Marvelous Things

Product Review: HANA air Hair Dryer

2011-12-17T22:47:00.002-05:00

My results, achieved with the HANA Air, a Goody ceramic round brush, Alba blow dry prep lotion, MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray, and Aveda Brilliant Medium Hold hair spray!

A few weeks ago, I was sent the HANA air Hair Dryer, which I am inexplicably happy with. Several critics have deemed it to be the "Louis Vuitton of hair dryers", and I must say that I agree! It's sleek design, 2300 watt power (incomparable to other popular hair dryers on the market), tourlamine crystals, and ceramic heater all go to present you with fabulous hair!

I must admit that I'm a little stingy when it comes to hair tools and products. I tend to just go for whatever is on sale, regardless of the review. While this hair dryer is a little pricier than most that you'll find at standard salons and drug stores (194.99 online), it is definitely in a whole other league of its own. My hair has never been this shiny or smooth!

What I liked about it:

-Long power cord (easy to multitask/walk around or use a far-away outlet)
-Good, solid weight (easy to hold)
-Sleek design
-Balance of cold and warm air, which reduces frizz
-Dry time cut in about 2/3 of what it would take with a standard on-the-market hair dryer

What Confused Me:

Perhaps I'm just a little "slow", but it took me a while to figure out that the button that would normally be a cool air blast on another hair dryer creates high heat! Hah!

Thank you to much to brian and the others at Misikko. They also sent me Paul Mitchell shampoo, Bobbi Brown travel brushes (perfect for my trip!), a to-die-for eyelash curler, a towel turban, a super cute stuffed animal, some nail tools, and some travel cases! It definitely made my week!

Misikko Products I'd also recommend: This curling iron and this CHI hair dryer.

WHY I'VE BEEN ABSENT....

There have been sooooo many things going on in my life as of late. Unfortunately, they've kind of took priority over my blog. And they are as follows:

1) Exams. Enough said on that front, I guess!

2) School in general! After being severely unhappy for two years in my non-fashion oriented program at Ryerson, I've decided to take a new path and apply for a fashion-related degree. After all, why do something that you're NOT passionate about?

3) I started a new internship at The Peacock Parade, an e-commerce clothing store here in Toronto. I won't go into too much detail about that, but I must say that I am enjoying it!

4) Tomorrow morning, I am going to Israel for two weeks! So excited. My itinerary is jam-packed with activities such as camel riding, camping with Bedouin men in the Judean desert, hiking the Masada, shopping and exploring in Tel Aviv, visiting the Halocaust museum, and so many other amazing opportunities. I will return on the 29th with lots of photos to share!

Now that the New Year is approaching, I intend to get back into the blogging saddle and bring Marvelous Things back to how it used to be!

Kim Kardashian: Inspirational Mogul or Shameless Fame Addict?

2011-11-17T23:17:00.005-05:00

Before I get started, I'm going to make my stance on the topic clear: I think that Kim Kardashian and the rest of her clan are nothing but a group of fake, greedy, and generally unintelligent people as they clearly don't do any prior research on the products they're creating and endorsing. None of them have a talented bone in their body and in no way deserve this godforsaken media attention surrounding them.

My distaste for the Kardashians has been long-term. Although my distaste grew even more sour when I saw Kim on the cover of Marie Claire, along with the blurb:

"Kim Kardashian reveals what went on in her crazy marriage."

The $10 million wedding, which garnered an estimated $20 million in profit from selling the rights of wedding photos and a live taping was regarded as "America's Royal Wedding". Kim's "union" to Kris Humphries ended a short 72 days following the ceremony. It is completely blatant that the marriage was nothing short of a publicity stunt used to rake in a hefty sum of profit. This is where things start to get sketchy.

For one, Kim promised that the lump sum of her wedding gifts would be donated to charity, yet, rumoredly, not a penny has been donated.

This divorce also happened around the same time that the Kardashians planned to launch their handbag collection, during the launch of Kris Jenner's book, and just before the launch of Kim's fictional novel Dollhouse. Puzzling, isn't it?

Marie Claire has been one of my favorite magazines for a very, very long time. The fashion-forward pieces Nina Garcia curates combined with several articles empowering talented and successful women worldwide (even survivors of genocide, abuse, etc.) is really a force to be reckoned with. So why is someone like Kim Kardashian on the cover?

To sell copies, naturally!

What really irked me is how they placed Kim on this sort of pedestal - not once doubting the validity of her marriage and moulding her into an independent, brutally honest, savvy mogul.

What's even worse is how they conducted the interview.

Kim was interviewed by Marie Claire around the same time the cover shoot/editorial took place, which was long before the wedding. In this interview, however; Kim is reflecting on the union after it had ended, which means that Marie Claire reworked the interview reportedly hours before it went to press. It was reported that Kim had called Marie Claire before the gossip rags knew about the divorce and asked them to edit the interview. This is surely the exact thing that someone that was going through a rough time such as this would do, right? Not exactly.

Luckily, the world is finally putting down their cup of Kardashian Kool-Aid, leaving their house of cards to fall. Fashionista posted a fantastic article exposing all of the products and services that the Kardashians endorsed that turned out to be either ripped off or just a big ol' sham. It's quite the read.

It genuinely upsets me how people like Kim Kardashian have so much power and influence over not only the fashion world, but the world itself. I feel sick when I think of the people who idolize her, thinking that she is truly an inspiration. Especially when there are so many businesswomen in the world who are actually making a difference and creating an empire that is all their own, with no fine print or sketchy details.

Now I know that this article doesn't have much of a point to it, I just deemed it an important issue to recognize that all of these psuedo-celebrities should not be idealized and idolized to the vicious extent that they are now.

I'm curious (and there will be no judgment here, I promise!): Do you watch the show? Have you ever purchased a Kardashian endorsed product? Do you believe that Kim and the rest of the Kardashians are true business people? Do you believe that they are and should be considered role models?

(Photo and some facts surrounding release of issue via Fashionista)

What To Wear: First Date

2011-11-13T23:24:00.002-05:00

Aaaah...the first date dilemma. The event that ensues panic attacks, multiple phone calls to friends, and approximately eleven outfit changes. To save yourself the trouble, read on for my no-fail, easy-to-follow guide on what to wear for both a daytime and evening date!

Now is not the time to bust out harem pants, sequins, or an array of cuffs and friendship bracelets...they call Leandra Medine the man repeller for a reason. Your potential new guy will not appreciate this sort of flair at this time (unless he's a fashion insider or some sort of artsy type), trust me. You should also wear comfortable clothing (including footwear) to risk looking awkward and fidgety! The goal is to look put together, but not like you spent three hours getting ready.

Daytime Date

Evening Date

WHAT TO WEAR

Go For Colour, pieces that show off your body without being risqué, lacy or flouncy feminine pieces, menswear-inspired watches, jeans, knits.

Avoid Anything shapeless, fake eyelashes (unless you have a pair that looks natural...and you better know how to apply them!), too-high heels, anything too formal, lots of hair spray.

Tread Lightly Red lipstick, blazers, scarves, anything short or low-cut, leather, prints, Peter Pan collars or anything cutesy

How To: Get The Most Out Of Your Shopping Experience

2011-11-04T23:07:00.006-04:00

Now, the upcoming complaint may come across as what we 21rst century-ers may refer to as a #whitegirlproblem, but it's definitely true shopping can be hard sometimes. To avoid the pain and suffering, impulse purchases, and general discontent that comes along with a misguided shopping trip, check out my 6 tips to getting the most out of YOUR shopping experience!

1) Have clear goals in mind: Window shopping, or shopping for a certain outfit with no clear pieces in mind often leads to impulse purchases that end up being worn once and being tossed into the back of the closet. Believe me, if anyone is guilty of committing this serious fashion faux-pas, it's me. With that being said, have some sort of game plan in mind before you hit the stores. Attending a New Years Eve fête and don't know what to wear? Make a mental note of some colours, fabrics, or details you want to incorporate (sequins? a bold purple? silk?) to set some guidelines. If you're unclear of whether you want a dress or a top/trousers or top/skirt combination, think of some ideal silhouettes. Do you want something flow-y? Or something tight? These will help you narrow out those unseemly bold buys.

2) Come prepared: How are you going to know what a pair of wide-leg trousers will look like if the only footwear you took along with you is a pair of winter boots. Footwear tends to be the most important aspect of arriving prepared. The best way to plan for this is to consider what type of footwear you'd wear with whatever you're looking for (i.e. boots with skinny jeans, pumps with wide-leg trousers, stilettos with a mini skirt) and bring them into the change room with you. If you're planning for a special occasion, bring an evening bag and some accessories with you so that you're not disappointed later on.

3) Map out your territory: Divide sections of the store as if they were a grid. Eliminate areas that aren't worth your time (i.e. trendy, cheap impulse buys if you're looking for something for the office) to save time. Comb through the worthwhile areas. You never know when you're going to skip over the perfect piece!

4) Ask for help: Sometimes when shopping, we are unsure of what we want or cannot find what we are looking for. Rather than asking for assistance, we usually walk out defeated and grumbling about the poor stock of a store. Shake off some of your pride and ask an associate for help with finding sizes or colours, a piece of a specific occasion, etc.

Now, there are certainly stores with excellent customer service and stores with rude, unhelpful salespeople. Here's a little list of my go-to's and avoidances in terms of staffing:

GO-TO

Mendocino (Canada): This was a store that I had never even considered going to until recently. When I first started shopping there, I thought that the associates were a little pushy (in terms of always taking your stuff to a fitting room, asking you for your size, etc.), but in time, I learned that they were really only trying to help. I love how they'll constantly observe what sort of things you'll try on and go and find you similar pieces. Almost everything that I have bought from there has been something that has been recommended to me by a staff member. Best of all, they're pieces that I never would have picked up and ended up fitting me better than any of my own choices.

Aritzia (US & Canada): The salespeople at Aritzia work similar to those at Mendocino - prepping your fitting room so you don't have to haul pieces across the store, finding your size, recommending pieces, etc. One thing they lack is finding things that you're looking for. Sometimes, they'll just pull a $300 pair of jeans off the rack for you because they know that they'll get a hefty commission cheque if you buy them. They are still friendly and helpful nevertheless.

Sephora (Various Countries): Some of the friendliest salespeople in the biz. You name it, they'll pick a beauty product for you (with honest recommendations of what will and will not work for you), and let you test it out. I've never left unhappy here.

Net-a-Porter (International): The best site for online shopping. All pieces arrive in a prompt 48 hours, included with some snazzy gift-wrapping and free returns. If you're unsure of the look/fit/quality of a product or are unsure of what to buy, their phone hotline and online associates are incredibly helpful.

Other than that, and I hate to say it, anywhere expensive. If the associates know you're spending a lot of money and have made sales their career (rather than associates working as an after school job), they'll be that much more helpful. I also find that owners/associates at independent boutiques are great as they really work towards building that solid associate/customer relationship.

AVOID IT

Large chain stores such as Zara, H&M, etc. (International): Now I'm not saying that every associate here is unfriendly or unhelpful, but a lot of them are. Most of them look bored and tired and are counting down the minutes until they can leave. A lot of these associates are also not on commission, and therefore, don't really care if you walk away with a purchase or not.

Urban Outfitters (Us, Canada, UK): The sales associates usually just stand and talk to each other about how hung over/drunk/high they are. Extremely unfriendly and none too enthused to help.

American Apparel (International): See above.

Target (US): Both in stores and online. Remember the scramble to get Missoni for Target pieces? Those who paid for their pieces and didn't recieve them walked away with a $20 gift card (even if they spent more money than this) and no apology or explaination for lack of stock.

5) Befriend salespeople: Now that you've shopped around and know whose service is top and whose doesn't make the cut, befriend the good ones. They'll be familiar with your sense of style and will take more time to help you find that killer outfit. They'll also probably put things on hold for you and call you when they get new shipments in!

6) Know when to buy, when to think about it, and when to pass: This is another way to eliminate the dreaded impulse buy and walk out with something you truly love. Be sure to ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

-Do I really love it or am I just settling?
-Is the fit/silhouette, detailing, and colour flattering on me?
-Will I have to have it altered? Dry cleaned?
-Is this piece trendy or can I wear it into the upcoming seasons?
-Can I find something similar elsewhere for less?
-Is the quality of the fabric going to withstand the test of time?
-Can I afford it?

If you've answered yes to at least three of the above questions (I wouldn't say that all seven are prerequisites, I can't be too stuck up!), then go for it. If you've answered no or unsure, it's best to either take some time to think about it and return to the store if necessary, or look elsewhere. If money is an issue, inquire about layaway or any upcoming sales.

Review: Toronto's First Stand-Alone Joe Fresh Store

2011-10-25T20:50:00.013-04:00

Shortly following its inception, Joe Fresh was merely a dowdy, supermarket-based line targeted towards suburban bargain hunters. Over the years, it has progressed into one of Toronto Fashion Week's headliners, with ad campaigns in ELLE and Vogue and a handful of locations opening in the ever-trendy Big Apple. The driving force behind this rise to glory was Joseph Mimran, the label's creative director who began his career in the fashion industry as the founder of Club Monaco. Despite all of this promotion, the idea of buying my wardrobe basics where I bought my chicken breasts and salad was a little unsettling. There's a certain shame that comes along with buying your clothing in a grocery store. With the company's growing demand, Mimran and his associates have planned the opening of several stand-alone boutiques to separate Joe Fresh from Loblaw's. Today, I popped into the first stand-alone store in the GTA on the corner of Queen St. West and Portland to see what it's all about.

Initial Thoughts

-The store was well-merchandised: Nothing was cramped and hung alongside the other pieces on clothing racks. Everything was hung on walls and in full view, sorted by occasion (athletic wear, casual, business, etc.) and colour-coded.

-Good use of lighting with large windows, lots of pot lights.

-Ads were hung on the walls like you'd hang artwork. No ads were hung from the ceiling and were not in-your-face.

-Sales staff lacked a presence. I received no enter/exit greeting, nobody asked me if I required assistance, etc. Perhaps this is a good thing for people who prefer to just shop on their own, but I prefer someone's advice (I often find that "pushy" sales people find me great pieces that wouldn't normally catch my eye) and it's always great to have a staff member take your pieces to a fitting room so you don't have to drag them around the store.

-No leftover summer merchandise, most displays were geared towards late fall/winter. Good to see that there weren't pairs of shorts and summer-y colours like there are in other stores with mass-produced clothing.

Pros

-Good location. The area is filled with both chain and independent boutiques, but is also isolated enough from the downtown core to avoid clusters of tourists and power shoppers.

-Wait times in line for a change room were minimal. Let's face it, nobody likes waiting to try on clothes. We want to try them on, whine about what makes us look fat, encourage our friends to tell us how great we look even if we're going to buy the piece anyways, toy with the idea of buying it for half an hour, buy it, and repeat the cycle.

-Quite a good selection of pieces. Especially in regards to basics like v-neck sweaters, button-ups, slacks, etc.

-Store was uncluttered with lots of open space, which cuts down on time spent crowd-weaving and sorting through aisles. Everything is within view when standing in the center of the sales floor.

Cons

-As mentioned in the "initial thoughts", the lack of a presence from the sales staff was rather annoying. My existence should have at least been acknowledged. A staff member didn't offer to check the back room for a pair of jeans that I would have bought if they had my size on the floor. That's called a lost sale, kids.

-Lack of sizes in more of the trendy pieces. Everything that I was drawn to was either far too tiny or far too large for me. If these pieces are selling quickly, they should restock accordingly.

-I wasn't in the market for any, but there was no lingerie in the whole store. This struck me as odd because the Joe Fresh pop-ups in the Loblaw’s chains often have a massive lingerie section.

-Beauty and eyewear selection not as vast as in the Superstore. Eyewear wasn't on-trend and looked kind of dollar store-esque. The beauty products were good; there just weren't a lot of them.

-The jewellery needs to be much more on-trend. It was the same typical shiny plastic beads on a silk ribbon garbage that they've been pumping out for years. The whole look is very aging, and incredibly tacky.

-Shoes and outerwear should have been grouped together, but were instead scattered around the store. It would have been much easier to memorize the selection and pick-and-choose what I was looking for if I had it all in front of me.

-A lot of the pieces looked great on the hanger, but were ill-fitting. The fabrics were bunchy, wrinkled, and unintentionally sheer. Not a good look.

Overall Rating

6.6/10.

While there are certain advantages to having a stand-alone store, such as shopping downtown and not having to wash the stale supermarket smell out of your clothing, a lot of the in-store boutiques have a better selection than this particular store. From a retail standpoint, the staff needs to work on being both friendlier and more helpful. As a company, the brand either needs to lower their prices down to what they used to be (any piece in the store used to run at next to nothing, but with growing popularity, prices can top those at H&M or Zara) or improve the quality of the fabrics used in the pieces. If you're looking for something trendy or a short-term basic to boost your wardrobe, I'd definitely recommend this particular boutique. If you are looking for something to act as a staple in your closet, you're better off investing elsewhere.

(All photos via FASHION Magazine and various sources. All words and ideas are my own)

My Beauty Routine! (Ghetto Into The Gloss Tour)

2011-10-13T23:35:00.007-04:00

After a few e-mail requests, I've put up all of my beauty go-to's up for browsing! Here are the products I use on a daily basis, and yes...I am quite the product junkie.

SKINCARE

Yes...I do use this many products. Told you I'm a product junkie.

Clockwise from top left

Ole Henricksen New Beginning Scrub: This scrub is great for banishing breakouts because of its soft texture and its key ingredient, tea tree oil. Best part? It's free of toxins like sulphates and parabens. While I do love this scrub, the exfoliator I use frequently (see below) is much more effective.

Origins Brighter By Nature High-Potency Brightening Pads: This pads are FANTASTIC. I cannot reccomend a product more than this, well, except for the exfoliator I'm about to mention. They have 1/3 of the strength of a glycolic peel, so they're obviously effective, except you skip out on the redness and the peeling.

LUSH Bubble Gum Lip Scrub: I use this product every night before I go to bed followed by an ultra-moisturizing lip balm. My lips tend to peel and this keeps them super soft.

SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Bright Eye Cream: I have really horrible under-eye bags (with dry skin) and this product helps banish them. While the colouring hasn't changed too much, my whole under-eye area is much softer.

La Roche Posay Rosaliac Moisturizer: My skin has a lot of red/pink undertones that are hard to cover up with make-up. While the change isn't super dramatic, this product helps keep some of the redness at bay. The only problem with it is that it smells like glue mixed with wet dog. Yuck.

Balea Rosewood Serum: This serum is great for easily irritated/sensitive skin. It really gives my skin a boost when I use it before I moisturize.

ABH Pore Refining Mask: I use this mask just as a precaution once a week. My pores are pretty small so the results aren't too dramatic, but it makes my skin feel really soft!

SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench Toner: This is a fantastic toner that keeps your skin hydrated. Definitely pick it up!

Fruitique Papaya Enzyme Exfoliating Gel: This product is the 5th world wonder. It goes on like a serum, but dissolves dead skin on the surface of your face to the point where you can actually see them balling up and falling off your face! I also use it as a body exfoliator, on areas like dry elbows and my feet.

Ole Henricksen On The Go Cleanser: This cleanser is fantastic! My skin has improved dramatically since using it. I swear, I will never use another cleanser again!

SHOWER

From left

Philosophy's 'Happy Bithday Beautiful' birthday cake body wash: I actually got this as a Beauty Insider birthday gift from Sephora and am quite taken with it! It makes my skin feel really soft and the smell is divine.

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo & Conditioner: I'm not usually a fan of drug store shampoo brands (they tend to dry my hair out beyond repair), but this is one of the best shampoos I've ever used! The smell is amazing, it leaves my hair feeling soft and clean, it's paraben-free, and it's 90% biodegradable!

One N' Only Argan Oil Mask: I use this (almost) every time I shower for some added moisture and shine. It's about $30 cheaper than the Morrocanoil brand, and works just as well!

HAIR

I'm incredibly low-maintenance when it comes to my hair. Normally, I just add some product, blow dry my bangs, and let it air-dry.

From left

Conair Infiniti Wand: When I want to exaggerate my natural curl, I use this wand. It gives my hair a natural look in a relatively quick amount of time.

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment: I've been using argan oil for about a year now, but recently, it has left my hair a little slick and flat. I recently switched to this macadamia oil treatment and am far happier with it. My hair feels super soft, is incredibly shiny, and has lots more volume!

Abba Smoothing Blow Dry Lotion: I use this cream (that I won in FASHION's Big Giveaway!) each time I blow-dry my hair to make it smoother and to protect it from heat damage. The barley and mango scent is deelish and it works like a charm!

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray: I use this spray mainly in the summer for a beachy, wavy look. I like that unlike most sea salt sprays, it doesn't leave my hair crunchy or dry.

Bumble & Bumble Texture Cream: I use this cream for an undone, messy look that's very quick and easy. It definitely exaggerates the natural curl in my hair and adds tons of volume! Definitely a product I'd reccomend.

RUSK Deep Shine Str8 Iron: I just bought this iron and am somewhat satisfied it. It leaves my hair super shiny and soft (without that dreaded burnt hair smell), but it takes FOREVER to get all the kinks out of my hair.

MAKE-UP

Clockwise from top

Urban Decay NAKED Palette: The colours in this palette are so beautiful and so natural. It's perfect for any event, day or night. One of the best beauty products out there!

NARS Blushes in "Orgasm" (near left) and "Sex Appeal" (right): I use Sex Appeal on the apples of my cheeks, followed by Orgasm on my cheek bones. They're great colours with great pigment and the palette lasts forever.

Benefit Boing Concealer: I've been using this product for a few years. If you have consisent acne, I wouldn't reccomend it, but if it's being user to cover a few bumps and blemishes, it's great!

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil: This is a great, moisturizing liquid bronzer that adds just a hint of glow to your skin.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Skin Matching Foundation: One of the best foundations I've ever used. It's pretty pricey (almost $100 Canadian), but it's totally worth it.

Revlon 2-in-1 Brow Pencil: I love using this to fill in the sparse areas of my brows.

Hard Candy Camoflauge Concealer: One of the best concealers I've ever used. It even covers up tattoos...enough said!

Urban Decay Primer Potion: This is great for helping your eyeshadow last all day long!

L'Oreal A Million Lashes Mascara: It almost feels like there's silicone in this product (is there?), because it coats your eyelashes so nicely.

The Blunder That Is Spring 2013: The World's Fashion Capitals Face Off

2011-10-10T23:29:00.005-04:00

Will each city's respective editors face off to defend their home turf?

As some of you may know, the world's fashion capitals (New York, London, Paris, Milan) have taken off their gloves and are facing off to defend their fashion week turf. What better way to highlight this very, very immature cat fighting than with a Mean Girls movie analogy?

So, New York will be Regina George, the instigator of all the problems. They decided to move their shows to the week AFTER Labour Day, so that their fashion week would end on September 20th. This means that London, who we will refer to as Cady, becomes Regina's (New York's) sloppy seconds and is moved to September 21rst to 25th. Here's where things get tricky: Paris, who we'll refer to Gretchen as they're a legend in their own mind (and certainly in the minds of others) refuses to move their September 25th to October 3rd dates, leaving Milan, who we'll refer to as Karen as everyone is seeming to forget about it/her, with ZERO days for their shows. Milan isn't going down without a fight, and vows to keep the same days that they use every year.

Milan's head of the Camera Nazionale della Moda (basically the Italian CFDA) has said: “Let the best one win. Italian designers unanimously agreed on the schedule, from the smallest brand to the biggest [one]. They showed great solidarity and Italian pride.”

Diane Von Furstenberg, the president of the CFDA (and thus, NYFW) has responded, saying:

"All of a sudden, on the second Thursday next September, we finally have the good side, and now they want to make us pay. I think this is ridiculous. We are a community of designers. I would like to believe that what we have created with the CFDA — the sense of family and community — is something we can do worldwide. We are all designers, we are all in the same industry. We compete with one another but we love and support each other. That is what it should be."

While she is preaching of unity and agreement, something tells me that Diane isn't giving up anytime soon.

Here's each fashion week's arguments in a nutshell, just for clearer understanding:

New York's main argument is that if they have their fashion week the week of labour Day, the designers will be too rushed, what with partying in the Hamptons and such.

London's main argument is that if their shows are pushed back, the British Fashion Council will be unable to use their venue due to the venue being used for the next Olympic Games.

Milan's main argument is that their production schedule will be affected and the pieces will thus not make it to their respected retailers at that time.

Paris is being rather neutral in the matter and has yet to release an official statement. The only problem is that by leaving the CFDA (New York) to decide on their dates, they will also have to shift their schedule in order to make room for NYFW.

While Milan seems to be handling the situation relatively gracefully, their argument isn't as grave and extreme as they make it out to be. Paris always shows their collection in October and they have had no problems with working with retailers of their collections.

Naturally, each fashion organization will likely put pressure on design houses, magazine editors, and fashion personnel to pick a side. Naturally, as fashion bloggers love fashion drama, we will also pick a side. Personally, I'm on Team Paris. How about you?

One thing to note is that this sticky little situation is far from over. Something tells me that Fendi Baguette bags will be used to cover their owner's faces from scratching nails painted in Chanel's Peridot.

PS: I know I've been so bad with posting lately, I'm so sorry! I've been a little busy with personal endeavours, what with a new school year and starting a new internship in the fashion industry. I do promise that I will try harder!

(Most facts, all quotes via Refinery 29 and Fashionista. All images via various sources, none belong to me.)

How To: Unexpected Fashion Pairings

2011-10-02T23:37:00.004-04:00

The easiest way to stay on the "unpredictable" side of the sartorial world are to mix and match unexpected pieces together for a totally drool-worthy ensemble. The easiest ways to come up with these unexpected looks are through these three juxtapositions:

A) Masculine and feminine (by far, the most popular)
B) Daywear and evening wear (the hardest to pull off, but it looks oh-so-cool if you can do it)
C) Vintage and modern (easy to pull off, but requires some retail expeditions)

Here are four different ways to keep 'em guessing...

1) Chunky menswear knit sweater with tailored metallic pants: Look for a skinny ankle on the trousers and a loose, boyish fit for the sweater to keep the look from looking too grandmotherly. A statement necklace or a chunk watch are a must. For a quirkier look, add a pair of wingtip shoes!

2) A super-formal gown with relaxed hair and minimum make-up: Most people assume that a formal gown requires an entirely made-up face and a super slick up-do. Well, folks, this isn't always the case. Try beachy waves or a simple blow-out instead of a chignon. As for make-up, pick one focal point and stick to it. Try a muted smoky eye in shades of browns and golds instead of black. Perhaps a pale pink lipstick instead of the ultra-glam red? The most important thing to retain while trying this is to remember that there is such thing as too casual With that being said, brush your hair and throw on mascara. Sloppy is not sexy.

3) Vintage costume jewellery with an all-mod outfit: Ultra-mod outfits...think sharp shoulders, baggy albeit structured trousers, top knots, can look a tad costume-y when all worn together. What better way to break it up than by adding some vintage costume (not that kind of costume!) jewellery? Avoid anything so vintage-esque that it will clash, such as cameo brooches, but crystal adornments, bib necklaces, and brass cuffs are the perfect contrast!

4) An evening bag with jeans and a plain sweater or blouse: This is one of the more difficult looks to pull off. Like most outfit combinations, it's all about balance. For an example, you don't want to rock a sparkly clutch with strappy heels or you'll look far too "morning-after-prom-night". Look for a silky bag on a metallic chain or a statement clutch. Just be sure to make sure that this accessory is the focal point of the outfit. Don't pair it with overly-loud colours, too many textures, statement shoes or jewellery, etc.

(Image via The Sartorialist)

Happy Birthday To Me!

2011-09-26T22:15:00.005-04:00

(YAY for always looking awkward!)

Today, I'm another year older. I just came back from a great dinner (wasn't overly embarrassed by the staff, thank god!) and really enjoyed my day! Thanks so much to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, you guys are so sweet! :)

2011 Emmy Awards: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (And The Undecided)

2011-09-19T22:01:00.010-04:00

THE GOOD

Emily Blunt (with The Office's John Krainski) in Elie Saab: It goes without saying that a deep neckline and sheer fabric hardly go hand-in-hand, especially when under flourescents and endless flashing lenses. But this dress is just too darn chic for its own good! The colour combination of almost a sea blue and bottle green (I don't even know what to call this colour!) looks divine with Emily's dark hair and light eyes. The amount of sequins offer just enough sheen and the cut of the chiffon is super flattering and totally flattering! To boot, the cut of the train evens out this otherwise tight frock. If Elie Saab isn't the master of the evening gown, I don't know who is.

Rachael Taylor in Armani Privé: While her new upcoming TV show, Charlie's Angels may be an easily-predicted flop, this ensemble sure isn't. This perfectly futuristic Armani Privé gown's unique shape is oddly figure-flattering, as its material (in case you can't see it in the above image, it's all made of metallic fringe!). The pearlescent colour makes Rachael's blonde hair pop. Her simple, albeit standout make-up of bold brows and pale pink lips definitely make a statement. I haven't heard of her until now, but I look forward to see what this young lady (or her stylist) choose to don on future red carpets!

