A New Age: Post-Apocalyptic Fashion

~ Sienna Vittoria

             As we are supposedly entering a new age of zombie warfare and social decay that is known as the Post-Apocalyptic Era, I would like to take a second and look at some doomsday worthy fashion. Designers have been intrigued by the darkness our future has been said to hold for several seasons, and this weekend was a very important mark in the calendars of those who follow this notion. Horrific destruction and perilous battles are said to be immanent, and apparel must ensure practicality and safety.

Mad Max

Leather armor, in the form of body sculpting pants and bustiers, will protect skin from falling debris, and may even catch the eye of Mad Max or that cute zombie next door. Gas masks and helmets may also come in handy to stay clear of explosive chemicals. Large totes or backpacks will transport the scarce belongings that are left, as we live our nomadic life in the civilization that was once known to be safe. Migration will be necessary, and spiked defensive footwear will assist in the long tread.

Jeffrey Campbells

Jeffrey Campbells

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

As modern and incomplete interpretations of Mayan, Christian and others’ ancient traditional scriptures swirl around our culture, we must take into consideration that it may not be all doom and gloom after all. As some have explained, the Mayan calendar states that there have been 25,920 years in this era, and it is not the world that is ending but merely this Age. We are now entering into the next phase of human existence and evolution, where lightness and peace will prevail. Futuristic technology has been illustrated amongst this notion, but most importantly a new lightness will be experienced. Clothing that is loose fitting, soft, and airy will enchant designers, and lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and silk will grace the runways.

Marchesa, F/W'12

Alexander McQueen, F/W'11

Probal Gurung, F/W'12

Sienna Vittoria

@SiennaVittoria Twitter

siennavittoria.tumblr.com

Holiday Gift Guide For Her

                                                                             

Hi wonderful Fave readers!
 Today I am doing my holiday gift guide for you; I'll show you all kinds of neat gifts to get the woman in your life! Whether it be your mom, your girlfriend or your best friend...here is what almost any lady in your life would love to receive. I have something for every budget; just make sure to keep their unique interests in mind! 

Shopper's Drug Mart Fragrance Sampler for her - 75$ 

Available at select Shopper's Drug Mart beauty boutiques throughout Canada. This is a GREAT gift for any woman in your life! It comes with 10 deluxe fragrance samples and a certificate that she can use, once she picks her favorite, to get a full size perfume of her choice!  Every girl likes to smell nice so this would really work for anyone since they can try out different perfumes and see which one they personally like best. 

La Senza PJ Sets - vary in price but very affordable! most between 20$ - 50$ 

I love the PJ sets from La Senza! They're all so cute and very well priced. Not to mention comfortable! Get a warm and cozy one in a fun color or print that she'll enjoy. If it's your mother, you may want to opt for something a little more mature. If it's for your girlfriend, they might want something a little more cute! Every girl loves comfy PJ's so I definitely recommend this gift to anyone. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - $60 - Available at Sephora

This is a great makeup palette for any woman since it has all neutral  /natural colors. It has highly pigmented eye shadows that are great quality and this palette (and the first Naked palette as well!) is raved about by editors and bloggers everywhere. Any woman can use this to create any kind of neutral makeup look. It is one of the best makeup palettes on the market and she will use it everyday! Another favorite of mine is the Too Faced Natural Eye palette so if you want check that one out as well if you want a cheaper alternative or can't find the Naked palette! 

Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch - 200$-300$

This is for someone you are looking to spend more money on. Trust me, this is such a beautiful gift! The rose gold watches by Micheal Kors are my favorite and I have been eyeing the Baguette-Bezel Watch in Rose Gold (pictured above) for a long time! This is something a woman might not spend the money to purchase for herself but would be a really nice gift from a loved one. They are beautiful watches and such great quality. A watch is nice for anyone; even if they don't wear alot of jewelry a nice watch is always great! 

A magazine subscription - vary in prices but could be anywhere from 15$ - 50$ for a year subscription (check individual magazine's website for specific subscription pricing)

I love receiving a magazine subscription as a gift! Half of my subscriptions I have gotten as gifts and it is really the gift that keeps on giving. They will have a little surprise in their mailbox every month! You can get subscriptions for one year, two years, etc. Some of my favorites include Flare, Elle Canada, Fashion Canada, Marie Claire, and InStyle (so for a younger woman). For an older woman, I suggest something a little more mature like Chatelaine or Vogue. There are also magazines for kids, teens, and much more so really something for EVERY girl/woman! 

