A Closer Look at Winter Kate

AllyG: So, it’s obvious that I love Nicole Richie. I am such a fan. In fact, I even @ replied to her twitter account. She never answered. I cried.

She could have been another Tara Reid, but something clicked and Nicole turned it around. To steal from the Pipeline…

If one thinks back only a few years, it seems almost impossible that the spoiled, tacky chipmunk-faced Robin to Paris Hilton’s Batman in “The Simple Life” could have amounted to anything other than a cautionary tale on the excesses of L.A. stardom and the lows to which American culture can sink. But Nicole Richie continues to confound expectations, add to her style credibility, and make us smile.

While some may argue it’s a tad too bo-ho, I still adore Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate clothing collection which compliments her accessories line, House of Harlow 1960 (both named after her daughter Harlow Winter Kate).

L-A knows that I refuse to dress for winter. Gawd knows why I reside in Nova Scotia. I make do during the winter months with skinny jeans, sweater dresses and tunics, but there is no “Joie de vivre” if you will, to dressing during the crappy winter months. I wait rather impatiently for the first sign of spring and then I bring out all my summer dresses, dressy shorts (I could almost hear L-A retching at those two words together…let’s say ot again! “DRESSY SHORTS”. And they are a big trend for Spring 2010!) and flowy shirts. Not to mention the shoes. Oh, the shoes. Seriously though, wtf can you wear in the winter on your feet? BOOTS AND MORE BOOTS. I’m getting off-topic.

(All photos from Nicole’s site unless otherwise mentioned)

I’d like to note that I have these pics large on purpose. Sometimes L-A kindly fixes my crappy copy/paste/save + insert job on images. This time, the photos are appropriately large because Nicole deserves that respect. This is a sneek peek at Nicole’s profile in March’s InStyle mag, it does a great job of capturing Nicole’s personal style and how that influences her collections.

Now, in the above image I would like you to pay particular attention to the camisole. Love the cami. Every woman should own a cami. Whether to be worn on its own or under a blazer, there is nothing sexier than a camisole with a pair of jeans.

Source

Oh, would you look at that?

As I’m writing this, I am imagining all the mean things that L-A is going to write about my best friend, Nicole. When kids would bully me in elementary school (like writing a charming sing-song called “Anorexic chipmunk” because I was a twig and had massive buck teeth), my mom would tell me to ignore them and STAY TRUE TO WHAT I BELIEVED IN. And so I proceed.

The reason I love this line is the reason I love Nicole’s style. Everything is so simple, it’s not overpowering at all.  I’m an accessory person, so it’s important to keep the clothes clean and not overly intricate.

Le sigh. It’s so perfect. Remember that contest that L-A mentioned? Well, if any of you bitches entered and win I will be devastated. Just know that. Also, Is it wrong that I entered BabyG in the contest? What?

I’m not the biggest fan of the shirts that resemble my grandma’s curtains.

None of us are perfect.

We knock celebrity designers, but I truly believe Nicole is different. Her clothes completely emulate her personal style, and it’s one I can get down with. In an interview with WWD, she notes that her key items for spring dressing are, “definitely a beautiful, fun slip dress in a great print and also a leather jacket to turn the romantic day dress into an edgy night-out outfit.” So correct, non? And also, I’m sort of into the grandma curtains now that I’ve seen it with jeans and a cami…

Source

Combined with House of Harlow accessories and a Winter Kate vest = Perf.

L-A: I’m going to let Ally have this one. Because she loves Nicole and is still sad that she didn’t get a tweet back.  Also because I got home late and then had to go to the grocery store and ended up eating Sidekicks in front of my computer (classy. am total grown up). So I’m not going to go into a rant about how I’m not so sure Nicole has designed anything. I’m not going to say “WTF? It’s just a slip. I can buy that at any lingerie store”. I’m just going to let Ally have her Ode to Nicole.

