Red and Pink all over

It’s that day again, it regrettably comes every year no matter what you do, the day you loathe just as much as I do, you know what I’m talking about people, I’m talking about big bad Valentines Day.

I usually spend this day eating cheezies and watching 80s movie like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club (sometimes I wish I lived in an 80's musical but thats a whole different issue). 

Anyways....this year I’ve decided to stop being an evil crazed Valentines Day hater and embrace it this holiday for what it really is.

Instead of being a hater and continuing to complain, I want to show you the most romantic life-altering tear shedding love stories of all time (in MY opinion, this is my blog after all) for you and you’re lovely significant other.
Please enjoy my little munchkins.

Let’s begin with the Notebook

…ah yes, my eyes fog up just thinking about this one, it’s a goodie.
I cry every single time...

….what? 

Like you don’t?

'If you're a bird, I'm a bird'

I usually tear up around this part...

Next up we have A Walk to Remember. 

I was 12 when I first watched this movie and I instantly fell head over heels in love with Shane West, he was the perfect example of that 'bad boy goes good thing' that all young girl's yearn for.

I was always jealous of that Jamie Sullivan...

Jack + Rose = True Love

.....enough said

Titanic = heart wrenching love story

This next black and white movie warms my little heart.

Nothing beats Casablanca

Here's looking at you, kid

And because this list would never be complete without the most tragically beautiful love story of all time. I give you,
Romeo and Juliet. 

Yes, these are from the original movie, 1968 baby, look it up

Bohemian

Bohemian style is about being comfortable in your own skin and showing the world who you are and what you’re all about.

Bohemian style was inspired by the hippie movement in the 60s (flower child anyone?), so think blue jeans, peasant blouses, fringe (on anything!), beads, and headbands. Anything loose and flowy is ideal.

So I ask you, are you sitting there stroking your chin and wondering how to pull off a bohemian look?  Are you not sure what you'll need? Are you frustrated by my pointless questions because you know I don't really want to hear the answers? Okay don't answer that last one because I'm about to explain (try to explain is more like it) and show you everything you'll need to pull off that great boho look we all want and love!

Well first of all you need a carefree attitude...yes i said carefree 

(You don't HAVE to pose this way but it is highly recommended, I mean no one can say they don't look laid back and free right?)

You can’t have a bohemian style if you’re trying to consistently follow rules and regulations ladies. Bohemian style is about being laid back and creative, you’re focus is on movement and self-expression, you can’t be a bohemian in tight fitting clothes, it just doesn’t work. 

MK is a true bohemian, you never see this gal in anything tight!

A peasant blouse is essential to any carefree girl’s wardrobe. Peasant blouses come in many shapes and sizes so make sure you find ones that show off your personality and work with your body type.  

You’ll also need a 60s style caftan (usually belted - you don’t want to look prego do you?) and a few colourful tunics (some people can make a tunic work as a minidress but when in doubt, throw some jeans or capris underneath, you don’t want to pull a Lindsay Lohan (sorry Lins) and be flashing everyone you walk by, do you!)

Heres a great example of a tunic dress worn with an oversized floppy hat. perfect perfect perfect!

The next thing you’ll need is the loose hippie skirt that flows to the ground. (floor length skirts can be hard to pull off so if you’re not sure about it, that’s fine, opt for a loose calf length skirt instead.)

I know you know you can’t pull off that chic boho look without romantic fluid dresses, so get to it, go shopping and buy yourself a few! Try calf-floor length dresses with paisley prints or romantic floral prints.  But remember, if you’re going to wear a dress with a lot going on, then keep your accessories to a minimum, you don’t want to look like a crazy lady!

Take a cue from Nicole Richie, I love her flowy dress and braided headband 

Add a fur vest or coat to your outfit when you’re going out. It can add endless glamour to your look. You can throw a fur vest over virtually anything and it will make any outfit look polished and complete…even if what you’re wearing underneath is a spaghetti stained top (yes, I am speaking from my personal experience).

Mary kate and Ashley have great bohemian style, and check out that fur! Mmmmmm yeah!

Now lets talk accessories shall we…

Accessories are crucial, I repeat CRUCIAL when it comes to your bohemian look.  

Everyone should have some sort of boho bag even if bohemians not their style. Try a slouchy bag with fringe, patchwork, leather, or beading, (you have no idea how much of an impact a fringed bag can have on ones outfit, it’s insane!)  

One word. Perfection.

Because bohemian style is all about casual comfort, boots are a must. Fringed boots are a great option and they go with almost everything. Slouchy boots are also great and come in a variety of styles. Try a wedged boot for night, it will help elongate those legs of yours.

Kate Moss in vintage fur and moccasin boots. What can I even say? She always looks incredible. 

