Closet Confessions: Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012

Crisis Averted

I can’t say Spring/Summer is one of my favourite fashion seasons. I envy all those light airy people cycling the seawall, playing volleyball at the beach, and sauntering down sideways in light tee’s and cut off shorts–WTF. I am hot, I hate everything in my closet, and I can’t wear layers, I am in consent denial.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

In my Givenchy post, last week, I hinted that sometimes I feel lost in my clothing decisions. I felt in a bit of a crisis, as I am watching all these great colourful clothes for Spring. What the hell I am going to wear. Givenchy had some nice ideas, and I have become a great fan. However in my denial of Spring, and of course always shopping a season ahead, boots for Fall entered my mind all weekend.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Therefore, like any fashionista, I was up till 5am scouting every website to find a good pre-season deal. I didn’t find any boots, but what I did run across was some amazing stuff from Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2012. My friend in NY is always wearing his clothes, but I never felt compelled to wear Rick Owens myself. My friend is super creative and works magic with a make-up brush, so I leave creative identity to him. However, Rick has won me over.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

These gender bending creations summed a time of breakout expression. Leading my critical thought, Madonna “What it feels like for a Girl.” The concept of men in female garments, has been done to death in the nineties, but Owens has made if feel masculine and contemporary. The looks are strong and confident with no apology–I like that.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
lenny-kravitz-rick-owens-high-heels-boots-dress
lenny-kravitz-rick-owens-high-heels-boots-dress

Fashion’s new direction of deconstructing rules, has built a new construction of male identity. As to not make my post so designer driven, I am posting some street style photos to bridge fashion creativity and street reality, based on Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

rick-owens-by-hanneli-mustaparta2
rick-owens-by-hanneli-mustaparta2
Street Style: Rick Owens
Street Style: Rick Owens
Street Style: Rick Owens
Street Style: Rick Owens
Daine-Walker-Wooster-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-Street-Style-Blog2: Interview with this blogger to come...
Daine-Walker-Wooster-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-Street-Style-Blog2: Interview with this blogger to come...
Wong Faye: Rick Owens Shoes
Wong Faye: Rick Owens Shoes

*side note: please click LIKE on my Facebook link, if you like, and follow on twitter for updates.

Muse Closet.

Fashion Chat: Jeanne Beker

“What You Takin’ bout Willis”

If you told me I would be talking to Fashion Television Host Jeanne Beker one day, I would say your smoking crack. Well light up the pipe because, I am in a haze. Recently during NYFW Fall 2012, Reem Acra show, I had a moment to chat with Fashion Television host, Jeanne Beker, about her career and fashion insight.

Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012

Let’s start with the show, Reem Acra, Fall 2012. say what?!! Yes, not many of us our familiar with this designer. Well let me tell you who does know Reem Acra: Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez. Madonna wore Reem Acra to this year’s Golden Globe Awards, and won, well best dressed for me, and Jennifer Lopez has also been seen in a Reem Acra creations. The collection was sexual, sensual, and fun; the models were confident walking down the runway. Also, Reem Acra has an amazing Bridal collection that is on par with Vera Wang. Here are some looks from NYFW Fall 2012.

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals: Madonna Reem Acra
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals: Madonna Reem Acra
taylor-swift-nashville-symphony-ball-2011-reem-acra-dress
taylor-swift-nashville-symphony-ball-2011-reem-acra-dress
2012 Univision Winter TCA Breakfast: Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra
2012 Univision Winter TCA Breakfast: Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra

Back to Ms. Beker. What do you say when your faced with a women you’ve grown up with your entire life. Living in rural Alberta, she was my only connection to the fashion world. Over 25 years in the business, and still going strong. Hence, you will see how nervous I was speaking to Fashion Television’s talk Queen.

Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012

First, I must say she was delightful. To be honest I’ve had my eye on her job forever, plotting my move to conquer, however after meeting and chatting with her I concede. I will be more than happy to find my own way, as Jeanne is the master of her craft. Growing up, my battle was between Tim Blanks and Jeanne Beker, both Canadian, and both covering fashion. Tim always seemed to be on point about his assessment of each collection: smart, insightful, and exact. Meanwhile, Jeanne felt more free and unrehearsed. I met both during NYFW Fall 2012, and I respect them both as trail blazers for Canadian fashion coverage. Both put Canada on the map, as champions for fashion. We may not have pockets as deep as Americas, but damn it, we’ll help you sell shit and expose you to the world. “Well done!”

Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection

I must have done something right in my life, at some point, because as I think back and wonder how, not only do I get to share space with Jeanne Beker, but she is standing in front of me talking. I hope you enjoy my backstage interview with Jeanne at Reem Acra. I skipped interviewing the designer, to wait and speak with Jeanne, it was a toss-up, but I am glad I did.

