Wednesday 28 September 2011

BESPECKLED BEAUTY

One of the most prevalent trends right now is Buddy Holly-style glasses. Holly, a 1950s rockabilly musician, became famous in the music world as the father of rock n' roll and famous in the fashion world for his iconic glasses.

Recently many actors and musicians have stepped onto the red carpet wearing thick-rimmed glasses. Here are some tips and tricks for becoming a fabulous four-eyes:

Fendi F855 Eyeglasses (find them here)


Tru Trussarti TR 12703 Eyeglasses (Find them here)

1. Pick a shape that flatters your face
When you are choosing a pair of glasses consider the shape of your face. Do you have a wide or narrow forehead? Are your eyes close-set or farther apart? What shape is your jaw? All of these factors will help you determine what shape of frames will be most flattering on your face. For instance, I have an oval/heart-shaped face, a very high forehead, arched brows and wide eyes. This means that cat-eye frames, like the Fendi pair, and rectangular frames, like the Tru Trussarti pair, nicely balance out my face. By picking a pair carefully according to your facial proportions (as opposed to what is trendy at the moment), you can be sure your frames will outlive the trend.

2. Look for interesting details

(Tru Trussarti)                                        (Fendi)
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Since heavily-rimmed glasses are very on trend right now, look for interesting details that will make your glasses memorable and unique. The Tru Trussarti pair (above left) that I own have a great snakeskin pattern on the inside of the arm. Likewise, the Fendi pair (above right) have a cutout detailing on the outside of the arm. These little effects can instantly add style and personality to your look.

3. Choose a flattering colour
Although most Buddy Holly-inspired glasses are black, don't let this limit your choice of colour and texture. A shiny black plastic frame is more traditional, while a brown tortoise shell adds interest and dimension. It's also a great option for people with paler complexions like me, since it is softer and warmer than black.

4. Consider your prescription
Last but not least, remember to consider your prescription when choosing your frame. Your eye doctor can help you decide how wide/high/thick your frames should be. Once you have these guidelines, then you can make a better decision about the shape and style of your glasses.

Buddy Holly's death may have marked "the day the music died", but his iconic glasses continue to inspire.
Talk soon,
Vi

Monday 26 September 2011

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION


This is my maternal grandmother, Barbara Roach.
Love the collar, love the curls.

Talk soon,
Vi

Sunday 25 September 2011

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Jeans: Forever 21 (find similar ones here)
T-Shirt: Bluenotes (find it here)
Scarf: H&M (find a similar one here)
Boots: Leros Boots, Ecco (find them here)
Bag: Marche aux Puces Clignancourt, Paris (find a similar one here)
Watch: Couturier, Tissot (find it here)

Today was warm and sunny - a definite change from yesterday's cool weather! This is what I wore out to lunch with a friend. A good pair of jeans that are flattering in both fit and colour is one of the most important items in your wardrobe. Even a simple jeans and t-shirt combo can look fresh and interesting with the right fit and accessories. 

To spice up my outfit I added a great brown leather ankle boot (which I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a pair). They are super cute and surprisingly easy to walk in, despite the heel. Try cuffing your jeans above your boot, instead of tucking them in, for a modern twist. 

I also added one of my favorite scarfs - a floral print with an awesome texture and unfinished edge. A leather (or canvas) satchel is a great touch for any casual outfit. I wore my watch, little gold stud earrings and my sunnies to pull together this great fall look.

Talk soon,
Vi

Saturday 24 September 2011

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Sweater: American Eagle, Men's Department (find a similar one here)
Dress: LaSenza (nightie)
Boots: Livingston Boots, Ecco (find them here)
Watch: Couturier Watch, Tissot (find it here)
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer, Ray-Ban (find them here)

This is what I wore today while I was hanging around the house and going to the movies with my sister. I love pairing ultra feminine dresses with men's sweaters, especially for cool fall weather. 

One of my favourite things about fashion is putting together unexpected pieces in a fun, unique way. This dress is really a nightie from LaSenza that I bought a few years back. I love the look of the girly eyelet together with the boy's sweater. Look for great sports sweaters in the men's department of your favourite stores. Opaque tights and riding boots are the perfect finishing touches for a simple fall look.

Talk soon,
Vi

Thursday 22 September 2011

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Romper: Garage Clothing (find a similar version here)
Shoes: Ecco (find a similar version here)
Cardigan: Joe Fresh (find a similar version here)
Sunglasses: Rayban Original Wayfarer (find it here)
Watch: Tissot Couturier (find it here)

This is the outfit I wore out to lunch today with my parents. Since the weather is cooling down, I added a pair of light-weight grey tights underneath my romper, as well as a grey cardigan. Generally speaking I am not a big fan of tights with shorts, but I like the look of tights under a romper because the proportions are more similar to a dress. 

