Lusting: Native Fitzsimmons

I've been seriously lusting after these after seeing the Native booth at KnowShow! awhile back.  I don't get why these shoes aren't everywhere on people's feet in Vancouver, as they are way way WAY superior to those ordinary as bread, boots that everyone else is wearing.  The Fitzsimmons are animal cruelty free, anti-microbial, water proof, washable, shock absorbent, and odor resistant.  They are also super light! And they come in all these sweet funky colors.  About the only thing these shoes can't do, is make you fly.  Perhaps in next year's line?

The only thing stopping me from buying these at the moment is how to incorporate them into my current wardrobe, which leans more towards favouring leather boots, than colorful rubbery hiking boots.  I am envisioning pairings of leggings and sheer-ish over sized blouses?  Skinny jeans and graphic tees?  Hmm yes, I can totally make this work!! Yes!!  Yes!!

Now, just what color?? Oh life is so full of difficult decisions.

Cordova red

Pigeon grey

Regatta blue

Native shoes are widely available in Vancouver.  Check out all the locations on their official site.  But layoff the Fitzsimmons ladies.  Those bitches are mine.

Look into my eyes and I'll own you

Dress: Winners

Leather Belt: American Apparel

Sandals: Forever 21

Scarf: Tory Burch

Gold watch: Invicta

So yeah, as you can see, I've figured out how to use my tripod.  Now I can to be all fancy-like with my poses, or as fancy as one can get when the timer is set to 10s.  This weekend I went to a clothing swap, my first, on the weekend.  And after looking over the items I took back with me from that swap, I realized that they're all neutrals! White, gray, gray, mauve.  What the F.  One good thing though (besides free clothes!) was that I cleared out a bunch of space in my closet, so now I can get new things!  Yes, my name is MizzJ and I am a shopaholic.

Product Review: Baci Lingerie False Eyelashes

Product:
Today I'll be reviewing 2 products: the Baci Lingerie false eyelashes, which promise to add great length and fullness with a lightweight feel perfect for everyday wearing; and the Baci Lingerie Premium false eyelashes, which are made to add maximum volume for that essential "wow factor."

Baci Lingerie false eyelashes

Baci Lingerie Premium eyelashes

Price & Packaging:
Both sets are extremely affordable, ringing in at under $5!! The only other place with cheaper lashes I've found is Daiso.

Effectiveness:
I was eager to try out the Premium lashes as all the other falsies I've used previously have given great length and some fullness, but not as dramatic an effect as I was hoping.  Judging by the photo, the Premiums looked great, but I was sooo disappointed to find that they were the cheapest, most plasticky looking things I'd ever seen.  The lashes were hard and inflexible, making them very difficult to apply, and they had this cheap, artificial sheen to them.  I ripped them off as soon as I had one on as the effect was more scary old-school Barbie, than doe-eyed lushness.  Would the regular Baci lashes do the trick?

I'm pleased to say YES.  What's key here is that the regular Baci lashes were cut at varying lengths, giving a much more natural look.  These worked about the same as my regular Revlon ones, giving fullness and length, without being overly obvious.

Buy or Ditch?
Ditch.  They are cheap, but also cheap in quality.  The regular lashes were quite nice, but why not just go to Daiso and get ones that are $2 and just as good, if not better?

Final Verdict: B-

Sacha Goldberger's for So Chic Magazine

I still have yet to watch Mad Men regrettably, but I am so up on that fashion yo.  Sorry, I've been watching too much Breaking Bad, so if you're a fan, you'll get my recent tendency to add random "yo's" to my sentences!

Recently I spotted this great spread by photographer Sacha Goldberger for So Chic Magazine and I just had to share.  This editorial is spot-on nostalgic, from the perfectly lacquered hair, winged liner, and clothes, to the props and even the coloring of these photos.  Check it out and let me know what you think!  Kinda makes you want to go back in time, no?

