a little tease

I don't know about you guys, but we had a great little heat wave in Ottawa last week. We seemed to have skipped past spring and gone right into summer, and everyone here had pulled out their summer wardrobes. However, the excitement proved to be premature, as today we were back to normal March temperatures in the capital city, where the thermometer hovers around 0 degrees Celcius.

The warm weather made me very excited to bust out my summer clothing - until I realized I have managed to get rid of anything remotely flowery or season appropriate in my last move. When I stumbled upon LF's latest lookbook, I was hit with a blast of inspiration of pieces to pick up to bring my look back up to par. What do you think of the latest lookbook? I cannot wait to hit up the Soho store when I head to NYC in a couple week.

How to: Make the most of the morning after

Maybe you've found yourself waking up in room you don't recognize upon first opening up your eyes. You look around, establish your surroundings, take a peek as to who is beside you...

The aftermath of a one night stand. But before you throw on last night's party dress and dash out the door before sleeping beauty wakes, I propose something else. And if said person is cute, there is no reason to say no. Take your one night stand into the morning.

So instead of sneaking out of the house, sneak into the bathroom for a quick hair/breath fix. Then you can dive in for a morning romp!

Why this is a good idea? It cuts out the awkwardness of a one night stand. You wanted to have fun the night before, so why not the next morning? Also, you might actually find that you like this person. Perhaps a surprise, but a good one, nonetheless. Obvious bonus: nothing cures a hangover like some wake up sex.

You may not feel 100%, but there's no reason why you can't hit the shower before continuing the day.

Maybe you can even chat further over breakfast...

-M

*image via sodahead.com

cap-toed

We're on to the final stretch of the fashion weeks in Paris, and although I usually wait until the very end to start dissecting the shows for trends, I've decided to combat this sheer laziness and get a head start. 

The first trend that has really been catching my eye is cap-toed shoes. I've seen them everywhere, from See by Chloe to Giambattista Valli and YSL to Steve Madden. This look is really about making a more eye-catching shoe, as the front quarter of the shoe is done in a different shade than the rest of the shoe. 

Christian Louboutin - Maggie

One thing I really like about this style is the versatility in the amount of contrast between the cap toe and the rest of the shoe. You can go all out and have two very contrasting shades, or do something like Steve Madden, using the same shade but using two materials, such as suede and pleather.

Steve Madden

 Another thing I like is how feminine this design detail can be when it actually is inspired by mens cap toe oxfords that gained popularity in the 1800s in France, but are now a staple in any well-dressed man's wardrobe.

Giambattista Valli

When you wear this style of shoe, I imagine them as being the focal point of your outfit, especially if you go with something as stunning as the Giambattista Valli's. This doesn't mean you have to go all drab and boring with the rest of your clothing choices - just save yourself a little embarrassment and leave the sequined skirt at home, okay?

They can be dressed down, as seen in the See by Chloe photo below, or up. Do this by pairing a decadent pair of shoes with a white asymmetrical maxi dress to look fresh in the spring season!

See by Chloe

What do you think of the cap toe look - is it too masculine or will you be giving it a try this season? Let us know how you plan on rocking it!

colour

Happy Friday beauties!

Today's post is about embracing all colour and letting the black fade from your wardrobe. I know the thought of it can be terrifying - especially when all the fall/winter 2012 shows make blacks and greys look so appealing. I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to stick to this challenge, and yes, I will admit it's tough but definitely totally worth it!

The first thing I added to my rotation was a pair of coloured skinny jeans.

J-Brand Coral Jeans

My ideal outfit with this a pair of black wedge booties and a baggy black racerback topped with silver bangles and a chunky ring. It's a quick easy look that is still chic and still has a bit of an edge to it.

Shoes from Aldo!

My next big buy was a pair of red platform wedges for summer. I was really hesitant to purchase a pair of these stunners because I wasn't sure how to pull them off. However, I was convinced by a girl I saw rocking a pair at Ottawa Fashion Week this past week (where I was covering the final night for FAJO Magazine). They are comfy as hell and provide a sleek alternative to stilettos in the summer.

