Friday, July 16, 2010

New Gossip Girl Styles

Anyone seen the stills from the upcoming season of Gossip Girl? Blair and Serena look so edgy and fashion forward, but still keep a beautiful feminine edge.

I like the boho-edge Serena is sporting in this scene. Blair looks so Park Ave and business women-like, I wish she would sport a younger style in the show, something less structured.
I'm dying to know what this outrageous look is used for! She looks so costumey but the look is still so Serena.
I love these rainboots! Such a nice change from the traditional hunters, and especially stylish with those knee socks exposed.
How adorable is this look? I love neutral bags paired with florals! The clear umbrella is so chic too, I saw so many when I lived in England.

Don't worry, I didn't forget about the boys style either; they look delish this season in dress casual looks and basics. I'm dying to know what Chuck Bass will be up to this season but from the looks of it, he'll still be looking divine. Sadly no sneak peaks of Lonely Boy yet this season, just lots of candids of he and real life girlfriend Blake Lively kissing in NYC.






Thursday, July 15, 2010

Fashion in NYC


I knew the fashion in NYC would be dazzling and it truly was. Madison and Park avenue types, strutting around in their Louis V. wearing the latest Proenza Schouler F/W'10 collection and carrying handbags worth as much as a semester at university. Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, and
Tiffany's were particularly impressive, as were the prices. I made my first purchase of the trip at Tiffany & Co. and continued to shop steadily until we hit the Canadian border.



NYC has such an atmosphere and an energy, from the elevator attendant at Tiffany's putting on his snooty accent to my $8 manicure at the Korean place around the corner from my hotel, I loved every minute of it. NYC is so fascinating because of all the different kinds of fashionistas as well. I'm so sick of those Juicy, Tiffany, denim cut offs, gladiator wearing girls carrying Coach that are dominating UWO fashion right now. Not that I'm not one of them sometimes but I feel like they have no dimensions to their style. In NYC however I saw thrift style, DIY style, indie, rock, Harajuku, Park Ave, Ready to Wear, prep, androgynous and the list goes on. Women and men were wearing incredible things even in the sweltering heat, towering heels and smart hats, carrying handkerchiefs to keep themselves dry in the humidity of the subway. And speaking of handkerchiefs, get ready because I predict they will be making a big comeback in women's wear this fall.



What did I learn in NYC? Heels are huge, sandals are incredibly strappy and flat, the subway is hotter than hell, and gauzy white shirts reign supreme to beat the city heat. The perfect outfit for NYC's heatwave is a cotton white dress, a huge purse (b/c everyone in NYC carries their life in their bag) and espadrilles.

Check out some of what I bought in NYC below!




My beautiful Tiffany letter pendant, although mine is a C of course.



Simple and cotton, the only thing you need to wear with this dress is a tan. Get it at Banana Republic.

Marc Jacobs Lust



I've had an insatiable appetite for all things MJ lately! It's completely consuming me. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I get 30% off Marc Jacobs now thanks to my new fabulous job, or maybe it's just because Marc is a visionary but I resisted buying any purses in NYC last weekend just so I could save up for a beautiful Marc Jacobs bag. As seen in a previous post I'm lusting after a certain white MJ bag, but I'm dying for the 'Put the petal to the metal bag' in grey. The metal birds on it are just so refreshing. I also LOVE all the gold hardware on MJ bags. It makes them so rich and luxe.


What are you guys dying for? Check out MJ's website and tell me what bags you love!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

trend alert: SHEER, LACE, AND MESH

Want to be on board with all the fashion trends this fall? All you need to do in remember one word: SHEER! Anything sheer, like lace, mesh and gauzy cottons will reign supreme, layered with key pieces like black leggings and over sized blazers.

Not sure how to wear the style? Try a lace shirt tucked into skinnies, a sheer crop top and slacks, or shoes with a mesh side. Check out the looks below for some fashion inspiration!



I'm DYING for these Kate Spade flats! So simple and neutral, another huge trend for the fall.



Lace shirts like this one from American Apparel can turn up the sex appeal in any outfit.



I love this look! Stripes make the crop top so casual and fun. This look is worn completely different than it was in the 80's which gives it a fresh twist.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

aritzia, aritzia, ARITZIA!

Are you ready for some great deals fashion lovers? Aritzia is having it's annual summer sale, from now until the 30th of June. Come in to get amazing deals, like the Mackage jackets that have been marked down $100 and the tanks which are all very cheap! Most all all, make sure to come in and visit me! I just started at Aritzia a few weeks ago and I'd love to see a few friendly faces!

Check out below for my fashion wish list from Aritzia!

I'm dying a for a linen boyfriend blazer! I already have one in white but I'd love to get one in black or even navy! They look so amazing with dresses and jeans, even shorts!



TOMS are the most amazing shoes, so comfy and because of the material you can just throw them in the washing machine when they're dirty. The best part is for every pair of TOMS shoes bought, a pair are given to a child in Africa who needs shoes. Get your TOMS at Aritzia fast, they're a big seller and they're on sale!



The Wilfred bustier's are so versatile and come in a million colours and prints! I really want a tooth paste coloured one to wear with a pair of shorts and a bow belt!



Finally the last thing on my wish list and also on sale is a white Marc Jacobs bag! Buttery leather and oh so enviable, I've been dying for a bag like this!

Wimbledon Fashion

Anyone a big tennis fan? I like tennis quite a bit, but I like the style involved much more. I've been watching the William sisters quite close throughout this season as Venus is set to debut a new tennis wear line and she has been giving us sneak peaks at various games. First there was the notorious black lace dress she chose to wear against Cibulkolva which was a mix of cancan and burlesque. Reviews on the dress were mixed, some decrying it, others praising her boldness. More than anything else critics were discussing what she was wearing under the skirt, nude underwear that gave the illusion of no underwear at all. The nude underwear has caused quite a controversy, some saying it should be banned, others finding it playful.



