To The Max

 



I love maxi skirts and dresses. They're such a welcomed alternative to trousers for me. I found this dress at a vintage shop a few weeks ago. It has a very exposed back, and although it's been quite warm here in Toronto, I still needed a little jumper to top it off so as not to freeze my bones off. 

The past few days have been such a roller-coaster. Days have slowly merged into one, and I'm thankful for yet another long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here in Canada.  I've been loading up on fashion television while anticipating the turkey and stuffing that awaits for dinner. I've been thinking about what I'm thankful for, and I find my list to be near infinite. I'm thankful for family, friends, for waking up this morning, for food and shelter...and the list goes on and on. What are you thankful for? 

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead. Stay safe!

Bisous,

Abi

Whiplash

 image credit: style.com

When I hear the word Hermès, I immediately think of the elusive Birkin bag and the classic scarf. Nowhere in my cerebrum does a horse-riding image pop up. That is of course, until I remember that the brand's logo is indeed one of a duc carriage with a horse. Thierry Hermès first established the brand as a harness workshop specializing in harnesses required by society traps and carriages. And it would appear that Gaultier went right back to 1837 to draw inspiration for the Hermès Spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection.  

The theme could have come across as too try-hard, but it looks to me like he managed to strike a nice balance. I love the dynamics between tough leather and harnesses, and the graceful & elegant flowy fabric. The accessories and attention to minute details truly blew my mind; from the wrist cuff and cut-out leather gloves to the hoop earring and deconstructed-bag type corsets. Looks to me like these ladies could hold their own right alongside Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, whips and saddle hats in tow.

What do you reckon?

Bisous,

Abs

If I Were A Boy...

Left: Bertie Gateux B Stud Detail Brogues

Right: Sam Edelman Women's Kat Oxford

...even just for a day, I would have stocked up on varying shapes and styles of classic loafers and brogues from the moment I could walk. As much fun as it is to tower over everyone else for the most part, I also like to engage conversation without having people stare up my nostrils. I like taking group photos where my entire being is in the picture instead of getting cut of at the neck; which is why I love flat shoes (asides from the comfort factor of course).

However, it has always been a tad bit more difficult to find a pair of flats that actually work. Either they don't carry them in my size, the cut doesn't work on my high arches or the style is just a little off.That's where brogues, oxfords and loafers come into play. They are cut high enough to accomodate my high arches, and the near-ubiquity of them these days, means that I would be hard pressed not to find a style that I like. I currently have my eyes on the above two.  

Are you liking the idea of menswear even on the feet?

Bisous,

Abs

Tweedlee Dee

When I think of tweed, I think of menswear in the countryside. The image of someone horse riding in their tweed trousers, vest and hat often comes to mind. Coco Chanel's design of tweed suits and collarless jackets in the 1950s and 60s took the fabric from countryside menswear to classic women's apparel in towns and cities. After seeing the J. Crew Fall 2010 ready to wear collection a while back, I gained a new found appreciation for tweed, and I've kept my eyes peeled for different pieces since then.

I was quite pleased when I found these shorts in a thrift shop a few weeks ago. Paired with a vintage blouse. I love silk fabric and the narrow pleats running down the front. And I never truly saw what was wrong with mixing black and brown, which is why I've paired the shorts with black cut-out leggings and pumps.

Past 32 hours in summation: Toronto was terribly cold and crowded for nuit blanche, my brain is saturated with interior design ideas for my new flat, and my heart goes out to Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. How was your weekend?!

Happy Monday!

Bisous,

Abs

When I see a pair of harem trousers, I can't help but conjure up images of Aladdin on his magic carpet or MC Hammer telling us we can't touch while doing some ferocious foot work. Although, I never understood what we couldn't touch exactly, Mr. Hammer fully embraced the harems in varying colours and styles. It is quite hard to explain my love for trousers that make grown-ups look like they're wearing a pair of giant nappies, but I quite like them. I really do. 

The shape of harems were marketed in the 1800s as a form of women's wear that would allow for an active lifestyle without compromising decency. They were supposed to be a freeing substitute to tight corsets and petticoats. But apparently, not all women liked the feel of air in their lungs since harems didn't quite catch on then. French designer Paul Poiret, came along in the 1920s and was able to convince harem snobs that the trousers can indeed take one from a mere commoner to Greek goddess. He produced a collection of head dresses, kaftans and harem trousers in lampshade silhouettes.

image credit: examiner 

This pair is nothing compared to the glamour of Poiret's, but I have to be able to walk down the street without blinding everyone that comes within 100 yards of me. I love the skirt silhouette and the fact that they fall just below the knees. I swapped the plain black for this braided one and paired it with a floral cardi (I'm still not over the prints).

Say, where did the entire month of September go? Hope you are all geared up for the October! Have a great weekend, and see you soon!

