Betseys Going Out of Business Sale

I'm sure you have all heard by now that Betsey Johnson has gone bankrupt. While Betsey herself isn't going anywhere, the majority of her stores will be closing- save for a few in New York, Cali, etc. Her items will still be available in department stores, just her bubbly, pink stand alone stores will start to disappear before our eyes.

I'm sure there are many reasons for this unfortunate occurrence, but nonetheless, it was a sad day for all fashion loving gals to get the news.  In my inbox this morning, was an email to let me know of the huge "going out of business" sale online and in stores. So, I guess this may be one of your last chances to grab an iconic Betsey Johnson piece for yourself. Head to the website, or if your lucky enough to live near a store, make your way on down- I'm sure things will be going quickly.

20%-50% OFF EVERYTHING. INCLUDING NEW ITEMS.

Style Icon: Micheline Pitt

I've decided to start a new and regular post- Style Icons. Just as the name suggests-  I want to share with you some of my fashion and style icons- both past and present. Featuring sassy gals who have great style and beauty tips

To kick things off, one of my most recent and new found "Style Icons" is none other that the lovely Micheline Pitt.

Micheline Pitt is not only a fantatsic makeup artist, and hair stylist, she is also an artst, model, and clothing designer for Deadly Dames (via Pin Up Girl Clothing). Micheline has posted some tutorials on youtube, where she dishes out some amazing hair and makeup tips and makes them look like a breeze; she also comes off as very down to earth which makes her even more likable (and rateable).

This gal even tried out for Americans Next Top Model- and no doubt didn't make it past episode one, because of her kick ass tattoos and amazing personal style.

Micheline is set to release her first hair how to DVD right away, so keep an eye out for that. The youtube tutorials she has released thus far, show easy to achieve but rockin styles that any gal could accomplish at home with a few key tools.

Micheline's style is the kind I love most- rockabilly and 50's/60's vintage. While she is often decked out In Pin Up Girl Clothing's sassy, vintage inspired items, she also has some amazing vintage pieces, which she occasionally alters and restores. I get the feeling a lot of girls get inspiration from Micheline, and why not? She is hard working and gorgeous; not to mention, she does a ton of DIY, connects with her fans, and makes herself available to other girls out there who have beauty and style questions. 

For more, check out Micheline's facebook page, twitter, and Pin Up Girl Clothing

* All photos taken from Google.

xoxo N.

Effie by Audrey Kitching

I happened across these photos via the Lime Crime facebook page, of Audrey Kitchings editorial version of Effie from the Hunger Games. It seems Effie has been causing a lovely little stir in the fashion world- her pastel hair and extreme make up, as well, as her tight and overbearing outfits are being emulated in the actual fashion world.Here are just a few of the photos from the shoot. Go to her page to see the rest of them.

photos from Audry Kitching for Buzzent

Check out this gals blog on Buzznet, where she is the Style Editor at Large- she has some really great photos, fashion posts, editorial spreads, and personal shots.

xo N

Fashion Week

Monday night I made it out to to the Hair and Makeup Fantasy Fashion show. I would have loved to make it to more shows, well all of them actually, but I have been too busy with other things ( like yoga, the gym, catching up on sleep, and the like). Monday's show was quite good.There was some very good makeup and special effects via makeup application; there was also some great "hair" styles- or creations, rather. There was a lot of body makeup and full face makeup. The Western Canada Fashion Week facebook page has a link to their flickr account, which has hundreds of photos of all the night. I didn't bring a camera along, as, well, I didn't think I could do any justice to any of the models, hair and make up, and fashion.

Fashion Week is almost over now with one show tonight, and the final show tomorrow night. Friday night is the the Fashion Week wrap up party at the Treasury Vodka Bar; expcet to see models, designers, stylists, bloggers, and photographers in attendence. Saturday and Sunday head down to the sample sale, 12-5pm, at 10055- 80 ave, to scoop up some one a kind peices from Fashion Weeks designers.

Next year I hope to attend quite a few more shows... and maybe get my own spot up with the other local bloggers! Hey, a gal can dream! In the mean time, I hope to post tons more photos of my own outifts, Lolita Lemon designs, and local fashion.

Stay Tuned all you rockin kats and kittens!

At Devlins Cocktail Lounge

xo. N

Friday Night Fashion Show

Last night my friend and I headed to the 2nd night of Western Canada Fashion week- the WEM showcase. Nazilla Couture, DraileD, Isabella Milan, Lisa Maire, and Aimy Corbeil. It was my first time at an event like this. Despite not initially knowing what was going on, and being herded into the room, with no guidance where to sit, we ended up with a good seat. West Edmonton Mall provided very nice little gift bags for all in attendance, with coupons, magazines, a notebook, and travel mug.

