Prada Spring 2010

[Photos courtesy of Style.com]

What is it with everything shiny and sparkly that makes people like me swoon? Prada Spring 2010 is a dream come true for all magpie fashionistas. This collection is fabulous. Possibly my favorite thus far! Miuccia is a designer who looks for a completely different look and inspiration each time. By doing this, each collection results in a ripple effect with everyone being inspired by these new trends, whether they know it's from Miuccia or not.

Transparencies in the form of lucite and chandelier jewels  create a watery, refreshing feel. I'm SO psyched about the pigtails. They're so adorable. I can't wait to try this on my own. Paired with an electric red lip? Perfection. I haven't been this inspired by a runway beauty look in a while.

The only problem with this collection is the lack of pants. Being a pants-wearer myself, I don't think I'll be participating in that particular Miuccia innovation.

Transition season dressing

On fall mornings, it's common to either underdress or overdress. It's always a battle to try to figure out who to believe weather wise: the sketchy weatherpeople, or your own gut-instincts. One way to quickly remedy this situation (without commitment) is layering with new fall cover-ups. XL sweaters are great with leggings, tights, or bare legs (only if it covers your derriere!) I'm really liking the "big on top, slim on bottom" silhouette that has been super popular lately. This look is easily achieved with a chunky-knit slouchy sweater.  Preppy Gossip Girl inspired blazers have been a fall wardrobe staple ever since the show started. Adding cute pins to the lapel or adding a felt hat can make the look fresh again. Summer tops can be made autumn-ready by being paired with a large shawl. There are so many ways to wrap these giant scarves that the look stays fresh for ages. Another plus? Scarves are super compact and can be stored in your bag or locker for a quick outfit add-on. Faux-furry vests may seem kind of out there in a bad way, but not all faux fur is created equal. Look for cropped, monotone vests that are 100% for sure faux. In my opinion, fur is super hard to pull off, especially at school. Model off-duty looks like black leggings, floral tops, skinny jeans, and leather boots are great bases for pairing with fun fur vests. Don't be a victim of mother nature's indecisiveness, changes in weather come unexpectedly nowadays, so come prepared!

[Photos courtesy of Elle Street Style]

discovering Lula magazine

Hurray! Fall anticipation! On an early evening walk this week, I noticed that fall colors had suddenly appeared, when a day before, green foliage was all that I saw. Another blow that enforced the fact that fall is just about here was the nippy autumn-like weather today! To most, these realizations might seem depressing, but I'm kind of delighted about it fall weather being here.

Other than the chance to wear my new trench (purchased this summer, which I have been visualizing myself wearing for months) this fall, there are the new fall products to get excited about! There's the Lula fall 2009 edition that should be hitting Canadian newsstands either this week or the next. Karen Elson is covering it and looks great, especially her gorgeous red hair and its styling. I'm expecting some whimsical yet edgy tinged styling on some of fall's standout trends and designs. MAC is also coming out with a new addition: the style black collection. Some products featured are black and purple lipstick, punky nail polishes, and shimmery jewel toned eyeshadows.

[Photos Courtesy of...Lula: The Fashion Spot and M.A.C.:Temptalia]

Backstage Inspiration: F/W 09

While perusing Style.com, I have "favourite-ed" many cute, inspiring images that capture Fall 2009 backstage action. Featured are Vlada Roslyakova showing off her personal style before getting gussied up in Sonya Rykiel duds. I spied some look-order boards from Max Azria and a beauty guide from DSquared. A photo of red glitter being applied to a model's eyes at Prada also caught my eye. Backstage at Burberry, new modelling phenom Jac shows off this season's frequently seen accessory: the feminine bowler.

Backstage at Marc by Marc Jacobs, models show off the designer's cute, fashion blogger Julia Frakes (from bunny bisous) inspired collection. Finally, there are the Chloe girls hanging out backstage at the Hannah McGibbon designed collection. Models backstage mug for the camera in the fitted, luxurious-looking, perfectly accessorized collection that is Chloe Fall 2009. Meanwhile, Spring 09 Chloe cover girl Anna Jagodzinska totes the "Sally" shoulder bag, and flaunts her own fashion eye before the show.

[ Photos courtesy of Style.com ]

Fall 2009 Wishlist

 

1. Fresh Citron de Vigne Perfume: a very fresh, natural scent

2. Nars Lipstick in "Fast Ride": berry lips are the season's best beauty trend

3. Anthropologie "Honey Dipped" Booties: look comfortable and are a lovely golden hue (kind of like autumn leaves...)

4. Lug "Puddle Jumper" Tote: perfect for a gym bag- it holds runners separately

5. Anthropologie Tawny Leather Boots: finally found the perfect pair of leather boots!

6. Kevyn Aucoin Skin Enhancer: creates flawless skin

7. Paddywax Green Tea & Lemongrass Candle: paddywax candles are amazing & even smell while burning.

8. Teen Vogue Handbook: will pre-order! This book is filled with valuable  fashion insider tips!

9. Flight of the Conchords Complete First Season: one season down (2nd season), one to go!

10. Kiehl's Yerba Mate Tea Cleanser: fresh scent and doesn't dry skin.

Best Accessories: Fall 09

Look familiar? I've decided to replicate my top runway accessories piece for fall! Here are some of the top notch, inspiring, and unique cherries on top of some of my preferred fall 09 collections. While BTS shopping, look out for pieces that are inspired by these images. I might even try a DIY with one of the necklaces shown, or maybe headpieces. If you're not planning on buying a whole new fall wardrobe, adding updated accessories to last year's clothes will "revitalize" your wardrobe. Here's a challenge: if you recognize a collection just by looking at an accessory, post it in the comments! I'm interested in seeing how "fashion savvy" you guys are.

[ Photos courtesy of Style.com ]

Balmania Breakdown

Oh, the infamous Balmain diamond encrusted, $5000, broad-shouldered, band jacket...how does it feel to be the most talked about fashion must-have since Louis Vuitton's Murakami? What modern fashion-obsessed teen doesn't have daydreams during history class of them strutting down a cobblestone street in Paris wearing many thousands of dollars worth of fabulousness? Why is it that whenever I see a photo of the Balmain S/S 09 runway in a magazine, my friends exclaim "OMG I love that, I'm looking for something like that." I mean, what is the universal appeal of the Balmain band jacket? Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, The Beatles & many more musicians wore this jacket before, but it seems like only recently that its popularity has gone mainstream. I mean, The new victim of "Balmania" is Stardoll- a multi-million member site that was built originally for "dressing up" celebrities, but has evolved into a full blown cyber community with a profit to boot.

[Now, 11 year old girls everywhere can live the virtual dream of workin' the couture jacket in their rockin' stardoll "suites"]

 

How do I start to explain the appeal of this blazer? It has this unexplainable "cool" factor that makes everyone swoon. Perhaps it's the history behind this jacket that makes people take notice. I mean, first it was the Beatles, solidifying the jacket in rock n' roll history, even giving it another simile, the "Sergeant Pepper Jacket." There was also Jimmi Hendrix and Adam Ant who followed suit with the jacket that mimicked a marching band uniform. Much later, in the 2000s, Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance tried the look, as well as Coldplay's Chris Martin on the cover of Rolling Stone. So what made this jacket translate into fashion editors and R&B superstars wearing it? That, I'm sure you all know the answer to. If not, then let me enlighten you: Christophe Decarnin, head designer of Balmain (ooh, poet and I don't know it!). But the real question is: is the jacket going to be the new designer's high point, or will he create a new piece in the seasons to come that every fashionista all over the world will covet? Only time will tell...

 

[High fashion and rock n' roll meet]