I like your style, Oscar.

Happy Monday!

The Oscars!! How fun were they?! And how horrible!? I'm sure I'm not alone in saying the hosting wasn't the greatest? However, I'm no expert on Oscar hosting, so we'll delve into the steeze that was brought out for us all judge.

I'm not huge into ball gowns and crazy elaborate dresses with organza and tulle and all that nonsense. I feel like most gowns are so similar year after year. I want to be shocked into love with a dress. It's the ACADEMY AWARDS! You have every designer begging to dress you, and if you don't, maybe you need a new PR team. This is your chance to shine and there are no excuses. Lack of fit bugs me here, beause c'mon. I don't know the politics of it all, or how it's organized, but I would think there should be appropriate people around you to tell you, yes that dress fits, or no that dress is hideous. or no you can't wear that because it's almost a replica of what Julia Roberts wore when she won...Reese Witherspoon. c'mon.

Love Emma Stone's dress here at the Vanity Fair afterparty. The shoes, not loving them but I like the dress so much I don't care about the shoes. They're just a little too bridesmaidy or something. Her Calvin Klein at the Globes was stunning too.

Juliette Lewis. I loooove this dress so much. The belt, the fit, the colour, everything.

Here's my thing with the Oscars. You're Natalie Portman. You're respected, admired, smart, and blah blah blah. Why wear something that's so...pretty. It's pretty but it's not like it hasn't been worn before, and won't be worn again. Maybe she just doesn't care about fashion. That's fair. We won't make her.

Loved this dress. For me her style has trumped Ms Portman's for each and every show.

Simple, elegant, so HER. Love it.

I'm all about appropriateness-es. Weather, age, occassion, etc. Dame Helen Mirren is so age appropriate she's something we can all strive for. Perfect fit, perfect for her age and style. She's wonderful and so regal!

Think this is Calvin Klein. Love it. It's different, unique, and looks great on her. I won't even go into her singing.

We can always count on Cate Blanchett for unique and original. Love it.

I've not idea how this vintage (Charles James I think?) went over with everyone, but I loved it.

Hope you have a great week!

S

xxoxo

Photos: msn, vanityfair, justjared

Happy Family Day!

Buongiorno!

This is a post about a little collaborative shoot I did yesterday with an amazing group of people. Here are a few sneak shots. Ill post an album on facebook soon, and on my soon to be established website!

Hope you like them!

Styling: me
Make-up: Julia Church
Hair Styling: Erica Quinn
Model: Nathalia Bonilla
Photography and Digital Media: Kayla Rocca

Enjoy!

xo
S

I know what boys like....

Please excuse the HEAVY Glee influence on my posting of late.  It's an illness, and I'm working on it.

As I laid out my (almost completely black and white) vacation wardrobe the other night, my boyfriend and I got on the subject of what HE would/should pack.  He actually asked if we were going back in time for our vacation, and if the whole thing would be in black and white!  Upon inspection of his summer wardrobe, it was discovered that he owns the exact opposite color - or lackthereof - scheme for his summer attire.  To prove it to me, he put on a pair of bright turquoise plaid shorts to cook dinner!

While I have traveled with boyfriends past, this one presents a particularly interesting conundrum, as a) I haven't ever seen his summer clothes, since we met in the fall, and b) he apparently has not had the luck to have received any kind of style training/influence from past girlfriends...at least not any with a sense of style!

When I think of warm-weather-wear for men in particular, my thoughts are brought to you by the letter "L": light fabrics, linens, light colours and layers.  My boyfriend's wardrobe contains almost none of these things.  I'm not sure yet what will end up in his suitcase, and I'm sure we'll look like quite the pair on the beach...  Not that I anticipate him spending much time with a shirt on, regardless of colour (and not that I mind!).

So let's play pretend.  This is what would go into his suitcase if I were packing from a dream wardrobe:
- beige linen pants
- white linen short sleeved button down
- neutral coloured FLAT FRONT dress shorts - pleats are so wrong!
- camel coloured dresspants (for a la carte restaurant dinners)
- white dress shirt - wrinkle free, of course (for a la carte restaurant dinners)
- straw fedora hat - though I feel like my current boyfriend might look rather silly in one!
- brown leather thong sandals
- board shorts in neutral colours, and without loud prints
- a few white tank tops, just for those times when a shirt is required

...so beachy and dreamy!

