Mil(ELLE)stone

Something very exciting arrived in the mail yesterday; my December issue of ELLE Canada Magazine. I have subscribed to this publication for years, but this issue in particular holds incredible significance - a beauty shoot that I was the stylist for, is featured in the mag!  This is definitely a milestone in my fashion career and I am so appreciative to have had this opportunity. 

The behind-the-scene story goes something like this: Back in the summer  (I know, magazine time lines are SO in advance) I was approached by one of the Editors at ELLE to style a beauty shoot. My experience with styling has mainly been with wardrobing, but  I was told hat this was not just any beauty shoot. Kakuyasu Uchiide, international artistic director for Shu Uemura, was flying in from Japan (his first time on Canadian soil) for the shoot, to show us how to apply Holiday glamour makeup, the right way. For obvious reasons, I jumped at this opportunity. The only challenge was calling in clothing and accessories that would be appropriate for the Winter Holiday season, I mean, the shoot did take place on a hot summer day in early June!  

On set, when I wasn't frantically dressing models or selecting the perfect jewelry, it was breathtaking to watch Uchiide artfully transform the models faces into works of art. For someone like me, who is very minimalist in the makeup department (I don't even own foundation or concealer) being on set at this photo shoot was very inspiring and eye opening. 

For those of you who do not subscribe to ELLE (you should), I strongly encourage you to visit the news stand and check out the images that are spread across pages 272 - 277. Which Holiday makeup look most closely parallels your personality; the Vamp, the Ingenue, the Femme Fatale, or the Siren?  

Thanks for your continued support!

XX

 

Soft & Delicate... Like a Flower

I only wear neutral colours, and typically only the darker ones (grey, black & brown). I would never use the words girlie, wholesome, sweet, or delicate to describe my style. Instead, I  would characterize my personal style as androgynous, minimalist, and edgy. I tried to breakout of my comfort zone and combine light coloured items and feminine silhouettes in pursuit of a 'soft' look. What do you think of my attempt to blossom in the style department? 

XX

Jacket, Top & Necklace: Anthropologie, Skirt: Gap, Shoes: Aldo

Peter Pan

With all of the Halloween madness going on around me, I was inspired by Peter Pan when I chose this outfit. As I mentioned in an earlier post, ponchos and capes are the 'IT' piece of the season. When I saw this oversize cape, I absolutely HAD to have it. I found that the cape swallowed me up a little bit, so I tie a belt around the middle to cinch it in at the waist. While it is a few sizes too big for me, I think the extra material allows it to be both comfy and chic at the same time. Which Disney character inspired your Halloween Costume or your daily wardrobe? Happy Halloween!

XX

Cape: Hemzer, Belt: Anthropologie, Boots: Vero Cuoio, Bangle: Marc Jacobs

The Skinny Truth

I acquired this shirt from a girl that I used to go to over-night camp with. She lent it to me and it just never left my wardrobe (if you are reading this, I'm sorry!!). It 's my favourite 'graphic' t-shirt. When I wear it, people often stop me to ask what it says. Once they get a better look, they respond in one of two ways; laugh and say its amazing or they give me a look of disgust ...To each their own, right? I love this shirt and the controversy it conjures up. Will you be feeding the models tonight?

XX

Jacket: Simply Vera by Vera Wang, Scarf: Dara Dot Designs, Top: Urban Outfitters,
Pants: American Apparel, Shoes: Vintage

FUR(vorous) for Lace

In addition to shearling (which I blogged about yesterday); velvet, leather, suede, corduroy, lace and fur are some of the hottest fabrics right now. I was in a  creative mood yesterday and decided to do some wardrobe experimenting. I tried on  what may be considered a wild combination of clothes...but immediately, I loved it! I wouldn't wear this outfit on the daily, I may never wear it all, but I thought that it made for a good blog post. I hope that you will comment and tell me what you (honestly) think.  

XX

 

 

 

Vest: Forever 21, Top: Urban OutfittersPants: Twelve by Twelve, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs,
Shoes: Aldo

Falling for Shearling

From Burberry to Ferragamo to H&M, shearling coats and vests were seen all over this seasons  runways. I snagged this shearling vest years ago from the Prime Outlet Mall in Buffalo, NY. I love throwing it on; its so cozy! Anything shearling is a great piece to take you through the seasonal transition from late summer to mid-fall. What garment and/or accessory can you not live without while the climate changes from summer sun to frosty fall?

XX

Vest: Wilson Leather, Top: Vince, Shorts: Danier, Sock: Calvin Klein, Boots: Stuart Weitzman,
Belt: American Apparel, Purse: OrYany

Back to Basics

I haven't carried a backpack since ... well, high school. I used to sport a M.E.C backpack,but in the past few years, I have opted for shoulder bags as a more 'mature' option. In a recent closet purge, I found a black leather studded backpack that I had never used. I put it into the 'conditional' pile (the pile that you most likely won't wear anything from but you cannot bear the thought of throwing/giving anything away so you keep it until the next purge session).

While I was getting ready for school, I caught a glimpse of this backpack hanging on my hook and decided I would try and incorporate it into my outfit. I packed up my laptop and school books, slung the bag on my shoulders and off I went... Going back to the basics was a nice change; it added a little je-ne-sais-quoi to my outfit and it was convenient to be hand-free.

What style bag do you most frequently carry to school? work?

XX

Top: Vince, Leggings: Splendid, Backpack: Vintage

HU(GO)'s the Boss?

The underbelly of London, Ontario (Dundas Street east of Adelaide) is home to many vintage outlets and antique shops. Some of the store fronts resemble a bad scene from the hit TV show Hoarder's; there are piles and piles of stuff (old computers, baby strollers, clothes, furniture, etc) just lying around in  heaps of chaos and disorganization. At times this scene is very overwhelming but when I am in the mood for a daytime adventure I trot along this sketchy block in hopes of finding something incredible. Today, I truly found a diamond in the rough. As I was exiting one of the vintage stores, a pair of off-white shoes hiding in the corner caught my eyes. To my shock, they were a) my size, b) brand-spanking-new,c) made in Italy and d) HUGO BOSS. Yes, you read that right; I scored a brand new pair of gorgeous Hugo Boss shoes for a fraction of what the retail price would normally be.  This experience of hide-and-seek is exactly what is meant by the age-old saying "one mans trash is another mans treasure".

Unfortunately I will have to retire these in my closet until the Spring, but I look forward to debuting them and showing everyone 'HU(GO)'s the boss'.

What's your favourite fashion find of all time?

XX