Taking A Break From Fashion Month To Discuss #OscarsSoWhite

Before you read this, I have to confess. This is actually a best-dressed list disguised as an argumentative essay about the predominantly white Oscar nominations this year. So I apologize in advance if that's what you were expecting. Perhaps the very fact that this best-dressed list is slightly too white might make us all think about the current issue plaguing the mind's of Hollywood's elite. I invite you to think about that as you take a look at this best-dressed list. Full disclosure, the choices are entirely based on the dresses, not my opinion of the women wearing them. In my book, every woman on that Red Carpet deserves to be honoured and admired for her work and the dress is merely a matter of taste, that differs from one critic to another. After several hours of watching Mad Max win awards, let's analyze and criticize the most frivolous, yet integral, part of the show: what everyone was wearing (or maybe just my top 10 best).

NUMBER 10

Mindy Kaling in Elizabeth Kennedy

I am a huge fan of Mindy Kaling for a number of reasons. One of them happens to be her classy sense of style. While Mindy has made a few strange Red Carpet choices, this one was simple and yet, also one of the best. The cut was flattering and the surprise at the back gave it a touch of glamour, making it Oscar-ready. Let's not forget to mention, her beauty look is beyond chic.

via racked.com

NUMBER 9

Jennifer Garner in Rene Caovilla

While this look could have potentially landed much higher on my best-dressed list, it remained slightly safe and a tad too predictable for my taste. Regardless, Jen looked bombshell stunning in black with just the right amount of sparkle to stand out on the Red Carpet.

via hollywoodtake.com

NUMBER 8

Rachel McAdams in August Getty Atelier

I may be impartial to Rachel McAdams because she's Canadian, but it's undeniable that green is definitely her colour. While the best green dress just happened to be worn by someone else last night, I still loved the sensual simplicity of this look.

via vanityfair.com

NUMBER 7

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

Cate Blanchett always wears Armani Prive and this year is no different. She has never made my best-dressed list though. Until now. Generally, this actress loves to make a statement on the carpet and while I'm usually a huge fan of bold statement-makers, hers never quite succeed at giving me the fuzzy feels that other dresses do. This year, I couldn't decide if I loved or hated this aqua dress. Part of me felt as though I were looking at a sea creature. The other part just wanted to touch it. It's the type of dress you might see in a fairytale and that is exactly what I loved about it.

via abc7.com

NUMBER 6

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior

Charlize Theron is probably the only actress who can actually say she ALWAYS wears the dress (the dress never wears her) because no dress can upstage someone that beautiful. Whether this simple Dior number with a stunning deep V and a necklace that could blind the blind or something as elaborate as Cate Blanchett's dress, nothing can take away from Charlize Theron's modelesque figure and natural beauty. I'm pretty sure Emily Blunt wanted to kill the Academy for forcing them to present together.

via indianexpress.com

 NUMBER 5

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein Collection

This sparkling emerald green custom Calvin Klein dress shone as bright as Saoirse's pride in her Irish heritage. Nothing says best-dressed like a look that came straight from the heart. Not only did she look stunning, but you could tell she felt it too. That is precisely was got her in my top five.

popsugar.com

NUMBER 4

Olivia Munn in Stella McCartney

This dress may have been very simple, but as far as red dresses go (sorry, Charlize), but this one was definitely my fave. It was flattering, eye-catching, and striking against Olivia Munn's beautiful black hair. If I had to pick an Oscar dress, this would be the top choice on my list. The real question is: was it orange or red? I'll allow you to ponder that one.

via nytimes.com

NUMBER 3

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

Naomi Watts, a constant contender on my best-dressed list, has blown me away once again with her Oscar choice. Like Cate Blanchett, this outfit was fit for an aquatic wonderland, but Naomi was the mermaid and Cate was a sea urchin (no offence to Cate intended). It was a cross between Saoirse's and Cate's dress, only better because it has ombre. I'm in love.

via today.com

NUMBER 2

Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad

Obviously, Priyanka Chopra cheated her way onto this list by choosing to wear the most incredible designer, Zuhair Murad. How could this look possibly have failed? Everything this designer produces is breathtaking and Priyanka owned this look. P.S Maybe this list isn't that white after all.

via popsugar.co.uk

NUMBER 1

And the number one best-dressed on my list goes to...

