Shoe Wednesdays: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Mugler" Boots

It's definitely time for some pre-fall boot shopping. Ankle boots are my favourite: I love tucking jeans into them. These Marcs (the billionth pair of Marc shoes featured on this blog) looks soft and cozy, even though it's a 3.5" killer heel. I love the bunched ankle cuff with the little belt. Plus they have a peep-toe and side cutouts to let in the summer breeze.

$590 CAD at ssense.com.

Lady Takes the Stage

Louis Vuitton F/W 2010

It's not like lady-like fashions have ever been out of style (hello Chanel, Valentino, Oscar!), but for this fall season ultra-feminine, full-skirted silhouettes were prominently featured by a few unexpected labels as well. The show that everyone talked about for weeks was Louis Vuitton, not only for the abundance of wasp waists and circle skirts, but for featuring models that were closer to a size 6 than to a 2 (hey, we'll take what we can get, right?). Other than the gorgeousness of LV, the other shows that stuck in my head were the ones featuring stunning prints, like Dries Van Notten, Prada and Cacharel (my favourite).

Dries Van Notten F/W 2010

Prada F/W 2010

Cacharel F/W 2010

Of course, there are also many lovely accessories to compliment the look: classic pumps and firm boxy bags.

Dolce & Gabbana pump

Valentino "Glam Bird" bag

Mad Men anyone? Can't wait.

Item of the Week: Rag & Bone "Paperbag" Short

I'm always on the lookout for the perfect pair of shorts, and Rag & Bone's "Paperbag" shorts might just be it. Wondering what a perfect pair of shorts are? It's the combination of both feminine and masculine elements: nothing too girlie, too sexy or, God forbid, too butch. This Rag & Bone pair are mid-length, high waist and feature a cute little tie belt combined with a breezy sheer cotton, and are pretty damn close to perfection.

$210 US at Barneys.
$220 CAD at Holt Renfrew.

Beauty Fridays: Purple Kisses

Ginta Lapida at Peter Som F/W 2010

Please don't get mad at me for posting so much fall stuff. Every fashion season feels a bit like a fresh start, almost like a new day of school, and I'm inspired and excited for new beginnings. What am I so excited for? Purple lipstick. And you thought I was getting all deep and mushy on you - I'm just talking lipstick!

I adore the purple lip colour at Peter Som F/W. It's a little dark at first glance but also very elegant when combined with a neutral eye. “The look was Uptown girl meets Woodstock, a shimmery golden eye to contradict the deep, dark purple lip,” said Tom Pecheux, the lead make-up artist for MAC. Lips were lined with MAC's lip pencil in "Currant" and then filled with a brand new shade of lipstick called "Kittenish" from MAC's Feline collection that should be available in August.

MAC "Kittenish" Lipstick ($16.50 at MAC, available August)

MAC "Currant" Lip Pencil ($16.50 CAD at MAC)

But if you want to play around with purple in the meantime, don't fret: there is a close shade that was used for Jason Wu's S/S 2010 show. Same MAC "Currant" lip liner, but this time with MAC's "Cyber" lipstick.

Vlada Roslyakova at Jason Wu S/S 2010

MAC "Cyber" Lipstick ($16.50 CAD at MAC)

For a really deep, rich blackberry colour, try YSL's "Black Tulip." It's a stunner!

YSL's "Black Tulip" #149 ($33 CAD at Sephora)

However, I think I'll wait 'til fall. Call me conventional, but dark lipstick is quintessentially a fall affair for me.

Défiles from Paris

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Wondering what Karl Lagerfeld, Suzy Menkes and Anna Wintour are doing here? Well, they are all waiting to be around your neck. Yes, these adorable little figures are pendants by the very clever Nathalie Queyraud of Défiles from Paris. Her handmade collection of iconic figures pays tribute to the world of fashion and its leaders...but with humour of course! Because fashion is religion to some and their messiahs certainly deserve a little worship, serious or not. Amazing, right?

"Karl Lagerfeld" ($158 CAD at LuisaViaRoma)

"Anna Wintour" ($158 CAD at LuisaViaRoma)

"Suzy Menkes" ($158 CAD at LuisaViaRoma)

View the entire collection at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

defilesfromparis.com

Shoe Wednesdays: Maguba Clogs

Maguba "Barcelona" Clog

Yes, clogs - the most controversial summer trend. Just so you know, I'm in with some clogs but not all of them. I like the more elegant ones, the less chunky ones.

Maguba "Bologna" Clog

Developed in London by a group of friends from Sweden, Italy and Mexico, Maguba wooden clogs are handmade using traditional clog-making techniques. They are set to change the world one clog at a time by using all natural materials like wood, leather and water-based paint, with proceeds from every clog sold donated to the planting of new woodlands.

Magubas are super cute and come in so many amazing hipster-approved colours. Are they just a fad? Maybe, but they'll always be popular in Sweden!

$138 US at maguba.com

Nicole Bridger F/W 2010

"Integrity Top" ($130 CAD)

Remember my fun Q&A with designer Nicole Bridger and the sneak peek behind her F/W lookbook shoot? Well, if you haven't read it yet, you really should because Nicole Bridger is one of the most exciting designers from Vancouver. She is set to be noticed on an international level, particularly after winning Fashion Takes Action's award for eco-friendly design. As a winner, Nicole will travel to New York to show at Nolcha during Fashion Week. How exciting!

