The September Issue!

We've been waiting for it for a while and it finally came to the mail today : Vogue September 2010 Issue!

It's big: 726 pages and the cover girl is the fabulous actress Halle Berry. What I also like about the September Issue are the major designers ad campaigns! We can't wait to dig in it and find out how the fashion world will be this Fall...

Cacharel Fall 2010

Two years ago, I interned for Cacharel, a small ready-to-wear fashion company based in Paris. I was the assistant of the communication and press relations director. By the time I was there, the company was struggling: it was lacking financials and (in my opinion) good management. Even though I hated for the most part my internship, I often check what they are doing and I have to admit that I kinda like what they did for the upcoming season!
Following are my favorite pieces from the Fall 2010 collection and some details (shoes, make-up and hair-do):

I really like the coat (third picture, top row), the black dress next to it and the dresses from the 2nd row. I also like the hair and definitely the shoes!
What do you think?

Culture: Women warriors of the Amazon

Hello,
For this post "Culture", I would like to talk about a fascinating subject : the Amazons. It is a theme I would like to develop because I think we can learn so much from them, as women who fights for what they wants.As well, I find those women fascinating: Myths, Legends or true History, who were those warriors who cut off their right breast to make sure to win any fights?  

In Charmed, an episode where the sisters impersonated
Valkyries that are a mythological representation of Amazons

"According to myth, the Amazons were an all-female society of fierce warriors who supposedly lived in the area north of the Black Sea about 700 years before the fifth century BC. Supposedly they cut off one breast to make shooting a bow and arrow easier. But this has never been proved even in the myths. The word Amazon itself has some connotation with breasts."(1)
The head of archaeologist of a site in Kazakhstan Jeannine Davis-Kimball, found unearthed burial sites which could support the existence of this myth. In fact, females buried with weapons and curved leg bones on one that attest a life spent on horseback, would demonstrate women's participation in activities traditionally dominated by men in Greece. As a direct evidence, one of the women apparently died from an arrow in her head that show a participation in battle.
Theories located them in Southern Russia, Ukraine, Thrace (Bulgaria) or along the lower Caucasus mountains in northern Albania.The coasts of Turkey (known before as Thermodon River in Asia Minor) seemed to be the most frequently mentioned territory of Amazons. "Stories of beautiful and bloodthirsty female warrior women thundering across arid battlefields have been told, re-told and speculated over for thousands of years by many cultures. Greek myths are filled with tales of the Amazons and their exploits, love affairs and battles."(1) A growing body of evidence show that Amazons were real, even if historian still refer to them as legend or myth.


In the Greek mythology they are the descendants of the god of war, Ares, and the sea nymph Harmonia. Described as stringently matriarchal, males were used for mating purposes or as slaves performing duties traditionally done by women. Their limbs were usually amputated to prevent from escaping or rebelling. As far as for male babies were either given away at birth to neighbouring tribes or killed. From an early age Amazons were trained in the arts of war. Apparently the right breast of the young Amazon girl was cauterized by her mother so that she would be deft with the various weapons of war.


Stories about Amazons Queens:
Nyabinghi, better known as "the hidden queen" defeated the English and rescued her people from a life of abject slavery.  Ya Asantewa, an Ashanti queen of Ghana typified the spirit of the woman of the Amazon when she said "If you the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we will. We the women will. I shall call upon you my fellow women. We will fight the white men. We will fight until the last of us falls in the battlefield."  Queen Hippolyte had a special piece of armor. It was a leather belt that had been given to her by Ares, the war god, because she was the best warrior of all the Amazons. She wore this belt across her chest and used it to carry her sword and spear. Eurystheus wanted Hippolyte's belt as a present to give to his daughter, and he sent Hercules to bring it back. 
 
Sources:
1 - Anish Chandy ("The women Worriors of the Amazon" on http://www.buzzle.com/)
2 - Wikipedia

Fall Trend: The '50s are back!

There are a few evidences indicating that the 50s are back in our closet this fall. And if you look at some major designers Autumn/Winter collection, this is undeniable. Whether it is clothes or accessories, the 50s are back:

Prada Autumn/Winter 2010-11 Ad Campaign

What do you think of this 50s trend? Will you fall for it?

First Award !

A little while ago we received an award from Intro 2 Life (thank you so much) and in return we have to pick 15 blogs to give them the award.
We picked blogs we like to follow, so congratulations to:

• Intro 2 Life
• forbiddentorememberterrifiedtoforget.blogspot.com
• The splendor she spills
• The Village
• Daydreaming Lily
• Chai, Cinnamon and Couture
• Cafe Bellini
• Duffle coats and mittens
• This is she
• The Takagi Site
• Naked Geeks
• 24h Fashion Diet
• Wearable Dreams
• Animated Confessions
• Augusta Lolita

This is the Award:

Catching up....!

