I Really Like This Song... *WINTER VIBES EDITION*

 

 

Bookworm baby!

GIVE BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS!!! They are the BEST gifts. What else can you give that lasts longer than a movie, is an adventure bigger than any Christmas day family dinner AND makes you the cool gifter who had the confidence to think outside the gift-card box?

Here's a few that I've read lately and loved!


For the metal loving music geek (or 80s nostalgia fan!)

 Chuck Klosterman (you probably did a social-studies book report on his Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs in Grade 10) wrote the holy bible on hair metal and it's contribution to culture and musical significance not only in the 80s, but every ass-kickin' leopard print wearin day since.



 For the Girl who doesn't read much but wants to see the movie:

 This is a super-easy, fast paced modern mystery about a *maybe* missing person. No one on our tour bus can put this down!


For the city-dwelling bohemian who has always heard about everything before you:

 I read this when I was living in NYC, and while Patti Smith's writing can be a little cliche, she's earned the right by kickin it in the 70s with Robert Mappelthorpe, Janis Joplin, William Burroughs and many other colorful kids at Max's Kansas City. Full of the magic of music, poetry and art.


For the person who wants to go on adventure, and has friends from all walks of life:

I LOVE swedish anything. Film, music and books from this part of the world perfectly captures the space, color and friendliness of Sweden. A story about it never being too late to have an adventure. And it has an elephant. A feel-good, loved-it kinda book.




Go forth, stuff stockings and be merry!!!!

My favorite things...

I'm starting a new post featuring my favorite things I've ever sold on WILDTHING

This week, it's a BEAUTIFUL red leather oversized envelope clutch that I found in a salvation army bin in the factory district of Edmonton, Alberta. She went for a pretty penny, but everytime I see this picture I wish I had taken her out for a little spin before selling!

Paid- $2.99 SOLD- $56.00

Wherever she is, I hope she's paired with yellow :)


xoxxx

Running challenge, and I cried at the hunger games.

So I'm on day 8! Haven't fallen off the treadmill (literally OR figuratively) yet. It's been actually rewarding. It's hard on the road to figure out what to do with yourself other than shopping or laying bed on days when you are in a hotel in a city you don't know. You end up eating in a lot of restaurants and visiting a LOT of shopping malls. Both of those things equal less dolla bills at the end of your contract. And lord knows I came out here to SAVE money, not spend it! The majority of my spending so far has been a thrift stores (Stuff to send home and sell) and food. I'm trying to cut back on food money by cooking in my hotel room (which is a little like camping, except there's no fire and less animals *Read: other actors* trying to steal your eats. Running every day has gotten me to the gym (Free!) and feeling awesomer (Awesome!)

 

Life in a touring nutshell

The wildthing mug above was at a thrift store in nashville, but I didn't have space for it. What do y'all think of my belt buckle necklace? I wanna make a few more to sell at the market when I get home.

I saw hunger games and cried. I think i'm homesick. Or sick in the head. Point is, I cried like an 8 year old girl.


For day 8 of my running challenge, I decided to mix it up a bit and did a bootcamp class. I was planning to run a mile afterwards, but in the class we did well over a mile of running up and down stairs, and "Killers" which are basketball court running drills. I was COOKED. Thus there was no picture. But trust me and my kneecaps, a mile definitely came outta me today. Follow along on Instagram every day!


LOVE FROM MINNEAPOLIS (this week)

25 day 1 mile challenge

I'm gonna run a mile every day for 25 days? Why? Why not a month? Cuz I already did it for five days before this blog post. It'll be hard some days (Read: Hangover) It'll be easy some days (Read: When will it ever be easy?!) Why? Because I've always hated running. And because it will allow me to post pictures like this.

This is how I feel when I run half a mile.

Also, cuz I'ma get buff out here on tour. Follow me on Instagram as wildthingvintage to join me! We can post cliche pictures of our running shoes. Yay!

Hittin the road.

Last day in Baltimore tomorrow. It's been... real.

