The College Kids

British Men Do It Better

2010-12-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

Mark Ronson, Jamie Hince, Russell Brand and so many other British men.... they all seem to have such an innate sense of style. They wear whatever they want, whenever they want and however they want. they don't care if they are wearing something that is typically regarded women's wear (Jamie Hince wore a pair of super short shorts while on vacation and didn't care). They wear their clothes with confidence and heads held high. They have their own style and it seems like no one will ever make them change.

I'm not saying that other men aren't stylish, I'm simply pointing out that it seems like the Brits just do it better and I love every minute of it. How many guys around you choose to accessorize with scarves, slouchy boots, tons of necklaces or change their ungraying white?

They all seem to have a sense of quirky style that is unique to the Brits. They have a look.

bagging nyc

2010-06-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am currently in search of the perfect bag to take with me for our NYC trip. It has to be big, but not huge. Cute with a practical side and finally something that I can carry by my side that won't leave me vulnerable to pick pocketers (last time I went I got 150 bucks stolen).

The perfect bag/purse is so hard to find. There are lots of different things that go into the perfect bag for each persons needs. I'm hoping I'll find something worthwhile. I'm even willing to spend a little more than usual for something that I'm going to love and be perfect for the trip.

I've been checking a few websites and stuff and here's some of the ones I've found. Some are wishers some are realistic.

The Brothers Bray and Co. Tote Company $88.00.... can be found at Urban Outfitters

Deena and Ozzy Menswear Tote $58.00.... can be found at Urban Outfitters

Mulberry Bayswater..... TOO MUCH!

Dooney and Burke $350... can be found at The Bay Square One

(not in this yellow though... maybe in black or brown)

As of right now I'm thinking of going with the last one. It's functional/practical and will fit all my shiz for NYC.

live in black and white

2010-06-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Another major wish list item for summer is any black and white graphic tee! I personally like the shirt to be just long enough to wear with tights, so it almost functions as a dress. Designers have been creating their own silly phrases and pictures that I would just love to walk around wearing. Plus, t-shirts work on everyone, for any occasion, and can be dressed up or down.
Another plus is that if you're super broke you can just make your own.

Karl Who? graphic tee designed by Naco Paris

Even Mr. Lagerfeld is a fan!

Christopher Lee Sauve shirt inspired by Rachel Zoe and her (overly used) catchphrases "I DIE" and "BANANAS"

Another Christopher Lee Sauve design, in an attempt to "SAVE ANNA"

Coco Chanel tribute shirt being sold on Etsy (this is the length I like my tees)

Factory Fox has brilliant t- shirts on their website, my favourites being "I AM BFF WITH ANNA WINTOUR" and the iconic Viktor and Rolf cutout dress from SS'10 runway

Hellz Bellz offered a limited edition shirt honouring the late alexander mcqueen proclaiming, "LONG LIVE MCQUEEN"

Alright, I'm done.

who could be scared of a jeffrey

2010-06-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am among many who are in LOVE with Jeffrey Campbell shoes. They are fun, exciting and best of all they can be outfit finishers!

Well, I am on a bit of a budget... NYC at the end of August (Bah can't wait!)... so when I saw these shoes at Winners I thought immediately of Jeffrey Campbell's.

Shoes from Winners

Jeffrey Campbell

Go by Winners, especially if it isn't usually one of your usual go to stores, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the steals/finds you might see.

our wish list

2010-06-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Over the next little while, we'll be letting you know what's on our wish list for the summer.

First up on our list, any adorable and extremely whimsical graphics. This works best on a light cotton tee, summer dress, or knee length skirt.

These detachable collars and bandeau by Miu Miu scream whimsy...loudly

The prints come in cats, birds, and even naked bodies.

This Prada lipstick skirt may not exactly be current, since it was for spring/summer 2000 show, but that doesn't make it any less summery! Carrie Bradshaw also wore this skirt in an episode of sex and the city, so take advice from her and let this inspire your wardrobe this season.

