Beauty Fridays: Wedding Day!

Vera Wang S/S 2011

As I'm writing this, Kate Middleton is getting ready to walk down the aisle. I'm not going to try and predict what she will wear or what her hair/makeup will be like. I guess we will know in a couple of hours.

But, if I was her, I would keep the makeup super simple, natural and glow-y. Like this look from Vera Wang S/S 2011 (predictable choice by me, I know). I think the biggest mistake most brides make is overdoing the look: busy eyes, harsh eyeliner, fake lashes, ridiculous amount of blush (or even worse: bronzer!) and lipgloss.

Makeup artist Lucia Pieroni used all Clé de Peau Beauté products (super expensive stuff!). So here is how I would do it in a (slightly) more affordable manner.

NARS 'Portobello' eye duo ($38 CAD at Sephora)

NARS 'Copacobana' illuminator ($36 CAD at Sephora)

By the way, I am, for the lack of a better term, obsessed with this illuminator. And people always compliment my skin when I wear it. It's freakin' amazing!

NARS 'Luster' blush ($29 CAD at Sephora)

NARS ' Honolulu Honey' lipstick ($30 CAD at Sephora)

Anyone getting married this summer?

Ballerina Love... and Skirts

 Janie Taylor in Chloe (The Block S/S 2011)

Sure, there was Natalie Portman in The Black Swan, but my favourite ballerina moment so far has been New York City Ballet's Janie Taylor in a dancing editorial and video for The Block/Nowness collaboration. She wears Chloe's stunning, already pretty much sold-out S/S '11 collection. Seeing it makes me want to pull out my pointe shoes and twirl all day long, except that I would probably dislocate my knee after more than a decade of not training.

Janie Taylor for Chloé on Nowness.com

Jaw-droppingly beautiful, right? The way Chloe clothing moves, the sheerness of the fabric revealing Taylor's spectacular form, a beautiful example what happens when two disciplines collide at their very best. 

Club Monaco 'Pamera' skirt($129 at Club Monaco); 

Rodarte for Opening Ceremony skirt ($280 at Shopbop); 

Hussein Chalayan bark pleated skirt($830 at Net-a-Porter)

Of course, others are just as enamoured by ballerinas and their feminine, airy style. Not that full, fluffy or pleated skirts are ever out, but this season there is a plethora of them, from minis to maxis. 

T. Babaton 'Taylor' skirt ($135 at Aritzia); 

Zara accordion pleat skirt ($79.90 at Zara); 

Tucker pleated skirt with dots ($437.65 at Shopbop)

It's difficult to pick a favourite. Probably the Hussein Chalayan at the whopping $830 (but you should see it on the runway!). Or maybe the yellow Tibi maxi. But really, if I were rich, I'd take all of them!

Topshop layered maxi skirt ($80 at Topshop);

Tibi pleated crepe de chine skirt ($295 at Net-a-Porter);

Rag and Bone 'Desert' long skirt ($450 at Shopbop and La Garconne)

Research provided by my Editorial Intern Shakeira MacLean. Check out her lovely Tumblr Obsessions of a Girl.

Shoe Wednesdays: Dolce Vita 'Jade' Crisscross Wedge

If you haven't figure it out by now, this season is all about the wedge. Not that other shoes are out, of course, by the wedge is enjoying the star spotlight. Deceivingly so, it's my favourite shoe to wear. I love the big bright colours this season, particularly those with the name 'Prada' attached to them. 

Well, we can't always have Pradas (why, oh why!) but a little sweetness called Dolce Vita is a lot closer to most budgets. I love the simplicity and seamlessness of this wedge. Extra points for soft nubuck leather. And how cute is that tassel?

$190 CAD at Shopbop and Saks Fifth Avenue (also in tan).

Gossip Girl "Petty in Pink" Fashion Round-Up

I was super excited when I read the title "Pretty Petty in Pink" and I was majorly let down. Not that the episode wasn't good, but I thought it was kind of a missed opportunity not to reference one of the best teen movies of all time. Oh, well -- we got a lot of pink!

And a lot of annoying Serena. I find her insufferable. Having Blair finally call her on her needy bullshit was the best part of this episode. And that Marchesa dress was super ugly, right? I wonder why she left her Spazooie behind? And 'ugh' for the cousin too. 

 
Marchesa F/W 2010 

MCL (snake?) cuff

Lily's gown may not have been one of her finest -- too many frills and pleats -- but she was all sass this episode. The nerve of Nate's mom! C'mon, lady, your husband is way sketchier than all the Van Der Woodsen/Rhodes clan combined! Plus, anytime Lily sports a chignon and drop earrings, I'm sold. 

