30.9.10

In New York...

In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
Those lights will inspire you,
Lets hear it for New York, New York, New York
- NEW YORK -- ALICIA KEYS

I was actually surprised how many looks I adored from New York for spring.
I went with a lot of looks to share with you!
Hope you enjoy them.

SOME NEWS...

I am now a stylist at Club Monaco!  I have my first shift this Saturday, wish me luck!  If you're not sure what they are about you can visit their website.

And now for New York!  A lot of the trends stood out and were repeated in Europe.  So many designers really shaped up for this season!

NEW YORK S/S 2011

Anna Sui
This was my favourite line from New York.  This look is so unbelievably stunning, the sheer top with jewel detailing is perfect and the colour is subtle, neutral, and elegant.  The outfit is simple but sheer perfection!
Another Western/tribal look from the runway, this neutral colour palette works so well together.  The feathers, frills, and headpiece just push it over the top!
These two stunning looks mix feminine draping with subtle, tribal detailing.  The simple, practical-looking boots mixed with the neutral and soft colours in this line are absolutely stunning.

DKNY
DKNY uses feminine silhouettes to emphasize the classic, tailored look perfect for the office or a day out.  These looks are so practical and there is a subtle pop of red to add some emphasis.  This was my second favourite line, I love every look!

Mulberry
This is always one of my favourite lines from New York.  The items are versatile, feminine, classic, and perfectly detailed.  The simple basic colour pallette is embellished with subtle feminine detailing like bows and flowers.
Another great look from Mulberry!  These shoes are perfect for spring and the dress can be made casual or dressy according to the rest of the styling!  The bright red background really make the looks stand out.

Altuzari
I love the silhouette, use of leather and the one shoulder.  The shoes are very avant-garde and lighten up the dark look of the dress.
The shape and structure of this outfit is very unique and put together beautifully.  The yellow belt adds a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral pallette.  Socks and sandals are big on the runway once again!
The cutout strips and asymmetry of this outfit is balanced lovely with the subtle yet bright detailed accessories.  A small pop of colour really adds to the look, and the shoes are once again fabulous!

BCBG
Most of the spring looks by Max Azria are all white, simple, and stunning, like most of his spring looks!  Lots of draping and bandaging makes for a subtle variety of otherwise similar styles.

 Calvin Klein
The low v-necks and cutout backs are gorgeous on the simple array of looks from Calvin Klein.

Elle Tahari
This is slowly becoming one of my favourite designers!  The looks are so elegent, and the colours are so simple, just the way I like them!  The shiny, sparkly nudes come together in classic silhouettes to produce gorgeous looks.

 Isaac Mizrahi
This designer is starting to impress me more and more as well with gorgeous feminine detailing and soft pastel pinks.  Some great looks on this runway as well!

Ralph Lauren
This line was all about mixing delicate, feminine pieces with the outdoor country look.  Lots of brown mixed with white lace, low cuts, and Western accessorizing.  A great show!

Michael Kors
This line features draping, cropping, and some looser fitting styles.  Mixing business casual with a little funk and flavour is what this line is all about!

For more great looks check out style.com!

Coming up next:  London, and then Paris, where I left my heart when I was 10 or so!

Wish me luck at my new (and first) retail job ever!
Styling here I come!

Xoxo
Veronica

27.9.10

Runway & changes in my life

Changes in my life
I won't leave you behind
Changes in my life
You will see in time
Changes in my life
You're always on my mind
Changes in my life
I've got you by my side

There're so many changes in my life
I don't know if it's wrong or if it's right
And i want you, want you be my side
Everything is gonna be alright
- CHRIS LAKE -- CHANGES
On top of normal technical difficulties I encounter daily with my computer and camera (which are both top notch, Macbook Pro and Cannon Rebel) I have misplaced the cord that connects the two.  I am convinced there is some sort of technology gnome that comes and messes everything around on me.

NOW FOR SOME SOME BETTER NEWS...

I have a few options for a new job.  I could work at a bar as a bartender, which I enjoy a lot and the money is great.  I also have a few opportunities for becoming a stylist in a retail environment for less money.  I don't know what to do!  Any advice?

Since it will be a few days before I can take outfit pictures (I have LOTS in store for you), I am presenting you darlings with my favourite looks from  
FASHION WEEK in Milan.
Italy is always my favourite!  There are some great looks from New York and London that I will post this week as well.  Paris is coming up and Toronto's fashion week is quite a joke but Dsquared2's line just came out in Milan so I had to showcase a little Canadian pride as well as some of my other favourite looks.  I can't wait for spring!  The leaves are a million colours around here so I hope to get some great photos soon.  Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

TRENDS FOR SPRING 2011

Dsquared2 in Milan rocking the newest eyewear trend:  goggles!