Consider yourselves warned:  Linen is difficult for anyone (especially spill-prone men!).  "The Style Blogger" gives his pros and cons for linen at www.thestyleblogger.com...

Linen Pros:

1. Highly absorbent
2. Feels cool to the touch
3. Very strong (2 to 3 times the fiber strength of cotton)
4. Smooth, making the finished fabric lint free
5. Gets softer the more it is washed.

Linen Cons:

1. Constant creasing in sharp folds will tend to break the linen threads (this wear can show up in collars, hems, and any area that is iron creased during laundering)
2. Poor elasticity
3. Does not spring back readily, explaining why it wrinkles so easily
4. Not very versatile, only good for hot weather

At the end of the day, it really all comes down to comfort and having a good time!  But if anyone has any last minute tips for men's beach/resort wear, I'm all ears!

xo
Mandy

MK and Ashley's Amazing Line, The Row.

Hello,

The Olsen twins have a number of lines. Huge fashion empire that is extremely successful. Here are a couple photos that I loved from their most recent showing, The Row FW2011.
Enjoy!

xox

S

souce: manrepeller.com

There's No (Alexander) Wang.

Hello,

Just wanted to do a post on Alexander Wang's new line F/W2011. I love his style: laidback, easy glamourous sportwear-ish type of clothing. Also, he's a mere twenty-five years old. (!!!)


Check it out.

I'd give up my future for these pants. Just kidding, that was too far. But I do love them.

There are many more designers who killed it at New York Fashion Week. Do some googling if you're interesting. Style.com has most, if not all, of them.

xox

S

source: fashiongonerogue.com

OH. EM. GEE.

Ok, I try to avoid saying things like OMG.  But in this situation, it's 100% acceptable...

I ordered 2 new bathing suits for my trip from www.victoriassecret.com.  When they arrived, I discovered that I, strangely, did not look like a Victoria's Secret model when I put them on.  Hmmm.  So, as any self-loathing, near-vacation woman would do, I sent them back, and requested an exchange for two different suits that would give me some assistance where I felt it was required - in the words of Glee's "Santana" - the "rambunctious twins that live on my ribcage".

Despite the fact that all 4 pieces (two tops, two bottoms) were available when I placed the order, I was notified that I would be receiving ONE top and two bottoms, as one of my selections had been backordered until February 26th.  But I would be almost done my vacation by then!  I basically cried myself to sleep that night....

HOWEVER.....I just received the BEST. NEWS. EVER.  The backorder has been filled, and I will receive the second (did I mention it's LEOPARD PRINT?!) bikini top by this Friday!  YIPPEE!

Consider my day to be MADE.

Now lie to me and tell me that I'm totally going to look like this in my new suits...

xo
Mandy

Come sail away....

Hmmm...as I write out my list of things that I plan to put in my suitcase at some point this week, I'm noticing a trend.  While the Glamourai (www.theglamourai.com) has a penchant for all things polka dot, I seem to have filled my summery wardrobe with...*cue ominuous music *...STRIPES!

Of course, the whole nautical theme is always a big one for Spring and Summer - it's classic, timeless...but when is too much too much?

I think it all started last year when Sheila and I took a VERY critical look at my wardrobe, and one of the pieces that was brought in was a t-shirt from H&M with grey and white stripes.  I've worn it approximately 1,243,492.884 times since I bought it, wish I'd bought it in every colour available, and don't know what I'll do when it becomes unwearable.  And it seems to have had a very strong influence on subsequent sartorial endeavours.

So of course, as I pack my virtual suitcase, that t-shirt makes the cut, as does my navy and white striped skirt (also H&M, from that same session with Sheila...), a navy and white striped tee (H&M - speaking of patterns!), a black and white striped tank (Costa Blanca)...Considering I'm only going for 7 days, I should be careful that I mix it up!!

Maybe I'll take some pictures of my oh-so-eclectic (NOT!) selections later this evening...I need to sort out whether I'm packing things that will work together, or just packing things that I love.  There is nothing worse than going away, and despite having a full suitcase - which is ALWAYS the case - not having a single thing to wear!

Got any packing tips for me?

xo
Mandy

Bikinis and Brrrr...

