#IconCity: Alba Kills It Every Time

Gracing this month's cover of Glamour Magazine, Jessica Alba remains one of the most enviable celebrities in Hollywood due to her stunning good looks and impeccable sense of style. Always on someone's best-dressed list, Alba makes her way into Iconcity among fashion's elite. From her days in the dance film, Honey, to her new company entitled "The Honest Company", which will debut at Target on June 15th, Alba has come a long way. The only thing that hasn't changed is her ability to put together looks we all aspire to. She may be a mom, but she's the coolest mom you'll ever meet and we all secretly envy the little girl who will get dressed by Alba. 

Are you ready for some of her best looks?

LOOK 1

Alba expertly pairs a black crop top sweater with a midi length tutu. It's the perfect combination of edgy and girly in one look.

via Pinterest

LOOK 2

A fan of bold statements, Alba looks super chic in cobalt blue skinnys and a floral blazer.

via People Stylewatch

LOOK 3

Alba stuns in head-to-toe white and adds a purple lip to overcome expectations.

via People Stylewatch

LOOK 4

Nobody wears a chic bun as well as Jessica Alba. A plaid shirt gives this look a cool urban vibe.

via heelsloveanddrugs.tumblr.com

LOOK 5

Alba lets out her feminine side with a white bandeau crop top and full yellow skirt. Who else is obsessed with those shoes?

via People Stylewatch

Which is your favourite Alba look? Is she on your best-dressed list?

Bella

Is Orange The New Red?

The red lip has shown it's iconic face on Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Currently, stars like Rihanna, Lana Del Rey, and Dita Von Teese have turned it into their signature look. A red lip has always been a bold statement that symbolizes power, femininity, and sensuality. This lipstick shade is considered a staple item to have in your makeup case and can solve your every makeup woe. A shade of red exists for every skin tone and articles about the perfect red lip permeate the fashion magazines and online beauty websites. Clearly, we're all nothing short of obsessed with this lip colour.

This spring, it was announced that orange is the new trendy lip colour to experiment with. On the runways of DKNY, Prabal Gurung, and DSquared2, models sported an orange lip. Apparently, they all had the same spurt of inspiration. This is no coincidence. In the springtime, beauty looks tend to deviate towards the brighter colours on the spectrum. While fall was all about the purple lip, spring takes us to a more playful place.

via mylittlenest.org

The colour orange reminds us of orange blossoms, oranges (evidently), and orange juice. Orange is generally a happy colour in contrast with the moodier purple and matches our current state of mind with its uplifting nature that mirrors the new season.

The real question is: will orange lips be replacing red?

via fashionfademagazine.co.uk

Unlikely. As we all know, fashion is divided between seasonal trends and timeless looks. While red falls under the timeless category, orange remains a spring trend that will quickly go out of style come fall. As a fashion rebel, I encourage you to try an orange lip in the fall if you feel like it. There's nothing like making a statement by countering trends.

I recently purchased my very own orangey lipstick, the classic Lady Danger by M.A.C, and I encourage you to try purchasing this shade of lipstick for the spring instead of your classic red. Now, don't be mistaken. I am not telling you to abandon red, but merely to try something brighter this season. Lady Danger is an orangey red, so if you aren't yet ready for neon orange, this is your best bet. If you prefer a bolder statement, Lancome's Rouge in Love Lipstick in Madame Tulip is an amazing choice. For a cheaper drugstore orange, try Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Electric Orange for a mere 8$.

Are you ready to go orange this season? I know I am.

Toodles,

Bella

Are You Loyal To Your Makeup?

You've finally hit puberty and the awkward stages are only just beginning. You start to notice girls talking about periods and training bras. Every now and then, you catch your friends using terms like "PMS" and "Brazilians" in every day conversation, but you're still slightly confused as to their definitions. Suddenly, their eyes are getting bolder, their lips are getting sultrier, and their cheeks are getting redder. It's not the sun. They've simply discovered the magic of makeup.

As a young adult, you begin by stealing your mother's makeup from her closet as a means of experimentation. Once she catches you in the act, you have the "talk" and agree to ask her before you decide to borrow her lipstick. At a certain point, you realize that it's time you own a makeup product and fill your own makeup case. Depending on whether you're a little alternative or a pop princess, you opt for a no name brand eyeliner pencil or the new L'Oreal lip gloss you spotted at the pharmacy while your mom was checking out face creams. It was your right of passage, a symbol of your adulthood. As a wise woman we call Britney Spears once said, "you were not a girl, not yet a woman."

via hotttcoco.tumblr.com

But your coming of age is not exactly what this post is about. I'm here to bring to your attention the concept of brand loyalty.