ASOS Green Polka Dot Sheer Shirt

If you can't bear the thought of wearing coloured jeans on your gams and the idea of a five inch heel doesn't get you as excited as I, you can always make a quick and easy change and pick up a coloured sheer blouse. With this, you can keep your black skinnies on and still embrace colour just in time for spring!

That's it for today lovelies! I am making a conscious effort to post again. I miss it and I let life take over (again). No more excuses though :)

xx Justine

Happy V-day!

Happy Valentines day to all the lovers out there!

To the haters, please disregard this blog post, it's about to get mushy. I will just re-direct you here.

Gross couples everywhere have been waiting for this day. Roses and chocolates and dinner and all that other good stuff, of course. Have you been planning anything special?

One thing is for sure, if you're planning on hitting the town with your Valentine, you're going to want to make a reservation. But what else is there to do on V-day?

One of my personal favourites - eat in! Cook up something special for your boyfriend/girlfriend. Because being alone is so much better for when you really want to get gross. Even though it's Valentines day, not everyone appreciates the PDA. In fact, as a server, I know that many of my co-workers are dreading work that evening. Save the make out session for at home. Whether that means teasing when you're out, or not leaving the house at all.

Gentlemen, this is a perfect opportunity to do something nice for your sweetheart.

So some of you, even in couples, may think Valentines Day is a dumb, made up holiday. Which may be true. But lets not damper our day.

The best part of Valentines day? The lingerie, the sex, licking chocolate off of each other's stomachs? Yeah, just deal with it, it's well worth it.

For those of you feeling extra frisky, getting a hotel room for an evening to have a little play time is a good idea. Having roommates may also encourage this move. Because in a hotel room, you can be as loud as you like... for the most part anyway.

Other things to do when you've locked yourself in a hotel room with a hottie? Rent some porn and enjoy it shamelessly. Then maybe test out the moves? Just a thought for those of you feeling a little more playful than usual.

After all, it is V-day.

What are your plans for Valentines Day?

f/w 2012

After spending over a month away from fashion and blogging, I'm back! Mel's already done a couple posts (I hear she's got quite the tips for V-Day!) and Sarah and I have been going through some things to get back on track as we're a little out of sorts after so much time away... I always forget how much happens in a month!

Fall/Winter fashion weeks, my absolute favourite time of year, just got started this morning with New York Fashion Week starting off the craziness of fashion month.

We'll be looking at it all - the trends, how to wear it and what you can do on a budget.

I'm also really looking forward to finding new designers for you lovelies to adore. I've seen some great talent and can't wait to share some insane lookbooks.

Until again,

J

Designer lovin'

This is guaranteed to bring condoms back in style...or is it?

Tacky or tasteful? And would you buy these before getting your freak on, or stick to the trusty trojan brand? I mean, we know they make a solid handbag, but condoms?

As much as we can poke fun, I have to admit, it's pretty damn awesome. I sincerely hope these are included in the gift bags at awards shows.

What do YOU think?

-M

Fantasy Football

Now that the Super Bowl is over, gentlemen, you can take off your NFL gear and get over your hangover. Your day of manliness - chugging beer, eating chicken wings, etc. - is over.

Time to get back to the other playing field, one that I would argue is a lot more fun...the bedroom. So I've got a quickie post for you. But pay attention boys, this stuff matters!

Treat her right, and don't ask for anything in return tonight. It's all about us ladies this evening, after all, last night was all about YOU.

Here are the steps you should take to make her forget about how gross you can be.

1. Dinner date.

Make her dinner - something special! And something you know she loves. And yes, make it from scratch, make it look nice, and light some candles while you're at it!

2. Bubble bath

Whether it's just for her or for the both of you, a bubble bath is always a winner in my books. Make sure you have some delicious scents, too.