I hunted for a romper for months this summer before finding this one at Garage Clothing. It's difficult to find one that has flattering proportions on the bottom and top halves. Watch out for waitlines that are cut too high, since they tend to elongate your bum.

Because of the busy pattern, I kept my accessories simple. I opted for a watch and a pair of gold stud earrings. You can see my poor satchel lying on the ground in the background. This is a great outfit for fall, since you can transition your summer pieces and squeeze a couple more weeks out of them. 

Talk soon,
Vi

Wednesday 21 September 2011

EMMY STYLE

I am a self-confessed award show junkie. I love the drama, I love filling out nerdy prediction ballots and I love the fashion. At the Emmy Awards this past Sunday, there were some obvious trends among the nominees. 

The women of Hollywood showed their love for red, with Kate Winslet, Lea Michelle and Sofia Vergara all donning the vibrant hue. Others, including Cat Deeley, Maria Bello and Elizabeth Moss, opted for intricately embellished nude dresses. In terms of shape and fit, the mermaid gown was by-far the big winner of the night. 

There were also some obvious trends among the male nominees. I've always felt that men get the raw end of the award show deal, since the tux can be limiting in terms of colour, fit and texture. The bow tie was in high demand this year, as was the skinny tie. However, the biggest trend was definitely thick-rimmed glasses. Not only did John Slattery and Guy Pearce appear be-speckled, so did half the cast of Glee.

All in all it was a great night for fashion, but here is my best dressed list:

1. Nina Dobrev
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I love this dress. The shape, the colour and the fit are all incredibly flattering. Moreover, the folded panels are a nice change from the usual crinoline-filled bottom and the added volume makes her waist look extra tiny. One of my favourite elements of this Donna Karan creation is that the mermaid flare begins under her bum, rather than at the knee. Instead of creating an overly harsh shape, Dobrev's dress adds va-va-voom curves to her slim frame. Her minimal jewelry and hair let the dress take centre-stage. Well played.

2. Elisabeth Moss

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While Moss may be confined to a never-ending supply of frumpy dresses in her role as Mad Men's Peggy Olsen, she shows us what she's made of in this Marchesa dress. The blush nude perfectly suits her ivory complexion and dark hair. Likewise, the silver embellishment is tastefully done, especially around her shoulders. I love the way that the vines creep down her arms on an invisible backing. It's reminiscent of Halle Berry's 2002 Oscar dress, but with a modern twist. Finally, the subtle mermaid silhouette really balances out her figure. Whereas Moss sometimes appears slightly broad shouldered, the flared bottom and shoulder embellishment of this number are super flattering. 
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3. Kelly Osbourne
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Generally speaking I am not a big fan of Osbourne's fashion, but her Emmy look really blew me away. This dress is a testament to how to do ruching right (not an easy task); the texture is visually interesting as well as slimming. The asymmetrical straps spice up the traditional mermaid silhouette and the colour is to die for. I also like the fact that she didn't wear a purply lipstick. Her makeup is age appropriate and keeps her looking fresh. Lovely.
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4. Julie Bowen
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The Modern Family star recently told People Magazine that she was "built like a 14-year-old boy." What I love about her sense of style - including this dress - is that she embraces her figure and goes with what she's got. So instead of donning a push-up bra, Bowen bared her amazing collar bone in a plunging Oscar de la Renta gown. The waistline nips in perfectly to add dimension to her althletic frame and the straight skirt balances out the neckline. The detailing is modern and fun and her simple hairstyle doesn't distract from the pattern. Well done Ms. Dunphy.

5. Martin Scorsese


As a fan of heavily-rimmed glasses myself, here's to the man who did it first. Although he had some serious competition this year, Martin Scorsese was by far the best-looking four eyes in town.

Talk soon,
Vi

Saturday 17 September 2011

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

This little snapshot shows my paternal grandmother, Maria, who immigrated from Greece as a teenager. As a joke, my grandfather and my dad snuck up with a camera while her hands were busy mixing bread and tried to snap a shot of her in a paper robin hood hat. The picture caught the last second before she tipped it off her head.

Talk soon,
Vi

Tuesday 13 September 2011

BUILDING A WARDROBE: SCARVES

Scarves are one of my favourite items of clothing. A scarf can instantly add colour, pattern, texture and personality to an otherwise plain outfit. Here are some essential styles that you should collect when building your wardrobe. 

1. The Rectangular Scarf

Club Monaco
Friperie St-Laurent, Montreal

Rectangular scarves are probably the most comment type of scarf. Choose a voluminous fabric that will add dimension to your outfit. Rectangular scarves are flexible and easy to wear because they come in large variety of fabrics, colours and patterns. Look for solid colours that are flattering against your skin tone (bottom) and small patterns that won't overwhelm your face (top). Pick light, gauzy fabrics so that you can wear them year-round. Wear with: Pretty much anything! Try slim-fitted bottoms, bold earrings and a blazer; avoid necklaces. Recommended: The Felicia Scarf from Club Monaco (find it here) or this more affordable version from Old Navy (find it here).

