POLYVORE.com

Click here to check out this amazing site that I discovered today, where you can put together outfit collages from a huge selection of clothing! Warning: this site may cause extended procrastination and fashion addiction ;) 

This is a great way to get ideas for outfits of your own and brainstorm new ways to use your existing pieces. Here are four collages that I made today. Play around with it, it's so much fun!

Talk soon,

Vi

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Talk soon,

Dorothy

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Top: Zara (find a similar one here)

Skirt: Twik, Simons (find a similar one here)

Tights: Joe Fresh 

Watch: Couturier, Tissot (find it here)

Necklace: A vintage belt via my mom's closet (find a similar one here)

Shoes: Keystone flats, Ecco (find a patent version here)

Hi everyone! Here is what I wore yesterday to go downtown Toronto and have dinner with some friends. The key to wearing a micro mini is to balance it against the rest out your outfit. I love the look of grey tights under a mini because they slenderize your legs and give you some added coverage. This taupe Zara sweater is one of my go-to pieces, because it's extra comfy and easy to wear. A neutral v-neck sweater so versatile! It's great with skirts, jeans or a pair of dress pants for fancier office-appropriate look. 

A quick tip if you find that tights ride down  - fold the top of your tights over the waistband of your skirt to keep them in place. Of course, only do this when your shirt covers the top of your skirt.

My hair was super curly yesterday because I had to change into my Halloween costume after dinner and I didn't want to have to curl my hair at someone else's house. Can you guess what I was? I must admit, I cheated this year and bought my costume instead of making something original. Here's a sneak peak. I'll put up a picture tomorrow :)

Talk soon,

Vi

3 QUICK AND EASY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

Hi everyone! Since Halloween is fast approaching, I thought that I would post three quick and easy costumes that you can make yourself using your existing wardrobe and things that you can find at the dollar store.

COSTUME #1: A Rag Doll

This is the costume that I made three years ago for a Halloween party at school. It was super cheap and easy, perfect for the broke student! Here's what you'll need:

- 1 apron (or a ruffled place mat and ribbon)

- 1 pair of coloured tights

- 1 pair of striped knee-highs

- 1 tank or t-shirt

- 1 overall skirt or shorts

- buttons and patches to decorate your dress
- needle and thread or craft glue
- scissors
- black eyeliner and blush

Step 1: Decorate an overall skirt or shorts (I found mine at Value Village for $4) with buttons and patches. If you don't have any fabric slips or buttons laying around the house, then check the scrap booking section of the dollar store for colourful options. If you don't want to ruin a pair you already have, then attach the decorations with double-sided tape or safety pins.

Step 2: Layer a pair of striped stockings (try Halloween stores and thrift stores) over a pair of coloured tights. I already owned these pink ones, but any colour will do. This will help keep you warm, especially if Halloween tends to be freezing cold like it is here - I had whisked my winter coat off for these pictures :) I also wore a pair of pumps with bows on the toes that I already owned, since they had a cutesy feel to them.

Step 3: If you don't own an apron, then buy a ruffled place mat at the dollar store or thrift store and cut it in half. Attach a ribbon to the rough edge with a needle and thread (or glue) and voila! One doll-like, ruffled apron made in less than five minutes.

Step 4: Last but not least, put your hair in curly pigtails - or buy a wig - and load on the blush. Finish it off with little black lines under your eyes (try using a pencil eyeliner) for a quick and easy rag doll look!

