ALDO x PREEN

BUITO

MUSILOVA

PRAVDA

 

    

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi is a brand that is fairly new to me. It has that cool it-girl feminine, yet, androgynous vibe found in young, popular brands such as Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang. Even though their SS13 ready-to-wear collection reminds me of all these other brands that already exist, there is something about it that is unique. The mixing and matching of one print slashed asymmetrically into a completely different one works so perfectly. I love how all the mesh panels are strategically placed. And I - dare I say - enjoy the color blocking. You have many feminine elements, such as high slits, florals, blush colours, and flowy materials, yet there are also pantsuits and collared shirts to give it a masculine/androgynous feel. My favorite pieces would definitely be the pyjama-like pantsuits as well as the asymmetrical and mesh, high-slit skirts. Oh, and those leather print-blocking sweaters? Perfect.

Anyways this blog is about the shoes, although I feel as though it's becoming more about the Preen collection! Aldo Rise has collaborated with a few other designers (I believe the Rise collection is all about collaborations with up-and-coming designers), but none interested me as much as this did. To name a few, there were "Faster by Mark Fast" and "Libertine". These shoes play on today's trends (pointy heels, strappy sandals) but they have a twist to them. The turn-lock on them is a very Givenchy look. I'm definitely going to make a purchase from this collection. It's perfect because I was looking into buying white Alexander Wang strappy heels but was hesitant into paying $600 for WHITE shoes. The price of these shoes are very reasonable at $155 each. I have my eyes on the "Buito" shoe in white :)

So tell me, do you like the collection? And if so, which shoe is your fave?

Shoes can be purchased on the Aldo website here.

It happened

This is literally how my room looks all the time. Minus the bed that is made. That I forced myself to make this morning. I hate my room because there's so much clutter and it's.. pink... but I'm going to have to live with it until I move out because let's be honest I'm too lazy to do anything. 

"Did you notice anything new about me?" I asked my boyfriend. He was confused until I pointed out my new 3.1 Phillip Lim pashli bag. And then he rolled his eyes. And then I told him he didn't understand as I clutched baby Lim closer to my body. No one except my best friend Meghan and my mother understands this hefty purchase. It was meant to be. I've wanted it for over a year. And now it's mine :) 

jeans - levi's // blouse - american apparel // shoes - zara // coat - gap // watch - michael kors // bag - 3.1 phillip lim. 

Under the sea

These pictures are proof that I can't say no to bare legs when it's sunny outside (even though I complained all week about girls in booty shorts all week, which makes me a big 'ol hypocrite). Sadly, I didn't wear this exact outfit. I realized that it was still chilly outside so I threw on an anorak and white sneakers. I wish I had taken some pictures with the change of accessories but I didn't have the chance to. I don't know why but my mother has an affinity for red bags and since I have a terribly sad bag collection I borrowed this baby. The baguette-ish shape is pretty old school but I really liked the hardware. 

On a side note, I went for a run today and felt like I was going to die. I had downloaded this app that allowed me to see how far and how long I ran for, but now I realize that it was a TOTAL AND COMPLETE mistake. Not only do I now know how weak I actually am but now I'm expected to BEAT this 'record' (I wouldn't exactly call 2.67 km in 25 minutes a record...) Maj first world problems. 

blouse - vintage // harness - bcbg maxazria // heels - zara // purse - burberry. 

Is this what it feels like to have (somewhat) awesome skin?

Say hi to Diorskin Nude BB Creme (and queue angel music). Can you tell that I really like this one? Okay I have a lot to say so let's start with the specifics:

Price: $48 (at Sephora)

Color: 002

Amount: 30 ml (1 fl.oz)

Claims: "enriched with naturally derived skincare ingredients for a complexion that is even more 'nude' and sublime in all types of lighting."

SPF: 10

Wouldn't you buy anything that claims to make you more beautiful? Cause I would and god knows I need shit like this! Before I met this piece of heaven I swore by my Chanel Vitalumière Aqua which was very good to me for almost two years, but just like any stable relationship, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Don't get me wrong, the Chanel foundation is still amazing and I would still wear it because it is very light yet gives pretty good coverage (my first impression was "what is this?? some sort of black magic??"), but I wanted something with a lighter coverage for the summer. 

The Diorskin nude BB creme gives a beautiful, glowing finish, but it does not make your skin extremely oily. I have an insanely oily t-zone and if I powder it, it doesn't get oily at the end of the day, but it does if I don't powder it. I have also noticed that after only a week and a half of wearing this foundation, some post-acne discolouration on my face have disappeared (my chin and forehead). It delivers light coverage when applied with your fingers, but you can use a stippling brush for a more 'airbrushed' finish. 

I know some of you are thinking, "bitch you CRAY. Chanel Vitalumière Aqua gives minimal coverage and you want LESS?". You see, my motto is 'less is more'. I do have plenty post-acne discolouration (mostly on my chin and around my mouth, you can even see some of it in the last picture). I am by no means claiming that this Dior foundation has the best coverage, but I am telling you that it gives a beautiful finish. 

