Aphrodite

Only six days to go till Kylie's new CD, Aphrodite.  Listen to the album in its entirety here!

I rarely buy CD's but I'm definitely buying this next Tuesday, I can't get enough of the second track, Get Out of My Way (after All the Lovers).

JPG + La Perla = LOVE

There are few things I can't live without, fashion and lingerie are at the top of that list.  Jean Paul Gaultier is one of my favourite designers, bringing drama and theatrics with his couture line and inventing the "sailor chic" look, as well as the iconic, conical bra made famous by her Madgesty (Madonna).  Many of his designs include intricate corsetry and lingerie details, but finally, there will be an official Jean Paul Gaultier lingerie collection.  Teamed up with lingerie powerhouse - La Perla no less.

I can't wait for this line to come out in november... I'm saving for it already.

Burberry launches unique campaign

Like every big-budget movie, fashion is riding on the 3D trend.  Burberry streamed their Fall Ladies' collection in 3D (but only to a select audience) earlier this year.  They are continuing with their venture in the third dimension by showcasing their 2010 Fall/Winter campaign in 3D.



Although this might be a gimmick to get money out of the public when seeing a movie, I think this is amazing for online content, especially in fashion and design.  People can get a 360 degree view of the clothes and get a sense of the texture and movement of the garments.  For most people, it will be as close as they will get to seeing a Burberry garment (such a tease...)  It gives the campaign energy, and is a groundbreaking move for the British fashion house. 

Burberry seems to be moving away from the staunchy (but classic and gorgeous) trench coats they are known for.  I can't wait for this to be launched.

Dreams DO come true.

I can't help but admit that it's been a dream of mine to live in Disney World.  Ever since I was a little kiddo, I have been visiting the theme park, and each time I go, there is something new and exciting... the magic is always there.  I love Florida, and have a sentimental attachment to the climate and atmosphere, since my grandparents had a house in St. Pete's where I spent the winters of my childhood.  Disney World is the culmination of all things fantastic, and now you can have your very own home in Disney World.

Although it was my dream to live in Cinderella's castle... it's kind of impossible to live there (since the hotel in the top is booked solid for honeymoons/wedding nights)... but you can live in Golden Oaks...

Golden Oak Luxury Homes is a luxury (gated) residential resort, slated for completion in 2011, that lets you purchase a home within the Walt Disney World compound.  Located south east of the Magic Kingdom and north of Epcot (which I have cleverly acronymed: Every Person Comes Out Tired...) you are in the centre of all the action. 

"Golden Oak will initially consist of three different types of single-family homes. Village Homes will feature Mediterranean style homes on sites up to one-quarter acre, Estate Homes will include architectural styles like Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colonial and Island Colonial on approximately one-half-acre home sites and Grand Estate Homes, on home sites up to three-quarters-acre in size, will feature architectural styles consistent with Estate Homes." (Ricky Brigante) (read the rest here)

The homes cost between $1.5 million to upwards of $8 million, (with a $25,000 deposit to secure your spot) which is pretty steep for the volatile Floridian real estate market. (But the Italian home - the last photograph looks gorgeous!)

So what do you get for all that money?  Apparently, Golden Oak residents will receive VIP park entrance and access to special events, private VIP transport, and access to the golf courses and other ammenities within the WDW complex (including access to the new Four Seasons spa)... so no guarantee on free admission to the park... Which is a shame, because I think it would be amazing to dine in fake Morocco or Italy every night, or see the fireworks over Cinderella's castle. 

There is speculation whether investors will snatch up these luxury homes and rent them out to hardcore Disney fans (like my family...) but short-term leases won't be allowed, the minimum is a 6 month rental (which I can guarantee will cost thousandsssss.)

My childhood fantasy of living in the Disney World resort has become a reality.  With a little Disney "magic" dreams do come true... but with a price.

Like a Rolling Stone.

Georgia May Jagger is one of my favourite up and coming models.  She's a sweetheart, and even chats with me via Twitter.  She is Rock and fashion royalty, and seems to have taken mom Jerry Hall's good looks, with a dash of Mick's swagger. 

In July's issue of Vogue China, Jagger was photographed by Max Vadukul.  This is the second set of editorials from the issue I have fallen in love with, it seems that the Asian editions of magazines are eclipsing North American and European mags in terms of styling, creativity and model star power. 

