Unstoppable Disaster.

In the fast paced world that we live in, it is sometimes difficult to press on the breaks, and when and if we do, we are all guilty of the “justifiable” rolling stop. Two weeks ago an earthquake hit the island of Haiti, and although the ground was literally moving below them, a nation stood still for just a moment, holding onto the hope and praying that the damage would be minimal. Regretfully, that was not the case. The damages from the earthquake were dramatic and have affected millions of people, not only in Haiti, but also around the world.

It is bitter sweet when watching the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake unfold. Through watching the news, reading an article, or hearing a tidbit of conversation from passersby, I am constantly reminded and updated on the death toll and damage done by the tragic natural disaster. I know that you are wondering where there could possibly be any good in this situation, and you’re right is thinking there isn’t any. However, if you take a minute, you will recognize that beneath all the greed, anger and frustration that the world has sadly become immune to, there lies a common understanding of compassion and unity.

It seems to me that this tragedy has made people not only slow down, but come to a complete stop, if only for a moment. In a society where it is sometimes a challenge to remember the milk or find time to go to the drycleaners, it fills me with joy to see individuals and groups come together to plan events, and raise money and awareness, for those in need. In a nation, where Starbucks is essential to most mornings, it warms my heart to see that people will forgo there weekly fix of overpriced lattes in order to help the traumatized Haitians.

Over the past few weeks I have seen countless Facebook groups, websites and tweet challenges that aim to raise money for Haiti. Cellular networks and online media have created opportunities for even the busiest of people to donate. Initiatives are popping up wherever I look, from making fashion T-shirts to bumper stickers and hosting telethons or concerts.

It is never too late to get involved, or start an initiative of your own, but for those of you who want to help by donating your time and especially if you have an interest in fashion/arts, then you might want to pay attention to this. All over my homepage were invitations to a model search being held at Reign Nightclub tonight, Friday January 29. The event is being held to gather anyone who is interested, regardless of experience, in walking down a runway to raise money for Haiti. The event sounds like a blast and would be a great way to get involved while combining Fashion and Fundraising.

I often have to stop myself from getting caught up in the superficial elements of life and remember to give thanks for all that I have been blessed with. When life gets me down, I try and focus on what’s important. Most likely, what I am going through is controllable; whereas for others it is not. When my life gets heavy I can put on the breaks; when their lives fell apart, there was no stopping it. That is a message to remember for the next time your jeans don’t fit or your hair falls flat.

Poodles 'n Prada

Aside from my 5 inch, black sequenced, Patrick Cox pumps, my most favorite thing in life is my 2-year-old pup, Miss. Chloe. Weighing in at roughly 11 lbs, Chloe is a cross between a manipulative Maltese and presumptuous Poodle, with a hint of royalty thrown in somewhere. Nevertheless, she's the sweetest bitch female dog you'll ever meet.

Growing up with a mother in the fashion industry, I acquired a knack for labels early in life. It is no coincidence that my darling Chloe is named after a very versatile fashion designer. In any case, my intention is not to enlighten you on my ability to formulate a killer outfit on short notice, but rather to inform the unaware, and to confess to all others alike of my guilty pleasure. I, proud dog owner, go beyond my duties of animal caregiver by over-indulging my pet to the point where I feel no shame in dressing her up in stylish yet appropriate outfits, no inhibitions while strutting walking her down the street as if she were on a runway for Prada and limited remorse when spending $4.95 on a single (and might I add small) dog treat just because it was in the shape of a cupcake...with sprinkles.

What I find most interesting though, is my ability to show restraint (okay okay, moderate restraint) when shopping for myself, but when it comes to Chloe there is a sort of notion where anything goes-within reason of course ;). I can spend hours on a Saturday afternoon weaving in and out of the designer racks at Holt's, feeling the cashmere as if it were my first time and executing extreme self-discipline as to not max out my credit card. The point is that as a reasonable individual, I cannot justify spending $900 on a Dolce and Gabbana blazer, regardless of how fierce I may look in it. On the other hand, while in the mindset of a dog owner, I fall short in my ability to demonstrate logical restraint on treats and toys.

My two biggest weaknesses in Toronto are:

1. My Pet Boutique: an adorable and swanky pet shop located in Yorkville that specializes in cat and dog toys (really cute and original ideas), overly decorated treats and more accessories and variations of cashmere sweaters then one could even dream of.
2. Pink Paws: a kiosk, located in Yorkdale Mall and also has a larger store at Vaughn Mills Outlet Mall, which sells the sweetest little pet outfits that double as an extra layer of warmth in the winter and increased cuteness year round.

I fear not when disclosing this information because I know there are others out there who share my philosophy, "Sure, a dog is just a dog- but MY dog is so much more then a dog, its a member of the family and thus, deserves the best." Now I've seen people wrap up the remainder of their fillet from Morton's with full intentions of feeding it to their pups, which for the record I would never do. However, it is no secret to those who know me, that this past Christmas Chloe received a squeaky toy shaped like a Monolo Blahnik, animal print, pump with a label reading Monolo Barknik. I guess crazy is as crazy does, but I am certain that when it comes to my pouch, I give a new meaning to the term designer dog.