The 2013 CFDA Nominations - Honoring Our American Designers

Left to Right: Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCoullough of Proenza Schouler // Marc Jacobs // Alexander Wang

Being nominated for any CFDA awards is already a very important recognition for any fashion designer. There are many great designers out there, but these three designers above have proven to be changing the way women dress in today's era. To shorten things up, these three (4) designers above have won an award more than once. When it comes to choosing a winner for this specific nomination, I have to say things look quite tense in selection one. I feel a buzz going in between Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. Who will win? We'll have to wait and find out on Tuesday.

Left to Right: Steven Cox & Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown // Michael Bastian // Thom Browne

Menswear designers must feel quite honored to be nominated in this type of field. It has been no secret as the years pass by, more men seem to be appreciating designer items to include in their wardrobe. All of these three designers above have also made some great changes in men's fashion in their own perspective. Thom Browne can be pleasing for his avant-garde work of arts, whilst Michael Bastian always finds some ways to make the modern man feel confident in what he wears. Duckie Brown has also been a brand that has done quite well over the past few seasons. For this particular nomination, I would give it to Michael Bastian.

Left to Right: Alexander Wang heels // Phillip Lim salmon bag // Proenza Schouler PS1 bag

Accessories are a quite a prestigious award to be nominated for. You know that without accessories, clothes just wouldn't have a story to be told or a touch of personality to your looks. Just as the womenswear nominations, this may be a tough decision to choose from. Phillip Lim has proven to be quite a tough candidate. Proenza Schouler has had a huge success with their PS1 handbags, while Alexander Wang has also had quite a success in the accessories market. In general, all have proven to be a favorite of many streetstyle fans.

Left to Right: Oscar de la Renta // Riccardo Tisci // Vera Wang

While these three designers may not have been nominated for any of the above nominations, they have gained respect in any of the above fields. Oscar de la Renta, nominated (winner) for The CFDA Founder's Award, is a very special recognition for any designer. But one of the most prestigious awards for any designer in my opinion is the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a designer for all their hard work and dedication over the past years. Vera Wang will be this year's designer to receive the recognition. And if you didn't quite grasp what the CFDA awards are, they are mostly to recognize our outstanding American designers who all deserve an applause. That being said, any other designer being nominated for an International Award must be an honor for any designer, who this year's award goes to Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. The CFDA couldn't have chosen any one better this year. 

Other Important Nominees

Swarovski Award for Womenswear:

Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty, Suno

Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters, Creatures of the Wind

Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs, Cushnie et Ochs

Swarovski Award for Menswear:

Tim Coppens

Todd Snyder

Dao-Yi & Maxwell Osborne, Public School

Swarovski Award for Accessories:

Pamela Love

Irene Neuwirth

Jennifer Meyer

Board of Directors' Tribute:

Colleen Atwood, American Costume Designer

AND A VERY SPECIAL AWARD

See who won here.

Summer Makeup Tips for Eye Beauty

Looking beautiful on this summer should not be your intention; instead looking beautiful in all seasons should be your main aim. Some slight changes to daily makeup items could carry that gaze which you are dreaming since past many years. Eyes play the major role in captivating the gawk that every woman wishes for. Though the eye makeup tips are timeless, it is necessary to apply those tips during this summer. You are recommended to follow the below given summer makeup tips: 

· Always remember, Gold has no choice. So, you are suggested to add some gold shimmer on the eyelids. This is the simple eye makeup tip that any lady could easily follow. 

· Don’t hesitate to apply dark shades on the curves and pleats of your eyes. Always keep in mind that the eye beauty increases as you go up on applying the dark colors. 

· If you have tiny eyes then you could apply two furs of black or auburn foundation. 

· Eyeliner should be selected appropriately. Do not fix yourself on one particular color. Always go on trying different shades of colors.

2013 Latest Hair Color Trends for Women

Hair color trends have undergone a lot of changes during the past few years. If you are thinking of coloring your hair, it is very important that you keep yourself updated with the latest trends so that you can follow something which is contemporary and gives you a great look.

