Sew Chic

Golden Globe Awards 2016 Red Carpet

2016-01-12T12:41:00.002-08:00

The Award season has begun and I'm intrigued to see what the choices will be this year. Some go with trend, some vintage and others.... well they go to their own beat. There are the few stars that set the pace and always take center stage no matter what they wear and usually don't disappoint. I usually write my take on the best and the worst but I think I'll just stick to the the ones who wowed.

Emilia Clarke- now I now some of you may raise an eyebrow but hear me out. It's subtle yet dramatic with high neckline and cape and sheer overlay with textured detailing is a modern twist on her character in Game of Thrones. It's so regal and elegant, I love it. What do you think?

Jada Pinkett Smith in and emerald Atelier Versace dress, need I say more as it's all said in the picture.

All hail Jennifer Lopez. She never fails to hold us in awe of her presence in her yellow Giambattista Valli gown with a cape to add more drama to the flawless look.

Amy Adams in an orange Atelier Versace. Simple yet effective and perfectly fit.

Jenna Dewan Tatum looked absolutely stunning in this Zuhair Murad (one of my favourite designers) navy dress with plunging neckline with just right amount of sparkle and who can resist pockets in an evening gown.

Lily James in a modern spin of a Grecian dress by Marchesa.

Zendaya in this intricate tiered,wine coloured gown. The colour complimented her and it was youthful and fresh.

Saoirse Ronan also wore a Grecian number designed by Yves Saint Laurent.

The Golden Globes really sets the mode for the rest of Award season and the volume was taken up a notch by one or two but it's mostly simple silhouettes with a twist. Though quite a lot played on the romantic side. These are my favourites of the night. What were yours?

Bringing In 2016

2016-01-01T16:06:00.001-08:00

2015 was a great year and like all good things they must come to an end. I want us to really take this opportunity to look forward and leave the past in the past. With that being said let us really reflect on who we are today and got through our closets and have an evaluation of what we should keep or give away. No time like the present. There will be new trends and finds for the taking so we might as well make room for it. Keep the tried and true items, the timeless pieces that you can't replace eg. lbd, well tailored blazers, good quality handbags. Go through the jewellery, I assure you there are some things you're going to be over.

The new year is about starting from where you left off with a new frame of mind, ready to take on the world at large (grab it by the horns), make some really difficult decisions of who you want to be and where yo want to be at the end of the year. Make a list of all you want to accomplish this year and cross it off as you go along. With each year that passes we must grow, reform and strive for something. A life is not a life if we stay stagnant and don't follow through with our goals and dreams. Have you made your list? If you haven't I suggest you do it now. Really sit and think and most importantly believe that you can do it. If you don't believe in yourself, who will? Don't let the outside elements change your plans. If you want to learn to paint, be a singer, learn to cook, travel to Greece, whatever it is claim it and if it doesn't happen this year it doesn't mean it never will it just means it's not the right time but once you believe and work toward it, it will happen when it's supposed to. You're never too old, there is always time once you prioritize and believe in yourself, it's as simple as that.
So do a revamp on yourself, your closet and your mindset people. We can do anything.

Jacqueline Durran

2015-12-20T09:27:00.003-08:00

Movies, we watch sometimes them with sentiment of some childhood story or hero being brought to life on film, for entertainment, to escape the day to day if just for an hour and have a laugh or two. The there are movies that take you to w whole different realm of art, creativity and intellect.

I was looking forward to Pan to see what angles they'd tell the tale and of course the graphics and as I sat watching the first few minutes it seemed promising and then in walks Hugh Jackman as Black Beard's for his first scene and I was hooked. The ruffled, tiered detailing at the back, the armor like body and feathers at neckline and cuff. I was completely mesmerized; the last time I did this was for Alice In Wonderland. I immediately looked up the costume designer and Jacqueline Durran's name came up. The British designer was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume and won a Satelite Award for her work In Pride and Prejudice and also won an Academy award, Oscar, BAFTA Award and Costume Designers Guild Award for her work in Ana Karenina. Won Costume Designers Guild Award for Atonement and BAFTA Award for Vera Drake. I haven't even mentioned the numerous nominations she's also received.

