5 Handbags I Find Desirable

It’s no secret that I am a high heel lover, particularly one who usually finds toting a purse around to be more so a burden instead of a luxury or statement. However, when I spot a handbag that I love, I truly love it; sometimes I like it for its visual appeal, other times I like it because it means something to me. The purses you’ll see will probably not be in your budget, they’re not in mine either, but it’s always fun to dream. Take a look:

1.  Judith Leiber Earl Grey Teapot Clutch Bag, $5,995

Judith Leiber’s clutches are something to be admired. The first purse of hers I found myself in awe of was her cupcake purse, as seen in 2 Broke Girls and Sex and the City. While her quirky purses such as those named cost a high price and are typically made of Austrian crystals, her far more simplistic purses generally cost far less. This particular purse of hers is a favourite because just as I am a cupcake lover, I am also a tea lover.

This purse says: I’m a fashionable tea lover that needed a personal statement to carry about with me.

2. Charlotte Olympia Pandora Capricorn Clutch, $995

Something that can sometimes strike people as odd is my random curiosity when it comes to astrology: the traits, compatibility, etc. I’m always wondering who is under what sign. When I discovered Charlotte Olympia was making such an astrology inspired line, whose shoes I also go “oh my” over, I was surprised and very excited. The clutch above is for my sign, Capricorn, but she also has clutches for every other sign, along with shoes to pair with the purses.

This purse says: I’m a quirky Capricorn that may have defied my normal sign trait of being careful with money.

3. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Core Crossbody Bag, $195

The first time I ever used Rebecca Minkoff was when I won this change purse from her in tan. Crossbody bags are pretty convenient in my eyes, so long as they’re done right. Often times, they simply look as though a person doesn’t care what they put on in the morning… or afternoon… or ever. The shape and chain detailing of this crossbody bag from her is so very appealing to me.

This purse says: While I don’t feel like doing too much work to carry my purse today, I still can look fantastic, thank you.

4. Alexander McQueen Union Jack Clutch, $2,295

No matter whether you personally enjoy the style of McQueen or not, upon hearing his name, some sort of appreciation always comes about for the creativity that he brought when he was alive, as well as the legacy continuing to leave its mark. For a few years now, I have come to adore English terms, fashion, and have been desperately wishing to visit England. I also happen to adore the Union Jack. Coupled with the crystal covered Union Jack design, the skull on top is a bonus. In today’s world, a skull no longer is immediately associated with darkness; often times they’re just fun.

This purse says: Keep calm and British on, ’cause I’m getting my McQueen on.

5. Proenza Schouler Purple PS1 Suede Satchel Bag, $1,695

The PS1 one to me, like Rebecca Minkoff’s crossbody bag, has always represented a very effortless look. So many have had their eye caught by the PS1. From the shape to the suede, and to the rich purple of this PS1, I love it. I generally enjoy colours that I know will go with other things in my closet. While I can’t picture many outfits that would go with this particular colour of the PS1, it is such a vibrant colour and most likely my favourite of the PS1 bunch.

This purse says: I needn’t say anything. Visually, I say it all.

A Sincere Artist…

“A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing.”

~William Dobell

Review: Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s

Last night I attended a screening in Dallas for Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s. I was quite curious as to how people would be dressed, the atmosphere, etc. The attire was said to be “business chic” and the theatre, LOOK Cinemas, only just had opened on March 29th of this year.  It’s safe to say that once upstairs, the atmosphere of the screening struck me as quite pretentious rather than a comfortable engagement of like-minded fashionistas, with the attire I saw more so representative of what one would wear to a club instead of falling under the category of “business chic.”

I was slightly hesitant as to how Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s would be due to that I saw its rating on IMDB had come in at 3.7/10 and Rotten Tomatoes scored it at 55%; however, I’m glad I opted to see the movie and decide for myself. Despite that I think the movie was a bit too drawn out– I found myself thinking “how long has it been on?” — and that perhaps a little too much emphasis was put on materialism, an association that automatically comes with the world of fashion, I also believe that this movie invited the fashion appreciative consumer to see a fresh and intriguing perspective of Bergdorf Goodman.

Though I have never been to New York City, I’m quite familiar with the the awe that is immediately associated with BG’s windows; people snap photos to share, they stare, they have to stop. I was glad to see that this movie gave a better perspective as to the work behind the windows, as well as the work and careful selection behind selecting designers that come to be sold at BG’s. Fashion is so frequently thought to be nothing more than glamour, and for anyone in fashion or for someone who has seen another working in fashion, they know that this isn’t the case. Fashion, like any other art, takes attention to detail, sometimes tedious hours, and dedication.

I doubt that this a movie someone completely uninterested in fashion will want to see, but for those of us who love it or do have some appreciation of it, I recommend you go see this movie and get a deeper look into the world of Bergdorf’s.

On an ending note, many thanks to @MorochPromo for inviting me. Though I wasn’t the biggest fan of the atmosphere, I was very glad to have seen the movie and have had the experience.

Glossi; A Fashionable Paradise: Proper Punk Inspiration

Click to view A Fashionable Paradise: Proper Punk Inspiration on GLOSSI.COM

Met Gala 2013: A Not So Punk Event

With the Met Gala 2013, in which the theme for attendees was punk, I can truly say it was one of the most disappointing. It was an event that should have showcased how far some could take the punk look and style it to be their own, but instead it was a time in which most displayed that they lacked a knowledge of punk at all. Many came in floral prints, elegant lace, and shades of pink so proper that even Barbie would probably be happy to join in. That, dear attendees, is not punk.