1. Highlighting: One of the latest trends is to use different colors to produce streaks or gradations with dark browns, platinum, blue or caramel hues. Highlighting can be done on top of the natural color or after coloring with a single base color. Red, brown and black are the shades that give striking effect as highlighters. However, blue, pink and green etc. are also liked by trendy girls.

2. Runway Trend: If you want to adopt a new hair style for a ravishing look, go for runway trend. It gives a bold and smashing look. The most popular shades are natural blonde, brunette, black and seductive red colors. Combinations of different colors can also be selected for a more fashionable look.

3. Ombre Trend: In spite of hundreds of hair color options available in the market, ombre is probably the most popular one among busy women. It gives a very sexy look without requiring regular touch ups. This hair trend has darker shades at the roots that gradually fade at the ends. It is easily manageable as it does not require frequent visits and spending at the salons.

4. Fade Resistant Hair Colors: The working women also prefer hair colors which are fade resistant and cover their graying hair. The most popular are natural red and brown, especially among the women who do not prefer changing their hair style frequently.

5. Dip Dyeing: Another latest fashionable hair color trend is dip dyeing. It involves two toned or multi-toned colors. The ends are of darker shade giving an effect of dip in color. The preferred shades are light burgundy red, dark brown, auburn, chic ginger or any other intense color. Mixing different intense shades can also give you a ravishing look.

6. Pastel Shades: Pastel shades look very girlish and tremendous on bleached or pale hair. They have a long lasting effect and are quite popular among the celebrities. This style will continue to be in trend with varied shades of pink, silver, violet, blue, gray, sandy, mink or smoky. The color can be experimented with different lengths of hair and can be single, combination, streaked or dripped dyed.

7. Neon Colors: You can go for neon shades to give a spicy and vibrant look to your hair regardless of their length and style. Neon shades can be applied with various popular designs. Purple, red, yellow, orange, violet pink, electric blue and many other shades of neon are available in the market and can be used to give you a great look.

(Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Latest-Hair-Color-Trends-for-Women&id=7648043)

Raf Simons' Floral Prints are Masculine

Raf Simons' floral prints may take some time to incorporate into men's wardrobe.

What is wrong with a man wearing a floral print shirt? Only that he has the confidence enough to pull it off.  And that's what fashion has been all this time in menswear. This season, it was Mr. Simons turn to design a 13-piece capsule collection that will only be sold exclusively at online luxury men's retailer, Mr Porter. The collection consists of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, high-top sneakers, and a bomber jacket, all of which are designed in vivid floral prints any men could actually wear. 

What I alway admire about Mr. Simons interpretation on menswear is that he always knows just how much to exceed and keep minimal. He seems to have a limit as to wear he'll cross the boundary, something that has gained him some more followers in men's fashion. Any type of feminine prints may be a subject of worry for other men, but Mr Porter knows exactly who they're selling too - the stylish and confident man who knows who he really is. As a customer, I particularly would be interested in purchasing a t-shirt or white button-down floral shirt to include into my special collection of designer pieces. One thing for sure is let the prints do most of the work and tone it down with neutral (black) shorts or trousers and cool shoes as Mr. Simons would have in mind - minimal. 

Yes, it may take time for most men to shift into this new type of era. Pink became a color most men got comfortable wearing over the years. But Raf Simons may become the greatest designer he is already, in giving men the confidence to pull of these floral print numbers. 

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Fashion trends

1. STRIPES

It's all about stripes this spring/summer 2013! Vertical, horizontal or diagonal, stripes were to be seen on almost every runway at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, from Dolce & Gabbana to Michael Kors. Stripes are super in this season. You won't go wrong.

Bold stripes in black and white is a big do!

2. Black and white

Whether it's stripes, checks, polka dots or anything black and white, it is definitely a do! This trend was also super hot on the runway and celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Rihanna, Scarlet Johansson and Selena Gomez, are already rocking the look.

This trend was seen on the runway of Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and so many more.

You won't go wrong this Spring/Summer 2013 with black and white.

