Hey there, pretty lady.

Compliment me on my eyes...oh, that's so kind of you.  Compliment me on my personality...oh, thank you, thank you.  But compliment me on my shoes...that's when the angels sing.  The follies of a shoe addict and fashion fanatic - that's the story of my life.

After being complimented on my shoes during a job interview, and having even a security guard remember the dress I was wearing, I couldn't help but give an embarrassed chuckle over how compliments like these mean the world to fashion lovers.  While some girls crave attention to things, ahem, other than their outfits, there's nothing that makes a girl like me smile more than being complimented on her clothes.

I stress that this is an entirely embarrassing thing to admit; I'm aware I risk sounding like a completely shallow person.  But at the same time, is it still being shallow if I'm not judging other people, but rather the one being judged?  When I don't inflict venomous judgements on the outfits of others, and at the same time, never fish for compliments on my own attire?  Truly mindblowing stuff.  Well, anyway, in the end, I see it as an innocent matter of me just being easily humbled by something as simple as "I like your shirt!".  After all, my outfits are extensions of my personality, and being noticed for and complimented on my ability to express myself is something I am not ashamed to be flattered by.

Here's how to check if you're like me (which I almost hope you aren't, for the sake of your sanity):

Pick up an article of clothing and ask:

1. Has someone complimented you on this item? 
2. How many people in total have complimented it?
3. Who were they?
4. When were you were complimented?
5. Where were you complimented?
6. How did they compliment you?

If you can answer all of the questions, then - brace yourself - you're like me! 

I can go as far back as remembering the very first time I was complimented on something I wore.  It was on a pair of jeans, during Grade 7, in the change room after gym class, by a best friend.  You can pick up any piece of clothing from my closet and I can tell you all the compliments or comments it's received (if any).  I can tell you about the first time I was complimented by a stranger (Superstore employee - when I was checking out their free samples - silk Banana Republic button-up - total compliments on that item of clothing: 3), the first time I was complimented by a, I guess, "popular girl" (Grade 8 - school camping trip - by a picnic bench - said I always had the best clothes (um, what?) - Tommy Hilfiger top), my most-complimented-on item (brown leather boots from Aldo), or...ok, you get the idea.  Et cetera, et cetera.

So what have I achieved by telling you this?  Possibly I have lost a notch of your respect, or possibly I have shown you that, although it may not seem like it, what people think of the way I look isn't all that important to me.  There is a fine difference between caring about your looks, and just being thoroughly flattered when someone compliments you.  What makes me happy is when someone goes out of their way to tell me they like the way I express myself creatively: through my clothing.  But I never dress with the intent of gaining compliments; I always dress for myself.  Like an artist, my clothes are my paint.  My outfit is my masterpiece.  I'm honoured if you like it, but it doesn't matter to me if you don't.

 
Image Source: Photo1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Bottoms Up!

I did it!  I finally bought a pair of floral trousers.  After years of wearing stuffy (and boring) jeans, I finally have a pair of pants that I can wear when I want to dress up a little.  Floral trousers have been sold in every imaginable print these past two years, and the choice is endless.  There are probably a million different prints out there that I could drool over (searching "floral trousers" on Google is practically an hour-long pastime for me...one that is filled with me wailing over the size of my bank account), but this pair from H&M hit the nail on the head in terms of price:

$15 for a pair of trousers.  I'm well aware that the floral pant craze will end eventually, so I'm glad I haven't spent too much on a trendy item.  The other thing I love about this pair is the fit.  Trousers tend to be too baggy or too long on me, but this pair has a nice tapered leg (with two back ankle slits) and fits smoothly around the zipper area.  Although it is a bit too long - hitting at the ankles instead of slightly above - I'm just overjoyed I don't need any hemming.

I've already tried pairing my trousers with my black pumps, and I feel so modern and chic.  The great thing about trousers is that they are meant for tucking your shirts in, thus making your legs look longer.  Tucking into jeans can sometimes look outdated, and I find that denim has all sorts of unflattering wrinkling around the zipper area.  Also, the SIDE POCKETS.  Adore.  Endlessly.  They make me one step closer to all those fashion editors walking to haute couture shows with one hand holding a Blackberry, one elbow clasping a neon envelope clutch, and the other hand casually in their trouser pocket.

