Fantasy Night Teaser

WCFW Fantasy Night

‘Ello Beautiful People,

I just got home from the Fantasy Night of Western Canada Fashion Week, and it was beyond fabulous. I was blown away by the creativity, beauty and uniqueness. I have a ton to say about it, but I simply must sleep (anyone else in exam week? yes?).

I want to leave you with a little taste though, and I will try to post some more pictures soon. But until then, I would like to congratulate the following people and groups for all their fantastic work:

Jennie Brown

Cosmopolitan Makeup Artistry College

Trinity Makeup

Nicole Ziegler Artistry

Glamazon Beauty

In Your Face

Cayley Moncrieff and Robin Hubert

Hennessy Salon and Spa

I’ll leave you with some of my favorite images. Remember to check back for more. Sleep tight, my beauties!

80′s Unicorn by Jennie Brown, model Alana

Skeleton Queen by Ashley McKessock, model Damianne

Electric Savannah Nights by Cayley Moncrieff and Robin Hubert

Nighty Night,

The Paper Bag Diva

 

Note: Page edited on May 28th, 2012. This is when I realized there would never be a follow up post. I’m sure you all realized that a loooong time ago. What can I say, eternal optimist!

 

Tags: #yegfashion, edmonton fashion week, fantasy hair, fantasy makeup, fantasy night, unicorn hair, WCFW, western canada fashion week

Fashion Week – Spring 2012

Backstage Funzies!

Bonjour mon amis pauvres, mais tres a la mode!

Last night was the opening Spring 2012′s Western Canada Fashion week! Since I was volunteer modeling for Whyte Ave’s American Apparel location, I had a backstage pass to all the great fashion from the evening. There was a ton going on, including a showcase of Whyte ave retailers, an emerging designers showcase and contest, a collection from 2011′s emerging designer winner, and even a very cool Goodwill stylists competition.

I Can Sew on Buttons!

And that’s about it. Which is why I am so impressed by the Emerging Artists. Two in particular caught my eye.

Dress by Nicole Campre

This gorgeous dress was designed by Nicole Campre. I asked her about her inspiration and she said she just likes to make clothes that are “soft, feminine and beautiful”. Nicole generally likes to work in heavier fabrics, but because chiffon is so on trend this season, she used this fabric and added the lace applique for structure. I love love love it.

And isn’t her model gorgeous?! Look at that amazing head of hair!

Model Maggie Sisson

Nicole also said that her biggest inspiration is the woman wearing her dress; “I want Maggie to feel good. I want the customer to feel good”.

Another design that I thought was amazing was this edgy wedding dress by Melany Rowe.

Wedding Dress by Melany Rowe

I say edgy because of the great details – the black bow, the super low back, and the styling of the model. The model, Deborah Preece, had a super distressed up-do, exaggerated false lashes and dramatic  kate-moss-messy black eye liner. But my favorite detail was the unexpected row of  rhinestones on her spine.

Model Deborah Preece and her spine sparkles!

Of course there were tons of other talent there last night, and I have to give a special shout out to Jericho Cender, the winner of the emerging stylist contest. Jericho – if you can take pieces from Goodwill, and turn them into this, you are a true paper bag diva. My (fur) hat off to you!

Shameless Plug Time!!!

So, as I said, I was helping out American Apparel in the Whyte Ave showcase. Managers Kevin and Adriana picked out a bunch of adorable looks – very preppy going-to-the Hamptons looks – and we got to show them to the world. I had so much fun, and met some great people. Oh, and they let me keep the clothes! Free clothes are the epitome of budget friendly – a paper bag diva score!

Here is a shot of all the girls and the boys…

Ain't we preppy chic?!

And look at how cute the boys’ socks are!

Until Next Time…

I am doing another show next week, so check back for an update. I’ll be featuring local designer Trisha Pasnak. She usually designs gorgeous gowns, but I heard a rumor that she’s gonna strut some swimwear. I’ll post when I find out!

Thanks for reading my broke but beautiful fashionistas!

