#FTSOF: Why Do You Tie Your Plaid Shirt Around Your Waist?

via www.stephaniesstyleblog.com

Back in the 90s, women rebelled against fashion norms and some would say it was one of the worst fashion decades of that century. It's also known as the "grunge" era. It was a time where combat boots were the shoe of choice (in summer, winter, fall, and spring), overalls were an option for full-grown adults, and bras were optional. Essentially, it encapsulated everything that fashion girls hate. Today, we bring back that former enemy and invite her to sit with us. The grunge craze began last year and took the fashion world by storm (and the storm has not yet subsided). As I scan the university hallways for grunge-inspired fashion, I can't help but notice the abundance of plaid.

It's fall. So, duh.

But, it's being worn around the waist.

When I was a pre-teen and my parents dressed me (lower those eyebrows, thanks), I tied my hoodie around my waist because it seemed like the practical thing to do when a room got hot. Where else are you going to put it if you don't want to carry it around all day? If you're a fashion girl, you probably wear it on your shoulders, a la Anna Wintour. You most likely don't even wear hoodies and plaid is not part of your vocabulary unless it's Mochino. However, if you align yourself with a grunge aesthetic, prepare to make knots with your flannel.

Now, I can't tell you why women began adopting this trend today because I don't even know why they did it in the 90s. Since it is associated with the grunge movement, I'm tempted to assume it was a form of rebellion.

You want me to wear this shirt properly? Well, I don't want to.

It was a conscious decision to do the opposite of what we were told and that included wearing our shirt wrong.

Fashion is all about exploring boundaries and breaking established rules of dress. One of those rules involves putting your arms in the sleeve holes. Who needs them?

If you're looking to try this trend, here are some tips:

1) IT HAS TO BE FLANNEL.
2) It looks best with ripped jeans.
3) Don't wear it to a job interview.
4) Don't over think it.
5) Do it For The Sake of Fashion.

Because why the hell not?

Ponder that,

xoxo,

Bella

What's YOUR Favourite Fall Colour?

One of the colours that sings fall is burgundy. It returns every season, refreshed and renewed. Fashion folk prefer to call it oxblood because it sounds more dramatic (and many of us have a penchant for drama). From our oversized sweaters to our lipstick, burgundy is always the best choice because the alternatives are usually grey, black, or greige (aka boring). It's a colour that everyone associates with this season and I am about to tell you why. Prepare to have your mind blown because I have made a list of 10 things that burgundy reminds me of.

via www.obviousmag.com

NUMBER 10

Red Wine

Yes, you can have red wine all year long. In fact, they say it's good for the soul, or perhaps the heart (one of the two). Red wine reminds us of romantic evenings with our significant other cuddling under blankets and simply enjoying life. Red wine is sophisticated and fall is the season of sophistication with conservative clothing and leather boots.

NUMBER 9

Fire

Yes, fire is a brighter shade of red, but in a certain light, the colour alters. What says winter better than a cozy fireplace with a hot chocolate in hand?

NUMBER 8

Leaves

In the fall, leaves turn burgundy. That's the original reason we wear burgundy. You can stop reading now. Just kidding.

NUMBER 7

Roses

Roses are another romantic symbol and fall is mating season. We may all be depressed about the colder weather, but it gives us an excuse to cozy up with someone for body heat. Love is in the air, no?

NUMBER 6

Christmas Sweaters

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is probably a part of your life since the music starts playing before you can say Halloween. Most of the time, Christmas sweaters are burgundy, and even when we don't receive any, we feel that desire to buy one and throw it on for comfort.

NUMBER 5

Cherries

Cherries are known to be a very seductive fruit and we are drawn to cherries primarily because of their colour. Who doesn't love a rich red healthy fruit?

NUMBER 4

Grapes

Grapes are another great fruit to have in the fall. Take this opportunity to switch from green to purple for a more luxurious feel.

NUMBER 3

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Planning a party to celebrate fall? Red velvet cupcakes are a perfect way to keep up with the theme. In our depressive states, we need delicious cupcakes to cheer us up.

NUMBER 2

Redheads

Redheads are rare and therefore, everyone wants hair just like them. Fall is a month of experimentation, so why not try the new oxblood trend on your hair?

NUMBER 1

Blood

I know. It's gross. However, the thought of your blood rushing from exciting new experiences is definitely not.

What is your favourite fall colour? Are you going to be sporting burgundy this season?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella  

My Relationship to the Infamous Sneaker

via thefashion.gr

It has come to my attention that designers and bloggers alike have decided to succumb to comfort and opt for the sneaker rather than that jaw-dropping high heel. As a representative of short women everywhere, I am slightly disconcerted by this shocking, yet simultaneously inevitable, decision.

What happened to that statement shoe that made us all stop in our tracks?
What happened to roughing it up during fashion week in impractical shoes as you run from show to show?
Are we all being led to believe that we are just like models and can afford to wear comfortable shoes in public?
Or have we all just given up on trying so hard?

Now, don't misunderstand. I love the idea of women embracing comfort and I know that we curse those heels every night out when we opt for 5 inches or more after dancing the night away. I've done it too. However, I've decided that if I am stepping into those high heels, I have no right to complain that my feet hurt. There's nothing more unpleasant than someone complaining about a decision that was made consciously. Therefore, I vow to stop regretting my decision to wear heels, because I love them too much to get angry at them when they hurt me.

