Smell Like a Monster

This is just an example of how brilliant the writers and producers of Sesame Street are.  Even though I stopped watching this show a long time ago, I'm glad to see that the writing is still witty.  I love this commentary on popculture (Old Spice Man is definitely an icon in the advertising world) and it's good that there is some humour and entertainment geared for the parents... other than Katy Perry's decolletage.

Joe Zee, the polar bear

I can't stop laughing... I'm upset I haven't seen this video earlier in my life.

Elie Saab SS 2011

Yesterday, Elie Saab showed its new collection, and I had a really hard time choosing my favourite looks from the runway.  Every single outfit was perfection.  Sleek and feminine silhouettes, luxurious details and pastel colours dominate.  I'm a sucker for girlie, feminine colours, and I am pleased that Elie Saab is continuing that palette that was so popular last year.

This suit is beautiful. The dove gray colour is elegant, and suitable for the office, and I love the cropped pants with the tie-waist.

This takes jumpsuits to a whole new level.  The 70s was apparent on the NYFW runways, (see Michael Kors) but was absent from Paris so far.  This brings the convenience and comfortability of a jumpsuit, but doesn't lose the elegance.  I love the idea of matching your accessories to create a monochromatic look.  I say, matchy-matchy is in again!

A little MJ inspiration?  Gloves were seen on hands at many shows in Paris, which brings a winter element into the summer season.

Here is that gorgeous peach colour again (see my Chanel post from last night).  It is a delicious colour, and I'm loving the 70s inspired silhouette, with the update of a chunky necklace and deep leg slit.

This will definitely be a red-carpet fave next year.  I predict that Natalie Portman or Keira Knightley will wear this number to the Golden Globes.

This is a little risque... but again, I love accessorizing within the exact same colour palette and the sequin jacket/sheer silk blouse combo is a beautiful spring look... which makes me sad Winter is nearly here.

Another gorgeous silk jumpsuit, modeled by the one and only, Karlie Kloss. I love the draping of the fabric on top.

This look is beautiful.  It is sensual and classy... I love the way it plays with proportions by juxtaposing a wide and unstructured top with a tight mini on the bottom. 

I find perfection in this simplicity.  It has a very feminine look to it (echoing a flower, or lady flower... haha)

This is just gorgeous.  It might be over the top and girly, but it is done with such attention to detail and appreciation for the female form.

This rich olive green colour was also featured in the collection, I like this look for its draping and I'm loving the chunky gold necklaces on all the models.

l'année dernière à marienbad

Karl Lagerfeld is a showman.  His collections are grand spectacles and the October 5th show in Paris was no exception.  The set was like a dreampiece from l'Année Dernière à Marienbad... which is a visually stunning film.  The famous garden from the movie was the inspiration for the backdrop for the label's Spring 2011 collection.

Above: The film, Below: Chanel

The beginning of the show started with serious suits in black and white tweed, then things really started to pick up...

Tweed jackets and booty shorts will definitely be the number one trend when spring rolls around next year.

 

The dress I'm not crazy about, the shoes are hideous but the umbrella is divine.

Oh so Coco! This dress echoes Coco Chanel's simple sensibility and suits Coco Rocha.  I love the sheer fabric, and the silhouette is flattering on any woman.

If only my skin tone could pull off peach... this frock is whimsical, with just a bit of snob to give you confidence to be so daring.  I love it.

Nothing really stood out, but I like the different direction this collection took, in contrast to the soft, gauzy pastels that were everywhere on the runway.  Chanel's collection might be sensible in black, but it remains in that LBD philosophy Chanel propagates.  Feathers, lace and texture will be major trends for spring, which is refreshing because they are usually associated with a fall collection.

One more day of Paris Fashion Week... 

Eva Mendes in the Bedroom

Today I was walking towards King Street from Ryerson, and decided to take a short cut (ha!) in the mall.  I entered through Sears, and noticed a crowd forming.  I looked at the entrance, and lo and behold, a sign said that Eva Mendes herself was going to be here today at 1pm-2pm to meet people and launch her new line of bedding called Vida.  I looked at my watch, and it was five minutes to one.  Perfect.

I waited for about ten minutes and weasled my way in to the front of the line where I managed to snap some amazing pics... regardless of my shitty cameraphone.

Oh... Eva.  You are a stunner... and hilarious too.  Click on the video below!