Venus' latest outfit is a bit more tame, white and a little frilly apparently inspired by Tina Turner. A complete 180 from her last raunchy outfit of red and black, the look is a little flapper and a little athletic.




Personally, these nontraditional outfits and nude underwear are fashion I can do without in my tennis matches. I prefer the smartly dressed Roddick in Lacoste, Sharapova in crisply pleated white skirts with matching underwear. I do remember though that even Rene Lacoste in his own time was considered innovative and ground breaking, the tennis skirt in particular is a fashion landmark pioneered by Lacoste. So thanks to Lacoste and all others who have made tennis the fashionable sport it is today. And to Venus? Thanks for keeping things fresh.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Winter's Latest Trends

Yes, after a long hiatus I am finally back! Sorry I was away for so long, but I seem to get so caught up in school I forget to do normal stuff like blog and go to the gym. First order on my agenda is to get into winter fashion trends in both women's wear and men's wear.

Ankle boots, fur, long loose v-necks, and statement bracelets reign supreme this winter in Canada. Long sleeved mini-dresses are also making a comeback, as is lace, with long necklaces and wader boots on the way out. My suggestions for a night on the town is a simple dress or skirt with one or two accessories, like a bracelet and textured purse. A long sleeved dress with patterned tights and a thick bracelet worn with ankle boots is a perfect outfit. If you're a little uncomfortable wearing a form fitting mini dress then try a skirt or shorts with a blazer and tights, with sky high heels for some extra confidence. Dark jeans are still a winning combination with anything and can really create a leaner leg when paired with heels. If you're worried about your legs appearing short, skip the ankle boot and embrace something that rises higher on your calf, or opt for a pair of heels.

Men this winter should keep their colour palette simple; black and grey should be complimented with pops of red and blue. I suggest a straight leg jean in a dark wash or a grey casual pant for bottoms, worn with designer sneakers or a pair of simple black dress shoes. Blue blazers are a must have item, as are grey suits, and make a great impression for first dates and bar wear. Simple blue striped shirts, think Ralph Lauren, look great this winter worn with a red tie, and paired with a black cardigan or pullover. Big buttons and small details on cardigans help to make your look unique and add texture to a largely black or grey outfit.

Want to know how to wear the look? See the following photos!










Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Womenswear Trend of the Week


This week's trend is the head band, which has made a comeback in various forms over the past year. The head band has been a prevalent style in haute couture, casual American style, and even athletic wear. However, this new and hip era of head bands has been dominated by three styles, embellished with jewels and feathers, braids (whether natural or synthetic), and cotton headbands.

These styles have all been pioneered by various celebrities and television shows, helping to popularize them over the course of the year. Perhaps the most well known would be Blair Waldorf on the hit show Gossip Girl, played by Leighton Meester. Blair is never seen without a head band, and they accompany all her outfits, whether they be designer or her prep school uniform. Blair even wore a head band to prom! Blair wears several kinds of head bands, including plain wide traditional styles, as well as newer styles boasting feathers, jewels, sequins, plaid, and bows in bold colours.

A second kind of head band that has become immensely popular is the braided hair headband. Traditionally, this head band was created using a french braid in the wearer's hair, but was very difficult to achieve. Now, because of the popularity of the trend, faux hair braided bands are easily available and simplify the once hard to achieve look. Don't know where to find one? Check out Icing by Claire's or Ardene for a cheap version of the braided head band. Want to know who's a fan? Lauren Conrad is often seen sporting a braided head band, or even a side braid.

The athletic head band has also come into popularity, not only at the gym but in casual everyday style. Lululemon, a Canadian athletic brand, has a range of head bands all in various colours with their infamous logo printed upon it. This hand band, while meant for the gym, has shown up everywhere, from the classroom to the mall, and shows no signs of dying out. At over $14.00 for this head band, you have to realize it's purpose is more than just to hold a few hairs back. Other, thinner elastic head bands are also making their rounds, becoming a new way of wearing hair down.

Be sure not to miss out on this style! Stylish head bands can be found at stores the world over including Topshop, Primark, Claire's, Ardens, Icing, Lululemon, and Urban Outfitters!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Menswear Trend of the Week



Hello faithful readers! In order to make my blog a little more exciting I've decided to introduce a trend or look of the week, in both womens and menswear. This week's menswear winner? Shoes, no socks.

I have been witnessing this subtle fashion trend since I lived in Europe, and now I see it is more prevalent than ever, with columnists in American rag GQ declaring it 'mandatory to wear socks to the office, but not after 6pm.' Plus, the Sartoralist features the look almost once a week, so it must be cool. This look has been around for years, originally being an affluent and prep style, worn by the American elite while sailing or at their country houses. However, it has spurned into modern mainstream style, and has potentially become the menswear look of the summer.

How to wear this look you ask? It can be worn with a dress short, but not a casual, baggy cargo short, or with dress pants, that are slim in the leg, or even with a slim, slightly cuffed jean. Shoes I would recommend to pair this look with include moccasins, dress shoes, canvas shoes, and loafers. This look can be worn to a casual dinner, to the movies, at the cottage, on vacation, or while enjoying the warm weather in general.

How not to wear the look would include to the gym, to the office (however, if the office is casual, feel free not to wear socks), with running shoes, with jogging pants, with baggy jeans, with anything athletic in general. Worried about what no socks will do to your shoes? Sprinkle a little powder in the shoe for comfort. Keep this look classic and it will never fail.

Still not sure how to wear the style? Check out the photos below for fashion inspirations. Thanks to Scott Pilgrim for the photos and his model Drew.