"Ah hahah, you're hi-larious dahling"

Poor little Stepford wife.  Killer wardrobe though.

Red lipstick, gold beaded purse, driver's seat: oh yeah, this how I would do the 60s!

Pure beauty, plain and simple.

Only yesterday it was the time of our lives

Chambray shirt: American Eagle

Skirt: Aritzia

Pocket watch: Front & Co.

It's beginning to turn into Fall now, but I still have summer outfits to post, so bear with me for a bit!  I wore this awhile ago to the KnowShow! convention.  Buying this chambray shirt was definitely the best buy of the summer, along with my white shorts. I lived in this shirt all summer and it's perfect color goes with everything.  Now I'm dreaming about going the full way and getting a light denim shirt!  Should I?

Drew Barrymore in The Art of Fashion

I can't remember the last movie I saw Drew Barrymore in, but I'm seeing her everywhere on TV commercials for CoverGirl and in my magazine pages looking smoldering and statuesque.  Usually you see stars start as models and become actors, but I guess Drew is doing it in reverse and all the power to her!  I never thought of her as much a beauty, but in these recent photos of Drew for the Neiman Marcus campaign, The Art of Fashion, Drew channels her Old Hollywood pedigree and looks almost unrecognizable in these stunning shots in a series of designer gowns.   Go Drew!

Images via My Modern Met

Paper Crown Fall 2011

I never watched The Hills, but I was always aware of its "stars'" easy Cali style.  I'm a huge fan of LA style, with its love of color and light, breezy fabrics.  Lauren Conrad's fashion line Paper Crown, aligns perfectly with my own style, particularly with her latest collection of pretty, girly clothes with just the right hint of downtown edge.

Her recent Fall and Holiday 2011 collection is full of great examples of this aesthetic: flowy maxi skirts and dresses are played against tight leather leggings and skirts, while luxurious velvet dresses make a comeback for the holidays.  As Lauren puts it, "girls just want to have fun... and look lovely while doing it!"

Which Paper Crown look is your favourite?

Net a la Mode grand opening in Canada

Look out Canada, there's a new online retailer in town!  Check out Montreal based Net a la Mode, which just opened its virtual "doors" to the public, offering hot fashions from brands like Gentle Fawn, BB Dakota, Chinese Laundry, Christopher Kon and many more!

The style of items offered at Net a la Mode lean towards the trendy and urban.  Whether you're 19, or 29, you'll find items here for you, like hot cros-sbody bags, trendy party dresses and sexy wedge booties!

After carefully perusing their entire catalog, I've found two very different, but equally great, lust worthy items.  I want to buy both, but I can't decide!! What do you think I should get readers?

Item 1: Lace-up faux fur ankle boots by MTNG, $80

I've been lusting for another pair of flat ankle boots.  I have my trusty black moto style ones from Aldo, but these beat-up brown booties from MTNG have caught my eye.  You can wear them folded down to show off the faux fur lining, or laced up to create a lean line with leggings.

Item 2: Lace short sleeve top by Gentle Fawn, $39

You know I love Gentle Fawn and this sheer lace top is so dreamy.  Ever since my other white lace top mysteriously ended up with a large hole in it, I've been seeking a good replacement.  This top would look lovely with skirts, pants, layered over, or under.  There's a tank-top version as well, but I prefer the slightly modest look that the sleeves give.

Now you understand my dilemma!  Don't leave it up to me flipping a coin to decide, tell me what you think I should get in the comments!

Digby & Iona: for strong, silent types

Heart Signet Necklace, $165

Compass signet ring, $210

Named after two small towns in Nova Scotia, Brooklyn jewelry designer Aaron Ruff's Digby & Iona line  embodies the sense of stormy coasts and rugged forestland for which it is named.  The Parsons trained designer uses various metals and occasionally jewels to craft his men's accessories line.  Many pieces from his 6 collections feature references to nature and hunting, such as rifles, antlers, and bears.  Others contain references to seafaring culture, and literature.

