If I designed a cotton tote it would look like...

I don't know why but the idea of putting a photo of a bag on a bag popped into my head this morning and I had to make it happen via Photoshop. I tried to find a website that let you customize cotton totes right on the site but I couldn't find any. So I just used my really really basic Photoshop skills (and I mean basic; I couldn't even get the stamp button to work) and this is what I came up with.
The quotes are either from Sex and the City or Sex and the City: The Movie.


I'm really tempted to get this Birkin one made. I love this episode where Samantha uses Lucy Liu to jump the waiting list and Lucy ends up getting it instead; costing Sam $4000.

For anyone who has seen the movie, Carrie asks Louise from St. Louis: "How does an unemployed girl with three roommates afford the Patchwork Denim Bowly Louis Vuitton bag?"

I just remember this quote from some episode. A woman is saying it as if Chanel were the Queen of England.
From the movie, after Carrie gives Louis the Louis Vuitton Firebird bag for Christmas. Get it? Louise Vuitton! Har.

My New York Fashion Week picks

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 09 is almost here! The frenzy at Bryant Park starts this coming Friday and will last for an exhausting eight days. I hope I can keep up with all the amazing shows I can't wait to see (on the internet of course!) so I'm going to be blogging overtime. I hope my boss doesn't mind.

And since I don't have any plans this Saturday night, I made a collage of all the shows I am excited for. The runway photos are all from the designers' Fall/Winter 2008 collections.
Will Rodarte be able to live up to their witchy collection from last year? Will Marc Jacobs be able to shock us again? Is Alexander Wang still a genius? My God I cannot wait to find out.
(Photos: style.com)

Hint: Click on the photos for a closeup of the clothes

Model.Live episode 3 &4 recap

We got a double dose of Model.Live today! Unless I somehow missed an episode so there was only one new one today...erm...nevermind!

Episode 3 recap:

- We meet Madeline, the "pixie" of the new girls. All girls with short hair are now "pixies."
- Madeline tells us her story really quickly: She got scouted, quit her job, sold her car and promptly moved to Athens from Arizona without giving a thought to her family and friends. This girl wants it!
- She tells us about her new boyfriend, Jimmy. "He's my first love," she says. How sweet. Naive, but sweet. Jimmy is obviously on Cloud Nine that he managed to bag a model girlfriend. "Hopefully she will listen to me sometimes...hopefully we can keep her in check," he says about her. Hilarious!
- When Madeline talks, shes talks really quickly and jumps from topic to topic. It seems like she's high on something. Maybe it actually is excitement.
- She goes for final casting in Sydney, three days before she leaves for New York. Her agent says the designer is "looking for pixie girls." Perfect! Thank God for that short haircut.
- The designer looks bored as he flips through her lookbook and Madeleine just looks nervous and stares at the floor.
- Jimmy and her agent talk about how hard modeling is. Ok we get it. Modeling is hard! They have to walk a lot and go to a lot of appointments and get criticized. But I still wish I had that job.
- Apparently, Madeline was a nobody a year ago, according to her agent. "Now she's Madeline.Model" And now she can die happy!
- She says she will miss a lot of things. Including her couch. And her typewriter. Where is Jimmy in all this?
- At the end, the credits tell us she booked the Chronicles of Never sunglasses shot. The what now?

Click on the photo below to watch the episode:



Episode 4 recap

- In this episode we meet Austria, who lives in the Dominican Republic and looks like she's 12 years old.
- It's funny how they use subtitles while she speaks perfect English. Her accent isn't that hard to understand!
- Best quote ever: "She has the height but isn't she strange?" says her agent, from Socrates.
- Austria has a "Sweet 16" birthday party before she leaves for New York. Her and her mom get a yummy looking cake. Is she allowed to eat that?
- Her mother says she wants Austria to be a model because she wanted to be one when she was younger. Ahhh. Nothing like putting your shattered hopes and dreams on your 12-year-old spawn.
- Austria takes some icing off the cake, but doesn't eat the cake. She looks at it longingly. Poor girl. I'll eat the cake. But not after 4 p.m. Gotta watch those calories!
- Apparently Austria came from a "broken family" and has been raised solely by her mother.
- Wait, she's 16? Lies! I still say she's 12.
- I love how when she's bending over to blow out the candles on her cake, she tightens her top up so we don't see her "cleavage." I really want to know whether she ate any of the cake.
- It's actually really sweet and touching when you see her and her sister crying before she leaves. I hope New York doesn't make her too cynical and jaded. Oh, who am I kidding, I hope she transforms into a bitchy diva.
- As she drives off looking forlorn in the car, the voice over of her agent says: "in life there is always a price you have to pay." How ominous!


