Summer Inspiration

Summer sun can't come soon enough. I'm ready to road trip, day trip, weekend trip & take random trips to wherever the road may take me. Now all I need is a big sun hat & some new summer clothes.

Photos from Mod3rnology

Spring Things & Sandals

 

Two of my favourite Spring things: fresh flowers & sandals. I can't wait to be able to throw on a pair of sandals without having my feet turn to ice cubes the moment I step out the door.

As always, here's some vain Instagram shots of myself. In the first picture I'm wearing a blue anorak. Really, guys, it's not a monkey wrenchin' mechanic suit, I swear! However, after the day I wore this I decided I don't like it anymore. Isn't that always how it works? In contrast, I do love my housecoat. That thing is never leaving my life. In fact, I caught Brandon napping on the couch under my housecoat. Um, I hope there's not going to be custody issues (clearly it's mine)!

And if anyone would like to donate to my Red Valentino cutest-sandals-on-the-planet-fund, I would be forever grateful to you. ;)

April's Harper's Bazaar, Take Two

I posted some shots earlier in the week of Mila Kunis from her shoot in the April issue of Harper's Bazaar. Well, Miranda Kerr has been featured in the same issue, and I am blown away by her photos as well. The girl is a modeling extraordinaire. She's had one child (with Orlando Bloom, which my 14 year old self would've been so angry about. I was obsessed with him!), looks like a knock out, and wore the billion kajillion dollar bra (I may be exaggerating here, possibly) at the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. However, like Mila, Miranda stays down to earth and is seen captured in photographs sans make up. If only we all looked that flawless on & off camera - her make up is flawless in this spread, and I love the styling! So perfect.

Note: I apologize for being away from HLDFashion for so long. I have started another project called Healthy Living Holly which I will be updating daily (or trying to, at least). It's an extension of this blog (somewhat) that follows more of my personal life and my journey through half marathon training & eating lots of yummy food! Check it out :) I will still be posting here, though!

(Printed) Pants Party!

Emma Watson in Versace

Olivia returns to New York after all her fashion week gallivanting. Yes, I can sure say the same...

 

I love the combination of prints here. Floral on the pants, leopard on the shoes, and the texture of her jacket is such a great mix. Too bad we didn't share a wardrobe, hey Olivia? I'm sure you'd like my basics..

 

Zara: Ombre effect trousers. Very cool!

I love the whole printed pants trend that is happening now. Venture into any H&M, Forever21, or any retailer for that matter, and you will be sure to spot them in a variety of colours and textures. Jeans, trousers, cotton, light and flowy; these pants are right on trend for the warmer weather around the corner!

Printed pants tip: Pair with a neutral top if you aren't feeling as adventurous as Emma Roberts (pictured at the top). The wonderful thing about patterns is that you can mix & match them, or you can keep things simple on top (even a simple white V-neck would look great with some printed pants & cool accessories!) and still be on trend. They make a GREAT statement piece! Likewise, you can make a million and one outfits with a pair of printed trousers as your base. Just be sure to keep proportions, colour story, and the size of print in mind if you are going to be combining prints.

What do you think about printed pants?

Silver Springs

Spring is all about bright colours and pastels, but I think it's fun to mix in a bit of silver in there as well. You can be happy to know that silver is (basically) considered a neutral - without the sheen it's basically grey! I was searching online and compiled a list of pictures, all incorporating silver, and one special picture (numero 2) with my favourite make up look for the Spring 2012 season - CLEAN! So fresh and so clean, clean.

1. Silver on the fingers, silver on the wrists. I love how silver jewelry looks stacked up against black & brown leather. Also, the chunkier, the better! Watches will help do the trick.

2. Clean make up! Light lips and cheeks paired with dewy skin. Ahh, if only the winter weather would stop wreaking havoc on my poor skin!

3. Hair cuffs. How genius is this? I remember when wrapping a strand of hair around your ponytail was so cool. I mean, it still is, but a hair cuff in silver takes it up a notch.

4. Geometric jewels gives an automatic dose of edge to your outfit. Sure, we've seen studs before (especially on denim. It's everyone's favourite DIY apparently), but I particularly like them on rings and necklaces.

