I’ll admit to loving the tastes of things most people scrunch their noses up at… unflavored tofu, unsalted nuts, and any green veggie – preferably freshly juiced. I also have a sweet tooth, and I love salt… but with several food sensitives, I do my best to curb those indulgences for the sake of my stomach. While living in LA, I swore by Evolution’s “Essential Greens” that I bought at Whole Foods (I saw Seal at the Brentwood WF, I wonder if Heidi’s on the green-wagon?), or the fresh juices from M Cafe (Jessica Alba is a fan, and just look at her radiant skin). Sadly, upon moving back to Canada I found myself on a fresh green juice quest… Fresh offers a good selection of juices (my go-to is the “all-green”), and Noah’s on Bloor has a cafe with a fully equipped juice bar. These are great options for dining in, or pick-up, but I like to have my juices at home, at the office, and when I travel (the recommended shelf life is three days). Toronto’s Whole Foods and organic grocery stores only carry vegetable juices with some form of fruit (apple, and/or banana etc)… so I was thankful to come across Total Cleanse – a local juice delivery service (and/or cleanse) that drops off your juices between 9pm and 6am the night before /day you want them. Today through Wednesday, I’ll be drinking Green Energy with my breakfast(s) and dinner(s). And while I’m not doing a full cleanse, I’m not going to argue with glowing skin and increased energy. Yes, PLEASE!!
My love of all-things orange is no secret. Here’s another way to wear it – color blocking and all!
I have five weddings in the next five months (not one is in the US…). They kick off this weekend in my homeland’s capital city, Ottawa (6.11!!). Above is my outfit for wedding 1.0. Inspired by Gucci’s spring/summer 2011 collection of bright color blocking green, orange, and purple – and celebrities like Kim K and Jessica Alba owning this trend – I bought the above pairing at Zara. The high-waisted “skirt with slit” is such a deep tangerine, it almost looks red. It’s fuchsia partner isn’t shown online, but the skirt would also look great with this deep jewel-tone-purple blouse tucked into it – aka, “blouse with tabs”. My clutch is my black Marc Jacobs quilted go-to, purchased in Vegas three years ago. The “quilting – Eugenie leather clutch” is still going strong as part of his signature collection. The finishing touch, my shoes, are my new Stuart Weiztman black patent round-toe pumps, purchased at Browns on a recent stint in Toronto. Stuart Weiztman is my #1 high-heel. He makes classic and stylish 2-5-3.25 inch pumps (NB: avoid anything less than 2 inches, just go for a flat – “kitten heels” don’t flatter anyone) that are wearable for hours without wanting to cry, they are to my feel what Jbrands are to my thighs. LOVE. Stay tuned for outfits 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Many of the amazing females in my life and women I style are moms and moms-to-be. So while I’m still closer to the carry-on, weekender, and gym catchall bags phase of life – I stay current on all-things bumptastic. Here are my favorite stylish diaper bags (remember, they make great gifts!):
Not Rational Hansel: leave it to the Mother-ship (what a friend of mine has renamed Barneys New York) to get it RIGHT. Available in “bronze”, “New England black”, and “grey”. The leather is divine.
go BIG with Gucci: if you’ve done a prenatal or new mom’s yoga class you’ve likely seen a Gucci diaper bag. Halle Berry’s a fan of their signature print with brown strap. Provides instant glam.
For those in transition, try a weekender-meets-diaper-bag like this brown leather Hudson.
Pregnancy and motherhood are times when fashion can TRULY meet function. Get your glow on!
“Put on a trench, you’re suddenly Audrey Hepburn walking along the Seine
– even if you’ve got red hair and you’re five one.” – Michael Kors
There’s something incredible about this fashion staple. It makes every designer, stylist and fashion expert’s top 10 must-haves list for a reason. A trench coat is instantly chic and so transitional.
Whether you’re going from day to night, winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to fall, or fall to winter: a trend has you covered. Figuratively and literally. So buy a great one at a level that’s considered an investment for you. Take care of it, wear it with pride, and keep it FOREVER. This coat is never going out of style, and as we see with Jessica (Alba), Jennifer, Jessica (Biel), and Gwyneth – there are many lovable takes offering fresh style to this timeless and classic look.
The right trend is nothing but flattering. A longer length like Gwyneth’s hides your stomach, knees, thighs and hips, while a belt emphasizes (or creates) a waist and curves. Shorter styles (like Jessica Biel’s) can easily appear more casual and effortless during the day, but can still be dressed up (like Jennifer’s) when you want more glam. The right hardware (buttons, pockets, zippers, epaulettes, ruffles, belts, snaps, bows) make all the difference. Whether you’re running to the grocery store or dressed to the nines, no one needs to know what’s underneath…. It’s all part of the allure.
Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katie Holmes, Cameron Diaz, Rachel Bilson, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Richie, Halle Berry, Drew Barrymore all rock the red carpet… PERFECTLY.
10 – Jessica Alba wore head-to-toe Dior in Paris, France last July.
9 – Penelope Cruz wore black Giorgio Armani Prive mermaid gown and Chopard diamonds (plus umbrella) to the 2010 Golden Globes in Los Angeles, California last winter.
8 – Sarah Jessica Parker wore Stephen Russell jewels, ‘Demi’ leopard-print python pumps from Brian Atwood’s FW10 collection, Stella McCartney cashmere sweater and sequin dress (dress spring 2009) at the Tribeca Film Festival last spring.
3 – Nicole Richie reminded us why she’s California-cool in a pair of denim cutoffs, white collarless shirt, black Winter Kate crochet vest, opaque tights, and black suede Christian Louboutin booties promoting her Winter Kate line at Bloomingdales in New York last February.
