#ForTheSakeofFashion: Booties In The Summer?

If you live in a warm country (which I do not), you may be faced with the following dilemma. Can I still buy a pair of boots? What if they're cute Chelsea boots? Is this purchase justifiable?

Your answer is most definitely yes.

Though it may seem like an illogical purchase in every way, little booties have become a style statement. Even those of the over-the-knee variety can now be worn with a mini dress for a different effect altogether.

via breakfastwithaudrey.com.au

We've all seen the Mileys and Caras of this world sport some combat boots with a pair of shorts. Depending on whether or not you live in L.A, this can be permissible. In fact, it's almost encouraged, especially when combined with an edgier outfit.

Whether a pair of peep-toe booties for a night on the town or combat boots for your daily shopping excursion (or monthly, depending on your level of addiction), boots have transformed into a year-long versatile look that never goes out of style. Sometimes you're not in the mood to wear a sandal, possibly because you haven't had the time to redo your pedicure. No matter. Boots are here to rescue you from a chipped nail fiasco.

Sure, the sneaker is the most logical alternative, but as I always say, fashion should (almost) NEVER be about logic, but rather about playful creativity. In other words, you should be wearing booties #forthesakeoffashion and not because it's cold outside. In fact, the cold should not dictate how you dress (for the most part). You should control the weather by wearing what you please, when you please. That may be our only way of coping with our weather woes.

So, next time you're considering wearing those little black boots in the summer, don't let warm weather get in the way of your decision.

Ponder it,

Bella

Let's Talk About Metallic Nails

A traditional manicure generally consists of a red, pastel pink, or nude polish. The boldest amongst us will occasionally try the color of the moment like a turquoise or baby blue for summer and navy or burgundy for fall. For special occasions, a french manicure is a popular look and the reverse french, even more so. Some fashionistas are inclined to go for nail art. I am not one of them. But what ever happened to metallic nails? Have they been forgotten in the mix?

via styleblazer.com

While I am generally inclined to choose a matte colour that suits my skin tone, I've been contemplating metallics and to my consternation, I can't seem to decide whether or not I could "pull this off". Are metallics tacky? Or are they fashion?

When it comes to our jewellery, many of us have a favourite metal, be it silver or gold. Some of us will even opt for a chic rose gold. When it comes to our timepiece, the metal you choose is everything, so you must choose wisely. While we tend to prefer metal for our jewellery to plastic (which can be perceived as cheap and tacky), why is the reverse true for our nails? Perhaps the new chic is metallic gold or silver. 

Now, as someone who is willing to try almost anything when it comes to fashion, I'm tempted to dig into this further and explore the metallic nail. Who knows? It may become the next fall trend to hit the runways and before you know it, bloggers will be promoting it everywhere.

So, next time you hesitate with the tacky vs. non-tacky debate, try it out. If it doesn't feel right, you don't have to do it again. When it comes to your nails, there's always a good polish remover to save you from an awful mani.

Ponder it,

Bella

Five Easy Ways To Improve A Basic Outfit

This may look like your average style guide, but it's actually your average style guide simplified. Ever wonder how your favourite model-off-duty (Cara Delevingne) pulls off her basics without deviating into boring territory? Ever wonder how fashion editors stay unique all the time without busting their budget? Ever wonder how you can turn your white t-shirt into a style statement? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have stumbled upon your perfect list. This basic guide is here to help you pick out the best accessories to compliment your white-tee and jeans. Let's face it, some of us don't have the patience to pick out an elaborately extravagant look every single day and need a little help finding that one piece that can take our outfit from simple to every photographer's dream. Are you ready?

NUMBER 5: The Vibrant Scarf

When trying to figure out what to wear, take your tips from Giovanna Battaglia. This woman knows what she's doing. This may look like a basic grey sweater dress, but Battaglia transforms into a fashion editor extraordinaire with this vibrant printed scarf.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 4: Show Stopping Shoes

If it's alliterated, than it's most definitely true. A pair of killer shoes will transform any outfit. Don't be afraid of a wild color (no more black!) and even dare to try a print, because sometimes a crazy shoe is even better than a crazy outfit.

via dailymail.co.uk

NUMBER 3: A Statement Necklace

Your plain white tee will never look better than with a statement necklace. If you're planning a casual day and have no time to change for your night out, this might be just what you need to prepare yourself for a 5 a 7 with the girls.

via glamradar.com

NUMBER 2: A Printed Handbag

Preferably, an animal print. Nothing says "I know style" better than a bold handbag. While most will opt for their basic black, some of us prefer to make a statement with a bright pink or some stripes. If your wardrobe consists of basics anyway, who wants a black purse?

via nadyana.com

NUMBER 1: A Killer Hat

Nothing makes a statement better than some wild headgear. Not sure if you're ready to walk out the door? Add a hat to your look that suits the season. Trust me when I say that this will turn you into an instant fashion girl.

via bloglovin.com

Are you ready for your close-up?