Another amazing gift from Prada (2001) presumably to go with the already made lipstick skirt, came lip printed jumpsuits (mine please!), skirts and dresses

what the ad

2010-05-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

After reading numerous accounts of TWO new LV ads being removed from print for apparently failing to be "authentic" (and being a tad misleading), I started to think why does it really matter? We have so many other ads that are equally as misleading if not more so. Why then chose a handbag ad to set an example?

So what if the ad might have stretched the amount of truth behind how much hand stitching goes into their work? So what? Why take down an interesting and beautifully done ad?

(one of the two ads recently removed by the ASA)

When you think about it, what ad isn’t misleading in one way or another? What about all those pad/tampon ads? Aren’t they misleading? With their galloping women in white pants looking happy and excited to be on their period... Now if that isn’t misleading then I’m a bit confused.

We all want a fantasy. A little lie to make that little something a bit more unique is fine by me (as long as the truth isn't stretched to point of idiocy).

LV was showing a tiny portion from the history of their tradition and the quality that they believe their bags have. Nowhere did they put in big bold letters, “made entirely by hand” in their advertisement. They merely stated that patience, thread and time (give or take a few words) go into making each piece.

Maybe the ASA (Advertising Standards Agency) should concentrate on removing ads that are more destructive in their deceits, like the overly photoshopped bodies of women, the overzealous reactions of women on their periods or maybe the utterly fake, unwrinkled skin of middle aged women in beauty advertisements.

words to remember

2010-05-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

"I think I got left behind somewhere because I'm still a romantic. You have to go charging ahead, you can't stay behind"

- Grace Coddington, Creative Director of Vogue Magazine

remember now

2010-05-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Karl Lagerfeld has introduced yet another short film inspiration to open up his runway show (what a versatile guy... He's a photographer, a designer for multiple houses, and a director). His shorts are always fun, exciting and keep you captivated. You are always trying not to miss a person (who may appear briefly on screen) or any outfit that makes an appearance.

This time, his mini clip for his short film Remember Now took place during the Chanel Cruise show in St. Tropez. The short clip seems amazing! I'm sure that the collection will be much the same if not more magnifique and as for the entire short film, I think it will not disappoint.

(If you don't particularly like the clothes then the short glimpses of Baptiste Giabiconi shirtless make it worth watching).

Check out the video. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

the art of fashion

2010-04-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

I've always found it interesting how fashion is able to affect art and art can affect fashion. The way to forms of creative expression can be symbiotically influential is amazing. There have been countless designers who have used their favorite artists as inspirations in their collection. some even going as far as having them collaborate and create entire designs specifically for their pieces.

Take, for example, Marc Jacobs' inspiration for his 2001 collection of handbags for Louis Vuitton. He used Stephen Sprouse's famous graffitied writing on the bags and had made them limited edition. Needless to say the hand bags sold quickly and were a hit.

Stephen Sprouse Collaboration

In 2003, Marc orchestrated another collaboration. This time with famed Japanese designer Takashi Murakami. The newly colorful monogram could be seen everywhere (with the emergence of many FAKES being sold on sketchy corners or in the back of corner stores). Marc Jacobs' love of art translated into his collections and, may have potentially, exposed a whole group of people to artists they may never have heard of.

interview about the collaboration (WATCH!)

It's not only paintings and sculptures that are influences upon designers but also the art of photography. Hedi Slimane (former designer of Dior Hommes) left the fashion designing world in favor of photography. He uses his love of fashion and combines it with his love of art (and rake thin male models) to make extremely interesting black and white (and on occasion colored) photos. Slimane has a "web diary" where he posts many of the photos he has taken for ad campaigns, magazines or for fun.

Ash Stymest on the cover of Vogue Japan (shot by Hedi Slimane)

Sometimes the love of art even drags a designer over to the "other" side completely. Todd Oldham was a promising young designer in the 90's with a bright future in fashion ahead of him. He was known for his bold colors and great designs. He believes that everything is art and wants to be able to explore every aspect of it (ranging from furniture, hotel designs, clothing, paintings, etc.).

He left fashion in 1997 and in 2005 he was the curator of an art show in L.A.

