another buying opportunity

Remember a long time ago when I was searching for the ideal laptop bag? I haven't managed to find one yet, and so my eyes are always pealed. I did happen to see a feature on Refinery29's top 10 laptop bags while I was scaling the site from top to bottom on the newest, hottest, chicest things, so I, as always, took the opportunity to pull some photos more or less for my own pleasure, but if you love it too, I suppose I'm "killing two birds with one stone." I know. Overkill.

On the right! Andrea Valentini Manhattan Laptop Bag, $250, available at Unica Home.

Left this time: Cocaine Mule Blue Laptop Case, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.

And both of these beauties: Above, from left: Alexandra Cassaniti Padded Laptop Bag, $230, available at Alexandra Cassaniti; Filson Original Briefcase, $195, available at Filson.

I don't think I'll ever realize the full functionality of a laptop bag until I buy one myself and my shoulder takes the weight instead of my back.

Much love,
s.

Images c/o Refinery29

because my feet need to stay warm, too

I went shopping with my mum yesterday for Christmas and ended up picking out these really cute oxford booties from Aldo, except I don' tget them until Christmas, and, although only a week away, the wait is excruciating.

So I decided to check out Refinery29's piece on boots under $300. And although $300 isn't exactly in my budget these days, one day, it will be, so there's no harm in just looking.

Here, are a few of my favourites:
Love both of these: Above, from left: French Connection Lorna Boot, $119 (were $258), available at French Connection; F-Troupe Canvas Suede Boot, $99, available at Gargyle.

The ones on the left: Above, from left: Frye Engineer Boot, $188, available at Urban Outfitters; Marc by Marc Jacobs Mid Boot, $249 (were $615), available at Barneys.

Much love,
s.

Images c/o Refinery29

excuse me, what? 121708

I actually laughed out loud when I saw these photos of Pam Anderson and Paula Abdul at recent events.

Honestly, I just don't know. No comment.

Paula Abdul:

Pam Anderson:

A picture is, after all, worth well more than 1000 words.

Much love,
s.

Images c/o Sympatico

bend it like beckham

My friend is fabulous and knows I cannot exactly afford to pick up my favourite magazine, Harper's Bazaar US, every month, so she went ahead and picked one up for me. I have just begun flipping through it, obviously scrolling to the cover story first to check out the editorial photos of Victoria Beckham.

I will scan them in a little later, but I just wanted to comment on how beautiful Victoria looks on the cover; simplistic, and absolutely stunning.

Much love,
s.

Image c/o Harper's Bazaar

books, books, books

On Style.com, I am always excited when Candy Pratts Price releases her accessories report. But now, I can have her everywhere thanks to her new American Fashion Accessories book!

Check out these great fab finds if you feel like curling up for an afternoon on your holiday break:

American Fashion Accessories by Candy Pratts Price

Hidden Underneath: A History of Lingerie by Farid Chenoune

Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

The Stephen Sprouse Book by Roger Padilha and Mauricio Padilha

Much love,

s.

Images c/o Amazon.com

did i mention i love men? part 2

Sometimes I wish I was a boy.

Only in the sense that I would be able to dress myself ridiculously nicely. I guess that's the advantage to having an older brother, although, he likes more of the classic look rather than trying anything even slightly trendy.

But it's virtually impossible for me to just "be a boy". So I just marvel over menswear and often find myself wondering why there are so many men choosing to stay away from the trendiness that comes their way. But maybe trendy is moreso for women? I am not too sure. Either way, I am fully committed to creating a better dressed world of men. Mark my words, one many at a time, it'll change.

And, it should probably start with multiply visits to Bblessing. Seriously, the designer's sophomore collection is to die for, even if you're not a man. Their ubertailored blazers and shirts, slim flitting slacks, and their skinny ties and coats add to the mix for the perfect use of layering. Notice how very few guys seem to get that layering thing down pat? Now, it's simple.

Anyhow, Bblessing, which used to be a boutique carrying designs from incredible design houses, now carries their own pieces, and this second collection has this classic vibe with a trendy twist; a masculine feel, but with a slimmer, more feminine fit.

And I just love it.

Who wouldn't?

Much love,

s.

Images c/o Mens Rag

keep your eyes open for, part two:

Anna Korte's got her new necklace line released. And seeing as her lines are created out of 99% vintage finds that she repieces together herself, its no wonder she came up with this gorgeous coin charm necklace. But I'm thinking, if the whole coiny, vintagey look is going to come in, why not go to any touristy spot and get your own coins flattened and then drill a hole in them and reattach them at different lengths with links to a gold chain yourself? Easy, and quite simple. Quite cheap, too. But if you're not down for the labour, Anna's piece is only a mere $56. Good for any thrifty buyer.

