Shopping On A Budget

Ever find yourself rummaging through your bag to find enough money to afford those adorable shoes or amazing Alexis Bittar necklace? (Missy, you would LOVE Alexis Bittar). Well I have a solution for you...

We all work hard, and in this world right now money can seem to come and go, and go, and go, until its gone and you are left shopping for quantity and not for quality. Well thats the point. Save your money. If you find something you really love, for me its those Louboutins, I have been putting away 5% of my cheque into my fashion savings fund, and when I have all the money saved up I buy them.

Saving for key items such as, black pumps, trench coats, wnter coats, great boots, little black dresses, classic items that never go out of style is the way to go. Seriously. Spend the big bucks on the items that you will wear for the rest of your life, and then you wont feel so bad when you drop 1500 on a Burberry trench coat. Yes I get it this is worth WAY more then 2 maybe een 3 months rent for some of you. But its worth is. ANd when you finally slip your feet into those brown leather, red bottoms.. you will no longer feel guilty, but rather like heaven just visited your toes!

What are you saving for?

xoxo,
Style Lab

Shoes Are Really A Girls Best Friend

Shoes. I am currently obbessing over shoes right now. Maybe it is because I am on a diet and slowly taking this weight off that I gained from school therefore I find it pointless to shop until I have reached my goal weight. That being said, your feet are always the same size.

Recently, while surfing the fabulous site that is net-a-porter.com I stumbled upon the beauties that you see in the image above. These shoes literally took my breath away. It was like the first time you hear someone tell you they love you. Haha perhaps I am getting over my head. But in the words of Wanye "They will be mine. Oh yes. They will be mine."

How you ask, strict budget, and hey I work hard for my money! I deserve it!

Until next time, enjoy the site and lust over those shoes with me!

xoxo
Style Lab

Akward Is The New High Fashion

Americas Next Top Model Cycle 14 is quite possibly the best season yet. The girls are amazing and I have to say that akwards girls are kicking ass. Well one of them. Rihanna was sent packing this past Thursday, and while I favored her and loved everything about her look, she did not deliever. Perhaps she was too stuck in the trees?

Anne on the other hand, is kicking some serious top model butt. She has pulled out best photo three weeks in a row, and I have to say I like her style and her look. She is amazing. I fear for the day that she falls on her ass. :S

Anyway, keep watching, and Ill keep updating!

xoxo
Style Lab

Lanvin hearts H&M..

And we do too! Yes thats right! Lanvin is releasing a much anticipated collection for H&M. While I have yet to see a sneek preview of it I am really excited. Lanivn is just so classic, so elegant, so beautiful. You bet your Louboutin Red Bottom booties that I'll be first in line at the opening. You heard me right, line. Women and men, line up for these designer days as early as midnight. Luckily for me, I work graveyards and this will be a piece of cake, piece of pie.

Check out the H&M website for more info and for a store located near you.
http://www.hm.com/ca/#/startns/

xoxo
Style Lab

You Wanna Be On Top?

Nananana!

Cycle one million and twenty has begun. No really it's Cycle 15 and I have to say I still love this show. I like that you always find one girl, for me its the most awkward girl in the pack, and totally root for her. So that being said GO ANN and Rhianna!

So far three girls have left the competition. Anamaria, Terra, and Sara. Anamaria got the boot because she was too skinny. Too skinny for the fashion world? Healthy is in. Girls gotta have meat on the bones. And Terra got the axe for I think crying too much. Sarah got kicked out because she didn't bring anything to the table her pictures just fell flat.

I am really excited to see how this show fairs and how the girls push the bar. The stakes are very high and I am anticipating next week.

Until next time.

Nananana
Xoxo
Style Lab

WInter Sports Meets High Fashion

Once again I am so sorry for my lengthy hiatus. Life has been all over the place backwards insanity! But I should be updating more frequently!

Also my lap top bit the dust.. meaning I have LOST everything. I am pretty sad but I learned my lesson. BACK UP ALL THE TIME!

So upon my research I found this little gem. ISNT IT AMAZING!? I think so. I love Chanel to begin with. I think that the style is just so classic and timeless that if you own a Chanel piece you are lucky and could really wear it every day for the rest of your life and no one would know it was 50 years old. That being said, even the snowboard is classic and timeless.

I will take one please!

Xoxo
Style Lab

Hiatus Over

Sorry followers.. I have been on vactation, locked out of my blog, and too busy to write. I know, I know... I will take the lashings as they come.

