The Magical Third Element

Hello lovely readers,

I'm back after a four month hiatus with a deep and heartfelt apology. Due to foreseen circumstances (school, work, and other highly significant stress inducers), I put the blog on hold and am full of regret and a powerful new craving to write. Hopefully, this powerful new craving will translate into something magical in today's post.

Speaking of magic, for the last few months, I've been trying to determine what sets a fashionista apart from the rest. Don't get me wrong. I think we are all equals and that was in no way meant to place the fashionista on some kind of pedestal encrusted with Swarovski crystals (if it must). What I am inferring is that there is something special that makes one look at a girl on the street and exclaim (in our minds, of course), "that girl is a total fashionista" (perhaps in more natural-sounding words).

The question is: what is it? What is that magical element?

After much contemplation and a tad bit of research, I discovered that it must be her "third element". While my foray through Paris led me to believe that less is more, Montreal is all about "a little bit more is better than less". Allow me to explain.

When I get up in the morning, I have my outfit planned from the basic blue jean to the little black dress. However, once I am dressed and ready to go, I often feel like there's something missing. That feeling should not be ignored, my friends. Sometimes it's a sign that your outfit is incomplete and requires a little extra something to make it capital f Fashion. While anyone can throw on a pair of jeans with a basic white-tee (i.e sweater), it takes a fashionista to find that one extra piece that can attract onlookers and lead them to believe she is worthy of the title.

Here are some examples of pieces you may add to make your look go from regular to fashion girl (if those are indeed your aspirations):

1) A belt (preferably one with some fringe or some elaborate buckle)

via fashiongum.com

2) A statement necklace (for those times when you have no clue what to add)

via dvf.com

3) A fur vest (it's almost winter and you know you'll thank yourself later)

via thefashiontag.com

4) A scarf (because all the cool french girls are doing it)

via daisysullivant.com

5) A hat (if you claim to have a hat head and nobody has told you otherwise)

via wardrobelooks.com

6) Funky socks (only when appropriate and can be shown off)

via beirut.raghunter.com

7) A headband (if you're feeling a bit nostalgic for Blair Waldorf)

via blog.jelanieshop.com

So, ladies and gents (but probably mostly ladies), I challenge you to add a third element every day for one week. And believe you me, this is a challenge because I have tried it myself. If you can pull it off, you may put on the fashion girl crown and prance around the streets like you own the place (respectfully, of course). Have a lovely week and ponder it.

KISSES,

Bella

How Fashion Girls Celebrate Valentine's Day

As we all know, Valentine's Day is the day we celebrate love. It is no longer a day reserved for couples alone, but rather, one in which we can send cards to family and friends to tell them how much we care. It's also a day to spoil ourselves, because loving yourself is the keynote to true happiness. Duh. Now that we've gone through all the cliches that allow us to acknowledge and perhaps "enjoy" Valentine's Day, let's go through a list of ways that fashion girls choose to celebrate this holiday. Ready? Here's my top five.

NUMBER 5

V-Day Inspired Nail Art

On this special week in February, Pinterest is flooded with Valentine's Day manicures to brighten up your day. Whether you have a man or not, this is just another opportunity to get your nails done. Rather than going for the basic red or pink, try some crazy nail art and get creative this year. It's the simplest way to enjoy the day without the flowers.

via babble.com

NUMBER 4

New Lingerie

Let's get one thing straight. A woman must ALWAYS feel sexy whether there is a man in her life or not. Hence, the excuse to buy sexy lingerie for Valentine's Day. After all, you never know when you'll need it.

via myfavouritepins.com

NUMBER 3

Red Shoes

If you've always wanted that pair of statement shoes, now is your chance. Since V-Day falls on the weekend, what better way to showcase a pair of bold red stilettos than on the streets during Valentine's Day?

via redcarpet-fashionawards.com

NUMBER 2

Red Lipstick

If you're not usually inclined to wear a red lip, this is your chance to try it out. If you have nobody to kiss on V-Day, this is the perfect time to sport this bold lip color that women love and men hate to kiss.

via leessaray.deviantart.com

NUMBER 1

Heart-Shaped Jewellery

In this day and age, who needs a man to buy you jewellery? Any true fashion girl can buy her own sleek silvery heart on a chain and this is the perfect excuse to justify this type of purchase, wouldn't you agree?

via hapatime.com

What are YOU doing this Valentine's Day. Have you finished your shopping yet?

XOXO

Bella

What's A Normcore?

via Vogue UK

The fashion industry is not only known for dictating fashion trends from the latest runways, but also for inventing new terms to describe the ways of the fashion people (yes, we are a people). Eventually, there will be a fashion dictionary (if there isn't one already) and nobody will understand fashion speak without one. It'll become a course offered at universities such as Harvard and Yale involving translation classes for those who wish to pass on their knowledge to future fashion girls. And like "selfie", words will slowly be added as the years progress and technology advances. The newest addition? NORMCORE.

According to Vogue UK, Normcore is defined as a "bland anti-style". It may be a trendy word, but it doesn't believe in trends.

Synonyms: boring, bland, blah, meh, dull, mundane, insipid.
Antonyms: WTF, OMG, WHAAA.

Yes, I am just as confused as you are.

To clarify, normcore is for the classicists. It is a wardrobe filled with recyclable basics that are logo free. To the lady with the Michael Kors MK bag, this is not for you. And to those who loved the Moschino Hershey dress, you won't like this either. However, it has penetrated the fashion world, particularly the M.O.D (models off duty, not the movement).

via shefinds.com

As a lover of mixed prints and bold colours, normcore is not usually how I like my coffee. However, I do believe that it has certain benefits.

1) If you can't afford the labels, normcore is your BFFAEAEAE.
2) If you're feeling lazy, throwing on a white t-shirt and jeans is the latest laissez-faire look that everyone's coveting (SO Parisian chic).
3) STOP TRYING SO HARD

All the cool kids are doing it. So, let's take a break from our wild selves and radiate cool vibes for a second. There's another kind of fashionista in town.

XOXO
Bella