in that?

Take the past, and turn it on its head. Blend one influence with another. Go on a ride through the past and bring me forward into the future…

And if you take a look at the original photo series shot way back in 1978, the rawness, sexiness, and coolness really shines through! How can you be a rebel if you’re trying….Serge and Jane are just so relaxed, irreverent, and thereby: BAD ASS!

Needless to say, Jane and Serge will always be on top in most versus situations, so….sorry Travis and Kylie- maybe next time. And maybe next time, just be yourself!!!

I know Travis and Kylie have turned a few looks, but Jane and Serge really TURNED LOOKS! Just a few below!

circa 1970, France — Serge Gainsbourg dances with wife Jane Birkin at a party. — Image by © Keystone/Corbis
FRANCE – AUGUST 28: Premiere : “Slogan” by Pierre Grimblat in Paris, France on August 28, 1969-(16555) Serge Gainsourg, Jane Birkin and Pierre Grimblat. (Photo by Yves LE ROUX/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

We need more originality these daze . . . be inspired, but make it your own! That’s half the fun of life.

Not the most creative choice, but different strokes for different folks! Definitely appreciate her bringing to a whole new generation the beauty and boldness of Serge & Jane (who are definitely due for a {STYLE IDOL & DIVINITY} post or a {VINTAGE RED CARPET ROMANCES} story) … that is a really cool thing.

We know this story is all over the internet right now, but still wanted to give our E.O.F. P.O.V. on the whole situation.

So, let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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Lizzie Borden Lies!!! ‘LIZZIE’ Starring Chloë Sevigny + Kristen Stewart

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What is our fascination with Lizzie Borden? Is it that she possibly got away with the grisly murders of her father and step mother back in 1892? Oh yes, most definitely a major reason, and its this mystery that keeps fascinating new generations everyday.

We may never know, but that’s the beauty in a good mystery! The spaces between not solidified can be filled with many possibilities, and that’s what the new film “Lizzie” starring Kristen Stewart and Chloë Sevigny seems to explore.

If you know us well, and I hope you do, you know that Chloë Sevigny is just one of those people on the top tiers of everything. Goddess of style, art, a muse to many, and obviously one of the coolest women of all time…so needless to say, we are psyched for this film!

Check out the trailer, and you will see why!

Spicy stuff! Looks like a real nail biter, and the period details are absolutely on-point! Have a little bit of a feel where they are going with the story, but excited to see it play out in real life!

Glad to see Kristen Stewart staying dedicated to unique artful films since her return to the screen.

Two modern muses! SIDENOTE: Can huge Edwardian sleeves just take over the scene, already!!! Can’t wait for more inspiration to come…

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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The Return of the #Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up Shop!

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For months we have been excited for the return of the Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up shop. If you are a dedicated follower, you may remember us doing the Pop-Up last year at Limeridge Mall for 10 days.

This year, we are so lucky to be open for over three weeks (August 3 – August 25) right in the heart of Downtown Hamilton right smack in the middle of Jackson Square.

Seeing as the Supercrawl Festival is right downtown on James Street it couldn’t be a better fit!

If you’ve been following us, you may also know that over the past few years we have been branching our brand into creating original designs using vintage materials and fabrics we have obtained over our years of purveying.

Well, this truly is an exciting time for us, because this is our first ever Pop-Up where we are selling exclusively these one of a kind pieces that we handmade over the last four years. It truly is a special honor to be able to showcase these designs, and hopefully sell some to appreciative style-savvy people in our city.

We share this with 7 other fabulous Hamilton designers and brands including Batik Boutik, Defective Collectiove, Design by Mallory, Kitster Creations, True Hamiltonian, and With Love Lingerie. The chance for local designers and brands to showcase in a mall setting is so rare, so we feel very lucky to be a part of it all!

Hopefully soon we will have these pieces catalogued for sale to the rest of the world, but until then, keep updated through our Instagram and Facebook for any breaking news!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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{MUSIC MINUTE} “Devil Woman” by Cliff Richard

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We’ve been rocking out to this jam like crazy this summer! Ever since it caught the attention of our ear drums while watching the epic film “I, Tonya”, we just can’t get enough!

Hopefully you won’t be able to either.

Lets help give Sir Cliff Richard the resurgence he deserves!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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{DIVA WARS} Raquel Welch vs. Mae West

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We’ve been getting thoroughly entertained by these “Diva on Diva” videos by Clippety on YouTube, and this one is a real interesting treat.

Two icons of sex and beauty brought together for 1970s camp classic “Myra Breckinridge” based on the controversial novel by the iconic Gore Vidal.

The film, like the novel, broke many boundaries tackling transexuality and machismo attidues in Hollywood, but was pretty much panned universally, and some consider it the worst film ever made.  But, you have to give Raquel Welch much credit for taking on such a cutting edge role, and it really makes us love her so much more!

