Tuesday 28 January 2014

2014 Grammy Awards - Best Dressed

I have to say, this year's Grammy awards was a bit underwhelming. There was no DRAMA! Perhaps that is because neither Riri nor Miley were present, but I digress. The night still had some awesome looks that knocked it out of the park (hellloooo, Queen Bey!). Here are my favorites:



Beyonce - Michael Costello
Speaking of Bey, I love the alluring details of this dress. Beyonce (unlike Paris Hilton) did sheer white the right way. The strategic placing of the floral lace leaves little to the imagination but in a classy way. Jay-Z is a lucky man!



Taylor Swift - Gucci
Taylor brings her signature style up a notch with this sophisticated sparkly number. I love how she chose a ponytail to go with this look. Absolutely stunning.

Alicia Keys - Armani Privé
This fiery girl was absolutely stunning in this maternity gown. As I've mentioned before, the pregnant ladies have been rocking it lately! The blue is a nice change from all the metallic gowns we've been seeing lately. Don't get me wrong, I am crazy for metallics but it just gets boring after a while when literally everybody is wearing it.


Ciara - Emilio Pucci
Speaking of pregnant (and metallic)  - Ciara is glowing in this gown. Yes, metallic is getting boring but I can't help but fall in love with this look. The swirly design adds some interest to the gown, and her loose waves and bronze makeup adds some softness to complete the look.

For the men, there weren't that many looks that wowed. However, Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis brought some much needed pizzaz to the carpet:

So much fun.

I really hope to see some color at the next award show! I would especially love to start seeing some pastels as they're projected to be the in-thing for S/S2014. One thing is for sure - I better not see another sea of gold and silver dresses. Please.

Saturday 25 January 2014

An Après Ski Style Guide


The days are certainly not getting warmer any time soon. While we may be tempted to hunker in and hibernate all winter, the best thing to do is to just go out there and make the best of it. What's not to love about spending a sunny winter day out on the slopes and relaxing in the hot tub afterwards with a hot toddy in hand? I have one memory watching the original Pink Panther movie as a child and being so fascinated by the fur hats and smoking jackets donned on the bottom of the Swiss Alps. With inspiration from this movie, here are some stylish-yet-functional pieces to don at the ski lodge this weekend.

The Fair Isle Sweater
I cannot think of a better time to don the fair isle jumper than at the chalet. This was the most essential piece of the 70s ski lodge and J. Crew has perfected the modern version of this classic.

The Puffer Vest
On especially chilly nights, a puffer vest is the perfect option. There’s little better than a vest for that transitional style quandary as it works so well over shirts, rugby tops and knits.


Manly Boots
A cornerstone of the après ski look. Boots need to be casual and warm, preferably waterproof. Too dressy and you'll look way out of place. If you want to go authentic après ski check out versions by North Face or Sorel for heavy-duty, yet fashionable picks.

Pants
Anything casual works here. I like the look of khakis and wool dress pants paired with a cozy cable knit sweater and vest. You also cannot go wrong with a great pair of chinos.


Long Johns
Uniqlo makes a fantastic variety of long johns to keep you warm all day at the slopes and all night at the chalet. These camo print ones are awesome.

Classic Shades
Last but certainly not least, this is your chance to rock the 70s cool without looking like a raver. Persol has great classic shades in a variety of colors. Thanks to the casual, neutral tones of the typical ski lodge outfit, you can be a bit daring with a bold color.

Now all you need is an open fire and a beverage in-hand and you'll be all set to enjoy your weekend at the slopes in style.




Tuesday 21 January 2014

2014 SAG Awards Red Carpet Rundown

This year's Screen Actors Guild Awards was all about the blues - in a good way!
The ladies of Hollywood dazzled this year with blue-hued dresses and he men took a liking to satin lapels and bow ties.

Here are some of my favorite looks:


Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci
I have to admit - I have a total style crush on Lupita. She always kills it on the red carpet. The aqua blue looks fantastic against her skin tone and leaving the accessories behind to let that neckline shine was a superb decision.


Jared Leto in Dior
Jared looks great sans ponytail in this tailored suit from Dior. The white Cravat and polka dot pocket square make for a simple stylish look.


Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi
Amy plays a bit of her American Hustle character in this lovely navy gown. I'm loving the asymmetrical neckline paired with a knee-high slit. The bejeweled belt adds just the right amount of bling to pull the whole look together. Well done!


Matthew McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana
I adore this printed jacket by D&G. Matthew looks smartly suited having paired it with a great bow tie. It also helps that he has regained all the weight he lost for his role in Dallas Buyers Club. That was crazy.


Gretchen Mol in J Mendel
Gretchen decided to ignore the blue-is-in memo and donned a lovely white graphic lace t-shirt dress. Keeping the white going with those strappy sandals, the Boardwalk Empire star rocked this look with soft waves and raspberry-hued lips.


