LKisStyle: Breaking the Fashion Rules, Part Three

I remember hearing about this as a child: whatever you do, do NOT mix pink with red...Another age-old fashion rule that deserves to be explored and expunged.  I think it is interesting that red is the color for the sultry seductress and pink is the color chosen for the innocent little girl, and these two dichotomous extremes are historically not a welcome mix...On a more superficial and aesthetic note, it would seem that these colors are too similar to be combined without "clashing."  I think they are fabulous together: an unexpected mixture of the soft femininity and the dramatic. 

If you don't believe me, believe the fact that celebs are sporting this look put together by the premiere stylists in the industry.

What to do about redheads? Inherently this rule bans redheads from ever wearing pink!  And what a travesty, as pink is the perfect color to complement the fair hue of a redhead's skin tone.  I think it looks supremely sophisticated (okay, and maybe secretly I have always wanted red hair!) and two of the most gorgeous redheads that I know (Dr.AC and Suzanne W.) can look absolutely gorgeous in pink...if you need more proof: um, can anyone say Molly Ringwald circa 1986!?

If you aren't ready to go whole-hog in a red and pink outfit, try an accessory that combines these two colors.  Check out these amazing pink suede fringe Louboutins with the classic red sole: 

If you are feeling bold, try mixing red and pink in fabrics, which has a totally sophisticated vibe, as seen on the runway at Louis Vuitton (and ps: check out her hair!).

This Valentino pattern highlights and celebrates the contrast:.

I have said it before and I will say it again (and probably again):  fashion rules are made to be broken, reinterpreted, mixed up and turned on their head.  Maybe I am just the kid at the back of the fashion-class acting up, but I think that riling the masses is what true style is all about.  

LKisShops: TopShop, TopPicks

Tis the season for online shopping and one of my favorite stops on the World Wide Web is TopShop.  With amazing items for every different aspect of your wardrobe, what started as a pause on my holiday shopping sites resulted in hours of perusing TopShop looks.  Here are a bunch (and this isn't even everything I want/love) of choice picks from TopShop, and yes, they deliver...  

Pants: I love these metallic denim skinny pants and these wide-leg sequined bottoms would look amazing with a black tank top and a strappy sandal.

Tops:  The holidays are packed with events and everyone needs a cute party-top to thrown on and head out in.

 

  

Dresses:  Who doesn't need another party dress?!  These looks channel the 60's- think drugstore cowboy meets Twiggy.  And don't forget the new alterna-dress, the jumpsuit.  TopShop manages to make the one-piece Studio 54-fabulous.

Jacket:  I love this fringe leather jacket that would add my favorite rock'n'roll element to any outfit (think a formal gown and this jacket thrown over it- amazing).

Shoes:  No shopping experience is complete without time for footwear.  Can you say grey suede go-go style boots and amazing Virgin Suicide loafer-clogs?

Accessories:  Finally, I want TopShop accessories (all of them if possible!).  An amazing signature collar necklace, a ring with fringe (yes, paleez!), a gem-encrusted purse, a stacked belt and teal studded driving gloves are just a few of the show-stopping baubles on this site.

I always love the vibe in the TopShop store and it turns out their online shopping is just as aesthetically pleasing.  With super-cool essentials and fashion forward taste-makers driving this ship, these clothes are just a taste of what awesome stuff is available at this originally English retailer.  The fun thing is all these great pieces are just a click away and for me it is just another day of inspiring cyber-window shopping... 

LKisWedding: Montreal Bridal Boudoir Event, Part 2

No one tells you that a wedding is an near impossible task.  Wait. That is not entirely true.  People do hint at how much work it is or how it brings out the "best" in those around you....In order to alleviate the tensions or stresses of planning a wedding, the Montreal Bridal Boudoir Event brings together tons of fabulous vendors in one spot, to provide insight into what is needed, and who can provide said services, for your special day.  I had the chance to peruse the different suppliers' stands, taste their delicious food and watch as excited bride-to-be's mingled.  A few suppliers really captured my imagination with new and interesting ideas for a wedding.

No one loves a candy bar more than me, but how cool is it to have a salty snacks bar?!  This is exactly what Nicolina Servello Food provided (they do all kinds of gourmet delicacies and catering, too).  They had a display with adorable glass jars, labelled with a description of the scrumptious eats.  There was no doubt that this would be a great addition to any event bar.

...and ps: lots of caterers were doing cake balls.  Sounds gross, but tastes delicious: picture a perfect delicate sphere of cake, enrobed in fondant and drizzled with chocolate, on a stick perched in a little foil cup- a great item for a sweet table or even as an alternative to a giant wedding cake.

I also loved the treats by L&V Sweets.  They had monogrammed options, and cookies in the shape of bridal gowns, tuxes or wedding cakes (these happened to also be delish).

One of my favorite sightings at the Bridal Boudoir Event were the rings by Artisans du Passage.  I know some people get a tattoo of the name of their true love (ask Eva Longoria if this is a good idea)... While I do like the passionate notion, I prefer a new and improved method of being over-the-top in love: the fingerprint ring.  Get that same intense idea of declaring your adoration for your significant other by getting wedding bands with each others fingerprints on them.

