Monday, November 28, 2011

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


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

Friday, November 18, 2011

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 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.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

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.


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


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.


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. 


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.. 


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


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. 


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).


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.


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


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 

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Versace Falls for H&M

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


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

Friday, November 4, 2011

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




Colored Pants




Prints



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.