Does it exist? 

There are different types of female consumers. 

The one's who stick to one brand of makeup and buy every product from that company.

The one's who choose specific brands based on the product.

The one's who experiment with different brands to find the perfect fit.

The one's who couldn't care less.

I'd have to say that I fall under the third. An obsessive reader of makeup reviews, it often takes weeks for me to choose my brand of choice. Once upon a time, I would only buy drugstore brands. As soon as I started reading magazines, I became a self-proclaimed makeup snob and decided that Sephora was my new destination of choice. With the abundance of incredible products, choosing one is often a challenging process. 

I know what you're thinking. Do I have the time or patience for any of this? Aren't drugstore brands just as good? Does it even matter?

The answer? Yes. While the au natural look is de rigueur for spring, that only makes it more important to find the right products to ensure you don't look like your makeup is painted on. You may not need to invest in the gazillion products on the market, but choose your top three and take the time to read some reviews. I guarantee that this process will be worth your while. Once you've determined your top 3 most important products (mine are: lipstick, mascara, and blush), you can proceed to purchase any other items at the drugstore. Makeup is about play, so have fun ladies.

Bella

Fashion Really Loves Shoulders

If there's anything I've learned from having barely there shoulders, it's that blazers and blouses don't like me very much. Everything looks oversized on my petite frame and I've just about given up on finding tops my size. After spending years wondering why my purse consistently slips down my arm, forcing me to pull it up every .02 seconds, I've finally come to the conclusion that I have sloped shoulders that simply cannot support anything. Thankfully, it's a common problem.

It turns out that fashion loves to highlight the shoulders. From structured blouses to 80's shoulder pads, the shoulder is major trending and I continue to sigh in frustration. From the boxy jacket at 3.1 Phillip Lim to the square blouse at Alexander Wang, structured shoulder reigned on the Spring 2014 runways, no matter the model's frame.

And that's when I realized something. Have I been looking at the glass half empty? Is the fashion industry trying to help me out rather than point out my flaws as I've assumed my entire life? Are false shoulders merely a way for me to play pretend?

I have a confession to make. I really love wide shoulders. I'm tired of pulling up my sleeves that have been falling down my arm since I was 4 years old. I'm fed up of those bras that cannot be tightened anymore to suit my shoulder needs. Some would say that shoulder pads were the worst 80's trend. And to those people I say, "you know not what you say". Shoulders are empowering. Back in the 1940's, one of the main components of a power suit was a bold shoulder. It was an assertion of a woman's authority.

So, in honour of shoulders, here are some of the best shoulders that have hit the runways.

Rock n' Roll Shoulders

Balmain Spring 2010
via asufjc.blogspot.com

Feminine Shoulders

Lanvin Spring 2013
via zaiddor.com

Quirky Shoulders

Celine Spring 2014
via superior-mag.com

Edgy Shoulders

Saint Laurent Spring 2014
via superior-mag.com

Happy Tuesday!

Bella

Big Hair, Don't Care?

Growing up as an average awkward braces wearing pre-teen, I always hated my hair. It was consistently frizzy, unruly, and surrounded by a crown of baby hair. I tried every pharmacy product recommended by the top beauty magazines, but nothing would help. In my teens, I discovered the straightening iron and occasionally tamed my locks with this contraption on special occasions. Most of the time, I opted for mousse, but that wasn't always a sure bet for frizz control. After years of struggling with my lack of hand eye coordination, I finally learned how to manipulate a blowdryer. Last week. It's been a rough ride where my hair has been concerned, but I like to call it a work in progress.

A little over a week ago, something strange happened. Karl Lagerfeld presented his Cruise Dubai 2015 Collection and I couldn't believe my eyes. Models were walking down the runway with the teased hair and curly fros of the 1960s. After seeing models skip down his couture runway in sneakers, I knew that anything was possible but once again, as I watched these ladies rock the curls, everything I thought I knew about fashion needed to be reconsidered.

Chanel Cruise Dubai 2015
via hairromance.com

Is it possible that curly hair is making a comeback?

When Marc Jacobs introduced his Fall 2013 collection last year and had his models sport this retro look, I thought it was simply Marc being nostalgic. It was cute, but I probably wouldn't try it at home.