I have these really great oversized wood hoop earrings. They have an interesting shape such in that they aren't so much hoops as they are hanging earrings. Like they are hanging from the piece that actually goes into your ear piercing, and then they are these huge wooden circle, with the lop-sided circle in the middle of them. I know, it's hard to explain in this sort of sense, but I like them and actually get quite a few compliments on them. However, they are hand crafted and one of a kind so, sorry, you cannot have them. But, in you are considering any wood-based jewelery, I suggest checking out Heather Kosch.

Kosch's pieces are also hand crafted but ready for pick up right in New York, not, say, form a friend who brought them back from South Africa with her. Her collection of stackable rings are her latest addition, and at 3 for $150, it's a pretty manageable price compared to many of her other more pricey pieces.

Neckware was absolutely huge on the runways for Spring 09. And what better place to take inspiration than the historical fashion of the Egyptians? Ring collar neck lines seem to be all the rage for next season, Barney's New York, Shopbop and Saks Fifth Avenue are already stocking up, so make sure to pick up a piece for yourself. Only remember to keep the rest of your outfit on a tamer level.

I love traveling. And I don't know when I'll be jet setting somewhere next, but I hope sometime in the near future. Even if it's just a nice little one week getaway to a southern resort. There's nothing like a little rest and relaxation in the sun to re-energize. However, I always have this issue with my toiletries. Not in that I bring too many, actually, that's also a likelihood; but I always find myself wrapping up all of my shampoo bottles and conditioners, body washes and moisturizers in their own individual plastic Ziplocs to prevent any sort of explosion onto my clothing. Because it's happened, and doing laundry as soon as you get to a hotel is never pleasant.

Prada, however has come to the rescue with a much more stylish option of wrapping up my goods. Their nylon travel case has got a ton of little compartments and even some plastic ones for bottles of liquid-y things, like my conditioner. And for those one or two night getaways, it even comes with a few color coded bottles so you can put just enough of what you need inside, for an even easier travel.

That's all, just keep your eyes open.

Much love,

s.

Images c/o listed sources

did you say sex? or did I?

Notice how bras were being sported as actual top in some of the Spring 09 shows?

Apparently bras aren't the only thing that'll be showing up soon. And no, I am not referring to ubershort skirts and shorts so that everyone's panties'll be showing.

I speaking of the much loved garter belts. A.F. Vandervorst showed them in his Spring 09 collection, and after appearing in V Magazine a couple months ago, they seem to be spotted on numerous people all over Europe. Sure trends take a little longer to catch on here then there, and who's to say Westerners are really ready for this trend?

But think, thigh high tights strapped up by a garter belt peaking out of a shirtdress with an oversized cape-coat over top, paired with the perfect sky-high ankle booties. Chic, no?

Gala, from Am-lul, major fashion blogger, pulled off the look perfectly. And I sure as hell bet many of you could as well. Rumi? I think this one's for you.

Much love,

s.

Image c/o Am-lul and V Magazine

a foot fetish

Sneakers can be a real bitch to find. It's all about comfort and classics.

While I like the different styles of Keds, I'm all for a much for stright up look. I don't need the flashy colours, but, mind you, I love a great design or pattern if the colours at more muted.

Which is why I have fallen love with Britsh designers and the London based company, Pointer.

Their sneaker sare styled to the much more classic look in suade, leather and canvases in muted tones like navy, taupes and brown, black, greay and off-white prints. Even the faded scarlet ones are nice.

Pair 'em with skinny trousers or micro shorts and you're good to go.

Much love,

s.

Images c/o Pointer.

ps

Love Rachel Zoe's style in her book.

More love to come.

As always,
s.

vamped up, for spring 09

(Image c/o Style.com)

Even though I love my fairly-typical ripped tights, I am loving the new tights and leggings out for spring 09. It doesn't look like this trend is going to die anytime soon, which I'm thankful for.

They're the best thing to put under winter shorts, great for long tunics and shirt dresses, and, if they're opaque enough, look great with a fitted hoodie and boots for that oh-so-casual campus look girls are loving these days. And last year too, but I seem to be seeing it more around McMaster this year than last.

Anyhow, this spring leggings are getting a style makeover. They're printed with lowers, odd skype designs, feathered, wet-looking, you name it, they have it. The lace and torn ones or uberchic while the prints are making over the whole 90s-esque feel that I love.

As always, I made a trip over to Refinery29 to see if they were documenting anything blog-worthy in terms of photos, and, once again, they most definitely were.