3. Neons

It is always exciting to see what designers are going to do with this bold look. And, as expected, they never fail to amaze us.

The trick is to not wear too much neon, only a dash will make your outfit a little bit more interesting and give you that chic look.

As seen on the runways of Jason Wu, Rodarte, Christian Siriano and Narciso Rodriguez. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria are especially seen rocking the trend.

4. Biker Jackets

This has always been a great trend for a couple of seasons now. Whether it's the bomber jacket or the cute denim jacket, it is essential to have one of these in your closets.

The great thing about this trend is that you can wear it with almost anything and you can rock it almost everywhere.

As seen on the runways of: House of Holland, Rag and bone, DKNY and Rodarte.

Celebrities seen rocking this look: Rihanna, Shakira, Emma Watson and Olivia Wilde.

5. Monochrome Checks

The bigger and bolder the checks, the better! They are super chic and will make a statement wherever you go.

If you're a risk taker, this trend is great to where with stripes.

As seen on the runways of: Marc Jacobs, Marni, Louis Vuitton and Balmain.

Celebs seen wearing checks: Kristen Stewart, Jessica Alba and Kate Middleton.

6. Graphic Prints

Spring/Summer 2013 will be filled with graphic prints.

Flowers, 60's GEO, houndstooth, animal prints, etc. THEY ARE BIG! You can pair them up with amost anything and any color!

As seen on the runways of: Dolce & Gabbana, Emanuel Ungaro, Dries van Noten and Erdem.

7. Metallics

To the future we go! Sequins, high sheen and holographic prints is a great way to make a statement. Also seen on almost every runway.

Metallics is a fresh and new trend to try out. Remember, too much metallic can also look tacky.

Seen on the runways of Marc Jacobs, Edie Sedgwick and Dries van Noten.

8. Floral

This has always been a trend for Spring/Summer. Floral prints always gives you a feminine look and you can wear this print also to almost anywhere.

As seen on the runways of: Vera Wang, Thakoon and Peter Som.

Celebrities who also loves the floral print: Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian, Blake Lively and Kate Hudson.

9. 60's

Isn't it amazing how all the vintage looks are trending right now? From beautiful silhouettes to outrageous polka dots. This trend is seen everywhere!

As seen on the runways of: Miu Miu, Ellie Saab, Isabel Marant and Alexander Mcqueen.

10. Ruffles

Big or small, ruffles are really great if you want to give your outfit a little bit of elegance and flair.

This season, ruffles is a big trend and you really can't go wrong!

As seen on the runways of: Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.
(Fashion source: http://craftyviper.hubpages.com/hub/SPRINGSUMMER-2013-Fashion-trends)

The blog is supported by Ozeal Glasses.

Links a la Mode #3: Once More

Blast From the Past

Ever since the cave people started wearing loin cloths and furs, we humans have had fashion history. This week's roundup delves into the past and how it has inspired our future. From the swinging 60's impact on sunglasses, to a look at Eurovision's pop music style evolution. For those of us who can't get to the MET one blogger shares her experience and for those of us who haven't yet seen the Great Gatsby, we have a look into Gatsby style in the mix there as well. So get your cup of tea, reflect on years gone by and check out these links!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

• Attire Club: The Two Sides Of A Coin: Men's Body Image Considerations
• Beauty and the Budget: The Evolution of Bangs
• Caught in a Tale: Shopping in Marrakesh Souks: Top 5 Tips
• DressCode:HighFashion: Colour Trend S/S 13: Ink / Royal Blue
• Fashstash: Swinging Sixties | Sunglasses for SS/13
• Folio V: Denim Deco
• From Runway to Style: Dior's Cruise 2014 Sensual Freedom
• Jessy Dust: Photo Editing Apps for Instagram
• Jolly Caucus Race: Eurovision Style Evolution
• La Vie en Couleur: Grab Some Popcorn: 7 Must See Fashion Documentaries
• Le Simply Classy: Minimalism in Fashion
• Ms. Fabulous: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
• My Bougette: The Great Gatsby: extravagant excess
• Rising Colors: Maxi - The Classic Stunner
• Rose and Pine: My 5 Favorite MAC Shadows (and drugstore dupes of them all!)
• She's All Smiles: Friday Finds: Rings For Cat Lovers
• Stylonylon: Hair Tutorial With ghd Candy Collection Stylers
• Tangles and Chains: Promise Ring: Why, How and When to Wear it
• Frantic But Fabulous: The Core Wardrobe: Essential blazers for every occasion
• What 2 Wear Where: What to wear to the Royal Ascot (My Fair Lady)

