Lust Item of the week: Chain Link Bag

Chain link bags seem to be all the rage among celebs.  Many of them are sporting the classic Chanel  in black which is a timeless accessory. 

Check out LC's Chanel in a beige (great neutral color).

Even LC's BFF Lo Bosworth is also sporting her Chanel but in classic black with gold detailing.

However for the diva on somewhat of a budget, I've found one from Marc Jacobs which is a great alternative. It's called "The single" and may be found at Holt Renfrew in Montreal.

Milan Fashion Week : Missoni

Missoni is a luxury brand known for its gorgeous knits in a multitude of patterns and colors. They presented their 2010 Summer collection today in Milan. The women in attendance were all dressed to impress (wouldn't you agree that Italians can dress!). Check out these lovely ladies:

Chiara Tortorella's over the knee boots in chocolate brown are to die for. The entire look is effortless but at the same time amazing!

This dove grey dress and matching grey snakeskin bag are perfect for a wedding.

Take a look at those shoes!

And of course Marguerita Missoni. She obviously inherited this great sense of style( it must run in the family). Love the sunglasses!

Celeb look of the week - Kate Walsh

I love what Kate Walsch wore to an American Cancer Society fundraiser on September 21, 2009.

Kate is wearing shimmering leggings and blazer from Stella McCartney.

Sequined leggings are one of the hotest trends for fall! Kate shows us here that sequins are just for figure-skating dresses or Vegas showgirls - paired with a blazer and a simple white t-shirt, it makes her look classy and dressy. Tres chic!

I like how she weighed out the glitzniness of the leggings with a simple white shirt.

She matched her outfit with a pair of Louboutin pumps. You can never go wrong with Louboutin pumps!

Sneak Peek into Carrie L's closet

Like you might've read in one of Sabby V's earlier post, the girls from 514StreetChic got together for a photoshoot to expose some of our favorite looks from our closet.

I love the ruffles and detailing on this shirt. I purchased this shirt in fall 2008 in Melbourne, Australia from a company called Dollhouse. Okay, so I know it's a bit far, but you can find similar styles in various stores in Montreal. Why, I saw a very similar shirt at Simons downtown (http://www.simons.ca/), just this summer.

The belt is a handmade leather belt that was given to me as a gift. It's basically a strip of leather that needs to be hand-knotted. Hence, you can place it all all kind of heights on your body to get all kinds of looks: empire-wasit (on rib-cage), tight at the waist, and on the hips. You can even wear it around your neck as a cool scarf or loose tie.

The bag is from Matt & Nat (founded by Montrealer Inder Bedi), and was purchased at Mochico at 4261 St-Denis, Montreal. I love Matt & Nat bags for their style and for the message behind them. By the way, Mochico is a great store to get a mish 'n mash of local designers, including Soia & Kyo coats that are now being sold all over the world. I love local success stories!

The leggings are from American Apparel, a company founded by Montreal-originator, Dov Charney. They are the high-waisted leggings with a slight shine to them. The salesperson at the Ste-Catherine (near Guy metro) store recommended the high-waisted version, because the elastic is loose at the top and avoids any cligging or bad muffin-top situations at the waist (a fashion don't!) It's also more versatile, because you can also tuck in shirts and t-shirts into the high waisted version for a very original look. Also, the high-waist version can be folded if you do want to sit it at the waist.

The wool sweater-dress was purchased at Mango and was part of their fall/winter 2007-8 collection. It's great for fall and winter in Montreal! With the little bit of warmth still present in fall, I usually wear it belt-less with a pair of tights and cute shoes. When it starts to get chillier (aka winter - boo!), I wear the sweater with leggings or skinny jeans and might also dress it with a belt.

The leather belt was purchased in Sydney, Australia from a store called Ojay. I love this belt! I've seen similar styles to it in and around Montreal at stores like Simons and Tristan.

The leggings here are the high-waisted leggings at American Apparel (see description above).

The leather calf-length boots are from Fornarina (http://www.fornarina.com/) and were folded downwards to get this little-booty look.They were purchased at a sample sale in the Chabanel area, but Fornarina shoes can be found at Aritmetik, Chou Chou and Little Burgandy. They are so comfy because the leather and inside of the boot is soft. Also, the heel is a great length for walking through the streets of Montreal.

The funny looking thing in my hair is a hair accessory from Simons. Hmm, not sure what I was thinking when I put it in my hair. At the moment I write this, it looks really random there! I usually wear the flower in my hair when I tie up my hair in a pony-tail or bun.