Ponder it,

Bella

An Ode To Summer Hats: The Accessory That Protects You AND Looks Cute

via bestcelebritystyle.ca

If you walk down the streets of Montreal, rare is the day you spot a girl in a hat. In the winter, it's a whole other story, but that's by mere necessity. Why don't we see hats in the summer as a necessity as well? Let's face it. It's hot outside and my head gets sweaty. A hat just makes it worse. Or does it? While sunglasses project cool vibes (whether worn indoors or out), a hat is a style statement that many are reluctant to make. That's exactly what makes it such fun.

While in some cities, hats may be all the rage. This one needs a hat awakening. When a girl walking down the street in a wide-brim hat becomes too much of a fashion statement, you know the masses haven't yet embraced it. It sets the fashion girls apart because of its ability to draw in everyone's attention and is perceived as a look associated with hipsters or artists.

While this is all true, it's also true that hats protect us from UV rays. While tanning is still rampant, the fashion industry continues to encourage skin protection in the best way they know how: turning it into a style statement. What better way to get everyone on the bandwaggon than to transform a necessity into a playful fashion trend?

While wide-brim felt hats were all the rage last fall, summer is all about chic berets, straw hats, and cool baseball caps. Gone are the days when hats were merely associated with athletes and farmers. With the wide selection of hats our favourite stores have to offer, there's a cute hat for fashionistas with all kinds of inclinations.

So, next time you think you don't have a "hat head", experiment a little longer. After all, the benefits make this one worth it.

Ponder it,

Bella

Let's Review Couture, Shall We?

As per my usual custom, I'm ready to offer you a full review of Paris Couture Week AKA The Greatest Fashion Event of the Year (after the Met Ball). Couture is my absolute favorite because it revives the fashion fantasy and reminds us why it's not all about spending money, but about dreams of luxury. This week, as I was watching Jean Paul Gaultier's couture show, my father stepped into my room and scoffed, asking me who would wear any of that? What did I answer? Probably no one. But then again, are museum artifacts for sale? Are they meant to be used in people's homes? No. They are works of art. Just like a painting, an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown is meant to be ogled at, admired, and analyzed. For the models on the runway, wearing these pieces is a dream, but in reality, that's all it's meant to be. People don't make art for money, but for the passion that flows through their veins. This year, we saw some beautiful tulle at Giambattista Valli, a brand new fur-based collection at Fendi courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld, and old school opulence at Valentino. My absolute favorites? Read more to find out.

NUMBER 5: ZUHAIR MURAD

What's not to love about Zuhair Murad? Some sparkle, some high slits, and deep Vs ideal for the J.Lo's of this world, Zuhair Murad fails to disappoint and always succeeds at making a woman feel glamorous. In his case, this collection is not only reserved for dreams, but for the celebrity Red Carpet. It's for the woman with a princess inside of her who wants to externalize her spectacular personality. This collection showcased some bright reds, turquoise, and the newly popular navy. It was sexy and showstopping so, if you're not a diva, you should probably search elsewhere for your next party dress.

My Favourite Look: 28

via style.com

NUMBER 4: SCHIAPARELLI

Nothing excites me more than the revival of an old house of couture from the times where fashion was just a burgeoning seed. Newly appointed Bertrand Guyon tried his hand at couture after the abrupt departure of Creative Director Marco Zanini and took us all back in time while adding a modern twist. There were midi skirts, plaid suits, and classic blouses for the career woman. Of course, there were also gowns fit for a queen topped with gold accessories for added drama. It may not have been from this time, but the nostalgia factor is exactly what made it special.

My Favourite Look: 15

via style.com

NUMBER 3: CHRISTIAN DIOR

Would it even be couture week without a breathtaking Dior show? Angelic white gowns, oversized cloaks, and sparkly dresses adorned this runway taken straight from your fantasies. It was a collection of dresses alone and projected a strong femininity and innocent sensuality. Let's not neglect to mention the beautiful set that served as a backdrop for the models. It was a fairtytale come alive with colours fit for a rendition of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. You just wanted to enter Raf's world and never leave.

My Favourite Look: 31

via style.com

NUMBER 2: GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

I absolutely ADORE Giambattista Valli. It's undeniable that the man knows how to perfectly correlate our girly side with our dark side by combining chunky platforms with florals and infinite tulle. This collection was all about female whimsy with round sunglasses being a focal point accentuated by colourful beads on the frames. Puffy skirts were also a big part of this collection whether on a mini dress or a gown and the pop colours made every piece come to life from the not-so-mellow yellow to a pretty coral. It was a wardrobe made for the flirtatious 17 year old or a young women with an affinity towards the Lolita look. Bravo, Valli.