SPONSOR: Shopbop style Flight001, Isapera, Graf & Lantz, Ileana Makri, Nu Bra, Deux Lux, Gorjana Clutches, McQ, Vera Wang Flats, Costume National, & YFB dresses

May 27 Market Update

MLS numbers update courtesy of the VREB via Marko Juras. These numbers are for the Victoria Real Estate Board's reporting area, including Sooke, Shawnigan Lake and the Gulf Islands.

	May 2013				May 2012
	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4
Uncond. Sales	96	235	367	520	659
New Listings	277	584	916	1173	1740
Active Listings	4568	4642	4724	4745	5015
Sales to New Listings	35%	40%	40%	44%	38%
Sales Projection	---	600	602	664
Months of Inventory					7.6

Another mini sales surge like we saw in mid April.   Again we will hit last year's sales numbers +- some small percentage.   Sales rate of 28.9/business day is identical to last year's 29 at this time in the month, but last year we had 16% more new listings.

A small sign of life, but still nowhere near any kind of sensible sales/list ratio.  In the boom times this was around 75%, while in the 90s flat market it bounced between 50% and 60%.

In other news we bought a house.

Latest Fashion Trends 2013--Get Extremely Hyped with the Change of Seasons

In year 2013 fashion trends have blown up. People start strives towards the fashionable attire when summer season comes on. So, this is a time to refresh your wardrobe since summer is onwards. You should select appropriate clothes that not only give you feel of relief but also add some flavor to your style statement. In case of latest fashion trends 2013 year has got many changes to follow. Following clothes type could be delighting during this summer. 

If you like wearing woven shirts then probably you would look trendy after choosing short clothes. You could add extra chic by removing the upper buttons. In this summer 2013 fashion trends are flooding with the newest drifts such as short shirts, trousers, Camping Vibes, strapless gowns and subtle lace shorts. This kind of short clothing gets perfectly matched with the trend and surrounding climate. The short nature of dress allows air to exceed throughout your body which saves you from the glut sweating.
(Fashion source: OzealGlasses and Eyetouchcolor)

2013 Swimwear Trends—Exotic Print and Snake Print Swimwear

Conceivably summer is the most looked-for season to many people and frequently it could feel like perpetuity for it to turn up. Beach holiday becomes a favorite task for summer season loving people. Now, you might be searching for the information on 2013 swimwear trends to purchase a classy and dazzling swimsuit. 

Whenever you start your hunt on the swimwear for women you should neglect the attractive looks of whilst bright swimwear, exotic print swimwear and snake print swimwear. A wide variety in colors is available in whilst bright swimwear. You can select tangerine, yellow or magenta color to fix yourself on a latest style. In case of designs, this swimwear has got a slim nature that attracts most of the men by throwing the highest level of sexy looks. Exotic print swimwear looks like a simple triangular bikini. It is available in three colors, black, blue and green. Its perfect design of slim strips with a broad bottom area adds extra fragrance in a sexy gaze. Snake print swimwear could be an alternative to exotic print swimwear. If you are willing for a more restrained look then it is preferable to choose colors such as fawn, gold, and cream or brown that sparkle when you move on beach sand. Also, colors such as red, orange and pink show more convinced and bold nature. Snake print swimwear has got a sexy look since it is very much similar to a regular bikini design.(Fashion source: OzealGlasses)

Nail Color Trends: Create Your Very Own Nail

It is wisely said that “Beauty” is the real ornament of a woman. Trying attractive colors on your nails is a good way to demonstrate your attention towards beauty. In year 2013, various nail color trends have been introduced. The tricks and methods you used to apply these colors on your nail have the same importance as that of the selection of colors. You can create and design your own nail by taking one of the nail color trends discussed below. 