Max Azria visits BCBG Montreal

There were models, photographers and plenty of fashionistas on hand Thursday at the unveiling of the redesigned BCBG store on St.Catherine.  The atmosphere was that of a typical 5@7 in Montreal but better since we were surrounded by beautiful clothing from the BCBG fall/winter collection.  The redesigned store is fantasic with a modern white decor and gorgeous wood staircase.  Best of all is that Max Azria was on hand to greet his Montreal clientele.  He was also gracious to pose in a photo for me, but of course I messed that up by closing my eyes.  Go figure the one chance I get and I blow it!

Check out the event below:

My great friend Asha invited me to the event! Thanks again!  BTW you look great!

Here are some fashionistas:

Love the overall look! From the metallic skirt to the great boots and tuxedo blazer. 

Love the rocker chick ensemble.  The Jimmy Choo sunglasses finish the look.

The biker jacket and sequinced shoulder are amazing.

Love the great color of the dress and great accesories.

Love the necklace.  Pearls and diamonds, who could ask for more???

Check out necklace designer Charlotte Hosten (right).  These necklaces are works of art!

15% men's clothing at Club Monaco - until Sept 30!

Unfortunately this is only for men!

I hear that if you go into Club Monaco from now until September 30 and try on the men's new collection, you'll receive 15% off any men's purchase.

Remember, it's only till September 30th!

There's only one Club Monaco in Montreal:

Les Cours Mont-Royal
1455 Peel St #226
514-499-0959
(near the corner of Ste-Catherine O.)

Stylexchange Warehouse Sale - update

The Stylexchange sale is going on right now. I haven't been, my sources tell me that there's a lot of stuff, including Miss Sixty at 50% off, Juicy Couture items and Uggs.

I'll be heading over there this weekend to take a look!

I love sales!

Sneak Peak into Sabby V's Closet

The girls from 514Streetchic decided to do a photoshoot and expose some of our favorite items for fall from our very own closets.  The photos were taken at the Botanical Gardens in Montreal by two great photographers( Wei & Peipei, thanks again guys!).  We had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery.

 My favorite outfit is this black and white dress that I just picked up at H&M on Saturday.  This purchase was a first for me since I have never actually purchased anything there.  I added a blazer from Zara which I purchased years ago from my days as an auditor with a belt from Banana Republic (I usually go to BR for their accesories).  My teal blue clutch is also from Banana Republic (it is actually my mom's, but I seem to have permanently borrowed it from her).  My open toe booties are from Zara and have been getting alot of usage from them by pairing them with jeans, leggings and of course, dresses!  BTW, I am also wearing a pair of black cat eye Ray-Bans, which I cannot live without!  I love sunglasses!!!!!

In this next photo, I am wearing a headband I bought at This and That (Rockland) which reminds me a little of Gossip Girl (who must have great stylists for that show!).  The magenta dress is from Mango, and can be worn many different ways, over jeans, leggings or with a shirt and skinny black pants for work. The clutch is from French Connection and leather jacket was a gift from my mom.  I would usually wear this on the weekends with a pair of flats, but of course every outfit looks better with heels.

  

My last outfit is probably something you would normally see me wearing.  I have a quite a large collection of denim from 7 for all mankind to Rock and Republic to my latest purchase of J Brand jeans.  I am wearing the J Brand skinny with some old white tank.  My cashmere cardigan is from QI cashmere which I found at Simons (they have a great selection of designers and sometimes only carry a few sizes which kind of make them unique and exclusive.  Love that!)  My hat is from H&M (sorry I lied, I guess I also bought this at H &M) and my shoes are from Aldo ( which happen to quite comfy).  My watch was a gift from my aunt and is from Michael Kors and happens to be  a big trend this fall ( big gold watches).  My purse which you can't really see is from Foley and Corinna and was purchased last fall in LA (can be found at Holt Renfrew in Mtl).  This bag was by far the best purchase I have ever made.  I know it is sad to say, but I really love it and have practically worn it every day since.  I think that if you have to splurge, do it for a bag.

 

Stylexchange Warehouse Sale

Stylexchange is having a warehouse sale!

50% to 70% off, just in the time for the fall season! I don't have much details on it yet, but there is supposedly going to be tons of designer brands and street labels (YAY!). Expect to see 7 For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, Miss Sixty, Groggy, Jack and Jones, Triple 5 Soul, Lady Dutch, etc etc etc!

From what I hear, the Stylexchange sales usually have a lot of stuff, but unfortunately the jeans do not go on sale - BOO!