So I just got back from the Sunshine State. Disney world to be exact. And all I can say is, I HAD SO MUCH FUN. it was my 10th, yes 10th time going. And probably the best trip yet. My love Steve went with me and we just had a blast. As for Florida Fashion, well I didnt hit up South Beach but from what I hear the women wear fur on top of their bikinis... I am nut sure, actually I know how this isnt very practical.. but do you think it should be a fashion statement? You decide

Store 3: ASOS

New gem! I just found this site and I have to say that I totally love love love this new online store. The dresses, I am such a dress snob these days, are amazing. I love every single one! So pretty and cute, and feminine. Love!

And you should love it too!

http://www.asos.com/?pge=home

xoxo,
Style Lab

Slacker!

I am so terribly sorry for not updating and putting in "My Fave Store of the Day." I have been so undeniably busy. So busy that I do not really have anything or the time to say anything fashion related today.

However, I did see the documentary, The Cove, and it was quite possibly the most moving and touching film I have ever seen. We all need to watch this, and together make a change. The number of dolphins slaughtered in a year is disgusting. The Japanese are capturing dolphins for amusement parks and for entertainment and the ones that they do not take they murder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KRD8e20fBo

We need to make a difference.

xoxo,
Style Lab

Store 2: Marmalade Clothing

I recently stumbled upon this gem. Marmalade Clothing is a Canadian company, once again insert proud Canadian moment. But seriously their clothing is so amazing. Everything looks like it was ripped off Austin Powers. And any lover of the decades LOVED the 70's.

The company is ran by a girl named, Magdalena, and she started making dresses in Toronto and selling them at the well known Kensington Market in Toronto. (If you do not know what the Kensington Market is, you really need to go. It is incredible)

So check out the site, support Canadian fashion. But for now I must go find myself a pair of go go Boots!

http://marmalade-shop.com/

xoxo
Style Lab

Anthropologie

A friend of mine asked me for a list of my favorite online stores for clothing and accessories. So I figure, my readers deserve the same. So every day I will blog about a store that I love to shop at online. Some of them you might already know, but some might be a new gem to you.

First up, Canadian store, Anthropologie. This is quite possibly my most loved online store at the moment. The clothing, especially the dresses, are so quirky and fun. I love the textiles and how each garment has its own uniqueness to it. And as I mentioned, it is Canadian. (Patriotic Cheer)

The image above is the Edme & Esyllte - Salty Seas Dress. I absolutely love it and I have to have it. As you can see, this is just a great example of what Anthropologie is all about.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

xoxo,
Style Lab

Star Wars Meets Adidas

Okay, so I am not a Star Wars fan at all. Not even close to it. But I am a massive Adidas fan. I love high top sneakers, and I have an ever growing collection of sneakers. But that is besides the point.

I stumbled upon a tasty treat for shoe collectors and for Star Wars fans. Adidas has released their limited 2010 collection. And yes friends it is amazing! I really cannot wait to get my hand on, or rater my feet into a pair of these.

Here is the website, enjoy!
http://www.starwars.com/vault/collecting/news20091208/index.html

xoxo
Style Lab

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

Here is some more styling from the photo shoot I did last November. These were shot in BC Place down by the water. We had to be stealth and shoot really quickly and get out quickly.

Enjoy,
Style Lab

Ralph Lauren

Image from the Ralph Lauren Fall 2009 collection

Ralph Lauren has been called a true stylist. He keeps it classic, beautiful, amazing, and imaginative. His fall/winter 2009 collection blew my mind. It was absolutely amazing. His use of textiles. The colors. You could feel them through the pages of your glossy Vogue magazine.

At the recent Fashion Week, he show cased his Fall 2010 collection and once again I am in total awe. This man is incredible. I love every piece that walked down that run way. I have a total love affair for velvets and leathers. I am a vegan, yes, but I can't help myself. I love my luxury fabrics.

To sum it all up. It is a midnight garden party meets Paris coffee shop. A marriage of sophistication and imagination. Top it all off with an amazing jacket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWVURZf9FlE

My Styling

Something just occurred to me. I haven't posted any of my styling work other then the visual display Betsy project. Well here we go.

As most of you can see, I like to get lost in enchanted worlds. I love trees, the earth, the mud, the dirt, the grass, the flowers, the sky, the water, the air which we cannot see. I love it all, and a lot of my inspiration is pulled from that.

I also really like a classic darkness. Not the rocked out, wild and over done hair. But the mysterious creepiness that allures people to take a closer look. Or to get lost in something twisted and demented.

Here is three images to start.