Fashion and art can be seen as being one. They influence each other all the time and I wouldn't want it any other way.

coco avant chanel

2010-04-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Before I watched the movie, I had expectations about how it would be completely based on fashion, sort of like a documentary of Coco Chanel creating her empire. The movie however, is more about how young Gabrielle Chanel (played by Audrey Tautou) earns the nickname of "Coco" than it is about her later life when she actually designs her clothes. It's really about her struggle to succeed and free herself from the confusing relationships in her life in order to become who she wants to be.

It's extremely romantic, colourful, and sad. And although the ending seems slightly abrupt, it seems logical once you remember the story is true. After all, not all stories can be neatly wrapped up under two hours, especially when they are based on real life. I love Coco Chanel even more after watching this movie, because her spirit is so strong, determined, and entirely feminist (so as to not crush my dreams, let's just pretend it was an entirely accurate depiction of Coco Chanel even if it wasn't, ok?)

Normally I have my "go to" movies that I will never get sick of, that I usually watch when I'm in certain moods. These movies include Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada, and He's Just Not That Into You. I'm happy to announce that I will most definitely be adding Coco Avant Chanel to that mix.

Please do me a favour though and watch this movie for the first time when
a) You are alone
b) You aren't in a good mood (you don't necessarily have to be in a BAD mood, but don't be happy when watching it for the first time)
c) You aren't shoving your face full of popcorn
d) You have a computer nearby to research Coco Chanel's life after you watch the movie. Trust me, you'll want to!

Alright, I'm done. It's fantastic, go out and rent it...enough said.

adding a little bit of carrie to my life

2010-04-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a bit behind the times when it comes to the classic HBO series, Sex and the City, but needless to say that being at home without my roommates (who all left me this past week since they had no upcoming exams) I was left to own devices and had to occupy my time sans distractions, conversations or anything from someone besides myself and found my gaze falling on the hit television series.

Although I had always heard such amazing things about the show I never really thought that it would live up to its hype and being the third wheel in conversation like "who are you for, Big or Aiden" or the "what character do you relate with most"didn't help the hype to death factor. Well, it did live up to the hype and now I'm hooked. I've gone through two complete seasons about two days and I'm dying for more.

I think had I watched it a few years ago, I wouldn't really have gotten many of the references or thought that a lot of the relationship issues made sense. Let me tell you, where I'm at now in my life I get what they are trying to say. I'm not very old but I think I've seen more and experienced a fragment more and that knowledge has caused the emotional connection with this show that countless women felt when they first saw this show back in 1998.

I like that I can live vicariously through them whether it be experiencing love, loss and even hear tidbits of advice. The four single and fabulous ladies that have been occupying my laptop screen for hours at a time are becoming parts of my life (yup that's how lonely I am, fake friends on a television show are now my new besties). The fact that the show is based out of the amazing city of New York makes that little bit more exciting.

Taken from Entertainment Weekly from season 1 episode 11

I often times find myself laughing, literally, out loud at some of the dialogue and situations that the characters find themselves in. It's fun and emotional. It's everything I thought it would be and more.

I don't know why I waited so long to join the Sex and the City cult but I finally have and I don't intend on leaving it anytime soon.

urban outfitters

2010-04-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows the store (or has at least heard mention of it by someone). The place where the trendy go to get basics and and the hip buy their furniture. Urban Outfitters is amazing but I am sad to say that my shopping ventures there never seem to go past dreamily browsing through their online store.

Their website shows many of the items that they have in store as well as in their online catalogue. They have the absolute cutest summer items. Their floral dresses and and cute flats are worth making the trip to Toronto to see. Some of my favorite pieces are

the brodie strapless chambray dress

the kimichi blue lace romper

They even have a vintage section for all you old school aficionados. Their vintage pieces claim to be one of a kind handcrafted items. These vintage items do run a bit higher priced than their non vintage counter parts but isn't that how it always is with vintage?

urban renewal chiffon dot ruffle blouse

The store is also filled with fun ideas for rooms, such as old school styled furniture, cute little hooks along with drapes, bedding and little dresser organizers like jewelry boxes and ring holders.

