Stella Designs for Kids

Sometimes I wish I were still a kid...these days the clothes that kids have are just as nice, if not nicer, than adult clothing. Well this bit of news just adds to just how fabulous kids clothing is: Stella McCartney has decided to design for GapKids and babyGap!! The line will be out later this year and will be available in Canada and the US as well as some other selected countries. How amazing! Things like this make me want to have kids...or maybe I'll just settle with buying the new line for my little cousins instead of getting pregnant.

Halloween

This is the first time in a while (since I was probably 10 years old) that I am actually excited for Halloween! Usually I'm not that into it...I'll just watch Alfred Hitchcock movies and eat too much candy corn to the point where I make myself sick. Well this year will be different! I'm going to a loft party in the Plateau area of Montreal with a couple of my friends. I was originally going to be Hannah Montana high on coke...I thought it would be funny, you know...go to Walmart buy gross sparkly teen clothes, with a blond wig, a microphone, and to top it all off flour smeared around my nose. But then I didn't feel like buying a whole new outfit that I would never wear again so my friend was like "Hey how about you be Lindsay Lohan high on coke you wear your own clothes and just buy the blond wig!"....that sounded like a brilliant idea....until today when I was thinking "Hhmmm I think I'm just going to end up looking like a crack whore instead of Lindsay Lohan". So nowwww after everything I'm going to be a "chic" witch....what is a "chic" witch you might ask? Well all I bought was a really nice black witches hat and a witches broom and then I'm going to wear my own black clothes. I'm thinking my black Burberry boots, black nylon American Apparel leggings, and then this insanely gorgeous light, long sleeved, v-neck sweater that have very small shoulder pads with sequins and beads just on the shoulders....crazinesss! I'll wear my hair curly too instead of straight...might look more witch-like. Anyway that's my Halloween costume...cannot wait! What are you guys dressing up as?

Happy Halloween!

Fashionable Movies

So here is a list of my all time favourite fashionable movies!

1. The Devil Wears Prada (obviously): I am not even exaggerating when I say that I think I've seen this movie about 40 times. I know all of the lines, all of the outfits, and I can easily give you a detailed play-by-play of what happens in the movie. The BEST movie of alllll time!! It's so glamorous, exciting, and really gives you an inside scoop of what happens in the fashion industry!



2. The September Issue: The REAL Devil Wears Prada showing the fashion God Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, trying to make the the September issue deadline. It gives you the REAL inside scoop of one of the most powerful women in the world do her job at Vogue and her Creative Director Grace Coddington take the sympathetic spotlight as the background visionary of the magazine.



3. Funny Face: This movie is such a musical classic starring Audrey Hepburn transforming from a book-worm to a model by meeting a fashion photographer played by Fred Astaire and an Editor-in-Chief of a premier fashion magazine. The movie takes place in New York City, where she lives and works, but then shifts to the city of Paris where she pursues her modeling career and her relationship with the photographer.



4. Coco Avant Chanel: This is such an amazing movie that I left the theater with chills and I could not stop thinking about it for at least another week. The movie stars one of my favourite French actresses Audrey Tautou playing Gabrielle Coco Chanel before she became Chanel. It shows the tragic romance that she had with Arthur Capel and how she broke away from the fashion trends back in the 19th century by dressing herself in mens clothing. Most of the movie is about her life before Chanel, but towards the end it does give a little glimpse of her success and how she completely changed the fashion industry.

Music: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

This song has been on repeat since I've checked out the Twilight: New Moon Soundtrack....it is sooooo good! Something I can see playing in the Into The Wild movie actually. Not many people like this song or the new Twilight soundtrack, but I'm kind of liking it....better than that Paramore stuff from the last soundtrack.

Done All Wrong - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Do You Want To Smell Like Paris?

I am in love with Yves Saint Laurent's new perfume called Parisienne! It really does smell like Paris...it has a very romantic and rose base scent that makes you feel like you are Marie Antoinette strolling around through the streets of Paris with your boyfriend Gilles Marini (I wishhh).

Music: Keane

I love Keane so much...I go through major phases with this band though I'll listen to it to death and then move onto something else...but I always come back. Kind of the same relationship I have with Coldplay, Cat Power, Radiohead, etc...Well now I'm on Keane overload!

