IN HAUTE PURSUIT

I often reflect upon how I would respond to the question of pinpointing my specific genre of style. While my personal style is continually evolving, I would have to say the most accurate (and verbose) description of my taste is classic feminine with a mix of modern architectural, and vintage bohemian undertones. As all aspiring fashionistas can attest, it is an endless journey to find those perfect go to pieces that comprise the foundation of your ideal wardrobe. For me, however, the most recent collection from the 2008 established label Haute Hippie has just the right mix of classic staples, and eye catching statement pieces to suit my diverse design aesthetic.

In a recent interview, HH founder Trish Wescoat Pound attests to this very ideal, noting that the brand strives to create collections which can be easily translated from work to play through the mixing of various pieces. Layering a casual cardigan over a beaded tunic, or a blazer over a slouchy button down are just some of the proposed combinations for maximized wardrobe versatility.

Co-creative director of the brand, Rachel Wilder Hill, describes previous collections as being inspired by the notion of fantasy tea party with guests Bianca Jagger, Stevie Nicks, and Queen Victoria.This eclectic fusion of influences defines the brand season after season. Wescoat Pound notes that the unifying factor of these aesthetics ranging from the Great Gatspy to Studio 54 to 1970's hippie chic is the idea of global nomadism. The Haute Hippie girl loves to travel and immerse herself in varied cultural experiences. Above all, she is always prepared to dress for the occasion.

clockwise from left: necklace-embellished jersey t-shirt, ombre sequined silk-chiffon dress, silk-georgette pleated blouse, beaded jersey top, necklace cotton-blend shirt, beaded silk mini dress - all netaporter.com

sources: hautehippie.com, fasshonaburu.com, shopbop.com

REPETTO COLLABORATION

For those who need a break from the sky high platform stilettos du jour, look no further than these delicious little Repetto flats, available at Reborn. In their latest incarnation, Repetto has teamed up with several designers including Ligia Dias, to bring you a fresh twist on their ever popular ballet flat. The Ligia Dias flats (top left, bottom right) are indeed my favourite, as they incorporate both strong and delicate elements, making them perfect for wearing with a feminine frock, or a more tailored casual look. Dias' prior collaborations include stints with Lanvin, Comme des Garcons, and Phillip Lim. 

image sources: reborn.ws/shop

WANTED: LABEL TENT DRESS

Every once in a while you come across that special garment that makes your heart flutter with sheer delight. Let's be honest, for those sartorially obsessed such as I, it does seem to happen far too often for stability of my bank account. None the less, this frock is a show-stopper. Designed by Toronto based firm Label, this easy yet exuberant tent dress is a great way to dress up the ubiquitous fall uniform basics of leggings and a slouchy leather coat.

image sources: seenolabelboutique.com | netaporter.com

OLD WORLD GLAMOUR

I'm sure you have all heard the immortal words of Mr. Saint Laurent "Fashions fade, style is eternal". In my opinion Miss Piksi is the true embodiment of this statement. I have mentioned her here before, and I continue to be amazed by her spectacular styling capabilities.

 

LE PARIS DU CHIC

This editorial is the complete imbodiment of the ideal Parisian style which I so adore, and is therefore aptly titled "Le Paris du Chic". Soft feminine blouses with structural trousers and skirts. Tailored jackets, and crisp shirts mixed with slouchy denim. Top it off with the perfect clutch, classic jewels, a pair of loubous, or the latest chloe flats...what more could a girl dream of? French dressing at it's best indeed. 

image source: tfs | vogue paris march 2009

JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH

"When I get dressed, I think of it as dress-up time, like the clothes are costume pieces. That's why I like vintage - it has a story behind it. I'm not afraid of walking down the street in something that people think is crazy. What I can't stand is looking like everyone else." - Mary-kate in FASHION magazine (March 2008)

image source: olsen-files.com

HAPPY WEEKEND

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies. If you happen to find yourself with some free time on your hands, why don't you curl up with a cup of tea (earl grey is my favorite) and check out some of these useful and inspiring links.