5. An oversized envelope clutch + silver = accessory heaven.

Are you a silver or a gold girl?

Inspired by: The Olsens

The Olsen twins are the "it" twins in the fashion world. They are constantly being photographed front row at major fashion shows such as Chanel, and they even brush shoulders with the man behind the tweed jackets, Karl Lagerfeld. Mary Kate & Ashley have been in the spotlight ever since they were young. From Full House to their own independent movies (remember It Takes Two & Double, Double, Toil & Trouble?) and attending fashion shows to creating their own labels, The Olsens are a dynamic duo with the fashion sense to match. I mean, we can't exactly credit anyone else but Mary Kate for hobo-chic (back in her skin & bones days), can we? Nevertheless, I saw this photo and decided to create a Polyvore collage based on their front row looks. Check it out below!

This Spring, Neon is the Thing

 

Lately, have you noticed a lot of neon flashing you in the face upon entering a store? You've most likely seen the acidic hues splashed across magazine pages, too. Well, my friends. Neon is back for the Spring 2012 season! Although I like to think that I am fond of this trend, part of me (the comfortable, I-just-want-to-stay-in-my-pajamas-all-day side) says, "Don't do it!" However, I think it is rather easy for a neon newbie like myself to embrace the trend. In small doses, neon can be funky without being an eye sore, such as nail polish or a bit of aqua on a simple pair of flats. If you really want to get crazy, though, colour blocking neons and mixing neon patterns will take your look to the next level. Just try not to look like a highlighter!

Neon: Yes, or no?

 

Collage by HLDFashion

Black & Blue

 Black is the perfect shade in that it's simple, elegant, and sleek. You can match anything with black which makes it the great base colour for an outfit, especially with bright hues and neutral tones. It is easy to reach for black when the "what do I wear today?" dilemma arises (I have been there many times!), and you can feel free to pile on the accessories (a la Leighton Meester).

 

Blue is similar to black in the sense that you can add a ton of accessories to jazz things up or wear it in a funky texture, such as fur or snakeskin. Although winter is coming to an end, a rich blue hue is one of my favourite colours of the colder months. And, it looks as if blue will be making a comeback... Case in point: Coco Rocha in Zac Posen (what an amazing final look!) for Fall 2012.

 

Finally, black and blue come together in perfect matrimony to create an equally perfect outfit. I mean, you really can't go wrong with this combination! Whether you splash blue (or black) on your nails or use it as a bold statement colour of your outfit, the two colours work well together and look elegant and polished. It will be fun to mix in some brighter shades of blue once spring is upon us!

Photos from Tumblr (oh-so-coco, what-do-i-wear, mermaid-burns).

Polyvore collage created by HLDFashion

Holiday Sparkle: The Outfit

 

Deciding on the perfect Holiday dress or outfit can be one of the most difficult tasks a girl can have if she's looking to impress at a Holiday party. Employers often have Christmas parties, and it's important to look festive and classy, especially if you are going as a guest. Here are a few of my picks to make a great impression during the Holidays.

1. Jacob Lace Corset Dress ($99). This lovely dress also comes in red. The great thing about a little black dress is you can wear it again, and again! It is a classic investment piece, and fortunately this one won't break the bank! I would pair this with minimal accessories (maybe a delicate bracelet & diamond earrings) and a pair of glitter heels.

2. Delicate fabrics - Delicate fabrics such as silk look so pretty with some extra sequins. If you are not feeling a totally sequined shirt, I would wear one with minimal sparkle but still lots of details (think bows and nice draping & pin tucking). Having a piece in a simple color such as blush, white, or even black is still kept Holiday appropriate with the correct accessories. Plus, it is ultra feminine and transcends into future seasons.

3. Marc Jacobs Draped Black Tube Dress. Okay, so this one isn't as budget friendly as the Jacob dress (#1), so check your local Holt Renfrew or other luxury department stores for their price. My guess is at the very least, $1000.00. What I love about this dress is that you can make it as glamorous or as simple as you wish. A Breakfast at Tiffany's style necklace (lots of pearls) and a swirled bun on the top of your head would look classic and chic, or you could pair it with a deep red lip, great shoes & diamonds for a look that is ultra-glam!