Very briefly, here are some of my thoughts about the show:
- All the girls who modelled for the WEM Showcase were very thin; some of them were sickly thin. While, I think all healthy bodies are beautiful and I don't want to say anything bad about any one personally, but I am among those who think models should weight more than 80 pounds, and should more realistically portray the women of today. Besides that, the clothes were just alright.
- Thankfully, the other models in the the collections ranged in size, although still not a single one could be considered plus size, which I think was too bad.
-The bridal collection by Isabella Milan, was just lovely! Although, I am not one one for traditional dresses, these were very pretty.
- The styling in the other collections were not the best- this is my opinion. One model particularity was wearing shoes that were way too big- you could clearly see how large they were, as there was a large gap between the back of the shoe and her heel.
- DrailD was my favorite collection; it was a little rock n roll,was original, and a nice range of models.

Alright, so here is what I wore to my first fashion show.

Top-Rowena

Skirt- H &M

Shoes- Aldo

tights- Rowena

Clutch- Winners

Ring- Aldo Accessories



Western Canada Fashion Week

Fashion week, here in Edmonton, kicked off last night with the Whyte Avenue showcase, Stylist Competition, ECO fashion, Emerging Designers Competition, and Stanley Carrolls Women's Collection. While this is one of the shows I would really like to have gone to, it was also my favorite class at the Lotus Soul Yoga Gym... However, if you would like a recap of the lovely night you can check out fellow local bloggers Dress Me Dearly and Marie a la Mode.

Tonight is the WEM showcase, as well as Isabella Milan ( bridal), Danielle Lowe, Aimy Corbeil, Nazial Couture, Lisa Marie, and Draild. Don't have a ticket? Fear not! You can buy them at the door for
$25.

I was lucky enough to win some tickets for tonight's show and am very excited! Believe it or not, despite the venue literally being a block from my apartment,  I have never been! It may be because I didn't really have anyone to go with... but not this year! This year I am popping my cherry and making my way over to the TransAlta Brans for a night of fashion.

I've already been thinking about what to wear! Check back tomorrow to find out for yourselves!

photo from the Western Canada Fashion Week website

Have a peak at the Western Canada Fashion Week website or facebook page for more exciting info.

In other news... this weekend is looking to be full of fun and excitement. Not only am I headed to the fashion show tonight, I'm off to see The Blue Man Group at the Jubilee tomorrow night. I saw them just a few months ago in Las Vegas. The show was the best I saw (out of the four I went to while there), so when I heard they were coming to Edmonton, I knew I wanted to go again. Have any of you seen them before? It is quite entertaining and not at all what I expected!

Have a great weekend and I hope to post some great photos of mine for you!

xo N

...they're back

Mad Men is back. After a much too long break. As a lover of vintage, I, of course, am a lover of Mad Men. I spend quite a bit of my time imagining what it would be like to live in the 50's and 60's ( and when I'm feeling even more imaginative, the 20's and 30's). I love the fashion... the wiggle dresses, the dainty purses, kitten heels, even the undergarments. I love how the women always look beautiful and the men look so dreamy and handsome. The beautiful, shinny cars and the home decor...it all makes me melt. Enter Mad Men. If I were an actress, if would be my ultimate dream to be on the show... it is a dream actually, even though I gave up acting in grade 12...

Well, lets recap last nights 2 hour premier then.

The time line is pushing the late 60's and the fashion is reflecting it; short, brighter dresses and mod style cuts have made their appearance. Joan however, and I'm sure Betty, too are still wearing shapes that flatter their lady-like silhouettes, in more traditional cuts and colours. The 70's are my absolute least favorite era, but since the show isn't quite there yet, I am still hoping to see some great fashion.

What did everyone think about Megan Drappers lovely birthday gift to Mr. Drapper?! It's a copy cat of many typical performances of movies from the 60's -  think: any Elvis Movie, Ann Margaret, The Party, etc - a sexy women, dressed in a sexy short dress, sings with a full band to back her up, with all the moves to make it a knock out performance. While Don is quite embarrassed, his colleagues get a good laugh out of it- as did I. This scene very much reminds me of the 60's- the dress Megan wore was spot of the time period, the live band ( which included not just an African American, but a homosexual at that), the home decor complete with teak, white carpets, and gorgeous lamps, and cocktails and cigarettes.