A lot of work goes into each film we see no matter how horrible or fantastic it may be, many elements come together to make that movie possible. And as a person who admires fashion and the work that goes into it I always appreciate good costume design. What was the inspiration, the material used and how each piece got fit into the personality of each character casted.
I'm not quite sure what tribe she got her inspiration from but the beautifully vibrant colours and costumes textured with feathers and yarns was truly sight to see.

RACKEDTT

2015-12-16T19:49:00.001-08:00

We've been to Racked events and seen our beloved local designers have their merchandise displayed to be sold. The question is does everyone know Racked and do they know the engine behind the cause and what it's all about? I know I personally had a few questions up in the air so I felt compelled to seek answers to bring awareness to those who've been curious or those who've never heard of RACKED before this post. After all with knowledge comes great power. So I asked one of the founders Ain (pronounced Ah-EEn) Earle a few questions.

Who are the founders of Racked?

Emma Forster-Hiscock of Eenie Meanie Studios,
Ain Earle of The Fashion Arch and DISThink Management
Stephanie Rydle of Creative 25

How did Racked come into being, Why did you start Racked?

RACKED was born out of frustration on the part of the three founders who felt that
although there is an enormous amount of talent in the growing Trinbagonian fashion
industry, the designers and their products were not always easily accessible to the fashion conscious consumer. There are very successful craft & food markets but nothing that is pure fashion! We wanted to change that.

What is Racked?

RACKED – The Fashion Market is an inclusive shopping experience, exposing emerging and established local fashion and accessories designers and their unique products, all 100% designed and made right here in Trinidad & Tobago, or designed by
a Trinbagonian and manufactured abroad.

RACKED is an unique shopping experience connecting established and emerging local
fashion and accessories designers to customers and boutique owners in a profitable and exciting way, with opportunities for direct marketing and retail sales as well as networking with potential clients and retailers. Designers showcase product in a boutique market-style setting that includes both Men’s and Womenswear (children as well), jewellery, bags and accessories. Price points vary with fashion jewellery starting
at under $100 to fine jewellery retailing at upwards of $1000. Similarly there is locally
designed and/or made fashion including street, resort, swim and ready-to-wear pieces
with prices ranging from $250 to upwards of $2000.

What is your vision for Racked, what do you see Racked being in the future?

We see RACKED being bigger! More markets, more designers, more venues and locations. RACKED in the future can possibly go regional first with markets in varying islands and then even internationally where we can be the umbrella under which designers are represented at tradeshows and expos. We also want to assist with workshops that benefit designers in topics like business management, customer service, quality, exporting etc.

What projects do you have in mind for 2016 that we can look forward to?

We think next year may just see us possibly trying different locations in Trinidad (maybe even Tobago!)

How can we help our fashion industry in Trinidad get to the level it needs to be in your own words?

RACKED aims to help through awareness and even through quality control as we try our best to have a high standard of designers at each of our events and we also try to speak and advise designers who may not have gotten in or even a part of the event with their displays, their product and promotions of their brand. Also through awareness, we try to invite fashion media and boutique owners who will in turn promote the brands as well as foster business relationships where there can be spaces for local wear in various stores and boutiques, respectively.

At a management/holistic level - We need to properly define the industry and all its players. All stakeholders need to be put into various categories (policy maker, implementer, designer, creative/artisan, production, business development/funding, marketing etc.) and understand and respect their category. Not everyone is or should be a part of the fashion industry and that first needs to be understood. Production and quality control needs to be a key and an integral part of the industry as well and more efforts should be made to assist designers with quality production facilities to meet demands.

So I hope this has cleared up a bit of questions you may have had about what direction RACKED is heading. I personally am in awe of their efforts as I was also a little frustrated at the unavailability of an all fashion trade show; a place where local treasures are within reach (as most sell online etc.) It's a challenge out there for both the old and new and upcoming entrepreneurs of local fashion to break even in today's internet/fast food world where everything is instantaneous. But with projects such as RACKED (a support system for our local designers) it's the beginning of a new era of fashion in Trinidad. It may still be in it's budding stages but with continued support that multiplies over time it CAN make a huge difference.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Ain and Emma and their reasons behind this are purely genuine, they want us to succeed and flourish in the fashion world. So please look them up on Facebook RACKED or rackedtt.com and keep informed of when and where events will be hosted. And thank you Ain for taking the time to answer my questions xo.

