Read all over

There's nothing like spending a rainy afternoon curled up with a good book. Fall weather just making this activity that much more enticing (who am I kidding though, I love to read year round). It being my birthday last week, one gift that I received included a book on fashion. "Why hadn't I though of this before?" was all I could think. Yes! Books + fashion = love!
This revelation has got me on a hunt for some fabulous bound pages on the subject. I have found heaps of books while browsing online, but will need to complete my search in person before I start splurging, because as you know, you really can't judge a book my it's cover.

These are some of my picks thus far...

new york fashion week

Although I would have loved to attend NY fashion week, sadly it was not in the cards for me this year (or any year as a matter of fact), but you can mark my words that I WILL be there next fall (or maybe even this winter - cross fingers). In the mean time, like most of us commoners I happily settled myself in front of all forms of media outlets for the past week.
Having ended now, I can't say that most of the collections were ground breaking and although I wanted my heart to race as I ran over the creation, generally speaking, I wasn't overly inspired this time around (which actually is quite alright as now I'm looking forward to fall even more). Plain and simple were the two words that came to me over the course of the week, which isn't always a bad thing, but it was somehow just a little too much. Not to say that I didn't love some pieces mind you, not at all. Here are a few of those that caught my eye...



images: new york magazine

Outfit post

Just a quick outfit post. Worn this weekend, I bought the jacket from Club Monaco on Friday and am absolutely in love with it. They were sold out of the xs (apparently the first week they came in), but I couldn't turn my back on it and so decided just to go up one size and I'm so happy I did. I actually like the looser fit. This one will fast become a staple in my fall wardrobe.

The white top in the middle pic is from Vince (via shopbop). Probably won't get too much more use out of it this year, but the sheer silk fabric is gorgeous and I love that you can dress it up or down so easily just by adding accessories. The denim leggings are from Joe's Jeans. SO comfy but thank goodness for the zipper at the leg or my ankle may have broke trying to get my foot in!

THE perfect black boots

I am terribly picky when it comes to black boots. Brown/cognac ones mostly always appeal to me. I think it's just that brown toned leather always seem to look better quality wise (I tend to shudder at pleather). Black leather on the other hand (especially when it comes to shoes/boots) can come off a little 'cheap' and pleather like, at least to me. That being said, I NEED black boots - flat ones that are both casual yet still chic and that can be worn right through the rainy winters.I feel a small sense of dread when I my boots from the season pasts die and I must begin the hunt once more. Last year I found the perfect pair (for my price point anyways) at Zara and I knew I should have picked up 2 pairs as although beautiful, I knew they wouldn't hold up more than one year. And truth be told, after being worn constantly for several months, they gave way last March.

Now I've been scouring online sites for the past month trying to find the perfect pair once again without luck. I know however, it's because I am comparing each and every boot I find to my holy grail of fall footwear - the Loeffler Randall Matilde boot. Sigh...aren't they perfect? I would snap this pair up (multiple pairs actually since they come in a range of gorgeous colours) if it wasn't for their price tag of almost $700. gulp.  I've tried to rationalize their expense by telling myself than on a per wear basis, they are actually cheaper than a few other clothing items I own, but somehow, I still have surrendered my earnings over.
I've searched for similar pairs but haven't found anything that quite measures up to their quality and simplicity. But the search will continue (or I will surrender) and I'll let you all know the outcome...

Mishmash

Firstly, sorry for the lack of posts lately - what a busy week!! And although my week was busy, it wasn't very eventful or post worthy, so apologies.
Yesterday I spend the best part of the afternoon and night over at the PNE (fair) and wouldn't you know it - I had forgotten to charge my camera battery and I only had about 5 pictures worth of life in it. So sad as I love taking photos at fairs - so many fantastic shots just waiting to be snapped! Oh well! The first stop we made was at the petting farm - and since I can't resist adorable/all animals, this is where my 5 rounds were taken (not very fashion oriented, but too cute not to post).



I think I'm going to have to go back next weekend though - I didn't even eat the funnel cake or tiny donuts!

On antoher notes, I have designated today as my day to relax and get caught up on my fashion magazines - September issue Sunday if you will. Coffee in hand, this afternoon will be spent devouring fall fashion trends and drooling over the latest designer wardrobe must haves.

I still need to do stuff!!

Do you know what the date is? How did it get to be the middle of August already? Though it's been a great summer I feel like I haven't done half of the things I wanted to. Top 5 things I still need to do before summer's done?

1. Scuba lessons - I've wanted to learn forever (almost) and although I can technically do this year round, there no WAY I'm doing my first open water dive in any month that doesn't begin in 'Aug' and end in 'ust' - it takes the entire summer for the water to warm up even a bit and then it quickly plummets again.

