STILLIFEonline

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hi·a·tus [hahy-ey-tuhs]

Dear STILLIFE followers, We are re-routing, venturing off the beaten track and away from city civilization- but only for a short 4 months. Thank you for all your support and positivity, we can't wait to make a come back in September. Until then, if you have ideas for us or would like to write for the blog, feel free to continue to email us at [email protected], we always love hearing from you! Stay tanned sun babies!

[stillifeonline]

Presented by i-D and Diesel, the A-Z of dance. A must watch. What a frame to freeze on.

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STILLFASHION: Festival Fashion

Summer is just around the corner and with all of the tempting lineups that have been announced the festival talk has already begun. Festivals are the perfect place to tryout trends you’ve been dying too and are the perfect place to show some skin. The best advice we can give to you while you get wild in the summer sun and into the night, stick with the three C’s: comfy shoes, carefree purses and continuous hydration. Happy festival season to our STILLIFE friends!

Bluesfest (Ottawa, ON)

Were you as blown away as we were when this lineup was announced?We’re obsessed. Dark rinse high waisted shorts with a sleeveless band tee tucked in would be lovely for any day of this 10 day event. Tie your hair into a top knot, add some gold rimmed sunglasses and you’ll be go to go.

Osheaga (Montreal, QC)

If you’re heading to MTL for this three-day festival, pack your favourite light wash destroyed (really, really, really destroyed) denim high waisted shorts, a fitted white tank and gold body chain. This simple outfit and similar variations will be easy and breezy for you to party into the night with while looking perfectly festival chic.

Veld (Toronto, ON)

This is for the rave queens. To avoid looking like a highlighter, add a neutral into your outfit, whether that’s black high waisted shorts with a shocking pink or tie-dyed statement cropped tank or pairing these American Apparel shorts with a white top. Add some statement sunnies because no one, including you, will want to see your eyes this weekend.

Boots and Hearts (Bowmanville, ON)

Breakout your daisy dukes and get your country on. Although plaid is an obvious choice for this country weekend on steroids, pair your cut offs with an embroidered tank, like this one from Urban Outfitters.The red details will go perfectly with the must have accessory of the weekend: the red solo cup.

Coachella (Indio, CA)

For those of you making the trek to the desert to rub elbows with the rich and famous while enjoying an amazing lineup, channel your inner Vanessa Hudgens. Try combining different textures such as velvet and gauze, or even your favourite statement bikini top. If you’re as over the flower crown as we are, but are looking for some fabulous headwear, grab a head chain or over sized sunhat. Definitely don’t forget your 70’s inspired round shades.

[stillifeonline]

What, what! New Black Keys! Happy Monday.

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STILLFAVS: 86th Academy Awards

Between Ellen looking like a sparkly pirate, pizza deliveries, mispronounced names, and horrible teleprompter readings, the Oscars this year were incredibly entertaining. So many of the industry's deserving elite were rewarded for their hard work (snaps to Catherine Martin for helping Gatsby snag Best Costume Design) and now STILLIFE is going to dive into the must see trends of this year's red carpet.

Elegant Whites: Is there anything better than a white gown? All of these women prove that the lightest shade can have a big impact on the carpet. 

Kate Hudson wore a beautiful Atelier Versace on the carpet with her blonde locks side swept. When she took to the stage to present she removed the small cape and proved this dress is great both ways. Jessica Biel stunned in Chanel Couture. The dress sparkled perfectly alongside her Tiffany jewels. The only thing missing was her super cute hubby JT. Naomi Watts looks simple and elegant in her embellished Calvin Klein Collection capped sleeve dress. She paired it perfectly with her spider web inspired necklace and strappy heels. Jennifer Garner shines in this tiered silver Oscar de la Renta. Her simple makeup and bold lip are a perfect pairing, just like she and hubby Ben Affleck at the Vanity Fair after party. And finally, Kelly Osbourne is a vision in Badgley Mischka and makes holding an umbrella look incredibly chic. 