I will say that I’m baffled by the pairing of the grandma curtain blouse with the grandma panties knickers (oops. Sorry. Ally really hates the p-word).  Stylist was clearly on crack. Last time I saw those underwear being modeled for public consumption, I was ogling Hugh Grant and Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Although, eating Sidekicks while reading Ally’s post was kind of an appropriate choice. You know, seeing as Nicole got her start as Paris’ sidekick. Okay, a bit of a stretch. Let’s just watch that heartbreaking salt shaker ad:

That’s probably how Paris is feeling these days, now that she’s completely irrelevant and Nicole has her questionable line of clothing.

Shoe Porn Monday – A librarian who (really) loves shoes

L-A: Another Monday is here and that means it’s time for shoes! Yay! Today’s collection come from Melanie. The name of her blog “…a librarian with nice shoes” makes her the perfect candidate for submitting a shoe porn collection. In her email, she writes:

I love shoes. Sometimes I tend to be a little more about quantity rather than quality.  I buy a lot of my shoes at payless, some at walmart, and a lot are second hand through value village.  I have small feet (5 – 5 1/2) so sometimes it’s a challenge to find shoes.

I think she has the opposite feet of mine (I’m solidly a size ten…until recently. I suspect vanity sizing may be creeping into the world of shoes. If this is the case, it needs to stop. I like that my shoes are the one size that never changes). So while she has trouble finding small shoes, I’m looking longingly at the smaller shoes and thinking how much cuter they are when they aren’t the size of small boats and come with oars.

Anythewho, enough about my feet. Let’s look at Melanie’s shoes!

My Joan of Ark Sorels in Chocolate Brown – I love these. These are a gift from the bf for Christmas last year. They are warm and cute. Fantastic.

Naturalize (VV). – While I know these aren’t the most stylish. They are great for work because they are comfortable and give me a bit of height because I’m super short

Fioni (Payless) – These are a gift from my younger sister. By gift I mean she bought them and decided that she didn’t love them THAT much and gave them to me and said Happy Birthday. But they’re cute. I’m not huge on the detail thing on the side but they work.

Nine West (Winners) – I love these. Not only are they super comfortable and I love the way they look they were at Winners on clearance.

Predictions (Payless) – Very basic and easy to walk in. They definetely get a lot of wear.

Simpsons Sears (VV). – I love these. They are in amazing shape considering that they must be pretty old. I think Simpsons may have closed before I was born.

Fioni (Payless) – I’ve had these forever. I don’t wear them a whole but I still can’t bring myself to get rid of them.

Eatons (VV). – Again, these must be super old. But I love the yellow. Throwing these on really completes an outfit sometimes.

George (WalMart). – These were cheap and I wanted the chunkier heel. Not the most comfortable but they look good.

Nine West (Winners). – Another gift from my sister, except these were actually a gift. I love the clear plastic detailing. I don’t wear them enough.

American Eage (Payless). – Bought probably about 4 years ago. Not sure why I keep them. I always imagine channeling Blair Waldorf and thinking that I could make them work :)

Nine West (Second Hand). – I bought these at a second hand store in Canmore AB when I was living in Banff. I love the tweed.

Aldo (VV). – Second hand at value village and they are definetely starting to wear. I like them, but white shoes just don’t last.

Le Chateau. – I love the colour. I bought them on a whim and they are just a bit too big so they don’t get wear they deserve.

Le Chateau. – I bought these for the SIM Christmas party last year. I love them.

Qupid (Pretty Things Boutique). – Bought this summer and I haven’t worn them once. But I still love them.

Converse (Queen St, Toronto). – I love my converse. ’nuff said.

Kid’s rain boots (VV). – We live in Halifax. You need rain boots.

Fredericks of Hollywood (VV). – I giggle every time I see the lable on these shoes. Have you ever seen one of their catalogues?

Walmart. – Steve Madden knock off sandals. I love them and they were cheap.

Walmart.- I like these a lot. They have just a bit of a wedge which is perfect for lots of walking.

Naturalizer (Winners). – Super comfortable. Perfect for work.

Moccassins. (VV). – I love these. I need to find another pair because I wear these whenever I can and after four years they are pretty worn out.

