Fashion Inspiration: The Oil Slick

As a kid, I remember being mesmerized by pools of gasoline on the asphalt near the park where I played. I thought they looked like the edgier, tougher older brother of rainbows. I’d be staring at the ground mystified and sure enough, my dad would yell “Get away from that! Don’t touch it!” Anyway, here I am, a grown up, still fascinated by this blend of colours. I’m not the only one, it seems, since I’ve noticed the pattern popping up in fashion over the past few years. Here’s a collage to round up just a few.

Leggings from Urban Outfitters
Dr Martens Shoes
Duochrome Nail Polish: Peace, love and OPI, Essie “For the twill of it”, Nars “Disco inferno”
T-Shirt from Asos
Mini Clutch bag from Proenza Schouler
Eye makeup via Bows and Curtseys
Headphones by Nastygal
Oil slick hair found on Reddit

                                                          Picture from my Instagram

Hide your kids, hide your wallet: COS opens in Montreal

Cos, I love you, but all your beautiful clothes make me look like a child wearing a painting smock in kindergarten art class. Or as if I just ran out of the hairdresser’s while still wearing that polyester cover-up thing. At 5’3″, I’m far from the tall, slender Scandinavian body type that the flowy, high-end cuts look flattering on. You know, with swan-like necks, long torsos, ballerina limbs. This may actually be a blessing, since the new flagship store is said to open Friday October 9th in Montreal, and the price range doesn’t fit my current budget (not that this usually stops me). Still, I know myself, and I know that I will be in there regularly trying to find the one item that makes me look and feel like I own an art gallery. I’ll try to admire you from a distance! Let’s see how long I last.
http://www.cosstores.com/gb/
1310 Ste-Catherine West
(All images taken from the COS website)

Mango takes a page from Patti Smith’s book

Mango has released a Fall/Winter collection entitled The Room that is soooo reminiscent of one of my all-time favorite fashion icons: Patti Smith. Her style is timeless and simple while still exuding so much character, how can you not be inspired by it? I’m pretty much a slut for all women’s clothing that has a bit of tomboy flair, whether that masculinity is drawn from prep school uniforms or old men’s coats and hats. It can easily be dressed up or down with the right choice of footwear: white sneakers, black leather ankle boots, loafers, brogues, pumps… oh the possibilities of shoes..
I juxtaposed pictures from Mango’s lookbook on the left, with photographs of Patti Smith on the right (most likely all taken by Robert Mapplethorpe). See the resemblance?

PS: This post was meant to be a fall wishlist, but I had to put that on hold when I immediately wanted every item here. Check out Mango’s The Room lookbook for yourselves here.
PPS: non-affiliate links only; I’m truly just a girl who loves clothes and rock n roll.

The look: platinum hair

I’ve always been drawn to this look, probably because it’s almost impossible for me to achieve without a) frying off my already-fine hair, and b) looking like Casper (I’m pasty white). But there’s something so California-surfer cool about hair that’s been bleached almost white, paired with a golden tan and some bold brows. I’m particularly fond of dark roots showing, as well. Personally, I think Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targarian (top left) is responsible for bringing on this trend; how can you not be mesmerized by a silver-haired badass dragon queen? But my favorite is Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton 2014 (bottom left), she is just so damn chic and the tousled bedhead just adds a tiny bit of grunge.

Let’s not forget, some of my best-loved ladies who were doing it long before anyone:
Who do you think pulls off the look best?

Top image:
(left to right): Daenerys Targarian from GOT, Kim K, Agyness Deyn. 
next row: Michelle Williams, Emily Weiss, Rita Ora.
Bottom image: Marilyn Monroe, Debbie Harry, Edie Sedgwick

Collage created with Photoshop. All images found on Tumblr and Pinterest

Not just a fashion girl thing: Stan Smith Adidas, illustrated

I’m on a huge Adidas kick lately, it’s all I’ve been wanting to draw and paint. Alright so maybe they were the must-have shoes of last summer, depending on how on-top of trends you are. But it looks as though the sneaker movement is here to stay for a while. And even though I’m late in the game, I’m getting on board.

Most fashion trends usually make life uncomfortable and difficult (hey, crop tops! no, I haven’t gotten around to doing those 8000 crunches yet…). But trainers actually make my everyday getting around easier. My closet is full of pairs of shoes that kill my feet, yet are too pretty to give away. I have Band-Aids floating around in all my purses, just in case my shoes actually cause me to draw blood. Needless to say, this was a long time coming.

Hey, if someone is gonna tell me it’s ok to wear sneakers with a long skirt or trousers, and that Kate Moss and Charlotte Gainsbourg are doing it, I’ll gladly follow suit. I win this round, blisters.

P.S.: See more of my illustrations here.

Stan Smiths in gold, also very tempting

The OG, drawn by yours truly

Summer trends I love: Ombré in fashion

While I may speak for many people when I say I am over the ombré trend on hair, I do enjoy seeing it on clothing and accessories. It’s soothing to the eyes, maybe because it reminds me of the gradual fade of a sunset. Paired with neutrals, a touch of ombré can complete a great casual summer outfit.
1. Bonlook La Marquise sunglasses
2. Banana Republic Ombré crossback pullover ON SALE
3. Zara leather shopper bag ON SALE
4. Custom crochet TOMS shoes
5. Paciorky lilac necklace
6. Babaton Tory skirt

See another trend I love here. What looks are you into this summer?