Embellished Nudes: The biggest trend on the red carpet at the Oscar was embellished nude dresses with minimal makeup and soft hair. 

Cate Blanchet was the big winner of the night, and this Giorgio Armani looked beautiful on stage while she accepted her award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in Blue Jasmine. Check her acceptance speech here. Although some may not approve of the long sleeved embellished Valentino dress Sally Hawkins wore, we think it was a risk worth taking! The Blue Jasmine star rocked the trend with loose waves. And THANK YOU FASHION GODS. Sarah Paulson looked fab in one of our favourite designers Elie Saab on the red carpet. We have been waiting for someone to have an Elie Saab moment and we are so happy she did. Paulson starred in 12 Years A Slave, which took home the award for Best Motion Picture. Jenna Dewan-Tatum was the perfect arm candy for her hot husband Channing Tatum in this gorg Reem Acra gown paired with feather detailing on the train. Giuliana Rancic looked ballerina chic during the award show red carpet keeping us all updated on E! Live From the Red Carpet in this beautiful Paolo Sebastian dress. 

Pops of Colour: With all of the lighter hues on the carpet these ladies pumped it up with bold shades ranging from Robin's egg blue to radiant red.

Amy Adams said she chose this Gucci Couture gown because she wanted to dress like herself, and if this is you being you Amy, we love it! This deep blue colour goes beautifully against her skin and really makes her eyes and hair colour pop. All hail queen of the carpet and first time Oscar goer and winner Lupita Nyong’o! Lupita won Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years A Slave in this Custom Prada that made her look princess chic. Louise Roe wowed in this Pronovias green number on the carpet. The gold clutch was a perfect pairing and how great does her hair look? Get it girl. Next up, we were honestly very on the fence with this look. First, it is clear that Jennifer Lawrence looks drop dead gorgeous in this Dior Couture gown. Second, do you guys remember Michelle Williams in the Louis Vuitton gown when she attended the Oscars for My Week With Marilyn? Let us remind you. Its just too similar for us to really feel okay with. P.S. If you missed JLaw take a tumble– yet again – you can find that here. Sandra Bullock truly is America’s sweetheart and she looked it in this Alexander McQueen frock at the Oscars. Even though she didn’t take home the big win, Gravity won 7 Oscars and the camera loved panning to see Sandy laughing at her gal pal Ellen. 

Best in Black: Its hard to rock the midnight shade on the carpet, and with so many starlets opting for soft, light hues this year who knew it would be refreshing to see black?

Anna Kendrick’s J. Mendel dress was accented perfectly with red detailing and her clutch but the real focal point was the open and strappy back. Margot Robbie debuted darker locks at the event and while her Saint Laurent gown looked a teeny tiny bit boring from the front, the big bow in the back gave the Wolf of Wall Street star the perfect opportunity to rock the “look how great I look from the back” look over the shoulder pose. Joan Rivers said it best when she tweeted “Excited to see Julia Roberts during the Oscars last night. Her style’s like Ex-Lax. You don’t know how or when but you know is gonna work.” And that it did. Julia Roberts wore this exquisite lace Givenchy Haute Couture gown with her hair pulled up proving that she really is Hollywood royalty. Emma Watson presented the Best Achievement in Visual Effects award with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Vera Wang and we all realized how much we wished they would be a couple. Charlize Theron killed it. Everyone else can go home. The illusion straps that give her dress this cool-wicked-queen look that only Dior Haute Couture could come up with, so good. Can we point out that Ms. Theron is wearing $15 million worth of Harry Winston jewels. Where’s her bodyguard? 

Couples: In case you forgot what a power couple looks like, the Oscars delivered them in full force. 

