Category — fashion

Don’t leave your red lipstick at home! Channel Vanessa Paradis rouge attitude

I recently returned from a gloriously long vacation in Europe.  It was the kind of trip that continued so long, I lost track of time and dates.  Back in my university days, Paris failed to live up to the hype of its image.  But I rediscovered Paris, charmed by the grandeur of Haussman’s boulevards, twinkling lights shining brightly on the Champs Elysee and the surprising kindness and nouveau joie de vie that greeted me upon my return.  I knew I was demurely blending in as I was often stopped for directions (by the French, no less)!

Should you find yourself in need of an impromptu mini-break, Paris is always a good idea.

La Louvre is worth it – I spent 4 hours in The Louvre and I didn’t even see all of it. Go early to avoid the massive lineups.  While many of the galleries will be rammed with tourists (particularly the Italian and Renaissance), you can still take in the art in relative quiet in the lesser frequented rooms on the 2nd floor.  You can also have a dejeuner at Angelina; there is a great view of the central courtyard to people watch.

Only Beyoncé & Jay-Z can take a selfie this close to the Mona Lisa because in real life, your access to it is 12 Asian tourists deep holding up those stupid selfie rods behind a red velvet rope. True story. Leonardo is turning in his grave.

Wear black head-to-toe – Understated cool and lots of leather.  A black wardrobe is a true French staple.  That and those Petit Bateau striped knit tops.  Parisian style is iconic – chic, cool, effortless.  You can also get a taste of that ‘je ne sais quoi’ at Sandro, Maje, Comptoir des Cotonniers or at their grands magasins (department stores) Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.

Red Lips Don’t Care – Bright red or crimson lips are also a MUST – check out my classic-LC beauty post for a tutorial on The Perfect Red Pout.  Obviously, the Parisian classic is of the Chanel variety – Try Rouge Allure Velvet in La Fascinante.  And for the Brigitte Bardot in you, black eyeliner and mascara is welcome too.

Bourjois is like the French equivalent of Maybelline. A heavy dose of eyeliner and mascara does the trick!

Even though Sky Ferreira is a West Coast gal, there is something about her look that recalls French style. Here she wears American Apparel, all noir bien sur.

Éclair is the New Macaron – Parisians are over the macaron.  I’m not over it but just to let you know, it’s so last season.  Novelty eclairs are the ‘it’ patisserie du jour.  I would have brought some home but undoubtedly they would have been squished in my suitcase seeing how I had to sit on said luggage to close it.  Even if you want an après-midi, sugar fix Laduree and Fauchon are not the only macaron games in town. You can hit up any corner boulangerie (bakery) and there will be macarons aplenty.  Just visit a busy one with lots of Frenchies and you know it’s good.  Trust.

Heads up, the trendiest spot in town to get your éclair on is in Le Marais at L’eclair de genie.

Ines de la Fressange covers Paris Vogue this month. Forever stylish in her Roger Vivier flats (aka the Faberge of footwear).

Doesn’t she look glamourous delivering prezzies in that feathery pink concoction? J’adore!

One of my favourite things is shopping for gifts.  I am reallyx3 gifted. baha. This season, I am high-tailing it out of here for the holidays but I am going to lean into the Winter Wonderland goodness that is Christmas.  As a general rule of thumb, I love to give how I live.  I believe in reciprocity and as much kindness as you bestow, it always comes back to you.  Trust. This season, I have been nesting, enjoying the faux glow of my eclectic lit Christmas tree.  If you’re into quirky and crafty gifts, these picks are for you.  And if you’re not, maybe you just don’t get my brand of humour.

How fun is this MoxieMadness tank? So I’m deathly allergic to kale but doesn’t mean I can’t support my friends in the love of superfoods. Gawd, it’s really the worst since I can’t juice kale or spinache and I’m a vegetarian

Hope you are as obsessed with Mindy Kaling as I am. If you disagree, not sure if we could be friends.

These Smitten Kitten holiday cards are terrifying. Santa is watching!

Say a little prayer: You want this Ja’mie candle via Saint Celebrity. Hilaaarious.

This pic has not much to do with my post except that I like their sexy Santa outfits and Bill Nighy is giving blue steel from Love Actually.

Cameron Diaz in The Holiday. Sherling coats and leather driving gloves. I also need a drink.

So don’t make me watch a rom-com, unless the fashion is good. Maybe I can handle a 1/2 hour but then promise me, we can switch to a zombie dramedy.  You swear? Right now, I’m building a winter cozy wardrobe reminiscent of Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (2006).  The premise is that Cameron Diaz’s character longs for a change of scenery from LA and switches homes with English Kate Winslet during holiday season.  Trading in the sunny palms of West Coast for the quaintness of cottage life in the English countryside, shenanies ensue.  I don’t remember the rest.  At some point, she also hooks up with  hottie mchotterson Jude Law (pre-nanny scandal).

But I digress. My interpretation of channelling Cammy in The Holiday… aka Chalet Chic-y.

