Victoria's Secret '11 Recap

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm one of those girls who gets overly excited about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. It's become an event that is counted down to and highly anticipated among my friends, and every year I'm more and more impressed with the hour long spectacle.

Here's the deal: I understand that the show is criticized, and that the girls who sit at home in their family rooms munching on celery while gazing at Alessandra and Adriana are a far-too-common breed (cough sometimes guilty cough). But, I think people tend to overlook the fact that apart from the models, the designs themselves are why many of us tune into the show. Each year, the designers seem to up their games, producing stunning pieces based around incredibly creative themes (this year included classic New Orleans, under-the-sea, and "Club Pink").

I had a hard time deciding on a few pieces that were my favourite last night, so I thought I'd post a bunch of pictures. If you missed the show, I highly suggest streaming it. If you're against the models, watch it for the fashion. OR the live music. Maroon 5, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj... unreal.

This amazing detailed piece was hand-embriodered in India. One of my favourites!

The girls kick off the show in super hero themed attire (!!) while Kanye West serenades everyone with "Stronger".

So much neon!!

'Under the Sea' was one of my favourite themes of the night. The outfits were beautiful, especially the 2.5 million dollar bra that Miranda Kerr wore. Can we also note the fact that Miranda gave birth in January (!!) and it wasn't even noted. I found that odd, considering Adriana's return at the 2010 show after having a baby was a major deal. Miranda looks great, and her husband definitely agreed for the entire show (hello various Orlando Bloom solo standing ovations).

Adam Levine serenades girlfriend Anne Vyalitsyna while Maroon 5 performs as I watched in a fit of jealous rage. (Just Kidding). (Kind of).

All in all, one of my favourite VSFS years to date. If you watched the show, what are your thoughts on everything?

Love, Sarah

bfa 2011

I don't know what it is about the British Fashion Awards, but every year, I am always way more excited to find out the results and see the looks than I am for the CFDA awards. Is it because British men and women dress better? Design better? Look better?

I haven't a clue, but here are some looks to lust over if you, like me, have just a few things to finish off for the semester. You call it procrastination, I call it inspiration for the holidays.

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Adventures in the Ivy League

I'm currently sitting in a hotel room in New Haven, Connecticut overlooking the Yale University campus. My dad called me last week informing me he was going on an impromptu business trip to the school, and invited me and my sisters along. Obviously, I jumped at it. I've never visited an Ivy League school and it works out perfectly that for the 4 days we're here in New Haven, I have absolutely nothing going on at school (RARE).

My sister and I spent today, which was the first day of our trip, roaming about the city and campus. Surprisingly enough, despite its incredible history and beautiful buildings, the city of New Haven itself isn't as nice as we were expecting. You'd assume a city that's home to one of the most prestigious schools in the world would have a respectable reputation, but from what people here have been telling me and what I've seen so far, it's pretty much the opposite. The crime rate in New Haven is through the roof, and the streets surrounding Yale are filled with homeless people and loud, obnoxious citizens. It doesn't really bother me, though. I actually find it pretty entertaining. Everyone seems to talk to everyone like they know each other, stopping in the street to talk to anyone who's down to strike up a convo.

BUT, when you get onto the Yale campus it's literally like entering a whole new world (I'm singing the Aladdin song in my head right now...). The streets are lined with ancient, beautiful ivy covered buildings, bicycles have replaced all cars, and everyone is twenty years old and walking quickly, like they're constantly late for class.

It was kinda intimidating, but kinda great. Actually, it was just great.

I tried to note what many of the students were wearing so I could write about it on here. I think Gossip Girl syndrome got to me again, because I was waiting to see people frolicking about in argyle and pearls, when what I mostly saw was people frolicking about in sweats and Yale sweaters. Everyone seemed pretty worn down, which is to be expected near the end of the school term on an Ivy League campus.

However, there were still a ton of students dressed in outfits that I couldn't wait to blog about. I actually saw a few common, recurring trends that I love. They're simple and easy, but look great.

The first trend I noticed on campus was the two and three-toned knit sweaters. I saw a bunch of girls wearing these with simple skinny jeans and flats. They looked great, but also comfy and definitely something I'd wear to class.

Something else I noticed was the abundance of colourful blazers around campus. I looove blazers, especially if they're bright and make a statement. I saw a few girls wearing them in green and red, and some in prints (floral blazers, YAY!).

Another trend I noticed today, which is definitely my favourite, was the popular short skirt and knitwear trend. I saw a lot of girls sporting fitted skirts with baggy, extremely comfy looking knitted sweaters. A great fall look with flats or chunky boots. I want all the baggy knits!!

Tomorrow we're taking the train to NYC for the day so I can reunite with my favourite city (eee!). Despite the fact that I have absolutely zero dollars to my name, I'm going to spend my time exploring and people-watching. So, expect another post soon!