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the reigning King and Queen of Hollywood and wowed everyone when they showed up in the last few minutes before the show started. Angie looked regal in this embellished Elie Saab gown and Brad looked superb in this all black tux. Funny girl and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model Chrissy Teigen wore Monique Lhuillier alongside husband John Legend and yet again left us laughing with her live from the audience tweets. Parents to be Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis rocked Valentino and Prada at the Oscars and again joked with Ryan Seacrest about their baby’s due date saying “May the fourth be with you.” Gorgeous and nerdy, when do we get to be that lucky?

Dapper Dudes: There was a definite trend even among the men on the carpet. Starting with white jackets, navy tuxes and of course classic black. 

Ryan Seacrest kicked off the trend in white Burberry. Jared Leto accented his Saint Laurent jacket with a red bow tie and his luscious locks, taking home an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Dallas Buyers Club. Fellow Dallas Buyers Club star Matthew McConaughey not only took home the big win in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category, but also snagged Mr. Leto’s look, pairing his white Dolce & Gabbana jacket with black pants and matching vest and bow tie. Kevin Spacey looked handsome in the navy trend with his super on point Burberry tux, and hunky presenter Zac Efron kept it classic in all black Calvin Klein Collection. 

Vanity Fair and Elton John Parties

And for more fabulous looks, be sure to check out these galleries of the hottest stars at the Vanity Fair and Elton John viewing and after parties. Our favourite looks go to the Kardashian Klan in red, as well as Emma Roberts in Fendi, Evan Rachel Wood in this stunning Elie Saab number, Taylor Swift and Kate Hudson looked smoldering in Julien Macdonald Zuhair Murad. And as per usual, super models Miranda Kerr and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked beautiful in Cushnie et Ochs. 

[stillifeonline]

Just some music for thought. This map represents the most played artists in each state (too bad there isn't one for Canada, or if there is- let us know!). Looks like we should move to Vermont (ALT + J) or Cali (Daft Punk). If you love Drizzy, the South is for you!

[stillifeonline]

STILLART: Dylan Glynn

If you're a fan of dreamy hues and a master of line, we would like to introduce you to the work of Dylan Glynn. Dylan is a Toronto-based animator, illustrator and graduate of Sheridan College’s Animation program. He has a long-standing relationship with visual arts, and we believe he deserves some praise and recognition for developing into such a talented artist. Although, we aren't the first to spot talent we we see it, the artist has been published on numerous occasions, most notably by the Globe and Mail. It is a difficult feat to establish personal style, but take some time out of your day and explore Dylan's work. We are particularly draw to his sense of humor and thought exploration seen throughout his Short Narratives. Don't take our word for it, follow Mr. Glynn on Tumblr and get a daily dose of this local talent. And there is always Facebook and Twitter too. Get hooked!

[stillifeonline]

STILL.TO: Victoire in the City

Well isn't this the best new ever!? We would like to extend a warm welcome, and wholesome congratulations, to our Ottawa favourite Victoire for opening their Toronto location! And on the trendy Ossington strip no less! We couldn't think of a better home for you! If you aren't familiar with the all-Canadian boutique, we highly recommend you indulge in a little weekend trip and visit the shop to browse through their tasteful selection. Check out Victoire's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on all their happenings! We can't wait to visit!

[stillifeonline]

STILL.Sydney: Doug Up on Bourke

With working class Aussie roots, Doug Up On Bourke is an enormous emporium filled with strange and wonderful industrial antiques. Think beaten up old furniture, dusty glasswares, Naval antiques, unintentionally hilarious vintage signage as well as the iconic, full-size taxidermy camel. Just a short walk out of Surry Hills on Bourke Street, one could get lost in Doug Up for hours and once you've whet your whistle with antiquing, the area is filled with tiny cafes and bakeries to wile away the rest of the day. Happy hunting!