How We Can Support Local in an Online World

2015-12-14T16:38:00.002-08:00

I must admit between the leaving the house, traffic, waiting in lines and all other variables in between it is sometimes a daunting task to get out of the house to shop. Enter "online shopping"; you can search through a store by a scroll and a click away from purchasing and waiting for the items to reach your doorstep is like Christmas throughout the year.
As easy and alluring as this option may be it hurts our local economy and well the environment but that's a totally other conversation. I for one love unique pieces and I am aware that we may not all be able to afford local designers or so it may seem but there are so many ways to support our fellow designers/talents. Go to their events, word of mouth is all a way to support. Knowing all the work and love that goes into our local branded designers and how they try to reach us (the consumer) to get what they are trying to say and also what they are trying to do which is make a fashion industry for Trinidad and not only that, one that will stand the test of time. In order for that to be achieved and for Trinidad to have a voice in the fashion world our local talents need support.
So here is my little contribution:

ADRIAN FOSTER
I can gush about this man's talent for days because he is. Super clean aesthetic, minimal elegance. He showed his 2014 collection in New York Fashion Week and you can find him at the shop @Normandie

CHARU LOCHAN DASS
Flowy, femine, upscale are words that come to mind with CLD. Seasoned in retail she really understands the wants and needs of her clientele. Her collections are often inspired by powerful women figures which makes her design all the more likeable. Her woman is confident and knows what she wants and looks fierce doing it. She's shown in Amsterdam fashion week, New York fashion week and is a force to be reckoned with.

DELIA ALLEYNE
Her thorough knowledge of construction shows in her superbly executed pieces. It's quirky but sleek black and white with bursts of colour. Her Let's Paint! Full collection was shown in New York on The Fashion Gallery New York Fashion Gallery Platform. A tip of the iceberg of her endless talent. You can also find her at The Shop @ Normandie

HAUTE SAVAGE
Jewellery made for the girl who likes that one piece of jewellery she wears with everything. She's bold and assertive but totally lovable. You can feel the love and sentiment behind each piece. In sharp shapes and jagged edges that can only be explained as Haute Savage.

LISA SEE TAI
Remember the name as she just signed in collaboration with 212 location. It's the aesthetic that's sexy with elements of one of the guys that any girl can appreciate in her closet.

LUSH KINGDOM
Prints, prints, prints. Bold, vibrant and graphic. James Hackett's years or art and graphic design isn't held back in his fabrics. The imaginative story behind the design of each collection that tells a story in each like a beloved series that has you at the edge of your seat waiting to see whats the outcome in the next. Check out his work @BlueBasin and see for yourself.

STUDIO ANGELIQUE
Unique hand crafted jewellery in gold and silver with real semiprecious stones, her creations are really something to own and hand down to your children. From necklaces, to midi rings and bracelets. Her years of graphic design only enhances her approach to design. From her collaboration with CLD for her KIS collection you can also find her work showcased at CLD.

SEW LISA
Designs both children and women's clothing- her prints are a subtle nod to the Caribbean showing her creative and unique approach to the easy laid back attire of the people but in a very approachable way. As a mom I can totally relate to her aesthetic (the chic version of put on and out the door). Found @BlueBasin
Which brings me to another favourite of mine

SHOP SHARI
From her ingenious fabric jewellery to her shift dresses with pockets (i love pockets btw) to her maxis and the list goes on. She also approaches design in an easy going aesthetic but with vibrant pops of colour and geometric and tribal prints. She's also collaborating with Anya Ayoung-Chee for Lost Tribe Carnival. Found @nomorefashionvictims @shopshari

TURTLE WARRIOR
Jewellery for a cause to keep the nesting grounds of the leatherback turtle to make a difference and change the path of their extinction. The beads are made from the discarded bottles found in these areas and money made from items is put right back into the project.

WADADA MOVEMENT
The quintessential island girl in African prints and more that make for good statement pieces in your wardrobe. Easy going and sexy, founded by the Wadada twins and right on the Avenue.