Within their cute bedding section they have THE most adorable pillow cases imaginable. Some of these have animals (like the all so popular owl) or you can have a neat little saying on it like a pillow case that has a puzzle design with the words ME and YOU written inside the pieces

If you wanted you could even go and buy a painting or a print from their art section. They are pretty neat but just know that you could also get them printed as an iphone skin, laptop cover or as a gallery quality art print.

Hopefully within the next few weeks I'll have bought something from the store I claim is amazing and "oh so cute" so that I can actually be a credible witness to its adorableness. And with the roommie shopping trip to buffalo fast approach (mainly for the ZAC POSEN collaboration with Target), hopefully we will stop at the local Urban Outfitters and I'll have gotten at least one thing.

The Scarf

2010-04-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Since the extremely sad passing of Alexander McQueen on February 11th, I had made it my goal to purchase one of his wildly popular skull scarves. These had been abundant a few years ago, with celebs like Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, and Ashlee Simpson wearing them constantly. Well, two weeks ago I finally bought one (off ebay) and I am ecstatic to announce that it has finally arrived! I almost don't even want to remove the tags, or even breathe on it since the chiffon looks that fragile!

Thank you Mr. McQueen, for allowing me this small happiness in the form of something so simple yet truly incredible. It was a shame the fashion industry had to lose you.

lg fashion week

2010-04-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Us with our Bestie Adrian Mainella

IZMA fashion show

Again

Opening words from Robyn Kay

Fashion Environment Area (this is where we worked)

All in all it was a whirlwind of a few couple of days and I wouldn't have it any other way.... sorry for the lack of IZMA photos... I thought there would be more of the show but none of them turned out well at all!

a dash of adrian with a pinch of IZMA and a little bit of jeanne on the side

2010-04-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

So as we previously mentioned we volunteered for Lg Fashion Week (Toronto's special little thing). Let me just tell you right now, it was AMAZING! There were so many things to look at it was crazy. The first day, we volunteered for the Party of Style Part I and the IZMA (Adrian Mainella's line.... you know that guy that was on Fashion File) show. We also got a photo with the designer.

Not only did we get an awesome photo with the designer (who was so sweet and asked our names and than personally thanked us by name for helping out with the "behind the scenes") we also caught glimpse of model scout extraordinaire, Elmer Olsen, dare I say it.... boyfriend. Love him, you know he was the guy who discovered Daria. Well anyways, besides Elmer (yup first names for us), we also saw the infamous and crazy Jeanne Becker. Well we didn't exactly see her full on, I saw the side of her face and Kiley only heard her. It was a little taste but I loved it.

Aaaaand we also managed to grab a swag bag. It was pretty sweet.

We also managed to sneak into see our very first fashion show... it was for IZMA. It was so good. I am not going to explain the pieces, we have pictures and videos so you can check it out for yourself. There will b posted soon.

On the second day we were able to see the two television personalities from Cosmo Tv, Wilder Weir (hot!) and Josie. We also were able to see the socialite, Ainsley Kerr and the blogger Nolan Bryant. Apart from having to stand at the entrance way with the creepiest security guard it was a pretty sweet job. We are most definitely going to volunteer in the fall for the spring/summer shows. It was such an amazing experience. You don't really get to see the shows but the whole experience and knowing that behind a wall a show is happening and you are helping with the event makes it worth it. I think next year though we should take a day off and come and actually spend the day watching the shows as well.

What more can I say than I'm hooked. I love it. The whole atmosphere of the shows and all. hopefully next year a backstage can be an option. How cool would that be, watching the models get ready, seeing the clothes before they even go out.

Gah... can't wait until next year!

a "gilty" pleasure...

2010-03-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

These days everyone is trying to make bank by selling their designer clothes at exorbitant prices. Unfortunately for us, we can't all be millionaires that casually drop $500 on a pair of michael kors cigarette pants. Welcome our saviour, gilt.com. Everyday at various times throughout the day, sales will begin on the website for designer clothing. You can purchase men's clothes, women's clothes, children's clothes, and even home furnishings all at a significantly slower price than offered in boutiques and department stores. Of course, there are still some pieces that are at the $300-500 range, but those are items that would regularly be $700-1000. They offer many designers, from Proenza Schouler to Marc Jacobs, from Roberto Cavalli to Nanette Lepore, from Carolina Herrera to Twenty8Twelve. There is a bit of a catch to the website though, you either have to be invited by someone you know who is already on the website or you must apply to be invited. But go check it out, apply, and you'll be dancing in designer heaven in no time!

www.gilt.com

welcome to the Garden...