The thing I love about flared denim is it’s a look that never goes anywhere for long. So NEVER part with your wide-legged jeans! They might take a beat for a few seasons, but they always return with a vengeance. Jessica scarfs her trousers up in warmer LA, while Whitney bundles up in NYC with an anorak. Both girls stay true to their glamorous style with dark shades and wedge heels.
Whether you try the wide leg look in a warmer climate, or take it to cooler streets – the key to keeping your legs looking slim is to wear heels like Jessica and Whitney. A lift, whether it’s from a wedge or pointed heel, will elongate and flatter your legs. So keep ballerina flats, flip flops, gladiator sandals and anything else flat to skinny, straight-leg and boot-cut jeans.
A second tip to keep in mind is pocket position. Jessica’s front pockets work well because she’s tiny, but also because they’re totally flat. If your denim has front pockets of any kind, perform what I call “operation pocket”, and have your tailor or seamstress sew them closed and cut out the lining. You’ll instantly lose 2-5 lbs through the hips. For many of us that’s our widest part!
Darker denim is more flattering. Lighter, more daring. Regardless of your choice… I dare you:
Heidi, Sarah, Halle, Christina and Jessica get ready in style for this weekend’s Halloween festivities.
Photos (scrolling): Heidi Klum & two of her kids, Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry & Nahla Aubry, ChristinaAguilera & Max Bratman, Jessica Alba with Honor & Cash Warren:Splash News
Happy Halloween Eve Eve!! October flew by… as we’re reminded by Hollywood’s minis (and famous parents) getting ready to finish the month with a festive BANG (or should I say BOO?).
The Beverly Hill’s pumpkin patch has been garnering some serious star power this month with Heidi Klum and two of her little ones; Halle Berry and Nahla Aubry; Christina Aguilera and Max Bratman; Jessica Alba, Honor and Cash Warren. I can only imagine their impending costumes… j’adorable.
Sarah Jessica’s brown-stone is ready and decorated in East-Village-NYC style for this weekend’s festivities. I’m sure James Wilkie and twins Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge Broderick are ready to get their trick-or-treat on… Awe. Whatever city you’re in this Sunday, whether you’re dressing up, carving pumpkins, enjoying treats – or tricks; I hope you do it in GOURDgeous style.
To the surprise of many, harem pants are back. These comfy, yet controversial low-rise-tapered-pants are a by-product of the Aladdin-style “I Dream of Jeannie” costume from the hit 60s TV show, and MC Hammer’s “Hammer Pant” signature style of the 90s. Chances are you either love them, or would HAPPILY leave them… But either way, harem pants are making appearances on key style-setters Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, Charlize Theron, Diane Kruger and Sienna Miller.
When getting your harem-on, it’s important to keep everything else in your look simple (no patterns or prints, minimal accessories). These oddly shaped pants are the only statement needed. Opt for neutral colors like Hilary and Jessica have. Both girls have kept their look California-casual with flips and sandals. With other areas of the country cooling off this time of year, it’s likely more appropriate to boot (and maybe UGG??) your harems. Don’t over-think it, but this is a time to consider your authentic sense of style. Are harem pants you? Or is this a trend you’ll gladly sit out.
Whether you touch this trend or not, there’s no denying for many celebs: it’s HAREM-time.
We’ve been given small doses of the military trend in recent years, and this fall tough girls are fully embracing their inner drill sergeant. We’re seeing a lot of military-inspired-jackets and sexed-up cargo combos (think skinnies paired with killer heels); but the combat boot is this season’s most notable armed standout. From a simple leather boot to lace-up, distressed, and studded friends…. there is no denying – the combat boot can be simultaneously stylish and functional.
Whether paired with denim channeling the looks above, or worn with a cutsie dress and tights (or bare legs) for ironic perfection. Whatever you flavor, am I the only one feeling tougher already??
Jessica Alba was spotted sporting this trend (in not one, but two utilitarian boots)on two separate occasions, first pairing her“Damisi” boots (above left) with dark-wash-skinny jeans. Jess highlights the military vibe with a white tee layered under her rugged black leather bomber and aviator shades. Emily Blunt also combat-rocked a pair of Steve Madden “Fumble” combat boots with gray denim and a striped tee with embellished shoulders (yet another military nod!). Jessica then wow-ed us again (above right) in her casually un-laced-lace-up cherry-red Doc Martens with skinny cargos (yes these are the oh-so-coveted-ever-popular-celeb-fav J Brand Houlihan pant in “Vintage Olive”) neatly tucked inside… It’s not a look for everyone, but if you dare: COMBAT yourself.
Just when we’d fully started to embrace the world of skinny jeans – wide leg and flared legs are BACK Thankfully bootcut, skinny, slim, boyfriend and other denim cuts are still very much in-fashion. But their relaxed siblings are here to help us mix-it-up. Jessica-Rachel-and-Katie-style…
Jessica’s chooses a brighter hue of HOT-blue for her flare. The thin hem-line is more flattering on the leg (Katie’s thicker hem-style can truncate shorter legs, although here her high-waist style balances the look). Rachel’s medium-wash relaxed trousers are perfectly paired with a men’s-style vintage belt. The oval buckle softens tougher denim and leads fabulously into the loose striped tee on top. Katie’s high-waisted style works best with fitted tops tucked-in to highlight your waist-line. Her belt adds emphasis and balances the denim. “Because a waist is a terrible thing to waste.”
So get your trousers on, and join the hot new denim look that’s traveling all-around tinsel town.