A nice coat/jacket - varies in prices

Why not get her a nice and stylish coat to keep her warm and cozy? I love the one pictured above by Buffalo David Bitton (it retails for $158) but you can really get any style you think she might like! I would go to a store that she normally shops at and see if they offer outerwear. 

Kobo E-Reader - $79.99-$199.99 (various types available)

If they like to read, get them a kobo! I love my kobo and I actually got it as a gift over a little over a year ago. They can get all the books they love on it so that they will all be in one spot. It is easy to read from and doesn't take up a ton of space in your house like tons of books would!  

And there you have it!

Have fun shopping and HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at Fave Magazine!

xox - Gen
@geninthecity

Make sure to check out my personal blog at www.geninthecity.com for my Holiday Gift Guide For HIM - coming up soon! 

Angels and Diamonds: Victoria Secret's Couture Show

by Sienna Vittoria

Million dollar diamonds, lace, skilled craftsmanship and live acrobats. Contrary to the belief of many, the Victoria's Secret annual couture show is not merely a succession of scantily clad ladies prancing down the runway for the pleasure of preadolescent boys watching from their couches at home. The amount of work that is spent creating the intricately jeweled and laced couture lingerie is enormous, and is admirable to anyone who is familiar with the patience required to even thread a needle.

Veering towards more of a theatrical production than simply a runway show, this year viewers were audience to a spectacle of Carnival-themed lights, with background trapeze artists suspended in the air. Proceeding this, models walked in sweet blushtones and baby blues, donning bows and butterfly wings. Viewers were then taken on a trip through time, as each model that emerged on the runway was fashioned to embody a designated month of the year. Sparkles and tinsel sprinkled out as we were then transported to the time of classic Hollywood glamour, with models in diamonds, satins and velvets. Concluding the show was “Angels in Bloom”, featuring flower blossomed wings, and bright greens and pinks, reminiscent of Tinker Bell. This years honoured Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio, confidently sauntered down the runway in the legendary 2.5 million dollar "fantasy bra", sparkling from the stage with a 20-carot diamond as the centrepiece.

Alessandra Abrosio, "Fantasy Bra"

“As soon as the glitter settles on the runway [at the end], we’re thinking of next years show,” sighed Monica Mitro, Victoria's Secret’s agent. “It’s a year long process.”

The procedure begins with conceptual brainstorming, and according to Sophie Neophitou, the infamous Creative Director of Victoria Secret, “the inspiration comes from films, music, and a lot of the time from the [retail] V.S. collections.” May is when the sketches begin to emerge, illustrating that years' mood and aesthetic. The lingerie then begins to materialize, slowly and meticulously. “We work with some of the best artisans in the world…the jewelers, the drapers, the patternmakers,” Collection Designer Todd Thomas stated proudly. “Each piece might have to pass through ten different hands.” Upon the arrival of September, fittings begin, and the team “really works out the nitty gritty.”

Candace Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret Angel

Candice Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret’s current “it girl” has come a long way from where she began. Raised in a large rural farm in South Africa, she “was shy, and in [her] own world.” One day, while shopping with her mother at the local flea market, she was scouted and flown off to New York City where her modeling career began. “I was in awe,”commented Swanepoel, “it was like another planet.” First featured in Victoria's Secret runway shows, she caught the intrigue of fashions toughest critics. “I don’t think I would be anywhere without Victoria's Secret,” she stated truthfully. Her portfolio has since developed to catalogue collaborations with the industry's best, including Testino, Lagerfeld and Prada. She has graced the covers of leading publications such as Vogue Italia and Elle Magazine, becoming known as “the most glamorous model of the decade,” expressed Neophitou.

 ~ Sienna Vittoria 

sienna.vittoria@hotmail.com

@SiennaVittoria

Style Child: Mallory Richards

This week I sit down with Mallory Richards for a short chat about her personal style. Mallory is an up and coming model from Ottawa, often described as having strong features, sulky-sultry expressions, one of Canada’s best exports in modeling, and a “Tim Burton creature.”

David: Tell me a bit about your personal style and its evolution. Does it match up to your modeling brand?

Mallory: Style evolution? Well it came pretty suddenly after a couple phases. I used to be the kind of girl that would fall back on a pair of jeans and a comfy hoodie, but that was before I started modeling (a few years ago). Once I was exposed to the world of fashion I let myself make bolder choices and I found that I liked a Parisian look. That was the epitome of style to me. And then I became a bit rebellious and started incorporating some grungy elements and pieces, like a lot of chunky boots and obnoxious studded jewelry, into outfits that were mostly skinny jeans and band tees. I think one of my comp cards features a shot of me in my ACDC shirt, actually, so that part of my style is comparable to how the industry brands me. I kind of did a 180 after that and became obsessed with florals, lace, dusty pinks, beige, pastels and anything super feminine. I feel like a flower child.




