The Vest: A Blazer, Only Cooler

Now that Fall Fashion Month has come to an end, it's time to get back to reality and realize that those days are far into the future (7 months away). Spring is slowly approaching like it's slugging behind a turtle, but alas, in a few months, it will arrive. Essentially, this means that this is the time to shop and replenish that spring wardrobe. With the scent of daffodils and rustling grass whispering their song, let's contemplate one of the loveliest spring trends: the Vest.

If you weren't aware, fashion loves to transgress and manipulate boundaries of femininity. Androgyny is always trending inspiring powerful ladies everywhere to explore how this tastes. Once upon a time, men wore vests under their tuxedos. Today, women are combining vests with maxi skirts and skinny pants. It's the blazer's hotter older brother and we want in. Who needs sleeves anyway when we've got muscular arms from lifting 2 pounders at the gym?

Here are the various ways this trend was exhibited during Spring Fashion Week:

Jason Wu Spring 2014

The Tux Jumpsuit

Richard Nicoll Spring 2014

Stripes

Just Cavalli Spring 2014

Pastel Pink

Alexis Mabille Spring 2014

Military Chic

Helmut Lang Spring 2014

White Minimalist

Victoria Beckham Spring 2014

Masculine

3.1 Phillip Lim

Oversized

Rebecca Taylor Spring 2014

White Leather

Isabel Marant Fall 2014

Eyelet

Saint Laurent Paris Spring 2014

Black Leather

How will YOU be wearing this trend?

Vest Up!

Bella

All images via Style.com

#IconCity: Who Run The World? Lupita N'Yongo

Step aside Beyonce and Miley, this year is all about 12 Years a Slave actress, Lupita N'Yongo. I believe she may have fallen from the sky (like the corny pick-up line) or perhaps landed the best stylist in the history of styling. Amazingly, this girl just recently hit our radars and now she's all anyone wants to talk about. Time after time, she is number one on everyone's best-dressed list and let's not forgot that she's already landed a modelling contract with Miu Miu for their new Spring 2014 ad campaign. Is she some kind of angel brought upon this earth or a princess from a disney movie not yet created? Her inspiring speech at the Oscars was beyond humbling and if you didn't shed a tear, you're clearly dead inside. Not only does she look good in EVERYTHING, but she's also a trendsetter. Enter the headband. Watch out magazine editors, headbands are making a major comeback thanks to Lupita. If you haven't yet had a chance to spot this actress, you have probably been living in a cave. If so, this post will fix that as Lupita lands a spot in IconCity.

LOOK 1

Golden Globes

Ralph Lauren

In case you weren't watching the Golden Globes, here was Lupita's stunning red Ralph Lauren dress accompanied by a cape, proving that she's clearly our fashion superhero.

via lexpress.fr

LOOK 2

Critics Movies Choice Awards

Calvin Klein

This cutout white Calvin Klein dress looked beyond incredible on Lupita. Wouldn't you agree?

via Huffington Post

LOOK 3

Entertainment Weekly

Valentino

Lupita looking adorable in a Valentino mini dress.

via celebitchy.com

LOOK 4

Chateau Marmont

Stella McCartney

This girl can definitely rock a cobalt dress. She wears this Stella McCartney like a high-class glove.

via www.bohomoth.com

LOOK 5

Oscars

Prada

This princess gown is one for the books and proved that Lupita can do no wrong. She also rocked the headband like it was nobody's business.

via Huffington Post

Conclusion: Lupita is an angel sent from heaven to turn us into better people princesses.

Have A Lovely Weekend!

Bella

From McDonalds to Milk, Fashion Month Was All About Food

In lieu of the usual Fashion Week review, I've decided to hand out a series of awards to the spectacular runway shows of this past week. Due to the immense amount of talent at Paris Fashion Week, the possibility of selecting five shows to discuss was simply unfathomable. How can you narrow it down when everyone is just so fabulous? Alas, in honour of last Sunday's Oscars, I was inspired to concoct a list of awards for the shows that stood out. And if you'd like to critique the fashion, go on Style.com or check out the shows on YouTube.

Shall we begin?

The "Am I On Drugs Or Is This Really Happening?" Award

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Looking for the best DJ in town? He was probably at JPG this week strumming some tunes from the past (including The Clash and Queen). What began as a flight attendant directing our eyes towards the models in-waiting ended with a patriotic tribute to London (even though the show took place in Paris). If you weren't thinking WTF, you probably were on drugs.

The "Got Milk" Award

Chanel

Duh. This season, Karl Lagerfeld took us to the supermarket. As per usual, there were tweed and pearls involved, but this time, the ladies carried grocery baskets and milk cartons as handbags. The real mystery lay in the locks around their necks. Perhaps: the key to my heart is through food?

The Rainbow Award

Christian Dior

The various shades of coats were a feast for the eyes at Dior's Fall 2014 runway show. Raf Simons clearly loves colour and ain't afraid to show it. New trend? Short sleeves, long gloves.

