The Night Before Lanvin

This year will be the third Christmas that Claridge's luxury hotel in Mayfair, London, has had a Christmas designed and decorated by a prominant fashion icon. 

This year Lanvin's artistic director, Alber Elbaz, had the honour of decorating the tree at Claridge's.

Lanvin Tree 2011

"The concept of the Christmas Tree decoration is to create an installation that carries the spirit of Lanvin, an infusion of tradition and modernity at the same time," Elbaz said. "The tree is to emanate and bring heartwarming joy to all who work and stay as guests at Claridge's hotel: It's my way to wish them a very Merry Christmas." - British Vogue: Oh Lanvin Tree

The hotel alone looks beautiful, and must really look amazing during the Christmas season. When I travel to London this summer, Claridge's is definitely a place that I have my heart set on to check out... Maybe I'll run into Elbaz or Galliano?

The trees in 2009 and 2010 were decorated by Dior's previous head designer, John Galliano - who like Elbaz, has been a loyal guest at the hotel.

Dior Tree 2010

Dior Tree 2009

This post has definitely given me some motivation to decorate my own Christmas tree... which is now long over due!

Brand ME

In school we are working on a branding project, and although I have always been very fascinatined with the importance of personal branding, and the branding proccess, it has been sort of confusing and has made me question what exactly my personal brand is.

On my quest to inspire myself.. to figure myself out... I decided the best way to start would be the things that I like.

If it isn't already obvious, I LOVE fashion, and the freedom it gives me to express myself.  One thing that people may not know about me, or may find hard to believe based on my appearance is that I have my very own Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and have grown up loving them. Pretty cool.. I know!

I am also very lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to interesting places all over the world. Spain, Germany, Mexico, Thailand, Africa, and all over the U.S., and Canada, just to name a few of the stops I have taken in my mission to travel and experience the world.

I have also always been fascinated with vintage artwork, fashion, and furniture, and believe there is a part of me that is old-fashioned in that sense. Flea markets, bring it on.

 Now having everything that I love, laid out right infront of me, let's hope it will help me to keep a clear focus on using my personal brand to my fullest ability, and taking advantage of the things that make me unique. 

Lauren Best by laurenhollybest featuring black tops

Jeffrey Campbell distressed boots, $160
Yellow gold earrings, $29
Antique Brass Embassy Ceiling Pendant Light, £22
Ferm Living World Map Wall Sticker – Black, $125
Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012 Hong Kong / Macao Cliquez Pour Agrandir, €25
Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012 Paris Cliquez Pour Agrandir, €25
Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012 Londres Cliquez Pour Agrandir, €25
Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012 Rome Cliquez Pour Agrandir, €25
Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012 European Cities, €100
3d model Palm Tree Bundle 3 3ds lwo max obj tex hrc by RyanN, $25

No Limit

My friend John asked me a couple weeks ago to blog about some men's fashion. (check out his blog Teemu Salami)

I saw these shoes yesterday and they blew me away. They may not be John's style, so this will have to be the first of many men's fashion posts to my blog.

Christian Louboutin SS12 No Limit Mens Flat



Christian Louboutin is known for their sexy and feminine stiletto silhouettes. But they definitely took these studed, zebra printed, and rhinestoned kicks to a new level.

These shoes are definitely to be worn with some confidence.

Pantheia

I just discovered Pantheia after my mom came home raving about it. She said I would love, love, love it, and I do.

Pantheia jewelry, clothing, bags and accessories are all hand crafted in Bali by local artisans. The detailing that is put into the pieces is exquisite, and the craftsmen have been working with the tools and materials for generations. Their traditional production methods help to support local communities in Bali.

Amrita purse (leather)

The pieces are instilled with the ancient essence of Balinese culture, making their products unique and interesting.

The highest qualities in materials are used for the jewelry, clothing, bags and accessories, and the silver jewelry is tested to more than 925 purity. Impressive, I know….

And if you’re into gemstones, the gemstones they use are quality and origin certified.