I personally am not looking for the most coverage because I'd rather have a few spots showing than obsess over covering them. Additionally, my skin is getting better and I want to take advantage of it and let it breathe. If some of you are thinking "oh yes.. I see what you're saying, I'm going through the same thing and I totally agree!" then I think trying this foundation is worth a shot. Sephora gives general samples, so ask for one. In the end of the day, it's your hard earned money and $48 on a foundation is not cheap. If you don't think this is enough coverage, then try the Chanel Vitalumière Aqua or the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. 

I hope this was helpful although I will probably re-read it and think that I rambled too much. 

New in for spring

             

I have a terrible buying cycle and this is how it goes: I buy an item > obsessively wear it for a few months because 'omg it goes with EVERYTHING' > hate it because 'omg it goes with NOTHING' > realize I have no clothes > repeat. The end result is a closet full of clothes that I 'hate' and that apparently 'go' with anything. I wanted to break these sick mind games I was playing with myself so I decided to pair some of my exciting new pieces with some old. 

Clockwise from top left:

1. Something new: pleather overalls - rehab clothing, short sleeve chambray shirt - american apparel.

   Something old: rosegold choker - h&m, leather clutch - BCBG maxazria.

2. Something new: t-shirt - truly madly deeply.

   Something old: ripped jeans - silence + noise, clutch - BCBG maxazria, hat - obey. 

3. Something new: asymmetrical skort - zara.

   Something old: patterned silk blouse - vintage, clutch - BCBG maxazria, big watch - michael kors, small watch - vintage. 

4. Something new: knit sweater - gap, leather skirt - karl lagerfeld.

   Something old: collar necklace - forever 21, bag - vintage.

There is a light that never goes out

Every morning I wake up and check the weather. Usually I'd expect some awkward middle temperature between 10 degrees and 15 degrees celsius (and by awkward I mean too cold to wear a sweater yet too hot to wear a leather jacket). But alas! It was a beautiful 23 degrees out today. But it didn't matter anyways because there was almost no sun and the wind was so strong I could have probably collected its energy to charge every iPhone in Montreal. But even THAT didn't stop me from being bare-legged. All the girls sporting booty shorts, tank tops and flip flops need to CHILL TF OUT. Even I wasn't bold enough to sport a strappy heel (I had a leather jacket on but I left it out of the post because it's that Zara one you see in every goddamn picture. Seriously, I need a new leather jacket). Queue my mom's LV clutch for a pop of colour. I love The Smiths. 

t-shirt - vintage // skirt - karl lagerfeld // cuffs - urban outfitters // shoes - zara // clutch - louis vuitton // lipstain - ysl 'orange de chine'. 

Friendly neighbourhood androgynous librarian

Let's face it, if I was a librarian, I'd wear this all day everyday. When I was first gifted this sweater dress I wasn't too sure what to do with it. I'm already on bad terms with sweater dresses in general, let alone a loose/weird fitting, knee-length knitted one. But then I learned to love it and I have found it useful on gloomy, rainy days like today. Also my hair is in a weird stage in its life where it's not layered enough so it just kind of hangs heavily from my head. Solution? Androgynous sleek and low ponytail. Which quite frankly is also the answer to "I buttoned my shirt up to the top button but the combination of that plus my messy hat hair makes me look like a dressed up cave woman, so what do I do?"

sweater dress - h&m // chambray button up - american apparel // boots - zara // watches - vintage // ... russian red by mac on lips.

The gladiator sandal

 

I remember hating gladiator sandals back in 2008 when it was a big trend. Seeing those 15 y.o. girls in the mall with their Le Garage short shorts, the tightest v-necks (both of which accentuated their muffin tops, might I add), Guess purse in hand and - finally - the gladiator sandals. I personally found them super tacky in them although a part of me wanted to channel my inner ghetto-fab roots and buy a pair. I've seen the gladiator sandal/heel on so many people for this upcoming spring and they've been styled so well that I'm re-thinking my opinion on them. Part of me cringes but another part of me says fuck it! I don't care if I don't have the legs for them. I don't care if they look over the top and if people say "Hey look that girl thinks she's a greek goddess well hate to break it to you but you ain't even greek". And I don't even care about muffin tops anymore because quite frankly I've always been quite muffin-y myself and sometimes girlfriend gotta flaunt her muffin in a croptop. Above are some of my favourite gladiator sandals and I did try to find different styles. You can go super simple with an Alexander Wang pair (seen on Chanel Iman), go more classic gladiator with Jimmy Choo or Stuart Weitzman (seen on Rita Ora and Kourtney Kardashian), or go B-A-N-A-N-A-S (bananas) with a bright in-your-face orange Brian Atwood pair and/or a very artsy and daring Nicholas Kirkwood one. I'm personally loving the Alexander Wangs spotted on Chanel Iman (in white), the Jimmy Choos, the Stuart Weitzmans as well as the dramatic thigh-high pair by Haus Von Lila. You can also find cheaper alternatives such as the last two Jeffrey Campbells. It all depends on your style, but there is definitely something out there for everyone!

From top to bottom, left to right:

1. Stuart Weitzman
2. Jimmy Choo
3. Jimmy Choo
4. Alexander Wang
5. Alexander Wang
6. Haus Von Lila
7. Giuseppe Zanotti
8. Aquazzura
9. Nicholas Kirkwood
10. Brian Atwood
11. Jeffrey Campbell
12. Jeffrey Campbell

Photos from www.Polyvore.com because I'm a basic bitch like that.