coco before chanel; take two.

Just a quick note in regards to one of my posts months ago about the film "Coco Avant Chanel" starring Audrey Tautou. At that time, it had just been released overseas and I was waiting (impatiently) for the film to head to this side of the world. Imagine my joy when I stumbled across an internet banner advertising "Coco Before Chanel" (the title sounds better in French, non?) being shown in select cities across North America on a variety of dates. The film opened September 25th in New York and Los Angeles, and makes its way to Canadian soil -Toronto and Montreal - this Friday, October 2nd.

The biopic, based on the biography written by Edmond Charles-Roux and directed by Anne Fontaine, has opened to mixed reviews. Despite the ambiguity of critics, the film is listed as an official selection of the Telluride Film Festival. For the fashion-obsessed the movie is a must see regardless; even if it means a road trip to a city fortunate enough to be showing it. In the meantime, here's the official North American trailer, for your viewing pleasure.

don't call it a comeback.

After a brief (okay, 5 month) hiatus, I'M BACK! I originally started this blog for a course I was taking in winter semester, so when summer rolled around and my intersession classes began, I decided to take a break. However, after the amazing summer I had, it'd be impossible not to return and share all the fashion inspiration I've accumulated while away. My three-week trip to New York alone could keep me blogging for months. A few other current obsessions include Woodstock everything, rock star living (specifically, COSTUMES), romantic gothic literature (I'm back in school) and the explosion of the online fashion community (new sites, new blogs, and constant creativity). So, if any of you are still out there, expect lots of good fashion vibes coming your way. Stay tuned :)

all day i dream about style: adidas celebrates 60 years

adidas' latest commercial, to the soundtrack of Macdon's "Beggin'" is enough to make you wonder why those timeless black adidas track pants with the white stripes down the side ever got pushed to the back of your closet.

The commercial sprung from the bevy of happenings at adidas thanks to their 60th birthday celebration. adidas has been reworking their image to the tune of "Celebrate Originality". This idea revolves around adidas Originals pieces, such as the classic zip-up jackets, the ADIDAS emblem t-shirts, and of course, the sneakers, being revived from strictly sporty to street stylish.

In order to add some originality to the adidas Originals, the company has brought in innovative fashion designers to rework the originals. Jeremy Scott goes wild with additions of fringe, leopard print and sequins, while Kazuki (of Fragment Design) blends sportswear material practicality with professional pieces; such as all-terrain fabrics on a business suit. Designer Alyasha keeps it classic, drawing inspiration from the 40's and 50's to create ultra-American-ized versions of our favorite sporty casuals. In addition, adidas and Diesel teamed up for a denim collection, while British stylist Cynthia Lawrence John has created a LookBook that offers inspiration for wearing adidas Originals' pieces with a fresh fashion approach.

So, in celebration of 60 years of athletic street style, bust out your vintage adidas trackies and pair them with a black sequined tank and loads of gold jewellery. Or dig through Dad's old workout gear (let's be real, he's not using it again) and rework that giant adidas tee into a DIY vintage-y mini dress. Cue aforementioned commercial for more inspiration...

coco before chanel

If a rejection of slavery to high-end designers is the rule, Chanel is the exception.

It is one I gladly make; or would, had I the $2,800 USD to hand over for a jumbo black quilted classic flap bag - an investment piece if there's ever been one. Until then, I must settle for admiring from afar, which is where this movie comes in...

"Coco Avant Chanel" is a long overdue biopic showcasing Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's rise from rags to riches; or more specifically, her rise from an orphanage to LBDs, Chanel NO.5 perfume, classic quilted handbags, timeless suits, and on and on. Chanel was a revolutionary: a self-made woman who defied the rules of fashion and rewrote style for all women; an icon of fashion and feminism alike.

The film stars French beauty Audrey Tautou, a dead ringer for Coco, and a starlet that will hopefully do justice to the fashion icon she portrays. (One can rest assured it will at least be better than the Lifetime Channel's "Coco Chanel" starring Shirley MacLaine). Naturally, Karl Lagerfeld supervised the creation of the film's costumes; a fact which makes this movie automatically worth seeing, fiesty heroine and fashion history aside.

Lucky for those overseas, the film opens in France April 22nd; Warner Bros has yet to reveal a North American release date. Although the trailer is entirely in French, sans subtitles, I'm still in love. Despite not understanding 90% of the dialogue, the gorgeous costume designs have me hitting play over and over again... Warner Bros., a North American release SOON, s'il vous plait!

street style 101

I can't seem to get enough of websites devoted to capturing street style (you may remember a previous post of mine on LOOKBOOK.nu). They're current, showcase everyday people, and open my eyes to a mix of eclectic looks from all over - all from the comfort of my own home.

On that note, my new favorite is street spotted, a blog that is "navigating the fashion world one college student at a time". This street style site is unique in that it focuses on the fashion of students; falling into this category myself, I can't help but obsess. The site was actually started by four students at NYU, a guarantee that the cream of the campus crop are showcased. For now, the blog focuses on NYU students, but the creators plan to forge ahead to other schools in the near future.

