Dior: Spring '10 Couture

The Spring 2010 Couture shows are underway in Paris, and so far they are quite impressive. In particular, Dior's variety from equestriennes to fabulous ball gowns truly were inspiring. John Galliano out did himself with a gorgeously feminine collection presented on a backdrop of 3,000 over-sized pastel roses.

Impeccable riding gear including long skirts and dresses, jackets, gloves, and even crops opened the show. Frilly and veiled day wear in light pastels led into silken evening wear, but the true breathtaking moments of the collection are the ball gowns. They are so extravagant and beautiful, with crystals, bows, and full skirts, that I believe every girly girl will fantasize about parading them in front of their mirror.

-Erin O'Hara

From Model to Designer

It seems Canadian made model Coco Rocha is shifting her focus from modeling and will be designing a new line of clothing.

At the 3rd annual Supima Design Competition Coco announced that she would begin designing. She didn't reveal too much information, as the new line is still in it's early stages.

"I'm hoping that in 2010 I will have my own presentation in September. But I can tell you that I love 1800's, costume-y but elegant, Victorian-inspired clothes. When you wear that style out today, it's considered costume. I'm trying to take pieces and elements of the era and put it into a modern woman," said Coco.

Coco is around high fashion on a daily basis, she knows what looks good and what's going to sell. I think we can expect big things from her.

Keep your eyes peeled for her new line and don't worry about the prices she promises that the line will be incredibly affordable.

-Erin Jones

Chanel and Her Tattoos

Chanel's temporary tattoos, an emblematic ode to their most classic designs, is the must-have accessory for spring. They will be available March 15th at Chanel boutiques and counters across Canada and the US.

The tattoos will sell for $75 for a pack of 55 tattoos but is it really worth it? It's a pretty cool idea but they only last two or three days at best.

The Chanel tattoos feature various Gothic designs with the traditional Chanel logo on them. They are definitely a great substitute for jewelry. But unless you have a disposal income it's not a very practical look.

You be the judge, are Chanel tattoos on the top of your Spring wardrobe list?

- Erin Jones

Zac Posen for Target

Zac Posen is the most recent in a string of high-end designers creating collections for Target. The Zac Posen for Target Lookbook has been released and is available for viewing on-line.

The collection is full of youth and vibrancy- Zac uses a lot of color and really designs for the woman who is an admirer of his work by staying true to his trademark style. Some favorites of mine include a few cute bathing suits (in gold lame,red, and tie-dye), the flouncy red cocktail mini, the slim-line tuxedo style suit, and the floral brocade tie dress.

Unfortunately, for all of you eager shoppers out there, the collection doesn't hit Target stores until April 25th. So until then you can always plan out what you will buy using the lookbook (prices are included!)!

-Erin O'Hara

How Strong Are Your Shoulders?

It's a flashback to the 1980's Powersuit wit the re-introduction of strong shoulders. Granted this seasons interppretation of strong shoulders is more sophisticated and dramatic it still conveys the message of strength and femininity.

Now the best way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is to choose a strong shouldered look in a neutral colour. Stick with black, white, gray or even beige but don't try to wear a strong shoulder with an even stronger colour like blue, red or green.

It is the perfect trend for a more formal event or a day at the office if you work in the fashion industry. Play around with it and find what suits you best, it can be beautifully paired with fur, gloves or belts.

- Erin Jones

Has your outfit gone country?

Cowboy boots are the perfect fashionable footwear. You can dress up jeans and a t-shirt or dress down a skirt and blouse, therefore being the shoes you can wear on any occasion. There’s always that pair of shoes that you bought because they are gorgeous but then you struggle to put together outfits to with them, not these boots, you can wear them with almost everything.

Cowboy boots come in so many colors, some knee high, some ankle, and they are darling. Not only that but they are comfortable, yes that’s right… heels that you wear all night and you won't have throbbing feet by the time the fun and dancing comes to an end. You can find cowboy boots anywhere and the prices range so even someone on a budget can look fab in a pair of these. I'd opt for going vintage shopping and picking up a used pair with some added character, happy hunting. :)

-Jennifer Nikolevski

Will you get Carrie-d away?