3. Massage

After a nice hot bath, pull out the massage oil and creams. Lay her down, ass naked, and rub her down. We all know she deserves it, from head to toe!

4. Let her be the boss

Tonight, she chooses what you're gonna watch. It's only fair.

And if you plan on skipping movie night, I suggest you read up on how to get down on your lady here!

Oh, it's going to be a good night.

-M

Valentines day for the single gal

L is for the way you look...at me!

O is for the only one I see...

I'll stop right there.

Let's get over the ooey gooey romance before it goes too far.

Valentines day is fast approaching, and for those of you who loathe the hallmark holiday...I have something just for you!

Why does it suck being single on Valentines day?

Answer: IT DOESN'T!

You don't have to give in the cheesy romantic garbage that aims for the heart and the wallet. Who needs a reservation at that perfect restaurant? Who needs that perfect dress and the bouquet of roses?

It's time to reclaim that day as something new, something grand, and something delicious. Throw away that box of chocolates and those heart shaped candies. You deserve a girls night out, and the aim is to find something for yourself.

V-day for couples consists of the usual dinner and movie, etc, etc....

V-day for singles? Lets whip out the hot dresses and chardonnay. There are two options for you ladies out there.

Option one: Ladies night!

Hit the town with your favourite single ladies. Make sure you're all looking smoking hot, grab some martinis and hit the dance floor. Oh, and when those single dudes approach you looking for a night of romance...give 'em the shoulder. That's right, I said it.

Guys might think Valentines day brings out the romantic vibes, but that's not always true. If you want to have a night of clean (or maybe not so clean) fun with the gal pals, don't let any guy get in your way. Because sometimes, we just need a vacation from dudes.

Option two: On the prowl

Show them who's boss! Sex positivity is what I'm trying to shed light on here.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with going out with the intention of getting down. But don't ever settle for less then what you want. And I mean it. If you like what you see hear, and feel (merrrow) then go for it. If anything, I mean anything, puts you off, then there is nothing wrong with going home alone!

I'm sick of the same old same old - boy meets girl and sweeps her off her feet. We need a new fairy tale. How about you sweep someone off their feet? And if not, there is no shame in being happily single.

Moral of the story - Valentines day is for suckers. Don't get me wrong, I have some plans for V-day, but in all honesty, this so-called special day shouldn't make you feel lonely. Take the power back and don't let it get to you!

Happy February!

-M

Designers to Watch in 2012 (un)

Good morning lovelies!

I know I was on hiatus for so long but I am back with a quick little series to start your new year off right. I mean, even though I didn't write doesn't mean that I blocked myself off from all things fashion. I spent many, many hours working and spent my breaks poring over magazines and sites. As a result of this ransacking, I have come out with a list of the designers that I think are destined for great things this year.

Rachel Sin


I have a really soft spot for this Toronto-based designer because she is just the sweetest person I've ever met. I interviewed this bubbly designer a few months ago for FAJO Magazine and just fell in love with her designs. The former architecture is all about structure and well built garments - a winning combination for any designer. Her specialty is found in her stunning caged back dresses with an exposed zipper, which really shows off her expert craftsmanship and her attention to detail.

Her Spring/Summer 2012 collection was to die for. I remember live tweeting about it at Ottawa Fashion Week and struggling because I COULD NOT take my eyes off the clothes.

I'm selfishly hoping she's back in Ottawa for the Fall/Winter 2012 shows, but if she's in Toronto, I will be making that trek out there.

(See my profile on Rachel Sin here)

And so it's the new year

Happy 2012 everyone!

With the entrance of a new year and a fresh slate, I am back again. I took the month of December of from blogging, as the month was a whirlwind of activities and new experiences. I am back now (I promise!) and will be blogging pretty regularly with Mel and Sarah. We have some really great ideas and are probably going to change the layout again. If you have any comments/suggestions/hates, let us know via the comments or in an email.

xx