What Does Your Preferred Heel Height Say About You?

Sometimes, choosing a pair of shoes has nothing to do with need and everything to do with feeling taller. It's been shown that a pair of stilettos can make us feel elevated, literally and figuratively. When you're as short as me, this tends to be the case. But even the shortest among us want to lower the heel every once in a while to give our feet a break from the blistering pain. Naturally, we still have a preference. While some of us feel our best in a pair of 6 inch pumps, others are perfectly confident in pointy-toed flats. It's time to decide which one you identify with. Here is a (totally made up) quiz to help you out.

If you prefer...

FLATS
Is Alexa Chung your style icon? Do you have a pinterest board featuring all of her best looks? If so, it could be because flats are your jam. Your motto? Who needs the pain of a heel when you can look just as chic in a pair of brogues? Whether you're feeling the menswear look or the classic ballet flat, you almost always opt for a comfortable shoe that allows you to move around easily. You're an easygoing person whose favourite activity is to Netflix and chill. Don't get me wrong, you love a good social gathering every now and again and your warm personality makes you a winner in a crowd. However, cuddling up with a good book suits you just fine as well.

via fashiongum.com

KITTEN HEELS
You're a classy lady with an exuding confidence that draws people towards you. You love a chic little heel because it projects elegance and grace no matter the occasion without drawing in too much attention. When looking for the perfect shoe, you don't seek height, but rather a demure heel that breathes femininity. You enjoy brunch and tea parties with your gang of girls and love a good chick flick. Your sophistication is what makes everyone wish they were just like you because let's face it, not everyone could pull off a kitten heel.

via manrepeller.com

3 INCH STILETTOS
You may be chic and elegant, but you're also someone nobody can mess with. You have an inner strength that is exhibited in the most daunting situations. You always have your friends' backs and will stop at nothing to get them justice when they are wronged. And you'll do it in your 3 inch stilettos. You love a good party, especially the cocktail kind, surrounded by all of your closest friends. On your quiet nights, you enjoy watching old movies, preferably the tearjerkers.

via pinterest

5 INCH PLATFORMS
Whether you're a little on the short side or you simply lust after Rachel Zoe's closet, platforms are your shoe of choice. When you walk into a room, you'd like people to know that you mean business. Some people may view you as intense, slightly dramatic, and occasionally, a loner, but none of these things bother you. You know who you are and you love to announce your presence in a room. You can be a little rebellious, but you almost always have a cause.

via 5inchandup.blogspot.com

Which shoe is your favourite?

Ponder it,

Bella

Paris, London, and Me

It's been a while, but I'm officially back on the blog and ready to go straight up diary of a fashionista this season. With summer coming to an end (sad face emoji), I'm way more excited for fall than I should be because fall fashion is my absolute favourite kind of fashion. I'm thinking bulky sweaters, sexy over-the-knee suede boots, and a faux fur fall coat. Just the thought makes my heart jump a little bit.

This summer, I traveled to Paris and London, two of my favourite fashion capitals. Of course, I couldn't help but explore every single shop I spotted from the corner of my eye. From the Stella McCartney near my hotel to Chanel's flagship in Paris, I finally reached my own personal heaven (a healthy blend of the two cities) and was reluctant to come home.

During my short stay in each city, I learned a few things. For one, everything they tell you about Parisians is true. Simplicity is the key to true elegance, and let me tell you, those Parisians are the masters of elegance. As for England, 'tis the land of sweaters and rock n' roll.

While dressing light was essential in Paris due to the warm summer weather, the constant London drizzle made it imperative to get those fall clothes out immediately. Thankfully, London is amazing, so don't let that weather discourage you.

My favourite part about Paris and London is that their personalities are so distinct (as seen through the weather alone). Though crowded with tourists at this time of year, the locals remain recognizable solely based on their garb. Neutrals tones and classic cuts are the epitome of Parisian chic, while Londoners remain intent on breaking the rules by mixing prints and fabrics with each look (faux fur was a popular choice).