David: You mentioned your affinity to grungy pieces and obnoxious jewelry during your more rebellious phase. How do you think personality and style come together? Is there a connection?

Mallory: When it comes to personality and style, I think your personality definitely plays a big role. Your style is supposed to be an expression of your personality, right? I don’t consciously try to pick out anything flowery and feminine, but I guess most people would call me sweet and kind (she laughs). I wouldn’t call myself a wallflower, but I’m a bit shy at times, and I think that makes me avoid those stand-out colours. The pale, earthy neutrals are for me. Maybe when I’m feeling a bit more daring or energetic, let’s say for a night out, that’s when I like to be a bit more experimental with colour. Bright reds and shocking violets, stuff like that. I even feel like sometimes my inner rebel is taking over when I throw on combat boots and studded jackets!


David: You’re still very young and I think it shows in how you’ve changed your style and how it continues to grow. Am I right in saying that? Where do you pull your inspiration from? Are there certain style icons you look up to and try to emulate?

Mallory: Definitely! I’ve been all over the place with my personal style, but I feel like that’s okay. I’m a style chameleon in that way. That’s the right term, isn’t it? As for my inspirations, I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Katy Perry specifically in her music video “The One That Got Away”, and then Elizabeth Banks, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez. I know, it’s not very consistent.


David: I know you’re only a model, but you seem like you really know what you’re talking about. Are you a fashion victim? Do you have any fave designers? And what about Canadian and local designers and brands? Tell me where you shop!

Mallory: I wouldn't call myself a fashion victim but I definitely love fashion! I do follow some of my favourite designers and watch a few runways but I don't do anything beyond that. My favourite designers would have to be Jil Sander. It my favourite runway show for Fall. Something about the collection just resonated with me. As for local and Canadian designers? Pink Tartan, Sid Neigum, Jeremy Laing-

*brief interruption as I share my love for Sid Neigum with Mallory*

and I think that's about it. As for shopping, it isn't too great in Ottawa, but you have to love Zara for having everything, and I guess I'm guilty of shopping at Forever 21. I also love Aritzia. I was even fortunate to do their look book one time! I mostly do online shopping; Etsy, Nastygal, really random websites, eBay has everything anyone could ever need, etc.

* Mallory's Aritzia lookbook (link is currently down for site maintenance): http://www.aritzia.com/blog/raw-style#467 *

David: I love Zara! Everyone has to love Zara. I affectionately call it the reigning queen of reinterpretations, AKA knockoffs. Its great for trends. Would you call yourself a trendy person? Do you have a favourite purchase from there? And just because I'm dying to know, what's your favourite item of clothing ever?

Mallory: Haha! I don't actually follow trends! I go with the flow, but I'm not trying to be pretentious or anything about not following trends. I'll maybe go for one if it catches my interest, but otherwise I'll wear anything, trendy or out as long as I'm loving it and it feels like ME. My favourite purchase from Zara is my favourite purchase so far. I generally intensely love my clothes for a short amount of time before I move on to new things to love. It's a dusty pink cable knit cardigan, and I love it because the colour is great, it's warm, and so comfortable! I could sleep in it!


David: Thanks for sharing so much with me today Mallory! I learned a lot about you in 10 minutes! Before you go, I challenge you to create a Polyvore collage in under 3 minutes to share with Fave blog readers!

Mallory: No problem!

*and voila! Her 3 minute style collage: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=63685341 *

Mulberry Kisses

 Hi Fave readers!

I have been going crazy over a recent beauty trend lately: the mulberry lip. I seriously love this trend and think it is perfect for really making a statement. There are so many gorgeous shades out there at the moment which includes both high end and drugstore. I love the sultry and vampy look that a dark mulberry lip can give you. It's sexy and totally unexpected. It's mysterious and bold. I think everyone can pull it off if they pick shades that work for them and complement their skin tone. I personally like the more red-looking dark lipsticks like this but I've seen people wear close to black lipstick that looks stunning on them! It all depends on the look you're trying to go for and your personal level of comfort. I say go for it! Rock those bold lips with confidence. Sometimes makeup really can be such a great accessory. I know that this lip look would definitely make any plain-looking outfit look instantly chic.

So what do you think? Is mulberry the new red as far as lipstick goes?

