Faith Style

I learnt about the talented Cheryl Sorg through one of Danielle LaPorte’s posts on White Hot Truth. I was immediately drawn to her work. Cheryl’s art is inspired by and made from books.

“Literature, and its ability to transfix and transport, has served as the inspiration for my work for a number of years.  A humble but passionate translator, I use books to create large and elaborate constructions, forms in which a viewer can get lost, as in a well-told tale.” -Cheryl

She began by making small-scale pieces for the purpose of photographing them, the photo being the final ‘product’. Quickly she set aside the camera and focused entirely on the making of the sculptures and installations themselves, wanting to see how they would morph – expand – without the resulting photo in mind. And what an incredible masterpiece each one is.

I bought a piece that made my soul sing and the one piece of art in my home that I find myself staring at for hours on end. Madame Hanska is a diptych consisting of mirror image prints of the same negative, a photograph shot of a small construction of coned book pages, from a book on the loves of great writers. Break-taking…

S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style?

C: I’m certain I have no secrets – my style is a work in progress for sure.  I have two young children – Hugo, who is 3 1/2 and  Esmé , who is 20 months old – and motherhood has of course radically changed my day-to-day routine – and my body! – which has triggered something of a style crisis for me the past few years.  The body change is a huge challenge.  Unlike legions of women (and hubby…..) I am not a fan of big breasts.  I found it so much easier to dress myself before I had these boobs!   I am hoping, hoping, hoping that when I finally stop breastfeeding they will shrink back down to their pre-babies size (sorry hubby)!  Fingers crossed.  Anyway, this style crisis is what led me to Danielle LaPorte (through her book Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design) and then, through her, to you! ).  I had a  Fire Starter Session with Danielle and, though the talk was centered around firing up my creativity, my artwork, my ‘business’, the topic of style did come up because I was just wasting so much time and mental energy trying to decide how in the hell to dress myself in the morning and it was, frankly, getting in the way of being productive and creative.  And it was making me unhappy and stressed.  Her spot-on advice to me was to simply adopt a ‘uniform’.  ”If you had to wear the same thing every day, what would you wear?”, she asked.  I then described to her my go-to outfit – knit tee, skinny jeans, boots, scarf – and on her advice I wear some variation on that theme nearly every day since.  Freedom!

S: How would you define the Style of your work?

C: Obsessive, meditative, mesmerizing, thoughtful, thought-provoking, time and labor-intensive.  My haven. Perhaps the most distinctive thing about the style of my work is the patience it requires, patience I possess in no other area of my life whatsoever (I curse like a sailor in all manner of situations – crowds, traffic, etc.).  I cut large amounts of texts apart into tiny pieces and assemble them into all manner of configurations, a process that can take dozens to hundreds of hours depending on the piece.  And I love it – almost never tire of it.  It’s like meditation – I become calm, my breathing easing and slowing.  My work is inspired by literature, fed by my love of language, and I experience my work, get lost in it, much the same way as you would a good book.  It’s the kind of experience I create – I hope – for the viewer as well.

S: What are the items in your closet that you couldn’t live without?

C: Skinny Jeans!  My two favorite pairs right now in heavy rotation, are a super soft stretchy pair of AG’s and a funky pair of Iron Army jeans.  Oh, and a pair of grey J Brand skinny cords and a pair of charcoal Joe’s leggings.  And of course, all of these I tuck into…..

Boots!  My Frye Campus Boots are my go-to’s.  They wear like flats – super  comfortable – but their chunky sole and heel give me at least two much-needed inches, which makes me feel tall, strong, lean and powerful.  All that from a boot you say?  Yes!!  I love those boots.  I have a pair of black Frye Paige boots, too, that are also fabulous and I am as I write this very seriously eying a pair of black Frye combat-style boots with silver studs on them on E-Bay, going for a very very good price…..I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist!