* fool-proof makeup routine

* how to self motivate

* kate spade - things we love

image source: mary-kateolsen.us

ROISIN MURPHY

Thanks to tenseventen I have discovered an absolutely brilliant singer from across the pond. Ladies and gentlemen Roisin Murphy ...i'm hooked! Her latest album Overpowered showcases her smooth and soulful vocals against a background of funky electronica beats. This girl is just fabulous and she has a wonderfully quirky personal style to boot. Check out one of my favorites from the new album below.

image source: google images

MISS DIOR CHERIE

I'm sure many of you, like me, have been captivated by the beauty and elegance of Sophia Coppola's Miss Dior Cherie campaign. I might go as far as to say it is my favorite campaign of all time. Something about the way the young Parisian spirit has been captured here is just simply delightful. 

image sources: tfs [french vogue], net-a-porter [lanvin-clutch, fendi-heels, donna karan-dress, tiffany-necklace]

CHRISTMAS PRESENT

                           

                                             

Merry Christmas to me, love my boyfriend. I just love this ring...sorry the photo doesn't do it justice. My boyfriend and I exchanged gifts early because we went to pick them out together anyways...that way, as the Grinch would say, there will be no sad faces on Christmas! I can't wait to see what everyone else receives for Christmas, hope you get all that you are dreaming of (well the realistic things of course) ..darn reality..cuts down my wish list quite a fair bit.

SEQUINS AND SPECTACLES

image source: chantalenadeau.com | model: santa borel | kill magazine

HOME & STYLE

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of posting. I am now FINALLY done my finals...very exciting. I just have a bit more work to finish over the holidays so I am pleased to have a big load of stress relieved! Hope everyone else's finals went well too! I've got lots going on around here for the holidays but I will try to post as much as possible, including holiday outfits...I just love Christmas parties, they are always such a good excuse to dress up, for those of us (like me) who aren't bold enough to rock the fully done up look every day of the week. Here are some really cool shots from the selby, I am really digging these spaces and the style of the homeowners. 

image sources: theselby.com

WHY I'LL ALWAYS LOVE KARL

I'm sure many of you have heard the buzz surrounding Michelle Obama's inaguration day attire. ALL of the top designers are vying to outfit the next first lady, and newfound style icon, for the historic event. I find all of the designs just stunning, but my affinity for Chanel leads me to say this is by far my favorite. I think it is just perfect for Ms. Obama...classic, iconic, and yet understated...all the reasons why I love Chanel, and why Michelle is becoming one of my style muses. I fear; however, that she will not choose such an established (and costly) designer, all in keeping with support of the working class ideals...none the less I can not wait to see who she chooses.

I could not possibly end this post without speaking of the Chanel metiers d'art pre-fall collection for 2009. I am simply captivated...for all aforementioned reasons. It is no surprise Karl has achieved perfection once again in presenting the best of the house's traditional faire. 

image sources: wwd.com

SIMONA MCINTYRE

The lovely Canadian beauty, Simona McIntyre for i-D magazine January 2009. 

image source: blondeoverblue.wordpress.com

A REAL PRINCESS

This may just be the most glorious photograph I have discovered in quite some time. The one and only Grace Kelly. 

image source: flickr.com/photos/tompalumbo

LES JUENE FILLES NATURALE

While I love all the glitz and glamour that fashion can bring, there is something alluring and timeless about the look of a simple t-shit. With their long windblown hair and natural makeup these girls remind me of the true beauty of minimalism. 

image sources: quintessentiallymodels.com [erin blaak], vogue.fr + garancedore.fr [sofia hagglund wood]

MARC A "CLOSET" READER?

Is it just me or does anyone else have a suspiscion that someone over at marc jacobs has been following the lovely Karla?

Thanks to everyone for all of your lovely comments and support, I am still working away with all my essays, but I couldn't resist when I noticed this coincidental similarity. On a side note, you sure would think that I love blue and purple, no? I guess that lovely little number over on my lust list, is overtaking my subconscious!

image sources: karlascloset.com, netaporter.com

STAY TUNED...

It's that time of year again...finals time. I am sad to say I must leave blog land for a while to focus on the abundant number of essays I have to write. I will try my best to respond to comments or link exchange inquiries. In the mean time here are some lovely and inspiring photos...doesnt everything look better as a polaroid? Stay tuned loves, I promise there is much much more to come.

image sources: etsy.com [user - persephone], style-files.com, styleserver.de, thefashionspot.com

ONE OF THE {GOSSIP} GIRLS

anxiously awaiting the next epidode of gossip girl. december 1st is just too far away! can you tell i am obsessed?

shirt: gap
vest: jcrew
headband: aldo

image sources: iheartleighton.com

ERIN BLAAK

These are my favorite recent photographs of my best friend and Ford model Erin. After a busy Toronto fashion week, she has just arrived in London for some editorial work, and I am wishing her the best of luck. 

photography: troy moth

photography: troy moth

photography: timothy lee