JeanneBeker-nophotographer
JeanneBeker-nophotographer

Muse Profile: Madonna (Super Bowl 2012)

And you can Dance…

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuJQSAiODqI

Hate her, love her, you will know her name, Madonna. Tonight, Madonna will cast controversy at the Super Bowl, not for what she will do or sing, but simply by her presence. Why does she always cause so much chatter? Adopting a child, music videos, and kissing girls, Madonna is always on pop culture edge. Pop stars come and go like newspaper headlines, today hot, tomorrow not.  However, she is always moving forward, while other major names drift to obscurity, Madonna is still building an empire. Most people want to dismiss Madonna because of what is printed and written about her every move, but after tonight’s game I hope there is one thing to say—amazing.

madonna2
madonna

Pop stars half her age are doing anything to drum up publicity and sales, Madonna is still marching forward. The diva set—Mariah and Whitney—are trying to stay relevant, but Madonna is still selling out stadiums.

Madonna-W
Madonna-W
Madonna
Madonna

In 2008, Madonna graced Vancouver, Canada with a concert, and I was fortunate to finagle a ticket. She shut our city down, almost 2 hours late, no one minded waiting for her to grace the stage. I am not celebrity obsessed and I don’t go to concerts, so I really had no idea what to expect, I knew I had to go because she had never been to Vancouver, and she is Madonna.

Madonna- Album
Madonna Album
Madonna- Album
Madonna Album
Madonna- Album
Madonna Album
Madonna- Album
Madonna Album

She kicked my ass; fifty and I could keep dancing with her all night. I had to sit down. People tonight will see her energy and passion for performance and music, and I hope her critics take notice.  For over twenty-five years, Madonna has kept current. This is something that is worth applauding because in an industry were women are always pushed out at a particular age, she is still kicking.

Madonna--The English Roses
Madonna--The English Roses
2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Inside
2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Inside

I am not a football fan, so I don’t even know who is playing, but I will be watching. Go Madonna!!!

Madonna
Madonna

=http://www.youtube.com/user/madonna?blend=1&ob=0]

vibe-nickiminaj_0
vibe-nickiminaj_0

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6j4f8cHBIM&feature=related]

mia-2
mia-2

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0L0yA9ilqY&feature=related]

Muse Profile: Naked Truth

I didn’t forget you

W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)
W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)

The second most popular post on my blog, thus far, is my shaving tutorial for men. Jamie had great advice for men, but unfortunately he does not sell products for women. Well, I guess you could swing by and ask; I am sure he would pull something together for you.

W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)
W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)

One of my blog followers, and close friend, wanted to know why I hadn’t done anything for my female viewers, well here we go. I meet with beauty and all around lifestyle expert, Liah Anderson, to discuss great tips for skin care. I’ve always felt an art piece needs a great canvas, and I believe that your skin is that canvas. Therefore, before you touch brush to make-up, you need to get your skin flawless.

MadonnaTakeABow- Laura Mercier
MadonnaTakeABow- Laura Mercier
Madonna-by-Laura-Mercier
Madonna-by-Laura-Mercier

Liah invited me into her beautifully custom designed home, interior design done by her—I hope she lets me do a tour for everyone—for now she has great advice to activate your skin and turn back time—no, not while dancing to Cher.

W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)
W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)

Liah is a skin care expert with plenty of background knowledge about each product and its usage. We all need a little after-glow to start the day, even if no one, uh…um… gave you some last night. Her daytime routine is all about protection, while nighttime is about tricking the clock.

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LISiYzzTRMM&feature=youtu.be]

Day Routine: Protection and Skin Prep

Step 1: Re Vive, Cleanser

Step 1: Re Vive, Cleanser
Step 1: Re Vive, Cleanser

Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)

Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)
Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)

Step 3: Serum

Eyes: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair eye serum

Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair eye serum
Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair eye serum

Face: Re Vive, Defensif Renewal Serum

Face: Re Vive, Defensif Renewal Serum
Face: Re Vive, Defensif Renewal Serum

Step 4: Moisturizer

Face: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair oil-free day lotion (SPF 15)

Face: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair oil-free day lotion (SPF 15)
Face: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair oil-free day lotion (SPF 15)

Eyes: Re Vive, moisturizing renewal eye cream

Eyes: Re Vive, moisturizing renewal eye cream
Eyes: Re Vive, moisturizing renewal eye cream

Extra Defense: Neck; Re Vive, Fermitif neck renewal cream (SPF 15)

Extra Defense: Neck; Re Vive, Fermitif neck renewal cream (SPF 15)
Extra Defense: Neck; Re Vive, Fermitif neck renewal cream (SPF 15)

Night: Anti-Aging and Make-up Removal

Step 1: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil

Step 1: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil
Step 1: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil

Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)

Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)
Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)

Step 3: Re Vive, Intensite Volumizing Serum

Step 3: Re Vive, Intensite Volumizing Serum
Step 3: Re Vive, Intensite Volumizing Serum

Step 4: Re Vive, Moisturizing Renewal Cream

Step 4: Re Vive Moisturizing Renewal Cream
Step 4: Re Vive Moisturizing Renewal Cream

Extra: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Face Polish

Extra: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Face Polish
Extra: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Face Polish

Laura Mercier

Re Vive

P.S.

Don’t worry guys, I will be doing a skin care routine for you as well soon.