I'm particularly enamoured with these two rings from his Signet collection.  Each ring is made of oxidized sterling silver and feature intricate inscriptions.  What's really cool though is that they may be used as personal seals and even come with a chunk of sealing wax!  What more bad-ass way could you seal letters with than your own personal seal???  Sure beats my panda stickers!

Miss Representation: You can't be what you can't see

One of the reasons why I started this blog was out of frustration at the toxic media environment we live in.  It's an environment where little girls are trying to go on diets, wear makeup, and aspire to be famous, rather than smart.  In a world where our pop culture role models are telling us that the way to success is through sex tapes and selling your body like common currency, is it any wonder that we all feel, frankly, like shit?  We must take a stand.

I tried in my teensy part by writing a blog that I hope helps people bring out their best qualities, by documenting my own explorations to bringing out mine.  Yes, it's about fashion, but I think if myself and other fashion bloggers out there can show that real people are the example to strive for, not plasticized anorexic drones, then maybe some little girl out there will feel better about herself.

A much bigger and better action is being taken on the part of filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom.  Her tremendous documentary Miss Representation explores the media's impact and its perversion of the images of some of the most powerful women in America.  It's fiery stuff and very much needed.  I was super excited to learn that the documentary will be screening at the upcoming Vancouver International Film Festival!  Get your tickets here.


So what sort of media portrayals are we talking about?  Someone like Kim Kardashian is a great example to think about.  Is she a total sell-out to feminism, or a powerful woman taking the reins over her sexual power to make herself successful in a man's world?  Personally I think, even if she is the latter, I cannot respect a woman who de-emphasizes her intelligence to get ahead.  That type of tactic is subtly demeaning because she is admitting to herself and everyone else, that being a smart, intelligent woman is not the way to go, but of course my opinion is only mine - please tell me yours in the comments.

Buy Local: Spend on Trend Sept. 16-18

Since 2004, Spend on Trend has been showcasing some of the greatest fashion talent Vancouver has to offer.  Looking for that unique piece that you definitely know your horrid teenage neighbour, or your exes' new girlfriend won't be wearing?  Then you've got to check out this great event happening all this coming weekend.  Tickets are only $5, so see you there!

Tribe of Zebras

Shrug: from Mexico

Dress: from LA

Wow I feel like we are so intimate now, you can see where I sleep every night haha.  I absolutely love this dress I picked up on my summer LA trip a couple months ago.  Hard to believe it's September already!  Anyways, I fell in love with this dress' floral pattern, its sweetheart neckline and that retro tiered pattern.  Kinda reminds me a bit of a Betsey Johnson dress shape, but with waaay less pouf.  Lately the weather here has been gorgeous and that's just the way I like it.  If only summer could last forever.

This past weekend, I got together for some Korean-Chinese fusion and bubble tea with friends.  Over the sounds of the bubble tea machines, there was an interesting conversation about the habits you get into as couples.  Having been with Mr. Artist coming up to 3 years now (OMG), I can definitely relate: the lessening desire to party as much, as well as for friend time, and the increasing tendency to take naps post-dinner.  Overall, I guess we were laughing at how relationships make us boring, but as glamourous as singledom can be, I don't miss it.  Relationships are comforting and fulfilling.  I'd take a nap with Mr. Artist over a douchy club any day. Although it is quite nice to one's self-esteem when said douches ask you out because they think you're 21!  Night creams FTW.


Tribe Of Zebras Summer Mix by Tribe Of Zebras

Update: Tribe of Zebras is coming to Vancouver courtesy of one of the city's spicest dating blogs, Tales from a Bar Stool. Check out the details here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2059852073

My my my you're like pelican fly

Top: gifted from Paris

Necklace: gifted from Taiwan

Owl ring: some store in LA

Skirt: H&M

Headband: Claires

I've had this Nicki Minaj song stuck in my head for quite possibly weeks now.  It's just so damn catchy! And usually if you sing a song, you can get it out of your mind, but I can't even do that as I only know the chorus :(  Anyone else have any good tips for getting a song out of your head?

