Top Models of the Past Ten Years

With all of these end of the decade countdowns going on, there have also been plenty of top model lists.  Vogue came up with their list of the top models of the decade, and although I agree with most of the choices, there are some I would personally have not included, and others who I would have instead.
Thus, I decided to come up with my own list! Some of the models I have chosen have been around since the end of the previous decade, while there are the ones who have just recently (as in the latter half of these 10 years) been prominent in the fashion world but who have nevertheless made an impact in some shape or form.

The list is in no particular order, specifically after the first five.  I found it difficult to narrow it down to less than the amount shown, and even more challenging to rank them!  Kate Moss being the biggest exception of course. She will always be #1 for many, many fashion lovers.  Vogue didn't even include her on their list, but instead, dedicated a whole different list just for her!

Kate Moss
Daria Werbowy
Coco Rocha
Sasha Pivovarova
Vlada Roslyakova
Irina Lazareanu
Lily Donaldson
Snejana Onopka
Raquel Zimmermann

Maria Carla Boscono

Natasha Poly
Carmen Kass
Isabeli Fontana
Caroline Trentini
Gemma Ward
Agyness Deyn
Lara Stone
Freja Beha Erichsen
Karlie Kloss

Jessica Stam

Maryna Linchuk

Magdalena Frackowiak

Angela Lindvall

Jourdan Dunn

Chanel Iman

Karolina Kurkova

Adriana Lima

Gisele Bundchen

Doutzen Kroes

Natalia Vodianova

 (photos: StyleFrizz.com )

The Best Fashion Shows Part:II

To continue our look at my pick of the best fashion shows, here we have some more of my personal favourites.  These are mostly from recent years.  As I had mentioned previously,  a lot of my favourites are from the last five or so years, but that's because they had more of an impact on me than any other shows from when I was younger and didn't have much of an interest in fashion. 

Anyhow, here are four more of my favourites!


Basso & Brooke: Spring/Summer 2009

 

Sonia Rykiel: Spring/Summer 2009



Versace: Fall/Winter '07/'08



Chanel: Cruise '07/'08

The Best of the Best: A look at my favourite fashion shows!

Looking through Youtube videos and at fashion shows that I have favourited over the years, I decided to come up with a list of my personal favourites.  There are so many to choose from, so obviously I couldn't possibly fit them all into my list.  There are probably even one's that I haven't watched yet.  I may know quite a fair bit about fashion shows, BUT my knowledge is obviously limited.   Most of the one's that are my favourites are from 2005 onward.   Starting today until Sunday I will show a few of my favourite fashion show's.  From Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi, and Chanel (Karl is a genius!), to Versace, Prada, Gucci, Cavalli, DVF, and Alexander McQueen, and many more, these are my picks of the best of none other than ...the best!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderfulness of it all........

(note: Shows are in no specific order)

Karl Lagerfeld: Spring/Summer '08



Versace: Fall/Winter '06/'07



Alexander McQueen: Spring/Summer '08



Just Cavalli: Fall/Winter '08/'09



Gucci: Fall/Winter '06/'07*


*(Note: this is not the original music from the Gucci show. It sounded SO much better with the original music to go along with it! I could not find even one video with it. So, unfortunately you cannot witness the amazingness of it). 

Thats it for now, but there's plenty more to come tomorrow, and everyday until Sunday!  Brace yourself, the best is yet to come! *hint* Plenty of Chanel and Versace.

Quote of the Day

"Bling is over. Red carpetry covered with rhinestones is out. I call it the new modesty." - Karl Lagerfeld (on the recession)

The Ten Biggest Fashion Faux Pas of the Decade

In honour of 2010, and the new decade that will come along with it, I have compiled a list of whatI think are the biggest fashion blunders of the last ten years. Thankfully most of these trends didn't last too long, and hopefully we have learned from our mistakes! The list is not numbered, because in my opinion they are all as equally guilty.

