3..2..1..

I really can't believe 2009 is over and 2010 is around the corner!
Damn I feel so old. Ha!
But there's no doubt this year went by fast and had some memorable moments.
I feel like going down memory lane people....

The Comeback

Before the movie hype around The September Issue, Anna Wintour was known as the Ice Queen of fashion and hated by many. But this year, this inside look into the life of vogue's editor's gave Ms. Wintour a new found respect. Not only was it understood her true power in the industry, but her firm strategic moves and decisions gave her a new found respect with a wider audience. Things like the Devil Wears Prada gave her greater fame, but this year, she gained Boss Status. The movie (the September Issue) itself was okay, but the events all over New York that month, the brought out the designers, celebs, models, and fashion's elite is what was really incredible.

The Song

Oh. My. Goodness!

I definitely chose this song for a reason. It has taken over the world!!
I remember when I first saw the video and jumped up in front of the mirror to try the dance. Now, I'm not the type of person to actually do that sort of thing, so right away I knew the dance was going to be big! If I was even doing it, damn, the Beyonce Stans would go wild for it!
Girls (and guys) everywhere were preaching their single status and letting their significant others know that if they wanted it, then they better put a ring on it!
Crazy overplayed and now slightly nauseating, but this song was big in 09.

The Artist

GA GA Ooo La La!
Okay so this is both fashion related and pop culture related because I admire what a year Lady Gaga has had! One album. And how many hit songs from it?! Everywhere you turn, it's pictures of her outrageous outfits and her artistic performances. Our generations Madonna? Eh that's taking it a bit far, but for someone who just last year was in the clubs to now performing at award shows, Gaga has a great year!
Want your bad ROmance!

This category requires two 'winners' because this year has been INSANE for Toronto's own...
Drizzy!!
What?! What!? It's unexplainable. Congratulations, that's all that can be said. This man has so many hits! And not one single single album has been released! He is part of Young Money, a personal favourite group, and is on so may hooks I've lost count.
It's hard to think of him topping it next year. But yo, don't forget the little people....come back to Toronto and play a cheap show! His homecoming during the summer was sold out and tickets were around $40. And let's not forget the man does not even have an album!

The Fashion Statement

These dang gone faux leather liquid leggings.
They have been worn by everyone this year, completely year round, whatever the weather.
Don't have a pair, don't want one, but it has definitely been the tough edge to many outfits.

The Statement that Needs to Fade

Harem pants.
I think I'm over them.
Sorry to all of you that invested in a pair, but I'm hoping they're on their way OUT.

The Legend

It's still unbelievable he's gone.
There was so much death this year.
Michael Jackson will always live on in our hearts.
He was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

The Store

Woo Topshop! Opening in NY this year (April I think?) was a gift from the heavens! Finally all of us here in North America got a taste of the European store so many are always talking about. Celebs from all over the States and Canada literally took plane flights just for this store.
Now if only they would ship to us online.

The Most Improved Style

Wait wait, is that the woman who a couple years ago was rockin the blonde pixie, gigantic heels and inflated boobs?
She's come far. Love the Balmain on her. Keep it up in 2010!

The Pop Culture Trend

Vampires.
Twilight. True Blood. And my personal new crack Vampire Diaries!
Daemon is too gorgeous. If you have time join in this new show, it's only shown 10 episodes.

The Hairstyle

I'm not sure why, but this year so many celebs decided the half shaved head was the new angled bob. Keyshia Cole, Alice Dehal, Willow Smith, Carmen Electra and of course Cassie took the plunge.
Here's hoping it grows out nicely in the new year.

The Blogger

There are soooo many fashion bloggers out there it's insane, but this one in particular, Chiara from The Blonde Salad really sparked a lot of interest. She only began bloggin in October 2009 but has more than 1000 followers. She's dealt with a bit of flak, but has become one of my personal faves of the whole year. Check her out! It just goes to show that all a successful fashion blogger needs is to be a fairly attractive, wealthy, jet setter, with an equally attractive photographer boyfriend who can capture it all with high-def photos and videos! Haha!

The Guilty Pleasure The reality tv train just kept on truggin' this year . I doubt it will ever end anytime soon and MTV is the conductor. What's that new one... Jersey Shore? Oh lord, with names like "The Situation" and "Snookie" it's bound to become a hit. One show I was actually excited for was the Hills. Kristen and Lauren at the Speidi wedding got me giddy! But the season was a bit of a snore once Lauren left though, must admit. Justin Bobby & Kristen's romance generated some entertaining moments, but for the most part I think the Hills has run it's course.

The Male Hissy Fit
Wow. Christian Bale's recording...just Wow.

HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Runner up is drunkin Kanye on stage with Taylor Swift.
Still so ridiculous!

The Scandal
Oh man, Chris & Rhi Rhi.

