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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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

My Latest Spring Trendsessions

With spring just around the corner (sort of), all I can think about is procuring myself a new spring wardrobe. It may be Fall Fashion Month, but all I can think about is crop tops, mini skirts, and pretty floral dresses. Every spring, I like to refresh my wardrobe and explore trends I never would've tried a year earlier. There's something about the rising temperatures that makes me feel experimental. In honour of the approaching season, I have decided to make a list of my spring trend obsessions (otherwise known as trendsessions). Perhaps I can inspire you to take a risk this season or enlighten you on what's to come. Here's my top 10.

NUMBER 10: CULOTTES

The Trend Short Girls Secretly Fear And Want To Try Simultaneously

A marriage between capri pants and a skirt, culottes have been on the rise for quite some time and continue to rise on the trend scale. For some of us, this look is our irrational fear, while for others, it's so much more fun than a midi skirt. This season, it's time to wash away that fear and try a culotte with a killer pair of high heels. I'm on a mission to prove that short girls can wear anything with the right pair of shoes and this is my first destination.

via lefashionimage.blogspot.com

NUMBER 9: YELLOW
The Colour Trend We Think Is Unflattering, But Is Actually The Best
Throughout my life, I have considered yellow to be that ugly undefinable colour that I would absolutely never wear. I was trained by short stories like Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" to believe that yellow is a repulsive hue that can drive one to insanity. This past year, I have warmed up to the colour by conjuring positive image associations such as that sunshine we've all been waiting for. Here's to yellow being the colour of the season.

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NUMBER 8: KNEE-HIGH GLADIATORS
The Trend That Creates Awkward Tan Lines, But Looks Badass
The knee-high gladiator sandal is summer's equivalent to the thigh-high suede boot. It's the epitome of edgy chic and only a true gladiator can pull it off. While a slip-on sandal may be an easier trend to wrap our heads around, knee-high gladiators are bold statement makers for women who are fearless. Are you ready to be fierce this spring? If so, this may be the trend for you.

via whowhatwear.com

NUMBER 7: SKIRTS OVER PANTS
The Trend We All Secretly Wish We Could Pull Off
Ever since this look made it on the runway, the boldest fashionistas have been exploring it on the streets and inspiring us all to try it ourselves. This may have once been a fashion faux-pas, but in a world where anything goes, it's time to say "why not?". Nothing breaks gender boundaries like wearing pants and a skirt at the same time, and if we could layer on top, who says we can't do it on the bottom as well?

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NUMBER 6: WIDE BRIM HATS
The Trend That Turns Heads When You Walk Into A Room
Hats are one of the most underrated fashion accessories that exists and in my humble opinion, people don't wear them nearly enough. Though many are inclined to explore a more subtle look when it comes to hats (such as a beanie or beret), wide brim hats are making a major comeback and I'm hoping they'll transfer onto the streets of average-ville. If this does not occur, set yourself apart by being the gutsiest girl in the room.

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NUMBER 5: HIGH-WAISTED PANTS
The Trend That Isn't Ready To Disappear Just Yet
While low-rise may have been cool in the Britney Spears era, high-waisted pants have returned and evidently, they are here to stay. Whether worn as 90s Mom jeans or with a 70s flared leg, high-waisted pants are universally flattering and elongate the legs, offering everyone the chance to look like a model (sort of). Whether you're a fan or not, this might be a trend to consider because it's been around for a while and it's one of the least risky in the trend pool.

via harpersbazaar.com

NUMBER 4: DENIM ON DENIM
The Trend That Probably Shouldn't Be Legal, But What The Heck
There is nothing I love more than my denim collection. As a big fan of jeans, the trend I aspire to try this spring is the "Canadian Tuxedo", otherwise known as denim on denim. As a Canadian, I'm ashamed to say I have not worn this look nearly enough and feel inclined to explore it further to showcase my patriotism towards my home and native land. Cheers!

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NUMBER 3: PLATFORM SHOES
The Trend That Truly Takes You Higher
When it comes to platforms, my mantra is "the higher, the better". After seeing this look at Tom Ford last season, I fell head-over-heels for these darling high heels. For short girls, it's a gift sent from heaven to make us feel loved by an industry that honours statuesque women. It's fun, it's playful, and it's a little bit rock n' roll. Also, it's comfortable. Can you ask for anything more from a heel? Doubtful.