Bisous
Abs

Nuit Blanche

image credit: Sharp Objex

The streets of Toronto are going to be alive this Saturday from dusk till dawn. Starting at exactly 6:57pm, the city will be awash with contemporary art and culture. Perhaps you want to start off your night by attending the Soiree Des Hiboux at 69 Vintage on 1207 Bloor West. Three floors of goodies, live DJ, art installation, and hot cocoa. Starts @ 7pm.You can plan the rest of your night by clicking here. Maybe I'll see you amidst the sea of people?!

Bisous,

Abs

Story Of Boy Meets Girl

image credit: elle

I love the androgynous look at the Dsquared2 Spring Summer 2011 show. Androgyny has been done to shreds, but this is not necessarily a story of a girl raiding her dad's closet playing dress up. To me it's more a tale of a girl who has a field day in the menswear section of a department store, finds pieces that actually fit her frame, and pairs them with more ladylike pieces. Now, where is said lady located? St Tropez or St Barts perhaps.

What do you think?

Bisous,

Abs

The Wrap Dress

Diane von Furstenberg introduced the knitted wrap dress in the early 70s. She had apparently started out with a cotton jersey shirt dress similar to those worn by dancers (think Fame!). It was later transformed into a frock better suited for wear outside of dance studios and the School of Performing Arts.


My own rendition of a wrap dress consists of a vintage Ralph Lauren sheet and a belt (no sewing required which is even better since I don't know how). I found the sheet a couple of weeks back and couldn't quite figure out what the original owner used it for. But no matter. I liked the print and had different ideas for reworking it: dress, skirt, scarf, tie, drapes, dust collector...you see where I'm going with this? Multi-purpose everything.

Here I wrapped the fabric around and cinched the waist with a studded belt to give a little silhouette and to hold it in place of course. Nothing at all like what DVF makes, but it'll have to do. To be honest, I was a tad nervous about the top falling off, but luckily no over-exposure took place.

Where did the weekend go?! I feel like I closed my eyes on Friday, opened them, and Monday was knocking at my door. Someone needs to petition for at least one more weekend-day. I believe it can happen if we all gather together in a peaceful protest of course. Are you with me or were you satisfied with yours?

Happy Monday!

Bisous,

Abs

Polka Dot Saga

My first memory of polka dots was that of Minnie Mouse in her trademark red and white spotted dress and ribbon. Then Julia Roberts took the look from juvenile to chic when she wore a brown and cream spotted shift dress in the film Pretty Woman. My liking for polka dots has only grown since then; and like everything else, I was quite curious as to how it came into being. Whoever thought it clever to put dots on a piece of fabric and call it polka?

The history is still unclear, but it might be linked to the "polka" dance that took Europe and America by storm in the 1800s. Of Bohemian origin, the polka dance was so called because of the short half steps involved. The name was borrowed from the Czech word pulka meaning "half". Now, how does this relate to anything you might ask? I'm still trying to figure that one out myself. But it turns out that at the peak of the polka craze, manufacturers cashed in on the public's polka-mania by naming a dizzying range of products after the dance. Polka-dotted fabrics had little or nothing to do with the dance, but sold like hotcakes. Brainwashing of the highest order methinks.

This multi coloured polka-dot blouse is actually a romper I picked up from Topshop at the beginning of the summer. For some reason or the other, I only got to wear it on this occassion. I chose to replace the shorts with my own rendition of a skater skirt.

After weeks of running back and forth, I was finally able to secure a flat. The most part of this weekend will be spent boxing up my things without hoarding any unneccessary items like those random pieces of rock I collected from a camping trip eons ago.

TGIF! Have a great weekend everyone.

Bisous,

Abs

Chunky Knit

It’s what I look forward to as soon as the cool fall weather rolls around. But the words 'chunky' and 'knit' brings to mind those jumper you receive from grandma at Christmas, with a big santa right in the middle, that ends up buried in the deepest darkest corner of your closet. Either that or the prissy twin sets you wear to school as a young girl with your matching ruffled socks and little mary-janes. Ahhhh, I do miss those times! 

Now that there's a bit of a nip in the air, there's nothing I like more that being all warm and cozy. And this cardi came in very handy for yesterday's confusing weather where a coat was too warm, and a jacket to chilly. Since I'd rather not nip the waist in with a belt, I decided to add some pins/brooches to keep it from looking too bland. I'm in the middle of embellishing this further with all the random pins, earrings, brooches, rings, and other pieces of jewellery lying around my flat.  

PS: A big thank you to Emma from Daily Clothes Fix and Jasmine from The Girl With Kaleidoscope Eyes for the lovely blog awards. Means a lot!

PSS: I did an interview with Britty from Woodstock Hearts Fashion. If, you're interested in the slightest, click here. Thanks Britty!

Wishing you all a warm and fuzzy Tuesday!