2010-03-26T02:49:00.000-07:00

H&M released their new "garden collection" on the world yesterday and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint (although I'm sure I will be disappointed when everything sells out before I have the chance to snatch something up!) The line is made with environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and organic linen which the company proudly boasts will "contribute to a more sustainable world". Whether or not you believe in going green, the cheap prices and soft fabrics are still enough to entice you to buy from the collection.

I have not had the chance to go to H&M yet to buy something (although I will report my findings on Saturday), but an employee friend has informed me that it is selling out fast! The collection itself is spring/summer 2010 so expect loads of florals, cute patterned summer dresses, light airy fabrics in white or tan, and a some of adorable shorts (think safari inspired khaki). Also I found there to be a lot of bright blue and bright red garments which just scream WEAR ME. The thing I like most about the collection is that it is not for the weak hearted or fashion scaredy cats. Most collections I've noticed are either too "blah" to bother wearing, or they just don't catch my eye enough. Most of the pieces in this collection however, are loud statement pieces (especially some of the more intensely coloured dresses) and must be worn very simply without a lot of accessories. Finally, a collection that actually makes me WANT to spend money (the prices I found extremely reasonable as well, some pieces I'd even be willing to spend more on!)

Here are some pieces so you can get an idea of the collection.

View the full collection at http://www.hmthegardencollection.com

white eyelet dress $24.95 USD

works as a beach coverup or a sweet dress

a crazy steal at $19.95 USD

also comes in bright blue for the more brave

functions as either a tunic or a dress $24.95 USD

unfortunately not all the pieces can be knockouts

pair extremely high waisted pants, a straw boater hat and gold strappy heels

floral corset $17.95 USD

definitely a statement piece, only for the fearless fashionista!

floral dress $19.95 USD

a mix of two floral patterns create a unique summer look

dress $17.95 USD

one of my favourite pieces, simple but perfect

capped sleeve dress $12.95 USD

be sure to wear with a simple top!

floral shorts $24.95 USD

another favorite of mine

blue overall dress $34.95 USD

searching for the perfect pair of oxfords

2010-03-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love oxfords. They are cute and functional, a rarity sometimes in fashion . They seem to be able to be paired with anything from the most girly dress to a pair of slacks that hit just above the ankle.

Urban Outfitters

There is only one problem with these shoes for me, I have a size 10 foot and these shoes don't seem to be very accommodating for us big footed people. They are either too small or too narrow. I feel like a giantess when I go into a store ask for a size 10 and they don't fit and then have to ask if they carry size 11. Gah it's times like these I wish I were shorter or had smaller feet.

I am now running on three failed attempts at finding a pair that fit my feet.

First up we have these cute little things, they were the first pair that I tried on. The salesperson brought them out and I thought she was joking when she pulled out these itty bitty things.... they looked like baby shoes. No lie. So disappointing.

Aldo

Next up we have these. Saw them on a clerk and thought they were adorable (I should probably mention that she was like 5'4" with tiny feet). Asked for a 10 and I couldn't even get my heel in. I asked if they carried 11's and she said yes but they didn't have any in at that time. She then tried to make me feel better about my large feet not fitting into them by saying, "yeah these shoes run a bit small. I had to go up a whole size but they do stretch out." Thanks betch, you made me feel so much better.

Steve Madden

And these are my dream pair.... the ones that I long for and pray will fit me perfectly. I have yet to venture to Toronto to try them on and see if they are meant to be. Fingers crossed.

Urban Outfitters

I am getting sick of it... the endless search... but let's face it I'll never give up until I find the perfect ones.

lg fashion week

2010-03-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

So this year I decided to go and volunteer for Lg Fashion Week. I am so excited! I was assigned to work in the fasion environment, whatever that means. But anyways, I am super excited and I just know that it will be an experience that I'll remember.