If you are among those who admire dark colors then for sure you would love to apply grey or fleet colors. Along with these two, you can also try dark mauve, black, indigo or brown colors if you are striving to append modishness and elegance on your nails. In case of nail color 2013 year has been flooded with the usage of gold or silver colors. Ordinary nails look shiny and glistening after spreading few pots of gold or silver color. Also, it would look luminous if you use the mixture of two separate colors.

(Fashion source: OzealGlasses and Eyetouchcolor)

Carine Roitfeld and Amanda Seyfried Model for Givenchy Fall 2013 Campaign

Amanda Seyfried appears all high-end model in Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign.

Carine Roitfeld has practically become part of the Givenchy family, or more like a mother to the brand. Riccardo Tisci has always had a huge talent as the head designer for Givenchy, portraying that tough high-end semi-gothic look he's seen in the brand. This is why many of his special clients and celebrities like Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Rooney Mara, Amanday Seyfried, and much more have been a big supporter of the brand. 

Wearing a Givenchy item is like gaining confidence in who you are. There is something in it that makes you feel special, fashionable, and people questioning you, "Where did you that cool shirt?" "Oh, thanks, it's Givenchy," which sounds so much better when you say it in a tough french accent. Say it!

For it's Fall 2013 campaign, Carine Roitfeld (french accent) collaborated once more in styling Riccardo's collection, and being responsible for showing off a very different Amanda Seyfried. Doesn't she look all high-end model? I thought her physical edginess fit perfectly for this brand. She's already the model for one of Givenchy's perfume ad where she appears much more like an actress compared to this campaign. I personally think other models may have found another competition for a brand, because Amanda is really selling it here. Maybe, mama Carine was responsible for the magic shot as well. 

Carine Roitfeld (left), and her daughter Julia-Restoin Roitfeld (right) in Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign.

Also, not only did Madame Roitfeld style the campaign, she was also photographed for the campaign. Fair and square I would declare. Why not just help for the photoshoot, but be in it? Oh, and with her daughter too, Julia-Restoin Roitfeld. They both looked stunning in the campaign. A total perfect image of what a Givenchy lady looks like. It may be true, French women know how to work it better.

Fashion Note: If you're not familiar with Carine Roitfeld, which you should, she was once the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris from 2001 to 2011. She later resigned from her position due to some special projects she had in mind. In 2012 she became the founder and  editor-in-chief of her famous seasonal magazine, CR Fashion Magazine. She is also very well known for being an editor with a unique taste of style.

Gap Men's Colored Slim Khaki's Are Worth a Try

Spring is the time when you get to dress in more colorful outfits - not that you can't in the winter - but, more people are open to do this in the spring/summer time. Lately, I've been trying to search for a good pair of pants that won't break the bank. I was debating whether to purchase or not a pair of Gucci mustard colored pants, which retailed at $740. Not too expensive for a pair of pants, huh? I was just fascinated by the choice of colored trousers in Gucci's Spring 2013 menswear collection. The colors for me happen to be so vivid yet masculine.

I've owned a pair of men's Express chinos - various neutral colors - which I still happen to love for its slim fit and lengthening effect that I feel makes me look taller. The colors are fresh, and the pants are nice, but the Express man is more of a urban city guy who tends to keep his patterns and colors toned down. I wanted something more vivid. I am also a fan of H&M's pants, but I am the type of person who likes to experiment with different brands. I was seeking for something fresh in my closet.

I had been hearing great reviews by recent customers who had visited the Gap store at a near mall where I live. I decided to take a quick visit to the store and see what they had available. I was impressed by the various menswear colored pants (khakis) Gap had available in their store. I decided to try on a pair and was very amazed by how well they fit. The colors were the type of hues I was seeking forth in. Also, the fit felt slim-relaxed, which I refer to being comfortable, lengthening, fresh, and slim, not tight. I personally liked the pants, and I purchased it. 

