Jamal & Latika dance their love: The Dip is a very impressive dance move. Trust.

The change in weather has put a serious damp on my inclination for socializing.  In the mood for nesting, I will periodically stay indoors in lieu of venturing out to the all-night dance party.  I had been putting off watching the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire for some time (confession: the trailer made me cry).  Once, coming home on a long-haul flight from London, I was suddenly woken from my slumber by the gentleman seated to my right.  A seemingly cool guy in his 40’s, clad in a black leather jacket, he was sobbing uncontrollably to the tune of A.R. Rahman’s Jai Ho (far superior to the Pussycat Doll collaboration).  He hurried to the washroom.  I assumed to dab his eyes and compose himself. 

The story set in Mumbai, India weaves the tale of poor chaiwallah (tea server) Jamal who emerges from the impoverished city slums to compete on the television show ’Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’  Directed by Danny Boyle, the film is a gritty depiction of the hardships of the slums as well as an inspired love story.  I enjoyed it and somehow I managed to keep the teardrop tsunami at bay.  The film ends with a Bollywood style dance sequence – I would like to learn this choreography one day (just in case).

Watch it:  Slumdog Millionaire – Jai Ho Music Video 

Nicole Richie in a House of Harlow head dress. Part of the dance fun is the oufit.

Head Scarf: Ms. Richie digs it.

In my head, like to believe I am a scarf connoisseur.  If there was a TLC show about people that hoard scarves, perhaps I would be an unsuspecting candidate for intervention.  I have a plethora with a storage bin for Fall/Winter and a separate one for Spring/Summer (like some people with food compulsions, I don’t like it when they touch).  While many people often use scarves in the winter for functional reasons, I don’t think people are as comfortable throwing one on as a fashion statement.  It’s the combination of right scarf with right outfit that can ruin one’s confidence: you try it on with your ensemble, you second-guess your choice, you think better of it and leave it draped on the couch before heading out the door.  Sadness. Whoa-whoa-whoa.   

I would like to share with you my grains of wisdom concerning one of my Top 10 fashion accessories of my life.  My best scarves have been dug out of bins in vintage shops or by accident in a boutique, while perusing for a friend’s birthday present (one for me, one for you).  It’s not necessary to buy every type of scarf as they really should be investment pieces that you can mix and match with your current wardrobe and lifestyle. 

Scarf as headband. You know you love it.

• Beachy Scarf – Rectangular scarves are best for tying on top of your head like a headband.  The ends can often be left to dangle at the nape of your neck or for the fashionistah-adventurous, tied in a giant bow positionned behind your ear.  Very Blair Waldorf.  The other option is to tie it around your forehead a la hippie Nicole Richie.  The fabric should be a light chiffon or silk and probably in a solid or a subtle pattern (mini polka dots or paisley would be cute).  This look should be reserved for the beach, a music festival a la Coachella or lazy Sunday afternoon in a hipster neighbourhood – you want to avoid looking like the OVER-TRY.

Free people trench: Kick your trench up like 10 notches with a silk scarf.

• Belle de Jour Approved – If I had a dollar for every girl I saw wearing a trench coat on the sidewalk, I would have like $20 a day.  Differentiate yourself from the crowd by tying on a silk scarf in a fantastic Pucci-inspired pattern or in a brightly hued damask.  Since the structure of the trench requires something more dressy, opt for a square or a more elaborate pashmina.  For a square, fold the scarf in half, creating a triangle and tie the ends at the nape of your neck.  Borrowing from menswear, you can also take a longer silk rectangle, tie it at your collarbone and tuck it into your trench.    

Art Nouveau A-Go-Go: How wild is this Echo scarf? Sure to illicit ooh's and ah's.

• This Old Thang – If you’re out and about running errands in your skinny jeans, flowy tank, cardi-wrap and ballet flats, why not accentuate your casual cute style with a ruffle scarf, a tie-dyed cotton jersey or a fringey infiniti?  These are stylish options with zero fuss.  What about one with tassles or mini pom-poms?  I could go on for days.  And if your staple ‘errand outfit’ is very basic in style, why not pop it with a vibrant colour that accentuates your face (turquoise flatters almost everyone)?