Uggs

I have mentioned my dislike for them many times, and here it is once again. Perhaps they were cool once, but honestly, this trend should have ended long ago. There are so many better boots out there, which look nicer and are still comfortable... why go for these?

Crocs
Why anyone would want to wear these ugly, brightly coloured, rubber shoes with holes in them is anyone's guess. These shoes are (perhaps) okay for gardening in your backyard (as long as nobody is around to witness it!).  Wearing them in public is such a big, humiliating mistake.

Ed Hardy
Just writing the name out made me shudder. The clothing is so overpriced and it just makes the person wearing them MUCH less attractive. Who wants to pay over $100 for silk screened t-shirts or hoodies with skulls or tigers on them? Both men and women, or boys and girls, who wear these are not doing themselves any favours. Zero class and zero style.  Even worse, the clothing now reminds me of Jon Gosselin, who is frequently seen wearing Ed Hardy t-shirts. Shudder even more.

Phat Farm and Baby Phat (shoes and clothing)
Taking a trip down memory lane to my high school years circa early-mid 2000s, I also fell for this trend. Everyone around here did! This is much too gangster and hip hop-ish for my liking. The words classy and stylish should not be associated with these brands, at all! Not cool.

Trucker Hats
We have Ashton Kutcher to blame for this one. Remember? the trucker hats with the Von Dutch logo on them. Shudder, squirm, gag. I am ashamed that we all thought these hats and those who wore them were cool. Unless you live in a trailer park or are an actual trucker, please refrain from wearing these. Come to think of it, I think this trend has already died out. If so, thank you God!

Velour Tracksuits
Circa the early to mid 2000's. Thankfully this trend has died out and is (hopefully) long gone! Here I point the finger at Juicy Couture and J-Lo. Come on, matching pants and hoodies? In velour?  I will admit, I fell for this trend back in my early high school days. What was even worse were the tracksuits that said Juicy on the butt. Such a traumatizing trend!

Logo/Slogan T-Shirts
These are so tacky and unattractive. You know, the t-shirts with the lame sayings on them as in "who needs brains when I have these". Ahem... please, why would you want anyone to plainly stare at your chest, with the excuse of "reading" what's on your shirt. 

Low Rise Jeans
This is a trend of the early-mid 2000's once again. Thankfully this fashion horror was replaced by high waisted jeans, which we can all be glad about. We can blame Britney Spears for this rise...of um, the low rise jeans, back in the height of her fame. Remember the video for I'm a Slave for You? Yes, exactly what I'm talking about. This has got to be one of the unclassiest, and skankiest (for the lack of a better word) trends of the last decade. No butt cleavage ever again, please and thanks.

Corduroy Pants
Corduroy somehow always manages to make a come back every decade in some shape or form. Corduroy pants are not attractive and in my opinion, they also make one's legs look larger. There is something very middle-age and mom-ish about them. If you're under the age of 45, you should NOT be wearing them.

Harem Pants
These are the genie pants that made a come back in the last two years. I thought they were cool at first, but at second glance... um, no. Why would you want to wear pants where the crotch is down to your knees. You can use it as built-in shopping bag perhaps? In all seriousness, unless you are wearing it as part of a halloween costume, do not wear them in public!!


There you have it, my list of the ten fashion faux pas of the decade. Hopefully the next decade will be more stylish and fashionable. Please, do not repeat these mistakes again! I sincerely hope that none of these trends make a come back, and that those which are still around slowly die out!

Here's to 2010, and to being more stylish, fashionable, chic, and classy!

Sex and the City 2 Trailer!

For all you SATC obsessed fashionistas out there: the trailer for the sequel has just been released!    Exciting??  Well, it would be... minus the fact that the trailer doesn't really have any substance to it. In fact, aside from the beautiful views of New York City at the beginning, it's not that great of a trailer. Kind of disappointing, but hopefully the movie turns out to be worth the wait!