Taking inspiration from the runways, Urban Outfitters, Oak and Revolve Clothing are all carrying trend-worthy picks for this winter that you can carry over into Spring.

From the runways:

(From left to right: Spring looks from Gareth Pugh, Iceburg, Threeasfour, A.F. Vandervorst, all via Style.com.)

Available to you (and, well, me):

(From top to bottom, left to right: Eairth Organic Cotton Manobo Leggings, $155, available at Oak; Les Chiffoniers PVC Leggings, $405, available at Net-A-Porter; Silence & Noise Lace Leggings, $34, available at Urban Outfitters; Sass & Bide Rats Leggings, $176, available at Revolve Clothing and Net-A-Porter; Rag & Bone Stripe Leggings, $265, available at La Garçonne; Costume Dept Abstract Check Leggings, $37, available at Revolve Clothing; Manish Arora Eagle Leggings, $248, available at Oak; WPQ Grey Argyle Leggings, $81, available at Pixie Market; Daryl K Seamed Contour Leggings in Black, $341, available at Revolve Clothing.)

Much love,

s.

Images c/o Refinery29

it had to be done

I had to go to my school bookstore today to pick up some Christmas gifts. I find that books are such good gifts to give because they're directed specifically at the person you're buying for and you usually don't have to dish out any more than $40 for a really good book. Unless of course you're getting a collectors addition of some sort, which is what I splurged on for my brother because I know he'll really love this book. He's a ridiculous music connoisseur, and, well, it's just too perfect for him.

Anyhow, I was browsing the shelves and after watching six episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project this weekend, all of which I have already seen a good three or four times, I found myself scanning the shelves for her book, Style: A to Zoe. I went through the entire fashion section and could not find it so I went to the clerk just to see if they were getting more in stock and she said they had one left.

One single copy.

I was overjoyed. And the best part? It was under the gifts section so it was on sale for a mere ten dollars! I was overjoyed especially since I had just brought an old textbook to the buy back section, for which I received $35.

So now I have an extra twenty bucks and Rachel Zoe in my purse. On, and the new issue of Interview. I couldn't walk past it and not pick it up for three dollars. It was a must-have purchase and I haven't bought a magazine in so long, I needed to treat myself after all of this studying for the past week and for the lack of shopping that's been filling my life for the longest time.

Now I just have to make it through another day of studying until 9pm, with a meeting downtown for our IC Fashion show in between, and then I can cozy up with a glass of wine and enjoy Rachel all night.

Much love,

s.

not just for your grandmother's closet

I love velvet. Actually, when I think of it, I remember this horrendous royal-purple dress one of my great-aunts made for me when I was about six of seven years old. It was mid-calf length, had these slightly puffed out sleeves and this doily-looking neck piece with miniature roses sewn onto it.

I think it was some sort of Christmas present she thought I could wear on special occasions or whatnot. I don't think I wore it more than once, and it was to the family Christmas-dinner several days following.

Needless to say, I known my appreciation for velvet has changed since then, mind you, I have been encountering it in a far different state, such as structured coats, fitted and tailored blazers, chic cigarette-tight trousers and as adornment on fedoras and bowler hats.

I sort of dislike that velvet is seen as a autumn fabric, though. Because it typically looks best in black, shades of grey and deep jeweled tones, many people have the idea that these colours have to be saved for the months when nights last longer than days and switching from sun-streaked highlights to deep auburn hair will compliment their new knits.

I, however, would like to believe otherwise. If they made high-waisted, micro velvet shorts, I can guarantee you I would be one of the first to buy them.

So although it was many designers who chose to show their velvet for fall/winter 08, and only a select few designers, such as, Anne Valerie Hash and Marios Schwab (respectively in title photo and below photo),chose to velvet for Spring 09, I'm throwing my hands up and slipping on my velvet not just today, or next month, but, hell, you'll see me in it in June as well.


Much love,
s.

Images c/o Style.com

top me up

I seem to think that hats are quite nice this season. I'm not usually one for hats. But I seem to be noticing them far more often on store shelves and while online.. "browsing" let's call it.

Anyhow, I remembered a style feature Refinery29 ran on hats for guys and gals for fall and winter and I thought about rechecking it to see if anything was worth posting. As usual, there was. Those people over at R29 really know their shit, I'm telling you.

I'm really in love with the cloche/derby/bowler style hats, and of course the fedoras, carried over from last season. I'm also really into the bomber hats for these great Canadian winters. Luckily, my mum bought me one last winder that's an oatmeal knit with a really great dark brown faux fur interior and ear/forehead flaps. It's super cute in a snow-lodge kind of way.