[stillifeonline]

STILLFAVS: Communication Breakdown, R.I.P. Facebook

Have you heard? Is the revolution true? The answer to this may be debatable but there is undoubtedly something making it’s way through the I.T. grape vine. If you you’re a little behind the times, we recommend you dedicate a whole 2 minutes and 28 seconds of your time to learning a little bit more about Ci, or Canvas, the self proclaimed future of communication. It’s pretty huge to make a claim like this against the other App giants that have become social media staples. But, on the same page- isn’t Facebook becoming a little old? It’s hard to remove yourself from a social network that is so far entrenched in our lives and the platform is unrivaled, but for how long? Simply put, it seems as though Ci aims to unify. Not a bad end goal if you take into consideration the multitude of outlets that exist today: Vine, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Tumblr (all hail), and that’s not even reaching the music sites like 8Tracks, Hype Machine, Soundcloud, Bandcamp- the list goes on. So, would a little unity hurt? Probably not. In fact, the idea sounds seriously enticing. Visually speaking, so far the look is very simplistic, sleek and all around esthetically pleasing. It’s no surprise that it mirrors the branding that Apple employs, Steve would be proud. So, let’s see where it goes. If you’re interested in keeping your eye on this project sign up for the newsletter. Otherwise, reflect on your Facebook use. Maybe the end is near, and if so we have a Y2K inspired precaution you may want to consider before surrendering any more of your personal information to any social networking tool. Deep within the Facebook fortress there is a little dark secret that allows you to download a zip file containing every move you’ve made since 2006 (or whenever you got on board). We’re not talking just the pictures we mean wall posts, events you attended, comments that you made, comments your friends made, friends you had, deleted, re-added you name it. Curious who wrote on your wall after prom? It exists. Private messages you sent during frosh (*shudders*)? Yup, all of that is retrievable as well. How you may ask? If you have a short 3-8 minutes to wait for a confirmation e-mail, a magical little link can be sent to you fulfilling the request. Here is the play-by-play:

1. Hit the small “gear” icon top right 2. Click Settings 3. On the left panel of options on the Settings page you will see General, go there 4. Past all of the main options, after Languages, you will see Download a copy of your Facebook data 5. Click Start My Archive

Don’t fret, this will not delete or deactivate your account. It will simply give you an idea of how much of your soul has been digitized. We're not preaching, we’re all guilty. Having said that, this is an eye opening experience. Lucky for you tomorrow is Sunday, which means take the afternoon and go through this file-by-file. Disclaimer: STILLIFE is not responsible for inspiring any irrational action taken post uncovering old messages from people unfriended, events that fell through, or pokes not returned. Oh yeah, they documented pokes for you too. Happy hunting friends.

[stillifeonline]

The Canvas video from out STILLFAVS: Communication Breakdown post

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Two more days left of weekend, thank you Duck Sauce.

[stillifeonline]

STILLFASHION: On Wednesday We Wear Black

There are two things that are always going to be fabulous: a little black dress and witches. With American Horror Story: Coven coming to an end in the not so distant future *immediately starts crying*, we thought we would put together a collection of bewitching dresses and accessories fit for a Supreme like Fiona Goode (or whichever one of those witchy young girls that will be the next).  Peep NastyGal for some frocks will put anyone under your spell. And don’t forget to top off your look with a wide brimmed hat like this one from American Apparel.

[stillifeonline]

STILL.TO: Drive-by Dreams

Do you ever go house-watching? Think bird-watching but driving through gorgeous neighborhoods in your city, scoping out the best real-estate. Slowing down and staring for as long as you can before you look like a stalker and/or end up holding up traffic? We can't be alone in this. If you know what we're talking about then here is a way to satisfy your curiosity without going the distance, wasting the gas and looking creepy. One of our favourite Toronto references, blogTO, offers a glimpse into some of the city's most coveted properties with their House of the Week feature. Be warned, this is a vortex of jealously and procrastination. We recommend you indulge on your lunch break. One of the perks? blogTo not only features the exterior glamour but the inside as well. As fun as it is to daydream about the credenza and crown molding that might exist, having a first-hand look may exceed your wildest dreams. Check it out! Oh, and just incase you're in the market- there's a price tag. 