But this post is not about my love for heels. Rather, it is about my relationship to sneakers. Let me give you a lowdown. When I was in High School, I wore Converse. Honestly, who didn't? Those Converse continue to sit in my closet untouched with frays from my youth and I don't have the heart to get rid of them. Though I prefer a heel for every occasion, I feel emotionally attached to my sneakers. They don't just provide physical comfort to the foot, but they remind me of those carefree days where I didn't care about being the shortest girl in the room.

via stylelovely.com

Today, I enter the world of sneakers, swayed by bloggers like Man Repeller and Sincerely Jules as well as Karl Lagerfeld and Christopher Bailey. Though I used to belief that high heels were the only empowering footwear on the market, I've currently discovered that sneakers can have that same effect. In a new stage of my life, I can wear a pair of Addidas high tops and proudly expose my height to the world. I look at sneakers in the same way I look at baseball caps. No, I do not play baseball, but I love to play with boundaries and when it comes to fashion, practicality barely figures into the equation. If all men are going to wear their caps, I want to do it too. And if athletic boys can wear their Nikes and Addidas every day, why can't I? The popularity of sneakers arises from a trend of androgyny or rather, a desire to be "one of the boys", while keeping that femininity alive in other ways. It's a challenge in the same way a pixie is, but slightly less risky.

I always thought that I couldn't pull off a sneaker because I didn't play sports. Who made up that rule? Maybe I want to wear my sneakers to make a statement. Perhaps I feel good in a shoe that represents comfort, equality, and an easy-going nature. Let's stop suffering and wear our sneakers with dresses. According to Cyndi Lauper, girls just want to have fun, and sometimes that's easier to do with a comfy sneaker on, don't you think?

Ponder that.

XOXO.

Bella

Don't You Wish You Were In Milan Last Week?

Milan Fashion Week was a conglomeration of sexy minis, hot pants, and a bit of Barbie. Unfortunately, it didn't amaze me in the same way New York did or even London, but it had its shining moments. Giambattista Valli took the Miu Miu route with his brand new collection, Giamba (which had me seriously confused at first glance. Who is this Giamba and where can I find his lovely clothes?). Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gucci delivered as usual, but in a way that was utterly predictable like a romcom where the couple gets together in the end (not that I don't love those). DSquared2 and Moschino excelled at the theatrical by transporting us to the world of the ultimate diva whether in the form of Jeremy Scott's Barbie or Dan and Dean's fluff and froufrou. As per usual, Fendi was the best show at Milan Fashion Week and I don't say this because it's Karl, but it's undeniable that he's brilliant.

Let's recap my five favourite shows:

ERMANNO SCERVINO

Scervino is the epitome of Italian beauty: curvaceous, luxurious, and sensual. The show began with a few classic pieces like a pencil skirt in a bold blue hue or sleek strapless dress in a lovely shade of green. The vibe was very pastoral meets glamour (a combination none of us thought possible), particularly at the end with the floral print looks. Italians are also experts at choosing the perfect pieces of skin to display, including shoulders, midriff, and leg. With a few bra tops that were rendered tasteful with frilly blazers, these ladies captured femininity in its purest form. After exploring colour, Scervino reverted to classic white with intricate textures to add allure to each individual piece. And it wouldn't be Milan without some snakeskin, so that was another prominent feature of his collection.The show ended with an evening gown in a classic cut, that was anything but.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

I love designers who play with texture and this look aroused my desire for an outfit with interesting tactile appeal perfectly.

GIAMBA

When I first looked at this collection, I didn't know it was Giambattista Valli. I just thought it was incredibly pretty and imagined myself wearing every single piece. After scrolling through the entire collection, I discovered that my favourite couture designer was behind it and everything fell into place in my mind. The feminine silhouettes, the elaborate prints, the whimsical tights. It captured my personality in a nutshell. The entire collections projected a girlishness that was very Gossip Girl's Jenny Humphrey pre-makeover and I found myself feeling nostalgic. The platforms gave it that school girl touch I adore, but not without that Milan sex appeal integrated with transparency. It was a little Lolita with a touch of innocence projected through little white dresses with bouffant sleeves. As the show came to an end, the looks became more and more Valli with feathers and intricate stitch work. Every piece belonged in my closet.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 37
This is so girly and yet, the shoes give it that extra attitude necessary to take it from innocent to dangerous.

VERSACE

I don't know if it's the Vacarello influence coming into play, but I'm beginning to really appreciate the Versace aesthetic. The designer uses a minimalist approach to convey sex appeal, which makes the entire collection very model-off-duty. Perhaps the asymmetry in the first look drew me in or maybe the return of the crop top, which has grown on me with every collection this season. There was something about this show that kept pieces of the Versace we all love without being over-the-top 70s sexy as it usually is. There were some interesting details in the show like mesh top and skirt sets and some leather eyelets. There were some classic sixties shifts with some ostentatious prints and a few more subtle black looks. The loved the final pieces because they had graphic sashes and some Versace sparkle. It was definitely one of my favourite Versace shows yet.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 35

LES COPAINS

New creative director, Stephania Bandiera, blew my mind with this collection for Les Copains. Every piece was wearable and in one word, crisp. With clean white shirts and sleek cropped blazers, there were a number of pieces I wouldn't mind trying on for size. Literally. Some bold necklaces were combined with each predominantly white look to add some flavour and those wedges were definitely up my alley of footwear. The classic spring stripes made an appearance in grey and white and a floral print theme was definitely in that mix to remind us of what we love most about spring. Camo green and beige were other neutrals that surfaced with enough detailing to keep it interesting. Leaves were also displayed in a bold way on sweaters and clean cut dresses to promote the new season in the best way we know how: natural imagery. Finally, the show ended with some tribal prints and one particular red tribal print cape caught my eye. All in all, it was a great success for Stephania.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 14

This look captured spring for me with my favourite trend: the shorts suit. I love the edginess of this look combined with the inherent femininity. I'd wear this in a heartbeat.

