HK Hit List 2: Beyond Basics

Happy weekend, my friends! Thank you so much for all your well wishes and I'm feeling a lot better than I was a few weeks ago. Thank goodness because I'm flying to Hong Kong next week.

I have a lot of trendy things in my closet, and I think it's about time I stock up on some basics. Well, not totally plain stuff but classics like tees, hoodies and shift dresses, kicked up a notch.

I have lots of tees but I'm looking for more deconstructed ones with slightly different shapes.

Below: Rag and Bone Wide Striped Tee and Three Dots Scoop Neck Tee.

I don't wear much red but the gorgeous back on this classic shift dress might change my mind.

Below: Ports 1961 Shift Dress

This grey hoodie by L.A.M.B mixes it up with a draped back.

As for accessories? I'd keep it nice and small with little grey oxfords and a teeny red bag.

Below: Rag and Bone Oxfords and Rebecca Minkoff Mini Bag.

Check back next week for my third installment of HK Hit List!

Images from Shopbop.com

J'adore La Flore Et La Faune

C'est moi! A gift from the witty and funny La flore et la faune. Thank you so much; it's one of the coolest gifts I've ever received and totally made my day.

I was always a long-haired girl...

..till yesterday when I decided to cut my mid-back length locks into this asymmetrical bob. I thought there was going to be a lot more anxiety and maybe tears but surprisingly, I was really ready. I've had some horrendous hair mishaps in the past, and very bad luck involving stylists (my hair person bailed on me on my wedding day, because he supposedly missed his flight from Vegas that morning - wtf was he doing in VEGAS on the morning of my big day?).

Fortunately, Simon at Masterpiece Hair is a Jedi with shears. Alas, no tears.

A while ago, I was tagged by The Anthology with the Stylish Blogger Award, and HauteWorld kindly reminded me I didn't list out my ten things that make my unique style. So, here we go:

1. I always take cut and proportion into consideration - being pint sized means I follow some rules that elongate and flatter. Hello micro-minis!

2. I'm never afraid to be who I am and wear what I want, when and where I want it.

3. I am a style chameleon, able to mix and match according to my mood. I can go preppy to punk to pretty on the same day.

4. If something looks "nice", it's not good enough. Nice is over-rated.

5. I will splurge on luxurious handbags, because there's nothing better than a buttery soft, high quality bag...

6. ...except for posh shoes. You can't have too many pairs.

7. I am not much for costume jewelry, as I prefer very special signature pieces. These are usually custom made (designed by me), or purchased somewhere in the world on one of my trips, or poached from mom. It helps that my uncle is a jeweler, and my mom's collection is probably worth more than my house.

8. I have an obsession with leather - I love the smell of it when I clean my saddle, tack and riding boots, and I love how well-worn leather feels.

9. I actually wear glasses most days to work - in fact I have about 4 pairs of them!

10. A pair of good boots and sunglasses instantly upgrades anything I'm wearing.

Sorry about the terrible quality of these pictures - I'll fix that shortly but I wanted to get some pics up soon since my friends and readers have been asking.

How She Harems

Taline, Communications Student at Concordia University, is our lovely style hottie of the week. I once posed the question of to harem or not to harem, and in Taline's case, the answer is a resounding YES. Paired with exotic market sandals and stacks of silver jewelry, she epitomizes global boho chic.

Who influences your style? What inspires you?
I try to incorporate my love for the beach and the lifestyle that it entails, when I am dressing. I want my clothes to embody my mantra,"Just Living the Dream". I mix together a lot of different patterns, materials and styles. My ultimate style goal is to exude lightness, freshness and freedom through my clothes. I really like the "exotic, hippie, bohemian" look. I love Nicole Richie's style and she has been someone who I have kept my eye on and has definitely inspired my style choices.

Most-Wanted item for the Summer?
My most wanted item for summer are those long dresses that go down to your ankles (A Beautiful Life says, kind of like one of these?). A flowy earth coloured one, preferably a tube top.