Hugs,

Kassia, The Paper Bag Diva

Tags: #yegfashion, american apparel, deborah preece, edmonton fashion week, emerging designer, Jericho Cender, maggie sisson, melany rowe, nicole campre, spring 2012, WCFW, western canada fashion week, wfcw spring 2012, whyte ave

Brightest Bootay in the Room

(Belated) Trend Alert

So, you probably don’t need me to tell you that colored jeans are about the biggest trend for spring 2012. Every shop window you see, bright bottoms dominate the scene; cobalt, teal, lemon, wine, lime, purple, orange, pink, blush, rust – there isn’t a color out there right now that you can’t get a pant in. However, other than the bravest fashionista’s, I have not seen many girls* actually rocking this look. While shopping today, my good friend, Kathy, observed that it’s probably because Edmonton is still kinda chilly. Maybe once the weather actually starts feeling like spring, and all the slushy-snow finally gives way, we will see more bright bootays out in the world.

*note: colored denim is quite in for the gents too!

Budget vs. Ballin’

As we have established, colored pants are everywhere, and thus, at every price point. So, we’re not gonna spend much time on finding cheap pairs because you can walk into any budget friendly store and find one. But here are a few suggestions in my two favorite colors right now: Reds and Teals.

Bright Red

Left to Right, From Most to Least expensive: French Connection ~100.00 , Jacob 69.00, H&M 14.95

Wine Red

Left to Right, From Most to Least expensive:  Jbrand-Gap 169.00, Old Navy 34.94

Cool Teal

Left to Right, From Most to Least expensive: bebe 98.00, leChateau 69.95, 21Forever 27.90

If you are undecided on what color you like, try these wonders! At $9.99, you can get ALL the colors!

How to Pull it Off

I don’t know how to pull off colored jeans, actually. I know they’re in. I know they’re trendy. I know they look good. But I can’t seem to pull them off. I just felt weird when I wore them (I briefly owned cobalt blue ones before promptly gifting them away). I honestly think they look great, but I just felt like everyone was staring at me – but not in an admiring way, but in a WTF way. However, it was January. Maybe I was just too ahead of the curve for Edmonton.

Anyway, these ladies definitely know something I don’t.

The girl in yellow is a student at Grant MacEwan Univeristy, and the girl in blue was at the U of A. They both get an A+ in Stylish Denim 101.

For further styling ideas I would check out the following fab bloggers. They know how to rock a bright bum.

• Crashing Red
• Nany’s Klozet (she loves a bright pant!)
• Wendy’s Lookbook

And who better to learn from than celebs?! These two bloggers often feature celebrity style for less (and are two of my favorite reads).

• Jessica Alba featured in What the Frock
• Taylor Swift, Miss Alba (again), Michelle Williams,  and others featured in The Budget Babe

Now go forth, and flaunt that bright bootay! (And remember to tell me about it in the comments – are you like me, and not able to pull them off? are you loving bright pants? What color do you own? I wanna know all the deets)

xoxox,

The Paper Bag Diva

PS – I keep promising to write more often. But the truth is…I won’t. So my new promise to you is, I will write when I feel like it. Promise.

Related articles

• Color Crush – Shop the Best Bright-Hued Jeans (fabsugar.com)
• Trend to Try: Crayon-Colored Pants (atouchoflovely.wordpress.com)

Tags: celeb jeans, celeb style, colored denim, colored jeans, coloured denim, coloured jeans, jessica alba colored jeans, michelle williams colored jeans, red jeans, taylor swift colored jeans, teal jeans, turquoise jeans, wine jeans

Clothing Swap Deliciousness

An aside…

Okay, okay…I know I have not posted in wayyy too long. Please forgive me. I still want to be friends. I still care. I know we can work through this.

In the meantime, I had to write a quicky-quick post about an Edmonton event that I am sooo excited for. It is called SWAPOPOLIS  and it is taking place at Edmonton’s favorite winter fashion festival, Metropolis. It is a massive clothing swap taking place on Friday Feb 17th.