FENDI

Is it wrong to say I love Fendi even more than Chanel? It's always so glamorous and projects a more youthful vibe than the demure Chanel tweeds. I look forward to Fendi every season for one reason: to find out how will Karl incorporate the Fendi fur. The designer didn't disappoint. His furry Karl keychains made an appearance to remind us of his ever present sense of humour. He brought florals to the table to keep up with the spring trend in a variety of forms from print to appliqués on a leather skirt I fell in love with just a little. Some asymmetry caught my eye on a few skirts and jackets. There was also a bit of shredding that reminded me of teenage angst (in a good way). The ombre effect was a nice surprise during the show that took the hair trend to clothing. A  few of those statement jackets are on my current wish-list along with a particular pair of baggy leather pants (a look I'm still trying to pull off). There were some interesting futuristic cutouts that are beginning to grow on me. It seems as though our Karl had some fun with that shredder of his. The show ended with some colourful feathers reminiscent of his fall Fendi furs. Say that ten times fast. I dare you.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 47

I know this isn't as wearable as many of the other looks from the collection, but it had that jaw-dropping factor which made it an instant favourite. If I get to see a blogger sport this look, my life will feel that much more complete.

All images via Style.com.

Which was your favourite Milan collection?

Ponder it.

XOXO,

Bella

#IconCity: London Loves Kate Moss and I Do Too

Let's talk about the biggest icon the London scene brought into our lives: Kate Moss. It's a wonder she hasn't made this list until now. Anyone who thinks of London fashion immediately turns to Kate Moss. She's that girl everyone has heard of who conveys a glamorous lifestyle simply based on the way she dresses. Moss has walked every runway show imaginable from Burberry to Alexander McQueen. Discovered at the ripe age of 14, this girl was born to model. After jumpstarting her career with a Calvin Klein campaign in 1993, she's become unforgettable. She may have just turned 40, but her recent campaigns for Stuart Weitzman and Burberry fragrance with her successor Cara Delevingne proves she's still got it.

Let's take a look at some of her best looks.

LOOK 1

Kate rocks this hat like no other Brit and I'm a sucker for a great hat. She wears head-to-toe black without looking too plain. If you know Kate Moss, you know that plain is never a word associated with this model. She may be wearing flats, but she always looks glamorous.

via elementsofstyleblog.com

LOOK 2

Kate wears a leopard coat without looking too kitschy and that says a lot. With a bold yellow clutch, she knows that you can never make too many statements with black when it comes to accessorizing. I couldn't agree more.

via instyle.hu

LOOK 3

Kate does the 80s look and of course, it looks amazing. I have a soft spot for great shoulder pads and Kate proves that it is not tacky in the least.

via www.company.co.uk

LOOK 4

Matching outfits are very on trend this season and Kate wears it effortlessly. This is all very Juicy Couture circa 1995.

via lolobu

LOOK 5

Kate is known for her luxurious furs that characterize her as a glamorous woman. This one is to-die-for and this is her on a candid day. How do you look at your most candid?

via thenletitbe.com

What do you think of these looks? Which Kate Moss is your favourite?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

NOT Matching is ALWAYS Better Than Matching

Fashion Month has reached its mid-point and we've seen a number of trends emerge and a few that have resurfaced. One of the major trends that has returned is that of the matching set. Models walked the runway in short suits that were oh so chic and bound to make our lives a lot easier. In contrast, mixed prints and mismatched getups were slightly less popular because of the challenge this trend presents. The concept of mismatching is reminiscent of the Tyra Banks "ugly pretty" aesthetic. Though these terms seem oxymoronic, they create an interesting high fashion look when combined. There's a way to look ugly and pretty simultaneously which can only be mastered by a highly skilled model. The definition of this term remains ambiguous as it is based on an undefinable human perception of beauty.

Mismatching follows a similar notion of beauty by being incredibly subjective. If you aren't matching, how do you know you look good? If you're breaking the rules, how do you make the right decisions? What makes a mismatch appealing to the human eye?

Recently, I decided that I'd cut down on my shopping and take a look inside my closet. I was inspired to pick out pieces I love and put them together in a new and original way. I grabbed a denim blouse and rather than choosing my first choice of jeans, I selected a pair I assumed wouldn't match the top. After putting it on, I was satisfied and lo and behold, I walked out the door.

via www.fashionista.com

What drove me to make that decision?

Perhaps it was the rush of trying something daring that broke all fashion rules about denim on denim. In today's world, this is becoming a more popular option amongst fashionistas and designers. Rather than striving to match, we're striving to set ourselves apart by putting something together something we think nobody else would attempt. We want to be different, individuals, unique.

