Montreal Fashion week

So far Montreal Fashion week at Bonsecours Market has been impressive.
The designers’ Fall/Winter 2010 collections have been breathe taking!
Yes, Montreal designers have talent. Designers that really stood out are:

• Marie Saint Pierre, her designs mostly consisted of black and whites with a hint of grey.
• I was pleased to see Nadya Toto using bright colors such as magenta for her Fall/Winter designs. We need more color especially during winter.
• Then finally I loved the print and color combination on Christian Chenail jacket! These pieces are a must have for Fall/Winter 2010!I can’t wait for Fall to start all over again.

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TOP 1

Autumn Cashmere Sweater - Photo by Montreal Photographer Pierre-Luc Dufour

• Autumn Cashmere big bell ivory sweater with pockets
• 100% cashmere
• Jersey mesh with details

TOP 2

Graham and Spencer - Photo by Montreal Photographer Pierre-Luc Dufour

• Graham & Spencer Gray jacket
• Wool and cashmere
• Horizontal jersey mesh

TOP 3

Filippa K - Photo by Montreal Photographer Pierre-Luc Dufour

• Filippa K grey jacket with double buttons
• Lambswool, mohair, nylon
• Jersey mesh

TOP 4

Nougat - Photo by Montreal Photographer Pierre-Luc Dufour

• Nougat red tunic trimmed with small black buttons
• Cashmere, angora, lambswool, viscose and polyamide
• Jersey knit body and point de mousse for the neckline

TOP 5

Hoss - Photo by Montreal Photographer Pierre-Luc Dufour

• Hoss jacket gown
• Cotton, polyamide, alpaca
• Big “point de vanité” for the body and “côtes” for the big neckline

REMERCIEMENTS:

Pierre-Luc Dufour
Photographer
514-943-3710
www.pierrelucdufour.com

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Photo by Montreal Photographer: Pierre-Luc Dufour

TOP 2: A Cashmere Sweater

Photo by Montreal Photographer: Pierre-Luc Dufour

TOP 3: A Leather Piece

This pair of leather pants will be available at Billie in October 2009

TOP 4: An 80′s Inspired Top

Photo by Montreal Photographer: Pierre-Luc Dufour

TOP 5: A Cocktail Top

This Top will be available at Billie in October 2009

REMERCIEMENTS:

Pierre-Luc Dufour
Photographe
T. 514.943.3710
www.pierrelucdufour.com

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Annie and Veronique at Baldwin Barmacie. Photo Stephanie Lefebvre

“What will you wear this evening?”

This question which, from generation to generation, belongs to the vocabulary of avid nymphettes who are eager to spend their nights in night clubs and which will never be out of fashion

The outing jargon is still in fashion but the outfits change and evolve with fashion trends
You should however be aware that if you want to have the look and the grace of the ideal clubbing addict , you are supposed to go by certain golden rules:

Rule number 1
When you go clubbing, create your look focusing on a sexy element, such as a mini skirt a close fitting dress, tight jeans or leggings, , a thigh boot or a blouse which will reveal your shoulders, your back or your low neckline.

Rule number 2
Whether your shoes are Magician of OZ red , made of glass like Cendrillon’s or patent leather Shirley Temple shoes, they must at all times be high heeled . This rule is non negotiable

Rule number 3
Enrich your look with a glittering massive or imposing jewel.

Rule number 4
Add an edge to your look to compliment your personality, such as a leather jacket, a destabilizing loop, a long scarf fringed, blazing color etc.

Rule number 5
Exchange your giant handbag for a clutch which will be less cumbersome and easier to dissimulate under a bar. Do not forget lipstick and matifying powder.

Rule number 6
Accentuate your make-up more and observe it under dim lights before leaving. Do not hesitate if you need to add more eye shadow to yout eyelids or to wear an extra layer of lipstick.

Rule number 7
Always enter a bar with a beautiful smile and a maximum of confidence.

Rule number 8
If you want to draw attention, sit under a beam of light close to the bar.

Rule number 9
Do not comply with the rules mentioned above if they make you feel uncomfortable . Create your own golden rules and believe in them, you should be as convinced about them as me about mine.

Enjoy your night !