Myra Breckenridge is the antithesis of sex symbol. She’s revolutionary; she’s a warrior.
-Raquel Welch

The themes and tone the film exhibit would never fly today, so it really is a treat to watch!

So, take a look at what Raquel Welch had to say about working with Mae West, an icon of sex from the 1930s! 40 years between their stardom, you’re only bound for a little drama!

Divas be divas . . . but they have the right, don’t they?

Until next time,

{theEye}

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{MUSIC MINUTE} “Blood and Honey” by Amanda Lear

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So, lately we’ve been obsessed with the decadence and glamour of the 1970s disco scene, especially in Europe! And when we found this video by avant-garde superstar Amanda Lear, we found it to be the perfect combination of vintage awesomeness and spooky elegance!!!

We didn’t know very much about this divinity (don’t worry…we will be working on giving her an honored place on our altar of Style Idols & Divinities), but we have been delving into this marvelous woman’s life like no one’s business!

Here is a woman who hobnobbed with The Beatles, David Bowie, Brian Jones, Bryan Ferry, Andy Warhol…had the model looks of Verushka and the voice of Marlene Dietrich. Not only that, she was a close confidante to THE Salvador Dali, and remained one of his closest friends and muses until his death. She even closed Jean Paul Gaultier’s 1980s pop music muses collection back in 2013!

What is so wonderful about Amanda is her mystery . . . sometimes things are best left to the imagination, and Lear keeps this enigmatic quality to this day (her birth date and nationality is still unclear, as well as other rumors circulating)!

This is what we respect most of this bad ass woman! Just be yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

Until we meet again,

{theEye}

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STYLE {WISE} Romeo, Romeo . . .

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Where for art thou, Romeo?

Ro·me·o
ˈrōmēˌō/
noun
noun: Romeo; plural noun: Romeos

1. an attractive, passionate male seducer or lover.

There’s nothing so timeless as a Romeo . . . its amazing after hundreds of years, a fictional character could still be so prevalent in our culture. I guess, not so surprising, considering he was created by the genius that is William Shakespeare.

He is a wonderful archetypal character of a beautiful boy, young and naive, but full of vigour, and somewhat tragic in the end….so, like many young men, which is what most certainly resonates. We recently acquired a really cool vintage theatre costume with some Shakespearean swag which got us thinking on the topic.

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I don’t think many men can deny they have a bit of Romeo in them. I know for certain many men cannot deny they wish they were as bad ass as say Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 90s pop culture cult classic “Romeo + Juliet” which brought the tale to the beach and the streets and mansions of Los Angeles for a hyper technicolor MTV version that still resonates today, especially when it comes to style.

Do you remember the first time you watched the “Love at First Sight Scene” in the film with that glorious neon aquarium and that haunting “Kissing You” song playing…shit! I mean, come on!!! Claire Danes is especially gorgeous, and her sensitive acting abilities really shine through.

People would kill me for actually saying this, but they were robbed of Academy Award nominations, truly.

I’m not going to lie, we were pushing the tropical shirts long before every major fashion house started picking up the trend (see: +THE CASE FOR HAWAIIAN SHIRTS+), and we’re not upset about it…in fact, its so wonderful to see more guys take risks with their style because of inspirations like this!

While, Dicaprio’s gang chic Romeo is uber cool, we wanted to look back on some previous Romeos – most especially Leonard Whiting from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 “Romeo & Juliet”, which is hands down our favourite.

Quick shout out to Douglas Booth in the 2013 version – very handsome guy, but the film is redundant AF – so here’s a quick pic should suffice.

Zeffirelli’s film is unique, as it was the first time two unknown teenage actors were cast in the lead of such a massive Shakespeare production, and a world-wide search brought the world the ethereal youthful beauty of Olivia Hussey (she ain’t no hussy, but she did also star in the cult Canadian horror flick “Black Christmas” – you can’t miss those eyes) who was only 15 at the time, and the handsome Leonard Whiting (17) , who lets face it, really does look like Zac Efron.

Certified, he did it first!

 

Their chemistry is unpalpable, and the entire production is lush and dripping sophistication- Roger Ebert even went as far to say it is the best film of Shakespeare ever made. Respectfully it was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, and Director, and won for its gorgeous cinematography, and Danilo Donati’s sumptuous costumes.

It even inspired the fashion scene at the time with the two stars appearing in various fashion magazines rocking mod styles with a medieval flare. The two teens were definitely a big IT couple of the moment. So, if you haven’t seen this classic, do yourself a favour already!

Another Romeo might be the OG of movie star Romeos – Leslie Howard who starred opposite of Norma Shearer in George Cukor’s 1936 film. Neither of them really exude that youthful innocence, seeing as they are grown ass adults!