The details are all on the website, but basically you drop off your clothing at the Bamboo Ballroom (By Wednesday, so hurry), where they sort everything. Then, you pay 20bucks to attend a huge clothing swap where everything is for the taking! A true treat for every paper bag diva!

See you there,

K

Uggs…Maybe Not So Ugly

An aside…

If you follow my blog, you’ll know how much I hate uggs. And for obvious reasons – they are one of those trendy things that were “in” despite the fact that they make your foot look kinda like an elephant’s (what every girl strives for, right?).

Uncanny, no?

Anyway, I have to admit that Uggs have evolved.  I was recently shoe shopping with a friend when a very cute pair of heeled boots caught my eye. I was both horrified (with myself) and impressed (with Ugg) when I realized what they were. They were cute uggs. Uggs I would wear. Uggs I kinda wanted to buy.

Who would have thought this day would come?

So, it’s only fair to you, my dear reader, to retract my previous statement. All Uggs are NOT ugly. Only most of them are. But still, don’t let me catch you looking like this…

A Hot Mess

…or I may punch you.

Thanks for reading,

xoxox,

The Paper Bag Diva

 

If you want to shop for uggs, you can buy these ones. Or you can buy them for me. That would be nice.

If you wanna see more pictures of celebrities wearing hideous footwear (but why would you?), check out I Got Uggs.

PS – I promise a longer, more in-depth post is coming soon. I’m apply for PR Fashion practicums right now and I’m busy sending off the resumes. But I am researching spring trends…and colored jeans! Coming soon to a blog near you (this one, right here)!!!

Related articles

• In defense of Uggs, sort of. (beso.com)
• UGG Australia Classic Tall Metallic Boot: Love It or Hate It? (fabsugar.com)

Tags: Ashley Tisdale, celebrities wearing uggs, Hilary Duff, Liv Tyler, UGG Australia, Ugg boots, Uggs

My Boxing Day Steals!

Bonjour mon petite bonbons!

As promised, here is my Boxing Day Haul! I know, I know, it’s already January 10th. But, as I mentioned in my little rant, it seems like Boxing Day is dragging on all month anyway.

Plus, I got such great deals that I have to post on it, even if a bit tardy. So, without further adieu…Ten items for *drumroll* 90 bucks! WHAT?! That’s a savings of 400 dollars! See those shorts? See that skirt (likely not cuz the photo sucks) – THREE DOLLARS each! Wha?! That’s just cra-cra!

Clockwise: cranberry blazer, plaid walking shorts, classic cardi, printed dress with pockets, cruelty-free leather bomber jacket, white skirt, two button-downs, black walking shorts and (finally) a rouched black blazer. Whew!

…

but these type of savings don’t just fall into your lap. You have to work for them.

My Boxing Day Plan of Attack

I’ve always known how to shop a sale, but Boxing Day really reinforced some of those ideas. So, the most important tip I have for Boxing Day shopping, or any sale really, is to have a strategy! Mine was a three-step one:

Don’t Be Greedy: You cannot possibly shop every store in the mall. There is no point – you’ll just end up tired and frustrated. Instead focus on one or two stores. Choose the stores that you love and you know you’ll get use out of the clothes, and also the ones that you know you’re gonna get a good deal at. See, if you shop at a store a lot, you’ll know what the prices usually are and if what you’re paying is a really deal or not.

So, for myself, I stuck to Ricki’s. I start my Public Relations practicum in May,

My Favorite Piece - Isn't this Cardi so Jackie O?

and I will need career clothes. Plus, I’m there a lot and a know they have frequent sales, so anything I picked up on Boxing Day had to beat even their usual good sales.

Pre-Shop: I pre-shopped this store and knew that the sale was going to be awesome. I also had insider information about what the sale would be – the best way to do this is to either work in the store, have a friend who works at the store, or shop their frequently enough that the sales people are willing to give you a hint.