And then, I started watching Mad Men. Talk about teased hair. All I could think about was how I wish I had hair like Joan Harris or Megan Draper. When did my hair get so flat? Or better yet, when did I become so obsessed with flattening it? What happened to all that luscious body?

via nickyclarke.com

So, what's the verdict? Is big hair making a comeback? Will ladies abandon their straightening irons and embrace their natural pouf? If bushy eyebrows and other bushes can make a comeback, isn't it only natural that the hair on our head will follow suit?

What do you think of wild curls? Will you be reverting back to this look? Whenever you're on the fringe, remember to ask yourself "WWKD" (what would Karl do).

Sincerely,

Bella

#IconCity: When Your Name Is Chanel, You're Destined for Greatness

Model of the moment, Chanel Iman, deserves a spot in Iconcity by virtue of being named Chanel. She also happens to be one of the top models in the industry, walking the runways of Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu, and DKNY. After stating her presence at the Met Gala and Coachella, she's officially that girl every girl wants to be and the one that every man wants to be with. It doesn't hurt that she exposes her enviable legs at every opportunity with her high side slits and short shorts. If you haven't heard of her, keep your eyes peeled because she may be the next Tyra Banks. 

Here are some of her best looks.

LOOK 1

Bold colour? Check. High slit? Check. Sexy stilettos. Check. Check. Check.

via Elle

LOOK 2

One of my favourite J. Mendel dresses, Chanel Iman rocked this look at last year's Met Gala. Needless to say, I haven't stopped following her for her style ever since.

via modamob.com

LOOK 3

Head to toe white pops against this model's glowing skin. With a crop top and an asymmetrical skirt, this girl is definitely on top of the trend wagon.

via studded-hearts.com

LOOK 4

A wide rimmed hat and short shorts spells Coachella and Chanel Iman wears it like no other, showing off her endless legs. Who else is dying to know where she got that top?

via Pinterest

LOOK 5

And of course, a lover of metallics, Chanel Iman wears this dress like she was born in it. Looking like a goddess, this look blews us all away at this year's Cannes and is definitely a best-dressed list contender.

via peoplestylewatch

Which look is your favourite? Is Chanel Iman on your best-dressed list?

Have a good weekend!

Bella

Boyfriend Jeans and Short Girls: An Awkward Mix

As I walk down the streets, I've noticed that skinny jeans are starting to feel a little passé. Crazy, right? Apparently, baggy pants are making a comeback in a big way, leaving me slightly crestfallen. From harem pants to boyfriend jeans, it's all about the loose cut that floats away from the body. When did this happen?

Or better yet, how did this happen? I remember being 16 years old and realizing that I was wearing all my jeans too loosely. At the time, I thought that they didn't fit and away they went. It was also an excuse to go on a shopping spree and head out on a quest for the perfect fitting pair (read: pairs) of jeans. It was a good day.

via Pinterest

All that has changed, my friends. Loose is the new look and it couldn't be more Paris chic. Unfortunately, I'm 5 feet tall and baggy just ain't going to cut it. There is nothing more unflattering than a pair of pants that hangs down your already almost non-existent legs. How will I get through a season with this being the dominant trend? And who brought back the Mom jeans? Can I be granted permission to yell at this individual? 

As a frustrated short girl, I yearn to wear this trend, but I've realized that it cannot be. When baggy leather pants became a thing, I headed straight for Zara to try on a pair, only to discover that it just wasn't going to work. The reality is that only way I can possibly pull off this trend is with a pair of stilettos to offer an illusion of height that will counter the baggy pants. Now, I don't usually believe in "trends" or being able to "pull something off" better than another person, but I do believe in proportions. Sometimes you have to succumb to your size limitations and maybe even embrace them. Perhaps the current trend won't work for your body type, but maybe the next one will. 

You win some, you lose some, right?

Bella

When Backpacks Are On Trend, It's A Really Good Day

You're 12 years old again and the most prominent thought on your mind is that you are about to become a teenager. Almost there, you think to yourself. At this stage in your life, you feel all grown up and you know your life is about to change. You realize that it's time you invested in looking smarter and more sophisticated. While backpacks were all the rage in elementary school, it just won't look cool in high school. So, what do you do? You buy an oversized purse to carry on your shoulder.

On the first day of school, you prance around campus with your brand new oversized tote filled with the bare essentials: a single notebook, a pencil case, your wallet, and your makeup bag. You feel like a real woman as you strut down the halls like you own the place. And then, homework happens and it dawns on you that your school books won't all fit. You try to force your laptop inside and it just isn't working, much to your dismay.