COSTUME #2: The Paper Bag Princess

I couldn't find a good picture of my costume from two years ago, but you get the idea. The Paper Bag Princess, was one of my all-time favourite books as a kid! In short, a dragon burns down Princess Elizabeth's castle and takes her betrothed Prince Ronald captive. After tracking down the dragon and outsmarting him, Elizabeth rescues Ronald, but he's rude and ungrateful so she dances off into the sunset without him. Here's what you'll need:

- 1 neutral strapless dress or a strapless top and shorts

- 1 sheet of gold paper

- 1 roll of brown paper or 1 package of extra large brown paper bags

- 1 brown belt

- wide, clear tape and staples

- scissors
- black eyeliner and bronzer

--

Step 1: Take a sheet of gold paper (no longer than 30cm) and cut a zig-zag across the top to make a small crown. Bend the pointy ends down and crumple it up a bit so that it looks worn out. Lastly, poke little holes in the bottom so that you can slide bobby pins through the base and secure it to your hair. Make sure it sits crooked like in the picture above. 

Step 2: If you are near a paper specialty store, then buy a cheap roll of brown paper and save yourself the trouble of undoing all the brown bags. If not, then unfold them and cut off the bottoms so that you have several long sections of brown paper. Tape them together to create a single sheet that's long and wide enough to make a tube dress. Using a roll of clear tape, "laminate" the paper so that it doesn't rip - we don't want any wardrobe malfunctions ;)

Step 3: Take the paper and measure it around yourself over your underclothes. Give yourself room to breathe, but make it snug enough that it doesn't fall down. Once you have the right fit, tape the edges together to make a tube. Reinforce the seam with staples for extra hold. If you want a more flattering neckline, then cut a sweetheart shape into it. Secure the whole thing with your brown belt at the waist.

Step 4: Use you hair and makeup to make you look dragon-charred like Elizabeth. Smudge black eyeliner onto your face for charcoal marks and use lots of bronzer. Tease your hair and add a couple of little messy braids for fun.

COSTUME #3: Sookie Stackhouse (from True Blood) 

In terms of embarrassing pictures, this pretty much says it all, but it's the only shot of this costume that I could find. Here's what you'll need:

- 1 white t-shirt

- 1 pair of black shorts or jean cutoffs

- 1 colour printer (for the logos)

- 1 roll of wide, clear tape

- 1 toothpick (for the bite marks)

- 1 green blanket or place mat

- craft glue

- needle and thread

- scissors 

- pink eyeshadow and red lipstick

Step 1: Print off a two Merlotte's logos (there are a ton on google images). Pick one white and one green. "Laminate" them using clear tape so that they don't rip and then set them aside. 

Step 2: Find a green place mat/blanket/old t-shirt and cut a large rectangle out of it. This will become your apron. I used a green fleece blanket that I found at the dollar store. Next cut a long, thin strip of the same material to act as the ties and attach them to the apron with a thread and needle (or glue).

Step 3: Attach your Merlotte's logos to your apron and shirt using two safety pins each. Put the green logo on the white shirt and the white logo on the green apron.

Step 4: Curl your hair and pull it into a side ponytail. For the finishing touch, add the vampire bites. Put two little blobs of white craft glue onto your neck where you want them to be and let it dry. Using your toothpick poke a little hole (carefully!) into each glue blob and pull it open so that there is a raised bump in the middle. Cover the glue with foundation and powder over it. To make it look red and swollen, apply a pink eyeshadow around each little hole. Finish it off by putting a dot of red lipstick into each bite with your toothpick. It looks so cool when it's done, I was getting questions all night about how I did it!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Shirt: Gap (find it here)

Skirt: Forever 21 (find a similar one here)

Belt: Forever 21 - came with the skirt

Tights: Joe Fresh

Boots: Steve Madden (find a similar pair here) 

Jacket: Forever 21 (find it here)

Watch: Tissot Couturier (find it here)

Hi everyone! This is what I wore today for a study session at the library near my house. I like to keep things comfortable when I'm studying, so that my clothes don't distract me. I love the mustard colour of this skirt against the clean white top - such a nice palette for fall. Keep your button down casual by undoing the top buttons and relaxing the collar. 

I chose my favourite new bomber jacket from Forever 21 for added warmth. When you are wearing a fuller high-waisted skirt, make sure that your sweater or coat hits you at the waist - or just below - so that you don't add too much volume to your lower half.