I also went online to see if they had more colors available. And guess what? They happened to have a sort of similar pair of mustard khakis, but in canary yellow, as they named it. There are various colors of them available online. Immediately as I saw it, I came up with an outfit I could pair these pants with. What I love about Gap's pants is that you can go any way you want to - dress, casual, or semi-formal - for any necessary occasion. Put on a nice a blazer, jacket, or layering shirt, paired with any accessories, and your outfit is done and clean.

Gap mustard colored khakis // Levi's vest // Gucci horsebit white loafers // Luis Morais bracelet // Gucci sunglasses // Anderson's leather belt

In conclusion, I am not a regular Gap customer, but I also happen to like their assortment of shirts and polos, besides their khakis. I thought it was very casual and pleasing for the young and average male customer.  I might as well return soon to see what else I can get inspired by.

Are you a regular customer at Gap?

Glasses define the personality of a person who is wearing it. As the time passed on，there have done tons of changes into these sunglasses by means of a style statement. Men’s sunglasses became more stylish and classy than the women’s sunglasses. Usually, women’s prefer wearing funky, dark colored and piercing types of sunglasses, whereas men’s prefer comfortable and decent sunglasses. 

Sunglasses play very important role in men’s fashion. In year 2013 sunglasses have ruled the trend of fashion world. In olden days, nerd and round sunglasses were in use. However, the year 2013 has been flooded with the top class models in sunglasses such as aviator look, retro, rimless, military, sporty or contemporary. These recent models of sunglasses not only give comfort to the eyes but also they alter the entire look. Also, these sunglasses come in fairer prices so that anybody could buy it at shorter prizes. Therefore people also like to adopt recent fashion statements by selecting recent sunglasses trends.
(source: GlassesHunter)

Debt, savings, fearmongering

Just some reposted links (thanks koozdra) to get rid of that dreaded "newer" link.

Transition from low interest rates will be painful.    Nice to see they're at least aware of the problem, but it remains to be seen whether their actions to reduce risk will do so, or tip the market into the ditch even faster.

1/3 of Canadians living paycheque to paycheque.   Not much detail there, but apparently the people that aren't saving are of various income levels, so it ain't just those scummy renting ne'er do wells.

Mortgage brokers suddenly concerned about rental rates.  Won't someone think of the renters!

Zoocasa.com has launched in Canada with MLS listings.   Only Toronto so far, but apparently Victoria is in the next group of cities that will get the MLS upgrade.  Finally some competition in this space and the CREA are going to have to aggressively move to modernize their site to stay competitive.    Zoocasa seems to have quite an odd business model based on collecting money from agents for referrals, and then giving some of it back to the buyer.   I wonder how that will integrate with the business model of discount reduced commission realtors?

So far Zoocasa only has about half of the listings that are on realtor.ca

Steer 2013 Summer Fashion Trends

Have you got any idea about enriching your fashion wardrobe this summer? Celebrity, a group of people who always has keen sense of fashion trends, is the best fashion vane for us. So let’s check the 2013 summer fashion trends I traced from them.

The cinematic style inspiration this summer comes courtesy of Sofia Coppola's Bling Ring whose high-end trashy version beats the tasteful 20s look hands down: it's the glasses of Emma Watson styling that is key to the his look. The rule is oversized, with the arms tucked over, then under your hair, just like a hair clip.

Antonio Berardi "side-butt" dress is quite eye-catching either in a positive way or not. Black chiffon dresses decorated with deep green silk naturally outlines Antonio Berardi’s smoking hot figure. The see-through "side-butt" design takes the ajar-door beauty to the extreme and is destined to hog the limelight everywhere she goes.