Ok, ok, I will admit the main reason I'm excited for the movie, AND the main reason I posted this  (yes...this is where I brag) is because I saw the filming of the Bergdorf Goodman scene when I was in NYC in September.  Actually, my friends and I accidently walked onto the set of the movie after leaving Bergdorf's.    I loved the outfits they were wearing!  Fashion: obviously another reason to watch the movie!

(photo: Warner Bros.)


Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, Samantha, plus New York City, and fashion?... love it!


(video: NYDailyNews.com)

My encounter with the filming of the movie....

The set of Sex and the City 2 outside Bergdorf Goodman








                                                                     




Carrie and Charlotte ! (SJP and Kristin Davis)

Quote of the Day

"I design for the woman who loves being a woman." - Diane von Furstenberg

Art of the Trench

For those of you who are like me and are Burberry aficionados, are fans of the Sartorialist, have a love of trench coats, and enjoy cool photography...particularly that of fashionable people from various cities...then I recommend you check out   Artofthetrench.com

Trust me, you'll love it. 

Boots, Boots, Boots, Love

The title says it all...

I own so many pairs, and I still keep on buying more.  It's one of the reasons I enjoy fall and winter, and...even spring.  Hmm, actually...summer as well.  I guess that make's them fashionable and practical footwear all year 'round.  Then again, us boot lovers will find any excuse to wear them.   I refuse to wear anything else, aside from flats and sandals in the summer, or heels when I go out.

Love them.

  

  

Quote of the Day

"There hasn’t been a commercial artist lately that has embodied avant-garde and couture so insistently as myself.” - Lady Gaga

Holiday Fragrance Guide

With only a few days left until Christmas, there will be many people scrambling to find the perfect gift in the next couple of days.  Don't know what to get for your girlfriend, friend, sister?  Well, I personally love makeup, and perfume... (cough cough wink,  for my friends and family out there!)

This is a list of my list of classy and feminine fragrances available, which will make perfect gifts this holiday season (and which aren't too expensive!)

My top four personal favourites are:

Parisienne by Yves Saint Laurent: From $39 for the 1oz eau de parfume spray to $80 for the 3oz. There is also a gift set available for $65 which includes the 1.7oz eau de parfume spray, 2.5 oz perfumed body lotion, and 2.5oz perfumed shower gel (a $93 value!).

Burberry Brit & Burberry London: $78 for the 3.3 oz eau de toilette spray (Brit) and $84 for the 3.3 oz eau de parfume spray (London)

Touch of Pink by Lacoste: Starting at $52 for the 1.6oz eau de toilette spray

These are other fragrances that are on my wishlist!
Lola by Marc Jacobs: Starting at $42 for the cute perfume ring to $85 for the 3.4 oz eau de parfume spray
Flora by Gucci: Starting at $45 for the 6.7oz perfumed   body lotion to $90 for the 2.5oz eau de toilette spray
Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci: $78 for 50ml

Available at:

Sephora.com or Sephora.com/Canada/

The Bay

Shoppers Drug Mart

          

Model of the Moment: Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss, or 'The Kloss" as she is also known, has had an incredible past four years. At only 17 years of age, she has already established herself in the fashion scene, and is one of the world's top models. Having been discovered at the age of 13 at a charity fashion show in St.Louis, Missouri, Kloss (a former ballerina) could not have invisioned just how much her life would change. She originally signed with Elite Model Management in 2007, before making the controversial decision of signing with Next Model Management in January 2008.

Kloss has walked more runways, and been featured in more editorials than some models older than her and with more years' worth of experience. She ranks #8 in the list of Top 50 Models by Models.com, and according to the Fashion Spot Community, Kloss (along with Hanne Gaby Odiele, and Iris Strobegger)ranks #7 in the top 10 catwalkers of this past season, with an incredible 56 shows.

Known for both her unique runway walk and look, as well as her incredibly long legs, Kloss has been popular amongst many of the top designers and is a favourite of photographers and editors alike. Along with her high rankings in various top model, and top catwalker lists, this year alone she has been featured in the most editorials for Vogue (American, American Teen Vogue, British, Paris, Italia, Germany, etc).