I like to keep my accessories simple when I'm studying so that I don't get distracted fiddling with them. I made the necklace above by combining two great pieces. I found a heart necklace at Forever 21 (find a similar one here) with a little gold overlay, which I removed with pliers. Next, I added this evil eye pendant that I bought in Monastiraki market in Athens over the summer. The result is a unique necklace that's exactly to my liking. Try it out yourself! It's a great way to personalize jewelry for a reasonable price (it only cost me 6 dollars for the heart necklace and 2 euros for the pendant!) 

Talk soon,

Vi

BOOK REVIEW: PARISIAN CHIC

This is by-far one of the best style guides that I've read! Written by Parisian fashionista Ines de la Fressange with Sophie Gachet, Parisian Chic is divided into three easy-to-use sections. The first part of the book was actually the inspiration for my "Building a Wardrobe" series; it explains all the must-have pieces of a Parisian-inspired wardrobe and how to style them. Next, de la Fressange has a small section on beauty products and makeup and, finally, a longer section on where to shop in Paris. Although the last section may not seem immediately useful to those of us not living in Paris, it provides some great ideas for inspiration, like army surplus stores, spice shops, flower markets, spas and more. It also has a component on kid's clothing, as well as some great storage tips!

This book is particularly great because de la Fressange knows her stuff. As a former model, fashion designer and muse of Karl Lagerfeld, the author is familiar with the fashion world and how to dress various shapes and sizes. I particularly love how she breaks down her wardrobe into a selection of important statement pieces. Absolutely worth the read!

Overall: A+

Organization: A+

Practicability: A

Writing: A+ (plus lots of cute illustrations to demonstrate her points)

HOW TO: RED LIPSTICK

Red lipstick is a great fall accessory and the perfect pop of colour to dress up a simple outfit. Right now I'm really loving orangy-red tints like the one above. They can be less harsh than dark reds and easier to wear during the day. 

Yesterday was the first time that I tried the Lip Kiss Crayon from Lise Watier, in Mango Punch (find it here), and I was very pleasantly surprised. It goes on smooth like a lipstick, but it has the hydration of a gloss. The perfect wearable red.

If you find that red lipstick is a pain to apply, try these 5 EASY STEPS to the perfect pout!

1. Exfoliate, then Lip Balm

The biggest pain with red lipstick is that it can make your lips look dry. Before you start be sure to gently exfoliate your lips using a scrub (or make your own with olive oil and brown sugar) and apply a hydrating lip balm to lock in the moisture. 

2. Line Your Lips

Next, line your lips with a nude lip liner to make sure that the colour stays put. You can use a red lip liner as well, but make sure that the shades match. This will help keep the colour from bleeding.

3. Apply the Colour

Use a lip brush if you have one (if not just use the tube) and apply the red evenly onto your lips. In these pictures, I used Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wine With Everything (find it here). It's a darker, bluer red than the Lise Watier colour. Don't worry if you make a little mistake, we'll fix it in the next step - it's better not to smudge it. Go slowly around your cupid's bow (the little indent on the top lip under your nose) so that you get a clear line.

4. Fix Any Mistakes

Put a little concealer onto a small-sized foundation brush and go around the outside of your lips to create a nice crisp edge. You can also use a clean lipstick brush, or even a clean eyeshadow brush, to do this step. This will really polish your look.

5. Highlight your Cupid's Bow

Last but not least, use an eyeshadow brush to lightly apply a little highlight onto your cupid's bow. It will make your lips your full, plump and perfect :) You can also use a cream highlight if you have one.

Talk soon,

Vi

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

Tonight I went into Toronto for my friend's birthday and it seemed like everybody was wearing fabulous shoes. I took these pictures in the subway on the way there. I especially love the mismatched Converse. 

