SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

This is what my friend Allison wore out for drinks yesterday. Definitely a great example of how to do (but not overdo) military-inspired clothing. She found these amazing shoes at a Timberland in Cyprus (find a similar pair here).

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

 

Dress: Zara (find a similar one here)

Belt: Forever 21 (find a similar one here)

Boots: Steve Madden (find a similar pair here)

Tights: Joe Fresh 

Watch: Tissot Couturier (find it here)

Bangles: Forever 21

Hi everyone, here is my outfit of the day. Pairing a short, feminine dress with opaque tights, riding boots and a skinny belt is a quick and relatively foolproof outfit combination. It's also a great way to transition your summer dresses into fall. Swap in a thicker pair of knit tights and a sweater and this combo can take you all the way into the winter! 

For the most flattering fit, secure the belt around your smallest region - whether that be under your bust or at your waist. Find a boot that hits you just below the knee or higher (rather than at mid-calf) so that you don't shorten your legs. Try stacking your bangles and watch on the same wrist and mixing textures (leather/metal/wood) for a unique look.

Talk soon,

Vi

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

Hi everyone :) This picture shows my father making a snowball outside his childhood home in Toronto. It's stamped March 21st, 1967 - brrrr, long Canadian winters!! I love the 60s-style winter coat and his shiny black shoes. Get well soon Daddy!

Talk soon,

Vi

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

I am loving the work of current Project Runway contestant Anya Ayoung-Chee. Her use of prints and her flowy, feminine silhouettes are fun and youthful. The former Miss Trinidad and Tobago is definitely someone to keep our eyes on!

Her Project Runway portfolio: click here

Her website (Pilar by Anya): click here

Before Project Runway...
 

On Project Runway...

 

UPDATE: Anya was named the winner of Season 9! Woo! (10.27.11)

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Trench: Forever 21 (find a similar one here)

Jeans: Forever 21 (find a similar one here)

Boots: Kolding, Ecco (find it here)

Bag: Marche aux Puces Clignancourt, Paris (find a similar one here)

Scarf: Marche aux Puces Clignancourt, Paris (find a similar one here)

Watch: Couturier, Tissot (find it here)

Hi everyone! Today was perfect fall weather - it was bright, sunny and cool outside. Since the daily high was only 10 degrees, I had the chance to wear one of my favourite coats. I love the classic look of a tan trench coat paired with jeans and riding boots. When choosing a trench, be sure to pick one that hits you mid-thigh to avoid accidentally shortening your leg. To finish off this look, I added a light-knit floral scarf.

Underneath my coat, I wore skinny jeans and a plain long-sleeved shirt. I spent most of the day with my family in the hospital (my dad is recovering from surgery), so I wanted to keep my outfit simple and comfortable. A trench coat and scarf are great ways to spice up any outfit since they are easy to wear and super versatile. Please excuse my semi-wet hair, I took this picture as I ran out the door :)

Talk soon!

Vi

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

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

This is my maternal grandmother, Barbara Roach.

Love the collar, love the curls.

Talk soon,

Vi