Versace for H&M

This news is a couple days late, but it's news worth sharing.  After the hugely successful Lanvin for H&M collaboration, there were rumours of Tom Ford being the next one up.  However, it has just been confirmed that Versace is set to collaborate with H&M for their Fall 2011 collection, ready to debut November 17, 2011 (a quick thanks to my fashion friend for notifying me!).

While H&M has had numerous fabulous collaborations, this specific collaboration I hold dear to my heart.  The very first fashion show that I watched, the collection that jump started my love affair with fashion, was Versace Spring 2008 RTW.  I was captivated by the glamour and colours of the collection, so much that I fell in love with fashion, and never looked back.

Even though over the seasons, other designers have become favourites as my fashion knowledge becomes more diverse, I never miss out on a Versace collection.  I may not always love each collection as much as that special Spring 2008 collection, but I always look forward to seeing what Versace comes up with next.

So with this collaboration, I finally get to see Versace done at a cheaper price range.  I'm expecting all of Versace's signature no holds barred sex appeal and glamour, with colours, prints and body-con looks galore.

First it was Lanvin, now it's Versace.  I must say, whenever I think of H&M...be still my beating heart.

Image Source: H&M, Fashion Foie Gras, Stylespelledbackwards

Kiss Me

If you've been following my blog for a while now, you've probably noticed that I don't talk much - actually, at all - about celebrity style.  But there are, at times, fantastic fashion moments in the entertainment industry that are worth a mention (like when Lady Gaga wore Alexander McQueen in her Bad Romance music video).  However, the focus isn't on Lady Gaga this time; turn your eyes over to Katy Perry.  It seems Katy Perry is quite a fan of the duo behind Viktor & Rolf, as was seen during the MTV Europe Music Awards, when she wore one of their interestingly cut chiffon gowns from Spring 2009:

More recently, Katy Perry has turned to Viktor & Rolf once more for her fashion statements.  After having seen her E.T. music video several times, it finally dawned on me that one of the dresses she wears in the video is from Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011:

I remember writing in my review of the collection that, as Bryan Boy said, this dress would be perfect as Lady Gaga's wedding dress.  I can just imagine Lady Gaga getting married in this dress with Katy Perry belting out "Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me" in the background.  What a moment that would be.

Image Source: Awards, ET, V&R

Guilty Pleasures

My latest trip to Holt Renfrew involved helping my friend pick up - not a handbag this time - but nine items of clothing (she's a bit of a spender).  Currently, Holt Renfrew is having their Summer Sale, and they have racks of shoes included in this sale.  I took this as the perfect opportunity to try on shoes I could only dream of owning.  In total, I tried on six pairs of shoes, but the following three, I think, are worth talking about.

First up is the Gucci Kelis Platform in purple.  The moment I saw it, I was head over heels.  I loved the Spring/Summer 2011 Gucci collection, and the fact that this is straight off the runway had me giddy in lust.  As well, the deep purple velvet pairs glamorously with the gold python in true Gucci style.

Verdict:  As hot as these shoes are, they're only meant for admiring.  The heel is much too high and dainty for me to handle, and with two thin straps holding my foot in, walking was far from easy (how do models do it??).  Despite its impracticality, the shoe looked fairly good from all angles when I was standing, especially from behind.  These straight-from-the-runway heels might be best left on the runway, but trying them on was priceless.

Up second is the Valentino Mesh Floral Sandal in black.  I first saw this pair of heels in a magazine, and when I saw it in Holt Renfrew, I was reminded of why I love Valentino so much.  The label's wispy, ethereal femininity is translated through the mesh, floral appliqué and lace-up back ankle strap.

Verdict: This shoe is as beautiful on the rack as it is when it's worn.  I was afraid that the appliquéd front would be overwhelming and heavy on the foot, but the mesh, delicate peep toe and open heel ensure that the shoe remains light.  While the lacing at the back makes putting on the shoe take more time than I would like, it's the details that count.  Height-wise, this shoe was much easier to walk in than the Gucci's, and out of all the shoes I tried on, the Valentino's are the ones I would actually buy if I had the money (and the appropriate occasion).