Redux Charles Chang-Lima gown (at Bergdorf Goodman)

Siman Tu tassel earrings (at Sophie's Closet) 

And finally, the beautiful Blair, in a fluffy and princess-y Oscar de la Renta, who after all this time is enjoying being the centre of everyone's affections. But I feel the whole Chuck/Dan/Prince thing is going to get so rushed. There are only three episodes left and they are not giving Dan a proper chance (can you tell I'm really into him?). Of course, I want her to end up with Chuck eventually, but they should keep that for the series finale (next year, I think). 

Oscar de la Renta gown (at Oscar de la Renta)

Swarovski 'Noble' necklace (at Swarovski)

Alexis Bittar bracelet

I look forward to Blair playing "the Commoner" next week while meeting the Grimaldis. Remember, she didn't even make the "American Royalty" book. Ouch! But how very topical, Royal Wedding and all. 

I don't want to spoil anything but Blair will be stepping it up style-wise for the next three episodes. We're talking Alexis Mabille Couture here! There are a lot of balls the girl has to get to!

You know you love me.  

xoxo, 

It Girl


PS. Does Vanessa just walk around aimlessly apologising to people? Beats me.

Item of the Week: Club Monaco "Gabi" Head Scarf

If you run into me for the first chunk of the summer, I will most probably be sporting some kind of a head accessory. Mostly because I'm growing out my bangs and that overgrown bang look is really damn unfortunate. Thankfully, seasonal trends are on my side with the big return of the headband, the headscarf and even the turban! 

Hermes Twilly ($135 CAD)

Of course, in the ideal world, I would arm myself with an array of Hermes Twillys or gorgeous scarves from Rochas' spring collection, but these Club Monaco ones are pretty sweet and really reasonably priced. 

Rochas S/S 2011

Also, it's a great way to add a bit of colour to one's face.

$29 CAD at Club Monaco.

Celebrate Mom's Beauty With Shoppers Drug Mart

SPONSORED

Mother’s Day is coming and there is no need to scramble for a great gift. Just like us, our moms love perusing cosmetics aisles and counters, always looking for a little something new.

Why not turn to a place that knows a thing or two about beauty, like Shoppers Drug Mart? Using their extensive online Mother’s Day catalogue, I selected a few things that I know my mom would love. And the best part: moms (or you on her behalf) can make their own wish list and email it to dads and/or clueless male siblings. Easy!

Gucci 'Flora' ($85)

Like Gucci’s ‘Flora’, inspired by the floral print created for Grace Kelly. With a scent of spring, it’s truly one of the loveliest fragrances on the market.

Lise Watier Sun Smart SPF 30 ($38)

Biotherm After Sun Sparkling Body Cream ($35)

Clarins Delicious Self tanning Cream ($42)

Protect mom from the sun with Lise Watier’s stellar Sun Smart SPF 30. Make her glow with Biotherm’s After Sun Oligo sparkling body cream and keep her sun-kissed the safe way with Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream. Moms love the sun too!

Lancôme L'Absolute Lipstick ($35)

Lancôme Colour Design 5 Shadow and Liner Palette ($54)

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara ($31)

Keep mom beautiful with some outstanding makeup products from Lancôme. The L’absolute lipstick is one of the only lipsticks to have a SPF (more sun protection!). Make her eyes pop with a Five Shadow & Liner Palette and her eyelashes flutter with the stellar Hypnôse mascara.

iTunes Prepaid Card ($50)

Keep mom hip with an iTunes gift card. She can fill her iPod full of songs that makes her happy. And they’ll remind her of you.

Lindor Spring Orchid Chocolates ($6.49)

And last, but not least, moms need flowers. But they also need chocolate. How about both, courtesy of Lindt?

Also, on May 7th, Shoppers Drug Mart is having a Beautiful At Every Age event for mothers and daughters. Pop in for a five minute makeover and learn useful tips on enhancing your natural beauty. Sounds like mother/daughter bonding time!

For more great gift ideas, check out Shoppers Drug Mart online gift guide and, if you are a mom, make a wish list.

Beauty Fridays: Happy Earth Day!

Tati Cotliar by Richard Burbridge for T Magazine (Summer 2011)

It's Earth Day! It's time for some green beauty love! Just like they say "you are what you eat," I believe we should be careful about what we are putting on our lips since it will unavoidably end up in our mouths. As much as you can, try to avoid Parabens, Sulfates and Petro-Chemicals.  No reason to get all hippie dippie about it, there are three stellar luxe, glam and all-natural lipsticks. 

KORRES Mango Butter Lipstick ($18.90 at Sephora)

TARTE Vitamin Core Lipstick ($29 at Sephora)

CARGO Plant Love Lipstick ($20 at BeautyMark)

Happy Earth Day!

If I Were Rich I Would Buy... Jean Paul Gaultier x La Perla Lingerie!

Gorgeous! This collaboration definitely went under the radar. Probably because only about 2% of world population can afford $400 dollar panties! Yes, that's how much they are and they are probably not even wearable outside the bedroom. But I want them! Why? 