The "Too Cool For School" Award

Saint Laurent Paris

Taking it away every year, Saint Laurent is clearly the most popular girl in school because she doesn't even have to try to be cool. She just is. Are sequins involved? Perhaps. When you're that cool, it isn't a science.

ukshop.onsugar.com

The Grandma's Wardrobe Award

Valentino

Usually, Valentino takes us back 100 years. This season, all we had to do was look into Granny's wardrobe and there it was (unless your Granny lived in the early 20th century). Florals dominated the Valentino runway as well as clown gear that we all secretly want to wear to our next birthday party.

The Downton Abbey Award

Lanvin

This season, Alber Elbaz clearly watched Downton Abbey and took his cues from there. From Edwardian gowns to flapper dresses adorned with feathers, we were taken on a journey through time that involved an abundance of extravagant hats. Apparently, 1920 is SO 2014.

The Gangster Award

Balmain

Olivier Rousteing knows what women want: to look like Rihanna. That generally involves military jackets, leathers pants, and an abundance of embellishment. So if you're a G, Balmain is where it's at.

The Burgundy Award
Elie Saab
Elie Saab wins the award for the most burgundy used in one show. We all know that Burgundy is Fall's favourite colour. Apparently, that's the only colour. I challenge you to wear burgundy every day for the next month. Can you do it?

The PARTAY Award
Stella McCartney
Aside from Stella's usual sweater sets, the models danced down the runway this season led by Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls. Who wouldn't want to be at that party?

via Fashionista.com

The Newcomer Award
Louis Vuitton
Yes, yes. I know that Nicholas Guesquiere is no stranger to fashion, but he still refreshed the page of Louis Vuitton and it was quite impressive. We all adored those Louis bags and the new sporty look of Vuitton. It may not have included escalators or trains, but it allowed for a greater emphasis on the fabulous collection of clothes.

The "I Dare You To Walk Down the Stairs in these Shoes" Award
Miu Miu
Why oh why did Miuccia Prada deem it a good idea to have models walk down an endless amount of stairs in heels to get to the runway? Was it a challenge to see which models were worthy of Miu Miu? Or simply a test of their athletic abilities? Who knows? All I know is that Lupita N'Yongo was there and she looked amazing.

There may have not been McDonalds sweaters (MFW) or pizza (The Oscars), but there were definitely some shows that we MUST watch (more than once). Which Paris Fashion Week show was your favourite? Supermarket Chanel or perhaps out of this world Jean Paul Gaultier?

Until next year!

Bella

Whitemares

Before we get into the nitty gritty of Paris Fashion Week, let's dwell upon the most frightening Spring 2014 trend. It resurfaces every year. We love to marvel at the ladies who sport it, but secretly fear making the attempt ourselves. It's timelessly classy and universally flattering (more or less).

Head to toe WHITE.

Reasons I'm afraid of this trend:
1) I'm clumsy
2) Fear of dirt stains immediately after purchase
3) Fear of lipstick
4) Fear of food stains
5) IT WILL GET DIRTY
6) Fear the stains cannot be removed
7) Fear of sitting somewhere repulsive
8) Fear of visible ailments
9) IT WILL GET DIRTY
10) IT WILL GET DIRTY

Essentially, it will get dirty (in case you couldn't read between the lines). White is the most terrifying non-colour of the rainbow. It may appear impeccable in photos, but in your mirror, you notice the tiny dirt stain on your knee that materialized after you accidentally kneeled on your wooden floors. Upon trying on that white blouse, you realized too late that you wore red lipstick that day (better go fetch a new one and let someone else buy my lipstick stained blouse!). SOMEONE wore self-tanner and you didn't notice it until it stared you in the face in your bedroom lighting. Oh, and then it started to rain (OOPS!).

via www.swide.com

Wearing white is terrifying because of that fear of the almighty conspicuous stain. It's almost as though you're constantly jinxing it in your mind as soon as it lands inside your closet. You know you examined it in the store until you lost your vision, but as soon as you got home, you stumbled upon a dark spot you hadn't quite noticed. WHY OH WHY. I LOVE head-to-toe white, but the reality is that i'm paranoid and incapable of not getting dirty. Every time I eat, I have to remove my shirt and switch to something I secretly hate and hope it gets a splotch of tomato sauce on it.

So the question is: WHEN CAN YOU WEAR WHITE?

1) For a photo (Instawhite!)
2) Your wedding (hopefully).
3) Indoors (but remember not to sit down or kneel or touch ANYTHING)
4) School (but AVOID PENS at all costs)
5) A photoshoot (because we all do those on a regular basis)

OR if you want to live on the edge, go for it. After all, YOLO.

Bella

Mules: The Back Of Your Foot Is Ridiculous

Spring is here. Almost. But one thing we need to be prepared for is the resurgence of THE MULE. Everyone from Altuzarra to Celine presented models in mules at their Spring 2014 show and evidently, they have tumbled down into the realm of common folk (me and you). If you google mules, the trend reports are endless as all our favourite fashion editors report on this rising trend. But how do I feel about this?

