This is me in Grade 9, Baby

I find it funny when friends who have known me for a really long time refer to me as a "fashionista"...funny because I'm not sure if I really was fashionable at all for a very large portion of my life.

Growing up in Peterborough, Ontario, I was an only child to a single mom.  I had good friends, and wore what I thought looked good on me back then.  My mother couldn't afford much anyway, and it wasn't exactly a shopping mecca in the small city.  I am, in all aspects, a late bloomer when it comes to fashion.  I can't say I was one of those kids who wore her mother's pearls, and insisted on wearing scarves in grade 3 because my mom didn't have much of anything while I was growing up, certainly not pearls and scarves.  She wasn't someone who kept her old vintage pieces for her daughter...she didn't have the room.  We shopped at Biway and I was, for the most part, totally ok with it...I had to be!  I remember looking through magazines and just not even recognizing the brand names because they just weren't available to me anywhere within hundreds of kilometers.  Imagine Oshawa being our fashion oasis in high school  because they actually had a real mall?

I remember the year I realised that my childhood was essentially over.  It was Grade 6 and girls and guys were no longer just friends, we were getting hips and other fun body parts and there it was, BAM:  self consciousness.  Gone was my youthful confidence, and in its place was this overwhelming fear that I might do, say or wear something "wrong".  To say "children are cruel" is only half the truth...the other half is that the majority of kids also care too much about what their peers think.   Fast forward to high school, and I was still (and possibly even more) shy, body conscious, and socially awkward.  I had a couple  of great friends, but I think my main problem is that I couldn't do or say anything without worrying what others would think.  My high school had a different social structure as well.  It was located in a district that was made up of mostly lower class families and public housing, which accounted for the majority of the population.  The school was known for its vocational programs-auto shop, floristry and culinary arts.  For all these reasons, a very  large portion of the students who were considered popular were not the typical upper middle class, above-average grades, super athletic types.  They also weren't the types to take any risks in what they wore, and the ones that did were very distinctly categorized (and ostracized) from the "popular" group.  I remember buying a few items from the second hand shop downtown and "testing them out" at school...I was made fun of all day for wearing this one shirt.  I never wore it again.  Which was probably the real issue...because at the end of the day, if I had just worn what I wanted and stopped caring then I probably would have felt so much more comfortable in my skin.  I can honestly say the only people I was truly jealous of were the rare kids who seriously just didn't seem to give a s----.  They had, for lack of a better word, balls.  I'm not saying I was some repressed style icon or anything...I'm saying I do regret the part where I cared...and this feeling continued into my first 2 years of University. 

Going to University of Western Ontario is no place for a self-conscious welfare kid, soI don't really know what I was thinking, haha.  I didn't really like any of the main fashion trends going on while I was there:  Uggs, meshback hats, etc.  I started making my own clothing in second year-here and there a new piece, and I began sketching ideas as well.  People seemed to like the things I made and I began to finally experiment with my clothing, taking risks and expressing a part of me that I had been protecting...and this time nobody was making fun of it.  By the time I moved to Ottawa to go to Carleton, I was finally feeling as though I could wear what I wanted and not care what others thought...and interestingly enough, the less I cared, the more they liked what I wore. 

It's been 6 years since I moved to Ottawa, and I really feel  like I've come into my own skin.  It is really ironic that in the city that is always overlooked for its fashion, I have been able to collect a wardrobe that I really feel fits me and my personal style.  I know where I can find a unique item, where I can find great shoes and accessories, where to go for inexpensive vintage pieces and the stores that I can't leave without buying something when I visit.  I feel like I make my own rules when it comes to what looks good on me and what I think works with what I already have.  I also know so much more about the world of fashion as a whole...and learn so much more each day. 

I worry sometimes that this new career I'm trying to develop is one that I should have began 8 years ago, when I was younger and had so many years ahead of me to work on it...but I don't think I would have been capable of doing it back then.  I didn't even like how I dressed myself, so how could I have made things for other people?  I didn't have that part of me really figured out very well...I hadn't learned that important lesson yet:  To be truly fashionable, you need to stop caring so damn much.  Of course, I do still care what others think...I'd be lying if I said I didn't, because I certainly don't dress only for myself and I legitimately enjoy a compliment, who doesn't?  I think, however, the real test lies in that that last moment before you leave the house to go out, and you've probably put on one too many accessories, or mismatched your shoes to your outfit or are wearing an item that is totally outlandish, and you think, for just one second, "should I be wearing this?"-and then you leave anyway, because you ultimately love what you are wearing-I think that moment right there is, truly, fashion.  Over the years, I have come pretty far...and that's one part age, one part experience and one part learned fearlessness.  I don't know what took me so long, but I love what I wear 90% of the time and it's sometimes the only thing getting me up and out in the mornings.