Love, Sarah

coco rocha x senhoa

We love Canadian talent and right now, Coco Rocha is at the top of our love list. The 23 year old supermodel from Toronto is all over the place - runways, covers and campaigns - and now she has launched a jewellery line in collaboration with Senhoa. Filled with chains, Swarovski crystals and silver, the collection is totally badass.

"Chantrea" (Moonlight)

I'm not a huge jewelry fan, but I have been looking at this collection almost every day, hoping to be able to afford it with my next paycheque... The pieces aren't overtly expensive and the profits go to a cause near Rocha's heart - community development projects and rescue, rehabilitation and education of young women in South Est Asia.

"Sophorn" (Glamour)

"Sopheary" (Beauteous Girl)

"Chantha" (Moon Girl)

"Sovanna" (Gold)

"Phary" (Beautiful Flower)

Rose-Gold Digger

By: Yaelle Gang

It hasn’t been stylish since 20^th century Russia, but rose gold is making a comeback.

Rose gold is basically a mixture of gold and copper. The more copper that is in it, the pinker it gets.

When I first saw rose gold jewelry, I was a bit skeptical. Why would I want to buy something that looks like a penny?

But after looking at a bunch of rose gold stuff it really started to grow on me.

Rose gold is awesome because: 1) it looks vintage 2) it matches with both gold and silver and 3) it looks good with all skin tones!

My personal favourite rose gold accessories are watches. When shopping for a new watch, it isn’t always a good idea to buy a golden or silver one.

This is because you can’t wear silver jewelry with the gold watch and vice versa.

Rose gold, however, solves that problem. It is great for something neutral like a watch, because you can wear it with all colours of jewelry. 

Image via Google

 

Although watches are my favourite, check out some of these accessories.  These are pretty nice as well. 

Photo via Oster Jewelers

Photo via Steve and Dorothy

Photo via Uni Jewelry

Photo via AtlJeweler.com

 And when it comes to rings, check out-tri-coloured ones if you can't wrap your head around ditching your silver and gold. 

Photo via Ioffer

Photo via Ice

 So next time you go shopping, make sure to pick up some cool rose gold accessories.

I know I'm putting some on my holiday shopping list!

Photo via Birks

Go deep

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Nasty November

I think I could spend every penny I have on NastyGal.com. No, I know I could. A follower of the San Francisco-based company's Facebook page (updated daily with the power to consume hours of my time at once), every month I'm overwhelmed by their "Monthly Arrivals" albums.

The 'New Arrivals-November '11' album was exceptionally impressive. When it popped up on my newsfeed the other day and I began to click away, I came to the conclusion that I literally wanted to own EVERY item in EVERY one of the 153 pictures on the page. But, while NastyGal is actually priced really reasonably, I literally have no cash to throw around right now. Zip. Zilch. Zero.

So, here I am, and I figure if I can't buy any of it I can at least blog about it.

There are a lot of prints in the new arrivals. A lot of animal and A LOT of tribal. The tribal skirts (above) are some of my favourite pieces. I mean, having a great print skirt never fails...you can throw it on with a simple black top and be ready to go. Easy, peasy.

There's a major '80s/'90s throwback theme to a lot of the November pieces. When I was looking through the pictures, I kept getting Madonna songs stuck in my head...

I really like the style of dresses above. NastyGal seems to be loving this side cutout look and I think it adds a lot to what would be just simple dresses.

All in all, the November Arrivals are definitely worth checking out. I promise you won't be disappointed. And, if you follow NastyGal on Facebook you get a new album of great clothes like this every month (YAY!): http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150428137285218.405641.52594470217&type=3

Love,

Sarah

a little thirsty

Do you need something to quench your mid-afternoon thirst right now... a thirst that soda water in your purse just can't seem to quench? Friends, it's time to invest the "Baggy Winecoat."

 

Imagine you're sitting in your office and you absolutely cannot stop thinking about that glass of Pinot Noir that's just waiting for your to get home. Now you don't have to. Just grab your wineglass out of the dry compartment and pour yourself a glass straight from your purse.

I hope you all understand I am clearly joking. As easy as this is (Buy a box of wine, take tetra-pack bag out, insert bad into bottom of purse, and you're ready to drink), can you imagine popping out the vino on a bus, or in class?


What do you think? Is it worth the $56 or would you rather stay classy and avoid this?

Buy here at the Scandinavian Design Center.

fall ad campaigns

It's our favourite time of year for one reason - instead of fall, we see ad campaigns. Magazines are filled with the glossy prints of all those items we want from our favourite 2012 Resort collections. Miu Miu, Fendi, Chanel, Dior... Need we say more? Look below and let us know your favourites in the comments below!

Fendi

Miu Miu

Gucci

Prada. We want this in every colour

Christian Dior

Christian Dior!

Donna Karan

Chanel, shot by Lagerfeld

Chanel, shot by the one and only Karl Lagerfeld