*style_file: from runway to rollercoaster | super post for a super model.

***

As usual, things have been super hectic on my end.

With my internship wrapping up and my semester beginning very soon, I barely have time for myself...

However, as it's my birthday week, I should clear my schedule!

While I have celebrated the past few birthdays in various different countries [#humblebrag], which is a lot less fun than it sounds, this will be the first time I will be in the States for the big day, surrounded by my uni friends.

And, although the older you get, the less fussy you are about plans, I have decided that this year, as it should really be every year, to celebrate life and the friendships that I cherish...

...and, well, presents help too! Haha.

Anyway, before getting too soppy, I am not the only one 'celebrating' being a year older...any guesses who?

If you guessed Kween Karlie, award yourself 20 imaginary points, redeemable at a later date!

Karlie celebrating her 21st birthday with an ultra-exclusive party thrown in her honor by Vogue and a less exclusive day at Disney World (lower right corner)

I've been wanting to feature this leggie supermodel for quite a while now and what better time than our shared birthday week!

Some quick facts about the newly legal [in her home country of America, that is] supermodel:
*Born in Chicago, Illinois
*Career beginnings in 2006 with Elite NY
*In 2008, after switching to Next Model Management, walked an incredible 31 shows during NYFW including opening for Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera
*Walked 20 shows in Milan and 13 in Paris during the FW08 season
*Named 'Best Model of 2008' by People Magazine
*Muse for John Galliano and Dior in 2010
*Opened 10 shows and closed 8 during SS11 season
*Has appeared in ads for countless designers and editorials in magazines globally
*Became a Victoria Secret angel in 2013!
*Has her own line of 'kookies'

...just turned 21...let's let that sink in....

As expected with such a prominent model, narrowing her immense body of work to the few images in these collages proved difficult so, if you feel overwhelmed, imagine how hard it was for me!

*phew* That was a lot of talking! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

Her pictures are AH-MAY-ZING!

Wait! Who's birthday is it again?! Cause you're the one getting presents! Haha

Seems that being a Leo these days equates to being an overachiever and having long legs...

xx

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*Buy or Bye; Beyoncé Edition

***

After two relatively successful 'Buy or Bye?!' posts, a small hiatus and some very random 'summer' weather, I thought my girl Beyoncé and I should reward you with a treat!

Well, my treat to you is Beyoncé's Summer '11 cover of 'Dazed and Confused,' almost-eating an ice-cream on a sunny day [much like today]...

...and your treat to me is responding to this poll!

Let your fingers do the talking kiddies!

Are we hot and sticky for what Queen Bey has to offer or should she pack up her melty mess and take that ice-cream truck elsewhere?!

  ***

*compu-nerd

***

Surprise!

It's me again! Took another brief hiatus, but now I'm back to provide you with all your fashion needs!

It's been a hectic past two weeks and, between applications and paperwork and baby-showers (oh my!), my creative energies have unfortunately been elsewhere.

But, no fear! I'm all here now...both with you and my internship (which is winding down now).

...and by winding down, I mean lots of computer work..which everyone knows isn't my favorite...

Alas, it must be done!

So, while I 'enjoy' some technology...you enjoy some Karlie and Daft Punk...which is sort of related right?? Cause they have that 'Technologic' song....

...no?

Karlie Kloss and Daft Punk for the August 2013 issue of American Vogue. Photographed by Craig McDean. Images sourced from Vogue. com

Karlie Kloss and Daft Punk for the August 2013 issue of American Vogue. Photographed by Craig McDean. Images sourced from Vogue. com

Behind-the-scenes footage?


Fierce model. Funky musicians. That should be enough to tide you over...

Till then...have a great day kiddies!
xx

***

*we are all screaming... [for ice cream]

***

soooo I think it is like officially the hottest day of the year...

All over Manhattan, people are sweating as they bustle through the cityscape getting about their business.

Thank God for shade, Starbucks and the odd breeze...

And who can forget...

ICE CREAM!!

[yup...that's models 'eating' ice cream #whowouldhavethunk]

“Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.” ― Don Kardong

“Ice cream is happiness condensed.” ― Jessie Lane Adams

“My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate.” ―Thornton Wilder

Go treat yourselves! [I know I will!] Have an ice cream cone kiddies!

Keep cool!

 xx

***

*the last of the couture.

***

Hi darlings,

Here's the last of my fave shows from Paris Fashion Week held two weeks ago....

