American Eagle’s new location at 333 Queen St. West (one block west of John) is a welcome addition to the shopping district for hipsters, yuppies and tweens. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the beach, cottage or camp, consider this store a go-to destination when you’re downtown.
The store’s grand opening is April 30 and the doors open at 8 AM. Everything (except jeans) is buy one, get one at half price, but I’m sure you’ll be tempted to buy more than just two items. Heads up: the black selfie beanie is out of stock, but you can find it online here.
I never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day until I went to Western. For university students, it’s such a major event that it might as well be a statutory holiday. After I clued in during first year, I started planning my outfits in advance by keeping an eye out for discounts on green clothes, shoes and accessories.
It’s nice to support local boutiques when you’re buying seasonal items. Archies Surf Shop is a convenient shopping destination for Western students who want to buy green gear in downtown London without schlepping to a dollar store. Last year, I bought a clover leaf necklace at Archies and I also have an emerald green statement ring from Want in Toronto.
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun time to be creative and everyone’s in such a good mood that it seems like the fashion police take the day off. I used to wrap a skinny green United Colours of Benetton belt around my wrist and wear it as a DIY bracelet.
I don’t have many beauty secrets, but I will let you virtually eavesdrop on conversations with TV personality Jessi Cruickshank at Bioré’s event. Jessi and Dan were to MTV what Regis and Kelly were to ABC, so when I was invited to hear Jessi reveal how she becomes camera ready I was psyched.
The theme and hashtag of the evening was #TheCharcoalSecret because charcoal is a key ingredient in Bioré’s new products. The event was just a few days after her infamous Rob Ford interview in LA and Jessi gracefully transitioned from talking about politics to Hollywood and skincare.
Jessi hosted her own mini ceremony to reveal her craziest interview experiences:
Best Actor: Tom Cruise
Did you know he has his own mystic tanner? Hopefully they’re not the same person responsible for so many A-list stars with orange skin at the Academy Awards. Regardless, Jessi was overwhelmed by the size of his entourage, which she says includes assistants for his assistants.
Worst Actor: Kristen Stewart
To put it mildly, “she was very unpleasant.” Unfortunately for Jessi, Twilight fans were so aghast by their televised interview that they sent death threats and complaint letters to MTV.
Most High Maintenance: Mariah Carey
Mariah’s publicist insisted on a standing interview so Mariah would look thinner. OK, no big deal. Once on set, Jessi was introduced to Mariah’s personal lighting director and when she arrived, the publicist said, “I’m going to receive Mariah,” speaking about the diva as if she’s royalty. Looking back, Jessi says that now “I feel like we go back to when we were babies with pacifiers.”
Rob Ford is in Hollywood right now for the Oscars. The closest I got to Hollywood recently was Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. The weather was warm, but there were no celebrity sightings, unless Disney characters count. I met Stitch, Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the cast of The Incredibles. Time spent waiting in line for a hug from each of them was time well spent. Without character meet and greets, it would be difficult to call Disney World the happiest place on earth.
As I get into Oscars mode, I can’t help but wish I was back at Disney World on the Great Movie Ride, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or the Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. There’s so much more to Disney World than Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom and as a movie buff, Hollywood Studios is one of my favourite theme parks.
Can this be my new headshot?
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream displayed old furniture from his office and the desk he used in Grade 2.
Make a reservation at ’50s Prime Time Cafe for a fun meal at a retro diner.
Favourite Songza playlist: That varies based on my context – where I am, what I’m doing, what I’m feeling. A playlist that I discovered recently and played on my way to work is called Sensitive Men of the ’90s.
Professional role model(s): We have a lot of mentors and advisors that are really close to the Songza family. My dad has been a very hard worker and has a very entrepreneurial creative spirit. He’s responsible for my love of music. He’s been incredibly supportive as a father and as a mentor my whole life.
What excites you about working at Songza?
We’re a very small tight-knit team here. Everyone’s got their own quirky personality and is very excited to be working on this product. It’s a real pleasure and honour to work with the Songza team, who are in many cases smarter than me [laughs]. I’m privileged to learn a lot from [them].
What is the culture like at Songza’s headquarters in New York?
We’re a quirky and weird bunch. Our office space is bare bones. We’re not one of those start-up companies that buy lots of expensive furniture or goes into the cool, hip area of town where all the other start-ups are. We’re in our own little place, away from the action, so we can keep our heads down and stay focused.
Why should music lovers download and listen to Songza?
Songza—more than any other service by a mile—is effortless to use. Without you having to give us any information, we’re able to accurately predict what you are doing and feeling and recommend expertly curated content that’s going to make that moment better. No other service is able to deliver that experience for free nor do they have the personality.
How would you describe Songza’s personality?
Songza feels like your much cooler friend who always knows the right thing for every moment.
You’ve previously described Songza as a “lifestyle enhancer.” How has your lifestyle changed since Songza launched?
My life has changed immensely since launching the Songza business because everyone that I know now uses something I’ve created in their daily lives. In addition, I’ve been able to garner the attention and respect of a lot more people in the music and technology industry, as well as celebrities who now use Songza on a regular basis.
In terms of how Songza as an application has enhanced my life, I listen to a lot more music than I ever could have imagined. New moments in my life have been identified as moments that could use a soundtrack.
If Songza could partner with any brand(s), which brand(s) would you pick?
We would be most excited about working with Nike and Lululemon. Both are really great brands that started as athletic wear brands and have established themselves as lifestyle brands. People think of Lululemon and Nike as brands that are great at curating for their life, not just yoga and running. Their clothing and apparel is for athletics and fashion. I think both companies do a really great job at listening to their consumers and serving them with things that will make their life better. That’s very much in line with what we’re trying to do at Songza. Working with brands like that would add value to the user experience on our service.