My Favourite Look: 11

via style.com

NUMBER 1: Chanel

As if it wasn't obvious that Chanel would be the number one show at Couture Week. It may be a predictable choice, but somehow, Karl always delivers (whether he has one or two couture shows on his plate). While the luxurious furs at Fendi were fabulous, Chanel still reigns when it comes to couture. We were taken back to the days of Coco Chanel with elegant tweeds in a variety of cuts. The setting featured A-list celebrities playing poker center stage while models in cropped brown wigs and their best pastel tweeds walked around them. It wasn't all work and no play though, because at the end of the show, fluffy skirts and overpieces made their way down the runway to add some pizazz. Everything about the show screamed Parisian chic.

My Favourite Look: 53

via style.com

Which was your favourite this couture week? 

Ponder it,

Bella

Adapting VS Adopting: How Do You Know When You've Taken Trend Guides Too Seriously?

For those of us who read an abundance of magazines (myself included), how do you know when you've taken a trend too far?

What does this mean, you ask?

It means that you can't tell the difference between adopting this trend and adapting to it.

Let's go over some definitions here (taken straight from my computer's built-in dictionary)

Adapt: to make something suitable for a new use or purpose; modify
Adopt: to take up, start to use, or follow

Now, which one do you want to fall under? Well, let's say you see Man Repeller's Leandra Medine in a pair of round frame sunglasses. Subsequently, you see a trend report on round frames in your latest issue of Elle. Instantly, you get this urge to buy a pair because you want to be just like her (subconsciously, of course). This, my friend, is adopting. Now, if you arrive at the store and try on the same pair as Leandra, only to find yourself disappointed with how they look on your face, don't fret. You may not have the same face as she does, but this doesn't mean you can't experiment with round frames. Therein comes adapting. When you find a pair of round frames with wide rims that suit your big personality, you know you've found the ones. They may be different from the ones written about in Elle, but at least they feel like a version of the trend that suits you.

via vogue.com

The idea is to pick and choose the trends you want to follow. Now, I'm not asking you to stop experimenting and limit yourself to your classic favourites, but rather, to experiment the right way. What does this mean? It means that it's important to find an item that makes you feel most like yourself while taking a fashion risk. After all, trends are simply guidelines. It's up to you to make them your own.

Ponder That,

Bella

My Newfound Love Affair With The Crossbody Bag

via afashionlist.com

Ladies, it's time to let your hands spring free and your shoulders relax because summer is all about loosening up and letting go of that year round tension. Last week, I discovered the beauty of a crossbody bag and it changed my life. It's time it changed yours.

Now, as a smaller than average human, I'm drawn towards mini bags and anything that doesn't overwhelm my body. Unfortunately, there are so many things to carry in my day-to-day life that a little handbag just won't cut it. Somehow, I find myself with a giant purse filled with things I may or may not need to survive my day and I can't seem to get rid of any. Those days are over (for the most part).

I decided to take the leap and purchase a tiny crossbody bag, ideal for only a few essentials. This purchase was a lesson in packing light and selecting only the necessary. Here are some tips on how to do this:

1) Don't bring your entire makeup case. Your lipstick alone will do and occasionally, your eyeliner for quick touch ups.
2) You don't need to always have your entire wallet on your person. Take the cards you need every time you leave the house and you're golden.
3) If you're like me and need reading material, try an e-book. For travelling, you won't regret it.

Best part about this bag? You don't even need to hold it. Nothing in the world is more practical. So, next time you're thinking of stuffing your oversized tote with things, ask yourself whether you actually need every selected item. Eventually, you'll get used to choosing wisely and your shoulders will thank you.

Ponder It,

Bella

Is The LWD Replacing The LBD?

For those unfamiliar with fashion speak, let me give you the lowdown.

LBD: Little Black Dress
LWD: Little White Dress

Better? Now, I know what you're thinking. The LWD can never replace the LBD. It's a classic. It may be an alternative in the summer time, but each one serves its own purpose and thus, both are necessary assets to a wardrobe.

But how to choose which one?

via thestylefairy.ie

In the past few months, the LWD has gained popularity in a variety of forms. From the feminine broderie anglaise to boho lace, off-the-shoulder and loose halters, combined with a killer pair of knee-high gladiator sandals, this look won this summer. If you're bold enough, you may even add a wide-brim hat for the full boho effect. In terms of trends, this one takes the cake.

When it comes to classics, the LBD will always win. Whether we like it or not, black is the most versatile look. It's flattering on blonds, brunettes, and redheads. It's slimming and looks great with gold or silver. No matter the season, it will forever remain in style. Let's face it, the LBD is jeans for the classy lady, the ultimate wardrobe essential. It also doesn't show stains.

However, one can also argue that white is quintessentially feminine and romantic. It can be edgy with the right pair of combat boots and girly with some strappy sandals. Its lightness makes it much less sombre than black and much more attention grabbing while simultaneously being subtle. Can any other colour accomplish such a feat?

via popsugar.co.uk

The reality is that one of each is necessary. Whether you're sweet or spicy, black or white can be combined with any fashion accessory imaginable to suit your mood.

Verdict? Get yourself an LWD and an LBD. And never for one moment believe anyone who tells you that one can ever replace the other.

Ponder that,

Bella