 Bisous, 

Abs

image credit: Refinery29
Click here for more photos

Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell lots of African prints in the air for next spring. In this vein, Australian designer Elke Kramer will be releasing a set of accessories inspired by the travels of a 19th century beauty, who embarks of a journey across Africa and the Far East to escape a life of wealth and priviledge. Although I can't say I empathize with this English Rose, I reckon Shakespeare would be very much impressed were he alive to see this. Young Ophelia is childlike and naive, and has good reason to be unaware of the harsh realities of life.

This story is captured beautifully in the lookbook by photographer Chris Morris, and stylists Gavin Ainsbury and Dave Bonney. Feauturing an earthy palette of ebony, jasper, bloodstone, deep beetroot and ash accented with gold and brass clasps, the collection should be available online later this month at Opening Ceremony, Urban Outfitters et al. 

Will you be buying? Me thinketh that I shall.... 

Bisous,

Abs

Aldo x Julian Louie Spring 2011

image credit: nitrolicious

Julian Louie's second collaboration with Aldo brings us a set of colourful wedges featuring a mish-mash of patchwork, suede and tribal prints. The shoes are made in cotton ikat (similar to tie-dyeing), and were inspired by a book of photographs by South African photographer Pieter Hugo which documents the lives of Nigerian street entertainers and their animals. Now, Aldo wasn't going to produce these, but after a successful Twitter petition*, they're due out next spring.

I have my eye on these three. Now let's hope they look the same in person as they do in these photos. Will you be snagging yourself a pair?  

*This thing does have an ounce of power, maybe I should join!

Bisous,

Abs

Yé-Yé Girl

image credit: all over the world and colt+rane

I had 1960s French singer Françoise Hardy on repeat all weekend while I tried to brush up on my French. She was part of the yé-yé movement led by young females who sang about love and longing. She most certainly has a beautiful voice and a remarkable face, but I am more than anything, captivated by her seemingly effortless and timeless style: scalloped skirts, flared trousers, maxi dresses, trench coats, headpieces, and socks with shoes. I believe people are tripping all over themselves for these pieces today. 

Fun fact: her song tous les garçons et les filles was the inspiration behind the name of the fashion house Comme des Garçons. Now, how's that for iconic?

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

 Bisous,

Abs

Where The Wild Things Are

I'm not talking about the monsters in the beautiful, heart-wrenching and poignant film of the same name. Here I'm referring to the ferocious Felidae family; the kings of the jungle. I think by now we can all agree that animal prints are a defiant timeless piece that just won't go away. Taking off in the '60s when Jackie Kennedy wore leopard print coats, it became a highly coveted item that nearly caused the extinction of the leopard species. No, seriously. Luckily there are similar faux leopard fur coats available so one can still get that Jackie O look without necessarily harming any innocent animals. Spot on!

shirt: vintage; bag: vintage Guy Laroche; booties: urban outfitters

In the Brit pop days of the '90s, it was the Spice Girls who walked on the wild side by being dressed head to toe in a mish-mash of animal prints. Seeing as I'm no spice girl, I went for a more refined look by balancing out this shirt (I would argue that this is actually a Jaguar print, but hey, who's nitpicking?) with black jean leggings and booties. I was tempted to go with a pair of red leather trousers instead, but we'll save that near disaster for another day. Red wall it was.

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

Bisous,

Abs

image credit: fashionologie

You may or may not already know that Jourdan Dunn had a baby a few months back, in December. I must admit that when I heard the news of her pregnancy, I questioned how that would affect her status as a model, and feared she may have done herself in careerwise. 

But she has been slowly creeping back into the public eye with a runway exclusive for Aquascutum in February, a charity catwalk show in March, spreads for Victoria's Secret and editorials in the September issue of US Vogue. Jourdan confirmed that her meteoric rise wasn't about to fizzle out any time soon at NYFW where she walked for the likes of Michael Kors, Caroline Herrera, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger. Ms. Dunn, I'm glad to have you back.

By the way, I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for your lovely comments :) Duly appreciated!

Gros Bisous,

Abs

What Is Victoria's Secret?

image credit: fashionologie

As you may already know, Tom Ford had a very private show for his Spring 2011 womenswear line. His reasoning? Fashion had become overexposed in recent years and he wanted fashion to be fun again. I can understand where he is coming from, and he left me with an unwavering sense of intrigue while I wait with eager anticipation.

I was also waiting with (not so eager) anticipation to catch a glimpse of Victoria Beckham's Spring 2011 collection. Like Mr. Ford, she held an intimate and private show. Now, although her picture release didn't take anywhere as near as long as Tom Ford's, the question is, was Victoria's secret worth the anticipation?

Bisous,

Abs

Tommy Skates?

image credit: style.com

NYFW's top model Jac at the Tommy Hillfiger Spring 2011 show

I actually quite fancy this look with the sheer skater skirt and pops of vibrant colour in the belt and hat. I reckon that if you took the style of the Italian Riviera circa 1930 and threw it into a brewing pot of today's style in the Hamptons, this would be your dish. Keeping with its roots, the look is very prim and proper without necessarily being snotty.

Que pensez-vous?

Bisous,

Abs