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NUMBER 2: BRODERIE ANGLAISE
The Trend That Makes You Feel Like A Little Girl Again
Every once in a while, I get that urge to go full-out girly with my look. My latest trend obsession, broderie anglaise, allows me to achieve exactly that. Whether in the form of an LWD or simply a boho blouse, this look has been all over fashion week at shows like Giamba and Valentino. So if you're ready to get girly, it's time to try this trend stat.

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NUMBER 1: FRINGE
The Trend EVERYONE From Tom To Jerry Is Talking About
If you haven't heard about fringe being the latest trend to excite the nation, you've been living under a very unfashionable rock. Whether on a skirt, a top, or a dress, fringe is all the rage and it isn't only reserved for Coachella anymore. If there's one trend you should be trying this season, it's definitely this one. If you don't, you'll be missing out on all the spinning fun.

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Which of these spring 2015 trends is your favourite? Are you ready to be bold?

Ponder It,

XOXO,

Bella

How To Prepare For Winter And Avoid Hypothermia

Caution: This will not be a scientific analysis on cold temperatures or hypothermia.

As a Canadian, I am inherently qualified to give advice on how to dress for winter. For some, it seems basic, but you'd be surprised at the curve balls this season might throw your way. In the summer, all you have to worry about is the sun and the rain. In winter, there could be a snowstorm at any given moment, hail, a rainfall, sub-zero temperatures, and above zero global warming temperatures. It really is the luck of the draw. So, how do we prepare? Runway collections teach us how to dress for fall, but what happens when winter comes along? Essentially, if it goes down to 10 degrees, we're ready to face it. Unfortunately, Canada is the land of igloos and a cute wool coat often won't suffice.

Here are some style tips for the winter snow angel (aka YOU).

TIP 1: Wear a parka.

I know you want to look stylish and a parka makes you look like you ate your doppelganger, but it is essential to winter survival. Recently, fashionistas have been spotted wearing these monsters on the streets at Fashion Week. Designers have integrated them into their collections and we could all breathe a sigh of relief as they come to be recognized as fashion staples. These two looks from the Diesel Black and Gold Fall 2014/2015 collection are ideal for those chilly winter months. However, I wouldn't advise wearing them without pants.

via www.denimjeansobserver.com

TIP 2: Add some furccessories.

Fur is all the rage in the fashion world and the only reason we can all proclaim our love for winter. This season, fur takes on so many forms that you don't need the fluffy coat to feel glamorous. Whether a fur trim on your gloves or a Fendi fur stole, there are enough options to keep you warm and chic.

Option 1: The Fur Hat

For the bolder type...

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Option 2: The Fur Scarf

For that subtle glamour...

via www.fashionisers.com

TIP 3: Opt for REAL winter boots.

Lies fashion people tell you: you can wear leather boots all winter. At a certain point, those thermal socks probably won't cut it. You'll need something a little warmer for days where it hits -30 degrees. Get yourself a pair of insulated winter boots. Tommy Hilfiger knows what I'm talking about.

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TIP 4: Embrace the hat.

Lucky for us, hats are currently a major trend. Keep your ears warm with a cozy wool hat. It can be stylish. I promise.

via www.fashioniser.com

TIP 5. Wear pants under your skirt or dress. It's high fashion.

This may seem quasi-crazy, but all the designers are making it acceptable. Just when you thought you could never do such a thing (in public), it becomes a fashion statement that we're all secretly dying to try. This was definitely a shout-out to Canadians.

via www.womensfashionstyles.com

TIP 6: Invest in thigh high socks. They can be SO chic.

If pants under skirts is just not for you, try a pair of cozy long socks. Worn with the current mod trend, this look reminds us of the best part about high school uniforms. If Tory Burch did it, why can't you?

via www.live-life-in-style.com

TIP 7: Don't forget your gloves.