Description of Annie’s Look:

• Black Legging by Mura (as per rule number 1)
• Mini lycra black sack dress  (as per rule number 1)
• Leather jacket by Malene Birger (as per rule number 4)
• Ankle boots with high heel (as per rule number 2)
• Bracelet GJ (as per rule number 3)
• Multiple mixed chains by Harakiri (as per rule number 3)
• Smoky make-up by Amélie Bruneau Longpré (as per rule number 6)

Description of Veronique’s Look:

• Grinding skirt by Velvet (as per rule number 1)
• Bright red silk blouse by Tara Jarmon with cleavage (as per rule number 1 and 4)
• Thigh boots by Essentiel (as per rule number 1,2 and 4)
• Necklace by Fiona Paxton (as per rule number 3 and 4)
• Strong Make-up by Amélie Bruneau Longpré (as per rule number 6)

REMERCIEMENTS:

Stéphanie Lefebvre
Photographe
514.265.2145
stephanie@stephanielefebvre.com

Amélie Bruneau Longpré
Maquilleuse
514-606-3326
www.amelieblongpre.blogspot.com

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Achieving a bohemian look

Here is my top 5 must have items to achieve a bohemian look:

1. A long and relaxed dress
2. An ethnic style piece of jewelery
3. Gladiator style sandals
4. Something with a fringe
5. Something with flowers

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Madonna

In my opinion, Madonna is the most influential artist of my generation (80’s -90’s). She managed to set her own fashion trends. Sometimes blond, sometimes brunette, she incarnated different styles, that all had one thing in common: the provocative factor. Corset, lingerie, bodies, high heels, fish nets, Madonna likes everything sexy which makes me think of her as modern pin-up.

Here is a TOP 5 that proves the influential look of « my star » of all times, is also inspired by sex symbols of older times.

TOP 1: JAYNE MANSFIELD

Jane Mansfield & Madonna

TOP 2: GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA

Gina Lollobrigitta & Madonna

TOP 3: MARLENE DIETRICH

Marlene Dietrich & Madonna

TOP 4: BRIGITTE BARDOT

Brigitte Bardot & Madonna

TOP 5: MARILYN MONROE

Marlilyn Monroe & Madonna

How about you? Who do you consider the sex symbol of all times?

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Annie acting pin-up

Putting yourself in the shoes of a pin-up girl is not an easy task. Even though Véronique and I had tons of fun, we were far from meeting all of the criteria that are needed to be labeled as a pin-up.

It was in the 30’s and 60’s that the pin-ups had their glory mostly, in the US. They were beauty icons and represented the fantasy of men who used to pin ( hence pin-up ) their pictures on the wall and kept postcards of them in their wallets.

The pin-up also called “cheese cake”, because of the expression “better than a cheese cake”, was an artistic genre that influenced not only a lot of the movie starlets but also the American beauty standards. However, the pin-up was not a real woman! Sometimes it was an illustration, sometimes a drawing or a photo, and in each case the pin-up model was representing an image far from reality.

The renowned illustrator Elvgren (among others) was famous for his Coca Cola ads. He had his own technique of how to illustrate pin-ups and he was also the first one to influence many other artists later on.

Pin-Ups

First, a photo of his muse in a posture that accentuates her proportions and curves was taken.

Then, the artist would paint his muse using a very realistic technique and exaggerating several of her physical aspects.

The Elvgren pin-up must have luxuriant hair, long legs, the face of a 15 year old girl in a 20 years old woman’s body, have a high forehead, a swan neck, eyes well open, small ears, a mischievous nose, generous breasts but not too much, beautiful hands, a tiny waist and an natural grace … A nice a grocery list, enough to depress a high percentage of women at the time! Was this the dawn of retouching?

Finally, the artist’s canvas was reproduced in thousands of copies for the pleasure of all men that devoured these women (that lived only on paper) with their eyes.

Véro acting Pin-Up

During World War II, several starlets were invited to visit the front in order to bring back the moral to the troops. The pin-up, now a warrior, personified the American woman, courageous and confident. Her role changes, so does her outfits. She jumps from ingenious and lightly dressed to a sexy nurse, sometimes showcasing military badges during the war. Also, many army planes were named after women and displayed a pin-up in order to bring comfort to those men on their way to fight.