Heels or Flats?
Flats during the day, heels at night, for my style and lifestyle, I feel as though heels are too fancy/uncomfortable during the daytime.

Essential items for your summer trip to Lebanon?
Bathing suit, a few summer dresses

Best style advice for my readers?
Wear what makes you feel comfortable and sexy. Follow your instincts and you'll find a style which makes you feel great;therefore, you will look great.

Taline is wearing:
Tube Top, American Apparel dress converted into top
Harem pants, True Value Vintage
Sunglasses, Ray-Bans
Jewelry, Native ring (by Native designer, name unknown); Silver Bangles from an African jewelry store in Montreal; Silver Charm bracelet, grad present from my high school
Sandles, Miss Sixty from Browns

Britannia by the Park

Last weekend, I went to the British Classic Auto and Motorbike Show held annually at Van Dusen Garden. It was a lovely warm spring day, and the scene was a eclectic mix of motoring enthusiasts, some in their full motorcycle gear from their morning ride in, and others in classic vintage autosport attire. Lots of leather jackets, boots, and chaps were spotted, and as an equestrian, you know I have a thing for leather. There's something very posh-country about it, and there were more than a few smartly dressed older gentlemen and ladies who were still rockin' it style-wise. Very inspiring.

Like Gilbert, my father-in-law's good friend, also a member of the British Motorbike Club.

British racing green looks soo good with this bike. I can't wait to buy a helmet and goggle like that for my hubby when he finishes rebuilding his classic bike.

This charming lady sported a vintage hand-made dress and hat. She arrived in her Mini, of course, and donned proper white lace gloves.

I couldn't get over her amazing hat of feathers and flowers.

Love these pins!

Motorcycle boots and mini chaps.

I loved all the iconic emblems on all the classic cars.

As if! The 90's are back

You knew this was coming right? The "new" style crop tops (bra tops, Wang or Schouler style) making their way down various RTW runways (maybe it can work with high waisted pants, maybe?), the grungy flannel shirts and ripped jean shorts (Kate Moss never grew out of them and neither did I), and denim everything. All of these were ominous signs that the days of Fresh Prince, C+C Music Factory, and Hammertime are back. Yes, we're talking early 90's.

House of Holland led the way with their Spring 2009 RTW line, which was filled with black and white polka-dots and loud florals that hit the catwalks of every high school in America, Beverly Hills or not. And now WhoWhatWear has done this fabulous shoot paying homage to our favourite teens from that glamorous zipcode, 90210. When I first saw the above group shot, I actually thought for a second that was the real Brenda Walsh!




I love the way they have interpreted the 90's, and I wish i still have those black Doc Marten boots that I lived in to pair with my new old school Nirvana tee.

Still don't believe me? L.A Gear is back (the intro video on their site is KILLER). Together with Sportie LA, they have relaunched the colourful line of high tops available exclusively through Sportie LA. I want this pair!

For a giggle, check out this list of The Worst 90's Trends - I was guilty on 4/5 accounts.

What were your fave and most regretted fashion trends of the 90's? I am still diggin ripped denim, babydolls, and floral dresses with vests. BUM Equipment, Blossom hats, and baby backpacks must be amongst my worst crimes.

Now, gotta download me some Straight Up.

Style Maven of the Week

This week, I caught up with our style maven of the week Kim to get the low-down classic, modern chic. Her one-of-a kind accessories make this outfit really pop.

What are you wearing?
Mostly Jcrew! Headband, scarf, ballet flats and cardigan.
AG jeans and David Yurman bracelet.



Describe your personal style.
A little preppy but casual.
Your favourite brands/designers?
DVF, Christine Celle for Calypso, J crew

You need a killer outfit for a hot date. Where do you go?
Holts

Your must-have wish list for Summer 09
Jewel encrusted sandals, white jeans, colorful tees



Trend you won't be caught dead sporting?
skinny leather pants!

Totally Obsessed

There are so many amazing people out there with wonderful blogs, and one that I've been following quite religiously is Obsession Du Jour. The fiercely stylish red-head from Albany, Australia (she calls it the "most unfashionable city on the planet") strikes quirky poses in hand-picked vintage pieces and accessories she peddles at her EBay store.