Fashion Month is the perfect time to explore this opportunity as we rate street style photos and decide whether this wild blogger suits our fancy. Does "The Man Repeller" follow a rigid set of fashion rules? NO! And that's exactly why we love her. Is Marc Jacobs creating a collection everybody unanimously loves? No. That's what qualifies him as a genius.

Though we look to previous eras for inspiration and people tend to assume that the 2000s have no distinct fashion quality, what makes this era unique is that it relies on mismatching and combining of all the trends we loved from before. We can finally mash the 60s and 90s together, creating a look that takes our two favourite eras and juxtaposes them in one outfit. That's the beauty of this fashion generation.

So, take a break from matching and try something you probably wouldn't wear together. Fashion is about fun and therefore, no rules apply.

Ponder that,

XOXO,

Bella

Let's Talk London

London is all about a certain street attitude that never tries too hard. After leaving those glamorous streets of New York, we're taken into a realm of urban London, where florals reign supreme, transparency is ALWAYS an option, and sneakers are the shoe of choice. London is one of my favourite cities. I wrote a blog post about how much I love it (see here). It's a city of fashion icons like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Victoria Beckham. It's where rock n' roll was born and the youth quake of the 1960s surfaced. Brits are the epitome of cool, but not in the same way as the Parisians. They're often a little grungier and less put together. Sometimes, they capture a certain sophistication without even trying, and at others, they're a hot mess. During Fashion Week, there was a blend of both with edgier collections by Tom Ford, Topshop Unique, and Osman, and more feminine ones by Erdem, Christopher Kane, and Antonio Berardi. Pick your poison. Here is mine.

BURBERRY PRORSUM

Chrispher Bailey does it again with renewed forms of the classic trench and a selection of looks inspired by "The Birds and the Bees". Imagine a combination of floral prints and feathers and ruched or tiered tulle dresses with cropped denim jackets. It was London to the T. The girls walked down the runway in the new shoe of the moment: the sneaker. Bailey proved that a sneaker is not necessarily for sporty girls alone, but for those with a penchant for flirty dresses as well. A sash at the waist was the signature item in many of the looks and added some flavour to the collection. Perfect for that playful London girl who doesn't believe in rules, but simply wants to feel comfortable and chic simultaneously. It felt like Burberry with a modern flair inspired by top model, Cara Delevingne.

Favourite Look: 44

Jourdan Dunn rocked this look like no other. That cropped purple jacket was a unique accent that only enhanced the sheer pastel pink dress, creating the perfect juxtaposition of sporty and chic.

FELDER FELDER

Felder Felder was a little edgier than Burberry this season with metallic skirts and coloured leather sets. Inspired by a 1960s aesthetic, the collection felt very a propos with the current mindset of today's youth, eager to revive the rock n' roll era. A mix of crop tops and animal printed blouses dominated the runways, giving it a bolder touch. The cowboy boots hinted at the possibility of a new trend emerging, but who knows whether that one will grab. Fringe was another popular look at London Fashion Week. I'm sensing a country girl theme with a bit of a bad girl streak. What do you think?

Favourite Look: 11

This look just oozes cool vibes. From the round sunglasses to the fringe leather jacket to the leopard print high-waisted turquoise pants, I'm dying for this look. It screams "don't mess with me" and that's a message I definitely concur with.

JULIEN MACDONALD

Julien MacDonald was all about the bold prints this season. He may have presented classic work appropriate dresses, but each one had a unique design that gave them that wow factor. Once again, transparency was a dominant theme in all shapes and forms, adding illusion to the various looks. There were geometric shapes to tease the eye and abstract floral prints. A surprising element in the collection was the insertion of frills on some dresses and one-piece swimwear. Between the frills and the lace, the collection was very feminine and sensual as a whole. It all came to a close with an intricate white wedding dress that left us oohing and ahing. It was a lovely way to end the show.

Favourite Look: 18

This baby doll dress was my favourite because of the unique details at the top. I love that strong sense of feminine innocence that it evokes and it makes me think of happy little girls who haven't yet faced the woes of real life.

DAVID KOMA

David Koma is always a favourite of mine during London Fashion Week because he consistently combines everything that I love in one collection. With pretty shorts sets, asymmetrical hems, and leather bits, it was everything I could ever want in a wardrobe and more. A mix of white and blue with a bright yellow hue made me nostalgic for spring and those warmer days in the sun. Koma played with transparency and cutouts throughout the collection, giving it more sex appeal, while maintaining its classy feminine aura.

Favourite Look: 8
As a lover of all things black and white, this was the look I'd most love to wear. Add some asymmetry and a crop and I am sold.

TOM FORD
Tom Ford felt very Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent with this rock n' roll collection that had us all feeling nostalgic. In this collection, the 60s met the 70s and rocked out together in sexy minis and shiny wide legged pants. Beads were placed in precarious positions on a number of dresses that gave the looks a hint of danger and of course, leather played a large roll as well. Fringe made an appearance and those notorious cutouts, because it wouldn't be rock n' roll without fringe. The hair was very "I woke up like this" a la Joan Jett just getting out of bed. My favourite part? The shoes. Can I have all of them please?

Favourite Look:19
This was a surprise look in the collection and possibly, one of the more tame ones. The cutouts on this LWD gave it that extra edge and the shoes were the perfect finishing touch to make it truly rock n' roll.

All images taken from Style.com.

What do you think of these collections? Which was your favourite from London Fashion Week?

