My Valentine's Day Wishlist

When I was a tween traversing the threshold of puberty and watching too many Mandy Moore movies (because I was born in the 90s and Katherine Heigl wasn't yet a thing), I fantasized about the day I would fall in love and receive an abundance of flowers and chocolates delivered to me on Valentine's Day. Then, when I finally got my first boyfriend, my expectations were so high that we broke up on Valentine's Day due to said insurmountable expectations not being met. After that breakup, I was set on pretending Valentine's Day didn't exist and when that didn't work, I found myself trashing this consumer-sucking holiday and developing a cynical perspective on the world. Today, everything has changed. I'm no longer a fantasizer, a lover, a high maintenance princess, a delusional single gal, or a romance hater. I've decided to embrace Valentine's Day as the day we learn to love the most important person of all: ourselves. Now, don't get this the wrong way. I'm not an egocentric maniac showering myself with gifts or contemplating marrying myself as Sue did on Glee several months back. I'm simply learning to enjoy being single and thriving in my independence through self-love. In honor of this special day, I decided to conjure up a basket full of Valentine's Day goodies that would all be red and probably never cross a man's mind (unless he's particularly in tune to non-cliched fashionista cravings). Here are 7 red items that my basket would contain:

NUMBER 1: MAC RED

Because despite all the raving reviews on M.A.C Russian Red and M.A.C Ruby Woo, M.A.C Red wins that war in my world as the best and boldest red lip created by M.A.C.

via zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

NUMBER 2: A Glass of Red Wine

Because even though I'm more of a white wine kind of gal, red is just too darn classy to pass up.

via Flickr

NUMBER 3: A Abundance of Red Candy

Because it's common knowledge that red is always the best flavour. 

via Flickr

NUMBER 4: Taylor Swift's Red Album

Because chances are, if you're single or hating on your celebrity ex, it'll come in handy.

via taylorswift.wikia.com

NUMBER 5: Red Valentino

Because if you're a fashionista or simply me, anything from a Red Valentino collection would be a dream.

via Magic Mountain

NUMBER 6: Red Soles (On A Pair of Louboutins That Is)

If you could walk around stepping on that passionate colour red all day, why not? Not that I'm that embittered or anything...

via Piccsy

NUMBER 7: A Red Celine Bag

Because even though I want it in all the other colours as well, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate red.

via SHOP-HERS

With two days left until Valentine's Day, it's time to prepare that imaginary gift basket and get into the red mood. What would be in YOUR basket?

Happy Pre-Valentine's Day!

Bella

Ode to a Marc Jacobs

via ibtimes.com

The day has finally arrived for me to write a dedicatory blog post to the one, the only, Marc Jacobs. Several months ago, I wrote about the incredible Karl Lagerfeld (see post here), the controversial monster of the fashion industry. Today, I present you with an ode to Marc, the man we're all dying to meet, who doesn't mind encountering a bit of controversy himself. As the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection just hit the runway a little over an hour ago, this post could not be any more a propos. So let's all raise an imaginary glass (or a real one. Whatever tickles your fancy) to the creative genius we would all love to have at one of our trendy dinner parties.


Thou still ravishing king of mystique
Thou foster-child of BEAUTY and timelessness
Fashion designer, who canst thus express
A flowery tale more sweetly than your designs:
What Louis Vuitton legend haunts about thy name
Of fashionistas or mortals, or of both,
In New York or the streets of Paris?
What men and women are these? What no one loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to succeed?
What combat boots and leather? What wild ecstasy?

