C'est l'Halloween!

Happy Halloween! By far, my favorite holiday of the Fall season.

Tonight, I'm heading to Antoinette & Stefan's Murder Mystery party. My character is a young hippie-hindu inspired woman that is a prime suspect in the death of someone at the party. My costume consists of a bright fuscia sari with a gold trim headband and laced ribbons around my arms. The goal is to attach a few bells to the lace for flare (not to mention sound effects). Once again, the internet saved the day providing many a How To Guide for creating a sari. Yes, yes, pictures will be posted.


Although I decided against dressing up to work (the subway ride would totally suck), I couldn't resist creating an impromptu costume to spoof the everyday garb of my manager, Matt. To start, I tied up my hair and messed up my politely coiffed bangs to create the disheveled writer look. Next, Megan drew a beard with eyeliner while Crystal used a mascara brush to smudge the kohl for a 5 o'clock shadow appeal. After the addition of the prescription glasses - incidentally, we have the same pair in different color - and borrowing/stealing a few of Matt's accessories, I was able to achieve the scruffy hipster boy look with ease. What do you guys think? Isn't the resemblance kind of crazy?


Yep, Halloween is pretty rad, especially when you can jib your boss and win prizes for most original costume.

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Church + State

Nebraska Jumpsuit

Alaska Blouse, Connecticut Shorts

Church + State is a lovin' life kind of Sunday special; a freshly baked, homemade apple pie; and your new best friend (who conveniently carries a bottle of bourbon in her purse). Now when I think of Portland, Oregon designers I can think of more than just Leanne Marshall. Either way, Portland makes me smile.

$498 worth of Want

With so many blogs working the DO IT YOURSELF special I'm motivated to get tactical. Potentially, this kind of fashioncraft ups the ante. Not only are they cheap as hell, the rewards jump start the creative juices and can be easy as pie. The Grey Octagon Sweater from Oak, on the other hand, is the greatest thing since sliced bread. And, for $498, you better believe that's a lot of bread. Mmm, I've never baked bread before but there's a first (and second) time for everything.

Once upon a time I took sewing classes in high school. Fast forward some eight years and I'm back at it again. December classes here I come.

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The Paisley Print

I found this silk paisley print dress today, but I can't decide if I want to shorten the length. Any opinions?

Short?


Long?

On the upside, my camera phone is turning out to be so handy.

When the going gets Tough

The tough go shopping.


Yet, I don't feel any better. I know what I want and can now safely say that it isn't actually a purse, or any item for that matter.

And so, my new black leather Gap purse - one that I've had my eye on for a while - might be going back to the store the same day it was taken. This is more serious than I thought.

On a lighter note, I look like a munchkin in that picture.


Update:
EF it, I'm keeping the purse.

Just what is it?

It could be the coldsyrup talking, but you know when you find an article of clothing that is classified as completely hideous by most of your friends - the kind of ugly they give you stink eye over and laugh about 5years after the fact - but you fall in love with it regardless? This is my new jacket-come-boyfriend, the Plaid Belted A.P.C Cape. I can already see it with textured tights and my cognac leather boots. Mmm, delicious.

I wonder if I'll still like this when I wake up tomorrow.

Joe Fresh (to death) S/S 2009

In the beginning I was skeptical over the Joe Fresh line popping up at Loblaws. I thought, how could a grocery store offer up a flare for contemporary fashion that includes with an unique attitude that appeals to both young urbanites and older suburbanites (ie. mom's, dad's, grandma's, etc.)? Now, every time I walk into the Joe Fresh section all I see is potential, H&M style.



Cheap and chic? There isn't an outfit here I wouldn't wear. Hurray for spring!

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Thein Le S/S 2009

My initial response to Thein Le's spring collection conjured up images of walking through suburban mega malls for cheap prom dresses. Yeah, it wasn't the greatest. My mood lightened with each piece and I was able to see the beauty crafted in a few of the bright floral prints, billowy silks and ultra feminine silhouettes. Having said that, I am grateful that the Le's line of gowns stopped short of forming a cohesive theme, otherwise his spring season would have gone sour. Six more weeks of winter anyone?

Dsquared S/S 2009

Reminds me of Halston, except the twin Canadian edition.


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BCBG Max Azria S/S 2009

BCBG, the French acronym bon chic bon genre ("good style, good class"), debut its spring collection in a furry of the jersey jumpsuit and the T-Shirt dress. Up and down the runway, smooth silks and sporty jersey fabrics effortlessly clung to the bodies of their wearers in a stream of saturated color.






BCBG provides a collection for the everyday women, the femme who exudes natural style. There are no complicated cuts, dazzling embellishments or examples of over the top patterning here. To really pull off these chic suits a woman must channel her inner chicstress to the extreme; otherwise it’s just another jersey dress.

