Make the World a Prettier Place

My Roman Holiday in June 2012

2012-02-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

I am going to Rome, Venice and Florence in June for 12 days! I can't believe it! I have been jumping up and down since I booked my flight tickets 3 days ago. It really is a dream come true...the beautiful cities, the amazing food, the fabulous art and strolling in the streets of Rome... sigh!

One of the special part of the trip is that I am going with my sister. We haven't had the chance to travel together for years and this summer is the perfect time to go.

We haven't finished discussing the details yet but we will spend 9 nights in a fabulous apartment in Rome and 3 nights in Venice. It's in 4 months and I am already counting the days!

Claudia Schiffer Cashmere • F/W 2011

2012-02-08T00:55:00.000-05:00

Claudia Schiffer launched her first designer collection last fall - a cashmere collection.

Why cashmere? The model says that she will always pick cashmere over shoes or jeans. Schiffer is the creative director of the brand and her main concern about the collection was the quality of the cashmere. She wanted to create long-term pieces that could be worn 10-20 years from now without losing the softness of the fabric. The collection is for the active woman who wants to look chic in her every day life - while picking up her kids from school or going to work.

The pieces seem very versatile, luxurious and perfect for winter.

Images via Fashion Gone Rogue

Source for the text via Net-A-Porter

My Closet • The White Coat

2012-02-06T08:20:00.002-05:00

Do I have to tell you that it was freezing when I took these pictures yesterday?! This coat is new of this year. It's one of my "cute, can't wear below -10C" coat. When it gets colder than -10C and I wear a different coat that is less attractive but specially designed for Canadian winters. Is it still cold where you live?

I was wearing a Le Chateau coat and Aldo thigh-high boots.

More Steve Madden...

My Closet • The Hot Pink Bikini

2012-02-02T21:17:00.000-05:00

I was wearing a Victoria's Secret bikini.

It just dawned on me that I never posted this picture on my blog. It was taken last summer during my trip to Dominican Republic. It's one of my favourite picture because I look like a little alien with big eyes! :) I was so amazed by all the underwater beauty that was surrounding me that I couldn't open my eyes wide enough - to say the least! My sister had the picture framed for my birthday and I decided to hang it in my kitchen. It was a good idea because it makes me laugh every time I walk past it. It also reminds me of the wonderful time I had with my boyfriend!

Road Trip • A Perfect Summer Day

2012-02-01T20:30:00.002-05:00

I read somewhere that winter was nature's way of saying "Up yours!". Winter is romantic before Christmas. After that it's just shapeless heavy coats, boots, shovels, coldness into the bones, icy car windshields and the flu. But the worst part is the lack of sunshine. The snow starts to melt in April in Canada so I have to hang in there.

A couple years ago, I took a trip with my sister to New Orleans. It was in March and it was still winter in Canada. I remember getting out of the airport in New Orleans and feeling this amazing warm breeze on my arms. I couldn't believe that it had been months since I felt it. In a way, it was really sad.

Every summer day is a blessing for me. How can someone be in a bad mood when waking up to a beautiful sunshine? This video is to remind us that summer exists even if we forgot what it's like by now.

Detachable Peter Pan Collars

2012-01-31T19:06:00.001-05:00

Do you have a closet full of clothes in perfect condition that you are sick of wearing? An easy way to update your tops and dresses at a small price is to add a detachable peter pan collar. It's the perfect accessory and everybody is mad about them these days.
I found this girl on Etsy who makes them with or without a bow - you just have to send her a note when you're ordering. She has a wide variety of colors and style. The best part is that are only £12 ($19 USD)! Aren't they lovely?!

Visit her store on Etsy: Luminia

Conversation with Philip Roth • Food for Thought

2012-01-30T04:17:00.000-05:00

"Do you find writing difficult?"
"I find it arduous and un-doable. It's laden with fear and doubt. It's never easy - not for me. The ordeal is part of the task, and the satisfaction usually comes at the end. You stood up to it, you endured it! You achieved the unachievable for you. But the next time out, I find it impossible all over again."
"I hope this doesn't offend you" I said.