SCARVES.  Very key.  My style, in short, is lean, comfortable, utilitarian, neutral colors – with a bit of flair.  More often than note a scarf provides the flair.  It is amazing what a scarf can do for the most basic of ensembles!  My favorites of the moment include a white and turquoise fringed ‘peace & love’ scarf from Lucky Brand that my sis (who is a great gift-giver) gave me and a navy blue knit scarf that is as big as a blanket but whisper-thin.

Finally, T-shirts……I love solid t-shirts made with luxe knits and unique details from lines like Splendid and Velvet.  They are almost always white, black or grey, with the occasional  wild ventures into blue or plum.

S: What are your newest obsessions?

C: A bracelet my sister just gave me for my birthday by Material Matters, a wide nylon cuff with velcro that looks like a photo of dirt, basically.  I thought it was the strangest thing when I opened the package and first laid eyes on it, and now I can’t stop wearing it!  I love it.

A heather grey Portolano wool cap I just got that keeps the chill away AND covers my bangs, which (I think) I am growing out right now.

A gold band I got in Paris earlier this year – it was given to me by a homeless man who picked it up off the sidewalk as I was walking past and gave it to me, telling me it would bring me good luck.  It turns my finger green, but it’s a lovely souvenir of Paris and I wear it and love it anyway.

Kai body lotion – so dreamy.  I wear it as my scent.  Something intoxicating, and just plain happy, about that scent!  The matching perfume spray is on my Christmas wish list (as I write this it is three days until Christmas….)

Two GORGEOUS handbags I recently got in an art-for-merchandise barter (LOVE those!).  They are from designer Lindsay Strieker – her label is called Malaika and the bags are so special, such a treat to have and carry.  One is a silver clutch with a big metal elephant head detail and the other is a black leather drawstring-style bag that can be worn cross-body (which I love) or with the strap doubled up as a shoulder bag.  I rarely (okay never….) splurge on bags, and so I am just delighted to finally own some so beautiful.

The Map as Art, a fantastic book by Katharine Harmon featuring work by a wide variety of artists, all of which either incorporates maps, is inspired by maps, or are maps of a sort.  A total feast for the eyes and mind.

Thumbprints!  My current artwork centers around the arches, loops & whorls of people’s thumbprints and it is just incredible the range and variety of patterns.  My son, future surfer dude, has a cool big-wave pattern on one of his, and one of mine has something of a yin/yang pattern.  Very cool.

S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us?

C: I couldn’t be more excited about what I’ve got going on in my work right now!  The thumbprint portraits are the most fun work I’ve done in the longest time – they are highly personal, each entirely unique, and though they take dozens of hours, the time seems to fly by after having spent years working on giant book pieces that took hundreds and hundreds of hours to create.  Most importantly, however, the thumbprint form has presented itself as a perfect way for me to do something I’ve long wanted to do, to use my art to help affect real change.  I am developing a philanthropic project titled “Under No One’s Thumb” that is aimed at raising awareness about the problem of sex trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children, and with which I am raising money for organizations working hard to fight the problem and empower survivors.  When a thumbprint portrait is commissioned, I donate 25% of the selling price to this cause, and I am also developing an exhibition and auction event with celebrity thumbprint portraits, which I am hoping will bring in a good deal of money for the cause, as well as bringing much-needed attention.  This is a project I anticipate spending most of my time on this upcoming year and I am really, really excited about it.  I have a ’causes’ page on Facebook for the project if anyone is interested in joining (http://apps.facebook.com/causes/414140), and my web site, which is updated regularly as the project progresses, has more information about the project as well.

They say all the most successful, powerful women will be wearing plaid this season.

Not only does Faith Style donate regularly, I personally donate monthly to CARE, Canada’s global force dedicated to defending dignity and fighting poverty by empowering the world’s most vulnerable and greatest resource for change : women and girls. It has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done this year, I invested in the divine feminine because she has the power to change her world and I have the power to help her do it. Learn more about CARE at their website and what’s involved in becoming an Agent of Change.