After the war, Betty Page and Marilyn Monroe made their appearance on the scene. It is also at this point that photo wins over illustration, leaving us with many striking images of the end of the main pin-up era.

REMERCIEMENTS:

BILBOQUET
1311 avenue Bernard, Outremont
T. +1 514.276.0414
Lundi – Dimanche 7h00 à 24h00

Stéphanie Lefebvre
Photographe
T. + 1 514.265.2145
http://stephanielefebvre.blogspot.com

Amélie Bruneau Longpré
Makeup Artist
T. +1 514.606.3326
www.amelieblongpre.blogspot.com

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Happy discovery!

TOP 1
Bistro Bienville:
www.bistrobienville.com

Bistro Bienville being a friendly cozy place where family is welcome, the look that we’re suggesting is ideal to feel free to move and run after the little ones if necessary. Even by being simple, this look is trendy and elegant.

What to wear when brunching at Bistro Bienville ( with kids! )

• Wide Black Bermudas by Bruuns Bazaar
• Sriped white and coral top by Filippa K
• Mini Orla Kiely bag
• Gold Jacobsen Sandals

Our Favorite Plates:

• Mushroom Toast with cheese shavings
• Lobster Tart

TOP 2
Bistro Leméac:
www.restaurantlemeac.com

Leméac is known for its terrace and the abundance of light that invades the space in the daytime. Here is a BCBG look in order to shine as bright as the sun among your family.

What to wear when brunching at Leméac with family

• Nougat white dress in lace and jersey
• Grey pearl Bloch balerinas
• Orla Kiely flowery Handbag

Our favorite plate:

• Poached eggs, blinis, smoked salmon and spanish caviar

TOP 3
Byblos:
1499 Laurier E, 514.523.9396

Byblos is a typical plateau place where it always feels good to have breakfast or brunch with friends, or alone with a good book and notes of the next exam to study. For a persian cuisine, iranian, here is a researched bohemian look.

What to wear when brunching with friends or solo at Byblos.

• Striped Ella Moss olive and ivory dress
• Linea Pelle camel belt
• Camel and yellow Orla Kiely handbag
• Golden loops with wooden bead by Claudia Accessoires
• Brown intertwined leather sandals by Dolce Vita

Our favorite plate:

• Dill and Feta Omelet

TOP 4
Réservoir:
www.brasseriereservoir.ca

Reservoir is the perfect place to brunch with friends or a new crush! Here is a look that is sexy yet easy going.

What to wear when brunching at Réservoir with your new crush!

• Jeans Rich n Skinny slightly rolled
• Golden Loeffler Randall shoes
• Breathy tie die Velvet camisole

Our favorite plate:

• Goat Cheese Feta Omelet, olives and herbs

TOP 5
Petit Italien:
www.lepetititalien.com

When thinking Italy, we think romance. Here is a romantic outfit for a breakfast with your other half.

What to wear when brunching with your second half at Petit Italien

• Rachel Pally beige and black flower dress
• Bruuns Bazaar sandals with heart
• by Malene Birger black vest
• Isabelle May necklace with white wings

Our favorite plate:

• Ricotta stuffed crepes and orange supreme.

What are your favorite brunch places in Montreal? How about in other cities?

LAST WEEK’S GIVEAWAY WINNER IS: YARA!
Congratulations Yara! We hope you will enjoy your new Alexis Bittar necklace.
We will get in touch with you by email to arrange for shipping.
We would love for you to show us the necklace on you ( you can upload a photo on our facebook fan page)

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My top 5 vintage jewelery - Contest to win the Alexis Bittar Necklace

Wearing vintage jewelery fills me with such satisfaction, that it is almost undescribable. You might have noticed that I tend to be nostalgic, and for many reasons, I would have like to be born in past times. Hence wearing and surrounding myself with elements from the past becomes almost vital to me.