I'll admit it - my vacation has absorbed much of my frontal lobe as of late...  Good thing Sheila is here to keep me in the here and now!

And really, as much fun as I've had shopping online for bikinis, coverups and maxi dresses this week (don't tell my boss!), I think it's high time I did a throwback to the original purpose of this blog!  Strangers with style!

I ducked out of the office yesterday morning to hit the grocery store for some greek yogourt (thanks to Dr. Oz, you can almost ONLY find it on shelf restocking days!), and got stuck walking behind a VERY tiny, little old lady.  While my initial reaction was to grumble about her slow paced saunter across Yonge and Eglinton in the viciously cold wind, I couldn't help but smile...  At all of maybe 4'3" tall, this lady was rocking a GORGEOUS deep caramel brown fur coat, and a chocolate brown wide brimmed felt hat and giant sunnies.  Granny was stylin.  I complimented her on her outfit once we'd crossed the street, and told her I wished that I'd had the confidence to wear a fur coat.  "You're tall enough to wear whatever you want!"  At 5'1", "tall" is not a word usually used in reference to ME!

Sadly, I didn't have my camera on me, and I'm not sure I could have explained the concept of a blog to her - it was so cold! - but granny had it going on, and I think we BOTH walked away with smiles (frozen) on our faces!

ilikeyourstyle!

Mandy
xo

The Cold Wind Blows

For all of us who aren't anticipating a winter retreat into the south somewhere here are some photos to inspire your winter wear. I'm not huge into bulking up with scarf, mittens, parka, boots, etc etc etc. How many layers are you supposed to WEAR to keep warm in this flippin' city?? I always feel like a kid who walks around like a mummy with his snowsuit on. You know it, where their arms are outstretched and cant really move because of all the clothes on, and then they start crying because they're overheated from all the dressing before they even get to play. Never gets old.

Karen from wheredidugetthat has such wonderful taste and always switches up her style. Here are some photos that showcase her take on NYC winter wear. Clearly, we can only take certain elements for our everyday purpose. For myself, 4" heels on the daily isn't realistic, nor do I enjoy crushed velvet. Everyone's different. Take what suits your lifestyle. You CAN be warm and look cute. No need for halter tops in February. That I'm firm on.








Grab some baggier jeans, throw some leggings on underneath, a really warm jacket that you love, some chunky knit sweaters and buy some cute (cheap) mittens at h&m. No need to be prancing around in a snowstorm, broadcasting your desire for warmer weather via your leather bomber jacket.

S. xo

(www.wheredidugetthat.com)

We all wish for summer

Brief post in response to Amanda's. I'm no summer expert; my summer wardrobe is non glamorous and very simple. To me, summer is about layering because everywhere you go its either air conditioned or stifling hot. Wear a simple base, and then accessorize around it.

Jessica Simpson has long been in need of some assistance in the wardrobe department, that is, if she'd like it. By no means would I ever impose on someone. Go wild, wear what you'd like. However, she DOES have a multi-million dollar fashion empire (I think Forbes said she raked in $750 mil last year) on her hands so, in a way, maybe she should dress for her body. That been said, I love her clothes when she's lounging about with no makeup on.


I know... McQueen is a bit much for the beach. BUT envision it without the train, without the length, without the crazy makeup. A little belt never hurt anyone in your mission to step it up a notch for dinner. Nor did a grandpa cardigan (I'm thinking grey, or perhaps a beige to bring out your tan from the days events) with it for when the sun goes down. Nor did hemming it shorter, say mid calf for those who it would work for.


I love this black dress. Super simple, I'm positive I could make it myself and I don't even know how to sew. Obviously it's not for everyone, but if you're confident in a bikini, have at it in a stretchy little number like this that you can funk up with some crazy jewelry, some beach hair, and some killer shoes that you're missing whilst it's a freaking freezer outside.



Just a maxi dress, but still...looks sharp with her casual heels. And clean. and not like she's going to pick up her dog from the groomers. (Oops, her dog died. sorry...)

So all in all, rock a little print if you want, use your accessories to bring your style to the level of personal style, and bring in some versatility by layering according to weather appropriateness.

S.xo

You can dress 'em up...

Today's post is inspired by my lover-ly friend, Alyssa.  She sent me a link to an adorable little cocktail dress that she loves, which got me thinking... Do you bring dressy clothes with you when you go on vacation?  If you do, how many options do you bring?  I'm an infamous chronic-overpacker!

