Fall Fads

Now that fall is fully underway - actually where I am I would more call it winter - I thought it would be a good time to discuss some of the trends that I have been appreciating lately. While I do find summer dressing to be a bit easier (no layers, no tights, no jackets bunching up under your coat, and a much simpler shoe situation), there is something decidedly cozy about fall fashions. Rich colours, comfy sweaters, chic boots, fur, and lovely cashmere. So, here are a few of my top trends for fall.
  
Leather Skirt

I have a skirt similar to the one above (this one is by Dolce Vita), and I have been getting lots of wear out of it. I pair it with sweaters or blouses, and I find it looks really great with tall boots. This time of year I wear it with tights, but come spring I will wear it bare legged with some killer shoes. The skirt shown is the "new" shirt shape, a full style, sometimes with pleats. This style is pretty much universally flattering, just be sure you don't go too short. Give leather a go! And FYI, faux leather can look great too. My skirt is real leather, but the one above is faux, and it looks just as nice.



Embellished Sweatshirt





This is a trend that has been on my radar, but I haven't yet taken the plunge and tried it out yet. I really need to hop on this bandwagon ASAP though, since this trend combines two of my very favorite things: comfy sweatshirts and shiny jewels. The grey sweatshirt on the top is from J. Crew, and it is definitely very nice. But then there is the Lanvin one, embellished with BEETLES! Yes, beetles. Amazing, I know. Sadly, it is somewhere is the $1,500 range. Maybe this is a bandwagon I won't be jumping on afterall. There is always Zara or Forever 21...


Statement Necklace














Second only to shoes, the statement necklace is my go-to accessory of choice. An extremely versatile piece, a bold necklace can elevate a plain T-shirt or sweater, add glitz to a basic blazer, and of course, is the perfect finishing touch to your party dress. From top to bottom: J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Erikson Beamon for Club Monaco. The J. Crew and Club Monaco styles have a more vintage feel to them, with the mix of different crystals. The gold link necklace has more of an edgy look, but the pave crystals add some glamour.

The 2013 Emmy Awards

This past Sunday was TV's biggest night. Which means it's the night when all the lesser-known stars come out in their red carpet finest. There were definitely some hits, although nothing really to die for. As for those who missed the mark, they REALLY missed it, which means that you definitely don't want to miss it! Read on.

The Best:

 

5.  Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein.

Calvin Klein truly is the king of minimalism. The cut of this is so perfect, and I love the sliver of midriff she is flashing (no belly buttons!). I like that she softened the severe dress with her loose curls.

4. Maria Menounos in Zac Posen.
I am extremely into statement necklaces lately, and I love this one. This fit of this gown is perfection, and I like the details around the neckline. I am really loving her braid, but I wish her hair had a little less volume on the top, and I also wish her boobs looked a little less fake.

3. Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez.
I am obsessed with this colour! OBSESSED. Cobalt blue was a big colour for fall this year, and I am loving it on Tina. The cut of the gown is really flattering, and she looks fabulous.

2. Malin Akerman in Marchesa.
This is so ethereal and angelic. I love that she kept the accessories to a minimum since the details of the dress are so intricate already. The colour is almost an ice blue, which I love and I really like her hair. Brava!























1. Kerry Washington in Marchesa.
I love Marchesa. They do glamorous red carpet gowns like almost no one else. The applique on this gown is simply stunning. The best word I can think of to describe this is dreamy. She looks like a beautiful fairy princess. Every girl's dream, right?



And now for the worst! There were some doozies.

5. Heidi Klum in Versace.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, for a supermodel, Heidi Klum truly has terrible style. This looks like a superhero costume. The neckline is completely crazy. All wrong. I just pictured Donatella Versace wearing this, and it just seemed all right somehow.

4. Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham.
We can see her underwear. On the red carpet. Who is her stylist? Who on earth let her out like this?

3. Paula Abdul
WTF. This is all kinds of wrong. The gold lame reveals every glorious wrinkle in the gown, which is always attractive on the red carpet. The turtleneck appears to be swallowing her up, and she has that crazy look in her eye that she's known for...

2. Zosia Mamet in Honor.
While I do think that this is a really pretty print, it definitely does not work on a gown. I am most disturbed by her boobs, though! What, exactly is happening there? The little leather bandeau appears to be about three sizes too small, and it keeps bringing to mind electrical tape. This is all kinds of wrong.

1. Lena Dunham in Prada.
I feel like Lena Dunham prides herself on looking extremely unattractive, which is probably the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. She really could look about a thousand percent better than she chooses to. This is probably the most unflattering dress she could have chosen, it makes her look about as big as a house, which is not the case at all. Again, this print is all wrong for a gown. Then there is her hair situation. She could really do a lot better.

