Practical Fashion - Oh Crap, I Need A Bathing Suit

It's still winter, it's still cold and summer seems very far away. So why on earth am I writing a post about bathing suit shopping? Well, here's the thing...the beginning of March is the time when stores stock all the best of the spring fashions, including bathing suits. I've learned from experience that if you wait too long to pick out a suit, you have less choice and may end up with something you don't love. So get ready to shop. Sorry dude!

Having a difficult time shopping for a bathing suit has become a lady stereotype. Honestly, I think that the problem isn't the suits, but is that most of us are uncomfortable looking at ourselves in a teeny bathing suit in a raggedy store change room. It's not the suits -- it's us! There's are so many options, shapes and colours available in swimwear these days. You will find something that works for you. Here's what I was able to work out

The Issues
- bathing suit shopping stinks

My Solutions
Through trial, error and years of practice, here are my tips for bathing suit shopping:

1) Open up your mind
Don't bother to go bathing suit shopping unless you're feeling good. There's no use in even looking if you're having a sad or feel gross. You won't think that anything looks good -- even when you look great. Come up with something that makes you feel confident or happy prior to going to the store. This can be anything from getting a spray tan, to working out, to having a cocktail. Also, make sure that you keep your mind open to trying on different styles. You may think you want a string bikini, only to find a hot one-piece that looks even better!

2) Be prepared
You'll have a better idea of how your suit will look at the beach if you prep a bit before trying stuff on. I'm risking being gross here to help you out (because I love you): get rid of some of that body hair and make sure to wear the right underwear to try on bathing suits. It doesn't have to be a thong, but it at least should match your skin tone. A bathing suit will not look good if you have polka-dot granny panties hanging out the bottom. It's also a good idea to wear an outfit that is easy to change in and out of, so that you aren't wasting time getting dressed and undressed. No tights or boots that are hard to get off/on.

I go by myself to try on bathing suits. My friends and family are awesome, but they are also kind and I worry that they will tell me that a suit looks good just to spare my feelings. Even your honest friends might not be a help. Don't ask the salesperson for help unless you are at a specialty swimwear shop and are sure they won't make commission on your sale. If you are on the fence about buying a suit, snap a picture of yourself with your smartphone and make a decision the next day from home.

3) Try on everything
Grab lots of suits in lots of colours, lots of styles and lots of sizes! You may normally be a medium in clothes, but you might find that a medium suit bottom is too loose and saggy. Or you may have to go up a size on top because a halter style fits better that way. If you're going to order a suit online, make sure that the website has a good return policy, so it won't be a hassle to return the suit if it doesn't look amazing.

4) Keep it real
Keep your lifestyle in mind when trying on suits. That one-piece with all the lacing might look awesome, but may not work when you're crashing in the waves or surfing. If you're nursing, you may also want to try a nursing swimsuit so that you don't have to struggle in and out of wet spandex when your teeny buddy is hungry.

5) Own your style and work it
If you're pregnant, don't fall into the trap of buying a grandma bathing suit just because you think you should. I wore a bikini while pregnant because it was more comfortable and didn't look too bad looking back. My stomach is not even close to being flat anymore, so I'm going to be sporting a retro bikini with a higher waist this summer.

Good luck with your bathing suit hunt and see you on the beach!

Shirred Swimsuit (michaelkors.com)
Red Carter Deep V Ruffled One-Piece (shopbop.com)
Calais Floral Halter Top & Side-Tie Bottom (jcrew.com)
Nursing Tankini (glamourmom.com)
Worldly Wise Bikini (anthropologie.com)

XOXO
Emily

Dingus of the Week - Oscars Edition

The Oscars are tonight! I've put on some silk entertaining trousers and bought some fancy crackers, so now I'm all set. Time to start watching the red carpet coverage!

I haven't seen The Fighter yet, but I've heard really good things about the film and Melissa Leo's role in particular. Why, oh why, then would she run the picture above in industry magazines to campaign for an Oscar? I read that she paid for the ads with her own money! That is not very classy Melissa! Also, that fur coat is gross.

