Hello Bolero

I have been making a few dresses in preparation for summer but feel kind of exposed without sleeves. When I go out to a nice dinner or to le bf's families for dinner I feel that arms should not be bare. I know that it would be too hot in the summer to wear some of the shrugs I have, so I was searching for a breezy alternative to the knit cover-up, and I think I have found the perfect thing! I have fallen for bolero's! I think they are cute, can cover the shoulders and are a nice period at the end of a sentence. You can find ones similar to the top left at maryandangelika 's Etsy shop. They can be either plain or very elegant. The one below was done by Bonzie and can be found at their Etsy shop as well. I have a similar pattern for a short jacket that I have been putting off making for a few months. However, after finding these gems I might have to break it out and attempt one. The one below I think is exquisite. It should be worn for a fancy night out. I do not have many of those, so a more plain one like the grey one above would suit me well! The one below is also made by maryandangelika.

Monochrome

I love Victoria Beckham. I have her book "That Extra Half Inch" and have been following the fashion extravaganza that is her life for quite some time. I think that she i always poised and classic looking, even when arriving at the airport after a long haul she still looks glammed up. That is until recently, I am not a huge fan of the recent clothing choices that have appeared. the rule of thumb is not to use more than 3 colours in an outfit. but only one i just..well boring. Mind you each of these pieces are exquisite, just not all in one outfit. She looks like a limo driver in the left hand picture and a bell girl on the right. I don't know, a I being too harsh? I just don't know where this idea came from. Maybe she is on the cusp of a fashion trend that no one has realized yet.

Lindsay Needs Money

If you are like me then you are constantly wondering, "Lindsay, how can you have the money to continuously shop and not work?" Well the answer has come to us all via a Lindsay Lohan interview with Nylon magazine. She is having money troubles and is reaching out everywhere looking for an acting job. She was recently passed over for roles in 'The Edge of Love' and 'Alice in Wonderland'.

This is very sad considering that her future after 'The Parent Trap' at the age of 12 seemed so bright. I will be very interested to see if there is a PR agent who can help her turn her image around. I love the work they do! Maybe instead of being photographed with knives, running out of a club or passed out in a car, a PR rep can get her to volunteer with animals and get photographed petting some puppies or something. OR maybe she could take the William Shattner route and get paid to do law office commercials! I don't know if she's make a comeback, but I'll be watching.

Another one o watch is Mischa Barton. When did she work last?

On the Gladiator Bandwagon

So I took the plunge last week. I went out and bought myself a fabulous pair of gladiators! I reported earlier that I had spent the rest of my gift card at ALDO, and here is what it was spent on:

I think they are great. I was originally looking for gladiators that had a zipper in the back so that they would be easier to get on, but I fell for these. They are a sublet black snake skin with beads along the top of the foot. Love.

A Touch of Tribal

Tribal prints are going to be very big this summer. I am not a huge fan of the whole tribal vibe because I don't particularly like the way the originally woven pattern looks stretched as a print. I did a post earlier about maxi dresses and it should have a larger example of this pattern. To participate in this trend I would prefer to do a hint of the tribal vibe in the form of an accessory instead of a main piece. Below are a few ways you can incorporate the tribal and safari trend into your wardrobe without jumping for a garment piece. After this trend has dissipated, there is more of a chance that you will be able to mix accessories in with your wardrobe than a large statement piece. These shoes are from Guess retailing at about $99.

This bracelet for $68 from House of Harlow 1960

Forever21 necklace for $8.80

Support Local Designers

Jewelry by Mizdragonfly.

When you think of a fashion capital, New York probably comes to mind and maybe even Montreal or Toronto, but not Ottawa. When I think of Ottawa I think of a government capital, a place where the French and English collide. However, Ottawa does have some great little boutiques holding gems from local Canadian designers. The best part about it is that they have all clustered together on the same street. If you are in the Ottawa area, come to Dalhousie St. and peruse shops like Victoire. I have to say this store is one of my favourites! Just the layout and creative detailing is amazing. You can find Canadian designers like Eve Gavel and Mizdragonfly there as well. Further along on Dalhousie, you will also find Milk and Workshop Studio & Boutique. But be warned, most stores on Dalhousie close at 6 so make sure you go early!