Pantheia has signature Banana Leaf Boxes which are made from individual banana leaves that are dried, cleaned, and folded by hand. The boxes are created in a small village in Singaraja.

Jewelry Tree (coffee wood)

The bamboo they use is organically certified, and coffee wood products are sustainably harvested at Bali’s coffee plantations.

Cardigan wrap (rayon from bamboo)

The collections are all so unique, and are different than anything I have ever seen before. Each piece is so diverse that it wouldn’t be hard to find something for everyone.

One of the things that I like most about the products is that you can wear them with something casual and it instantly dresses your outfit up, or you can wear them with something fancier, giving you a funky and stylish look.

My favourite piece from the 4 Seasons Collection is the "Fall (silver/resin)" ring.

Fall (silver/resin) Ring

It is made from sterling silver, Soursop leaf and amber-coloured resin.

The Kartika Collection is my favourite jewelry collection, and it really is hard to pick favourites. 

Back to the Roots earrings (brass)

The "Back to the Roots earrings (brass)" are so unique and mesmerizing, and are made from brass cast from actual tree roots! They almost remind me of antlers, which I would love to have dangling from my ears.. I think I'll be adding these to my Christmas list.. 

Bib Collar necklace (brass)

This necklace is to die for. The "Bib Collar necklace (brass)" is a great piece to wear with anything your heart may desire!

Mohican earrings (silver)

These "Mohican earrings (silver)" are made of sterling silver, and you can choose from lapis lazuli stones, or turquoise (the colour shown in the picture above). The earrings are Algonquian-inspired, and I think they are very daring!

I interpreted the Savitar Collection to represent space. All the pieces are so fascinating and delicate. 

Lunar pendant (brass)

The "Lunar pendant" comes in brass and sterling silver, and is a tribute to Earth's only moon. The stones come in Turquoise, Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Black Onyx, and Garnet (the colour shown in the picture above).

Lunar ring (silver)

The "Lunar ring" also comes in brass and sterling silver, and  the stones also come in Turquoise, Malachite (the colour shown in the picture above), Lapis Lazuli, Black Onyx, and Garnet. The pendant and ring are a pretty cute match.

Pantheia's Vishnu Collection is very fab and trendy.

Spider Web earrings (silver)

These "Spider Web earrings (silver)" are made of stainless steal, and are number two on my wish list! There is also a matching pendant. 

Coins Duet bracelet (gold-plated brass/rhodium-plated silver)

The "Coins Duet bracelet (gold-plated brass/rhodium-plated silver)" emulates Spanish doubloons and pieces of eight. It also comes in sterling silver/copper, and that bracelet evokes rare images of pennies and dimes. Both bracelets have a silver Pantheia charm on them. They are absolutely gorgeous!

If you’re not planning on flying to Bali anytime soon, you can order Pantheia online from their Manitoba location.

Follow Pantheia on Twitter @Pantheia

And "Like" them on Facebook 

Versace Falls for H&M

Donatella Versace has designed a Fall/Winter 2011 collaboration collection with H&M to hit stores November 19.

Versace for H&M

I am so excited for this collaboration. The word on the street is that Donatella has designed over 90 items for men and women.

Take a look at all the pieces on the H&M website!

Resort Vogue

As it's starting to get cold, many of us Winnipeggers are looking to escape the cold, and travel somewhere hot.

I know I am. But that will of course have to wait until Christmas break in December.

I have already heard talk from some of my friends and family about where they're going on their break, if they're even taking a trip at all. "Mexico," "Dominican Republic," "Palm Spring" (as am I), "Flordia".

For us ladies, of course, we want to look our best when relaxing on vacation. Any excuse to dressup in summer clothing in the middle of winter, sounds like an amazing idea to me.

I have been checking out the Resort 2012 collection trends for inspiration.

If you're going somewhere hot this winter, or are just looking to get a head start on expanding your summer wardrobe, check out some of these trends found on Neiman Marcus (my guilty pleasure).