Ponder It,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion Part V: Skirts Over Pants?

As the weather gets cooler, pants become a necessity. It's unavoidable. We had all summer to embrace maxi dresses, mini skirts, and rompers, but it's time to bid them farewell and cover up those legs. The good news is that you no longer have to shave every other day. The bad news is that it's cold outside. In response to the current climate and a desire to keep wearing skirts, bloggers and designers have introduced skirts over pants as a winter alternative. Whether they're trying to be avant-garde or simply couldn't pick just one bottom, we'll never know. We've all fantasized about trying it on those days when tights weren't enough to keep us warm. We've layered with socks, but even that has proven inefficient during Montreal winters. Some of us are guilty of wearing our skirts over pants and removing them upon arriving at our destination. But maybe we don't have to remove them anymore? Once upon a time, this was a complete fashion faux pas, but as usual, the fashion world makes us go "maybe?".

The first time I caught a glimpse of this look was on The Man Repeller aka Leandra Medine, my life icon and style mentor. In fact, I'm pretty sure she started the trend herself. After a while, she turned it into her thing by wearing it a number of times with a variety of outfits. At first, I was like "what?", but I discovered that it's an acquired taste and after seeing it a number of times on the blogger, my "what" turned into a "maybe" which transformed into a dare.

via underaveil.blogspot.com

Needless to say, I haven't tried it yet. When I saw it on the runway, I knew it wasn't just popular because Leandra decided to do it. After all, she's known for her outfit shenanigans that epitomize her blog name. When I saw it at Kenzo and Armani, it dawned on me that this is a real fashion trend. Forget opaque tights. Say goodbye to those leggings. Just keep your pants on.

Though this trend has not integrated itself to the streets of anywhere other than the fashion capitals of the world, I look forward to spotting someone wearing it in my city. As for me, you may find me donning this look at a street corner of Downtown Montreal or on Instagram. Just dare me and I might do it #ForTheSakeofFashion.

XOXO,

Bella

So, New York Fashion Week Happened

September is the best month of the year (no, it's not my birthday). The fashion obsessed compulsively check their doorstep for that September Issue, while scrambling for a new fall wardrobe with a potential for cozy knits, oversized coats, and beanies. Personally, this is my favourite time of year because it happens to be fashion week, or shall I say, month. Though the thought of Spring collections makes us all slightly depressed, it also allows us to aspire to warmer days that will return as they always do. This year, New York Fashion Week was filled with beautiful crisp white, hints of transparency, gingham, and yes, florals. It was exactly what we wanted it to be and more. After watching all the runway shows, here is a review of my top five.

MICHAEL KORS

Traditionally, I haven't been much of a Kors girl. Though I love the accessories, the clothing always seemed far too wholesome for the edgier image I prefer to convey. Despite the long hemlines, I cannot wear due to my unnatural height, the overall feminine vibe of the collection definitely resonated with me. Some of my favourite things were present during the Michael Kors show, including Peter Pan collars, structured coats, matching sets, and a dash of midriff. It made me think of picnics in the park with those you love on bright summer days. Though this may have been due to the striking yellow coat that made its way down the runway, it was also reflected in the gingham print spread across various looks in the show. A bit of plaid reminded us that gingham is not a replacement, but simply another print that makes us all feel wholesome as can be. And if you're looking for a classic white blouse, Kors is the way to go. Michael Kors is a classics man and if you love a good classic, you're in for a treat.

My Favourite Look: 54

I may have chosen the most daring look in the collection (mostly because it's head-to-toe black), but it's only because it's the one that reflected my personality the most. I'm still not over those crop tops, and apparently, neither is Michael Kors. I love the juxtaposition of a simple crop top with a full skirt filled with eyelet motifs. Edgy meets feminine? 'Tis simply divine.

HONOR

Every season I dwell on how much I love Honor and the fact that it is an underrated brand. This season is no different. The collection takes me back to my girlish roots with whimsical prints reminiscent of a healthy candy addiction and oversized bows. As someone who's a self-proclaimed sucker for bows, I couldn't resist much of the collection as it satisfied my deepest fantasy. Though there was a lot of white, Giovanna Randall played with textures in a way that made me fall in love with every LWD in sight. The hints of baby blue were positively delightful and one particular bright orange vest caught my eye. I sincerely hope to see Zosia Mamet sport one of these looks. Fingers crossed.

My Favourite Look: 8

Contrary to the Michael Kors look I chose, this one satisfies my more whimsical side. I love the layering on top as it adds an interesting texture to a simple dress. And as much as I'm a heels girl, I'd buy those flats in a heartbeat.

J. MENDEL

Say what you will, but it takes a true genius to dare to incorporate fur in a Spring collection. Gilles Mendel wouldn't have it any other way. According to Style.com, the collection was inspired by artist, Enoc Perez, a man who shares a mutual love for architecture with the designer. The aesthetic appeal was accentuated by this shared passion through the abstract designs on many of the dresses. Whether a mini or a maxi, every piece was a work of art, but still wearable as can be. The pretty pleats and sexy high slits added some feminine flair, while other looks took on a more structured approach. A particular white jacket caught my eye and I haven't been able to get it off my mind since. With each look, the collection got edgier as leather began to surface, particular in a striking red. Let's not forget those adorable red handbags that were simply to-die-for.