...and naturally I saved the most blinged out and glamorous ones for last!

These absolutely breathtaking gowns are the creation of two amazingly talented coutouriers who ironically enough are neither Parisian, but Lebanese.

Any thoughts on who I could mean?

None other than Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad of course!...Kings of couture!

While I have had my eye on Elie Saab's designs for a while [his name becoming almost synonymous with red carpet], Zuhair Murad, who is somewhat of a recent discovery of mine, seems to be doing amazingly detailed work on par with that of Mr. Saab.

So, grab a bowl of popcorn, cosy up with your computer screen and open that savings account...cause I guarantee you'll want AT LEAST one of these jaw-droppers.

Enjoy the pretty kiddies!

Murad's "darkly sensual" embroidered creations.

Saab's "royally opulent gowns"...fashioned after crown jewels; emeralds, sapphires and rubies

...featuring simple, soft silhouettes to pull focus onto the embroidery and bead-work.

Oh and before I forget...

...Elie Saab's showstopping finale piece...

..couture bridal gown with bridesmaids in tow.

See the rest of the collections here.

...now you have something to work towards!

Be inspired! Be productive!

xx

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*centennial

***

Hundrenth post y'all!

Who would have thought that when I started this blog just about a year ago that we'd be here today?

So, in celebration, have some cake! [but not too much..wouldn't want to ruin your figure :)]

...just the beginning kiddies...more to come!

xx

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*Buy or Bye?! Round 2!

***

Here' we go again kiddies!

You know what to do.

Funky? Or fresh?


*This edition's 'Buy or Bye?!' cover was specially requested by a close friend @morphinejosh *wink*.Haha.

xx

***

*dress you up [in my love]

***

Morning lovelies!

After yesterday's mega-post about Paris,

a) I missed Paris
b) I decided to give you more couture!

Today's pretty comes from none other than Roman couturier Giambattista Valli's Fall/Winter 2013 showing last week in Paris.

Inspired by porcelain china, Valli is quoted as saying, "flowers and colors are what women want from me," and he certainly gave just that! It's a shame that the pictures do not aptly showcase the craftsmanship and delicate details that have gone into these dresses, each having layers upon layers of silk flowers and embroidery.

Nothing to describe this collection as except pretty...[or sweet...or beautiful], I wonder which celebrities will be lining up to snag a dress for an upcoming appearance.

Enjoy!

xx

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*throwback thursday_paris

***

Grr...

You would not believe how long it has taken me to sit and construct this post...but with it being Thursday and with Paris Fashion Week recently concluding, I thought no time like the present, right?

So, let's get to it, shall we?

For those unaware, during the Fall 2012 semester, I did a study abroad in Wroxton, England, that afforded me the wonderful opportunity to travel and experience new and unseen things [which can only be a plus, right?]. I knew that, having such wondrous adventures, I would be changed; documenting that became the inspiration for this blog!

While the school provided many excursions within England itself, we were also given the chance to spend one weekend in Edinburgh and one in Paris...

...clearly, I put off writing about Paris...till now.

Paris was unique.

What I found was that, amongst my travel companions, the group preferred Edinburgh. However, I do think that this was for two main reasons.

1: the existence of a language barrier [but I'm sure that would be a turn off for most of you]
2: people had low expectations for Edinburgh [maybe not the first place that comes to mind, especially when you are at Europe's helm] and found themselves pleasantly surprised, but had high expectations for Paris and found themselves slightly disappointed.

I thought that it was different. While it wasn't what I expected, I [would like to hope that I] appreciated it for what it was. It was a gorgeous city, with beautiful architecture, lots of culture and there was creativity in the air. On the other hand, I guess to be expected of any metropolitan area, it wasn't the cleanest place I've been and the crowds were so massively unbearable.

Cute! A little cartoon replica of the city!
NB: La Tour Eiffel, Notre Dame, Le Louvre et L'Arc Triomphe

But enough of my experiences, we all know what you are here for; the fashion.

To be expected, there was lots of shopping...whatever you desired, from high-end to couture to thrift-shop goodies.

And with clothing options in abundance, the street style was out of this world. You could tell that Parisians live up to their reputation of being fashion forward. Everyone was so well put together, down to the little shop assistants! Everyone was stylish but still managed to be unique. Isn't that what fashion aims to impart?

