Come Fly With Me

This is just too brilliant for words:  Chanel's latest haute couture collection inspired by airplanes.  The show itself was held in a replica jumbo jet and the models walked down a runway inspired by the inside of a plane.

 Karl Lagerfeld, head designer of Chanel walks down the runway of his latest couture show

Find more images and the full story at Fashionista.

Up All Night

Up All Night is one of my favourite new shows on tv lately.  Actually, it's probably one of the few tv shows I actually watch.  I'm much too antsy to sit and watch tv for very long, but I think this show is a hilarious, smart and sweet look into the world of new parents Regean (Christina Applegate) and Chris (Will Arnett).  Regean works for an Oprah-esque tv host named Eva and heads back to work very soon after having their baby, so Chris becomes the stay-at-home dad.  The two of them struggle with their new roles as parents while trying not to totally lose who they were before they had a baby.

Another thing I like about the show finding inspiration in Reagan's style.  She works in a very professional but creative environment, so her style is classic but with an eclectic edge to it:

I've been in a bit of a style rut lately, especially when it comes to work, so I'll keep watching Up All Night for some laughs but also to see what cute outfit Reagan will wear next that I can try to emulate from my own closet.

Weekend Project: DIY Clutch

Looking for something crafty to do this weekend?  Refinery29 has a great idea:  make a bejewelled clutch inspired by a similar Prada clutch.  Very cute idea and it's inspiring me to get more crafty and maybe start making jewellry like some of my good friends do.

Bag Lady

No I'm not referring to Erykah Badu's hit single "Bag Lady" from 12 years ago (yes, I am old enough to remember this song!  It was catchy!)...I'm talking about my obsession with handbags.  I used to be a total shoe gal, but that changed about 3 years ago when I realized that a) stilettos hurt like a bitch and b) I have enough shoes to wear a different pair every day for about 6 weeks.  It was time to move on and my feet  are much much happier.  My wallet?  Not so much as I quickly moved on to my next obsession: handbags.

I have a few designer ones that I really love (like my Marc by Marc Jacobs Francesca and Rebecca Minkoff MAB - Morning After Bag), but I also have some "lower end" designer bags like a great medium brown Esprit hobo, a kelly green Matt and Nat satchel and a white Coach bag with black accents - my favourite because it is so classic looking and doesn't have that obvious Coach look

I've already gone on in previous posts about Chanel and Hermes bags that I hope to own one day when I've "made it" (aka won the lottery), but I hope to also add these lovely ladies to my collection:

If I could have them all, I would be sooo happy!  But the pink one would be sweet - Balenciaga Moto bag.

Pretty red Valentino bow satchel

Classic everyday tote from Bottega Veneta

Sympathy for the Divorcée

I have resisted for a long long time to barely even mention the word "Kardashian" on my blog. Why?  Well, like most of you out there, I think they are totally overexposed and don't need any more attention than they already have.  Do I admit to watching their show and having interest in their lives?  Yes I do!  There is something weirdly fascinating about this family and I can't put my finger on it.  They aren't very relatable for obvious reasons (they are rich, often appear spoiled and use the word "like" too many times, to start), but then again, that is likely why they are fascinating.

You probably already know that there has been a huge, HUGE backlash against Kim Kardashian (and her family by default) after filing for divorce a mere 72 days into her marriage to some douchy, immature NBA player.  There was an obvious conclusion that her marriage was faked for tv, because, let's be honest, there is a lot that seems fake about her and her family.  She defended herself, saying she married for love not tv.

I know you are going to think I'm crazy but I think there is some truth in her statement.  She's an attractive, successful, family oriented (minus that sex tape ordeal...oh and posing nude in Playboy.  And Harpers Bazaar.  And W magazine.), 31 year old woman who has stated in the past that she expected to already be married and have kids by the age of 30.  She's not much different than me (except the sex tape and nude pictures, thank you very much), and I know that feeling of desperately wanting to live "happily ever after".  There is a lot of pressure on women my age to "settle down".  You often feel like a failure for not living up to this expectation that you have for yourself and in my case (and probably Kim's) your family has for you.