Colorful Shoes & Handbags

B Brian Atwood Suede Colorblock Pump

Colored Pants

Forever21 Rustic Skinny Jean

Prints

Rachel Zoe

I was unable to find the Rachel Zoe Resort 2012 collection available for purchase online, but check out the rest of the lookbook online, since it is absolutely gorgeous. 

Rachel Zoe is my favourite stylist, and I loved her transition over to a designer.

Other resort trends that you can follow are pink, pop of yellow, neon, and scuba. 

banging blogs

This week I want to share some of the blogs that I follow and love to read.

There are so many young and talented individuals that I am lucky enough to spend everyday having nightmare's about auto-fails with (and all those other #CreCommProblems).

Other blogs that I am recommending are written by interesting and insightful people in this world.

Sydnie Payne, is a first year Creative Communications student with a passion for fashion. She blogs about the latest trends, and her most recent post is on the limited edition Barbie designed by Italian brand Tokidoki.

Check her blog out at Paynefully Fashionable!

In need of some hydration? Check out Emily Doer's blog. She is also a first year Creative Communications student, and recommends the perfect drinks for any holiday or event. Em comes up with the most creative and interesting drinks, all of which are sure to be a pleasant surprise.

Take a Bevy Break with Emily!

If you're looking for a kulture shock, be sure to read up on Katherine Dow's blog. She is a CreComm student who is interested in fashion, theatre (a talented actor herself), and film."This is the place where Proust and a pack of Hooters waitresses come to hang out."

Kulture by Katherine

coffee anyone?

I am a lover of fashion, and aspire to start a career in the fashion PR world. So as you can imagine, a majority of my twitter feed is made up of tweets from respectable PR representatives of small and large fashion firms and brands. 

 DKNY PR Girls Picks..

My favorite person that I follow on twitter is @dkny (also known as DKNY PR GIRL). She shares amazing insight into the fashion PR lifestyle and career. Among that, she shares tips from her blog, like one of my favourite posts, The Top 5 Things You Shouldn't Say or Do in Social Media.

You're invited...

On her blog she posts what the Donna Karan, and DKNY brands are up to, and all of their latest trends.

If you love fashion, are interested in PR... or not. I would suggest you check out the DKNY PR GIRL blog!

The Devil Wears Dior

People are still wondering who is going to officially take John Galliano's place at Dior, since he was found guilty of making racist and anti-Semitic comments in a Paris cafe in February.

John Galliano

There has been talk of Marc Jacobs being Dior's first choice, but with all the rumours going around, who really knows. Marc Jacobs is one of my favourite designers of all time, but I love what he does with Louis  Vuitton, and I don't think I'm ready to see him move on.

Marc Jacobs

With Dior being faced with such a difficult decision to let go of such a creative and beautiful designer, it was best they did so from a PR perspective.

Jo Milloy, Galliano's spokesperson had an apologetic approach to the whole situation.

Christian Dior Ready to Wear SS12

"Mr Galliano is relieved that the events of the last eight months have now been concluded," Galliano's spokesperson, Jo Milloy, told us this afternoon. "However this is not a time for celebration, and he remains apologetic for any offense that has been caused. He will continue to receive treatment for his illness and hopes in time to embrace a more positive future, based on forgiveness and understanding."

Galliano's Fashion Return?

I mean, the series of unfortunate events would have only damaged the Dior brand if they would have decided to keep Galliano around. 

With his talent I’m sure he’ll make it back into the fashion world, but I think Dior made the right move to maintain their brand as only the best. 

John Galliano

From the U.K. to the Bay

Topshop and Topman, born in the United Kingdom, are both now available in Canada! The Hudson's Bay Company has recently acquired the Canadian franchise rights to the lines and has already made both available in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, as well as online.

The Bay

Supermodel Coco Rocha cut the ribbon at the flagship store in Yorkdale Mall yesterday morning, along side designers Kate Phelan and Gordon Richardson. Other fashion icons that attended the event were Sir Philip Green and Bonnie Brooks.

The Bay

The rumour is that the Canadian pricing will be relatively cheaper than in the U.S. Regardless, I'm sure many of us Topshop and Topman lovers would be willing to pay a little extra to get our hands on any their pieces.