Lea Michelle in Marchesca: While this isn't Lea's best look (she's looked pretty spectacular lately!), she looks fabulous nonetheless. While the 1980s-esque wedding dress shoudlers aren't my favorite, they are balanced out by a tight and minimal mermaid train. The colour is undeniably flattering and I'm glad that the accessories were kept minimal with a single ruby ring and no handbag!

Cobie Smulders in Alberta Ferretti: This dress is fantastic! The colour makes Cobie's eyes pop so much that you can see them clearly in this little photograph! The hair and make-up add a vintage flair to the whole ensemble. Grecian shoulder detailing and paneling add an Old World edge to an otherwise modern gown.

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan: Wow, this dress is exquisite! Nina gets bonus points for being able to pull something that is this tailored off. The Old Hollywood-esque neckline, hair, and jewellery pull the look together. Plus, the colour makes her look so radiant!

Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson: There's no denying that this woman is the human incarnation of Jessica Rabbit, and quite possibly the most attractive female on this planet. With that being said, I find that Christina is a hit-or-miss on the red carpet (despite having a killer wardrobe on Mad Men), and therefore, she can be kinda disappointing at times. This dress, however, was such a standout in her red carpet portfolio! The cut of the dress shows off her curves without looking too skankalicious and the glitz and glam only further her superstar quality.

Aubrey Plaza in Juan Carlos Obando: Definitely one of my favorite looks of the eveing. I love the combination of a drop-waist and a high shift neckline, so elegant...especially in white! The Old Hollywood hairstyle has an almost undone quality to it, which takes away the costume-y feeling that most of these looks end up having. I love the understated red lips too!

Elisabeth Moss in Marchesca: Like her Mad Men co-star, Christina Hendricks, Elisabeth is another red carpet hit-or-misser. I'm normally not a big fan of dresses with body decals (in fact, the vast majority of the dresses who use them have ended up on many "worst red carpet looks ever" lists), but this gown is so glamorous without being over-the-top! The nude colour definitely tones down all the glitz and sparkle. The hair and make-up are also totally covet-worthy!

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza: I'm normally not a big fan of Kaley's red carpet style (nor her acting), but I think that she looks really sweet here! The swiss dot overlay of the dress gives an otherwise boring LBD a unique twist, and the red accessories and updo lend the look a vintage vibe. I love that her nails are a little more modern (painted emerald green with what appears to be bright red index nails), which breaks the look's 1950s vibe up a little.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Emilio Pucci: I know that not a lot of people are fond of this dress, but I quite like it! To me, it had a similar vibe to Cate Blanchett's Givenchy gown at this year's Oscars. I also love that it has just a slight injection of slutty (I know, I know...I shouldn't use such words to describe Gwynnie), which gives it a bit of an edge. Come on: any woman who can pull this off after having two children deserves a medal.

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab: Elegant evening wear at its finest. 'Nuff said.

Kate Winslet in Elie Saab: Yep, Kate's almost 40. Yep, she's still got it. This cherry red colour looks stunning on her. Plus, how many women do you know who can pull of a dress so boob-y you almost have a nipslip while simultaneously looking classy?

THE BAD

Jayma Mays in Zuhair Murad: I think if worn by the right person, this iffy dress could look called. But Jayma just reeks of Little Bo Peep impostor! The sugary sweet side-parted hair, ribbon around the waist, pale clutch, and bubblegum make-up only make her look like she's waiting for her prom limo. The only thing missing is her corset!

Jennifer Carpenter in Tony Ward Couture: This dress isn't awful, but I think that the high slit combined with the messy, beachy ombre hair makes the whole ensemble look a little sloppy. I'm also not a fan of the straps and the neckline. Next!

Jane Lynch in David Meister Signature: I really want to love this dress, but I just don't! It does nothing for her figure, The neck area is far too stark, and the wrists look cluttered. I do like the colour, though! She also gets bonus points for being able to rock a strapless dress at her age.

THE UGLY

Kyle Richards in Ines Di Santo: I had no idea who this woman is, so I had to google her. It's to no surprise that she's a Real Housewife. The fabric and the super dramatic sheen do nothing for Richards' ~~leathery~~ tanned skin, and the pulled-back updo only add to the severity of this dress. At least it shows off her collagen injections and nose job nicely! (Which are quite well done if I may add, give us the number of your doc!).

Shaun Robinson in Romona Keveza: The first thing I thought of when looking at this dress is how cool my room would look with some damask accents. Enough said.

Julianna Margulies in Giorgio Armani Privé: It goes without saying that this was the ugly dress of the evening that everyone was gossiping about. We saw futuristic Giorgio Armani Privé evening wear done right by Rachael Taylor (above in the "good" section). Well, this is futuristic Giorgio Armani Privé evening wear done wrong. Julianna, sweetie, it's time to fire your stylist.

Padma Lakshmi in Giorgio Armani: Ah, the token "looks-like-something-the-slutty-girls-at-my-high-school-wore-to-prom" dress. Every award show has one, you can't deny it! She's also got a serious case of Madonna/Sarah Jessica Parker arms. Eeek!

Paz de la Huerta in an unknown dress: I sent this to all of my friends convinced that it was Ke$ha in-cognito with a dye job and a spray tan. Does everyone else agree?! Perhaps it's a good thing that I can't figure out who designed this dress, because whoever designed it has some serious explaining to do! If you know who did actually sew this thing, please leave a comment!

Dianna Agron in Roksanda Ilincic: This is the product of what it would look like if you made your toga out of your dorm's local player's satin sheets for the frat party. TOGA! TOGA!

Heather Morris in Masai Payan: This has to be one of the worst red carpet updos I've ever seen. I think that someone a little more edgy and regal (can't you just picture Charlize Theron rocking this?) could pull it off, but Heather has that whole corn-fed, Midwestern look to her that does not allow her to pull this off in any way. One of the worst looks of the evening in my opinion.

Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein: I lied, this is the worst red carpet updo I've ever seen. Were you running late from yoga class, Katie? I do like the frock, though.

THE UNDECIDED

Kelly Osbourne in J. Mendel: I've literally been sitting here for about ten minutes contemplating whether to add Kelly to the "good" or "bad" list. I honestly couldn't decide! Part of me likes this dress...but part of me doesn't. The thing is, I don't know what I don't like! It definitely has an ugly je ne sais quoi to it. Perhaps it's that completely unnecessary chiffon armband that I don't like, or the matchy matchy accessories, paired with the pastel pink eye shadow that matches her hair. Or perhaps it's the fact that I think that Kelly had her five minutes of fame in 2003 and has a long overdue retirement waiting for her. Who knows?!

Which looks were your favorite? Which looks did you loathe? Pray, do tell!

(All images via New York Magazine)

Seen At: NYFW Spring/Summer 2012.

2011-09-12T13:56:00.005-04:00

Wow...it's certainly been awhile! With shopping, starting a new year of university, and job hunting, I've been a little forgetful in regards to Marvelous Things (and the fashionverse!) lately! Well, consider me back! NYFW has recently started up, finally kicking off the excitement for the most recent fashion season. Let's take a look at some of the shows so far, shall we?

ALEXANDER WANG

Yawn. I'm sorry, but this collection bored me to tears. We've seen all of this on Wang's spring runways before; the wet hair, glossy makeup, and mesh sportswear are a thing of the past. Call me nitpicky, but one thing I didn't like were the watermarks left from the models' hair all over the button-up oxfords! The only piece I really enjoyed was a pastel printed and white mesh overcoat (top image, far right). Other than that, the colour palette was too dark for me. The tones were reminiscent of the rich berry tones that are wearable now, not six months from now! I think that since this collection was so sporty, Wang could have had a lot of fun with this collection by going out of his comfort zone and creating some springy, neon mesh pieces! All in all, it's just too sporty and flat for me - the pieces need an injection of urban cool.

DEREK LAM

Now, that's better! Like Wang, Lam used a colour palette reading similar to the palette for the F/W season...except he updated it! Fall staples such as dark camel and light mustard were updated with a white eyelet dress, a deep navy was brought to life by sheer lemon chiffon, etc. The tailoring and overall structure of these pieces is impecabble. One thing I loved so much about the F/W pieces was that the designers were shying away from loose, flow-y pieces are were starting to drift towards pieces with a really sartorial quality to them. This collection is no exception. While all of the pieces are still tailored to the nines, they still have that wearability that a ready to wear collection requires to both wow the crowd and appeal to consumers. The outerwear was also unbelievably stunning! Take, for an example, that sherbet-hued trench seen on Arizona Muse (above, middle)! Wow! The mod, multi-coloured sequined dress on Hanne Gaby Odiele (far right)? So wearable! I must admit that this was the first collection that got me geared up for the S/S season!

JASON WU

Hmmm...a more Gothic approach to Spring. Interesting! A lot of these looks had a very 1980s, Female Dandy (read: Grace Jones, Janelle Monae) appeal to them. Similar to those seen at the Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2011 show. While the looks definitely feature some pieces borrowed from the boys, they're girlied up with accents such as Victorian neck bows, lace collars, barely there hot pants, lady bags, and full skirts. The one thing I adored were the sequined and studded collars on the Oxford shirts...what a glam way to gussy up a stark white shirt! The silhouettes of the skirts were also a real selling point for me. I'm so glad that the ladylike midi has returned, as has what I liked to refer to as the "mullet skirt" (short in the front, long in the back). The whole look is very 1940s glam meets 1980s in New York City, which, surprisingly, works. I also love the unexpected pops of colour throughout the whole show. Take, for an example, the shell pink skirt worn by Miss Kloss (above right), paired with a very dark and moody collared blouse. As the show progresses, we see some more sunny shades paired with deeper prints, such as the lemon chiffon/navy/cyan/sky blue combination sported by Jacquelyn Jablonski here. The peplum waist, one of fall's hottest trends, is updated in white, as worn by Lindsey Wixson here. All in all, the overall "vibe" of this look was rather hard to pin down. Is it masculine? Is it Gothic? Is it modern? Is it girly? Who knows!

JILL STUART

Jill Stuart has to be the queen of spring RTW...every year, she wows the critics (and me!) with her summery confections. This time around, Jac opened the show with a bang in a beautiful nude and blood orange number with some seriously windswept hair. Some colour blocked 1960s-esque shift dresses (click here, again featuring blood orange, are perfect for a night out. Some tailored trousers that given even Ruby Aldridge (click here) some curves are the perfect transitional piece. We then see the colour palette meld into softer shades of ballet pink and powder blue, and then to lemon and blush, and then to lavender, and then to a more vivid pink. I have a feeling that the palm tree print seen on the blouses will be all the rage this year, as Prada's banana prints were last year. The footwear is also stunning! Those pastel pink patent leather platforms with the gold accents? Unreal! Overall, this is quite possibly my favorite collection so far, with Derek Lam as a close second.

PRABAL GURUNG

One thing that I wish Gurung did with this show is to soundtrack it to "Violet" by Hole, circa their Live Through This days. Am I right, am I right? Gurung's pieces last season definitely had a more Hollywood glamour to them, while these pieces have a total boudoir-esque glamour puss edge to them. Much more in your face, and much more over the top. The violet chiffon gowns and overcoats? Stunning! But what really drew me in were the purple floral button-ups paired with a perfectly modern Tuxedo dinner jacket. The totally rad futuristic shades (click here) are, dare I say, even cooler than the totally trendy Alexander Wang x Linda Farrow cat eyes. Overall, this collection was stunning. I'm glad to see that Gurung, a new designer on the scene, is already learning to step out of his comfort zone! Pure perfection! Plus, I think violet may be the one colour I'm looking forward to wearing the most once the weather warms up again!

(All images via ELLE. All ideas via, well, me. Please don't copy any content without written permission, quotations, and backlinks.)

What To Wear: First Day Of School

2011-09-05T22:01:00.007-04:00

It's that time again...the weather is growing colder and students are piling into schools and post-secondary institutions worldwide. While it's hard to get psyched over the numerous essays I will shortly be writing and tutorials I shall be attending, I am certainly fawning over everything that is fall fashion, and planning my school ensembles! Here's a little guide of do's and don'ts to help you on your way to being your school's best dressed:

Sample outfit for a high school setting

HIGH SCHOOL DO'S AND DON'TS

Do: Expand your horizons beyond the standard t-shirt/jeans/hoodie uniform. Let's be real here. The chances of a hoodie and jean combo looking chic and covet-worthy are slim to none. Just because everyone else is wearing 'em doesn't mean you have to. If you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, try a skinny trouser and blazer combo or a wider leg jean with a blouse or a cozy cardigan.

Don't: Use a handbag as a carry-all. We all did it in high school...or at least tried to. Truth is, a purse will be overflowing and snapping under the weight of several binders, notebooks, and school supplies. If backpacks aren't your style, look for an oversized tote bag with a supportive shoulder strap (support is the key ingredient, here). Also, remember that there is a such thing as a chic backpack. For reference, see The Row's $39 000 black and gold crocodile backpack. Look for something in a shiny, sleek nylon or a leather fabric that's all one colour, possibly with metallic accents. Think streamlined, albeit functional.

Do: Consider your elements. Unfortunately, in high school, you have a little less flexibility with the times of day that you have class, what classes you take (and through this, what sort of people become your peers), and where you go to school. For an example, if you start school at 8 AM, daytime sequins, heeled booties, and red lipstick may scream "morning after" more than "perfect afternoon ensemble". With that being said, be appropriate. You don't need to show up in your pyjamas, but you don't want to look like you're headed to a nightclub either. I went to school with a bunch of girls (who shall remain nameless, naturally) who would show up to English class at 10 AM in short black rayon dresses, white patent heels, and full make-up. They were also a little drunk. The whole look (and the intoxication added to this) screamed trashy.

Don't: Care what people think. High school, in a sense, revolves a great deal around conformity. You fall into a certain "category" or "clique" and adhere to their standards. Whether you're wearing a uniform of yoga pants and Abercrombie & Fitch hoodies or are smoking pot behind the back of the school, chances are, you're being labelled as something or other. I think that the one thing that kept me passionate about fashion throughout school is wearing what I liked, not what others thought looked good. Believe me, if I showed up to school in dress shorts and wool thigh-highs or a printed, high-collar button up with collar bone cut-outs, I definitely recieved a glare or two. But I never gave a damn.

Standard, more casual sample outfit for a university/college setting.

Bolder sample outfit for a university/college setting.

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE DO'S AND DON'TS

Don't: Wear sweatpants. This is a don't that I've been guilty of committing more often than I'd like to admit. When living in a dorm (a thirty second walk from about half of my classes), it was so easy to roll out of bed in the same Roots sweats I slept in, throw my hair into a bun, brush my teeth, grab a coffee, and be out the door. One thing I noticed was that there were no more than five people rocking sweats at a time. Everyone else was all done up! I suppose that one piece of advice to take on this topic is, you never know who you're going to meet...or who you're going to run into. You tend to meet some lifelong friends in your post-secondary classes (I met my longterm boytoy at the campus cafe!), so it's best to present yourself the way you'd like to be viewed. Sweats and a messy bun can often read as sloppy. If you wanna wear something comfy and hassle-free, try a pair of leggings, loose silk pants, or a sundress!

Do: Experiment. In university/college, those once-over's that people give you in the hallways of high schools are a thing of the past. With that being said, don't be afraid to push the limits a little bit. Wear bolder make-up, pile on the edgy accessories, anything that floats your boat! Just be sure not to push it too much...you are still at school, after all!

Don't: Wear anything that isn't "you". In college or university, people have become a lot more skilled with seeing through others' exteriors. If you appear to be a total trendoid or are wearing something that doesn't match your personality whatsoever, people will probably percieve you as a fake (or a flake).

Do: Channel your inner intellectual with a geek-chic ensemble. Wingtip oxfords, horn rimmed glasses, and smart blazers look anything but cliché when worn properly. The trick is to take one "geeky" element and mix it with classic, understated pieces to avoid looking costume-y. It shouldn't have to be said, but leave the pigtails, big glasses, and schoolgirl kilts for Halloween.

Five Minutes With...Sunaina of FASHIONAINA.

2011-09-02T21:01:00.006-04:00

What she's wearing: H&M dress/blazer/tights, Primark bag, Zara shoes.

FASHIONAINA is a blog that I've been reading for a few years now (wow, time flies!) and is always a source of inspiration for me when it comes to fashion, travel, and cooking! I had the pleasure of chatting with Sunaina (who is among one of my dearest "blogging" friends!) about her latest baking venture, her embarking on veganism, and her love (and hate) for the latest trends!

How would you describe your personal style?
My style has a little bit of everything, I would describe it as a fusion of girly and bohemian, yet sophistocated. I love to keep it simple with neutrals but I can a be a bit edgy too. Furthermore, I love everything floral and all-black outfits.

Some of Sunaina's Cupcake Kitchen cupcakes!

Tell us about Cupcake Kitchen:
Cupcake Kitchen is a little business I set up a few months ago. It started out as a hobby, I always loved baking and along the way I developed a love for cupcakes. When people took more interest in my cupcakes I decided to pull the trigger and Cupcake Kitchen was born. Next to school and my office job, I work four days a week in Cupcake Kitchen. I would love to become a real business woman but on the other hand I think I’d rather like te become a ‘cupcake queen’. Who knows where the road will lead me!

You're embarking on a 30-day vegan challenge. What parts of the challenge are you looking forward to? What are you nervous about? What kinds of recipes are you excited to try?
I wanted to do this challenge because I want to get healthier, cleanse myself and lose the holiday pounds. I’m in my first week now and looking forward to the day that I feel detoxified, this takes some time but the feeling will be so good! It’s also nice to experiment with foods I don’t usually use a lot. I’m excited to try out new recipes like zucchini frittata (click here for recipe), tofu quiches (click here for recipe) and date-nut slices (click here for recipe). I’m a bit nervous about my cheese cravings. I love cheese and I’m afraid I can’t last a whole month without it. But I’m definitely going to give it my best shot and I promised myself to not break the rules.

What fashion trends are you excited to try for fall?
What trends do you dislike?
I love the leather trend but I wouldn’t go for a total leather look. I would rather wear one or two leather items combined with softer fabrics. I also like the fur trend, it keeps you warm and looks chic. I’m excited to combine leather with fur but still stay chic. When it comes to colours, I don’t really like the bright hues, I might try out orange and purple but I think that wine red would suit me better. About patterns: I’ve never been into animal prints but I do like classic plaid. I will wear floral as I always do. I absolutely dislike androgyny, I think it’s difficult to pull off this trend and I wouldn’t like to look mannish. Another thing I do like is chunky knitwear, obviously it’s perfect winter material.

What she's wearing: floral jumpsuit from a local shop, Primark belt.

Which blogs do you visit often?
To keep myself updated on fashion and get the most useful fashion tips, I visit your blog. For all things pretty and daily luxuries I regularly visit Being Dena. For fashion, beauty and design inspiration, Think Runway is the place to be. For make up tutorials, creativity and more personal stuff I visit Makeup and Jeans. I also love to visit Mon Mode Blog, but unfortunately the girl has been MIA for a while now. I hope she’ll be back!

What does your beauty routine consist of?
My daily beauty routine is actually very simple. I just put on mascara, sometimes some blush and a little bit of lip gloss. I do iron or curl my hair every two days and once a week I occupy the bathroom for hours and pamper myself with things like clay masks, a hot bubbly bath, exfoliation and a hair treatment.

What she's wearing: Forever 21 maxi dress.

Pick One:

Red velvet cupcakes or vanilla cupcakes?
Vanilla cupcakes, I like it classic.

Bags or shoes?
Shoes!

Chanel or Louis Vuitton?
I love my LV Speedy but I’m dreaming of the classic flap bag, so Chanel.

Paris or New York?
La ville de l’amour, Paris!

Summer fashion or fall fashion?
Fall fashion.

Click here to follow Sunaina on Twitter!

The Do's and Don'ts of Fall Fashion (A Summary)

2011-08-31T22:17:00.010-04:00

After numerous posts surrounding the wondrous topic of fall fashion, I figured that in one last hurrah, I'd do a final summarizing post complete with some advice from little old me. Without any further adieu, here are my "do's and don'ts" of fall fashion.

Do: Step out of your comfort zone. This season, the trend tables took a turn: the "classic" fall trends (read: utilitarian/military and equestrian) were nowhere to be found. Instead, bright colours and looks that mirrored what the likes of Bianca Jagger wore at Studio 54 took the runways. With that being said, don't fall back into your standard comfort zone this season...take some risks! I know for me, I tend to fall into the safety blanket of black and gray clothing. I plan on investing in some more tailored pieces (wide-leg trousers, silk pants, button-up shirts and lots of colour!

Do: Streamline your silhouette. Along with a shift in trends, you also see a shift in the shape of clothing. The Olsen Twins-esque trend of baggy, shapeless clothing (read: boyfriend blazers, super flow-y maxi skirts) have gone the way of the Dodo bird for the upcoming seasons. While a lot of pieces on the runways had an oversized feel, there was still a great deal of tailoring involved. For an example, the baggy leather trousers seen at 3.1 Phillip Lim had a tapered ankle, fitted waist, and seaming down the front to show off the wearer's shape. The ever-so-fluffy plumed jackets at Yves St. Laurent had a fitted bodice which balanced out the fluffy sleeves. If you're going to wear a flow-y blouse, pair it with tighter fitting bottoms, and vice versa. If a coat is a little baggy around the waist, belt it! It's all about creating a balance!

Do: Break the rules. A lot of fashion "rules", or faux-pas, are totally excusable this season. Wear white after labour day (well, I suppose nobody pays attention to this one). Wear multiple pieces in the same colour family (a maroon blouse with cherry red trousers). Match your make-up to your clothing! The aforementioned rule, in particular, is usually frowned upon. This season, set the life-long advice aside and choose lip and eye colours in the same colour family as your clothing. Take for example, Julia Saner at the Chanel F/W 2011 show (above). The charcoal smoky eye perfectly matches her dark gray tweed suit without looking too matchy-matchy. Feel free to pair teal eyeshadow with a teal silk blouse, a peach lip gloss with a peach shift dress, etc.

Do: Think about a purchase before you buy it. Willing to shell out $500 on a bright cobalt coat? Take the time to consider how often you'll really wear it. If you don't see yourself wearing it at this time next year, skip it and buy something neutral. You want to invest on pieces you can wear time and time again. If you can see yourself wearing a bright statement coloured piece, a faux fur coat, or a roomier pair of trousers, by all means, invest!

Don't: Wear something just because it's trendy. This is quite possibly the best advice I could offer. When you see a trend all over the fashion websites, in magazines, and on celebrities (read: the tragic clog plague of 2010 - see above), it's easy to be enticed by something you wouldn't normally wear. When buying something "trendy", consider two things: Will it look good on you? Do you really like it? For me, I know that I am far too short to rock a puffy feathered coat, despite the fact that I love the look at them. Therefore, it isn't in my best interest to buy one. I also know that I would never walk around in a sheer shirt with all of my goodies with my bra completely exposed! Always be open to trends; but don't be a sponge either.

Don't: Rule anything out. You may took a look at something and think "that colour will make me look washed out" or "that fit will swallow me whole", and disregard it completely. Everyone, including me, is guilty of doing this. When looking at one of these pieces, be sure to grab one in your size and try it on! Trying something on obviously won't cost you anything, and you may just find a fit that fits you! Two items I ruled out for the summer season were maxi dresses and jumpsuits. I figured that being 5"4, they'd swallow me whole. However, I found that the long hemlines elongated my legs and made me look even taller!

Don't: Skimp on shoes and handbags. While cheap clothing buys can sometimes surprise you and hold up over time, shoes and handbags rarely do the same. Look for items made out of a good-quality leather (or vegan leather!), suede, or a firm nylon, such as the nylon used in the Longchamp totes. Be sure that a pair of shoes has a comfortable sole and a strong heel that won't snap or kill your feet. Make sure that a purse has hardware that will stay intact overtime (nothing is worse than having a zipper toggle fall off and have to pull the zipper with the tips of your fingers carefully) and that the handle won't rip from over-wear or from being hung up. If a pair of shoes or a purse seems to be of poor quality, don't buy it and save your money for a better quality option. If you spend $300 on a handbag that will last you 6 years, you'll get a heck of a better dollar value than a $30 handbag that will break down after a few months' time.

(All images via various sources. None belong to me.)

2011 MTV VMAs: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2011-08-29T12:59:00.005-04:00

I must admit, I never, ever watch the MTV awards. Instead, I just look at the red carpet photos the morning after since that is all I would tune in for anyways! As promised, here is another The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly series featuring the outfits worn last night. As always, I promise not to hold back...

THE GOOD

Katy Perry: While this is no stroke of fashion genius, I think Katy looks pretty darn adorable. Plus, she looks so happy!

Beyonce: You know how I always argue how pregnant women end up on the "best dressed" lists in ensembles that would end up on the "worst dressed" list had they not been preggo? This is not the case! Beyonce looks extremely radiant in this Lanvin gown, whose draped fabric keeps her covered up whilst somehow showing off her shape all at the same time. I do, however, believe that this baby will be the biggest baby on the planet. Let's see if she can beat Suri Cruise on the quest for having the most Birkins!

Britney Spears; After her lingerie-clad blunder at the 2007 VMAs, Britney is back! While the patent shoes are a tad questionable, the sequined dress is tasteful even despite the short hemline and flatters her body!

Amber Rose: I'll throw the girl a bone and put her on the "good" list. She's come a long way from rocking a snakeskin catsuit on the red carpet. Don't agree with me? click here.

Snooki: I know, I know...putting Snooki in the "good" category. I've got to give the girl some props though: this look is very fashion forward for her, the dress has a tasteful cut, her accessories are minimal and eye catching, and the shoes are classic. It looks like we've reached the fashion apocalypse!

Jonah Hill: Is it just me, or is he getting to be sorta hot? I love the green/red/navy plaid with the tan leather belt. Plus, any guy who can rock boots is well-dressed to me!

Zoe Saldana: Finally, someone who looks classic and fantastic. Zoe always stuns on the red carpet. I have no complaints.

Taylor Lautner: Unfff. Damn boy. I am now Team Jacob.

Vinny Guadagnino: See, if the guys of Jersey Shore dressed like this when they go out hunting for girls, they would get picked up in a matter of seconds! From what I've seen of Jersey Shore (which is minimal, trust me), I've grown to like Vinny. He seems to be the house's voice of reason. Good on him for actually having an education and quitting the show to get on with his life!

Victoria Justice: I don't know who you are, but you look gorgeous!

THE BAD

Selena Gomez: I don't think this dress is horrible, but the dress is wearing her, rather than her wearing the dress. The edgy hemline and lace cut-outs, high collar, and slicked back hair don't suit Selena and, quite frankly, ages her.

Justin Bieber: When I first read that the Biebs sported a YSL Homme blazer, I was admittedly a little excited that he finally made a worthy fashion choice. When I saw this photo, I was proven wrong. The not-so-ironic ironic nerd glasses, tacky gold chains, red jeans that so desperately need a belt to hold them up, and heinous leopard trainers take this classic staple down to a trashy level. Brownie points for the YSL, though!

J Woww: I must admit, if this dress had a different (read: higher) neckline and lower hemline, I'd actually like it. Then again, if I paid that much for my boobs, I'd be sure to show them off at every waking chance I had too. Also, a little flick of a cat eye eyeliner is cute. Eyeliner wings stretching half-way to your ears reads trashy. But I won't even get started on an argument involving the words "trashy", "Jersey", and "Shore".

Adele: I understand that "retro" is her signature look, but this particular ensemble isn't flattering. The teasing of the hair is far too overdone and dramatic, distracting from her face. This matronly dress does nothing for her body and hits an unflattering part of the leg. Next time, hike the hemline up a little bit and try something daring!

Demi Lovato: This dress isn't terrible apart from the "LOOK AT MY CHEST" neckline, but Demi looks like she took a nod from the Jersey Shore cast and spent a little too much time with a spray tanning machine, to the point where she looks like a wax version of herself in Madame Tussaud's.

JoJo: I had no idea that this girl was still relevant. I remember loving her (what I assumed was her one-and-only) hit way back when. Nevertheless, the coated garbage bag on her backside has got to go.

THE UGLY

Kreayshawn: I have no idea as to who you are, but you look eerily similar to Amy Winehouse and it's wigging me out. Que the Sixth Sense/"I see dead people" reference. This whole sequined Disney attire doesn't do it for me. Plus, sneakers with evening wear is never a good choice.

Nicki Minaj: I'm a little stumped as to why teams of publicists feel the need to create a handful of DID-esque "alter egos" for these so-called "unique" female recording artists. I don't really understand what Nicki is trying to achieve by wearing this get-up, but whatever she's selling, I'm not buying.

