Denim: the fabric of my life

One of my style muses: Rachel Bilson

I'm pretty sure a day doesn't pass where I don't wear denim in some variety...okay maybe there's been a day. But that is how much I love to where jeans. It is my go to wardrobe choice without a doubt, because there is just so much you can do with it. Investing in denim nowadays isn't cheap - the price of a good pair of jeans could feed a small family for a week. However, in my opinion it is worth it. Although denim trends do come and go, you could get away with wearing the same pair of jeans for years and years.

So when you find that pair that fits you just right, snag it up!

Here's a video on Elle.com that I was featured in...hope it gets your denim juices flowing!

And check out this blog post about denim trends from one of my favorite fashion blogs, Refinery 29.

Looking FORWARD to FALL!

The weather has definitely started to cool down, and instead of getting bummed out that the sun is going into hibernation I am starting to really look forward to fall dress! Time to pull out those sweaters, boots, and jackets again...Fall is coming!

Flashback to this past February's NYFW, designers showed their Fall 2010 collections - here are some of my favorite trends from the runway:

CAMEL

This soft, neutral provides great transition from fall to winter. Plus, it goes with practically everything!

From Left to Right: Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Zac Posen, Chloe

LEATHER

This is sure to toughen up any look in an instant. Complemented with softer details, it's a hit this season!

From Left to Right: Barbara Bui, DKNY, Balmain

CAPES & PONCHOS

These pieces provide a beautiful silhouette and allow for multiple layers underneath. Nicely offset with a skinny pant or sleek boot.

From Left to Right: Vena Cava, Rage & Bone, Alexander Wang

VELVET

The shimmery texture of this fabric provides depth and movement to the garments, and is really soft to the touch. Comeback kid of the season, for sure!

From Left to Right: Thakoon, Ralph Lauren

Getting dressed in the morning has never been so fun!

I am a blackberry girl, and probably always will be. But this is so COOL! I just discovered there is an app for the I-phone that, depending on what city you live in, will take into consideration the weather forecast in the morning and put together an outfit for you to wear. If you like what you see, you can even find out where to buy certain items. It's called the "Feather Report" and it's free (for the I-phone...hmph). This is somewhat reminiscent of Cher's awesome outfit-finder-thing in the movie Clueless, and I'm loving it!

My biggest problem right now is the unpredictability of New York's weather (just the other day we had a mini-tornado roll through...yikes!) So this is something that I know I could definitely use on a day-to-day basis. Also, you can search outfit suggestions for future outings depending on weather, body type, and occasion.

A sample outfit put together by the Feather Report

What will they think of next?? :)

Inspiration

After viewing the wonderful collections this past fashion week, I started to think about inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything.... but how exactly do we get inspired? I suppose the traditional way I think about inspiration is in the artistic or creative sense. That is, we get "inspired" to create a piece of art or design a beautiful piece of clothing by our surroundings, by the time of year, or by the zeitgeist (what is "in the air" or "of the moment"). But when I really begin to think about it, inspiration can come in so many shapes and forms and can be used for so much more than artistic presentation.

I see inspiration as a motivation for doing the things we do. A reason for getting up in the morning - seeing the bigger picture. If we had no inspiration, we just go through the motions of our day-to-day activities and happiness would be very difficult to achieve. The way I see it, you must be inspired to be a success and to be happy in life. It is often when we are inspired the most that we do our very best work and reach our fullest potential. It is that drive that forces us to push boundaries and strive for the best results possible.

Currently, I am the most inspired by the people around me, and those who are closest to me. No matter if they are halfway around the world or a 5-minute train ride away, I really define myself by these people. They have taught me to open my mind up to many different ways of doing things and that nothing is ever as bad as it seems. No matter how lost I feel, I know I can always get inspiration from my loved ones, so that I may find my way again.

Here is a sample mood board from fashionista.com with things that inspire fashion for September 2010

What do you get inspired by?

More Celeb Sightings - NYC Fashion Week

Victoria Beckham @ Bergdorf Goodman

Whitney Port @ the new Carolina Herrera store (Madison Ave.)

