Mission: Not Quite Impossible

A big trend this fall and especially into this spring is the"lingerie inspired"look. I personally had not delved into it at the risk of looking...well, riskay. But done right, it can look sophisticated, elegant and beautiful.  Done wrong it can look tacky, cheap and like you forgot to put a shirt on. Yet, it has proven to be a hit all over the runways, bringing back the 30's pin up girl look. 

(Hint: also amazing in swimwear this summer!)

Courtesy of Elle.com

I had been keeping my eyes open on the vintage racks to literally, get the 30s look (Yes, I would wash it first!) And I actually had some luck just last weekend in Kensington Market. 

For a mere $10, I picked up a lovely vintage bustier, simple and conservative enough to be worn out, but pretty enough to feel amazing. 

With a blazer, and a high waist, full skirt, I truly felt like I had gone back in time. I wish I had a picture of the studded rocker boots I wore to bring it up to our era! While still obsessing with how much fun it was to wear this, I did my usual browse of some designers and websites and here are a few of my favorites. 

This look can be very hard to wear, while it can look VERY RIGHT, I have seen it VERY WRONG. 

You do not want to be in the second category...

DO: simple colors, modest bust lines, and pair with a more conservative outfit- high waisted jean shorts for casual, high waisted skirt or trousers for evening, studded and a bit of lace can be fabulous...provided that it is Alexander McQueen...

From the left to right: asos.com studded numba, Marc Jacobs floral (net-a-porter), Alexander McQueen yellow-crazy beautifulness, and Alexander McQueen IDEAL black bustier- and the outfit net-a-porter.com paired it with just completes me. 

 A few precautions that one must take when trying to wear lingerie in public. 

DO NOT: bright colors mixed with lace, ties, sparkles, sequins (yes they do make them with all of the above one small piece of fabric framing your bust....what a disappointment to the trend) 

I bid you good luck on your journey to fulfill this promising, yet daunting fashion mission. 

Downtown, Uptown, Yourtown

No such thing as too much fun...

Oxfords? Combat? A little bit of both!

The sign of a great weekend?

Nodding off in front of the best view of downtown..

Dont you love those cute combat/oxford boots! Unfortunately my weekend plan of finding a pair for myself failed. However, my several other purchases most definitely made up for it.

(Kensington Market is a goldmine)

A wonderful weekend getaway which just may turn into a permanent stay. Pictures and words cannot describe the fun, beauty, chic-it-ee that was experienced. Filled with beautiful people, fabulous restaurants and the coolest clubs.

 Fashion students definitely live up to their reputation.

I ♥ T.O

Breaking news: Peg/capital girl hits Toronto.

Eaton Center, Queen Street, Bloor.....

"Oh no, are you not saving for Florida?" Well, I basically spent as much on 10 things as I would on a delicious dinner.

I  ♥ deals. 

A small preview: nautical, studs, plaid, floral, cream lace, puff sleeves. You name it. I got it.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Golden Globes, Golden Dresses and Several Not So Golden Stylists

Overall, I am unimpressed with this years red carpet turn out at the 67th annual Golden Globes awards that took place this Sunday, the 17th. While a few stars shone brightly-literally, several failed and probably should have just got right back into their limos, avoiding all photo evidence. Sorry in advance to the celebs and their fans who I offend.

I will start with the bad so that I can work my way to the positive:

Mariah Carey- ill fitted, tasteless cut, and way too much cleavage. Her adolescent husband must have picked out this little (no pun intended) number. Did I mention that she is wearing more make up on her 'girls' than on her face? Highly inappropriate for an awards show.

Jennifer Aniston: Again in black...how revolutionary....And, we know you are in great shape but really, we can see that on the beach, leave the leg under the dress. The one shoulder cut sweetheart top is pretty but the world's highest slit emphasizes the tacky sandals and unneeded leg appearance. Oh and do something with your hair for once, a brush, a stylist? SOMETHING.

January Jones: I'm sorry, I am a fan of you but not your dress. Looks juvenile, too much black, not enough skin, does not show off her beauty, body, or style. Better luck next time.

Drew Barrymore: You look ravishing. Wonderful color, wonderful design, details, cut, fit, skin, hair, makeup, personality. BUT, what is that nub sticking out of your hip? Is that a pocket for your award? A growth? A mistake from the designer? A makeup holder? Please someone tell me because there is no explanation for it. The shoulder nub, I LOVE however. It is stunning. I will forgive you for your hip nub because you make up for it with your shoulder nub.