Here is the top 5 vintage pieces of jewelery that I own:

TOP 1
The love of my life  understood well how much I love vintage jewelery by giving me for our engagement a white gold twenties ring in filigree. Even though he looked all around NewYork to find the ring of my dreams, it is at my favorite antique store that he found his luck: the ring that I will wear until the ultimate celebration of our love ( and maybe then, I will wear my #1 of my top 5 flower dresses)

TOP 2
My fish pendant was given to me by my very dear friend and partner Véronique. This fish pendant is the piece that I wear the most from the time it was given to me. I adore it, not only because it is old, but also because it is a symbol of our friendship. Did you know that Véronique and I were born on the same day? ( not the same year though.., urgh I am older!!) and, how did you guess? Our sign is…. Pisces!!

TOP 3
This bracelet mounted on a rigid gold metal alloy is composed of several small discs of mother of pearl and was made in the fourties. I love its refinement and the way I feel so chic when I am wearing it.

TOP 4
This art deco necklace is one of my recent acquisitions. It is from the twenties. It is made with golden metal with no real value, and from glass rocks in perfect royal blue that we call “blue cabochon”. I had never seen anything like it before, and that is why I decided to get it.

TOP 5
My victorian flower brooch, ornate with coral, turquoise and pearls was given to me as a gift. I love its freshness and the delicate details of each of the flower petals.

Now let the fun stuff begins:

CONTEST:

To win the above vintage inspired Alexis Bittar Necklace ( value of 250$ ):

1. Pick your favorite from the 5 vintage jewelery pieces I presented in this post
2. Visit BillieBoutique.com and match an item to your selected piece of jewelery
3. Post the number of the jewelery you selected and the link to the item you matched to it.
4. Optional: You can tell us the reason why you matched both items
5. Winner will be announced in next week’s TOP 5 on Thursday!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

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Annie staring at Caroline's Vintage Jewelery Window

When I visit Caroline I am on the quest for pieces of jewellery that either have inspirational stories, coming from a fascinating period in history or that are just simply distinct and unique.

I have always had a passion for vintage jewellery and have never favored one period over another. However, my taste always changes and evolves with time and just like in fashion I have noticed that my taste tends to follow the current trends.

At the moment, I am a particularly drawn to the Art Deco period. There is certainly something to be said about the exceptional aesthetics of the Cubists, the Futurists and the Russian Constructivists. There is something about the purity of form in the architectural and geometric lines that I am attracted to. I also like the innovative use of materials and the variety of techniques they used to make their jewellery accessible.

White gold was replaced with platinum and less expensive stones like amethyst, topaz and citrine were used by jewellery crafters so that their jewellery could be admired from further away. It is also during this period that materials like silver, nickel, stainless steel, palladium and enamel became popular choices for artisans.
Today, the term Art Deco is generally used to describe a period in time that took place between two wars.The term was coined during the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in 1925.

I have to say that when Caroline shows me these crafted jewels that date from so long ago I am moved by the delicate balance of different materials. Cigarette cases, powder compacts and pendants made with a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces, sapphires mixed with emeralds and gold combined with silvers. In Art Deco, it is the opposites and differences between materials and textures that seem to inspire the designer. This concept reminds me that this was a time in history where women had begun their fight for emancipation and in the very same way were searching for a balance of their own as a woman in a male dominated society.

It seems that just like me, Caroline is equally fond of this period. I can see by her eyes that she shares the same understanding and appreciation that I have found in the Art Deco period. She watches me discover these precious pieces of history and I am so immersed that I lose track of time and the counter is overflowing with these magnificent discoveries.

Three Art Deco necklaces, one jade and silver bracelet, one turtle shell shaped broche and a handful of earrings later I had surpassed my budget and now had to make a choice. Although most of Caroline’s customers have the tendency of spending a fortune here, I need to at least come close to my initial budget.

With so little self-control over my spending, you surely understand why I must limit myself from visiting my very favorite antiquarian. If ever you find yourself searching for the perfect gift for my birthday, you now know where to go. But, I am warning you, that this particular antique jewellery boutique has a special charm and it is rather easy to get addicted to shopping there.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Antiquités Caroline
5601 Parc Avenue Montréal
514.272.6200

Pierre-Luc Dufour
Photographer
514-943-3710
www.pierrelucdufour.com

Amélie Bruneau Longpré
Makeup Artist
514-606-3326
www.amelieblongpre.blogspot.com

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