fall flare.

just thought i should let everyone know that FLARE's october issue is now out on newstands and you ought to pick one up for yourself :)

the beautiful Christina Hendricks [of Mad Men] is featured on the cover, in a stunning black and white gown and bold red lips... so you surely won't miss it in the sea of magazines.

last week I was lucky enough to attend an exclusive FLARE beauty sale at our office. all of the staff was invited for an hour time-slot where we could peruse every Dior mascara, MAC eyeshadow and Chanel blush that were scattered across an enormous boardroom table. we didn't have long to stash all of our must-have's in our shopping totes, and I thought I might have a minor fashion-induced panic attack. luckily, I made it through, and after making some lovely choices [I snapped up most of MAC's latest Venomous Villian's collection, along with some Lancome self-tanner, and yes...finally, the most perfect glam goth lipstick. I've been wanting oh-so-desperately to pull off a dark pout and been a bit anxious, so with the amazingly affordable price tag and all proceeds going to the "Because I Am a Girl" foundation, I eagerly added it to my beauty haul... I'll post photos of results soon!]

i hope you're all embracing the lovely fall weather, wherever you are, bloggers. this is indeed my favorite season for fashion! from the leather and lace; the leopard print and camel; faux fur, wool and cashmere; and of course the boots [mine are TopShop leather, camel colored combat boots, and Nicole Richie House of Harlow 1960 beaded moccasins] .... i get excited everytime i open a magazine, log into my email for daily updates from Who What Wear, or go for a stroll in Yorkville or the Queen West Fashion District. who am I kidding, I get excited just planning my outfits each evening for the following morning :)

here is a sneak peek at a photo from free people's october 2010 catalog. this company is known for their gorgeous catalogs, stunning styling techniques and beautiful boho-chic apparel. sometimes it feels as though they design their entire collections just for me :)

sweet, sweet summer.

well hello there fellow fashionista's and fashionist-er's ;)

i'm not sure about all of you........ but thank goodness i have air conditioning and a pool or i don't know if i could hold up in this heat wave that's taken over our city of Toronto. the only fashion statement one can make in this beyond-balmy weather is one that consists of a sexy swimsuit, flat sandals, a pair of sunnies and a straw fedora [mine in order would be from victoria's secret, aldo, urban outfitters and club monaco]. toss on a long and breezy maxi or a cute mini at night if you're going to brave the heat!

i'm still in summer school, and at least i'm studying fashion or i don't know how i could possibly give up tanning by the pool. i'm currently working on a trend board [for my history & trend forecasting course], and since we're in the midst of a sweltering summer, my inspiration is going to be beachwear! once it's all finished i'll post photos. i did my first major persuasion speech and...... for the girl who was previously semi-crippled by anxiety, but has now discovered a new-found confidence, got a 93%!! i was so happy after my speech and am delighted that my research and perseverence paid off :)

this week Christian Dior and Chanel have been showing their S/S 2011 pieces on the Paris runway, and both Blake Lively and Jessica Alba made appearances, sporting a dress by each designer at their respective shows:

Blake Lively shows off her refreshing fashion taste in cream Christian Dior [my absolute favorite part of the outfit is her cute little hair piece!], and then looks absolutely island-pretty in a pastel Chanel frock

Jessica Alba looks adorable in a pastel print Dior haute couture summer dress, and then beautifully pulls off a white Chanel dress with waist-cinching red belt, and stunning black lace booties

last but not least, i've got to give Nikki Reid, a la Twilight, props for this precious outfit: a loose fit floral dress, with a trendy black-studded cross-body bag, and purple suede heels...

lots of love,
sammy xx