Another cool service provider I came across was Andrea Hausmann Photography.  This is not run-of-the-mill wedding photogs.  In fact, totally intriguing was the offer of private photoshoots for vintage portraiture, in pin-up and boudoir style.  There are all different packages (what a great idea for a bachelorette party!) complete with champagne and pre-photo primping.

Weddings are all encompassing and at times overwhelming.  Lacking the party-planning gene? Don't feel like worrying about getting creative? Or don't want to hire a wedding planner? This Bridal Boudoir Event was the perfect spot to enjoy the wedding process, feel special (as all brides should!) and sample some of the great ideas and treats available for weddings in and around Montreal.  Now, if only I could come up with a better name than cake balls...

LKisWedding: Montreal Bridal Boudoir Event, Part 1

It seems I have weddings on the brain, and it felt pretty good to totally indulge in this preoccupation at the Montreal Bridal Boudoir Affair this past Sunday.  With a lengthy fashion show, followed by all kinds of scrumptious treats and presentations from various suppliers, this weddingpalooza was a bevvy of info and entertainment.

The day began with two guest speakers.  First up was Pascale Jacquin, editor-in-chief of Mariage Quebec, who touched on major wedding trends for 2011:  think organic, natural, simple, shots of colour, braided hair, layers of tulle and short dresses for the daring.

   

Then there was the highlight of the day- the adorable Jacqueline Weppner, the founder and editor of http://www.mercinewyork.blogspot.com/.  She broke down the bride into five major categories (such as the DIY bride, the romantic bride and the retro bride) and encouraged the audience to incorporate the different style elements to reflect one's own aesthetic.  Jacqueline also had a list of awesome wedding blogs to consult like: http://www.cindarellaproject.com/, http://www.ruffledblog.com/, http://www.greenweddingshoes.com/, and http://www.dandelionandgreyblog.com/.

The next part of the event was a fashion show, featuring various scenes from different designers.  First, there were gowns by Marie Saint Pierre, which brought to life the organic vibe articulated by Pascale Jacquin earlier:

Second up was Andy The-Anh and one flowing emerald green dress in particular caught my eye:

Cristianne Brunelle Couture Nuptiale was the third collection shown and these more classical wedding gowns were fit for a fairytale.

The fourth scene was La Perle Blanche and I thought the dress with a hint of gold and blush certainly made a gorgeous statement.

The next collection was full of energy with Betsey Johnson frocks flouncing down the runway.  A black gown with peek-a-boo fuchsia tulle, worn by none other than Fashionista514, was definitely noteworthy.

The undergarments shown by Grenier Lingerie alluded to how adventurous the wedding night could be.

In addition to the clothes, there was plenty of entertainment: a showgirl, a striptease and an acrobat all gave new meaning to the idea of possible wedding reception acts....

My girl, Mich, and I finished watching the events and made our way down to the nibblies and the vendors' floor (more on that in Part 2).  Overall, the show was (while at times maybe a bit long?) totally packed with fun tips and fashions and tons of people to take it all in; meaning that Montreal's bridal market is alive and kicking. 

LKisShops: Beauty Holiday Giving

Every year my girlfriends and I have a holiday dinner.  It is a tradition that started before weddings, babies and dabbling with anti-aging cream.  We get together at one of our homes, inevitably eat too much and indulge in some vino, before opening our presents.  In recent years, there has been a theme for our gift exchange and this year we chose beauty.  When I started to think about the gift-giving task at hand, I realized that there are a ton of great holiday beauty items out there and I wanna' share a few of my favorites. 

Sephora and the Kit

I know Sephora is the mecca of makeup brands, but I always note the amazing kits that Sephora brand comes out with for incredible value (and, ps: good quality). 

The ultimate Sephora kit is the Sephora Endless Color Blockbuster: At an amazing $48, this is an all-in-one, one-stop-shop for the girl who loves to play with makeup (me, me, and me). 

 Then there are the mash-up Sephora kits that have tiny samples of their best-selling/favorite products.  This is a neat way to get a taste (not literally) of the best in the makeup show. 

The Budget Conscious at Forever 21 and H&M

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of disposable fashion and Forever 21 and H&M take the cake when it comes to this category.  This is also true of their beauty products, which have adorable holiday packaging and don't even come close to breaking the bank (ranging in price from $2-$10, I love giving lots of stuff and these shopping spots allow for just that).

 

Splurge on Designer Gifts

Nothing says luxury like designer makeup.  There is just something about your face deserving a designer experience that makes sense.  So for the discerning/high maintenance beauty girl:

Nars has an amazing Artist Palette for $55.

Chanel's Smoke Eye Simplified Kit for $99, is amazing and actually quite helpful when trying to

create this signature holiday look.

And, not to be overlooked, is Christian Dior brand makeup.  Always assembled in the most delicious packaging, I don't know whether to put on my makeup or carry the compacts as accessories.  Try the limited edition Holiday Collection Makeup Palette for $75, or the Minaudiere Eyeshadow and Lip Gloss Palette for $80.

 

 I am looking forward to shopping for our girls' holiday dinner.  I am also excited to receive my designated present.  Giving and getting this year's theme will no doubt be great, because the gift of beauty can always make you feel...well...beautiful.