You're dad is a hipster

As the daughter of a tool and dye maker, I'm very familiar with a steel toe boot, as I've witnessed their practicality in providing safety in harsh environments. What I didn't realize at the time was that my father was directly responsible in helping bring to light a new trend.. well maybe not, but when I'm face to face with it, I'm always reminded to my dad and him lugging around his heavy shoes.
Aldo, along with many other shoe retailers are introducing a variation of the steel toe boot, only strip away everything that makes the working boot useful. In reality, the only similarity is the steel embellishment on the shoe. From flats, to heels, and formal boots, the trend is taking over. Silver and gold accents are most popular for the spring trend. This adds a nice pop of metallic against a simple black or white pump. Try it out with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt. You'll turn a basic look to a eye catching, eye-pleasing ensemble. Check out Aldo for this trend!

April showers bring April fashions

When does practicality win over beauty in fashion?
Answer: on days like today. Walking to school was a miserable experience. Rain poured down hitting my face causing my mascara to cry, my newly blown out hair resembled that of a drowning cat, and my suede boots..well ruined.
With April presenting many rain days, how can style be incorporated that is still functional and fashion forward?
Upon walking through the building doors my answer made itself known. Walking cheerily beside me were a group of girls wearing rain boots. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed them. When I hear of rain boots, I think of yellow, obnoxious rubber boots that are far to big around the calves, creating a squeaking noise as you walk.
After looking up some of my trusty fashion magazine I came to the conclusion, rain boots are not only for the young elementary school puddle jumpers.
Elle has provided a list of its most fashion forward rain gear, that is not only functional but beautiful. From rain boots to umbrellas, these rain weather accessories comes in a variety of  beautiful colours and bold patterns.
Check them out here, and see how you can make transitioning into the wet weather easier, while looking great.

Hey Ombré !

For over a year now the ombré trend has made its presence known in all things fashion: hair, beauty, and apparel. With so many fashion editors and celebrities adopting and endorsing the trend, it took no time for the mass public to eat up this dip-dyed movement. Hair is predominantly where we see ombré.
There are various techniques to this look, the standard being a dark shade of colour over the majority of the head, with the ends being lighter in comparison. Unfortunately, not all stylist have mastered this technique. Therefore for the more daring, I suggest you check out this site for achieving the beautiful look.

One of my favourite ombré looks is that on nails. Not only is this a modern take on the technique, but it is also a refreshing look as opposed to the common manicure.

In order to achieve this look, follow the steps below:

• File and smooth nails
• Apply a base coat for the polish to adhere to the nail
• Select a colour, preferably a lighter tone and apply over the entire nail
• On a piece of paper, pour a few drops of the same polish. Directly beside it, include another colour of your preference. In the photo above, a peach and pink polish were used to create the ombré look
• Use a toothpick to lightly blend both edges of the polish so that the bleed together
• Take a standard sponge and dabble it on the paper containing the two polishes
• Apply the sponge, that should now contain both colours, on to your nail
• Apply a top coat to smooth out the imperfections the sponge made, as well as to create shine.

Don't be a afraid to get messy! In fact, its a must! As difficult as this technique may seem, the results are worth it. This is a great look for both day and evening.

Enjoy!

Fur. Fashion Faux Pas?

Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Marni; just a few of the names that included fur in their collections. Whether you support it or oppose it, fur is a trend that is not losing momentum. Fur was widely used in all the major fashion cities during the fall 2013 showings. The luxurious pelts were not sparsely used; in fact designers such as Giambattista Valli used fur in over 30 of his looks. Whether it was a full length coat, an embellished top or complimentary accessories, fur is becoming again the favoured choice of designers

Fur has always been a faux-pas and an issue of debate. There is an onslaught of causes and campaigns, most noteworthy PETA, depicting the horrible living conditions of animals and the horrific manner in which they are skinned alive for their pelt. Although these efforts have not changed the way the industry uses the luxurious fabric, it has inspired a generation to not only resist animal skins for fashion, but it has created a new movement; veganism. Some may feel that this way of life is extreme, where others believe it is necessary. Animal lovers and health enthusiasts refrain from any product that essentially had a face, opting out for alternative such a faux fur and leather, as well as dietary alternatives.

With the amount of public service announcements, protests and the new wave of activists, fur remains to be a popular resource due to its unparalleled richness and texture. With top fashion editors promoting fur-using designers, it is difficult to say whether the efforts to stop the use of animals for fashion will prevail. In fact, studies have shown that there has been a decrease in those who believe that using fur is morally wrong. So what does this mean for the industry as a whole? If people's attitude towards fur is tolerable, designers will capitalize on this.

Prints Charming

prints. prints. prints.

Although the temperature is hovering below freezing and snow continues to line the streets, spring is in the air. No there is no sign of blossoming flowers or blue skies. Spring has revealed itself in the form of sleeveless tops, jewel tone fabrics, and cropped pants throughout retail stores. In addition to these, a big spring trend currently is prints. Paris Fashion Week showcased Stella McCartney and her beautiful bright and bold patterns ranging from dresses, blazers, tops and trousers. Models were draped in floral inspired prints in vibrant hues as well as neutral yet high-impact designs.

If your pockets are not deep enough to purchase ready-to-wear clothing off the runways, there are several wallet friendly retailers that are following the print trend. One in particular that incorporates high fashion at affordable prices is Aritzia. The designers Talua and Wilfred in particular utilize floral patterns in their collections, spanning from casual wear to nighttime looks. The designs have a consistent theme of striking patters on playful silhouettes. And with prices starting at $70, these patterns are not only appealing to the eye, but are also also pleasing to the pocket. 

Metallic-Mania

Unfortunately the S/S 2013 runway shows have concluded, but fortunately for us we're left with an overflow of inspiration.
Throughout the catwalks, there was a prominent use of metallics. Burberry Prorsum closed the show in colourful metallic coats, while Alberta Ferretti showcased metallic floor length gowns.

If you're not as daring to wear such a bold statement, try to subtly incorporate hints of metallic in your makeup. Play up blue eyes with bronze shadows, or brown eyes with a pop of shimmering purple. Line your eyes for an added dramatic look. Apply the lighter tone to the inner portion of your eye along the lash line. Then apply the darker colour towards the outer corner of your eye. Finish off the intensity by adding a kohl pencil to both outer halves of the lash line for a smokey effect.

copper cat eyes Chloé S/S ’13 

 Try this look with shadows by Mac. 

Guilty Passions: 4 Tenderly Warm Crushed Metallic Pigments 

winter - Pore excuse for bad skin

The winter can reek havoc on so many aspects of our lives.
Winter blues means no snooze. The days get darker, making me the more tired.
Driving turns into a continuous question of, 'how well do your brakes work today?'
Walking causes even the most coordinated to look as though they are balancing on the finest of tightropes.
And finally, winter skin. Combination, dry, oily, whatever the case, we all feel some level of discomfort brought on by dropping temperatures. Since this season already makes me sleepy as it is, I couldn't afford to lose more sleep over the issue. Fortunately, an Arbonne rep introduced me to a product that freed me from winter skin woes. FC5 Day Lotion with SPF 20 became my best friend. It protects skin from harmful rays that are still present in the winter, and provides a moisture barrier that soothes the skin despite the winter's drying effects.