Pierre Hardy for Gap

Can’t you wait for the cold to go away and step outside in your freshly pedicure(or not?!) feet and strappy sandals? Well dreams sometimes become realities… And this is without any doubt not only a fantasy!

And I have good news… for the 3rd consecutive years, Gap and French shoe designer Pierre Hardy have renewed their contract this year.. Although the choice is very small, only one model coming in 3 colours, those who couldn’t get a pair last year might be luckier this year as last year very-similar-to-this-year model sold like crazy.

Pierre Hardy started his successes designing the shoe collection at Christian Dior. In 1990, he moved to Hermes where he is creative director of the women and men shoe collections. Since 2001, Hardy designed the shoe collections at Balenciaga. He also has his own collection that was first launch in 1999. Here are a few models from the Pierre Hardy actual collection.

No need to spend $1,215 at Barneys for some white and brown Pierre Hardy platform sandals… just go to the Gap for less than a twelth of the price.

Can you see a difference?

Ok a slight one 😛

81st Annual Academy Awards

Despite finding my future husband (How sexy, funny and talented was Hugh Jackman on Sunday night?!), the Oscars were an unforgettable night. I have to admit that it was actually the first ceremony that I watch from start to end. After 5 hours in front of my monitor, I still wasn’t tired of it. This year was full of surprises and emotions. How touching was the presentation of the major roles awards with previous winner praising their peers? Also this year, the Academy invited a younger crowd with Zac and Vanessa from HSM, the seductive Robert Pattinson from Twilight, and Amanda Seyfried from Mamma Mia.

And again, the red carpet was full of hits and misses.

Red and white were very popular choices as seen on Penelope Cruz (winner in the best supporting role category) who looked like a princess in vintage Balmain Couture. Stunning! Or Marisa Tomei in an original pleated white Atelier Versace dress. Original, but not sure it is working for me. Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera with a stunning necklace by Fred Leighton opted for the other popular hue – Red! So did Heidi Klum in RM by Roland Mouret, not as successfully though.

Siren silhouette style dresses also had a noticeable presence on the red carpet of the Kodak theatre. Halle Berry in Marchesa was one of the few who opted for this style. Beyonce in House of Doreon also went for the siren silhouette. I am not a fan of the entire look. For sure it was not Beyonce at her best.

Nathalie Portman was without any doubt one of my favourite of the night in her vibrant pink Rodarte gown. Kate Winslet who won the Oscar in the leading actress category looked gorgeous in her asymmetrical one shoulder Yves Saint Laurent gown. I love the lace details: so chic and rich. I also adored Angie beautiful Lorraine Schwartz earrings and matching ring. Her best accesory remains her handsome Brad!

I also want to mention Freida Pinto from Slumdog Millionaire in her blue John Galliano gown. Despite criticism from few, I thought she looked beautiful and totally charming.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cirus and Jessica Biel were far from making the hit list. Sarah Jessica (who is usually a trend setter) looked ridiculous in her puffy light blueish green Christian Dior gown. For the princess look, take advices from previously mentioned Penelope Cruz and forget Parker on this one. Miley Cirus in Zuhair Murad reminded me of a giant seashell. Jessica Biel white Prada gown looked more like a big scottowel role than anything else.

JumpER

Remember in grade 4 or 5 that ultra “in” one piece everybody was wearing!? You would be the entire school shame if you didn’t possess one…. well be prepared because it will be the case again this upcoming spring.

Not sure you could pull it off… don’t worry jumpsuits come in all shapes, colours, lengths, widths. I’m sure you’ll find one that works for you.

Short, long or 3/4 sleeves; to the ground, micro or to the knee; for day and night time, jumpers are making a noticeable come back!

Rocking the going-out style at BCBG and Chloe with sheer fabric and details.

Constructed at Bottega Venetta vs flowing at Donna Karan

Custom for day time at Stella McCartney and Salvatore Ferragamo

And what about the lovely Greek goodness inspired Etro jumpsuit?!

Bangles for Spring

Wooden bangles give any outfit a tribal twist. Be ready to let your inner African goodness takes control (well of your wrist at least!) this coming spring.

The wooden square bangle at Burberry Prorsum seems heavy, but oh-so fabulous!

I love the white bangle seen at Emilio Pucci

Mixing colors and textures at Louis Vuitton.

How to wear them? With pretty much anything… throw on your favourite pair of jeans, a simple tank and finish up the look with 2 or 3 bangles to give a stylish flare to your everyday outfit. Or pair studded black bangles with your LBD for a “harder” look (as seen at Zac Posen)

No need to spend big money… Aldo Accessories or H&M offer a great variety for every taste.

Polka dots!

Polka dots remind me of Minnie Mouse and her famous red and white dots dress. However, this spring be prepared to see polka dots not only on the Disney character, but in stores and runways.

We can find the classy typical black and white dots at Valentino (which opted for a very subtle print) and DKNY (mixing smaller and larger patterns).

On the other hand, other designers, such as Giles, gave the black and white dots a modern twist.