Click on the photo below to watch the episode:

One flew over the cuckoo's nest and other vintage jewelry

I love costume jewelry so much that I feel naked if I don't wear a necklace or a bracelet. I have bought most of my jewelry from a friend that went to Ryerson with me and others were gifts.
I especially love super long necklaces with beads or precious stones in all sorts of colours like purple, green and copper. And I like bracelets that jingle. But one of my unexplored jewelry realms are ones with charms or figurines on them. I used to think that these were a bit childish but I've discovered a bunch of vintage jewelry with really beautiful charms.
One UK EBay seller in particular sells great pieces as well as vintage clothes. Here are some pieces that I am itching to bid on.


Topshop Cuckoo clock pendant
I would love to wear this with a long, flowing dress or shirt. It would be cool if it actually told the time because I never wear a watch.

Mixed vintage necklaces
Look at that crazy owl! The eyes along do it for me. I love the idea of a freaky owl staring out at people. The key charm also intrigues me; I've always loved the idea of a mysterious key that opens an even more mysterious drawer or closet like a Nancy Drew mystery.


Antique silver cow jumped over the moon charms
It's my favorite childhood tale and these charms are just too cute. I would put them on a bracelet or use them as pendants on a jacket or shirt.


Links of London Sweetie bracelet with starfish charm
I like the shape of starfish; probably because I like stars and anything that has to do with space and our universe. There's something soothing about this piece that appeals to me.

Christian Dior Bow bracelet
Who doesn't love vintage Dior? It's so classic and pretty.

Dissecting the clothing of the cast of Gossip Girl

The premiere of my favorite guilty pleasure show is premiering on Monday and part of the cast turned up for a party in their honour (and of course to promote the sponsors.)
But the arguable two most stylish people in the cast were missing! Blake Lively and Ed Westwick didn't attend, much to my inner fashion critic's disappointment. I was hoping Ed would show up in a grungy rock t-shirt, skinny jeans and a top hat. Alas, no luck. Or maybe Blake would channel some Serena with painted-on jeans, a fringe bag, long necklaces and a sparkly blazer. Oh well. I guess she was too busy making out with Dan.
Some good people did show up though, including Blair, I mean Leighton Meester, Taylor Momsen (little Jenny Humphrey), Jessica Szohr (super hot Vanessa) and the rest of Blair's posse. The adults who came included hottest dad ever, Matthew Settle (Rufus) and Kelly Rutherford (Lily.)

So now, let me dissect what their stylists, urm, they chose to wear!

Leighton Meester
Although the colour looks nice on her, I am bored by the outfit. It's just so...plain and simple. Although I guess I should be thankful that her cleavage isn't in our face. At least she is dressing appropriately but it's not exciting. And that hair. It looks like she just combed it a few times, tried to put some product in it and gave up after getting tired. Blair would not approve. Next!

Taylor Momsen
First of all, why is she standing like a Mme. Trussard's wax figure? Honey, you really have to learn how to pose or else no one will even notice what you are wearing. Although I do dig the rocker chick look I think Taylor is going a bit overboard and looks a bit like a groupie. She's only 14 (15?) and looks like she's 30. Tone down the makeup, keep the jacket, lose the necklace and wear some colour.

Jessica Szohr
Yum! Jessica looks like a temptress but the belt on her cute dress reminds me of the Princess of Power. "For the honour of Greyskull...I am SHE-RA!"

Dreama Walker
I love this outfit, even the weird feather vest. The dress is flirty and stylish. The belt gives her a nice, small waist and I like how the dress puffs out a bit. Why can't they wear more clothes like this on the show?

Amanda Setton
She looks a little uncomfortable in the dress; probably because it's made for someone who is at least 10 years older than her. Where's the fun? I get it- she was going for "elegance" but it just turned out awkward. It does nothing for her figure and she looks stiff.