Dior's Cruise 2014 Sensual Freedom

Raf Simons seems to really be making a dramatic triumph at Christian Dior. His couture collections have been selling like pancakes – take in mind one couture dress can cost you more than $80,000 – and his two most recent ready-to-wear collections have been another huge success. I believe most of this had to do with his decision to reinvent the House of Dior by taking Monsieur Christian Dior’s past work and interpreting it in today’s modern world. John Galliano did a great job with his Edwardian inspired looks Christian Dior himself was very fond of in his designs. But in today’s society, everyone moves fast, leaving the past as a simple memory. We want to be shocked. And this is exactly what Raf Simons is doing – taking the past to a whole new era of minimalistic beauty, and surprising us each season with more designs we don’t know if we should rewind or forward.

Simons’ talent is no doubt a designer with special attributes. There are only few designers in history who have changed the phase of a brand. Tom Ford became a well-respected designer for making Gucci into an international luxury beast anyone wants a piece of today. I picture Raf Simons molding Dior into a much larger empire than it already is now. There are people who criticize the new Dior as dead and ugly. And that is the point Simons seems to pull us in to. Analyze something thoroughly before giving your humble opinion.

For Dior’s Resort 2014 Collection, Monaco gave Simons the honor of presenting his first Cruise collection for the brand. What did I think about the new cruise collection? A total shocker. Simons brought out a more sensual side to the Dior woman. He understands what a special cruise collection should be about – freedom, femininity, luxury, and seduction. All was available here.

His interpretation of various sheer dresses had somewhat an architectural form as I like to refer to. These dresses were simply made for the luxury customers who appreciate detail in the best of ways. It is those small brushes of details that make a treasure much more valuable. And I loved the effect of a little see-thru moment; heats things up.

If anything you should be familiar with Dior, it should be its famous bar jackets – smaller at the waist, wider at the hips – that make any women love her curves.  He added vivid colors – blue and red – and prints, which modernized the original suit silhouette with slimmer versions of pants. 

Another surprise I got from Simons was his unique taste for lace. He made sure his cropped lace tops looked tough sporty without appearing too girlish as one is used to seeing. The material felt tougher with luxury. 

I wonder what kind of woman wouldn’t mind wearing Dior’s cropped tops. You could tell right away these silk tops screamed luxury. But more than luxury, they felt couture. The colorblock, couture effect, and embroidered tops could become the next big trend to wear soon………couture cropped tops. 

By far, Simons’ most sensual designs were his double zipper dresses. But more than the silk bras and undies model wore, these dresses were the most erotic part of Dior. The flow of the silk fabric made everything move with much more freedom, and it is up to the woman who wears them to decide how much closure she wants to go for. Simons only made the beginning of a summer relationship more intense. How far would you be willing to go?

With the construction and patchwork of these vibrant colored dresses, the question is which will Jennifer Lawrence soon be wearing? This is what has made Simons’ dresses more demanded by many celebrities. His choice of colors he designs with transmits a serenity, classic, and modern femininity to the Dior Lady. In short terms, they're the colors of luxury and minimalism. 

*This post is one of the winners of IFB's Links à la Mode*

May 21 Market Update

MLS numbers update courtesy of the VREB via Marko Juras. These numbers are for the Victoria Real Estate Board's reporting area, including Sooke, Shawnigan Lake and the Gulf Islands.

	May 2013				May 2012
	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4
Uncond. Sales	96	235	367		659
New Listings	277	584	916		1740
Active Listings	4568	4642	4724		5015
Sales to New Listings	35%	40%	40%		38%
Sales Projection	---	600	602
Months of Inventory					7.6

We won't hit last year's sales but listings are down to match,   Looks like MOI will be lower than last year again.

The 200

Comment madness?  No...

Amazing how interest rates have continued to come down and improve affordability. 

Carry on.  

Cannes 2013: The Celebrities That Left a Historic Triumph

There are only a few celebrities that leave a remarkable fashion moment any woman would dream of wearing so perfectly. As you may know, the Cannes 2013 Festival began yesterday with an abundance of celebrities arriving at this prestigious event. This one week events are always worth more than any other red carpet or interview, because fashion gives an extreme welcome to the stars. Only here is where you'll see most of your favorite celebrities dressed to impress in the most recent designer collections right of the runway.