All I'm trying to say is...I can relate and I think a lot of women out there can too!  We can try to focus on other things and have hope in our hearts, but it is what is:  Being alone sucks.  Being unsure of your future and sometimes feeling like you might never find the "one" sucks.  Not knowing if you will ever have children sucks.  I have lots of hope that I'll find my guy, but I don't think it's up to me to judge when someone like Kim Kardashian or whoever else it might be settles for what they think is the right thing for them.  Because at the end of the day, if you feel that pressure to live a certain way, you can make a decision for the wrong reason and it can happen to anyone of us.

Chanel "June" Nailcolour

I know June seems so far away, but isn't this the prettiest shade for a manicure in the spring/summer?   I think this shade of orange is called canteloupe.  Anyway, after all the chilly weather in Vancouver this week, I'm all ready for a change of seasons!  Check out more fun nail colours for spring at Fashionista.

Sloppy...Sloppy...Cute?

Unlike JLo's style, I have a hate hate relationship with Vanessa Hudgen's style.  I hate that I hate her style so much...but I can't not hate her style.  Am I making any sense?

For ages, I haven't been able to pinpoint out why what this D-list star's (sorry, just being honest!) red carpet choices rub me the wrong way , but I think I have finally figured it out.  So many times she's on the edge of looking absolutely perfect, but her clothes are either ill-fitting, have too much embellishment or use strange (read: cheap) looking material. See evidence below.

Great colour, and even the fit is nice but what, I repeat WHAT, is that silver thing hanging off the front?

Same issue as above picture.
What is that weird stretch sparkly fabric across her mid-section?
Not flattering at all!

This just looks like she's wearing spiderwebs.
The slit in the dress is supposed to be sexy but does nothing for her when she's wearing those clunky shoes.
Strappy sandals would have been a much better choice.

Way too big for her small frame.  Shoulders are droopy and it is way too long.

But...but I have some hope!  Found this picture of her from a press tour today and she looks adorable, stylish and chic all in one.  I can only hope (for her sake) that it sticks...or that it is actually her and not some other random D-lister.

Perfection!

Black "Paper" Bag

Remember like 10 years back when people carried kitschy lunch boxes as purses?  Ones with Hello Kitty and other cartoon characters?  Well, Jil Sander's men's collection is now offering a black "paper" bag that is a step up from the basic lunchbox.  You know, for the man in your life that carries his lunch and wants to be avante garde whilst doing it.

Jil Sander's black "paper" bag.  Read the full story at Refinery29

Style Rule Numero Uno

Do not let your children pick your outfit for a major event, especially one broadcast around the world not to mention full of photographers.  SMG, it is really cute you wanted your daughter's input but a) she's only 2 years old and b) this dress looks like something a 2 year old would colour for her mommy.  Very sweet idea but the result?  Not so stylish:

Sarah Michelle Gellar in an outfit completely picked out by her two year old

Golden Globes 2012

The Moet has been polished off, the scathing jokes that Ricky Gervais so painstakingly wrote have been delivered and the "real" parties are about to start.  Yes, the Golden Globes have come and gone, and now it's time to spend the next week analyzing who was a fashion hit and who was a miss.

The hot colours were peacock blue, burgundy, saffron yellow and bright pink.  Mermaid gowns were big this year and so were coloured jewels.  I love that there was so much colour on the red carpet...it was a feast for the eyes, and that's what it's all about right?  That and um, the awards themselves I guess!

Emily Deschanel in BCBG Max Azria.
This feels like a strange choice but apparently I love me a one sleeve and draped gown in blue.

Ariel Winter (from Modern Family) in a pretty Dolce and Gabbana dress.  
Sometimes frills can just be fussy, but she looks really cute in this.

Freida Pinto in Prada.  She looks effortlessly beautiful in this gown.

Julianne Moore in a mermaid style Chanel gown.  Somehow, she always looks good, especially when she adds a little pop of green into her outfit.  The emerald earrings she paired with the dress look perfect.

Natalie Portman in Lanvin.
A much better execution of red and pink together than what she wore last year to this same event.

Nava Rivera in Vera Wang.  This gown is so simple but I love the material and the cut.
I think this dress paired her simple hair and accesories with the bold lips is just a perfect look.