I'm so in love with pleated, slightly sheer skirts this year.  A blush version seriously tempted me, but right now I am dreaming of a full-length sheer, black skirt.  On my Gastown shopping tour, I did see a vintage one at One of a Few and I've been kicking myself since for not buying!  If any of my fellow Vancouverites do see it - HANDS OFF! Plz.

Savvy Mode's Easy Garlic Edamame

Photo credit: Savvy Mode

At a recent potluck, I tried out this recipe that I found via one of my favourite blogs, Savvy Mode.  This easy as sh*t recipe took only minutes to do and was very cheap, as all the ingredients except for the edamame I already had at home.  If you don't have a stock of Asian cooking ingredients at home, don't feel afraid to invest in the ingredients listed in this recipe - they are very common things in Asian cooking!

The result of this dish was a fragrant pot of deliciousness.  Even on the way to my potluck, I found myself snacking on my own dish.  Be warned though - when cooking this be sure you have good ventilation, or your whole house will smell of stirfry!  Not necessarily a bad thing, mind you.

Recipe copied from Savvy Mode below:

1 pound frozen edamame
2 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Japanese red pepper (can omit if want to avoid spicy food)
1 teaspoon sugar
ground black pepper to taste


1. Cook edamame in boiling water for about 5-6 minute, until tender and drained
2. Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a pan, add garlic and saute until lightly golden (do not over cook garlic, else will become bitter)
3. Add soy sauce, sugar to pan and cook for about 30 second, incorporate all ingredients together
4. Add drained edamame and toss until coated
5. Sprinkle red pepper and black pepper over edamame, toss ensure even coating

If you don't have sesame oil, just use olive oil instead. I like to serve this warm, but it is good cold as well. Garlic and pepper flakes really do add a savory kick to this popular Japanese appetizer. Cooking and taste are relative in my opinion, feel free to play around with ingredients to suit your own taste bud.

Juma F/W 2011

As much as I hate to say it, fall is coming.  I've already recounted what my fall lusts are, but here's some more lust-worthy Fall items to keep an eye out for.

Canadian label Juma creates unisex, progressive urban fashion for the globally mobile generation (that's just fancy speak for rich, cool people).  Their F/W 2011 collection utterly reflects this design philosophy with their gorgeous collection of digitally printed dresses, scarves and menswear.

Juma's recent runway show featured digitally printed dresses and scarves reminscent of butterfly wings juxtaposed against a sea of black slashed with technicolor rhombus shapes.  Fluttering scarves were draped over equally fluttery dresses and chunky ankle boots. The resulting look is modern and in-your-face, which is a tricky thing to pull off with such delicate fabrics.  It's an intriguing look sure to be hot this season.

Requisite "cooler-than-thou" facial expression not available in stores.

Getting to Know... Gentle Fawn

Have you ever wondered who are the people behind international brands?  Who are the individuals who make the decisions behind what is hot, or not, on your sales racks?  Recently, I got a chance to interview Christine, a brand manager behind local line, Gentle Fawn and asked her what the hot trends were for next year.

What do you do at Gentle Fawn?

I am the Brand Manager, which in other words is Sales/Marketing.

How did you get into the industry?

I started off as a sales rep for an agency and then began working as a Sales Marketing manager for a smaller distributor.

What's it like working at Gentle Fawn?

The BEST! All of the people here are like my family…we are all team players and are here for the same reasons: we love what we do!

Who is the Gentle Fawn muse?

Aside from our everlasting adoration of Audrey Hepburn, our muse really can’t be pin-pointed on one person. We take our inspirations from art culture, whether it be film, music, fine art, fashion in general [or] travelling.