Nothing In My Way - Keane

Restaurant: Locanda Verde (New York City)

I went to Locanda Verde in August with my Mom and brother Nick towards the end of my internship at Condé Nast and I loved everything about it! It's located on Greenwhich Street in TriBeCa along with several other restaurants, but on that Friday it was the most packed restaurant on the street (which usually means the place is good). Robert Deniro is part owner of the restaurant and the food is by well renowned chef Andrew Carmellini. The decor and style of the restaurant is a relaxed, up-to-date, trendy, Italian tavern with a rustic touch from the dark wood paneling to the huge iron chandeliers. It had a bit of an intimate wine bar feel, even though the space was extremely large with very high ceilings. The menu is a more refined Italian cuisine filled with fish and pasta; I had octopus to start, with a pesto ravioli pasta as my main dish. Unfortunately I did not have dessert because apparently the place is known for having a famous dessert chef...oh well next time!

(Photo taken from restaurant website)

http://locandaverdenyc.com/index.php

L'Officiel

This is one of my favourite magazines that I cannot stop reading! I've only been purchasing it since my trip to Paris back in June when I bought my first issue at a news stand on Champs-Élysées. The magazine was created in 1921 by Andrée Castaniée and was (and still is) geared towards upper-class and high fashionable women in their 20's-40's. What I love about this magazine is that since it's from Paris the fashion and trends are much more ahead than here in North America. It's a beautiful publication that goes outside of the fashion boundaries. It's clean and organized, but not mundane in that it still has a lot of creativity and individualism that separates L'Officiel with other Magazines that all seem to say the same thing. Unfortunately, I only receive the issues a bit later than people in Europe in that I just bought September two days ago! Also, because it is shipped from Paris it costs a lot compared to other magazines (15$), but for someone who wants to have a career in fashion this is a great investment. Another thing that makes this magazine better than others is that since it's written in French, it helps me improve my French (I'm an anglophone and do speak French, but not as fluent as I would like to be). Each issue has a theme and in the September issue it is all about Paris and Parisian style (amazingggg!!).

Abercrombie & Fitch in Milan

Italians must be ecstatic for Abercrombie & Fitch to open up a 32, 400 square-foot flagship store next week in Milan. Whenever I'm at the ridiculously annoying one on 5th avenue in New York it is PACKED with Italians (from Italy, not Brooklyn). They are seriously obsessed! I think it goes with the whole concept that Europeans love American brands and Americans love European brands....everybody wants what they don't have! Well now Italians don't have to worry about travelling to NYC to go get their supply of American style.

Ed2010

I forgot to mention this site in my "Websites" post the other day, but it is probably one of the most important. It has helped me out so much when trying to plan for my future because it is a website for young people who aspire to work in the magazine industry by interning. Ed provides advice, mentoring, message boards where people can communicate and share ideas with one another, job listings (and it's not just little magazines, but instead Hearst and Condé Nast who post up available intern positions within their companies), and upcoming events! It's amazing!

http://www.ed2010.com/

Women's Wear by Tom Ford!!!

Suchhhh exciting newss!! I love everything Tom Ford he's amazing and his men's line is gorgeous. He just informed Women's Wear Daily not even two days ago about launching, with his business partner Domenico de Sole, a Tom Ford women's line that will probably be out for next Fall! Right now they are in the process of financing....this is amazing, I cannot wait!

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful....

Ok well since it started to SNOW today in Montreal, yes I said SNOW, I thought I would share with you some things that have been making me warm in this crazy weather (and things that I still need to purchase)

1. Black cashmere wrap sweater by Club Monaco: I'm wearing it now and can't remember the last time I took it off....yes it's THAT warm and comfy!

2. Beret's: my favorite kind of hat, it's so elegant and Parisian I love it! The ones that look the nicest on me and actually are very cheap are the ones from Zara this season. I got one in black and in a cream/grey/light rose colour. They both are more on the slouchy side and are super furry like a Russian hat. They cost only 20$ each! Go get them now before they sell out! (I love them so much that I gasped so loudly when I saw them...my friend Tessy thought I was insane!)

3. Knit men's socks by J.Crew: I wear them with my boots and they are so big, chunky, and warm. Who cares if they're made for men, no one will know! I got mine in a cream and navy blue, but they also had burgundy!

4. Scarf by Banana Republic: I purchased a cashmere and wool blend scarf that is so beautiful and light yet warm. They had it in a soft white (the colour I got), light grey (my friend Tessy bought), and a neutral tan with a hint of rose. There is no chunky knit pattern to it at all, it's instead long and smooth!