Echo Knit Ruffle Scarf: I like the gauzy ruffle look of this ruched scarf.

Italian Vogue: Sasha Takes a Morrocan Holiday

It’s six days into January and after a few days of snowfall, I can tell you now, “I’m over winter.”  The only vestige of hope is my impending vacation to warm Miami.  That, and that the retail flip is starting to take place.  It’s when last season’s merchandise retreats and the selection of Spring 2010 gradually begins to overflow onto the floor. 

What excites me most is that it’s going to be a Bohemian Season.  As a self-proclaimed boho-chic fashionistah, this means wearing jewelled caftans, adorable lace up gladiators, layering floaty chiffons and tying scarves in our hair…Essentially walking around like MK, Ash or Nicole Richie.  Say “Pruuunes!” (Very inside joke: The Olsens say ‘prunes’ when taking photos to achieve a pouty lip)

Iconic photo of Talitha Getty by Lichstein

Although many of today’s starlets adopt the luxe hippie, the roots of the Gypset look are steeped in the swinging 1960’s, iconically by Brits Talitha Getty or Marianne Faithfull.  During the decadence of this era, Londoners took flight from the city and lived lavish lifestyles in Morrocco.  You will see the trend really emerge when SATC 2 comes to theatres in May.  I am sure Carrie Bradshaw will be trekking through the dessert in Marrakesh, wearing a sequin tunic to ride a camel and her ‘J’Adore Dior’ to smoke a hookah.

What are some modern updates to avoid looking like a pauper?

• Gold with Coral – This will be a very strong look for Spring.  All pastel hues of blush pinks, tangerines and pale yellows will be in, so you have a multitude of choices to choose from.  Both red and orange coral will be popular and these colours will be prominent in jewellery, clothing and accessories.   
• Updated Vintage Caftan – I am very particular about my caftans as I never want to look like my mother roaming around the house in something that appears like a shapeless potatoe sack.  The best tunics have a cinched waist or the pattern/hue is feminine enough that it flatters. 

Dashiki chic: Freaking out over these vintage patterns for caftans

• Striking Embellishment – One of the reasons why I love boho is because of the uniqueness of the style, the over the top exaggeration and the fashion contrast of messy and put together.  You can find this in unfinished edges with gilded details clashing with a sweet floral and fringed leather.  It’s a veritable ratatouille, a hearty fashion soup, shall we say.

K's fave: Alexis Bittar Jewel Mesh Bangle. Lucite will be BIG too this season.

“Rainy days and Monday’s always get me down.”  Don’t you love the Carpenters?  It’s no wonder people suffer from the winter blues.  Grey skies and downpouring rain is akin to giant teardrops.  Sadness.  Whoa, whoa, whoa. 

Fashionistah avant-garde: Miss Richie working her silk romper like 2 years ago.

This week while leafing through January 2010 issues at the magazine stand, I was renewed with hope and optimism.  Spring fashion does it for me.  The explosion of vibrant colours, trend reports in accessories, new silhouettes re-invented and above all, the promise of warm weather to sashay these hottt styles in.  Luckily, Resort wear comes out to bridge the gap between Winter and Spring, much like Fall Trans (transitional).  Don’t you love all this fashion lingo?

For me, one trend which I will embrace with loving arms is The Romper.  Similar to the bubble skirt, the romper flies below the radar, waiting patiently in the wings for the mainstream to take hold of the trend.  Maybe this trend will never ignite but it’s a style that I recommend for the fashion risk-taker.  By definition, the romper is a loose-fitting one-piece garment having short bloomers, worn especially by children for play.  Sounds delicious, non?

Glamour Vacationistah – For rompers which have the versatility of day to night, there are styles in silk, light floral chiffons or printed cottons.  Sometimes high heels look off with miniskirts, however, the platform with romper works veryx3 well indeed. 