Besides digging her pixie rocker style, I have total girl envy for her wild, red locks.

Vintage Treasure of the Week: Bonzie

I've been spending more time on Etsy lately, scoping out treasures and one-of-a kind items.  I stumbled across Bonzie, an aunt-and-niece deisgn duo from Ireland creating gorgeous Victorian inspired pieces from recyled and vintage materials.  Their frilly boleros, corsets and wraps are utterly romantic, and I soo wish I had found them when I was married as it would have gone so gorgeously with my Alvina Valenta gown (picture below).  Their blog features some of their latest creations in gorgeous settings. 

What I love about Bonzie's whimsical pieces is that they can go girly and romantic, or be punked-up in bad-ass gothic way.  Looks like I'll be saving up for one of these wearable art pieces as my next fab buy.

My Michelle Obama Dress

Those of you who know me know that I just adore Mr. President Barack Obama.  I once even wrote a post about what to wear if I lunched with the President of the United States.  With this sleek, moody floral number, I think I've found my perfect dress if he should ever come to Vancouver.

I picked up this black dress and abstract, black and white floral peeptoe pumps from a lovely boutique called Florence Hill in Central, Hong Kong.  It has the most perfect dresses running in petit sizes, as well as shoes, jewelry and accessories - a one-stop shop if you're looking for a frock for an occasion.  

I call this my Michelle Obama dress because the detailing of the flowers reminds me of the creative textures and fabrics she often dons.  Like Mrs. O's style, this dress gives a new twist to a classic shape and theme (floral), and it makes me feel as sophisticated as the ladies who lunch. When I've got a dress like this on, it gives me the right to fling my hair however which way I choose.   J/K!! (ok not really).

It's All About Texture

I finally got around to getting some pics of my new stuff from the trip today. The weather wasn't as nice as I had hoped for, so I didn't get many outside snaps. That said, I still found a way to feature the gorgeous cherry blossoms that are in full bloom right now outside my house. I am also blogging from the EEE asus and I'm having problems with cropping photos so please excuse that.

I was so happy to have found three items from my HK Hit List: Fringed, Leather Jacket, and Cut-Out Bootie Sandals, all featured in this outfit. None of these items are brand names, but rather are from various boutiques in Hong Kong.

Brown bomber leather jacket: by Blues Heroes (haha not St.Louis tho - GO CANUCKS GO!). From Hong Kong
White beater fringed tank top: from a small boutique in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
Blue Grey tiered skirt: from small boutique in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
White leather mesh cut-out sandal slingbacks: from Causeway Bay, HK

Daily Inspiration

Sorry about the lack of posts this week...I know some of you have been checking back in anticipation of my latest wares from my trip and I just haven't had time since I got back to sort out my picture and laundry.   Anyways, I will have some up tomorrow and hopefully the weather cooperates and I can get some nice shots outside.

Until then, here are a couple of other fashionistas I spotted on Lookbook (thanks to my friend Amber for the tip).  I'm in awe of how amazing the styling is from the peeps in this community, and how professional the shots look.  It's definitely inspired me to learn more about photography.

I love her Cheap Monday outfit, and her hair is amazing.

Her pink glasses are super cute, as are her tresses!  

HK Hit List #1

Ok this is somewhat cheating but as my trip is over as of tomorrow night (I depart midnight tomorrow), I have to get to the last Hit List item. It's actually items and I've already scored a few pieces here. Without further adieu, HK Hit List #1 - Fringed and Studded. I feel like I would be ready for Coachella in this ensemble.

I'm wearing -

Nirvana white tee (says "All in all is all we are" on the back and features graphic of Kurt Cobain from Smells like Teen Spirit video)
Fringed suede vest
Jean shorts
White woven, double wrap leather belt
Studded green leather strappy flat sandals
Baby pink "80's" satchel with fringy straps and hardware

Everything except for the jean shorts are items I have scored on this trip to HK.