OPENING NIGHT!

We opened this mother. It was a crazy, two weeks of 12 hour tech days, costume malfunctions and re-writes, but the new WWRY is open! We made it our bitch.  Some pics from opening:

OMGOMGOMGOMG

Backstage with Gal, Scara, and Brit

The ladies of WWRY2

No Brian May. Cheers to YOU.

For some strange reason our dj thought he should play the songs we JUST HEARD in the show. Cue show choreo.

Brian Crum, Leather tux god.

Me and my buddy Garth. That's his real name. We're not worthy.

Jared giving us all some "I'm WAY too famous for this" face. Note: He is not too famous for this.

My emotional face after Talent House & Bruce Dean got us the most thoughtful opening night gift, an honorary brick at the rock and roll hall of fame

I'm gonna need this chair. Note to Hard Rock Cafe: PLEASE GIVE ME THIS CHAIR.

The night was killer, held in a renovated 1900 power plant, in a fully-fooded hard rock cafe. I hope I never forget the sound of Brian May playing those final bone-shaking chords in Bo Rhap. Now, the tour begins. Look out, America. We're comin... comin to GETCHA.

TOURLIFE!

LIFE. And Fashion Week.

So I moved out to London, Ontario. I have been informed I live on the "Wrong side of the bridge". To which I replied, really? Despite the out-of-business pawn shops and neighbor with "I smoked too much meth and peeled up my tile" nails?

I Digress.

Also, my Iphone took a cue that I was leaving civilization and deleted ALL MY MOTHAEFFIN CONTACTS.

I basically don't exist now.

IN OTHER NEWS, my coolest-ever friend Kritty introduced my to Julie Klausner and her brilliant podcast "How was your week?" So you should listen to that. Fo realz. I also am obsessed with sesame oil, there was some in the cupboard when I got here (So maybe i'm obsessed with aged sesame oil, it may have been there since the dawn of time) and it is very tasty. So you should eat that. Fo realz.

SO NOW LET"S TALK ABOUT FASHION WEEK.

I don't go to a ton of shows, but the beautiful and lovely Gail McInnes at Magnet Creative invited me to both Lucien Matis shows. You might remember him from the first (And sadly, only) season of Project Runway Canada. Well, bitch works OVERTIME because he now presents TWICE every season at fashion week. This year however, he had some extra pep in his step and also designed a custom dress made of broken Bailey's bottles (they sponsored his high end event). That model deserved a tony for her performance as "Skinny bitch walking in heavy dress".

So what does one wear to fashion week?

WHO KNOWS? nothing you can possibly put on your body is going to make you feel as "Fashion forward" as the other girls there, so just get dressed and get the eff out of the house before you have time to doubt it. Here's what me and my fabulous robin wore:

WEDNESDAY:

Robin: Vintage polka dot shirt from the Common Sort, $14.00, Skinny Levi's $25.99, Dress Shoes, Aldo $?

Socks: Gift from me (Ardene)

Me: Sunglasses- Opticianado (Gift from Robin), Green Mohair Toque- WILDTHINGVINTAGE, Striped Blouse- Thrifted ($2.99) Sailor shorts- Urban Outfitters ($49.99) and White Platform GoGo Boots- Aldo ($60.00 on sale a million years ago)

AND FRIDAY: Shoes that RAPED my feet and I left in the lobby later that night: Goodwill via Chinatown ($6.99) Tights- Ruined by ME, PVC Shorts- Salvation Army (2.99) Black H&M sweater- Sal. Army ($4.99) Faux Collar Coat- French Connection 4 years ago ($350.00) Lightning Bolt Earrings- Fashion Crimes ($15.00/e) Glasses- The Public Butter ($10)

I geeked out and forgot to take a picture of Roobs. Your loss, he looked smokin. Also ran into my old high school buddy Hawley from Sidewalk Hustle, you can read what she thought of the show HERE.

So now that I spent what was basically 14 years uploading those pictures because I'm pirating internet and have to pay $4 per extra gig, I'm out, bitches.

