Weekend Suggestion: Metric

Since they're one of the headliners at Osheaga, and since I won't get to see them, I might as well blog about them!

Metric is a Canadian indie rock band out of Toronto that has seen their worldwide popularity explode in recent years. Winners of two Juno Awards this year (Alternative Album of the Year and Group of the Year), Emily Haines et Co. have come a long way since their humble beginning in a loft in Brooklyn - where members of the band were struggling to buy food.


Since 2001, the band has produced four albums, released 15 singles and toured the world over and over again. Haines has also released a solo LP and EP; along with bandmate James Shaw, they have also performed on and off with Kevin Drew musical collective Broken Social Scene.

Metric's latest effort, 2009's Fantasies, has been described as a full-on bid for pop glory and it's a smashing success (allmusic). They're definitely a band easy to like - their album are honest and unpretentious, and they give it all on stage for their fans.

Video for Help I'm Alive

Get band info, exclusive downloads and the latest news at www.ilovemetric.com.

Weekend Suggestion: Metric

Osheaga 2010

This weekend, Parc Jean-Drapeau on the Ste-Helene Island is hosting the 2010 edition of Osheaga, a music and arts festival in Montreal mixing pop, rock and dance music on five stages over two days.

Saturday features Arcade Fire, The National, Pavement and Robyn, while Sunday's lineup boasts Snoop Dogg, Deadmau5, Sonic Youth, Metric and Weezer.



And once again, I'm missing it this year - seems like an annual ritual! But there's a nice trip ahead at the end of August, so it'll more than make up for it!

It's not too late to buy your tickets - all the info at www.osheaga.com.

Osheaga 2010

Hopper's White Pickets

From the outside, late actor Dennis Hopper's house looks more like a military compound, but inside's a totally different story.

Open, loft-like floorplan, super high ceiling and a ultra-modern bathroom, mixed with Oriental rugs, retro furniture in the kitchen and living room and concrete floor - it might not be everyone's idea of what a house should look like, but it sure is original!

I'd definitely change a few furniture items, but I like the space and the layout... I like it a lot!

(Photos by Jade Mills Estates)

So if you have a cool 6 millions lying around, it could be yours - along with three two-story townhouse condominiums farther back on the property (designed by famed architect Frank Gehry), plus a pool, pool house, and bungalow-style guest cottage.

Hopper's White Pickets

Sustainable Servings

BBQs and picnics are great, but what to make of all these paper or styrofoam plates we're throwing away? Tons of woods and chemicals are needed to satisfy our summer activities. There has to be a better way...

And there is! The Wasara plate collection is made from entirely sustainable and biodegradable materials. The bowls, plates and cups are made of bamboo, reeds and bagasse pulp (sugarcane waste).

All items are sold in packages of six to 12 pieces, with each pack costing $9 to $14 (in the US). Each piece in the collection has a textured finish and was shaped to feel good in hands. Less pollution for its creation, and less pollution when throwing them away!

(Photo courtesy of A+R)

Vist www.wasara.jp for all the info on these eco-friendly products.

Sustainable Servings

Show Your Stripes

This Michael Kors wool shift dress is just an absolute delight!

With its high round next, short sleeves, easy zip at the back and mid-thigh length, this lovely block stripe dress is just what you need for cool summer nights and late evening strolls on the beach.

Show Your Stripes

Follow Mizdragonfly on Twitter!

Following me on this blog is just not enough? Need a constant Mizdragonfly fix? Then follow me on Twitter! Daily discoveries on fashion, scoops, Etsy store updates, exciting contests and more!

Indulge in your Mizdragonfly addiction at twitter.com/Mizdragonfly.

Follow Mizdragonfly on Twitter!

Weekend Suggestion: Major Lazer

When you think of Jamaica, chances are you think of sun, beaches and Jamaican rum punch; of a commando who lost his arm in a secret zombie war in 1984? Not so much.

Major Lazer is the fictional character created by hip hop/fidget house masterminds Diplo and Switch in 2008. Jamaican dancehall, electro house, hip hop - a medley only these two could come up with. Their LP and mix tapes have garnered rave reviews from Rolling Stone, Slant and Spin.


Video for Hold The Line, first single from their 2009 album Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do.

(I really wanted to put the video for Pon De Floor, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. If you want to see it with all its raunchiness, click here. It's actually pretty funny!)

They released a mix tape with La Roux this past May, and just released an EP, Lazers Never Die. If you can't fly to the Carribbean, Major Lazer might be the next best thing!

Get all the details on www.majorlazer.com, and listen to their tracks on MySpace.

Weekend Suggestion: Major Lazer

Coney Island Street Fashion

On Saturday, July 17th, The Village Voice presented the 10th edition of its Siren Music Festival on Coney Island. Headlined this year by Matt & Kim and Holy Fuck, the free, all-ages, all-day event plays an active role in the revitalization of this historic Brooklyn community.