I was fortunate enough to find this little online guide book created by the Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau which has a link to the different types of styles or personalities one may encounter in Paris and a large selection of boutiques where one might find clothing to suit.

The unique aesthetics, adapted from the guide, include;

*Les Sélects | The Selective Ones
      -You like French elegance and style, established brands and clothing that never goes out of style.
*Les Trendys | The Trendy Ones
      -You keep up with the latest trends by browsing through the newest glossy magazines; thus your wardrobe changes every season.
*Les Créatifs | The Creative Ones
      -You are a trendsetter, putting together your own style; you wear today what others will wear tomorrow.
*Les Bobos Chics  | The Bourgeois-Bohemian Chic Ones
      -You take care of your appearance but are not too concerned with your look. You mix timeless basics with designer pieces blending classic and modern.
*Les Ethic Ethnic | The Ethical-Ethnic Ones
      -You are a globetrotter with a conscience and your style reflects this. You wear ethnic mix-and-match prints and support organic and fair-trade associations.
*Les Astucieux | The Clever Ones
      -You are the smart shopper, always hunting for a bargain to find the next cute dress or designer accessory.

Hmmm.. I wouldn't exactly say I'm solely one of these; most probably fitting into Creative and Bobo Chic [and I would think most college students are naturally the 'Clever Ones'].

Which one do you relate to? While I can't tell from the collages which personality matches each image...maybe you can...

Isn't the style gorg?! I would love to return just to be inspired by the various street style exhibited.

Phew! Ok...I think I did Paris justice...

Have you been? What did you think of the city? If you haven't, would you like to go? Why?

Have a ponder kiddies.

xx

***

*couture collections

***

With the closing of Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 last week, I thought that I, as a blogger [as many do many others], have a duty to cover, give my opinion on, or at least acknowledge the occurence of one of the 'Big Four' Fashion Weeks...

Of these major Fashion Weeks, Paris Fashion Week, with all it's haute couture shows, is especially looked forward to, as it is a major stage for Parisian couturiers to showcase their talent.

Dozens upon dozens of edgy, avant-garde, and just plain gorgeously detailed and meticulously handcrafted clothes glide down runways, depicting designers' visions and painting fashionable fantasies for those in attendance.

And, with gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces, lavishly hand-tailored by the best ateliers [workshops] in the business, it is no wonder why a number of celebrities attend these shows to scope out their next 'Award Season' looks.

I'm not really going to review the collections as much, cause I think that they're all beautifully made clothes and, even if a collection does not align with my aesthetic, one cannot deny the true skill and craftsmanship in designing true haute couture.

Instead, I'll post a few of my favorite looks, from a few of my favorite shows! Deal?

Starting with....

Dior!

Gorgeous clothes; gorgeous color story....and there's those stripes again!

A more modern take on couture, designer Raf Simons, who's inspiration was 'freedom' noted that, "if we don't adapt to what women in society are now about, couture might disappear..."

See the rest of the collection here!

A salute to modern freeness!

Enjoy the pretty kiddies...more to come!

xx

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*karolina; sea and sand.

***

Back for more pretty?

If you insist...

Dress by Thom Browne; SS13.

Here's Czech supermodel, and former VS Angel, Karolina Kurkova on the June 2013 cover of Vogue Ukraine.

And, cause I'm missing the beach....her fun-in-the-sun, mermaid inspired, summer editorial.

Gorgeous, no?

Hmm...makes me wish I was by the ocean running around in really expensive clothes...

Sigh. One can only dream. 
 

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” ― Unknown

“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choice-less as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.” ―
Isaac Newton  

xx

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*Spring 2013 Trend Alert: stripes [+stars].

***

And a happy new week to all! [even though it's Tuesday]

Hope you are all back on that work flow after what hopefully turned out to be a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July weekend.

[reminds me of a certain *americana post, no?]

Maybe you spent it barbequing with fam, lounging by a pool or [like me] sleeping the weekend away indoors in front of an ac unit.

But regardless of how you spent the holiday, it is a time to marvel at how far this great country has come in the past 237 years...and wonder how much further it can go in terms of development.

Hmm...so, in celebrating ye old stars and stripes...how about another Spring 2013 Trend?

Yea?

Hitting the runways last season's fashion weeks, we saw a reemergence of Stripes on the runway. Not exactly having gone out of style, as various fashion mags have reported them to be a trend in Spring 2009, 2010, 2011 and both Spring AND Fall 2012, it is clear that these bold lines are here to stay. 