In these circumstances, you're faced with two options:

1) Take out your old backpack and risk looking uncool.
2) Carry the surplus in your arms like all the other girls.

Once upon a time, this was a real dilemma. Today, you can wash away your fears. Backpacks are back and more stylish than ever. When Karl Lagerfeld decided to have his models walk down the runway in Chanel backpacks, it officially became the trend of the year. Taking them out in the springtime signalled that it was no longer a mere school essential, but a trendy street style must-have.

Gone are the days of sore shoulders, backaches, and books collapsing on the ground. Fashion is looking at a more practical future as designers transform this basic school staple into a fashion accessory.

Here are some backpack ideas that will make you want to wear them in lieu of handbags.

The Leather Backpack
It's a known fact that everything made of leather is instantly cool.

via Pinterest

The Whimsical Backpack

Every woman needs one of these on the days where she's feeling her silliest.

via topdreamer.com

The Edgy Backpack

There's nothing edgier than this Chanel backpack and by virtue of being Chanel, it's automatically cooler than every other handbag.

via LA Social Fashionista

The Boho Backpack

This summer is all about fringe. Get yourself a fringe backpack stat to stay on top of the hottest trend of the season.

via womenfashiongalaxy.com

The Glamorous Backpack

It's leopard. Need I say more?

via lolobu.com

Which of these are you planning on wearing this season?

Ciao,

Bella

How To Wear A Floral Without Looking Like Grandma's Kitchen Wallpaper

Every spring, designers bring on the floral print to remind us that the snow is gone (hurray!). Flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, trees are sprouting. We all choose to celebrate by getting our wardrobe inspiration from the natural world. After all, fashion imitates life.

Now, here's the rub. As someone who works at a clothing store, I've encountered three types of women who have issues with floral prints.

1) The woman who thinks that floral prints are for children.
2) The woman who feels like grandma's kitchen wallpaper.
3) The woman who feels like grandma.

Women who love a floral are few and far between. Apparently. It's become a challenge to convince a woman to wear this print because of the above-mentioned reasons. Floral anxiety is a real thing, ladies and gentlemen, and we must overcome this irrational fear. Just because little girls are forced to wear floral dresses to garden parties, it doesn't mean they are reserved for them. If you're grandma is wearing a floral print, she's just vintage chic and you should strive for that look, not avoid it.

Here are a few clues to help you with your floral choices.

1) Larger flowers are a better option than smaller ones. While small flowers are reminiscent of granny's kitchen, large flowers are bold fashion statements. Don't you forget it.

Did this look like granny to you?
via blog.uncovet.com

2) If you're afraid of a floral, you cannot go wrong with a floral accessory. Add a floral printed scarf for a touch of spring that won't scream for attention.

Perfect accent, no?
via glambistro.com

3) Try a floral dress or romper for a girly spring look. If you pair it with a nude sandal or pump, it will go from casual to chic before you can say "grandma's kitchen wallpaper".

Are you also dying for those shoes?
via lolobu.com

4) Combine your floral bottoms with a printed top, say stripes. Nobody has two wallpaper prints on their wall. You'll just look like you know how to rock mixed prints like a pro.

Colour. Colour. Colour.
via thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com

5) If you're going to wear floral pants, make sure your other pieces are in subtle colour schemes. You don't want to scream "hi, I'm tacky."

via fashionstylemag.com

Are any of these women children? No. Are any of them your grandmother? No. Point made.

Which look are you ready to wear this season? Are you prepared to embrace the floral?

Bella

Can Sneakers Be Replacing High Heels? NEVER

After Karl Lagerfeld had his models walk (read: skip) down steps in haute couture and white sneakers, the world stood still for a moment. Everything we thought we knew about fashion came into question. Do models actually need to wear high heels to walk the runway? Can sneakers be worn with dresses and skirts? Will the fashion world finally submit to a more comfortable footwear option?

My answer is most definitely no. I'm a strong advocate of the high heel. In fact, my life mantra is "the higher the better". I'm merely 5 feet tall and I cannot afford to live in sneakers unless I want to be mistaken for a 15 year old. I joke not. Since the age of 16, people have mistaken me for a pre-teen. Back then, I would take advantage of the movie discounts. Today, there are no real benefits to looking younger than my age other than the satisfaction I get when the bouncer cards me and finds out it's not a fake. And that's not even that satisfying.

via stylehints.net

I may love a sneaker as much as the next woman, but I will never give up heels. Sneakers are for taking long walks in the park, going for a run, or working out at the gym. Heels are for hitting the club with your girls, going for a casual drink, or simply deciding you'd like to look fabulous that day. In Montreal, this may be frowned upon, but who cares? Walk like a New Yorker, I say.