4. The Olsen Twins - take a look at the clothing that these iconic twins wear day to day. I love the lace detailing on the sleeves of Mary Kate's black dress. It adds texture, and lace is definitely appropriate for the Holidays. Similarly, a printed dress like Ashley's allows you to focus more on your hair and make up rather than accessories. Prints certainly speak for themselves! Their bold lip is wonderful, too.

5. Last but not least, sequin overload! I have been seeing skirts in several stores that are fixed with sequins of all shapes and sizes. If you have a big Holiday party coming up (such as a girls' night or a casual Holiday dinner with friends & family), feel free to be more adventurous. Royal blue and ink blue especially are a lovely contrast against the usual reds & greens of the Holiday season. However, when you have such a flashy & fun dress, you can keep your accessories and shoes simple. You want to avoid looking like a Christmas tree (as pretty as some of them are)!

What is your go-to Holiday outfit this Christmas?

Photos from Weheartit, Tumblr, Jacob & Style.com

Cambridge Charm

Current purse on my to-buy list: The Cambridge Satchel.

They are so colourful, fun, and come in a great selection of colours. If you are looking for a basic, safe bag, you probably won't be opting for any of these bright colours (although you can go with the classic style satchel for neutral hues). However, I absolutely love the fluoro line & hope to be purchasing it soon!

I love how you can add it to a single-toned outfit to add a pop of colour, yet you can also use it for colour blocking in your outfit. I know I am jumping the gun here since it is still winter, but a girl can dream for sunny days filled with colour and spring fashion! I'm sure I'm not the only one.

A Touch of Christmas

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming!

I have already started to decorate for Christmas. I've added some decorative Christmas baubles to the kitchen cupboard handles, and I also fastened them to the doorknobs of the bedroom & bathroom. Just seeing the small additions make me excited for decorating bigger & better things, such as a Christmas tree! While Brandon & I haven't decided if we are going to go BIG for Christmas this year (we both are going back to the island to see our families) or just have a small Charlie Brown-esque Christmas tree to decorate. 

See, all that could be mine!

In addition to the little baubles in the house, I am starting to collect the holiday editions of some magazines. Fortunately they are coming out early, so I will not be scrambling to get my copy! Additionally, Christmas-scented candles have made an appearance as well. While I did have them before the winter season (I bought them in August!), they seem even more appropriate now. My favourite scents are apple cider & eggnog!

Have a lovely day, friends!

Outfit Snaps

Wearing: SheBella Accessories infinity scarf, H&M ring, Aritizia oversized T-shirt dress.
Nail Polish: China Glaze Ruby Pumps
Worn with (not pictured): Parasuco skinny jeans, Spring shoes wedge boots

Wearing: H&M Sequin T, Suzy Shier blazer, SheBella Accessories necklace, H&M rings.
Worn with (not pictured): Black pleather leggings & black motorcycle boots

I am thankful my iPhone allows me to snap pictures of my outfits in a hurry. While it isn't the full thing (which is ultimately better), it gives you a taste of the smaller details. I will try to take some better pictures soon. Unfortunately the last time I tried to have an outfit photoshoot, not only was it freezing outside, but people kept on walking by as my self-timer was JUST about to go off. How rude, people. Can't you see I'm taking important photos for my blog!? Pfft.

Anyway, just a quick post with some quick photos, but I will see you all tomorrow! I hope you have a wonderful day! :)

The Fourth Annual MoMA Film Benefit

They were SO happy that I would be there that they hugged each other!

...Wishful thinking.

Yes, I often hang out with Anna Wintour & Karl Lagerfeld as well. 

He must be looking for me in the crowd. I suppose it slipped his mind that I was his plus one.

I wanted to share with you some of my favourite pictures from the Fourth Annual MoMA Film Benefit that paid tribute to filmmaker Pedro Alomodovar. Celebrities and fashion designers & icons alike flocked to the Museum of Modern Art this past Tuesday, and there was no shortage in gorgeous clothing. What do I need to do to attend these functions (or at LEAST have the clothes)? ;)

Images c/o Vogue

You can read the article on the film benefit HERE :)