Models with a message

Henry Holland's House of Holland is not quite high fashion, but can claim similar stake as the Betsey Johnson's and Jeremey Scott's of the fashion world (except he's British). Here is his line of tees from his S/S 2009 collection. Fun and kitsch and apologetically scene, Henry Holland is a fav of model du jour, Agyness Deyn.

You might have squint to see what some of these say. My personal fav? "WHAM BAM, THANK YOU STAM!"

The Craft

During one of my bi-weekly (I've gotten better since!) IKEA trips I fell in love with a fabric and bought a few metres of it on whim. It's been about two-and-a-half years since and I've played with the idea of using it as a duvet cover, cushion cover or even a panel sewn on to my drapery. It only dawned on me about a month ago that they would make really great wall panels.

With this idea I decided to dig out the only canvases I had lying around in my basement and put them-and the staple gun-to good use.




And finally, the finished product.


Who said black and brown don't go together?

Run Lola, Run

Madonna's first born, Lourdes Ciccone Leon not only has one of the most badass names of any celebrity kid (take that Apple and Moses Martin) but is also making me love her entire wardrobe and style. Baby hipster now, major fashionista later. She's only 12 and her style and cool is already envied and admired by quite a few people. Best of all, Madge, ever the stern mama, has made sure that Lola is also age appropriate. Not allowing Lola to pluck the uni brow courtesy of her Italian background until she's older has given hope that Madge has raised stable kids. Unlike Ali Lohan, Lindsay's 49-year old younger sister, Lola looks more Punky Brewster than Lolita.

Whatta Croc

Not only am I appalled by the standalone CROCS stores popping up everywhere from Mississauga's Heartland Town Centre to a spot on Queen West in Toronto but I am also perplexed by the fascination with these rubber clogs that supports these openings. I thought that the company went belly up early in the summer- I guess not. Maybe they're back by popular demand?

I hate them, I think they are the worst thing to happen not only to fashion, but to humanity (nuclear warfare and GWB included).

Well this brings me to these lovelies. CROCS seems dedicated to infiltrate not only the summer, but have now moved onto this hideous thing just in time for fall/winter. If I see anyone wearing these...well, they deserve a beat down.

Video GaGa

Poker face is the second official single from Lady Gaga's debut album, The Fame. I highly recommend anyone who wants unadulterated pop music to pick it up- you will not be disappointed. If nothing else will make you a believer, then check out the first 23 seconds of this video (the rest of it is pretty amazing too though!)

Live Your Life

Here are a few stills from Live your Life, the latest single picked off of T.I.'s album Paper Trail. The song features Rihanna, the woman who doesn't seem to sleep. It should premiere right before Halloween

RiRi also just wrapped up filming the video for Rehab from the record that also never sleeps, 2007's Good Girl Gone Bad. The video for Rehab features a certain Mr. Timberblake as well as the Christian Louboutin for Rodarte shoes I posted about earlier.



"Ain't got no time for no haters. Just live your life ay, ay ay ay!"

Little Miss Sunshine or Diva in Training?

...It's supposed to rain this weekend so I thought this little rugrat would bring you and yours some rays of sunshine.

It's not easy being so fabulous.


Source: The (real) Sartorialist

Awesome Ronson

Did'ja know that Mark Ronson is the first artist to win "Artist of the year" at The Brit Awards without even appearing on the record itself? Not only is he a fashion-plate, but also a music producer extraordinaire responsible for the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele, Santogold, Lily Allen and most recently, The Kaiser Chiefs.

I highly recommend 2007's Version (a collection of covers produced by Ronson; the record that won him said award). Standout tracks: Pretty Green featuring Santogold, Valerie featuring Amy Winehouse and Stop Me featuring Daniel Merriweather.

Mark also is the brother of Lindsay Lohan's flavour of the week, Samantha Ronson. He, however, is not a lesbian.

Attention to Detail

What's lacking among most pedestrian fashion is not the lack of available options of cheap & chic retailers but the ability to take vintage, trend, designer, off-the-rack, custom-made or tailored and classic pieces to create a cohesive look unique to the individual. Being a fashionista is not about following the status quo or picking up a publication and adhering to what some overtly-righteous and ill-informed fashion pundit prescribes. Fact is, I can ogle all I want at a pair of Tom Ford sunnies or a McQueen wrap cardigan, but unless I actually make it mine, I'm just a fashion victim rather than fashionista.

Remember: owning your wardrobe isn't just about paying for it- it's about wearing each piece as if it's an extension of yourself and not just something that's merely 'on trend.'

After nearly two decades of the flat front regime, pleated trousers are making a comeback. I absolutely love the rolled up jacket sleeves, tastefully excessive use of hard-edged accessories and Warholesque hair in the picture below. Play close attention to the blinged-out skull ring.


picture source: The Sartorialist

How...