Make Your Point!

While always a classic, the pointed toe pump has become a major trend in the past few seasons.While I do still love a good platform, I find myself being drawn more and more towards single sole style shoes lately. The main downside to single sole shoes is that they are often not as comfortable as platforms, but the upside is that in your chic platform-less heels you will never be mistaken for a stripper. Over the course of the past six years or so, most of my shoe shopping experiences have included the question, "is this too hooker-ish?" It's a nice change to know that going forward I will no longer have a little stripper in the back of my head saying "I would totally wear those to work."
I believe that since the pointy pump literally goes with everything (jeans, a suit, cropped pants, almost any skirt, even certain styles of shorts!), having three pairs is the perfect amount. One in black, one in nude or tan, and one in a bright colour. However, this could easily be expanded to include metallics, leopard, navy, grey, or a variety of different prints and colours. Here are a few of my favorites.

 

 

 Sigh...how I love these ones from the Louis Vuitton merry-go-round collection from spring 2012. If these were still available and I had a spare $1,000 or so, my only problem would be choosing between the ivory crocodile or the robin's egg blue.

Dior s/s 2013.
 I am literally dying. I would do some very bad things to get my hands on a pair of these. I would definitely give up not only my first born child, but any and all children I ever have. But since I don't really like children too much, maybe that's not enough of a sacrifice. I would give up my old stripper-ish Fendis (which I still secretly love). I know! I would go to the dump every day for a month. I recently went there and it is my least favorite place that I have ever gone. So I think that if I went there for a whole month, I would totally deserve a pair of these.

 

 Casadei deep blue crocodile pumps.
Oooh, These would be a perfect work shoe, for those of you who have an office-type of work situation. And yet, they would also be perfect for those of us that are free to be more fashion-forward, since these totally are!

Casadei Blade pump.
Now I know the argument could be made that the "blade" heel negates these fab stunners from being your classic black pump, but really who wants their classic black pump to be boring? Not moi! Also Vicky B. wore these in the suede version, and you can't argue with Posh!

Stuart Weitzman Nouveau pump.


A colour wheel of Manolo Blahnik BB pumps. It makes me sad that these will never fit me....too narrow Mr. Blahnik! Side note: This shoe was named BB after Brigitte Bardot. Other side note: Vicky B. has worn this one also. Of course she has!



And now I thought that I would perhaps share a few styles that normal (under privileged?) people like myself can afford.




This blue suede (real suede!) d'orsay pump is from Zara. I really feel that this is the perfect colour for wearing all year round. some of the more minty or turquoise shades really read summer, but this one would work right through the winter.





These are a few of the colours that this Topshop pump is available in. My personal favorite is the pink, but I also love the white. However, if you are going to have a pair of white suede shoes, don't plan on them being an everyday shoe, but rather an extra splurge. Once they get any scuffs or stains, they will look terrible, and cheap.



Guess by Marciano blue suede pumps. This is a great spring/summer colour, and I still think it could be worn into the fall with tights.

Some of My Spring Outfits

Hello! I just wanted to show you what I have been wearing this spring so far. I will try to keep posting more pictures of my own outfits. Maybe I can do a whole week of looks for you!

Oh, how I love white jeans! I just wish they would stay white...

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Sweater: Vintage, courtesy of Vanessa Lynn Cuppen

Shoes: Miu Miu

Necklace: Vintage

Bracelet: gift from Hawaii

Watch (worn throughout): Michael Kors

This jacket is amazing. You can't see the back i this picture, buts its all cropped at the back, and its looks so cool.
Jacket: Finders Keepers available at Mealan
Tank: Splendid
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Shoes: Miu Miu
Belt: J. Crew
Cuff: from The Bay

This is my Parisienne look. Although, I'm not sure if French women wear shorts. I read Ines de la Fressange's book on being Parisienne-chic and she had an awful lot of rules. I feel like her book was aimed at women older than me though, and I would agree that as you age there are definitely some rules you should follow. Anyway, I think I look kind of French here. Navy shorts, sailor shirt, and a silk scarf. taa-daa, c'est chic, n'est pa?
Top: Splendid
Shorts: Liquid from Mealan
Shoes: Miu Miu
Scarf: Vintage from my Granny

What to Wear to a Canadian Cabin (or Cottage if you are in the east)

Greeting, followers! Ha. Just be glad I didn't say minions. I am going to a cabin on a lake this summer for about a week. I have gone to a different cabin on a different lake the last two summers (thank you James Michell), but this one I'm going to this year is actually in a little town and I will be there for longer, so I feel like more outfit planning is in order. At James's cabin all I wore was shorts, a swimsuit, flip flops and a little sundress, since the one and only pub in the town shut down (it's a Hell's Angels front, but that's another story), and we literally only left his cabin to go to a food truck. This year I plan on expanding my cabin-clothing repertoire.