Deena Cortese: Again, this post is not the place for a Jersey Shore rant. I will, however, say this: Deena looks like an overly spray-tanned Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. It looks like she's wrapped herself in some of his candy, too. The hooker hoops and 'do are equally unflattering.

Miley Cyrus: Whoever designed this dress clearly went to the Bed, Bath, and Beyond teen section and cut up a bunch of duvets to sew this bad boy. No, no, no. A million times no.

Bonnie McKee: I don't even know where to start. The severe lack of pants? The godforsaken belly chains? The fingerless gloves? The latex detailing across the chest? The mismatched leather footwear? This ensemble is beyond "trainwreck" status.

Lady GaGa: Dior Homme is a no-fail good look...for men. On Lady GaGa as "Joe Calderone", it only looks like a pathetic grab for attention. I've been over Lady GaGa for awhile now, particularly after she started performing in a wheel chair for shock value, which angered the paraplegic community, who didn't even recieve a single apology. All of Lady GaGa's shocking tactics and alter egos are growing weary. It's apparent that a clever team of publicists are behind it all, plus her new album is eerily similar to Madonna! This isn't originality, GaGa.

In summary: After flicking through the red carpet photos, I don't know who about half of these people are. It's a good thing that I didn't watch the show.

Who did you think looked fantastic last night? Who do you think looked dreadful? Did you disagree with any of my picks? Pray, do tell!

(All images via New York Magazine)

Five Minutes With...Jess of What Would Karl Do?

2011-08-23T23:19:00.004-04:00

What she's wearing: ASOS Maternity t-shirt, Camilla and Marc pants, Zara blazer, Chloe shoes, Chanel bag, Samantha Wills jewellery, ASOS hat.

Today, I had the opportunity to interview Jess Dempsey of What Would Karl Do? Jess, a style blogger and stylist from Australia, shows everyone that you can still stay stylish over the course of your pregnancy, and of course, before and after it! We chatted about her love for shoes, how to maintain your personal style while pregnant, and how she came to be a stylist!

How would you describe your personal style?
I love mixing feminine looks with a hint of edgy or masculine pieces/accessories.

When did you decide that you wanted to work as a stylist? How did you go about breaking into the industry?
After working as a Visual Merchandiser for several years, I felt I needed something more. My passion for styling and photoshoots naturally led me into the industry of styling. It was a way to express my own style through visuals/models. One day, I thought, "Well, no one is going to knock on my door", so I had to get myself out there by doing some unpaid styling on photoshoots and runways to build up a portfolio. After a few months, my name and sense of style was promoted with a little help from my blog. I was also able to gain some local celebrity clients.

What's the fashion scene like where you live?
Melbourne is very safe when it comes to fashion. Here, the main colours that people wear are gray, black and white. However; with the growing mainstream fashion culture and influence of blogs, we are starting to see a new wave of fashion come through, with younger girls especially. They often express their own style with tips from overseas.

What she's wearing: Missguided dress (worn as a blouse), ASOS pants, Bally shoes, Vita Fede rings.

Describe your favorite piece in your closet:
My favorite piece in my closet would have to be my classic black Zara blazer. It may not be my most expensive piece, but it is my wardrobe essential! Another item would have to be my Rare Opulence disco ball skirt!!

What advice could you offer to women who want to stay stylish during the course of their pregnancy?
Feeling good during your pregnancy is sometimes challenging, especially if you can't fit into your old clothes. Some women find that because of this, they lose their identity and their personal style. The way I made it work was by staying true to myself and only wearing pieces that suit me, colours that flatter me, and accessorizing with the jewellery, shoes and scarves that still fit me. I love wearing maternity stockings and tight dresses over top of baggy over-sized t-shirts with a long necklace to elongate my body with some leggings underneath. I found it hard to wear jeans as they were not as comfortable as dresses, but long shirts and tops were perfect for me! Oh, and I wear a lot of black as it is slimming!!!

What it-bag do you wish you could get your hands on?
Well I have a great bag collection so far and recently I purchased my Celine Shopper that I just had to have! I am currently seeking a black bag for everyday - the ultimate would be the Birkin, of course. But I think I am still in love with the Louis Vuitton Mahina in black.

What she's wearing: ASOS dress and blazer, Vita Fede ring, House of Baulch necklace, Forever 21 shoes, Fendi belt, TOPSHOP tights.

Pick One:

Lanvin or Louis Vuitton?
Louis Vuitton.

Paris or New York?
Paris Paris Paris!!!!

What she's wearing: Fendi blouse, Louis Vuitton scarf, Vicini shoes (not shown), Vita Fede ring, ASOS pants, Chloe purse.

Bags or shoes?
Shoes.

Neutrals or bright colors?
Bright colors!!!

Spring/Summer Fashion Week or Fall/Winter Fashion Week?
Fall/Winter.*

Click here to follow Jess/What Would Karl Do? on Twitter!

How To: Transition Your Spring/Summer Pieces Into Fall/Winter (According To Alexa Chung)

2011-08-22T14:26:00.004-04:00

At the beginning of each season, a fashionista bestows a vow to retail to buy a whole new wardrobe for each season. The fact of the matter is that we don't have to re-stock our closet each season. Pieces that can be worn all year, called transitional pieces are an easy way to save some extra money when you're planning out your seasonal gear. It's surprising how many spring/summer pieces can be worn through the colder months without realizing it! Alexa Chung, resident VJ and style icon, has quite a knack for this. Let's take a look at how she transitions her summer buys:

DENIM SHORTS

Wear them with...Black or coloured tights (opaque), loafers, patent high heels, ballet flats, schoolboy blazers, button-up blouses (solid or patterned), collared shirts (Oxford, peter pan), oversized cardigans, striped boat neck tops or sweaters.

Foolproof outfit...Denim shorts, black opaque tights, patent high heeled loafers, white silk button-up blouse, black blazer or cardigan, black or statement coloured handbag.

LITTLE WHITE DRESS

Wear it with...wool cardigans, crepe blazers, wool/acrylic tights, ladylike flats, vintage-inspired scarves, denim jacket, oversized anorak, engineer boots, ankle boots, quirky brooches.

Foolproof outfit...Lace dress, oversized denim jacket, black wool tights, black Frye engineer boots, purse with a long strap worn over the shoulder.

POLKA-DOT/PATTERNED BLOUSE

Wear it with...coloured denim, skinny trousers, circle skirts, silk pants, close-toed wedges, high-heeled boots, dinner jackets, neutral blazers, handbag or shoulder strap purse.

Foolproof outfit...Navy polka dot (or any pattern) blouse, black metallic skinny jeans, leather close-toed wedges, black handbag.

SUMMER LEATHER

Wear it with...Chunky knits, collared shirts in neutral colors, pieces with unique details (studs, sequins, etc.), patterned blouses, blazers, dinner jackets, biker jackets (when worn well, you can turn it into a leather skirt/short suit!), creepers, close-toed wedges, ballet flats, chunky jewellery, opaque tights.

Foolproof outfit...Camel fisherman knit sweater with a black button-up collared shirt underneath, black opaque tights, leather wedges, a neutral handbag, a statement necklace or cuff.

*Note: This will work with either a leather summer dress, leather shorts (as seen above), or a leather skirt.

What pieces from your summer wardrobe are you planning to transition into fall? I'm thinking a feminine maxi dress (worn with a leather biker jacket), a button-up shirt (I'm going to DIY stud the collar - look for a post on that soon) with silk trousers, and a black silk jumpsuit worn with a crepe blazer.

(Images via various sources. None belong to me.)

Fall 2011's Hottest Beauty Trends And Buys

2011-08-18T14:16:00.011-04:00

METALLIC NAIL POLISH

Dorothea Barth Jorgensen sporting Chanel's graphite polish at the A/W 2011 RTW show.

Silvers, golds, greens, blues, bronzes...you name it, it's in. Chanel's Peridot (a metallic green-ish gold) seems to be this season's replacement for the ever-coveted Mimosa. Look for colours with more of a liquid-y shimmer than solid glitter for a sleeker look.

Recommended Products: Deborah Lipmann's Believe/Nefertiti, Butter London's Wallis.

Tips for shopping for nail polish:

1) Examine the size of the brush. If you have thin nail beds, wider brushes can make polish application a messy experience. Before you buy, unscrew the top to check out the size of the brush. Brands such as OPI and Chanel have wider brushes while brands such as Essie and Deborah Lipmann have thinner applicators.

2) If it's a trendy colour, don't invest. Earlier this summer on my quest to find Chanel's Mimosa, I settled for Deborah Lipmann's Yellow Brick Road (a close, yet not as pretty, shade of bright yellow). This "settlement" cost me $23. I've worn the polish maybe five times. If you see a fun shade such as a glittery topcoat, don't spend too much money. Chances are, you won't be applying it all too often.

3) If it's a classic colour, invest. Classics such as red, greige, and nude will never go out of style. This is the time to buy that Butter London wine shade you've been oggling. Save the fun colour purchases for the drug store.

4) Make sure it matches your skin tone: Being ghostly pale, dark and vampy shades tend to look, well...incredibly dark and vampy on me. Make sure that the polishes you are selected won't make your hands look washed out (yes, even on hands, it's important!). To keep things simple, just follow the rule of colour that you would use for buying clothing when purchasing nail polish. Warmer shades (with red/orange/yellow) undertones, such as coral and cherry red, tend to look better on girls with a darker skin tone. Cooler shades (with a blue undertone), such as eggplant and fire truck red, suit the paler ladies.

EYEBROW PENCIL

Karmen Pedaru at the Yves St. Laurent A/W 2011 RTW show.

Step away from the mirror and drop the tweezers! Unless necessary, of course. Strong, thick brows are one of the most popular beauty trends this season. The easiest way to accomplish this look without leaving your brows untamed is to use a brow pencil.

Recommended Products: Benefit Instant Brow Pencil, Revolon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel (I use this product, it's fantastic and inexpensive!), SEPHORA brow pencil (it's on sale for one dollar on their site right now, go get it!), Anastasia Tinter Brow Gel.

Tips For Using An Eyebrow Pencil:

1) Buy a pencil one or two shades darker than your eyebrows. This will help make the look a little bolder, plus it will blend in seamlessly.

2) For optimal results, tweeze stray hairs before applying the pencil. This way, you won't have the appearance of harsh lines with little hairs everywhere!

3) Brush brows upward and then away from the bridge of your nose.

4) Apply the pencil or brush in thick, quick stokes in a vertical motion. Applying a pencil horizontally can lead to thick, masculine brows.

5) Apply an eyebrow gel for a smooth look that won't fade away over the course of the day.

BRIGHT LIPS

Emma Stone rocking a bright fuchsia lip at the 2011 Met Ball.

Recommended Products: M.A.C's Party Line (wine), Dior Addict's Draped Burgundy (a gloss), M.A.C's Chatterbox (a bright watermelon pink).

Tips For Wearing Bright Lipstick:

1) Again, follow the rule of colour when choosing a lipstick. Girls with warmer skin tones can get away with wearing deep wines and bright corals while paler girls can easily rock a bright pink or red with blue undertones.

2) Look for a creamy, matte shade. Anything with sparkle or glitz tends to look a little stripper-esque. If you feel a little naked with just lipstick on (a little weird to follow with after my stripper analogy, but true!), apply some clear gloss.

3) Use lip liner. There's nothing worse than having a bright, look-at-me shade melting right off of your lips and onto your chin. If you're a lipstick junkie and don't want to invest in just one lip liner to match one shade, there are plenty of nude and clear lip liners on the market. This way, you can use one lip liner with all of your lipsticks.

4) Be careful with the rest of your make-up. If you want the focal point of your look to be your lips, then keep eye make-up minimal. However; there are a few ways to break the rules:

-Turquoise liquid liner with coral lip stick (just be sure to apply a clear gloss overtop the lipstick for fluidity)

-Smokey black eyes with bright pink lipstick.

One rule that cannot be broken is minimal eye makeup with a dark red (i.e. wine) coloured lipstick. If you apply too much eye makeup, it will look costume-y.

5) If you want to skip lipstick altogether and go for a gloss, make sure it is richly pigmented for the same sort of effect.

SEXY PERFUME

Rosie Huntington-Whitely knocking 'em dead in the Burberry Body campaign.

Spring and summer are all about fun, frivolous scents with bubbly floral and candy notes. This fall, prepare to make the switch to a sexier, more mysterious scent for a little allure.

Recommended Products: Boyfriend by Kate Walsh, Gucci Guilty, Prada Amber, Burberry The Beat.

Tips For Shopping For Perfume:

1) Spray perfume at least 10 inches away from your body. If you spray too close for your body, a chemical scent will linger rather than the true notes of the perfume.

2) Smell sparingly. Your nose can only differentiate between two to three scents at a time. If you smell six different perfumes in a one minute-period, you won't be able to smell its true scent. A trick to combat this? Sniffing coffee beans! The scent of coffee clears your nose palette. Most cosmetic counters keep a jar of joe beans on hand.

3) Let the perfume sit for a few minutes before making a final decision. Our body chemistry is ever-changing, which will, in turn, affect the smell of your perfume. A scent may smell fantastic when you first apply it, but will grow sour if its notes do not match up with your own body chemistry. If you still love the scent after five to ten minutes, go for it!

Which beauty trends are you looking forward to trying out this fall?

(Images via various sources; none belong to me. Please right click for the original source.)

Fantasy Football Fashion: Who Will Be Named Creative Director at Dior?

2011-08-16T18:48:00.009-04:00

MARC JACOBS

Pros: 1) Creative director of a LVMH fashion company, therefore familiar with Bernard Arnault and the Dior house.

2) Rumours are saying that despite Marc renewing his contract with Louis Vuitton, he could be granted permission to design for both Dior and Louis Vuitton if named creative director.

3) The tailoring of his footwear and accessories for Louis Vuitton has a similar charm to those of Dior.

4) Is able to create several lines with several different looks - no inspiration is overused or overlooked.

Cons: 1) Chairing Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, and Marc by Marc Jacobs would likely be extremely overwhelming for Marc.

2) Little experience with couture - all of the aforementioned labels have only Ready-to-Wear lines.

3) Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs/Marc by Marc Jacobs have a more whimsical, practical approach to fashion. Clothes are made to sell and not to be seen as a work of art.

4) Marc Jacobs generally sets trends within fashion - the House of Dior is more known for tailoring to the quintessential reformed French woman than a younger crowd.

5) Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs are sensible, wearable lines. Couture needs to be frivolous and embraces a sort of fantasy - it's very absurd and sublime.

6) Does not possess Galliano's eye for detail.

Likelihood of Jacobs Being Named Creative Director: 35%. While he's undeniably talented, he does not have the flair and the incredibly important eye for precision and detail that is needed to head Dior's design team.

AZZEDINE ALAïA

Pros: 1) Has been in the business long enough to know what sells, what wows, and what creates hype.

2) Has extensive experience with both haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. Can create a collection that sells, is seen as a work of art, or somewhere in between.

Cons: 1) Has already been offered the job and declined it immediately. Unless there are some serious perks added to the title, I don't think he'll be taking the job anytime soon.

2) Too outspoken. Galliano was obviously fired for this feat, and Alaïa seems to be handicapped by this flaw. In a recent interview, he went on to bash a handful of the fashion industry's most elite, including Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour.

3) His work is much more minimalistic than the incredibly intricate and feminine pieces Dior is known for.

4) Does not experiment with fabrics like Galliano did.

5) Loss of relevance. Alaïa's day has seemed to pass. Dior needs a fresh, young designer who can breathe life into the taboo label.

Likelihood of Alaïa Being Named Creative Director: 10%. He clearly is not all that interested in the job and does not seem to have a parallel vision to the past creative directors at Dior.

RICARDO TISCI

Pros: 1) Is a young, influential designer.

2) The current creative director of a classic, well-known French fashion house (Givenchy) who has a similar clientele to Dior.

3) Has extensive ready-to-wear and couture design experience.

4) Experiments with fabrics, colours, and patterns similar to the way Galliano did.

5) Is able to take sources of inspiration from an eclectic variety of things, and always pulls it off effortlessly.

6) Lives a very private life - not surrounded by any known controversy.

7) Has established a rapport with influential celebrities.

8) Has an elegant approach to fashion - exactly what Dior needs.

9) Givenchy is a part of the LVMH group, therefore, Tisci has likely built up a rapport with Bernard Arnault and his associates.

Cons: 1) Seems to be very passionate about the Givenchy label. Claims that he is happy to keep his position as creative director here.

2) Givenchy's couture is much more streamlined than Dior's.

Likelihood that Tisci Will Be Appointed Creative Director: 75%. Rumours were swirling around months ago that Ricardo had snagged the title, but everyone has since kept quiet about it. Nevertheless, Ricardo is young (which Bernard Arnault seems to be looking for), has received endless praise for both his couture and ready-to-wear collections, and has built up a rapport and is well-respected within the fashion industry.

PRABAL GURUNG

Pros: 1) A young, fresh designer who is recieving instant recognition for his work. Gurung won the 2010 CFDA Award for Womenswear.

2) His clothing is classic and embodies the same sort of vibe that of which Dior possesses.

3) Has built up a rapport with models who are frequent faces in Dior shows and campaigns, i.e. Karlie Kloss and Constance Jablonski.

4) His pieces are more of a classic sartorial item than a trend-setting piece.

5) Leads a private life - no known controversy.

6) His clothes are favoured by several young and influential celebrities, i.e. Hailee Steinfeld.

Cons: 1) His line is not owned by LVMH, and therefore, has likely not built up a solid rapport with Bernard Arnault and his associates.

2) As a fairly new designer, he may not be able to hold up to expectations or the pressure associated with being the creative director of Dior, especially after the Galliano controversy.

3) No haute couture experience.

4) No known accessory design experience.

Likelihood That Gurung Will Be Appointed Creative Director: 55%. While Gurung is a new designer and has no haute couture experience, his ready-to-wear line is the most similar line to Dior.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

1) Haider Ackermann: While he is undeniably talented, I think that his signature look is far too edgy and fashion-forward for Dior. I can see him replacing Karl Lagerfeld a few years down the road, though!

2) Alber Elbaz (of Lanvin): While he has an elegant eye and has a similar signature look to Dior (and he's French!), Elbaz has expressed that he has not been offered the position and wishes to remain at Lanvin.

3) Sarah Burton (of Alexander McQueen): Rumours swirling around mentioned that Burton was a contender in the running for the creative director position. While she can clearly drive a high-end line out of controversy and has a beautiful vision, I don't see her leaving her post anytime soon. As a long-time assistant to McQueen, I would assume that Sarah is dedicated to heading the label in honour of his memory. Also, she has only held the title of creative director for Alexander McQueen for a year and a half - she would probably like to continue working with the label!

Which designer do you think will be named Dior's creative director? Is there someone not on this list whom you think may earn the title? Personally, my bet is on Ricardo Tisci!

Re-edit: It looks like Marc Jacobs is going to be named creative director of Dior any day now. I was wrong!

Things At Condé Nast Are Getting Nasty

2011-08-11T20:21:00.005-04:00

A (rather hilarious) insider at Conde Nast has created a Twitter account, entitled @CondeElevator, which dishes all the dirt heard in the publishing company's elevator. Conde Nast, the publisher of Vogue, Allure, Lucky, GQ, Vanity Fair, and more, is obviously home to several fashion insiders who display a very Devil Wears Prada-esque attitude towards fashion and publishing. Some of the more memorable tweets include:

"[Girl holding brownie abashedly in elevator] Male co-worker: I'm not judging you."

"Summer Intern: My driver had SUCH a bad attitude. I was like, 'Don't complain to me, I didn't eat lunch either! You think I eat clothes?'"

"Girl #1: 'I love that necklace; I saw it at Banana last week and almost bought it too.' Girl #2: [flips hair] 'This is Gucci.'"

The (non-Conde Nast) members of the fashion industry and fashion lovers have been gobbling these tweets up like a red velvet cupcake. However, the peeps at Conde Nast are none too pleased. Rumour has it that the higher-ups may plan an in-office investigation to catch the Tweet-happy culprit.

While media companies such as TMZ have been mocking Conde Nast after the Twitter account gained amassed publicity, Vogue and its Voguettes are laughing all the way to the bank. Vogue is the only American magazine publication whose sales are not down, and their September 2011 issue has acquired the most advertising spreads out of all the published September issues (548). Looks like Anna Wintour is still the fashion industry's most devilish head honcho!

Also, there won't be any posts until Monday because I'm going camping! My friends and I do an annual road trip at the end of each summer before we all head to our separate universities, and camping was this year's big event. The last time I went camping, a racoon tried to get into my tent via me (leaving me slightly apprehensive of ever camping again), so hopefully this year goes off without a hitch! Does anyone else have any big weekend plans?

(Publishing stats and investigation rumour courtesy of ABC News)

Fall 2011 Trend Report

2011-08-07T19:35:00.011-04:00

This fall, the trend tables seemed to have turned - the overused utilitarian and earth tone trends were scarce on the runways. It's time for fun fashion - assorted colours, prints, and textures, to finally dominate your wardrobe again! Of course, there is a large gap between integrating trends into your wardrobe and becoming a trendoid. In short, do not sacrifice your personal style in order to follow trends. For an example; if red is not your colour, don't buy a blood red evening frock! When it comes to incorporating trends into your wardrobe, you want to make sure that you purchase pieces that are, above all, wearable and flattering. Here is a play-by-play of all of the season’s hottest looks that you shouldn't be afraid to attempt yourself!

ORANGE OUTERWEAR

Seen At: Burberry Prorsum, Dries Van Noten, C'N'C Costume National, Prada, Celiné, Hermès.

This 1960s-esque topper (think Twiggy in her prime) was all over the runways. Whether you're looking at a shade of blood orange, tangerine, vermillion, or peach - this statement piece is a great addition for your fall wardrobe. Look for a buttonless double breasted version, a short sleeve button-up (worn with elbow-length neutral or contrasting leather gloves), or a peacoat.

RAINBOW SHADES

Seen At: Gucci, Giambattista Valli, Prada, Gucci, Gareth Pugh, Burberry Prorsum, Preen, Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Chanel, Rochas.

This is quite possibly the easiest trend to incorporate into your colour as it can be any piece - a dress, a blouse, a pair of shoes, a handbag, and any colour! Choose a colour that is flattering for you and decide whether you want to use it as an accent or a focal piece. For an example, wear an all-black outfit with bright turquoise platforms (an accent), or a turquoise evening dress with metallic stilettos (a focal piece).

PLUSH FURS

Seen At: Michael Kors, Christian Dior, Gucci, Prada, Emilio Pucci, Alexander Wang, Missoni, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Loewe, Alexander McQueen, Yves St. Laurent, The Row, Dries Van Noten.

This is one of the most difficult trends to experiment with as your body type limits the amount of fits that you can pull off. If you are long and lean, look for a full, shaggy coat. If you are curvy and/or have broad shoulders, look for more of a plush fur (i.e. middle photo in the above set) to prevent the look of additional weight being added on. Be sure to save an animal and go faux!

PYTHON PRINTS

Seen At: Chloé, Prada, Missoni, Christian Dior, Reed Krakoff, Louis Vuitton.

Snakeskin seems to be the new leopard print this year. Like the leopard print, snakeskin is a surprisingly versatile print that can be, when worn properly, timelessly classic. Stick to the neutral green/brown print or experiment with coloured snakeskin (à la Dior and Louis Vuitton). Snakeskin, like the coloured pieces, can be used as either a focal piece or an accent. For a focal point, look for outerwear or a skirt or trousers (snakeskin tops tend to be a bit cougar-esque). For an accent, look for a handbag or a pair of shoes. For footwear, stick to a low or mid-length boot or stacked platforms. Knee-high/thigh-high snakeskin boots or snakeskin stilettos can scream tacky.

GRAPHIC PRINTS

Seen At: Balenciaga, Prada, Ana Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Cacharel, Erdem, Kenzo, Jil Sander, Mulberry, Giambattista Valli, Marni, Preen.

All sorts of prints dominated the runways this past season (well, past fashion season and upcoming season!). Florals, bold hound’s-tooth, polka dots, and geometric prints were all used by various designers. If you want to play it safe, I'd suggest a floral print blended in with complimenting solids. For an example, a purple/blue/white floral motif skirt with a purple blouse. If you'd like to take more of a risk, try wearing two contrasting prints. For an example, wear a red and white floral skirt and with a blue and green geometric print blouse. Don't be afraid to clash this season!

TARTAN PRINTS

Seen At: Carven, Sonia Rykiel, Thakoon, Jean Paul Gaultier, Max Mara.

The last time I remember seeing this much plaid on the runway was during the A/W 2006 season when McQueen released his critically-acclaimed tartan-heavy collection. I must say, I like it! Whether you want to try something more modern and wear a neutral plaid wool dress or scarf, or break the barrier a bit by wearing a vintage kilt, work some plaid into your wardrobe for a classic staple that seems to be bouncing back!

SEQUINS

Seen At: Balmain, Chanel, Prada, Prabal Gurung, Aquilano.Rimondi, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana.

The chic and the cougars alike are finally celebrating the fact that sequins are one of the hottest trends this season! Try muted tones such as bronze and navy for daytime wear, and then experiment with bold gold’s/silvers and coloured sequins for night-time. To dress sequins down, try wearing a sequined shell top under a blazer with trousers or dark denim.

RISQUÉ/LADYLIKE HYBRID

Seen At: Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Christopher Kane, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Haider Ackerman.

Okay, ladies, it's finally time to embrace your inner dominatrix! Look for pieces with leather accents (or just leather pieces in general!), sheer paneling, bondage straps, and corsets. Try and keep the look monochromatic by wearing all black to avoid that "PVC sexy nurse" costume look. The key to making this trend look sexy, not skanky, is to balance it with other pieces. For an example, wear a sheer blouse with your bra showing, but balance it out with a tweed calf-length skirt. Be sure to look for "full coverage" (long sleeves) and higher collars when going sheer to still leave some things to the imagination. If you're going to wear a sheer skirt, make sure to keep it at a longer length (just below the knee or longer) and wear a matching tight-fitting mini or shorts underneath to avoid showing the world your underwear. Remember: it's all about balance!

THE FEMININE TUXEDO

Seen At: Chanel, Balmain, Jason Wu, Yves St. Laurent, Rochas, Erdem, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Dries van Noten, Stella McCartney, Just Cavalli.

While wearing a suit is obviously a masculine staple, it's important to make the suit look more feminine. If you need some clarification or inspiration, check out Alexa Chung in Jason Wu at the 2010 Met Ball. It is important to take the masculine idea of a suit and make sure that its sartorial aspects flatter the feminine shape. For an example, look for slim or cropped trousers, or wide-leg trousers with detailing such as piping. If you are going to wear a wide trouser, be sure to balance it with a fitted jacket. If you are going to wear a boxy, oversized jacket, be sure to balance it with skinny or cropped trousers. Don't be afraid to experiment with bright colours, metallics, different textures (i.e. tweed, wool), and pieces (i.e. adding a vest or wearing a skirt instead of trousers).

(All images via ELLE)

In Love With The City

2011-08-04T16:19:00.005-04:00

Editorial: "In Love With The City"
Magazine: Vogue Nippon (Japan) September 2011
Model: Karlie Kloss
Photographer: Arthur Elgort
Stylist: Giovanna Battaglia

Karlie Kloss' perfect balance of whimsy and general fierceness (thanks, Tyra Banks for making this word an acceptable addition into one's vocabulary) always draw my eye to the editorials she stars in. She always breathes life into her editorials and campaigns! To boot, the spectacular Giovanna Battaglia (whose personal style alone is enough to turn heads) has created a canvas of sartorial wonder throughout the editorial - the silhouettes and tailored detailing of each piece, down to the footwear, are impeccable. One thing that I couldn't help but notice is that the colours and prints of each piece blend seamlessly into the backdrop that is New York City. In addition, each piece is reminiscent of those that I am coveting for the fall season - acid bright colours, a boiled wool coat, patent loafers, graphic prints, statement earrings. I can say with certainty that this particular editorial has inspired some of my upcoming wardrobe choices (and purchases).

To my American readers: I have recently been informed of a spectacular online service tool entitled Betterfly, which helps you search for a local beautician without the trial-and-error process of rotating through salons and spas until you are satisfied. Simply enter your ZIP code and read through the listings until you find someone who meets your needs!

(All images via Fashion Editorials)

August 2011 Inspiration Board

2011-08-02T22:38:00.005-04:00

What's Inspiring Me: Transitioning acid brights into fall, anything inspired by the Mod era, lots and lots of red, colour blocking with orange and purple, classic outerwear.

THIS FALL...

The colour I'm looking forward to wearing the most is...cherry red and bright orange

The fashion risks I'm looking forward to taking are...experimenting with clean lines and bolder tailoring, adding some colour to my wardrobe (no more black and gray!), braving the blisters and buying a few more pairs of heels, stepping out of my comfort zone!