(adapted from Keat's "Ode to a Grecian Urn")


From wearing boxers under a transparent black lace evening gown to collaborating with Miley Cyrus in his new ad campaigns, it's safe to say that Marc does not shy away from media attention. After leaving Louis Vuitton last season, much to everyone's dismay, and passing on the torch to Nicholas Guesquiere, Marc has decided to focus on his own label, leaving us all in eager anticipation for the grand finale of New York Fashion Week. Known for being fashionably late and presenting extravagant shows with mind-blowing sets, it is no wonder he's always the last one on the fashion week schedule. Though he blew us all away throughout his 16 year tenure at LV with carousels, the hogwarts express (as I like to call it), and escalators featuring asymmetrical twins, it only raised our expectations to insurmountable levels. Not only is Marc a legend of fashion, but he also turned 50 this year, making him one of the best looking middle-aged men I have ever seen who couldn't look any less his age. There is nothing this man can't juggle and he doesn't seem to have a stop button. As he says goodbye to Louis Vuitton, we may suppose he's taking a break from his jam-packed career, but based on this man's history, he'll have another surprise in store for us before you can say "Marc by Marc".

Bella

Are You Ready for Some Fur Controversy?

While in the midst of Fall 2014 New York Fashion Week, it's impossible to ignore the lavish furs that make their way down the runways like it's nobody's business. From BCBG to Kenneth Cole New York, fur is everywhere this season, and frankly, are we really surprised? In temperatures like these, designers, editors, and bloggers alike always have fur on the brain and across their shoulders, around their neck, and occasionally, on their shoes as well. Despite the controversies that will forever invade the fashion industry regarding animal cruelty, fur doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Red paint or blue paint, painting your fur is right on trend anyway, so throw that paint and those designers will find a creative way to incorporate it into their collections. Like it or not, this is the reality that pervades this industry and will always be part of the Fall discussion. We can fight it or embrace it, but as far as Lagerfeld is concerned "in a meat-eating world, wearing leather for shoes and even clothes, the discussion of fur is childish".

Last year, I wrote a satirical list on why one should wear fur. In honor of Fall Fashion Week, I'd like to re-present this list to remind us why fur is furtastic and the fashionable solution to the cringe-inducing parka.

1) Synthetic materials pollute our environment, including the waters. Animals drink from those waters. They get poisoned. We get poisoned. Enough said.

2) It’s timeless and durable. You can have one fur coat that will last you a lifetime. Just ask your grandmother. And if you’re really against it, you can wear vintage fur because that animal probably would have died a lifetime ago anyway. 

3) People eat cows. Some cultures honour cows. People domesticate dogs. Some cultures eat dogs. It’s all relative, really.

4) If you’re going to wear your Canada Goose and your leather boots, you can wear fur. Don’t be a hypocrite. We live in Canada. It’s cold.

5) The fur trade is part of Canada’s heritage and it is our duty to honour that heritage.

6) Women wear flowers in their hair. Children step on plants and pull them out of the ground for fun. People forget to water their grass. Lumberjacks cut down trees. What about cruelty to plants?

7) Would you rather support the children working in the factories to create your synthetic materials? I don’t think so.

8) People on farms raise animals for slaughter (Ever read Charlotte’s Web?). Is that really any better? Is Wilbur a friend or is he food? Think about that.

9) If the government wants to dispose themselves of the raccoon infestation, why not use the fur rather than merely killing them? We use our natural resources all the time for various purposes. 

10) Nature is beautiful. Fur is a part of nature. Let’s just be one with nature like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 

Here are some of the best furs so far at New York Fashion Week:

KENNETH COLE NEW YORK

ADEAM

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

DKNY

BCBG MAX AZRIA

If you're still a fur sceptic and think this is the most offensive piece of writing you've ever encountered, you should probably avoid fashion week altogether. Fur is a tradition and traditions like that don't disappear with a snap of our perfectly manicured fingers.

Happy Monday!

Bella

Image Sources: style.com

Winter Fashion Week Rules

Yes, ladies. It's still winter. These endless months have not yet ceased and in the midst of New York Fashion Week, looking chic is not an easy feat. Though February contains the promise of spring, the risk of a snowstorm remains prominent and the temperatures continue to drop to frostbitten levels. As designer boots struggle to avoid getting splattered by dirt stained slush, fashionistas from across the globe gather in New York City faced with the challenge of looking their best in the worst possible circumstances. Here are some of the street style shots taken in the past few days that can teach us all a thing or two about layering and looking winter-chic.