...can there be 42% of the American population wanting to vote for a McCain-Palin administration? I am worried. Moose hunting, name calling, hatred and ignorance versus intelligent discourse on race, foreign policy, national security and the omnipresent economy. To me this is a no brainer.

Who is voting for McCain besides Crazy McCain Lady? (Click here to see the original video, and then click here to see the brilliant SNL skit from the incomprable Kristen Wigg). Sigh. Keep your fingers crossed and don't let anyone tell you Obama is an Arab, Muslin, Jer or wanting to turn the White House into a pyramid.

Dapper

Kanye West is arrogant, loud and borderline obnoxious- he gets away with it because of his talent and his genius. He knows he's good and wants you to know too. Dressing incredibly well also helps. No wonder I look up to him.

Here are the promo shots for his upcoming album, the first to break away from his academia theme-The College Dropout, Late Registration and Graduation-808s & Heartbreak will be released on November 25th 2008. In the meantime, load up your iPod with Love Lockdown and Heartless, the first two tracks of off his latest venture.

Model Street Fashion

Among models and mortals, models rock the best kind of street fashion and style- looking pedestrian is quite difficult if you're dripping in Hermès, Balenciaga and Chloé. Will you dare to attempt pleated trous, drop-crotch harems or Lamé stirrups?

Caroline Trentini - Emina Cunmulaj - Lekiene Stange

Sasha Pivovarava (literally draped in Prada) - Vlad Roslyakova - Daria Werbowy

R.I.P. Mr. Blackwell

Mr. Blackwell, creator of the annual 'worst dressed list' and Britney Spears' worst nightmare, died today due to complications of an intestinal infection at the age of 86. He was survived by his partner of 60 years, Spencer. Although I don't agree with all of his choices of 'worst dressed' year to year (Sophia Lauren, Madonna, Lisa Bonet, Vicky B etc.), I do enjoy the quips that come along with his choices.



Here is a list of the worst dressed from 1961 to 2007.

1960: Anna Magnani
1961: Debbie Reynolds
1962: Zsa Zsa Gabor
1963: Zsa Zsa Gabor
1964: Barbra Streisand: "She looks like a masculine Bride of Frankenstein."
1965: Princess Margaret
1966: Mia Farrow
1967: Barbra Streisand
1968: Julie Andrews
1969: Queen Elizabeth: "From her majesty to her travesty."
1970: Sophia Loren
1971: Ali MacGraw
1972: Raquel Welch
1973: Bette Midler
1974: Helen Reddy
1975: Caroline Kennedy
1976: Louise Lasser
1977: Farrah Fawcett
1978: Dolly Parton
1979: Bo Derek
1980: Brooke Shields
1981: Barbara Mandrell
1982: Diana Spencer (Princess Diana)
1983: Joan Collins
1984: Cher
1985: Princess Stephanie of Monaco
1986: Meryl Streep
1987: Lisa Bonet
1988: Sarah Ferguson
1989: LaToya Jackson
1990: Sinead O'Connor
1991: Julia Roberts
1992: Madonna
1993: Glenn Close
1994: Camilla Parker Bowles
1995: Howard Stern
1996: Dennis Rodman
1997: Spice Girls
1998: Linda Tripp (Clinton scandal figure)
1999: Cher
2000: Britney Spears: "Her bra-topped collection of Madonna rejects are pure fashion overkill."
2001: Anne Robinson ("Weakest Link" host)
2002: Anna Nicole Smith
2003: Paris Hilton
2004: Nicollette Sheridan
2005: Britney Spears
2006: Paris Hilton, Britney Spears (tie)
2007: Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham: "Forget the fashion spice -- wearing a skirt would suffice! In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty posh can really wreck 'em."

Chilly days call for warm drinks

On days like today, when the sun hides behind clouds, the leaves are shades of rust, cinnamon and saffron, a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte (with skim milk, hold the whip!) is perfect to sip on.

Christian Louboutin for Rodarte

I saw these shoes a while back when browsing through pictures of Rodarte's Fall 2008 runway show. They were fierce (in every sense of the word) then and they are fierce now. Christian Louboutin designed these for Rodarte and well...isn't that just grand?

Here are a few pics of the shoes from the show as well as Posh stepping out the other day with her other accessory, David Beckham.

LV Spring 09

I love everything in this collection from the shoes, belts and bags to the dresses, blazers and jackets. The styling is modern and retro all at the same time. I don't know about you, but to me there is something Art Deco about the high-rise, wide-legged slacks, rigid and structured shoulder pads, architectural shoes and geometric jewellery. Mixing texture and pattern is something I personally love as well. Head designer, Marc Jacobs, in my eyes can do no wrong. The last few pieces are very Marc while maintaining the strong luxury feel for LVMH. I cannot wait for spring.