The hair & beauty risks I'm looking forward to taking are...rocking some bolder brows, dyeing my hair lighter, MAYBE getting bangs, experimenting with brighter lip colours.

The Fall/Winter collection that inspired me the most was...Miu Miu!

A fall event that I'm looking forward to is...LG Fashion Week!

A blogging goal that I'm looking forward to fulfilling is...buying an SLR camera and posting outfit photos.

Once the weather cools down, I look forward to indulging in...a pumpkin spice latte and a lavender macaron.

(Feel free to fill this out in the comment box as well if you'd like to share! I'd love to hear what you're looking forward to!)

Five Minutes With...Leigh of The Liberty Belle

2011-07-31T00:12:00.006-04:00

(What She's Wearing: Vintage top, Forever 21 palazzo pants, H&M sandals and sunglasses, Dooney & Bourke bag)

Along with all of the other super cool blog posts I've been working on this week (so glad that readers are starting to request posts! Keep 'em coming!), I had the pleasure of interviewing Leigh of The Liberty Belle. Leigh, a student in the greater Philadelphia area, has one of those looks that transcend from different fashion genres. In some posts, she looks boho and vintage-inspired and in others, she looks classic and preppy! Read along to check out my interview with this particular fashion chameleon:

What inspired you to start blogging?

I have always been interested in fashion, and I regarded it as a fun interest for most of my life. When I was in my later years of high school, I discovered Style Scrapbook, just as Andy was starting her blog. I got really into her blog, and I talked to my sister about it, and she pushed me to start my own blog. I was pretty apprehensive at first, but I have gotten tremendous support from family, friends, and the fellow blogging community, so I am so happy I decided to start blogging!

What's the fashion scene like where you live?

I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, which, by no means, is known for its fashion scene. However, I go to college just outside of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia is a really cool city with tons of interesting people. While my college's student body as a whole is not super into fashion and style (my college has mostly jocks and hipsters), there are some students who dress really well and definitely inspire me.

(What She's Wearing: H&M top and skirt, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Cooperative bag, vintage necklace, Ray Ban sunglases)

What fall trends are you excited to wear? Which ones will you not be caught dead wearing?

I love, love, love fall, so I am practically counting the days until I wear the new trends! I wear mostly neutrals, so I am happy that bold, bright colors are still trendy, so I can break out of my comfort zone. I also just bought a fantastic pair of high waisted suede shorts, so I am excited for suede to be coming back into style. As of right now, I am not loving the liquid metal trend, but there are always trends I think I am going to hate, that I end up loving, so I will probably love liquid metal come November!

What purchase are you saving up for?

Ah, there are so many things on my wish list right now! My number one is an oversized Michael Kors watch - I have recently gotten really into watches, and Michael Kors just has the best watches! I am also looking for a great pair of ankle boots, a few quirky and/or vintage t-shirts, and a black belt at the moment too!

Describe your favorite item of clothing in your closet:

This is a hard one! I really try hard to not play favorites with my clothes, but if I had to pick, it would be my high waisted denim shorts, my blazers, and my Jeffrey Campbell booties (I cheated a little because I can't pick just one!).

(What She's Wearing: H&M top, hat, and sunglasses, BDG horts, Sam Edelman sunglasses, Dooney & Bourke bag, Nordstrom bracelet)

Which blogs do you tune into daily?

I read so many blogs, and it seems like everyday I find a new one I love. The ones that I have been reading most recently are Cupcakes and Cashmere, Blushing Ambition, Style Scrapbook, Song of Style, afterDRK, Fashion Distraction, Cats and Rocking Chairs, So They Say, and Lucy and the Runaways. And of course Marvelous Things!

What accomplishment in your lifetime as a blogger have you been the most proud of?

My biggest accomplishment was reaching 100 followers. I foolishly thought blogging was going to be a lot easier than it was, but I soon found out that it is really difficult to post interesting material everyday. I found that I had to put a lot of work into my blog, and that it takes time. For me, 100 followers was a big milestone, and after I reached it, I was able to just expand and improve my blog from there!

(What she's wearing: byCORPUS shirt, BDG horts, H&M bag and sunglasses, Nordstrom ring)

Are you considering a career in the fashion industry? Why or why not?

I have been toying around with going into the fashion industry- at first when I started my blog, I had my heart set on becoming a fashion buyer, but as I learned more about myself, I realized that while I love fashion and I would love to have a career in fashion, there are a lot of other things I am interested in. Fashion is by far my favorite hobby, but I am unsure if that is where my career path is headed. I have a few more years left until I graduate, so stay tuned!

What's been on your ipod lately?

Lately, I have been listening to a lot of upbeat, quirky music from artists like Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Darwin Deez, Matt and Kim, and Ratatat. I also listen to a lot of Lady Gaga!

What advice could you offer an aspiring blogger?

I know every blogger says this, but stay true to yourself! I think coming across as a nice person is really important because readers want to see the person behind the clothes. I think readers can tell which bloggers put a lot of time, effort, and care into their blogs, which makes it worthwhile for a reader to spend their time sitting down and reading your blog.

(What she's wearing: GAP men's shirt, Xi jeans, H&M shoes, Cooperative bag, Ray Ban sunglasses)

Pick One:

Heels or Flats? I love heels, and I wear my fair share of heeled boots, but as a student, I always go back to my flat shoes at the end of the day!

Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, or Samantha? Ah, I love them all, but I am a Carrie girl at heart!

Vogue or ELLE? Definitely Vogue for me!

Paris or New York City? I would love to live in both of these cities one day, but New York City is my favorite place in the world.

Mini or maxi skirts? Two months ago I would have said mini, but I am so into maxis right now

Product Review: Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench & Bright Eyed

2011-07-28T21:28:00.004-04:00

(I always seem to end my vlogs like I'm finishing up leaving a message on an answering machine! One of the downsides to not scripting, I suppose :p)

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a man of many hats - he's a board-certified dermatologist, a certified nutritionist, a scientist/researcher, and healthy aging expert. When he's not in the office offering groundbreaking advice to clients, he's penning books that cover his three-tiered approach to better skin: diet, supplements, and topics. So far, he's got eight books under his belt, including the New York Times #1 Bestsellers The Perricone Promise and The Perricone Prescription

Through his skin care line SUPER, Dr. Perricone uses natural food ingredients from superfoods (natural plants, spices, and probiotic bacteria) that best benefit your body, and more importantly, your skin. These super ingredients include: ginger, tumeric, apples, watercress, chia, yogurt, coconuts, açaí, melons, red algae, and chili. Dr. Perricone assures his clients and customers that these superfoods will make skin appear radiant and will make the aging process significantly healthier.

All SUPER products are natural and manufactured without parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oils, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances. This way, you're not mixing any harmful additives (what Dr. Perricone calls "junk food") into your skincare routine. Plus, without synthetic fragrances, the products smell simply divine. Don't believe me? Head to a store that sells the line (Sephora, SUPER stores in Berkeley & Malibu, California, Selfridges and Boots in the UK, Colette in France, KIT and Mecca Maxima in Australia) and try them out for yourself!

SUPER products range from $20-50, a great price for a product with such instant results!

As I said in the video, I have never come across a skincare product that offered such immediate results. I have noticed an instant difference in the overall appearance of my skin's tone, colour, and texture. It's no longer dry, blotchy, dull, and red. The Coconut Quench hydrating mist (which promises to revive, refresh, and renew) instantly renews skin and hydrates you. As corny as it sounds, I feel like my skin drank a litre of water! The Bright Eyed eye cream (which promises to prime, hydrate, and de-puff) instantly smoothed out the dark circles and fine lines under my eyes which led to a more even skin tone and allowed for easier make-up application. No more flaking here!

Bright Eyed, which is $50 USD, and Coconut Quench, worth $38 would be a great addition to any girl's skin care arsenal. I now know that these are products that I will return to time and time again. SUPER is definitely a line that I can now call one of my favourites, and I am incredibly excited to test out other products in their line! Next on my list? Hyper Hydrator and Sweet Clean!

(All information via SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone's Press Packet)

How To: Seasonally Organize Your Closet

2011-07-27T22:34:00.004-04:00

Buyer Beware: Cleaning out your closet is generally a long and gruelling process. Be sure to set aside time to do it and relax beforehand. Chances are, you'll want to rip your hair out within twenty minutes.

What You'll Need:

-Hangers, and lots of them
-Post-its for organizing
-Pen and paper
-Garbage bags if you're going to be throwing out garbage or taking old clothing to a drop-box
-Storage containers

01) First thing's first, identify the kind of style you want to convey this season. Whether you have a goal to be more chic and structured or bring some colour into your wardrobe, it's great to write down these goals before getting to work. If you can't identify your sense of style with a given word or trait, there's plenty of quizzes online and in books that will help you out. "Nothing To Wear?" by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo had a good one that I tried out, but unfortunately, I ended up getting the kind of style I'm trying to get away from (girly and whimsical)!

02) Go through your closets and get rid of the pieces that don't convey this look. Don't throw them out; just put them into storage! However; if there's something that you know you'll likely never wear, get rid of it.

Storage Options:

-Another closet
-A clothes rack on wheels
-Small to medium-sized boxes for shelves in your closet
-Under the bed rolling drawers/containers
-Large Tupperware containers
-Shoe rack (one that sits on the floor, one that goes over your door, etc.)
-Hanging shelves with drawers (for shoes, scarves, additional folded clothing, etc.)
-Hanging storage bags (they look like wardrobe bags, but with compartments. Good for scarves and jewellery)
-Rolling drawer units

Throwaway Options:

-Give to a friend
-Put items up for consignment
-Ebay/Craigslist/Kijiji depending on value
-Donate it to charity (i.e. Salvation Army)
-Tossing your clothes on garbage day is a waste!

03) Take EVERYTHING out of your closet (yes, everything!) and sort it by keep, store, and toss. Just like in the Sex and the City movie! Label a pile/box/container with a matching post-it note to keep track of everything. Anything off-season should automatically be stored. You want to have wearable pieces that can form killer outfits in your closet, so keep the parka elsewhere during the summer!

04) Store all of your off-season, off-trend and "I'm-not-sure-if-I-want-to-wear-this-right-now" pieces in the storage containers or places of your choice. This way, everything else is out of the way and you can work on your seasonal wardrobe.

05) Sort of all pieces according to category. Pants with pants, blouses with blouses, t-shirts with t-shirts, etc. Then sort by solid colours and patterns. Keep blues with blues, whites with whites, tweeds with tweeds, leopard print with leopard print. This may be a bit daunting, but it is so much easier to find things when everything is organized!

06) If this doesn't seem practical, sort by occasion. Keep your suits and jackets together, your jeans and fancy going-out blouses together, etc. Store basics (i.e. camisoles, t-shirts, etc.) together so that you can mix and match them with different outfits.

TIP: Use hangers that are the same size so that everything sits at one eye level. This makes the whole selecting an outfit process less stressful and a lot more efficient. Plus, it looks way cooler ;)

BROWNIE POINTS: Put together some of your go-to outfits and snap some photos of them. Then, print them off and label them (i.e. "meeting", "drinks") and tape them to your closet door. Then, you'll be able to get ready in no time!

07) Sort your accessories accordingly: Find a place in your closet separate to your focal area along the clothing rod (unless you're using hanging shelves) to store your shoes, purses, scarves, and other accessories. Sort them accordingly for outfit planning.

DOUBLE SUPER EXHAUSTING BROWNIE POINTS: Take inventory of what you have in your closet, i.e. how many pairs of jeans, how many blazers, etc. This way, you'll know what you really need when you go shopping.

08) If you don't feel like taking an inventory of your closet (if you shop as much as I do, you probably don't want to), make a mental note of everything you have. This prevents you from buying items that look eerily similar to things you already own (you do not need more than one black boyfriend blazer, trust me) so that you can buy things you don't have.

09) Make a list of the wardrobe staples you don't own. Shop for these items to complete the set!

10) Make sure that you take the amount of space you have into accord. If you have a small closet, you don't want to jam pack a zillion things into it. Make sure that it is well-stocked albeit spaced out and then use another means of storage (a clothes rack would work best as you can see everything at once) to store extra items.

TIP: Create an inspiration board (either on a site like Polyvore or using a bulletin board) each season to see what you're inspired by. Include colour and pattern swatches, magazine editorials, campaigns, clippings of items you're drooling over, runway shots, etc.

Well, that concludes the last of the user requested how-to's. Stay tuned for a super spectacular skin care review tomorrow...you won't want to miss this!

PS: If you have a question you'd like answered on Marvelous Things or an idea for a post topic, don't be too shy to email me at jessica@marvelousthingsblog.com with your question/idea. I never say no! Well, maybe if it's highly irrelevant/totally inappropriate I will. ;)

How To: Take Care Of Your Clothes

2011-07-26T20:23:00.008-04:00

01) Read Washing Instructions: This is probably the most important albeit the most obvious advice I can offer. If you have, say, a pair of silk trousers and wash them in hot water on a full cycle and then put them in the dryer, they won't look like a pair of silk trousers when they come out. Be sure to always check the washing instructions of a given garment, particularly if it is made of a delicate fabric or is a bold colour (or white!) before putting it in the machine. Here are some general housekeeping rules (unintentional reference to housework):

-Wash garments with like colours together. Colours with colours, blacks with blacks, whites with whites.

-Invest in a mesh washing bag for delicates like lingerie. With bras, the elastic in the straps will last longer as will the shape.

-Try to use a folding drying rack instead of hanging clothes to dry. This way, they'll be air-dried on both sides, which will prevent additional wrinkles.

-If you wish to wash silk at home instead of dry cleaning, either wash the garment by hand and then place it on a drying rack or use a delicate detergent such as Woolite and wash it on a quick cycle with cold water, and then place it in the dryer on a no-heat air fluff cycle. Word to the wise: Heat will make silk, along with many other fabrics, shrink.

-Be wary of using a liquid-filled iron or steamer too close to delicate fabrics. They may get water stains!

-Fold and put away your laundry right after it's finished drying (something I need to get better at!) to prevent wrinkling.

02) When In Doubt, Dry Clean: Simple as that!

03) Befriend Your Local Tailor: Clothes that are too long, ripped, or oversized are never flattering. Articles of clothing that frequently may tailoring are blazers, jackets, pants, jeans, and some dresses. My tip? Go to a dry cleaner's that does alterations. You'll probably save a good 15-20 dollars.

04) Invest In A Good Iron or Clothing Steamer: Wrinkles automatically look an outfit that would normally be put together a little too homeless chic. If you're always in a rush, a clothing steamer is quicker to use while an iron allows you to treat isolated problem areas.

05) Avoid Wooden Hangers: Wooden hangers have been known to make clothing (particularly tops, jackets, and pieces made with delicate fabrics) lose their shape. If you wish to use wooden hangers, use them for hanging up bottoms only.

06)Use Hangers With An Added Grip For Heavier And Hard-To-Hang-Up Pieces: Ever hang up your laundry only to find about half of it scattered on the floor in your closet moments later? Use a wide hanger with a plastic grip or a velvet/felt-covered hanger for jackets, blazers, sweaters, and long-sleeve dresses.

07) Avoid Wire Hangers At All Costs: Yes, it is convenient to get oodles of free hangers from the dry cleaner's or the tailor's, but they will only do your wardrobe damage in the long-run! Wire hangers are thin and unsupportive, which will cause your clothing to sag and lose its shape. it will also be prone to falling straight off the hanger!

08) Keep A Lint Brush And Sweater Shaver On-Hand: I always seem to notice if someone is covered in cat hair or if their sweater is pilling (when the fabric begins to unravel and there are little balls all over your sweater!). I'm sure that I'm not the only one! To avoid this, run clothes over with a lint brush (or a piece of masking tape!) before leaving the house or invest in a sweater shaving to prevent pilling. Lint brushes are available virtually anywhere, whereas you can usually get a sweater shaver at a home organization store or department store, such as Bed Bath & Beyond.

09) Fix Rips And Tears When They First Happen To Prevent Further Damage: I bought this beautiful cardigan at Anthropologie a few years back that had these one-of-a-kind black jewelled buttons. One of them fell off, and I procrastinated with sewing it back on, only to eventually lose the button. Since the button was so unique, I can't replace it because a rogue button wouldn't match! The same goes with rips and tears. If you don't get a small hole sewn up, the hole will only get bigger and bigger to the point where the garment is virtually unwearable! Whether you own a sewing kit and can do repairs in a jiffy or if you're domestically challenged and can hardly tie a thread to a needle (like me) and need to take it to a tailor, get it fixed!

10) Use A Shoe Rack: The shoe racks with individual holders for each shoe (usually a wooden pole or a piece of coated metal in the shape of a "u") help shoes keep their shape, and therefore prolong their wear!

Next up is a how-to guide for seasonally organizing your closet!

Inspiration: Slouchy Black Jumpsuits

2011-07-25T23:19:00.005-04:00

I just bought a black silk jumpsuit with a gold zipper across the chest and a drawstring detail at the waist and have already been planning out outfits! Here's an outfit that I would love to wear out at night.

DKNY jumpsuit, Alexander McQueen clutch and pumps, Fallon cuff, Zoe & Morgan earrings.

Tomorrow I will post part one of another frequently asked reader question: how to organize your closet and take care of your clothing!

In The Now: Week of July 18th to 24th

2011-07-22T15:11:00.004-04:00

Hot Buy - M Missoni Horoscope Totes: For those gals who flip to the back of the newspaper or magazine to see what's in the stars for you, this bargain item is for you! Whether you're a level-headed Libra (like me! Though, I don't think that I'm so level-headed) or a sensitive Cancer, feel free to show off your sign! The totes are retailing for $29 on Shopbop, but hurry over! Rumour has it that they're selling out!

Franca Sozzani Wants YOU: The Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief lover/hater of blogs is looking for contributors for her new Vogue Italia channel. If you're interested, leave a comment on her blog (click here) with your pitch. If you're interested in fashion writing, this isn't an opportunity to pass up! The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, July 26th.

Miu Miu's Noir Eyewear Collection To Launch This October: After seeing the Miu Miu A/W 2011 ads, I've been positively drooling over these sunnies! They may be, dare I say, even more chic than the all-the-rage Prada Baroque shades! If you want to get your hands on a pair (and forever exude 1940's film noir glam), you'll have to head to your nearest Miu Miu boutique! Rumour has it that the collection won't be available online.

Karl Lagerfeld's Capsule Collection For Macy's Is Legitimate: When rumours of this collection surfaced, I was pretty doubtful that the Kaiser would collaborate with a department store, despite past collaborations with high-street stores like H&M. I suppose that I was proven wrong! The collection will be released in 235 Macy's stores in the US as well as on their online store on August 31rst. All of the pieces have an average price tag of $100 US. Karl said that he wanted the line to be girly and romantic, with a hint of 1970s glamour. Sounds good to me! Macy's really seems to have gotten the ball rolling with designer collaborations! In November, Giambattista Valli will design a collection followed by a holiday collection designed by Karl and three other unnamed designers. I just may whip out my credit card for this occasion!

Look Of The Week: Natalie from Natalie Off Duty has been awarded the look of the week with this covetable vintage-inspired ensemble. I LOVE a great combination of cobalt blue and brown leather, which Natalie rocks flawlessly. The blouse (which looks like an enviable thrift store find but it isn't!) really pulls the look together. Check out her blog for more drool-worthy looks!

*Note: The server that I was using to create my newsletters was apparently only a free trial, which explains all of the technical difficulties! Unfortunately, today marks its expiry date, therefore the Marvelous Things newsletter is no more as of right now. I'll try to find another server which creates equally pleasing newsletters! The content above is what was enclosed in today's newsletter. Sorry guys!

(All images via Mama's A Rolling Stone, Fashionologie, Natalie Off Duty, Design Catwalk)

30 Essential Products For A Killer Make-Up Kit

2011-07-19T21:47:00.003-04:00

1) Foundation Primer: Foundation primer is great all-in-one product whose main goal is to prep your skin for make-up and maximize wear time. Other benefits include reducing shine and redness, filling in fine lines, and evening skin tone!

Recommended Product: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer To-Go ($16)

2) Powder: Powder's main purpose is to absorb oil and even out your skin tone. Look for a powder in a compact so that you can take it out with you. (and use the mirror to apply lipstick!)

Recommended Product: Sephora Tricks of the Trade Mineral Touch Up Powder ($9)

3) Foundation: Foundation is one of the more obvious products that frequent a girl's make-up arsenal. Each formula has different scales of coverage and additional benefits. Powder formulas offer light coverage while cream and airbrush formulas offer heavier coverage. If your skin is fairly even and you have little to no acne or spots, use a powder formula. If you combat issues such as acne, redness, or fine lines, use a cream or airbrush formula. Though be aware, airbrush formulas are harder to apply. New anti-aging formulas are growing increasingly popular, including the collaboration between Olay Simply Ageless and CoverGirl.

Recommended Product: Laura Mercier Moisture Supreme Foundation ($40)

4) Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizer is a great product for light coverage as well as an alternative to foundation in the warmer months. Summer heat tends to make foundation "melt" and appear streaky on your face. Look for a formula with an SPF so you don't have to apply sunscreen before putting your makeup on!

Recommended Product: Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($40)

5) Illuminating Moisturizer: This is a great product if your face needs a perk-me-up. My skin frequently looks dull and my illuminating moisturizer (I use a Boots No. 7 product) instantly perks it up. Use a colourless formula and blend it into your foundation or tinted moisturizer before applying, or use a tinted moisturizer formulated with an illuminating serum.

Recommended Product: Stila Illuminating Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer w/ SPF 20 ($32)

6) Concealer: Like foundation, concealer is a commonly used product with many different formulas to try out. In my experience, I have found powder concealers to be rather ineffective. Liquid and cream formulas are the most popular-selling concealers and also offer the most coverage.

Recommended Product: Yves St. Laurent Touch Éclat Concealer ($38)

7) Highlighter: Highlighter is an incredibly underrated product, and quite frankly, one of my favourites to use! Its main purpose is to highlight (I guess that's obvious) your features (i.e. cheekbones and brow bones) and "bring them forward", making them appear to be more prominent. Formulas vary between powder, cream, and liquid. Liquid formulas work best for using all over your face, while powder formulas are great for applying onto your cheekbones after using blush.

Recommended Product: Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter ($30)

8) Powder Blush: Powder blush is a great basic that works with any skin type (while working best for oily skin) and can be layered over and under makeup. Colour preference depends on one's colouring (skin, hair, and eyes) as well as personal preference. A beige, peach, or dusty pink shade is a great neutral shade with coral, plum, and bright pink shades work well for those who like experimenting with brighter colours.

Recommended Product: NARS Blush in Orgasm ($27)

9) Cream Blush: Cream blush is great for the summer seasons as well as for those with very dry skin. Pigment tends to be stronger in cream blushes than in powder blushes, and thus, less product needs to be applied. Rich shades such as peach and coral go on beautifully!

Recommended Product: Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick in Luminizer ($33)

10) Cheek/Lip Stain: A multi-purpose product with long-lasting wear and great pigment! These formulas work well for long events, dinners, and dates as they don't rub off like a lipstick or gloss would! Look for a more neutral shade (i.e. not bright red) that you can use on both your cheeks and lips.

Recommended Product: Benefit Cha Cha Cheek/Lip Stain ($30)

11) Bronzer: A fantastic product to help show off (or fake!) your tan. Be sure to only apply it to your cheeks and the bridge of your nose to avoid looking overly powdered, or worse...orange. Also buy a product whose pigment matches your skin tone. If you're pale (like me!) still to a bronzer with pink, rather than bronze, undertones.

Recommended Product: Lancome StarBronzer Poudre SÔLEIL ($37)

12) Eye Primer: Eye primer is a great tool to keep your eyeshadow and liner staying put! Look for a tinted cream formula to camouflage dark circles or an anti-aging formula to mask fine lines.

Recommended Product: Benefit Lemon-Aid Eye Primer ($20)

13) Eyeliner: Eyeliner's primary purpose is to draw attention to your eyes and highlight their shape and colour. Formulas vary from a hard to soft pencil, kohl, and gel. Gel eyeliners have the highest pigment and longest wear while hard pencil formulas are best for quick wear.

Recommended Product: Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner ($21)

14) Eyeshadow Palette: Eyeshadow palettes are a less expensive (and more convenient) option versus purchasing single eyeshadows in coordinating colours. If you like to mix and match, brands such as MAC and Stila sell empty compacts with single eyeshadows so that you can create your own. If you want bang for your buck, purchase a palette with neutral shades. This way, you can wear them during the day or for a night out!

Recommended Product: Urban Decay Naked Palette ($47)

15) Mascara: When it comes to mascara, your options are endless. There are so many formulas out there...volumizing, lengthening, strenthening! You name it! While the formula is obviously important, the brush plays an active role in your final result after application. Curved brushes add more definition while thick brushes add more volume. Keep your colouring in mind as well. If you have lighter eyelashes, stick to a brown formula to avoid caking and an all-around artificial look. To make the whites of your eyes appear whiter, use a bright blue or navy mascara.

Recommended Product: DiorShow Mascara in Black ($27) *For a blue mascara, I love the bright blue one from Sephora's house label!

16) Neutral Lip Gloss: A neutral lip gloss works best for daytime or with a more basic outfit. It is important to pay attention to your colouring (eyes, skin, hair) when buying lip gloss, similar to when buying a blush or eyeshadow. Gals with fair skin should look for colours with cooler undertones (i.e. pinks, light peaches, light plums, mauves) while girls with warmer skin tones can pull off something warmer (darker peaches, darker plums, beiges, browns, light corals).

Recommended Product: NARS Lip Gloss in Giza ($24)

17) Bold Lip Gloss: A bold lip gloss is great for a minimal outfit or a night out. Girls with cooler skin tones should stick to bright pinks and reds (coral is best avoided unless it's a pale shade) with blue undertones while girls with warm skin tones can use corals, pinks, and reds with red/orange undertones.

Recommended Product: Make Up For Ever Lab Shine Lip Gloss in Sheer Magenta ($18)

18) Neutral Lipstick: Lipstick is a great alternative to lip gloss if you prefer a more matte look. The same colour options stand for lipstick as they do for the aforementioned lip gloss.

Recommended Product: NARS Lipstick in Beautiful Liar ($24)

19) Bold Lipstick: Bold lipstick is a great way to show off your pucker and your personality! Try a bold pink, red, or all-the-rage orange. If you desire, finish with a clear lip balm or gloss.

Recommended Product: Yves St. Laurent Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Red Taboo ($34)

20) Lip Balm: A great wear-anywhere product with moisturizing benefits. Try a medicated or mentholated product for healing benefits.

Recommended Product: Smith's Rosebud Salve ($8)

21) Foundation Brush: Regardless of the brand, make-up brushes tend to run on the expensive side. They are, however, a great investment tool and make all the difference for applying make-up. Look for brushes with real hair or high-end synthetic bristles (cheap synthetic bristles often age quickly and fall out) for better application. Foundation brushes are a great way to apply either a cream or liquid foundation to prevent the streakiness that occurs when applying with your hands. For a cheaper alternative, use disposable sponges (wedges work best).

Recommended Product: Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush ($35)

22) Concealer Brush: Cream concealer can often be smeared around your face (and thus, not properly applied to spots and zits) if you use your fingers. A concealer brush is a sure-fire way to make sure that all of your imperfections are covered.

Recommended Product: The Balm Concealer Brush ($8)

23) Powder Brush: A powder brush is a much more effective tool for applying powder than those sponges that come in powder compacts. Look for a large, fluffy brush for the best coverage.

Recommended Product: Sephora Mineral Powder Brush ($26)

24) Blush Brush: This brush is best used for applying brush across the apples of your cheeks. The fluffier the brush, the more blush will be applied. If you are planning on contouring or applying a different shade of blush on your cheekbones, use a smaller brush.

Recommended Product: Bare Escentuals Tapered Blush Brush ($15)

25) Angled Blush Brush/Contour Blush: This brush can be used for applying blush or bronzer across your cheekbones or, if you dare, contouring. Contouring is a difficult make-up trick that few know how to do properly. If you want to contour, stick to more natural (a.k.a. lighter) shades to avoid that dreaded war paint look.

Recommended Product: Sephora Angled Blush Brush ($28)

26) Sweep Brush: A sweep brush is the most general eyeshadow brush there is, mainly used for applying a solid shade on the entire eyelid. The bigger the brush, the more area the brush will cover. If you want to use the brush as a multi-purpose brush (for applying eyeshadow on different areas of the lid), buy a smaller brush.

Recommended Product: Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush ($30)

27) Blending Brush: When applying several shades of eyeshadow, the look can appear a little streaky and look striped. A blending brush helps everything look more fluid and natural. I also use mine for applying a highlighting shade under the brow bone or a darker shade along the crease of my eyelid!

Recommended Product: Sephora Professionnel Blending Eye Brush ($15)

28) Angle Brush/Smudge Brush: A versatile brush that can be used to applying a shadow along the upper eyelids, applying a gel eyeliner, smudging dark shadow around the rim of your eyes, or creating a smoky eye.