James Marsden in Valentino
The 30 Rock actor looked fantastic in this sharp Valentino suit and purple paisley pocket square. If I dare say it, I think the men are out-styling the ladies this Awards season!


Stay tuned for my next post - I'll be focusing on the guys this time with some stellar finds for a stylish-yet-functional après-ski look.

Friday 17 January 2014

Rock your Resolution


Stylish Fitness Gear to Sweat In

Eat healthy... Clean up your finances... Climb the Corporate Ladder... Get a gym membership. The majority of New Year's resolutions turn stale around the 3rd week of January. I have to admit - I'm guilty of this. I get all gung-ho over a new fitness routine only to find new excuses to stay home in my pajamas instead. One sure way to get myself out of bed and on the treadmill is with snazzy new workout gear. Luckily, there are plenty of new looks by great designers to bring the excitement back into a healthy lifestyle.


Multi-Purpose Leggings
These MICHI leggings are equally sexy and stylish. The mesh panels are on-trend and the sheer mesh gussets provide easy movement. With a wide elastic waistband providing ultimate comfort, these pants are ones you can rock any time, any place. MICHI New Serpente Leggings - $195.00







Lightweight Sneakers
These Nike Sneakers are super lightweight and perfect for hitting the trails or training in the weight room. What's even better is that they are fully customize-able. Tiffany blue, anyone? Nike Free 3.0 Custom - $79.97






Comfy Pullover
This Rebel Yell BubbleGum Pullover sweater is perfect for wearing to-and-from the gym on those cold winter mornings. Worn with comfy leggings and stylish kicks you can easily wear this look for a casual coffee date after your workout. Rebel Yell Hello Boys BF Pullover in Bubblegum - $59.99






Not-So-Boring Sports Bra 
Work Out Life's sexy sports bra features a floral print and draped shoulder straps for a feminine and flattering look, avoiding the dreaded uni-boob. The wrap front and soft removable cups make sure you stay secure. Don’t Let Them Fall Sports Bra - $100.00








Practical Gym Bag
This seafoam green bag by Lululemon is every bit practical and stylish. The color is hot for Spring, and the size is just right to fit all your workout gear (including shoes and a towel!). It even comes with a handy strap to carry your yoga mat and lots of pockets to stay organized.
Sweat Once A Day Bag - $128.00






Yoga Mat
I love the yoga mats by Gaiam. Their mats blend the right amount of cushioning with extra grip for staying steady in that super hot power yoga class. It is pretty enough that you can leave it out in your living room to motivate you to get your sweat on at home. Premium Marrakesh Yoga Mat (5mm) - $23.98










Now if you'll excuse me, I have some serious shopping to do. Shopping counts as cardio, right?


Thursday 16 January 2014

guest blogger le closet | ring thing



I’m a big fan of small dainty rings. Thin gold stackable finger and knuckle rings are what I wear most often, but once in a while I like to throw on a statement ring. I like the look of a simple outfit with something that stands out on the finger. It’s an easy way to dress up any outfit and always a conversation piece.

I’ve put together ten rings that can easily be worn by everyone and sure to make that statement. My favourites are number three and nine.


1/ Twin skull ring, Alexander McQueen 
2/ Mariafrancescapepe articulated cage ring, Urban Outfitters
3/ Gold embrance ring, Anthropologie 
4/ Summer in the city ring in bronze, Shopruche
5/ Rutilated Quartz and Gold ringCaelen Ellis
6/ Olive leaf ring, Tiffany & Co. 
7/ Whistles cube ring, Asos
8/ Knights of new york orchard shield, Shopbop
9/ Goldtone Arty ovale ring, Saint Laurent
10/ Maison martin margiela silver ring, Shopbop

Guest blogger le closet || Gift guide



It's about this time a year when I start making my Christmas shopping list. It's such a fun time,  finding the gifts, wrapping them and then seeing the receivers face when they open it. This time a year can also be stressful, which is unfortunate as it can loose it's meaning. The idea of gift giving is not to find the most expensive item, it can even be as simple as a card, or a home made batch of cookies. The idea is the gesture and thought behind it. 
I've rounded up twenty items that can easily be given as a small gift, paired or as stocking suffers. From beauty products, to a good book or a cute traveling mug that keeps your hands warm. And all for twenty dollars or less. Happy shopping friends, and don't forget the hugs...those are free! 




guest blogger le closet || updated beauty shelf



The cool weather is here and just like your wardrobe, your beauty routine should be updated. The wind, cold and lack of sunshine can leave skin looking dull but adding more exfoliates, oils and hydrating products into your every day beauty routine will do just the trick. Here's 19 products that will keep your skin looking it's best, even when the weather is not.