Georgia is styled by Nicoletta Santoro and these outfits can't help but make me feel nostalgic for school.  School-girl leggings and knee-highs paired with chunky knits scream collegiate to me, and I definitely hope to interpret this aesthetic into my fall wardrobe.

Those pink shoes are divine...and I guess the socks would alleviate blisters. 

All Lacquered Up...

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm obsessed with nail polishes.  I jump at the chance to buy bottles in all shades: blues, greens, pinks and purples.  Although I lack the finesse of perfecting a DIY mani, I still try to never have chips and always have a unique pastel shade.  This morning, I came across a blog dedicated completely to the art on nail lacquer.

With tips on application, ideas for design and color comparisons (the best part of the site!)... anyone can go to this blog for advice before spending wads of cash on the newest line from Essie, China Glaze or the perennial favourite, OPI. 

The blog isn't written by a makeup artist or esthetician, but an accountant from Ohio.  I'm betting that Michelle Mimsas has the most stylish and manicured nails ever to touch a calculator.

Visit All Lacquered Up :)

Jaydiohead.

Listen.

Works in over 200 Countries...

Here are some amazing ads by AT & T.  They were made with hands and a bit of makeup.  Enjoy!

And Canada wasn't left out in this series of ads depicting national landmarks, symbols and imagery...

Neon, Red Lips and Leopard Print

July's edition of Vogue China features Dree Hemingway shot by Ellen von Unwerth.  The photos are saturated and striking.  I love the styling, it reminds me of the eighties and definitely has an attitude. 

The coolest word ever.

Vuvuzela.  Right now, I think it's safe to say that this is the buzzword (pardon the pun).  This year's World Cup has a different sound all thanks to the roar of thousands of these plastic horns, ringing in at a deafening 127 decibels. 

Its sound has been described as a "hive of killer bees" or "goats on the way to get slaughtered".  If you happen to have grown accustomed to the drone of these horns while watching football, you can now continue to destroy your hearing by listening to Vuvuzela FM.

For some reason, these horns fascinate me.  It seems as if everyone watching the games in the stadium has one, and I am a sucker for the latest craze. 

Think of all the amazing things you could do with such a unique, obnoxious sound.  Getting my sister out of bed would be 500 times more entertaining, and it would be a hit at the cottage, annoying all the neighbours and scaring away bears.  Forget foghorns when you are stranded in the middle of your lake with no gas; foghorns run out of juice and are costly... vuvuzelas are louder and sure to get the attention of people.

But what is the origin of this remarkable plastic instrument?  The vuvuzela (or vuvuzela-like instrument) originated in Mexican sports stadiums in the 1970s, but was made of tin.  Imagine having a vuvuzela at a bull-fighting match... the bull would either become more enraged or be seduced... who knows it might be reminiscent of a weird mating call.  The vuvuzela became popular in South Africa in the 1990s, and a plastic version didn't come around until 2001. 

I'm going to order my vuvuzela from Amazon.com tonight... I can't wait to blow this horn.

Monday's Objet d'Affection

I don't know why I tease myself like this.  A link on Style Dot Com directed me to Neiman Marcus' online store, where they highlighted Christian Louboutin's pre-fall 2010 collection.  Leopard slingbacks and pointed flats were cute and a signature of Loubou, but it wasn't until the third page that I fell in love.

The "Flannel over-the-knee boot" is a perfect replacement for tired riding boots, and updates the skanky "over-the-knee" trend in a luxe colour with military details.  Today, I'm wearing an army green jumpsuit, and I wish I had these boots to complete the look. 

This is like Metro, but worse.

I have spent every summer of my life in a little town of just over 2000 people, known as Apsley... or North Kawartha Township, if you prefer to call it that.  I haven't been up north since April and to my shock and horror, a lot had changed in a couple months.

The town has undergone major advances in the past year, with a new Home Hardware, a newly built public school (these kids have it MADE compared to the ghetto I spent 6 years in), library, hockey rink (that could probably house a provincial team it's so massive), community centre, and dozens of new knick knack shops.

These are all positive changes, making Apsley beautiful and putting cottagers' tax dollars to good use.  It's amazing how mainly locals can actually utilise these facilities, yet 416'ers are footing the bill, and we're talking millions...   

