Is Emilio Pucci trying to be Versace?

I love this collection but I must say, something about it is very Versace no?

Images via Style.com

Something tells me this song will play during the Victoria Secret Fashion Show...

Live performance by Robin Thicke and 2 Chainz anyone? I can totally picture him with the models already. Also, this is not entirely safe for work...

via YouTube

Seeing Double: Zara vs Alexander Wang • Ankle Strap Sandal

Matchstick heels are making a comeback this season and I must say by adding a pair of thin ankle strap sandals you can dress up any look. I've recently invested in some tight maxi skirts and feel these would be the perfect companion. I absolutely love the Alexander Wang's but luckily Zara has a pair that are wallet-friendly. Which are you favourite? Can you spot the differences?

SHOP: 
Alexander Wang Antonia Ankle Strap Sandals $514.47, shopbop.com
Leather Sandal $79.90, zara.com

The Emmys Best Dressed: Kate Mara

Not exactly an easy task by any means but there must always be one winner for best dressed of every award show. Last night we kicked off the season with the 65th Annual Primetime Emmys hosted at the Nokia Theater in L.A. and Mr Neil Patrick Harris did not disappoint in his role as host. Most made safe choices on the red carpet however a few actresses took chances and the rewards paid off.  

My award for the Best Dressed of the 2013 Emmy goes to Kate Mara (House of Cards)

Image Source: E! Online

                                                           




Dress: J Mendel






















Honourable Mention: Linda Cardellini, who was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Mad Men) 

Image Source: E! Online

Dress: Donna Karan Atelier

Boldest Choice: Lena Headey (Game of Thrones)

Image Source: E! Online

Dress: Alessandra Rich 




















Up next we have the Academy Awards, come back to see my pick for best dressed!

Charlotte Olympia wants to know: What's your Zodiac Sign?

Kooky, colourful, and creative are the three words that come to mind when I think of the British designer Charlotte Olympia. My fascination began when I first saw her Dolly pumps at The Room at the Bay, those sky high heels, soft suede, and that adorable spiderweb logo on the bottom of each and every sole had me hooked!

Charlotte Olympia Dolly Pump

Each season I can't wait to see what fun themes shes explored, granted you've seen her recent popcorn handbag and darling film roll clutches, proving the designer knows how to have fun with her collections - which we could all use from time to time! On a recent trip to Net-A-Porter  I spotted some very interesting clutches and knew instantly they were hers: the Cosmic Collection.

Charlotte Olympia Cancer Pandora Clutch Box & Birthday Shoes

Charlotte Olympia wants to know "what's your Zodiac sign?" and wants to help you show it off on your accessories. Every sign has a pair of Birthday Shoes and Zodiac Pandora Clutch Boxes for you to rock all birthday month long. And to top it off each style comes with its own Charlotte Olympia horoscope book to tell you exactly what your accessories say about you.

So, what's your Zodiac Sign? 

Fast forward to 1:02 for this to make sense

Announcement: Launching VALLEYOFTHEDOLLSBLOG.COM

Karen Walker Eyeglasses

I am so excited to announce our new home at valleyofthedollsblog.com! This has been such a long time coming and I just want to thank all of you for your continued support and I hope you love my little blog as much as I do!

Fall Trend Report

Not even half of my "textbooks" • Image via My Instagram 

Apparently, I subscribe to about 6 different magazines. I'm not sure how or when this happened but my mailbox has been stuffed the last two months based on the sheer size of each magazine, hello "BIGGEST ISSUE EVER" InStyle! And who says the publishing industry is dead? Everyone knows September is the largest issue for all magazines, why? I can't really answer that but what makes them the biggest issue? The advertisers' triple page spreads. No one is playing safe here. 

Lesson 1: The Runway Schedule

So what did I find when I sat down last Saturday with my stack of magazines? One thing is for sure, if you want to look to the runway for trends you need to reverse time and go back two seasons prior, right now all of the Spring Ready To Wear 2014 are showing. Style.com always has you covered. Thats right my friends, Spring showing in Fall, obvious choice, you should have already purchased your Fall 2013 clothes back in June... shame on you! Kidding! Now that we most definitely cannot get away with short skirts in Toronto our brains and cold bodies are ready to wrap ourselves up in chunky cardigans, leather leggings, and soft scarves!

Lesson 2: Collage of Fall Fun

The Lesson Plan • Images via LouLou, InStyle, Fashion, and Flare

• The biggest campaign right now: the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection for Target, the ads are everywhere as are those adorable bags. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on any item from the collection, congratulations you are a true fashion collector. 
• Up Next: Peter Pilotto for Target, I can't even describe my excitement for this collaboration. 
• The PS11 Mini Classic Handbag from Proenza Schouler  is one of the most popular bags of the season. It comes in a plethora of colours and the PS11 comes in all sizes: mini, tiny, classic, and chain wallet. Completely different from the PS1 and the PS13, the PS11 is quite simply put: adorable.
• The Givenchy Bambi print!?! For the Fall 2013 Collection Riccardo Tisci decided to swap the ever-so-popular rottweiler print for a more feminine image and I ain't mad about it. 
• Skinny heels are everywhere, chunky heels are out (not to be confused with chunky shoes: see Prada, which are very much in). The one in the picture in the middle row, center is from Forever 21, I've also seen some great options from Zara.
• Oversized outerwear was quite popular on the runway
• Style tip: Make sure the frame of the coat fits your body type because you don't want the coat to wear you
• Booties with hardware are in; everything from buckles, ankle straps, and spikes, as long as it is shiny you are in the clear!
• The cat eye is still in and always will be in so you can be thankful you invested in that great liquid liner.
• Have fun with your nail polish, I loved the perfect chaos created by Madeline Poole in the image above (bottom row, center) with brights and black outline using nail art pens and brushes. 
• Ear cuffs are back, this I was a bit surprised with. I bought an ear cuff from H&M last fall and have yet to wear it, I thought I had to retire it but thanks to Sienna at the MET Ball ear cuffs and the punk look are definitely back for another run. Anna Wintour is killing herself with the grundge trend, if you watched The September Issue you know how much she detests it and Grace loves it.
• Emerald green was the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013 and every designer ate it right up, so do invest in a great piece that can stand on its own in this most-sought-after shade. 
• Pencil skirts are a definite wardrobe staple this Fall and they can be worn in any colour or pattern and length. Which is great for the office. 
• Style tip: You can add a leather crop jacket and a logo tee to bring the look from day to night.

Images via Style.com

Lesson 3: The Biggest Styles for Fall 2013

1. Punk (see Versace)
2. Military
3. Leather 
4. Menswear Fabrics (see Lanvin)

The most important thing to remember when shopping this season: if it looks good buy it!