The silhouette is huge on the runway for spring! Shape is everything, and the hourglass figure is being presented everywhere.  Here are a few other trends:

Bright colours!
Missoni, Blumarine, MaxMara

All black or all white
Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana

V necks & hot pants
Fendi, Francesco Snognamiglio, Dolce & Gabbana

Cut-out shapes!
 Versace & Emilio Pucci

Simple prints in watercolour, floral, and leopard
D&G, Francesco Snognamiglio & Emilio Pucci

Draping and tassles
Blumarine, Fendi & Emilio Pucci

Photos from style.com

Hope you enjoyed the looks!
Stay tuned for more from New York, London & Paris,
as well as some fall outfits from yours truly!

Xo Veronica

20.9.10

Fall trends

This fall seems to be about mixing the classic feminine structure born in the 50's with modern, edgy trends that seem to scream the opposite.  Designs feature the hourglass silhouette with floral patterns and structured pieces including pencil-skirts, blazers, and cardigans, to name a few.  Other designs include  adventurous empowering jobs for women, showcasing items for the outdoors.  The runways for fall were swimming with leather, fur, and military items.  Consistent trends include draping, one shoulder styles, gloves, ruffles, and of course animal print!  Here is my mix of strong and soft trends for the fall!

Soft - 50's feel 
Aqualino Romani
Grey is one of my favourite hues and this look is pulled off so flawlessly.  The cardigan really makes the skirt practical and every detail in each piece is carefully put together to create a delicate, feminine look.
Giles
50's cocktail dresses were big this summer and they are also on the fall runways!  To update the look, go with belts and edgier materials and patterns.  Another great idea is to throw a t-shirt under your cocktail dress for a more casual style!
 Nina Ricci
This look is completely feminine and classic. The leather gloves and belt update the look to make it more modern.  This outfit holds a complete 50's feel and is stunning. 
Dolce & Gabbana
This is a gorgeous hourglass silhouette created by mixing unlikely prints.  The more I look at this outfit the more I adore it!  High waist and pencil skirts are everywhere this fall.
Rachel Comey
This skirt is absolutely to die for.  The pencil structure and shape has a 50's feel with a modern, velvet feel.  The layering is perfectly done and the colour palette is brilliant. 


Strong - Military, leather and fur 
 Dsquared2 - A Canadian duo of designers with strong, powerful silhouettes and gorgeous staple pieces ontop of avant-garde designs.  Their first appearance was a pair of distressed jeans in a Madonna video in 2000!
Botegga Veneta
Gorgeous leather coat!  Ladies, we are keeping warm this winter.  (Some parts of Canada have had snow already!)  The designs from this runway were classic and fabulous.
Altuzara
Fur is a common theme on the runway and I love when it's mixed with leather like here on this little-known designer's runway!  I love the belt, it really ties the outfit together.
Anna Sui
Another design featuring leather and fur! I wasn't sure whether to make this a strong piece or a mixture, because her tunic is a soft pattern and it mixes nicely with the edgier headpiece, boots and other accessories.  The look came out strong but delicate!

Both - Mix it up!
Burberry Porsum
For fall Burberry has done an amazing job of mixing feminine classic pieces and silhouettes with edgy pieces.  Their classic feminine pieces are topped with balmer or cropped jackets in fur and leather along with a variety of military and riding style boots.  Here are two of my favourite looks but I insist you check out the line if you haven't!
Derek Lam
Leather is everywhere on the fall runway and not just for accessories!  Leather skirts, shorts, dresses, even blazers are hot this season and this is a classic look to remind you to try something different!  Nude mixed with black is a fabulous colour combination as well.
Lanvin
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite designers as they pull off such flawless designs season after season.  Here are two gorgeous looks that mix soft trends with stronger pieces as well.   Their colour pallete is right up my alley and every single pair of shoes on that runway is to die for!
Mulberry
This is another stunning colour pallete and I absolutely adore the classic look here!  The boots tie the outfit together wonderfully and this look is wearable to the office or anywhere else.

Photos from style.com.

Just a side note:
I have been very busy with my personal life and school, I am looking for a part time job as well.  A giveaway is coming soon and lots more for you!