First day is on Sunday for the late shift. They told us to wear black bottoms and black shoes (well she said try to make them as black as possible) and then they give us an oversized dress shirt that has the company sponsoring the event.... makes me feel a bit like a walking ad whore but I guess they got to get things out somehow and what better way than have dozens of walking billboards...

Oh, and if you get a chance, come and check out some of the shows, or buy a ticket for one of the parties (yup they sell tickets to the parties). I'll let you know how everything goes and maybe even sneak a couple of pics to show what it's like in for the volunteers.

Wish me luck.

victory...

2010-03-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

Remember how a few weeks ago I mentioned the crazy awesome website lookbook.nu and how I was finding it impossible to be invited or be accepted to join?

Well... I (and by I, I actually mean Kiley helped me so much, so we) got on. It sounds silly and vain and all sorts of things I'm not, but the idea of the website intrigued me. Someone sitting on their computer, laptop or whatever and judging your style and the way you interpret fashion is crazy, yet at the same time being apart of something that seems so exclusive, feels kind of weird. Can someone please explain that to me, wanting to be apart of something that clearly isn't just.

Not only does lookbook want to be exclusive in who they let in (and who the existing members invite) they also have a set of rules that you have to follow in order to be considered. You have to take your pictures a certain way (full body, from the knees up or from the neck down) and they cannot be photoshopped to hell.

I really do like finally being apart of lookbook and I am thoroughly enjoying the whole idea of commenting and hyping and what have you, but the concept of the site, and when considering it in a broader concept, (or someone who has never heard of the site interprets it) the idea is very superficial and almost seems like a way to create a fashion hierarchy within the site. The creators of lookbook decide who gets let in and whether your picture remains up (if they don't like it or you don't follow their rules you run the risk of having your photo taken down).

Would lookbook have the same appeal if anyone could post pictures of their personal style and hype the looks they liked? Probably not. Yeah sure, it could possibly open up a door for a person that was not previously interested in fashion but at what cost? Would there be people who posted pictures that showed a disinterest in fashion and thought pictures of skimpy-spaghetti-strapped-barely-there dresses paired with plastic platform heels were acceptable outfits to demonstrate great street fashion (well I guess it is street fashion but not the kind that we want). The site, was after all inspired by websites such as The Sartorialist, and if Scott Schuman has standards well then...

The site is about showcasing some sort of fashion sense or even an innovative and interesting way of wearing clothing. But who am I to decide who is trying to be innovative and interesting with their wardrobe.... Wow this is hard to say without sounding like a bitch.... but anyways, I get why they have rules and standards but I just wanted to get it out that it's a bit vain.... can you tell I'm torn.

I guess in the end it's all in good fun and shouldn't be analyzed as anything further than a website based around youth culture and their desire to fit in yet at the same time be different.... a way for people to show the world what they are trying to be.... and finally a spot where you have an opinion in the fashion world, a place where you can see the results of liking an outfit and a place where you have a voice about what you think is 'hot or not'.

the september issue

2010-03-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

Well first off, I'm going to say that I was pleasantly surprised to find that this documentary was not at all what I thought it would be. I'm not exactly sure what I thought was going to happen but what did was a nice surprise. I know that it takes a lot of people and a lot of time and effort to put together a magazine but I had no real grasp on the whole idea until watching this film. There are so many more things going into Vogue then the latest trends and shows. It's a story told through clothing, accessories and scenery. It's amazing to watch it all come together and be able to see the final product.

Not to mention that I love the divine Ms. Anna Wintour a little bit more after this. She works so hard and really loves what she does.

As for Grace (yup, Grace Coddington and I are on a first name basis) is amazing in this. She's such a fighter and I love it (and her). Everyone else kind of let's Anna run shiz but not Grace, if she thinks Anna's wrong she lets her know.

I had one question though, why was there not more Andre Leon Talley. I know he's kind of crazy and over the top (which is why people love him) but really, why is he not in it more.

Go out, rent it, buy it, do whatever, but make sure you watch it at some point. It's super good and really gives you insight on all the effort that goes into making this iconic magazine.

the dean and dan show

2010-02-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

The two Canadian designers, Dean and Dan, of Dsquared have risen in the crazy world of women's fashion since their debut showing in 2004. They are always doing something new and innovating that manages to capture the eyes of fashion-a-holics and Joe Blow down the street, when they had Rihanna going down the runway, you tell me half the world did not know about it (their marketability is so incredibly amazing to me).