Fur Collar Boyfriend Coat

I think it was a really smart move for them to expand to Canada. I love love love their clothing, and the designer collections that they have. It always sucked having to admire it from the other side of my computer screen, but at least now I can still admire it and actually order it.

Pleated Maxi Skirt

Let's just hope they make it to one of the Bay's in Winnipeg sometime soon!

Black Metal Stretch Belt

God Save McQueen

This year Paris fashion week came to an end with Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2012 collection hitting the catwalk. New designer for the UK brand, Sarah Burton, was also the mastermind behind the design of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress.

SS12

The SS12 collection was only Sarah Burton’s third collection as creative director for Alexander McQueen. And thus being one of my overall favourite collections for SS12, I think she has definitely proven that she can live up to the iconic designs of late Lee Alexander McQueen. 

SS12

As many fashion industry attendees began posting photo’s from the runway show to twitter, I was all over it, trying to check out as many pictures as I could. The detailing of each piece blew me away.

SS12

The Alexander McQueen collection was as fierce as always, and there is gracefulness to the pieces that offers a balance between being edgy and elegant.

SS12

Check out the full Alexander McQueen SS12 Paris Fashion Week runway show

FASHION Capital of the World & HOME to The New York Times

New York, New York, also known as the fashion capital of the world, is furthermore home to American daily newspaper, The New York Times (TNYT). 

With a focus on one of the many wonderful things that happen in New York City, this blog post will steer away from my typical focus on the topic of fashion, and on to the New York media scene.


For my journalism class last Friday we attended the Cinematheque showing of Page One: A Year Inside The New York Times, directed by Andrew Rossi. Page One is a documentary about the daily occurrences in TNYT news room, what it takes to create the stories for their audience, and the obstacles the print industry is facing with the advancement of technology. 

The New York Times

After watching the movie trailer in class the day before we went to watch the movie, I was immediately excited and intrigued by the little preview of the film. To me, the documentary appeared to offer unique insights from select TNYT editors and reporters on what it really is like to work for one of America’s largest daily newspapers. 

Luckily, it was more than I ever expected. The New York Times definitely has some creative characters on their hands. David Carr, Media Desk Reporter, was quite the interesting guy. 

David Carr

“We are The New York Times and we are dictating terms. At the tender age of 31, I still had a year left to be the violent drug snorting thug. Before I found my way to this guy. The one with the family, and a job at the New York Times.” - David Carr

David joined The New York Times in 2002, and is very entertaining and fearless when digging for the information for his next story. He is the kind of journalist who does whatever it takes to write a great story, which is an admirable characteristic. 

“I've seen him at his desk and he just embodies everything about new media. I still can't get over the felling that Brian Stelter was a robot assembled to destroy me.“ Carr comments on Brian Stelter’s presence in the social media world. 

Brian Stelter

Social media outlets such as twitter, along with other mediums like WikiLeaks and tablet computers, are overtaking ‘old school’ methods of media, and are huge players in the bankruptcy of print newspapers. We all are using the internet on a daily basis - I myself would be lost without my continuous data on my iPhone - and know how easy and convenient it is to look up the latest occurrences. 

I really enjoy documentaries of all types, and thought Page One: A Year Inside The New York Times, was a great one. The film was fascinating, so I regret to inform you that I unfortunately dozed off during one part or another. I guess that just means I will have to watch it again, and I am definitely not apposed to that. 

From a CreComm student’s point of view it is definitely inspiring to see the hard work and dedication that these reporters and editors put in at The New York Times to deliver the latest news to the world. 

For those of you interested in the journalism world - or not - I would without a doubt suggest this film if you’re looking for exposure into the inner workings of the media industry. 

Check out the trailer for Page One: A Year Inside The New York Times

All Python Everything

As some of you may have already noticed, whether it was from watching New York Fashion Week's hottest runway shows, or from shopping at your favourite store in the mall, python is taking over!