Set a Budget: Mine was 100 bucks. Most people have debt after Christmas, or are at least pretty broke. Be smart – know how much you can really afford and STICK TO IT! Don’t pull a United States with your budget. Mine was $100.oo. So there.

What About You?

So, how did your Boxing Day shopping go? If you didn’t go Boxing Day shopping, what are the best deals you’ve ever gotten at a sale? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Related articles

• Boxing Day Eve (thisiskassia.wordpress.com)
• Boxing Week Madness… (magnaefamae.com)
• Not-quite-Boxing Day sales rules irk some shoppers (cbc.ca)

Tags: Boxing day, Christmas, Public Relations, Ricki's, sale, strategy

Boxing Month Madness

An Aside…

I Was a Noob

Bonjour mon petite bonbons! So, here is a paper bag diva confession: I have never gone Boxing Day shopping before this year. I know, I know!!! You, dear reader, are asking “How can a girl who loves shopping and loves sales not double-love boxing day?!” Well, I’m usually busy with things like family and friends, turkey, sugar cookies and you know…the Spirit of Christmas and such. Well, how mistaken I have been!

Anyway, what I’m saying is that I went into Boxing Day kind of blind. I knew it would be madness, especially at the Cathedral of Consumerism, the main place of worship of all things consumption – West Edmonton Mall – but I was naive. It’s not just busy – it’s madness. People are animals! Now, this is Canada, so shoppers are still relatively polite speak to, but MAN – they are just tossing clothes around. They dive in and won’t come out until they have found every deal and made the maximum amount of mess. And no line is long enough to dissuade them from saving a dollar. At 7am in the morning, there was a line of tights-wearing, Ugg-sporting girls (cringe) from Lululemon straight down to Hollister (keep in mind that these locations are SEVEN stores apart! And didn’t open til 8!).

Indulgence or Indecent?

But I can forgive all this Boxing Day Madness, because it’s just one day of crazed, consumer driven indulgence. Or is it? This is the first year that I have been working in retail during the holiday season, and thus I spent a lot of time at the mall. People have been Christmas shopping since the beginning of December (or earlier) and they shop right up to Christmas Eve (granted – mainly men it seemed). Then they take one day off for Christmas, and then flock to the mall once again for Boxing Day.

After all that shopping, you’d think they’d be done.

But they’re not.

Boxing day has turned into Boxing Week. Radio and tv ads no longer even say “Boxing Day” – it’s always Boxing Week! But as far as I can tell, Boxing Week has spread into Boxing Fortnight. Or Boxing Month. When does it stop?

As far as I’m concerned, one month of non-stop shopping is enough. Shopping, at least for me, is supposed to be fun – I use it as a time to see what is in, what trends are cropping up, and to be creative with clothing combinations to find new ways to express myself. And I like Christmas shopping, but it’s also kind of utilitarian and, frankly, expensive. I’m still thrifty while holiday shopping, but the sheer amount of people insure it adds up.  I don’t know how people are not stressed when they’re broke and the mall is packed. Yet, they continue to rack up the receipts. And the shopping period just seems to keep expanding.

What I’m trying to get at, is that Christmas shopping seems to have reached a fever-pitch, and people seem more focused on consuming than the season itself, ignoring things like relaxing, rejuvenating and spending time with family and friends.

I dunno – maybe I’m over reacting. But I don’t think so. But what I’d really like to know is what you think. Post below to let me know.

Tags: Boxing day, Boxing Week, Hollister, Lululemon, West Edmonton Mall

Boxing Day Eve

Tomorrow is the Most Holy of all Shopping days – Boxing Day! I’d love to hear about all the deals you snag tomorrow, my fashionistas! I will post about mine!

In the mean time, I hope you are enjoying a beautiful day with your loved ones. This is the perfect season to snuggle up with the important people in your life, and remind them how special they are to you. Happy holidays and warmest wishes from me to you and yours!

Hugs,

Kassia

Fashion Santa

PS – Check out this awesome, stylish Santa shoot I found on Chicquero! Enjoy!