Talk soon,

Vi

BUILDING A WARDROBE: BAGS

"I'm thinking that balls are to men what purses are to women. It's just a little bag, but we feel naked in public without it." - Carrie Bradshaw

 

1. The Satchel 

 Marche aux Puces Clignancourt, Paris

The satchel is a great everyday purse - practical and elegant. Look for a nice leather bag that will age well and fit all your day-to-day necessities. If you don't like leather, then another great option is canvas, which comes in a variety of colours and patterns. This is a piece that is definitely worth investing in since it will become a wardrobe staple. Wear With: Try a slim, dark jean with ankle boots, a white button down and a blazer for a polished, sophisticated look. Remember - purses are versatile so play around with different looks. Recommended: Check out local markets for great hand-made pieces or try this version I've been coveting from Fossil (find it here).

2. The Handbag

Aldo Accessories

The handbag is a must for the workplace, since it's classy and elegant. Better yet, you don't have to break the bank to find a nice one - most department store and box stores carry some great versions. Don't be afraid to play around with bright colours! Crocodile skin and other leather prints are always a nice option as well. Before making a purchase consider whether you prefer a single or double handle and if you like to carry your bag at the elbow or on your shoulder. Wear With: Style with a tailored dress and pumps or with jeans and a blazer. Recommended: Aldo just released a new version of the handbag above (find it here) or try this faux-crocodile bag (find it here).

3. The Tote

 

Tri-Delta Tote Bag (left) and Joe Fresh (right)

Totes are a nice option for days when you have to carry around a lot of stuff, like a beach trip, picnic or overnight stay. Canvas is my suggestion since it washes out easily and you can fold it up and store it in another bag if you need to. Try a nautical colour scheme or a bold print for a summery feel. Avoid plastic or vinyl. It may be easy to clean, but it looks cheap and you don't want people to see everything that you have in your bag. Wear With: Reserve your tote for overnights and day trips. It's the perfect way to stay stylish while getting to your destination! Recommended: Sadly, the white tote above is only available to members of the Delta-Delta-Deta sorority (my sister is a Tri-Delt), but find a similar version here.

4. The Clutch

Costa Blanca

Clutches are great for formal occasions when you don't want to carry a lot of stuff with you. Try a bold colour and experiment with fabrics before you make a decision. Look for details like beading, hardware, decals, ruffles and patterns. The clutch is small, so you can go big when it comes to details. Make sure that you still have enough room to hold your phone, money and makeup, nothing too tiny. Avoid bags that look like they are on their way to prom and instead think sleek and sophisticated. Wear With: Pair it with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to an evening gown. Clutches are pretty versatile. Recommended: Try this sparkly Forever 21 bag (find it here). Most vintage stores carry clutches as well, which is a great way to find a unique piece.

5. The Cross-Body Bag

 

H&M (left) and Vintage Purse - my mom's from the 80s (right)

Last but not least, there is the cross-body bag. This small, versatile bag will be your best friend, since it's easy to wear and hard to accidentally leave behind. The cross-body is also a great alternative to the clutch if you are going out at night with friends, because you can sling it across your body and then forget about it. A simple brown leather option like the one above is perfect for transitioning from day to evening. To add a little sparkle to your outfit, try a sequined or bejeweled number. Wear With: Pair either style with a LBD in the evening or shorts in the summer. Recommended: Try this affordable brown imitation-leather purse from H&M (find it here) or this furry version from Aldo (find it here).

Hope this helps you build your dream wardrobe! Remember - with purses you don't have to find the right size or worry about fit, so play around and have fun with fur, leather, sequins, patterns and bright colours :)

Talk soon,

Vi

CHECK THEM OUT!

Looking for your daily dose of fashion? Check out these amazing bloggers!

The Sartorialist

Scott Schuman is the holy grail of fashion bloggers. He started hitting the pavement in 2005 to photograph New York street style. His website has grown into a massive daily blog where Schuman uploads photos of street style and runway style all over the world. His work has been featured in Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia and Interview; he also has a column in GQ. The Sartorialist is unique in his special attention to male fashion and his international scope. Definitely worth checking out!