"Offend me!"
"Well, don't you know by now that you can write?"

"No," he explained with alarming conviction. "Because it isn't a matter of writing. I've written before, but I've never written this book before. And it poses all kinds of problems I've never faced. So I really have to learn all over again how to write a book."

Vanity Fair, November 2010

Philip Roth is an American novelist and one of the most honored authors of his generation.

Photo: Vincenzo Rizzo

Modern Geisha

2012-01-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

I can't get over how beautiful these hairpins are.

What do you think?

NUMERO #104

Photographers: Sofia Sanchez & Mauro Mongiello

Model: Myf Shepherd

Via Fashion Gone Rogue

Celebrity Style • Alice Levine

2012-01-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Alice Levine is an English television presenter who is currently working for MTV and co-hosting Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side. I never watch the Big Brother type of shows but I have been completely addicted to Celebrity Big Brother UK. (Go Gareth!).

The first time I saw Alice Levine on TV, she was wearing a burgundy bird dress. Her beautiful red hair was up in a retro updo with a peacock brooch. I immediately had a style crush on her! Her style is very feminine - flowy dresses and tops - and she wears the most beautiful retro prints. She posts most of her outfits on Twitter so make sure to follow her!

Via Alice Levine's Twitter account!

Jalouse Magazine • Short Film

2012-01-21T11:38:00.004-05:00

Clever and shallow, fresh and fun are the best adjectives to describe this short film promoting the French magazine, Jalouse. I took a couple of marketing classes in college and this film is a lesson in itself. Enjoy!

Via Fashion Gone Rogue

The Delicious Dolls of Auguste Toulmouche

2012-01-20T13:36:00.001-05:00

Auguste Toulmouche (September 21, 1829 - October 16, 1890) was a French painter. He studied under Charles Gleyre and is known mainly for his portraits of Parisian women; Émile Zola spoke of "Toulmouche's delicious dolls." Toulmouche was a master of contemporary fashion and fabric, delighting in the rich assortment of colours and textures afforded by the haute couture of his day.

Toulmouche’s place in French art history is secured by his important influence on the early career of Claude Monet, to whom he was related by marriage. Not only did Toulmouche play a key role in persuading the young Monet to enter Gleyre’s studio at the end of 1862, he served as his artistic advisor if not mentor during the early Paris years of the great impressionist’s career.

Via wikipedia and french-painters.blogspot.com

Fur Accents • F/W 2011

2012-01-19T11:48:00.003-05:00

Fur adds instant glamour and style to any outfit.

This winter, it isn't about head-to-toe fur but about fur accents.

Make sure you are responsible with your purchases.

For new items, buy faux fur.

If you want the real thing, go vintage or recycled fur.

- Marie

More Asos...

My Closet • The 60's Inspired Blazer

2012-01-17T18:02:00.005-05:00

I bought this Billabong blazer ($35) at an outlet store while I was Christmas shopping.

I immediately liked its unusual color, its 60's cut and big buttons.

- Marie

My Latest Buys from Asos

2012-01-12T22:41:00.000-05:00

Almost everything was on sale at Asos and I went a little crazy.....
Here is what I bought!

- Marie

Midi Dress in Floral Print Rich Red Midi Pencil Skirt With Front Split

Reg. $71 - NOW $38 US Reg. $54 - NOW $21 US

Grey Pencil Skirt With Textured Polka Dots Butterfly Kaftan Top

Reg. $70 US - NOW $50 US Reg. $66 US - NOW $40 US

Cream Crochet Lace Tights Floral Snood

$18 US $29 US

Peter Pan Collar Fitted Shirt Miss KG Darcy Platform Heeled Court Shoes

$54 US Reg. $116 - NOW $46 US

All Wrapped Up • The Perfect Winter Editorial

2012-01-11T14:10:00.002-05:00

I hope that you haven't seen this editorial already because you are in for a treat! The stylist did such an amazing job and Eniko looks stunning in bright colors against this lush winter background. Thumbs up to Eniko who stood in the snow all day. I have taken photos outside in winter for this blog and I couldn't stand it after 15 minutes! I guess models do deserve their salary sometimes.