Illustration: Rewarding Yourself as an Adult (in Marc Jacobs form)

Remember how when you were a kid, you got rewarded for things? You got a sticker for doing well on a test, or a lollipop for going to the doctor? My personal favorite was at the end of each dentist visit, I got to choose a pretty toy ring. Well, I feel like we should continue getting these rewards as adults, especially when we get through rough things in life. I recently got some very good medical news, and decided to treat myself to some high-end top quality lipstick. Because when else am I going to splurge on something like that? I picked up Le Marc crème Core Cora by Marc Jacobs lipstick and have been wearing it everyday since. I had been looking for a perfect coral for a while now, and it’s a tricky colour to pull off. They’re often too orange or make your teeth look like you smoke a pack a day… but this one just hits all the right notes for summer.

Favorite summer colour: Core Cora – Le Marc Lip Creme

Apologies for the radio silence these past few weeks. I have 2 main excuses:

• I am slowly painting every room in my house. SOLO. By my self. It was my decision and as a result, my home is a little chaotic. Random furniture is shoved in every room, I’m finding paint splashed on EVERYTHING (including myself). But it will be SO WORTH IT once it’s all completed. I can’t wait.
• My computer, my beloved 5 year old macbook, is on the fritz. It takes about a half hour to turn on. Uploading pictures? I’m looking at about 2 hours of rainbow swirl time-outs. So it’s incredibly frustrating and frankly I can think of better ways to spend a sunny day. I need to look into fixing it up, or just biting the bullet and buying an upgrade. ::Soon::.

In case you missed it, I wrote a fashion article for YUL.BUZZ on my Made in Montreal Wishlist (collage featured below). For details on all the items, check here.

My Made in Montreal Wishlist on Yul.Buzz

And there you have it! Despite a few setbacks I have some fun posts coming up, so please check in! I appreciate each and everyone one of you stopping by. xoxo

Summer Trends I Love – Part One: Stacked rings + turquoise stones

I’m really loving this modern hippie/bohemian festival faerie look that’s everywhere, and I love that it extends itself into little details, like decorated hands. Anything that allows me to feel like a fortune teller in broad daylight is a welcome trend in my book. I’ve been noticing stacked rings of mixed metals and sizes, moon shapes, and gemstones on quite a few people, and mentioned it back when I wrote this post. Since the turquoise is my December birth stone, I’ve always had a special appreciation for it, and I find it complements every skin tone. Who needs a manicure when your hands are adorned with gems and metals?
The collage above was made with images I found on Pinterest. 

How great is this image below? It makes me think Blue-Lagoon-meets-The-Craft.

Photo credit: Glamradar.com

For a more subtle look (probably less heavy too!):

Photo credit: calimited.com

Are there any trends that you’re currently into?

My top fashion picks for summer

Hi everyone, this was my first ever collage using Photoshop and I had a blast making it! Well, to be honest, there was a bit of swearing and frustration involved (learning curve!), but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Here are my top picks for the summer: a mix of cognac leathers, washed out cotton, some minimalist jewelry and a lacy feminine skirt that hits just below the knee.

1. Brixton Felt hat (also lovely and cheaper: here)
2. Free People Thunder Moon Tee
3. Chambray Shirt dress (similar here)
4. Maksym Geometric pendant
5. Dolce Vita Laynie Flats
6. X Bangle or cuff
7. Auxiliary Bega satchel bag
8. JOA scallop lace skirt

I tried to keep it minimal, but there are so many beautiful things I could add! Summer is such a fun season to shop for.
What is on your wish list?

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping 101

Ok guys, say what you will, but this summer I will be a bridesmaid for the 3^rd time. Personally, I love planning events, so being involved in this process is fun for me. The rush of getting everything together, dressing up, browsing through Pinterest for ideas, being there for my friends… I enjoy it all. But like any big event, it can also be stressful, so with all the experience I’ve had, I thought I’d share some advice when shopping for bridesmaid dresses:

• Start ahead of time. I mean REALLY ahead. 4-6 months at least. Just in case there are any curveballs thrown your way.
• On shopping days, each bridesmaid should bring with them: a strapless bra that matches their skintone, nude underwear, a pair of generic heels that match with everything, and a pair of nylons just in case.
• Prep yourself so you feel comfortable: you are going to be looking at yourself in front of a mirror for the next few hours, so you want to feel confident. Whether that means putting on some makeup, shaving, or simply getting enough sleep the night before, do what makes you feel your best so that you aren’t dreading the sight of your reflection.

  

  Photo credit: WonderPhotography by Malgorzata Babiarz

  

  Photo credit: WonderPhotography by Malgorzata Babiarz

• If you are getting something custom-made, take down your measurements in your phone. This may come in handy later on the off-chance that any mistakes are made.
• Take account of each other’s body types and be realistic. Petites, plus sizes, long torsos… keep in mind that the more variety you have in your group, the more you might have to look around for something that fits and flatters everyone.
• Ask around about a good affordable seamstress, just in case. The store usually charges something crazy for last-minute hems.

  

  Photo credit: Simon Nomis

• Wear a dress or a skirt on shopping day. It’ll make the changing process a lot easier and faster.
• Call stores beforehand to ask if they allow customers to take photos (warning: most places don’t!)
• Privately discuss budget with the bride beforehand. This is a hard topic to bring up, but it’s best not to avoid it. Find out what is expected of you financially and communicate what you are comfortable with.
• Look elsewhere other than bridal stores. Surprisingly, we once found the best dresses at RW&Co (a Canadian clothing chain).
• Make it fun! Try to laugh, share some champagne, play “who wore it best”, and remember that in the end, it’s just one day in your life.

  

  Setting the mood while trying on dresses at Boutique J’adore

**If you live in the Montreal area, I really recommend Boutique J’adore in Pointe-Claire Village. It’s cozy, private, and the staff really take the time to listen to you.