Now this list isn't the tip of the iceberg of the many talented designers there are out there in our beloved Trinidad and Tobago but you get where I'm coming from. If you're really interested in supporting our locals they can sometimes be found from UpMarket to Racked, Fashion Focus events and now Magazine and lots more keep in touch with events on Facebook. When you go to the events you find the new and upcoming with the seasoned designers showcasing their work and you can't help but fall in love with each designer's designs and mix and matching them in your head with what's in you closet.
From going to these events I have met a few of the designers personally and they are all hard workers, passionate about what they do, just like Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Kate Spade etc. we can give our locals a fighting chance to make a name for themselves and our country in an unforgiving industry. They make wonderful gifts (as Christmas is around the corner).

The Trend Fashion Show 212 location & Blaanix

2015-10-26T06:08:00.001-07:00

Last night was "The Trend", held at the Cascadia Hotel and I must applaud Yosiaha Fletcher for his innovative idea of hosting such an event inviting both elite and the people that shop at his store. It really would spread great word of mouth of the covetable pieces that walked the runway. It was a theme of khaki, navy, olive green and white with pops of pale greens and light blues. Ladies ensembles were accessorized with wrap around belts and halter suspender belts. The women's looks were a collection of resort chic with over-sized shirt dresses, full skirts, flowy high low skirts, crisp button down shirts, high waisted pants and was topped of with lace tops and sheer skirts if your head is spinning with oooos and ahs well so was mine from graphics print tops and dresses to simple knit dresses it had something for ever taste and every occasion. For this season I really suggest you go check them out before all the good stuff is gone in your size because everyone was buzzing at the nights end. It was however a bit difficult to see shoes in detail but form what I did see they were cute and of variable styles I don't know if they had any but if they didn't I would have liked to see some mules as they are on trend this season and would pair so well with a lot of the styles put together.

I will end this note by saying if you want to see pictures of show check out Bain Photography this week and judge for your self. I think more boutiques should have shows like this to showcase how pieces hang on a real person, how it can be styled to help the customer envision themselves in the day to day items. It made me want to buy a lot more than I would have if I just saw it on a hanger. Fantastic job, Fantastic marketing.
Photos courtesy Bain Photography

5 Steps To Revamp Your Wardrobe

2015-07-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

" I have nothing to wear." A statement used by women quite often. Whether your closet is stock full of scarcely clad there are ways around this. Here are 5 steps to help through this whether you're on a budget or can't buy any new clothes for a while or are looking for somethings but don't know where to start.

1) Organization:
It's simple enough to say but not so much to do. We're either one of the two a clothing hoarder or the one who throws it all out if we're not using it anymore. So take a weekend to go through your wardrobe and place them into sections 1. the need pile 2. the want (love) pile 3. haven't worn in ages but still love it 4. haven't worn in ages and have no intentions of wearing (a what was I thinking item). Section your clothes in your closet in half the going out half and the work out and at home clothes half. In the going out half section it into dresses, tops, skirts and pants that way it's all there in view. That way it's all in reach

2) Pre-Plan
I'm not one to pre-plan much but there is a pressure to finding and outfit in short notice, So one day when you have spare time pair your clothing together for a complete look for different occasions that way it's just a pull and go.

3) Buy With your Existing Wardrobe In Mind
Yeah I know ladies that's easier said than done but it does help BUILD your wardrobe instead of have these random pieces that don't go together. So let me give you an example you have high waisted jeans or trousers you buy tops that complement that i.e crop tops, high low tops. Or things that change up the look of a dress like the shoes a simple slip dress can change with boots for an edgy look or sandals for a laid back look, or a motor jacket, cardigan well you get it.

4) UpCycling/DIY:
An old item can have new life with a few alterations or a little imagination. An old sweater can come to life with a little beading, blouses into crop tops. Let's just say youtube is a worldwind of ideas in that department so utilize it.
I love to see a skirt or dress in Topshop or, on the runway and see that it's simple enough to make and source a fabric and make it myself. As I said there are so many tutorials nowadays that show you how to make just about anything, you can even source a pattern online close enough or exactly what you want and as another option for a fraction of the cost. But NEVER give yourself limitations, there's ALWAYS a way

5)Buy Timelessly
The saying "quality over quantity" is your gold nugget of advice. Buying too much into a trend can leave your wardrobe less to be desired when the season ends. I always say, buying because it's a trend is NEVER a good idea, it usually ends up in buyer remorse. If you really like the piece and see the longevity of it by all means go ahead. Case and point the gladiator sandal/shoe, boyfriend anything. When shopping you should keep in mind a piece you can wear 3 years down the road e.g a well tailored blazer, a little black dress. If you're going to splurge on an item let it be a no frills no fuss item (blank canvas) that can be transformed through styling.