Nicole Richie @ Bergdorf Goodman

Sarah Jessica Parker @ Bergdorf Goodman

Jessica Alba @ Ralph Lauren's FNO celebration

Halle Berry @ Ralph Lauren's FNO celebration

J. Lo @ Macy's - launching new fragrance "Love & Glamour"

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, with Mom, Kris Jenner - Rumored to be soon opening a Dash store in NYC

Olsen Twins - Mary-Kate & Ashley @ Elizabeth and James pop-up shop (West Village)

Mary J. Blige @ Gucci store

Latest Crave :: AllSaints Spitalfields

This is quickly becoming one of my favorites. They just recently opened one up 2 minutes away from where I live....Hallelujah!

AllSaints Spitalfields is a British brand started in 1994. They offer an amazing selection of womenswear, menswear, childrens clothing, accessories and some home decor as well. I am personally obsessed with the worn, washed look of their leather goods and the oddness of some of their silhouettes. I find their clothing to be very sexy, but not in the typically provocative way (which I also love!). Their collections have this fantastic rock-and-roll aesthetic and yet remains very wearable at the same time.

Here are a few images from their Fall lookbook, which can be viewed here.

And for those style-savvy men out there...

NYC Fashion Week Begins!

Today is the first "official" day of Fall 2010 fashion week here in NYC. Participants have already begun showing their Spring 2011 collections. The anticipation is high and, of course, the fashion is fierce. This will mark the first fashion week to be held at Lincoln center instead of the beloved tents at Bryant park. This swap is definitely a bit sad. However, according to mayor Bloomberg's office, this will be the highest grossing week to date - raking in $385 million...! (what recession?!?) Plus, it looks kind of awesome from what I've seen so far! There are a ton of fun events happening throughout the city, including Fashion's Night Out this Friday, for which over 1000 stores will participate. Many retailers host parties and stay open until as late as 11pm. Typically, these efforts boost retail sale significantly, plus there's a ton of fun to be had by all!

Lincoln Center's Outdoor Venue

Here are some quick fashion week facts...

- It was all started in 1943

- Bryant park was home to the week's events for 17 years strong since 1993

- It is held every February and September in New York

- Other host cities include Paris, Milan, and London

And of course, there are countless celebrity sightings during this time....here are a few so far!

Blake Lively in Marchesa

Naomi Campbell and Pharrell

Serena Williams and the NY Knick's Amare Stoudemire

Leighton Meester in Versus

New friends, New fashion.

I love getting inspiration from those around me. Everyone boasts their own unique sense of fashion, so I really enjoy meeting new and interesting people. PLUS these ladies are not only fashionable, but beautiful to boot! xoxo

Lanvin ♥'s H+M!

There is an emerging trend for high-end, well-known designers to partner up with retailers like H&M or Target, and bring their fashion to the masses. It makes their clothing more accessible, but it can also bring down the perceived value of their brand.

French fashion-house Lanvin, headed by Morrocan-born Israeli Alber Elbaz, is confirmed to collaborate with fast-fashion retailer H+M to launch an exclusive collection. Personally, I am interested to see the design and quality of the clothing so I will definitely be checking it out! The collection hits H&M stores nationwide on Nov. 20.

Read more:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/02/lanvin-hm-partner-for-fal_n_703796.html

End of one chapter means the beginning of another

I have been confused about blogging pretty much since I heard it existed....like what's the point? But now I realize how truly powerful and awesome it can be. I wanted to start this blog as a way for me to get my thoughts out... not that I'm saying my thoughts are so important the world needs to hear them!

I moved back to NYC after a long and fabulous summer in my hometown, Vancouver BC. I don't think it gets much better than summer in Vancouver. But I am relived and happy to be back in this crazy, hectic city and looking forward to the start of another school year. I can honestly say that I would not rather be anywhere else.

Although it might be a bit corny, redundant, cliche to say it - the end of one chapter always brings the beginning of another. And for me, that's my life here in the city. Bringing all my past experiences with me so that I may expand my body of knowledge and figure out the the F I want to do with my life!

So, here goes...