Nicole Fiscella
Even though I am so over those Hervé Leger bandage dresses, I admit that Nicole looks smoking hot. So why does she look so miserable? Maybe she's hungry. Look at those skinny legs!

(Photos: Getty Images)

This week's Links à la Mode

From Independent Fashion Bloggers

• AuctionDivaFashion - Vintage Hawaiian Pineapple Dress
• dramatis personae - Boundaries between designing & knock-offs
• Dress Me Up Dollie - Weekend Update
• Fashion Journalist in the City - Vintage Vogue
• Frassy - D.I.Y Chanel Bottle Pendant Necklace
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - How NOT to get ripped off
• la boudoir - A review of all this falls fashion trends - straight from the runway.
• Little Black Book - Style Trend: Statement Tights!
• Mademoiselle Robot - This week’s interview with the extremely gifted Nubby Twiglet.
• Or False Glitter - Fur in Fashion: Glamorous or grotesque?
• poetic & chic - The frequent J.Crew catalogs in my mailbox are a constant source of torture!
• Retro Chick - Vintage Clothing & Retro Style - Autumn Florals: Keep on blooming
• ShopDiary - Impulse Buy: Should I keep? Or sell? Should I save up for another Chanel?
• THE COVETED - Coveting Chinatown, a Visit to 1930’s LA

Apologies to Dress Me Up Dollie who did a wonderful post on Emma Cook… it somehow slipped between the cracks… here’s her post: Emma Cook Runway Review

Karlie Kloss is now my favorite model. Sorry Coco!

Ok I lied. No one can top Coco Rocha but Karlie is definitely in my top five. The girl is only 16 (!!!) and can take fierce photographs. Her eyes are so intense I feel like she could knock me down with her death stare. I want her to smile more though- she is so cute when she smiles. I think if she keeps going, she could be the next Kate Moss. She really has a unique face, she's not trendy or outspoken- she does her job very well and doesn't get into trouble. When Kate started out she was this little quiet girl who had a quirky and innocent face. She wasn't like the Supers who prowled down the runway and were always in the tabloids. Kate learned how to model well and she didn't overshadow the clothes but you always noticed her. I think Karlie has some of the same characteristics- she's sweet, she is a natural at modeling and she doesn't want fame; she just want to do the job right and go home.
I can't wait to see what she does when she's in her twenties.

(Photos: thefashionspot.com)

Ever wanted to be a Tudor?

I love the show The Tudors not just because of the great acting and the beautiful setting but the costumes are to be beheaded for (heh.) And ever since I saw the movie The Other Boleyn Girl (I would only go see it for the costumes and the scenery; Natalie Portman was atrocious) I have been obsessed with Victorian clothing. I wish that people dressed at more today as they did back then. Obviously I am not expecting women to wear corsets and petticoats, but maybe if we put a little bit more effort into the way we dressed, it would make the world a better, and more stylish, place.
So in honour of the second season of The Tudors which premiers very soon on CBC, I have pulled together some Tudor-influenced looks from seasons past.
(Photos: Style.com)

Alexander McQueen Fall 2006

Alexander Mcqueen Fall 2006

Alexander McQueen Fall 2007
Erdem Fall 2006
Alexander McQueen Spring 2007

Givenchy Fall 2004

Yohji Yamamoto Spring 2008

Alexander McQueen Fall 2008

However 99 per cent of us can't afford these gowns, so here are a couple of Tudors-inspired accessories you can wear to pull it off without going over the top: Ruffles, whether it be around your neck, as a trim on a top or sleeves; tulle, either as a layer under a skirt or a trim; big coloured jewelry, like blood red rubies on a necklace or earrings; full-length skirts; brocade detailing and high-necked blouses.

It's here! It's here!

I'm talking to my sister on MSN from work and she told me that my Sept. Vogue finally arrived and "weighs 1000 pounds. And I'm guessing more than half of that 1000 pounds is ads." Yes, my dear, sweet, fashion-hating sister. That magazine is filled with ads. Ads that I love. Sometimes I love them even more then the actual editorial content. Now I just have to wait seven hours until I get home and can flip through it and sigh with pleasure. September is the best month of the year.