Women make up two-thirds of the estimated 876 million adults worldwide who cannot read or write, and girls make up 60 percent of the 77 million children not attending primary school. There are numerous reasons why girls are not given access to learning: the inability to pay for mandatory uniforms, cultural beliefs that girls’ education is frivolous, or even a need for girls to work to support their family. Each of us as the power to make positive change in others lives and it can be extremely easy, all you have to do is be a little creative.

What is near and dear to your heart? What charity are you passionate about? What do you CARE about?

London based brand Nougat clothing epitomize quintessentially British design with a hint of 1940’s timeless femininity. Their collections are always of-the-moment, whilst managing to stay true to their enchanting signature silhouettes and detailing. I own a few fabulous pieces that I absolutely LOVE and wear again and again.

“May today there be peace within. May  you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May  you not forget the infinite possibilities that are  born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you  have received, and pass on the love that has been given to  you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let  this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the  freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each  and every one of us.” – Anonymous

I wanted to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Faith Style in it’s growing stages this year. It’s been an amazing start and I know that 2010 is going to be sensational. Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday.

I’m the biggest chocoholic I know and I wanted to share my top picks of the most delicious sweet spots in the Toronto area. Stop by anyone of these locations to pickup a dessert or two whether it’s for yourself or something your picking up for a party. Take my advice and I guarantee that you’ll be praised for your choice of goodies.

The Cupcakery is deliciously creamy and not too sweet, it’s the perfect balance to the moist and soft cake underneath. Flavors range from Back to Basics, a vanilla cupcake frosted with chocolate butter cream, to PB&C, a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter icing and a strawberry jam filling (they put the sandwich classic to shame). Sold individually ($2.50), by the half dozen ($13) or dozen ($25), the selection varies daily. Other mouth watering flavors are: Principessa, After Eight, Cookies & Cream, Amaretto Kisses…

If your more of a cookie fan rather than a cake addict Sweet Flour is the place for you. Pick your flour (regular, peanut butter or oatmeal) and two mix-ins, and within two minutes you’ll have your very own freshly baked cookie. With options like milk, white or dark chocolate; cashews and pistachios; and dried cranberries and blueberries, there’s a recipe for everyone.

A custom cookie ($2.50), one dozen Signature Cookie Gift Tin ($27) or for the cookie monster in your family or close group of friends why not opt for Cookie of the Month where Sweet Flour will send a selection of gourmet cookies each month ($195 – six months).

Not so much into cupcakes or cookies but prefer to dig into a hefty slice of yummy cake? My pick for cakes is LaRocca, which can be found at most local grocery stores (Metro, Loblaws, etc…). Their selection varies from Strawberry Shortcake to Truffle Royal to The Original Super Caramel Crunch and many, many more. It’s great for birthdays, parties and celebrations of all kinds (including landing a new client!) Not only is it perfect for a get together the prices are extremely reasonable.

From sweet cinnamon buns & scones to savoury choux buns & puff pastry OMG Baked Goodness is the other heavenly delicious local bake shop. I could not talk about desserts without mentioning the ultimate shortbread cookie ever made. I usually only consume boxes of these at the One-of-a-Kind Show, but Coach House Shortbread is THE best. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. If you haven’t tried this cookie you need to order them immediately.

Lastly if your more of a Baker than a Buyer, put on your “will cook for shoes” apron by Domistyle and test out the many delicious recipes from The Happy Baker by Erin Bolger. Everyone knows it takes homemade baking to heal a broken heart, and nobody knows this better than Erin Bolger. More than just a cookbook, Erin shares personal anecdotes and stories . Divided into four entertaining chapters: 1 – The Early Years: When the going gets tough, the tough get baking!, 2 – They Break it, You Bake it: Stories of Heartache and Heartbake, 3 – The Good, The Bad, The Fugly: A potluck of dating shenanigans and 4 – Single & Sassy: Now What?!?!?! this book (and its recipes and stories) is meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends.