Lastly is the Givenchy Gold Toe Ballet Flat.  This pair of shoes wasn't on sale, but what caught my eye was obviously the gold metal toe.  It's industrial, but altogether very glamorous, and I like the contrast between the hard metal toe and the soft blush pink.

Verdict: There's not much that can go wrong with a pair of flats, and the metal toe adds a nice tough-glam touch.  It's a unique pair of flats, and you can rest assured you won't see look-a-likes on the streets.  The back of the shoe did scratch my foot, but that can probably be fixed with proper sizing.  However, while there's no risk of stubbing your toes, accidentally scuffing the metal toe just might make your heart break a little inside.

To finish off my shopping trip, I popped some chocolates from the front desk in my mouth, and grabbed my complimentary pretzel and old fashioned bottle of root beer.  Anyone who doesn't dare step foot in Holt Renfrew simply because it's expensive doesn't know what they're missing.

Image Source: Gucci, Valentino, Givenchy

Summer 2011 Makeup Looks

Earlier, I posted the Summer Shoes article that I wrote for a youth magazine, and I said that it was my last article for the publication.  In a way, this is true, as my writing will no longer be published in the magazine, but what I later found out is that I can still write over the summer for their online publication.  And that's exactly what I did, as I was chosen to write an article on Summer 2011 Makeup Looks:

As much as I have a passion for fashion, makeup has never really been my forte.  I do have some beauty knowledge from reading countless fashion magazines, but I would rather talk fashion over makeup any day.  So when I took on this assignment, I was afraid I might not have what it takes to write knowledgeably about makeup.  But after a bit of research, I hope that I have written something that will at least be worthy of those makeup lovers out there.  Also, a quick thanks to my friend, a makeup maniac and follower of this blog, for giving me a simple outline of this season's biggest makeup trends (she was bang on, by the way).  She loves beauty in the same way I love fashion, and together, we could conquer any fashion magazine.  ;)

Note: One of my friends, after discovering my blog, has decided to start a blog of her own.  I am so happy for her, and I hope her blog will become as much a source of pride for her as mine has become for me.  Her blog is not a fashion blog, but you can check it out here.

Image Source: Youthink

Chloé Patty Leather Shopper

Over the past couple of seasons, Chloé has impressed me with its ability to mix feminine style with minimalistic, simple designs.  I definitely consider Chloé one of my favourite labels.  So when I was asked to pick up a Chloé handbag for a friend, I was more excited than the two previous times when she asked for a Louis Vuitton and Chanel bag picked up.  The bag that I picked up this time was the Chloé Patty Leather Shopper in black:

At first glance, I wasn't exactly keen on the bag.  I'm not generally a fan of pebbled leather, as I tend to gravitate towards smooth leather, and the front flap didn't strike me as being a particularly flattering shape.  However, after looking more closely at the bag, I realized that this bag is in fact fantastically modern, without being overtly trendy.  The shape of the gold hardware is artistically geometric, and the sculpted flap is delightfully characteristic of Chloé.  A whiff of leather was also all-encompassing the moment I took the bag out, which is another plus with me.

It's lightly structured, and I can imagine it looking wonderful with either a classic, clean outfit, or something a bit more modern but still simple.  I'm not quite sure if my friend has the appropriate wardrobe to go with this bag, although she will no doubt find a way to make it work.  This bag can also be transformed into a shoulder bag, but because of the size of the bag, it doesn't look fitting snuggled against a hip.  Even though I might have bought another bag from the collection, this bag is definitely a good choice, and I think my friend spent her money well.  What do you think?

Image Source: Nordstrom

Fairytale Reality

Thank you all for your well wishes on my exams, and your wishes must have done something, because my French exam went by wonderfully.  My exam was on Monday, but I didn't blog at all this past week because grad was on Saturday, and grad prep takes time!  Grad is one of those times that most girls look towards as a time to transform themselves into princesses, and to go all out and release their inner girl.  Two girls from my school did end up looking like princesses with pink ballroom gowns and tiaras, and others surprised me with how they rid of their usual casual attire, and donned floor length dresses

However, I didn't end up getting the full dress shopping experience, as I actually borrowed dresses for both the ceremony and banquet.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money on grad (university itself is expensive enough), and so all in all, I spent a total of $16 on my entire grad look, which went towards a curling iron.