We haven't been posting much lately and we are so sorry because we love this blog. We also are so proud to have 21 followers: thank you so much guys for your support and your reactions, it feels really good to know that some people are reading you! So we are definitely back and there will be a lot of catching up!

Starting with the set of Gossip Girl season 4:

What do you think? I love the dresses, especially the blue one and the first outfit!

Another Autumn/Winter fashion trend!!!

KILTS

When I saw that I couldn't believed it! I think I haven't wear a kilt since I was 10 and I just have bad memories reminiscing, like the horrible fabrics that will give me a rash or this good catholic school girl look I had!!! But since Vogue spotted Kilt as a trend, I am willing to give them another try. According to Vogue.co.uk, kilts are perfect to wear now with bare legs while the weather is still relatively warm, and will look great with tights and high-heel hikers when the temperature plummets, finish with preppy loafers or a mannish boot. Later in the season make it a principle part of your layered look with woolly tights, Scandinavian knits, and a mod cool parka.

So will adopt kilts next season? I think I am going to try, just for good old time! 

What's your Topshop style ?

Yesterday I was checking Topshop's website (even if they don't ship in Canada...boohoo!) and I found out that they separated their Fall collection in four: Rough Diamond, Into the wild, The Outsiders and Dark Nouveau. Each collection represent a theme and you can see on the website lookbooks and key pieces attached to each collection.

I think this concept is original and fun. I tried to figure which collection would represent my style and I think I am a mixed between Rough Diamond and Dark Nouveau! What style do you think represent you the best?

Autumn/Winter 2010-11 Fashion Trend : Terrific Trousers.

According to Vogue, you must have in your closet, for the upcoming season Terrific Trousers. The new season trousers are easy, elgant and flattering, with simple, leg-lengthening trousers. They fit well with a silky blouse tucked-in, a skinny belt and heels, this is easy, fail-safe glamour, as well as luxe wools.

From these looks from the runway, My favorite trousers are the Akris, Chloé and Marc Jacobs. What I like about this trend is the elegant cut and I think it can fit a wide range of body types. But as much as I would like to be able to wear them, I am pretty sure I won't find anything that fit my "petite" figure, unless I wear very high heels...so maybe, will see! 

What do you think? Will a terrific trouser end up in you closet?

A glimpse of what you will see on Gossip Girl!

Still spying on Gossip Girl's season 4 set in NYC, following are my findings from last week shooting:

I love both Leighton and Blake dresses, and I think that Jessica has a really perfect figure to wear shorts. What would you like to wear?

Our new TV Addiction : Pretty Little Liars!

We are addicted to another TV show: ABC family summer serie, Pretty Little Liars.

Inspired by the book series (like another show we know!), Pretty Little liars portrayed a group of high school girlfriends who grew up together in a small town. There are all the ingredients to make a good show: drama, intrigues, romance,...a gorgeous cast and of course fashion!
I found a great article from WhoWhatWear featuring one of the main character: Lucy Hale (or Aria Montgomery on the show):

Hale's character enjoys the most noteworthy wardrobe on the show. Always flirtatiously quirky and eclectically assembled, Aria's ensembles invariably involve a number of layers, prints, and loads of accessories. The combination adds up to a look that's a little grungy, a little girly, and totally grounded. "Sometimes an outfit can look so wrong," Hale says, acknowledging the how-did-she-put-that-together aspect of her character's style. "But if you look at it more closely, suddenly you realize it's so right."

For the one that are watching the show, what do you think of it ? Who are your favorites? I really like Aria's and Spencer's styles. 

Our Favorites "NYC Street Chic of the week" (Elle.com)

This week, our mother is staying with us and since we haven't seen her in a while (she lives in France), we are trying to spend as much as possible with her. So sorry for neglecting the blog...
Following are our favorite looks from Elle.com's NYC Street Chic:

July 19, 2010:

Tabitha, on 14th Street.

A leather mini skirt is a must-have seasonless item. 

Forever 21 skirt, top from The Reformation, Miss Sixty shoes, Banana Republic bag

(Photo: Courtney D'Alesio)

July 20, 2010

Ondine, student
A sweet short-sleeve buttoned-up blouse is an idea offset to rough lace-up boots.
vintage Agnes B top, vintage skirt, Stephane Kelian boots
(Photo: Daniel Zuchnik)

July 23, 2010:

Jennifer Hiliker, student

Ruffles get an edge paired with leather boots.