Gentle Fawn describes itself as a balance of urban and natural elements. How is this reflected in the designs?
Gentle Fawn uses a lot of nature’s whimsical elements... such as feathers, horses, birds, water, Sherpa, etc. These elements may be used literally or inspirationally in our collections.

Can you describe the idea behind the upcoming Spring/Summer collection? 
Spring 2012 is created with a few ideas in mind: it is very Western influenced (chambray, metal medallions, fringe, and feathers) as well as Moroccan influenced in terms of colors and graphics. Our Summer collection is inspired by the pop movement’s bright colors and the earth tones and sophistication of a world traveler.

What are the hottest trends for the S/S 2012 season?
South-western graphics, kimono Blouses, bright pop colors, Chambray, lacy fabrics and floral prints.

What are the key trends from summer that one should keep around to transition into fall with?
A floral printed kimono blouse, your long jersey maxi-skirt, anything and everything lace, [and] high-waist
flare/bell bottom jeans.

What are your current fashion obsessions?
My long black maxi, heeled combat boot, lace tanks, chiffon tops, striped sweaters, button-up collared
blouses.

Any advice for how upcoming designers, writers, and general people in the industry can make
themselves noticed as a personal brand?
Word of mouth: if you deliver a good product and are able to reach the right audience, word will
spread. Referral is far more effective than any advertising.

Favourite spots to shop in Vancouver?
Spank, Aritzia, The Block, Moule, One of a Few.

Best thrift buy?
Recently, I found a really worn-in brown leather braided belt at Value Village. It’s
long so I can wrap tuck it under…I wear it all the time.

Thank you Christine and Gentle Fawn for your great answers! And to the folks at Dela Cruz PR for setting this up!

Lusting: James Jean silk printed scarf

I've been a long-time fan of James Jean's work.  His colorful, wildly imaginative dream-scapes have made him one of my favourite artists ever since his famous collaboration with Prada.  I'm pleased to see that he's now expanded from the canvas, to the fashion canvas, with this new release of printed silk scarves.  This brightly colored scarf features a charming scene reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland... if it really did take place inside an acid trip.  Though the images are surreal, the overall effect when wearing it, is extremely elegant.

$400 via James Jean.

Fall 2011 obsessions x Pinterest

As a fashion blogger it's kinda my responsibility to bring to you what I see as the trends to watch out for each season.  I'm usually pretty lazy about it, preferring to blog about cute things and dresses that look like cake instead.  HOWEVER there really is no excuse for my behaviour as I am actually absorbing all that information subconsciously and now finally that stream of consciousness has been given digital form!  Where oh where has Pinterest been all my life.  Sure, there was Polyvore, but I'm even too lazy to make a collage out of things I like!  Now Pinterest makes it for me!  So why the heck are you not following me on Pinterest?!

Seriously.

For those who don't get my subtle hints somehow, here are a few glimpses of what you may find, among my collections of fashion inspirations, food lusts, puppies, wanderlusts, and nerdy things, of what I am obsessing over for the upcoming Fall season.  Thank god for Fall fashions because I would otherwise be drowning in sorrow over the passing of my favourite season.  

Leggings check. Boots, check. Slouchy cardigans/sweater coats check. Slouchy toque, is now checked!  I recently snagged an awesome bright blue Neff toque at KnowShow, so I now want to take advantage of my growing locks by pulling on a cozy topper.

Minimalism be damned.  I'm getting tired of being minimalist and am feeling a turn towards maximal-ism in accessories again.  Also the taboo combo of gold and silver has me intrigued lately...

Still feeling the lady bags, as I call them.  The more structured the better, but I prefer mine to also come with some edgier touches to tone down the prissiness, such as chain straps and color blocking.

Finally, no ensemble seems complete now without pretty nails.  I'm really slacking on this one as I wear polish irregularly out of fear of drying out my nails.  Anyone have tips on how to maintain healthy nails?

What are your obsessions for Fall?