Here are the details:
5670 rue Paré, TMR (Namur metro)

Thursday Sept 24 - 10am to 9pm
Friday Sept 25 - 10am to 9pm
Saturday Sept 26 - 10am to 5pm
Sunday Sept 27 - 12pm to 5pm

I'll report back on the sale and let you know how it is!

Introducing Carrie L from "514 Street Chic"

What's your style?
Carrie L: Depends on my mood and depends where I'm at.

At work, I'm more conservative, but I love to wear ruffly, romantic shirts and skirts to bring a little zest to the regular office attire (that is so often associated with black and pants). But although I love shirts in the store and on other people, I rarely wear shirts because I can't be bothered to iron them, especially if they've got ruffles!

Outside of work, I love wearing leggings with long shirts and belts or blue jeans with funky, funny t-shirts.

And for going out for a night on the town, it's dresses dresses dresses!

Favourite designers?
Carrie L: I actually don't own anything from them, but I get lots of inspiration from Jean-Paul Gauthier, Chanel, Michael Kors.

Favourite celeb styles?
Carrie L: To name a few: Rachel Bilson, Reese Withersppon, the cast of Gossip Girl, Jennifer Aniston (don't care much for her as actress though--sorry),

Rachel Bilson

The cast of Gossip Girl (...yes, even druggy-looking 'Lil Jenny):

Taylor Momsen

Leighton Meester

Blake Lively

Favourite stores in Montreal?
Carrie L: Lots of stores! It depends on the occasion:

- For work clothes: BCBG Maxazaria, Club Monaco, Zara, Simons (Contemporaine and Icone lines mainly), United Colors of Bennetton, RW&Co, Dynamite, Mango, etc.

- For casual clothing: Love the shorts and casual weekend clothing at Club Monaco, the Twik line at Simons, simple everyday t-shirts and other at Le Garage, Lola &Emily, but otherwise a bit of stuff here and there...

- For shoes: I swear by Nine West and BCBG shoes, because of comfort and style. I love Aldo shoes, but I don't think my feet are quite the right shape for them. I love and dream of shoes at Chou Chou, and there's a store on de la Montagne (or Crescent) that sells Christian Louboutin's. I don't actually shop there or go in, I just stare at the shoes through the glass, like a kid in the candy store! I'm sure the shopkeepers must see me all the time ("Ah, not HER again!")

- For purses and wallets: I have an obsession with Matt&Nat and Samsara - both Montreal designers!

- For accessories: I just adore the accessories section at Simons, the earrings, belts, headbands at Forever 21, sometimes Dynamite has really elegant yet funky accessories.

- Other stores I love to visit and where you can find a lot of different things for different occasions: Stacey Zhang, Olam, Bubbles, Maskerad (on Mont-Royal Ave)... oh and so many more!

What are you loving right now?
Carrie L: Belts and boots--long thigh-high boots. Very super-hero catwoman like! But, I'm not sure if Montreal is ready for thigh high boots; it might be too red-light-district-St-Laurent-after-10pm for some... Ooh and I am really loving the resurgeance of the 'flapper' style ('30s) and old Hollywood black-and-white movie glamour--which I've always loved since I was a kid.

High boots - Jean-Paul Gauthier fashion show in Paris

A flapper inpired design from Jean-Paul Gauthier's fashion in Paris (for fall/winter 2009/10)

Old hollywood glamour - Another Jean-Paul Gauthier from his fall/winter show in Paris

Lust Item of the Week

Check out this Mackage leather bomber. I love everything about it! The scarf collar and puffy sleeves are so unique and a fit that is to die for! It looks like the kind of leather that smells so good you are going to be sniffing it all day long. (Mackage is a family run Montreal based company who specialize in outerwear for the "trendy" shopper. Many of their coats can be found at Miss Swiss ( on St-Denis and another on Mt. Royal and also at Simmons).  Check out their website: http://www.mackage.com/

The leather bomber is a staple for Fall. It can be worn over jeans or even a nice dress, to work or on the weekends. If this one is too pricey there are always cheaper alternatives. I have seen one at Forever 21 ( which just opened on St. Catherine) that is also cute and at a fraction of the price. 

Celeb look of the week - Jennifer Lopez

Sept 16, 2009, Washington D.C.--Jennifer Lopez and her hubby Marc Anthony held a press conference on Capitol Hill, following a meeting with some members of congress to discuss education in the Latino community and college affordibility.

One should always dress appropriately for the occasion. In this case, Jennifer Lopez needed to look sharp, smart and credible--and I think she did a great job at picking her outfit (assuming she picked it, and it wasn't a stylist!)