To give an outfit an instant bohemian feel, just add a few long necklaces, chunky rings, dangly earrings, and thick bangles. You can wear jewelry made out of virtually anything from African beads, wood, leather, stones, crystals, metal, rope, or, well you get the idea…it can be made from just about anything! 

Pile on that jewelry girl, show em' how its done! (Verushka, 1969)

Silk scarves are also a must. They can be worn around your waist as a belt or wrapped around your head as a headband.

Ignore the fact that this girl is naked and check out that scarf headband! Girlfriends got it going on

Okay so I know I skipped over a few things here and there but hey, I'm not perfect. It's up to YOU to figure out the rest, after all I'm not your mother! (I joke), just make sure that whatever you decide to buy and wear you know it suits YOUR individual personality!

Remember, don't get too caught up in putting your outfits together. It's not meant to feel like work, it should be an enjoyable experience, so take risks, be bold, and have fun out there!

Classic

Let's begin with a quote from Miss Coco Chanel herself.
'Innovation!  One cannot be forever innovating. I want to create Classics."
Ahh yes, you said it girlfriend.
Everyone knows what 'classic style' is, you've see it in old movies and read about it in all the magazines.
Having a classic style does not give you the right to ignore fashion trends though ladies, please don't wear the same thing over and over and try to use the poor excuse of 'these penny loafers are classic, my style is classic damn it, these holes are classic, it's just a worn in look!' I'm sorry but it just won't cut it.
You should however stick to pieces you know work for you and will work for you in the future.
It is important to constantly look fresh by adding your own personal twist to your classic outfits. Just because you're dressing a bit more conservatively than some people doesn't mean you should look boring.

Let's quickly take a look at a list of things you will probably have or need if you're style is Classic.
First of all, a little black dress is a must. It is important to find the perfect little black dress that suits YOU, it doesn't have to be the trendy, in fact, it shouldn't be.

Next we have the Suit. I think this one's pretty self explanatory. You can always mix and match different pieces of your suit to create new looks like Jackie O always did...

You should also invest in a beautiful trench coat. Trench coats scream classic in so many ways.

Take a cue from miss Brigitte Bardot, she had amazing style.

You will also need a white button down shirt (obviously), a pencil skirt (knee length preferably), a pull over sweater, a striped fisherman's sweater, tailored trousers (wide legs perhaps?), a simple long fur coat (go faux of you don't approve of the real deal), ballet flats, aviators or oversized sunnies, black closed toe pumps, leather gloves (it gets cold out there!), simple sandals, suspenders and ties (you know you want to), a simple black or brown handbag, loafers (you NEED loafers people), and last but not least, a simple and elegant watch.

Now you know as much as I know about Classic style, how does it feel? Good? Bad?  Different...? 

Well I hope this helped because there are many posts to come about different Styles and how to achieve them.

Enjoy your night my babies    

Style Categories

Over the next few weeks, I've decided to have some fun (at your expense, sorry!) and try my best to explain and define a few different style categories.
We'll begin with Classic style, then move right along to Bohemian style, and perhaps jump over and discuss Minimal style. High Fashion will be next, then Street style, and perhaps i'll even take a stab at explaining and defining Eclectic style. I'll play it by ear, anyways how does that sound?
Thats what i thought.

After all....

C time

It’s hard to remember what Celine was like without Phoebe Philo….yup, I can't remember.

She’s completely revolutionized the house and continues to amaze me time and time again. Celine’s pre-fall collection focused on boyish looks, masculine tailoring, and fabric play with a nod to girls and boys from the 50s. The collection was full of dazzling and spectacular pieces that I NEED as soon as possible…seriously.

I am in love with these metallic cigarette pants, I stared at them for a solid 5 minutes before clicking to view the next look….

Anyways, like I said before, fabric play was a major theme in this collection. There was plenty of playful patchwork, denim colour-blocking, lots of fabulous tartan, tweeds, houndstooths, and beautiful shiny and matte silks. Celine made a strong tailoring statement in the collection with boxy jackets and trench coats, cigarette pants, clean simple buttoned up shirts, and many different asymmetrical hemlines. The collection was simply Divine. Well done Phoebe, you've done it again.

Those eyes

Beauty photographs constantly inspire me. I have a weakness for eye makeup, the crazier and bigger the better. Here are just a few photos that have grabbed my attention in the last week….