Zara London

While one may criticize the other, whether for being too minimalist or too eccentric, their opposing personalities is exactly what qualifies them as fashion capitals of the world (other than the abundance of luxury fashion in the vicinity).

Though I personally identify with the unruliness of the British, I appreciate that je ne sois quoi possessed by most Parisians. There's nothing more liberating than the no makeup makeup look and Parisians do it best while dressed to the nines. Unfortunately, effortlessness is not in my DNA, and my outfits in Paris were some of my most thought out ever. Clearly, I'm no match for a true effortless Parisienne.

London was even more of a challenge due to the unpredictable weather conditions (or rather, constant rainfall) that seemed to mimic British style. In a land where sweaters are often worn with shorts and boots are a summer staple, my ignorance was certainly my downfall. Thankfully, matching is unnecessary when in London and one good sweater can be worn with just about anything. Though wearing the same thing every day may seem boring and repetitive, the challenge to create multiple looks with that one piece adds a little thrill to dressing up every morning (or maybe I'm just telling myself that for reassurance). Next time I go to London, I'll be sure to pack accordingly.

121 Regent Street - Burberry Store

If you're unsure of how to pack for a summer trip to Paris or London, here are some tips I picked up along the way.

When in Paris:
1) Less is more. Make that your mantra.
2) Neutral tones are everything.
3) Let your femininity shine. Dresses are the preferred look for summer, so scrap the shorts.
4) Bring a cute hat to protect yourself from the sun and look good doing it.
5) Bring comfortable footwear, but also, a chic pair of heels for your nights out.

When in London:
1) Be prepared for every possible weather condition.
2) Also, bring your sexiest outerwear (it will be your main look).
3) Sun hat is to Paris as rain mac is to London, so accessorize wisely.
4) Pack more than one pair of pants (I learned my lesson).
5) Matching is not essential. You're in a fashion capital and a foreign country. Let your creativity run wild.

Ponder it,

Bella

What Your Nail Polish Collection Says About You

My Collection

I wrote this post back in 2013 about my addiction to Essie nail polish (read it!). For some inexplicable reason, I LOVE Essie (good marketing?). All my friends wear Essie, my aesthetician uses Essie, and it has every shade your brain could possibly imagine. When it is on sale, my heart leaps out of my chest and it instantly becomes the best day of my life. I can't explain why. It just is.

Yet, there are so many other amazing brands to choose from:
OPI
Deborah Lippman
China Glaze
Marc Jacobs
Butter London
NARS
Hard Candy
ZOYA

The list goes on. So, why Essie? It feels right to me and perhaps someday I will be open to other brands, but for now, this is my poison.

Your nail polish collection is not only about the brand you choose but the colours you select. Let me tell you, this says a lot about the kind of person you are. Based on my pre-conceived notions of people, I've decided to help you figure out who you are and whether you'd like to become more experimental based on your nail lacquer collection.

If Your Collection Consists Of...

MOSTLY Reds, Pinks, and Orange Tones
You're a classicist. You're not really a nail polish risk-taker, but you like it that way. You want to look classy and put-together at ALL TIMES. That is perfectly fine. I won't look down on you. I admire your loyalty to a chic selection of colours. Your number one is probably Essie's cult favourite Fiji. That's fine. I own it too. Keep on wearing Fiji. It's lovely.

MOSTLY Blues, Greens, and Shades of Black.
You're a little edgier than most. Your aunt might give your nails a looksie and cringe a little bit, but you like it. You want that reaction. The weirder the colour, the better you feel. Who needs those standard colours? You especially LOVE that there are so many versions of black on the market. After all, who can pick just one? You're probably a big fan of Essie's Butler Please, Turquoise and Caicos, or Devil's Advocate. Your nails are always bold and edgy, exactly like you. And who's to judge?