Le Chateau. – These ballet flats are amazing. When I’m not wearing my Moccassins I’m probably wearing these and it shows. I need to replace these very very soon. They’re actually a little gross now that I’m looking at them more.

Merona (Target?). – Super comfortable and shiny. I like buckles.

George (Walmart). – Bought for work. They have a nice little wedge and I like the peep toe for summer.

Le Chateau. – I like these. I wore them to a couple of outdoor weddings this summer and they were perfect.

Old Navy. – Who doesn’t own a couple pairs of Old Navy flip flops?

No idea what brand (Ebay). - I like these because you can fold them down or leave them up depending if you want over the knee boots. A little high so I don’t wear them a lot but I love the way they look with tights and a tunic.

Steve Madden (Ebay). – These are great. I love over the knee boots. I wear these more than I probably should. They are wearing a bit already.

Not sure (VV). – I love these. I got them at Value Village about four years ago and was pretty excited.

Aerosoles (Ebay). – I’ve had these about 6 or 7 years and they are still really comfortable.

Dakota (Marks Work Warehouse). – I used to work as an Administrative Assistant for a staffing company. It was policy that you had to have steel toe boots. I wanted the cutest ones I could find and… I’ve only worn them once.

Moccassins (Reserve near Cobourg, ON). – My bf got me these a few Christmases ago. They are really beautiful. I’m never 100% comfortable wearing them in public because I feel like ppl judge the fur.

Slippers. – I love these. Can’t live without them.

My sister. – Seriously, who thought to bring jelly shoes back? They are not comfortable at all.

Old lady shoe I can’t remember where I got them. Amazingly comfortable. Look better on than you would think. Great for work.

Overall, a solid collection.  I’m completely jealous of the Sorel boots.  I was going to complain about not having a sister who can give me shoes, but then I remembered that my brother did once buy me a pair of awesome sneakers that I had been coveting.  Although, with his size 27 feet (only slightly exaggerating) and tendency to wear only Chuck Taylor’s, he’s useless when it comes to buying shoes for himself and then letting me steal them. (note to brothers of both Ally and I: we do accept shoes as birthday and Christmas presents. In case you were wondering).

p.s. This week there might be a new Official Something thanks to my friend M.Dubs.  Hint: it starts with a “K”, ends in “araoke” and is awesome after you’ve had a bottle of wine.

Favourite Friday – Feb 5 Edition: magazine love, girl crushes and things we covet

AllyG: The first week of Feb was a good week for me. Due to the last week of January being such a nightmare (terrible case of cabin fever), the husband took pity on me and came home early a couple of evenings this week AND agreed to take Friday off so that I could catch up with work colleagues and friends. This meant that I actually brushed my hair and put on jeans every day. I mean, that was it, I just brushed my hair and put on jeans but still E for Effort.

I also got to hang with L-A and our friends at Haligonia. As you know, we’ve collaborated with them on a few projects in the past (I can’t look at the footage as I resemble a freakishly large whale in my pregnant state), and we’ve got some things underway for 2010. Stay tuned for more info!

While all of this made for a fab week, my dreams totally came true when I checked the mail on Wednesday and found this:

Source

You totally were expecting me to say Billy Bush was in my mailbox weren’t you! I have such a girl-crush on Nicole. I won’t gush over her new clothing line Winter Kate, that deserves a full post (L-A is probably gagging herself with a spoon), but I will golf clap over this cover. The vest. The jewellery. The hair. OMG the hair. Complete adoration.

Another fave this week is these  Prada Cutout Espadrille Wedges…

Source

Sweet Mary in a Bread Basket (isn’t that the saying?). Those are like sex on wheels. Except instead of wheels…feet.

Lastly, the Crappy Pop Video of the Week. This one goes out to Steve from Haligonia:

I think I speak for all women when I say that we all pray as little girls that our future husbands would approach us and say, “Maybe we can go to my place and kick it like TaeBo, and possibly bend you over, then you can look back and watch me Smack That”.

I just…I mean…I can’t even call this catchy. That’s just some unimaginative writing, Akon. That does not bring the swooooooooooooooon.