Your extremities can make you freeze faster than your average ice cube. Cover them. They will improve the state of your body in a matter of minutes. Try long gloves for added warmth as shown at Vera Wang, Altuzarra, and Christian Dior during Fall 2014 Fashion Week.

via www.fashioniser.com

TIP 8: Buy a large variety of oversized sweaters

Oversized sweaters are my favourite winter piece. They're cozy AND stylish, which makes them a seasonal must-have. Buy a few in wool or acrylic to make sure you stay warm under your parka.

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Ready for winter yet? Follow this list one step at a time and you'll be prepared to face December in head-to-toe style.

XOXO,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion: The Transition Edition

Transition period is challenging for all of us. As summer becomes fall and the weather becomes as unpredictable as Justin Bieber's music career, getting dressed turns into a challenge. At this time, one begins to wonder whether boots are appropriate. When can I take out that leather jacket? When should I move my shorts to my bottom drawer? Knee high socks, a yay or a nay?

All of these questions parade through our minds during transition season, which is why we all need to ignore them. That's right. At the end of the day, it all comes down to experimentation. Maybe Mable doesn't want to wear boots just yet, but you're ready. That's totally fine. What's magical about this time of year is that you can wear something completely impractical and nobody can question it. It's the only time of year when a fur with sandals is acceptable (ish). When else would you wear a sweater with your mini skirt?

If you're still slightly confused as to what I am talking about, here are five examples of items that can be worn #forthesakeoffashion simply because it's transition season and anything goes.

NUMBER 1

Sweaters with Mini Skirts

As the mod movement begins to dominate the fall fashion scene, we're all dying to get those mini skirts on. Transition period is the perfect time to highlight those long legs with a mini and an adorable fluffy sweater to create proportions you never thought possible.

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NUMBER 2

Skirts With Booties

In the winter, no tights are not an option. Therefore, little booties always seem to be worn with them. Transition period is a time where we get to wear short skirts with little edgy boots. Are you ready for this?

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NUMBER 3

Socks with Sandals

Back in the day, you thought this look would forever be reserved for middle-aged men. Today, it's the mark of a fashionista. You can't wear this in the winter, so embrace it while you can.

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NUMBER 4

Wool Hats

No, they don't cover your ears nor shield them from the horrifying winter wind, but they look damn cool. Big hats are back, so wear them now while your ears are still warm.

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NUMBER 5

Capes

I already spoke about capes in the first #forthesakeoffashion post, but they are entirely relevant once again. You won't be warm enough for this giant blanket in a few weeks, so now's the time to take advantage of this chic piece of clothing.

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So, there you have it. Wear it #forthesakeoffashion, because what other reason should you have?

Bella

When It Comes To Hats, The Bigger The Better Is Our New Mantra

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I apologize for the excessively long title, but it was only to emulate the size of the hats that are currently taking over. After spotting Pharrell's Hat for the first time at the Grammys, we all wondered whether it would start a trend or just become one of those things we try to forget ever happened. Several months later, we've got our answer on the cover of Teen Vogue. Though it seems an unlikely place for this resolution to come about, it did! And with Kendall Jenner on her very first cover.

It's clearly a big day for everyone (Pharrell, Kendall, and myself included).

After gracing the cover of Teen Vogue, Vogue's baby sister, this hat has shown that larger-than-life hats are about to make a major comeback. Don't have a hat head? That's fine. This is your moment to experiment. You may have believed that these gigantesque hats would remain in the 19th century and period films/television shows/novels, but they've eased their way into modern day.

It should come as no surprise that this has finally occurred. With everyone obsessing over shows like Mad Men and Downton Abbey, it's no wonder we're all craving a little hat magic.

If you still aren't sold on this look, allow me to give you 10 reasons hats are the bees knees.

NUMBER 10

It Protects Your Head Against Dangerous Heat Rays #underratedreason

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NUMBER 9

It'll Make Us All Look Wealthy/Like Royalty

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NUMBER 8

You Can Now Look Like Kate Middleton At A Horse Race Or Wedding

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NUMBER 7

Or Pharrell, If That's More Up Your Alley

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NUMBER 6

People Will Definitely Stop In The Streets At The Sight Of You

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NUMBER 5

Which Will Inevitably Land You On A Best Dressed List

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NUMBER 4

Or Worst Dressed (Any publicity is good publicity)

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NUMBER 3

You Can Become: The Girl With The Cool Hats

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NUMBER 2

It'll Give You Yet Another Accessory To Jazz Up Your Normcore Look

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And The Number 1 Reason Hats Rocks Your Socks Is...