Karlie Kloss may be only 17 years old, but she has quite an impressive list of achievements and accomplishments from the past few years. That list will simply continue to expand as her popularity increases year by year. The Kloss, or the "coolest new face" in the modelling world will continue to be at the top of her game for a while, I'm certain of that.

Model Stats:

Born: 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. Is currently 17 years old.

Nationality: American

Agency: Next Models

Known for: hair, legs, walk

Interests: baking cookies, biking, ballet

Height:5 ft. 11in

Measurements:32-23-34

(photos from Teen Vogue)

Quote of the Day

“It's the kind of clothes that mothers and daughters can wear, in terms of concept. It's not about age..it's about taste, and it's about lifestyle. I believe women of all ages can wear anything.” - Ralph Lauren

Jewelled headbands: Classy, Lovely, and oh so Chic.

Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes sang "diamonds are a girl's best friend," and that single line could not be more true. Whether real or fake, anything glittery and resembling diamonds is eyecatching and lovely. I take any chance to wear something pretty,girly,and shiny. That, along with my love of accessories, has led to my giant collection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles.... and yes, headbands. Jewelled headbands are one of my favourite things. They are a chic way of adding extra sparkle to your wardrobe without looking too over the top. Jewelled headbands, such as the vintage inspired one shown here, are classy, charming, and the look is timeless.


For more info check out:
GlitzySecrets.com

J'adore.... the Burberry Heart Collection

I have a weak spot for Burberry; I may not be able to afford MANY items (yet, that is!), but I still can't resist going into Burberry stores and admiring all the pretty things. What's on my list of pretty things at the moment is the new Heart collection, which is very cute and chic. From handbags, and scarves to rainboots and flats, the collection can get very pricey (ie.$695 for the Nova Painted Heart Tote), but if you can afford it.... go for it! They're marvelous items to add to your wardrobe, but then again what do you expect... it's Burberry, and they're always classy, fabulous and at the top of my list!

For more info, check out:
http://www.burberry.com/
Or
http://www.holtrenfrew.com/

Quote of the Day

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” - Yves Saint Laurent

Turquoise is the colour of 2010

Pantone is a fashion company who decides what colours to use for the fashion industry, and according to them, turquoise is to be colour of the year. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone company, described this colour as one that makes you feel relaxed and content. Since the economy is down, and people are stressed, apparently by having this colour rule the runways and department stores, it will liven things up a bit. I usually associate turquoise with beaches and summer(personally, not my favourite season), but hey, if it will help all of us feel less stressed then so be it! At least it's a colour that goes with many things and can be mixed with other colours and shades.

Britain's Top 5 Fashionable Females

In a previous post I had listed 10 names. Names of those who I thought were the most fashionable British female fashion icons of recent years. Yes, it may have been an odd combination of names; some of them are very different from one another, in terms of age, image, and style. Nevertheless, one can agree that they are all very fashionable, and have influenced trends in one way or another. Whether their styles are traditional and preppy, very high end and "posh", or more funky and Topshop-esque, these fabulous fashionistas are my picks for the top 5 fashionable British females.

1. Kate Moss
2. kate Middleton
3. Emma Watson
4. Daisy Lowe
5. Alexa Chung

1. Kate Moss:

One of the world's top supermodels, Kate burst into the fashion scene in the early 90's as the "anti-model." With her famous waif-like appearance, she was the opposite of the top supermodels of that time such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She has appeared in over 300 magazine covers, walked the runway for many designers, and has been the face of tons of advertising campaigns. Ever since then, Kate has been not only a top model, but a top fashion icon. With her skinny jeans, fringe boots, or leopard print flats, Kate has such a cool and effortless look about her, and she is certainly one of my favourite fashion idols. She Kate has also added designer to her list of accomplishments, with her line of clothing designed for Topshop. The collections include clothes, bags, shoes and accessories, ranging in price from $20 to over $200. Her line of clothing includes pieces such as leather jackets, plaid shirts, fringe boots and skinny jeans and closely resembles her own style. Even now, almost two decades later, she exerts as much influence now as she did back then. Kate still continues to inspire designers, and continues to be a top trendsetter...which is why she is the #1 British female fashion icon!

