Category — fashion
Living Like A Parisian
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.
January 11, 2015 No Comments
Christmas Wish Lists
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.

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.
December 13, 2014 No Comments
Sweater Coziness: Channelling The Holiday
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

Even though Cam wouldn’t necessarily wear this hat, I would keep my head warm in Beyoncé’s double pom pom
And if you’re looking to trade places this holiday season, flash-forward 2014 and we’ve got Airbnb.
November 6, 2014 No Comments
Visions of Shoes
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)
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.

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.

“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
August 21, 2014 No Comments
Rompers And Jumpsuits: The Trend Continues

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:

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.
July 19, 2014 No Comments
Beyoncé & Jay-Z On The Run Tour: Sartorial Concert Options

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.

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.
July 3, 2014 No Comments