Also setting this blog apart from the rest is its method of presentation. Street spotted offers not only pictures, but also a list of brands and costs for all clothing pieces and accessories in a look (even down to umbrellas and headphones!). Students typically have an eclectic mix of high end, low end, thrift, vintage, and DIY that is both admirable and envy inspiring. Each post reveal the school, year, and major of its subject, along with a collegiate question or two, such as "What are your spring break plans?". To conclude each post, the authors reveal why they spotted this particular student. Often times, posts include "deals of the week", polls, or fun facts in regards to particular garment, accessory, or company.

With so much street style to be found in so many cities, it's nice to find a website that narrows down its subjects a little. The fact that all looks are spotted on campus ensures that majority of showcased styles are class casual, student-budget-afforable looks. As a result, it's the perfect source of inspiration when (instead of studying) I'm debating what look will get me through another day of classes.

that girl is a cowboy

Albeit slightly embarassing, I feel the need to share what's been inspiring me style-wise lately; country music, and everything that comes along with it. The cowboy boots, the twang of the guitar strings, the worn-in denim paired with button up plaid, the grassroots lifestyle ... I love it all. Laugh if you must, but I swear that part of my soul belongs in the boondocks of some Southern state, sitting in a pickup truck and singing along to Garth Brooks.

On a broader scale, this obsession manifests itself thanks to a rare find in terms of style: consistency. Since I started listening to country music at the tender age of seven, the uniform of my honky tonk heroes has changed little. As a result, the country-esque clothing pieces I've invested in have proven to be dependable and cost efficient; something to embrace regardless of musical preference.

An obvious start in the country wardrobe is cowboy boots, present since the birth of country western music. I assure you should this genre ever be laid to rest (a voiced desire of many), it will be in a pair of these, complete with spurs. They're an item that can be found paired not only with denim or bare legs, but black leggings as of late. Traditional and updated styles are sold everywhere from high-end designer boutiques to second hand thrift or vintage stores. Whether considered "in" or "out" by fashion critics, cowboy boots have remained firmly rooted to the soles of country greats.

In terms of clothing, its a big dose of well worn denim; jeans, jackets, vests - you name it. For the ladies, such as Canadian Shania Twain, this can often come in the form of cutoff shorts as well. As for the future of denim, look out for long sleeved button ups, a trend that's starting to pop up in stores and on runways alike. Flowery and lacy sundresses with a bohemian flair are also a Western staple; worn throughout the decades by crooners such as June Carter and current sensation Taylor Swift.

Arguably most recognizeable as country in terms of clothing is the unisex plaid button up shirt. Lately it has been seen beyond the country scene; celebrities, students, and farmers alike are all clad in plaid. Although I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the trend is out again, I can guarantee Brooks & Dunn will both be rolling up their checkered sleeves for years to come.

This is the beauty of the country style; the casual ambience and grassroot values of the music allow for styles that simply don't go out of style. Knowing country inspired items I buy will always be relevant makes me comfortable investing in yet another checkered button up or pair of cowboy boots. And it certainly doesn't hurt that a little Southern style helps me feel that much closer to that pickup in the boondocks.

In case you're in the mood, some country artists I'm obsessing over lately...
Corey Smith
Eli Young Band

one man's "mexican junk" is my treasure.

Many things are immediately associated with Mexico: beaches, spring break, tequila, drug cartel - you get the idea. An often overlooked aspect of Mexico that I was able to realize on my spring break trip to Los Cabos was the unique shopping options made available in this vacation hotspot. Many tourists merely feel annoyance at the constant parade of backpack-carrying salespeople along the beach, and sum up the flea market area as countless stands of "mexican junk". I, however, see it in a slightly sunnier light. Strolling through the stands in the hot sun, cerveza in one hand and camera in the other, I could've sworn my sunglasses had rose coloured lenses; I discovered some not so hidden treasures that I'm dying to share...


Bracelets
The greatest appeal for me about the jewellery I came across was the fact that majority of the pieces were handmade. I came across tables and tables of bracelets in every colour, material, and design imagineable. From braided leather to colourful threaded pieces, the options are endless. Shoppers even have the option of having a personalized bracelet made in coloured thread of choice, with whichever name or symbol they'd like designed in.

Hoodies
The beautiful designs and colours of Mexican fabric cannot be denied; so, when the fabrics usually reserved for blankets are transferred to hooded sweatshirts, who can resist? I came across dozens of different options, from bright and crazy patterns to neutral understated stripes before finally decided on a black, brown & white hoodie, snatched up for $15! (Amazing, considering my weak bartering skills).

Purses
Another prize of the Mexican flea markets I encountered is across the shoulder style purses made from a combination of contrasting fabrics. The basic makeup of the purses is a multicoloured cotton with flowered embriodery and a small button-up pocket on the front. Despite this unity in design, multiple colour and fabric combinations ensures few purses look alike.


To sum it up, if you're willing to put stereotypes aside, the Mexican flea markets have a lot to offer. Handmade pieces, ethnic fabrics, uniquely mismatched designs - all available for bartered prices! Add to this the fact that I'm shopping outdoors while enjoying a Mexican margarita and I'm muy sold.