Take care my loves,
Xoxoxo
Veronica

15.9.10

Wardrobe staples

Special Edition Blog:  100 followers!!!

SOME FASHION ADVICE & HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR BEST FEATURES

A great tip to start off with:  bright colours will enhance your mood!
I love wearing black but if I am feeling down I will wear something bright and it definitely lightens my spirits!
Use embellishments to draw attention to the body parts that you like the most.
Bright colours can draw attention to pretty eyes or lips, where tight shirts can show off hourglass curves and flat stomachs.
Lots of tunics and flowy-style tops will be forgiving around the middle where low-cut tops or tight jeans may draw attention to assets you are more proud to show off.
Most people can not pull off every single trend and style and knowing which styles flatter your body type will really make a difference to how you look and feel.
Photo from stylehive.com

Organize your closet:
All your items should be visible to you!   Out of sight, out of mind.
My closet!  Items tend to get swallowed but I insist on hanging everything in my closet that I plan on wearing.

Colour co-ordinate!
Keep similar items and colours together.

Closet organizers are amazing!  Some include:
Hangars with racks, bags, hoe racks, jewelry racks, drawer dividers, under bed storage

Plan your shopping:
I always make a list of the items I want to purchase before I go out shopping.  I will have an image of what I want in my head and I will not settle until I find exactly that for a reasonable price.  I hardly ever impulse buy.  If you really love something you might as well buy it though; you only live once.
A good idea is to leave the store for an hour or so and if you find yourself constantly thinking about it then you should probably go back and get it.

Make sure you have wardrobe essentials before you splurge on trendy items.
These should be in black or other versatile shades.
Some examples of this include:
Tops:  white and black blouse, camisoles, tanktops, v-neck t-shirts, dressy tops
Sweaters:  cardigans, hoodies, turtlenecks, cashmere v-necks, half sweaters, shrugs, shawls, wool sweaters, silk blouse
Dresses:  LBD, cocktail dresses, sun dresses, evening and party dresses, dresses for the office, bodycon, tunics, maxi, jumpsuits
One of my LBDs!  This one is from H&M and zips up to the top.  Worn with tights and socks in colder weather!
Leather Jimmy Choo for H&M Dress, Gucci belt
With my BFF and her LBD!  Getting ready for New Years.

Skirts:  denim, pencil, high-waist, printed, bodycon, casual, khaki, (black skirts are a must)
Pants:  denim, leggings, black dress pants, skinny jeans, light coloured dress pants, work out or yoga pants, sweat pants, khakis, black jeans, something patterned
Jackets:  leather, denim, trench, pea-coat (to wear with dresses), dress blazers, balmer, wool coat (especially if you live in Canada, I would also recommend a parka, Canada Goose makes the best ones)
Burberry classic trench - amazing!

Handbags:  clutch, satchel, tote, wristlet, a variety of medium-sized bags, oversized luggage, carry-on sized bags, shoulder bags, hobo
Hermes So Black Birkin

Shoes:  black Mary Janes, pumps, wedges, flats, runners, nude pumps, leather and suede boots, rubber boots or waterproof boots, winter boots, dress shoes, office shoes


Belts:  wide waist belts in black, grey or white, slim brown belts, embellished belts
Scarves:  wool scarves, cashmere, silk neck scarves, printed scarves
Hoisery:  socks in all shapes and sizes, sheer pantyhouse (nude or black), hold-up stockings, black opaque tights, cozy socks, ankle socks
Jewelry:  get as creative as you want!  I have seen jewelry wrapped around every inch of the body!  I recommend diamonds and pearls, classy and fabulous.
Other Accessories: gloves are big for fall 2010, flowers, headbands, leg warmers, arm and neck candy!

Photo from J. Crew

Develop Style:
Style is the collection of your life experiences with your artistic taste and also a reflection of your inner self.  Fashion fades but style is eternal.
A signature style comes from a collection of things that you like to wear that reflect and represent your personality, like a piece that you simply cannot go without.  I love purses I simply could not be without one!  (Sometimes two.) A lot of girls have one necklace they never take off, or an oversized pair of sunglasses that barely leaves their face.  There are many ways to enhance and define your style!
Get rid of the stuff that is NOT you, because it is only taking up space in your closet!

My style!

To find inspiration, try blogs, lookbooks or mannequins, magazines are my favourite!
PS - I'm at 100 followers!
Two posts today and check back tomorrow for a give away!

Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Xoxoxo
Veronica