Diane Agron (Glee): Beautiful dress, beautiful girl. Not the most unique or bold dress but she went with something that looks fabulous on her and is an easy classic. No one could say a bad thing about her. Kudos to Glee girl.

THE WINNER: BEST DRESSED 2010

Anna Paquin: Representing Winnipeg well. A beautiful, bold choice. Golden. Lovely, trendy cut, looks great on her body type (Mariah: take note). Shoes are not awful although she is getting a lot of criticism for them - I would have chosen others but to each their own. If I was to hit the Globes...this is the dress I would pick in a heartbeat. This woman has come along way since "Fly Away Home" -- Fitting that she has now taken the best dressed award home...

For my thoughts on Maggie Gyllenhaal please see: (Lainey says it perfectly)

http://laineygossip.com/Maggie_Gyllenhaal_at_the_Golden_Globes_2010_18jan10.aspx?CatID=0&CelID=0 

Best man: Chace Crawford

 

Want him to be my date in Gossip Girl, Want him to be my date to the Globes. Love the skinny tie and silk collar. Thank you Chace, pick me up at 8?

Attention Stars: There is still hope for the Oscars!

Glamjamas

Source: glamourdaze.blogspot.com

Just yesterday I happened to walk past Jacob on my way through the mall. I am not usually the biggest Jacob clothing advocate but I live by the Jacob Lingerie half of the company. LaSenza is not even on the radar for me anymore when it comes to finding the right bra. But, Jacob on the other hand is stocked with beautiful, luxurious, conservative sleepwear which make you feel glamorous even when just lazing around in a robe and boxers. The 70% off sale caught my eye so I scurried in and purchased a pair of beautiful pyjamas- just for me. My new sleep shorts are so cute. I am seriously contemplating wearing them out...but something in my head (and every person I propose the idea to) is holding me back. Because my lack of camera/good lighting situation limits me from taking decent pictures currently, allow me to describe- Dark grey velvet, black lace trim, baggier fit, small black bow on waist band. If they were just a few inches longer, black tights and a black boyfriend blazer would compliment them perfectly. If only, if only.

Instead I will feel beautiful and excited every time bed-time rolls around and Im slipping into my Obama t-shirt and velvet shorts.

Also, breaking news: my new shorts have given me my inspiration back. Rather than dwelling on the unpleasant weather and lack of summer clothing, I will maximize my time with the trends we have now and look forward to the new ones to come.

What I am on the hunt for now?: lingerie inspired tops (silk tanks, lace and bustiers), trousers, electric colors, studs, studs, studs, and a perfect not so crazy leopard something.

What will I be on the hunt for?: (see earlier posts) floral, loose fits, pales, polka dots, technological prints (sooo innovative), tribal inspired, boyfriend everything- jeans, shorts, t's.

What I have found: Beautiful full stud dress from Zara and an XL floral menswear button up which I will rock as a dress the minute I arrive in Florida!

Where art thou inspiration?

Maybe it is lost with the sun....
or with my money that I spent at christmas...
or with all the fun clothes hiding from January...

I tried to go for a few trends with this casual outfit- nautical (yes, white and blue stripes are allowed and encouraged in the winter!) and a little bit of a big shoulder. Too matchy, matchy with the tan bag and belt? I can't decide, I love both and it made me feel a little bit perkier wearing this rather than the usual sweater and black blazer/scarf.

Confession: Brothers t-shirt from Abercrombie with the sleeves rolled up, Club Monaco Satchel, Leather Belt from Random Winnipeg Exchange Shop, Boots: Moule Winnipeg


I have to say I think it could look cuter with a blazer, but I am inherently known to think everything looks better with a blazer. I think have 8 of them.

Maybe I will get inspiration when I head to the big city in two weeks. In the meantime...save, save, save.

Currently Craving...

Green grass, sun shining through the trees making shadows, dinner on the patio at sunset, drinking cold starbucks drinks, swimming, a golden glow (not that I get one) and mostly... the H&M garden collection.

This spring/summer/reading week I plan to:

 See how long I can go without wearing black, wear as many floral prints as possible, lots and lots of light jean, purchase one light tan/cream leather jacket, acquire a safari/trench inspired dress, practically live in rompers and silk jumpsuits, work so hard on my tan so that the lovely pale colors make me look less pale, and somehow turn the straightness in my hair into beachy waves.

No, I do not think these goals are set too high. Sounds like a fun time in the sun to me. Looking at the H&M collection makes me go crazy when I trudge through the snow minutes later. And its only half way through winter!

In the meantime, these lovely pieces can help me dream....