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Recession Bombs Away!

While the DOW falls and you watch the TSX index shrink, the S&P Retail barometer drops (due to low consumer confidence) and the financial market becomes a not so happy place. No, this isn't a game of Adlibs, rather, a lay lady’s reflection of the current state of the stock market.

It is not humanly possible to ignore the world's crumbling economy; granted, you read the daily news, listen to the radio, watch television or surf the web. Now, if you can't ignore your slagging investments and are considering drafting a budget than retailers are bound to feel the pressure. Economists already dropped the Recession-bomb on consumers months ago, but only after the the U.S Credit system fiasco - you know, the one where several banks were forced into begging for government food stamps or go broke - have people really decided to take notice. In Canada, the unemployment rate sits at 6.1& and is expected to rise with the current state of the job market. Consumer confidence in the financial system is faltering and so why make a risky move by purchasing unnecessary commodities like Miumiu bags, Jimmy Choo shoes, the $300 Pink Tartan cardigan, or a new car, etc., etc.


Mmmhmmm, luxury looks good. Maybe so, but an empty bank account and a fistful of bills does not. Having said that, sales on Rodeo drive continue to grow. I bet it's all that sunshine. Are you, mon petit relecteur, planning on curbing your onsite or online spending?

Without a pension plan, mutual fund investments or a stable budget plan to agonize over I feel as though I can coast through the R-bomb without a hitch. However, Ontario finance minister, Dwight Duncan, announced the province will run a $500 million deficit in spending, which will cap funding on issues like nursing and education. Never mind a new Marc Jacobs tote, there go my tuition rates.

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Pink Tartan S/S 2009

Pink Tartan goes back in time to revive the 1960’s with designer Kimberly Newport-Mimran Spring 2009 line. The current collection debuted as a modern approach to the coveted Jacqueline Kennedy aesthetic with modest critical aspirations but high on commercial success.




The politely-coiffed models strut down the stage with their mane wrapped in colorful headscarves, wearing black oversize sunglasses and an obvious lack of inspiration. The collection revolved around the cardigans and A-line skirt combination, featuring spring’s trend de la crème, short shorts, with the odd bustier or crop top. Clover patterns, stripes, abstract floral prints to contrast the solids in red, pink, orange and white. Pink Tartan produced a line that was cute, flirty and all around pretty but it said nothing exciting about Canadian fashion innovation. Audiences have seen plenty of Jackie O. copy cats, Birkin knock offs and the pouty red lips. In another thought, it's quite possible that all the hype surrounding Mad Men has gone to everyone's head.

Instead, Newport-Mimran chose to conform to the commercial standards set by consumers. (True, true, time’s is rough and tough like leather) This collection is an example of good business practice in the midst of financial recession, but then why buys a $350 cardigan from Pink Tartan when you can get one that is just as gorgeous for $100 from Club Monaco? I do like the line, but I expect more excitement for spring, especially for a city enveloped by winter 6/12 months a year.

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Peekaboo!

"Why shouldn't it be possible to adopt a more natural, organic lifestyle without foregoing luxury?"

Stella McCartney sees you, preferably with great skin.
I'd like to introduce to you, my blogettes and ers, Stella's new luxury line of 100% organic skin care, entitled Care. The range of skincare products are designed around a simple program: Cleanse and tone, moisturize and protect, and rescue and revive. I am lucky enough to get to test these claims out so we'll see, Stella, we'll see!

Round 1: FASHION FIGHT!

Who's outfit would you rather wear?


vs.

Taking bets. My money is on K. Bosworth as Miller shows up with more yawn and snooze than kick and punch.

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I want, I need, I got.

A couple years ago I found a snippet of Style Tips from uber glam stylist and taste maker Rachel Zoe in the back pages of Life & Style magazine. Of course, I prudently tore out the article and stashed between pages of old university textbooks until I knew that I could actually afford to purchase the essentials (Side Note: I don’t care what anyone says, I love that lady and think she has wonderful taste). Like any concise style cheat sheet, Rachel offered advice on choosing a few aesthetically pleasing examples of economically practical yet fashionable MUST HAVE items suitable for women of any age that are great for a multitude of occasions.

The problem with lists like these is that they have a tendency to lump all women into two general categories. The first category represents the low budget fashionista, the woman stuck in the entry level/low paying job who thrives on a fast-fashion fix (ie. the sugar coated term for cheap substitute).

The second category dedicates itself to glorifying the media monster as it falls prey to pressure from advertisers and force these publications to advise readers – business majors know to translate ‘advise’ for ‘market’ – on the wonderful qualities of their merchandise. In turn, easily influenced readers become eager buyers who have too much money to burn, or at least a Visa to max out.

The common denominator being that both dictate personal style by imposing the idea of the MUST HAVE garment and current fashion fad.