This is quite the porny post today! It would be weird for you to deviate from the theme, L-A!

L-A: I like that Akon is suggesting that when a girl goes back to his place to kick it like TaeBo (TaeBo?? Way to make current cultural references), he will possibly bend you over.  Or maybe not. Maybe you’ll possibly hang out on the couch and watch a chick flick with Akon. You never know what will happen when he shows up in his whatever fancy car was popular in 2006.

Moving on, I’m surprised Ally didn’t mention that the cover of Fashion says you can win a $5000 Nicole Richie Wardrobe. Maybe she isn’t telling you because she doesn’t want you to enter the contest. She can be selfish like that.

This month’s Fashion did bring me one of this week’s favourites, and that’s this crochet dress by Chanel:

source

Okay, so, I know I had a hissy fit at Karl last week, but I am going to forgive him because I love this outfit so much. Honestly though, I did not love it when I first looked at the Spring RTW collection. I saw that photo and thought, meh, crochet whimsy. Actually, I think it was lost on me because I was so distraught over the return of the clog.  But when I saw this same dress in Fashion I was like, “Holy Cuteness!”.  So golf claps to Fashion for making that dress and cardigan look seventeen times more appealing than Karl himself did.  Not that I’d wear the outfit (you don’t want to see me wearing that much crochet), but I might tear the page out of my magazine and pin it to my office wall so that i have some pretty to look at.   The shoes however. Dear God the shoes.

Sweet merciful…I am currently coveting those bitches. And dollars to donuts, our first Official Intern Eden is coveting them as well.

And now for the thing of the week that drove me insane (and it’s not the Akon video):

source

I have a lot of patience for the whims of Marc Jacobs, perhaps too much patience, but what the eff?? I draw the line at what is pretty much a $2k garbage bag. Those bags are what I like to call, and pardon my swears, “Not Fucking Acceptable.” This might be what makes me break up with Marc Jacobs.  I need to go to my happy place and forget that I ever saw those bags. Here’s the happy place (half-assedly cobbled together in a cheap Paint knock off – because I don’t have the patience to try and load Photoshop):

I feel much better now, thanks.

AllyG: Ha! I am indeed totally selfish! I completely withheld the contest info because I did not want any additional competition! Now, my friend, you ruined that for me. You made up for it with your hilarious joke about watching a chick flick with Akon. “Nah, I’d rather stay upright today. Can we just watch a good romcom?”

Dusting off our Prom Dresses

AllyG: Can I just say that I am having so much fun during awards season? I’m into lists lately, so I’ll break down the reasons why I love awards season as follows:

• We are now live-tweeting all awards which means I get to virtually hang with my girl, L-A (follow us on twitter @fashionableHfx)
• BILLY BUSH

Swoooooooooon

• I get to say the following to my husband, “Honey, can you pick up a box of wine tonight? I have to work. L-A and I are live-tweeting the Grammys”.
• I stay up a whole extra hour until NINE O’CLOCK which is when the red carpet shuts ‘er down. This means I go to sleep with images of Billy Bush fresh in my mind…

Swoooooooooooooon

The big night is March 7th, which is of course Oscar night. We can’t wait. L-A and I have agreed to don our prom dresses and live-tweet the Oscar red carpet while drinking the cheapest sparkling wine we can get our greasy hands on. At least I think L-A is serious about wearing her prom dress, otherwise that would be super embarrassing for me. I even tried mine on. It totally fits. First thing in the morning. When I haven’t eaten anything. For the previous three days. Hopefully L-A’s prom dress will stay on a bit longer than the first time she wore it, hardy har har! Ahhhhh…

Anyway, the Oscar noms were announced today and I don’t really give an eff about this year’s nominees except for anyone involved with Precious (haven’t seen it, but the trailer shakes me to my core).

In all seriousness, this movie needs to sweep the Oscars. Just for the trailer alone.

We’re more excited about who is going to be this year’s big disappointment a la Jennifer Hudson during the Dreamgirls year. I fear it may be my girl Anna K.  I loved Anna Kendrick’s Globe dress, but others seemed to hate it.