5. Uggs: Yes I know, I know they aren't the most beautiful shoes on the planet but living in the arctic you NEED these. It's not part of a fashion statement (well at least I don't make it out to be like that) instead it is a necessity when trying to survive Canadian winters, otherwise you'll get frost bite. Trust me if I lived somewhere else I would not buy them. You have to admit they are the comfiest things ever invented!!

6. Canadian Goose Down Jacket: I have not purchased mine yet because I'm asking it as a part of my Christmas present this year because they are soooo expensive (around 475-550$). I think every University student in the Montreal area owns this jacket...it's a bit overdone, like Uggs, but it is the warmest jacket probably in the entire world. I plan on getting the longer one that ends right above the knee, with a big fur hood, in black, and that cinches in the waist.

7. Wool Leggings by Rugby Ralph Lauren: I bought a pair when I was in Boston and they weren't so expensive for wool leggings (60$). They are so warm and don't itch that badly! I wear leggings all of the time, so this was a great winter investment!

Another thing that makes me warm throughout this season (it doesn't have to do with clothing) is Second Cup's Hot Chocolate...best drink ever! Tastes like a chocolate bar, but hot and liquefied. I now feel prepared for this winter season! Time to bundle up!

Surfs Up Cynthia Rowley!

If I lived in California and surfed I would buy this line immediately...I think I will anyways just because it's so nice! Cynthia Rowley is designing for Roxy and it looks GORGEOUS with cool tones and a cali laid-back vibe. It will include bathing suits, bodysuits, skirts, hoodies, sandals, and minidresses. You can purchase the line at Roxy, Cynthia Rowley, and/or Barneys New York!

In Love With.....Michael Bublé

I have been in love with him for quite some time, but never as much as right now. I cannot stop listening to him, his new album it out of this world!

Cry Me a River - Michael Bublé



All of Me - Michael Bublé

Websites

Here is a list of websites that I go on every single day to give me inspiration and update me on current news in the fashion industry:

The Sartorialist - by Scott Schuman

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

This past summer Schuman launched his first book showing around 500 different images from his blog.

The Online Home of Vogue - by Conde Nast

http://www.style.com/

This website is the Mecca of everything fashion related! I go on it everyday so that i am always updated on current fashion trends, shows, events, and news.

Shop Bop

http://www.shopbop.com/

I first heard about this website almost 4 years ago and have been obsessed ever since. It is an online shopping website that has amazing brands from Alexander Wang, to Erin Fetherston, to Diane von Furstenberg. They have clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories....EVERYTHING.

Women's Wear Daily - Conde Nast

http://wwd.com/

On this site WWD posts everything that they put in their daily newspapers, however you are not able to view full articles unless you are a subscriber. This famous newspaper/website is what people in the fashion industry first look at when they wake up in the morning. In The September Issue you see a newspaper copy of WWD on Anna Wintour's desk and in The Rachel Zoe Project you see Rachel Zoe reading it in her robe in the morning while drinking her Starbucks. It is known in the fashion industry as the Bible, by updated the world on anything from announcing new trends to business news.

Edgy French Brands...Antik Batik and Zadig & Voltaire

When I was in Paris back in June I told myself that everything I would buy on my trip would be items that I could only find in Paris and not back home in Montreal. I started off at Les Galeries Lafayettes on the third floor where I found the Antik Batik boutique full of ethnic inspired clothing drowning in sequins, beads, silks, embroideries, and velvets. I wanted everything in the store from the chiffon scarves with sequin details, to the signature tunics, to this grey suede long handbag with silver and cream sequins on the flap. I however ended up buying a see-through, long sleeve chiffon dress, but it was a tough decision and I regret not buying more. Antik Batik's founder/designer Gabriella Cortese originates from Italy and moved to Paris when she was 18 years old so that she could learn French and make some money. She started dancing at the Crazy Horse Saloon and was inspired by that old world style, which is shown through her loose and flowy clothes that have an ethnic and antique feel. She started the brand back in 1994 with only accessories, but then quickly expanded towards tunics, sweaters, and sarongs creating a new definition of Parisienne chic by replacing black and lace with earthy tones and jewels forming a luxurious, rich, and eccentric style. (www.antikbatik.fr/ you can shop the brand online at http://www.shopbop.com/)