Melissa, I still wish you luck tonight. I'm not a hater. I also may get my husband to photograph me in my silk entertaining pants, eating a cracker, in case I need to campaign for best Toronto-based fashion for pregnant ladies blog. Could come in handy!

XOXO and happy Oscars!
Emily

Melissa Leo Runs Own 'For Your Consideration' Ads (thefrisky.com)
Awards Season: When Good Actors Go Bad (gawker.com)

Throwback Inspiration - Cher

When you think about the Oscars...

...yeah. Me too. What else is there to say?

XOXO
Emily

Cher photo via latimesmagazine.com

Solid Fashion Advice - Tyra Edition

America's Next Top Model started its 16th season this past Wednesday, and I thought that in honour of the occasion I'd get Tyra to dish out some fashion advice for y'all. Ok...so I just collected some of her notable quotables from Wednesday's episode and compiled them into Q & A form. Anyways, since I've focused my posts this week on the Academy Awards, I thought it would be great to put the focus on America's most talented actress.

Hey fool, where is my Oscar?

Style Credentials? 
Ummm...Tyra Banks? The (*ahem* self-described) most important supermodel of all time? The lady who can take any fashion, style or modelling situation and make it all about Tyra? I'd say her credentials speak for themselves.

Before we start...
Here's a recap of Wednesday's episode, in case you didn't watch. If you are waiting to watch then...**SPOILER ALERT**

Tyra decided to switch things up and didn't spend the whole first episode asking the semi-finalists dumb questions with Miss & Mr Jay. Instead, she decides to "punk" the finalists by pretending to send them home.

See ya uggos...just kidding! I am helping you by making you cry.

*sob* thanks Tyra *sob*

We met most of the girls and a few are really awesome, but most were boring. The models had a challenge where they walked in a T by Alexander Wang fashion show, which I was really excited for...except for this stupid twist:

They had to walk in a giant bubble, on a teeny runway, in the middle of a pool, in mid-calf length skirts, with a bunch of glitter in the bubble. For serious. The guest judge was Erin Wasson, and in lieu of a proper photo shoot they had Russell James photograph the girls getting ready for the show backstage. All the models walked super well, and no one fell down...just kidding!

The girls had their first panel, Tyra talked about Tyra, and my bff Andre Leon Talley made fun of a girl for wearing a feathered hair clip...while he was wearing this fine hat:

A feather on you head? How ridiculous.

The photos turned out pretty great overall, and one of the boring girls (I even forget her name!) was sent home. That's about it. Next week: the girls are attacked by bees! Fashionable bees!

Back to the shining star that is Tyra! Here we go...

Q: Hey Tyra, what is the best way to pay hommage to high fashion?

TYRA: I am paying hommage to high fashion right now by sporting the lovely Andre Leon Talley on my bah-day...and he feels so good!

so good

Q: The term "plus-size" model is sooooo two thousand and late. Tyra, can you do better?

TYRA: ...I prefer to call [plus sized models] fiercely real.
Ed note: The term "fiercely real" was used by Tyra at least than 4 times this episode

Another term you copyrighted to make extra cash Tyra? One I am under contract to use each and every week? This year's smize© or h2t©? Noooooo! Love, Nigel Barker, noted fashion photographer.

Q: Tyra, can you tell us about the good old days?

TYRA: I remember backstage at fashion shows. There would be some models like [makes sour pouty face]...and their pictures never ran in the magazines, and then there would be the ones like Christy Turlington and she'd be getting her makeup done and she'd go [smize face]...Linda Evangelista, all of 'em...so I was like oooooooooooh...I'm a do like that, so I started doing my thing too.

Still got it Tyra!

Q: Are rat tails back? I like them.

TYRA: I love that androgynous look, but check out that rat tail thing hanging off the back of her head. I cannot wait to cut that thing off.

The bad news: sorry dude!

Q: What is the hot new trend for Spring 2011?

TYRA: This picture looks like a 19 year old boy with makeup on...but that's what I like about it.

The good news: nice one!

Thanks Tyra!

XOXO
Emily

PS: My favourite Tyra quote of all is the one on this House of Holland t-shirt that my kind sister picked up for me at Colette in Paris (oh la la) a while back! You know I was wearing it Wednesday night during ANTM.