Enjoy,
Style Lab

Raina

Like I said. I am a week behind all of you when it comes to watching Americas Next Top Model. I watch it at work on Sunday nights with my co-worker. However, I am totally and utterly in love with Raina. I think she has the most amazing eyebrows on the face of this planet.

Eyebrows are just such a great asset. If you have a good pair and take really good care of them, let them be your accessory! With a great lip stain of course.

The photo shoot on this weeks episode was the Vampire themed one. So great. So high fashion, even though they were just wearing shorts and tank tops and covered in fake blood. It was really amazing. I would have loved to be on a set like that. I cannot wait to shoot my Vampire shoot! So stay tuned for that.

xoxo
Style Lab

Happy Easter

Happy Easter weekend readers and friends. So go fill your self full of yummy food and enjoy friends and family. If there is time, and an H&M near you, you should go check out the Garden Collection.

I am not always a big fan of H&M's products, but this collection is really fun to look at. The textiles are also really great for hot weather.

hop hop!

Style Lab


On a quick side note, this entire Garden Collection from H&M is totally organic. Each item is made out of recycled materials. That being said, the fabric is still soft to the touch. So go shop, and allow your inner Green Goddess to be pleased with spending the greens ;)

xoxo
Style Lab

BANGS!

Hair cuts are very important. I finally found a salon, and a stylist that I truly love. It is so important to find someone that knows how to work with your hair.

My new stylist did cut off a LOT more hair that I asked for, but it was much needed. I had been growing my hair since last April, and trying to get the box dye jobs out of my hair for a full year. Well FINALLY it is almost my natural color. And I am very happy.

I also love bangs. Who needs an accessory when you have great bangs and a killer smile ;)

Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head

Rain city never fails. The late winter early spring means rain here in Vancouver. What is a girl to do? Luckily I am many of the very few girls that have the hair frizz problem when it comes to rain as my hair is pin straight all the time. BUT I still don't like being chilled to the bone.

So the question of the day is how does a fashionable girl stay warm, dry, and in style? well its really quite simple. A great rain coat, Burberry (I am investing in one this season) and a great pair of HUNTER boots.

Hunter boots come in so many different colors that it might be hard to choose. The classic in me says black, but the product of the 80's in me says yellow. Which will I choose? Yellow. On a dark cold rainy day, they can be the sunshine in my step!

Love Vs. Magazine

The most important item to a fashionista, besides her Christan Louboutins black patent leather pumps, is her magazine. I am currently obsessed with Vs. Magazine. I stumbled upon this precious gem when I was wandering through Chapters book store looking for photo shoot inspiration. I saw hot pink and a stunning image of Drew Barrymore and instantly grabbed it. I didn't care what the price was, I just had to have it.

When I got home, I was amazed at what I saw. You know you are captured by a mag when you use all 5 senses to engage in it. The lay outs, the editorials, the text, the paper stock, the smell! Amazing. I had a euphoric moment with Vs. and for that I salute you!


So my suggestion; GO BUY IT. NOW! You can even look at it online. ;)
http://www.vspublications.com/

Funky Fresh

Did anyone watch Project Runway Canada last year? I sure did. The Canadian talent on that season was mind blowing. Obviously VAWK was going to win, his gowns and his attention to detail was what pushed him to the top. However, it was Jessica Biffi that stood out the most in my mind.

Her designs were funky, fresh, hip, and exciting. Made me want to wear everything that walked down that runway. Her spring/summer 2010 collection fashion show images were just posted on her website: jessicabiffi.com. and I have to say, still in love!

I can't wait to see what she will come up with next.

Americas Next Top Model

I absolutely LOVE this show. Always have, always will. And this week on the show they are doing a vampire inspired shoot. As we all know, vampires are all the rage. In television, movies, and therefore in fashion.

While ANTM may have beat me to the Vampire photo shoot, you better believe that I am still going to do one. The setting.. the Lynn Canyon. It will be an amazing time. You will have to wait and see...

While you are waiting, WATCH THE SHOW!

Style Lab

Spring Cleaning?

Well my friends it is that time of year again. The bi-annual or the quarterly (for you real wardrobe nuts) to clean out the closet and do the swap from fall/winter to spring/summer.

While you east coasters are enjoying your warm weather, here on the West coast we are still feeling the chill, and although I am currently wearing sandals, the skies have an angry look of rain in them. So my spring closet clean is going very, very slow.

This spring, for my wardrobe, I require a pair of bloomer shorts from American Apparel, cotton dresses, big hats, Havaianas, Chanel sun glasses, and a glass of white sangria.

