We’ve all been party to that one woman who seems to be stuck in whatever trend of whatever decade she had looked hot in. She usually has some type of retro hairdo (e.g. permed, frosted hair) with unsavory makeup (think: frosted). She often sports a crop top (not the Alexander Wang kind), too short acid-washed jeans, and a rugged jean jacket. This is what happens when you don’t let go of trends. Even if trends are cyclical, you must still learn to let them go until they're ready to return.
Now, let me be clear, there’s a stark difference between holding onto a trend versuses holding onto a classic piece. Trends are defined by their novelty; once the novelty ends, so too does the fad. Whereas, classic pieces are classic because they are versatile, chic, and forever in style. For example, back in 2008, I bought a pair of shiny, black American Apparel leggings (refer to the picture on the right) and they became all the rage. In 2010, it’s now hanging in my closet only to be worn on laundry days. I got to a point where I had to retire it, because the shine became dated and lame. In its place, I now wear simple black leggings with no flashy details. To be clear, the aforementioned leggings weren't trendy because they were leggings, but rather because they were shiny. For the record, I consider leggings to be a classic piece.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! For some, that honor goes to Christmas, but for fashion lovers, it can only mean one thing: Paris Fashion Week. One magical week when the rues of Paris are packed with chic editors, pouty models and smooth-talking photographers all whipped up in a fashionable frenzy. All the rooms are booked at the Ritz and the Plaza Athénée and you can forget about getting a table at Café Ruc! For one week, Paris, or at least the 1e arrondissement, is completely consumed by fashion. Fashion Week brings out the best (outfits) and the worst (egos) in people and suddenly everyone has an opinion, including yours truly! So, faithful readers, permit me to walk you through the highs and lows of PFW: Be Still My Heart: Elie Saab The reviews were mixed, but I was entirely won over. There was a hint of 1970s disco, but not too much to make you feel like a Diana, Bianca or Anjelica impersonator. Some found it boring and lacking the flair and decadence of the Studio 54 era it channeled, but I found that the collection offered a modern, understated twist. Above all, the collection was wearable. I would be proud to Shake Shake Shake my booty down the street wearing any one of those looks!
Last night, I experienced the kind of fashion embarrassment that could only occur in Paris. I was invited to the awards ceremony for the prestigious hotel prize 
Women have long understood and appreciated the significance of healthy looking skin, both for its superficial results and its not so obvious internal effects (i.e. confidence). Guys, however, just don't seem to understand the concept and rationale of a good skin care regimen. Considering your 
Fashion is often big and bold, but more often than not, those beautiful designs only come in the tiniest of sizes. 
I'm sure we've all had this happen to us at one point in time or another -- we find a great item at a great price only to realize that everyone else has found the exact same item for the exact same deal! 2 years ago, I bought a jean vest that was on sale and my friend along with another girl I went to school with just happened to have bought the same vest. As you can see, this was a popular sale. And who could blame them, it was a great vest and a great deal, they'd be foolish to pass it by!
A gorgeous Parisian man once complimented me on my shoes. A true French flatterer, he said that the shoes were “almost as beautiful as the woman wearing them”. The line didn’t work, but it did get me thinking… When was the last time I was complimented on my clothes by a man in Toronto? In fact, sometimes I wonder if the men I know even notice my outfits or if a girl’s clothes are merely as an obstacle they must try to get through! In my experience, things are different in Paris. Yes, French men are also trying to get into said clothes, but they take a different approach to the task. In short, know thy "enemy"!