Anna Sui dress, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Marc Jacobs purse, Urban Outfitters bag

(Photo: Edward Le Poulin)

Victoria's secret & Romantic Lace

I told you we received the latest Victoria's Secret Catalog. As I was going through it, I noticed that there were a lot of lace, not only on the lingerie, but also on the clothes. So I decided to show to you my favorite pieces and now you know one of the affordable places you can go if you want some laces in your wardrobe.

Fall 2010 fashion trend: Romantic Lace !

According to Vogue.co.uk, this Fall fashion has fallen in love with Romantic lace - from sweetly pretty day dresses to sensual see-through gowns and blouses. Following are some ideas of looks from the runway:

I really love this trend and this is definitely my style, so I won't have much problem to update my wardrobe! I can't wait. What I like about lace is that it adds a chic and romantic touch to your look. What do you think? 

Another surprise came into the mail....

Well, actually two surprises! The first one, and the most important because we paid for it, is the August issue of Vogue US with cover girl Gwyneth Paltrow! And the second is our first Victoria's secret catalog ever received!! Isn't it great??

Fall 2010 fashion trend: New Minimalism!

According to Vogue.co.uk, New Minimalism is one of the Fall 2010 fashion trend. New Minimalism is the simplicity and luxury combine to elegant effect in the new pared-down chic, these clothes are not attention-grabbing, but that's where their beauty lies, stick to a palette of black, navy, camel, grey and white, don't be tempted to overdo the accessories. Following are some ideas of looks from the runway:

I don't know about you, but I am definetly going to bring the New Minimalism trend to my closet. I like the simplicity of looks, the cuts are elegant, simple to wear and flattering for a lot of body types (including mine).
What do you think of this trend? In or Out of your closet?

Fashion trends from Gossip Girl.

Gossip Girl is another TV show that I love! Well not so much for the stories and dramas (I thought season 3 was a little disappointed), but because it is set in NYC and the women characters are really well dressed and definetly fashion forwards.
They are actually filming season 4 in NYC and I picked up some fashion trends from the cast.

What do you think? Can you see yourself in those outfits? I usually like more Blair style. I really like the Blair's fourth, sixth and seventh outfits, Serena's first three outfits and Vanessa's second outfit.

The End of The Hills...

I don't know if anyone was watching the reality TV show the Hills, but T and I used to watched it religiously when Lauren Conrad was on it! When a year ago, Lauren was replaced by Kristin Cavallari the show lost all interests and somehow, I am not really surprised it ended. What we loved was that it was about young women transitionning from teenager to young adults, following their work life, student life, friendships and love interests....and fashion. But by the end it was more about partying and how rich kids with no jobs spend their parents' money! And I won't start on the ridiculous Spencer and Heidi Pratt! So farewell The Hills and thank you for diverting us for 6 seasons and I wish all my best to the cast...

The cast and crew of The Hills reunited for the show finale!

Thankfully, we still have The City (spin-off of The Hills)! And we can't wait to follow the adventures of Whitney, Erin, Roxy and Olivia (well not much much the last one) making it in NYC! Do you watch this show too?

 

Erin, Whitney, Roxy and Olivia from The City!

Feeling a little down today...!

Today I woke up feeling a little down. This is nothing really. I just guess that this is one of these days when you know that nothing is going to go the way you wanted it to. When I feel like this I usually need to be a little alone and to refocus on what's matter the most to me: my twin my niece, my career, New York City,...and fashion! To reflect a little what's on my mind, I decided to post last week looks from Elle's Street Chic NYC:

 Monday, July the 5th: LNA T-shirt, Zara shorts and shoes, Mulberry bag, Dior sunglasses

    

Tuesday, July, the 6th: Madewell t-shirt, Levi's shorts, Antik Batik sandals, Alexander Wang sunglasses, Rebecca Minkoff bag

Wednesday, July, the 7th: Alexandre Herchcovitch dress, Chloé shoes, In God We Trust hat, Sonia Rykiel bag

Tuesday, July, the 8th: Calypso top, J.Brand jeans, Alexander Wang shoes, Le-Sands bag

Friday, July, the 9th: BCBG tank top, Escada pants, Donna Karan sunglasses

Results Diet week # 2-3

Hello,
Last week and this week weren't as good as the first one... But we need to keep focus and not to let ourselves give up because we didn't do great for 2 weeks, right? We are not the type of person who find excuses for themselves to not achieve what they want so: Never give up, never surrender! Next week will be better...

Thinspiration of the moment: Actress Ashley Greene from the saga Twilight as Alice. I don't really what they do to her hair and wardrobe in the movies, but she looks amazing and her body figure is gorgeous:

H&M Studio: Look #1

I recently discovered a fun and useful tool: The H&M Studio. I don't know if you ever used it but this really fun! First you chose your model and then you can dress her up with the upcoming collection from head to toe. So I decided to create a look and then try to reproduce it for myself. What I like about H&M is that the clothes are affordable, trendy and usually well made.