Nicole Kidman in a very unique grey and gold detailed Versace.
She looks very statuesque in this gown.  I forgot how tall she is!

Reese Witherspoon apparently had to be sewn into this Zac Posen gown, but I think it was worth it.
This was my favourite look of the night.  She looks amazing.

Sarah Hyland in a vintage Dolce and Gabbana dress.  
She just looks so pretty and put together from the hair to the makeup to the simple black clutch.

Tina Fey in a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown.  I love the ruffles , the pink,  the cut, I love it all.
Sorry Reese, I forgot about this dress.  It's now my favourite look of the night!

Viola Davis of The Help (still need to see that movie!) looks fabulous and she definitely has the killer arms and legs to pull of this Emilio Pucci dress.  I just feel bad for her baby toe...look closely but that toe is in a very awkward position and probably is going to hurt for a long long time after this night.  

Zooey Deschanel in a custom made Prada gown.  This dress is like nothing I've ever seen, and I really do like it.  It matches her fun and funky personality.  And check out her nails done up as little tuxes.  So cute!

The Devil's in the Details

Details are important.  Case in point, Emma Stone's outfit at the Golden Globes.  The dress, hair, makeup, clutch, shoes and jewelry are gorgeous.  The belt?  Probably best belongs on a cougar who dates an aging HA member.  The leather is too thick and clunky for the flowy dress she's wearing, not to mention the bedazzled eagle is just plain tacky.

See what I mean?  Perfection until you catch a glimpse of the belt, then you can't not look at it.

Pagent School 101

Miss America 2012 obviously didn't take the Beauty portion of pagent class, cause some lesssons in using waterproof eye makeup would have really helped her out last night when she received her crown and sash:

The horror!

LWD: Little White Dress

We all know that the most versatile and reliable item in a woman's closet is the LBD:  little black dress.  It fits every occasion, from a wedding to Christmas party to hot date to family dinner.  It hides all flaws and accentuates our best assets.  It lasts from season to season, without fail.

But what about the LWD:  little white dress?  White has become appropriate to wear year round...almost no one pays attention to the outdated rule that you shouldn't wear white after Labour Day.  Just like the LBD, the LWD can work for any occasion.  You can dress it up with jewellry and accessories, you can dress it down with a blazer or flats or a pashmina.  I started playing around with white dresses on Polyvore the other day, and this is what I came up with.

White done right, the casual way.  Via my Polyvore page

White can be sexy too!  (Via Polyvore)

By the way, if you don't have Polyvore yet, you should join!  It's a fun way to create your own outfits from literally thousands of items sourced from fashion websites.  Kind of like dressing up paper dolls with different pieces like you did when you were a kid.

Age Appropriate

I know the below picture is from last year, but it seriously made me think, what is Madonna on?  I'm still young (yes, I think 30 is young...because it is!), but at some point I know I'm going to have to embrace the fact that there are certain looks you can't pull off like you used to.  That's just reality and if you ignore that, you will probably look silly.  I think you still should flaunt what you have, but there is a line and the other Miss M has definitely crossed it.

Dear Madonna:  Give. It. Up.  You are over 50 and it's time to stop dressing like you are 20.  Not that any 20 year old would actually dress like this.  Unless of course they are dressing up like you for Halloween.

Who does dress age appropriate?  Emma Stone.  How gorgeous is she in this Jason Wu gown??  It's still young and fresh with the fun print and cut outs, but it doesn't make it seem like's she's trying to hard.  Clearly, she's a woman comfortable in her skin and owns this look.   Madonna needs to take a few lessons from Emma (or her stylist!).

Beauty Product Review: Sula Lip Gloss

I recently got a great lipgloss in my Glymm Beauty Box from a brand I've never heard of called Sula.  Generally I stick to tried and true Rosebud salve that I've been obsessed with for about 6 years.  I hate to have anything on my lips, mostly because lipstick always rubs off and I always have trouble with gloss because they are often too sticky.  Sounds gross, but my pet peeve is getting my hair stuck to my lips when I have gloss on.  