First of all, it's crucial to layer up as much as humanly possible (if that weren't obvious enough) because frankly, who wants to wear a parka to Alexander Wang?
*Tip: Play with colourful scarves, unique fur pieces, and leather accents.

If you're still suffering the wrath of the cold, wrap that scarf around your head instead to keep your ears warm and bundle up like Mira Duma.

If you're classy wool coat still won't cut it, find a hot male supermodel to hold you close for body heat.

Or, indulge in a luxurious fur coat. After all, it's always a la mode and will definitely keep you warm!

If fur isn't your thing, learn from The Blond Salad blogger, Chiara Ferragni, and cosy up in a Louis Vuitton cape. It may not seem like it'll keep you warm, but it is the blanket's chic fashionable cousin.

If you've really given up or you happen to be a carefree fashion model like Soo Joo, let the snow be your fashion accessory for the photographers to capture that candid moment.

Or, break all New York Fashion Week rules, be a rebel, and wear some chunky Sorel boots with your Junya Watanabe ensemble. A punchy turquoise handbag, a printed floor-length coat, and a black floppy hat with those Sorels, will definitely turn heads.

Alas, even if you are unable to partake in New York Fashion Week because you have not attained that level of cool just yet or live halfway across the world and it surpasses your budget, have no fear. When the day finally comes, you will be prepared. And if these women can pull off looking this good in the winter, why can't you?

Bella

Photos via www.vogue.com

#IconCity: You Go Coco!

In honor of Coco Rocha's Model of the Year Award at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards this past week, I'd like to bestow upon her an award of my own: The Icon Award. As a top Canadian fashion model in the industry, one of the best in my own biased Canadian opinion, she deserves to roam the streets of IconCity alongside Victoria Beckham, Diane Kruger, and Brad Goreski (wouldn't they make a great dinner party?). Her emotional speech at the CADA awards in which she announced a child protection law vowing to end child exploitation in the modelling industry, we were all brought to tears at how incredibly inspirational she is. Her ability to make every possibly facial expression look fierce, bringing justice to that overused cliched word, along with her down-to-earth personality which she exhibits on The Face, make her an icon for women across the globe. Here are some of her best looks according to moi.

LOOK 1

Coco Rocha rocked this junglesque dress at the 2013 Met Gala "From Punk Chaos to Couture", attracting much media attention. Her ability to pull off the leopard print with such confident ease is inspirational and her bold statement made every head turn.

via ca.eonline.com

LOOK 2

As a street style favourite, Coco hasn't met a print she can't effortlessly wear and this bold jumpsuit is no exception. Evidently, this woman is fearless with her fashion choices AND her haircuts.

via www.fashionmagazine.com

LOOK 3

Coco Rocha is so rock n' roll in this Fausto Puglisi getup that I can't help but wish we were best friends. Her ability to rock a leather pant with this envy-worthy leather jacket fills me with a boundless desire to raid her closet.

via www.whosay.com

LOOK 4

Obviously, Coco makes a statement again in a red TopShop blazer and gold necklace. Can I please have this outfit? Let's not forget that signature red lip.

via www.collagevintage.com

LOOK 5

And finally, Coco's CADA DSquared2 dress that I can't seem to get over. Not only do I love DSquared2, but I absolutely adore Coco in white. A vision of elegance and sophistication, this model never ceases to blow me away.

via www.becauseimfabulous.com

If I could post more outfits, I would, but that would get incredibly tedious and verge on overkill. This is a simple overview of Coco Rocha's remarkable sense of style. Representing Canada, I'm proud to be a part of Team Coco.