MOSTLY Nail Art
You are the most patient person on the planet (in my biased opinion). You love YouTube because it offers a world of options. Who needs one colour on your nails when you can have 3? Louboutin nails? Love it. Polka dots? Bring it on. Multi-coloured french mani? That's the ONLY way to do it. You love experimenting and you're a major risk-taker. If you make a mess, who cares? It's all art, isn't it? You're a lot of fun to be around because you'll try anything once. People really love you.

MOSTLY French Manicures, White, or Nudes
You ONLY paint your nails on special occasions. You like them clean and cut. You are very clean cut yourself. You love a classic pantsuit for work with a chic bob or blunt bang. Your nude Celine handbag is your best friend. Who needs wild colours? Those are for children, you say. I'm ready to be a woman. You ALWAYS look sophisticated and people envy your for it. You don't need to try new things because you know what you like and you're more experience driven than trend driven. I salute you.

This may be a product of my imagination, but you might find some truth to it. Take a peak at your nail polish collection tonight and let me know where you stand.

Ponder That,

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.

What Your Handbag Says About You

If you've been searching for a mildly humorous and slightly invented description of your handbag personality, you're reached your destination and you can park your mind right here. Whether a fashionista or just any woman, our handbags are everything because they contains our entire world while making a statement about who we are. There is reason we are all obsessed with our purses and consider them to be an investment towards identity formation. We all need a great handbag to store our belongings because it's the wrapping paper to our heart and soul. You don't want some used tissue and a paper bag to hold your soul now do you? So here goes nothing:

CELINE LUGGAGE MINI

This Celine bag is for the practical and structured woman with a highly diversified selection of pastimes. A high class fashionista, she needs this classic designer bag to invoke status and composure during Fashion Week and the multiple events on her calendar. She isn't flashy nor is she extravagant, but merely a sophisticated girl with a busy life to boot.

via www.pinterest.com

MICHAEL KORS TOTE

A girl who carries a label-splattered Michael Kors tote definitely wants to be recognized within the fashion community. As one of the most well-renowned fashion brands across the world, Michael Kors implies status and a higher level of chic than the average passerby. A Michael Kors girl is slightly sporty, but still keeps her femininity intact through her classy handbag. She cares a lot about how others perceive her and lives for trends.

via fashiontrendsblogg.tumblr.com

THE LONGCHAMPS "Le Pliage"

The Longchamps girl is aware of brands, but has a completely effortless sense of style. She may be slightly more spontaneous and Pele-Mele in her every day life, but she captures that French non-chalance that is almost impossible to imitate. Her life is a panoply of scattered thoughts, demonstrated through the items inside her purse. Nothing makes sense, but it's her own comfortable mess that makes her unique as an individual.

via bloglovin.com

THE TORY BURCH Cross Body Messenger Bag
The Tory Burch girl is a little sporty and hasn't a worry in the world. Her motto is: Hakuna Matata, Fashionista and she wears it across her shoulder in the form of a casual cross-body. She's a hipster who loves herself a flowy skirt that flares in the breezy summer days. She's flirtatious, but ultimately, she's just one of the guys.

via lookbook.nu

THE CHANEL BAG
No matter what shape or size, all Chanel girls have one thing in common: class. For this girl, there's nothing more important than her handbag. She could be dressed entirely in H&M, but her Chanel purse is all that matters to signify status. She's very blunt and direct with a slightly sarcastic sense of humor, but in the end, she means well and values leadership. When she has a goal, she sticks to it. And knowing her, she has many aspirations buried inside her purse.

via lockerz.com

And if you didn't fall under any of these categories, perhaps you are a trendsetter and opt for something a little more transparent, in lego form, or with a touch of fur like Fendi's baguette. Maybe your handbag is just an afterthought to your oh-so-glamorous outfit. Perhaps you haven't quite find yourself just yet. It takes a while for us to find ourselves within the depths of our purses, but eventually, it completes us in every way, shape, and form.

Catch You Later!

Bella

3 Days Until NYFW (Hyperventilating)