Related articles

• Boxing Day sales – the easy way (mobot.net)
• Boxing Day sales to start on Christmas Eve – online (guardian.co.uk)

Tags: Boxing day, Christmas, sale, Shopping

Big Feet, Small Wallet

The title of this post actually sounds like I’m describing all the broke ass frugal boys of my love life. Anywho….

Tis’ the season to look like a pretty little Christmas ornament. But after this season comes another awesome time of year – New Years! And on December 31st you have every right to break out a scandalous Sexy-Chic outfit, which would never be complete without a killer pair of pumps! As you know, I would obviously not pay the first price I saw, so I did a bit of the “foot work” for you (HAHAHA! A pun! I’m hilarious!) and found some cheapy cheap pairs of pumps that look just as great as their pricier counterparts. First up…

The Little Red Shoe

Red Pricey Shoes

The first two are from Town Shoes (DKNCY at 112.50 and Nine West for 99.99) and the last is from Aldo for $59.98 Seems like a little bow is quite the finishing touch this year.

Red Bow Shoes from Payless

These little beauties are from Payless and cost a cool $19.99 on sale from 27.99!

Marvelous Metallics

Silver and Gold, Silver and Gold, Ev’ryone wishes for silver and gold  - particularly in chic shoes. Here are some pricey selections from Sterling, Brown’s and Aldo. (Unlisted price, $398 and $54.98, respectively)

Pricey Metallics

However, I can’t afford mine to ACTUALLY COST as much as silver or gold. So here are some cute knock-offs:

Semi-Precious Metals

The first is from Payless (34.99), the second (29.80) and third ($19) are from 21 Forever, and the last is Payless (24.99) again. Honestly, can you even tell the difference from the expensive ones?! HONESTLY?! HONESTLY?!?!

No, you cannot. And that is the most precious thing of all.

Bold in Black

Every girl needs a great pair of black shoes in her closet. This season suede is super in – seems like you can get suede in every style and color! Why not be trendy but basic and classic all in one with the black suede platform pump. First, the pricey…

Expensive Black Platforms

The first and second are both from Town Shoes (Steve Madden at $120 and Kate&Mel at $125), while three ($80) and four ($90) are both by Aldo. But why spend more than you have to? May I recommend…

My Shoes? (Payless)

It is nearly impossible to tell these Payless gems from shoe number three above by Aldo – until you look at the price tag. These are only $34.99 as opposed to 80 dollars. I bought these and wore them to a Christmas party and not only did I look tres hot (5 inch heels – Hello!), but I wore them from 7pm til 2am and felt totally fine! Highly highly recommend. Plus they come in a bunch of colors – you may recognize them in the metallics above!

*Note – I have size 11 feet (hence the blog title) and I’m still able to find sizes at Payless. I hear they even make 12 and 13 women’s too. YAY!

Cheap Wins Again

So, hopefully I have proven once again that you can look beautiful while being broke. So go get your cheap shoes and look like a sexy ass babe a classy lady on New Years Eve! Get your glam on girl!

Lurve,

Kassia

PS – Hey fashion friends – If you’ve been reading my blog and liking it, I would really appreciate you following me, or helping me out by tweeting or facebooking about your fav post (with a link, plz!). Thanks a tonne! Happy Holidays!

Related articles

• Isabel Toledo Shows Payless Collection | Designer’s New Spring Bags & Shoes (bagbunch.com)
• Christian Siriano Expands Payless Collection | Affordable Purses & Shoes From “Project Runway” Winner (bagbunch.com)
• Payless Launches Holiday Designer Collections | New Christian Siriano & Lela Rose Bags & Shoes (bagbunch.com)

Tags: cheap, Heels, New Year's, Payless ShoeSource, platforms, Shoes, Shopping

6 Fashion Faux Pas that Make me Rage

I Have Issues

So, right now is exam time at school. I hate studying for exams and thus I have a bit of built up rage, so forgive me if my post is a little stabby. I’m going to try to take out a bit of anger on the fashion fads that I hate.

