Archive for July, 2010

“Spread the Word” is a series of posts we’re writing about our lovely customers, those who consistently support what we’re doing to promote Canadian designers, and who are engaged in amazing work that in turn deserves our support. This is where we’ll spread the word about the wonderful people around us. Sarah Selecky is our second customer to be featured in this space.

Dear World,
Will you please read this book? You’ll love it, I promise.

Love,
Ashley

For serious. Read this book.

We at Shopgirls are so thrilled to have met author and writing instructor Sarah Selecky a few years ago in the shop, and these days we love calling her a friend. Sarah is a local Parkdalian, hosting writing workshops in her beautiful home, and befriending and supporting local businesses like Shopgirls and Coriander Girl. She even participated in our Walk the Walk fundraiser for Windfall last September, strutting her stuff on the runway for a great cause. And she rocked it!

Thus, as friends we are pumped to help promote this beautiful first book of hers! This Cake is for the Party is a collection of ten perfect little stories. I really couldn’t say it better than Lisa Foad, who reviewed the book for the Globe and Mail:

“Sarah Selecky’s debut is an exceptional story collection full of regret and celebration, wisdom and wit. And while the collection explores sites of emotional and physical volatility, Selecky sinks her teeth into something far more powerful than the violence of loss: she skillfully wrests devastation from its customary gloom of lamentation and regret, and bares its overwhelming beauty. Each of the 10 sharply cinched tales within This Cake pivots around this powerful inversion. Selecky’s stories are also ridiculously witty. Compelling, clever and exceptionally crafted, This Cake really delivers.”

And if that somehow did not convince you, then I demand that you read this excerpt from Toronto Craft Alert.

One of the things that so drew me in about this collection is a comment Sarah made during the launch party, where she was interviewed by writer and broadcaster Jeff Warren. Jeff shared with Sarah a deep interest in meditation, and in response to his probe regarding the subject, Sarah talked at length about her writing process as heavily influenced by the practice: the slow (and I think, daring) work of quieting the mind and digging in, in an effort to embody each of her characters so they come out true. Which clearly works for her, because funny or flawed, everyone in this book is familiar.

If you are inclined to try this kind of practice, you’re in luck! This September will see Sarah teaching the writing portion of Breathe in, Write Out, a rural retreat where participants alternate between yoga, meditation and writing; in doing so, they learn new ways to adapt to the present moment, allowing space for authentic writing to happen.

Shopgirls encourages you to go to your local, independent bookstore to pick up a copy! Closest to us here at the shop is Type Books, just on the South side of Queen Street, across from the lovely Trinity Bellwoods Park. Ooh! Buy the book and then read it in the park! Sarah would love that.

In the meantime, read Sarah Selecky’s Twitter Feed for news about This Cake, daily insights and tips for writing. Also, please see Sarah’s website for more information about her classes, her writing, and her stupendous self.

We leave you with more reviews of This Cake is for the Party:

“Selecky’s stories are ultra-lush and wise, wickedly wry. She is uncannily accurate about all the tender, blasted-open moments that change us for the good. This Cake… is delicious.” Lisa Moore, author of February and Alligator

“An elegant collection that weaves between life’s everyday pleasures and everyday pain…a beautiful book.” Erin Balser, Torontoist

“The short story by Sarah Selecky is everything a story should be: smart, wise, achingly poignant, its tightly sprung pages enfolding lifetimes of experience. The story is one of the highlights of This Cake is for the Party, the 35-year old’s first collection.” Rebecca Wigod, Vancouver Sun

I gave birth to my second daughter Zara on Mother’s Day and I have to admit, I have not had much time to get my pre-baby body back over the summer. I am reluctant to buy clothing that is one size up and yet I can barely squeeze into what’s already in my closet except for a few pieces that are getting me through this in-between stage.

By far, the number one item all new moms MUST HAVE is a pair of Yoga Jeans. I still have 15 luscious pounds to shed and yet my Yoga Jeans still fit! Admittedly, I have to shimmy into them a bit, but with a high rise option, the jeans hold in my mommy muffin nicely. And what’s great is that the jeans will still fit once I lose the baby weight!

Tunics and drapey pieces are a no-brainer but if you’re not a fan of billowing tops and if you’re still self-conscious of your mid-section, scarves can be an inexpensive yet stylish solution. C’est Moi has a fab selection of textured scarves starting at $20. —>

Layers! If you’ve got fitted pieces that you love, but feel they are a bit too revealing, a simple long sweater or vest is a great way to mask those extra bits without looking like you are trying to. Luckily layering is very fashionable, no one needs to know that you are sporting an asymmetrical vest (like this one from Stacey Zhang) to hide your baby lumps!

I’ve learned to work with my wardrobe by simply adding a few key pieces and accessories which will serve me beyond the loss of the baby weight. So many of these pieces can be found right here at Shopgirls… and of course, we still have THE best selection of Yoga Jeans in Canada!

So, if you’re a new mom with nothing to wear, drop into the shop, we’d be happy to get you through this transitional stage in style!

Marilyn Monroe wasn’t the only one to use the subway system to make a statement. New York artist Joshua Allen Harris, has been creating exotic animal scenes with plastic bags and a bit of tape, and subway grates since 2008. By playing with the movement of air from passing subway cars, Harris makes polar bears and giraffes and more inspired creatures come to life on the streets of New York City. His masterpieces may look like garbage on the sidewalk until a subway passes under the grate, breathing life into his ghostly creatures.

Click here to see an interview with the artist and New York Magazine.

What kinds of materials do you use in your work?
To create the dioramas, I use anything and everything – sticks, papier mache, paint, moss, yarn, ribbon, cardboard etc. If the size or texture of something I have lying around the studio fits with the current creation, it will get used. To make the pieces that are inspired by the dioramas, I use vinyl and microsuede.

What makes your work unique?
My work is unique because I rely very strongly on memories of my own experiences for inspiration rather than trying to take inspiration from external trends. By doing this I feel like I am communicating who I am to the people who see my work.

Who or what are your influences?
My grandparents taught me how to create things and all of the time they spent with me as a child had a strong influence on my direction as a designer. They taught me to appreciate nature, to be resourceful, and to connect with the people around you in a sincere way.

What is your current creative obsession?
Diorama Rama!! It’s all about creating small worlds that replicate some memory that I have rattling around inside my crazy brain.

Who’s your favourite Canadian artist or designer?
I will always love Comrags. Their clothes are timeless, well made, practical, with just a touch of whimsy so they aren’t too serious.