Don't get me wrong you can buy the cheap stuff; mixing an matching brand names with vintage or diy is what makes a real fashionista. So the next time you hear yourself saying "I have nothing to wear remember these steps. A little imagination goes a long way, have fun with it, pair different prints, pair unlikely pieces you may surprise yourself as to how in tune with fashion you are.
xoxo

Taylor Swift's Ongoing Lawsuit?

2015-07-29T05:49:00.006-07:00

Infringement on copyright for company Lucky 13? Isn't there a team that scouts out the names of brands etc. before a person or that level of celebrity comes out with their merchandise? But all that aside, oh geeze really? It really goes to a next level when people sue others for whatever grounds.
I suppose it's a good publicity boost for whoever never heard of the company before so they should really be paying her right? LOL

I really don't get it? To quote " her grown up image overlaps with their customer base". Ugh ok then, so their "Die young stay beautiful" tees are so uplifting right? If I were the judge I'd just dismiss the whole thing. If anything her squeaky clean demeanor can give their punk edge a "goody goody" rep?

Move on people is all I have to say about that whole thing it's clear they have nothing better to do with their time. You judge for yourself.

Taylor Swift's Tee

Lucky 13's Tee

10 Ways Men Are Dressing Totally Wrong

2015-07-24T08:32:00.001-07:00

To my gentleman folk came across this video and had to share.

10 Ways Men Are Dressing Totally Wrong
Posted by BuzzFeed Video on Thursday, June 26, 2014

It's really on point especially for guys now trying to find their style. Who says you can't share info you find on the net right so enjoy =)

"What Is My Style?"

2015-06-23T13:39:00.001-07:00

Trends come and go with each season but one thing remains the same, your style. Never give into the fads as they're there, use your initiative in choosing items. Take into consideration your shape, style and fit.

YOUR SHAPE

Coming from the Caribbean I am not to keen on the stereotypical shape types as pear,apple, triangle, square etc. I am convinced it's just as bad as the myth of one size fits all. With seeing so many shapes mixed up firsthand I think it's safe to say no two women are alike exactly in shape because though they may seem that way a dress that looks good on one may not look good on the other. "Why is that?" you ask. It's because these three points are intertwined and can't be done without the other. I've seen it time and time again. An example would be that you associate yourself with a celebrity around your build for inspiration let's say it's Jennifer Lopez. Quite often Jennifer and Beyonce would be compared as they may have similar body traits but if Jennifer and Beyonce were to wear the same ensembles it wouldn't be pulled off the same way. Which brings me to my next point...

STYLE

Styling is the inevitable hit or miss of a look. Everything comes into play for the complete look. The accessories, the hair, makeup and the one thing that gets underplayed in critiquing is "the attitude" to wear the ensemble and no the other way around. Your style is how people identify you, can know who you are and know whether or not they want to get to know you better. When people say things like fashion isn't important or relevant I wonder if they've really thought through the statement. Doesn't everyone wear clothes? Whether or not they wear it correctly is debatable. But we all have a NEED for clothes so why not give credit where it's due? For your big interview you live by the tried and true "first impressions last forever" so you wear your best work clothes to give a good impression. Anyway I'm straying a bit

FIT

It doesn't matter how gorgeous a dress is, once it's ill fitted it has the opposite effect. A well tailored suit looks so much more polished and sophisticated than a mass produced one size fits all suit. If you're on a budget, however, you should source a good tailor/seamstress to source whenever you buy items that need to be taken in or let out when you do buy the mass produced clothes. If you choose wisely in the end it may look even more expensive than the designer brand just because it FITS you the way it's supposed to.

So in conclusion don't give into the hype of the season and buy 10 pairs of harem pants just because it's the item of the season, not taking into consideration the points above. Love your body, dress your body the way it is not the way you wish it to be and it will make the whole process a lot easier. Be honest with yourself; as a mother of two I wouldn't wear low rise jeans and a crop top if I feel uncomfortable doing so instead I may wear high waisted pants and a crop top. Know your body and what makes you look your best, showcase your best assets (tastefully and age appropriately) whether it's toned legs or sculpted arms. We are all beautiful remember that, so always dress your best.

