Jacqueline Conoir Fall 2010 & StyleLikeU

As mentioned before, I recently attended the Jacqueline Conoir (jcstudio.ca) Fall 2010 Winter Collection launch party hosted by luvn'grace. I had a fantastic time, sitting front row with the fabulous Jose Luis of The Fashion Guard. A lot of the collection was more business dress than I would normally wear - of course with JCs sleek, classy 'power suit' physique that's to be expected - but the perfectly tailored trousers and a few of the show-stopping dresses we're some of the pieces I could absolutely see myself in. Below are some shots of my favorite dresses courtesy of Dan Poh & jcstudio.ca






The black and gold gown to the left above is my absolute favorite of the entire collection, it is so stunning.
A huge congratulations to RozeMerie Cuevas for a fantastic fall collection.



I decided I must share with you all my current style inspiration obsession, I'm sure most of you have heard of this website and visit it regularly. I had visited it occasionally, but recently I've found myself browsing the closet, blog and editorial archives to find new inspiration or interesting facts and I'm always successful.


a few of my favorite closet interviews are definitely with Uffie, Ally Hilfiger, Sophia Lamar, Lori Goldstien and Zelda Kaplan - who is the exact kind of fearlessly fashionable woman I want to become when I'm 94. - among others. So if you haven't been to StyleLikeU, you need to check it and browse the closets. You will find endless pages of inspirational people with fantastic individual style and I suggest everyone check out this site asap, you will not be disappointed.


Stef Van Der Laan (model) via StyleLikeU

XXX
- the style whxre

Skin Challenge & The Gap Spring 2011 RTW

I have a friend visiting from out of town this weekend and I can't wait to get crazy!

Wearing: grey headband, black cardigan (Nana), cream blouse (parasuco), black braided belt (vintage), black opaque tights (U.O), black lace knee highs (no label), dark grey tie ups (U.O). (I'm getting a camera stat; sorry about the shit quality..blah.)

As usual, I've been strapped with projects, assignments and studying for exams. And in the small bit of spare time I have I've been working on a skin challenge. Being that I'm really on the search for my Holy Grail skincare products and clear, smooth, glowing skin;

So begins my own Skin Challege 2011, care to join me?

I've had a lot of skin problems in my life and well let's just say I bought my first tub of foundation when I was in the fifth grade. Now, I have relatively good skin aside from the occasional breakout due to stress and/or hormones. Recently, for about the last 6 months I've been using a product called "Acne Zap" from Saje, a holistic company based here in B.C. I use the soap, atomizer (toning) mist, moisturizer and zit zapper spot treatment. You can purchase as a package, for around $50 CAD or each part individually from $11-15 CAD.

Saje Acne Zap; atomizer, moisturizer, bar soap (boxed), 'zit zapper' spot treatment
Unfortunately for me, I forgot my Acne Zap bar soap at home during Thanksgiving holidays and I need my momma to send it a.s.a.p. But I always need to wash my face and am very cautious about what I put on it (Saje, Sudocreme have been my go to products for the last while) and so recently I've decided to dig into my cupboards and try out some basic homemade scrubs and washes. Thus far my best results have been from a yogurt wash, which I've been using daily comprised of plain yogurt, lemon juice & honey. Sometimes I let it sit as a mask then wash it off, or just use it as a plain wash. The other scrub I've been having good luck with so far is a honey/sugar scrub, which is as simple as it sounds... mix together honey & sugar (maybe some oatmeal and/or lemon juice and essential oils depending on your preference) the consistency really is up to your preference too. Slap it on your face and rub it in just a bit, let it sit for half an hour or until it dries/stickies and your ready to wash it off. Rub it in a bit, then use some warm water to scrub it some more and the sugar will really exfoliate. I've been doing this about twice weekly. There's some more at home recipes I'm going o be trying in the next few weeks and will definitely keep you posted. These have been working better than the average drug store or high end product, for half the cost which is exactly what I need on my student budget.


Gap Spring 2011 RTW
The Gap, oh The Gap.
Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection was featured in London recently and basically, I adore everything. So casual and chic, from business to garden party, casual lunch to night out (with some accessories and smokey eyes the dress above would be perfect). Keeping it neutral with creams, black, white, camel and splashes of pastel. Super skinny or super flared denim in light and dark washes, white and khaki.

and...