Detail
2. The Square Scarf

Farmer's Market, Paris
American Eagle
Square scarves are super versatile, since they can be worn folded over into a triangle (bottom) or loosely wrapped around the neck (top). Experiment with bigger, bolder patterns since there is less fabric to work with. Florals are particularly eye-catching. Light cotton materials are best since they wash easily and transition well from summer to fall, but silk is also a nice option. Wear with: Try pairing it with a summer dress, knit stockings, a cardigan and riding boots. Recommended: Patrol local farmer's markets to find hand-made versions. For a scarf similar to the blue one above, check out this option from AE (find it here).

Detail
Detail

3. The Pashmina

Friperie St-Laurent, Montreal (via of my mom's closet :D)
The pashmina originated in Kashmir as a traditional cashmere shawl, but the term is now used more broadly to apply to rectangular wool or wool-blend scarves with fringed ends. These scarves are perfect for fall and winter months, since they are both warm and stylish. Pick rich colours that suit your skin tone and experiment with monochromatic patterns (below). Wear with: Try pairing this style with jeans, ankle boots and a fitted sweater for a cozy fall look. Recommended: Since pashminas are very on trend right now they are available in the accessories section of most major stores. For an authentic version check the label to be sure it is made with pashmina cashmere and that it comes from South Asia. 

Detail
4. The Silk Scarf

Monastiraki flea market, Athens
Last but not least, there is the silk scarf. This style can be a bit tricky. To avoid looking like a stewardess, keep the scarf long and loose (above) or bib-wrap it around your neck. Since these scarves are so thin, go ahead and experiment with stripes, florals, animal print and other patterns, just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit understated. Wear with: Silk scarves look great over a long pea coat in the winter or with a simple sheath dress in warmer weather. Recommended: Try this monochromatic print at Forever 21 for a fun, affordable version (find it here).

Detail
The scarf is your closet's facelift. Although this selection is by no means comprehensive, these four styles will help you makeover your existing wardrobe. Scarves can instantly add colour, texture and pattern to an outfit and they can be worn year-round. Take your time and search for the perfect scarf in box stores, vintage shops and flea markets to find a unique piece that represents your personal style.

Now go out and build your ideal wardrobe!
Talk soon,
Vi

Wednesday 7 September 2011

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

For my first "snapshot inspiration" post I thought I would show this picture of my amazing friend Daniela. Not only does Daniela have a very developed sense of personal style, she also has the ability to spot statement pieces in any location (box store, market, vintage shop) and integrate them seamlessly into her existing wardrobe.
This picture was taken when Daniela was on vacation in Colombia. I love the way that she wears a bold necklace in a relaxed and casual way, making it suitable for everyday wear. Genius!

Talk soon,
Vi

Saturday 3 September 2011

LIFE OF VI ON FACEBOOK

4 FASHION FOILS FIXED


Summer fashion can be hard on the legs. If you aren't careful, short shorts, flirty dresses and lightweight skirts can leave you with a serious case of chub rub. To prevent the inner-thigh fire that all too often accompanies a humid summer day, throw a mini jar of petroleum jelly into your purse before you leave for the day. By rubbing a little of the gel on any sore spots, you can glide your way through the hottest months.


Not only can panty lines ruin the cutest of outfits, they can add extra weight onto your frame. To avoid a bad case of 'mom-butt', invest in a good thong. The fit should be comfortable and stretchy so that it doesn't cut into your sides and remains invisible under your clothing. If you can't stand the feeling of thongs, then try a short-length shaper. The shaper will provide the support that a normal boy-short panty lacks and will stay hidden under your clothes. Check out this version from Spanx for ideas (find it here).


Summer sweat can lead to stinky feet. Flats are particularly guilty culprits when it comes to foot funk. To keep the smell at bay, cut down on foot moisture by sprinkling baby powder into your shoes before heading out. This is a much better option than putting deoderant on your feet, since the dry formula doesn't cause you to slip in your sandals. Baby powder can also double as a fast fix for underarm odor if your deoderant begins to falter mid-day. At the end of a long day, slip a dryer sheet into each shoe to absorb any lingering odors.


Last but not least, the trickiest of summer fashion foils: the sweat stain. Not only are sweat stains embarrassing and uncomfortable, they can be hard on your clothing as well. But do not fear, there is a simple solution that does not involve painful and invasive Botox injections. Instead, try an over the counter anti-sweat formula like Drysol, which can be found at most pharmacies. Just skip your shave in the morning and then dab it on before bed. After that you can wear your favourite silk dress on the hottest day of the year and throw your hands in the air whenever you feel like it. Yes!

Now go out and conquer the last few weeks of summer, foil-free!
Talk soon,
Vi