BUT, I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised about how much I like this Sula "First Kiss" lip gloss!  It is a perfect shade of pink - not too light that it looks like it belongs on a 11 year old, not too bold that it's that Barbie pink - plus it isn't sticky like other glosses.  I might have to track it down somewhere...so far I only see this brand on Glymm's website or through the recommendations on Sula's website.

The People Have Spoken...

And apparently they love Katy Perry, How I Met your Mother and Vampire Diaries.  What am I referring to here?  The People's Choice Awards last night...where the star power wasn't huge but there were some gorgeous dresses to drool over nonetheless.  For some reason, I can't stop thinking about this vibrant and unique Roksanda Ilincic dress that Ginnifer Goodwin wore last night:

I think she looks fabulous and it has a lot to do with the dress.  Normally Ginnifer Goodwin does the adorable/quirky thing, so seeing her in such a bold dress is a nice change.  Roksanda Ilincic is a "designer to watch" according to InStyle magazine so expect to see more of her looks on the red carpet, which is great.  I love her take on fashion:  "Women should follow their heard and feel comfortable in what they're wearing."  Agreed!

Favourite Golden Globes Gowns

The Golden Globes are this weekend, the start of the "big" awards shows in Hollywood.  I'm very excited to see what everyone wears and it got me researching into some of the most gorgeous looks from past years.  Here are some of my favourites:

Emily Blunt in Dolce and Gabbana (2010)

Felicity Huffman in Marchesa (2006)

Jennifer Lopez in Marchesa (2007)

Jennifer Garner in Valentino (2005)

Kate Hudson in Versace (2002)

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent (2009)

Kim Cattrall in Valentino (2003)

Minnie Driver in Givenchy (1998)

Fashion Websites: Refinery 29

As soon as I'm home from my "real" job and unwinding from the craziness that usually rules my day, I love visiting 3 or 4 (or 24...) different fashion sites/blogs to check out the latest style news, trend reports and beauty tips.  One of the sites I've discovered more recently is Refinery 29 and I'm so impressed with it so far.  It's very unique in the sense that it categorizes its stories by major cities like New York, LA and Miami, but also by topic like Beauty, Fashion and Shopping.  And if you weren't aware, I'm a mega type A personality, so anything that is neatly categorized, I'm instantly in love with.

Today their top stories range from finding a great parka, to celebrity baby news to how to find out what skin type you are.  I definitely recommend checking out Refinery 29!

Mid Winter Blahs

After the buzz of the holiday season, I start to get a case of the mid-winter blahs, like many people do.  Parties are over, the shopping high I'm on goes down as I realize how much I shouldn't have spent, and there are no more public holidays to look forward to until Easter.

How to keep positive?  Well, refocusing on the things that really matter like friends and family is one way.  But how about new hobbies?  I'm starting Zumba classes next week and I'm hoping that it will be a really fun way to release some negative energy and get fit again.  Another way is enjoying the little things in life -a warm cup of tea on a cold day, a call from a friend you haven't caught up with in a while, a mini-victory at work or with your favourite sports team.

What I'm getting at is...beyond all the hype of the holidays, life is still good and I need to learn to appreciate my life more.  I have a wonderful and supportive (though sometimes annoying!) family, great friends who I can count on anytime and a stable paycheque...not to mention the ability to make some amazing choices in life like quit my job and go back to school, take a long European vacation, stay single and mingle every weekend if I wanted to.  I'm so luck to live the life I have, that I'm ashamed when I take it for granted, which I often do.

So, maybe I need to rethink my New Year's resolutions and just focus on appreciating what I have, cause it all comes down to one little statement...

Still Smokin'

News flash:  David Beckham and underwear still a make a great match:

Sigh!  He's the whole "package" isn't he?  Tee-hee.  Couldn't resist!

Beauty Product Alert: Facial Oil

I know it sounds strange, but facial oils are apparently the next by thing according to one of my favourite blogs, Fashionista.  As a woman who has had oily, acne prone skin for most of her life, the thought of putting more oil on my face seems counter productive.  But...the experts say it works and I think I may have found a really great one to try for my combination skin.  I will let you know how it goes when I start using it!

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil