Fashion. Period.

2009-12-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Forget the purse, forget the sunglasses, ditch the jewelry. The new fashion accessory starts with nail and ends with polish...(now when I say to forget and ditch the aforementioned items, I say that only to create this grand and embelished introduction. Do not let those items go unnoticed). As a child, I wore Barbie nailpolish, the kind that you can peel off) but after that, as an awkward teenager, I never entertained the idea of wearing "the stuff". As a serial soap opera buff, I was fascinated by Kathryn from Young and the Restless. She would never be without nailpolish, and better yet, it was ALWAYS red nailpolish. As I enter the unknown world of the late 20's, I have more than just entertained the idea of wearing nailpolish, I can't go without it. My hands seems life-less, colourless, void of any pigment if I go bare-nailed. Sporting light colours, dark hues and experimenting with neon colours, nail polish is a must. Not because it is the hot trend, or because Blake Lively was seen wearing a certain colour, or because J-Lo came out with a new line of nail varnish (do not quote me on that, I really do not know if she has come out with that, I'm just making up an analogy of some sort), but I wear it because it truly adds to the person. If you are or are not like me, deciding your colour is kinda tricky. What's your mood? What's your style? What make??? ohhhhhhhh so many choices !!! Well thanks to this interactive website compliments of the Creative Nail Design team and company, a leading brand in nail products, among other things, the decision making is easier. The company not only has a great variety of shades but also gives you a visual reference as to what the colour will look like once dryed and set on your nails. Magnifique !!! Worthy of your perusal is also this line called Colour & Effects, where you put the colour on and next, the effects shade creating a whole new nail, shimmer, glitter, pearl......I got caught looking at this during work hours. So to make the managerial glare and sneer I unwelcomely received worth while, check it out too !!! Amazing website ! Amazing product !

Colour & Effects Collection (the colour on the left and the effect on the right)

http://www.cnd.com/Products/Color/Colour-Effect.aspx

You should also check out the nail design competition they held. I personally like my nails simple and upkept with a solid colour. But putting my personal preferences aside, I cannot deny the competition of it's originality and creativity. Here are some of the designs that caught my eye:

LCxo

In Her Shoes...

2009-11-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

Just when every other possible Hollywood Starlet is scheduling routing appointments at a tanning salon, Nicole Kidman embraces her light skin tone and makes it work. She is one of the few than can make a pale complexion enviable. We are incessantly trying to obtain this sun kiss glow, which is not only bad for our skin and health, when really, all we should really be doing is embracing our skin colour and somehow work towards accentuating it, highlighting our features. I will be honest though...I am preaching this anti-tanning mentality. I do long to look just as fabulous pale like Nicole Kidman, but the reality of it is, I don't and psychologically, I appear better tanned. So enough of that, let's leave the light complexions to Nicole, because as it appears, she looks absolutely ravishing, and get me under the sun IMMEDIATELY !!!

LCxo

All I want for Christmas...

2009-11-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

Are these tie dyed American Apparel stretch twill pants:

That's all. End of post.

LCxo

http://store.americanapparel.ca/rsacs40tdw.html?cid=153

Belle of the Ball

2009-11-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

Michelle Obama received so much media attention for her style, well before her husband became President. Now that she is actually First Lady, the attention has catapulted into something extreme. Everywhere you turn, everywhere you look, there's a newstand talking about her style, books about her 100 days as First Lady, so on so forth. The topic of her style is undeniably saturated, I'll agree to that much. HOWEVER....with that said, I have to make an exception, an exception for this week's "In Her Shoes" The First Lady took my breath away when I laid eyes on her, in this picture, in this dress. There were no words, so that is why I am giving you a visual reference.

She is wearing Naeem Khan, who had absolutely no idea she was going to choose his dress for her first state dinner up until the very moment she walked out in front of the crowd. Talk about anticipation.

LCxo

Stairway to heaven

2009-11-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

I tried to come up with some whitty, poetic and energetic opening couple of lines to introduce this photoshoot, lines that would describe the woman in the photographs, her thoughts and the adventure she is on as I trespass into her personal space and capture her mood. But, truth be told, I didn't have a theme, there is no story to be told. What I sought to do was capture a certain environment and feel to her that would match the leather jackets I bought. Simple, almost too simple. But the method to my madness brought me photographs that I am absolutely proud to display. I extend my gratitude to my sister, whom once again, let me be her puppeteer. She braved the cold and endured my telling her to suck in her stomach, flex her leg, to fix her posture, among others.

LCxo

Tid-bit

2009-11-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

Fashion as functional....the best of its' kind. Abraham Lincoln was way ahead of us when it came to using fashion as a tool, a tool whose function was much more than rendering the person beautiful or well groomed. Abraham Lincoln is remembered for other reasons aside from his sense of style but his trademark stove top hat immediately comes to mind when visualing this historical figure. Abe (do you mind if I call you that Mr. Lincoln? ) is a smart man, mixing both attire and acceessories with functionality. As a member of the legal profession, Abe was known to hide/store/place important papers, court notes and contracts in his stove top hate.

I bet you didn't know that.

LCxo

Do I need a title?

2009-11-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

I will be doing another photoshoot tomorrow. My styling, my makeup, my hair, my photography. Being involved in every single aspect gets my blood flowing. It's not the first time I take care of it all, but with each shoot, I become better trained, the end result is that much more enticing....and I'm more ORGANIZED !!!!!

Stay tuned because the photos from the shoot will be up shortly after.

LCxo

Take cover, the flood is coming !!!!

2009-11-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

We've all witnessed it. We've all watched it from afar or taken a second glance. We've all pondered it at some point or another. We've all judged silently, so let's talk about it. Let's have a discussion about flood water pants shall we. You know, the awkward pant length that's not quite a full length pant leg, but too short to be a capri. Flood pants, also known as high waters, are awkward. There came a time when wearing such pantalons was indicative of an ill fitting garment and yet now it is oddly enough, a fashion status symbol.

Fashion trends go in and out of style. One minute they infiltrate the likes of everyone and anyone remotely interested in fashion, ambushed and bombarded with this one trend, and the next minute, they are a flash in the pan, hiding in the shadows of a bigger and better trend. It is cyclical. We are constantly bringing back looks from decades prior. But what is interesting, high water pants were never in style. It always seemed to connote this sort of nerd status (very stereotypical indeed...we can thank Steve Urkel for that). So why now?

High water pants are adorable and so beautiful in womens wear. It's the menswear that I have a hard time with. Like anything else, they look good on some people, others, not so much. And also, a good question to raise, can we differentiate between the "fashionable" highwater pant and the "I don't have style and these pants really don't fit me" highwater pants? Yes, yes, yes we can. Take a good, long, hard look at someone, at exhibit A, the man/woman (person to be politically correct) and answer the following: Is this person wearing flood pants on purpose, out of their own volition...or are they so absent minded as to the extra heavy duty draft of air coming up through their pant hem?

Anyone that knows me knows that I am all for personal style and individuality. But where is that fine line between the two? When does one cross over to the dark side, with ankles showing?

LCxo

I gotta feeling

2009-11-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I last wrote and truth be told, it was because I was overwhelmed with this feeling of disinterest. Not because I all of a sudden stopped caring about fashion and all of its' quirks, but because of my surroundings, and how they are making me feel stifled. As an assistant in the legal profession (solely to pay the bills), my creativity has dramatically decreased, feeling anxiety when doing monotonous and repetitive tasks. I miss the days of drafting jackets and skirts and complex dresses, basically ripping out my hair figuring out how on earth some of the clothes in this world are made. Spending hours in the sewing lab forgetting to eat each important meal of the day, surviving solely off coffee, cursing every little unwanted pucker in the fabric that would force me to rip up the seams and restart...sew....rip the stitch...sew....rip the stitch...burn hand with steam...run out of thread. The accumulation of the minute things almost made me want to take up smoking. But in the end, I was overcome with an undeniable feeling of satisfaction. The pride I felt once the garment was finished; I wish they could bottle that feeling and keep it for emergency situations.

That exact feeling, is what I need to get back. A good friend of mine told me today that everyone has their own story that leads up to their spectacular destiny, and in that, I have the utmost faith. If only, for a minute, you all can have a sneak peek into the endless ideas that are incessantly running through my mind, only then would you understand the frustration of not having that creative outlet. The solution is really quite simple: shut up and do something about it. Consider it done. I know my abilities. I know my talent. I know they are both endless. My spirit has been revived. My flare has been re-ignited.

LCxo

Really ?!?!?

2009-11-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

When you think of Lady Gaga and her wardrobe, what first comes to mind?

What do you think about this?

Or about this

Petit Chaperon Rouge ?

Style Icon?

Hocus Pocus?

I will have a conniption if this woman is recognized for any other fashion award. The very thing, the very look the fashion world shuns, calls atrocious, hideous, a disgrace to fashion all over is the very look ACE (Accessories Council Excellence) Awards has, well, awarded her with their so called "prestigious" Stylemaker of the year award. Lady Gaga couldn't disappoint so of course she showed up "fashionably" late to accept her award wearing this:

Her style is border line insane and borderline prostitute. In my opinion, ACE has just lost alot of its' credibility. I've said what I've had to say.

On the fly

2009-11-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

As I was helping a girlfriend of mine get ready for Halloween, I saw potential in the moment and took advantage of it. There isn't really anything to say, other than, this one single photograph takes my breath away.

Jimmy Choo to the rescue

2009-10-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Choo is a reknowned footwear designer whose shoes have hugged and caressed the well groomed feet of our beloved Hollywood starlets and heart throbs for years. Its' sumptuous designs have rendered the Jimmy Choo brand synonymous with luxurious. Tamara Mellon, Company Founder and President, is now using the power and prestige of the brand for a touching and humane purpose, “I think there is a responsibility for any company when it gets to a certain size to start giving back". Jimmy Choo's PEP Program, launched in partnership with the Elton John Aids Foundation, is working to raise awareness of AIDS and HIV. PEP ("post-exposure prophylaxis") are drugs which, if given to those exposed to the HIV virus within 72 hours, will reduce the chances of developing HIV by 79 per cent. Items being sold under the PEP program range anywhere from 65 to 400 euros, reasonably low in comparison to their perforated suede stilettos I'm salivating over. Jimmy Choo may be out of some of your price ranges, but with the incentive of helping women and children in the Simelela Rape Centre, you may just walk away with a guilt free purchase. Think about it.

http://www.jimmychoo72.com/

Just some of the items.......

HEAR YE HEAR YE !!!!!!

2009-10-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

I have found my future husband and I have but only Esquire magazine to thank. Esquire magazine you say? YES !!! YES !!! YES !!!!! The magazine held its’ annual Best Dressed Real Man competition and the 2009 title holder has not only won a $ 30,000 shopping spree, along with a plethora of other gifts, but he has also won…………….. my heart. Dan T., a 22 year old student in New York, is not stagnant in his style. His wardrobe is a melting pot, one in which he throws in a pinch of mens’ fashion from the last century and a buttload of his own style and confidence. The end result: the man of my dreams. This ladies and gentlemen is what I call my perfect mate. His style: eclectic. His style: individualistic. His style: impeccable. His style: transformative. His confidence: attractive.

The end.

In Her Shoes

2009-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Jessica Alba may not be able to act her way out of a paperbag (I have no idea what that really means. I just heard the saying in reference to someone's poor acting and now I try to use it in as many conversations as possible), but she sure knows how to dress for occasions. Seen here at Spike TV's Scream 2009 Awards, Jessica looks ravishing. Everything about this look works. Jessica's look is perfect for fall. Although I am sure these awards are held in LA and the fall there really does not compare to what we Canadians endure. Nonetheless, the fabric, the colours, the look in its entirety is great for the transition from summer to fall.

WWECD ? (What would Elizabeth Cabral Do)

2009-10-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you could attend each and every fashion show at LG Fashion Week what would you wear ? How would you make an impression ? What outfit or style would you choose that would allow you to seemlessly parade around the LG Fashion Week grounds as if it were an every day thing for you to brush shoulders with Glen Baxter, Jeanne Baker, fashion editors, fashion media and everyone in between? One person's footsteps we can follow are those of Elizabeth Cabral, Fashion Director of FLARE magazine. Her ensembles are not over the top nor are they straight off the runway. They are individual. They are subtle. They are feminine. They are simple. But most importantly they are what she was in the mood to wear. See what Elizabeth has to say about each of her looks.

"The first day of Fashion Week calls for a statement-making ensemble. I've decided on a bold shouldered top from Zara, super-skinny legging pants from BCBG and exaggerated pony-skin wedges from BCBG. I love these shoes - everyone thinks they're high-end designer and being so tall gives me the confidence I need to pull off those shoulder pads. I've also been using my old (and very worn-in Balenciaga lariat bag. I'm just feeling it again.)"

"My BCBG bandage skirt is body-con sexy so I've paired it with a cozy knit from Wilfred and a designer tee from Urban Outfitters. My outfit wouldn't be complete without skyscrapper heels - these booties are from Marni. A leopard print scarf from Le Chateau completes my look."

"This jacket is an oldie but goodie piece from my wardrobe - it's from former Canadian label Yso. I've had it for about 7 years now but it never looks dated and the goth-rock sleeves and shoulders are so right now! A wardrobe staple designer tee from Holt's and silk harem pants from Zara keep the look louche. And of course, my killer wedges from BCBG."

"I've decided to do an evening for day look. These YSL tuxedo pants are a recent purchase and I swear I'll wear them until I'm 70. My old leather jacket needed an update so I've layered it with a furry vest from Zara ( I love it so much I bought it in black too!). The shoes are vintage and I've had those for 8 years now, tonight's the first time I've worn them in ages. Shopping in the back of your closet is even more rewarding than buying new."

"After a long week I opted to go luxe grunge. That means combining comfy basics like a plaid shirt and cargo topper from the Gap with high fashion pieces like this sequined vest straight off Pink Tartans runway and slick leather leggings. A little bling goes a long way. Oh, can't forget about the footwear - these studded and fringed Prada heels are the perfect touch."

I have got my eye on Gafas

2009-10-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Considered new enough on the scene here in Toronto, a fine eye wear boutique located in the cozy west end of the eclectic and diverse Queen street has caught my eye, Gafas. Owned and operated by the very friendly Antonio Trichilo, Gafas is a must visit for anyone living in, visiting or passing through the city. Ah heck, just make the trek to Toronto just for this reason alone. I met up with Antonio a few days back on a beautiful fall afternoon. Used to the heavy doors at my place of work, I swing open the door for Gafas with full force. But to my surprise, this door required little muscle power to open and I almost saw the demise of the store's entrance door as it hit the concrete wall of the building. He knows I have arrived. That was not at all my intention, but I have made an impression.

The layout of the store is probably one of my favourite. The product is nestled on the walls of a sleek, long and clean cut space, allowing for an uninterrupted walk-through of the store, without ever having to watch my step. But I made sure to anyways because there was no way I was going to cover the costs of fumbling into the glass casing holding very expensive diamond encrusted sun glasses. One foot in front of the other, step after step, I fall in love with yet another pair of sunglasses, everytime experiencing this anxiety attack. The lineup of collections is out of this world: Dita, Tom Ford, Belstaff, Chrome Hearts, Entourage of 7. All names I am sure you have not heard of; even more reason to visit Gafas. But fear not my Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs and Versace lovers of the world for those collections are also on exhibit at Gafas.

Providing me with unsurpassed product knowledge, Antonio left me awe struck and intrigued by every little detail. Gafas is without a doubt the place to go to accentuate your personality and express your individuality. In my uneducated, yet very genuine opinion, I believe Gafas' success is not only a result of magnificent merchandise, but first and foremost, from delivering true, raw and honest service.

You will be doing yourself a disservice if you do not click on the link below. Or better yet, visit the store: 561 Queen Street West.

http://www.gafas.ca/

Sarah Jessica Parker

Kim Kardashian

Sean Combs and Pharell

Just absolutely amazing xoxo

"Small town guy but dreams like a giant"

2009-10-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

I would like to take a minute of your time and introduce you to a fresh fashion design face, Brian Maristela, Creative Director of "Lizares", an exclusive mens ready to wear label . It is with great joy that I introduce to you Brian for he and I have two things in common: we both love fashion and we stem from the same region of northern ontario, Sudbury. I would have never thought that someone from back home shared the same desire and aspirations in fashion as I do, and I must say, it is refreshing. Brian showcased his Spring 2010 collection today at Toronto's LG Fashion Week and although I was not present, I am sure each fashion minded person that was present took a liking to it. Congratulations Brian. Cheers to your first official Fashion Week show and here is to many more years of success and personal growth.

http://www.life.com/image/92088293

Taffeta Who?

2009-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Taffeta is a "fine, crisp plain-woven fabric with a faint weft, or filling-way, rib due to the greater number of warp threads than filling threads. It frequently has a lustrous surface". Blah Blah Blah !!!! For those of you that know nothing about fabric and the intricate science behind it, taffeta is the fabric predominantly used for those awful prom dresses. Oh how gawdy those can be. I digress. Today, as I was one of the many Torontonians utilizing the public transportation, wondering to myself what will I eat for dinner? where that pungent smell was coming from? wondering about that woman's twitch in her left cheek, I suddenly am stopped dead in my thoughts. No more people watching, there's only one person on whom my attention is concentrated.....the woman with the PURPLE TAFFETA PANTS !!!!! Oh how dreadful, nauseating, atrocious, sinful, horrid........ But....I sort of like them? I do...I REALLY DO !!!!! Call me crazy but however tacky this woman may have been, I am a fan of taffeta outside the realm of bridal wear (with a bit of tweaking of course...see below for my take on the Taf-pants).

design by Lynda Castonguay

One Woman... One Dress... One Month

2009-10-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

Dallas stylist Valerie Elizabeth showed the world what really makes a look: accessories. For an entire month, she dreadfully wore the same little black dress ("LBD"). Her dress took on a whole new life with each passing day. Coupling the LBD with different footwear: sandals, highheels, boots; a variation of purses and accentuating jewellery, the creator of Society Stylist made it through the month. I am not adamant about certain looks but it nevertheless exposes how a single piece of clothing has multiple personalities.

http://www.societystylist.com/?cat=20

Stupid Lamb and a Masochistic Lion

2009-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet been bitten by Robert Pattinson's (Edward Cullen) charming and sensual role in Twilight, then it is just a matter of time. For two hours, you are immersed in this dream worthy love story so entertaining and intriguing that it somehow becomes reality and you yourself become a character (if only I can actually take over Kristen Stewarts' role as Bella...oooo imagine !!!!). That will never happen so I may as well become a loyal follower of the series. The world now awaits the widely anticipated sequel New Moon. As if the movies themselves are not fantastic enough, the soundtracks are also out of this world. This past friday, the soundtrack for New Moon was released to the public to avoid a leak. Hosting such artists as Lykke Li, Death Cab For Cutie, The Killers, Muse and Bon Iver to name a few, this soundtrack is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Have a listen and get a feel for what will come on November 20th, the premiere of New Moon. The countdown is on !!!

New Moon Sound Track List

1. Death Cab For Cutie - Meet me on the Equinox
2. Band of Skulls - Friends
3. Thom Yorke - Hearing Damage
4. Lykke Li - Possibility
5. The Killers - A White Demon Love Song
6. Anya Marina - Satellite Heart
7. Muse - I belong to you (New Moon Remix)
8. Bon Iver & St. Vincent - Roslyn
9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Done All Wrong
10. Hurrican Bells - Monsters
11. Sea Wolf - The Violet Hour
12. Ok Go - Shooting The Moon
13. Grizzly Bear w/ Victoria Legrand - Slow Life
14. Editors - No sound but the wind
15. Alexandre Desplat - New Moon (The Meadow)

And as an appetizer, here are some photos from Vanity Fair's photoshoot with the cast of Twilight. I would have loved to style this photoshoot but probably would have fallen deeper in like with Robert Pattinson. Follow the link and you will really quench your thirst for the sexy vampire.

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/12/twilight_outtakes200812?slide=3

In Her Shoes

2009-10-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

"In Her Shoes" is my weekly top pick of fashion's finest. Upon perusing every fashion site imaginable, I will choose the one look that makes me think "I wish I was in her shoes". Make sure to keep checking in to see who's the chosen one of the week.

This week:

The "Keeping up with the Kardashians" star Kim K is definitely keeping up with appearances; and if you ask me, she's leaving everyone else in her dust. Frolicking across the red carpet, the reality tv star looks absolutely radiant at Hollywood Life's 6th annual Hollywood Style Awards in Los Angeles.

I would like to "thank" the academy...

2009-10-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving was a great and busy weekend for me. Although I was battling a multitude of different illnesses, I somehow managed to fit in a photoshoot. Unintentionally inspired by "Twilight", the photoshoot was a fun way to spend time with my little brother; not so little anymore. Have a look for yourself.