A few things you should know about me:
1) I'm not big on feet.
2) I'm not big on toe cleavage.
3) Nor on toes.

You would think that this is the ultimate solution. WRONG. The back of my foot is not any more attractive than the front. Post-winter, the soles of my feet are dry and crusty (sorry for that image). Why would I want to show them off? I would need a series of full pedicures before that day can come. How long will it take to heal (no pun intended) before the mule becomes acceptable?

via fashionfilesmag.com

The Celine mules actually rock my sockless feet. If I had to pick a mule, that one would be my prince Charmant. However, at the moment, I'm not too keen on this trend. Will spotting every celebrity adopting this trend change my mind? Stranger things have happened. Will I try it? Perhaps. We'll see if the tables turn when fashionistas across the world sport these contraptions on their perfectly pedicured feet.

Bella

Oscar Sunday: Not Another Best Dressed List

For some outrageous reason, we all gather on Oscar Sunday (which is actually an official holiday now, haven't you heard?) with chips and dip or champagne (depending on how classy you are) alongside our closest friends to comment on who had the best Angie slit and hottest baby bump (I'm looking at you, Kerry Washington). We judge and tweet, attempting to one up each other with witty Oscar puns and sly remarks (Or is that just me?). We attempt to keep our eyes open as the Oscars drag on past 11:30 and fantasize about beautiful dresses we all aspire to wear. We shed a tear at the young Oscar winners (Lupita N'yongo) and stifle a laugh at Jennifer Lawrence tripping over her dress (Part II). We wonder if the experience would've been different had we seen all of these movies (particularly the shorts none of us have heard of). And we wonder how we lasted through a series of wins by Gravity. We wish we were Ellen enough to pull off a suit and dress like Glenda the good witch and we crave a pizza as Bradley Cooper and Brad Pitt grab a slice (envisioning a pizza date with our two favourite Brads). We also cringe as we worry that one lucky lady will land some grease on her Dior. We wish we were as talented as Pink and Idina Menzel and that we could just touch Pharrell's hat and Lupita's chapstick. We also dream about having hair as luscious as Jared Leto's. But most of all, we imagine what it would be like to see those dresses in the flesh. So, let's propose a toast to the winners, to the losers, to the gorgeous gowns, and to Ellen.

Are you ready for a kick-ass best-dressed list?

 NUMBER 10: Charlize Theron

Dior

Because who doesn't love Dior on Oscar night and an awkward neckline?

via Glamour

NUMBER 9: Cate Blanchett

Armani

Cate Blanchett can't get enough of her Armani and we can't get enough of Cate Blanchett. Usually, I dislike her choices. Tonight, all that embellishment made me smile.

via Glamour

NUMBER 8: Penelope Cruz

Giambattista Valli

I really love everything Giambattista Valli and this was no exception. It's pink with a bow. Is there really anything prettier? Or is there anything Penelope cannot pull off? The answer is: No and No.

via Popsugar

NUMBER 7: Portia De Rossi

Naeem Khan

The host's date obviously has to look fabulous. That usually means Naeem Khan. If nobody wears Naeem Khan, it's an anomaly.

via ca.eonline.com

NUMBER 6: Amy Adams

Gucci

Being a total American hustler, she has to wear Gucci. That may have made no sense, but I dare you to ponder that. Deep-V or not, this woman looked gorgeous.

via Glamour

NUMBER 5: Rachel Smith

Sherri Hill

I may have had to google her to find out who she is, but I really loved her dress. In case you were wondering, she is a beauty queen and a television personality (according to Wikipedia).

via hollywoodreporter.com

NUMBER 4: Kate Hudson

Atelier Versace

I have never seen Kate Hudson look this sexy. She took it away in this deep-V Versace and don't even get me started on that cape.

via ca.eonline.com

NUMBER 3: Jennifer Lawrence

Dior

For once, I really loved JLaw's Dior. She may have tripped and fallen, but at least she wore red. It went perfectly with her new hair, don't you think? Best moment: Is it Dior? JLaw: How did you know!?

via Glamour

NUMBER 2: Naomi Watts

Calvin Klein

Does she always wear off-white? Yes. Does she always look amazing? Yes. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

via Glamour

NUMBER 1: Lupita N'Yongo

Prada

Bet you weren't expecting that one. Always a winner (due to her humble pie and pastel perfect bod), Lupita is my new style icon. And the headband...why is she so PRETTY?

via Glamour

In summation, the Oscars are what dreams are made of. And so are selfies with all the coolest kids in Hollywood. Lupita is the new JLaw and Leo still has no Oscar. Oh, and Gravity stole the show from American Hustle who left with NADA. Aren't you glad you stayed up to watch this?

That's All Folks!

Bella

P.S Who else is getting pizza tomorrow?

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

via fashiongonerogue.com

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