Blanket brilliance: That ubiquitous Burberry blanket cape monogrammed if you are fameuse or too lucky.

Sister: “You look like a grandma” Moi: “Oh yeah, the baggier the better.” Trust. Zara Oversize Cable Cardi

I’m so fancy, you already know: J. Crew cashmere sweater in camel

Even though Cam wouldn’t necessarily wear this hat, I would keep my head warm in Beyoncé’s double pom pom

Cam lounging about in her creamy cable knit sweater.

And if you’re looking to trade places this holiday season, flash-forward 2014 and we’ve got Airbnb.

There’s no place like Paris. Saint Laurent Glitter pumps

Do you ever wake up from a shopping dream?  Yeah me too.  Sucks to wake up.  To be around me on the daily, is to listen to a constant diatribe on optimism and the power of vision boards.  Fortunately, my spiritual babble is peppered with funny anecdotes and life lessons sung as hip-hop choruses.  “That sh!t cray.  Ain’t it Jay?”

Alternatively this post is titled, shoes to vogue in and the classic house song to play as a soundtrack is Junior Vasquez “If Madonna Calls” (I’m not Here)  Oh yes, we partied hard back in the day…(see/ Les Bains Douches, Paris) 

Quotable Carrie: “I have this little substance abuse problem…expensive footwear.”

I feel like since the end of SATC (not counting the movie), there has been this massive void in our lives.  When Carrie Bradshaw left our living rooms, we could no longer live vicariously through her walk-in closet or ‘ooh and ahh’ as she sashayed down the street.  In an effort to resurrect our fashion icon, we proudly take up her cause.  We share that insane love of shoes.  Those of the 4″ and higher variety.

A love collage of shoes and a toast to the Carries.  Chin-chin.

Nude attitude: Louboutin So Kate

If you are wearing these Brian Atwood Gitte Suede and Mink shoes, it is highly appropriate to scissor kick your gams in the air for friends to admire the furry softness of your pom-poms.

Covet like so bad because it’s like perfect: YSL Paris Calfskin Pum

More! More! More! How do you like it? Channel Studio 54 in these Brian Atwood Alis Stud Suede pumps

“When I’m feeling sad and blue, I simply remember my favourite things and then I don’t feel soooo blue.” Sound of Music lyrics apply

Night Moves: Cara sports a tuxedo inspired jumpsuit. This is a polished look for evening. Very Helmut Newton, non?

At work, my friend S had just come out of a fashion direction meeting (these do exist and it is someone’s job) and she told me I was on trend for Spring 15 because I was wearing a jumpsuit.  But my obsession with the romper and jumpsuit is nothing new.  I have been amassing rompers and jumpsuits for years.  These are some of my best loved brunch outfits, my after 9pm cocktails, my window-shopping go-to’s.  At brunch, my bestie C and me were chatting about the pitfalls of our romper obsession.  You basically have to completely undress before you can use the ladies room.  And if you’re unaccustomed to the fast change, then you might just pee on yourself.

The trend continues strong but here are some fresh takes on those that dare to wear:

Mara Hoffman romper combines a soft cotton with intricate embroidery details.

Topshop deep V-neck jumpsuit in the most vibrant colours and tribal print. Love the geometric shapes which remind me of Morrocan zilij.

How cool does this girl look? Joe’s Denim Romper. I love how this one is a bit baggy like a boyfriend fit.

Is it a wrap dress? Is it a romper? OMG it’s both. Just can’t get enough of this DVF Wrap Dress Romper on the runway and sported by Gwyneth

Don’t believe the hype! Or maybe they want you to (jedi-mind trick). 43 songs including beloved classics. I can’t wait for “I Just Wanna Love U”

It’s been weighing heavy on our minds this week.  My VIP carpool has been cranking up the Beyoncé (all my single ladies!) in anticipation for the On The Run concert.  We’ve been comparing our favourite lines from Drunk In Love, with a unanimous vote for “last thing i remember is our beautiful bodies grinding off in that club” and “surfboard-surfboard” (obviously!).  After we’ve cooled our excitement, the next heavily contemplated topic of discussion is what to wear.  Here I present you a myriad of choices to ponder when thinking of your concert-inspired wardrobe.  Remember, to consider your audience. XO

Beyoncé in Versace for New Year’s Eve with a bold hottt pink lip. They call it Maximalist style. Too much is never enough.

Versace, Versace, Versace: B in Miami with a custom Atelier Versace bodysuit. Loving that emblem cap.

Oh let me just throw on my Givenchy Couture cape and bodysuit. Fancy!

Purrrr! Need me some cat ears. I am super particular about my accessories but these ones from Asos are on the money honey.

How about that polka dot bodysuit you weren’t sure you would get the right ROC (return on compliment) on? Beyoncé wiggle-wiggles for Jay.

Tom Ford makes Varsity chic in sporty sequins.

Canadians girls do it better: Double denim Canadian tuxedo. Wear it sexy for your mandatory hair fling during Grown Woman.