Following my experience shopping at Antik Batik, I made my way to Saint Germain des Pres where I had a cafe and croissant at Les Deux Magots (where Hemingway used to write), I noticed many chic young Parisienne women carrying these gorgeous big white bags with Zadig & Voltaire written across in red. I was curious as to what this store had and where it was and so I asked a young girl and she said that it was on rue du vieux Colombier. My cousin Sabrina, my brother Nick, and I eventually found the huge, two floor boutique complete with edgy, trendy, and fashionable street-wear. Their logo is of a butterfly which is placed on some of their sweaters and bags. The fabrics were what made it unique and more high end than any other trendy street-wear brand. They had silks, leather, cashmere, wool, and sequins. It was fairly expensive, but worth it because of the quality, fabrics, and cuts of the items. I bought a camel colored leather bag that I wear almost everyday and my brother bought the softest black dress pants I had ever seen and a black dress shirt that looked as if it was made especially for him. Zadig & Voltaire reflects writer and philosopher Francois Voltaire's rebellious ideas that went against tradition. The brand is all over Europe and fortunately just opened their first boutique in North America located on Washington Street in New York City. (www.zadig-et-voltaire.com/eu/)

Bright Star

Bright Star is a film about the love affair between 19th century English poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. It was a beautifully filmed movie taking place in the English country side, but my high expectations were not necessarily fulfilled. I am a fan of Keats work since I studied his poetry last semester in my 19th century British Literature class and I had been looking forward to seeing this film for quite some time. I found it to be a bit slow and unfortunately the connection between John and Fanny was not very believable in my eyes. It was not a bad movie per se, but definitely not as amazing as I thought it was going to be (honestly I think my expectations were too high). All in all it was a pleasant and eye appealing movie, but I would not go see it again.

Bright Star

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art--

...Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night

And watching, with eternal lids apart,...

Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,

The moving waters at their priestlike task

...Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,

Or gazing on the new soft fallen mask

...Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--

No--yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,

...Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

...Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

...And so live ever--or else swoon to death

Music: Florence and The Machine

This band has been playing on repeat in the background while I've been reading Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw all day. Florence Welch has such an incredible voice. Her songs can be eclectic and quirky at times, but are overall beautiful. Some of the songs that I love....Cosmic Love, Bird Song, Girl With One Eye, Falling, You've Got The Love, Blinding, and much more.

Florence and The Machine - Rabbit Heart



Florence and The Machine - Drumming Song

Wanted: The Teen Vogue Handbook

I am so beyond excited to buy Teen Vogue's first book called "The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion". I am obsessed with buying books, especially coffee table books and so this is a BIG deal for me. I've been reading Teen Vogue since I was 12 (8 years!! I am one devoted reader) and I also aspire to have a career in the fashion industry, so basically this book is perfect for me. I cannot wait! I am currently on amazon.ca about to press the "Buy" button....I have a feeling that this book will become my Bible and that I will be reading it religiously. (http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/blogs/beauty/2009/07/book-club-the-teen-vogue-handbook.html)

Wanted: Jade

Chanel's signature colour for this Fall/Winter 2010 is jade green, where it was seen on all of the models nails on the catwalk. It is almost impossible to find the must-have Chanel nail lacquer; it is out of stock on Chanel's website and is nowhere to be found in Montreal or Boston (the places where I was on the hunt to find it). The colour brings that perfect amount of pop against dark winter clothes. Lagerfeld adds it in his famous black and white colour scheme, but I personally think it would look amazing against a charcoal grey. Now it is my quest this season to find it!

Boston

This past weekend my brother Nick, my dog Charlie, and I went to Boston to go visit our Aunt and Uncle who live in the South End part of the city. I have been to Boston several times, but it was my first time driving there without my parents and it ended up being an amazing Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving weekend getaway. Even though it was pouring rain on our drive down and on our way back home there was a psycho farmer from Vermont harassing us, it was a wonderful trip. Boston is a quaint city that isn't fast-passed like New York, but still has a LOT of history. In this post I am going to be giving you a little Guide to Boston from my perspective.