Rachel Zoe... an older, skinnier alter ego

Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist is a genius.  She outfits all the greatest stars and if you've been living on Mars, also has her own reality TV show.

And.. she is absolutely hilarious.



When I come home at the end of the day, I come home to my babies, wrapped in garment and duster bags... you're right Rachel, bags and shoes can talk to you.

I love how at the end, she admits that her biggest fear is getting pregnant... then her assistant says "Are you just afraid of getting fat?" and Rachel's look tells all. 

Wishlist for Surviving the Wilderness.

If you know me, you'll know that I am always cold.  In Winter, I bundle up under piles of sweaters and massive puffy down-filled coats.  I'm tired of my Laundry by Shelli Segal coat... and think it's time to shake things up a bit, because black parkas are just depressing.  Here is my wishlist from...

For 20 Degree Weather: Summer's Over

The Bessie coat by Mackage, $470.  It's perfect for when it starts to get nippy, because anything under 25degrees is freezing.  And I love the camel colour and capelet sleeves.

For 15 Degree Weather

The "Lace Trench" by Bebe, $159.  This trench is covered with an overlay of lace... and has vintage corset lacing in the back.  It screams Victorian and it covers the bum for when it starts getting cold out.

For 10 Degree Weather - Oh the Horror!

Mackage's "Jamie" wool coat in grey, $660 is a perfect September coat.  I love the flare at the bottom, the leather corset belt and the gorgeous tailoring of this jacket.  It also looks beautiful in Marine- an ultra dark navy, but this dove grey colour is so pretty against the leaves that are starting to turn.

For 5 Degree Weather - October is around the Corner...

The "Candice" puffy coat, once again by Mackage, $620 is absolutely gorgeous.  It will break my bank, and get filthy on the subway but the slimfit, sweater knit cuff and collar and the massive fur-trimmed hood makes this the quintessential winter parka... and down-filled to help me survive the bone-chilling temperatures.  With this coat, maybe I'll stop complaining about the weather.

Silly(?) Bandz

Trends come and go, and sometimes they consume the whole nation. Silly Bandz have officially taken over the US and are soon to swamp Canada as well.

Silly Bandz were originally conceived in Japan as an environmentally-friendly alternative to a traditional rubber band.  They're more durable and made of silicone instead of rubber.  Robert Croak, owner of BCP Imports discovered them on a trip there, and started selling them as a kid's toy.  Coincidentally, BCP Imports was responsible for distributing the "Livestrong" bracelets that were popular when we were 13. 

The bandz spread like wildfire over the south first, then moving on up the East coast.  Finally into Canada early this year. They have been seen on the arms of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Ripa, and Madonna. Silly Bandz (err the official ones) are available online or at 8,000 stores in the US.  Amazon lists the bands as a best-selling kid's toy... yet I see these accessories on the young and old.

This trend might not seem so "new" but it isn't widespread in Canada as it is in the US.  On a recent trip to Buffalo, I was amazed at how the rubber bands were on everyone's arm.  A group of 17-year-old jocks walked by in the Galleria mall, going into Dick's Sports store, their arms were adorned with orange, blue, yellow bands.  The mystery lives on... what shape were they?  I'm betting on favourite sports teams... or maybe Justin Bieber bandz?

Galleria had a whole kiosk dedicated to selling these things... and they came in every Disney character imaginable.  Target had a wall full of them, and cheaply priced.  24 bands cost $4.99... which is decent considering the prices I've seen for the elusive bandz in Toronto. 

Rumours have been spread by overprotective parents that the bands symbolize sexual acts, and when someone rips one, you have to subsequently perform the act.  This is absolutely ridiculous, and sounds like the lore of "kootie shots" and "rainbow parties" seventh graders make up to seem mature.  I have, however, witnessed people using silly bands as slingshots.  Who knows... maybe it's a new way to get the attention of that cutie in the bar... starting a playful slingshot war could be flirty fun, until he discovers the fact that you wear silicone bands shaped like rubber ducks on your arm to a bar.

If you're wondering, I picked up a pack or two... In Disney Princesses and Sparkly Pastel Unicorns.  I think I'm five years old again.

Emmy's Best and Worst Dressed

I admit this is a day late, because I was in New York, but I haven't done a best/worst dressed list in a while.

Here are the five best and the five worst dressed stars that walked down the 62nd annual Emmy Awards this Sunday.