The new berets are also super chic. But it seems to all be about going for something a little different, whether the hat's made of cashmere rather than felt, or has embroidery or embellishment on it. I loved the grey feather cloche hate from Urban Outfitters.

Here are a few of my most loved from the R29 piece:

(From top to bottom: Urban Outfitters Nylon Bomber Hat, $34, available at Urban Outfitters NYC; Victor Osborne Ruffle Cloche Hat, $295, available at La Garçonne; Urban Outfitters Feather Cloche Hat, $42, available at Urban Outfitters; Top Shop Sequin Beret, $32, available at Top Shop; Steven Alan Sabina Beret, $175, available at Steven Alan; Top Shop Felt Trilby Hat, $40, available at NAME; Bailey Ephod Hat, $47, available at Hats.com; A.P.C. Wool Cap, $110, available at A.P.C..)

The later posted piece on head-wear for men was even far more appealing to me than the hats I could potentially buy for myself. But you know me and menswear.

I find hats for men are fairly consistent, trendiness-wise. There'll always be beanies, trapper hats, bowlers, fedoras, you know the drill. But it's the way the appear that makes them different season to season. Whether it'd more colour, different prints, and even appearances like feathers, such as Rag & Bone's Porkpie hats for this season. The shapes and fits are always changing and it seems while fits for women's hats are slightly larger this season, there'll justa tad smaller for men. Beanies are tights, bowlers are tinier and trappers are nice and snug.

Here are my men's R29 picks:

(From top to bottom: Urban Outfitters Wool Beanie, $28, available at Urban Outfitters; Rag & Bone Porkpie Hats, $150 each, available at Rag & Bone NYC; Victor Osborne Roland Hat, $275, available at Revolve Clothing; Urban Outfitters Russian Bomber hat, $32, available at Urban Outfitters; L.L. Bean Mad Bomber Hat, $39.50, available at L.L. Bean; Opening Ceremony Lumberjack Cap, $143, available at Tobi; L.L. Bean Warden's Hat, $45, available at L.L. Bean; J. Crew Wool Woodsman Cap, $58, available at J. Crew.)

There you have it. Your head-wear necessities for winter because Canada is far to cold to let your ears freeze over. Did you know it's -20 degrees celcius with the wind chill today!? Blood hell.

Much love,
s.

Images c/o Refinery29

oh, here we go again

With my university, I am on the executive committe working to create a fashion show in March in support of Invisible Children, an organized first founded out of California to support children in Uganda who are in need of school, water sanitation systems and proper hygine in general.

We just had another meeting. I think this has been our fifth, in the last four weeks. I am becoming very excited about it and now that we are finalizing out sponsorship packages to hand out to clothing companies and large organizations, the real work is beginning.

It'll be a great event with an intimate seating of four hundred people. If you have any suggestions for sponsorship or are interested in sponsorship yourself, don't forget to give me a holler.

act the responsibility by sarahbeukema

Much love,
s.

never win

I have been going through some sort of self-realization process right now. Figuring out what I want, how to get it, and what I am going to have to do to get there. It's making me rethink my priorities, where I'm at right now and what's worth hanging onto. Therefore, what I also have to let go.

It's a point of finding what's important to me, who's important to me what what and who I want with me in the future. It's finding out who's going to be there for me if all this fails, or if it all succeeds. It'll be the people who won't judge, who'll support and who may need to carry me, if need be, in the end.

Maybe it's the negativity rising or the pessimist in me, but there are very few of you. And I'm sure you all know who you are already. And if you don't think it's you, but want it to be, because I may want it to, we'll both step up, and play this game.

This, this, is who I am from here on out.

don't you want to help me? tell me what to do. by sarahbeukema

I don‘t need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
Don‘t you wanna help me
Tell me what to do
Help me find a

It‘s all made worse by a simple
Can‘t decide sometimes if it‘s worth the point
The point is the struggle, insecurity
Hopefully, you make no mistake
If you learn from what you‘ve got to take
Good or bad, it‘s all gonna add up in the end

- never win by fisherspooner

Much love,
s.

more pussycat

I was able to retrieve more photos of the Pussycat Dolls for La Senza collection thanks to Sympatico.ca being my work computer's homepage. I always wondered if that would be of use somehow.

However, even though some of the looks I think are sassy, sexy, and totally wearable, others I find to be far too costume-y and ridiculously over the top. Some of them have a punk-ish vibe which I don't really think stems from the aura the Pussycat Dolls give off. Anyways, here are the looks I've got for you:

Of all of the sets, I am really only inclined to like the black and cream cami/bra and panty sets. They're not over the top, they're very sensual and they're something I would love to wear, and I know would love to be seen.

Much love,

s.

Images c/o Sympatico