Museums: The Museum of Fine Arts

I loved this museum, it had everything starting from Egyptian and Greek Art all the way to Modern Art. They also had a very good Buddhist and Japanese Art section. The gift shop had an amazing variety of books, I felt like I was at Barnes & Noble! I have a very big obsession with beautiful coffee table books (even though I don't even own a coffee table) and this museum had a very nice collection of potential coffee table books, whether it be about fashion, art, home decor, or travelling...they had it

Food: Franklin's Cafe

LOVED THIS RESTAURANT! I have to admit Boston does not have amazing food...but this place was the best place I've been to yet. It was really dark, small, and intimate bistro styled restaurant located on a small street in the South End. I had unfried big pieces of calamari with white beans underneath and then an amazing steak frites as my main dish. The other people I was eating with had steak styled tuna and shellfish stew. The service was also amazing, very friendly and the crowd was packed with locals. Can't wait to go back! (http://franklincafe.com/)

The Upper Crust

If you want a good slice of pizza in Boston go to The Upper Crust. I always go to the one on Charles Street, but apparently there are more locations now. Not the BEST pizza I've ever had (Denino's in Staten Island, New York is the BEST in the world), but this however is very good. (http://www.theuppercrustpizzeria.com/)

Shopping: Boston style is very preppy (with 35 Universities in the city, including Harvard) and a bit on the conservative and safe side, it is basically the quintessential look and essence of America. Every time I go I think of Ralph Lauren and J. Crew...and that is exactly where I go to shop when I am there. I also think of Coach when I am there, but I personally don't like that trend, it's so overdone and has turned on the tacky/cheap side...it seems like every young female adult has a coach bag in America. Here is a list of stores that I shop at when I am in Boston, not only because they reflect Bostonian style, but also because they are stores that do not exist in Montreal.

Rugby Ralph Lauren

This store is AMAZING! I love it! It's a younger and more affordable version of the high end line of Ralph Lauren. Their logo is of a small skull that they put on a lot of their clothing, they have blazers, wool sweaters, ruffles, big stripes, crests...the epitome of American style. Unfortunately, they do not ship it to Canada and there are only a select few Rugby boutiques, so if you want a dose of young, American preppy style with a Ralph Lauren influence to it, you have to go to Boston or New York City (closest cities to Montreal that carry Rugby). The price range is around 70$-550$. (http://www.rugby.com/)

Anthropologie

This is my favourite store in the entire world. I love everything about it! The store designer is a God because everything in it looks and is set up beautifully. Anthropologie has the same concept as Urban Outfitters where they have different clothing brands (not their own), jewelry, books, shoes, handbags, and home decor. The style is very unique, worldly, eclectic, whimsical, and vintage inspired. They have people who work for Anthropologie who travel the world trying to find interesting and different styles, patterms, and textiles. It is a bit more on the expensive side, but absolutely worth it! (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp)

J. Crew

J. Crew is classic, preppy, American style. It is somewhat basic with jeans, cardigans, blouses, coats, ballet flats, and long gold chain necklaces. It is in other words, a preppier and higher end version of Gap. They have them all over the States, but unfortunately not in Montreal. (http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp)

Harvard Yard

This is Harvard's new clothing line for men inpired by what Harvard students used to wear back in the 1940's and 1950's. It's absolutely gorgeous preppy Ivy League clothing that I heard about when reading WWD this summer at Conde Nast. Only problem...they don't have a women's line yet!

Hello!

My name is Olivia Agostino and this is a lifestyle blog about my likes and dislikes, but focusing largely on fashion and style. This is my first blog EVER and I have been meaning to do this for a while, but have been procrastinating due to my laziness. Well now it's time I be productive! So just a little background info about me: I go to Concordia University studying English Lit. and Art History in Montreal, Canada and even though I am bombarded with work I will try and post as often as possible. This past summer I embarked on life changing experiences where I travelled to Paris and interned at Conde Nast Publications in New York City! I had the time of my life and learned so much about the fashion and publication industry. Some of the magazines/newspapers I worked/helped out for were: Vogue, WWD, Lucky, Glamour, Modern Bride (R.I.P.), and Elegant Bride (R.I.P.). I have also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology's Summer Live program studying Careers in Fashion Styling and Fashion Merchandising and have been accepted to attend FIT's Undergraduate Program and Teen Vogue's Fashion University. Finally, the title of my blog "Broke Little Rich Girl" which I give full credit to my friend Laura for coming up with the name, basically means that I am a complete shopaholic addict and spend ALL of my money on clothes and mindless/useless (but gorgeous) stuff! That's it for now, I hope you enjoy my blog :)