Now Wearing...

Hi, it's me Lani. Sorry for the radio silence. I've been on a bit of a whirlwind. The short story is I moved to Chicago to start a new job and new chapter in my life; the full story and a proper outfit post to come when I have proper internet access. I'm currently bootlegging a very weak signal from the corner of my apartment.

Landscape print coat - Timo Weiland
Collared shirt - Neurotica (London)
Rings - Forever 21
Snakeskin bag - Botkier
With no internet, no TV or even no turntables to unwind after work, I decided to attempt ombre nails with teal and black polish. For someone like Erin, this is super easy (exhibit A, ombre nails in 2008 & exhibit B, leopard nails in 2009). For someone like me who usually struggles to paint within the lines, the results are pretty astonishing.
One finger at a time, I started with small globs of black polish on the bottom and used my teal polish to smooth it out. And applying a topcoat helped blend the colors together. I'll admit that I got quite a bit of polish on the sides, but I was able to rub most of it off in the shower. It's really quite easy, so I don't have any real tips other than keeping a piece of paper handy for wiping off the brush to your lighter polish.

I will have proper internet next week, so I'll be sharing photos from Chicago soon!

The Odd Slipper–Shoes for Small Feet at Last!

I’ve always had incredibly small feet and considering that I am a true size 5/35 I’ve certainly had my share of challenges finding a pair of shoes.  I remember when I first moved to New York City without a job and just  a suitcase and a dream I decided I would buy a pair of “interview shoes” that would help me walk into any situation with confidence.  Well my confidence was soon shattered when I realized that there was barely a shoe manufacturer that created size 5’s anymore.  A few times I thought I found one and put it on my foot only to realize that they were American size 5’s (actually a size 36), my heart broke in disappointment as I had to put the shoe back down.  I soon realized that the only pairs of shoes I could find that would fit my feet were at the super designer end of the spectrum and my jobless self could not afford a pair of Roger Vivier pumps as gorgeous as they were.  Sales clerks suggested  that I shop the children’s section but how much confidence can a woman muster up with a pair of juvenile looking overly rounded toe shoes?

And while I eventually found my shoe size and literally ran from midtown to Soho to collect the 1 pair in the city left of a cute style, I never forgot the countless disappointment and frustration I felt as I trudged from department store to department store and boutique to boutique.  Fortunately for my fellow petite footed ladies our cries have been answered by the launch of The Odd Slipper last week.  It is an online boutique specializing in footwear for ladies between the shoe sizes of  4.5 to 5.5.

To make sure that they carry only the shoe styles that you will want The Odd Slipper incorporates a weekly voting  process where only the shoes with the most votes will go into the manufacturing stage. The Odd Slipper will be keeping customers updated as to which styles have been picked up and when they'll be ready for sale.  Since they are working directly with shoe manufacturers they also have surprisingly great prices too!  You can click here to start voting and to order shoes too!

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S by Shakira: Eau Florale

Stopped by the S by Shakira fragrance launch in the Meat Packing District a couple days ago with Erin. The event was held at Banchet Flowers which was the perfect floral oasis to house the event. Honestly, since moving to NYC I don't get to see a lot of greenery - and what I do see, seems dirty (if that makes sense), so it was definitely a refreshing change of pace.

With flower petals scattered all around and amazing floral arrangements blanketing the walls, it showcased what the fragrance is all about. Shakira is typically known for being sexy and edgy with a rocker chick appeal - but like a Transformer, there's more than meets the eye. The fragrance is meant to showcase Shakira's more feminine and delicate side.

The fragrance itself is sweet but not overpoweringly sweet and blends in the fresh scents of flowers like jasmine, heliotrope, bergamot and cassis with a heart of mixed berries, vanilla and musk. It's definitely a more complex scent with various layers - but there's a great familiarity of all the elements in the perfume which makes it work and seem comforting. Erin thought that it reminded her of the softness and sweetness of cotton candy but the surprising freshness of pink lemonade.