Extreme Makeover: Clothes Edition

I look like I am ready to milk a cow.  I must say I
truly doubted my ability to transform this.

Value Village $9.99

THE BIG REVEAL:

When I showed my boyfriend this he said:

"Why can't you just buy normal clothes?"

It is a valid question but I answered:

"That is not nearly as fun"

LBD replaces LBD

Rumor has it that blue is the new black. 

This is good and bad news for me. Good because I love the color blue. It has many of the same qualities as black- classic, simple, goes with basically everything. It is bad news because so much of what I own is black - it is always a struggle to stray from it. 

So, while I will always stay faithful to my loyal black- what is a better way to ring in the new year with a little change? 

I had a few 'little blue dresses' to choose from....

Madison Marcus-One Shoulder Blue Dress (Luxe Label, Winnipeg), Club Monaco Silk Blue Button up Dress, Rachel Pally Blue Jersey Dress (Luxe Label, Winnipeg) with gold vintage necklace, Madison Marcus Polka Dot Layered Dress (Luxe Label, Winnipeg)

To ensure my NYE was as fun as it was sparkly I went for the fun

  Madison Marcus layered dress with grey tights, studded flats from Costa Blanca, black Erin Bernie tuxedo jacket, Miss Sixty belt and my new DIY studded bag- (which surprisingly held up throughout the night)  

Here's to another great year and decade! Hello 2010!

DIY: Studded bag

Before:

After:

Black velvet shoulder bag from Value Village $3.99, Assorted studs: $9.99 Michaels, Fleur de Lis deckle: Michaels .50c, chic studded bag: priceless

Sisters, Sisters, Never were there such devoted sisters

On moi: Costa Blanca black tights, sequin skirt: Hush Winnipeg, black tank top, gold necklace: Forever 21, Grey Blazer: Zara, Red lipstick: MAC

On Katie: my gold dress from Forever 21, my black tuxedo blazer (Eryn Brinie New York) Moule Winnipeg, statement necklace: Aldo Accessories, Gold/Black ring: Trust Fund Ottawa

A night out on the town with my big sis means great pics, several hours of dancing and it least one stage appearance. She is my best friend and best fashion consultant when I try wearing/buying something ridiculous. Each year at christmas her, my Dad and I watch White Christmas and sing and dance the whole time- especially to the song "Sisters".

I don't want to go back to school!

Tamborine: Live Band at Alive Night Club

New Years Princess

polyvore.com

I find New Years extremely overrated, it never turns out the way anyone wants it to. But it IS a great excuse to dress up and if you look amazing then you will feel amazing and maybe, just maybe that will turn in to a great night. If I wanted to have the best night ever, this is what I would wear - tiara included.

Haute Holidays

Girls Night Out!

My outfit: lace tights- Club Monaco, skirt: Aritiza, ruffle top: Winners, Blazer: Teen Flo, bag: Hush Winnipeg

Trendy leopard on Emma, colored tights and vintage bf blazer on Caitie!

Formal:

Vintage Gold Statement Necklace

BCBG scrunch dress

Juicy Couture Gold Chain Bag

New York designer gold/silver ring (will get the name!)

Katie enjoying the many christmas presents left over from the party!

Diane Von Furstenburg blue silk dress

MAC purple lipstick.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

xoxo

Party Hopping

Grey Blazer- Rag & Bone, Sequin Layered Dress - Forever 21, Lace tights - Club Monaco, Shoes- Dolce Vita (Soul Shoes Winnipeg), Fringe Bag- Shout (Winnipeg), Belt - Miss Sixty (Unfold Winnipeg)

The perfect holiday hopping outfit -- sparkle, sophistication and a little bit of sass. This number can take you from a casual get together to the hottest party of the year. Bonus features: it is red wine spill proof!

Photography by best brother Nicholas.

Joy to the World

Grey Cashmere Sweater- Club Monaco, Black Silk Skirt- Forever 21, Belt- Holt Renfrew (Vancouver), Black Heeled Booties- Winners (Toronto), Gold Key Charm Necklace- Tiffany & Co, Purple Lipstick- MAC cosmetics

I spent the day catching up with old friends, christmas browsing (and shopping!) and decorating the family tree. I could not imagine a more wonderful way to spend the holidays and I am loving every minute of being home!

This black skirt is actually high waisted but I decided to create a more casual look by wearing a baggier sweater and leaving it untucked. Did I mention how comfortable this outfit is? My definition of "sweats and a hoodie" is tights and a sweater (especially if its cashmere).

I hope you can stay warm, stylish and comfortable over the holidays!