My fashion idols are still the individuals who take chances and push limits:  Gwen Stefani, Anna Dello Russo, that girl who wore that hat to the party the other night, my girlfriend Erica who wears skull and cross bone necklaces with her cocktail dress.  They're the type who won't go to the beach without red lipstick or the movies without knee high boots.  They just get "it", and, more importantly, they get themselves.  To be fashionable, you need to know yourself and, ultimately, be proud of the person you are.  It took me a while, but I'm there now.  So yes, I'm wearing this tonight, deal with it...and pass me another bracelet.

xo Amber

Frock around the Christmas Tree!

The holiday party season is upon us in full force!  I've already been to my work Christmas Party and have two more this weekend.  For our party on Wednesday, I wore one of the items I found at the Abbotsford Bazaar I posted about a while ago.  It's an 80s-style black dress gold stitching in a pin stripe pattern on the bodice and sleeves.  I had it tailored shorter so that it was more of a party dress and less of a marmy dress, and I absolutely love it.  Here's a pic of me (right) with my friend Jenn and my boyfriend Tyler...too bad it's not a full-length shot, because the skirt has really nice pleating, but oh well!

If anybody is still scrambling to find an interesting dress for a holiday party, including New Year's Eve, I have a few suggestions for dresses and outfits that I found online.  I only searched for items available in Canada (and mostly in Ottawa), since it's really not helpful to look at items from the UK or even the US that can't be bought anywhere nearby.

BCBG:

This dress is simple but super hot and can be dressed up or down, depending on the level of fancy the party will  be.

This is just gorgeous...it would be perfect for a NYE gala in a grand hall somewhere.

Zara:

My heart aches for this dress.  My little friend works at Zara in Ottawa and she informed me that this dress is not being ordered in at the store here...what a freaking bummer.  I love the simplicity of the cut, with the pop of colour...I think this colour of red is THE colour of red I am always searching for but usually looks really cheap, regardless of the quality of workmanship.  The thicker material and classic cut bodice prevents that from happening and the short tulip skirt is adorable.

I love a woman in a tuxedo.  There's something really sexy about this entire look...instead of looking boyish, the way it is styled actually manages to accentuate her femininity.  I love it.

Aritzia:

The perfect sparkly dress....I love the rosey hue and the drape would be very flattering for most body types.  The silouette is very no-fuss, but the sequin makes it festive.

I love this 20s style lace dress.  I would wear this with pin curls, red lips and champagne.

Worth mentioning:  H&M, Road Trip and Club Monaco also have lots of sparkly dresses and separates..couldn't get any great photos online to show you, but I've wandered into CM recently and wanted everything.  Def worth checking out!

Happy Holidays and Champagne Cheers everyone! 

xo Amber

Amber's Spring 2011 RTW (Really Truly Want)

I've said before that I get more inspiration from street style looks, as captured by clever photographers/bloggers.  I like it because it shows the aptitude of the wearer for combining several trends and labels together in a unique, individual way.  I think it takes skill to be stylish when you are not necessarily involved in the fashion industry. 

However, that's not to say that I don't like a good runway show.  I have compiled my favourite looks from the Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear shows into a sort of "You're dreaming, Amber" list.

Work: 

Valentino 

I love both of these ensembles from Valentino's runway show oh so much.  The first is a classic-cut, tailored creme skirt suit.  High waists really suit me because I have a freakishly long torso for the proportions of my body and so the waist would hit at the perfect level to even me out.

The blush hues are still going to be huge this spring, which are surprisingly great for most skin tones.  I love the sheer details combined with a conservative cut.  It's unexpectedly sexy while still being completely work-appropriate.

Play:

Balmain

Ummmm, dying.  I already have a perfect white blazer but omg these pants.  I'm not even sure if it would be good ENOUGH to buy silver American Apparel  leggings and call it a day...I'm fairly certain I need these EXACT pants, which is completely out of the question.  Alright, I'll try AA.  Sigh.