Image Source: eBay

Hudson's Bay: A Sea of Potential

I am so in love with The Bay right now.  Or, should I say, Hudson's Bay.  For years it was known as the large, deserted department store that only had humble families and elders to count as its customers (which in itself isn't a problem; the problem is that Hudson's Bay actually targets a much wider audience). But now, with its rebranding efforts and retail growth plans, Hudson's Bay is reasserting the fact that it is Canada's oldest department store and, as it should be, among the most respected. In the past year, I have noticed a significant improvement in Hudson's Bay's flyers. While its old flyers were printed on flimsy paper and organized in a very practical, utilitarian fashion, its new flyers are presented as posh catalogues. The products themselves have improved, too. An inflow of younger, international labels has brought a spark to the newly renovated space that just calms my mood as I walk through it. If you ask me, Hudson's Bay has made a very admirable and effective change. I recently flipped through its newest flyer, and was extremely impressed (but excuse my blurry, unprofessional photos).

There is perceptibly greater care for the products by presenting them in a light worthy of their value. Besides that, there are just so many pieces I adore. Here are some of the pieces I would like to highlight:

Michael Kors Orange Leather Strap Watch

I know that Michael Kors' link watches are incredibly popular, but I am always one for well-made, traditional leather straps. The Michael Kors Orange Leather Strap Watch (centre) is just stunning in its simplicity, to which my Dad wholeheartedly agreed.  The face is smooth, uncluttered, and stands out among the sea of messy face designs. The strap, being a thin band of orange leather, doesn't scream class, but rather quietly exudes it. I like my watches clean, and while they will knock the wind out of you with their beauty, they knock you out gently.

Lord & Taylor Cable Sweater and Shorts

The entire Lord & Taylor outfit (right) is hands down perfect. I would wear the entire look head-to-toe without hesitation. I've recently started experimenting with the popular look of sweaters over collared shirts, and have fallen in love with how it tricks onlookers into thinking you've mastered the art of layering. Not only do I adore the tropical green of the sweater, pairing it with those printed blue shorts is a heavenly combination. I'm on the hunt for both printed bottoms and shorts this summer, and this Lord & Taylor pair satisfies both requirements. With those practical side pockets, looking cool and fresh could not be easier. Lastly, a quick word on that watch!  Sadly, it's not credited in the flyer, but that light blue strap...my oh my, Hudson's Bay has me entirely sold on this look.

Paper Label Lounge Legging

I'm sorry, but when did lounging look so good?  Especially in university, everyone wears sweatpants when they're feeling in the mood for comfort. I actually feel the most uncomfortable in ill-fitting clothes like that. Jeans are, admittedly, too tight to move around the house, but these Paper Label leggings (left) are a great compromise between comfort and style. Tight enough to give you a figure in case someone comes knocking on the door, but loose enough around the thighs and knees to allow for mobility when you do your chores. I also like the cinched ankles: there's no chance of your pant legs riding up as you sleep.

There are a few more comments I have about the flyer (ahem, Chanel nailpolish!), but perhaps it would be better if you checked out the flyer for yourself here. The only page I can't help but give a laugh at is the one featuring Guess watches (page 13). I have never liked Guess. Guess is overt without realizing that a certain level of restraint is what intrigues. Basically, it's cheap - both in quality and style. Looking at Guess' page in the flyer, the difference is evident. The watches are excessive, flowery (literally), and even if they aren't, look poorly made. But other than that, I would like to applaud Hudson's Bay for so successfully reinventing itself, both to the benefit of the company, and its customers.

Image Source: Hudson's Bay

What's a Facebook?

I've been blogging close to 3 years now, and I've been very happy doing it. Yet from a business-savvy blogger's perspective, I would look to be in an utter rut. I've never been one for overt self-promotion.  Sure, I will share my posts with my friends, but the whole "Follow me!" or "Follow for a follow!" has never been my thing.