Wallets For Spring/Summer 2015

2015-03-26T13:05:00.002-07:00

Nothing says summer is here like your wardrobe even down to the wallet. So as insignificant as it may be it does add to the whole ensemble here are a five picks that I love.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sophisticato Jerrie Rose Tomoko Wallet

A beautiful nod to the traditional floral patterns that are usually seen this time of year with an on point colour theme. Love!!

Ted Baker Mollee Cascading Floral Bow Matinee Wallet

A wallet stylish enough to be used as a clutch. Can you say the best of both worlds? With it's dark background colour it can be matched with almost anything.Which is a steal of a deal at $150.

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Rose Small Stacy Bifold

At $78 Sweetheart pink, black and whit floral combo screams Spring and its polyurethane means it can take a beating.

Orla Kiely Sixties Stem Punched Leather Big Zip Wallet

Made from cow leather and in this pretty floral pink colour it can put a dent in your pocket at $218 but it's worth the money as it will last quite a while.

Kate Spade New York Classic Nylon Lacey Wallet

At $168 this Nylon wallet is cute and functional adding the pop of colour you look for in your spring/summer accessories.

My Fashion Week Wrap Up 2015

2015-03-20T11:31:00.002-07:00

Hello my fellow fashion lovers. I am embarking on a new venture and getting to knwo the internet world better so I guess you can say I'm being formally introduced so I have another site up all about fashion that I just started do please check it out as that is where I talk all about fashion week and who I loved and go int detail of my favourites. My new fashion blog

You all being the dolls that you are I know will give you're full support and check it out and tell me what you think.

This year was as all other years was a thing to behold. I was so loving Burberry's show this year with the grey undertoned colour theme and how boho chic it was the coats were superbly executed if not done the way Burberry did it could have been horribly wrong but it was PHENOMENAL!!!! Oh as for Balmain ( my main squeeze in aesthetics no I'm not talking about the designer) and well I go all into it on my new fashion blog

Love you lots guys and thank you so much for all these years of support I will continue blogging on here as well so keep in touch. Tell me who were your fave designers this year.

Golden Globe Awards 2015

2015-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Wow! what a way to jumpstart the new year. The glamour, the dresses the dos and don'ts of award season have started and I am more than excited to view them all on the red carpet. So let's start with the women of the hour that really stunned.

The first few I'll show are those who understand the simple quote "less is more" and they wore their dress not the other way around and truly radiated in fashion perfection.

Jenna Dewan Tatum in this pale yellow Carolina Herrera dress was simple and effective, love this look. It's fresh and minimal.

Salma Hayek-Pinault looked gorgeous in Alexander McQueen.

Chrissy Teigen in Zuhair Murad need I say more.

Allison Williams

Felicity Jones

Jennifer Lopez I suppose she could wear a potato sack and make it look like masterpiece

Kate Hudson in this stunning white Versace cutout dress

Jennifer Anniston. I know it'es a cliche lbd however it looks quite lovely on her and very age appropriate and she looks so happy in it.

Jessica Chastain

Amy Adams

Simple tends to remind me of old Hollywood but I like the modern twists to it. This year was no exception. The glamour was amped in in very chic ways.

So who were your favourites on the Red Carpet, would love to hear what you thought so feel free to leave a comment below.

American Music Awards 2014 Red Carpet

2014-11-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

It's red hott and it's happening right now the AMAs. The Red Carpet is where it's at for me. Rita Ora in a yellow Zac Posen number with a low back and architectural front perfectly styled with hair pulled back, she looked flawless.

Selena Gomez wore black with a low back dress by Giorgio Armani Prive

Fergie also wore black but with a high slit

Kate Bekinsdale wore a white fitted dress with a plunging v neckline.

Kendall Jenner in a see through high slit dress only a model can pull off.

Khloe Kardashian looks gorgeous in this fitted black dress

Love this pant suit by Prabal Gurungworn by Gigi Hadid

Julianne Hough looks stunning in this tangerine gown

Becky G looks youthful and chic in this short white dress with black detail

Heidi Klum in Versace, need I say more....