1. Diorshow new look mascara in black
This mascara is my go-to for big dramatic lashes. Perfect for a night out.

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
Switch up your shimmery bronzer for a lighter mat one. Swipe a little product on temples, cheekbones and the outer parts of your nose.

3. essie nail color in Stylenomics
Just picked up this colour. A deep green with dark grayish tones. Gives you that dark fall look without it being completely black.

4. Butter London nail lacquar 
Have fun by having one sparkly nail, especially great for the holidays.

5. Marc Jacobs beauty lip gel in 131 Saboteur - deep marroon
Ditch your bubble gum pinks for deep hues like purples, maroons and reds. Keep the rest of your makeup light while focusing on a dramatic lip.

6. Lancôme Artliner 24h bold color precision eyeliner
Finally overcome your fear for a cat eye as these liners make it super easy to apply (it's like a pen!). Do a subtle cat eye for day and go bolder for night.

7. Make up forever HD invisible cover foundation
Try this foundation which has a little more coverage but leaves you with a natural look. Especially great for in front of the camera.

8. Fresh sugar lip polish
My lips get super dry this time of year so the best thing is to keep exfoliating.

9. First Aid beauty ultra lip therapy
Keep a lip treatment handy and apply after exfoliating, under lipsticks and at bedtime.

10. Caudalie Vinosource SOS morning eye rescue
Keep eyes fresh and awake with extra hydrating products.

11. Lush Buffy body butter
Scrub away dead skin cells with this natural body scrub bar. It leaves skin looking and feeling super smooth.

12. Nature's Bounty extra strength Vitamin D
Since we lack sunshine in the fall and winter it's important to get it elsewhere, which is as easy as taking a vitamin every morning.

13. Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté
This formula is super hydrating and feels luxurious. Keeps face from feeling and looking dry and will give you that extra little glow.

14. Living Proof no frizz shampoo & conditioner
Fight static season by switching to a no frizz shampoo and conditioner.

15. Caudalie divine oil
This stuff is amazing and should be on your beauty shelf year round. Apply after a shower or bath for ultra soft skin that looks and smells incredible. Also use whatever is left on your hands and run through the ends of your hair to avoid frizz.

16. Josie Maran argan cleansing oil 
If you get dry skin like moi this is a great formula to remove make up and cleanse face without stripping away any extra oils.

17. Tan Towel to go classic
Feeling pale? Just swipe these little towelettes all over and reveal a natural sun kissed glow. Keep them handy for those "escape winter vacations".

18. Bliss two-day detox
Detox from the "overeating" holidays also known as Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas.

19. Estée Lauder advance night repair
Apply this "miracle in a jar" every night before bed and you will surely notice a difference. Another trick? Apply a drop to your foundation for that "dewy" look.

Monday 13 January 2014

Golden Globes 2014: Sunday's Best Dressed

Véronique Daoust

This past Sunday marked the 71st Golden Globes, where backless dresses were abundant and one specific dress has risen to instant internet stardom (be it good or bad publicity - we'll never know).

Some stars rose to elite status while others had some seriously questionable fashion choices. What was surprisingly refreshing this year was the diversity of elite designers, from Stella McCartney to Ralph Lauren and Gucci to Emilio Pucci. Here, I'll give a salute to my personal favorites from this year.

LUPITA NYONG'O - Ralph Lauren

























Be still, my beating heart. I mean, honestly. Lupita (from 12 Years a Slave fame) is a fashion Goddess in this stunning caped gown by Ralph Lauren. Lupita could pull off a brown paper bag to the red carpet but this could not be a more perfect choice for her - especially paired with that stunning makeup and simple hair.

OLIVIA WILDE - Gucci
Olivia shines (literally) in this emerald gown by Gucci! She proves that maternity wear can dominate in the same league as the non-pregnant stars. She kills it in this look and that metallic clutch and loose waves could not be a more perfect match. A+!

MARGOT ROBBIE - Gucci
Gucci rises again to the occasion with this classic and elegant white number. It fits Margot like a glove and she managed to show the perfect amount of skin. I want this dress and I want it now.

NAOMI WATTS - Tom Ford
Naomi mixed her metals perfectly here. There is a fine line between gaudy and glorious and Naomi definitely errs on the glorious side. Everything about this Tom Ford dress is fantastic, especially the gold neckline. Also, I'm loving the grumpy photobomber. 

CAITLIN FITZFERALD - Emma Wickstead

























People may disagree with me on this one, but I am drawn to this look mostly due to the fact that it stands out from all of the safe looks that graced the red carpet. Caitlin looked gorgeous and I loved her hair and makeup. The only questionable part of this outfit are the candy striped shoes....

And there you have it! I'm hoping to see some more diversity in next week's SAG awards. Jennifer Lawrence, I'm looking at you to reclaim your style status.