And the Oscar Goes to…

The 83^rd  Academy Awards took place last night, a night when Hollywood recognizes the year’s most talented and we check out the Red carpet’s best and worst dressed.

Who did it right this year? Here are my 5 favorites.

1.       Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams looks stunning in a glittery Chanel gown.

2.       Hailee Steinfeld

The star looks youthful and enchanting for her first Oscar appearance, in a one-of-a-kind Marchesa gown.

3.       Mila Kunis

Looks lovely in a romantic lavender Elie Saab gown.  

4.       Jennifer Lawrence

In a simple gown from Calvin Klein Collection, Jennifer looks like a modern day bombshell.  

5.       Natalie Portman

The Best Actress winner is glowing in this vivid purple Rodarte gown.

Who went wrong? Here’s my top picks for worst dressed.

1.       Jennifer Hudson

Wearing a Versace gown.

2.       Nicole Kidman

In a Christian Dior Couture gown.

3.       Sunrise Coigney

In Jean Paul Gaultier.

4.       Marisa Tomei

In a 1950 couture Charles James dress.

5.       Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine)

Wearing Vintage inspired Valentino Couture.

How to ensure that your always a do?

Wear clothes that fit, styles that accentuate the good  and colours that enhance your natural beauty!

I ♥ Vancouver

Fashion Friday

I spent this past weekend in Vancouver and in between the frantic apartment hunting I stopped into some of Vancouver’s coolest shops. Here are some highlights of the boutiques I fell in love with.

And please, if you haven’t been to Vancouver book your ticket immediately. You’ll love  the west coast attitudes, ocean air, fabulous scenery and forward thinking fashion.

The Block Clothing

Carrying my favorite brands –A.P.C. and Built like Wendy. You’ll love their selection of French prep clothing, accessories and jewelry.

 

Dreams

A collection of locally made jewelry and clothing. The best place to find the most unique pieces!

LYNNSteven

Find your perfect leather jacket –they carry Mackage  or find an exotic scarf by A Peace Treaty (the fibers come from the Andes mountains).

 

Old Faithful Shop

Filled with delicious vintage inspired  items for everyday living. I fell in love with their day planners, rucksacks and salt and pepper shakers.

 

Vancouver, I love you

Happy Valentine’s Day Brides!

The new way to shop bridal.

Tired of traditional, run-of-the-mill bridal gowns? Are you a bridesmaid wanting something fabulous instead of frumpy for an upcoming wedding? Check out Anthropologie’s latest and greatest launching today BHLDN. 


BHLDN, a wedding line made for the fashion forward, creative and most unique brides carries gowns, bridesmaid dresses, accessories, shoes and shrugs. Wondering where the name comes from? According to the website, BHLDN (pronounced beholden)  is inspired by the Dutch word meaning ‘to keep’ – so here’s to keeping your style, charm and personality on your special day.

So romantic!




http://www.bhldn.com/

The Real Cost of Fashion

Fashion Friday

We look to celebrities, fashionistas and socialites for guidance on the latest trends, but few of us can afford the original designs that they often wear. Stores like Forever 21, Target, Walmart, etc. produce similar items for a fraction of the original cost –but who’s really paying for the discount?

I often frequent Forever 21 –where better to get a cheap knock-off of a current trend? Whilst shopping there you have to wonder, is their clothing inspired by or a carbon copy of a designers work?  Is this intellectual theft or Robin hood style redistribution of wealth –stealing from the rich designer to cloth the poor masses fashionably? The lines between right and wrong become blurred and indistinguishable.  Especially when the consumer’s getting a bargain.

Where does the clothing come from and how can they manufacture it so cheaply? Looking deeper, the questions lead us to far more insidious answers.  Forever 21 has had many allegations against them concerning  cheap labour, sweatshop conditions and inhospitable working practices.  The consumer gets trendy clothing at a fraction of the cost, but the manufacturing worker receives little to nothing for backbreaking days and ridiculously long hours.

It leaves one conflicted. Should we praise Forever 21 for bringing high fashion and trends to the masses? Or boycott them for taking advantage of cheap labour and stealing designs??

For more information on Forever 21’s history and various lawsuits please read the article

‘Forever 21's Fast (and Loose) Fashion Empire’ by Susan Scafidi

http://law.fordham.edu/newsroom/20845.htm

Thanks to Nikki for the inspiration and awareness –you’re a gem!

Happy Birthday to Me! Hello Spring!

February 2: Groundhog’s Day

Today is Groundhog’s Day. A day when a furry little creature wakes from his winter slumber to indicate whether spring is on the way or winter’s here to stay. 

You may also know this day as my birthday.  A day when I roll out of bed and anticipate Spring temperatures and fashions.

In honour of the  little furry guy and me –let’s drool over the hottest trends for Spring 2011!

White

 

Blood Orange and other Brights

Stripes

Feminine

Lace Detail