Their recent fall/winter showing was no different than any other, in that it was AMAZING! It was leather, red, fur and fierceness all wrapped up into one. Their clothing is always very edgy and aggressive but somehow they put it all together and are still able to make their line very wearable. Although there were a couple of pieces that I thought to myself, "when the hell would someone wear that?" but with a beautiful design and and great fabric who wouldn't want to wear it (or at least try).

When would this be worn,I don't know but isn't it crazy?

The thigh high (and I mean literally upper thigh length boots.... no exaggeration) were incredible and seemed like something that a stylish dominatrix would wear. They were high and gave the illusion that the models were nine feet tall. While we're on the topic of the heel height, I have to tell you about the heel itself. It was so crazy, it was white and looked like it was a curly/wavy stem. I have no idea how those girls managed to stand, let alone walk in them. I am by no means a "heel" person but for some reason, these heels spoke to me and said, "Venetia, buy me". If I could afford these beauties, I would for sure pick them up.

And the amazing brown fur coat that they paired with the delightfully bright red strapless mid thigh length dress was superb. It was just so big and with an outrageously large collar that you couldn't help but love it. I'm sure Ms. Wintour loved it as well, and not just because it was fur people but also for the great shape and fit.

They also showed THE cutest little black gloves imaginable. They were cropped gloves (I have no other idea about how to describe them) and it looked like there was some sort of little bow on them, cute right?

Check the gloves

O000, and the cropped grey pants that they paired with the sequined bow tie were masculine with a feminine twist all at the same time. Loved it!

If you get a minute check out the show on their website here.

guido's cinema italiano

2010-02-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

Nine, the broadway musical that has recently been made into a movie is FANTASTIC! The acting, the singing, the songs and best of all the costumes were right on point with the glamorous lifestyle of Guido Contini (played by the always great Daniel Day Lewis). It's not a wonder why the film was nominated for best costume design in a motion picture.

The film alternates between dialogue in the "real life" and the singing and dancing world where characters are able to express themselves to the audience without the knowledge of other characters. Both worlds show very different costumes ideas but are equally fabulous.

The real world is full of 60's inspired clothing. The suits that Guido wears are great in showing European fashion, from the tailored jacket and slacks that hit just below the ankle with pointy leather shoes, all in black, with a gorgeous (and probably cotton) dress shirt and black tie that hits just above the belt and is a square cut finish. All of which is topped off by one of his many italian-esque hats and a pair of what look to be rayban wayfarers. His character is just oozing with effortless cool and I loved every moment of it.

Then there's the women of guido's life, his mama, his wife Louisa, his mistress Carla and the countless others that he cannot live without.

Marion Cotillard plays Guido's wife and I think she is one of THE best outfitted characters in the film. Her style is simple and tasteful, with her simple black dresses, pinned back hair and her effortlessness of it all are very parisian in style (go figure her character was raised in Paris).

Judi Dench's character plays the costume designer for Guido's films (if you're confused read the synopsis here). The countless outfits that her character makes, range from being extravagant and vegas showgirl like the sequiny feathered number to a long creme colored gown that she designs for Nicole Kidman's character.

Top all of the outfits off with a coffee and a cigarette hanging out of EVERYONE's mouth and you got Europe.

This movie was so good, and I am trying to get everyone I know to watch it. So if there's anyone out there who have not seen it yet, go, check it out. You'll love the "glamorously Latin world that only Guido can portray"

burberry... yes please

2010-02-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love men's fashion, the cut of the clothing, the style and the masculinity (and sometimes feminine flair) drive me crazy, in a good way of course. My taste in men's fashion ranges from the clothing over at The Row and Rag & Bone to that of Dior Homme (at it's height with Hedi Slimane), Marc by Marc Jacobs and last but certainly not least there is Burberry.

Christopher Bailey, creative director of the Burberry Prorsum line, never lets a men's fashion lover down. From the coats to the fabulous mid calf lace up boots, the entire collection for the fall/winter 2010 season was fantastic.