Sephora Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush ($18)

29) Eyelash Curlers: Eyelash curlers definitely help lashes to appear thicker and longer. Simply curl them for 5 to 10 seconds prior to applying mascara!

Recommended Product: Sephora Eyelash Curler and Comb Duo ($5) *Note: I've tried a few different brands of heated eyelash curlers and they don't work. Don't waste your money.

30) Tweezers: Tweezing is an easy way to clean up your brows between eyebrow waxing appointments (or skip trips to the aesthetician altogether!) Good tweezers tend to be a bit more expensive, but they last for years to come! Slant tweezers are more precise and help pull out individual, hard-to-reach hairs.

Recommended Product: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer ($20)

Stay tuned for my list of essential skin care products!

Be sure to follow me on Twitter, "like" Marvelous Things on Facebook, and subscribe to the Marvelous Things newsletter!

And The Winner Is...

2011-07-18T21:36:00.003-04:00

Chelsea of Maritime Shopaholic has won my giveaway for the $100 gift card to Shopbop! With that being said, the giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered...I wish I had gift cards for all of you!

I'll definitely try to host seasonal giveaways from now on to be in the spirit of giving back to my readers. Stay tuned for more! :)

-Jessica

Vogue Influencers Network: An Innovative Tool or Method of Exploitation?

2011-07-16T23:06:00.005-04:00

Vogue has recently launched a network for bloggers entitled the Vogue Influencer Network. The invite-only program has bloggers being sent samples of products as well as press releases and articles to mention on their blogs, and therefore, inform the advertisers if their product will be a hit or miss on the internet. The catch? Vogue is paid by all of the advertisers to use these products and pieces, but the bloggers get no compensation from Vogue as well as very little publicity.

The term "Influencer" is being used very loosely in this case. The blogs that have become household names within the internet-friendly fashion crowd are absent from this network. Well-known blogs such as Cupcakes & Cashmere, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, Style Scrapbook, Late Afternoon, Sea of Shoes, and Natalie Off Duty are nowhere to be found.

My theory (along with the theory of several other websites who reported on the topic at hand) is that these well-known bloggers are likely familiar enough with company collaborations and deals that they know not to accept any unpaid and rarely mentioned work. Vogue seems to be targeting blogs with significantly smaller followings in order to get away with this severe lack of compensation.

Dahni Mau wrote, "AdWeek highlights a few of those chosen and to call them “the highest caliber of people in this sphere of influence” is a stretch. A sampling of four participating bloggers has us a little concerned about what Vogue’s marketing team considers influential."

I took a look at some of the blogs whose authors have been selected to join this network (via AdWeek and google searching for members) and I can honestly say that, like Dani, I was neither influenced nor inspired. To top that, I had only heard of one of the blogs that I looked at - and I'm a pretty avid blog reader. Their content wasn't thrilling to read, their photos sparse, and their personal style didn't wow me as so many other bloggers' outfits do. If someone is going to represent a company such as Vogue, they should at least have what it takes to represent it properly. I'm not trying to be catty...but it should be known that the fashion world is a cruel, cruel place and you have to be both exceptionally unique and thick-skinned to break into it. A knowledge of fashion is always a bonus, too.

After carefully reading all of the aforementioned blogs, I couldn't sense a true passion for fashion from any of the writing. Fashionista reported that a fashion blogger, who will remain nameless, claims that she wants to work at Vogue in order to "buy nice stuff".

As someone who has had a (literally) life-long passion for fashion, I created my blog to both document my likes, dislikes, and interests within the industry as well as to share my passion with people who are just as passionate about it as I am. I would give an arm and a leg to work at Vogue, and not just to buy clothes! To be immersed in fashion all day, every day - going to fashion shows, meeting with designers, and being constantly INSPIRED would mean the world to me. The potential to gain such a massive readership and possibly inspire someone else via my writing would be equally thrilling. As I've said time and time again on here, the feeling of inspiring or reaching just one reader is a great pleasure.

If I'm (hypothetically) sent an email asking to join, I'll definitely consider it. But I am at least aware that there will be no payments involved and that I am likely just being used as a marketing pawn. But sometimes, that's the way it goes! To crawl your way up to the top in the industry of fashion, you must do an incredible amount of long and hard work with little recognition or compensation until you make it big. I just hope that these aforementioned bloggers know this.

If you're simply blogging and aspiring towards a career in fashion simply to afford nice stuff, you clearly don't have a damn clue as to what the fashion industry is all about.

(All quotes have been sourced within the article. Photo via Qlix Mag)

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A $100 GIFT CARD TO SHOPBOP! YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO ENTER. GIVEAWAY ENDS ON MONDAY AT 10 PM EST!

A Thank You (and a few FAQ answers)

2011-07-14T21:05:00.003-04:00

You can totally tell that I'm answering the questions as I speak...no scripts for me! :p That is likely where the babbling comes in, but at least you're getting legitimate answers! haha

Either way, thank you so so much, everyone!

On that note, I am exhausted. I didn't go to sleep until almost 6 AM last night (slash this morning), eek! I'm going to watch a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother (my most recent addiction) and go to bed early :)

PS: You can click here to enter the Shopbop giveaway. It ends on Monday!

xoxo,

Jessica

TOPSHOP Removes Photos Of Thin Model After Consumer Backlash

2011-07-13T15:08:00.007-04:00

(From top: The photo of Codie Young that was pulled from TOPSHOP's web catalogue, Young's replacement photo, Young in Vogue Australia)

TOPSHOP decided to pull photos of the model Codie Young (and replaced them with images of the model where she looks a bit healthier) after several eating disorder treatment campaigners complained about the ads. Young, who is a US size 0, looks startlingly thin in all of the photos, but more so in the photo that was removed.

Young defended her body type by saying:

"I am naturally skinny . . . as my dad is 6ft 5in tall and skinny, and my mum is also skinny. For someone like Ms Davies to say it’s not okay for me to be this thin (which is how I was created) basically says it’s not okay for me to be who I am! Throughout my entire childhood I was called anorexic and people would ask if I was bulimic. You know what, some people are just naturally skinny and even if I tried to put on weight it wouldn’t matter, because it doesn’t matter what I eat, I don’t put it on. I love food. And finally, yes okay I maybe am American size 0-2 and a UK size eight, so what? There are overweight/obese people who are a size 18 but no one says anything to them because you don’t want to offend them."

Whether Codie is anorexic or not (which I'm not sure if she is), I think the main concern of the backlash towards this ad is individuals with eating disorders using this catalogues for "thinspo" or "thinspiration". Thinspo is a means of "inspiration", often photos of rail-thin girls, used by "pro-ana" or "pro-limia" (supporters of eating disorders, these supporters often suffer from the disorders themselves) people. These people use these photos to keep their goals of starvation in place and grasp an idea as to what they feel they should look like.

The problem with the internet is that it is so easy for individuals who suffer from these disorders to waste their life away staring at photos or chatting with other anorexics/bulimics in chat rooms or googling starvation tips. Rehabilitation clinics often have waiting lists with a waiting time of several months, and therefore, many individuals seek refuge in these online communities as the people there, seemingly, truly understand what they are going through. Again, there is a flaw in this system: group members acquire a great deal of power in these message boards and can often persuade individuals to further starve themselves rather than help them recover.

For a rather disturbing example of what thinspiration really is, click here. The article features disgusting how-to's such as:

"Eat in front of a mirror naked. See how much you can eat then!" and "Have 6 small meals a day. Take 2 apples, and split them so you can make 6 meals out of them. That way your body will be tricked into thinking it's eating more." Sickening, right?

As someone who has had friends suffer from these disorders, I understand that anorexia is a mental illness and not a weight loss strategy. Anorexics and bulimics have a skewed idea of what their body actually looks like and believe that being incredibly thin will make them attractive, more successful, and more ideal. It becomes more than a mental ideal; it's an obsession.

In regards to taking the TOPSHOP photos down, I say it's better to be safe than sorry. I believe that brands such as TOPSHOP who have customers of several different ethnicities and body types should use models of a more realistically average size in order to appeal to the average consumer. Despite this, I pity Codie Young. In this light, she is deemed to be both a negative role model as well as a poor ideal as to what a “healthy” girl should look like. With this entire backlash, she’ll probably have difficulty booking mainstream modeling gigs. Women come in literally every shape and size imaginable – pin thin, curvy, athletic, overweight, and everything in-between.

While the industry (nor people in general) should not select a body shape that is designated to be “the most attractive” or “the most ideal”, it’s apparent that most women are not 5”10 and do not weigh 105 pounds. There are plenty of women who are strikingly beautiful and are of average weight and height who are not presented with any modeling opportunities. Fashion houses generally tailor their clothes to be worn by taller and thinner people, therefore, people with these body types generally both model the clothing and fit the clothes better. High street companies such as TOPSHOP mass produce their clothes in order to suit the shape of the majority of women. Shouldn’t they select models of a vast array of sizes in order to reflect this?

PS: DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY TO WIN A $100 SHOPBOP GIFT CERTIFICATE! THE GIVEAWAY CLOSES ON MONDAY, SO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW! CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

(Photos and Codie Young's statement via The Daily Mail and Models.com)

What I Want Right Now

2011-07-12T23:30:00.009-04:00

(3.1 Phillip Lim blazer and trousers, Repetto oxfords, Michael Kors watch, Equipment blouse, Proenza Schouler satchel, Miu Miu clutch, Yves St. Laurent ring, Linda Farrow x The Row sunglasses)

My personal style has always gravitated towards the girly side of things - tea length sundresses, round tortoiseshell sunglasses, ruffled blouses. The rise of the female dandy (read: Alexa Chung, Janelle Monae) and understated Parisian style (read: Emmanuelle Alt, Clemence Poesy) have left me lusting over more classic and more tailored pieces. In a nutshell, anything that's inspired by menswear.

Above all, I've been coveting a silk blouse recently. I tried on this perfect mint green silk button-up blouse that had a loose fit and short, boxy sleeves this weekend. I'm definitely going to back and buy it when I get the chance!

I've also been dying for a pair of light-coloured slouchy trousers to pair with a pair of oxfords (see below) and a funky pair of socks. I recently bought a pair of charcoal-colored skinny trousers that fit like a glove, but alas, have no tailoring that really makes me go "ooh". They'd be perfect with a silk blouse, though!

If you've read my blog for some time, you'll know that I'm not the biggest fan of heels. I can appreciate (a.k.a. drool over) a nice pair of stilettos - but they're not for me. While I stand at only about 5"4, I'm quite comfortable with my height (or therefore lack of) and tend to gravitate towards ballet flats, oxfords, and Frye boots. The minimal detailing on these oxfords isn't so bold as to be a wingtip, but they still possess that masculin-féminin edge that is oh so cool.

PS: DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY TO WIN A $100 SHOPBOP GIFT CERTIFICATE! THE GIVEAWAY CLOSES ON MONDAY, SO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW! CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Celebrity Crush: Rachel Bilson

2011-07-10T17:13:00.004-04:00

While her role as Summer Roberts on The O.C. certainly launched her into celebrity, Rachel is more well-known for being a fashion icon than an actress nowadays! The California girl's no-muss, no-fuss personal style is totally drool-worthy...not to mention attainable! Here's how to steal her style:

GENERAL TIPS

1. Stick to neutral palettes for everyday outfits, but invest in some bright accessories (i.e. scarves, handbags) and a few statement pieces (i.e. a bright jacket) to perk up your look.

2. Dress denim up by adding a three-quarter sleeve blazer or a sleek blouse.

3. Keep jewellery minimal - use a long, one-strand necklace or a delicate pair of dangly earrings if anything at all.

4. Keep bold prints focused towards the bottom of your outfit (i.e. on a dress or skirt). Break up the boldness of the pattern with an anchoring neutral piece in black, white, grey, or navy.

5. Tuck your blouse into your wide-leg jeans and add a funky brown leather belt for a 1970s-throwback look.

6. You can never own too many pairs of sunglasses.

7. Look for boots that are streamlined with little accents for a more feminine (and less clunky) vibe.

8. A slouchy beanie is the perfect way to hide a bad hair day.

9. Keep your makeup minimal - let your outfit do the talking!

10. Always keep a little black dress on-hand for an event or a night out.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

1. Little black dress

2. Sunglasses...lots of them

3. Long sleeve and 3/4 sleeve blazers in neutral colours with no/little detailing

4. An unstructured leather jacket

5. A boxy swing coat with buttons in camel, navy, or black

6. A long scarf in a bold colour or a print

7. A secretary blouse (the ones with the necktie!)

8. Basic sundresses with little detailing (black, navy, white, gray, breton stripes)

9. A sleek pair of leather boots that hit the leg just below the knee

10. A printed skirt in a peasant-y or A-line cut. Keep it above the knee to prevent it from swallowing you whole!

11. Denim in a variety of cuts- skinny, boot cut, wide-leg, boyfriend

12. A hold-everything purse in brown or black leather

13. A chain-strap evening bag

14. A pair of tailored trousers with a baggier fit that hit just at the ankle

15. A slouchy knit beanie

16. A statement piece - a sequined evening jacket, a dress in a bold colour, costume jewellery, etc.

17. Wear-with-anything ballet flats in a neutral colour

18. A denim jacket for cooler days

19. A lingerie-inspired evening dress in blush pink, black, cream

20. A striped top

LABELS TO LOVE

1. Chanel

2. APC

3. Club Monaco

4. J. Crew

5. DKNY Jeans

6. Alice + Olivia

7. Marc Jacobs

8. Stella McCartney

9. Vena Cava

10. Brian Reyes

PS: DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY TO WIN A $100 SHOPBOP GIFT CARD. SCROLL DOWN (IF YOU'RE ON THE HOME PAGE) OR CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Giveaway: $100 Gift Card To Shopbop! (CLOSED)

2011-07-07T16:24:00.006-04:00

My Three Shopbop Summer Essentials: The Joseph "Margot" Tiered Dress, Tory Burch "Calista" Logo Flat Sandals, and the Marc by Marc Jacobs "Le Mouse" Standard Supply Tote!

TO ENTER:

01) Follow Marvelous Things via Google Connect if you haven't already

02) Go to Shopbop's Online Store and select three summer essentials that you would love to own. Comment with the brand and item name.

03) Leave your email. If you're not comfortable with doing so, it's fine! I'll comment on one of your blog posts to let you know that you have won.

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

01) Follow Shopbop on Twitter (click here)

02) Like Shopbop on Facebook (click here)

03) Like Marvelous Things on Facebook (click here. If you already have liked Marvelous Things on Facebook before, just leave an additional comment saying that you already have)

04) Tweet about this giveaway.

Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry so that I can correctly select your "number" if you've won!

RULES:

01) The giveaway will be open for 10 days. It will close on Monday, July 18th at 10:00 PM EST.

02) Winners will be selected by a random number using Random.org. No favoritism, no rigging, no nothing! :)

03) Please note that Shopbop only ships to select cities in Russia and Turkey. Residents of all other countries are free to enter!

Good luck!

Dior Without Galliano: A Blessing or a Curse?

2011-07-06T19:51:00.009-04:00

LVMH president, Bernard Arnault felt that his firing of John Galliano from his position as creative director of Christian Dior was justified. LVMH was also not persistently seeking a creative director for the label. Instead, Dior's post-Galliano collections have been created by atelier workers at the Dior house that previously worked under Galliano. While Galliano's actions were the furthest thing from being professional and moral, his work for the label was undeniably genius. Will the new group of designers be able to match Galliano's vision and talent for the collections to come?

Many members of the fashion industry have criticised Bill Gaytten's work for this collection. Rumours that Gaytten will not be asked to create another collection for the house of Dior have been swirling around. This collection is, without a doubt, lacking the spark that Galliano offered couture collections in the past. For me, if I look at this collection as a separate entity (without the Dior label), I adore it. As a Dior collection, I can’t say that I’m a fan.

Galliano's collections had a very apparent old-word charm; featuring more traditional fabrics and silhouettes. This collection is obviously more contemporary with pastel colours, geometric prints, and more streamlined silhouettes. It appears as if the quintessential Dior woman has been modernized and thrown back into some sort of mod/disco era (Grace Jones provided the soundtrack to the show). Gaytten has had to deal with the struggle of creating a collection that mirrored the so well-defined air of Dior couture. In this sense, he certainly failed. This collection reflected Gaytten’s personal tastes (his inspiration for the collection was architecture; particularly the works of Frank Gehry and Jean-Michel Frank) versus the look that Dior is known to possess. It’s too postmodern; too new wave.

Whether they will or not, the industry needs to accept that a new designer will bring on a different angle of creativity. Take Louis Vuitton for an example: Prior to hiring Marc Jacobs as creative director, LV was a stuffy luggage company known simply for their steam trunks. Several years later, Kate Moss is strutting her stuff on the runway, puffing on a cigarette and wearing a Louis Vuitton French maid costume. It's revolutionary!

On the other side of the spectrum, fashion is a commercial industry, despite the fact that it is creatively influenced. The fashion houses who create these works of art need to make money, or they’ll go out of business. If the Dior look that has brought LVMH so much publicity and success over the years is permanently tarnished, there will not be much hope for the label. With that being said, I do hope that LVMH can hire a creative director who can preserve the label while putting a modern spin on it. Do I expect them to mirror Galliano’s work? Of course not. But I believe that they should at least possess a similar vision and equal talent in order to keep the fashion house flourishing.

How To Stay Chic...On The Cheap

2011-07-04T17:20:00.009-04:00

These fashionistas knew how to shop!

Every fashionista covets their first pair of sling back Louboutins...or a quilted Chanel 2.55...or (as a bit of a stretch) a Hermès Birkin. While some of us may be a little more blessed in the wallet department (whether it be from hard work or a little spoiling from the Bank of Mom & Dad...hopefully the first one), some aren't. I've compiled a list of different kinds of fashionistas with budget restrictions, which are listed below. See which category you may fall into!

1) The student fashionista: You're more likely to wear five-inch heels and a pair of J Brand cargos to class...not Uggs and Roots sweatpants. You are, however, shelling out thousands and thousands of dollars out for your education. You probably feel like a horse with someone dangling a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag in front of your face (instead of a carrot). Whether you care to admit it or not, a great deal of your spending money is going towards some of the following: Starbuck's (for early morning classes, afternoon classes, evening classes, and trips to the library), club/bar/pub cover fare, alcohol, and those dreaded textbooks.

2) The yummy mummy fashionista: At this point, you're more likely to splurge on a Gucci diaper bag than a Gucci Stirrup bag. You love fashion; but you've got diapers, baby food, clothes, cribs, strollers, etc. to buy. Let's face it - you've got mouths to feed!

3) The new homeowner fashionista: When you're not drowning in e-mails from your real estate agent, mortgage payments, and bills, you're dreaming of furniture. The only monograms you have on the brain are PB (Pottery Barn) and EA (Ethan Allen).

4) The sensible fashionista: While you love a good sale every now and then, you realize that buying high-end pieces isn't the most important thing that you need at the moment. You save splurges for trips to the outlet mall, sample sales, and special occasions.

Now that we've established that, let's move onto how to save some cash!

1. Know your online sample sales: Sample sales aren't just for city girls. The concept of these websites is that a select designer brand or select handful of items are priced at an exceptionally low rate for a short period of time (varies from one day to one week on average). The amount of items are limited, and therefore, come on a first-come-first-serve basis. In regards to this, be sure to be online bright and early. The good pieces always sell out in a matter of minutes! Here are some of my favourite online sample sale websites:

-Editor's Closet
-Fab
-Gilt Groupe
-Glam List
-Haute Look
-The Reserve by Refinery 29

2. Frequent consignment stores: You don't always have to pay big bucks for high-end labels! If you find the right consignment store, you can easily find new/recent or vintage designer pieces that are lightly used. For an example, I got a pair of Marc Jacobs jeans (that were never worn!) for 30 dollars! One of my favorite local consignment shops (where I got the jeans) is LAB on Ossington Avenue. Don't live in Toronto? Don't worry, they have an online shop with selected items! Think Proenza Schouler, Yves St. Laurent, and Dries Van Noten pieces for less than 1/2 of the original price!

3. Keep stores' diffusion discount stores and websites in mind: When buying clothing or accessories on a discount site, it's best to buy a classic piece. It's easy to get a trendy piece on sale here - but you'll still be shelling out a reasonable amount of cash. If you buy something that's a staple versus a fun extra, you'll have a valuable piece that you still saved some cash on! Perfect examples of discount diffusion shops are Holt Renfrew Last Call (Canada), Saks Off Fifth, Neiman Marcus Last Call, etc. The sales at Bloomingdale's also prove to be worthwhile (in my experience, the one in San Francisco). I got a pair of jeans that were regular $220 for $18. Enough said. Some popular online stores feature this same sort of sale. For an example, The Outnet, a branch-off of Net-a-Porter, offers designer goods at up to 80% off the original price.

4. Rent It: Sometimes, you really want to shell out some money for a gorgeous outfit for a special occasion. Sometimes, you know that, deep down, you'll only wear it once. Sites such as Rent The Runway and Bag, Steal or Borrow allow you to rent designer dresses, handbags, shoes, and accessories for a fraction of the cost. While you can only keep the items for a limited amount of time (RTR has a maximum rental period of 8 days, BSOB has a monthly rental fee), you can still look fantastic!

5. Shop my closet (shameless self promotion): I've put some accessories from my closet up for sale for insanely low prices as I really would love to get rid of them! There are some pieces by Longchamp, Juicy Couture, Coach, and more! Click here to check it out!

Side Note: Buying fake seems to be a go-to solution for saving money on designer goods, but you're not doing yourself any favours! Knock-offs are over-priced and of low quality (not to mention, illegal!) and will likely break within a few weeks of purchasing. Above all, knock-offs taint the artistic integrity of designers and support a factory (and the sketchy person selling the bags out of the back of their van) rather than the true fashion house. Do yourself a favour and save up for the real thing...it's worth it!

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Five Minutes With...Melanie of Aetherlily

2011-07-02T22:13:00.004-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to interview Melanie from Aetherlily. Melanie, who is a fairly new blogger on the block, has already been featured in Teen Vogue and has one of the most picturesque blogs I have ever seen!

When and why did you start blogging?
I love fashion and putting pretty pieces together so I created a Lookbook account to show off my personal style. I had the Lookbook account for a while, but then I discovered fashion bloggers who had such amazing style and dedication in their blog posts that I wanted to make my own and inspire others. Thus, my personal style blog called Aetherlily was born February of 2011.

What has been the highlight of your blogging career thus far?
Oh gosh! There has been so many highlights. One of them is being featured on Teen Vogue as Fashion Click of the Day and Best Dressed! I was jumping up for joy when I found out because it was so exciting and I never thought they would pick me. Another highlight in my blogging career is that I never even imagined to reach 100 followers! I am so grateful and thankful for all of their support. It makes me so happy reading their comments and receiving personal messages because I was able to inspire them with outfits that they could see themselves wearing and even make their own website!

What she's wearing: Urban Outfitters dress/cardigan/belt, vintage Kenneth Cole bag, Forever 21 shoes.

What pieces could you never live without? Which would you never think about wearing?
I could never live without a good pair of heels and tights. Every girl can't live without at least one pair of nice shoes! That's a fact, haha. I also said tights because even though I like jeans, it is so difficult for me to wear them for more than one day a week during the winter because I find them so uncomfortable after my discovery of wearing tights, thigh highs, and leggings. They are just so much more easier to wear and more fashionable than sweats. I would never wear sweats out in public.

What trends are you looking forward to for fall?
I'm looking forward to wearing anything suede. I bought a couple suede items because I could not resist not buying them but it is too hot to wear them in this summer heat! If only I found them sooner.

What sort of things frequently inspire you?
I get so much inspiration from visiting the fashion blogs of people I admire, fashion magazines, DIY projects, and vintage pieces. I could spend all day and every day just looking at beautiful photography and be inspired.

What she's wearing: Urban Outfitters top/skirt, Adia Kibur for Shopbop ring, H&M bangles, Steve Madden shoes, vintage bag.

What advice could you offer an aspiring fashion blogger?
Be yourself. I think being yourself is very important to remember as an aspiring fashion blogger because it is about showing others your individuality, creativity, and unique style. You blog because you love fashion. It is not about how many followers you receive. Don't get snatched away in the depths of popularity!

Pick One:

Ballet flats or heels?
Heels! Even though it's a struggle to wear them for more than an hour.

Marc Jacobs or Karl Lagerfeld?
Marc Jacobs.

What she's wearing: Zara top/skirt.

Cupcakes or macarons?
Macarons. My younger sister makes the best macarons!

Vogue or ELLE?
I would have to say Vogue! I prefer their magazine and fashion features, especially since Emma Watson is featured on their latest cover story.

The beach or the big city?
This is a hard one. I like both! But if you really need me to choose, then I would say the big city because I already live pretty close to the beach and wouldn't mind spending more time in the city where all the latest fashion trends are going on and the endless shopping.

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Happy Canada Day! (And Dace Sale!)

2011-07-01T10:01:00.009-04:00

I was recently contacted by the Vancouver luxury store, Dace in regards to their Canada Day sale. I have to tell you, their pieces are fantastic and will make for great closet basics! All you need to do is head to the Dace website and enter the code MYCANADA at check-out to save 40% on your order! Easy enough, right?

In other news, I finally got around to purchasing a .com domain for Marvelous Things! The url is now marvelousthingsblog.com. The old blogspot URL will still re-direct you, so don't worry about changing any links or bookmarks!

I also wanted to wish all of my Canadian readers a very happy Canada Day! Whether you're up at the cottage or barbequing or enjoying fireworks or just staying at home, I hope that you enjoy yourselves? What are your plans for the long weekend? I'm about to get ready to head to the beach...I'm going to take advantage of my new Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray to get that beach-y hair look. I could do it the natural way and go swimming, but that involves putting my head underwater in Lake Ontario! (Locals, you'll know what I mean! For those who don't, the Lake is situated in between two major factory cities, and I always joke that I'll mutate if I go in the water.)

To all my American readers, I hope that your Independence Day is lovely! And to my international readers, I hope that your weekend is fantastic!

I'll leave you with a bit of a photo diary from yesterday's festivities...my friend Hayley (my photographer friend who I'm always raving about!) and I headed downtown for some pre-Canada Day lunch and gelato to try and beat the heat.

It was so hot out...you have NO idea! I downed a bottle of water in about ten seconds.

Hayley modelling her Arnold Palmer ;)

The weirdest concoction I've ever eaten, but delicious nevertheless. It was a bit of a Greek/French/Indian/Middle Eastern fusion item: Ratatouille on Naan bread with taziki, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, hummus, and lettuce.

Finishing off the meal with some dark chocolate and banana gelato.

Happy Friday, everyone!

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(First image via Dace Clothing)

The Royals Head To The True North

2011-06-30T13:29:00.005-04:00

As several tabloids have likely informed you already, Prince William and Duchess Catherine have embarked on their royal tour of Canada and California.

While Kate did not go all-out on sporting a Canadian ensemble (Roland Mouret, a British designer, made the dress and Mulberry made the handbag), however; the blazer she is wearing is designed by Smythe. The Canadian label was launched in 2004 by a designer-duo composed of Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe. Since its inception, Smythe's preppy-chic pieces have attracted like likes of many A-listers including Blake Lively and Whitney Port.

The outfit isn't anything drool-worthy. Since this occasion is rather formal, Kate's obligated to look "strictly business". I'm excited to see what the couple wears to the Calgary Stampede, where they will be required to wear jeans and Western-themed attire.

Let's take a look at some of our home-grown Canadian talent, who I hope will be dressing the newly-appointed Duchess (and Prince William!) on the tour!

Kimberley Newport-Mimran of Pink Tartan

Pink Tartan is one of Canada's most popular and most sophisticated fashion labels. Known for their A-line skirts, trench coats, structured jackets and blazers, and trousers, the label has become a go-to for celebrities including Coco Rocha and Emmy Rossum. Newport-Mimran has been the line's president and creative director since its inception. She is also married to Joseph Mimran, the mastermind behind Club Monaco and the cheap n' chic line, Joe Fresh (he often cites her as his muse for the line!).

Denis Gagnon

This man is one of my favourite Canadian (and, hell, international!) designers. The Montreal-based designer is known for his big personality and even bigger eyeglasses. He often works with leather, incorporating it into couture pieces as well as basics. While most of his pieces may be a little too outrageous for the prim-and-proper Royal, I can see her sporting a blazer or skirt of his!

DSQUARED2

DSQUARED2 is likely the most internationally-recognized Canadian label. Known for their stunning gowns, casual wear, and footwear, the line has been one of the world's most popular RTW lines for several years. While I think that their women's line may be a bit too casual and/or risqué for Kate, I think that their menswear would look perfect on William!