Giuliana Rancic in a colour block Alex Perry dress

Ode to Fashion

2014-11-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Ah fashion, like an old friend you welcome me into the tight knit circle that appreciates you for all that you offer. You drape so tantalizingly on the stylized mannequins behind the glass out of reach but approachable by just a slide of a card or a rustled exchange of paper for the silks, linens and cashmere by which you were so designed. An ongoing love hate relationship where your trends become fads and some become classic staples that must reside in the closet of everyone who's ever appreciated and have adapted the talent of piecing you together in ensembles that are ingenious pairings of old and new, luxurious and bargain, hard and soft, grunge and preppy ......

You speak volumes of the wearers tastes of lack thereof, their wealth, their ability to compromise, who's showy and whose understated, relaxed or uptight. Though many may reject your importance and scoff at those who do, you are worn by all no matter how tattered, ill fitting or hideous it was all designed by someone. No matter how trivial the piece its a stepping stone to a greater piece. No matter how they reject you it's inevitable that in order to succeed you must dress the part.

It's always exciting to see you strewn across magazines come September Issue and strutting down the runways in all your manifests. To think it all started with an idea and then conceptualized into reality within a matter of impossible deadlines by some of the most elite of designers e.g Balmain, Prabal Gurung, Pringle of Scotland,Vivienne Westwod, Diane Von Furstenburg, Chanel, Marc Jacobs and the list goes on of talented artists with a vision of the story you will tell for each season. You will always be my passion and my appreciation will never waver.
What are your views? How has fashion impacted your life? Leave a comment below would love to hear your story.

2014-06-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

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Zara dress

2014-06-25T07:35:00.001-07:00

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Kim and Kanye Wed

2014-05-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

So over the weekend Kim and Kanye got hitched and there are bets on how long it will last and some of us are saying "enough already" and I hear you but as a true fashion lover I am only here to talk about the clothes of the hour. I must admit that I am a little jealous that she wore Balmain who is one of my favourite designers of all time (I like my fashion with a little edge) on the the bachelorette night and at the reception. I however did not expect the Givenchy Haute Couture dress she wore on the day it was quite conservative for the socialite's usual sexy attire but nonetheless it was perfection in fit and all that matters is that she was happy in what she wore and how it made her feel. My theory on wedding dresses is " at the end of the day you are wearing the dress, so you have to feel the prettiest you've ever felt in it" so please don't listen to the bulldozer friends and family that go with you to shop for your gown. Congrats Kim and Kanye I really wish you the best.

The Other Woman

2014-05-12T07:34:00.001-07:00

So saw The Other Woman yesterday and I have to say it was a phenomenal movie. Not to mention the wardrobe, I just had to see who the costume designer was and of course it was Patricia Field of Sex & The City. Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann were a great pair and they had great chemistry on screen. Between the plot the jokes the wardrobe Leslie Mann and Cameron Diaz it was epic to say the least. I loved it. Here are a few of the ensembles I found that I want in my closet.

Happy Mother's Day

2014-05-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

To every woman who takes care of yours or anyone else's children. Have a great day and know all your hard work is appreciated Happy Mother's Day

Trend Or Foe

2014-05-11T10:11:00.003-07:00

So we all know that fashion can leave us with buyers remorse as we're taken up in the moment that we find pieces we must have in our closets. Well.... here's the catch to that reasoning; when we unpack our mounds of bags we've purchased we realize we've gone over budget and we really didn't need that cashmere scarf that cost $500.
The key to trends is that it sometimes lasts for a few months and then it's onto the next one and your left with an item you're lackluster about. Don't feed into all trends, pick and choose according to your body type, personal style and what you already have in your closet. Visualize your closet when shopping and take a truthful friend with you to confirm your doubts on an item you're lingering on. Bell bottoms, pheasant tops, acid wash jeans are all trends that stay on short term and leave us feeling "What was I thinking?". If you're really set on being on trend buy the cheaper versions if you don't intend on wearing it when it's out of season because $300 is far more to spend on a jeans you'll only wear one or two time as opposed to $50. Trends tend to make or break you; it can leave a hole in your wallet or it can add a piece to your wardrobe that can be a staple.
I often see people wear a trend let's say it's the high waisted pants and not take into consideration their height, their size (yes the belly bulge) or the styling of it. Trends have to be well executed and personalized to look good on a person you also have to be honest with yourself. if you're short and apple shaped with skinny legs and you wear a baloony top (pheasant top etc) you'll make yourself look like a lollipop. The key is to work with your figure, balance it out. So for a an apple shape a structured top and a fuller pants or skirt would balance out your frame.
That's why their are so many fashion bloggers out there showing you that you control your style you can wear Prabal Gurung, H&M, Lanvin and Forever21 all in the same outfit. You just need to really listen to yourself and what makes you feel and look chic, your best self, mix and match. It takes time for some people years but you'll get the hang of it once you stop bombarding yourself with what's in and listening to what makes this ensemble you. Because you are what you wear, people judge you on your appearance and how you style yourself.
If you're lost on what to wear pinterest is the bomb for it's visual sharing, blogs
http://www.framboisefashion.com/
http://anecdoche.com/
http://galmeetsglam.com/
http://www.halliedaily.com/
and the list goes on, and you can always check the fashion section of magazines like vogue, elle, marie claire.
Happy shopping everyone =)

