The Film Buff

As soon as there is a nip in the air, the idea of venturing out for an ice cream cone sounds ridiculous. For most people, cold weather and a movie makes for a more pleasant afternoon.

But as soon as the mercury rises, an ice cream cone immediately overrides any film.

The Film Buff on Queen Street East has its customers figured out as along with a huge selection of movies, it has a wide variety of ice cream flavours.

The Film Buff on Queen Street East sends customers out with an obscure film and an ice cream cone. (photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

“It keeps the business steady,” said Joe Reed, an employee at the Film Buff. “In the winter I’m recommending dozens of movies and in the summer I’m strengthening my right forearm serving ice cream.”

Reed kicking off the summer season with a scoop of ice cream. (Photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

The Queen Street East location opened five years ago after much success at the owner’s first store in Roncesvalles.

“Even though we do rent out movies that made the Box Office, we are more known for our selection of artsy films,” said Reed.

Each wall houses films of the same genre. It just so happens that the artsy/indie wall runs the entire length of the store.

A wall of artsy films at the Film Buff. (Photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

“I just rented Beeswax,” said Paul, a customer who has been visiting this location since day one for its obscure movies.

During the weekends and the summer, the Film Buff acts as a community centre for the neighborhood as everyone from the ages of seven to 75 comes to talk movies and eat ice cream.

With a scoop of Crunchy Frog (mint chocolate chip with a Monty Python flare) in one hand and Beeswax in the other, Paul headed out for a night of sheer bliss.

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Spring has Sprung

After a chilly long winter, people are finally shedding off the winter layers and throwing on their shades to adapt to the clear blue skies. Another way fashionistas are adapting to the sudden weather change is through their wardrobe.

"Spring is such a fun and light season; the clothing should reflect just that," said Sarah Graham, 21, a second-year fashion student at Ryerson. "Bright and bold prints scream fun."

Prints are being seen on the runway at New York fashion week just as much as they are being seen strolling down Yonge St. Whether they are geometric or floral, prints are definately here for the spring and maybe even longer.

Mary Katrantzou's digital print struts down the catwalk at New York's Spring 2010 Fashion Week. (Marcia Madeira)

"Instead of the usual drab clothing in tight times, bold prints have returned as a result of the recession," said Daniel Booth, a graduated fashion student from Ryerson. "People haven't had excess money to spend on clothes, so fashion designers want to go bold and bright to get their audience excited about fashion again."

And excited they should be, as this is a trend that can be worn by a wide range of women and men, according to Booth.

"If you don't feel comfortable wearing a print, then you can opt for an accessory with a print," said Graham. "There are so many options!"

Sarah Nardozzi said that she hasn't been able to keep her shelves stocked at Aldo Accessories.

A python print tote from Aldo. (www.aldo.com)

"As soon as I replenish the purses, I turn around for a second and one has already been snatched up," said Nardozzi, an employee at Aldo.

So before it's too late, toss aside last year's drabs. It's time to celebrate the end of the recession with bright and bold prints.

"Prints are fun, but as with any trend they will eventually fade out," said Jade Sullivan-Vallentyne, a fourth-year fashion student at Ryerson. "I think people will return to the modest attire come winter."




Summary: Prints are just as hot as the weather this spring.