Source

Hopefully her Oscar selection will be more universally appreciated.

It feels like a boring year, non? None of the big powerhouses are nominated. I mean, Meryl, sure…but she doesn’t really bring it fashion-wise. You know? Am I wrong?

Moving away from this for a second, I’ve been having sweet dreams about a certain Jason Wu dress I saw in my Feb issue of Vogue. I couldn’t find the photo that appeared in the magazine (which is tragic because it paired the dress with the most adorable Dolce & Gabbana booties), but I did find an image of the dress. Behold:

Source

Ooh! Yay! I found the booties!

Source

I need a moment.

L-A: Before you give up on this blog completely, can I just say that Billy Bush will NEVER be an official something here at FPQT. That one is all Ally.

Now, as much as I love popping open a cold one and live-tweeting with Ally, I have to tell you, I was bored with the Grammys (I also continually embarrassed Ally by not knowing who half the artists were). It was a long and painful reminder of why I haven’t watched awards shows in ages.  The performances did little for me. The mashups were tedious and not even Pink’s sparkly Jedi cape/Cirque du Soleil routine excited me.  I’m not sure what it takes to get me interested, but clearly you need to bring more than a bedazzled crotch and hang upside down over the audience.  I can get that in Vegas seven nights of the week.

Can I just say how disappointed I was that all I got of the lifetime achievement award for L.Cohen was a 10 second clip? Seriously? Michael Jackson gets a 3D Celine Dion studded extravaganza and I can’t get even get 30 seconds of Leonard. For shame.  (Speaking of Michael Jackson, is it crude to say that his kid Paris rocked the suit/ruffled blouse? Because she did).  Also, no sign of my pretend boyfriend MCA, even though the Beastie Boys had a nomination. I had to make do with Lonely Island for my geek crush.

As for Gaga, well, she was all Good Witch Glinda on the red carpet…except instead of a giant bubble, it takes three people to get Gaga out of the car and onto the carpet.

I will give credit where credit is due: I was not expecting the Elton John moment. Golf claps. Otherwise, I just expect the odd outfits.  I wondered how you could top the MMVA flaming boobs. I thought that it might involve the words “fire crotch”, but as a reader pointed out, it’d probably be a sweatsuit and ponytail. Now that would shock.

Coco Rocha showed off her own design on the runway.

source

While I wasn’t blown away (for me, I didn’t love the shoulders), I didn’t hate it either. And frankly, I’m sure it’s about seventeen hundred percent better than what I’d manage to make for myself if I attempted to design something. Oh, I talk a good game, but if I were to actually design something, I’d be sending you down the runway in something about as lovely as a LiLo Ungaro original.

Anyway, I just hope Hollywood brings it for the Oscars. I imagine I’m going to get a lot of nude coloured dresses that will wash out celebrities and bore me to tears, but hope springs eternal.  I’m pretty sure the only thing I can count on is something odd from Drew as she golly-gee-willikers her way around.  Thank god she’s not nominated for an Oscar. Because her and Taylor Swift can take their Sally Field schtick and shove…okay. I’m getting irate. I’m going to bed now.  I’ll just save the rest of this rant for my coffee with Ally tomorrow.

To cheer me up, this is what I’m really looking forward to at the Oscars:

source

Colin Firth in Tom Ford. Unlike Billy Bush, that is something worth swooooooning over.

Monday Shoe Porn – Lisa’s Collection

AllyG: I finally got my lazy ass in gear and organized a shoe porn collection for your Monday pleasure. Porn and pleasure in the same sentence. Never thought I’d be writing that kind of blog. Ok, I totally did!! L-A is so happy I am heading up Monday’s post so that she can have a few more Colt 45’s while watching the Grammy’s.

My friend, and loyal reader, Lisa, sent in a selection of shoes from her collect. Shall we get right into it?

Note: I know L-A does the shoe porn posts all neat and tidy BUT I HAVE SPENT THREE HOURS ON THIS AND CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME FIGURE OUT HOW SHE DOES IT. In summary, I suck. Here’s your effing shoes people.