...I will be needing this floral bikini; all shots Gap Spring 2011 RTW

I really don't think there was one look in this collection I didn't like. It's so hot and fresh, not 100% my style, but I definitely dig. And, the mens section of the collection...

Gap Spring 2011 RTW
...I don't think it's even a question how hot Harry and Robbie are in the shots above. The mens part of the collection is equally stylish and casual. You can also check out the entire collection @style.com (photos of The Gap courtesy of style.com as well) Overall, props to The Gap on Spring 2011 RTW. I can't wait for these items to hot stores, there's a Gap store only a few blocks away from me... Uh Oh ;)


Coury C. on LOOKBOOK.NU

All for now my blooming fashionistas, never be afraid to send questions, comments, critiques & inquiries to alixdaignault@thestylewhxre.tk

XXX
-the style whxre

Vintage Pucci and McQueen 2011 RTW breif overview

I head home tomorrow morning, time for drinks, family, friends and some homemade turkey dinner...yum!


Wearing: black ballet flats, black distressed skinnies (GUESS?), black v-neck, denim button down (H&M), vintage lennon-esque sunglasses, straw fedora (U.O), bangles, necklaces (various)

please check out my new video It Gets Better. It's for a great cause, putting the word out to the LGBT youths that it's ok to be you and it gets better. This is a project going on on youtube right now in response to the recent chain of suicides within the LGBT community. So please check it out and I urge all vloggers to make their own "It Gets Better" video, actually everyone should make one.



The Pucci Story: Vintage Art Edition
The Prince of Prints. This is a limited edition copy of the Emilio Pucci story, each of the 500 copies made are bound with a piece of original vintage Pucci fabric, and has four original drawings by the prince of prints himself. Along with the piece of original vintage Pucci fabric and four original drawings there is actual content to this book...which I would sincerely hope so when you're paying $1000 a pop for these vintage Pucci books.
Aristocratic Design, You Draw What You See, Wordly Inspiration, and Travels in Art are all some of the chapters featured in this limited edition vintage book. However, if you're not someone you has a grand lying around to spend on a vintage copy of the Pucci story, you can flip through a electronic version at TASCHEN Books, because who doesn't love the Prince of Prints?!




the late Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection (finished by Sarah Burton)
As we all know Alexander McQueen's collection, that he sadly left unfinished with his passing, was shown in Paris yesterday. The collection was finished by the late designers long time partner Sarah Burton, and she pulled off a success. She displayed her skill and knowledge of McQueen as a person throughout the show, however, some are concerned that the Alexander McQueen label will never be able to surpass this or his previous endeavors.
The collection was fabulous, but definitely a touchy subject and I really haven't had the time to analyze the whole thing as thoroughly as it deserves to be. I'll definitely need a few days for this one...

Visit style.com for the full collection and runway video
on that note I'm also in the process of reading the Alexander McQueen book, I'll have plenty of reading time when I'm flying home so in the next few days I'll review the book and the 2011 RTW collection together, in a special McQueen memorial post so stay posted for that!

XXX
-the style whxre

John Galliano Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

Well, my fashion elements mid-term exam went rather well. Again, I anticipated for a much harder exam than it ended up being. Now part a of my business plan due tomorrow that I have yet to write more than 4 pages... and one quiz left this week.


Wearing: turban style headband (H&M), black cardigan (my Nana), strapless flower print dress (Vintage), grey thigh high stocking (A.A), black strappy wedges (Vintage), necklaces (bird, cross & heart; various), lightning bolt ring


John Galliano Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection
Aside from Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano is my favorite designer. These two top my list, absolutely. Especially, a John Galliano runway show. The makeup, the hair, the set, the theatrics, the man never seizes to impress. As is the case with his Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection which was shown in Paris yesterday at the grand Opera Comique, with Maria Lani (an artist and self-proclaimed actress) being the muse of the evening.
Often John Galliano puts on the show that people tend to love or hate. Some thinking his theatrics can draw away from the fashion aspect... and in some cases it can, I won't deny, however that was not the case for the designers most recent show at Paris Fashion Week. Even finishing off with a burst of gold confetti... who doesn't love anything gold and glittery?