So it was with some slight hesitation that I created a Facebook page for my blog.

Not only do I shy away from self-promotion, I don't feel worthy of having a Facebook page yet.  If you can count the number of readers you have on your fingers, then there's probably not going to be much interest in your page anyway.  I'm also not a fan of social media, with Facebook being the only platform I can stand, simply because of its ubiquity.  It's great for keeping in touch with friends, but the things you see people posting...when did rationality go out the door?

But anyway, if I was so apprehensive about starting a page, then why did I do it?  Admittedly, the idea suddenly came to me the night before an exam when I was trying to catch some sleep, and as you might know, the weirdest things come to mind when you're laying in bed wide awake. It seemed like a good way to gain exposure beyond the walls of my friends and fellow bloggers, but in the end, it's to satisfy my personal goals more than anything else. I find that I always have these little nagging thoughts about fashion that are not significant enough for an entire blog post, and too well-developed for something like a (pointless) 140 character rant on Twitter.  Facebook will allow me to professionally share these random thoughts, as well as provide me with a nice platform to look back at some of my older posts.

I might sound unenthusiastic about all of this, but after seeing my page come together...it's another step that my blog is taking and I really couldn't be happier.

Valentin Yudashkin Fall/Winter 2013 RTW

I know I tend to talk a lot about big name collections on this blog and I make no effort to hide my love for high fashion. However, at the heart of it all, it's talent that I love, and although you may not know it, I really do enjoy scrolling through the collections of lesser known designers and seeing what other amazing talent exists outside the big box names. One of my latest discoveries is Russian designer Valentin Yudashkin, who presented his Fall/Winter 2013 RTW collection during Paris Fashion Week and Moscow Fashion Week. I was elated to find a video of his full show on Youtube, allowing me to write a proper review of the collection. Although Yudashkin is a well known designer in Russia and definitely far past the stage of "up-and-coming", I hope to have enough time over the summer to bring you more posts on relatively unseen talent.

What drew me to the collection was its very icy, but thoroughly sophisticated, demeanor (which makes sense, considering we are dealing with snowy Russia). The collection dealt with the fragility and beauty of snowflakes and their almost otherworldly ability to transform a landscape, one flake at a time. It started off strangely reminiscent of Blumarine Fall/Winter 2012 RTW, a collection I gave one of my most scathing reviews to. The white fuzzy boots and the metallic sheens could have veered on the tacky, but Yudashkin did what Anna Molinari didn't: he kept it classy.

His cuts were clean, with sharp angles around the collars and hems to reflect the slick edges of a snowflake. To keep his shorter dresses from being just another thing at a high school prom, he gave them exquisite flake-like detailing, and updated them with masculine blazers and coats. You could almost envision yourself sipping hot chocolate by the window on a snowy Winter's day, and marveling at how ice crystals manage to wind their way up glass panes.

One thing I loved was how some of the coat collars folded so softly it was as if the models were coated in a sheet of snow. As the show progressed, I also noticed the use of muffs - an accessory I used to have as a child, and one I think could make a great comeback. There were some looks missing from the Paris show that appeared in the Moscow collection, and so I recommend you watch the video to check out Yudashkin's use of prints and 60s silhouettes.

Moving into evening, we once again get sharp cuts, with the most unique being cutouts around the hip that reminded me of the curved hips at Atelier Versace's stunning Spring 2012 collection, but upside down. Not all were hits though; the extreme sheen of some gowns revealed awkward rumpling around the hips, and the skirts of others were just too stiff.  But the last two looks made up for any mishaps, and you can see for yourself why they had some audience members clapping proudly.

In giving us such a clean palette, Yudashkin created a seamlessly connected collection from start to finish. It was a pleasure to break outside the Big Four cities (even though he did present in Paris) and see what other talent is boiling away behind major media lenses. After seeing this collection, I am reminded of Sochi 2014, and think that this sort of atmosphere would make a smashing Opening Ceremony.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

I was reading fellow blogger Edoardo's post about Alexander McQueen's hole heels way back when, and there's one thing I wish to quote from him:

"I love their innovation against the general boredom of the model: I mean, heelless heels?  Now they are everywhere...the absence of a heel is not even something interesting."  

