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)