Zac Posen

SO hot...I wonder if I have the guts to wear this or if it would sit in my closet with the tags on...I think I would have to find a slip of some sort to wear under the skirt.  Or have a few glasses of liquid courage and make a break for it when I stop noticing I'm about to go out in my underwear.

Evening

Vera Wang

I don't care what anyone says, I've always loved deliberately showing my bra.  Helps that I have no chest, so I feel like it doesn't look completely inappropriate...although I'm sure some of my friends have silently disagreed.

Lanvin

How airy and forgiving!  Imagine the buffet of a dinner you could eat and still look fabulous?!  Would  be perfect for bringing on vacation too...love!  (Call me crazy, but I'd probably wear a bra with it though, geez.)

Casual/Weekend:

Ralph Lauren

I am a sucker for a white eyelet fabric and this one would perfectly replace my white eyelet dress I had held on to since 2007 that after this year I had to let go...I miss it already and it's not even nearly Spring yet.

I felt like Ralph Lauren really nailed it in this collection.  There were a few over-the-top country outfits, but that was the point and the pieces worn separately would be gorgeous.  This one above is perfect as is.

The Maxi Dress:

(Casual)

Ralph Lauren, again 

So flowy and summery. I feel like it would move like a dream and I love the belt.  I think there's also a slit up the front that adds a nice flirtation and keeps the skirt from looking too heavy.  The bare shoulders and low neckline would keep the wearer nice and cool even in intense heat.  Throw on a worn in jean jacket overtop at night time...perfection.

(Cocktail)

Valentino, again



Usually with maxi dresses, I need the top to be minimal so that I don't feel so Victorian, but this one was a pleasant surprise.  I love all the sheer, especially the panels right up the side of the leg, which kept it from looking like a marmy house dress.  I would add red lips and nails.  Nude high heels keep the attention on the dress.

Best overall collection for Spring (in my humble opinion): 

Hermès

Jean Paul Gaultier certainly knows how to make an entrance...and an exit.  For his (final) Spring 2011 collection for Hermès, Gaultier highlighted the fashion house's equestrian pedigree, with leather bustiers, tailored jackets and ultra stylish riding gear. Horses and riders pranced behind models in broad-brimmed hats and brandishing riding crops while wearing those perfect riding boots that everyone wants.  The collection managed to be daytime casual and nighttime sensual all at once.  I love.
 

 

The Accessory:

Alexander McQueen

This clutch clearly needs to be in my hand RIGHT NOW.  I don't want to insult you with my reasons for loving it, because it's just too obvious...just LOOK at it!!  I'm not sure if this is even from a Spring 2011 collection, but to me this is seasonless.

I'd like to use a song title to illustrate my hopefulness that in the future these beautiful items, or some like them, will eventually be hanging in my closet: 

One Sweet Day. 

Mariah has always understood me.

xo Amber

OMG, I cry when I get wings too!

Tuesday night was the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, aka. Amazons on Parade.  5 girlfriends and I got into our cozies and stocked up on food and drink, with many corresponding dips and mixes and prepared for the big show.   It's always advisable to watch these sorts of spectacles with at least one other girlfriend, so that if you start spiralling into depression, the other one can remind you of vital details, such as "none of these girls are from North America" and "all they do every day is work out and eat green leafy vegetables", as you take down half a pumpernickel loaf with spinach dip. 

The "Angels" were all, as per usual, pretty adorable, and seem to get along with each other surprisingly well, as proven through multiple shots of them dancing backstage with each other while official "glitter throwers" shower them every 2 minutes in clouds of fairy dust.  Makeup artist Tom Pecheux and hair stylist Sam McKnight were enlisted to give the VS angels a look that Pecheux described as very "California girl," with soft, shiny, bouncy waves, and, of course, bronzed skin—the precise shade of which celebrity tanner Jimmy Coco referred to as "honey glaze." Yum. The angels stalked gracefully down the runway at the Lexington Avenue Armory, showing off their endless legs.  I do have to say, however, that Gisele is still missed even now, and rumours of an appearance by Her Perfection-ness made for a bit of a let-down when she didn't show.  I mean really, how busy could she be settled down with a NFL quarterback, a baby, stocking up on a few more ab muscles and making organic sandals or whatever?  I suppose it's her dream and not mine, but if I had a career that allowed me to fly all over the world, getting paid to wear beautiful things I don't really feel like I would consider the whole "quitting" thing.  Moving on to my critique:

This year's theme was entitled "A Night of a Thousand Fantasies", with 6 separate sections:  Tough Love, Game On, Country Girls, Heavenly Bodies, Wild Things and PINK Planet.