Coming up this week is TURTLE TUESDAY, me starting a cleanse and i'll probably complain about some stuff.

xoxxx

HEARTBREAK AT THE THRIFTS.

Think of the AMAZING potential of this lamp. A blue lightbulb with a purple shade? Bling out that huge column base?

$49.99?! Did I mention this was in the dirty LITERALLY cellar basement of the Kerr St. Goodwill in Oakville? I could have gone to Homesense down the street and bought 2 lamps, without the generally rapey vibe of this place. There also probably wouldn't be a guy with tourette's syndrome sorting through bags of old plushies in the corner. But my vintage and lion-loving heart wanted THIS lamp :( No treasures on this sad day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TURTLES TUESDAYS!!!

Every tuesday, I'm going to profile a different item in my ninja turtles collection. Geeky? OF COURSE! But after all these years collecting, I want to show off my treasures!!!

Starting with a bit of a cheat. This is not, in fact, licensed by Mirage studios *This may shock you*. But, a very faithful freckly 4 year old budding artist created this stunning rendition. IT'S ALMOST AS IF IT'S REAL!

 

Check back next tuesday to check out my favorite new addition! Hint: It's in the... Bathroom?!

Should YOU be thrifting?

I know thrifts aren't for everyone. Trust me, I am definitely a girl who appreciates the sparkly tissue paper, sleek shopping bags with rope and cloth handles, and a luxury shopping experience. I have spent MANY a two-show day break in Holts, The Room and other pricey shops. The problem?

I'M PO, BITCH. 

So what is a painfully fashionable girl to do? Go buy your W, V, or Vogue. Then find the same things for less than the price of your Teriyaki Experience at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Talize or of course, Value Village (That's Savers to you american readers!) So here's a little breakdown of the different shops you can visit here in Canada (Namely Ontario, since that's where I call home) There are also a few not mentioned here, like independant shops and the bibles for missions. Google "Thrift Stores" and they will pop up in your area.

Goodwill: This is a charity shop that takes your donated items and sells them at a profit. This profit goes to training disabled and struggling local citizens so that they can work and gain independence. Think "Teach a man to fish". *I accidentally typed "fist" instead of fish first time round. And was tempted to leave it.*

Salvation Army: Similarly, takes donated items and sells them to benefit charitable efforts. It is important to note that they are a christian based oraganization, and recently had some coverage here with an employee voicing his unfavorable opinion on homosexuality. Salvation Army has stated these comments do not reflect company motto. 

Talize & Value Village: These are both privately owned FOR PROFIT companies. They take donated items and aside from the government required 6% donation to charity they make pure profit. They also own all the donation bins outside of apartment buildings and in parking lots, paying charities to put their names on the side of bins. Value Village is the second most profitable company in North America after Wal Mart (Which it is owned by)

So how can you be a responsible donator? Well, I'm not telling you where to shop, but i'm telling you to shop smart *SHOP S MART! (April 5th, am I right?)* Donate your items where they will benefit people like you and me, and when you do shop at V.V. or Talize, think twice when an item is priced high. Remember, what you are buying is USED and you aren't getting the experience someone paid full price to have in the mall or boutique. 

BORING STUFF OVER!   


SO WHAT MAKES A GOOD THRIFTER? Well, You have to be willing to browse. Shopping at the thrifts is kinda like the clearance rack of Winners, there will be moments of near-heartbreak over "I just need ONE SIZE BIGGER!" and moments of awesome rush "THIS IS STILL IN THE STORES!" but an ideal thrifter might only have a vague idea of what they are looking for. Do you specifically need a white shirt? Jeans? a denim coat? You might be in luck. I recommend making sure the shop you are in sorts by size, then you can hit more white shirts than running from store to store in a mall (But you will have to eye the quality and condition a little closer).