Blog: thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Garance Dore

Garance Dore is Schuman's other half and a fashion blogger in her own right. The Parisian fashionista personalizes her entries with amazing hand-drawn illustrations and witty stream-of-consciousness rants. Her writing is personable and her pictures are great - better yet you can read them in French or English. Check her out, ca va etre le coup de foudre!

Blog: www.garancedore.fr/en/ (English version) and www.garancedore.fr (French version)

KandeeJ

Technically speaking Kandee Johnson is a makeup guru, but her fashion posts are equally great. Johnson is a top makeup artist in LA and her posts take you behind the scenes at commercial shoots, TV shows and more (last month she went to the Emmys!). To get a closer look at her personal style, check out her more-than-a-mommy-blog from the link below. Kandee also does a great series of costume looks complete with clothing and makeup. Be sure to keep an eye on her blog for amazing insider giveaways and discounts as well.

Makeup/Fashion Blog: www.kandeej.com

Personal Blog: kandeelandkandeeland.blogspot.com

Dulce Candy

 At 23 it's hard to imagine that Dulce Tejeda - known on youtube as Dulce Candy - has already been featured on the cover of Stylist Handbook and Regard Magazine, had over 100 million views on youtube, served as an army mechanic in Iraq, started her own fashion line and popped out an adorable baby, but it's all true! This blogger is a force to be reckoned with. Her tendency for sky-high heels and over-the-top outfits keeps her posts interesting and her videos (also posted on her blog) are so adorable that it hurts. I would definitely suggest checking out her blog :)

Blog: www.dulcecandy.com

Talk soon,

Vi

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

I just re-watched Bridesmaids for the first time since it hit theatres and I have to say it's still hilarious. Kudos to Kristen Wiig for co-writing and starring in the kind of movie that proves that chick flicks can be as funny, raunchy, sexy and vaguely gross as bromances like The Hangover. Melissa McCarthy also deserves a shout-out for her unflinching performance as Megan, the tell-it-like-it-is bestie that every girl needs.

In terms of fashion, I love what Wiig wore to the 2011 Glamour Awards. Generally speaking, mustard is not an easy colour to pull off. Nevertheless, Wigg's choice of lipstick and her copper accents really pull this whole look together. The colour is great against her fair skin and the draping is figure-flattering. I could do without the bronze shoes, but all in all this is outfit is pretty stunning. The prefect choice for the Emmy-nominated, SNL vet!

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Jacket: Forever 21 (find it here)

Jeans: Forever 21 (find a similar one here)

Sweater: Zara (find a similar one here)

Scarf: Club Monaco (find a similar one here)

Glasses: Fendi F855 Eyeglasses (find them here)

Hi everyone. It was a cold and rainy fall day yesterday so I had to take some inside pictures. To bundle up for the weather I paired my favourite pair of classic dark-wash skinny jeans with a taupe v-neck sweater from Zara. I added a long, gauzy patterned scarf to add some volume and interest to the outfit and finished it off with this amazing faux-leather bomber jacket that I bought at Forever 21. 

Thursday and Friday I went on a little staycation to Toronto to visit a good friend of mine and have lunch with my sister. Since the city has much better shopping than where I live, we went on a little excursion and picked out some great pieces. This jacket was such a good find, I would definitely recommend it. Perfect for chilly fall weather.

Talk soon,

Vi

BUILDING A WARDROBE: BOOTS

When I see the leaves changing I always get excited because one of my favourite parts of fall weather is boots. Boots are the triple-threat of footwear: they are stylish, comfortable and weather-appropriate. Boots are also very versatile and they can be used to dress an outfit up or down. The right boot can add colour and texture to your outfit while slimming your frame. Here are three staple styles of must-have boots.