Even though I had a graduation gown overtop my dress for the majority of the ceremony, I still wanted to look put together underneath the gown.  For my ceremony dress, I went with classic black, but in a sexier way with a strapless, lacy, body-con dress.  Nonetheless, to keep it appropriate for the formality of the occasion, I put on a black cardigan and pulled on some black tights.

Dress: Unknown (Borrowed)

Cardigan: Prada (Gift)

Shoes: Tahari

Necklace: Unknown (Gift)

Crystal Earrings: Fifth Avenue Collection (Gift)
Tights: Unknown

My friends too, of course, took the occasion to dress up:

The grad ceremony, while long and drawn out, was a memorable moment of pride.  It was a culmination of three years of hard work into a precious couple of seconds on stage.  It was a celebration of all 704 graduating students, and it marked the beginning of each and every one of our future endeavors.

Despite the importance of the ceremony, all the girls were truly looking forward to the banquet.  The banquet was our chance to live our very own fairytale.  At the beginning of the year, I knew that I did not want the typical satiny, embellished, jewel-toned grad gown.  I had it clear in my mind that I wanted an angelic or ethereal dress.  My morning outfit was black and body-con, but my evening outfit would have to exude quiet, innocent beauty (somewhat of a reversal, is it not?).  So with that in mind, I went with a silver, delicately sequined dress.  The theme of my outfit was subtle sparkle.

Dress: Unknown (Borrowed)

Shoes: Feet First

Shawl: Tricot de Crayon

Clutch: Aldo (Borrowed)

Necklace and Bracelet: Unknown (Gift)

Earrings: Anne Klein

I wanted it so that you wouldn't quite realize the full potential of my outfit until you saw me moving underneath the light.  And it turns out that the idea worked, as I was complimented twice more on my dress as I danced later in the evening.  This idea extended to my nails as well; I decided to forgo coloured nails for simple, clear polish.  Again, it would only be up close before you realize the polish on my nails.  To pump it up and add a bit of colour, I went with purple accessories.  By the way, these are simply home photos, so the quality isn't at its best, and this was my first time curling my hair, so that's not at its best either.

You'll notice that I wasn't wearing heels, and that's because I couldn't find a good pair of heels I was willing to spend money on.  A lot of my friends were telling me to wear heels, but after I spent the evening dancing in my flats and then could still walk briskly back to my car, I was glad I didn't wear too crazy a pair of heels.  Below is a photo of my friend and chief editor of the school newspaper.  She's read all of my fashion articles this year, and when she saw me in flats, exclaimed that she was disappointed, knowing how I am.  Haha!

And then there was my friend who looked fabulous in a dress made by her mom, inspired by Versace's latest Resort collection:

But all my friends looked fantastic that night, with the majority of them actually in full length dresses!

After an entire year of anticipation, grad finally flew by in a day.  In a way, I wish grad could last and last forever, but no amount of time would be sufficient enough to make the last day of school with my classmates any less emotional.

Summer Shoes

The bulk of my final exams - the most important exams of my high school career - have gone by, with some successes and some frustrating downfalls.  I still have two more coming up, but I thought I'd take advantage of this little break to post my Summer Shoes article (I apologize for the blurry image):

While I wasn't assigned the main fashion story this time (which was Summer Dress Trends), this is my last article for the youth magazine, and I am glad that I was given a chance to write an article about shoes - my blog is, after all, called Red-Soled Fashionista.  Even though I've only written three articles for this magazine, I've learned how the journalism industry works, had my first real (slightly embarrassing) interview, and experienced the thrill that comes from seeing words that I have strung together published on paper.  I highly doubt that the thrill will ever dissipate, no matter how many more articles I write in the future, and you can bet this won't be the last publication I write for.

Image Source: Youthink