I'm by no means an expert in flowers or even really fond of them but I'm still in awe of all the arrangements of orchids and hydrangeas which were on display. It was very serene and almost calming. Downing a glass of prosecco after a long day at work didn't hurt either =]

There was a DJ in the background spinning out Shakira's hits in the backdrop while everyone was chatting and testing out the fragrance.

If you're a fan of floral and vanilla scents which have a hint of sweetness - this fragrance is definitely worth checking out. Just remember that perfume is personal and smells different on everyone once it absorbs and mixes in with the natural oils in your skin - so test it out on yourself and not on a swab. If you're looking for the optimal test experience, leave the scent on throughout the day and check in (i.e. smell yourself) periodically during the day.

The S by Shakira fragrance is also extremely affordable and starts at just $17 for a 0.5 oz bottle, $28 for a 1.0 oz bottle and $35 for the 1.7 oz bottle. It will be available at key specialty retailers, fine chain drug stores and mass retailers near you.

Runway Review: Norman Ambrose Spring 2012

My expectations were high as I walked into the Lincoln Center for what was Norman Ambrose’s debut runway show.  Last season, Lani and I were enamored by the 70s glam looks with the dazzling beading and the sexy pythons.  What would this season bring?

 

I soon got my answer with the pouring in of heavy metals. Since his inspiration was drawn from the sun glistening like diamonds on the Mediterranean sea I suppose metallics make sense. From Pewter to Gold to Silver and Copper – Norman Ambrose had metallic covered. Perhaps in a similar manner to Rachel Zoe’s presentation it was about “Glamour by Day” as even trouser suits and separates were all about the shine. Given the impeccable fit and tailoring I don’t see any reason not to shine in these clothing.  Although Norman Ambrose is still a young designer, he trained with a both master patternmaker and a master tailor (who logged time with Cristobal Balenciaga and Bill Blass) before launching his collection and it paid off.

Studio Time with Monica Botkier

I recently had the chance to pay one of my favorite handbag designers, Monica Botkier, a visit in her Soho design studio/showroom.  We sat and talked about life, her family (she is the mother of 3!), how she fell into accessory design while working as a photographer and she even doled out some life advice for me in the manner of a wiser older sister as she showed me her upcoming Spring collection.  While I can't share images yet I can tell you about a design shift away from the downtown slouchy bags which the designer built her name on to more structured, luxe new classics.  The result is definitely very lady-like but with always an element of fun - like a pop of electric color or unique materials like rubberized leather.

While Botkier has always embraced unique Italian leathers, one of the big changes is that going forward all of the hardware is customized.  In fact I just learned that all of the gold tone hardware that will be used going forward is actually gold plated!  This results in a rich tone and very even smooth finish.  Even the nameplate and zipper pull are also undergoing a minor transformation from an oval to a more square shape!  Despite the changes the Botkier core commitment to lightweight, functional, quality handbags remains the same. 

H&M X Versace: Sneak Peek!

So if you've been anxiously awaiting the upcoming H&M Versace collaboration, Vogue Russia and UK released some images of the upcoming line.

Based on the what was released the line looks very Versace with a multitude of colors, prints and studs.

Erin and I are actually flying out the day the collection drops in stores (November 19th) back to our hometown in Toronto. Once I get a better idea of the menswear pieces - I'll decide if it's worth it or not to delay my flight home for Thanksgiving!

While the collection will be available in select stores in Toronto - I dare not face that madness. It's a different type of beast on a whole new level. Merchandise is literally wiped clean in minutes with all sorts of grabbing, shoving and disorderly conduct - Barney's warehouse is a walk in the park compared to fashion crazed Torontonians. My take on the madness is that Toronto just doesn't have the capacity or supply to satisfy its fashionably-inclined members...hence when events like this happen, amplified shitshows are bound to ensue. Just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about - here's some pics I shot from the Jimmy Choo X H&M launch a while back (which I lined up for at 6am...).