. 

Kors Michael Kors patent leather and cork sandal.
This is perfect for if you want to be slightly more polished than a flip flop, or if you are going to be doing a bit  more walking than is comfortable in flip flops. Not recommended for hiking though! I love the neon pink colour combined with the natural cork. They would look amazing with a navy skirt or shorts.




I really feel like boat shoes and cabins go hand in hand, since often people who have cabins are rich so they will also have a boat. Or, preferably, a yacht. Both of these pairs are Sperry Top Siders, the original boat shoes from Massachusetts. I love the pink patent combined with plaid, and the gold is a great neutral. I have an old pair of gold boat shoes and I even wore them on my dad's yacht (side note: my dad is Mr. Sailboat, and yet he hates these type of shoes. Maybe it's because he is a West Coat sailor, and these shoes are more East Coast) but they are Michael Kors, and I feel like I should have a pair of real boat shoes. The cool thing about Sperry is that in more recent years they have started focusing on the fashion aspect of their brand, but have remained true to their roots as a boating shoe company. All of the shoes still have proper no-slip rubber soles in white rubber so they don't leave marks on your pristine deck.




Since I have a terrible addiction to buying swimsuits (a totally impractical addiction for someone who lives in Canada), I feel the need to buy at least one new one every year. This year I really want a fringe one. The one above is from Luli Fama. L*Space does some cool fringe ones also, if you have some extra money to burn.

This minty turquoise number might have to be mine...This one is by Vitamin A Silver Swimwear.

This dress is from the H&M Conscious Collection. A maxidress is a summertime must have, and is a perfect piece to bring on a trip, since you just throw it on and you don't have to worry about mixing tops and bottoms. Now, some might say that this is too dressy for a cabin, but I say it is always preferable to be overdressed than underdressed. Besides, paired with some flat sandals or wedges, it would be perfect for a BBQ, or a dinner out on a patio if your cabin is near a restaurant.



Shorts are a must at a cabin. I love these pink ones from J.Crew and they are currently available in a whole rainbow of shades. Denim shorts are a great option too, but these chino ones can be dressed up more easily. The Gap is another great place to find cute (and cheap) shorts.                                                                                                                                                                          

 

 If you are going to be hanging out in the sun a hat is a must to prevent a scalp sunburn (I got one last year, and it is horrible). A hat is also great for hiding hideous ocean or lake hair. Double duty, I love it! A casual fedora is perfect for a cabin. The one above is from Zara, similar styles are available online and in store.









If you want something a little more glam (and also something that provides a little more sun protection), try a wide-brimmed sun hat. I know that this outfit is hardly cabin-appropriate, but maybe some of you readers have mansions in the Hamptons instead of cabins! And also, I just absolutely love this outfit. You could definitely take this hat and pair it with something more casual if your cabin is a little more low-key.
 Hat: Zara
Jumpsuit: Sportmax
Shoes: YSL
Clutch: Bottega Veneta
Oh, look at that! The hat is the only part of this outfit that I can afford.


A jean jacket is the perfect topper for when you are at a cabin. It goes with anything (although, I have to say that I am still not on board with the whole denim-on-denim trend, so I will not be pairing my jean jacket with jeans. There is a reason this look is referred to as the Canadian Tuxedo, in a non-complimentary way. That reason is because when you wear denim on denim, you look like a logger). A jean jacket looks great with coloured denim, or white denim, or black denim, and any other non-denim item. Over a sundress or a maxidress. With the pink shorts I showed above...so many options! The one pictured here is from Levi's, the classic choice when it comes to denim.
Throw all this, plus some jeans, a hoodie (for cooler nights), a beach bag (I like straw or raffia ones), maybe some bangles, and of course, some fab sunnies into your suitcase, and hit the cabin!