The Good:

Kim Kardashian looks like Aphrodite in this Marchesa dress.  Her figure looks gorgeous and she is (for once) tastefully dressed.  You gotta wear white before labour day, that's for sure!

Dexter's Jennifer Carpenter dazzles in this one-shouldered gown.  I thought I was getting tired of the asymetrical silhouette, but this look makes her look like the star she is.

This is a gorgeous update on the "Mad Men" looks January Jones usually wears.  I might be biased, but this Atelier Versace dress stole the show.  If only her hair was done properly.  I would have also preffered a silver shoe, something less severe than the "office" Louboutin platforms.

The Mad Men ladies were on a roll Sunday night. Christina Hendricks shows off her assets in this beautiful Zac Posen gown.  The colour is gorgeous for fall (imagine a wool peacoat in this colour!) and the look is overall delicate and feminine.

Jane Krakowski looks amazing in this Escada gown.  The silhouette is perfect.  She is the picture of perfect styling.  People should take notice and start putting themselves together on the red carpet!

The Bad...

Who invited Kate minus eight to the Emmys?  And why did she wear this drab black dress? It must have been on sale at Sears. 

We get it, Tina Fey, you have a sense of humour.  This Oscar de la Renta dress is better suited for editorials... somehow the looks doesn't translate to red carpet.

Who the fuck invited Stephanie Pratt and WHO THE FUCK wears a GUESS dress to the Emmys? (The dress is from the summer collection to boot.)  It's the Oscars of television after all.  I love her Loubou pumps, but this look is better suited for a lunch at the Ivy while filming your stupid show in between buying bags to match your spray tan.  Your fifteen minutes are up.

Most of you will disagree with me placing Diana Agron's Carolina Herrera gown in the worst dressed category, but to be honest, the look is a little bit dated and too victorian for the event.  She's a young starlet and should dress like one, not like she's going to a Victorian Tea Party.  

 

This one takes the cake.  Toni Collette showed up to the Emmys wearing this (I'm shocked I'm saying this...) Valentino gown.  Since when does Valentino looks like some reject from Project Runway?  It was probably dyed in a toilet (ha!). I guess the ombre paintings of flora and fauna are "whimsical" but the grey colour and shape are just drab, not fab. 

Overall, I'm very disappointed with the red carpet looks this year.  There isn't a clear winner, I was just overall unimpressed with the selection.  Everyone was either in a drapey Marchesa gown (which is getting old) or something with an obscene amount of sparkles and ruffles, causing Prom overload.  Glee might be popular, but that doesn't mean stars should be dressing like they're going to Winter Formal.

The Angels Have Landed. - My 100th Post.

Today is a special day... The Angels have landed, I was one foot away from supermodel Adriana Lima, and this is my 100th post.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting this blog.  It had a shaky start with little direction, and still has no focus.  "Nasty Natalie" has been an outlet for me to vent and share my joys, frustration and inspiration with the world... or the four of you who actually read this thing.  So thank you :)

On August 26th, 2010 Victoria's Secret finally opened their first store in Canada.  Although their "little sister" store PINK has been around for a few months, the Yorkdale location of VS is the first store geared to adults, featuring their signature lingerie.  The years of cross-border and e-shopping are over.  Canadians can rejoice and add a little "sexy" to their daily lives. 

When I got to the store at 11:30 am, I was saddened to hear that the lineup to meet Adriana Lima was already full (at 300 people) and had been full since 9am.  Those were obviously some hardcore fans.
While waiting around earlier, Dasha and I got free panties for "waiting in line to enter the store" after snatching up the swag and picking up our angel wing photos, we left the lineup, defeated after realizing that it would take over four hours to enter the VS store, and we likely wouldn't have the time or energy to buy anything.

 Luckily, I had the fortune to leave the underground restaurant and go upstairs to make a phone call.  As I was finishing up, I saw lots of commotion and flashbulbs go off and instantly knew that Lima had arrived.  I rushed to the security ropes and pulled out my camera, eagerly snapping away at the casually dressed supermodel.  The photos were blurry thanks to no flash and low-lighting, as well as a crazy man pushing into me. 

These photos are not zoomed in.  She was that close.  Today was probably the closest I will ever be to a Victoria's Secret Angel.  Taking pictures in front of the wings semi-fulfilled my fantasy of being a VS Angel.  Until then, there's always Halloween.