Erdem Moralioglu of Erdem

Erdem is the line that stays true to Kate's personal style the most out of all of the lines mentioned. While he now operates out of the UK, Erdem remains a Canadian designer! Erdem's sophisticated line oozes femininity with structured cuts and floral prints. Perfect for a Royal! *Note: It was confirmed that Kate wore Erdem for today's appearance. I knew it!

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(Images via Fashionista, Canadian National Post, various Google sources)

What To Wear: Canada Day and Fourth of July

2011-06-28T14:53:00.002-04:00

I know you've definitely marked these days down on your calendar if you're aching for a mini-vacation...I know I sure have! Whether you're brimming with nationalist pride or not, these days are a great opportunity to barbeque a tasty dinner, go for a swim, and enjoy the day off of work.

General Tricks of the Trade:

-Stick to fabrics that are easy to remove stains from and that do not wrinkle easily or need constant ironing. Think loose cottons, denim, linens, rayon, etc. Stay away from silk, woven cotton such as that of an Oxford shirt, etc.

-Keep the accessories minimal. This is not the right opportunity to finally wear those stacks of bangles that you just bought or a large statement necklace. Low-maintenance jewellery such as friendship bracelets, post earrings (ones that don't dangle), and rings are acceptable for the occasion. Don't wear anything that you feel that you may lose, because chances are, you just might lose it!

-Keep it casual! Given the environment that you will likely be in, people will wear whatever is comfortable. Of course you want to look good for the occasion, but looking good doesn't require hours of planning! Your best bet is to wear something fun (think colour!) that flatters your body shape and is easy to move around in.

-Avoid anything with intricate cuts, crocheting, etc. If you're outside during the day, chances are you'll get a tan. To avoid awkward tan lines, wear something with no cut-outs to prevent a dark diamond square in the middle of your back.

-Keep the footwear simple. If you're running around the beach or partying at the cottage, you aren't going to want to wear shoes that have a zillion different buckles on them and are uncomfortable. Easy footwear items are: A platform wedge with a raffia or straw base (so summery for people who like to wear heels!), espadrilles, flip flops, T-strap sandals, Toms, etc. Avoid lace-up sneakers, heels, and anything overly intricate as aforementioned.

-Avoid wearing white if you're in any sort of a party atmosphere. Where there's beer, there's a girl fiddling with a Tide To Go in the bathroom for two hours.

Now that we've got that covered, let's move onto the outfit samples!

For a day at the beach...

Bandeau Bikini: TOPSHOP ($60), Raffia tote: J. Crew ($33), Cover-up: Tory Burch ($165), Shorts: H&M ($25), Top: French Connection (price unknown), Flip flops: Havaianas($38), Sunglasses: H&M ($9), Beach towel Volcom ($36).

For a weekend at the cottage...

Gray T-shirt: J.Crew ($35), Coloured Shorts: J Brand ($205), Friendship Bracelet: Juicy Couture ($38), Denim Shorts: H&M ($30), Yellow T-Shirt: American Rag ($38), Sandals ($18), Bikini: TOPSHOP ($56), Fedora Pachacuti Cinnamon ($90), Hoodie: T By Alexander Wang ($140), Dress: Auburn & Willis: $180.

For a day on the patio...

Dress: H&M ($25), Purse: Zara ($50), Wedges: Dorothy Perkins ($74), Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs ($98).

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Azzedine Alaïa Says Karl Lagerfeld is a Sell-Out; Claims Anna Wintour Has No Taste

2011-06-23T13:05:00.006-04:00

Azzedine Alaïa's ~~big mouth~~ personal beliefs have caused quite a stir within the industry this week! After discussing his career and creative inspiration, the Tunisian designer dished his opinions on both the Kaiser as well as Anna Wintour in his latest interview. Naturally, they weren't exactly kind words.

On Karl Lagerfeld: "I don’t like his fashion, his spirit, his attitude. It’s too much caricature. Karl Lagerfeld never touched a pair of scissors in his life. That doesn’t mean that he’s not great, but he’s part of another system. He has capacity. One day he does photography, the next he does advertisements for Coca-Cola. I would rather die than see my face in a car advertisement. We don’t do the same work. And I think that he is not doing a favor to young stylists who might think it works that way. They’re going to fall before they retire."

On Anna Wintour: "I said it before. She runs the business (Vogue) very well, but not the fashion part. When I see how she is dressed, I don’t believe in her tastes one second. I can say it loudly! She hasn’t photographed my work in years even if I am a best seller in the U.S. and I have 140 square meters at Barneys. American women love me; I don’t need her support at all. Anna Wintour doesn’t deal with pictures; she is just doing PR and business, and she scares everybody. But when she sees me, she is the scared one. [Laughs.] Other people think like me, but don’t say it because they are afraid that Vogue won’t photograph them. Anyway, who will remember Anna Wintour in the history of fashion? No one. Take Diana Vreeland, she is remembered because she was so chic. What she did with the magazine was great, with Avedon and all the great photographers. Vogue remains while its fashion editors come and go."

Alaïa is without a doubt both an influential and talented member of the fashion industry...but he's definitely had his day. Karl Lagerfed may be a bit of a "character", but this idea of being some sort of other-worldly being only adds to his unique persona. Of course, at times, he comes off as a bit of a pompous prick. But it's that thick skin that has gotten him through all of the trials and tribulations of being a top designer. I don't believe that young designers feel the need to explore their creative territory and fill several artistic roles in order to succeed in the industry. You don't see Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, and Haider Ackermann campaigning to shoot their own advertisements or film a car commercial! At the end of the day, Karl is one of the most influential people in the industry and has been for some time now, and will likely continue to influence future generations of designers. While Alaïa's work is undeniably stunning, he is no longer a household name.

As for the Anna Wintour bashing, this particular quote really hit a nerve with me: "Who will remember Anna Wintour in the history of fashion? No one."

I do not even remotely agree with this statement. Aside from fashion designers and models, Anna is one of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry. The woman has her own film, for Pete’s sake! While American Vogue may not be up there in the edgy, haute couture-heavy way that some of the European Vogues (Italia, Paris) are, the woman has done wonders for the magazine. In a time where North America's top fashion magazines' competition grows fierce, Anna (along with the Vogue editorial team) has been the glue that has held Vogue together.

I also disagreed with the following statement: "Vogue remains while its fashion editors come and go."

Some Vogue editors, both past and present, have had careers outside of Vogue and have been remembered for their work at the magazine even though they have moved onto other endeavours. Did you forget about Carine Roitfeld and André Leon Talley? I certainly didn't! When Grace Coddington retires, will we forget her admirable creative work? Not likely!

With that being said, I hope that Alaïa gets a Carine Roitfeld/Balenciaga-esque blacklist from Vogue and that Karl has a witty one-liner about him in his next interview. TEAM CHANEL!

(All quotes and photos via VIRGINE Magazine)

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Hot Collab: Versace + H&M

2011-06-22T00:45:00.003-04:00

The hype and rumours have been confirmed! The Swedish high-street label, H&M will be collaborating with the house of Versace for a 40-piece plus menswear and accessories capsule collection.

Donatella Versace, known for her risqué tailoring, bold colours and prints, and playful attitude towards fashion, will definitely deliver a collection that is above all fun! When asked about the collection, she said:

“As a designer I look at the future–I never look at the past, but being the sister of Gianni, the DNA is Versace and I’m going to use iconic Versace pieces of iconic Versace moments which are not exactly always the past but also the present."

The collection in full has not yet been designed, but you can see Donatella's sketches in the Youtube clip provided above. You can also see one of the pieces that Donatella brought to life and then donned at a Versace runway show.

I was rather disappointed with last year's Lanvin collaboration (I remember seeing some of those godforsaken tutu dresses on the sale rack months after the collection was pulled from stores. Nobody wanted them!), so I'm crossing my fingers that this one turns out to be worthwhile. The collection will hit 300 stores worldwide on November 19th, so get your tents out ahead of time! If this capsule collection is anything like the others H&M has had in the past, the pieces will fly off of the racks in a matter of minutes! If fighting your way to the cash register isn't exactly your forte, a pre-Spring collection (also designed by Donatella) will be available for sale in all countries for which H&M has an online store.

I'm not usually one to jump over all things Versace, but I must admit that I am rather excited for this collection! A cheap n' chic capsule collection obviously cannot use the luxe fabrics and expertise tailoring that fashion houses use for their usual collections. Therefore, the pieces need to be more fun and funky. Donatella's pieces are not always exactly works of art (but that woman sure can make an haute couture gown!), but they are always playful and full of life. I think that she has the right outlook on design to make this work.

What are your thoughts about the collaboration? Are you super excited or are you unfazed by all of the hype?

I also just wanted to take a moment to remind you of the Marvelous Things newsletter that is launching this Thursday after some technical difficulties! Luckily, I worked all of the bugs out. The newsletter will feature fashion news tidbits, links to fashion blogs, websites, and online stores, as well as beauty/hair/wardrobe tutorials that will not be featured on the blog! Think of it as a way to have access to even more Marvelous Things! Click on the button below to subscribe and recieve your first newsletter!

2011 Resort Collections (Part One) and...NEWSLETTER!

2011-06-16T13:48:00.009-04:00

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

Phillip Lim's ready-to-wear, particularly those collections suited towards the warmer seasons, is always stunning. The collection features updated versions of the designer's signature jumpsuit, featuring details such as drawstrings and animal prints. It's apparent that this collection was made to be shown in a show room and sell quickly, versus being created for the (blasé saying) "sake of art". I found most of the outfits shown to be a little off-season for the exception of a few dresses; if I were to don a jacket, jeans, and a blouse or a knit jumpsuit right now, I would probably get heatstroke. Nevertheless, there are some incredible basics that can be incorporated into a stunning ensemble all year round. I also thought it was interesting how this collection did not feature any caftans or swimwear as so many other resort collections often do. I'd say the collection is much more Meatpacking District and a little less Nantucket.

ALEXANDER WANG

Alexander's done it again! While his last few collections have been relatively risk-free, these designs are in a whole different ball park! The sporty-chic vibe of the collection proved to be an excellent canvas for his new swimwear line, which also takes on a more athletic look. In terms of fabrics, it's obvious that Alexander has stepped outside of his comfort zone a little bit in terms of this collection. While there is still an array of leather pieces, there is no denim and very little cotton in sight! The fashion critics have been a little sceptical of this collection due to its utilitarian vibe, which mirrors the vibe of his Fall/Winter 2011 collection. To me, it's like comparing apples and oranges...despite the tailoring, the unique fabrics and colours set this collection apart from Alexander's other works! I can't say that I'd wear many of the pieces (apart from the super chic and minimalistic dresses), but I can definitely admire greatness when I see it!

BALENCIAGA

One word: volume! I love the mix of the edgier baggy top paired with the prissier A-line skirt. Honestly, if you have the time, head over to Style.com to view the collection in full screen. You get a sense of how beautiful these pieces would be in motion! The prints? Simply divine! I only have one complaint (which most will disagree with): I don't like Miranda Kerr as a high fashion model! She's one of the most stunning people in the universe, no doubt about it. But I just find her look to be much more suited towards commercial and beauty modeling! If you flip through the entire collection, she appears to be drowning in the clothes (exhibit a), whereas the other models look much more sophisticated.

CELINE

Phoebe Philo's talent never ceases to go unnoticed. Her skills as a designer (particularly the sartorial aspect of design) cannot be matched by even some of the biggest names in fashion. The collection features details that you wouldn't expect in a summer collection...think a see-through trench coat that looks like it's made of rubber and elbow-length gloves. Yet, it works! The tailoring of the suits and trousers, in particular, is some of the best work I have ever seen. The one ensemble I didn't like was a pyjama-esque oversize dress shirt and trouser combo that was eerily reminiscent of the uniforms worn in concentration camps (click here to see). I thought that the look, whether it was intentional to look like this or not, was a little insensitive. Either way, this is definitely my favourite of all the resort collections.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

It goes without saying that nobody does a patterned dress like Diane. First off, the colour palette is stunning. Nothing says summer like sorbet shades! While the tailoring is fairly basic, the minimalism allows the clothes to a) sell quickly and b) be worn in an effortless manner. To be honest, this collection didn't keep my attention for long. There are some great pieces, but I just felt like I was having a déjà vu. There's nothing new or groundbreaking about it.

ERDEM

I immediately noticed the contrast between the British resort collections (such as this one) and the New York collections upon viewing this lookbook, haha. Erdem's prints are always exquisite, this collection is no exception! Just gazing at any Erdem pieces makes me want to put on a pretty tea-length dress and throw a garden party! I love the gamine feel of the pieces, which are a lot less formal than typical Erdem collections. Stunning!

In other news, I've decided to create a newsletter for Marvelous Things readers that features tips, tricks, news, etc. that won't be featured on the blog (or it'll involve expanded/added content on a featured post). Think of it as an extra dose of fashion! If you'd like to subscribe, simply click the button below and fill in your name and email address! The first newsletter will be launched this upcoming Monday, and will be released weekly (on Monday as well). Note: I tested the subscription link to see if it works and the conformation email ended up in my junk mail folder. If you don't recieve the email right away, check there!

Emma Watson Looking F-I-E-R-C-E in Vogue

2011-06-14T16:42:00.011-04:00

What she's wearing (From top): Prada dress; Tom Ford sweater, Undercover skirt, Louis Vuitton clutch; Solange Azagury-Partridge rings; Aquilano.Rimondi dress, Alexander McQueen thigh-high boots; Dolce & Gabbana dress, Alexander McQueen thigh-high boots; Prada dress; Calvin Klein dress, Miu Miu shoes.

The now former Harry Potter darling, Emma Watson looks impeccably glamorous in July's issue of Vogue US. Shot by Mario Testino, Emma dons a slew of edgy-meets-Old-Hollywood-glamour outfits, including some very drool-worthy Prada A/W 2011 pieces!

Emma has come a long way from the bushy-haired, cable knit sweater wearing eleven year old that she was when the first Harry Potter film was released. Over the years, she has blossomed into a Burberry muse, a frequent member of the "best dressed" list, a fashion designer, and a respectable young woman. It's so nice to know that some young celebrities don't dip their toes into the frivolous world of sex tapes, nude photos, and public relationships.

While the candid tone of the interview really lets us "get to know" Emma as a person, versus just an actress or even Hermione Granger, it also has a bittersweet tone to it. When discussing her public life with the interviewer, Emma states:

“I have had no control over my life. I have lived in a complete bubble. They found me and picked me for the part. And now I’m desperately trying to find my way through it.”

The rest of the interview presents a driven, self-assured young mogul who is determined to keep making a name for herself in the years to come. What's next for Emma? Her two most prominent upcoming roles include the role of Lucy, a wardrobe assistant, in My Week With Marilyn (also starring Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe) and Sam, the love interest of the main character, in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

(All images via Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Quote via Vogue US)

In The Now: Week of June 5th to June 12th

2011-06-11T02:08:00.003-04:00

Franca Sozzani changes her tune...again: The Vogue Italia editor caused a stir a few months back when she openly bashed the presence of fashion bloggers within the industry (click here to read my old blog post on it for a refresher). Franca immediately changed her standpoint on bloggers when she was a featured guest at a Liberty London Girl event at Harvey Nichol's. In this interview, she stated that:

“They all attack me because ‘I don’t like bloggers’. It’s not true at all: l love the bloggers. In the morning I read blogs. I look at bloggers in any fields. Blogs can be used in a very creative way and it is very inspiring for us to read blogs from different countries, different mentalities, different vision. It’s very important.”

Sounds a little different from her analogy of fashion bloggers being an "epidemic", huh? Franca seems to always be biting the hand that feeds. Prior to this event, Franca openly bashed the CW Network's 'America's Next Top Model' on her blog, claiming that the cycle's winners never make it into the industry. Ironically, Franca has been involved with the show for two cycles now, acting as both a fashion personality and a judge. The winner of ANTM also gets a spread in Vogue Italia and the Italian publication, Beauty in Vogue. Hmmm.... Click here to read the full interview.

Karen Elson and Jack White celebrate their sixth anniversary...with a divorce party: According to the invitation, the celebration will include "dancing, photos, memories, and drinks with alcohol in them". Well, kudos to The Ghost Who Walks for coming out of the marriage with a, er...clear head? New York Magazine gives you the full story here

Sketches for Florence + The Machine's Gucci tour costumes revealed: Frida Giannini, the creative director of Gucci, revealed that she would be designing the costumes for Florence Welch's upcoming tour. Apparently, Florence was the muse for Gucci's F/W 2011 collection! The costumes definitely have Florence's own personal style in mind...long, draped fabrics with ethereal detailing. In addition, Florence will also be the new face of the Italian line. Let's cross our fingers for a fall campaign or a fragrance spread! Read the full story on People Style Watch here.

Dakota Fanning's "Oh Lola!" perfume campaign released: After the successful launch of Daisy Eau So Fresh, Marc Jacobs is releasing another sister scent for his signature Lola perfume. According to Women's Wear Daily, the normally peony-heavy scent will contain notes of "effervescent raspberry, frais des bois, and pear". Sounds yummy! This is not the first time that Dakota has been photographed by Jeurgen Teller on behalf of Marc...she was the face of his Spring 2007 campaign as well!

Tory Burch is victorious in a counterfeit goods lawsuit: Troy Burch filed a lawsuit against 41 websites that were selling knockoffs of her shoes and accessories...and won! Burch won $164 million in damages, which is believed to be the biggest bust by a fashion house of all time. All known websites selling counterfeit Tory Burch goods have been disabled, and the Tory Burch company now has the power to disable any other future websites selling counterfeit copies of their goods. This is honestly great news! Counterfeit goods create $20 billion in losses for American companies alone annually! Plus, counterfeiters ruin the artistic integrity of designers...they're stealing their ideas! Get the skinny from Fashion Etc.here!

(All images via their listed sources. The first image is via Vogue Italia)

Beauty Bulletin Board: Summer Essentials

2011-06-08T23:22:00.016-04:00

The latest-and-greatest summer beauty products can be just as exciting as a newly released runway collection! Take, for example, the release of Chanel's "Mimosa" nail polish or Dior's summer eye shadow palettes! Keep reading ahead to check out my reviews and picks for some bright and cheery beauty products that will keep you looking beautiful and on-trend all summer long! Of course, I wouldn't endorse a product that I don't believe in. For your convenience, I starred the products which I own and which I have tried. The ones that I neither own nor have tried are products that have had long-lasting positive reviews.

1) Tarte TEN Natural Cheek Stain ($30): In the summer, I try to use as many cream and liquid-based products for the sake of longevity. A cheek stain is a great product for a natural flush during the summer months. A favorite trick of mine? Blend the stain with a clear lip balm or jelly for a new lip colour! (*I've tried this)

2) Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil ($52): As a ghostly and proud girl, I have a hard time wearing bronzer as the slightest hint of a dark shade makes me look Snooki orange. This argan oil-based bronzer gives me a perfect glow without looking artificial. Best of all, the gold-shimmer based oil is flattering for all skin tones. Argan oil has an incredibly smooth consistency, so this product can be worn over make-up to help fill lines and smooth the appearance of your skin's texture while still giving you a healthy glow. (*I own this)

3) NARS 'Laguna' Bronzing Powder ($30): If you're a girl who prefers to use bronzer all over, this particular powder-based bronzer is for you. Laguna is the lightest bronzer NARS offers, so if you're looking for a darker shade, try 'Casino' by them. This bronzer is ideal for contouring your cheekbones after your applied blush and/or highlighter. (*I've tried this)

4) Deborah Lipmann 'Yellow Brick Road' Polish ($19): Last week, I scoured all of the department stores and Chanel shops for the Chanel 'Mimosa' nail polish that literally everyone is lusting for. Naturally, I couldn't find it anywhere. I read somewhere that this nail polish, which GaGa wore for her Grammy performance this year, was the next best thing to Mimosa. The reviews were right! I found that if you only apply a coat or two of the polish, the look is fairly sheer and a little unflattering. It took me five coats to get the look of Mimosa, but the look is identical! Plus, the polish lasts for what seems like forever. (*I own this)

5) Estee Lauder 'Violet Diva' Polish ($19): This deep violet shade is a nice contrast to the light lilac polishes that were all the rage last summer. This would be so pretty with a neutral outfit or any summer brights!

6) Maybelline True Colour Sensational 'Fuchsia Fever' Lipstick ($7): Matte fuchsia lipstick seemed to dominate the runways this season, particularly at the Jil Sander show. For that matte look, exfoliate your lips and apply a nude lipliner all over your lips prior to putting the lipstick on. Then, apply the lipstick with a small brush. Simple as that!

7) Essie 'Meet Me At Sunset' Polish ($8): Essie is one of my favorite nail polish retailers out there. You can't beat the colours, the longevity of the polish, and the price. This bright red shade is no exception. If you're a little more classy and prefer a more demure look over bright neons, this polish is perfect for you!

8) MATTéSE ELITE 'Pure Blue' Pure Colour Powder ($14): A stunning cyan shade that is flattering for all eye colours and skin tones. The loose powder consistency makes the product easier to both apply and blend. A great alternative to those neutral bronze shadows I've been using all year!

9) Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($23): The entire beauty community seems to be raving about this product, and I can't say that I blame them! This spray is infused with sea salt, which gives you that just-got-home-from-the-beach tousled look. Plus, the look lasts all day long! (*I've tried this)

10) NARS 'Celebrate' Soft Shadow Pencil ($24): For a straight off the runway look, try out this pencil (it was used at L'Wren Scott). The bright green shade will make your eyes pop, regardless of what colour they are! (*I've tried this)

11) Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 ($38): Taking precautions to avoid sun damage and skin cancer are obviously more essential than which eye shadow you're going to wear on a given day. This non-greasy formula prevents breakouts while still preventing any sun damage. Be sure to always wear sunscreen when you leave the house! (*I've tried this)

12)Ole Henricksen 'On The Go' Cleanser ($30): The yummy citrus scent makes waking up and getting ready that much more fun (sounds like a lame slogan like those from the Clean & Clear commercials in the early 2000s, but I'm dead serious. I literally get excited to wash my face) Infused with orange, yucca root, seaweed, and concentrated vitamin C, this rich complex helps moisturize your skin and even its tone. Definitely the most effective cleanser I've ever used. (*I own this)

13) NARS 'Orgasm' Blush ($27): I've been using this blush for about three years ago, both the powder and liquid forms. The colour has a peach base and is infused with bronze shimmer. Trust me, this is the most universally flattering blush I've ever come across! And, I've never read a negative review about it! The price is a little hefty, but I've had mine for about two years now and it's still alive and kicking. (*I own this)

14) Stila Illuminating Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 ($32): In the summer, heavy foundations have the tendency to "melt off" in the humidity and sunshine. Thus, a tinted moisturizer offers your coverage without looking like a total train wreck when 4 PM arrives. This particular tinted moisturizer is infused with an illuminating gel, which gives you a healthy glow. My skin tends to look dull and lifeless in the morning, this product really perks it up! (*I own this)

15) Marc Jacobs 'Daisy' Perfume Roller ($20): As a girl with a bit of an affinity towards perfume, I own about fifteen fragrances. To prevent them from going to waste, I usually opt for a smaller roller ball perfume rather than a full-size bottle. Honestly, I find that they last for just as long! This particular fragrance is just so light and refreshing...plus I find that guys tend to like it! ;) hahah (*I used to own this/I've tried this)

16) The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream ($10): When I think of the "smell" of summer, coconut always comes to mind. This shower cream is super rich, which helps moisturize your skin! Plus, The Body Shop doesn't test on animals! (*I've tried this)

Have you tried any of the aforementioned products before? If so, which did you like or dislike? What are your summer beauty essentials?

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2011 CFDA Awards: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-06-06T22:33:00.018-04:00

Okay, devout followers of fashion: last night's event was the event that we have been waiting for all year! Which event, do you ask? The CFDA awards, of course! This award show doesn't celebate music or film like so many other popular award shows do. Here, we're talking fashion icons, fashion writing, and fashion design! Therefore, this particular red carpet is the Cristal champagne, the Lamborghini convertible, the crème de la crème of all red carpets (aside from the Met Ball, of course). The industry's most elite gathered in New York City's Lincoln Center to celebrate this year's fashion achievements. To spice things up, this post features a bonus category: The Ultimate Fashion Don't. Trust me, you'll wonder where its wearer bought the piece from. A European brothel, perhaps?

THE GOOD

Ashley Greene in Michael Kors: While I thought that this ensemble was a little too casual for such a glamorous event, it's obvious that Michael himself picked the dress for Ashley. Who knows better than the designer himself? The sleek colour-blocking looks fantastic! The only complaint that I have is that the large, hardware-heavy clutch distracted me from looking at the dress.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in The Row: Fantastic! The ice blue tea frock looks stunning on Ashley; it really makes her hair and her eyes pop! Mary-Kate looks like a young Anna Wintour in the structured, sequined dinner jacket and skirt. The CFDA Awards are a great place to show off their ultra-expensive new handbag line. Trust me, Chanel looks so much more affordable now!

Jessica Alba in Diane Von Furstenberg: If you read my post from yesterday, you'll recall me mentioning that pregnant women have the ability to make a "best dressed" list in gowns that would have ended up on the "worst dressed" list had its wearer not been preggo. This dress is no exception. I would have called the dress "frumpy" otherwise, but Jessica looks glowing.

Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors: The Victoria's Secret Angel looks like a Grecian Goddess in this column dress and cuffed accessories! I can only hope that I could look this good months after giving birth...

Lady GaGa in Mugler: The tailoring of this dress is exquisite, which is why this gown ended up on the "good" list. I have to add that I'm rather sick of Lady GaGa's antics. She tries so hard to be "shocking", which is only how her "people" tell her to act (and a little birdie who knows her told me that she has a lot of those people). I think I'd be much more shocked if she turned up somewhere in a shift dress with normal make-up and hair with a killer pair of pumps. Just sayin'.

Lucy Liu in Monique Lhuillier: I can't get over how stunning Lucy looks! Everything from the sweetheart neckline to the tulle overlay on the bodice to the feathered skirt all come together to create one glamorous dress. The minimal accessories also work wonders!

Liv Tyler in Proenza Schouler: Nobody can do a print like the Schouler boys! The colours in this silk shift compliment Liv's pale skin and dark hair nicely. I don't know how I feel about the clutch and the shoes, though! Something a little less large (the clutch) and less strappy (the shoes) would have looked better, in my opinion.

Marcia Cross in Pamella Roland: Normally, I would be totally opposed to a sequined jumpsuit. Way too flashy, way too 1980s. I think the fact that Marcia is a little bit older allows her to pull this look off. Talk about fabulous at 50!

Amber Heard in Cynthia Rowley: Wow! This dress is stunning while still being age appropriate for Amber, who is in her early 20s. The detailing is impeccable! The crushed velvet heels and 1940s-inspired hair and make-up give the look a touch of Old Hollywood glamour.

Doutzen Kroes in J. Mendel: While this dress didn't really WOW me, I still think that Doutzen is picture perfect. Doutzen usually goes for a girly, Princess-y look on the red carpet, so this edgier ensemble is a nice contrast. A smoky eye works wonders for her!

Erin Fetherston in her own design: This girly frock perfectly suits both Erin's personal style as well as her designs. Her new haircut is also stunning! Definitely one of my favorite fashion design personalities and Ready to Wear designers!

Sofia Coppola in Marc Jacobs: Minimalism always suits Sofia perfectly. This belted Marc Jacobs fits her like a glove!

Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu: Karlie Kloss has been one of those All American supermodels that really stand out. This punchy red halter dress really suits her personal style. The clutch and the belt are fantastic!

Anna Wintour in Marc Jacobs: Anna looks so darling in this ensemble! It's nice to see her wearing Marc Jacobs, who in turn won the Lifetime Achievement award tonight. Congrats Mark, I love you! <3

Leelee Sobieski in Adam Kimmel: I think it's great that Leelee opted for a suit rather than a dress. A crisp white such as this always makes the ensemble stand out that much more! The brown leather shoes are an unexpected touch and her dark red lips scream vampy glam!

Leigh Lezark in Helmut Lang: The DJ/model/muse looks stunning in this mustard frock! I thought the look was quite risky as mustard is such a standard fall colour, but Leigh pulled it off. The blunt bangs are a great change from her signature asymmetrical hairstyle...I hardly recognized her!

THE BAD

Karolina Kurkova in Diane Von Furstenberg: Karolina doesn't look horrible, but she's definitely capable of looking much better. I think that this hooded gown is suited for an edgier model, whereas Karolina is more of a bombshell type. This would probably look better on someone with darker hair and paler skin. Karolina's tan doesn't allow the colour to pop as much as it could have on someone else.

Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman in their own Marchesca designs: Keren (left) looks like she went to the nearest party store and bought a reaaaaally expensive Helen of Troy costume. Georgina looks STUNNING (hair and make-up wise), but the extreme cut-outs and sequined hot pants weren't suited for this elegant affair.

Maggie Rizer in Nicole Miller: This dress is eerily similar to the slew of turquoise polyester prom dresses that the fashionably-challenged girls wore to my high school prom.