2. Kate Middleton:

Another Kate, or Catherine as she is now supposedly wanting to be called, joins our list at number 2. Famously known as Prince William's girlfriend of 8 years, this Kate could not be more different from our first Kate. Her style is more traditional, preppy British, or, as I like to describe it: English country manor-like. Kate has been featured in a variety of best dressed lists, over the last few years. In 2006, she was chosen by The Telegraph as the "Most Promising Newcomer" in their list of style winners and losers. In 2007, Tatler ranked her at #8 in their yearly listing of the top ten style icons, and that same year People's Magazine featured her in their best dressed list. Kate also had the honour of being named as one of the ten "Fabulous Fashion Independents" of 2007 by Richard Blackwell. To top it all off,Vanity Fair placed her on their international best dressed list in 2008. She is known for her "Sloane Ranger" look, and variety of boots that she owns. I personally think she is classy and sophisticated, and I absolutely love all the clothing she wears. I am a boot affectionado, and I can't help but covet her collection of footwear. Kate may not be a top trendsetter, but she is always very well dressed and always looks so put together, which is why she has made it to numerous best dressed lists, and also the reason why she is #2 on my list!

3. Emma Watson:

This choice may be questioned by some, but Emma is a true fashionista, and a fashion icon in the making! She may be only 19 years old but she sometimes looks more classy and sophisticated than women way older than her! Emma is very poised and graceful for her age, and has made some very good fashion choices lately... as in, wearing Chanel and Burberry (love, love, love). What makes her even more awesome is that Burberry chose her as the face for their fall/winter 2009-10 ad campaign, whose former faces included fellow Brit's Agyness Deyn (who almost made it on to this list!) and Kate Moss. Emma has appeared in many magazine covers and fashion spreads, including Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue. I love her style and I know that her star will continue to rise and her fashion icon status will soon blossom even more. She is the youngest on this list, but for being so classy at such a young age, she is #3!

4. Daisy Lowe

Daisy may not be known by many outside of the UK, but within the UK her fashion sense is idolized by many. She is a model who has modelled for editorial photo shoots, commercial advertising campaigns and has appeared on catwalks modelling for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld. She is the daughter of Pearl Lowe, the singer/songwriter turned textile and fashion designer, and Gavin Rossdale, the front man for the band Bush. Daisy began modelling at the age of 2, but it wasn't until she was approached by a talent scout at the age of 15, that her career really blossomed. Since then, she has appeared on the covers of Tatler, Elle, GQ, Vogue, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Grazia, In Style, Nylon, and modelled for Chanel, Topshop, Nanette Lepore, Charlotte Ronson, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, Converse shoes, and Agent Provocateur. This past year Daisy has been the new face for Marc by Marc Jacobs and has appeared in campaigns for Pringle of Scotland and DKNY. Daisy has a very effortlessly edgy and cool style, which is why I love her, and why she made it to my top 5 list!

5. Alexa Chung

Last, but certainly not least is the fab miss Chung. Alexa is a famous tv personality, who was previously the co-host for Popworld on Channel 4, and one of the four anchor T4 presenters. After leaving Channel 4 just this past year, she is now presents It's on with Alexa Chung for MTV in the US. She came to be known as a fashion icon and "it girl" when her tv career started, due to her distinctive, quirky style. She now frequently appears on numerous best dressed lists, and on the covers of fashion magazines. Alexa has also done her fair share of modelling and runway walking for the likes of DKNY Jeans and Vivienne Westwood. She is a highly adored fashionista by many females, first in the UK, and now in North America. Her style is amazing; she always does a great job of looking casual yet flawless and put together. Alexa makes fashion look so simple and fun, as it should be! This is why Alexa made it to our list, and rounds out the top 5!

