Today (Dec. 1st, 2009) I'm Wearing & Going Gaga for GAGA!!!

So ever since I was a little girl, on the first of every month my little sister and I would yell out the words "Rabbit! Rabbit!" as soon as we woke up. Strange, I know, but apparently if these are the first syllables uttered from your mouth then superstition says that you're going to have good luck aaaaaaall month long!!! :] (Just 31 more days until you can try it out yourselves!!!)


It's a chilly day out and a part of me still can't get over how close Christmas and New Years are! While we're on the subject of Holidays, though, I've decided to post some highlights from this past Thanksgiving weekend's trip to the Great White North (aka Canada!!!).

(Me with my boyz, enjoying some pre-Gaga libations!)

There are some Gaga-licious shots of our Lady kicking-off her Monster Fame tour in Montreal. And for those of you who might think this chica is another back-seat, bubblegum-popping, Britney-wannabe then take a step back cuz this girl not only has talent oozing out of her pores but she's a lot darker and grittier than the radio stations would lead you to believe. Plus, I give any woman major props to anyone who can rock out those crazy fashions equipped with mile-high stilettos all while keeping up with her back-up dancers on a raked stage! Don't even get me started on her onstage costume changes - girl's got some talent and I got her back! Of course there were the few first performance snags and tumbles, but in the end Gaga came out looking like a true Diva and was incredibly appreciative of her fans (aka "monsters"). Every few decades or so a true artist comes forth and I think this tour is going to rocket her further into legendary rock stardom. The Lady gets three gold stars in my book! If you have the chance to see her live, it's well worth it!

Now....onto today's ensemble :) It being so chilly out, it was the perfect day to walk down 5th Avenue to see all the Christmas lights going up (thus my wntery-warm apparel :). Just a day taking in this magnificant city known as the Big Apple.

In other outfit news, I have fallen in love with this gray duster jacket, it's the perfect balance to the crisp cold on a chilly day. Add a shot of cobalt blue in the mix with a red horizontal-hued belt and it gives off the impression of a clean, stream-lined look that's fresh and fun!

Just because it's cold out doesn't mean you have to resort to boring old neutrals.

• Black Leggings (Strawberry...$7)


• Cobalt blue trapeze tunic (De'Janiero...$12)


• Gray Sweater Duster (H&M...$15 on sale)


• Black Flat Knee-High Boots (Gifted...$1)


• Red gold-link belt (Thrifted...$1)


• Black & White Houndstooth Coat (Bitten line by Sarah Jessica Parker...$20...and surprisingly one of the warmest coats I own!!!)


• Forest Green knit scarf (South Africa...Mr. Price...roughly $7 American)


• Magenta slouch hat (Forever 21...$6.50)


• Purple leather Coach bag (Love it! Love it! Luuuuurve it!!!)

Today (Nov. 30th, 2009) I'm Wearing...

Monday and the Thanksgiving weekend is offically over. It was quite the magical one, however :)I crossed the Canadian border for a little relaxation, peace and quiet and some Lady Gaga! Yes, my lovelies, it pays to have some kick-ass friends and a husby who hearts you enough to surprise you with tickets to the new Monster Fame Lady Gaga tour!!! Don't even get me started on the fact that we were the first location where she kicked it off!!! Canada, you and I are going to have a beautiful budding friendship...I can just see it now :)

Anyhooooooooooooooooo...

it's a cold, rainy and blustery day out. Def a day for some comfy,cozy jeans and a huggable flannel top! Plus, I recently cut up a pair of old leggings that I had for a slashy, flashy effect. I dig them as lounging pants with a little bit of oomph!!! :D It's amazing what you can achieve when you're bored and have scissors on hand...

• Maroon leggings (Forever 21...$4.50)
• Gray tribal print tank (Forever 21...$6.50)
• Black cashmere sweater (The Husby's...until it shrunk in the wash ;)...now it's alll miiiine! Originally from H&M!)
  

Also I came across this super, duper happy cloud, tongue-in-cheek song by my guuuurl, Marina and the Diamonds..."Hollywood Infected Your Brain"...she's Welsh, it's taken her some time to figure that out ;)

http://perezhilton.com/2009-11-30-watch-listen-infecting-your-brain

ENjoy!!!!!