Many all-inclusive resorts have a la carte restos that claim to enforce a dresscode.  While this tends to mean that the men have to wear shirts, and everyone wears shoes (as opposed to the anything goes mentality of the all-day buffet on the beach), I typically bring long flowy dresses, and adorable little above-the-knee/strapless numbers for my dinners.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect maxi dress to take me from beach to fine dining (11 days from now - the countdown is on!), but I have to admit, this one that Alyssa sent me is pretty cute, and I looooove the colour!  ...although, I'm not sure that silk is the best choice for uber-hot weather!

So what do you pack for fancy-feasting abroad?  Got any ideas for me?

The essentials

Can you tell yet that I have my upcoming vacation to Cabo San Lucas on the brain?

I'm still working on my DVF wedge obsession (will aldo be able to cure me for a fraction of the price? Maybe Zara?), but I'm moving on to other fashion necessities for la plage.



Today's focus....Sunnies! My mom showed up at my house two weeks ago with this new pair by Sisley that she snagged for me for something like $40 instead of the original $200 (my momma's such a good shopper!) and I'm pretty sure I love them. They're a little Nicole Ritchie circa...well the last few years. But it seems that she may have been just a little ahead of the trend, as the 70's are coming at us hard and fast for 2011. What do you think? (www.sisley.com)

What are your favourite sunglasses like? Sporty? Stylish? Clear lenses? Mirrored?

xo
Mandy

Happy 2011!

Hello all!

Amanda stopped so i stopped. I know, if she jumped off a cliff would i follow suit? I promise to never jump even if she does. Except if the bottom of the cliff holds the promise of studded black leather or fur or jewel toned vintage clothing, or....

Amanda's asked me to start-up some feature posts again. I loved doing it last time so I will absolutely be apart of this lovely Toronto-based blog. Last time it was a weekend feature, now its going to be a whenever, whatever feature based on fashion, style and all things beautiful. If you've anything youd like to be featured send me an email and I'll proceed with utmost care and respect even if I dont approve (anything polyester, parishilton related, etc).

Heres some stunning photos of the longtime model Carolyn Murphy. source fashiongonerogue.com

Have a great day!! Email your desires (smcelrea@hotmail.com). Looking forward to hearing your feedback!

xo

Sheila

Let's make this interactive...

So here's the deal: I'm leaving for vacation with my (super sexy) boyfriend in 13 days! This means extra time at the gym, fewer carbs in my lunch bag, additional supplements in the morning vitamin cocktail...and online shopping/daydreaming.

As of late, DVF has been all I've dreamed of. More specifically, THESE:




The Diane Von Furstenburg Opal wedge sandals in Mink leather. I die..................



Then when I come back to life, I plot how I will find a way to make them a part of my life.




What vacation-down-south item do you NEEEEEEED for your next trip? (Other than SPF 100000000, of course). Send me your ideas/pictures/wishlists/links!

Maybe this will help me to figure out what my style will be this time around! I've gotten some ideas from my favourite style blogs of late, and absolutely plan to emulate them...I'm just not sure how to pull it all together just yet. (Sheila, to the rescue! We've been sending multiple daily e-mails back and forth trying to figure it all out!)

We can pack our virtual suitcases together - boarding pass not included...

xo
Mandy


ps. I love you DVF! Check out her site for the Resort Top 10... which I can only dream would just magically appear in my zebra striped suitcase!

http://www.dvf.com/dvf/index.jsp

LOOOOVE!

We need to talk...

I've been a bad blogger. Things got all hot and heavy between us, and then I got distracted by the glitz and glamour of other blogs, and forgot all about you. But if you give me another chance, maybe I can make things better between us. You just...you just mean so much to me - I can't believe I messed up like this!

Ok, so it was a little more than a brief hiatus - even after I said I'd be back. I'd like to say thanks to my darling friend Becky for nudging me back to the ilysto page. Things will be different this time.

On my first attempt, I got a little carried away. I over committed, and it became a chore rather than fun to write my fun little blog. It won't be every day. I won't trudge out of the house on days that include no plans of leaving the couch just to snap a pic of a stranger with style (SWS).

I hope you'll forgive me! And hey....I like your style!!!

xo
Mandy