I love this tee.

That is all.

Nautical Nonsense

Yes, every fashion magazine in the world recommends the nautical look come summer, but it doesn't have to be cheesy. Try unexpected combos like an anchor on a neon dress or trading in boat shoes for white and blue peep toe heels.

Stand-Out Show: Chanel Resort 2010

One could be forgiven if "blah" is the word they first associate with resort collections. After all, they often leave viewers decidedly underwhelmed. But leave it to La Lagerfeld to spice things up a bit. Chanel's Resort 2010 collection hit it out of the park (to borrow an expression from some of my future-sportswriter journalism classmates).

I love, love, love the lace overlay here. And the combination of the vintage-inspired dress and the futuristic boots is awesome. Incidently, doesn't the combination of her red hair and the pretty dress remind you a little of Rose in Titanic?

This is like, The Matrix meets the Hamptons.

The jacket is classically Chanel, but the military inspired buttons modernize it in the best of ways.

I generally don't take literal inspiration from the runways, but I have a pair of red tights and have been struggling when it comes to how to wear them. Paired with a classic black dress, they seem a bit too punky, but anything else is a bit busy. However, they are perfection with a vintagey patterned dress in a neutral colour.

This is just the most adorable outfit ever.

This is how we know The Hills is staged

If the stilted conversations, abundant editing, and fake boyfriends didn't tip you off...




There is no way the person above works in the fashion industry.

(Picture of Stephanie Pratt from The Daily Mail)

Party Photo Land: Peaches, Prepsters, and Pretty Patterns

It's been a while since I've checked in on our hipster friends in Party Photo Land (ie. The Cobra Snake, Skullset, and the like), and I must say, I'm a little disappointed. It seems that Cory Kennedy has reverted to baggy tops and leggings, while the rest of the hipsteratti is sticking to their plaid shirts and Wayfarers.

However, there's still some innovation out there. Here are some awesome looks (first two pictures from The Cobra Snake, last photo from Skullset).

If you look closely, you'll notice that the people in the pattern on Peaches' dress are really Troll dolls. I love it!

How do I love this outfit? Let me count thy ways:

1) The yellow shorts. Bold but classic

2) The way the shirt is buttoned up to the neck. It totally changes the whole shape of the top.

3)The navy blues on top of each other.

4)The old school preppy vibe it oozes.

5) The word oozes.

How awesome are the the glasses? I love the juxtaposition of the clunky frames with the flowy top (dress?). And check out the awesome pattern on the aforementioned unidentified garment!

Inspiration Board: Go Get 'em, Tiger

A youthful alternative to animal print.

Spring/Summer 2009 Cheap Picks: The Tops

For those with Gucci tastes on a Gap budget, the cutest tops for cheap.

Under $20:

Geo Shapes Woven Tunic, $15.80, Forever 21:

Alright, so this one sits on the line between shirt and dress, but it is absolutely fantastic.

H81 Floral Cropped Top, $16.90, Forever 21: A touch of the 90's for those sick of grunge. This would go equally well with frayed denim shorts or high-waisted black pants.

Under $30:

Unisex Big Tank, $26, American Apparel

This comes in about a billion different colours and is ridiculously versatile. Buy a handful of cheap bandeaus and the outfit possibilities are endless.

Kissing Zebra Tee, $28.50, Delias How cute would this be with a high-waisted black skirt? I love the quirkiness of the zebras and the symmetry of the stipes.

Debate: Gladiator Sandals

It's no secret that we were all in love with our gladiators last summer. They were so refreshingly different from the flip flops and slingbacks of years past. Sure, they were a hassle to do up, but they were comfortable and cutting edge.

But what happens this year? We've had a while to get used to gladiator sandals and it's no longer love at first sight. Sure they look great with S/S 09's hippy dresses but are they too trendy to last another season? Or have they become more of a classic? Does it matter if they're knee-high or super simple?

(Sandals by Sigerson Morrison, Photo from Net-a-Porter)

How do you feel? Are you a fan?

(Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Inspiration Board: Pretty Petals

If this were a cheesy teen magazine and not a super-cool blog of awesomeness, I would probably title this post "Flower Power." The trick to mastering spring's florals is to toughen them up a bit by pairing them with more masculine elements, like a gray T-shirt or Doc Martens.

Unlikely Style Icon: Betty Suarez

On TV’s Ugly Betty, the main character, Betty Suarez, is constantly mocked by her co-workers at Mode (a fictional fashion magazine) for her lack of style. Ironically, Betty is arguably the most fashion forward of the show’s characters. She whimsically pairs pieces together with a disregard for conventional style rules or clashing patterns. Betty takes risks, and yet there is something adorably traditional about her vintage-inspired dresses and bow-bedecked blouses.



Inspiration Board:

Embracing Your Inner Betty:
(Is it just me, or does that heading totally sound like the title of a self-help book written by Cher Horowitz ?)

1) Dare to mix patterns
Admittedly, it can be hard for a pattern-mixing virgin to wear florals and argyle together. Yet Betty mixes bold, brash patterns together and it looks amazing. Try pairing different patterns together and shock yourself with how great you look!

2) Add a bit of geek-chic to your life
While Betty is not a stereotypical geek (an abundance of cute purses and a lack of pocket protectors save her from Screech Powers territory), her look is definitely geek-influenced. Try stealing a few signature Betty looks, like a sweater vest over a puffy-sleeved blouse, or a pair of huge (possibly non-prescription) glasses.

3) Resurrect those forgotten souvenirs
In the show’s first episode, Betty is waiting for her job interview at Mode and chats with another candidate , a bitchy model-type in an expensive cream coloured poncho. When Betty gets the job, at a loss for something fashionable to wear to work, she decides to wear a bright red poncho with “Guadalahara” embroidered across it, a souvenir from a vacation that her parents took.
While I’m not advising you to try to bring ponchos back, try putting all of those “Hawaii” or “Camp Pinelake” T-shirts to use. Yes, they looked dorky on your eleven year old self when you wore them with floral leggings, but with the neckline slightly altered (all you need is scissors!) and a cute mini skirt, they could become great.

4) Buy some statement-making dresses
Though Betty wears dresses in nearly every episode, it is rare that you would find her in a navy shift, or a simple T-shirt dress. Her dresses are all bold, whether polka-dotted and retro or sweet and floral. On their own, they are an instant outfit, while, when accessorized with equally bold jewellery, they become part of an attention-getting ensemble.

5) Be nice to your feet.
While the other employees at Mode clomp around in sky-high heels, Betty favours cute flats, or comfortable platform Mary Janes. You don’t need to give up stilettos forever, but make sure that you give your feet a break every now and then. A night out in flats can be fun, especially at the end of the evening when your friends are complaining about their heels and you’re still dancing the night away.