I'm not sure what she is wearing, but I can tell that the shoes are Louboutin!

Do you think her feet hurt?

A similar attire would be appropriate for an office job in Montreal. Personally, I would opt for a dress that is less tight around the behind--I think you can guess why! But then again, to some extent: if you've got it, then flaunt it!!!

Also, her makeup is perfect for daytime and makes her look sharp and professional. The makeup is kept in nude shades (lips, cheeks, eye shadow), and the makeup around the eyes (eye liner) is kept light, not too dense. This makeup look is good to be worn everyday to work (except maybe the fake lashes, cause that would just be a lot of hassle in the morning!)

Can you believe this is the same woman whom, 2 days earlier, looked like this at the MTV VMA awards?

Like I said, one should dress appropriately for the occasion!

New York Fashion Week

I have been dreaming about being front row at New York’s fashion week (Sept 10-17) and being able to see the newest looks since forever. The celebs who attend are usually able to select their choices in advance for Spring 2010, which is how we see them sporting these looks even before they hit the stores. Among the many designers present: Max Azria, Michael Kors and Tory Burch which are usually looks that many Montrealers can sport. This city has a certain style that is unique with European influences due to stores like Zara and Mango. I personally would have loved to be at 3.1 Phillip Lim.

As Montrealers, we unfortunately have to be practical about our fashion choices. The weather here does not always allow us to wear all the different looks out there. However, we still manage to look good despite the cold by adding beautiful cardigans, blazers and trenches. Another solution is to use leggings/tights under dresses or even shorts. But I guess if you’re a real fashionista, then you'll just brave the cold in style! High heels in snow works for me!

I have posted a couple of pics of my favorite looks and designers.


Milly-by Michelle Smith

Love the necklace on model and the dress. Great line of clothing that can be found at Abe & Mary's in Montreal



Oscar de Renta-Classic black and white

Not to sure if this exact dress can be found any where in Montreal, but BCBG has similar styles.



3.1 Phillip Lim

The bag is gorgeous and everyone needs a red bag! Also check out those shoes!!!

JBrand and Boy Meets Girl Sale in Montreal

There was a JBrand Jeans (http://www.jbrandjeans.com/) sale from the 10th to the 13th of September on Meilleur street (in the Chabanel district). All of us girls from "514 Street Chic" went to the sale on its opening night. I can't say that the sale was amazing, BUT there was a wide and thorough selection of jeans, which is the main reason we went to the sale! They had all the most popular styles, in all sizes and colors.

Here's a sample of jeans from JBrand Jeans:

Pencil jeans - JBrand; as seen on Ashley Simpson.

Love Story - JBrand; as seen on Kate Moss (to die for colour!!!)

Skinny Jeans - JBrand; as seen on Vanessa Hudgens.

Sabby V bought a pair of Pencil jeans in black and Skinny jeans in dark blue. BleuXu bought Cigarette jeans in faded grey, with yellow stitching. She wore them to work on Friday with a yellow cardigan and leopard scarf and looked fab!

I bought the Skinny in blue and Love Story dark blue. The Love Story jeans have been seen on many celebs and I fell in love with them when I saw them on Kate Moss in the picture above! Sabby V also owns a pair of Love Story's, that she purchased at a previous JBrand sample sale).

JBrand jeans are extremely comfortable and easy to wear all day and all night. They are made with stretch, and so there is ease of movement in them when worn. One tip we can offer everybody is to get their jeans one size smaller because, as with many jeans (if not all), they stretch after being worn. For myself, I wish I'd gotten the Skinny in one size smaller! They stretched out a bit after I wore them once, and now I have to wear them with a belt. Otherwise, it feels like they are slowly creeping down my hips, with the crotch piece feeling like it's at my knees (okay, an exaggeration, but never a fun feeling nevertheless!)

Another tip, if you're going to wear denim to work, we suggest dark jeans without tears (so NOT professional if you have a tears going up and down your legs and/or behind!). Trouser jeans are also good for work. The Pencil, Skinny and Love Story would all be appropriate for work, and can look uber professional if paired with the right-smart top!

The trends for this season are blue-black jeans, denim leggings, and torn jeans. As well, the boyfriend jeans is still in. Basically, this season, all denims goes!

The prices at the sale were good, given that JBrand jeans are designer jeans and usually go for at least double what they were selling for at the sale. The samples jeans (size 25) were even less expensive, and a great bargain at that!

Unfortunately, at the time I write this, the sale is now over. But good news is: there's one every season! We'll keep you posted for future sales!