It's time to be bold

Since it's almost time to put away those thick winter clothes (yayyy!) I thought this would be a good time to refresh those brain cells of yours and discuss some fun trends for spring. I've been living in black, grey, and navy all winter so I'm really feelin' the bright colour craze for spring.
As you already know (and hopefully can remember from september), many designers decided to show bold and crazy prints for spring 2011 which I am a huge fan of.
Miuccia Prada was a favourite of mine because she decided to go a little further with it. Her collection was full of screamingly bright colours, lots of stripes, and of course wild and fabulous banana and monkey prints ( I need a banana printed jumpsuit STAT).
Moschino Cheap & Chic also had some bright and wild lemon prints, extreme poka dots, and tops and dresses with pearls attached to all over. I hope all of you follow suit and bring you’re A game this spring because it is time to show em what we got. Wear your brightest and loudest fruity prints and have some fun out there

Prada

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Moschino Cheap & Chic

and some more Prada

Boy meets Girl

I have a major soft spot for womenswear inspired by menswear, it’s just so perfect. I love that a woman can look strong, powerful, and confident while maintaining a certain sexiness to her outfit, I mean it’s the best of both worlds, right?

We have a few people to thank for recently popularizing this androgynous trend but we’ll get to that in a minute. Yves Saint Laurent was after all the first to create the famous ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo suit for women in his Spring 1966 collection so we should really thank him first. He pioneered minimalist, androgynous styles for women, as well as the use of pantsuits in modern-day society. Mr. Laurent literally revolutionized the way women dressed forever on and has continued to influence fashion designer’s ever since. 

Agyness Deyn, Alexa Chung, and Chloe Sevigny are just a few of the women who have jumped on board and rode the androgynous trend to the top….so thanks ladies, YSL would be proud. When YOU decide to join in on the fun (if you haven't already), go steal some clothing from your boyfriend or brother, he will have everything you need to get started. Remember to wear oversized blazers, loose-fitting suit separeates, and collard shirts. If you're feeling a little riskier, then please, add suspenders or a bowtie, extra points if you wear both! You'll look fabulous, don't worry.
But if you want to add a bit of femininity to your new look I understand, just add a belt, some jewelry, and perhaps some high platform pumps and you'll be good to go. Here are a few photos to get your brain juices movin’...

YSL's 'Le Smoking' circa 1975

Agyness Deyn

Alexa Chung

Chloe Sevigny

Marlene Dietrich in the 30s (oh so brilliant!!!)

Personal Style

Do you look better in huge oversized shades or small, Lennon-like sunglasses? How does a beret suit you? What about a tricorne hat? Are you more comfortable with a tiny clutch or an enormous bag that fit's your entire life in it? It's important to think and notice these things about yourself so you can begin figuring out what your style really is.
Defining personal style can clearly be a challenge but let’s give it a try nonetheless...

In my opinion style is a way of putting yourself together according to your mood and having enough confidence to show who you really are no matter what. It’s important to experiment with your clothing, you never know what’s going to work for you unless you give it a try, so go forth my children and wear the most daring and existing thing you can pull together, it could change your outlook on everything....or it could be a total disaster and you could end up looking like an idiot for the day...either way you’ll learn something new about yourself and isn't that worth it?
Feel free to make mistakes with your outfits - if you're not making mistakes then you're not pushing the envelope hard enough, and that will make getting dressed every morning extremely boring.

When I am out and about, I am constantly noticing what people are wearing around me (I can’t help it, it's like a disease). I find that I am always more intrigued by the people who have tried something a little bit different with their outfit, something is always slightly off but it makes them more appealing somehow. 

Anyways I'm rambling too much, let’s take a look at a few people who I think have amazing personal style and go from there...

Kate Moss can wear absolutely anything and still look like herself, she knows exactly how to combine different pieces to make a unique look all her own. 

Mary kate and Ashley Olsen have incredible personal style, they prefer to start trends instead of follow them.

Last but definitely not least, Chloe Sevigny. She has remarkable personal style, she's not afraid to push the limits and just go for it. I love love love her!

So to conclude this post I am giving you all a little bit of homework...yes i said homework!
Tomorrow morning instead of reaching for jeans and a t-shirt or whatever it is you usually wear, try mixing it up and wearing something different. I know there's something in your closet that you're too afraid to wear because you're not sure if it's 'cool' or 'trendy'. Well I say suck it up and just wear it! And wear it proudly, you'll be glad you did, no matter what the outcome.

Give your back some lovin'

When was the last time you stopped and said ‘hey, how does my back look in this top?’
That’s what I thought, it was a long time ago and you know what, it’s time to give your back some much needed attention! 

Add some shaaaaabang to your outfit with tops that have cutouts all over the place. You can buy these babies from Urban Outfitters but if you don’t feel like spending any moolah on it, thats fine, I understand, take some scissors to an old plain top and go crazy! Cut that shirt up like it’s goin’ out of business, you’ll thank me later. 

These last two are favourites of mine, they clearly didn't know when to put the scissors down...I like it