Surprisingly, for a hunting town, there is no bar in Apsley (even the restaurant doesn't have a liquor license).  But cottagers and locals alike frequent the LCBO year round.  Its selection of party liquors is impressive, this is without a doubt the most epic and cramped liquor store in the North Kawarthas.

Last year, a similar phenomenon to what I experienced this weekend happened in Toronto; all of the Dominion grocery store signs were replaced with neon signs that read: metro.  The whole greater Toronto area was plagued with confusion and grieved the loss of Dominion... it was later explained through some cheesy commercials that Dominion isn't gone, it just had a new name.

This weekend, I re-experienced that same feeling of confusion, hallucination and grief.  Apsley's Sayers IGA was now known as "Foodland".

I will let this shocking tidbit sink in.

All of my life, I have been faithfully purchasing BBQ goodies at this little grocery store.  It is the hub of the city during the summer year, and it's even open on Holidays like Canada Day and Labour Day.  

As a child, I mistakenly called it "IG-Poo" and the name has stuck since.

I cannot imagine calling the heart of the "city" by anything other than its proper name.  IGA, you will always hold a special part in my memory, along with Dominion. 

Has Anyone Seen This Dress?

MISSING: If anyone has seen this BCBG dress in a store (hopefully on sale, the original price tag is what deterred the purchase) or for sale online please notify me.

REWARD: my eternal gratitude... and I promise not to wear it and steal your thunder at a dinner party... this dress in this breathtaking Cobalt blue commands attention.

This is one of my biggest buyer's remorses... although I'm glad I saved myself upwards of $800, I could die as a happy fashion addict with this chiffon gown hanging peacefully in my closet.  It was in stores before Christmas, so I'm hoping it will turn up on eBay or at a clearance outlet soon.

I remembered this dress today when reading a Bridal magazine (it was the only recent magazine in my physio clinic's waiting room... I'm not one of those psycho girls who obsesses over weddings... or am I? haha) and I was looking at all the advertisements for Godawful bridesmaids dresses.  Some advertised the option to dye your maids' dresses to match a fabric swatch, complete with matching dyed shoes... It was just horrific.  I started to remember all the gorgeous dresses I tried on when I was shopping for a pageant dress and recalled this beautiful Cobalt gown that still haunts me.

So if anyone knows the whereabouts of this beautiful dress... please let me know.  I'm a size 2 (but I'll squeeze into a 0 or alter a 4... the dress is too fab to pass up) so if you see it in a store put it on hold for me!   And I promise to buy you a delicious cheesecake (in case the dress is a size 0, I won't join you in devouring the caloric pastry).

Floptina?

With Christina Aguilera's new album, Bionic due next tuesday, MTV.ca conveniently leaked the full 15-track CD online. 

I took advantage of all the computer work I had to get done at work to listen to her album a couple times... 

Not Myself Tonight is the first single of the album.  I'm not really a fan of the song (although I hear the video is full of S & M imagery...) and the album is full of attempts to conform to mainstream pop (think Ke$ha, Gaga, Goldfrapp)  The problem with this attempt is that songs like Bionic or WooHoo (which is mildly catchy...) don't do much justice for her voice, which is paralelled by few.

I feel like this CD is much like Madonna's Erotica.  X-Tina presents us with an oversexed album.  Everything is heavily produced and all the songs are about sex:  i.e. Sex for Breakfast, I Hate Boys, Desnudate, Woo Hoo... Her new "image" even looks like a 2010 version of Madonna's Erotica incarnation.

The only song worth downloading on this album is You Lost Me.  This is a power ballad/love song like no other.  It goes beyond Aguilera's other standards (think Hurt, Beautiful) and truly showcases Aguilera's vocal prowess.  Aguilera performed the song at the season finale of American Idol and wowed everyone... without the smoke and mirrors (ahem... Gaga.)

All the Lovers

It's official... Kylie is back. 

After seeing her in concert last October, I had high expectations for Minogue's comeback.  This song and this video proves she is still hot. 

The video is simply one massive orgy that just keeps growing, with Kylie as their Queen.  The song is reminiscent of the 80s and the video reminds me of stuff from her Fever album.  I can't wait to hear the rest of her new album, Aphrodite when it comes out July 5th.