An OMFG Guide to Spring/Summer 2011 Essentials!

Despite the recent weather we've been having, summer really is just around the corner! On the advice of my dear friend Clint who advised I add more fashion and not just emotional purging on my blog (he also noted that I should add cute animals...sorry Clinters, the animals will have to wait!) I present to you an OMFG Guide to Spring/Summer Essentials!

My fashion aesthetic is to simply look and feel beautiful. While I admire the more avant-garde fashionistas I see out and about in the city, I have no intention of waltzing around in black rubber pants or spiked-shouldered blazers and whatnot. Ultra feminine, versatile, classic and a touch of trendy and bohemian now and then describe my style to a tee...so with that in mind, here are my Spring/Summer 2011 essentials for all you lovelies!

The Maxi
I love the idea of maxi dresses; soft and flowy and low-key while still having enough room should you decide to indulge in a burger and fries on a patio! However, most maxis end up making even the skinniest of girls looking like large unshapely sacs. Enter the perfect maxi: Urban Outfitters has created this little number with a sheer long layer over a shorter one. Easy, breezy, and flattering all in one.
Link it via Urban Outfitters --> http://bit.ly/lq6HrK

The Silk Pant
Sure, printed silk pants are always a little Jazzy Jazz on first impression, but breathable and comfortable as well as chic and cool soon follow. Paired with a simple tee, neutral blazer and wedged desert boots take these pants from Jazzy Jazz to simply hip.
Link it via Net-a-porter --> http://bit.ly/j0O7t7

The Black Purse
I'm the kind of girl that believes all purses should be black, bitchy, designer, and big enough that if you need to shove some one you're not fond of, you can do so and blame it on your beautifully bad-ass Balanciaga. While the classic Motorcycle Balanciaga is the epitome of the bitchy black purse, this snake-print Marc by Marc Jacobs one is just as classic and bad-ass while being much more affordable.
Link it via Shopbop --> http://bit.ly/lZSQu6

The Accent Purse
On days when your huge black Marc Jacobs purse just isn't going with the summery all-loving feeling that comes with warm weather, an accent purse in an unusual colour is the perfect choice. Little sundresses go from sweet and simple to luxe and lovely with the addition of this perfectly pastel Rebecca Minkoff satchel! And, at under $200, it's a steal. I'm expecting mine in the mail any day now!
Link it via Shopbop --> http://bit.ly/mga5bX

The Sundress
I have a thing for little flared dresses. Dresses that have a fitted bodice and a flare when the waist starts are flattering on all figures, feminine and just flirty enough -- a perfect combo in my opinion! Urban Outfitters is always well-stocked in sexy little daytime numbers with my favourite being this Kimchi Blue knitted dress in bright yellow. Throw in a Miami tan, straw hat and glass of sangria and you've got the ideal summer afternoon.
Link it via Urban Outfitters --> http://bit.ly/mqIyYj

The Blazer
Like any girl out there, I can never have too many blazers! From my basic black boyfriend cut one to my silky navy longer one, they're a staple in my wardrobe. I tend towards lighter colours and materials for summer blazers, and this nude linen cardigan from Zara has all the right touches. All nude/cream ensembles are a go-to outfit for me and I can just picture this over white tailored shorts, a loose white tee and nude flats.
Link it via Zara Canada --> http://bit.ly/kWhrn4

The Sandal
Nude, on trend but still classic, insanely strappy and unique. I am obsessed with this modern take on Gladiator sandals from Urban Outfitters. The only downside? Beware of funky tan lines!
Link it via Urban Outfitters --> http://bit.ly/mIlDng

The Party Dress
The latest retro trend is a throwback to the glitzy glammy 70's and I couldn't be happier. Give me swingy dresses, shoulder-padded beaded blazers and bell sleeves galore! Vera Moda is right on trend with their delicate pink pleated evening dress. Showy but subtle, it's low-key glam at it's best.
Link it at Asos --> http://bit.ly/mhdQMw

The Midi-Skit
That's right, midi, not mini! Ladylike is another trend of the season and hemlines have dropped from the thigh to the knee if not longer. The midi skirt is versatile for day and night and is demure while still being right on trend. I couldn't choose between a funkier printed one and a bright blue one (perfect for colour-blocking!), so here they both are, from Asos.
Link it via Asos --> http://bit.ly/j1zLuX (printed) and http://bit.ly/lKCA4K (electric blue)

 And there you have it lovelies, a little collection of pieces that are sure to jump start your summer stylishly! With so many wearable trends being in for the season (neutral layering, mixing prints, military-inspired pieces, etc.) it's going to be one beautifully-inspired summer!
x

OMFG Fall Fashion!

Every year the amazingness that is New York Fashion Week gets overshadowed in my dear city by the Toronto International Film Festival. It's not that I find movies more interesting than fashion (not by a long shot...give me rolls of fabric over rolls of film any day) but when the liquor board extends the city's license until 4a.m. at all hotspots and thus parties go on until the wee hours of the morning -- well it makes it rather hard to be awake during daylight hours. (I'm only just now coming out of my nocturnal schedule, but just barely. Dinner at midnight anyone?) And so, after a good ten days of rising midday, shining til the morning, and managing to eat and sleep some time in between, I'm only just catching up on all the beautiful collections that made their debut across the border. 

There's a ridiculous amount of coverage available for fashion adorers who can't actually be front-row of all the shows; from live streaming of the collections [check out all the shows here: http://www.mbfashionweek.com/], backstage pics, live feeds, fashion bloggers galore [The Sartorialist never goes out of style: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/] and of course the constant Facebook status updates from my friends lucky enough to be there! 