The crowd enjoyed the sun, the music and the atmosphere at this premier outdoor indie rock festival. Whether you're a fan of boots, jumpers or vintage sunglasses, it was all there that day!

Prada bag, vintage sunglasses, boots from Italy

Forever 21 vest, vintage little boy's shorts, vintage bag, vintage Harley-Davidson boots, vintage Dior sunglasses

Forever 21 jumpsuit and bracelet, Urban Outfitters sunglasses, boots from a cheap leather store at the mall; Express top, Forever 21 skirt, American Eagle shoes, H&M bag, sunglasses from a Halloween store in Massachusetts

Vintage dress and sandals, sunglasses found on the sidewalk

Him: Urban Outfitters top, Marc Jacobs jeans, Converse sneakers
Her: Topshop tank, Marc Jacobs shorts, Sam Edelman sandals

(All photos by Hannah Thomson)

Coney Island Street Fashion

Armored Attack

Sweden's Acne teams up with London-based jewelry designer Husam El Odeh to create the Acne Armored Jeans, part of its Summer 2010 collection.

With silver plates on skinny jeans, some are calling this warrior chic; I just think it's the perfect pair of pants to release your inner Joan of Arc!

Armored Attack

Electro Feet

All summer long, we make sure to get some sun to get the perfect tan, we wear bright colored clothes, we paint our nails yellow, fuschia, aqua. But what about our hard-working feet? There has to be a way to spunk up those pale feet...

Nicholas Kirkwood's Spring/Summer 2010 collection is the perfect solution to this oh-so tragic dilemma. Super high heels, bright colors, textured accents - everything we need to add a dash of eccentricity and outlandishness to any summer outfit!






See the complete collection and where you can buy the shoes at www.nicholaskirkwood.com.

Electro Feet

Weekend Suggestion: Crystal Castles

It's not because it's summer that everything needs to be light and fluffy. Sometimes, it's good to have tension, lots of noise and a bit of chaos. Welcome to the world of Crystal Castles.

Don't let the She-Ra reference fool you - the duo's electronic/noise tracks are definitely not for kids! Everything started in 2004 in Toronto when Ethan Kath gave Alice Glass 60 instrumental tracks, and she records vocals for five of them. Five years later, NME included their 2008 eponymous album on their Top 50 Greatest Albums of the Decade.



Ethan and Alice both like to mislead / annoy the press, whether it's by sending one of their friends to an interview, giving five different answers to the same question, or just not showing up at a press event.

There's no middle ground with their music - you either love it or you can't stand it. They released their second album this past May to very positive reviews - NME describes it as awkward, intractable, occasionally brilliant, always human, and Pitchfork notes that by staying true to themselves, they've created a more focused, propulsive, and satisfying follow-up.

Have a listen at Courtship Date, from their 2008 album.

Get your Crystal Castles fix at crystalcastles.com or on MySpace.

Weekend Suggestion: Crystal Castles

ESPY Red Carpet

ESPN dished out its awards and the annual ESPY Awards last night. The 18th edition of the awards ceremony took place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The two biggest prizes, Best Female Athlete and Best Male Athlete, went to Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and New Orleans Saints quaterback Drew Brees, respectively.

But the show and the glitz didn't take place just inside, there were some great fashion to be seen outside on the red carpet. Ashley Greene, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Marissa Miller and Zac Efron all looked amazing.

Got more pictures of the night to share? Leave a comment!





(All pictures from Getty Images)

Red Carpet Fashion Awards has more pictures, comments, and analysis of the night.

ESPY Red Carpet

Bejeweled

Not really a Jewel fan, but this whole setup from the Funny Or Die crew is pretty funny and makes for a great story for anyone who was there that night. Jewel, disguised as a mild mannered businesswoman, drops by a local karaoke bar and performs some of her classic songs.

Bejeweled

Get Swanki

If you're in the Ottawa region and you're looking for a mid-week reprieve, our friends Akash Sinha and Jeff Lapratte are hosting patio sessions this summer at Kinki Restaurant in the Byward Market. House, jazz, funk and everything in between, with specials on martinis and menu tastings.

The fun start at 7pm every Wednesday.

Get Swanki

The Ultimate Bag

Remember 2000? Everyone survived the Y2K bug, Sydney hosted the Summer Olympics, and we were fed a healthy dose of Bush vs Gore. (and I could actually stay up past 3am on Saturdays and not feel tired for the rest of the week!)

It's also the year when Nicolas Ghesquiere took over the purse world with its Balenciaga First Bag (and its cousin, the City Bag). The compact carryall with studs and tassels could be seen on just about everyone on the street.

Balenciaga is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the First Bag with a animal print pony skin limited edition version. Can you say RAAAAAAAWR!?!?



Looking for your favorite color, or a different style? Pick and choose at www.balenciaga.com.