Will you let those downcast stares prevent you from looking your best? If women of the early 20th century never dared to wear a heel, where would we be today?

I challenge you to wear a shoe at a moment where your tendency is to hesitate.

Is this occasion fancy enough? Yes, it always is.
Will I look overdressed? Better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Will I be too tall? There is no such thing.
Will people stare? Yes, and so what?
Will they attract attention? Only the good kind.

Take a risk this season and wear those endless pairs of heels piled up in your closet collecting dust. They deserve to be shown off. After all, everything looks better with a pair of high heels.

Bella

Gingham Is (NOT) The New Plaid

It's common knowledge that plaid is everyone's favourite fall print from hipsters to trendy fashionistas. In the spring, people tend to believe that plaid is SO last season. You know you love your plaid, but alas, it reminds you of that Christmas sweater that you'd rather not think about. What do you do?

You find the next best thing: Gingham.

While gingham is a slightly more wholesome print, it bears the closest resemblance to our beloved plaid. It may look like your picnic blanket, but in a way, that makes you feel like summer is finally here and a picnic in the park is in your future. Doesn't that just make your stomach flutter?

via lolobu.com

Not really though.

Let's get one thing clear. Gingham and plaid are completely different prints and one cannot be likened to the other.
While gingham is for little girls bringing cookies to granny, plaid is for the edgy tomboy eating all the cookies herself. While gingham may be country chic, plaid is for the city girl.

via lolobu.com

Each print has its own personality and one cannot possibly confuse one with the other. Essentially, girls who wear plaid would not wear gingham because they simply aren't that wholesome.

I, for one, cannot tolerate the gingham print. Sitting for a picnic is less than my cup of tea and as much as I love taking long walks in the park and socking in those rays, eating outdoors will never appeal to me. Gingham reminds me of bugs in my sandwich and worms up my skirt. Not very chic.

So, as a rebel with a cause, I refuse to replace my plaid with gingham. This summer, I will continue to proudly sport my plaid as though it weren't seasonal because frankly, it's just a print. Despite popular belief, plaid is not synonymous with winter. Don't fall into the trend trap.

Happy Sunday!

Bella

#Iconcity: Blake Lively Is Everyone's Favourite Blond

If Blake Lively hasn't been number 1 on your best-dressed list since Gossip Girl first started, we must be living on separate planets. Blake Lively is everyone's chouchou from Karl Lagerfeld to her hubby, Ryan Reynolds. Gossip Girl may be over, but Serena is still very much alive in our hearts and in our obsessive contemplation of her fashion choices. Known for her fashion prowess, this woman stuns everyone in her wake. To top it all off, she's her own stylist. In the celebrity world, that's pretty rare. From boho beach waves to retro curls, her blond locks embody every girl's hair fantasy. Does everyone agree with her style choices? No. But that's exactly what makes her an icon.

Here are some of her best looks:

LOOK 1

How well does Blake wear white? Better than a bride (no offence). This fashionista encapsulates everything Chanel stands for in this adorable number.

via Huffington Post

LOOK 2

Speaking of Chanel, Blake brings out her feminine side once again in this Karl Lagerfeld design. Are you as in love as I am?

via Huffington Post

LOOK 3

Fresh from Cannes, Blake shows off her gorgeous legs in this asymmetrical Giambattista Valli Couture dress. I'm slightly beyond obsessed.

via People Stylewatch

LOOK 4

Remember when she wore this dress and your jaw was like "hello, floor"? This Zuhair Murad mermaid gown blew us all away on the Red Carpet and somehow, I still can't get over it.

via Huffington Post

LOOK 5
And finally, this outfit encapsulates Blake: effortless, but utterly chic. This bold statement Burberry Prorsum skirt paired with a plain baby blue tank is complete perfection.

via Huffington Post

Which look is your favourite? Do you miss Serena Van Der Woodsen as much as I do?

XOXO,

Bella

Short Shorts Vs. Culottes: Which Will You Be Wearing?

After Coachella, I deem it safe to say that cut off denim shorts are where it's at this season. I would even go so far as saying that they are always trending in the summertime. There's something about denim cutoffs that conjures images of cut up grass and festivals. A timeless wardrobe staple, your classic pair will probably be worn to death this season, beginning with today.

