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.

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.

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. 

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).

I'm a Bag Lady.

I've always had a softspot for the perfect handbag.  I've fallen in love many times with leather, straps, stitching and handsome hardware.  I love the feeling of a having a gorgeous bag on my arm: the weight of a satchel, hanging by the crook of my arm as I stroll along the street, letting the bag sway gently from side to side.  There is something powerful and magical about a handbag, and its ability to completely transform an outfit.  I am convinced that it's the most powerful accessory and will forever be a timeless staple in any woman's closet. 

Here are some models I have my eye on... and I admit, some can only be a mere fantasy.

The Rio Snakeskin embossed satchel has been the object of my desire for a long time.  I love it in this fuschia colour, but I think I might cheat on it with the cream python version from Fall 2010...did I mention it costs a little under $1,400?

The Ruched Petal Zip Satchel from Valentino ($2,695) is just divine.  I have a handbag similar to this style in a light purple, but I love the grey update for fall.  I love the way Valentino's bags are super girly but retain a simple elegance.  There isn't much hardware on this piece, but it proves that a bag doesn't need 20 pounds of hardware to be beautiful... It illustrates the sculptural qualities leather can have in the volume and movement of the rose petals.

This little number from Michael Kors is a piece I've had my eye on for sometime.  It has a classic "Birkin" shape, but without the Hermes pricetag.  The Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote is affordable at $298 and doesn't have the tacky "MK" tags that make it look cheap.  I'm usually not a fan of MK bags, but this one has a spot on my wishlist, especially in this colour for summer.

I've fallen in love with a Coach bag before... and I think it might happen again.  This morning, I got an email from them, stating that the Kristin collection (the series from which my Tiffany Box Blue bag came from) got updated in new colours and style.  I clicked the link, my heart racing.  I think I'm going to take a temporary separation from the turquoise bag... navy is my new love.

Unfortunately, this bag only comes in the large version, and at $498, it's pushing it.  I love the size of my other bag, and I don't think the price difference is worth the extra space.  Sometimes size doesn't matter in finding the perfect piece of arm candy.

Little Blue Bag.

Today I went browsing at Eaton Centre after class. Jannen accompanied me into Coach. I was greeted by the new Kristin collection that just came in last Friday and I was overjoyed to see that the coveted bags came in my favourite colour... turquoise. I was set to buy a cross-body clutch for a modest $158. Jannen left to go back to class, and I continued to browse, and this is where my trouble began. I came across this beauty and fell in love...

... but true love costs a lot of money ($358 to be exact). I agonized and kept thinking things over, while comparing other bags. I originally came in to see what black bags were available. I was displeased with the shapes and hardware on all of them, but this little blue bag caught my eye. Felicia, the salesgirl convinced me to go for it, and not to worry about the impulse shopping, as Coach has a full refund policy. I grabbed my bag, and put the plastic on the counter and left with my $400 baby.

Now I need everyone's opinion... to keep or not to keep it? That is the question. Comment below and by Sunday I will update you on the fate of this little blue bag.

xo

Love, Lust and LINGERIE

Whether you are pleasing your man, or treating yourself to something special, having confidence with the way you look midway between clothed and naked is important on the day dedicated to love and lust.

Look for styles that are comfortable and well fitted. Avoid boning in corsets at all costs, unless you're willing to shell out more than $50. Chances are, the boning inside will poke at your ribs or won't contour to your body, making maneuvering ;) painful and difficult. (Foreplay is important... bodice ripping must be saved till later...)

Lace is an itchy subject with girls. Men love lace. I've yet to meet a guy that won't go wild for a pair of low brazillian-cut lace boyshorts. Consequently, women are under the impression that the textile is uncomfortable and just plain irritating. And then spandex saves the day! Stretch lace can feel as comfortable as cotton... and remember ladies, beauty is pain.

When Valentine's day comes around, why not be adventurous? Try out a daring style you haven't before or mix up what you usually wear with a splash of colour or rebellion. If you're still at a loss for ideas, you can't go wrong by exposing your inner vixen. Nothing is sexier than La Perla thigh-high sheer stockings held up by a sexy garter. Bra optional.

Photos: Left- Victoria's Secret Ribbon Lace Boyshort - $16 or 3 for $30

Right - LaPerla Garter belt approximately $139

Thoughts on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. Those two words, and their meaning can incite fear, anxiety and panic into some people. To others, the words bring back recollections of fond, fuzzy memories (mostly mushy).

I have to admit to the fact that I have always been a hater of the "Hallmark" holiday. I always seem to be single around this time (correlation?) and in elementary school, the stress of giving and receiving Valentines was enough to cause premature pattern baldness; I love my hair too much.

As young kids, we would send Valentines with Disney or Barbie characters to everyone in the class. We made doilie heart cards for our mommies and daddies and we ate cinnamon hearts. Then, grade four came, and so did the shift in our tendencies. From that point forward, we became selective with who we send our Valentines; and who we send our metaphorical love to. For some unknown reason, the bitter cinnamon hearts are still consumed.

The film, Valentine's Day, starring 60% of Hollywood attempts to shed a light on the highs and lows of the tumultuous day for relationships. Many people get engaged, break-up or drown their sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry's on this day. So much stress is put on a day that was originally created to honour a Saint, who was giving and passionate about people.

This Valentine's Day, I urge everyone to return to grade one. Spend this February 14 by sharing love with everyone. Or come to the cinema with me to see Wolfman...just don't eat too much chocolate. Your thighs will thank me later.