Love,

Bella

Miley Cryus is Everyone's New Nude Muse

via idolator.com

It's official. Miley Cyrus has invaded the fashion world due to her lack of clothing. While that may sound non-sensical, her overwhelming sensuality and flavour of the week haircuts have every designer and fashion editor at the edge of their seats, waiting to see what she'll do next. From her campaign with Marc Jacobs (view post here) to her jaw-dropping photoshoot for W magazine (with envy-worthy jewelry) to her recent Vogue Germany cover, everyone is plagued with the Miley disease. So as much as we'd all like to judge her, is it possible that we're concealing mixed feelings of admiration for this young "diva"? Do we all secretly wish we could pull off Jays on our feet and compromising photos in uncomfortable body suits?

Or the real question: Do you love Miley, hate her, judge her, wish you were her? Or do you fall somewhere in between? Do you prance around pretending not to care about Hannah Montana gone wild, while secretly tweeting about her in the privacy of your bedroom? Are you on the verge of cutting your hair and dying it bleach blond? I'm not suggesting these are healthy thoughts, but merely that some of them have crossed our minds, because whether at your local drugstore or television screen, Miley is unavoidable. She may have missed the Grammys this year, but frankly, she was probably engaged in more exciting activities, including just being too cool for a show that dull.

Her album, Bangerz, destroyed her good girl image a la Rihanna and well, now we're just waiting for a collaboration to occur between the two a la Britney and Christina. Or maybe I'm just feeling nostalgic.

Whatever your opinion on this celebrity, the reality is that she may be a marketing genius. Or she just goes by the mantra that "sex sells". Either way, she's doing something right. Or wrong. I'm not so sure. What do you think?

Bella

Who's Ready for Fashion Month?

The day we've all been anticipating since Pre-Fall has finally arrived. Tomorrow, Fashion Month commences in New York City and all the cool kids are invited, while us regular folk watch it in the comfort of our homes through Live Streaming. As fashion journalists, bloggers, magazine editors, designers, and celebrities alike gather in the city that never sleeps, models invade the streets (making average people feel even smaller), and street photographers get camera ready, everyone is scrambling to prepare for this long awaited extravaganza that's seasonally 7 months in advance. Go fashion for not being a procrastinator! As someone who hasn't yet entered the realm of fashion, I have my own methods of preparation for this beautiful month of style. If you're looking for some tips on how to prepare as someone not attending any events, today is your lucky day.

via www.thegloss.com

Step 1: Plug Style.com into your favourites/bookmarks (if it isn't there already). Style.com is my fashion month bible and I check it a total of 954859834958034 times a day to ensure I don't miss a thing. As each show runs its course, I eagerly flip through all the looks prior to viewing the shows. It's essential.

Step 2: Follow FashionTv on YouTube. This is a crucial step to the process of staying up-to-date on shows after you've already picked your favourite looks on Style.com. Uploading all the best designers runway shows along with some backstage sneak peaks, FashionTv is crucial to this month of madness.

Step 3: Make a schedule. The fashion month schedule is incredibly intense and unfortunately, we may only have time to watch our favourite shows first. Write down when the shows air in your agenda or smartphone because you'll want to know when the live streaming is happening so you can watch it in class while your professor rambles about lesser things.

Step 4: Stay up to date on Twitter. There is nothing more aggravating than getting your news second-hand on Twitter. However, we can't all watch the shows in the moment that they air, and so, Twitter is our saviour and our outlet for the opinions nobody important will ever hear.

Step 5: Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the shows. Nothing is more serene than a runway show and as spectators, it is our job to simply soak it all in and be inspired. After all, it is an artwork display and deserves our undivided attention as we marvel at the beauty before us.

And yes, that is ALL you need to do if you're not cool enough to be at any of the shows (like myself).

*Optional: Get dressed up. A wise man/woman once said, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have".

Have a lovely evening,

Bella




1 Days Until NYFW (Countdown Terminated. Let the games begin)