When I read that, I was mentally nodding and agreeing with him.  But then I immediately caught myself, and thought, "Did I really just agree that heelless heels are nothing special?"

It dawned on me how critical we've become of fashion and how designers have to continually sweat it out each season to bring us something that will get our stamp of approval.  It's becoming harder and harder for designers to innovate, and there's no doubt they struggle to stay ahead of the ever forward moving interests of society.  Is not every design worthy of some praise, however simple?  Everything is about immediacy nowadays, and as fashion lovers, we hunger for the next new thing.  But the moment an innovation has been licked clean, we drop it like a bone and move on, scouring for our next target.

The inventions and innovations of the past were tremendous, and to try and equal that would require a truly groundbreaking feat.  Naturally, as time goes by, it will become more difficult to innovate.  I was reading a coffee table book titled Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century (a book I highly recommend for its spine-tingling, absolutely beautiful recounting of historical fashion), and I realized what it would take to equal the sheer magnitude of past innovations.  Whether it be Coco Chanel's androgyny, Rei Kawakubo's body-modifying designs, Elsa Schiaparelli's Surrealism or Christian Dior's New Look, there has been little in modern time that has shook the entire fashion world as these past innovations have. Yes, we've had our outstanding technological innovations, and I am hardly saying those are insignificant, but have we really had an innovation that has changed the way we dress?  We've shocked, but we haven't shook.

We've been exposed to absolutely everything in fashion, from meat dresses, to robotic skirts, to transparent crocodile skin.  We continue to set the bar for innovation higher and higher, to the point where there's really nothing we won't expect.  Ironic then, that we still search for innovation with such vigor.

With immediacy and accessibility showing no sign of relapse, I can assure you this hunger for innovation will not end any time soon.  While the world continues to look endlessly forward, I think I'll take some time to look back and marvel at a history I didn't live through, but which contains an abundance of great innovations, both small and revolutionary.

Image Source: Photo 1, 2, 3, 4

I see London, I see Stacy...

...I see also Clinton Kelly!  How could I have forgotten about this dynamic duo?

I remember that when I first started getting into fashion, What Not to Wear (WNTW) was my main source of knowledge; it was my first tool in learning the basic terminology of fashion. It was thanks to WNTW that I learned what a pencil versus an A-line skirt is, what an empire waist is, and most importantly, what Mom Jeans are. It was my weekly dose of knowledge, and although I felt strange saying that my favourite TV show was WNTW when all of my other classmates listed off drama series, I cannot stress enough how important WNTW was in helping a nerdy, completely-not-stylish girl like me actually sound knowledgeable in fashion. I couldn't walk the walk, but hey, at least I could talk the talk.

Stacy and Clinton taught me all the foundational rules about style, and it was from there that I later jumped off to dive into the actual world of fashion, where ALL the rules get broken. I moved on to reading fashion magazines, watching runway shows on Youtube, Google searching different types of fabric, reading up on the decades of fashion, familiarizing myself with Style.com, and finally, picking up my first copy of Vogue.  Through my whirlwind years of learning (and I'm still learning!), WNTW eventually dropped off my radar.

But after spontaneously deciding to write an essay on WNTW, I rediscovered my love for the show. I may be able to see through their not-so-subtle tactics of dramatization now, but the ethos of the show remains close to me. I had forgotten that Stacy was my very first style icon, and now I realize that she will always be my style icon. And Clinton, the "good cop" side of the duo, is just infinitely precious. Sadly, TLC recently announced that WNTW will stop production after its 10th season. 10 years of helping women discover confidence through their personal style…over. You can bet many people are having a cry over this, and I’m with them. The nostalgia is coming back in waves, and I will dearly miss the personality these two brought to our television screens. WNTW was there to support me during the years of my budding passion, and you can bet I’ll be there to support them during their graceful exit.

Image Source: Photo 1, 2, 3