Jewelry find: Vesper Lynd's necklace

I loved the James Bond movie Casino Royale; it was raw but sexy, rough but elegant and Daniel Craig looked damn good in a tux and speedo. But Eva Green gave Daniel some competition in the hotness department. It was expecially Green's necklace that made me sit up and go "Oooohhh! Where do I get one of those?" Well that necklace is called an Algerian Love Knot and it symbolizes joy, wealth and health; designer Sophie Harley made the necklace specifically for the movie. Green's character, Vesper Lynd, is given the necklace by her boyfriend (not seen in the movie) and she wears it almost to the end, until she and Bond go to Venice. The necklace is created from twisted gold and silver rings, multi layered chains, and featuring a winged heart clasp.
The necklace's symbols allude to a certain mystery which is perfect for the movie's romantic and intriguing subplots.

You can buy the necklace for 1,400 pounds or you can get a replica for only $149 on emitations.com.

Holy crazy insane. Preview of Gossip Girl premiere

For those who don't want the Gossip Girl Season 2 premiere spoiled, don't watch this video! Holy crap! Lots of fooling around!

Still waiting for Sept. Vogue

I'm sitting at my desk at work impatiently waiting for 7 p.m. to arrive so I can jet for home and check the mailbox to see if my Sept. Vogue has arrived. I'm going to try to ignore the three newsstands I pass along the way to Union Station although it will be hard with Keira Knightley staring back at me. Even though I am not a fan of the cover, I realized that I like Keira- not really for her style or acting- but she has an interesting face. I watched Pride and Prejudice last night (God I wish someone would say "I love you" to me with the intensity of Matthew Macfadyen's Mr. Darcy) and I just fell in love with Keira's doe eyes, odd big mouth and her cute laugh. As a result of this newfound love, I have become even more impatient waiting for this damn issue. I am seriously tempted to just buy it today and end up with two copies. But maybe this issue is special- could I be one of the lucky ones who have received a Vogue "bag"?

Look at this!

(Photos from fashionista.com)

Lucky subscribers got a clear plastic book cover with handles that made the magazine look like a Coach bag (it would have been cool if the handles were woven leather and chain like Chanel.) Maybe mine is caught up in customs. I can only hope.

Karl Lagerfeld, there is no one else but you

The Times Online has a great interview with Karl Lagerfeld. I have read many interviews with the designer, but none of them has come close to really capturing his intelligent but self-deprecating personality as the author has done here.

Here are some highlights:

- “I’m mad for books,” he says, sitting motionless behind his black Dior shades. “It is a disease I won’t recover from. They are the tragedy of my life. I want to learn about everything. I want to know everything, but I’m not an intellectual, and I don’t like their company. I’m the most superficial man on Earth.”

- “I have no problem with journalists – many are friends,” he says. “Only if they are really stupid, or if they’ve got bad breath, or if they smell. Yesterday I had a problem. I said, ‘I’m sorry, you’ve got to tell this woman that she needs to be taken away. Her smell is not possible.’ ”

- “They sent a private jet,” he says. “I said, ‘It’s too small. I need a bigger plane.’
It’s fun, no?”

- Did he not like the idea of boarding school? He screws his face up in disgust. “It was out of the question. I hated the idea of being in a dormitory with other people. No, no, no,” he says, hitting the table as he speaks. “My sisters were sent away because my mother thought they were boring. I was not boring.”

On how he went for a walk with his uncle, and when they passed by a famous German poet, Lagerfeld didn't recognize him:
- “I was 10 and he slapped me in the face. I had never been slapped in the face by anybody. When we returned to the house, my uncle shouted at my mother, ‘Your son is as shallow and superficial as you!’ I will never forget that.”

- "The worst thing is when friends say, ‘Remember the good old days?’ Forget about the good old days! That just makes your present second-hand. What is interesting is now. If you think it was better before, then you might as well commit suicide immediately.”

-I’m just trying to get behind the many faces of Karl, I suggest. He laughs. “This reminds me of when Annie Leibovitz photographed me for Vanity Fair. I didn’t know her very well then, and she said, ‘I have to spend three days with you to see what’s behind.’ And I said, ‘Annie, you’re wasting your time. Look at what you see.’ ” He casts his hand theatrically over his face. “There is nothing else.” Why do you want to be known as superficial? “I like that image. I don’t want to look like an old teacher.