A Patterned Romper to Write Home About: Tibi Coral Reef

Utilitarian Romper – Imagine a loose fitting cotton style in a khaki or a soft denim to trek through city streets and a pair of embellished gladiators.  I have seen some very fetching versions from BCBG and French Connection – so freakin’ cute.

Charlotte Ronson romper. Would be so cute with multi-chain coral necklace and fringe sandals. You die!

Richie about town flaunting her Balenciaga. Such a versatile day bag for bohemians.

It’s no secret that the ubiquitous Balenciaga bag designed by Nicholas Ghesquire is one of many ”It” bags among celebs.  It has been for a few years and that is telling of the style’s endurance among those the Hollywood darlings that have short fashion attention spans.  Chi-chi girls collect them in every shade and trot them out like it’s not a thing.  Like the Hermes Birkin or the Fendi Baguette, it’s one that should be tucked away for safe-keeping to hand down to your daughters.  Definitely future vintage appeal. ie. “OMG, mom you were sooooo cool!” 

If Vogue was to do a feature on Must-Have bags over the century, this one would definitely be selected to epitomize the mid-2000’s.  The classic features motorcycle zippers, vintage lambskin, stud hardware and convertible straps.   There are variations of the famous style which range from clutch to two handled tote.  My personal favourite is the Giant Work style which comes in a delicous gelato rainbow of colours such as Praline, Maldives, Pebble, Raisin and Pomegranate.  Of late, I have been on my bestest behaviour in regards to fancy designer purchases but the Balenciaga has been on the top of the list of “Things to Buy When I Shame Spiral (instead of eating my feelings).”

Oh beloved Balenciaga.  How I adore thee. Let me count the ways. 

Purple Lovah: Balenciaga Arena Giant City

Great Bohos think alike: I would have chosen that outfit too while reclining on my divan in my personal teepee.

Gypsy+Jetset=Gypset.  Do you love it?  Sadly, I did not coin the term.  This afternoon, as I perused the lovely shelves of curated books at Type (883 Queen St. West), I came upon my favourite style of dress which is Bohemian Luxe Chic.  This worldly style is heavily influenced by nomadic gypsies who have a layered, ethnic look fusing one culture to another as they caravan from town to town, country to country. 

The difference is that Gypset combines the opulant lifestyle of rockstars, musicians, artists and bon vivants who travel the world absorbing the multitude of styles and integrating luxury details.  It’s a ratatouille of batiks, fringe, suede, embroidery with decadent sequins and fur.  Sounds delicious, non?

MK and Ashley Olsen embody this style as does Nicole Richie post-Simple Life with their braided hair, flowy chiffon dresses matched with fur vests and suede boots.  How does one so effortlessly achieve this look?  Here are some pointers on picking up a few items whilst on vacation to re-create this signature style:

• Dazzle Me With Sequins – OMG, I die for sequin tunics, especially the bright hued gauzy ones with a deep-V and embellishment around the collar.  While in Maui, I picked up a white one with a colourful graphic floral and coins accenting the collar and sewn around the sleeves. 
• Pleasantly Peasant - These simple bohemian tops often pop with colourful floral embroideries.  Details such as crochet, lace trims and mini tassles also add a home made effect. 
• Animal Instincts - This could mean a sherpa vest, a Mongolian hat or fur lining on a Chinoiserie jacket.   
• Travelling Influences – This means picking up prints which are indigenous to a faraway place – Indonesian batik, Kashmiri pashminas or Egyptian moneybelts.  Layering the textures and ethnic designs enhance the visual interest of the outfit.  
• Just Add Rock n’ Roll – The finishing touch which gives the Gypset flare is the rock n’ roll edge.  Picture yourself thrashing around a stage with your long suede vest, leather pants and lace up booties.  Instead of rolling on a tour bus, pack up your entourage, throw your clothes into your Louis Vuitton luggage and hit the road on your horse and buggy.

Boho Conoisseurs: MK & Ash mix and match

Gypsy Glamour: Ballet Russe meets the Commune. Perfect for Coachella.