Chanel Iman in BCBG Max Azria: It's not that this look is horrible, there's just something about it that I don't like...which I can't seem to put my finger on. I think it's the bed head hair worn with such a slouchy dress; it makes the ensemble so much less polished.

THE UGLY

Chloe Sevingy in Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony: This ensemble is just too much of everything. The low-cut leather top (which offers Chloe some less-than-flattering side cleavage), the ruffled detailing on the top, the perforated prairie skirt, and winged strappy platforms are all so mismatched. This is a perfect example of how to mess up eclectic dressing.

Rachel Roy in her own design: There's just something so...unglamorous about this look. For one, iridescent sky blue fabric does not mix well with the flare from lens bulbs. The buttons remind me of those cheap n' chic Forever 21/H&M military jackets that were big a few years ago. It's not that I dislike Forever 21 (I love it!)...but if I was heading to a gala filled with the industry's finest, I certainly wouldn't want to look like I was wearing one of their pieces.

Donna Karan in her own design: Eeek! This dress does nothing (literally, nothing) for Donna's figure. The colour does nothing for her complexion, either. All in all, I think she looks a little haggard.

THE ULTIMATE FASHION DON'T

Lady GaGa at her own after-party: After winning the CFDA Fashion Icon award, GaGa decided to (literally) let loose in this heinous mesh one-piece. Okay, GaGa, we know you like to get almost-nude at every presentable opportunity...but the crotch zipper on your spiked thong? Really? Taaaaacky. If you're in the same room as Anna Wintour and your lady parts are showing, you know you have issues.

Who were your favorites of the evening? Who were your least favorites? Which designers would you have liked to see on the red carpet? Personally, I was a little shocked that nobody was shown wearing Chanel!

(All images via In Style, Fashionologie, New York Magazine: Fashion Section, and Telegraph UK: Fashion Section)

2011 MTV Movie Awards: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-06-06T15:42:00.021-04:00

Last night, MTV's annual movie awards took place. While there were some seriously stunning ensembles, there were also a few no-no's in regards to what one should wear to a youth-suited awards show. (ahem, Nicki Minaj!) Apparently I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning because I did not hold back on the mocking whatsoever. Please don't hate me! :p

THE GOOD

Selena Gomez in Giambattista Valli: Even the Bieber fans who hate Selena can't deny that she looks incredible in this dress! The cut, fabrics, and print are all age appropriate while the colours make it perfectly suitable for the warm weather! I have no complaints about the shoes, accessories, hair, and make-up! Selena, you look flawless!

Kristen Stewart in Balmain: Despite the fact that I cannot stand her, Kristen Stewart looks g-g-g-good in this Balmain frock! (That was my impression of her awkward stuttering in every film she makes. I'm catty, sue me!) I just wish that she'd look less uncomfortable and awkward in it!

Reese Witherspoon in Dolce & Gabbana: While this dress is more casual than the pieces that Reese (or her stylist) usually pick out, I think she looks adorable! The colour as well as the simplicity of the cut looks stunning on her. I love that she just left her hair down and used minimal accessories instead of trying to over-glam the ensemble. This is proof that dressy casual can work on the red carpet!

Emma Watson in Marchesca: Definitely one of my favorite looks of the night! Is it any surprise that the constantly "best dressed" Emma looks amazing? While the ivory silk fabric and the crystal epaulettes scream glam, the simplistic cut of the frock tone down its dressiness.

Emma Stone in Bottega Veneta: Another well dressed Emma! I love how the underlay of this dress is the typical fitted corset dress that so many young starlets don to award shows. The lace overlay as well as the bow detailing gives it a unique finish. I love how the accessories are a little edgier than the nouveau-Victorian frock, which keeps the look current. I also love that Emma's hair is red again!

Leighton Meester in Balmain: Leighton is another young celeb who ALWAYS looks fantastic. This mosaic crystal and sequin mini-dress is the perfect fit for Leighton! And the Pierre Hardy sandals? So edgy-chic!

Hailee Steinfeld in Louis Vuitton: While a suit and red lipstick are a little more of a grown-up choice, the fifteen-year old looks stunning in this LV two-piece. The sequined detailing on the collar and the white t-shirt worn underneath give the look a little bit more of a youthful playfulness.

Blake Lively in Michael Kors: S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G! Blake seems to know that shades of cobalt and turquoise work for her, and this dress is no exception. The tight fit and the shorter hem of the dress are sexy without being skanky. The pulled-back ponytail show off the dress without being distracting. What a great comeback from this week's nude pictures scandal which, allegedly, aren't Blake. (I still think the girl in the photos looks just like her...but ignore little old me!)

THE BAD

Elle Fanning in Dolce & Gabbana: I realize that Elle is still barely a teenager, but her spectacular red carpet looks over the past little while have left me with high expectations! She should have saved this playsuit for playing in the sandbox in her younger years. The mismatched floral platforms look a little dowdy.

Rosie Huntungton-Whiteley in Dolce & Gabanna: I realize that this look ended up on a few best dressed lists, therefore, people are more than likely going to disagree with me. I can't help but think that Rosie looks more suited to be hitting a cougar bar, not an awards show! Everything from the pouf to the draped bangs to the hoop earrings to the loud animal print all scream Real Housewives of Orange County.

Crystal Reed in Ina Soltani: Does anyone remember those cakes that were big in the 1990s where you had a Barbie in a dress and the skirt of the dress was made of birthday cake? This dress reminds me of those cakes. I love the Steve Madden heels, though! A great cheap n' chic choice! And I love her hair, that braid is fabulous.

THE UGLY

Terri Seymour in an unknown dress: Blegh! This dress is far too space age-y, and not in a Armani Privé Spring 2011 Couture way. Her super straight hair with the middle part further accentuate this alien-esque vibe. And the Christian Louboutin Daffodile platforms? An AWFUL match for this frock.

Brooklyn Decker in No. 21: Which cast member of Dynasty's wardrobe did Brooklyn raid to find this dress? It's the return of all of the heinous sequined dresses from this year's Oscars...aaaah! I'll try to be impartial and pretend that all of those gold sequins aren't actually sewn onto the dress and imagine the dress to be a neutral colour. Even still, the cut is way a little dumpy for Brooklyn's figure. You're a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, for Pete's sake! Show it off!

Amanda Bynes in Hervé Leger: Traaaaaaainwreck! I hate everything about this ensemble. Let's start with the dress: too tight, too detailed, and too beige. Plus, (at risk of sounding like a total diva) "band-aid dresses are soooo like, 2009". The classic Chanel clutch doesn't match the outfit whatsoever. The Chanel bangles should not have been worn in the first place. Last but not least, those turquoise Christian Louboutin platforms are the ugliest things I have ever seen. Fringed horse hooves, anyone?

Skylar Grey in I don't even know what: I hardly know who she is (all I know is that she wrote "Love The Way You Lie" for Rihanna) nor who designed the dress, so I'm not even going to bother to look it up. But the hair, the baggy leather shirt dress, the combat boots....no. Just no. Instead of "lying", someone should have been honest and told her how dingy she looks!

The Cast of The Real World Last Vegas: You all look decently tacky. But you're cast members on The Real World, so I guess that's kind of a pre-requisite.

Nikki Reed in Heather: Blegghhhhhh. The tulle overlay of this dress is just so unnecessary. If the underlay of this dress was a little longer and the tulle disappeared completely, she'd look much more chic.

Bryce Dallas-Howard in J. Crew: Bryce usually looks not so great on the red carpet (seen especially at this year's Cannes Film Festival), so I'm not shocked that she ended up on my "ugly" list. I'm left wondering: Is she pregnant? This isn't something I should wonder upon seeing a gown! *Note: I looked it up and apparently she is pregnant. Thank God I'm right, haha. She'll get a Brownie Point for being pregnant then, which tends to place some badly dressed people on the best dressed list. Read: Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf at this year's Oscars.

Nicki Minaj in an unknown ensemble: Aaah! Praise Lagerfeld, Jacobs, and Galliano! Honest to blog, I'm left speechless. I guess that's probably the reaction she was looking for. All I have to say is: put your boobs away! (And at the risk of asking: Are they real? Are they fake?) There are little kids watching! Nicki also had the make-up malfunction that so many celebs have been having as of recently: visibly chalky white powder under the eyes. MUAs to the celebrities: fix this!

What were your thoughts on this year's red carpet? Whose outfits did you love? Whose couldn't you stand? Did you agree with any of my choices? Pray, do tell!

In other news, I guest posted on Maritime Shopaholic today while Chelsea is enjoying post-wedding bliss! Check out my guest post here!

Don't forget to "like" Marvelous Things on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!

(All images via MTV Canada and Look)

Five Minutes With...Kate of O My Heart!

2011-06-02T15:04:00.005-04:00

Kate McLean, the blogger behind O My Heart!, has the defined, gamine meets girly style that I always admire so much! I chatted with my fellow Canuck (Canadian) about everything from the fashion scene in New Brunswick to New York City during Christmastime to her go-to summer nail polish!

Q: When did you first begin to really "follow" fashion?

A: I've always loved shopping and clothes, but I didn't really get into learning about designers and fashion until I started following fashion blogs, which was about 3 years ago now!

Q: Canadians, particularly those living in more rural areas, often complain about the lack of access to designer and typical chain stores (i.e. Zara, H&M, etc.). How do you embrace this within your wardrobe?

A: There are definitely many moments where I see a flood of bloggers wearing certain Zara pieces and wish SO badly we had one here, etc. I'm lucky that over the last couple of years a few independent boutiques have opened up in my city, but finding what you're looking for can still definitely be a challenge. I think not having all the major trends at your disposal makes you have to try a little harder to figure out your own personal style, which is a good thing. But I definitely do a fair bit of online shopping for things I can't find around here! I think that's also why well dressed people stand out more here than in bigger cities - it takes a lot of effort when you don't have everything at your fingertips, and not everyone is willing to put in that effort!

(What She's Wearing: H&M blazer, BB Dakota top, American Eagle jeans, Steve Madden sandals)

Q: What has been the highlight of your blogging career so far?

A: Oh goodness, there have been so many great moments and great things happen! I have 'met' so many amazing ladies from around the world through blogging and have made some sincere friendships. And of course things like features and sponsors and other perks are always exciting. But I think developing my own personal style and gaining and understanding of myself, my body, and my style aspirations has definitely been a huge thing.

Q: Which trends have you been embracing as of late? Which trends would you never be caught dead wearing?

A: I think it's safe to say that you will never see me in 'flatforms' - I do not understand this trend for the life of me. They are the least flattering shoe imaginable! But there are a few trends that I am absoutely loving lately - bold bright colors, bits of neon, boat shoes, loose fitting silk blouses (especially paired with shorts and pumps!) and color blocking!

Q: From the handful of local blogs that I have read, both the Saint John blogging and fashion scene seem to be growing rapidly. Have you become involved in any of this development? (i.e. blogging about local boutiques, attending events, etc.)

A: This is actually something I have struggled with a little bit. When I first started my blog, I didn't want anyone local to know about it... I was shy about it, and so as I built a following, very few of them were local. Now of course it's all very out in the open, and I do have a number of local readers, but because my blog didn't begin as a local-focussed blog, I struggle with whether featuring local events and stores would be uninteresting to all of my national and international readers! Less than half of my readers are Canadian, and of that half only a quarter of them are from NB. I do definitely like to support local boutiques and events, but I don't tend to do many blog features on them, as much as I would like to sometimes! I am VERY excited to see Saint John grow and develop though and also very excited to see more and more bloggers from New Brunswick popping up!

(What she's wearing: H&M shirt, RW&Co. jeans, Jacob belt, Payless shoes, ASOS clutch)

Q: Describe your favorite piece in your wardrobe.

A: Oh, this is tricky! It changes frequently, depending on what phase I am going through. Right now though, I would say either an ivory lace dress that I got for Christmas, or my new Steve Madden t-stap wedges - they are so perfect for summer!

Q: What are your beauty essentials?

A: I tend to switch up products a fair bit and don't always stick with the same ones, but a good concealer and blush are absolutely essential for me! And NAIL POLISH! My nails are never bare. A few of my current and/or long time favorite products though are Redken Blonde Glam shampoo and conditioner, Gosh "Peachy" nail polish, Softlips Nourish Lipgloss in Bergamot and Bora Bora by Lise Watier perfume!

Q: You frequently feature "songs of the week". What songs have been playing on repeat in your iTunes lately?

A: Again, this changes all the time - I've been in cleaning mode lately so I've been listening to more dance music than usual! I am really liking "Hello" by Martin Solveig and Dragonette. I'm really loving Manchester Orchestra's new album, as well as Eliza Doolittle and Adele!

(What She's Wearing: Modcloth dress worn as a top, American Eagle jeans, H&M blazer, Joe Fresh belt, Le Chateau shoes)

Q: What is your go-to accessory?

A: When I'm in a rush I tend to throw on my big gold chain bracelet! It's simple but does the trick to glam up an outfit. I am also a big fan of oversized stud earrings - they instantly add glamor to an outfit without being overbearing!

Q: What advice could you offer an apsiring style blogger?

A: Hm, that's tough... I guess I would say to try to avoid feeling like you need to compete or keep up with other bloggers... it's easy to get down on yourself if you don't have the "it" item of the moment in the blog world! Stay true to yourself, have fun with your style, be sincere, and remember, quality over quantity!

(What She's Wearing: Joe Fresh shirt, H&M sweater, RW&Co. pants, Le Chateau shoes)

Pick One:

Vogue or ELLE?
Elle - I do love Vogue but find more inspiration in things that are realistic & wearable!

Sex and the City or Gossip Girl?
Two different times of my life! I love them both!

Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter, definitely!

Paris or New York?
Being in New York during Christmas is one of my life long dreams! So magical!

Karl Lagerfeld or Marc Jacobs?
I think I've gotta go wtih Mr. Lagerfeld on this one! **

Interested in having your personal style or blog featured on Marvelous Things? Send me an email at jessica.danielle@live.ca with a link to your blog and a quick explanation as to why you think your blog should be featured!

Don't forget to "like" Marvelous Things on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!

Skin Care Review: Ole Henricksen and Burt's Bees

2011-05-31T17:19:00.007-04:00

Sorry that I'm a little stutter-y and that I blank out a little in this video...I haven't had any caffeine today! :p (if you're a coffee/tea/diet coke addict like me, you know how bad it gets!) It looks like my barking dog also had some beauty advice to offer...

The products that I am reviewing are:

-Ole Henricksen's "On The Go" Cleanser (Available at Sephora)
-Burt's Bees Day and Night Creme from their "Radiance" line (Available at Whole Foods, department stores, and all major drug stores)

The blog which I mentioned in the video is entitled Beautyful Thoughts. It's great for hair and make-up tutorials as well as product reviews!

Don't forget to "like" Marvelous Things on Facebook and follow me on Twitter!

Urban Outfitters Rips Off Stevie Koerner's Designs: Or Did They?

2011-05-30T21:25:00.001-04:00

This week, Stevie Koerner (a Chicago artist and jewelry desiger) accused the Philadelphia clothing chain Urban Outfitters of re-producing a line of necklaces that she had created in 2009. When Stevie spotted the designs on the Urban Outfitters website, she took to the social networking sites Twitter and Tumblr to share her story. On her Tumblr, she wrote:

"My heart sank a little bit. The World/United States of Love line that I created is one of the reasons that I was able to quit my full-time job. They even stole the item name as well as some of my copy. I’m very disappointed in Urban Outfitters. I know they have stolen designs from plenty of other artists. I understand that they are a business, but it’s not cool to completely rip off an independent designer’s work."

Stevie has promised to boycott Urban Outfitters/Free People/Anthropologie, which has led hundreds of others to declare that they will also boycott the company. The public has lashed out at Urban Outfitters via their Twitter and Facebook pages, leading the company to pull the designs from all stores as well as the website.

Do I believe that Urban Outfitters ripped off Stevie Koerner's design? More than likely. The American chain is notorious for ripping off independent artists and designers. Do I believe that Koerner's idea was 100% her own? Not exactly. Yesterday, Fashionista reported the following:

-Urban Outfitters' designs surfaced in May 2011
-Stevie Koerner's designs appeared on Etsy in 2009
-Other Etsy designers also sold necklaces with hearts punched out of states as early as 2008 (click here for photo evidence)

Now, I must embrace my inner cynic and ask: Does the concept of an original idea still exist? In an age with such an advancement of technology and constant ADAPTATIONS of others' ideas, I don't believe that it does. Yes, we can work to modify or improve something that already exists, but the original idea still belongs to the person or people who invented what others have gone on to improve.

Our brains have the ability to subconciously retain information. Sometimes, I have found myself writing a blog post, and then re-reading an article that I had previously read, only to realize that my post is somewhat similar to the text of that given article. It's not that I intended to use the article as a source without proper documentation or even plagarize the article - the information was subconciously planted into my brain and I regurgitated it! I don't believe that Stevie intentionally adapted others' designs. But artists are constantly browsing the works of other artists in their field and perhaps, Stevie developed the idea without remembering that she saw a similar piece before. Perhaps this isn't the case at all and Stevie developed the idea without knowing that the concept existed prior to her designs.

At the end of the day, Stevie's design was the most similar to the copies that Urban Outfitters produced. Whether the idea was truly hers or not, I am glad that she recieved amassed publicity. Corporations need to realize that they are not entitled to everything, and that the artists who create the original works should recieve credit when due.

There are so many alternative ways to feature pieces created by independent artists that corporations never seem to use! Perhaps pay them a liscensing fee? Or even sign a contract for a collaboration!

While I don't condone corporations stealthily (or in this case, not-so-stealthily) stealing ideas from original artists, I will likely still shop at Urban Outfitters. I have been shopping at the store for about five years now and it seems almost worthless to stop now, especially when the facts behind this case are up in the air. The fact that Urban Outfitters supported Rick Santorum, a Republican candidate who is against gay marriage, and helped fund his campaign is much more upsetting to me. At the end of the day, the vast majority of corporations make unethical decisions in order to make a buck. I think it is silly for several people to boycott a smaller corporation such as Urban Outfitters while they likely still shop at mass corporations such as Wal-Mart and Nike.

What is your opinion on the matter? Do you believe that Stevie is entitled to accuse Urban Outfitters of stealing her idea when other variations of this idea exist? Will you still shop at Urban Outfitters?

(All images via Stevie's tumblr)

Light as a Fe(a)ther

2011-05-25T20:23:00.007-04:00

I realize that I've been posting a little heavily on topics pertaining to interior design (re: my Suzanne Rogers post), however, there are so many beautiful homes that I've stumbled upon and felt obligated to share! Fashion and interior design sort of go hand in hand, after all! As of late, I've been drooling over Erin Fetherston's dreamy NYC loft. The decor of the space has a similar vibe to the fashion designer's clothing - light and airy with floral motifs and neutrals, earth tones, and hints of pastels. While her closet isn't as opulent as the closet in my previous interior design, it sort of reminded me of one of those hole-in-the-wall vintage shops downtown that always have amazing finds.

All of this ooh-ing and aah-ing over celebrity homes has made me contemplate what my own personal "dream" home would consist of. I've narrowed down a few design elements that would, ideally, be a part of my home:

-All white or light grey walls
-A big, white fireplace filled with birchwood logs
-A modern kitchen with sleek countertops
-A MASSIVE closet with lots of storage (I suppose that's obvious)
-One of those porcelain or wooden deer heads (I love the look of taxidermy, but not the look of dead animals...)
-A clawfoot bathtub
-Lots and lots of art!

Are you a fan of this style of decor? What does your personal dream home consist of?

(All images via Vogue)

20 Things To Wear Now

2011-05-22T00:25:00.007-04:00

Ah, the summer heat! On this side of the globe (sorry to rub it in, Australian/New Zealander readers!) things are finally starting to warm up. With every turn of the season comes a flourishing opportunity: shopping for a seasonal wardrobe! In a fit of daydreaming and moping over my current state of employment or therefore lack of, I put together two "looks". The first is a more casual/bohemian look oriented towards a day in the backyard, at the beach, or at the cottage. The second has a rough-around-the-edges, city girl attitude to it.

20 Things To Wear #1 by marvelousthings featuring messenger bags

01) Bikini top and bottoms: H&M
02) Cotton kaftan: Diane Von Furstenberg
03) Flip flops: Havaianas
04) Aviators: Ray Ban
05) Leather and canvas tote: DKNY
06) Platforms: Jimmy Choo
07) Tunic Dress: ZARA
08) Ring: Forever 21
09) Messenger bag: Pendleton
10) Bangle: Marc by Marc Jacobs

20 Things To Wear #2 by marvelousthings featuring high waisted shorts

11) Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs
12) Shorts: Rag & Bone
13) Pumps: Isabel Marant
14) Satchel: Mulberry
15) Sunglasses: Alexander Wang by Linda Farrow
16) Ring: Yves St. Laurent
17) Bracelet: Alexander McQueen
18) Necklace: Lulu Frost
19) iPhone Case: Jimmy Choo
20) Bra: Proenza Schouler

3, 2, 1...Drool!

2011-05-19T19:49:00.004-04:00

Ever since the Coveted versus The-Coveted's legal hype died down, I've been tuning into The Coveteur (formerly The-Coveted)'s website daily. Erin Kleinberg and Stephanie Mark (who I share a family tree with...small world!) delve into the world of celebrity closets and apartments in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and other fashionable cities. This time around, they stayed true to their Canadian roots and photograph the contents of Suzanne Rogers' closet. This Toronto philanthropist and fashion icon bears the most drool-worthy closet I have seen to date. I literally had to push my jaw upwards so that my mouth would close! I knew that, in case you don't read The Coveteur, I had to share it with you all so that you could see it!

I love how she organizes her Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags in an assortment of the brand's signature orange boxes. I'm seriously gaping at all the McQueen couture and endless pairs of Christian Louboutins! Now, time to find a towel to wipe all the drool off of my face....kidding!

Also, don't forget to 'like' Marvelous Things on Facebook! (click here)

[All images via The Coveteur]

Can Yves St. Laurent Make Smoking Look Chic?

2011-05-18T22:12:00.017-04:00

Refinery 29 has revealed that the French fashion house, Yves. St. Laurent has released a line of cigarettes that are being targeted to consumers in Eastern Europe and Asia. The packaging is obviously attractive, sleek, and reeks (in more ways than one) of the Parisian air that surrounds the label. Had it been, say, a box of pencils or stationery, I would have said "Ooh!". I think that a fashion house selling a product that is known by virtually everyone worldwide to cause diseases such as cancers, lung problems, and bad skin and teeth (I'm talking wrinkly, sallow, and yellow people!) is appalling.

This made me think of a personal experience I had a few weeks ago. I was flipping through the latest issue of ELLE, which held a two-page advertisement for American Spirits cigarettes along with an assortment of "30% off" and "Buy One, Get One Free" coupons. Note that I live in Canada, where tobacco companies are not allowed to advertise their products. Therefore, this is not something that I see every day. This left me wondering: should the fashion industry and the advertising world hold the authority and have the right to make smoking more accessible and more appealing to the masses?

Personally, I would never take up smoking. Yes, I've sparked one up once or twice...but that's just what all the suburban teenagers are doing these days. The costs of personal health are far too great, plus I would much rather spend all that money on a new wardrobe! I can also say that I believe Anna Karina looks undeniably chic smoking a ciggie in the black and white Godard films. Despite how "chic" she may look, I'm not going to be heading to the convenience store to buy a pack of smokes anytime soon.

I think the fact that a woman who is already glamorous on her own can have her personal level of glamour furthered by smoking shows how Hollywood (whether it be old or new) and the fashion industry can obscure our views as to what is healthy and what is attractive. This is no different than seeing stick-thin models on the pages of all the world's most popular glossies and thinking that they look chic because they are so skinny. It's all part of the cycle!

Smoking cigarettes is often affiliated with both the fashion and the general art scene. We see models such as Kate Moss puffing on a cigarette at the Marc Jacobs F/W 2011 show in Paris or iconic photos of Audrey Hepburn with her signature Givenchy gown and extra-long cigarette holder or photos of Andy Warhol taking a drag off a smoke in his studio while creating his latest silk-screen masterpiece. Art and fashion are all about celebrating beauty. Is there anything "beautiful" about death and decay?

A world-renowned brand such as Yves St. Laurent is naturally surrounded by the concept of "label whoring". You know, that feeling when you buy a designer piece (whether it be a $2000 handbag or $30 lipstick) and receive that ultra-elusive bag. Everyone on the street sees the bag and wonders "What did she buy?" and assumes that you must have money to blow since you can afford to shop at a given expensive boutique, regardless of if you can actually afford it or how expensive or cheap the item you bought really was. I believe that women (and men) who can identify as "label whores" may buy these cigarettes in order to be seen in a certain elite light. And that makes me sad!!!

What are your thoughts? Do you think it is right for fashion houses to design cigarettes that are given the same chic and ever-coveted look and reputation than say, a Yves St. Laurent 'Muse' bag? Would you be more likely to smoke because your cigarettes were "designer" and not a brand offered at a typical convenience store?

(Keep in mind that this blog post reflects my personal opinion and not what is "right" or "moral". I don't judge smokers...to each their own!)

Don't forget to 'like' Marvelous Things on Facebook (click here) for updates and exclusive new content!

[All images via Refinery 29]

The Daily LOL: Lindsey Wixson Takes a Tumble

2011-05-17T21:36:00.006-04:00

Former supermodel and veteran crazy, Naomi Campbell hosted a charity runway show (with the help of Dolce & Gabbana) entitled Fashion For Relief yesterday. The show, held during the Cannes Film Festival, was a charity event to raise money for relief for Japan. The show featured some stunning gowns ranging from Marchesa to Yves St. Laurent and featured some notable personnel including Kate Moss, Geri Halliwell, Campbell herself, and model-of-the-moment Lindsey Wixson. While at a standstill, Wixson looked picturesque and graceful in a gold silk dress and red lipstick. The same can't be said for when she was in motion. The face of Miu Miu took a spill not once, not twice, but three times in a row! It's hard to tell if she was tripping on the bottom of her dress or was wearing sky-high heels or maybe had a few too many glasses of champagne backstage (hey, the drinking age in France is sixteen!). Perhaps she was just having an "off" day! Check out the above video for some laughs and two drool-worthy gowns.

Cannes Film Festival: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-05-16T22:50:00.008-04:00

THE GOOD

Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein: This dress is so 90s but at this point, I don't even care. Diane looks SUPERBLY fabulous.

Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann: Only someone as statuesque and other-worldly as Tilda could pull this look off.

Alexa Chung in vintage Balenciaga: So gamine and girly! Does this girl ever look bad?

Angelina Jolie in Salvatore Ferragamo: I love Angie's daytime looks! The chiffon material of the sundress gives the look a more dressy feel while the length, belting, and cap sleeves make the look more appropriate for a sunny event. The only thing that peeves me is Angie's gross tattoo that is hanging out of the right sleeve. Yuck!

Ines de la Fressange in an unknown dress: Ladies, this is how to look good at 54. Take note.

Uma Thurman in Versace: Talk about a yummy mummy! Uma looks fantastic. Definitely one of the best dressed at the opening ceremonies.

Karolina Kurkova in Armani Privè: Normally I'd be a little opposed to a dress that lets your behind show through. Karolina just looks so classy and the dress skims her figure just right...so I have no complaints!

Salma Hayek in Gucci Première: I hate this woman for always looking so damn amazing.

Penelope Cruz in Marchesca: First things first, I HATE HATE HATE this dress. The mermaid skirt and tulle and sequins and beading is just far too much. Had anyone else been wearing it, it would have gone straight into the ugly bin. Penelope, however, looks stunning in it.

Clemence Poesy in Yves St. Laurent: Like Alexa's look, Clemence looks very gamine in that Parisian chic sort of way. The only complaint I have about this look is the sagging fabric along the chest.

Astrid Berges-Frisbey in Chanel Couture: Hate the hair, love the dress. Proof that a minimalistic white sundress always does the trick!

Elizabeth Olsen in The Row: The littlest Olsen shines in this gown designed by her older sisters. While she looks a little uncomfortable in this particular photo, she totally rocks the dramatic slit in the skirt.

Lara Stone in Calvin Klein: The shoes are dreadful. But I'll just pretend that Lara frolicked around the beach moments before the party started. Like Diane's dress, this look is a little 90s. But Lara looks like a golden goddess!

THE BAD

Rachel McAdams in Monique Lhuillier: I wouldn't say that this look is awful, but Rachel is capable of looking much better. The hairstyle is a little 2005, which makes the trouser/bodysuit combo look a little dated. I also hate the way the pant leg skims the ground without showing a hint of shoe!

Lea Seydoux in Prada: Again, this look isn't terrible. I just think that the tablecloth print makes Lea look a little plain.

Mia Wasikowska in Valentino: The colour of the dress makes Mia look beyond washed out. If you're pale and plan to wear blush, go for a brighter pink undertone versus a light beige.