 

The episode seemed to re introduce us to most of the characters and shed a little light on things to come. An affair or two surely will be in the mix; Don and Megan seem to have a rocky marriage; Pete's looming depression and dissatisfaction; the introduction of a new character, which looks to be like the companies first African American employee; Joan's return to the office and struggle with raising a child; Roger's extreme distaste for his wife, which will lead to either divorce or an affair. The season premier has lined up quite a bit for this year and I am certain we are all waiting in anticipation for the drama to unfold.

xoxo N

Spring Cleaning- mega discounts at your fav. shops

Everywhere I look, another sale is popping up! I figured I'd list them all for you in one place, so you can get your game plan ready.

Rowena- My favorite Edmonton shop, is marking down sale items by an additional 50%!! But only for this Saturday and Sunday ( March 24 &25). So make you get down there this weekend. While you're there check out their new spring stock, which includes lovely new dresses and a ton of shoes!

BombShell Tattoo- Is clearing old stock, which means 50% off dresses from Vivian Holloway- wowza! now that's a deal!

Rockabetty- A favorite online shop of mine, hailing from Winnipeg, has all cardigan, mens, women's, and kids tees on for 30% off, and womens dresses on for 20% off. On until Sunday, March 25

On the Spot Pop Up Craft Sale- Happening this Saturday and Sunday only (March 24 &25). Located on 124st, beside the new Duchess, in the old Duchess location. Shop local handmade crafts!

Don't forget to check up Pin Up Persuasion, who always knows about online sales before anyone else! She also has some sales codes for the lovely shops sponsoring her awesome giveaway-find them all on her blog.

Spring is in the air...keep coming back to get all the details on more sales surley to come

Up and Comming

Announcements which may interest you:

• J. Crew is finally making its way to Canada, this I am sure you already knew. But perhaps you didn't know to expect it so soon... J. Crew is expected to open this spring in West Edmonton Mall.

Despite my dislike for the mall and mainstream, mass apparel, I am looking forward to scooping of J. Crew, for basics, if nothing else.

• March 4- 11 head back down to the illustrious 124st for yet another lovely pop up shop. This time shop Coup, Dote Baby, Glass.ful, and So Pretty Jewelry at amazing discounted prices!
• A reminder that the Vintage Pop Up Shop beside Duchess is happening this weekend, March 2 and 3.

Hope your all enjoying the snow... and just when I was thinking it was time to boot my winter boots away for the year!

xo N

Best Dressed Oscars 2012

Like many, last night, I watched the Oscars-in part to see who won and also to see all the beautifyl gowns. So,lets get straight to it. Here are my best dressed of the night.

My top three are: Rooney Mara, Michelle Williams, and Natalie Portman.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy- She looks absolutely stunning. Her dress killed every one else's.


Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton- although she is not a favorite of mine, this dress is fabulous and looks fabulous on her

Natalie Portman in Vintage 1054 Dior- instant favorite

Other notable ladies of the night include:

Maya Rudolph in Johanna Johnson

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

Kristin Wiig in J. Mendel

And my pick for the worst dressed... Angelina Jolie... Please tell me Im not the only one who noticed are stick thin her arms looked? She looked a tab spidery ( almost like"other mother" from Coraline... oui?)

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

NOWNESS.com presents: Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton and NYT's Cathy ...

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2012 line is filled to the brim with lace, ruffles, sparkle, and feminine details. The accessories- the shoes, gloves, head wear- drip with shimmer and sophistication. A gal could only be so lucky to own something this magical and beautiful in her life time.

SWAPOPOLIS

Coming up this weekend, in part with Metropolis Winter Festival, is Swapopolis- a clothing swap organized by SocailLITE media, Bamboo Ballroom, Coup Boutique, and Over The Top Swap. It is easy as 1-2-3 to participate...
1. Put gently used, unwanted clothing in a bag labeled with your name.
2. Drop off your bag(s) at Bamboo Ballroom by Feb 14th.
3. Show up at The Community Center at Churchill Square around 7pm to fill up your Bamboo Ballroom bag ( given to you when you swap your clothes).
It does cost $20 to get in- never expect something for nothing!


The Handmade Mafia will be set up at 5:30 for you to do some pre swap local shopping, so make sure you get there early to get your fill of hand made goodies.

All weekend long the Metropolis festival will be transformed into a fun filled fashion event; the Handmade Mafia will be there from Feb 17- 29; there will be a designer trunk sale Feb 18 from 11am to 7pm; and a DIY jewelry workshop Feb 19 from 11 am to 3pm.

You still have some time to get down to Bamboo Ballroom to make sure you get in on the swap- open till 7pm tonight and accepting items until 6pm tomorrow.


See you there!

xoxo N.