The jewelry designs seen above were created by the amazing Karine Eyamie. I met the designer for Mizdragonfly at Capital Fashion Week and I can say that I was completely taken with her designs! It is so different and original. I would almost wear every piece! I just love oversized dinner rings and chunky necklaces. I just had a gander at her website and her spring '09 collection is out!

You can also check out more of her designs at her Etsy shop.

Clutch

I am completely enamoured with something new! I was in ALDO yesterday, and yes I finally spent my gift certificate, and saw this:

($30.00)

It is a small hard cased clasp clutch in animal print! I thought it was the sweetest thing and also so useful! It could be a great outfit topper if you are wearing a one coloured dress. When you are wearing a dress like the little black dress (LBD), accessories are what makes it unique and have more of a complete statement. I find small touches of animal print are the best way to utilize this always fashionable print. Usually better as a accent than the whole dress.

Gascoigne Couture

Coming out with my own clothing line or accessories line has been a dream of mine for about 10 years. I have sketched clothing and doodled since I was 13 years old. The only problem I am having with the whole thing is how to brand myself. I don't know how I would differentiate myself from other clothing or accessories brands. I would call the line Gascoin because that is a lot easier for people to try and say than my real last name Gascoigne which is pronounced the same way. I had this litte purse probably 5 years ago, and I know it is a direct rip off of the double CC for Chanel. I just thought it looked cute on the thing. I would really like to start fiddling around with some purse patterns and see if I can come up wth some unique and functional ones. I have had 4 free years in University to try and figure out how to break into the fashion world, and now I have 5 weeks left until I'm done. Time to get cracking!

Have a great weekend!

Stretching a budget

Because I am nearing the end of school and have not had a job in the last 7 months, I am trying to stretch my budget. I looked at my closet last night and tried to see if I could make some cute spring outfits out of my new and old clothes. I really adore my thrifted belt, so I wanted that to be my focal point. I think the top right outift I could do tea or an afternoon at le bf's parents place. The top right I could see myself shop or do lunch, and the bottom left I could cruise the market here in. I think the bottom right looks a little more streamline somehow and could be decent to wear walking about in the evening. I would need a cardigan for a dinner though, I don't like to show my arms at nice restaurants.

I have definitely felt the impact of this recession on my finances, I haven't ventured to look at my savings for a long long time. Right now, like most people, I am just trying to cruise. I look forward to figuring out what I want to do with my life and investing in some nice work clothes for that!

Ciao

Top left: skirt:Smart Set, Top Right: Jeans Jacob Connection, Bottom Left: skirt: Smart Set, Bottom Right: jeans: RW&Co. All: belt: thrifted, cardigan: charlotte russ, tank: Hollister

Maxi Love

I have found a new love...and it is going to be huge this summer! It is the maxi dress. There are a few celebrities that come to mind when I think of this dress, beyonce, Ashlee Simpson and Britney Spears. Although I think that they can take away from your shape because you are surrounded by flowy non-form fitting fabric, I must admit they are a cute and easy thing to throw on and go. I would try to find one that is fitted around under the bust and then falls straight to your feet. You don't want a billowy dress that looks like you're hiding a paunch.

When wearing a maxi dress, make sure you DON'T get a pattern that is too big for your frame. This is a big mistake that people tend to make. A large pattern can overwhelm a small frame, being petite I should know. I also feel we will see a lot of tribal prints this spring. Stars like Nicole Ritchie, Mischa Barton and even Lindsay Lohan have seen sparking this trend for the last few seasons. If you are into small tribal touches, Nicole's jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960 finishes off Nicole's hippie look very well. Although I am not a huge fan of the jewelry, I am in hopeful anticipation for the next collection.

There are some really nice and less pricey maxi dresses on the market right now.

This one for $78.00 by Arden B

This one for $25 from Old Navy

And this one for $22.80 from Forever21
Bright colours is definitely the trend this summer so why not make a statement with a bright maxi? I'm either going to find the perfect one or try to make it.

Like a Glove

This dress turned out sooo much better than I thought it was going to! It fits so well, I don't need to make any alterations on it. Only to add a slip or something, mind the sheerness all. My next dress project will be made out of the following material if I ever find the time to do it. I am really swapmed with assignments at the moment. I don't even know how I don't time to blog! Anyway, hope you're all haveing a good weekend.

Ciao!