As for the photographer Terry Richardson - who is known for his nude racy photos - let's just say that the climate required him to dress the model for a change. Someone on Fashion Gone Rogue commented that he never tries interesting angles - and I agree. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful editorial.

I would love to have a skirt like this one. I just hope that it's faux fur.

An amazing beading work on this stunning royal blue cape.

I really like how they tucked the pants in the boots.

I love this picture but every time I look at it I pray that the coat is faux fur.

Red lips with the hunter green coat - very chic!

Harper's Bazaar - November 2011

Via Fashion Gone Rogue

The Missing Sock • Shopping

2012-01-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Toni Garrn by Camilla Akrans

It has been extra cold in Canada lately - minus 15 Celsius during the day. To make matters worse, we had a heating problem at work and I have been dressing like an Eskimo for the past week. An easy way to add style and warm layers to any outfit is to wear cute socks.

Here is a wide variety of socks - from ankle socks to over-the-knee. I tried to find cute patterns and colors that could bright any cold winter days. Hope you like them!

- Marie

More Topshop...

Video • Duran Duran Reunites Top Models

2012-01-04T18:44:00.000-05:00

Duran Duran asked the Supermodels of the 90's to pose as the band in their latest video "Girl Panic!". Even if the concept of the video is similar to the George Michael video "Freedom 90" in which supermodels lip-sync, it is a great pleasure to see these women reunited. The models featured in the video are Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, Helena Christensen and Yasmin Lebon - the wife of the lead singer. It is amazing that these women are in their forties now and still look as beautiful and in shape as they were in their twenties. If only all of us could age this well...

If you were a teenager during the 90's - like I was - you certainly remember how famous these women were. It also brings back nostalgic memories of a time in the fashion industry when nobody took themselves too seriously. Models were always up for a good time, partying and hanging out with rock stars.

- Marie

If you want to read more about the supermodels of the 90's, check out this related post: "George Michael and the Supermodels of the 90's"

Photo Credit: Sweetology

The Winter Coats of Rodarte - F/W 2011

2011-12-29T20:24:00.002-05:00

Being from Canada, a pastel collection for winter is a welcome change because I have had my share of black and grey. The soft colors palette and the floor-length coats also bring a snow queen quality and a romanticism to the outfits that I find lovely. I would love to wear such beautiful coats to walk around town. And the high neck dresses are especially elegant and would fit perfectly in my wardrobe.
What do you think?
- Marie

"You didn't need to know that Kate and Laura Mulleavy had been watching the Terrence Malick movie Days of Heaven to ascertain that the sisters had taken the American Plains as their latest inspiration. The clues weren't exactly hard to follow on today's runway: silk gowns printed with a wheat field at the hem, ankle-grazing prairie coats, leather and ponyskin separates with geometric insets that called to mind quilts. Malick's film is a fashion favorite, but the Mulleavy sisters made the reference their own via their signature devotion to craft. The quilting on the pinafore tops and apron skirts was appliquéd by hand, and the wool and mohair sweaters likewise never saw the inside of a knitting machine." (Source: Style.com)

Photo Credits: Style.com

My Closet • The Soft Pink Cardigan

2011-12-28T19:52:00.000-05:00

I'm wearing a BCBG MaxAzria soft pink cardigan with a thrifted black blouse and a DIY lace pussybow. The cardigan was a Christmas gift from my sister. Isn't it lovely? I don't remember where I got the tights - I've had them for years.

I hope you had a wondeful Christmas!

- Marie

More Asos...

Fabulous Hats • Schön Magazine

2011-12-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

Aren't these hats absolutely fabulous?! Which one is your favorite?

Now, do me a favor and look back at the pictures but this time, look at the outfits the model is wearing.