I certainly think it is and I am definitely going to be trying this daring beauty trend soon!

Tweet me and let me know what you think:
@geninthecity

- Gen 

American Apparel: Fave's Fave!

Hypothetical question: if you had to spend your own money to rebuild your wardrobe in a single store, where would you go? Really, the only way you would ever find yourself in this situation is... well... you wouldn't. Unless the Fashion Police came knocking and demanded it for mysterious reasons? But at Fave, we like to think about these things anyway....

You're a working class guy or gal on a tight budget. Couture salons and luxury department stores are out of the question so we won’t even consider them. And if you’re going to rebuild your entire wardrobe, you want pieces with a bit more longevity than 5 to 10 washes, so your next stop isn’t a fast fashion shop! Goodbye, Zara, Forever 21 and H&M! You make great disposable fashions and we love you for the nice peplums, baroque, and burgundy-everything you’ve been churning out for the fall season but you don’t cut it when the task at hand is to find a store with a bit more than the latest and greatest trends crafted in pill-prone acrylic and poorly stitched poly-blend. 

For those of you living under a rock, American Apparel is a popular clothing retailer based in LA. They actually started as a t-shirt wholesaler in the late 80’s, producing the perfect tees in a plethora of styles for customization and mass order. They still do this! Fun fact: the American Apparel location in Ottawa (where Fave is based) is adjacent to the Apple Store, where, lo and behold, the employees sport bright blue tees with the Apple logo, produced by *American Apparel*.

At the turn of the millennium, Canadian founder Dov Charney moved American Apparel to LA and launched their first retail store in Montreal, Canada. They pride themselves on being vertically integrated. All aspects of their company come from and are contained within the company; the design floor to the factory floor to the selling floor, meaning that they are also sweatshop free! Manufacturing happens at the Los Angeles factory which hires American workers for fair wages. Besides the fact that their headquarters are in LA, the essence of American Apparel is very Canadian. No wonder we’re fans.Vertically integrated and sweatshop free? Canadian origins? But we suspect that the name wouldn’t have the same ring if it was called “Canadian Apparel.” 

Shucks! The Fashion Police came knocking and as punishment for drifting from the sample size, they’re putting you on a 10 day fat-flush and restricting you to shop at one place for a month as a disciplinary measure. That’s where American Apparel comes in! The retailer is still true to its origins, selling customers a rainbow wheel of great quality t-shirts in a variety of blends, neck styles and fits, but these pale in comparison to everything else they offer today. Tons of basics and classics, and yes, at a bit of a higher price point than a broke student or a stingy city-goer might prefer, but the seams won’t come apart after a few wears and the fibers of those $87 sweaters are 100% COTTON! Gasp! That’s cheaper than my itchy acrylic cowl neck pullover from Zara. Belts? Check. Sunglasses, eyeglasses, and watches? American Apparel sells timeless vintage styles at great prices (around $50, less or more depending on the style). Other accessories? Why not buy the ubiquitous and ever-versatile circle scarf or some genuine leather totes. Need some denim bottoms? Long/short/skinny/flare leg/dark wash/light wash/four way stretch/no stretch, you got it. In fact, the only popular basic or classic you can’t seem to find in an American Apparel store is a low-waisted jean. It doesn’t stop there! You can find make-up items like lip-gloss and virtually any colour and finish of nail polish here too. 

They even have neon out on the sales floor for the laggards!

My favourite colour of the season! So trendy, but also a timeless winter neutral.

Whatever they produce is made is typically made in at least 5 colours at one point or another...

We love the selection, the quality/price ratio, the natural fibers, etc. That’s not to say you won’t find synthetics here and there, but let’s not focus on the labels. The construction is good. I’ve put my American Apparel acrylic cardigan in the washer and dryer at least 15 times and it still looks like new. I can’t say the same for anything I’ve bought from Zara.  Don’t get me wrong, Zara is still the reigning Queen of Reinterpretations (read: knockoffs) and we love how chic everything is, but when you want to love your clothes for longer and and need a great foundation to pair your pieces of the season with, American Apparel is a super-investment! You can create so many looks from a few great basic and classic items. Witness these fun Halloween costume ideas put together with American Apparel pieces. 

Red Riding Hood

Wicked Witch!

Chic Equestrienne

Geisha!

Check out this fun super-oversized camel coat with a contrasting suede collar. I’m liking this fit for Fall. I styled it with my burgundy pom pom beanie, striped seed-stitch sweater, the black Easy Jeans and my own vintage boots.

And I'm off! Look out for my next post on Monday. :)

x
David