Ever since Christopher Bailey's first show for Burberry, he has been praised for his innovation of their signature piece, the trench. He is able to give a modern twist to this classic yet still keep the long standing tradition of great traditional style that Burberry lovers adore. The military inspired greenish knee length coat was gorgeous. The oversized collar and intricate detailing on the buttons were nice added touches to the slim cut jacket. Then there was of course the navy blue double breasted jacket that had the embellishment around the cuffs, I am not really a fan of a lot of shiny additions to men's clothing but this coat is so simple in design that the gold circles spruce up the coat and add a certain je ne sais quoi to it. Bailey kept with similar colors for the many of the jackets and choosing to pair them with the fur lined leather boots gave us a ready to deal with the cold in style feel.

Many of the outfits modeled showed these great slacks...

They seemed perfect for everyday and were just tight enough to create shape and show a great leg line (I hate when pants are so baggy you don't know where a persons butt and legs start and finish). They were done in a great dark grey fabric with a pleat down the front and looked comfortable and moveable. There were also many different styles of jean shirts. I noticed that over the last year jean shirts have been really making a comeback (apart of me misses the good ol' days of jean everything... jean shirts, jean jackets, jean, jean, jean, love it!) and the trend keeps on with this season. There was both a dark wash and lighter wash shown at the show (both buttoned up to the very first button) that made the look very casual and stylish.

And then there were the many belted trenches...

Finally it's time to discuss the boots. They looked great and seem like they can be paired with many different outfits which is always great. They appeared in both black and brown leather and laced up only half way. Yeah I know, mid calf boots that only lace up half way do sound a little too feminine for a man to wear without looking like he's borrowed a pair of his girlfriends shoes (don't get me wrong I love when guys wear women inspired clothing and vice versa for the girls but shoes is where I draw the line for guys). But take a look...

All images are from outside sources

Bailey is able to give them a trench/military vibe that makes them oh-so masculine. It was great the way he made the top part looser as they got closer up to the calf so that pants were able to be tucked in and to showcase them.

Great show, great models and fantastic clothing. What's more to love about the Fall/Winter 2010 Burberry Prorsum show?

the quest

2010-02-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

The awesomeness that is the website Lookbook.nu is a great place to showcase your own personal style and see the fabulous style of others all the while being able to comment and "hype" the looks that you like. Unfortunately you can only do one of those things if you are not priveed to being a member. For the people out there reading this in complete confusion: lookbook only allows members to show their outfits and comment (well you can also apparently comment via facebook... but that doesn't mean you are a member).

Hey lookbook let me in! (photo that was obviously on lookbook.nu)

SO you think, well easy, just sign up. No folks, unfortunately that is not how things work in that community. For you to become a member you must a. be invited by a current member or b. apply.

Let me tell you, I applied and still no answer. Is my style not what the people at lookbook want? I'm not sure, but I like to think that fashion is about personal expression and trying new and interesting things with your wardrobe and that's what I'm hoping they think at lookbook as well.

I desperately want to join and become a member. Why you might ask would someone put themselves through the hassle of applying? Well because being able to show my style and comment and hype and stuff on people's outfits seems pretty cool. Letting someone else know that you dig what they're doing is nice and gives you a way to express your opinion. Do we not compliment our friends on their new haircuts or cute new shirt? Well it's the same thing but on a different level.

I guess I could just give up wanting and wait and see what happens with my application. But you see that's not me. Let me put it differently, it's like when someone tells you there is something super cool inside a bag and just as you reach for it the person who told about the super cool thing tells you abruptly that you have to have the password in order to open the bag. Gah it's kind of frustrating, no?

Sorry, that was kind of a pointless explanation.

Needless to say I have set out on a quest to try and find someone who is already a member and somehow convince them to "invite" me because the whole waiting for lookbook to accept me, is slowing killing me... can you tell I just have so much patience (I hope that came across as sarcastic as it sounded in my head. I'm not really known for being the most obvious person with sarcasm).

So, if you or anyone you know is a member let them know about me, maybe they wanna give a girl a hand.