♥



The shows opening consisted of many different styles of trench and pea coats. Short, long, transparent, opaque in a neutral color palette and often paired with harem pants, which by the looks of things is a trend still only just beginning. Two of my favorite jackets from the collection are pictured above, featuring a lace trim on one, and snakeskin on the other.
Brighter colors were then introduced, sometimes being paired with the neutral jackets, in layered skirts, dresses and tons of draping, as well as some elaborate patterning thrown in. All the while keeping the drama within the makeup, hair and lots of crazy hats...


A lot a very sheer fabrics were used, and were shown more toward the end of the show in terms of very long, very sheer, very simple or very decorative evening dresses...

As with all Galliano fashion shows, it was a real show, and a great one at that. There was great use of colors and fabrics, Oh, and the hats, wraps and veils... I die.

I think above all my favorite look of the show is the one above. I love the all the draping, layering and deep red shade, not to mention how chic Georgina Greenville looks with that Chinese-style umbrella. Overall, another John Galliano hit in my books, like I said the man never seizes to amaze.


Dazed and Confused

And if you haven't already check out/enter Dolls Factory 123L giveaway!
Well since I have mounds of homework that I've been seriously procrastinating, I guess this is enough fashion blogging for tonight...time to hit the books, again...

XXX
-the style whxre

Galliano runway show images courtesy of style.com

"Runway Report"

Today didn't consist of much, I spent four hours completely cleaning my apartment from...head to toe? back to front? regardless I cleaned the shit out of it last night. So today, I did a little redeco-ing and finding nice homes for my glossy mags and coffee table reads. I decided a full fridge would correspond well with a sparkling clean apartment so I headed out for a latte and to grab some groceries


Wearing: H&M black fedora, H&M denim button down blouse, cream tank, latex leggings (I think Simons in Montreal), vintage sneakers (Montreal), arm full of bangles, gold ring w/ bow, flower cocktail ring, gold cross dangle earrings, over the shoulder small fringe bag (accessories collected on my travels from totally random boutiques/kiosks)

...and upon checking out at the grocery store I stumbled upon Harper's Bazaar Fall/Winter 2010 "Runway Report", so I threw it in my basket. I flipped through it later this evening, I'd watched some of the runway shows in class this week and with the conclusion of fashion month approaching I was inspired to do my own mini-first-anlysis runway report (more detailed blogs on fashion month to come). And so my favorite collections this season are probably; New York FW: Alexander Wang (although I was really not a fan of the hair in the show, at all), Boy by Band of Outsiders, Dennis Basso, DKNY, Diane Von Furstenburg, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Rodarte, Richard Chai Love & Zac Pozen. I'm love love loving the use of furs this year, the layering and structured tailoring with jackets are a favorite of mine as well.
London FW: Christopher Kane, Louise Goldin, Peter Pilotto, Pringle of Scotland Milan FW: Blumarine, Brioni (especially the jackets in this one), D&G, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Iceberg, Jil Sander, No.21, Roberto Cavalli, Versace. In both London and Milan FW I was especially drawn to the tailoring of the shorter cocktail dresses and I'm always partial to fabulous knits. Paris FW: Alexander McQueen (r.i.p I may go into more detail on this one in a later post), Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Dior, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Hermes, John Galliano, Lanvin, Rick Owens & Yves Saint Laurent. Again like NYFW I was attracted to the use of fur and structured tailoring especially with the dresses and jackets, which is looking quite popular on the runways this season...

I still have to analyze the collections a lot more closely but upon my first look my impression of the collections this season was generally a good one. Most of the collections were nothing but fabulous, but the above mentioned were the ones I think really stood out.

I'd kill for the pants in the image on the left from the Proenza Schouler Fall 2010 collection



I have a mid-term exam this Tuesday for my business entrepreneurship course so the next two days will be a cram study sesh and hoping I don't have homework in fashion elements, retail buying or fashion styling... because I'm entirely business entrepreneurship focused the next three days. wish me luck?
And on a final note excuse the awful MacBook photo quality in my daily outfit posts, I have yet to purchase another good quality camera (r.i.p old Nikon) heh



XXX
-the style whxre