My Favourite Look: 41

There is no combination I love more than a jumpsuit with leather. The slight peak of red makes this look even sexier and increases my obsession with it. And don't even get me started on those shoes.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Oscar knows what women want. According to Karlie Kloss, his choochoo, this is a given. Every year, Oscar brings us lovely full skirted gowns that we all dream of wearing on a Red Carpet. This year, there were a few more wearables in the mix that I'm coveting. Once again, there were some crop tops that made it into the mix, proving that they aren't ready to disappear from the fashion scene just yet. Just like in Michael Kors, gingham was the print of choice and pastel pink, the dominant colour. Every pair of shorts on that runway was screaming my name. A few eyelets were introduced as well on full length Oscar skirts and sleeveless blouses. It was all very sophisticated and we were transported to a garden party featuring the most important guests (including the Duchess Kate herself). I hope to see her in one of these looks, but no promises. The biggest surprise was the abundance of oxfords that contrasted with the supremely feminine looks. It was all feathers, floral appliqués, and a Karlie Kloss finale. It was so very Oscar and so undeniably perfect.

My Favourite Look: 40

Sasha Luss looks magnificent in this sparkly flared dress by Oscar. The necklace is a great statement piece without being too loud and everything about this says "wear me".

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

Who doesn't love Christian Siriano? He captures that feminine flavour better than anyone. More crop tops made an appearance in his collection and this put a smile on my face. Siriano played with transparency and transformed some basic white dresses into magical pieces of art. The feathers reappeared, predicting a new trend, and a bit of sparkle was integrated into the collection to make some pieces Red Carpet worthy. The collection ended with a soft mint green and a jumpsuit only Beyonce could pull off. No matter. Fashion is all about aspiration, is it not? 

My Favourite Look: 9

This is my new favourite LWD. It may look like a classic white dress at first, but if you look at the detailing, you know you're in the hands of an artist. 

All images via Style.com.

Which collection was your favourite?

Ponder it.

XOXO,

Bella

#IconCity: Kaley Cuoco, One of My Favourite Blonds

Once upon a time, Kaley Cuoco was just Bridget on 8 Simple Rules, the bold older sib to her redheaded sister. She was one of those actresses I thought would forever be known for that role. One day, everything changed. The Big Bang Theory happened and she became Penny, everyone's favourite ditzy blond. As a woman in comedy, she automatically lands a spot in IconCity because frankly, we all love to laugh at cocktail parties. Also, it cannot be denied that this woman has an amazing sense of style.

Let's take a look at some of her best outfits.

LOOK 1

Seriously, though. Don't you wish you could match your outfit as well as Kaley? It takes a true style star to pull off head-to-toe florals. And it doesn't end there. A pair of stunning pink pumps was just what the fashion doctor ordered.

via t.entertainment.msn.com

LOOK 2

Clearly, Kaley loves her matching head-to-toe florals. This time, she went for blue in honour of the Blue Jasmine premiere. Are you loving this Zimmermann look as much as I am?

via usmagazine.com

LOOK 3

Kaley does the girly thing better than any of us and somehow, she doesn't look like she's 12. With a pretty in pink Basler dress and heart-shaped glasses, she has me smitten.

via stylebistro.com

LOOK 4

This is just so darn cute, I want to squish it. Those Tory Burch shorts are to-die-for and I'm loving that pedicure.

via fabsugar.com

LOOK 5

Obviously, Kaley is a princess from a faraway land we all wish we lived in. Usually, I'm not a fan of feathers, but she pulls it off and in mint green, no less. 

via movies.yahoo.com

What do you think of Kaley's style? Love it or hate it?

Ponder That,

XOXO,

Bella

Blynk Is My New Tinder

A few weeks ago, I decided to give in to social demands and get Tinder. After a few swipes left and right, I began to feel time drag on, but somehow, I couldn't stop. I stopped looking at the guys and simply swishing my finger back instinctively. Back in June, a new app was launched that uses the same swiping mechanism and that's when I knew it was all about the swipe effect.

Meet Blynk. Blynk is the Tinder of the fashion world. It follows the same concept, but with street style outfits that you can choose to like or not to like. After several swipes, the app directs you to outfit recommendations and then takes you to their website for purchase. If you thought Tinder was satisfying, this app is even better. Unlike Tinder, nobody is judging you. Blynk is all about discovering your personal style and getting inspired.

Here are five reasons Blynk is better than Tinder.

via casemateeurope.files.wordpress.com

NUMBER 1

It was founded in Toronto.

Automatically, my love for this app increased as soon as I found out it was Canadian. Call me biased, but I feel even better knowing that I'm supporting entrepreneurs in my own country.

NUMBER 2

Blynk doesn't judge.

Though the men on Tinder may be rating you based on your looks, Blynk will give you that self-esteem boost without any judgement added.

NUMBER 3

Blynk leads to self-development

While Tinder is about meeting potential mates, Blynk is about understanding yourself as a person. By making these subconscious fashion choices, you can discover what you really like and what doesn't quite float your banana.

NUMBER 4

Blynk makes recommendations

While Tinder just reveals a series of men or women in proximity to you, Blynk makes recommendations. If only Tinder would do the same and filter the selection based on our swipes.

NUMBER 5

Blynk allows you to choose which parts of the outfit you like.

Needless to say, Tinder doesn't let us do the same.