I haven't seen the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre. I haven't seen anything. I don't really care. - Tyra Banks

Shirt pic via luisaviaroma.com

Mood Music - Oscar Winners

Looking back over the list of Academy Award winners for Best Original Song, there have been some awesome choices over the years. I'm sure you remember that Eminem has won, as well as Three Six Mafia & Isaac Hayes (for Shaft!). Plus, Randy Newman...who has only won once! I feel like he should have won way more. He's been nominated 20 times. Maybe this year is again his year. Although, he is up against Dido...

Here are my top picks of Oscar winners for Best Original Song:

Christopher Cross is always my top pick! I hope they have him do an updated version of this song for the new Arthur remake...perhaps with Chromeo?

It warms my heart that Lionel Richie has also won. Yay Lionel!

Have you ever seen the movie Thank God It's Friday? I have...it wasn't as cheesy or as funny as I was hoping. If you like Jeff Goldblum, make sure to put it on your Zip list. Don't think it's on Netflix in Canada (big surprise). I hope that the packaging for the DVD mentions that it is an Academy Award winning film! It was a tough choice between this song and the theme from Fame. If Leroy had sung that theme, it would be my top pick for sure!

XOXO
Emily

Max Out Yo Credit Card! - Lanvin Dress

My stylist is on holiday, so picking my dress for the Academy Awards has been so tough this year. So many options...I decided on this little Lanvin number.

With this dress, lots of jewels and some strappy heels, I can laugh along with Joan Rivers at all the poor fashion victims.

Ha ha ha, Angelina, you're dressed like Mrs. Duggar (or one of her 19 kids)

Ah ho ho, Nicole Kidman, you're dress is too loose and your face is too tight

Oh hey Helena Bonham Carter - you look nice

Can't wait for the good times!

Now I just have to pick up a little something for the Independent Spirit Awards and my award season fashion dilemmas are a thing of the past. Here we are! Yay Versace!

Lanvin Asymmetric Silk-Satin Gown (net-a-porter.com)
Versace Scoop-neck Ballerina Dress (bergdorfgoodman.com)

XOXO & see you Sunday,
Emily

Naptime Netflix - I Am Love

With the Academy Awards taking place on Sunday, I thought I should try to find a special movie on Netflix Canada to watch while my peanut had his nap. My intention was to take a snarky approach and look for a ridiculous movie staring a former Oscar winner who now has fallen out of favour (Cuba Gooding Jr for example). Nothing like chuckling at a talented star trapped in a bad film to brighten your afternoon. Before I started my search for a craptacular film, just for the hell of it, I searched the titles of some of this year's Oscar nominees and...

OMG YOU GUYS! One of the films nominated for an Academy Award this year is available on Netflix Canada!!! I had to watch it. I Am Love is an Italian movie that stars Tilda Swinton and tells the story of a rich family that owns a textile manufacturing plant. It's nominated for Best Costume Design at this year's Oscars.

Ridiculous Factor?
This movie is the opposite of ridiculous. It is gorgeous to look at, the costumes are beyond fantastic and the story is pretty engaging. I'm a big Tilda Swinton fan, so the fact that she can look so great, and that her Italian is pretty flawless, made me love this film even more. Plus, one of the characters is played by the beautiful Marisa Berenson!

Verdict?
Netflix, you got me. I am humbled. An awesome movie that I hadn't seen in theatre or on demand or anything...what a pleasant surprise! I don't think this film will win an award on Sunday, but I dug it. The clothes, sets and cinematography were beyond gorgeous. So good!

XOXO
Emily

Practical Fashion - Pregnant On Film

Movies can be a great source of fashion inspiration. I love coming across an old movie on TV and seeing an item of clothing, or awesome styling, that sparks an idea for a new outfit. When I was pregnant, I definitely watched out a bit more closely for fashion inspiration from film and tv. For example, I watched the first few episodes of Season 3 of Mad Men twice just so that I could focus on Betty Draper's maternity fashions...and did the same with Trudie Campbell in season 4.

My absolute favourite!!!!!