Chic Floral Lace Dress - Clearance

2014-05-10T21:07:00.001-07:00

Chic Floral Lace Dress - Clearance (clipped to polyvore.com)

Met Gala 2014 Red Carpet

2014-05-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

A night to go all out and wear the most extravagant gowns inspired by fantasy itself. I love this event as it really shows the true talent of fashion and it's designers that create these beautiful works of art that glide across the red carpet worn by the famous faces that have graced our homes on our screens. So let's get to the who looked the part and who didn't.

I love DVF I think she really gets the silhouette of a woman and how to design for it and this is no exception, I'm not sure it's what you expect for the Met Gala per say but it is a beautiful gown and Selena Gomez was the perfect candidate for it.

Ah Taylor Swift, I think Vogue's Grace Coddington is solely responsible for the big transformation of Taylor from the doe like curls to chic and sophisticated straight hair with bangs for her shoot of the coveted fashion magazine and thus she has attained a personal style. However this Oscar de la Renta dress though very beautiful didn't to the country pop star justice as the the pale color washes her out and the silhouette is wrong for her. What do you think?

As Kristen Stewart is the new spokesperson for Chanel it's only fitting she wear the designer

Lea Michele, in Altuzarra

Emma Stone,I think is one of if not my favourites for the night in a Thakoon dress, Miu Miu shoes and a Tod's clutch. The colour of this dress on her

Kendall Jenner, in Topshop

Charlize Theron, in Christian Dior

Blake Lively, in Gucci need I say more. She knows her body and what compliments her

Anne Hathaway, in Calvin Klein

Olivia Munn, in DVF. Ah Diane you have done it again this yellow dress is to die for.

Kate Bosworth, in Stella McCartney. Didn'y like this look as it reminds me of the 90s

Gisele Bundchen, in Balenciaga. This dress looks like a been there done that better dress on her. She wore a black Givenchy dress in 2012 and looked sleek n sophisticated and last year a black Anthony Vacarello dress. Firstly it's time to deviate from the black and secondly she looked to laid back for the event.

Shailene Woodley, in Rodarte. Uhh all I can say is No.

The Queen of these events did not to disappoint in Oscar de la Renta

Lupita Nyong'o, in Prada. I'm not sure about this ensemble as she has become a fashion icon overnight it her flawless decisions of what she wears on Red Carpet but..... I don'y know you decide. However she would be the one to pull this off.

Anna Kendrick, seems quite fond of J. Mendel as she's worn the designer numerous times to events,the dress is simple and elegant and sometimes less is more. She looks a lot like Tina Fey here, don't you think?

Naomi Watts was the epitomy of what the event is coveted for in Givenchy Haute Couture.

Emmy Rossum, in Carolina Herrera

Jessica Pare, in Michael Kors

Model Suki Waterhouse, in Burberry

Chloe Grace Moretz, looks youthful and chic in Chanel

Zoe Saldana, in Michael Kors

Burberry jacket

2014-04-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

Burberry Brit Brookesby Trench Jacket (see more cropped leather jackets)

Acne Studios legging

2014-04-28T07:49:00.005-07:00

Acne Studios Best Lea Scuba Leather Leggings (see more black velvet pants)