2. Road trip down to San Fransisco - ok, well, this probably won't happen as my vacation time left for the summer = 1 day? But it was on my intended list. I've always wanted to check out the city and I heart roadtrips! I'll probably have to settle for some shopping in Seattle (not that that's a bad thing :)

3. Head to the Okanagan to drink some wine, errr..visit some wineries. I've been in BC for 2 years now and still haven't made the stop over to the interior - shameful. It only takes a weekend, so I'm thinking early September will still be nice.

4. Beach BBQ. I think I had all of about 50 last summer and this summer? None! What! I know. This will be accomplished tomorrow. Promise.

5. Head the PNE - Pacific National Exhibition (carnival). Ok, so I'm not behind on this one as it only starts this weekend but I'm really excited for it. Can't wait for the music (the Beach Boys!), to ride the old fashioned wooden roller coaster again, and eat all the food so characteristic of a carnival. The PNE is a great transition to fall..eeep.

Wandering around

The weather in town has been gorgeous the past couple of days (and so I've been out enjoying in), but here are a couple of pictures I took last night walking around English Bay.

Accessories please

I'm in a bit of an accessories mood. I love that even the simplest of outfits can become interesting with a beautiful and bold accessory. The ones below definitely fit the bill for me and will transition into the fall. I LOVE the colour of this Balenciaga - Murier. Sigh... I added in the shoes, well, because they tie everything together and...they're cute are they not?


Necklace and ring via ShopBop
Shoes via J.Crew
Bag - not yet available (but soon!)
Earrings via Favor

outfit post

Time for another episode of outfit posts. I should do this more often but just always forget to take a picture before leaving the house.

Colourful weekend

Sunday was the gay pride parade in Vancouver (although it seems like at least half the people in the parade and 3/4 of the people watching the parade were straight).  It was my first time heading down to see what all the talk was about and it was definitely worth checking out - how bad could partying on a Sunday afternoon be anyways??. Now, I don't think this was the most fashionable of events, but it certainly was colourful (and eventful)





Aren't those shoes incredible? I love how he's carrying regular heels instead of flats in case those become unbearable.

Ode to the PS1

 
As far as purses go, Balenciaga has always been love #1, but ever since Proenza Schouler launched the PS1, there has been some fierce competition. The design of this bag is perfect. I love the fact it's simple, but not too simple, large, yet not too large, and oh so soft. It's just right. And to make things even better, this raspberry colour is THE perfect red for me. Love at first sight if you will.
The ONLY thing that's stopping me from clicking 'buy now' on this bag is the price. Minor setback.

It's not just me though! Even Lazaro Hernandez of PS feels the same way:

"Sometimes I think the people who buy our clothes live in a parallel universe. Hell, we can't even afford our clothes."

But you know what they say, where there's a will, there's a future purchase! And in the mean time, I'll just lust (it's part of the fun, isn't it)??

Fall lovliness

J.Crew's lookbook for Fall 2010 came out a couple of weeks ago and has been popping up on blogs ever since. I was trying not to create a post on these (due to it still being the middle of summer and all), but I can't fight it anymore. The mix of leather, wool and fur layers has me drooling. The dove gray vest in the first look is my favourite piece of the collection so far. I'm loving it so much that I think I'm going to have to pre-order it - imagine it sold out before I could lay my hands on one? ahh, devastating!

Sprucing things up

I love interior design and I love home furnishing stores - you'll often see me just wandering around in them when I have no real intention of buying anything. They just give me a sense of calmness and satisfaction and so I usually leave feeling uplifted. Hey, I can't explain it so I don't fight it :)
That being said, I have had the urge to actually start redecorating lately. Here are some decorative items that I have picked up or am hoping to pick up along the way...


I fell in love with these plates and knobs at Anthropologie. The plates look like the peacocks have been sketched on with a pencil and the gold trim around the edges gives a touch of class. I'm not sure I would eat off of them, but maybe on the wall? The knobs really make me want to buy an older dresser and refurbish it - just need to find the right one.


I've actually been lusting over these lamps for over a year now (they're a bit/a lot pricey, but so gorgeous). A perfect statement piece (from Liberty in Vancouver).


I've been on the lookout for the perfect floor mirror and this may be it (Restoration Hardware). Simple yet bold. I also noticed this laptop case at RH as well. Not exactly a decorative piece, but divine none the less. If only I had a larger laptop...The glass ball is actually pretty big (and heavy!) and I picked it up at Crate and Barrel. It looks great sitting on a stack of old books.