Rolled Cuffs

I can honestly say, I am not really one for the rolled cuff trend. Maybe it is because I have wider hips and do not feel that I can pull it off, but I feel it looks wrong and dated. I think that this trend is very hard to pull off and very easy to do wrong. And if you are wrong, you just look sloppy. Katie Holmes has to be the one celebrity who does this look constantly. I don't mind it most of the time, but certain jeans make her thighs look very big (second from left), but I know she is a skinny little thing!

There are two different types of the rolled cuff; we have baggy boyfriend jeans and the snugger fit ones. I am more for the snug than big ol' clown pants. Baggy rolled up jeans are making celebs thighs look big, and the roll is cutting off the length of their leg which makes them look stubby.

Wrong way to do rolled cuffs: If wearing baggy rolled cuffs, be sure not to wear a baggy shirt as well. If you do this your actual size and shape is hidden and you will look much bigger than you naturally are.

Right way: make sure your top is fitted or you have a belted waist. And ALWAYS ALWAYS wear heels! this will lessen the stubby effect.

As for the tighter jeans, these have more potential for looking better. roll'em up and grab a high pair of boots and this can look very chic.
Good example:

Betty

She always has creative outfits.

Dress Attempt Numero 2

Day 1: Day 2:Day 3:I got this fantastic fabric the other day. It is so light and airy that it would be the perfect spring dress!..if it turns out that is. :) I am a petite person of only 5'4, so I will need to hem it a lot. I tried it on and is almost touches my feet. Also, as you can see, it is very sheer so I'll need a slip or need to sew another layer into the bottom. All this dress needs is a zipper and slip and it is good to wear! I think it might be the VERY FIRST thing I have made that I will actually wear out!
The bottom hangs very limp and unformed. Any suggestions on how to make the bottom more voluminous? Do I need to add Tulle?

Benji Trades Up?

Big Big Big news! Everyone that knows me knows that Good Charlotte is my all time favourite band. I have been a fan since my parents bought me their Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous CD for Christmas when I was in high school. For a while now they haven't released a CD, but it is nice to randomly hear things that are going on in their lives. I was ecstatic when Joel married and had a baby with Nicole Ritchie. I love her, she is such a sweetie! But then I was completely surprised when I heard that my good old vegetarian non-drinking Christian boy Benji started dating Paris Hilton. Of all people that couldn't seem further away from non-drinking and sweet. But there are rumours circulating that after the fabulous breakup, Benji might now have a new girl in his life. Katie Perry! Although Katie is denying it saying "she prefers vagina to Benji Madden" this might just be one of those "just friends" stunts that celebrities pull before they are comfortable coming out to the public. I hope this is true because I adore them both. If I can't have Benji then I would definitely approve of Katie having him. :)

Ciao!

Hello Vic

I went home this weekend and saw le bf and my family. He came with my Valentine's present which was the style book co written by Victoria Beckham about all her style secrets and rules she applies to clothing. I tore into it and am almost done. It is good for the most part, telling of how she puts outfits together and places to shop for different items. I had no idea that she THRIFTED! of course it is in the best stores, but the thought of VB wearing something someone else had wore was something that never crossed my mind. It made me like her even more I think. She really likes a vintage store in NY called "What Comes Around Goes Around".

On the negative side of the book, I don't like how she constantly tries to talk about not having enough money to buy things or "if you can afford it you should...". She is on another financial playing field than most of us so her trying to relate to me isn't really easy. Apparently she was middle classish before the Spice Girls started. Other than that little annoyance, I think the book is great and I love the pictures throughout. I would recommend it for the tips and shops lists.

Be Back Sunday!

D Squared

The new collection from Dean and Dan is obviously the important girl on the go with Starbucks in hand. This is my usual Monday - Friday so I can relate to this very much! The reason why I am enamoured with this collection, not just because it is created by two Canadians, but because of all the layers. To me it looks like a Mary-Kate and Ashley inspired collection. They have been doing the layered thing for a long while now. In this collection there are so many great pieces that you could take away and mix with your own clothing. Here are four of my favourites from the show. The top two I would wear as is, and I would take the red crushed velvet blazer from the girl on the bottom left and the slouchy hat from the right.

As a woman who loves her Starbucks, I would be tempted to drink the slushy drinks in hand but I'm sure the models were thinking "OMG, there are like 200 calories in this thing". No offence to models! lol, I wish my body was more slender, but I have to eat my 1200 calories a day and my body has determined what size it likes to be.