Kelly Cutrone's reality show "Kell on Earth" to premiere February 1st

Are you ready for Kell on Earth?

The tough and intimidating Kelly Cutrone is set to have her own reality show, focusing on her successful PR company, People's Revolution. Titled 'Kell on Earth',it is slated to premiere this upcoming February 1st on Bravo.

Those who are fans of the Hills and the City know full well that this isn't Kelly's first time in the reality-show circuit. Her get-it done attitude has been showcased in many episodes of both reality shows, where she has been a mentor to both Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port. The rest of the cast of 'Kell on Earth' will include People's Revolution partners Robyn Berkley and Emily Bungert, former assistant Stefanie Skinner, and new assistant Andrew Mukamal.

According to Bravo, Kelly's reality show is describe as a "no-holds-barred look into the life of one of America's most legitimate taste-makers as she balances running her wildly successful PR company, People's Revolution, juggling fashion weeks in New York and London, with being a single mother and one of New York's most notable women about town."

Kelly is one of the most intimidating but powerful women in the PR and fashion industry. With the popularity of the Hills and the City, her fame has increased these past few years. Her many fans and followers will most likely make this show a success.

She has called herself a "power bitch", and we will for sure see her power bitch ways of getting work done and making interns cry. It'll be interesting and entertaining to watch for sure; who doesn't like watching other people's drama?

Top British Female Style Icons

I tried limiting the list to five, and am still currently in the process of deciding. So far, the following fabulous and fashionable females made the list in this first round!
(In no specific order...yet)

1. Victoria Beckham
2. Alexa Chung
3. Daisy Lowe
4. Kate Moss
5. Emma Watson
6. Kate Middleton
7. Agyness Deyn
8. Stella McCartney
9. Sienna Miller
10. Lily Allen

Only five shall remain!!

Quote of the Day

"Dressing up. People just don’t do it anymore. We have to change that."
-John Galliano

Forever 21/ XXI is Love

Today while I was in Toronto, before an event I had to go to, I ....gave in to shopping (as always), and quickly dashed into Forever 21. Every time I'm downtown, literally EVERY time, I can't help but go in there. It's just so much fun. Accessories, shoes, bags, clothes...aaaaah. Honestly, I could spend hours in there, and if you think about it, the store isn't even THAT big. I ended up only buying a ring (which by the way was only $3.50...awesomeness!)and yes for those who know me... it was the typical kind I wear. My signature ring is: large, shiny, obnoxious, haha. Love it. Anyhow... if I wasn't so broke from shopping and travelling, I would have spent more money than I should there. From sequined, and shiny leggings, to blazers galore... it's heaven for any girl, or...most girls at least. They have guy's clothing as well. I never pay too much attention to it, but from the stuff I have seen, it seems awesome too.

Forever 21 is amazing because it's not expensive at all, plus you can find clothing that resemble designer garments. I saw a Chanel-esque blazer the other time I was in there, and immediately fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I had already spent my budget for the day, or else ...that lovely thing would be in my closet at this very moment.

Anyway, Forever 21 is a store that every girl must check out. There aren't that many locations in Canada; BC has one, Alberta and Quebec have two locations each, and Toronto has five. I guess five locations in Toronto may seem like quite a few, but considering how many Forever 21 and XXI (same store) locations they have in the US.... that number pales in comparison.

I cannot say enough about this store. It's fabulous. It may be considered "fast fashion" by some in the fashion industry, due to items being inexpensive and designer replicas, but in these financially troubling times...who cares! Fashion isn't necessarily about how much something costs or what label it has, it's about looking and feeling good. If you can put a 20 dollar outfit together and still look good...then that's all that matters.

Forever 21 and XXI = love. If you have not yet done so, go and check it out! you won't be disappointed!