My favorite show was Burberry Prorsum's Spring 2011 collections. Body-con yet feminine dresses. Tailored studded leather. Their classic trench made slick and modern with metal adornments and colored belts. It was effortless cool at its best. The line's past few collections have been consistently beautiful in my books because of their wild child meets feminine and tailored outfits. The Burberry Prorsum girl is confident and cool without compromising on her sex appeal -- and it was definitely love at first sight. 

Burberry Prorsum Sping 2011

The Burberry show hit all the right trends we're seeing in multiple collections this year, including utilitarian touches, soft animal prints and a luxurious nude palette (although in Burberry's case, with punches of electric color). Usually reserved for those who can afford to shell out two grande on a jacket, or at least have daddies who can, Fashion Week's top trends have made their way to the mainstream at a pace never seen before. Almost exact replicas or at least spot-on trends from the runways have descended into stores like Forever 21  in sync with their debuts. Fashionistas everywhere can rejoice at wearing trends while they're still trendy -- not three seasons later! What exactly has caused this mass infatuation with designer goods to be at the forefront of pop culture -- or at least every girls' closet? The desire to replicate the runways has never been in in question, however much of its elitist facade has been stripped away due to the new generation of self-promoting, highly participant fashion savvy moguls. Everyone with an intense interest in style can put their thoughts for everyone to see and read via blogs (much like myself), social networking and so on. Lookbook sites have made mini-celebrities out of edgily stylish individuals and blogs can propel even the tiniest of bloggers into fame (literally as with the case of 13 year old Tavi Gevinson at www.thestylerookie.com who became a regular fixture backstage at NYFW through the sheer uniqueness of her blog and sense of style). 


The overwhelming knowledge of trends and obvious demand for them being broadcast over the web, magazines and overall in our overly-communicative society (seriously...I have friends who post when they're taking a shower via Ubertwitter!) has led to fall trends in all their gorgeousness making their way into stores and onto our lovely selves. The ubiquitous camel coat, luxe jewel tone cardigans, intricately printed maxis and structured dark totes can all be found in surprisingly similar form from Holt Renfrew to H&M. It's less about price and more about style nowadays which has refreshing allowed us to mix and match; a $300 L.A.M.B knit can look just as put together -- and probably a helluva lot less pretentious -- paired with wide-legged H&M trousers and Jeffrey Campbell booties than with other flashy designer pieces. It's the era of attitude in being that's all one needs, along with a sharp sense of themselves, to pull of whatever look from whichever store they so desire. Take it from Olivia Palermo, socialite of The City fame whom, while perhaps the most annoyingly polite character on reality television, has undeniable effortless style. Her "Today I'm Wearing..." outfit calendar at the Vogue website [http://www.vogue.co.uk/photo-blogs/olivia-palermo/100406-olivia-palermo-day-5.aspx] showcased her mixing the likes of Topshop and Ann Taylor with Prabal Gurung and Hermes -- instant modern chic. Palermo prominently wears Zara, which is my personal favorite for picking up luxe pieces which are trendy but not too much so at amazing price points. 


When it comes down to it fashionistas, style is style and stands alone from any obstacle. If you're a chic person, no matter what dough you're rolling in, it'll come through in your outfits. I make decisions based simply on what I like -- if I like it, I'll buy it. It's not the best mentality to have (my poor Visa took a beating this fall..) but having the trends present at such an accessible level has definitely made it a tantalizing season to shop! So go nuts bloggees and keep your eyes open; those studded leather jackets I saw strutting down the Burberry runway days ago will likely be hanging at Urban Outfitters faster than you can say "Need. Want. Have." 
x

OMFG...Want Want Want Need.

Guilty guilty guilty. That is exactly what I am when it comes to spending oodles of money on designer goods. In a media-obsessed world where a chic lifestyle reigns king, designers have become the new gods and I for one, bow down to worship. Balenciaga, Valentino, Stella McCartney and Rodarte...what's a girl to do?
I literally have dreams about items I just. Have. To. Have. Dreams filled with lush Louboutins piled high in my closets, red soles gleaming from afar, dreams of light-as-air chiffon Chloe dresses breezing through my windows..to put it mildly, it's shopping porn for women.
Yes, I realize how dreamily superficial I sound, aligning my utter faith with tangible (and beautiful -- don't forget beautiful!) designer goods but once again I reiterate, what's a girl to do?
Shop. That's what. The recession coupled with an over-saturated market desire for the love of labels has led to lower price points for many popular items. Case and point? A used, albeit one in pristine condition, classic Balenciaga moto bag can be bought from the lovely Porteroluxury.com for a measly $800 (USD). Compare this to the on average $1400 you'll pay in stores and you've got yourself one salivating home shopper. In fact, Internet shopping has become the savvy shopper's best friend with more than its share of legitimate sites, such as Outnet.com, tempting junkies everywhere with exquisite looks for less.
While by no means are these price points low, they're low enough to keep a working girl like yours truly satisfied until I either a) make it big or b) marry rich (I'm kidding! You can guess about which one!)
I'm currently awaiting a pair of immaculate navy L.A.M.B. stilettos to be delivered...with traction bottoms of course so really, it was a practical purchase! And I do need to wear SOMETHING on those chilly summer nights out so that Herve Ledger dress I have my eye on might just be written off as a practical purchase as well..x