NYFW Spring 2012: Katya Leonovich

So after a slight misjudgment in when I would actually be able to wake up after a fun night at the VuQo vodka launch I literally woke up the morning of the Katya Leonovich without a moment to spare.  I woke up at 10:15am, the presentation was from 10:30-11:30am and after throwing on some clothes I was fighting against the clock and the MTA to make it from Brooklyn to the Lincoln Center.  And despite some initial set backs, somehow I made it with 15 minutes to spare.

I tore up a path to The Box and relief sank in. The first thing I noticed was the interesting sport inspired color palette. The prints were as vibrant and lively as the back drop of illustrated American football players. Something about it brought to mind motion. Yellow, red, cobalt blue, white and turquoise seem to swirl together in chiffon to create softly voluminous puffs of dresses. Contrasting this was clean white leather that was sharply tailored and featuring both crisp cut-out details and self slashed fringe.

Denim was carefully dyed, slashed and patched together creating optical effects that resembled some sort of armored shell. Organza was pleated to create architectural effects that reminded me of the exoskeleton of an insect.

Hair was styled in a deliberately messy sculptural shape. Make up was simple with barely stained red lips, dewy shadows on lids. The overall effect was confidence, a cartoonish/animated quality and a look that said, "Just try to mess with me". 

While in the wrong hands the results could have been utter chaos – Katya Leonovich somehow brought the chaos under the control of her watchful eye.  It’s an aesthetic that despite not coinciding with my personal taste, I can appreciate.

VuQo Vodka New York Launch Party

I actually wasn’t planning on attending the VuQo vodka launch in the midst of NYFW as I usually favor my bed to any parties to prevent fashion week flu. But since it was a Saturday night and since my friends invited me the day before, I headed over to the rooftop of Ink 48. The roof had a stunning view of the city and the moon was shining as party-goers socialized and drank delicious cocktails under the stars on a windy but warm night.
For the past couple years I have been hooked on coconut water in just about any form and flavor – before that I was buying and cracking open young coconuts 3 at a time.  It’s so refreshing and somehow makes my insides feel fresh and clean.  The prospect of vodka made from coconut had me intrigued. Would the smooth refreshing taste translate over to Vodka?
VuQo Premium Vodka is the only vodka distilled from coconut nectar before being distilled multiple times and passed through carbon filters.  It’s apparently based on a centuries old tradition in the Philippines enjoyed long before Spanish conquistadors ever set foot on the island.  It is also the same methods that would eventually lead to the creation of Tequila in Mexico.
I started off trying each of the delicious cocktails - my personal favorite was the Kiss New York a combination of VuQo, Chambord, Lime Juice, Club Soda and Prosecco.

Later on in the night I was even convinced to try a shot poured down the chute of an ice sculpture.  And while I was a bit fearful of the scratchy burn feel at the back of my throat that I have come to associate with vodka, I was I was pleasantly surprised how easy and smooth it went down. In fact, the dreaded scratchiness was entirely absent.  While I am no Vodka connoisseur one thing I know is VuQo Vodka could be dangerous because it goes down almost too easily!  VuQo Vodka is now available at Adriatic Wines in Hell’s Kitchen – 714 10th Ave, New York, NY.

For the event I was wearing my organza pants that I had gotten from the Cushnie et Ochs sale.  For a while I had been contemplating how to wear them as they are completely sheer and could come off looking a bit too Jasmine from Aladdin if not done right.  I decided to take a cue from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s sheer skirt moment and choose to wear boy shorts with a drapey top.  I kept things simple wearing mostly black as I figured the pants already have a lot going on.  Later on in the evening my friend Janet Chung gave me a super fabulous head piece that she had created for a photo shoot and I proudly wore it for the rest of the evening. Top – Preen, actually a dress that I scrunched up like a tunic Leather Zippered Satchel – Botkier Tao Convertible Satchel Boy Shorts - No Name Organza Pants – Cushnie et Ochs Rhinestone and Mesh Bib Necklace – Courtesy of Sorrelli Chain Strap Heels – Camilla Skovgaard Head Piece – Custom Piece by Janet Chung