There are some that leave a well remarked impression, but there are others that leave a legendary fashion moment. It has been one day since the events have begun, and I already have two of my favorite actresses as one the best celebrities to execute such a prestigious gala with perfection. Those women are Nicole Kidman and Carey Mulligan. 

Nicole Kidman at the Cannes 2013 Festival event in Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Dior Couture.

Nicole Kidman became one of the celebrities to break the record three times in a row; historic triumph. While others changed twice, this girl wanted to make Cannes a special day for everyone. Why not? For her arrival, she wore a beautiful navy sequin Dior dress that sculpted her body so well with those Dior heels. Later, for her second press look she opted to wear a black Alexander McQueen dress that made her look so confidently hot with a black ribbon tied around her hair. Dress and shoes spoke for itself. The most memorable moment that she gave was her red carpet appearance. She looked gorgeous in a Dior Couture dress from Raf Simons Spring 2013 couture show. Honestly this was one of my favorite dresses from the presentation. I've had been waiting to see someone in it, and that wait was finally over. Thank you Nicole for making it special! Nicole even gave some attitude with those fluorescent Jimmy Choo numbers. 

Carey Mulligan at the Cannes 2013 Festival event in Balenciaga, and Dior Couture.

Carey Mulligan didn't want be left behind. For her press appearance, she wore a black Balenciaga jumpsuit from Alexander Wang's debut for Balenciaga's Fall 2013 collection. Her edgy, feminine sparkle is what made this number work so well. She has worn Balenciaga two times in a row for an event, last being for the Met Gala. Perhaps she may become Wang's muse. If so, I guarantee Mulligan we'll be able to work that fall collection with ease. At the red carpet event, she decided to go for a beautiful pink Dior Couture gown. The dress may have been a little simple for some, but the construction of the details and the person who wears it is what gives life to a dress. Carey, you looked stunning, and with those two gentleman, enough said.

Zhang Ziyi and Jualianne Moore both in Dior Couture at the Cannes 2013 Festival event.

You may have seen that Dior has made a real comeback to the red carpet events, especially the Cannes 2013 Festival events. Just after Raf Simons Dior Couture and Ready-to-Wear collection were presented, the number of dresses that have been worn to various galas has been crazy. I believe it is the fact that Simons designs for the surreal woman who has a life of her own. 

Chinese actress and model, Zhanq Ziyi wore a striking Dior Couture ensemble from Raf Simons' first debut for Dior's Haute Couture Fall 2012 collection. Julianne Moore also wore a Dior Couture dress from Simons' Spring 2013 Couture presentation. 

Who have been your favorite celebrities that have impressed you at a Cannes Festival?

Donna Karan's Fall 2013 Steamy Ad Campaign

Donna Karan Fall 2013 Steamy Ad Campaign with Catherine McNeil and Andres Velencoso

What does a love chemistry look like between Australian supermodel Catherine McNeil and Spanish sumpermodel Andres Velencoso Segura?...........A sensual work of art. 

Donna Karan's fall 2013 collection was all about capturing an intimate relation between an artist and the clothes. You can tell she damn right knew how to portray it in her upcoming fall campaign. The choice of the clothes - sensual, feminine, and mysterious - couldn't have been any better for the setting of the story, especially with that hairstyle that leaves you thinking if the artist (Andres) just got done with his work of art. In other closer shots, it seems just what an artist would do to his masterpiece - experiment it delicately with his hands. I wonder what woman wouldn't like to take a quick visit to her artist now? I believe a guy wouldn't mind becoming an artist for a good cause either.

As far as Fall ads are beginning to appear, as of now I find Donna Karan's Fall 2013 ad campaign as one the best and most steamy campaigns of the season. Last season, well technically this season, because it is a Spring 2013 campaign, Miu Miu was at the top of my chart - lustfully desired. It is campaigns like this one that makes us want to buy clothes - a little spice always heats things up much better. What are your thoughts on this seductive campaign? 

An intimate eye to eye sensual moment in Donna Karan's Fall 2013 Ad Campaign. 

Can you the artist laying in the couch shirtless? That hair is suspicious.