Without further ado, here are the 6 fashion faux pas that I find the most repulsive. If you love any of the below things, be warned: I may punch you.

6. Uggs are Uggly

I have no idea why any girl would want to make there ankles and feet look huge and flat, as well as cutting off the visual line of their leg at the most unflattering point. Now- I live in Edmonton which is just outside of the North Pole. Thus, I understand wanting to keep your feet warm. When it is -35 degrees out, I will turn a blind eye to your ugly footwear. HOWEVER, this does not give you permission to wear them when the ground is still dry. And please, for the love of god, do not tuck your sweatpants into your uggs (ps – why the hell are you wearing sweatpants?).

Update: So, it turns out that not all uggs are ugly. Just most of them.

5. Logo Overload

If you look down at yourself and see a logo anywhere on your body, you should probably go change. If you see more than one logo, you might want to phone the company and see if they will pay you – because that is the only way you might be able to regain your dignity. Why are you paying a company to advertise for them? You just look unoriginal, typical, and like a sucker (because you definitely overpaid for that boring t-shirt).

Note: The worst way to break this rule is to cover yourself in Ed Hardy logos. You may be kind of a tool, but there is no need to look like one.

4. Nude Lipstick

Great! Now you look more dead than ever!!!!1!!

Now, this one is a little tricky. I actually rock the nude lipstick look every so often. But there is a way to and a way not to pull this off, and I have seen enough pasty-faced teenage girls with cakey skin-colored lips to be convinced that it is a problem. Firstly, you should be using a neutral colored lipstick, not just putting foundation on your lips – unless you like that dry cracking look. Secondly, the color should be the same tone as your skin, but still a little more intense. If your lips disappear into your face – well…now you have no lips. Not sexy.

         

Please tell me you can see the difference between these photos.

3. Crocs = Crap

Look at the following picture:

 ’nuff said.

These are ugly. That’s all there is to it. Just as you should not be wearing uggs unless it’s cold, you should not be wearing crocs unless you are some unkempt wilderness man trekking over river rocks to catch catfish or an sweet elderly grandmas who is in her garden planting begonias. Otherwise, no crocs for you.

2. Lululemon Fashion Disasters

I have so many issues with lululemon clothing it could take up a whole blog. I have nothing against lululemon itself – they make a great, stylish athletic pant. Y’know, for athletics. Firstly, I saw a girl wearing lululemon yoga pants with a dress shirt and stilettos yesterday. If I have to explain to you why this is a problem you are probably hopeless anyway. Secondly, wearing yoga pants will not make you look like you do yoga if you obviously don’t. They are yoga pants, not magic pants. So unless your butt looks like this when you wear them, maybe it’s time to give the lulus up.

1. My number one fashion Pet-Peeve:

TIGHTS ARE NOT PANTS!

I am begging girls to stop wearing leggings/tights as pants. This was such an issue that jeggings had to be invented because girls have been so confused about tights. Tights can be worn under tunics (a cross between and shirt and a dress that falls mid-thigh or higher), under dresses, skirts or even shorts. The key is under. Tights are underwear. Tights are not pants. I am so tired of seeing girls with their crotches out and exposed to the world. I’m sure guys are enjoying the free show as your spandex clad ass jiggles by, but your crotch?! Please. I beg you – cover up ladies. The last thing the world needs is more of this:

Memorize these rules and follow them – or watch your back,

Thanks for reading my rant,

Kassia

PS – Which fashion fads do you hate the most? Or do you love some of the things I posted about above? Let me know, fashionistas!

Related articles

• Reese Witherspoon Camel Toe Photos Emerge due to Fashion Faux Pas (celebs.gather.com)
• Whooga Explains Ugg Boot Fashion Faux Pas (prweb.com)
• Kristen Stewart–Fashion Faux Pas or Stylish Trend? (celebs.gather.com)
• Peep-toe Shoes + Tights: Fashion Faux Pas? (amorestiletto.wordpress.com)

Tags: fads, Fashion faux pas, jeggings, leggings, Tights, Ugg boots, ugly