Getting Nostalgic at the Oscars

As my love and adoration for fashion grows, despite the fact that I am a self-professed movie buff, I find myself looking forward to the pre-Oscar show far more than the awards ceremony itself! I don't really care who's wearing what, but watching the designer greats being paraded up and down the red carpet, is quite riveting for a fashion hopeful like myself! Unfortunately, I found the Oscar wardrobe ensemble to be about as exciting as the show itself. And with the exception of Angelina Jolie's emaciated right leg, who now has its own twitter page, and the JLo's apparent nipple slip, the entire night was a disappointing fashion snore! So let's not dwell on the recent past, but instead, let's step way back in time and pay homage to the some of the greatest Oscar dresses of all time. 

When Audrey Hepburn stepped on the red carpet, photographers couldn't get enough of this lacey little number. Audrey donned this exact dress in her Oscar winning role in the Roman Holiday . The dress went to auction a couple of years ago, and is worth an estimated £60,000! Who could forget Julia's vintage simple but exquisite Valentino gown for the 2001 Academy Awards. The dress, though understated, was brought to life when Julia took the stage and won her first Oscar for her brilliant role in Erin Brokovitch. Loved the dress, loved the speech, love the girl!

She may not have donned a little gold statue, but Diane Lane looked ravishing in her Oscar de la Renta Ostrich gown for the 2003 Academy Awards. I'm not usually a fan of women wearing colour palettes that match their skin tone, but this gorgeous gown brought out the natural tawny golds in Diane's perfect complexion. The off-shoulder design highlighted the gentle slope of her shoulders and accentuated her naturally curvy figure. 

One of my personal favourites was Penelope Cruz's shop-stopping Atelier Versace original that she wore for the 2003 Oscars. Penelope rarely disappoints when she steps onto any red carpet, but she was perfection in peach in this breathtaking work of art. 

And to round off our Oscar favourites, I'll leave you with Halle Berry's fabulous Elie Saab. The iconic satin train, and strategically placed embroidery left jaws agape on the red carpet.  This was to be the most poignant moment in Halle's professional life when she took home the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the gritty film, Monster's Ball. 

Street Chic

Ever wonder where the term "street fashion" came from? I always did. I never really understood what designers meant when they used the term "street". To me, the streets were a place of survival, a constant quest to get the basic essentials, unforgiving and gritty. But many of the world's top fashion houses have all experimented with "street fashion" at one point or another. There really isn't an era or time period associated with street fashion, but it does seem to be generally associated with youth, or a youth movement. It's not a trend that originated in fashion houses, or with specific designers, and you don't have to learn how to become a fashion designer to harness the eclectic style that is street fashion. You just have to have a little imagination, and be a little risky!

One of my favourite street style looks, is bohemian. And I'm not talking about looking like a wandering gypsy with patchwork bohemian, I mean, "chic and sophisticated, I am a creative being and I am embracing it" bohemian. Despite what women think, it's a look that absolutely every woman can pull of. Whether you're a high-powered attorney at a swanky firm, or a Starbucks barista paying your way through college, it's a look that encourages you to let your hair down, and embrace your inner goddess.

Another signature aspect of street style, is the punctuation of colour. Since there are absolutely no rules, yellows, bright oranges, neons, you name it, it's all fair game! As long as you can coordinate with a funky colour palette,  and you don't look like a Las Vegas casino billboard, you can rock it! Long gone the days of black, grey and off whites, colour is the new couture, and as a woman of colour who loves to rock her lime greens and bumblebee yellows in the dead of Spring, I am loving it!

In the past, street fashion has often been edgy, sharp and borderline masculine, but it's finally gone feminine. There's no need to hide that girlish figure behind a harsh motorcycle jacket and a pair of doc martins. Designers are putting the girl back in girly and cranking out some salaciously feminine pieces, especially for this spring. Street means edgy, and if you want to get that certain edge in a frilly sundress, accessorize with a leather studded belt and a pair of sandals, voila, sassy street style!

Hit The Slopes in Style

It's mid February and and for Canadian students, many of us are about to go on our Reading Break, which is the equivalent of Spring Break for our neighbours down south. While American students tend to love soaking up rays on the beaches of Mexico or Florida, Canadians can't get enough of life on the slopes! Western Canada and the Laurentians in Quebec, are often inundated with university students from across the country, looking to ski, snowboard, snowmobile or anything else that involves being out in the crisp, cold powder. Whether you're just beginning or you're a seasoned veteran, everyone wants to not only have the best gear, but wants to look fabulous on the mountain.

Safety First. Okay, yes, we want you to look fabulous, but it's more important that you are wearing pieces that will keep you warm, comfortable and safe. When you're just learning how to ski or board, you are bound to spend a lot of time on your butt, so you are definitely going to want to layer up. As a rule, I always wear a base layer, a thermal layer and a fitted piece over top that hold the warmth into the other two layers.

Water Resistant Required. There is nothing chic about getting wet in the cold. Even if you're active, you can run the risk of getting hypothermia if your body isn't kept warm. It's most important to keep your feet dry and warm, so stick to synthetic fabrics, or lightweight wool like Merino. Don't wear socks that are too heavy, and don't wear 100% pure cotton, it's doesn't dry. Wearing brands like Columbia, Arcteryx and Burton, will not only guarantee your warmth, but you'll look like a pro!

Hats, Gloves and Scarves, Oh My! Along with keeping your core warm, it's important to keep your head and hands warm. I'm a huge fan of wool. It's a natural fiber and it has natural properties that make it an ideal material for the wet and cold. Vermont Originals is one of my favourite wool hat companies. Hand crafted in the USA, they feature a line of funky hats that can be designed specifically for you!

Gloves are an essential part of your ski ensemble. And too often, I see skiers on the slopes that are wearing ill-fitting gloves. There is no no need to go overboard, but there is nothing wrong with spending $40 - $50 for a pair of excellent quality gloves. Snow equipment is costly, but in order to get as many seasons out of it as possible, it's important to purchase items that are high quality!