The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas! For this post I decided to try something different - instead of photos, the outfit I wore Christmas Day will be shown in the video below. Enjoy!

Vero Moda dress, Kensie overcoat, Hue tights, Jeffrey Campbell "Pixie" wedges.

I know, my wedges are super dirty! Note to self: always clean shoes before shooting in HD...

Obligatory Christmas Wish List

So, exam period is finally over, and I barely made it out alive. Now it's the Holiday season, but I'm not that hyped for the Holidays. But on with the obligatory Christmas wish list post:

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini -- I have a Polaroid - and no film. An instant camera system with widely available film would be highly appreciated.
2. Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb -- Possibly the best perfume on Earth.
3. Nixon Watch, "The Time-Teller" -- I've been looking a gold menswear-inspired watch forever; this one is perfect. It's minimal, classy, and best of all: affordable. (For a watch.)
4. Lillan Crowe "Spearhead" Ring -- Suffered from a major ring obsession this year. This one would complete the collection - that way I can move on to a new obsession in 2011. Current candidates include: blazers, silk blouses and designer bags.
5. Nikon D90 -- I seriously need a dSLR. The amount of time I spend daydreaming about my future camera is unhealthy, in my opinion.
6. Sorel "Joan of Artic" Winter Boots -- A girl's gotta keep her feet warm... Canadian winters are no joke.

I think my lack of enthusiasm with Christmas has to do with the fact that it's also my birthday. I turn 20 on Saturday, and I'm excited to leave my teenage years behind me forever. But December 25th is Christmas first, and my birthday second. I can't help but feel a little forgotten sometimes.


/Grinch Mode



P.S. In my absence, I became a Polyvore addict. That was during exam period - worst timing ever. I doubt anything is more appealing to fashion addict than an infinite imaginary closet full of designer goods - except maybe a real infinite closet full of designer goods. Check it out here.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

 

Premium Gold Metal Box Bag

Premium Round Cameo Style Metal Box Bag

I love how classic these feel. One gift I certainly wouldn't mind receiving this Holiday season.

Five Things I Hate About Fashion Blogging

I know I'm extremely late on the ball with this Refinery29 graphic, but it's hilarious. It's also a little sad - but I think we actually are that predictable, haha! These (rather ridiculous) truths inspired me to make a list of the "Five Things I Hate About Fashion Blogging." Or rather, the five types of girls who give fashion blogging a bad name.


The Narcissists

I know that anyone who starts a fashion blog must be a bit of a narcisst. And to a certain extent, I actually support this trait. My mother always taught me that it's important to look good and be confident in yourself. However, there comes a point where self-confidence becomes self-absorbtion and many people have trouble knowing where the line is.

You know this girl, as she is a common breed in our world: the ones with excessive amounts of overly posed photos. I get it, you are a beautiful girl. But twelve photos of you prancing around a field in that floral print dress in various poses and backgrounds is a bit ridiculous, no? (Because God knows you don't wear 5-inch heels to spend a day hiking through marshlands.)


The Hobos

I understand that part of ideology behind fashion blogging is being creative and unique (although to be honest, fashion blogging more resembles high school to me.) I understand that sheer maxis, chunky sweaters and combats boots are in style. I understand that grunge is an inspiration to many girls.

But if I mistake you for a homeless woman in that outfit post? That ain't stylish, and something certainly isn't right with what your wearing.


The Yes-Men

The overly enthusiastic, fake commenter. There are far too many hanging around these parts - girls with blogs who comment, comment, comment without actually reading to increase their traffic and get famous. Trust me when I say I can tell whether or not you read my post, and whether that comment was sincere. Please, only leave comments that you truly mean. I live by this rule and it's served me well so far.


The Pimps

Let me make myself clear: if your blog is successful, I fully support monetizing and turning that hobby into a business that will generate a little extra cash. However, there are certain ways to go about this without alienating your readers. I can't say how much I hate seeing any one of my favourite bloggers being turned into a corporate flunkie.

Please Do: Start up and blog shop and donate portions of your profits to charity, such as some of my favourite bloggers Monochroma.chic and Shop T.O. Live.
Please Do Not:  Start a blog shop filled with clothing that you bought to wear once for an outfit post - and then sell it at full price. People will see right through it. And they'll probably respect the girl who is better at working a smaller wardrobe in several different ways a lot more. 

Please Do: Accept advertising offers of companies who have approached you - provided that the brand is advertising a product that you actually believe in, and that these ads don't crowd your blog.
Please Do Not: Have monthly posts calling for new advertisers and cram your sidebar with a ridiculous amount of ads - especially if they're from from brands that you would personally never wear. If you wouldn't, your followers probably won't either - they follow you because they like what you like.

Please Do: Wear clothing offered to your from brands that you like, and that fit your personal style. Free clothing is awesome, and if you do if right your readers won't care.
Please Do Not: Throw on any old rag offered to you by someone just because it's free, or change your style to incorporate "Courtesy Of" clothing. When you start wearing head-to-toe gifted clothing, readers feel alienated - suddenly they're not reading about their favourite blogger anymore, they're being force-fed a product.

Please Do: Host awesome giveaways from brands you actually believe in, of products your followers would actually want, to thank them for reading your blog.
Please Do Not: Host giveaways of completely random objects that have absolutely no relation to your blog or style - and use it as a promotion tool.


The Herd

The ridiculous herd mindset is, to me, the worst part of fashion blogging. I think this is to be expected, as these blogs are all focused on an industry that is obssessed with trends - what's new, cool, hip, in, whatever. But isn't fashion blogging also about being unique? Creative? Inspiring others? Taking a trend and making it your own? Not owning the same pair of $200 shoes (Jeffrey Campbell "Litas", I'm looking at you.)




To me, the most important part of blogging is showing your readers who you really are as a person, not just what you're wearing. I know that a picture is worth a thousand words and many bloggers struggle to find the perfect balance between words and letting their outfits speak for themselves. But you started this blog to say something to the world, to be noticed, to give yourself a voice. Don't be afraid to use it.

For The Love of Karl

American Eagle shirt, American Apparel skirt, Hue tights, Asos "Claw" ring, "Karl" tank from Kensington Market, Cross Ring & Ear Cuff from eBay.

Super quick post before I run off to Lab. It's the last day of class this semester -- I'm super excited for exams to be over and for next semester to begin. I should probably be excited for Christmas, but if we're really being honest: I don't give a shit. I'm just happy I can listen to "Carol of the Bells" without being teased.

Also, the ear cuff above is my favourite new addition to my jewelry collection. Got it three days ago and I think this might be true love.

Then You'd Say All of the Right things, Without A Clue.

Happy Holidays! I'm excited that today is the first of December - I can no longer be teased for listening to Christmas carols. Speeaking of getting into the holiday spirit...

Givenchy Calf Hair Ankle Boots 

Giuseppe Zanotti Lace-Up Ankle Boots

Joie Jovi Lace-Up Boots

Yves Saint Laurent Palais Suede Platform Pumps

Anyone want to buy me a pair of ridiculously expensive shoes for my 20th birthday/Christmas? (I'm a Size 11 - I know, gigantic feet.)

...Or not, it's cool.