Angular. Sophisticated. Chevron.

Furthermore, with designers constantly challenging themselves to reinvent the wheel [or in this case the line] collections are featuring a lot more color, as opposed to the traditional b&w stripes, a combination of horizontal AND vertical all in the same look! and even the increasingly popular chevron stripes.

Designs by Dolce and Gabbana, Christian Dior, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Paul Smith.
Images courtesy Style.com and Google.

So go out! Raid every H&M, Zara and Topshop...I hope you each start rocking some bold, linear looks serving zebra crossing realness!

And, just cause I can...

"Stars" in Stripes! Ha!

Top L-R: Chanel Iman, Rihanna, Cassie, Hailee Steinfeld
Bottom L-R: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Blake Lively, Olga Kurylenko, Katy Perry

Enjoy!

xx

***

*Buy or Bye!

***

*meep*

So, here I am once again introducing a new element to this blog.

It's only going to be a trial..and depending on kiddy participation will hopefully become a fun and regular feature.

The game is called "Buy or Bye!"

Here's a magazine cover followed by a quick-click poll...

...see where this is going?

Let's get to it then, starting with this month's issue of US Vogue!

Remember kiddies, vote on the cover not the mag!

Would you stop and shop? Or keep on trucking? Let your clicker do the talking!

xx

***

Spring 2013 Trend Alert: Metallics

***

Eek!

So, it's definitely been a WHILE since I've updated you all with the current goings-on in the fashion industry [not like you need me to tell you what's going on anyway...]

Maybe you've all noticed lately an increase the need to wear your sunnies due to glare? No no, your eyes haven't become more sensitive to light...it's the resurgence of Metallics!

*insert collage here*

 

 *haha I'm actually pretty proud of this one*

*ahem* So yes, while metallics have been around since the dawn of...metal, many designers have felt the creative pull towards these radiant and reflective materials, featuring them in their last-year's-to-be-worn-this-year's collections.

These include Diane von Furstenberg, Blumarine and [maybe my fave of all] Burberry. [maybe you remember some shiny, colorful Burberry pieces from a previous post?]

In fact, part of the reason that I react particularly well to their collection, may be due to the fact that I love color; bright, bold color...and that these "metallics" are not simply the golds, silvers and bronzes we have become accustomed to... Yes, classic and as chic as ever...but these nouveau metallics force one to step out the box and opens up so many new and exciting styling possibilities.

So, while you let that sink in and decide to step away from the blacks, tans and neutrals in your closet...I'll be out searching for the brightest, boldest some easy-to-integrate pieces to mix into my existing wardrobe.

And, just for fun...celebs wearing shiny clothes!

L-R Top: Camilla Belle, Emily Blunt, Nicole Richie, Kirsten Dunst
L-R Bottom: Elizabeth Banks, Naomi Watts, Carey Mulligan, Gisele Bundchen

*shine bright like a diamond*

Ciao!
xx

***

*switch it up

***

Hey all,

Really making the effort to post more and keep you all entertained.

What do you fancy?

You've had your daily fabulous....how about some fierce?

"Neo Couture." by Karl Lagerfeld ft. Karlie Kloss, Saskia de Brauw, Lindsey Wixson, Aymeline Valade and Daria Strokous. Numero 131.

"Neo Couture." by Karl Lagerfeld ft. Karlie Kloss, Saskia de Brauw, Lindsey Wixson, Aymeline Valade and Daria Strokous. Numero 131.

xx

***

*[pride]

***

As most of you know [unless you've been living under a rock], yesterday was NYC's annual Pride Parade.

A celebration of community and equality, qualities that we should all aspire towards, NYC's week long of  festivities ends in a culmination of colors and love.

However, despite it's apparent beauty, one must always be mindful of the underlying meaning of Pride week. It is not only to celebrate how far we in the LGBT community have come in the fight for freedom and our rights, but also to recognize how much further we, as humanity, have to go.

I believe that the words of one of my very close friends aptly summarizes this ideal...

