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.

E.O.F. APPROVED, Hamilton, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage

THE EYE OF FAITH TURNS LUCKY 7!!!

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Can you believe that 7 years ago on this day, the fateful evening of 11/11/11, The Eye of Faith was born!!! I think it’s hard for us to believe it, and there’s definitely no way we ever could have dreamed of where it would have led us today, so feel eternally blessed!

Through thick and thin, we have always persevered and made sure to keep our passions alive. When they say, never give up – it really is true. And that has always been the founding voice of The Eye of Faith; which is an age old symbol of destiny, believing in your dreams, knowing that there is that symbolic eye in the sky watching out for your best interest, just so long you are in tuned with your own special energy.

We began as a fashion blog fusing our interests in vintage style, nostalgia, rebels, pop culture, the occult, esoterica, cinema, art, culture …our blog had once been described as falling down the rabbit hole, which pleased us beyond belief!!! From our very first blog post we never could have imagined that we would be featured on Refinery29 (alongside news of Lady Gaga & Beyonce!), and feature interviews with Patti Quatro and NIRVANA’s original drummer, Chad Channing!

From there, we began curating a modest collection of vintage clothes that we sold online, which led to our first ever real life Pop Up at the Junction Flea!!! Its insane to think that was our very first, and we felt so much excitement to get our vibe out there, and the excitement hasn’t ceased and we have since done so many pop-ups its hard to keep count!

 

{googling THE EYE OF FAITH VINTAGE!!!}

Then came our foray into fashion design which was encouraged by our friends at Blackbird Studios who had seen our vintage collection and style and pointed out that we should get our hands dirty and create our own pieces!

We took that encouragement and premiered our first handmade collection at Supercrawl 2015 with +HOLLYWOOD BABYLON+ , and have since shown collections +TAROT+, +NEW KINGDOM+, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, and our most recent THE VISITORS (which we will posting photos of soon!). This has been an awesome endeavour that allows for a new avenue of creativity that blends our passions for vintage styles, storytelling, theatre, art, music, and design. Using vintage textiles has also allowed us to continue our invocation of the {PAST} , {PRESENT}, and {FUTURE} and their symbiotic flow.

{check out collections here}

Now, on this fortuitous day, we embark on a new endeavour with a physical location for all our local friends and fashion lovers to visit and purchase some unique, E.O.F. approved, vintage finds as well as some of our handmade one of a kind pieces!

From now on, find our collection at the HAMILTON ANTIQUE MALL {233 Ottawa St. N – Hamilton, Ontario} in booth 33E on the THIRD FLOOR.  And in case you didn’t consider it, how crazy is it that we established our brand 11/11/11 which coincidently adds up to 33! Also, the highest level you can make as a mason, and since we always had a bit of a secret society inspiration, it seemed beyond fitting.

COME CHECK US OUT!!!

So in the end, we are so grateful and thankful for everyone who has supported us, and encouraged us over the years, and especially to our readers and followers who help keep our passion stewing!

We wouldn’t be doing anything if this if it weren’t for that, so THANK YOU for 7 amazing years, and to many more!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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We will still be posting and selling online, so be sure to check out the {SHOP} for some wicked vintage finds!

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FASHION, Hamilton, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

Hamilton Vintage Community Pop Up {Oct 28 @ Spice Factory #hamont}

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When we first moved back to Hamilton, we never expected our humble hometown would turn into such a vintage mecca!

Just last year, our friends at Vintage Soul Geek provided some of their impeccable vintage garments for the filming of a little movie called “The Shape of Water” which was both nominated for Best Costume Design, and went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards amongst many other accolades.

With such a rich history, its not surprising that Hamilton, Ontario is full of true love for the vintage lifestyle. After all, we are all shopping at the same mall or big box shops to see the same things – derivatives of vintage styles whether it be furniture, decor, accessories, or fashion! Why spend your money on cheap, expensive, knock-offs when you can get the real thing ?!

That’s why, we are so excited to be taking part in the Hamilton Vintage Community Pop-Up this Sunday October 28 at The Spice Factory from 10a – 4p! With over 40+ vintage vendors, plus free admission, we know we are looking forward to a brilliant day of vintage shopping, and meeting and making connections with fellow vintage lovers in the city.

We will have a rack of select mens and women’s clothing priced as low as $5, so definitely if you are looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, be sure to check it out! Here’s a link to the event:

Follow Hamilton Vintage Community of Instagram! 

This group is a lovely community of vintage lovers so if that’s your jam, be sure to check them out on Facebook also.

Hope to see you Sunday! And if you aren’t local and still want to shop, visit us on Etsy in our {SHOP}. XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF.

Until next time,

{theEye}

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E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, Hamilton

THE EYE OF FAITH 2018: FALL UPDATE !!!

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Wow, this summer was a wild ride for us!!! From manning the Supercrawl Pop-Up Shop right in the heart of Downtown Hamilton, helping rep local fashion artists, as well as creating our most exciting collection to date, “The Visitors”,  using some flashy vintage fabrics we have accumulated over the years (pictures to be posted soon)!

But, as you know, there is no rest for the wicked and we have quite a few things simmering this Fall!

We were honoured to host a Spice Girls / 90s Karaoke at Toast Wine Bar in conjunction with the screening of “Spice World” for the AGH BMO World Film Festival. Of course, we continue our Karaoke Cabaret residency at The Casbah every second and fourth (October 23) Tuesday, and we have a very special Halloween karaoke on Oct 31 at the legendary Sous Bas! So if you are in Hamilton, ON, and need to let loose on All Hallow’s Eve, be sure to stop by!!!

Now, of course, we have some really cool fashion events coming up also. This Sunday (October 28), we will be participating in the Hamilton Vintage Community Pop-Up at The Spice Factory, with 40+ vendors, drinks, and loads of vintage shopping !!!

We can’t wait…we will have a unique assortment of vintage mens, vintage womens, and some of our one of a kind, handmade pieces made using vintage materials. We will be bringing some wicked pieces priced as low as $5, so don’t miss out!

Also, we have a very exciting fashion presentation for the Hamilton Film Festival at the Zoetic Theatre, where will be a presenting in a show inspired by “Darkness” – which couldn’t be more up our alley! Our looks will be showcased to film industry professionals who hopefully will take a liking to our designs!

After all, just a few years ago; Guillermo Del Toro filmed his Academy Award wining film “The Shape of Water” right here in our city, so you never know!!!

Always put your best foot forward, in life . . .  which leads us to our next project, which we will save for another post. A GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT . . . stay tuned!!!

So, apologies that we haven’t been able to sit down and share some of the cool vintage musings and memories we have been collecting in a while, but as you can see, our life has been pretty hectic, but rest assured, we will be getting back into the swing of things once the dust has settled.

Thank you for checking us out, and for those who have followed us for years, thank you so much for your support! It means EVERYTHING.

We just uploaded about 30 new pieces in our {SHOP} last week, so be sure to check those out and use code XIXIXI for 25% OFF.

Until next time,

{theEye}

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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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E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, FILMS, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

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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+SHOP+, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, Hamilton, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, WOMENSWEAR

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

{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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E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

{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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BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, FASHION, MUSIC, Music Minute, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

{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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BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

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.

CHECK IT OUT IN THE {SHOP}

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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