The Jessica Biffi Dress

As reported on Tuesday evening, Winners has put Toronto native Jessica Biffi's winning dress design into production for the Spring season. Her one shoulder a symetrical hemmed jersey like flowing dress will be available for purchase at select Winners stores with the Runway section. The dress was originally designed in the green shown, but will also be available in light blue, black and coral. It will be available n sizes 4-14 and retail for $99.99.

In related news, scheduled for the upcoming Toronto Fashion Week this fall we will see some familiar faces. Carlie Wong, Lucian Matis and Biddell are scheduled to show their collections. Carlie, Lucian and Biddell were all contestants on Project Runway Season 1. Stephen Wong who was also on PR Season 1 just got back to Canada after showing hi line Greta Constantine at New York Fashion Week.

In Toronto, the Jessica dress is available at Lawrence and Bathurst, College Park, Bloor Street, Leaside and Oakville.

Make Your Own Polaroids!

Have you seen this yet? You can take your digital pictures and make them into polaroids with this free download here. Here are some random pictures from my files made into polaroids!

The program is so simple! You just drag a photo and drop it on the camera and it pops out. But just like a real polaroid, it takes a few minutes to fully develop. I saved this one too soon. But it can also look like it is actually old by doing that. This looks like a 70s' picture.The pictures in decending order are 1. my friend Ashey, 2. on a photoshoot for Sugarbum, 3. My Kiwi.

NOOOO! Project Runway WHY!?

That was atrocious! Yes there were 2 great dresses out of the bunch but I believe they chose the wrong one to win. If you are not a follower or did not see tonight's episode here is what went down; the designers were to design a dress that would take a woman from day to evening. The winner would get their dress sold at select Winners stores across Canada.

Sunny created a dress which was one I wanted to buy. It was very fresh and spring like. I think that the judges wanted to pick his garment, but because he has won the previous 3 challenges, they thought they had to let someone else win. I would not buy Jessica's dress (which was the winner), but it was very nice and constructed very well. I'm sure many people will love it :)

Les Parents

My parents are coming to visit today! It is true I saw them just over a week ago, but it is always ice when they come to see me. They will be in Ottawa with their friends, but are going to stop by and take me out for lunch. Oh the starving student life, you would think that living on my own at school for 4 years I would be better at grocery shopping and making meals for myself. I guess my inner 50's house wife hasn't reared its head yet.
Well they just called and I'm off to get ready!

(Necklace: ALDO Accessories, Arguile wrap: Old Navy, tank: Hollister)

Why I'm Excited for Tomorrow

I am excited because there is an episode of Project Runway season 2 on at 10pm. I was kind of bored with the last American season of Project Runway. You would think that with a country of over 30 million people they could find some really amazing amazing designers. I believe that Christian very much deserved winning that season, his clothing and tailoring were beyond exceptional! He even got Victoria Beckham to laugh for freak sake. Oh, and I also loved Jeffery, he brought something funky and original to the show. But for this season of PR Canada, I think there is a clear winner, Sunny! I was wowed by his first dress with the applique star burst and even more so by the L'Oreal competition dress. I like him even more because he hasn't had a crying fit or nervous break down like many of the other designers. It is not to say that he won't, but I like that he can get all of his stuff done on time without the water works. I would love to see his final collection. He does great at meeting challenges, but I want to see him doing something that is entirely his own. I think it would be amazing in design and tailoring. Over all though, I think that Biddell was my all time favourite character. "It's Biddell bitch". He was an ass at times, but there was something lovable about him. I was extremely happy he won. I am still waiting for his collaboration at Winners. I was there the other day and only saw recyclable bags by him.

Ciao for now!

New Creation

I have been toying with a skirt that I was making from scratch. It is the first time I have attempted a skirt without using a pattern. Of course the darts are not even and it is quite noticeable as you can see, but I am still very proud of this! But of course with me, a simple design is not enough, I always need to make things a bit difficult for myself. The twist was adding extensions to the middle band so that I could tie a bow in the back to hide the zipper a little. I had to put the skirt back on my womaquinne for the picture.

Anyways, love it and it is going in the attempts drawer with my dress!

This made my day a little better after the trauma earlier. I wish I had a knit slouchy hat to wear to class tomorrow...but I guess I couldn't wear it every day for a month..that would be gross.