A bit off topic

I know this blog is supposed to be about trends, tips, do's and don't, etc...BUT I was perusing my favourite blog, "Go Fug Yourself", and realized that I would much prefer to compile a top 10 list of my favourite stylish celebrities this week. In no particular order, here goes:

1. Emma Watson

As a young hollywood starlet, Emma Watson has always been able to maintain a certain level of class and integrity (unlike a few of her colleagues). She looks trendy and put-together at all times and still manages to dress her age (although I guess she is 20 now...how is that possible?Where did they days of young Harry Potter go?). I love Emma Watson.

2. Anne Hathaway

In my opinion, Anne Hathaway is today's Audrey Hepburn...that may be thanks in part to her skin type (nothing wrong with being pale...props, girl!) brown hair and classic beauty, but nonetheless, she has come a very long way from the Princess Diaries.

3. Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger...maybe I love you so much because Joshua Jackson, a.k.a. Pacey Whitter, is your arm candy and thus an enviable accessory to have. Either that, or maybe it's because you look lovely in everything you wear.

4. Jennifer Aniston

It is true that Jennifer Aniston is criticized for wearing black pretty much all the time, but why wouldn't she?? Look at her. It's obviously working. Again though, I'm not sure if I love Jen based on her style, or because I pity her list of failed relationships that have been made so public. Poor, poor woman. Still, Ms. Aniston is undeniably stunning and always manages to look fabulous - even if it is always in black.

5. Dakota Fanning

Another starlet who managed to grow up in the spotlight unscathed. And so, so cute! Look at her! She can act AND put an outfit together without one instance of the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" that many of our beloved youngsters have fallen victim to (shout out to B-Spears). Young actors everywhere should take a tip from Dakota.

6. Kate Winslet

What a classy lady. This dress is beautiful and hugs Kate in all the right places. She always knows what looks (this includes her beloved escort, Leonardo DiCaprio) best on her body type, which can prove to be challenging for many women . Work the curves! 

7. Leighton Meester

Always looking trendy and somewhat edgy, Leighton Meester does a great job putting together an outfit that I would never think of (but wish I could). Exhibit A is noted above. Although she is still fairly new to the scene, Leighton has made quite a splash in the fashion world and receives well deserved credit for her ability to look cute at all times.

xoxo,

Gossip Girl

8. Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz intimidates me. She has that whole mysterious, exotic thing going for her and frankly, I am jealous. The woman can wear anything. That being said, she always selects timeless, classic outfits and does not take advantage of her unique ability to wear sweatpants and still look glamorous.

9. Reese Witherspoon

I really admire Reese Witherspoon. Not only for her sense of style and great acting skills, but also for her strength and girl-next-door quality. Similar to her colleague, Jennifer Aniston, she too went through a very public break-up (with Ryan Phillipe, whom I unfortunately now hate) and still maintained a high level of professionalism and integrity. And let's be honest, the girl looks great all the time - I mean literally, ALL the time. Has Reese really had children? I suspect a c-section...

10. Scarlett Johansson

Part of the reason Scarlett made my list is because she always makes a statement. Never afraid of a bold colour or risque choice, Ms. Johansson maintains the grace and poise of an old-hollywood star. 

If you feel I have forgotten somebody important or want to add to the list, please comment!

Work it! Timeless Pieces (for the office)

To the concerned woman and man:

Do you wake up every morning asking yourself, "what am I going to wear to work today?" or like me, fall asleep to a mental fashion show of your closet's contents? I have the solution to life's biggest problem.

Here is a list of 10 items every woman should own. Your life will be simplified by this list - now all you have to worry about is accessorizing!

1. The Classic White Shirt
   
2. The Blazer
   
3. The Shirt Dress
   
4. The Pencil Skirt
   
5. The Little Black Dress (of course)
   
6. The Structured Bag
   
7. The Kitten Heel
   
8. The Cardigan
   
9. The Black Trouser
10. Tank Tops (in every colour)

Thank me next time you hit snooze in the a.m. Just add a touch of your personality to these essentials and you will feel confident and classic next time you step into the office!

Men, I haven't forgotten you! Here are your top 10 essentials:

1. The Trench Coat
2. The Dress Pant (and a tailor to go along with them)
3. The Blazer
4. The White Button-Down Shirt
5. Dark Denim Jeans
6. Leather Shoes (black and/or brown)
7. A Dark Navy or Black Suit
8. V-Neck Sweater
9. A Belt (again...black and/or brown)
10. A Solid Tie (make sure it is tied properly and sits at an appropriate length)

Note: Please strive to achieve the "David Beckham" look. This may be a selfish request on my part, but I'm certain that my sisters out there will support this request. You will be grateful when there is a lineup of ladies at your cubicle.

There's nothing like a crisp collar...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is nothing I like more than a crisp collar. I know it can be tough to wake up 10 minutes early (take it from someone who presses snooze an average of 3 times every morning), but the importance of ironing cannot be stressed enough. Oh yeah, and don't forget the starch; it makes all the difference in the world, I promise you will love it.

Some of you may be wondering, "why is ironing so important?" Let me be frank.

1. It shows that you care. By coming to work wearing a wrinkled shirt, pants, skirt or whatever else it may be, you give off the impression that you are sloppy and unorganized. If you cannot pull even your outfit together, just think about the impression your boss must have regarding your work. I will repeat: sloppy and unorganized.
2. It completes an outfit. The simple act of ironing can take an outfit from frumpy to fabulous in a matter of minutes (along with a few accessories and...oh, I digress). Not only will you look better, but you will feel better.
3. Stacy and Clinton would be more than happy to provide a third reason as to why ironing is CRITICAL; my only other personal reasoning goes back to the beginning of this entry - I truly enjoy the look of a crisp, freshly starched collar.

Many of you cringe at the thought of ironing. This is because you do not yet possess the necessary skills. For this reason, I have attached a video that will take you through step-by-step lessons outlining how to properly iron a dress shirt. Enjoy.

(please note: this is only clip 1 of 12; for a full ironing demonstration, please watch all 12 clips)