Bad Hair Days Will Cease To Exist

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Time to go hat shopping, guys! 

Later!

Bella

Hat City Bitch

As we all prepare our popcorn and hors d'oeuvres for our Oscar parties, sitting at the edge of our seats, waiting to see what Lupita will be caught wearing next, I'd like us to take a moment to reflect upon an impending fashion trend sweeping the nation: The Hat. It comes in all shapes and sizes, starting with the Pharrell Vivienne Westwood mountain hat from the Grammys that's currently being auctioned off on eBay. Apparently, everyone was in a hat mood this season as models strutted down the Fall 2014 runways in the most outrageous hats from wide brimmed to the non-descript. Current status: LOVING IT. As an avid fan of le chapeau in every possible form, I'm very eager to experiment. Let's count down the top 10 hats at Fashion Month so far, shall we?

NUMBER 10

Emporio Armani Fall 2014

via coolchicstylefashion.blogspot.com

Her head might be swallowed whole by that hat, but it is so incredibly demure and chic that she gets away with it. Traditionally known for loving his feminine hats, Armani's woman is the woman we all aspire to be and makes us feel like a lesser woman for not wearing a hat this fabulous.

NUMBER 9

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2014

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Everyone loves a good beanie. Especially if you live in Canada. It has that cozy look like hot chocolate by the fireplace in the mountains after an exhaustive ski session.

LOOK 8

Polo Ralph Lauren Fall 2014

via Style.com

This collection may be very New York, but the hats were all about Paris. These berets make me want to fetch my baguette with some wine and cheese alongside my gang of sophisticated friends. Suiting almost every head, you can never go wrong with a beret.

LOOK 7

DKNY Fall 2014

via Style.com

There's nothing more "I Love NY" than the classic New York baseball cap and that's exactly the message Donna Karan was sending across this season. Selecting average New Yorkers to walk in her show, Karan expressed her love for her city through wearable clothing that your fashionable neighbour is sporting. Apparently, this year, she'll be wearing hats.

LOOK 6

Yang Li Fall 2014

via Style.com

This seems to be the hat of the moment this year and obviously, that means we have to try it. It's mysterious and classy (everything I stand for), concealing our batting lashes and only revealing a hint of lip. Is there anything sexier?

LOOK 5

Kenneth Cole Collection Fall 2014

via Style.com

If you thought it was just Yang Li, you were wrong. Kenneth Cole is also embracing the black hat. Are you?

LOOK 4
Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2014
The Cowboy Hat

via Style.com

It's officially time to let our inner cowgirl out. Cushnie and Ochs takes their cue from Pharrell (or the other way around). Either way, like it or not, it's a trend on the rise.

LOOK 3
Christian Siriano Fall 2014
The Wide Brimmed Hat

Let's go back in time to a moment where women were at their ultimate peak of femininity. Though society has evolved, we all love to go back to those ultra feminine looks every once in a while. After all, sophistication never goes out of style.

LOOK 2
DSquared2 Fall 2014

Rule of the hat game: there are no rules. This season, any hat is a showstopper. Whether a bowler, a beret, or this horseback riding hat. Go wild. Nothing is stopping you.

LOOK 1
Gareth Pugh Fall 2014

And Gareth Pugh officially wins the hat game with this white top hat. Yes, this is an alternate version of the male top hat and it couldn't look more classy. The common theme is that element of mystery we all aspire to achieve. Who doesn't love that?

What's my final message? Take a risk. If Gareth Pugh's hat is not quite your cup of tea, perhaps you can opt for the wide-brimmed hat at Christian Siriano. What do you have to lose? Maybe next year you'll be ready for something more dramatic. In the age of Downton Abbey, anything goes.

Happy Oscar Sunday!

Bella