SO WHAT CAN I BUY? Now, I sell clothing for a large portion of my living. I can't post these things all the time because I list items to sell, and it would feel pretty sucky if you were a customer of WILDTHING and found that I'd paid only $2 for something I sold for $75. And that happens sometimes. My shoppers are paying for the luxury of shopping from home and not having to do the searching that I do. BUT THAT'S THE PART I LOVE!

I HAVE $20.00. MAKE MAGIC HAPPEN. So today, for $16.94, this is what I purchased at the Goodwill at islington and the QEW.

TO SELL: Early 90s April Cornell Girl's Dress (I often buy large girl's sizes, they fit XXS and there are lots of little ladies who love the "boho" look) April Cornell's designs can be found at Holt Renfrew.

FOR ROBIN: A teal soft T shirt (He looks the bomb in this color) Tshirt with a goldfish inside a Tank.

FOR ME: An awesome summer shirt that i'm gonna cut up and make sexy. This summer, I will in fact be Jammin.

FOR ME OR TO SELL: An amazingly rich printed indian tunic. The beauty of selling things is I can keep them in my closet for a bit, and if I don't wear it, it goes up for sale. Kind of a rotating closet!

Ignore the polish. Envy the Bling. 

FOR ME: A very cute Mod 60s blouse. Picture this with some red lipstick, sailor shorts and a red bandana. You know you want me.

BOW.

100% Silk. Cheetah print. LIGHT AS A FEATHER.

Did I mention at The Room this would set me back about $275.00? 

So, some thrift things you've gotta know- FEEL FABRICS. You can tell more about the quality much faster than checking tags. THERE MIGHT BE CREEPY PEEPS. People doin some crack in the changerooms (Parkdale) people sleeping on furniture for sale (Etobicoke) or, even in the nicest areas, a few bugs (Oakville). But these are very, VERY random and rare. And who knows? You might come away with tags like Marc Jacobs, Dior, Versace, Miu Miu, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ungaro or Yves Saint Laurent.

GO FORTH AND THRIFT!

Ima start blogging again. Tune in soon, peeps! In the meantime, I've been BUSY with WILDTHINGVINTAGE and and I joined instagram (wildthingpeck).


So there. www.wildthingvintage.etsy.com

He better SANG.

2012 in pictures...

It started with the greatest day (and party, and dress) of my life. That's Mr. and Mrs. Black, to you

Then it was off to Stratford (moving day weather could only be described as "BALLS". Playing Ms. Lucy Van Pelt, my Stratford Festival Debut.

My amazing dressing table. Yes, actors really do get those super cliche strip club lightbulbs.

My Charlie Brown mates.

My birthday surprise for Robin.

Summer days off in a nutshell. Nothing is better than a Kensington patio on a day off.

My favorite half-chocolate snack, Katrina "I'm such a cool Bitch" Reynolds.

School of Rock Reunion at the Ex.

Me and the Exhibition's 26th anniversary, yo.

Scary Ostrich.

Me and Scott eagerly awaiting her Madgesty in Ottawa.

MDNA

I FINALLY got to see Robin play live with his band, Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars.

Somehow, I scored a sweet spot just below Plummer. Stratford Festival Company 60th Season.

My best friend Tristan has a nine hundred degree black belt and opened his own dojo. I'm like a proud mama. He's KILLIN IT.

I played a man for the first time. It was the easiest pre-show prep ever. and peeing was a cinch. That's a big deal for us theatre chicks.

The men (?) of Talk is Free Theatre's Guys and Dolls.

Me and Mexican Spider Man.

Ending a year living apart with some Sun, Tequila, and Tequila.

His bathing suit, RIGHT?! Daffy's in NY, one of my favorite shopping finds ever.

Our final trip, ending the year in a Vegas desert with the Parents Peck. Aren't they cute?

My first trip to a desert. 

So, my year was colorful. It was a long one, living in Stratford and trying to get back to Toronto whenever I can. But it had some bitchin times with even more bitchin people. I love you all, you friends who made my year exciting and awesome. Except for those bad episodes of SMASH, those sucked. 

xoxxx

erica