Inspiration: The Great Gatsby

Oh man, I cannot WAIT for this movie to come out!! It’s directed by the brilliant Baz Luhrmann, who also directed two of my favorite movies, Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge, and this film looks like its going to be of similar styling! I can watch this trailer over and over again. I love Dicaprio as Gasby, and Toby Maguire is the perfect Nick Carraway.

A few months back I decided I wanted to read the book, The Great Gatsby and I was surprised how great of a read it was. I was getting into reading classics and after reading MOST of Anna Karenina I switched to Gatsby…much easier! Than I rented the Robert Redford film from 1974- and boy do I get now why all the ladies-of-a-certain-age love their Robert Redford. Handsome devil he was!

Back to this version…have you looked at the fashion? I wish I could pull off the flapper dress, but the ’20′s simply were not made for curvy girls in fashion! (The 50′s and 60′s are more suited to our types!) But all the head bands, and hats look amazing! I’ve been obsessed with head-gear lately and I wonder if this movie will bring a surge in head wraps and head bands again. Side note, doesn’t Carey Mulligan make a beautiful Daisy?

Are you as excited to see this LONG AWAITED film as I am? With this cast I’m sure Baz Luhrmann will redeem himself after his last major film, Australia. Yikes. I still love him, because that wasn’t his fault! Nicole Kidman went overboard on the botox and couldn’t express anything on her face, which is really too bad- seeing as she was/is so beautiful and a great actress. There is my tangent…so here are some pretty killer head wraps I found online at Urban Outfitters. Would you wear one?

 

 

Celebrity Looks Of The Week

Neutrals seems to be the theme of this post, but these female celebs are popping their looks with killer shoes, bold sunglasses, and great handbags. Which of this week’s celebrity styles are your favorite?

LeeLee Sobieski **Black is the New Black Favorite**

Eva Mendez

Gwyneth Paltrow

Scarlett Johansson

Jessica Alba

 

DIY-ing Like Crazy

I’ve started a new little hobby, making bracelets! It’s this fun thing that has evolved in the past few weeks. I thought I’d share with you guys a few of my creations. I’m hoping to get some feed back from my readers as to which ones you like the most. Who knows, I may just start making this a little side business! Thanks for taking a look and leaving your thoughts!

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Neon Bangle

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Braided Bead Bracelet

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Diamond Wrap Bracelet

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Tribal Wrap Bracelet (two shown here)

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Ball Chain Wrap Bracelet

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Infinity Suade Bracelet

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Friendship Chain Bracelet

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Braided Hardware Bracelet

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Finger Ring Bracelet (vintage Charm)

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“R” Charm Bracelet (Vintage Charm)

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Beaded Black and Gold Stretch Bracelet

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Finger Ring Bracelet in Gunmetal

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Braided Suade Hardware Bracelet

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Rose Bead Stretch Bracelet

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Neon Shoelace Chain Bracelet (I may add some charms to this one…haven’t decided yet!)

Summer Sunnies!

Maybe I’m jumping the gun here, thinking about summer and all…but what can I say? I just want it to arrive already! Every summer I like to update and get one new trendy pair of sunglasses. Just a little tradition I have. Here are some of my favorites this year:

Elizabeth and James $190

AJ Morgan $26.11

H & M $12.95 ***Black is the New Black Favorite!

Top Shop $16.00

J.Crew $134.00

Top Shop $16.00

ASOS $20.89

 

Ladies 2012 Trend Report

I’ve been browsing a bunch of different blogs recently, hunting down the latest trends to share with you for spring and summer. Are you excited as I am that spring is finally here?! (Didn’t it seem like it took forever?) Take a look at my Ladies Trend Report and be prepared to have a sudden urge to go shopping!

Pastels all over

Double Denim or the Canadian Tuxedo

Double Cuffs

Tucking It In

Ankle Crop Pants

Stacked Bracelets 

Pastel Hair

Floral Pants

Round Sunglasses

Cap Toe Shoes

Head Wraps and Scarves

A Touch of Neon

Men’s 2012 Trend Report

Here is a visual look at some 2012 hottest menswear trends. Which are your personal favorites?

Exposed Socks

Saggy Pants

Colored Pants (especially RED)

Patches

Braided Belts

Cuffed Pants

Denim on Denim

   

Neck Scarves

                

Wrist Gear

Get The Look: Jamie King

At the GQ Man of The Year Awards, Jamie King looked gorgeous. This inspired me to create a new Get The Look post!