Some designers also went totally beyond the traditional black and white by showing some interesting alternatives to the classic style.

At ADAM, colourful dots invade the runway, while Emilio Pucci offers dots with interesting patterns.

I particularly like the Jaeger London fresh style in vibrant colours… Can’t wait for the thermometer to show 25ºC again!

GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

The 2009 Golden Globe Awards took place on Sunday. As always, actors, actress and people from the entertainment industry paraded down the red carpet in their best attire.

The lovely Kate Winslet took home two globes and also my vote for the best dress. Her Yves Saint Laurent embellished with a magnificent Chopard diamond brooch was so simple, but yet so elegant.

Bridal white was a common choice at the ceremony. Teen star Miley Cirus looked cute and age-appropriate in this Marchesa dress while Kate Beckinsale rocked the ruffles in her J.Mendel white gown.

Grey was a very popular choice… sign of the recession? Even so, I absolutely loved it. Selma Hayek in Bottega Veneta and Angelina Jolie in Versace were ones of the few who wore the unusual hue.

Another popular trend on the red carpet was statement necklaces.  I personally adored Eva Mendes’s turquoise Van Cleef and Arples necklace or Christina Applegate Lorraine Schwartz floral necklace.

Doesn’t it make you wish it was prom again?

2008 in Fashion

Before jumping into 2009, I wanted to look back at 2008 and at the many memorable fashion moments this unforgettable year gave us.

Sure the launch of Sex and the City The Movie created a lot of buzz in 2008, but everybody were more excited about Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha’s outfits. No one can forget Sarah Jessica Parker peacock feathers hat to match her Alexander McQueen dress at the move premiere in London.

The 2008 Oscar ceremony almost did not take place because of the writers’ strike in Hollywood, but actors and actresses impressed many on the red carpet. Who can forget Nicole Kidman spectacular diamond necklace?!

 

2008 was also memorable on the runways. Ruffles were omnipresent. They gave a girly feel to any piece of clothing, but also brought a sexy vibe. Same for lace… so elegant and sexy at the same time.

Ruffles at Valentino

 Or how can we forget the knee-high gladiator sandals as seen at Balenciaga runway shows. They look good on Jennifer Connelly, but I’m not convinced of their practicality on a daily basis.

Jennifer Connelly for Balenciaga

And when talking about 2008, no one can forget to talk about the death of one of most famous designer: YSL.

2008 was definitely memorable, but I cannot wait to see what 2009 has to offer!

Welcoming 2009!

Before worrying about New Year’s resolutions… I’m thinking more about what I will put on December 31st and into the new year! My Boxing Day shopping was not extremely successful and I am still looking for the perfect outfit to welcome 2009. After some online shopping on the Betsey Johnson website where nothing seems to match with my vision of the perfect New Years Eve party dress, I remembered reading about websites where you can design you own design. What a better way to look fabulous than having a unique dress custom to your own tastes?!

The first website is dressbydesign.com

I do not really like the limited choice of very conservative designs offered, but after playing around for sometimes… you can come up with a decent design. I like that it is possible to zoom in to see the details of the materials on this website. It is also possible to send them your own fabric. You can select separately bust, waist and hips sizes to have a perfect fit!

The second site to visit is studio28couture.com

This website is longer to load (or maybe it’s my internet connection?!), but permit to create separately bustier, skirt and straps which give us almost perfect freedom in our design. As well, it is possible to assign different material to the different part of the dress… for instance the waist band can be a different color to accentuate an hourglass shape!

And my favourite is styleshake.com

This website offers an incredible variety of top shapes, skirt types and necklines (including the one shoulder style… which I personally really like)! I spent an hour and could of keep on going trying to find the best design for my “perfect dress” on this website! I finally chose a dark purple one shoulder mini and I’m still debating on whether or not to order it!

Have a great Holiday Break and see you all next year!

Sponsored

Sup sup guys, Hub Vibes is now sponsored by Light & Soul apparel! Big ups to the L&S crew for the support.
Check out their facebook group for pictures and info about this up coming clothing company!

Snake Skin!

I absolutely adore fabulous snake skin handbags, patent belts or shoes. However, it’s another story when my own skin starts to resemble snake skin because it’s so dry. Not only does December announce the stress of exam period, but it also brings multiple factors to hurt our sensitive skin: dryness inside our heated homes, and wind and coldness outside.

To avoid cracked skin, try to take short and cool showers, as hot water and soap make skin even more dry by dissolving out body natural essential oils. Take the habit to moisturize immediately after coming out of the shower instead of delaying the task for later.

No need to spend big money! Drugstores offer a great selection on various type of moisturizers for all skin types – Choose a gradual self-tanner daily moisturizer, such as Jergens Natural Glow, to bring color to those white legs! Or Johnson’s Softlotion Extra Care Healing lotion.

 

The skin on our face is particularly sensitive and is exposed to all the outside irritants. I recommend a daily moisturizer with sun protection, such as Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 or Aveeno Ultra calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 (great for sensitive skin to reduce redness and irritation!). For oily skin type, my case :,(, try oil free moisturizers