"Content Cardi" ($260 CAD)

Her F/W 2010 collection is an anthology of her favourite garments reworked and rethought. Made with sustainable fabrics, these elegantly draped pieces are comfortable and casual but yet so refined. Draping is something Nicole Bridger is well-known for and her garments are some of the best examples of the technique materialized in casual wear.

"Goddess Dress" ($230 CAD)

"Today Tunic" ($230 CAD)

The F/W 2010 collection will be available at Tenth and Proper, Twigg & Hottie and LynnSteven in Vancouver.

www.nicolebridger.com

*photography by Candace Mayer

Item of the Week: Milly Crochet Tunic

Pet peeve: beachwear in the city. Girls that walk around in their bikini tops and guys that go topless altogether - it must stop. I'm all for fun in the sun, but please cover up until you get there.

That's where cute summer tunics come in. Throw one on and suddenly you're city appropriate. I love this Milly navy crochet tunic (not your Grandma's crochet) because it's light and airy, but can also look really polished paired with a pair of sandals and a cute straw hat.

$195 US at Net-a-Porter.

PS. This model must be at least 5'10" because when I tried it on at, it was mid-thigh length (I'm 5'6).

Beauty Fridays: Lavender Fall

Preen F/W 2010 RTW

I'm slowly beginning to peruse through Fall 2010 make-up trends. Summer in Vancouver hasn't even properly begun, yet I'm talking fall. Well, this one is very summery and reinforces my ongoing lilac/lavender obsession (see "Lilac Lips" and "Lilac Nails"). I've been developing an obsession with Preen. So much so that I'm thinking of "investing" in a piece or two. I'm totally in love with their F/W 2010 collection, and naturally I love the make-up! I love the romantic soft eye. It's so pretty and au natural.

MAC's lead make-up artist, James Kaliardos, created a “pretty, romantic, yet futuristic look” using soft shades of pinks, mauves and lavenders. To achieve the soft look, he brushed "Pink Freeze" eyeshadow along the lower lash line. He applied "Quite Spoiled" eyeshadow (not available yet but you can try "Digit" or "Idol Eyes" in the meantime) to the crease. And to finish it off, "Beautiful Iris" and "Quite Spoiled" are blended and winged out from the outer corner of the eye.

MAC "Pink Freeze" eye shadow ($17.50 at MAC)

MAC "Beautiful Iris" eye shadow ($17.50 at MAC)

backstage at Preen F/W 2010 RTW

Apply a touch of sheer soft pink lipstick and blush to complete the look.

Preen images courtesy of nymag.com.

PS. Due to the increased interest in the hair and make-up trend posts, I'm going to attempt to better categorise them. Thanks for reading!

Chau Har Lee: The One to Watch

Every once in a while, a designer comes along that absolutely blows my mind. London-based Chau Har Lee is one of them. Set to take the fashion world by storm, she has been working with some of my favourite designers like Georgina Goodman, and building up an impressive resume that now includes an MA in Footwear from Royal College of Art. Along with working with Marloes Ten Bhömer as a consultant, Chau has recently debuted her own collection. To say that it's groundbreaking would be an understatement. Chau's work is very experimental, using traditional shoe-making techniques as well as 3D computer applications to achieve the desired form. Combining stainless steel, wood, acrylic and leather, these shoes are certainly a work of art. Go ahead, drool.

Photography by Sylvain Deleu (courtesy of www.chauharlee.com)

To view the rest of the collection, visit www.chauharlee.com.

Further reading:
Dazed Digital: "Chau Har Lee"
Chic Looks blog: "Chau Har Lee Shoegasm"
Vogue UK blog: "Shoe Thing"

Shoe Wednesdays: Dolce Vita "Reno" Lace-up Wedge

I've been eyeing these for awhile now and they're finally taking their rightful title as "Shoe of the Week." The first thing that caught my eye was the seamless wedge platform. As you know, I love fluid shoe designs. Then there are the sharp laser cut-outs that add fine detailing to the minimalist design. And, finally, the skinny laces for the finishing touch.

$145 CAD at Gravity Pope and El Kartel.

Patchwork Party

Rodarte F/W 2010

Patchwork is no longer just for quilts and craft fairs, it's making its way to your closet this fall. From the heavy knits of Chanel, Rag & Bone, and Yigal Azrouel to the delicate silks of Rodarte, DKNY, and Matthew Williamson, patchwork adds a great amount of visual texture. It may be too overwhelming for really petite or curvacious figures but I love the idea of it. I particularly love Yigal Azroul's poncho: it looks so cozy and perfect for cold winter. And the Matthew Williamson dress is a stunner!

Chanel F/W 2010 RTW

Rag & Bone F/W 2010

Yigal Azrouel F/W 2010

DKNY F/W 2010

Matthew Williamson F/W 2010

I'm not sold on some of the accessories, like the decontructed patchwork Chanel bag and the Santoni fur boot. Maybe I'll try a scarf instead.

Chanel bag F/W 2010

Santoni fur boot F/W 2010

What do you think? Patchwork: yay or nay?