In honour of the upcoming Academy Awards, I've selected some of my favourite pregnant ladies on film. There are lots to choose from, but I picked some that inspired me when I was pregnant.

1) Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby

Ok...if you are a pregnant lady, it might not be the best idea to watch this movie - especially if you haven't seen it before. I don't want to be responsible for inciting any wacky dreams about devil spawn. I love scary movies so I watched while pregnant and was happy to get the chance to see Mia Farrow in some really cute little dresses. Combined with her short hair, she looked really fresh and sweet. Well, I guess she looked as fresh and sweet as is possible when you are trying to escape from devil worshippers.  This dress from J Crew has a similar vibe, and is also available in white (I shied away from white as I spilled on myself all the time while preggers).

2) Claude Jade in Bed and Board

I am a pretty big Truffaut film fan, but Bed and Board isn't my favourite of his films. I have, however, watched it about 20 times (a few of those sans sous-titres) just to check out Claude Jade's film wardrobe. She looks classy and effortless all at the same time. She's only pregnant in a few scenes, but she totally stays true to her character's overall sense of style. Here's another little dress, but this one has great colour and pattern. Prior to becoming pregnant, I assumed that my maternity wardrobe would be all black, to hide my bump. I found that by picking a dress with a pattern, I looked put together in a hurry and less tired/grumpy. This Tibi dress would be a great choice.

Just remember to wear leggings or pants under a really short dress, as there is no graceful way to sit down or stand up with a giant belly bump. You'll be showing off your crotch soon enough to your obstetrician or midwife, so try to keep it covered for the time being.

3) Amy Poehler in Baby Mama

Alright, I am aware that this character was pretty trashy and her wardrobe was in itself a source of laughs in Baby Mama. For me, it was refreshing to see the character Angie dress crazy and fun while pregnant. I would get discouraged sometimes walking into a maternity store and being surrounded by bland and boring jersey t-shirts and polyester "miracle bump" pants. I take risks with fashion most days, and this movie reminded me that I shouldn't stop this practice just because I had a bun in the oven. Have fun and try something unexpected, like this American Apparel jumpsuit. Just don't pee in anyone's sink.

Yay movies! Check out some with pregnant characters, and hopefully you will be inspired to try something different and fun with your maternity wardrobe.

Cotton Lace Shift Dress (jcrew.com)
Tibi Bianca Shift Dress (shopbop.com)
Tri-blend Pocket Jumpsuit (americanapparel.ca)

XOXO
Emily

Junior photo via escapistmagazine.com; Betty Draper photo via tvfanatic.com; Trudie Campbell photo via racked.com

Vay-cay-shun

Hi hi -

Just got back from a long-weekend road trip with my husband and lil peanut. We didn't go to Wally World; we chose Northern Ontario instead. We all had a blast, but I am now very behind on all of my chores and such. I'll be posting a bit late this week as a result. Check back in a day or two for some actual content. Here's a hint: let's celebrate the Oscars together!

XOXO
Emily

Dingus of the Week - Long Weekend Edition

No Dingus this week because I've got a rough cold and am not in the mood to be judgemental. Plus, the long weekend is almost here. Holla!

Nooooooo! I want to know who the Dingus this week is!

Sorry, Lauren - no dice. Save your temper tantrums for Kristen and Audrina. Relax and enjoy the long weekend!

I am so proud!

Much love & XOXO
Emily

Lauren Conrad pic via dailymail.co.uk

Throwback Inspiration - Marilyn McCoo

When you think of Solid Gold, you probably think about the Solid Gold dancers, yes? They were always in skimpy costumes and such, so they were the draw of the show. I always associate Solid Gold with the beautiful and glamourous Marilyn McCoo! I always loved when she would sing the hits on the show, and she always had something amazing on.

Looking back at some videos of the show, I'm totally feeling Marilyn's signature makeup look: brownish-red lips, deep-coloured blush and metallic eyeshadow. Also...her bangs! They are teased but they look fierce! I can get behind them.

When I was small I thought it was so glamourous that Marilyn was all dressed up on a Saturday afternoon. Sequined gowns, hot cocktail dresses, amazing! Marilyn was - and still is - solid gold! She still looks fantastic.