[stillifeonline]

STILLFAVS: 56th Annual Grammy Awards

The music industry’s brightest stars got together to celebrate their best. Unfortunately, the real fashion front-runners at this particular event were nowhere to be found (we’re looking at you, Rihanna, Miley and Lady GaGa). But, even without those ladies there were some serious fashion moments at the Grammys, peep STILLFE’s favourites below!

Best Of The Night

Queen B: Beyoncé proving once again that she is the queen of everything, She wowed us in this white Michael Costello lace gown, and brought the house down in custom stage outfit complete with Nichole de Carle body suit when she preformed Drunk in Love with her hubby Jay-Z. Check that performance here.

Green with Envy: Rita Ora pairing this sequined green Lanvin with classis old Hollywood inspired hair is a good look. She always brings her A-game and last night was no exception.

Biggest Surprise: Anna Kendrick made our jaws drop in this Azzaro. The beading on the bodice and her side swept hair? You did good girl.

Glittering Metals

A baby bump seems to be the best accessory this awards season and Ciara showed us why in this fitted Emilio Pucci sporting the hottest trend of the night: shiny metallic hues. Chrissy Teigen kept us all entertained with her live Tweets from the audience and stunned us in this gold Johanna Johnson gown. Taylor Swift stepped back into her comfort zone of neutral/shimmering/long gowns, but we can see why. She knows what works and the Gucci Premiere she chose looked beautiful with her hair pulled back into an easy ponytail.

Worst

In all honesty, Zendaya's sheer black and turquoise Emanual Ungara number isn’t all terrible. But the tentacles coming off of her arms and severe hair combined make for an over the top moment. Katy Perry, really with the music notes on the dress? Is this supposed to be ironic because it’s the Grammys? Valentino must have seen this coming when this collection went down the runway just a few days ago. By now everyone has seen the comparisons between Pharrell and almost everything under the sun, So, we’ll just leave this article from the Huffington Post and you can take a look for yourself. But we’d like to point out that he is 40. That’s four-zero. Yeah. Let that sink in.

Man Candy

John Legend is pretty much the cutest thing on the planet, and whenever we hear his hit All of Me we can’t help but think of how adorbz he and his wife Chrissy Teigen are. So, obviously all of that means we are obsessed with his Gucci tux. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were the big winners last night, and their suits definitely made them stand out from the crowd. The bold print and dark teal velvet made these boys our real favourites of the night. Wiz Khalifa cleaned up incredibly well for the awards in this Saint Laurent tux with a leather lapel. But just like many other rappers he had to have his shades on during the entire ceremony… We wonder why, but we think we might already know the answer.

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STILFASHION: Look for Less

How many times have you looked at a celebrity in a magazine or on a blog and thought, “that outfit is killer,” meaning that that it would murder your bank account? Well STILLIFE friends, we have a solution. Celebrity style on a real budget. Today we’re looking at this monochromatic outfit worn by not one, but two Kardashian sisters. Kim opted for full Calvin Klein with an Hermes handbag and Guiseppe Zanotti heels for dinner. While Khloe added a killer trench and black sunnies to complete her look. To get Kim’s night out look, try this cropped sweater with the Interlock Pencil Skirt in ivory from American Apperal. To complete this look, add these on trend sandals by Steve Madden and a small bag from Forever 21. To achieve Khloe’s day look, throw on a trench in a soft pink, neutral shoes and some oversized sunnies to shield yourself from the paps that might mistake you as a long lost Kardashian.

[stillifeonline]

STILLMUSIC: Lucius Sound

Thanks once again to one of our favorites, Rookie, for bringing this beauty to our attention (all hail Tavi Gevinson). The sound of Lucius came to us through their recent video Go Home, in which the band is featured moseying around a regular ol' kitchen. And by moseying, naturally we mean making fantastic music with found objects and angelic vocal chords. Very casual. Check out the video below and explore Lucius on Facebook and Twitter.