This is the first look I picked: 

I really like the dress and I will really wear it with leggings. The jacket is also cute but I am not sure about the colour and I will probably try to find it in blaxk so I can wear it with everything.

What do you think?   

Spotlight on fashion designer Maz Azria

 Max Azria

• Biographie: Max Azria was born in Sfax, Tunisia, but he began his fashion career in Paris, France. In 1981, after eleven years of designing a line of women's wear in his native Paris, Azria moved to the United States and launched Jess, a series of new-concept retail boutiques offering hip French fashion to American women. After years of success, Azria decided to pursue his dream of launching a design house that spoke to the modern woman-thus BCBGMAXAZRIA was born. Named for the French phrase "bon chic, bon genre," a Parisian slang meaning "good style, good attitude," the brand embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit. With critically acclaimed collections, a loyal following of Hollywood's top celebrities and a strong worldwide presence, this fashion powerhouse has evolved into one of the hottest names in the fashion industry today. Continuously expanding while defining trends, Max Azria has let the industry know that he is indeed building a global empire. 
• Company / Brand: Founded in 1989, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP is the lifetime vision of Founder, Designer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Max Azria. Key to BCBGMAXAZRIA's success has been Azria's ability to maintain his creativity while maximizing his keen business sense. As one of today's rare breed of designer-businessmen, Azria used his talent to create a new platform in the industry. With the launch of the BCBGMAXAZRIA brand, he redefined the designer category by offering innovative, high-quality clothing at contemporary price points. As a result, Azria was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 1998.
  Determined to realize his vision, Azria built upon the success of his women's ready-to-wear line and created a lifestyle brand consisting of multiple high-fashion collections for women, including evening dresses, denim, outerwear, footwear, swimwear, handbags and small leather goods. He introduced additional product categories through a series of licensing agreements with some of the industry's most reputable companies, including the world leader in men's shirting, Philips-Van Heusen Corporation, for men's dress shirts and ties, launched in Summer 2004. This licensing deal was closely followed by similar agreements with Geneva Watch Co. for women's watches, VCS Group Inc. for footwear, Neema Clothing Ltd. for suits and suit separates and ClearVision for optical eyewear in Spring 2005.
  Reinforcing BCBGMAXAZRIA as a premiere American fashion brand, Azria successfully launched his collection on the runway for the first time during New York's Fall 1996 Fashion Week. The following season, The New York Times hailed, "Mr. Azria imbued his collection with worldly elan." In February 2006, in response to both his critical success and the needs and aspirations of his most discerning customers, Azria launched an exclusive runway designer collection called Max Azria. The collection allows Azria to explore his creativity full force, ultimately resulting in a line of directional, sophisticated designs in the most luxurious fabrics. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rachel Bilson and Eva Mendes have become fans of the brands and list BCBGMAXAZRIA and Max Azria as staples in their wardrobes. At the other end of his design spectrum is Azria's highly exclusive collection of couture gowns, launched in February 2004 under the label Max Azria Atelier. Taking inspiration from the glamour and sensuality of Hollywood, Azria creates opulent and elegant one-of-a-kind gowns for celebrity clients and red-carpet events. Sharon Stone, Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Beyonc矋nowles, Lucy Liu and Fergie have walked the red carpet wearing Max Azria Atelier.
  In 1998 BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP acquired the Herve Leger fashion house, marking the first time in history that a French couturier had been absorbed by an American designer. Azria relaunched the Herve Leger label in early 2007 with his own designs, which have since been embraced by celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Victoria Beckham, Alicia Keys and Catherine Zeta-Jones. For Fall 2008, in addition to showing BCBCMAXAZRIA and Max Azria during New York Fashion Week, Azria presented his Herve Leger by Max Azria collection. This marked the first time that an American designer produced three major fashion shows for three distinct collections during one New York fashion week.
  The Fall 2008 season also witnessed the merging of the BCBGirls and To The Max collections to create one, comprehensive, young-contemporary lifestyle brand named BCBGeneration (pronounced BCBG Generation), which is designed for women of all generations seeking fashion that balances a feminine, sexy aesthetic with an eclectic and urban sensibility. In Fall 2009, Azria again expanded the Group with a new collaborative collection with teen superstar Miley Cyrus named Miley Cyrus.

My Favorite Looks: BCBGMAXAZRIA Spring/Summer 2010

My Favorite Looks: MAX AZRIA Spring/Summer 2010.