JPG and Madonna photographed by Herb Ritts (1990)

Remember this? The time when they ruled the world. The time when the term 'pop star' was only associated with one name and one name only: Madonna. The time when a cone bra was considered shocking. And we all wanted to be her. Truly the greatest designer/musician partnership of all time. I wonder if they are still friends?

$590 US for the bra and $395 US for the briefs at Net-a-Porter.

Shoe Wednesdays: Swedish Hasbeens x H&M

$79.95

Okay, so Swedish Hasbeens may not be as exciting as Lanvin but when I heard the news of this collaboration, I was pretty thrilled. I've been eying their clogs for ages now and, since they retail for $250+, I haven't made the plunge (I got Magubas instead). 

$69.95

Well, these are much more affordable and exclusive to H&M so the owners of the real ones won't get too snooty about it. Just like the originals, they are made from wood and leather (but probably not of the same fine quality). Very cute but, I suppose, one has to be a lover of the clog.

$79.95

Available today at select H&M stores. 

Gossip Girl "The Kid Stays In the Picture" Fashion Round-Up

The Block S/S 2011

Before we start, can we take a moment and admire Ed Westwick's cover and editorial for The Block? You can imagine my excitement when I was told that he (and I love him beyond Chuck Bass) was going to cover my first issue. As you know, I started writing for The Block in December last year and I just couldn't be happier to be a part of it. Here is one more picture, but after that you'll have to go buy it!

Item of the Week: Roots Colour Block French Tote

I'm pretty head-over-heels in love with Roots' S/S bag collection. If you are a Vitamin Daily reader, then you'll remember me gushing over the spring preview. So, I will most likely be posting several Roots items over the next few months. And for once, things I love are actually affordable. Phew. 

First up is the French Tote, a simple Céline-like shape Roots has had for years. But this time around, it's been given a colour treatment: bright beautiful pops of cyan, magenta, orange and red. So ideal for strolling around the city on the weekend. 

Gorgeous and proudly made in Canada. What's not to love?

$158 CAD at Roots (yes, they ship to USA).

Beauty Fridays: Orange Polish Screams Spring!

Dior S/S 2011

One of my favourite beauty looks from the spring runways was Christian Dior (yes, Galliano's last official show). I thought the makeup was magnificent! Sure, hard to pull off all at once but, separately, totally wearable. Like the bright orange nail polish! 

Dior 'Aloha' ($23 at The Bay)

The polish used was Dior's 'Aloha' but Essie has a very similar shade in 'Capri'. If you are looking for a steal, then Joe Fresh 'Papaya' should do the trick -- slightly muted orange.

Essie 'Capri' ($12 at BeautyMark)

Joe Fresh 'Papaya' ($4)

Orange, no orange?

Ahoy Sailor (The Affordable Round)!

Vogue Japan (March 2011)

A while ago I promised a cheaper version of the Ahoy Sailor! post. Here it is! I tried to keep things somewhat affordable, but then my friends Phillip Lim and A.P.C had to show up and spoil the cheap party. No worries, there's a variety.

Marc by Marc Jacobs striped top ($150 US at Net-a-Porter and Shopbop)

I suppose Marc Jacobs always likes to keep things interesting. I love the introduction of red. 

THE STEAL: Zara stripe shirt with elbow patches ($49.90 at Zara)

I'm loving Zara right now. Well, I'm always loving Zara. You can't see but this shirt is not your run-of-the-mill stripe shirt. It has elbow patches! 

A.P.C stripped cotton blazer ($390 US at Net-a-Porter)

A.P.C is always amazing for well-done basics and this pinstripe blazer is no exception. Very understated sailor. 

THE STEAL: Joe Fresh stripe blazer ($59)

Not so understated, but super adorable, is this little blazer by Joe Fresh. It kind of upsets me that the best kept Canadian secret is now available in the States. They have everything there! Not fair.

Isabel Marant checked cotton shorts ($175 US at Net-a-Porter)

I'm a big Isabel Marant fan. I suppose these are not traditional sailor but the colour combo works, so I guess they work for me!

THE STEAL: H&M seagull shorts ($29 CAD)

Same with these dove or seagull shorts by H&M -- so cute!

3.1 Phillip Lim stripe dress ($325 US at La Garconne)

Of course, my favourite has to be the most expensive thing. But this dress is so damn light and perfect. It even has rope! 

THE STEAL: Zara striped dress ($79 CAD at Zara)

Much cheaper is this simple dress by Zara. I love the button detailing at the shoulders and hips (although, it would make me look huge).

Zara polka dot scarf ($35.90 CAD at Zara)

Not into stripes? Try polkadots.

Joe Fresh tote ($19 CAD)

And, of course, one needs a simple canvas tote (yeah, I know it's not the striped Birkin) to keep all the summery goods in. 

Who's into it?