But denim shorts aren't the only ones making an appearance this summer. The culottes (not in the french sense) have arrived as the cooler replacement for capris. Never a fan of capri pants, I have a slightly stronger propensity towards culottes because they do not shrink my legs to tree stumps and they're skirts that won't show your french culotte. In my book, that makes them worth my consideration.

The question of the moment is: which will you be wearing this summer?

Don't get me wrong. I am not limiting you to an entire season of wearing one pair of bottoms. You can obviously wear both depending on the occasion. While denim cutoffs are more sexy teenager meets celebrity festival goer, the culottes are more Paris chic blogger meets sophisticated woman on vacation. Each look has its own purpose and can be worn in a variety of ways to take it from trendy to high fashion (or summer's version of it).

Here are some ideas worth noting featuring both looks.

Denim Cutoffs

Try your denim cutoffs with a plain white tee for a casual daytime look.

via stylabl.com

Wear them with a blazer for a more sophisticated urban look.

via french-voguettes.tumblr.com

Give them a feminine touch with a lace top.

via Pinterest

Culottes

There's nothing more boho chic than a pair of culottes with stilettos and a wide rimmed hat.

via whowhatwear

Try something bold and match your culottes to your top in a bold print that will stop people in the streets.

via Harper's Bazaar

Do it Carrie Bradshaw style with a crop top.

via stylesnooperdan.files.wordpress.com

Which look is screaming your name this summer? Are you a classy culottes girl or boho denim cut offs fanatic?

Bella

How Do You Feel About Overalls?

Due to the 90s revival that began last year, overalls have made an unavoidable comeback. You can finally dress like Rachel Green again. It's a really good day. Or is it?

Some people are nostalgic and eager to take out their overalls from 1997. Others are excited to feel like they're 12 again. And some already look 12, so to the overalls they'll say, "no thanks". In case you were wondering, I fall under the latter category of individuals but wish I belonged to the second. Whichever category you fall under, the reality cannot be denied. Overalls have returned to the shelves of every store and nothing can be done.

But alas, like every trend that stimulates the eyebrow, overalls require figurative balls. A woman who can wear them and own them demands attention. A woman who can wear them with stilettos is of an even higher caliber of human being. Overalls with heels? Unheard of!

If you're contemplating this trend, here is some inspiration to push you past your comfort zone. I guarantee, it's not such a bad place to be.

Wear them with one sexy strap removed like Rachel Green (a.k.a Jennifer Aniston).

via Pinterest

Or like Katie Holmes, Dawson's Creek pre-teen style.

via Pinterest

Try it Olsen style: oversized pants or country girl shorts.

via tressugar.com

Gather your girls together and get yourselves matching overalls in pretty colours like TLC.

via fashionupevents.com

You always have the option of modern overalls a la Leandra.

via Man Repeller

Sold yet? My inner extrovert is tempted. After all, I'm convinced fashion is not meant to be taken too seriously.

Bella

I May Have Yellow Fever

Don't panic. I don't actually have yellow fever as defined by Wikipedia. I merely refer to my condition as yellow fever, because I've always hated the colour yellow (gasp). Until now.

For some inexplicable reason, we all have that one colour that we just cannot imagine ourselves wearing. Mine has always been yellow. I associate yellow with the above-mentioned yellow fever, jaundice, yellowing nails, and urine. I also have bananaphobia, which doesn't help my cause. Though I pride myself on not being a trend follower, I've seen so much yellow this season that I think I may have caught the bug. Last year, I warmed up to mustard yellow. I still don't own anything of the kind, but I've decided to come to terms with the fact that it looks good on certain people. This season, I keep seeing yellow and somehow, my brain is sending me signals and telling me that I want all of it.

via beautifullyfierce.blogspot.ca

Perhaps the fleeting presence of the sun has caused me to fantasize about the colour yellow due to my basic human desire for all things unattainable. Maybe the arrival of spring has inspired me to experiment with colour. The reality is that our likes and dislikes are not a simple science.

As children, we are coerced by our parents and grandparents into tasting a variety of foods even though we'd rather not. Often, there are certain kinds that we can never imagine ourselves eating. For me, it has always been bananas. For a while, it was honey. Currently, I've developed a liking for honey. I cannot say the same about bananas. However, like most people, I've acquired a taste for foods I used to hate as a child. Perhaps yellow is an acquired taste.

Will I ever warm up to bananas? Doubtful. But the colour yellow may find itself in my wardrobe in the near future and maybe that's the first step to getting over my bananaphobia. Sometimes it's best to escape the comfort zone, because as all clichés say, "you might surprise yourself".

Ciao,

Bella