long live alexander mcqueen

I saw this image and it took my breath away – again. From his spring 07 collection, this dress along with every other piece in his collection was breathless. While being credited for being one of his best collections it was filled with everything McQueen was known for. With the combination of romance and darkness paired with luxurious textures and colours, the clothes emitted an overwhelming number of emotions. So when I saw this image being used to advertise for his upcoming retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art all those emotions came flooding back.

So this dress has now become an inspirational stepping point for how I want to shop for my special wardrobe pieces.  This dress is filled with elegance, rawness, richness, texture, movement, and uniqueness. Every time I look at this picture, I see something new that catches my eye.
It really is a true work of art.

the rise of the penny loafer.

I absolutely adore penny loafers and in recent years they are slowly infiltrating everyone’s shoe closest. Based off the design from the historical loafer brand G.H. Bass in the 1930’s, stunning loafers have been accepted by a wide range of target markets. From dignitaries and celebrities to business women and young men, loafers can be worn at any age with pretty much any outfit. With famous icons like James Dean, John F Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Michael Jackson rocking them out and giving us inspiration, penny loafers have proven themselves to be timeless.

However now it’s time to switch it up. Just like how every trend is born, we take something inspiring from the past and revamp it to something fresh for the future. I believe that these shoes can honestly be worn with anything. Rethink wearing your sneakers or ankle-boots and try on a gorgeous pair of burgundy penny loafers. Wear them with anything from a long summer dress and braided belt to the tailored cropped pant and flowy blouse.

Bass Weejun Wayfarer in Black/White

Easy penny loafer tips:

-          They can be worn as both dressy and casual

-          Match the color of the loafer with the color of your accessories

-          Wear them with tights, knee socks, ankle sock or even sockless (think MJ when wear white ankle socks and patent loafers - too cute)

-          Don’t be afraid to wear them with skirts and dresses. They are not just a business shoe.

And no matter what people say about penny loafers they are cool and will forever last the test of time.

Bass Weejun Layton Shoe in Burgundy

hawaiian surf.

I've fallen in love...

I just got back from a week long Hawaii adventure that changed my life. The best thing I experienced during my trip was surfing the crystal blue Kona waves while the sun beamed down on my winterized Vancouver skin. Every wave I caught gave me such a feeling of accomplishment and serenity. When it’s just you, a board, and the uncontrollable ocean you definitely feel at mercy with nature.

So since I’ve found this inspiring obsession, I have been trying to better understand surf culture and its fashion.

Here are my surfing musts..

My favorite albums that remind me to hang loose:

The Ventures - Surfing

The Surfaris - Surfers Rule
The Sandles - The Endless Summer Soundtrack
The Ziggins - Pomona Lisa

The Shadows - The Shadows’ Greatest Hits
The Cruel Sea - This Is Not The Way Home
Sublime - 40 Oz To Freedom
Donavan Frankenreiter - Donavan Frankenreiter

Jack Johnson - To The Sea
 

My must see surfing movies to get you into the surf spirit:

  And of course my new fashion wishables for my surf filled summer are…

From Left to Right

Rusty Piranha Hybrid Surfboard

Etro Poncho Shawl

Sitka Portrait T-shirt

Goldsign Misfit Jean

TNA Taj Bag

Talula Drew Tank in washed leopard

Jil Sander Maxi Dress in flower print

Roxy Surfari Bikini

Toms Classic Shoes in women faces

Carven Pinstripe Short

T.Babaton Ace Tank in garlic flower

Wilfred Alexa Dress in petale

Roxy Cynthia Rowley Wetsuit

Alex Monroe Leaf Earings in gold

Sanuk Shoes in zebra 

Juma Scarf in branches

Bedford Street Laundry Scandal Bra

Michael Kors Cutt-off Shorts/ Striped Crop Top

Acne Leggins in tribal print

TNA Laguna Hooded T-shirt in heather pool blue

venice gondolier fashion.

So I was first inspired by gondoliers when I bought the new Talula straw boater hat. As soon as I put it on, I immediately envision a relaxing boat ride down a Venice canal with a strapping young man in traditional dress serenading me in operatic tones. From the red ribbon wrapped around his waist and straw hat to the striped shirt and relaxed black pants, everything about his outfit seemed effortlessly stylish.

So with my straw hat in hand I of course needed to find an outfit that would complete my gondolierian vision. As a result I believe I have put together a romantic yet practical outfit that has a comfort factor for an adventurous spring and a classic feminine touch perfect for a patio lunch with friends.

Perfezione.

Boater straw hat, Harleguinfeltworks sunset rose scarf, T.Bataton catamaran t-shirt in white/navy, TNA all-star chino in shadow black, Lacoste braided belt, Sebago yalting shoes in grey