THE UGLY

Bryce Dallas Howard in Wren: Little House on the Boring. I like the two pieces as seperate entities, however, the combo is just a little too dowdy. It may be a little more appropriate for someone, say, twenty years older than Bryce.

Salma Hayek in Gucci: I finally found a dress on Salma that I dislike! Score! Jennifer Lopez wore a similar gown to the MET Ball a few weeks ago and she also ended up on the 'Ugly' list. The obnoxious ruffled sleeves look even worse by clashing with the leather of the dress' bodice and skirt. NOT a good look.

Kirsten Dunst in an unknown dress: The secretary look is always boring in Hollywood. Unless you're a cast member on Mad Men.

PS: Don't forget to like Marvelous Things on Facebook! :) (Click here)

(All images via Harper's Bazaar)

Elizabeth & James Fall 2011 Lookbook

2011-05-15T23:11:00.007-04:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted anything! The blogger outage definitely was a catalyst for my absence. I have never seen anything like it...even the dreaded tumblr (whose servers crash every five seconds it seems) is up and running within a few hours at the very maximum. A day and a half-odd crash was definitely unexpected! Either way, my blog seems to be back to its original state for the exception of a few comments and post tags (thank god!) and I'm getting back on the straight and narrow, a.k.a posting daily. Normally, I don't like posting lookbooks as their own post (I usually include them in say, an "In The Now" fashion news post) as it makes me look a little lazy! This particular collection, however, was definitely deserving of a a little spotlight.

The first thing I noticed about the collection is that like the Olsen Twins' personal style, the pieces (especially how they are shown all together here) are incredibly eclectic. The main "looks" showcased within the pieces are a mix of bohemian flare (patchwork, paisley prints, bell sleeves and skirts, wide-brimmed hats, shag coats) and a sleeker, city-oriented look (chic tshirts with leather sleeves, leather skinnies, big black sunnies, biker jackets, ankle boots, buckle-fastened cardigans). While the combination of these two looks stays true to what is "in" for the current season, I feel that this particular collection is a little fresh and new despite the apparent repetition. The colour palette features bright shades, such as cobalt blue, that would not normally be shown in a muted fall collection. The use of textures, such as shag fur with leather and silk and tweed with faux-leopard skin, give a new spin on the age-old fall trend of layering. If I score a wicked sweet summer job (which I sincerely doubt I will as I am currently living the fabulous life of unemployment), I will certainly invest in one of these pieces!

Do you like the collection? Do you hate it? Which pieces are you drooling over? Personally, I have my eye on the blue silk blouse and the bell-skirted lace party dress!

BY THE WAY! I just created a Facebook page for Marvelous Things so that you can subscribe to updates via your (likely) favorite social networking site! Click here to 'Like' Marvelous Things and connect with ME! I'd greatly appreciate it :)

(All images via Mama's A Rolling Stone)

Product Review: Moroccanoil Gold Shimmer Shine and Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

2011-05-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

I haven't done a product review before but I've seen so many amazing ones on other blogs (such as Courtney from Sartorial Sidelines' videos...she turned me onto Cetaphil) and thought I'd try and make my own! These products are products that I have started using fairly recently. I'm quite impressed with both of them and may even go so far as to say that they are both makeup bag staples for me from now on!

Chanel Resort/Cruise 2012

2011-05-10T19:02:00.005-04:00

Ah, The Chanel Cruise collection! The time where supermodels and Chanel muses and the fashion industry's elite flock down to the French Riviera for fashion shows, dinners, and boardwalk fun! This year's collection was deemed as a "Billion Dollar Babes"-themed collection by Chanel representatives. Like good ol' times, Abbey Lee opened the show.

In my opinion, last year's collection was much more impressive. The clothes were much more suited for relaxing on a beach (or yacht) in Saint-Tropez, which is how I picture the ideal Chanel Cruise collection to be. Karl intended this collection to be more of a juxtapose the styles of Saint-Tropez (as shown last year) and of the nearby town, Antibes. Despite this, the collection seemed a little more ladies who lunch in Boca Raton to me.

Let's start with the things I DID like about the collection. The swimsuits are quite stunning! They're definitely suited for a day of sailing (paired with a crisp white collared shirt as a cover-up) or a day at the beach! The majority of the sundresses, particularly the printed ones, were also drool-worthy.

There were also a lot of things about the collection that I disliked. While the 1960s mod revival pieces were fun and in good spirts, I found them to be much more suited towards, say, a pre-Fall or Fall/Winter collection. They also seemed stiff compared to the breezy white frocks and floor-length sundresses. Resort collections are ALL about bringing out the colour! I'm also not a fan of the tall leather sandals paired with the skirts. If you've been reading my blog for the past little while, you will have noticed that I fumed about the tall boots and trousers being worn underneath the skirts in Karl's past collections for Chanel. My distaste for this look continues to present itself with this wretched footwear! In all fairness, I haven't been pleased with Chanel footwear for what seems like years...whether it's Dutch-looking flats or Yeti boots, I'm not a fan. I find that they do not elongate the legs and rather create a bulky silhouette for the models. A nice thong sandal or espadrille would have been more appropriate.

All in all, I found the themes of this collection to be a little too all over the places. While it was certainly fun to look at, I just couldn't see myself strutting about a coastal town in a lemon yellow skirt suit! One must keep in mind that despite the fact that the models used in the shows are barely 20-somethings, Chanel's target consumers belong to a much older (and wealthier) age group. Thus, some of the pieces may appear as a little "stuffy" to someone like me who has hit adulthood somewhat recently.

Was I overly thrilled with the collection? Definitely not. Were some of the pieces covet-worthy? Of course! Were the male models Karl selected yummy yummy deelish? Positively! I suppose that I just haven't agreed with the majority of Karl's creative decisions as of late. Despite this, the magic that is Chanel still lingers! Now, I can only wait for him to select a muse who isn't Blake Lively or Rachel Bilson. I detest Blake Lively and her sub-par acting skills (learn how to open your mouth while you speak!) and love Rachel Bilson's personal style, though I find her to be not all that memorable now that her days as Summer Roberts have ceased. The average pretty California girl/starlet just doesn't have that edge that a Chanel muse needs! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that a Chanel muse must be a Parisian or at least have that Parisian flare about her! Who do you think he'll select next? Laura Love, perhaps?

(All images and the introductory information via Style.com)

In The Now: Week of May 9th-May 15th

2011-05-09T18:17:00.002-04:00

H&M releases preview of their Fall 2010 lookbook: A rather vampy looking Karlie Kloss can be seen modeling some rather stunning looks from H&M's fall collection. Some popular tones from spring and summer have apparently carried over into fall (light beige, burnt orange) as well as the re-appearance of some fall staples such as utilitarian green khaki and black. I'm quite impressed with these pieces! The fringed dress, military parka, white cape coat, and beige high-waisted trousers are rather incredible!

Hannah MacGibbon Ousted From Chloé: I just read this piece of news today and I am beyond shocked! Rumour has it that MacGibbon's contract with Chloé has just ended and the higher-ups at the fashion house decided not to renew her contract. Yes, the fashion community was none too pleased with her print-laden F/W 2011 collection (which I kinda liked!). However, I believe that Hannah has done SPECTACULAR things for Chloé over the years! She really shaped the line into being a tour de force in the field of luxury minimalism in the industry. Clare Waight Keller, the former creative director of Pringle of Scotland, will be assuming the position of creative director. She is obviously known for her work with knitwear, which gives me the idea that Chloé may trade in their well-known denim button-ups for cashmere cardigans...

Patrick Robinson Canned From GAP: Robinson, who has been the design head honcho for the San Francisco-based corporation since 2007. Again, this came as a shock! I think Patrick did a great job of turning the label around from a stuffy corporation and into a great go-to shop for denim, office-friendly pieces, and other basics. GAP'S head office has apparently reported negative sales, and is looking for a designer to help propel the label into more fashion-forward territory.

Vogue Launches Voguepedia: The encyclopedia of all things Vogue has recently launched on the Vogue homepage! The site categories are as follows: designer, brand, model, fashion personality and beauty. So exciting!

Month of May (Inspiration & Recipe)

2011-05-08T21:33:00.007-04:00

I've been kind of lazy with the blogging now that the dreadful rain has stopped pouring down and the sun has finally come out for once! Nevertheless, I've been feeling quite inspired lately, whether it be by fashion or by the charming little things in life. The things that have my heart beating a little more ambitiously than normal are as follows:

Ines de la Fressange (her fashion/shopping/travel/lifestyle guide "Parisian Chic" was one of the best fashion books I have ever read. Plus, the red Moleskine notebook-esque binding is très chic!), street style shots with bicycles as a guest star (they make me want to buy a Schwinn and re-learn how to ride a two-wheeled beauty!), maxi dresses (being 5"4, I never thought that I could pull this look off. I have, however, purchased my first maxi dress and couldn't be happier!), dress shorts (I bought a pair of flouncy floral chiffon shorts yesterday, so much more appealing than denim cut-offs), Frappucino Happy Hour at Starbuck's (nothing says summer is quickly approaching like half-off iced beverages at your neighbourhood Starb's! I get a tall caramel light to cut out some of the calories!)

If you're looking for an at-home alternative to a refreshing iced drink, here's my recipe for an iced hot chocolate à la Serendipity 3 in New York City (without the ginormous portion size. When I ordered one on my first trip to NYC, I took a few sips and couldn't finish the rest, so rich!)!

You'll need: 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water, 1/4 cup cocoa, 4 cups milk, 1/8 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp vanilla.

Directions: 01) Place all ingredients except for the vanilla in a medium saucepan and put on high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is heated.

02) Remove from heat and add vanilla. Set aside until the hot chocolate reaches room temperature.

03) Blend the hot chocolate mixture with ice in a blender until it reaches a daquiri-like consistency. Pour into a glass and enjoy! Top with whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings for a little extra kick!

04) Makes anywhere from 2-4 servings depending on the size of the glasses you are using. Substitute the milk for soy milk for a vegan-friendly alternative!

*I also just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Louise of Table Tonic who featured Marvelous Things on her 30 Bookmark-Worthy Sites post the other day! Thank you so much! Be sure to check out her blog as well as the other blogs on the list, they're wonderful!

Five Minutes With...Kathleen of FASHION ICE and Louise of Pretty Things

2011-05-04T23:16:00.004-04:00

Kathleen from FASHION ICE has one of the most oggle-worthy and versatile senses of style I have come across over the course of my two years of blogging. I love how she can mix edgy pieces such as a leather bomber jacket and thigh highs with a prim-and-proper structured satchel! If you're looking for new ways to switch up your multi-demensional wardrobe, her blog is great for some brainstorming! Here is her interview:

What is the fashion scene like where you live?
It's different and eclectic. People seem to be more creative with their styles and turn to vintage/thrift shops for ideas which I love. It can be too casual for my liking at times, but I dress up anyway!

Which spring/summer trends have you tried or are looking forward to trying? Which would you never be caught dead wearing?
I've tried color blocking but am yet to do it full force and I'm addicted to fox/raccoon tail accessories. I'm pretty open when it comes to fashion, but I just can't wear flared pants! (aka the bohemian look)

Describe your favorite piece in your closet.
Right now, DIY cut-offs with studs.

Which fashion blogs or websites are saved in your 'favorites'?
I find inspiration in Chicmuse and as of late, Love Aesthetics. Womens Wear Daily, Refinery29 and a ton of photography & style blogs are also my favorites.

What advice can you offer an aspiring fashion blogger?
Stay true to yourself.

If you could...

Attend a fashion show of your choice, which would it be?
Alexander McQueen

Intern at any fashion magazine for a day, which would it be?
VOGUE (it's my bible)

Go on a shopping spree in any store, which would it be?
Balmain

Interview any person in the fashion industry, who would it be?
Anna Wintour. She is such an icon in the fashion industry and an inspiration to me, plus she pretty much has my dream job!

Pick One:

Wedges or flat sandals?
Wedges!!

Mini skirts or maxi skirts?
Mini...I love the maxi skirt look but it would only work on me if I was 6 feet tall!

Bright neons or neutrals?
Neutrals

Gossip Girl or Sex and the City?
Hands down, Sex and the City!

New York or Paris?
Since I haven't been to New York yet, I'm going to have to go with Paris! *

Louise of Pretty Things' blog particularly caught my eye through its raw simplicity (in a good way!), honesty, and great varied content. To make me even greener with envy, she has a KILLER sense of personal style that includes vintage inspired and high-street pieces. The Lindsey Wixson lookalike blogs about everything from newly released collections to her own personal style to the daily happenings around England. Here is her interview:

Describe your personal style.
Feminine with a hint of masculinity but on occasion, completely girly.

What is the fashion scene like where you live?
Its amazing- so many people have their own individual style! I've noticed recently more people wearing vintage which I think makes people stand out a bit more.

Which spring/summer trends have you tried or are excited to try? Which trends can you not stand?
I really loved the 'Black Swan' ballerina hype and I am desperately searching for some fringing- my favourite trend at the moment! There are no trends that I cannot stand but I think mixing florals can be a bit tacky- then again it can also look beautiful if done well.

What are the essential items that you bring along while going on vacation? (Beauty/hair/fashion)
YSL Touche Eclat for when I have just got off a plane and am looking dreadful, The Body Shop body butter (either Mango or Raspberry), Aussie deep conditioner and loads of massive T-shirts to put on at the beach!

What advice would you offer to an aspiring blogger?
Do your own thing and try to transfer your personality onto the screen.

If you could...

Sit front row at any runway show, which would it be?
Well it would have been any one of Alexander McQueen's shows but I would probably say Dior or Givenchy Couture.

Recieve a free dress from any designer of your choice, who would design it?
Possibly Oscar de la Renta or Karl Lagerfeld.

Collaborate with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be?
With Mulberry to make a new bag- 'The Louise' or with Gok Wan to design a range of dresses

Travel to any destination, which would you choose?
New York. I would say Paris but I need to work on my French

Pick One:

Red lipstick or black eyeliner?
Red lipstick

Leather or tweed?
Both together? No, leather.

Vogue or ELLE?
Vogue (although I have subscriptions to both!)

Chanel or Louis Vuitton?
Chanel definitely.

Audrey Heburn or Mailyn Monroe?
Audrey, obviously!*

Costume Institute Gala: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2011-05-02T20:58:00.008-04:00

THE GOOD

Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture: I found this gown to be particularly striking as Anna usually shys away from bold colours and heavy metallics. Such a refreshing change!

Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen: This year's Met Ball was used to pay homage to the late McQueen, given that his designs will now be shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (where the gala takes place each year). Daphne, who was a close friend of the designer, naturally wore McQueen. I'm glad that her choice reflected the sartorial details that McQueen made his own. What a great way to remember a friend and a visionary!

Hamish Bowles in Alexander McQueen: I am such a big fan of Hamish's personal style. He is the ultimate dandy! Like Daphne, he took a risk with his red carpet choice and donned a daring McQueen piece. I bet he'd make Alexander proud!

Margherita Missoni in Missoni: This dress wasn't one of my absolute favorites, however, I felt that it reflected the knitwear that Missoni is so well known for.

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan: Soooo glamorous! Ashley is definitely on her way to topping a best dressed list as of late!

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu: Does this woman ever NOT look good? I love the daring slit in the skirt as well as the colour blocking and detailing!

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel: In Taylor's defence, I have rarely come across a J. Mendel gown that I did not like. Nevertheless, Taylor looks so glamorous and poised in this gown.

Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein: The clean, minimalistic cuts of Calvin Klein gowns always look stunning on Zoe's thin frame. Rather than something in a navy or neutral that the line is so well known for, I am glad that Zoe chose this fresh lemon color. What a great way to embrace the warm weather!

Saiorse Ronan in Rodarte: Rodarte seems to be the go-to label for all of Hollywood's young starlets, as demonstrated by Elle Fanning and Hailee Steinfeld. They all seem to pull of the gowns effortlessly! This is the case with Saiorse's look...she looks so grown up albeit age appropriate!

Doutzen Kroes in Giambattista Valli: Doutzen always looks great each year at this particular event. Like so many years before, she donned a gown with an excessively long train. I love the blood orange/red colour on her!

Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren: I love how Old Hollywood the newly engaged couple look! When in doubt, go glam!

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen: Va-va-voom. That is all!

Freida Pinto in Chanel: Freida always looks so radiant! I love how the little tie detail pays homage to the Kaiser's signature look.

Dakota Fanning in Valentino: Dakota looks very age appropriate in this floral gown. I find that it reflects her personal style very well! It also reminds me of the dress that Michelle Williams wore to this year's Golden Globes (that people either loved or hated), also by Valentino.

Emma Stone in Lanvin: Normally I'd be hating on a dress with a pattern this busy, however, I felt that Emma pulled it off well. I love the neon pink lips with the dark florals!

THE BAD

Stella McCartney in Stella McCartney: I wouldn't say that this dress is hideous, it's just...blah. The silhouette is unflattering and the gown is unmemorable in general.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Stella McCartney: It looks like the Stella frocks aren't a hit tonight! I love the cut of this dress, however, the sparkly, figure skater-esque fabric cheapens the look of the dress.

Elizabeth Banks in Tommy Hilfiger: Like Maggie's dress, the sequins and sparkles cheapen the look of this dress. This particular dress does nothing for me, or Elizabeth for that matter.

Amy Poehler in J. Mendel: I love the skirt of the dress, but the bodice is far too droopy. Amy's hair and makeup are much worse than the dress itself...she looks crazed and haggard!

Rumer Willis in an unknown gown: This dress is a nipslip waiting to happen.

THE UGLY

Sarah Burton in Alexander McQueen: This dress isn't hideous per say, it's just drab. The witchy silhouette of the dress overwhelms Sarah and looks much more suitable for a Lord of the Rings costume piece than a red carpet frock. Since the event is paying homage to the late Mr. McQueen, I expected Sarah (the new creative director of the label) to wear something a little bit more risky to reflect McQueen's talent and sartorial tastes, like Daphne Guinness did.

Fergie in Marchesca: This gown reminded me of one of many bad wedding dresses from the 1980's. The lace on the shoulders is padded on a little too heavily and the long sleeves and long, delicate train seem to be oddly paired. The neutral, peachy colour also washes Fergie Ferg out.

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci: The color is STUNNING, but J-Lo looks like she is about to flap her parrot wings and fly away. Enough said!

Blake Lively in Chanel: I had really high expectations for Blake's gown seeing as A) she usually looks stunning and B) she is the new muse of Karl Lagerfeld. This dress, however, is a total letdown. It reminds me of a toga party costume gone haute couture! I hate how the sheet/prime fabric of the dress looks like it was sloppily placed over Blake's body. Plus, the fabric appliques around the cleavage are a little tacky. Karl, you've gone this long without over-sexing any Chanel pieces...why do it now? I definitely don't think that Blake fits the qualities of the typical Chanel muse. She's much more California girl than Parisian woman and doesn't have that air of elegance like the elegance so many of the muses before her possess. Her makeup also ages her a number of years...eek!

Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney: Another diss for Stella! The silhouette of this dress as well as the detailing do nothing for Naomi's shape! I think what made this look part of the 'ugly' category is how uncomfortable Naomi looks! Hey Stella, lay off of the sequins and glitter next season, would you?!

Miranda Kerr in Marchesca: While Miranda herself looks radiant, this dress does not reflect the same beauty! The crepe and feathered detail skirt is far too short and the tulle overlay only draws the eye to realize how short the dress actually is while giving the frock a Material Girl-esque vibe. It's like bride gone bad...or one of the ugly dresses at my high school prom!

Jessica Alba in Ralph Lauren: I know you're pregnant, but you're still not entitled to wear a gown made of cellophane!

Shalom Harlow in Marchesca: I don't even know what to say about this dress other than "Wow!". Is it a dress? Is it an exaggerated pantsuit? (Read: I know it's a dress!) What is it?!

Which gowns were your favorites? Did you disagree with any of my choices? Pray, do tell!

(All images via New York Magazine)

A Sea of Hype Brought To A Close: The Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T00:08:00.005-04:00

After months of gossip over which it-Brit would design Kate Middleton's gown to speculation over the crazy hats that would be donned by the upper crust of British society to every sort of ridiculous memorabilia, the royal wedding has come to a close.

I honestly didn't fuss about the wedding as much as other people I knew did. The wedding itself was not my sole interest; I find the idea of having a monarchy in a developed country to be incredibly outdated and unnecessary. I also think that the wedding acted as an excellent distraction from all the political turmoil currently happening in Britain. I was, however, bubbling with excitement over who would design Kate's dress! I thought it would be McQueen from the beginning, though I was a little stumped by a press release who said that the British label would not be used for design as the fashion house is owned by Gucci, an Italian corporation. When photos of Sarah Burton arriving at Kate's hotel incognito surfaced on Twitter, I KNEW that it was definitely going to be a moment for McQueen. I am also glad that the dress was not a vintage McQueen original, but a gown (a stunning one at that) designed by Sarah Burton. Sarah has had incredibly large shoes to fill since the moment she took over the label. This has given her an incredible platform to showcase her talent as an individual; not a designer lingering under the shadow of McQueen.

Now, let's take a look at what the wedding party and the guests wore!

Princess Beatrice and Eugenie of York: Okay, call me Regina George, but I do not find either of these girls to be even remotely attractive. Princess Eugenie (left)'s Vivienne Westwood dress seemed more suitable for someone older than her barely-twenty self. I loved Beatrice's Valentino ensemble, however, that disjointed pretzel of a hat on her head killed the look for me. Gosh, I am on such a judgmental roll to this post! I'm loving it!

Kate Middleton: Kate looked stunning in this Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen original. This dress perfectly combined modernity and tradition with the perfect mix of demure lace and the classic McQueen silhouette. Kate looks so radiant!

Victoria Beckham: The prior Posh Spice looked...well, posh in a dress from her namesake label and custom Christian Louboutin heels. While the accents on her Philip Treacy pillbox hat were a little distracting, I consider this hat to be the lesser of all evils in regards to ridiculous wedding hats. Becks looked pretty dapper by her side as well!

Amelia, Eliza, and Kitty Spencer: The nieces of the late Princess Diana and the cousins of Princes William and Harry apparently inherited their aunt's love for fashion! I can barely even see their dresses and can still tell that they look super chic!

Sophie Winkleman: Hands down, this British actress and member of the Royal Family was the best dressed wedding guest. She looks so elegant in this ensemble (I'm not sure who designed it) and has almost an Audrey Hepburn-esque air to her!

Zara Phillips: The daughter of Princess Anne and cousin to William looked chic in a space age-y sort of way. I found this Paul Costelloe and Philip Treacy combinnation to be reminiscent of the Armani Privé Spring/Summer 2011 colelction.

Pippa Middleton: Pippa looked radiant in this Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen original that was tailored to reflect the details used in her sister's gown by the same label. Though it was daring for a member of the wedding party to wear white, I think that Pippa pulled off the look without drawing any negative attention to her breaking of tradition.

Did you watch the royal wedding? Which looks did you like or dislike? And most importantly, would you dare to wear one of those hats?

(Images via a variety of sources; none of them belong to me)

Hello!

2011-04-21T17:43:00.004-04:00

(Check out my under-eye bags!)

I just noticed that I haven't been posting for a little while and wanted to tell you WHY! Luckily, there's no severe issues like last time. I am, however, in the process of writing my final exams! Needless to say, my brain is a little drained and I'm a tad busy studying and running around Toronto like a chicken with its head cut off. I finish off my year next Thursday and the blog will be then my full-time concern! Be sure to expect some new features of fashion bloggers (I have two lined up so far!), some great summer shopping guides, industry gossip, and more!

Until then, I will be living on the seventh floor of the library consuming only coffee and to-go sushi...while wearing sweatpants and zip-up hoodies. Needless to say, I'm a mess.

Love ALWAYS,

Jess :)

Street Style: Stars At Coachella 2011

2011-04-18T01:31:00.003-04:00

(From top to bottom: Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, Eliza Doolittle, Tali Lennox, Harley Viera-Newton, Dorothea Barth Jorgensen)

Tonight marks the end of one of the world's largest musical festivals, Coachella. Coachella is a three day long festival set in the Californian desert including a slew of indie and mainstream artists. Art and hotter-than-hot industry parties also play a large role!

The festival's lineup included performances by Duran Duran, Kanye West, Arcade Fire, Ellie Goulding, The National, Kings of Leon, Cold War Kids, Mumford and Sons, and many, many more!

I've wanted to attend Coachella since the seventh grade. Every year, I spend my weekend camped out on my laptop watching the live stream of the festival! Did any of you attend Coachella, or at least watch the livestream? Which bands would you liked to have seen if you attended? Pray, do tell!

(All images via Harper's Bazaar)

Almost Famous

2011-04-13T21:29:00.006-04:00

The All-American model, Jacquelyn Jablonski was shot by Alexi Lubomirski for the Spring 2011 issue of H&M's magazine. The styling (done by Veronique Didry) is absolutely impeccable! Here we see Jaquelyn channeling a little bit of Ali McGraw (the more tailored, but still boho pieces) and a little bit of Penny Lane from the film Almost Famous (denim-on-denim, shorts with moccasin boots, Mexican blankets) that really showcase the bohemian vibe H&M has been trying to showcase within their pieces for the spring and summer seasons. My favorite pieces have to be the leather shorts and the oversized cream blazer!

What do you think of the collection so far? Are there any pieces that you have your eye on?

I also wanted to take some time to ask for your opinion in regards to the format of my blog post. As a bit of a homage to my journalistic roots, I was thinking about creating more in-depth posts, similar to those in a magazine. This would, however, require more text to read. So, what do you think? Would you prefer posts that are more like "articles", or should I keep writing quick, easy-to-read posts? I would greatly appreciate it if you let me know since the blog posts are all about YOU, not about me!

(All images via Fashionising)

In The Now: Model Comebacks

2011-04-12T18:39:00.003-04:00

Some of the industry's biggest models of yesteryears return to the world of ad campaigns and editorial spreads....

After a long absence, Aussie model Gemma Ward returns to the world of fashion with a cover shoot for Harper's Bazaar Australia's May 2011 issue. The doe-eyed beauty was shot by Peter Ash Lee. You can also catch Gemma in the new Pirates of the Carribean flick!

Agyness Deyn, the spunky Brit model who was all the rage a few years ago, marks her return to the pages of glossies with an editorial spread for British Vogue's May 2011 issue. Tim Walker shot Agyness, who recently returned to her blonde roots, in a gorgeous thirteen page spread which seemingly paid homage to British colonization in Africa. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, but the photos are stunning!

Kate Moss has been rumored to be the latest face of Louis Vuitton! After her smokin' hot (literally) performance at LV's Fall/Winter 2011 show, Kate certainly left a lasting impression, albeit not such a positive one. She was ludicrously criticized for having cellulite on the back of her thighs (good for her! she's a human being!) while Marc was criticized for glamourizing smoking. (this, I find to be justified. Lung cancer is not sexy!) Nevertheless, it would be cool to see Kate in the campaigns. After all, she has made a comeback in regards to representing French fashion houses (most recently, Dior Addict lipstick and Yves St. Laurent Parisienne perfume).

Click here, here, and here for more scoop, courtesy of Fashionologie.

Hair, There, and Everywhere

2011-04-10T18:38:00.007-04:00

(Me with Bill Rowley. My hair is kind of in my eyes/perched on one shoulder here as I had just taken off the salon robe I was wearing right before it was taken. Whoops!)

I have to admit, I was foiled by technology for this post. Hence the partial lack of exciting personal content I promised you in the previous post! Despite all the batteries I have being lightly used, my camera just wouldn't turn on (hence the Blackberry photos)! I had put on a great outfit and had plans to do a mini photohoot in St. Lawrence Market and everything! Oh well!

Nevertheless, I had the privilege of having my hair cut by Bill Rowley at Philosophy Salon yesterday. If you're Canadian, you may recognize Bill as being one of the hair gurus frequently featured on CityLine! He has also frequently worked with some of the industry's elite (hellooooo three degrees of seperation, hahaha). We had a great time chatting about all things hair and fashion, ranging from New York Fashion Week to Karl Lagerfeld to my generation's reluctance to use a curling iron to his experience meeting André Leon Talley at a café in Paris (I am SO jealous!). Plus, my hair looks pretty freaking good!

Here are some of the tips that Bill provided me with while cutting my hair. If you're a curly girly like me, they'll probably be of some use to you!

01) If you have curly, thick hair, a wispy bang will NOT work for you (I learned this the hard way). A thick bang with some weight that starts further up your hairline will suit you better.

02) Side bangs, versus straight bangs, work much better for people with round faces like me. It'll help create angles in your face!

03) Work with your hair's natural texture!

04) For a more bedhead-esque look, curl your hair and then shake the curls out to prevent your hair from looking "perfectly styled".

05) Long layers are perfect for curly hair, as they prevent the "bell effect" from happening (when your top layers sit in a triangle shape on top of your lower letters). The pieces closest to your face should not be any longer than at your jawline.