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton

Yellow may not be my colour, but it is definitely hers. Alicia's look was romantic, classy, and just bold enough to make her number one on this list. What can I say? Louis Vuitton speaks for itself.

via telegraph.co.uk

Honourable Mentions:
Eddie Redmayne's black velvet blazer.
AND
Chris Rock's white tuxedo blazer.

What was your favourite look from last night's Oscars? 

Ponder it,

Bella

When Did People Stop Being So Fancy?

Up until the early 20th century, women wore gowns and party dress to the most basic dinner party. Think Downton Abbey style. Today, jeans and sneakers are the norm on the streets. After all, who wants the discomfort of a constricting dress and sky high stilettos?

via pinterest

Actually, I do.

Sure, I consider myself to be a "feminist" (quotations merely because of the multiple definitions of the word). I am well aware that women were put in these clothes to restrict movement. However, due to the rise of feminism, we are currently faced with a choice. We can wear these dresses because we want to, not because we have to.

Wearing a pretty dress with a pair of high heels has become a sign of empowerment. We have finally appropriated our own sense of style and the days of men dictating dress have long gone.

We have designers like Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Isabel Marant to thank for the rise in women dressing women rather than men dressing women. As much as I love my Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs, I'm a strong advocate for women dressing other women. I also love the idea of dressing like men just because I feel like it. However, in the age of nostalgia, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if everyone were to attend their dinner parties in fluffy dresses and intricate updos. When we're making our own decisions, wouldn't it be fun to go back to those days with new found purpose?

Now, I'm not saying we should be uncomfortable. All I'm saying is that a little glamour and glitz every now and then wouldn't hurt. As the saying goes, "the world is your runway". Dress like you believe it.

Ponder it,

Bella

10 Ways To Wear Your Denim This Summer

As an avid lover of denim, I'm a firm believer that you can go every day of your life with one piece of denim in your outfit and not get bored. Call me Canadian, but I'm a huge fan of the large amount of variations on this multi-seasonal look that never goes out of style. Denim has been a closet staple since the 1980s with icons like Jane Birkin and Kate Moss owning this look time and time again. You can dress it up and dress it down. You can wrap it around your waist or even on your head. Denim is the most versatile fabric on the market and I'm eager to try every version of it that I can. Here are ten ways you can wear it this summer.

NUMBER 10

As A Skirt

At Chloe, the button-front jean skirt made a star appearance and I have been in love ever since. With Normcore being the norm this year, jean skirts are back from the grave and a fashion staple no less.

Chloe S/S 2015 - style.com

NUMBER 9

With More Denim

Take it from Olivia Palermo, the Canadian tuxedo is one to try this summer. Whoever thought you could wear too much denim never wore it like a fashion girl.

via bloglovin.com

NUMBER 8

As Cutoffs

With festival season in our midst, denim cutoffs are a closet must. Warm weather demands that they be worn so wear them like you're 16 again.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 7

As Boyfriend Jeans

Skinny jean who? With skinny jeans slowly easing out of the picture, baggy ripped boyfriend jeans are the new trend of the moment that's capturing everyone's attention. Are you ready to give it a shot?

via popsugar.com

NUMBER 6

As Overalls

Summer is the perfect time to release your inner child and with the latest news that Full House is returning as "Fuller House" on Netflix, overalls couldn't be more relevant.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 5

With 70s Flair

Since the boho look has resurfaced, so has the wide leg. Best worn with a sky high wedge, are you gutsy enough to try this look?

via glamradar.com

NUMBER 4

As A Dress

A jean dress is the perfect summer look because all you have to do is slip it on and you're ready to go. Whether you choose to wear it with your crisp new sneakers or a pair of wedges, that's your choice. Either way, when it comes to denim, anything goes.

via luckymag.com

NUMBER 3

As A Jacket

A jean jacket is the ideal closet staple for those breezy summer nights. It's casual and put together without taking away from your outfit.

via wwd.com

NUMBER 2

With Embellishment

Are you bold enough to wear embellished jeans? Seen at Dolce & Gabbana and Ashish, this look was a major crowd pleaser on the Spring 2015 runways.