Online Series: Use the web and Faith Style’s coveted resources to stretch your budget and you’ll be the smartest, most stylish shopper around.

Consider used, shop at www.ebay.com or visit your friendly vintage shop.

• Common Sort (804 Queen St. East)
• Second Nature Boutique (514 Mount Pleasant Rd)
• Fashionably Yours (632 Queen St. West)
• I Miss You (63 Ossigntion Ave.)
• Kensington Market in Toronto

Jodi Renee is one of my most favourite photographers (my head shot is courtesy of talented Jodi!), her work unveils the inner beauty and uniqueness of each individual she works with. Her photos tell a story and share intimate moments that often get forgotten. I asked Jodi a few questions about her style; fashion, work and everything in between.

S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style?
J: I think THE secret to Authentic Style is completely ‘within’. Funny how I can see the overflow of my values, my strengths, what I love, my career;  interwoven into all parts of my life. It’s about owning ALL  parts of ‘who we are’ and  letting that translate itself through the expression of our own personal style. I love simple, natural…pure. Less is so much more. Beauty IS confidence. We can often wear whatever, completely blazing our own trail of style if we just let ourselves go…(not giving a sh*t what anyone else thinks!)

I love quality ‘staple’ items that last a long time, and go with everything (great jeans, that black dress, white shirt etc.)  Spend the money and they stand the test of time! …(sadly watching my favourite jeans get their last wears out of them after YEARS!) However even these pieces can express themselves with different cuts, textured fabrics. Anything that makes them unique. I can be really picky when it comes to shopping, looking for items that fit like they were made for me. When you look good, you feel good! Authentic Style is not so much WHAT we’re wearing but WHO we are when we’re wearing it…

S: How would you define the Style of your work?
J: Natural. Real. Authentic. MOVING. Inspiring. I’d like to think my work is more ‘unveiling’ then ‘capturing’. It’s about seeing what’s REALLY there. Love, emotions, movement, LIFE is in the stuff that we often overlook. The every day stuff that make up our lives.  Great images for me spark all the senses. Hearing the laughter, FEELING the emotions.
I  am in love with kids and their ability to be so raw, confident and in love with life.
We can learn so much from them…

S:What are the items in your closet that you couldn’t live without?

J: Couldn’t live without jeans…my Miss Sixty’s. Super comfy. Super sexy. My favourite Italian brown leather boots. Yoga and workout wear is my foundation (…thank you Lulu Lemon!) The extravagant and stunning David Yurman ring I splurged and bought in NYC.

S: What are your newest obsessions?
J: I’ve always been obsessed with GOOD eye cream! I think it’s an ESSENTIAL must! Recently fell in love with Dr. Alkaitis Organic Eye Creme – FOOD for your skin! The whole line is fabulous! BOOTS! Great heels to dress up jeans…WARM fashionable boots are a must for these crazy cold winters. Loving my new North Face Alana’s in black. Hats. So ridiculously hard to find a great hat. Notice the theme here with winter wear?…one must stay stylish surviving in -40 degree weather!

S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us?

J: Definitely some exciting projects in the works for 2010…how much time do we have?? ha. I have SO many ideas…Really refining my brand and the products I offer clients. A lot more focus on LOVE…life…and style…you’ll have to wait and see! xo

How many times have we vowed to go to the gym come January, to ignore the fast food drive-thru in our rush to get to the next appointment or even promised ourselves to do better, be better?

I’m guilty of every one of those broken promises, so this year I have two fabulous suggestions. First, make a choice, not a resolution. Instead of signing a contract with your superego, reach out with your heart.

Second, choose to honor you and what a better time than 2010. Focusing on your style, boosting your confidence and making you feel fabulous.

Check back over the holidays to find out more about Faith’s exclusive Honour Your Style celebration taking place in January 2010.