P.S. Love the collection, Lisa! I’d steal everything except for the Ed Hardy’s. We need to talk about those. Immeds.

Madden Girl Microfibre Bootie – Shoe Company – not yet worn (AllyG: NOT YET WORN???!! How much do you want for them? Sell or be maimed!)

Betsey Johnson flip flops – Winners

Blow Fish red patent flats – The Shoe Company.  They brighten up every outfit.

Cause & Effect pink tweed pumps – The Shoe Company.  My friend says these look like a couch.  Maybe, but I still love them.

Collection Portio pink satin slingbacks – John David. These shoes’ claim to fame is that they were worn by a friend at a wedding in Italy.

Ed Hardy Running Shoes – aka Douche Shoes – I can’t explain these.  I bought them in Vegas. Perhaps they should have stayed in Vegas. (AllyG: Oh, Lisa. No. Seriously. INTERVENTION)

Havaianas flip flop – Dominican Republic.  In the interest of full disclosure, I cannot find mine. These are my daughters.  They are the most comfortable flip flops I have ever owned. (AllyG: I also love Havaianas, although, I associate them with being a massive. massive pregnant lady. They were the only shoes that would fit for months 7,8 and 9 of my pregnancy)

Guess Leopard Print Slingbacks – The Shoe Company. I love that the toes are so pointy but the heels are relatively low.

London Fog Black and White nearly flat wedges. The Bay, London, ON .Great summer work shoes.

J. Renee two-tone red pumps – John David.  These seem terribly grown up.  I have worn them to pieces.

Sasha Too white lace ups – Classic Shoes, Barrington Place Shops.

Flojos yellow leather flip flops – Shoe fanatic. Island-tastic

Falachi – Tri-Coloured pumps, The Shoe Company. Incredibly comfortable.  Go with everything.

Naughty Monkey pumps — Shoe Fanatic.  These give me a blister on top of my foot every single time, but it’s worth it because they make me so tall.

Felted Wool Firefly slippers – I made these.  They are available to order!

Impo polka dot kitten heel mule – Clasic Shoes. These are great with almost everything in the summer.

J. Renee Red Leopard Pumps – John David – best job interview shoes ever (AllyG: LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVE these!)

Expression patent peep toe pumps – The Bay

Steve Madden black patent, red strap peep toe – Winners.  $27.50  ‘Nuf said.

Vis A Vis silver strappy sandal – Shoe Fanatic. I have never worn these.  They were on sale and I fell for the “You could even wear these with jeans” sales pitch. (AllyG: I fall for that all the time as well.)

Unisa Strappy Flower sandal – Shoe Fanatic. Purchased for a cruise.  Maybe someone will get married and I can wear them again.

Keds – The Shoe Company. Great dog walking shoes.

Miz Mooz wedge zip-up boots  — Town Shoes.  These are practical but the buttons make them a little special.

Xhilaration blue plaid flats – Target, Port Huron, Michigan.  I love Target and I love a flat with a pointy toe.

AllyG: Ok. I have a whole new level of respect for L-A after posting those photos. I don’t know how bitch does it without hitting the gin hard. Oh. Maybe that’s her trick. Thanks so much, Lisa! These shoes are fab! Keep the submissions coming, we’re welcoming both ladies’ and gents’ shoes!

L-A: Either it’s the gin or I have the patience of a saint. I’ll let you guess which it is.

I’m glad to see that Lisa knows that her Ed Hardy shoes are douche shoes. That doesn’t exactly make it okay, but it a sign that she’s on the road to recovery. I love the buttons on the boots. I was eyeing buttony boots like that when I was boot shopping on my birthday, but didn’t try any on. Mostly because I was boot shopping in only one store and wasn’t ready to get depressed that they don’t fit my “athletic” calves/commit to paying over $200 for the Fly London boots they sell at Comfort Zone. Anyway, golf claps to Lisa’s shoes. Since Ally did the shoe porn for me, I’m going to go take a nap to get ready for tonight’s Grammy’s.  (No polka category? Walter Ostanek was robbed!)