This fall is the season of python and with it you can make any look trendy if you have the right pieces. Try to find items that are versatile that you can throw on with any outfit, like a pair of python pumps, a snake statement skirt, a colourful blouse, or a python detailed purse. 

Many designers have come out with chic python pieces that are easy to wear and can be paired with many colours.

Calvin Klein Bayou Group Satchel

Halogen® 'Snake' Challis Scarf

MICHAEL Michael Kors Python Print Skirt

TIMEX Ladies' Goldtone Python-Embossed Watch

Birds Of A Feather, Flock Together

Even though this is my first blog, I have been using other forms of social media for awhile now, and I love it! Not only can you see what your friends have been up, but it is so easy to check out what your favorite movie star, singer, designer or athlete are doing too. 

I really like how twitter is an easy way to discover new people that you share common interests with or can possibly learn a thing or two from. 

Since I love keeping up with the latest trends, and seeing what all my style icons are wearing, twitter is an easy way to do so. I have discovered new designers and fashion outlets from following new people who are following the same people as me. 

During big fashion events like Fashion's Night Out and Fashion Week, social media is being taken to the fullest advantage by people in the fashion industry.

Leading up to FNO and New York Fashion Week, designers, stylists and editors were tweeting about upcoming shows and events. Even when the shows were going on, the tweets still continued about all the new major collections. 

Some of the designers, stylists, and magazines that I am following on twitter tweeted links so I was able to watch many of the fashion shows from NYFW live.

If you're interested in fashion I would recommend the following people to follow on twitter:

@polyvore

@rzrachelzoe
@Fashionista_com

@ninagarcia

@voguemagazine

@MichaelKors

Michael Kors SS12 @ NYFW

FNO 2011

Fashion's Night Out celebrated their third year anniversary last week on September 8th, with retailer's all around the world, from Italy to Brazil, India to Turkey, and of course over 250 cities in the US alone. 

FNO Worldwide
(Find out where else FNO is celebrated)

Fashion's Night Out celebrated their third year anniversary last week on September 8th, with retailer's all around the world, from Italy to Brazil, India to Turkey, and of course over 250 cities in the US alone. 

FNO is the best fashion party in history, where shoppers, along side the biggest names in fashion, celebrate an amazing night of shopping. 

What designer or retailer wouldn’t want to open their doors to showcase their pieces with the opportunity to make a party out of it? It is the perfect kickstart to Fashion Week in New York, and this years FNOnyc had the biggest hype yet!

As unfortunate as it is to be in Winnipeg during this amazing event, with technology being what it is, it is still possible to somewhat enjoy it from behind my computer screen. Of course, I have never had the opportunity to experience FNO in person, but I can only assume it just isn’t the same. 

Having travelled to NYC last winter with much enthusiasm, the fashion was not only overwhelming, but was also very inspiring. For the three days I was there it was my heaven, and it boggles my mind knowing I didn’t even see the half of it. 

I may as well add attending Fashion’s Night Out nyc, and New York Fashion Week to my bucket list. 

The culture in New York city is unlike any other culture in any other city, one that is hard to appreciate until you experience it. And I am not yet done experiencing that.

A trip back to New York in my near future? I think so!

Check out FNO LIVE on tumblr

the LITA

Terrified of these bad boys? They may look a little intimidating, but with their high platform front they are surprisingly easy to walk in. Who wouldn't want to take the night in these 70's inspired Jeffrey Campbell LITA high heal fashion booties! 

On top of having a retro silhouette, they come in countless materials, colours and textures. If you’re looking for a way to become more adventurous with your style, these would fit the profile. 


JC's LITA was named after Lita Ford, most famously known from the girl rock band, The Runaways. I'd say the name does these booties justice. 

I am a huge fan of Jeffrey Campbell's shoes, and am lucky enough to have spoiled myself with a pair of LITA's!


If you’re brave enough to invest these shoes into your wardrobe, you will discover that they are very cohesive with pretty much everything. Style them with a pair of shorts, with leggings or even a dress, and they will not fail to impress you!

JC