The Great Gatsby Version 2.0

This past weekend I went to see the new Baz Luhrmann directed film The Great Gatsby. I know that lots of people thought the original with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow was better, and some people hated the Jay-Z directed soundtrack, but I loved it! Luhrmann decided to use the modern music of Jay-Z, because he wanted the audience to feel like they were hearing something new for the first time, in a similar manner to how people in the twenties would have felt hearing jazz music. "We've got to get the audience to feel how it must have felt to hear jazz for the first time at a party, you need to feel how scintillating, extraordinary, new and dynamic these things were; there needs to be a frisson of the new for people to actually understand what it was really like to be there in the Twenties,"(Vogue.co.uk) he said. I think that I would have to see the original film again to really determine which one I prefer, but at this point I would say that they are very different, and each film offers it's own pros and cons. The point of this blog, however, is of course, to discuss the fashion, which was plentiful and amazing. Tiffany designed a special collection of 1920s inspired pieces for this film, and if you are a baller you can go right ahead and buy some for yourself! Catherine Martin was the costume designer for the film and she worked with Muiccia Prada and Brooks Brothers to bring the roaring twenties fashion to the big screen. The 1920s trend definitely came onto the fashion scene last spring, when the anticipation for the film first began to grow. We saw it last year at Gucci and Ralph Lauren to name a few, and this year the trend is still going strong, especially now that The Great Gatsby is in theatres.

Three 1920s-inspired looks from the Ralph Lauren s/s 2012 runway. Another look from this collection was worn by Camilla Belle to the Met Gala last year, and she took my number spot for best dressed! Check her out here: http://www.clairesversailles.blogspot.ca/2012/05/costume-institure-gala-at-met-2012.html

This one is for the boys! Because there is a car. This is Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby, wearing a gorgeous lace dress, hat and T-strap shoes. T-strap shoes or sandals are an excellent way to bring a little Jazz Age flair to your look this summer.

Gucci t-strap sandal s/s 2012

Runway to real life! Camilla Belle in Gucci s/s 2012 on the right. This gal looks greats in flapper styles! In fact, I think she looks significantly better than the model.

A freaking amazing Art Deco-inspired purse by Gucci.

One way to get two men to fight over you is to pair fur with copious amounts of jewels, as we see Daisy doing here. Also take note of the golden snake on the bannister: amazing.

 Daisy's approach to accessories is more is more. Sometimes I tend to agree! Coco Chanel said that you should always take one thing off before you leave the house, but Daisy had a different approach. I mean, she has diamonds, pears, a headband, and fur! Totally fab.

Carey Mulligan on set. I love her hat! I wish she was wearing it...

A closer look at the one Prada design worn by Daisy in the film. Many of the secondary characters wore designs by Prada. On the right is the original Prada design, which was reworked for the film. The chandelier gown features an interlocking web of drop crystals, and Daisy wears it to a big party at Gatsby's mansion.

 It takes a real man to pull off a pink suit!

 These are the Great Gatsby windows at the Tiffany flagship store in NYC. Just as a side note, those old fashioned champagne glasses were originally modeled after Marie Antoinette's breasts.

 

One of my favorite pieces from the Tiffany collection is this pearl necklace with a tassel pendant.

Don't worry, though, if you can't afford the diamonds and pearls, or you prefer to spend your money on shoes and clothes, this next segment is for you.

The Gigi fringed wedge from Charlotte Olympia. I have a dress that looks like this, which is maybe a more conventional way to wear fringe, but I think this shoe is awesome! And a totally modern interpretation of a classic flapper look. It can be all yours for only 725 pounds! Ha, I wish.

Charlotte Olympia's blue and pink Perfume clutches. Really, just go to her website if you want some modern day jazz-age accessories. But only if you like to dream or if you have a fat wallet.

For a more wallet-friendly bit of Jazz Age style try a Gatsby-esque boater hat. This one is Goorin Brothers and is $54 at www.goorin.com. I'm sure you could find one for less somewhere like H&M or the Bay.

Flat t-strap sandals from Zara. These are available on their website now for $49.99. Now, I'm pretty sure Daisy Buchanan would not have worn flats, but a modern day gal needs at least a couple pairs in her repertoire and they would look really cute with shorts.

Daisy would totally wear these, though. Also available at Zara for $89.90.




A fringe dress by Versace...this would be a lot more awesome if it didn't slightly remind me of human hair. I think if I could forget that, then I would love it.





A fringed dress from H & M's Conscious Collection for spring 2013. I feel like the really long fringe makes it more modern, since that is a little different than most fringe dresses you see. The dress is made from 100% recycled materials. As far as I can tell, though it is only available in the UK. It retails for 79.99 pounds, so maybe if you want it super badly, you could order it online.

So why not try some Jazz Age glamour at the next party you go to? A little fringe, a lot of pearls, feathers, a hat, or something Art Deco-inspired, perhaps. Just make sure you have fun, because we all know they sure did back in the twenties!

Cheers to that!