Jamie is wearing a retro style party dress, which is perfect for upcoming holiday season. This A-Line shaped dress is a great style for EVERY body type; because of this it is my personal favorite style dress for the holiday season.

With this retro style dress, I recommend keeping the hair simple. You can do a sleek down ‘do, like Jamie did, or a french twist. Keep the accessories to a minimum. I recommend a good strong earring and a clutch. Finish off the look with a pair of black heels- either peep toes or t-straps to keep with the retro feel. For a more edgy look go with a bootie or platform shoe.

Take a peek at my Get The Look style sheet, (see below) for how you can get Jamie’s style. Everything on the style sheet can be purchased online at Mod Cloth.

Get The Look- Jamie King

 

Cocktail party dress (Black is the New Black Favorite!)
$198 - modcloth.com

Bb dakota dress
$97 - modcloth.com

Cocktail party dress
$90 - modcloth.com

Polka dot dress
$70 - modcloth.com

50 Dresses 50s dress
$108 - modcloth.com

Ruffle dress
$185 - modcloth.com

Vintage pumps
$43 - modcloth.com

Stiletto high heels
$35 - modcloth.com

Heeled sandals
$35 - modcloth.com

High heel pumps
$30 - modcloth.com

Black pumps
$50 - modcloth.com

Shoulder handbag
$70 - modcloth.com

Vintage handbag
$48 - modcloth.com

Chain clutch
$40 - modcloth.com

Onyx earrings
$18 - modcloth.com

Metal earrings
$13 - modcloth.com

Post earrings (Black is the New Black Favorite!)
$30 - modcloth.com

Teardrop earrings
$15 - modcloth.com

Get the Look: Jude Law

Last week Jude Law made an appearance at the Beyond Time: William Turnbull premere wearing an awesome look for fall. Jude is known for his edgy but effortless style, and I love this look because it’s easy for men to wear and for you to modify to fit your personal style.

If you are more classic, stick to a straight leg cuffed jean like Jude has done, and if you are more fashion forward go for a skinny cut jean tucked into your boots. Maybe fedora’s aren’t your thing? Go for a slouchy touque/beanie instead.

Take a look at my Get The Look style sheet below for some inspiration. All the items you can purchase online at Asos.

Get The Look: Jude Law

 


Grenson Sharp Brogue Boots
$259 - asos.com

Barneys Leather Zip Jacket
$198 - asos.com

Diesel Shioner 882 Slim Jean
$158 - asos.com

Diesel Larkee 73 Jeans
$180 - asos.com

Asos Lace-Up Brogue Boots
$79 - asos.com

Religion Inset Chain Belt
$81 - asos.com

Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2012 RTW SHOES!

Yves Saint Laurent debuted their spring Ready To Wear line at Pairs Fashion week to great reviews. Head designer Stefano Pilati created classic French designs that are already becoming the object of many women’s desires!

When I was looking through the photos from the runway I couldn’t help but see something I desired…shoes! Looks like the cap-toe shoe trend is heading into spring, and we are seeing a more sturdy heel. I’m sure we are going to see everyone rocking their favorite pairs very soon!

 

 

My personal favorite are the pink heeled oxfords! Which are your favorite YSL shoes?

My favorite Fall 2011 Fashion Line

Dolce & Gabbana win my vote for his season! LOVE everything about their Fall 2011 line. Usually I’m not their biggest fan but this season I am loving the mix of menswear inspired suiting with feminine animal and star prints. Their is so many pieces that I’d die to have in my wardrobe…if only…

Take a look at the full fashion show here:

Here is a quick look at some of my style inspirations behind the Dolce & Gabbana line:

Dolce & Gabbana Inspiration

Chicks who can SANG

The ladies in this post can’t just sing…lots of singers can sing…these chicks can S-A-N-G. Take a listen to the most beautiful powerful vocal cords of our time.

Adele- Rolling in the Deep. I first fell in love with Adele’s song “Chasing Pavements” and this is her newest single; which in my opinion is even BETTER then Chasing Pavements! Who knew that could be possible?