It's time to get Blynk and let me know what you think. Would you rather swipe left for Tinder or right for Blynk?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

The KardashaJenner Disease

Apparently, everyone has caught the bug and I'm not quite sure who started it. I'm thinking it was a sex tape, but that's just my hypothesis.

If you haven't been keeping up with the Kardashajenners, that's okay. Neither have I.

The only Kardashajenner that has caught my eye is Kendall, simply because she's prancing down those #NYFW runways like its nobody's business.

via ca.eonline.com

Is she a good model? Perhaps. Did she work her way up? Probably not. She does happen to be the most successful Kardashian of the bunch though, so kudos to her.

Is her name what got her famous? Probably.

But frankly, who cares? She's walking DVF, Tommy Hilfiger, and Donna Karan runways and laughing at us all while sipping cocktails with the designers themselves backstage.

Now here's the question of the day: why is everyone so obsessed with these darn Kardashians? Or better yet, how did they manage to cover every US Weekly and InTouch in sight? What's the deal, yo?

There are plenty of women with booty in the business who happen to have some talent to speak of (J.Lo) Sorry, Kim. Kanye makes you popular.

Kourtney's on the sidelines, which probably categorizes her as smartest Kardashajenner of the bunch. She also gets points for having a really cute kid.

Meanwhile, where's Khloe? I wouldn't know. I don't keep up.

Kylie is the underrated Jenner sister who probably leads the best life since she's least likely to be recognized on the street. Maybe she's just too cool for Kardashian. Her style is pretty awesome and she's a little edgier than Kendall, but unfortunately, she hasn't made it as big and that makes things a little awkward.

So, here's a question that's been plaguing all of our minds for every year Kardashian has been part of our vocabulary: what's up with all those K's? Is that how they got famous? Should I give all my children names that start with B? Is that the key to fame? Is that how I should choose my man?

Fashion Week has just begun and Kendall is the talk of the town. Perhaps if she weren't a Kardashajenner, I may have liked her more as a model. Maybe that makes me judgemental, but in the end, who isn't judgmental when it comes to these ladies? Or maybe I'm being too hash?

What do you think of Kendall's newfound model success? Perhaps they should change the name of their reality show to "Keeping Up With Kendall". Do you have the Kardashajenner disease or are you over it?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

#IconCity: Lizzy Caplan Is Underrated

September is a month of new beginnings, fresh starts, new pages, and other such variations of those words. It means that all our favourite fall primetime shows are about to return and we can only count down the days from here. As such, I've decided to start watching a new show in honour of the running September theme and I opted for Masters of Sex starring Lizzy Caplan (AKA Janice Ian). Like (nearly) everyone, I am a Mean Girls and I couldn't wait to see Lizzy Caplan in a brand new setting. As well, I've begun a trend of only watching shows that took place in a period other than my own, so this seemed like the perfect choice. After the first few episodes, I must admit that this show looks promising and I am eager to catch up with the rest of y'all. In honour of Lizzy, let's take a look at her best looks.

LOOK 1
Lizzy looks classy as ever in James Jeans high-waisted pants and a button down shirt a la androgynous. I'm loving the masculine-inspired fashion this season and this look screams "try me".

via justjared.com

LOOK 2
Lizzy proves that she can look feminine as well in a maxi skirt with a touch of pink and striking cobalt blue shoes. Loving it.

via Harper's Bazaar

LOOK 3

Lizzy looks adorable and feminine in this Suno dress and I love her decision to combine it with these burgundy stilettos and clutch.

via Fab Sugar

LOOK 4

Lizzy Caplan stuns once again in a feminine multi-coloured Lisa Ho dress with bold yellow shoes.

via InStyle

LOOK 5

My favourite look, this elegant Reem Acra houndstooth getup is on my current wishlist. PS The shoes are Aldo (represent).

via InStyle

What do you think of Lizzy's looks? Which one is your favourite?

Ponder It,

XOXO

Bella

Can Side Boob Ever Be Tasteful?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, side boob is officially a new member of our vocabulary. At every celebrity event, someone decides to show side boob and they either make it to a best-dressed or a worst-dressed list. Depending on the quantity and "tastefulness" of the side boob, they can land in either camp, but the opinions are often not generally unanimous. When I spot these women, I can't help but wonder whether this look will ever make it to number one on anybody's list.

There begs the question: Will side boob ever be tasteful?

To answer this question, I've decided to conjure a list of five celebrity side boob situations and rate them based on whether they are tasteful or not on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the maximum amount of tastefulness they could achieve) according to me. Get ready and feel free to share your own personal opinions.

LOOK 1

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Gucci

I think it's safe to say that this model looks drop-dead gorgeous in green. The slit is not too high or too low to be deemed slutty and the frills add a je ne sais quoi to her look. But let's talk about the side boob. It's subtle and does not take over the entire dress. We are not drawn to her boob, but rather, the bold colour of this magnificent dress.

VERDICT: TASTEFUL 8

via instyle.com

LOOK 2

Chrissy Teigen in Custom Ralph Lauren

Chrissy looks beautiful in this silver custom Ralph Lauren gown from the 2014 Met Gala. The frills give it a little 19th century vibe that I'm loving and that printed clutch is the perfect final touch. BUT, that is a lot of side boob over there. Are we distracted by the side boob? Perhaps a little. Maybe she simply forgot to tuck it in a little more. Either way, she looks stunning.