But, the vibe is full-on Hollywood glamour with a dazzle and flare that is just so fabulously extra, and sadly missed today!!! Also, very inspired by Leslie Howard’s perfectly coiffed hair!

We all know the story, so let’s just take a look at a few snaps to spark and inspire the Romeo vibe.

Pretty wicked! So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Romeo, we have some picks for you from the {SHOP}!

Remember, XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF of these, and all our hand-picked curated vintage finds! FREE SHIPPING in CANADA, also. Don’t be shy to message us for any details.

To learn more about these pieces, browse our {SHOP}

We’re also huge fans of HBO’s ‘WESTWORLD’ so what a delight to find one of our favorite quotes originated from this fine inspiration…

“These violent delights, have violent ends”

– Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”: Act 2 , Scene 6
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We can’t wait to see what the next incarnation of this idol of style will be in the {FUTURE} . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}
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E.O.F. A-Z SPRING STYLE ROUND UP

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Can you believe it? Just a month and a bit ago we were battling the biggest ice storm ever, and now we are basking in sunlight and showing off our arms! Spring is always a favourite season for us, and allows for tons of serious sartorial diversity.

Before summer comes and reaches its peak of summer style we wanted to showcase some great looks in our {SHOP} which give that signature E.O.F. time traveler cool . . .

School is almost out, but your style studies should always be at its optimal peak! That’s why we have devised a simple A-Z of some our favourite pieces that will help your style star shine. Click the links to find out more details, and remember to use secret code XIXIXI for a special 25% OFF all purchases.

It’s good to be in the know . . .

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a} Wicked Vintage 90s Purple Mouse Toque 

b} Street Chic 1980s Vintage Green and Purple Metallic Sweater Dress {MEDIUM / LARGE}

c} Designer Vintage DANIER Bright Green Suede Anorak {SMALL}

d} Weird 1980s “HAVE A HAPPY DAY…AIRHEAD” Pin 

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e} Rare 1970s Vintage Kama Sutra Graphic Print Button Down Tunic / Long Shirt 

f} Unusual Sparkly 1950s Beaded Flower Print Hand Purse

g} Bad Ass 1970s Mahogany Brown Leather Cowboy Boot 

h} Timeless 1970s Khaki Camel Felt Fedora Hat 

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i} Bad Ass Black Leather Vintage Motorcycle Bomber Jacket {SOLD}

j} Rare Gold Metallic REEBOK X Roland Berry Pro Sneakers

k} Mysterious Cross & Ship Silver Pewter Secret Society Ring

l} Classic 1980s Ralph Lauren Designer Red and Green Plaid Pleated Trouser {34 WAIST}

m} Classic LONDON FOG Turquoise Blue Graphic Slouchy Ivy Style Cardigan

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n} Rad 1980s NIKE Mens Neon Sport Stripe Racer Back Tank Top

o} Mysterious 1940s Vernacular European Boys School Academy Team Snapshot Photograph {circa. 1942}

p} Classic 1980s Ivy Style Preppy Academy Necktie

q} Cool Vintage 1980s Oversized Prep School Embroidered Crest Stripe Graphic Sweater

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r} Rare Tevyk 1980s Vintage Teal Blue Futuristic Space Pant

s} Cool 1960s Dapper Cropped Double Breasted Blazer

t} 1980s Vintage All Over Graphic Multi Color HOLT RENFREW Sweater

u} Rad 1970s Mens Navy Blue Lace Short Sleeve Party Shirt

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v} Vintage 1990s Pastel Blue PVC Raincoat Bomber Jacket

w} Beautiful 1960s Metallic Gold Patent Leather Clutch Purse

x} Painterly Watercolour 1970s Vintage Silk Necktie

y} Slouchy 1980s Mens Vintage Tropical Graphic Button Down Short Sleeve Shirt

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z} Luxurious Fuzzy 1980s Mohair Metallic Gold Designer Sweater

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Let your rebel spirit roar, and don’t settle for any less than timeless cool.

Remember, these daze designer styles are nothing more than vintage rip offs! Stay alert, and be open to finding that “latest” look from the {PAST} and help change our {FUTURE}.

Remember XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF in the {SHOP}, so why not take a browse.

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Until next time,

{theEye}

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FASHION, MENSWEAR, MUSIC, Music Minute, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

{MUSIC MINUTE} “My Favourite Things” by Balsara and His Singing Sitars

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Balsara // b. 1922

In 1947 became orchestra director of HMV and forayed into some wicked psychedelia in the 1960s.

Here is a great version of “My Favourite Things” by Balsara and His Singing Sitars…

 

Hope you enjoy, and have an awesome weekend!

Keep on dreaming . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}

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E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY {MAY 10, 2018}

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Your grandpa could handle it . . .why can’t we?

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