What does your wardrobe require this summer?

Spring 2010

Ahhh.. Big breath in. Big Breath out! Spring is here. Although, in Vancouver, B.C. it comes a few months early.

So, while I cook my tofu fried rice (minus the egg), I will entertain you with the ideas of what spring fashion has to offer us this year;
Big hair bows. = LOVE. How do you wear such an amazing accessory? Anyway you want. So long as it is in your hair. That being said, the longevity of this trend is probably until the fall. Sorry Blair Waldorf. But enjoy it while you can. I know I am.

Next: Studded anything. Blazers, jersey blazers, shorts, shoes, bags. You name it, it's going to be studded. Want to save money on this trend? Pull out the old BEDAZZLER and go to town. If only I knew where mine was...

Okay. So there you have it. 2 spring 2010 trends.. stay tuned for more. Maybe I will catch some lovely people rocking them on the streets and snap a few pictures.

Betseyville

So, any girl who LOVES fashion LOVES Betsey Johnston. I am included in that. So here was one of my final exams.

A Betseyville shoe display! Dont you just want to lay in there and soak up the awesomeness that is pink and yellow bows?

Genevieve Alexander

So I made my big debut at the fashion show on March 09/2010. My dresses rocked the runway, and I am happy to say they are starting to sell.

The fashion show was called a Twisted Fairytale. And the clothing I made for the show was just that, specifically for the show. The night was truly magical, and I cannot wait until I do it again.

So here are the pictures from my designs in the show. Enjoy!

Style Lab

Target

Okay, So perhaps I am just out of the loop when it comes to American fashions, trends, and stores. But target is going to be carrying Jean Paul Gaultier for Target... Umm so I know curiosity killed the cat, but I am Kat and my curiosity got to the best of me. Did I like what I saw? Not even a little bit. I am really not impressed. But then again, I am a bit of a snob.

http://www.target.com/Jean-Paul-Gaultier/b/ref=sc_fe_l_5/176-2959259-4656953?ie=UTF8&node=1294293011

I AM CANADIAN

Okay, so I wasn't REALLY a fan of the Olympics but now I am really glad to be living in Vancouver to experience this. It is chaos. It is manic. It is pride. It is history. And what will be going down as the NUMBER ONE TREND OF 2010? The Hudson Bay Company Canadian Olympic Mittens.

TADA!

What's In a Name?

So it has taken me this long to finally come up with a name for my design house. Ready for it?.... Drum roll please.... Genevieve Alexander.

So how did I come up with this name you ask?
Well it is the combination of my sisters first name and my brothers last name. Both such beautiful names, and together they are a perfect marriage of names.

The dresses for the fashion show are coming along. Once I figure out how to scan properly I will post some images of the technical drawings and what not.

BE EXCITED! I AM!

A Sad Day in the Fashion World

Everyone says that they will remember where they were when they heard that Princess Diana died. True, I do. But I will always remember where I was when I heard that the amazingly talented and gifted McQueen had passed away.

I was on my way to do a window display for a store in Gastown, Vancouver when a friend BBMed me and told me the shocking news. While I didn't cry, I did feel the world was being robbed of such an amazing designer.

I had never met the man, but a lot of my own designs are inspired by his collections.Strange, weird, different.

I extend my condolences to his family. Farewell Alexander McQueen.

Jeans - How Not To Wear

I was shopping for new jeans on the weekend. Everywhere I went had, and only had, low rise jeans. Well this is just wonderful. I HATED low rise jeans when they came out the first time and I hate them just as much now if not more. So people this is what you have to look forward to in the next season of denim wear.






TADAH!

May I remind you... Crack Kills

The Educational Fashionista

There is a store that I have recently stumbled upon during my hunt for fashion jobs in Toronto. (my plan is to move there in end of summer). Well the store Anthropologie is hiring a visual merchandiser and visual display rep. Unfortunately for me this job is for the now and I am not/can't be in Toronto right now.. so I am left to max out my credit card and enjoy some tasty pieces of clothing, especially dresses, from my new favorite store.

Read, Shop, Drool, Love.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

Worst Dressed of the Decade?

Well MTV.ca just posted their idea of who they thought was the Worst Dressed of the past decade. I wasnt surprised to see MK and Ashley Oleson, Pam Anderson, and Fergie. Those 3 or 4 sorry, are fashion trainwrecks. I think that the Oleson twins should burn their wardrobe into flames and then get a stylist that isnt Ben from Bumsville.