The Ultimate Bag

Weekend Suggestion: The Silver Swans

Remember Wonder Woman? Of course you do! The Silver Swans should then ring a bell - they were a group of super-villains in the Wonder Woman comics. Their swan song was capable of destroying buildings and creating a shield to protect them from attacks.

The Silver Swans, the duo formed by vocalist Ann Yu (also of Lovelikefire) and producer and musician Jon Waters, might not be as evil, but they definitely produce better music!


The San Francisco band released their first full-lenght album, Realize The Ghost, this past January on Tricycle Records. As descibed by Stranded By Sound, Yu 'shows her keen sense of anchoring dancefloor fillers with beautifully swirling hollow vocals and intricate electro instrumentals that lift you into a dream state...a constant, yet enjoyable struggle between vocals and electronics.'

Dreamy electropop + etheral vocals = winning combination!


Want to have a listen? Both their MySpace and their Tricylce Records page have tunes, band bio and tour info.

Weekend Suggestion: The Silver Swans

This Weekend In Ottawa

Weekend of July 10 & 11, 2010.

The Ottawa Cisco Bluesfest is entering its first weekend, and after a super start with Iron Maiden on Tuesday, the festival is not letting up. Saturday features Tokyo Police Club on the Pop Life Stage, Passion Pit on the Hard Rock stage, and The Flaming Lips on the MBNA stage. Sunday has The Swell Season on the Hard Rock stage, and Canadian rock legends RUSH on the main stage.

All the festival info at www.ottawabluesfest.ca



The H.O.P.E. Volleyball Summerfest has become a staple of the Ottawa summer. Raising money for five charities this year, HOPE will be its usual mix of sun, volleyball and music, and over 20,000 people are expected at Mooney's Bay this Saturday.

Full concert lineup, charity info and volleyball tournament info at www.hopehelps.com

This Weekend In Ottawa

Galliano For Dior

Eccentric, eclectic, electric. The Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collection from John Galliano for Dior is haute couture at its best. The runway show, part of the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, was held at the Rodin Museum that was turned into a blooming garden with classic statues.

Inspired by the garden of Christian Dior's childhood home, Les Rhumbs, in Normandy, it's a tribute to Dior's legendary Tulip collection of 1950s.





See pictures and the video of the show at dior.com.

Galliano For Dior

La Furia Roja

With their semi-final win today at the 2010 World Cup, Spain gets the spotlight today - and Fashion From Spain is your one stop site for everything related to Spanish fashion

Tons of information on designers and products, view catwalk snapshots from more than fifty designers, check out profiles and collections - you'll see that there's a lot of beautiful, flirty, sexy collections coming out of the Iberian peninsula.

Some personal favs from the Cibeles Madrid Spring / Summer 2010 catwalk photo collection: the lightness of Roberto Torretta, the flowers of Juana Martín, and the swimwear of Dolores Cortés.




(All pictures taken from Fashion From Spain)

As a side note - don't miss the World Cup final this Sunday at 2:30pm EDT - Spain and Holland will go head-to-head in what promises to be an outstanding duel!

La Furia Roja

Beautiful Paris

Ah Paris, the City of Light. One of the most visited city in the world, the French capital is also one of the most important fashion hub.

Fred from Easy Fashion In Paris captures students and workers on the streets of beautiful Paris. Attitude, style and charisma - the perfect combination for ze French getaway!




(All pictures taken from Easy Fashion In Paris)

Beautiful Paris

Mad As A Hatter

I'm a big fan of summer and sun, a lot less of sunstrokes. Sunglasses take care of your eyes, sunscreen of your skin... what about your precious head?

Summer hats are a good (or often inexpensive) way to keep your head cool and add a touch of style to any outfit - a straw floppy hat for the beach, a panama hat for an afternoon of shopping, or just a classic fedora for a stroll in the park.

For everyone on the East Coast, enjoy these next few days of extreme heat and sun... and don't forget your favorite summer hat before heading out!

Mad As A Hatter

Weekend Suggestion: It's All About The BBQ

Fourth of July weekend is upon our friends of the South, and Canada Day long weekend (for most of us who didn't have to work today anyway!) is in full swing. It's the perfect occasion to invite friends and family for a BBQ in your backyard!

Ribs, wings, steaks, or just good ole burgers - nothing rhymes with summer like BBQ! Add in a pool, drinks and sun, hard to ask for more on a hot summer day!



Looking for the best greasy, smokey, barbecuey recipes? America's Best BBQ has the top 100 recipes from restaurants and rib houses, and parts of the book are on Google Books. You can also get the book on Amazon.

Weekend Suggestion: It's All About The BBQ

Happy Birthday Canada!

Living in the National Capital Region, I can experience first hand the buzz surrounding all the activities on Canada Day. With so many options - hiking in Gatineau Park, watching the shows on Parliament Hill, BBQing with friends and neighbours - it's a great start to the hot days of July!

To everyone, coast to coast, have fun and enjoy your Canada Day!

Happy Birthday Canada!