• Gray denim skinny jeans (Levi's...worn in to perfection :]...$50)
• Bergundy tunic tank (Target...$14)
• Brown bondage boots (TN)
• Plaid snap button up (borrowed from the husby)
• Assrted bracelets (Chain-link...$1/ Studded lather band...gift from South Africa/ Floral Cuff...borrowed from my dear friend, Kate...and coincidentally it's her birthday today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE :D!!!
• Black double-sided belt (Marshalls...$7...bought in San Fran and perfect for any occasion!)
• Star necklace (Woodstock flea market...$1)

Today (Nov. 23rd, 2009) I'm Watching...

The Ladies of the Red Carpet at the AMA's

So, this past Sunday night was the American Music Awards. Often overlooked and labeled as a watered-down version of VMA's, 2009 made for a surprisingly entertaining year for the star-studded awards show. With appearances and performances by over a dozen of today's biggest names in music, I have to admit I was glued to the screen.

Not to mention anytime I even hear the word "award" and "show" in the same sentence my mind immediately races to thoughts of the red carpet. After all, it is just like a giant runway.

Well, my friends, there was no shortage of style, that's for sure! There some dead-on hits and a few questionable misses but overall, it was a fashionista's dream.

From futuristic to farcical, celebs and stars walked the carpet in a pallette of mostly dark hues with a pop of color bursting every now and then to shake things up.

So here they are: The Good, The Bad and the just plain confusing...

The Black-Eyed Peas channeling cutting edge as well as 21st Century goth. I have to say, Fergie is stunning in that gun-metal gown with a slit-up-to-there. You go, girl!

I normally love Leona Lewis but ummm, no, no, no, no, no. Not only does this dress seem unflattering to say the least and cheap, but it looks like a giant black venus fly trap is about to snap shut on her head! Leona, honey, please get a new stylist!

Silver ankle boots. Check. Perfect blonde hair. Check. Hot back-up dancers. Check. Black piped buttercup-yellow jumper dress that looks like it has a built-in diaper...sadly,check.

All I have to say is WOW!!! Does Paula clean up nicely or what?!?! Say what you will about her, she looks polished and confident but she also took a fashion risk. She took a style that some might find too volumous or rediculous and made it her very own. Absolutely ravishing!

In case you were wondering if there was a dress out there that can maximize your butt and thigh area - Enter J. Lo. This outfit is as forced and sad cloud as her performance. This unflattering and restrictive gold mini dress makes me want to do anything but get up and dance. In fact, I hope I never lay eyes on it again! Too harsh? The truth hurts.
I'm not sure quite how I feel about this dress. It's original and I like the idea of playing with the strategically-placed cut-outs. Not to mention, our girl, Rihanna, has the perfect body to display this artistic visionary dress. I perhaps wish there was just that classic "Rihanna" abstract punch of color somewhere in the mix. Hot pink shoes instead maybe...

This seemed an odd choice for Rihanna but I have to admit that it did fit the song's dark and moody subtext. It seemed almost reminiscent of Milla Jovovich's look as Leeloo in the movie the 'Fifth Element', except Rihanna went the extra mile and opted for the spiky shoulder pads :) I gotta hand it to her, only she can make bright white, horizontal stripes look absolutely fabulous.

Okay, okay, I get the whole Lady Gaga concept, I do! The theatrics, the elaborate dance sequences, the dramatizations...but nude bodysuits with odd, white bone-colored piping?!?! And please don't even get me started on her opening song headress. I love you Gaga, I do...it's just that, sometimes you make me stop and wonder...why?

Now we're talking! Shakira makes me proud to be a latina woman :) Not only is her body strong and curvacious, but she doesn't shy away from bold, bright colors. She sparkled in this dazzling bio-hazard, sunshine yellow mini-dress adorned with strategically-placed panels of silver-lined fabric and triangular cut-outs. It's fun, it's flirty, it's perfect for the red carpet! Truly one of the shining looks of the evening.

So, it was night of great fun, great performances and great musicians all together. Yet, let's not forget the most important component-great fashion!!!

Today (Nov. 20th, 2009) I'm Wearing...

My Latest Obsession is the Harness Necklace!!!

There is something so futuristic and fun about these new necklaces that are sweeping the runway and fashion trends. Not only is it a statement piece but it can transform even the simplest outfits and instantly make it a walking work of art!

They do tend to be a little bit pricy but they make a great Holiday gift for your favorite fashionista or anyone who dares to wear all things unique and inspired! Plus, it's the perfect accessory to spice up your wardrobe for those upcoming Holiday parties where everyone will be wearing traditional black!