VERDICT: QUASI-TASTEFUL 6

via www.usmagazine.com

LOOK 3

Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada

Gwyneth loves her side boob. Apparently. Perhaps her boobs are a cute enough size to pull it off. Her swept bun makes this look super classy, drawing our attention to her terrific bone structure. The dress is super chic and almost makes us forget about her side boob.

VERDICT: TASTEFUL 8

via www.elle.com

LOOK 4

Nicole Richie in Marc Jacobs.

Apparently, a chic bun can divert attention away from side-boob. Nicole Richie wears this slinky Marc Jacobs gown with a peak of side-boob and somehow, it doesn't look slutty (although some may beg to differ). Maybe it's because Nicole Richie effortlessly pulls off everything or perhaps she can use Gwyneth's "my boobs are small, anyway" excuse. Either way, I love this look.

VERDICT: TASTEFUL 9

via www.celebrity-gossip.net

LOOK 5

Jennifer Lawrence in Proenza Schouler

When J.Law got that pixie cut, I knew she'd try side-boob. It just seemed like the edgy thing to do. The contrast between her jet-black dress and porcelain skin makes this a striking look on J.Law. As a newly asserted edgy woman, side boob seemed like a natural choice, but is it tasteful? Debatable.

VERDICT: QUASI-TASTEFUL 5

via Huffington Post

At the end of the day, side boob is only a reality in the celebrity world that we are not a part of (hopefully). Try side boob at a wedding and you may get a few grimacing faces. 

What have we learned from this?

Side boob can be tasteful only with pulled back hair and the confidence that comes with it. You need Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's model good looks, Chrissy Teigen's spunk, Gwen's poise, Nicole Richie's "I don't care" attitude, and J.Law's easy-going nature to pull it off. Do you have what it takes?

Ponder That,

XOXO,

Bella

My Addiction To Shoppers Points

Three years ago, I decided to get an Optimum Point Card at Pharmaprix. I was drawn in at the prospect of free cosmetics, nail polish, chips, chocolate, and everything my heart desired.

The card is free, they said.

Who wouldn't buy it????

When Sephora opened in Montreal, I decided to take a peak and was in awe when they told me that with the Sephora Beauty Insider card, I could receive a free gift for every 100 points. In addition to that, I'd get a sample every year on my birthday.

I need that card, I thought to myself. So, I got it.

via loyalty.sephora-me.com

Several months ago, I was shopping at the Hudson's Bay and I was sucked into another points card.

It'll give you 15% off your first purchase, they told me, and you could get free stuff with those points.

Score. I needed that thing. And done.

Today, I have three cards that offer me access to cosmetics and I no longer know where to shop. Needless to say, I'm a sucker for the word "free" and who isn't?

Some people are addicted to credit cards, but you've only won my heart if you offer me a chance a free cosmetics.

Another reason I love points is because I feel like I'm playing a game. If I get enough rewards points, I get a prize, and who doesn't love that? Perhaps the child in me is squealing in excitement and saying, "Mommy, I want to play THAT game". As the boss of my own life, I get to make these decisions for myself and of course, I want to win. Furthermore, it's not a contest with others that ends in tears, but rather, a contest with oneself. How could I possible lose?

Now, let me ask you this: are points cards worth it?

How do you decide which cards to get?
How do you resist the urge to sign up for every card that's handed to you?

If the Bay is for M.A.C and TopShop, I definitely need that one.
If Sephora gives me access to exclusive brands, I NEED that one too.
As for Pharmaprix, you ALWAYS need your pharmaceuticals.

So, are these cards really a bad thing? Am I gaining from this? What do you think of the points system?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

P.S: TWO DAYS UNTIL NEW YORK FASHION WEEK! GET EXCITED!

The Makeup Trap

via thejrexperiment.com

Labor day is a day for rambling. As such, I've chosen to ramble about a subject that troubles and confuses me to no end.

How do we select our makeup?

This question may sound banal, but let's ponder it for a second.

When faced with a wide variety of choices from Lancome to Bobbi Brown to L'Oreal, it's a wonder we actually succeed at making some kind of conclusive decision to purchase one over the other. 

And then begs the question: do I go to Sephora and opt for higher end brands or just buy the drugstore brands? Some would say, drugstore brands are better and that the high end makeup is simply more expensive due to the name and marketing that comes with it. Others would beg to differ.

Which camp do you fall under?

Several months ago, I wrote a post about makeup loyalty (see here) that demanded the same question about choice based on a wide variety of makeup brands. 

My conclusion: Whether or not we are loyal to one brand is not the actual question. The real question is why.

Why that M.A.C lipstick?

Why the Diorshow Mascara?

Who choose that L'Oreal liquid liner?

Is it really about price or are we drawn to the brand for other subconscious reasons?

My theory is that there is a combination of marketing, function, and reliability. If Lancome's Definicils makes our itty bitty lashes look longer, why wouldn't we buy it again? Besides, Alber Elbaz collaborated with the brand and that makes it instantly cooler, right? 

What about M.A.C? 

Are we simply drawn to the brand because of all the celebrity collaborations?

Do we read too many magazines?

Do we choose our makeup brand based on our celebrity icons' makeup choices?

How do we even know that's what they actually use?

I may have no answers to these questions, but I do believe it is worth thinking about. Perhaps you have a certain image of yourself that you think your makeup projects. But then again, the only one in your makeup case is you.

Ponder That,

Bella