He says,

“PRIDE has meant many things to me in my life, but never has it just been about being a fag or not. It’s a celebration of us, of humanity no matter where we come from , what we look like, or what or who we do… this past month I have seen love and hate, People holding prejudice where you least expect it, and acceptance and tolerance from where you least expect it… this weekend I was able to celebrate with friends and strangers, gay, straight , black brown red yellow and blue all the same, in each and every party and place the breeze blew me… I was reminded of one thing though, the hope for a better world, belief in humanity and belief in a generation all come from belief in oneself… If we’re lucky and believe in ONE love and the effervescence of a generation, we will live to see a world that shines with more resilience than can even be dreamed of- a world for our children to grow, love and be loved in all the same…”

 Thus, in commemoration of this rainbow event [and what would pride be without some colorful fashion], here's a few fabulously fashionable and, better yet, colorful clothes.

                               “What have you done today to make you feel proud?” ―Heather Small.

xx

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*perspective

***

Sigh kiddies,

Sometimes in life things happen that slap you back to reality and make you really question your take on things...

...questions like: "What do you want in life?" "What's really important to you?" "What are you willing to sacrifice for it?"

Meh.

And, I can tell you, it ain't fun when they all pop up at the same time.

So, after a fun and action-packed week "vacationing" in Atlantic City and NYC [post coming soon], tour-guiding etc, it has been a harsh fall back to reality.

After being in the greatest of funks, feeling lost, confused and overwhelmed with life for the past few days, I've realized that it's life's little way of making sure that I do not remain complacent...

As I always say, turn that frown into productivity...and although I'm not entirely sure of my destination, I am confident that hard work will get me wherever I am to be...

...perspective.

“Humans see what they want to see.”― Rick Riordan

“A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way.”―Allen Klein

“A pessimist sees the difficult in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”― Winston Churchill

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”― Lucille Ball

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”― Abraham Lincoln

“Some people see the glass half full. Others see it half empty. I see a glass that's twice as big as it needs to be.”― George Carlin 

“Songs are as sad as the listener.”― Jonathan Safran Foer

xx

***

*woman of steel; superwoman-slash-supermodel

***

Eek could it be?

It's a bird; it's a plane...it's two posts in one day!

I know, I know...it's a surprise...buttttttt I stumbled across this ferocious short film on Nowness.com featuring Puerto Rican supermodel Joan Smalls that's sending the fashion world into a spin and HAD to feature it.

With all the hype surrounding this new Superman movie, this is such an appropriate and buzz worthy little project undertaken by director Barnaby Roper, with clothing from Rodarte and Balmain, jewellery by Eddie Borgo and styled wonderfully by Keegan Singh.

*caution: The imagery is fast and not suitable for those with dizziness or prone to epilepsy.

Joan Smalls: Woman of Steel on Nowness.com

Enjoy!

xx

***

*throwback thursday_ski country

***

Morning all!

Ok, so here I go, attempting to breathe some life into this blog...

This blog started off as a travel/fashion/inspiration blog and while I have been traveling, I have been depriving you of the experience as I haven't been documenting it.

So these 'Throwback Thursday' posts will be just that; things that I [due to being too caught up in life] unfortunately didn't post.

Starting in reverse chronological order, the last undocumented place I visited [and referenced in americana], was Vermont for my Spring Break.

I'll start by saying that Vermont was different...

...

...not bad, different.

It was very American, but then again, I went to a vintage ski resort with a LARGE group of Americans. It was definitely a new experience for me, coming from the Caribbean, obviously never having skied before. However, my intentions weren't to ski.

MY REASONS FOR GOING:
I went to accompany my friend, to travel and see another State that I would not normally, but also to refresh and rejuvenate and had every intention of working on some fashion-related stuff.

WHAT ENDED UP HAPPENING:
To the outside world, I looked timid and antisocial, cooped up indoors on my computer and was encouraged, and not wrongly, to go out and explore the wooded, snowy, ski slopes.

And, after a few days in the 'wilderness,' surrounded by forest, snow and plaid [and talks about fishing] I could say that I learned to appreciate that this all-American culture is unsurprisingly different. It was my first extended stay with a real, born-and-bred American family and it was definitely a unique and unforgettable experience...I left with the bruises and the flu to prove it!

...oh! I also learned that skiing definitely does not look THIS glamorous [did I mention that I don't like snow?? haha]

“I do not participate in any sport with ambulances at the bottom of the hill.” ― Erma Bombeck

“Skiing is a dance, and the mountain always leads.” ― Author Unknown

“When it comes to skiing, there's a difference between what you think it's going to be like, what it's really like, and what you tell your friends it was like.” ― Author Unknown

xx

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