XOXO
Emily

photos via mccoodavis.com

Mood Music - George Benson

Woooooot! It's almost the long weekend! I'm starting early with a mug of tea and some mellow sounds. I might even be extra sassy and bust open some Raincoast Crisps, maybe with a little goat cheese? Maybe check out the end of Tati's Mon Oncle that's saved on the PVR? Why not? Oh yeah...'lil peanut still doesn't know from long weekends. Back to playing with blocks & puppets!

XOXO
Emily

Max Out Yo Credit Card! - Victoria Beckham + Jimmy Choo

Oh hey - I didn't see you there. I was too busy trying to figure out where to put my new sofa. It's a beauty, yes? I sold all those Grammy awards I won Sunday night on Ebay, and now I'm getting some new stuff for the crib. I'm going to need some new clothes to wear while I lounge on this beautiful Baker sofa.

This Victoria Beckham dress should do the trick. I'll look fantastic while reading gossip mags and snacking on macaroons. Now I just need some hot shoes to kick off before beginning to lounge. Hmmm...

Aw yeah, I went there! New Jimmy Choos!!! So, yeah, I'd like to thank the Academy of Tunesmiths for financing my new loungin' set-up. Love you! Now I've got to put those Brit Awards up for sale to get me a new purse...

Baker Sofa (dwr.com)
Victoria Beckham Satin-Crepe Bell Dress (net-a-porter.com)
Jimmy Choo Magnum Sandal (bergdorfgoodman.com)

XOXO
Emily

Naptime Netflix - Leprechaun 4: In Space

Another week of pretty slim pickings on Netflix Canada. I'm bored of all the "new releases"(blech), so I did a little digging around the various categories. Did you know that there are 6 movies in the Leprechaun series? You probably did, but this was news to me. I've seen the first one, but now I have 5 more movies to watch while my lil peanut naps! I'm going to jump ahead a bit and check out the 4th installment first. The Leprechaun goes to space!!! Just in case you're as excited as me about all of these Leprechaun flicks, here's the chronology: Leprechaun goes to the suburbs, then the big city, then Las Vegas, then space, then 'tha hood, then back 2 'tha hood. It was really hard choosing between 4 and 5, but space trumped Coolio in 'tha hood...and ruled!

Ridiculous Factor?

The Leprechaun goes to space to kidnap a space princess...no, you know what? I'm not even going to bother to answer this question. 

Verdict?

Hooray for Leprechaun! I was very entertained by this film. It was cheesy and crazy and lots of fun. Nice work Netflix!!

XOXO

Emily

Practical Fashion - I Heart Maxi Dresses

Spring will be in the air soon, which means it's almost time to pull out my favourite warm weather fashion piece - the maxi dress. I discovered how awesome a maxi dress can be last year during my pregnancy. They are comfy and versatile. If you pick an empire waisted style, you can pretty much wear the dress during your pregnancy and after. Here's what I worked out:

The Issues:

- I love maxi-dresses! Which stores carry the best ones?

My Solution:

I shopped around during my pregnancy, and found some great dresses at non-maternity stores. Here are my faves:

J.Crew usually has at least one great jersey maxi dress each season. I still wear the one I bought last winter even though I'm back to my normal size. They also have a great dress (Taryn) in silk chiffon that will work for formal events.

Now that they deliver to Canada, you should check out Topshop. The dress pictured above is from their maternity collection, but they normally have lots of great non-maternity maxi dresses too. I wore a Topshop maxi dress similar to the one above at least twice a week during my pregnancy and got lots of compliments on it...even from strangers! It was so rad to get compliments on my outfit when I felt like one of the Barbapapas and really brightened my day.

A designer whose clothes really worked for me when I was preggers was Rachel Pally. She has really great jersey separates and so many different styles of maxi dresses. I picked up 3 or 4. She has great solid coloured dresses, plus fun patterns too. Definitely check her designs out. They stock lots of her designs at shopbop.com, which is another great resource for finding maxi dresses.

Check out a maxi dress! They flatter most body types and are comfy as heck. Yay!