Florence & The Machine- The Drumming Song. I had the pleasure of seeing Florence before she became a MASSIVE hit and I have to be honest- her opening band sucked- so me and my friend kept thinking, “I sure hope she is awesome live cause this is lame.” Well let me just say she is one of the best concerts I have EVER SEEN. Killer killer vocals!

Lissie- Little Lovin’.She’s new on the scene but her catchy melodies and that little bit of rasp in her voice will get you hooked! Everyone is already in love with her in the UK and at any moment and she is gonna break out in North America. I love the control she has with her vocals.

Gossip- Standing in the Way of Control. Now I don’t think anyone can argue with the fact that Beth Ditto has crazy crazy vocals. I’ve heard her live stuff and it’s just as powerful. I wish I wish I could sing like her!

Ellie Goulding- The Writer. Ok I HAD to show a live performance because her voice is so amazing, so raw, and just pain adorable! Love the vibrato; its pretty crazy and pretty awesome. If you haven’t heard of her yet- she’s got some pretty awesome style; they call it “Folk-Electronic”

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals-Medicine. I just recently started listening to her and now I am hooked! She’s been in the biz for a while, singing with her band since high school. She makes me wish I could sing the blues! But lucky me I get to see them in January when they come to Vancouver. (An early birthday present!)

Kimbra-Settle Down. Well since she is known for creating full songs with her voice, it would only be fair to have her on this list. Kimbra is quite popular in Australia but we’re still eagerly waiting for her debut album here in North America.

We’re lucky to have so many talents and such great music to listen to these days. Power to these powerful ladies! Did I miss anyone??

I have to give honorable mention to a few more “popular” artists such as; Pink, Duffy, Christina Aquilera, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce. Yep they’re super popular and all over the radio- BUT they can perform live and sound good doing it! (Notice I did NOT mention Katy Perry, Taylor Swift,  Mily Cyrus or Ke$ha)

See by Chloe

It seems as though I must have been living under a rock, but I have not heard of this fresh, young, and less expensive line by one of my favorite designers, Chloe. The line is similar to Marc by Marc Jacobs, a hip, ready-to-wear and slightly more affordable line called See By Chloe.

This line also carries a full line of shoes, accessories and handbags! Finally something I don’t have to save up for years for…just months! ;-)

Back to the Basics.

Lately friends have been seeking my advice about must have wardrobe basics. They are downsizing their closet and need to know what to toss and what to keep.

Tip 1:

A good way to test how often you wear something, is turn all your hangers the opposite way, but every time you pull something out, turn them back. Then after a few weeks you will see what you don’t wear anymore. THOSE are toss-able items!

Tip #2

If you KNOW you have not warn something for over 6 months, throw it out! (well, I’d say bag it and give it to charity) Why are you holding onto items that you never wear? Cause you think you might one day? Well I hate to break it to you- you wont!

Tip #3

Want to keep those sentimental clothes? Pack them up in clear plastic containers, that way you can see whats inside and they will never get any water or mold damage. Another great space saver tip is the space saver vacuum seal bags. THEY WORK! You can pack those bags full and the will shrink up like crazy!

Here are my 15 wardrobe basics I think everyone should have to get started:

1. A white button up shirt.

2. At least 2 pairs of jeans with 2 different fits and 2 different washes. (I recommend a straight leg and a skinny leg)

3. A pencil skirt.

The Gap, $38

4. A black (or brown, depending if you wear more earth tones) cardigan.

5. A turtle neck.

6. A v-neck layering sweater.

Old Navy, $35

7. BLACK dress pants.

8. A white camisole.

9. A black blazer.

10. Black dress shoes .(I recommend pumps, I doubt they will ever go out of style)

Steve Madden, $100

11. A casual shoe.

12. A leather purse.

Urban Outfitters, $245

13. Hoop earrings. ( Again, they wont go out of style for a long time!)

14. A simple black belt.

15. A comfortable nude colored bra.

These are the items to spend a little bit extra on. They will never go out of style, so get something made with good quality and something that fits! If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with trendy pieces, add color with scarves, and invest in some jewelery. Accessories are the best and least expensive way to update any outfit!

Hope these tips help! Happy donating!

A MUST buy!

I’m not usually the biggest Chanel fan, mostly just because everyone else is- even though I love everything in black and white/cream…but I must admit- I am dying for this Chanel item:

I LOVE these two-tone tights! Where can I get a knock off?? They are SO amazing!