They certainly brought the drama this year, eh?
Lovey dovey, abuse, hiding, back together, court dates, twitter ranting, nude pics, volunteering on the highway, comebacks, jet skiing, teleprompter reading, interviews.
Damn that roller coaster would not stop!
They've both ended the year with new albums. Coincidence? I think not.

The Movie

I loved the movie Precious! I got to see it a few weeks ago at a friends house and it was definitely worth the trek in the snow.
Also, what other one's did I like... Inglorious bastards ("aree-va-dar-che!")!

The Accessory

Doesn't it seem like everyone out there has at least SOMETHING from the apple store, whether it be ipods, iphones, imacs, macbooks ect.?
OHhh, that's because it's true.

Hope everyone had a great year and here's to bigger and better in 2010!
Happy New Year!

Live from New York

Freja Beha & Sasha Pivovarova
Photographer:Mario Sorrenti
V Magazine Fall 2009

Tall Enough

So Adorable.

How to Rock Fall/Winter 09

Before you pack it up an decide to move to Miami, check out..

How to ROCK WINTER 2009!

...in Canadian weather.

Perhaps that needed clarifying.
This aint no sunny LA I-can-just-wear-some-tights-under-my-skirts type of weather we're dealing with here.

Ahhh, that's more like it. Know what today's high was? -15C!
When the frosty wind is whipping you in the face and you can barely trudge threw the slush it's often hard to stay stylish, but we sure try!

CLOTHES

As with every season, there are number of different trends bound to become popular. This winter it's velvet clothing (love the new black velvet blazer i got the other day), leather, chains, shoulder pads, over the knee boots, and sequinced everything. But my usually trendy self mostly focuses on staying WARM on school days and occasionally sprucing it up at holiday get togethers. Here are some cute looks to inspire!
Let's start with real women. This Parisian girl looks very cute! I love the neutral colors and huge clutch! And below Katie Holmes is workin her signature boyfriend look, transitioning into the colder season by adding layers, gloves, and a hot beverage. Great, now I'm craving a caramel machiatto!
Loved the Burberry runways FW09! Very tailored clean looks and weather appropriate. I need one of those circles scarves, kind of similar to the ones below, not sure what they are called but sensing another trend!
When it comes to dressing up, asymmetrical tops are still very popular, and with winter brings the return of opaque tights which I love! Black is always wearable, but grey and navy colors are an easy substitute.
Bag of choice always and forever is Balenciaga. I know, the style has pretty much been the same for years, but its appeal may therefore signify a soon to be classic! The exact one I need in my life is being carried above, I believe it is called a Giant Black Part-Time with large gold hardware. Loveeee.
Lace has also made a great return. I love how it's not girly, like the look above and has been toughened up with black. I really need to replicate the look Miss Simmons is rockin (apparently the Vanessa's are on point). The skirt could be a fun DIY.
Of course, in searching for runway looks of the moment only one name came to mind: Balmain. The pants, jackets, and overall style has continuously been on celebrities, in magazines and beloved by my fellow bloggers. Not really into the bedazzled looks the brand is known for, but I love this simple black blazer, white shirt and flood pants.
When it comes to accessories, more is more! Gold, silver, nickel, bronzed, bigger is better and load em up! Rings are a good investment as well.

Aw, Kerry Washington had to be added for her sheer cute factor in this dress.

SHOES

Now for the longest time (er, okay maybe a month) I have been looking for these gorgeous black Alice + Olivia boots that were available at Payless for about $50! They are definitely all sold out, and are available on ebay for ridiculously more. They are a good boot, a little high, but also very stylish you could pair with many looks. I heard Spring has a similar looking boot so I might check that out.

Wow. Speaking of replicas. The Balmain hysteria has clearly sparked Aldo's attention.

HAIRAlways harder to manage in the winter eh? Not much one can do but try washing less, and conditioning for longer.
If only it could look like the model's below.

MAKEUP


Never could quite understand not wearing anyyy makeup at all. It's just fun to mess around with, especially for creative types. This season of course gets a little darker from the eyes to the lips. And I'm loving it! Going dark changes the mood, deepens the drama. Eyeliner and now beyond, this is a celebration of going deliciously noir.


Mary-Kate pulled it off quite nicely, but the second is more inspiring than anything. Bet you can't guess who that is. Its Kim K! Interesting look for her.



That picture of Lindsay is just so striking, makes me want to get a camera and start my own photoshoot. And focus on Rihanna's lips and earrings, not that hair, I was not afan of that hairstyle or her current one. I experimented with dark lips earlier today actually, putting pencil eyeliner all over and sealing it in with a deep red. Needless to say, it didn't work out. Natalie does not approve...

Boyfriend
... much be exchanged for him! Haha, I kid.


Besides all else, winter is the time to spend with loved ones. It's great to become kid again, drink hot chocolate, eat candy canes by a fire and do the typical Canadian girl stuff like go skating and tobogganing! Meet up with friends and enjoy Winter '09 fashionably a la Serena and Blair!

Ciao!