XOXO

Emily

Angelina Jolie pic via pregnancyfashion.sheknows.com

Solid Fashion Advice Special Edition - Valentine's Day 2011

Hey hey hey! Happy Valentine's Day! To help you celebrate, I've asked a lady who knows what she's doing to dole out some romantic fashion advice. Meet Avril Loreti!

Style Credentials?

She is an actual designer! Avril has a beautiful line of home accessories, which you can check out at avrilloreti.com. She does this for a living people! She also has great personal style and exquisite taste. Plus, she is a bride-to-be and will be marrying Frank, a successful graphic designer, this coming June. In the words of Oprah, "Wooooh, this is going to be good!"

Here we go...

Q: What is the best outfit for a girl to wear on a romantic dinner date?

AL: An outfit that makes her feel fantastic!...and nothing less than fantastic will do! She's going on a date and she best be feeling fierce!

Q: I want to get an accessory for my woman for Valentine's day. What should I get for her?

AL: Easy! A new Purse...when in doubt always treat your woman to a new purse...Maybe start by noticing which ones she touches when she goes into a store. Then make a note of her favourite colour. Then go buy a purse.  Your woman will LOVE you! Every woman wants a new purse...emphasis on the NEW!

Hey David - Avril says you should buy this for me. Thanks!

Q: Who would be the better valentine: Courtney Love or Fergie?

AL: 100% Courtney Love circa 1998. I mean can you get any hotter than Courtney looking sensational and pouring her soul out in the video of Malibu.

Q: I like to cheer up my co-workers by dressing up jazzy for work. What do you suggest I wear in honour of Valentine's day?

AL: Gem Sweater or Sweater Vest. First it's cold out so you should be wearing layers anyways. Second, why not use Valentines Day as a reason to wear a GEM SWEATER. I mean, there aren't enough reasons out there, so let's start the trend for 2011. Gem Sweater Valentines. Can I change my answer for Question 2 to Gem Sweater?

Ed Note: Leslie Hall, gem sweater diva, offers wedding services at the Gem Sweater Museum in Iowa. Avril? Frank? Destination wedding?

Work those gems Leslie Hall!

Q: What one piece should I buy for Spring 2011?
AL: Lobster Bibs. Get ready for the sweet sounds of summer BBQs by picking up some Lobster Bibs! Coming soon to Avril Loreti : Modern Home...

Thanks Avril!

XOXO
Emily

Avril & lobster bib photos via avrilloreti.blogspot.com; Proenza Shouler PS1 photo via net-a-porter.com; Leslie Hall photo via lesliehall.com

Dingus of the Week - Jimmy Fallon

I was all set to award the Dingus of the week trophy (named the Bruley) to Heidi Montag, for releasing 2 ridiculous stories about herself. She is the worst. But I changed my mind and decided that this week's Bruley should go to the celebrity that made me angriest this week.

***SPOILER ALERT*** You're not going to want to read this post if you haven't watched the latest episode of Top Chef. I think you're about 2 weeks behind if you live in Canada and watch the show on the Food Network. So, yeah, make a mental note and come back and read this post in 2 weeks.

Having Jimmy Fallon as the guest judge on Top Chef was no fun. He sent home Fabio!! What? He was so nonsensical in his judging too...the best example being critical of Fabio from straying too far from a traditional "booger" recipe but also criticizing Richard for being too literal in his interpretation of Ramen noodles. Also, who has someone on Top Chef cook them Ramen noodles as a birthday lunch treat? Save the Ramen noodles for when you're drunk at 4am where they belong. Finally - hey Jimmy, where was the funny?

I wasn't ready for Fabio to go home. I wanted to learn more about his random quirks, like his pet turtle!

I watched 5 minutes of the Jimmy Fallon NBC Experiment (or whatever it is called) last night for research purposes, but I fell asleep before I was able to learn too much. To be fair, I had a late dinner and was super full so it wasn't all Jimmy's fault. Plus, he did nominate Carla for the win so maybe he's not such a Dingus after all. Nah...he's a dingus.

Fabio Discusses His "Booger" (www.realityblurred.com)
fabioviviani.com

XOXO
Emily