Been checking out beantown

It was my first time visiting Boston a couple of weeks ago and I think I may be in love. Not just because it was sunny and hot (though I must say that was a perk), but the city itself is absolutely gorgeous - I love the charm old buildings and the history that surrounds the downtown core. I also have to say that I love cities you can actually walk in and that was definitely what I did!

The parks are gorgeous, the shopping is nothing to laugh at and the food was delicious (especially the pasta at Giacomo's and the cannolis at Mike's Pastry). I was there for 5 days but could have spent much longer, I think I'll need to visit again, besides, I think Newbury St. may be missing me. 






I also stopped by Cape Cod to soak up some more east coast charm, and yes, I think I could start summering there as well :)

What I'm wearing

Just realized that I haven't yet posted any of my outfits here yet. Nothing fancy, but thought I'd share a few of the things I wore this week...

Style inspiration of the day

Ashley Olsen's style is always hit or miss for me (although less so than Mary-Kate). Sometimes it's a complete disaster, other times (like with today's photo), it makes me want to steal the clothes off her back (kidding...kinda). The detailed fringe of the jacket, the draping of the scarf, the texture of the bag, and of course the gentle bling of the rings all make me smile (and did I mention want to steal?) ;)

A little bit of couture

The couture shows were shown in Paris last week and like the ad campaigns from my post yesterday, I have to say, that again, Chanel was my favourite (I swear this is not always the case)! I loved the chunky jewelery (read: bracelets) that were paired with each outfit. The collection was still so simple which I loved - and that red! It's my perfect red - must get a bag in that colour this fall (or now :)


Though I found the Armani Privé collection to be a tad bland (but don't get me wrong, still gorgeous), this black crocodile blazer (left) really drew me in. It will definitely be on my mind for quite a while. Jean Paul Gauthier also impressed me with this outfit (right). The rich brown leather gloves with the smokey gray feathers actually made my mouth water a little bit (swoon)!


And just to make everything different, Dior presented a floral themed collection. Not every piece was for me, but this one stood out. The design of the origami like folds is just so gorgeous and creates a fantastic shape. Though the colour palette is pretty safe (how wrong can you go with blue and white?), I think the crispness of the dress is so fresh. Would have paired this with more dramatic shoes though...

Fall's fashion campaigns

As the August issue's of fashion magazines begin to rollout, so do the new fall campaign's. Though it's still summer and I still haven't nearly finished soaking up all the summer trends, I thought I'd take a look at what's coming up when autumn actually does hit the city.
Though all hasn't yet been revealed, these are just a small selection...

First up is Chanel F/W 2010. I must say that this one is probably one of my favourites thus far - simple but still poignant. I also love that the photographer allowed sunlight to play a part in the shoot!



Prada's campaign is a little too depressing for my taste. I find myself not even looking at the clothes, but just focusing on the model's despairing expressions. And is that an army print bag? Please no...



Bally's on the other hand, I also quite like. The monotone but textured gray outfit is love. And though I maybe would have liked it a bit more with fewer bags in the photo, this one still make's me want to embrace the colder weather (though not quite yet).

Staying colourful

Most of the year, I live in neutrals. White, beige, gray, and black definitely make up the majority of my wardrobe (and I do love them) but it just so happens that summer has finally arrived in Vancouver, and for me, the hot weather brings the need to burst out the brights. Even if it's just in an accessory, doesn't a splash of colour just make you feel more cheerful? So I say: 'Come on colour, I'm ready for you!'



And staying on the subject, just stumbled upon this shot of Blake Lively filming a scene for Gossip Girl in Paris the other day. I love how the coral pants and the jade necklace couple up and just work together so perfectly. Ahhh summer (and ahhh, Paris)...

Focus on: Christine Centenera

The fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar Australia is one of those people to whom style seems to be completely effortless. True that her employment status helps out in that arena, but I love the fact that her style is so put together and classy, yet still unique, edgy AND feminine (not the easiest look to achieve). And her shoes! Perfection! She definitely knows when pull out the expressive, statement pairs and when to hold back - though all are equally gorgeous in my mind (and yes, they are always heels). My only wish? More photos please - I find they are few and far between and I need some more inspiration!

Happy Canada Day (yesterday)!

Hope everyone had a good Canada Day with friends and family! I spent mine in Vancouver and though I love the city, brrr...it was a little bit chilly for July. Still had some good times walking downtown near the waterfront, checking out the re-lit Olympic torch, and strolling around Granville Island - one of my favourite places in the city - the food market there gives me the biggest urge to cook (which is pretty rare)!