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 15 - sophiazchoice.tumblr.com

NUMBER 1

All Patched Up

Who needs uniform denim anyway?

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela - style.com

Which one will you be wearing this season?

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

What Kind of Dresser Are You?

My computer's history would indicate that I rely very much on quizzes to define myself. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Sometimes we need a good ol' quiz to tell us if we're better off marrying Johnny Depp or Pharrell Williams. Or whether we're a peanut butter sandwich or tuna. Or whether we're most likely to live in Paris or London. It's crucial to our self-understanding. THEREFORE, I have decided to concoct another "who am I" quiz that will hopefully bring you closer to your destination on your road to self-discovery. Get ready to find out whether you're a fashion rebel, a trend addict, a clown, or a style muffin.

1. Your best friend shows up at school in UGGs. You've always hated UGGs, but you really need a new pair of boots. You...
a) Run to your nearest UGG store and buy the same ones.
b) Buy Sorels. With multi-coloured laces.
c) Settle for your sneakers and hope for the best. You're poor.
d) Wear high heels because you'd never wear those hideous things.

2. Spotted: Cameron Diaz wearing leggings as pants.
a) Sigh with relief. I knew that was a thing.
b) Wear them as a top. Never tried that one, did you?
c) Top her by wearing sweatpants. In public.
d) Cringe. Why Camy why?

3. Finish this sentence. Raincoats are for...
a) Losers.
b) Dancing in the rain.
c) Practical purposes.
d) You mean trench coats, right?

4. Every woman must have X in her wardrobe.
a) X = EVERYTHING
b) X = A florescent jumpsuit
c) X = Denim
d) X = A pair of impractical shoes

5. Cara Delevingne is...
a) Soooooo coooooollllllll.
b) My best friend.
c) Who?
d) The top british model in the world and Karl Lagerfeld's dream daughter.

MOSTLY A's: You Are A Trend Addict
You live off magazines with the latest trend reports because they decide your wardrobe. After each season, it's time for a cleanse. You invite your friends over to get rid of those uglies in exchange for the hottest new Hermes. You've been called a shopaholic, but no matter. You're always the trendiest girl in the room. Everyone wants what you have. You can spot trends better than you pick your men. It's a skill.

MOSTLY B's: You Are A Clown
You love to fool around and make silly faces a la Cara. Your favourite outfits usually consist of a one piece with a loud print. You make a statement every time you walk into a room and you can't help being the entertainment at every party. You're a street style photographer's dream and it's only because they can tell that it all comes naturally to you. You enjoy changing your hair on a monthly basis and exploring looks that nobody would dare try purely for the thrill.

MOSTLY C's: You Are A Fashion Rebel
You're not the biggest fashionista in the bunch, but you know who you are. You've already established what you like and don't like, so you know how to shop in the most practical way. You hate people who follow trends because you perceive them as poseurs. You believe that identity showcases itself through what you wear, so lying is almost sinful. You stay true to yourself at all times even if others disagree with you. You like to break the mould, while remaining practical on some levels.

MOSTLY D's: You Are A Style Muffin
You adore fashion and thrive in front of a camera. You will defy practicality and comfort #forthesakeoffashion because you can't resist. Fashion is your weakness, your drug, your chocolate cake. You're that girl layering to no end at Spring fashion week in New York in the dead of winter. You wear high heels no matter what the occasion just because you know it looks better with everything. You'll explore a trend here and there, but you prefer to remain spontaneous in your outfit choices. Creativity is your mantra.

#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