Gorgeous fur skirts, oversized knit sweater worn with a paper bag skirt and a wonderful leopard coat. Lovely!

- Marie

Carrie Bradshaw's Best Fall/Winter Outfits

2011-12-21T20:47:00.000-05:00

Throughout the years that Sex and The City was on the air, Carrie Bradshaw lived in an endless summer. She wore vintage dresses, short shorts, Manolo Blahnik sandals and carried a lace umbrella to protect herself from the sun. But for the last season - Season 6, Part Two - the producers decided to try something new by placing Bradshaw in the cold weather of Paris and the snow of New York City.

In my quest for the perfect winter outfit, I decided to go to the source of style and asked myself: "What does the queen of fashion wear during the coldest months of the year?" Let me guide you through the fall/winter wardrobe of Miss Bradshaw. I also threw in a couple of dresses that would be perfect to ring in the New Year!

- Marie

An oversized knit sweater worn with a fur coat

A 60's sequin dress with matching coat and 3/4 pink leather gloves

A 50's inspired cocktail dress

Fur, velvet and knit

A princess coat with a white faux-fur pillbox hat

A velvet flapper dress with a pink sequin bag

A floral velvet coat over a chiffon dress.

Last but not least, the beautiful ballerina dress.

Sex and the City, Stills by me.

My Closet • My new vintage dress

2011-12-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

I bought this 60's vintage dress Saturday.

I fell in love with

the full bishop sleeves

the crocheted cuffs

and the detail along the back zipper.

- Marie

Lana Del Rey • Up and Coming Star

2011-12-18T00:58:00.000-05:00

Growing up, there was no YouTube and the only way I had to watch my favourite videos was to spend a whole day in front of Musique Plus (the French-Canadian MTV) in hope that they would show them. I know - I am old ;) You guys, in your teenage years, grew up with YouTube but it still amazes me that everything I want to watch is just a click away and sometime I get a little carried away. I spent the whole day watching stuff on YouTube like it was a new toy that my parents were going to take away any minute. By the way, it is an analogy. I don't live at my parents' ;) And when I was ready to shut down my computer and go to bed, I saw this video...

Isn't this song amazing and the video mind-blowing?! In my opinion, Lana Del Rey is the up-and-coming artist (and fashionista) to watch in 2012. Her debut album is due January 30th and I will buy it for sure! I've already watched everything available on YouTube and I am hooked!

Here is what iTunes says about her:

"Vocalist Lana Del Rey makes atmospheric, orchestral retro-'60s-sounding pop that showcases her torchy image and sensuously husky singing style. A native of Lake Placid, New York, Del Rey released the single "Kill Kill" under her given name, Lizzy Grant, in 2009 before remaking herself into the pop femme fatale character Lana Del Rey. A video for the single "Video Games" appeared online in August of 2011 and drew considerable buzz, as did a "secret show" she performed at Brooklyn's Grasslands Gallery that September. Del Rey's EP, featuring the songs "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans," was released in fall 2011. "

What do you think? Am I right or am I right?! ;)
- Marie

My Closet • Last December

2011-12-15T20:53:00.001-05:00

I took these pictures last year - December 1st, 2010. I still like this look a lot because there is a snow queen vibe to it. It is always my biggest challenge during winter, to look feminine even with a ton of layers on. This year, we don't have that much snow. It snowed but it rained a lot today and now it's all gone. I even wonder if we are going to have a white Christmas. I even checked the weather forecast and there is no snow on the horizon!

The weird thing about this outfit is that I wouldn't be able to wear it this year. First of all, the zipper broke on my Steve Madden boots - I had them for years so it was okay. It also gave me the perfect reason to buy the thigh high boots I wanted. Second of all, I have no idea where I put the skirt and I had completely forgotten that I had this belt. I'm not sure where it is - might be with the skirt, lost in the back of my closet! :)

- Marie

Marvelously Pink

2011-12-13T20:30:00.001-05:00

VOGUE ITALIA - MARCH 2004

Via Fashion Gone Rogue