If you honestly can't see yourself spending the dough for one of these guys (and I can't say I blame you) I came across a fellow blogger who happens to have detailed picture steps to making your very own harness necklace at a fraction of the price!

Simply click the link below for DIY tips on creating this sophisticated chain necklace :)

http://anhesty.blogspot.com/2009/08/diy-harness-necklace.html

I was able to find these styles on http://www.etsy.com/ and http://www.leviticusjewelry.com/

There's just something so daring and edgy about this contraption of a necklace. It's goes beyond being just a simple focal point to changing the way mere accessories can transform an ensemble. Even celebs are jumping on the harness trend!

Give it try! Whether you buy it or make it, make sure you make this trend your own! Rock it out with confidence and a killer pair of shoes ;)

Today (Nov.19, 2009 ) I'm Wearing...

So last night, my husby surprised me with an early anniversary prez and took me out to see my hands-down, all-time favorite musical....'Wicked'! It was my third time ( I really, really love it you see!), but what made it really, really special was the fact that it was the first time I got to see it with my husby for his first time.


Well, it lived up to everything I always said it did, annnnnd, if I do say so, it's even better the third time around.

Okay, okay, enough sentiment...now, since I wasn't sure where our "surprise" date was taking place, I opted for the classic LBD with some textured tights, a brooch for extra sparkle/glitz and a pair of sturdy boots.

• Black knee-high boots (Thrifted...$1)


• Rhinestone floral bunch pin (lent to me by a dear friend)


• Black empire waist dress (Forever 21...$14)


• Designer tights (So old I don't remember where I got them from!)

Today (Nov. 16th, 2009) I'm Wearing...

Monday already and I can't help but think about he Holidays quickly approaching. It's that time of year again when I pull out all my winter clothes again and try to prepare for the cold!

Today was one of those busy days where I found myself running around alot, but I have to admit I was pretty comfy overall. I bought this sweater jacket at H&M today because I saw it this past weekend, left it sadly behind on bad advice and immediately regretted it. So here it is, $15 marked down from $40 and in my possession...I'm a happy girl :) I have a feeling I am going to wear this with absolutely every item of clothing I own at some point.

I have to say, though, that I really liked the monochromatic theme in my ensemble today. There were a lot of seperate elements and pieces to the outfits but it all came together to form quite a clean and polished look at the end of the day. Cohesive often = effortless!

Also, I had to showcase my brand new bag that I got today! I've been needing a new good medium-sized bag for a while now...(sigh) isn't she beautful?!?! :]

• Gray denim skinny jeans (Levi's...$50)
• Black tunic (De'Janiero...$22)
• Cornflower blue cropped vest (Forever 21...$14)
• "Birds of a Feather" earrings (Forever 21...$5.99 I think)
• Gray sweater duster jacket (H&M...$15)
• Black flat boots (Thrifted)
• Eggplant slouch bag (Coach...a most recent purchase...and I'm absolutely in love with it!!!)
  
  
  

Today ( Nov. 14th, 2009) I'm Wearing...

So yesterday our Aussie friend Chris invited us to brunch at the Sunburnt Cow (one of our favorite brunch spots in the city) and it just so happened that he had friends in town visiting from Australia. So we took our entourage of 18 people and had a lovely brunch at the Cow!
Here are some highlights from the meal, check out that Aussie style. I have to give major props for anyone who can wear a salmon hue and rock it out with confidence :)

I on the otherhand decided to go with a black mini, tights and a cute geometric top. Toss on a cardigan and my black flat boots and I was ready to go.


I had to get a shot of my bracelet. I picked it up in South Africa and I love the way it adds some pop to my outfit. I like it's chunkiness and the studs toughen up the overall look :)

• Black cotton mini (H&M...$7)
• Black opaque tights (Target...$9.99 for a set of 2)
• Gray geometric scoop neck burn-out tee (Forever 21...$14)
• Black patent belt (Thrifted...$7...I love this belt and it's the perfect length for my waist and gives an edgy look to almost anything!)
• Cream open cardi (Goodwill...$5.99)
• Black boots (Thrifted and fabulous. My complete go to pair...I wear these with practically everything!)
• Bitten Houndstooth Coat (Bitten...$20...just came from teh dry cleaners, I've had it for 2 years but it's so classic and elegant!!!)
• Studded leather bracelet (South Africa...gift from my super-awesome mother-in-law :)