Tough Love

The title of this section is aptly named, since we were a little hard on it...we're all kind of over the tattoo art look (or were never into it to begin with but accepted its existence), ie. Ed Hardy, Dom Rebel and other knockoff versions.  We had been discussing exactly that right before the show started so when the first model walked down with this on, we were all groaning a bit:

HOWEVER, if you take away the wings, and look at each part of it separately, I actually feel like the heart bustier is kind of cool on its own.  I don't know where I would WEAR it but I don't HATE it and if someone were to give it to me as a present, I would not be upset.  That's all I'm saying.

This kimono was designed and hand made by Jeff Fender, a Broadway costume designer who also worked on Tom Ford’s top-secret new women’s collection. Fender estimated that the kimono alone took 300-plus man hours.  Too bad Anja Rubik looked bored the entire time she wore it.  Apparently, though, she's a new fave of Karl Lagerfeld and I'm fairly certain Chanel models do not smile.  Maybe she was confused about which show she was in?

Rating:  7/10

Game On 

Ah, yes, the Sporty Girl fantasy.  This is clearly what a woman boxer would wear:

It's funny because 3 of my friends sitting with me have played competitive soccer, among other sports, and we joked about how awesome it would be if they showed up to the game wearing something like this.  Kind of similar to those Reitman's commercials I keep referencing...HA!

The male gymnasts were pretty freaking great though.  And I loved this 80s style aerobics gear.  She looked so tough...loved it.

"Raaaaaaaaaawr!"

Rating:  7/10

Country Girls

Ugh, this was the worst one of the night.  I'm not even posting the most heinous photos that were available...I'm posting the two BEST right here.  Witness two of the hottest VS Angels trying to make this theme work:

If Alessandra Ambrosia can't pull off those sleeves, nobody can.  Candice there is pretty cute in that gingham/crocheted getup though, can't lie.

Rating:  2/10

Heavenly Bodies

This is where things really started to come together because this theme was really very gorgeous-and actually wearable for the average girl.  Models strutted down the catwalk wearing grecian ensembles with white, ethereal wings trailing behind them. 

I believe I said "I want those wings for my wedding" when I saw these ones:

Wings are the new veil...calling it now.

During the show, they showed a part from the fittings when Chanel Iman finds out she gets to wear these wings and she was so overcome with joy she seriously started crying.  Apparently this happens often when VS Angels find out they get wings to wear at the show.  I don't know what to say.  I suppose if someone  handed me gorgeous, one of a kind Christian Louboutin heels for me to wear/keep, I can't say a few tears wouldn't be shed, so I won't judge.

Rating:  8/10

Wild Things

The second to last theme was a huge hit.  Models came out wearing various animal prints, appearing on stage through a forest of tribal painted trees.

The piece de resistance was this beautiful model wearing body paint and the tiniest two piece on earth.  Again, the male dancers were a great addition, following her out like she was an African Queen and they were her man servants:

Thinking of wearing this for New Years...might be a bit chilly though.  Oh, wait I'm in Cancun for NYE.  Shwinggg!
Rating:  9/10

PINK Planet

And finally, for the younger VS shoppers, there was the new PINK line:  playful, youthful and colourful as always.  While Katy Perry performed a medley of some of her new and old hits, the girls came out in a variety of outfits.  This one was really hard to rate, because some of the outfits were actually pretty cute and others looked like something the Easter Bunny barfed on your rug.  But, keeping in mind it's for a younger audience, I didn't give it too hard of a time.

A perfect getup for all the rain we've had lately!

Rainbow Brite called.  She said this is too much.

Rating:  7/10

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is really just a guilty pleasure for most people I know, I think because of how fundamentally simple it is.  It's only an hour long with commercials, filled with musical performances, cute, friendly girls who all seem to get along and distinct, recognizable themes.  VS fashion show isn't a trendsetter.  It's familiar, comfortable and safe to be quite honest.  Not a single ensemble went out there that could be described as "new" or "cutting edge", but I think that's why it's pretty likeable.  We can all just sit back, enjoy and eat a carb...it's the one thing we have that they don't.

xo Amber