1. The Riding Boot

Steve Madden

Ecco

Riding boots are by-far my favourite kind of footwear. Choose a pair that comes 1"-2" below your knee to maximize their slenderizing effect. Avoid pairs that hit you mid-calf, since they can create the illusion of a shorter leg. Also pay attention to the shape and size of the heel. You want a short, thick heel to preserve the 'outdoorsy' feel of the boot. They should be a fashionable take on horseback riding boots, so avoid overly-shiny finishes and pointy heels. If you find that the sole/heel is worn, then pop by your local cobbler and have them fixed up. Leather ages well, so don't be afraid to make an investment - they can last you years!  Wear With: Riding boots are the most versatile type of boot so go ahead and experiment! Try pairing them with jeans, leggings or a flirty dress and tights. Recommended: Above brown riding boots from Steve Madden (find a similar pair here) or black Kolding boots from Ecco (find them here).

-2. The Cowboy Boot

Vintage (My mom's from the 80s)

Detail

Cowboy boots are a great way to add personality to an outfit. Try a bright colour for a fun twist or stick to monochromatic leather patterns for a more tradition look. Pick a pair with high quality leather so that they age well and look for details like tassels, buttons, decals and patterns when choosing the perfect pair. Wear With: Try pairing them with jeans, a patterned top and a bomber jacket. Avoid jean cutoffs, they tend to be tacky. Recommended: For a real pair of cowboy boots, search out a custom cobbler in your area. There are stores that specialize in making amazing and unique pairs. If that's a little beyond your budget, try this Aldo pair (find them here).

3.  The Ankle Boot

Ecco

                                          

Ecco

Last but not least, we have ankle boots. Watch out with this style, because proportion is very important!  Usually, ankle boots are cut either around 2"-3" above your ankle (bottom) or at a slight downward angle starting at the ankle (above). The latter style tends to be more formal, so pick a more polished finish. For the former, try a worn brown leather or suede (watch out for rain on suede though!) for a more relaxed look. Avoid witchy details like overly-intricate lacings, patent finished and super-pointed heels. Wear With: Be careful with proportions - try skinny jeans or leggings with chunky wool socks. Avoid bare legs, especially with shorter black pairs. Recommended: Junction by Ecco (above - find them here) or Leros by Ecco (find them here). They make very durable, high quality boots.

Wishing you fall boot weather!

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

 Leggings: H&M (find them here)

Tank: Pure Body Cami, Gap (find it here)

Sweater: Joe Fresh (find a similar one here)

Boots: Kolding, Ecco (find it here)

Watch: Couturier, Tissot (find it here)

Bangle: ?? - it was a gift (find a similar one here)

Necklace: A vintage belt via my mom's closet (find a similar one here)

Belt: A vintage belt via my mom's closet (find a similar one here)

Hi everyone, this is what I wore today while I studied for the LSATs (booring!). I love wearing tights and a sweater to class or to the library because it is comfortable and cute. Dress up your outfit with unique accessories and belt it at the waist to give it some shape.

When wearing leggings make sure that the hem of your top comes below the crotch of your pants. Remember - leggings are not constructed as sturdily as other pants, so they can be very revealing if your top is too short.

If you worry that wearing long sweaters shortens your legs, then try wearing boots that are the same colour as your leggings. The monochromatic effect will elongate the line of your leg and make you look taller and slimmer :)

Talk soon!

Vi

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hi everyone, today is Canadian Thanksgiving! The thing that I am most thankful for is the amazing support and love that my family has received over the past four weeks. My father is currently battling cancer and our family and friends have showered us in home-cooked meals, cards, fruit baskets, flowers, phone calls and more. 

One especially wonderful surprise came from the students at the high school where my dad teaches. The whole school has gotten together to fold 1000 paper cranes to bring him luck and health! The first 500 were dropped off a couple of days ago. How amazing is that!? They are sitting in our family room to remind to stay positive.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Vi