Guess what's coming back....

That's right....its OVERALLS!!! aka Dungarees for those fashionistas out there. Who knew we would actually see this "farmer-esque" piece of clothing would ever come back in style.

Designers such as Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli bring overalls to their 2010 collections...and who knew - the overall could actually look pretty goood?! Leave it to Gaultier to re-work the overall, and make them with a conical bra - he is so fabulous.

I had a pair of overalls when I was .....umm 7? maybe I should have kept them? or not.

The fact of the matter is, there IS a lot one can do with the dunagree - wear it with a flouncy blouse, a blazer and some heels, with a lumberjack shirt, or sport the silky satin ones with a sheer blouse and spectacular clutch. There are so many ways one can make this work.

I don't think I will be taking the plunge by sporting the overalls this season - there are so many other trends I could see myself pulling off over this one!

Let's talk local for a minute..

YES, I know....its been a while since my last post.. and to be completely honest, the reason is that I have just been feeling a little bit un-inspired. Worry not my friends, I think I've found some inspiration.

I know I refer a lot to Europe...it's just because really - how can anyone NOT be inspired and in awe of the incredible history, architecture, authenticity and overall amazing-ness of Europe. Mind you, I have not been everywhere...but I plan on it - - one day.

Anyways, I was thinking - what interests me about where I live? Thinking....thinking......not a whole lot. One place I do love is the city of Toronto. Why? Because there is so much to do, there is always something going on...and there is something for just about anybody down there.

So, I was doing a little research and came across this new building to be put up in Toronto. We have seen a wave of some new, modern architecture in Toronto recently - including OCAD, and the redesigned ROM building. I find modern architecture quite interesting because although there may be simple lines, and at times minimalistic structures - the product is always so interesting. You could tell a lot of stories with some of these new designs, and they can be quite unpredictable.

British architect, Will Alsop designed the new Filmport Complex for Toronto. It is going to be one of the largest film studios in North America. As you can see, the building is a massive arc - and "curves as it rises." Pretty cool..and interesting idea. Nice to see some new buildings which not only create more visual interest in the city, but foster creative talent.

Thoughts? ...

Travel!

Here is a small glimpse of some of my travels this past summer. This video takes you through Venice, Italy and Southern France. They are just a couple examples of some of the beautiful places I have been in Europe. I took all the pics myself!

One of the most amazing things about traveling is the experience and freedom. This video features Jill Scott's "Golden" - a song about taking your freedom and experiencing life - - One thing we should all do.....Live life like it's GOLDEN.

COCO Chanel

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

This weekend I watched the movie "COCO avant Chanel." It is the story of Gabrielle (aka Coco - a nickname given to her by her father) and her life before she became one the most legendary style and fashion icons...well, ever. Her humble beginnings started in France. She was an orphan and worked as a seamstress/ singer to make money. She had always dreamed of going to Paris one day and making it big. She met a rich and well connected man, who eventually grew to love and admire her for her elegance and daring look. At a time where women wore feathers and large, extravagant hats to display their status, Coco always opted for a more simplistic and tailored look. She would cut up men's clothing and add pieces to a dress for a feminine touch. She constructed simple straw hats, which eluded to mystery rather than exuberance. Her daring sense of style portrayed such elegance, and rather than "letting it all hang out" she covered it up, leaving a lot more to the imagination for men. Her rebellion against mainstream "women's wear" is admirable to say the least. I would definitely recommend this movie, if not for Coco's incredible story, then for inspiration.

"A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous." - Coco Chanel.

A Beautiful Work In Progress

I am going to switch directions a little bit and talk about design. Not design like the clothes you and I wear, but design like art and architecture. Design encompasses so many things, but this post is about architecture in particular. On my recent trip to Europe this past summer, one of my favourite stops was Barcelona. Have you ever seen Antoni Gaudi's work in real life? If you haven't, let me tell you - you are missing out. His infamous Sagrada Familia church is one of the most incredible churches I have ever seen. Construction started in 1882 and it has taken over 100 years to construct (it still isn't done!), and Gaudi tragically died in 1926 before he could finish it. His work is some of the most unique, and you can see the contrast in design when you walk from one side of the temple to the other. A photo doesn't even do it justice, but tell me what you think. AND, if you ever go to Barcelona...you HAVE to see the Sagrada Familia.

John Galliano

I Think this man is one of my all time favourites...
Born in Gibraltar, John Galliano grew up in London and launched his own label before becoming head designer of France's couture flagship, Christian Dior.
Galliano tells a magical tale with every collection. He has brought a totally new vision to Dior and continues to make history with his creativity and enchanting designs.

He uses the world as his muse and never seems to run out of new ideas for his collections.

"CURIOSITY: Is the most important thing" - John Galliano