Sarah Jessica Parker has become a fashion icon starring as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Well, rumor has it she is the new face of Haltson's Spring/ Summer 2010.

Parker will also be taking an active design role with Haltson, maybe even that of creative director. She is definately no stranger to the fashion world. Outside of being Carrie Bradshaw, SJP started her own clothing line in 2007 Bittin for Steve & Barry. Her afordable line was discontinued a year later.

Reports are saying the she is getting paid around 1.5 million for the deal with Haltson. More from the line is set to come out around the same time as Sex in the City 2.

The pressure really is on for SJP working with a line who was favored by; Jacqueline Kennedy, Bianca Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor.

Will you be putting a little Carrie Bradshaw in your wardrobe?

-Jennifer Nikolevski

Nina Ricci: Pre-Fall '10

To sum up the Nina Ricci pre-fall '10 collection in one word: gorgeous. The looks are very feminine with an interesting mix of cocktail dresses, gowns, suits, outerwear, skirts, and draping.

Both the textures and colors used in the collection enhance the femininity of each piece. Lace, soft knits, and fur-trimmed shoes and gloves are mixed with a color palette of pastels, khaki, shades of grey, and other neutrals. I particularly love the use of dusty rose in this, because the French house has brought back a classic color and made it current and beautiful all over again.

If this still does not sound like a collection that interests you, the look with a cardigan sweater with 4 arms (yes, you read that correctly) definitely makes it worth checking out!

-Erin O'Hara

Pin One On Me

Brooches are not just an 'old lady' accessory. Wearing a brooch adds interest and flash to any outfit, and they can be used functionally to pin any part of your outfit in place. Their popularity is rising, which means there are some beautiful and unique pins out there to match your style.

Jeweled brooches are great for evening looks, classic cameos are perfect for the office, and those with fun shapes and patterns are great for dressing up a weekend outfit. There are even some great brooches tapping into the popular military motif. What is even better? Pins can range from from a few to few thousand dollars meaning you can complete your look with a brooch on any budget.

My favorite brooch for spring: the Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz Swarovski Crystal Brooch pictured above!

-Erin O'Hara

A True Converse-ation Piece

Artist Sebastian Errazuriz is a man of many talents: he is a photographer, the creator of unique household furniture and decor, and has even been commissioned to design a house; however, it is Sebastian's fashion designing that really caught my eye.

His special edition design for Converse combines the classic Converse flat with a pair of wide leg jeans, literally fusing them together. Talk about innovation! The jeans look great on the male model (of course!), but I wonder about the functionality of these pants/shoes when it comes to people of different heights and sizes. This may just be fashion trend to admire from afar.

I hope to pass someone on the street one day very soon wearing these...shants?

-Erin O'Hara

Wedding Bells for Marc?

Wedding bells were ringing for a certain fashion designer this December in St. Barts

It seems Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone may have gotten hitched on their recent trip to St. Barts according to a guest of guest. But we are not sure if thats entirely true. Reports have been surfacing that the picture shown above was taken at an engagement party hosted for their two in St. Barts that just so happened to feature a wedding cake.

Well whatever the truth may be, congratulations to Marc and Lorenzo on their engagement/wedding we wish them nothing but happiness.

- Erin Jones

In Memory of Eunice Johnson

Eunice Johnson the widow of John H. Johnson, the founder of Ebony Magazine, died Sunday at the age of 93.

For those of you who may not know who Eunice Johnson is let me fill you in. Eunice and her husband created a fashion magazine dedicated to the African-American culture. She was also the director and producer of the Ebony Fashion Fair since 1961, which is the traveling fashion show that raises money for charity and is staged in nearly 200 cities each year.

She is also the creator of the make-up and skin care line called Fashion Fair Cosmetics. It is sold in most high end department stores around the world.

Eunice played a significant role in the fashion industry, she made a long lasting impression by showcasing the best in style on African-American models of various shapes, sizes and skin tones.

Even though she has passed we can be sure that her contributions to the world of fashion will continue to live on.

Eunice is pictured above with Fashion Designer Yves Saint Laurent.

-Erin Jones