A few questions commonly came from red carpet host Hilary Rhoda: Did you ever have a punk phase? What’s your favourite punk song? What are you most looking forward to? What I typically noticed when they were asked of punk music was that they would hesitate for ages before blankly looking at who was accompanying them to ask the same question. Now, most did not seem to have a punk phase. Should this give them a justifiable excuse as to why they came looking like they belong at a holly jolly tea party? No. Every year, people celebrate Halloween joyously. I highly doubt they’re vampires and demons the rest of the year or turn into wolves, but for one day, they try out a different style. Being a person who’s never experienced a punk phase, I would have viewed this event as an opportunity to try out a different style and take things to their limit in celebration.

Gwyneth Paltrow looked as though she was Barbie’s best friend. Anna Wintour’s dress looked as though she was about to say “excuse me whilst I curtsy for you.” This list could go on. Many looks were truly enjoyable, but simply not fit for the theme. Many seemed as though they interpreted punk to be an indication to go more gothic, which is not the case as there are many distinctive differences between the two.

On a brighter note, some did nail the punk look pretty well. Take a look at who I thought pulled off the punk theme the best:

Madonna, Met Gala 2013

Cara Delevingne, Met Gala 2013

Anne Hathaway, Met Gala 2013

Linda Fargo, Met Gala 2013

10 Cute, Quirky Sunglasses $20 and Under

Quirky, cute sunglasses: your fun in the sun is made all the better when they’re on, or even just when they’re in your collection. Once upon a time, accessories such as sunglasses weren’t my thing. They all seemed the same with basic colours, brown and black, and their shape– usually round, over-sized. But, now I’ve come to discover so many different styles. When there are so many desirable sunglasses out there, sometimes it gets difficult to find an inexpensive pair; however, it isn’t impossible, and here are my picks for quirky sunglasses $20 and under:

1. Fred Flare Heart-Shaped Sunglasses, $12

*Also available in black, white, and pink.

2. Union Jack Wayfarers, $9.50

3. Seeing Stars Risky Sunglasses, $14

4. Aldo Caledonia Sunglasses, $12

5. Charlotte Russe Polka Dot Shades, $5.99

6. Boohoo’s Amelia Pearl Trim Sunglasses, $20

7. Go Jane’s Pearl Embellished Cat Eye, $7.30

8. Urban Outfitter’s Fun In the Sun Sunglasses, $4.99

9. Ruche’s Dolly Polka Dot Sunglasses, $14.99

10. So Retro’s Baroque Swirl Sunglasses, $13.04

One Shoe, Three Outfits: Jimmy Choo’s Maya

Let’s face it: nothing beats a beautiful shoe, especially one that can be worn multiple ways. Jimmy Choo’s Maya pump is fantastic in its 5″ studded glory, resembling a polka dot pattern. With its price at $1,150, there’s also a more modest version of this shoe, with Choo’s Marcie. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a price difference, as the Marcie is still $1,095. The most notable difference, however, is that it is 4″, and its lower heel height also results in the shoe looking more pointed.

Take a look at three different ways that this could be paired.

Work:

Casual:

Night Out:

Lady In Red: Heels For Spring

When it comes to shoes, particularly high heels, nothing bothers me more than seeing an ugly pair. Even worse? Seeing an ugly pair getting bunches of hype. Red shoes, no matter the season, are a staple for your wardrobe and your shoe collection. They can easily be powerful and sleek. But, sometimes they can also be dull and poorly done. Let’s take a look at my favourite red pairs of shoes out there at the moment:

1. Christian Louboutin’s Lady Peep

2. Jimmy Choo’s Crown

3. Valentino’s Couture-Bow Lace Plaform Pump 

4. Giueseppe Zanotti Patent Leather Pumps

5. Valentino Couture Bow Pumps

~UNDER $100~

1.  Carvela Kurt Geiger Attack Patent Pump

2. Touch Leather Bow Pumps

3. CARLOS by Carlos Santana

4. J. Renee Poppy

5. J. Renee Bloom

My Favourite Spring Nail Colours

Nail polish: one of my favourite beauty items, along with lipstick. Spring is finally upon us– for some, it’s just peeking out; for others it is in full bloom. With spring, it means skirts, dresses, open-toed shoes, and more come out. The darker colours aren’t as prominent, the more lighter and happy colours are. Let’s take a look at some of my favourite spring nail colours that are now out:

1. Essie 2013 Resort Collection Mini Set($17)

2. Dior’s Colorvision Vernis Nail Lacquer Lilac($24)

3. Deborah Lippmann’s I’m Not Edible($19)

4. Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Extreme Wear Breeze Blue($2.99)

5. Estee Lauder Hot Spell($20)

A Must-Read: The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault In Our Stars

Despite how many times I’ve seen The Fault In Our Stars mentioned to be a bestseller or a must-read, I always find it surprising how many people haven’t read nor heard of the book. I’m always looking for a new book to read– preferably one that doesn’t revolve around vampires, witches, etc., which seem to be dominating the selection of books out there.  Well, this book doesn’t. This tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster who finds herself obligated to attend a support group for kids and teenagers living with cancer. It’s there that she meets Augustus Waters, a meeting between two people that easily changes the course of the book and sends it into a spiral filled with banter, adventure, and more.

With numerous books and movies, you’ll see cancer patients portrayed as heroic and brave, always keeping the most positive attitude, despite whatever may be happening. The population living cancer-free knows that keeping a happy face all of the time is impossible, and that it certainly must be for someone with cancer. This book changes all of that and shows a realistic portrayal at both the good and the bad; however, make no mistake: this book is not drama-ridden nor lacking in humour.

You can see here how those that have come to love this book have found it easily quotable/relatable, as well as felt the need to creatively express their love of the book:

When you have time, I definitely recommend that you check this book out and give yourself the chance to become as hooked as I, and many others, have become.