Rich or poor, fashion heads all run into the same problem: The desire to recreate the latest trend is eclipsed by a need to consume. Why do we want, no, NEED a new scarf for October and another for November? When did falls for the marketing ploys and rush to purchase the newest "it" bags? Why do we differentiate between a Spring coat and a Fall coat? Why did I absolutely need to spend half a paycheque on my Joie - Dream some Over boots other than the fact (yes, fact – ask Wikipedia) that they are killer awesome excellent examples of thigh high suede goodness. For many a fashion follower the line between want and need is blurred on a biweekly basis to quench the fashion thirst. The Friday afternoon line up’s at H&M and Zara can vouch.

Unfortunately (and frankly), it boils down to appearance, the love of beauty. Fashion and style are a reflection of an individual in a land of dress up and make believe. Having said all that, I still can't stop the madness and the tainted love continues. I have no scientific answer to this conundrum or any like it. And so, to conclude, I leave you with a quote from the late American poet Sylvia Plath:

“Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing?”

Who invited Autumn anyway?

Imagine? Lying (I learn, I make good) on soft beds of grass in view of endless rolling hills while watching pairs of pouffy clouds float high above a bright blue sky. A warm glow on the skin and a dancing sunset more playful than any disney land adventure. Mmmm, my love.

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IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

For serious? For really? Dude...

FINALLY!
That's right, kids! Some clever whippersnapper put together Advanced Style, a blog dedicated to the stylistic wonders of the elderly. Obviously, this man deserves a Noble Prize.


To be honest, I've always admired the elderly. For starters, the have the best giggles; they tell the greatest cheesey McCheery jokes; and finally, their keen sense of Fashion is there to amaze. Yep, FASHION. The raw and grittiness.


Working uptown, I see a lot of silver haired women strolling through their well-to-do neighborhoods with their adorable push carts in the most gorgeous of kindly skirts, high-waist and pleated pants, chunky jewelry and little feathered hats. And, of course, every piece is straight out of the olden eras that inspire contemporary designers today. Let's face it, these people lived and breathed the periods of fashion so many fashionisto's can only dream of understanding (and emulating). How's that for vintage?

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"I always get nuts when women go, 'Oh, men don't know what it's like—women in heels, women in skirts, women in dresses—what it's like to suffer for fashion.' I… thought I can show that I, too, will suffer for fashion."

-Marc Jacobs


And so, to make good on his word, Mr. Jacobs showed up at the Cinema Society premiere of Filth and Wisdom, which is Madonna's directorial debut, wearing a skirt. In his own humble opinion, Marc believe that he does not believe high heels and skirts imply suffering for fashion, rather, "[he sees] it in a way it's like women get to have all the fun."

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Spring into Style's Top 10

Calling all trendcasters! Style.com released its Top 10 Spring collections today. Like it, love it, hate it, loathe it, no one can ignore this Fashion Monsters list.

In order of admiration:


1. Ann Demeulemeester

"Bold shots of color, glittery crystal embroideries, and bunched and wrapped toga dresses, as well as cool, drapey jackets and waistcoats for her rock 'n' roll fans."

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2. Balenciaga

"Nicolas Ghesquière pushed fashion further into the future with a collection like sci-fi armor for a twenty-first-century style-bot."

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3. Chanel

"A name like Chanel is something you can believe in."

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4. Dolce & Gabbana

"D & G abandoned their trademark corsetry to make the season's most convincing argument for languid, louche pajama dressing."

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5. Dries Van Noten

"Fashion's most artful realist had another hit on his hands with a mostly black and white collection that was less exuberant than his last two efforts, but never, ever boring."

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6. Givenchy

"Plenty of the drop-dead sexy fare feminine suits, bondage detailing, and Spring's must-have nudes in the form of this tunic-skirt combo with peekaboo transparent paneling."

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7. Lanvin

"From beginning to end, love-at-first-sight clothes that truly have it all."

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8. Louis Vuitton

"If Marc Jacobs has it right the sagging economy will leave women hungrier than ever for that special piece."

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9. Marc Jacobs

"Ode to Americana just might be [Marc Jacobs'] most genius collection ever."

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10. Ralph Lauren

"The beautiful collection that delivered the trends without jeopardizing the polish and pragmatism that are the hallmarks of his all-American style."

No real surprises here, yet nonetheless, Style.com procures a few very wonderful choices. What are the guiding factors that a critic employs to determine their "best of" lists? I can't help but think much of it is guided by tradition. You know, the big names that you expect so much to be represent the most innovative fashions that anything they show is a miraculous creation, with the exception of YSL of course.

To oppose the norm... This is what I love about the lesser known Fashion Weeks: Independent Designers, Press and Groupies all vying for the title of taste makers and trend setters. Speaking of, isn't there a Toronto Fashion Week on the Horizon?

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