Category — vintage

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).

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

Burlington is the largest city in the state of Vermont. Downtown city kids, just so you know it takes an hour to get a taxi.

My cool blonde friend C who reminds me of Mad Men’s Betty Draper recently got hitched in her hometown of Burlington, Vermont.  A bevy of East Coast It Girls descended on this truly postcard picturesque college town.  There we found a cobblestone pedestrian street, heritage buildings, boutique shopping and a plethora of restaurants serving delicious farm to table food.  The city hosts a weekend Farmer’s Market which is not to be missed.  I arrived a day early and I was busted by friends retail therapy in session.  Try the boutique Stella Mae (96 Church St.) for young contemporary brands like Ark & Co, Mink Pink, Chaser and funky shoes from Jeffrey Campbell and Dolce Vita.  To indulge your love of vintage, check out Old Gold (180 Main St.) which houses costumes, kitschy accessories, vintage dresses, denim cutoffs and trendy fast-fashion.  I bought so much there, they thanked me.  Bahahaha.  Noooo, thank you!

Cool like a cucumber: My friend C channels Betty Draper. And sidenote, I’m catching up on Mad Men. Don Draper is reallyx3 screwed up.

Loving to research travel, I insisted that we stay at Tripadvisor’s #1 Rated B&B Made Inn Vermont (204 S. Willard).  Designed in a Victorian Gothic Paris Vogue meets Rockstar, there were quirky details aplenty to feast your curiosity.  Like if Keith Richards opened up a B&B, this would be it.  Rooms are adorned in a cozy whimsical style with electric guitars and drums (instruments can be played until 10pm) and chalkboards for guests to leave their love notes or drawings.  The owner Linda insisted on making us her famous Sangria so we could chillax pre-cocktail party in the tiki backyard HT (hottt tub, oh yes this was the cincher).  When we told our friends, they said, “we got lemonade at our B&B??!!” I just advised that next time they should talk to me.  Such a fun mini-vacay! Highly recommended.

Peekaboo! A grand entrance

The sitting room where you could cozy up and read a book

Coffee Table Books and a giant Hand (just because)

This is my dream: floor to ceiling shelves of books. Say no to Kobo!

Moody art and a reading nook

Breakfast is served. Nothing makes my life like fresh juice and fruit. General rule: I break detox for croissants.

Montreal reminds me of Sam Roberts. He is cute. He-he-he-hon-hon-hon

OMD. Oh mon Dieu! That’s OMG en français. This week, I had the good fortune to spend some quality down time in Montreal. I have often travelled to our neighbour to the East for work but as they say, all work and no play makes V a dull girl.  And when I say dull, I really mean crazy but not of the Jack Nicholson-The Shining variety.

I have a love affair with Montreal – its winding outdoor staircases, the romantic cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal, the café culture (so mignon) and its culinary delights.  Some of my fondest memories are of visiting my dearest A while she was in university in McGill; we would often go to her favourite haunts and play dress up in vintage stores.

Admire the Montreal street art while you galavant.

I found it difficult to find a compilation of some of the best trendy boutiques and vintage shops, so I’ve walked a few thousand steps in my gladiators to bring you my best bets:

• DadaDo (4292 Boul St. Laurent) – Artist studio meets vintage shop meets boudoir. The entrance greets you with a bargain bin of accessories and books and as you get further in you will find racks of flowy skirts and lacy slip dresses.

Inside the red velvet DadaDo

• Annex Vintage ( 56 St. Viateur Ouest) – A wide selection of wearable vintage and upcycled pieces.  There are also many pieces from local designers.  I was particularly taken with the “Stay Home and Watch Buffy” totebags.

Annex Vintage: I appreciate a well-curated rack of vintage clothing. Le sigh.

This pic is all about the conversational wallpaper. Discuss.

When it comes to vintage currency, your best bets are denim cut-off shorts and re-worked graphic t-shirts. Trust.

• Lo Well (5364 Boul St. Laurent) – Streamlined Scandinavian is the mood with labels Norwegian Wood, Dusen-Dusen, swim from Mimi Hammer and a wide selection of Montreal-made canvas and leather handbags by Rachel F.

Lowell: Makes me want to pack a bag for a vacay. Oh wait, I am on vacay.

Thoughtful and cool displays at LoWell. I appreciate good merchandising that tells a story.

Accessories by Rachel F. I was taken by the functional styles and heavy hardware on the handbags.

• La (Found)erie (6596 Boul St. Laurent) – I never made it north of the tracks to the up and coming hood of La Patrie but this shop was recently featured in Porter Airlines magazine.
• Onze - This store has 4 MTL locations and features vintage-inspired romantic girly looks.  They were heavy on chiffon floaty things, nautical, floral apparel and accessories.  Here you will find young contemporary brands such as Mink Pink, Gentle Fawn and Ark & Co.
• Kitsch n’ Swell (3968 Boul St. Laurent) – A 60’s swingers pad meets hunters lodge and antique shop.  Fashioned in bubble gum pinks, tassled furniture and laden with curios, there is nothing quite like it in Montreal.  A must-see for inspiration.

Kitsch n Swell: A feast for the eyes. Heaven for 60’s babes.

A parting gift:  One of my fave Sam Roberts songs Bridge to Nowhere & some hottt goss via Lainey Gossip. (ps. I’m sad I’m not going to Smut Soiree this year).  Bonne journée! (good day)

I was walking through Chinatown and there were a bunch of extras in 60’s wardrobe. Sad face, I didn’t realize JGL was there. Stalker.

You make me feel like dancing: Kate lets her hair down at Fran Cutler’s bday in London. It’s an 80’s Dynasty theme.

“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” – Kate Moss

That’s some classic Kate Moss for you.  Probably think about it before you bite in to that giant chocolate bar (don’t let them win).  The 90’s supermodel waif is best known for her meteoric rise from Croyden schoolgirl to catwalk sensation/fashion icon but the best urban legends surrounding Moss are of her party girl ways.  Known to have thrown lavish all night drinking-dances incorporating themes (Great Gatsby) or musicians (Oasis) to highlight decades of her life, her reputation took a hit with a tabloid drug scandal a few years back.  Since then, Kate has simmered down considerably but most recently she was quoted, “I may be 40, but I still know how to party.”  Attagirl!

Let’s take a look back at some** of Kate’s best party girl looks, shall we?

**I say some because she partied a lot and she wore a lot of reallyx3 cute outfits…

Kate Moss circa 1993 in a metallic Liza Bruce slipdress. Whenever you’re flat-chested, it comes off less slutty more fashion, non?

St. Tropez or Bust: Often Kate takes the party to the beach, or a yacht, etc.

Celebrating her book signing in a sultry gold Marc Jacobs dress

At the Met flanked by Marc Jacobs working a Stephen Jones turban.

Kate & Stella at The Box Soho in London