New Blog!

La Vie a La Mode has now been changed to The Short Fashionista!

Check out:   http://www.theshortfashionista.wordpress.com/    for more fabulous fashion updates!


xox

Gia

Goodbye Alexander McQueen 1969-2010

This morning, I woke up to not so great news, and I still can't believe it's true.  I was devestated to find out that one of my favourite fashion designers, avante-garde British designer Alexander McQueen had been found dead in his London apartment. At 40 years old this is a very untimely death, and according to many sources it is said that he had committed suicide by hanging himself.  By the time paramedics arrived on the scene, it was too late.  It's such a tragic end to the life of one of the most unique and creative designers out there. McQueen was one of my favourites; his clothing and fashion shows were always spectacular, with his Spring/Summer 2010 show being one of my ultimate favourites.  His death comes just as New York fashion week is underway, London fashion week is a few days away, and just as he was set to unveil his fall collection on March 9th during Paris fashion week.   The fashion world has lost someone who has been very influential and who has influenced a whole new generation of designers with his provocative and edgy designs.   Alexander McQueen, the influential and controversial designer, will be missed by all in the fashion world. 

"At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and, on another, he was a modern day genius whose gothic esthetic was adopted by women the world over." -Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue

Style Icon: Kate Middleton

Not the usual type of person to be considered a style icon, Kate Middleton, has proven otherwise. Known to most people as the girlfriend of Prince William, Kate has been on numerous best dressed lists over the last few years.  She has become a fashion icon for many women, just as Princess Diana was a fashion icon for her generation.  From conservative dresses, and cocktail hats, to preppy, girly and casual clothing, this girl definitely has style.   Kate gets extra points for her impressive collection of blazers and boots, both of which I absolutely adore and have plenty of as well.

Here are some of my favourite Kate Middleton looks:

Quote of the Day

"It’s all a game, with new rules every season"

- Stefano Gabbana (speaking about fashion)

(image from: Models.com)

It's Here! Paris Haute Couture Week!

I can't believe this season is upon us once again. Alas, I am not complaning because it has to do with fashion! With shows from Dior, Armani, Givenchy, Chanel, and Gaultier amongst many others, it is certainly one of my favourite weeks of the year.  Sadly, unlike 13 year old blogger Tavi Gevinson, I am not sitting at the front row of the couture shows.  One day, one day (well, it's what I keep telling myself at least!).

Anyway, today (and by today I mean Monday seeing as it is now 12 am Tuesday) Alexis Mabille, Christian Dior and the Giorgio Armani Privé showed their collections, and were a few of the shows that kickstarted the week. 

Here is the schedule for the week:

Sunday, January 2010, the 24th


JOSEPHUS THIMISTER** 7.00 pm See invitation

Monday, January 2010, the 25th

ALEXIS MABILLE** 10.00 am Garage Turenne - 66 rue de Turenne - Paris 3e

CHRISTOPHE JOSSE** 11.00 am Les Beaux Arts de Paris - salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e

ANNE VALERIE HASH noon 36 boulevard Bonne Nouvelle - Paris 10e

CHRISTIAN DIOR 2.30 pm 30 avenue Montaigne - Paris 8e

ADELINE ANDRÉ 6.00 & 7.00 pm JTM Gallery - 40 rue de Richelieu - Paris 1er

GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ* 9.00 pm Palais de Chaillot - 1 place du Trocadéro - Paris 16e


Tuesday, January 2010, the 26th

CHANEL 10.00 & 12. 00 am Pavillon Cambon Capucines - 46 rue Cambon - Paris 1er

STEPHANE ROLLAND 2.30 pm Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine - 45 avenue du Président Wilson - Paris 16e

MAURIZIO GALANTE 3.30 pm See invitation

ATELIER GUSTAVO LINS** 4.30 pm 10 rue Hérold - Paris 1er

DOMINIQUE SIROP 5.30 pm See invitation

GIVENCHY 7.00 pm See invitation

Wednesday, January 2010, the 27th

ON AURA TOUT VU*** 10.00 am JTM Gallery 40 rue de Richelieu - Paris 1er

FRANCK SORBIER 11.00 am Sotheby's - 76 rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré - Paris 8e

ELIE SAAB* 12.30 pm Théâtre National de Chaillot - 1 place du Trocadéro - Paris 16e

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 2.30 pm 325 rue Saint-Martin - Paris 3e

LEFRANC.FERRANT** 4.00 pm Couvent des Recollets - 148 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin - Paris 10e

MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ** 5.00 pm 38 boulevard Raspail - Paris 7e

VALENTINO* 6.30 pm Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e


Thursday, January 2010, the 28th

BOUCHERON, CHANEL JOAILLERIE, CHAUMET, MELLERIO DITS MELLER, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS


Here is the website for more info! :   Mode a Paris

[Photo: New York Times. com ]

Miranda Kerr's Top Ten Looks

Take a peek at Miranda Kerr's top ten looks and see where you can get similar fab outfits for less!

PS. Be sure to check out Modelinia, one of my favourite style websites!



See the full slideshow on modelinia.com

Quote of the Day

"I never think of myself as an icon. I just do my thing"
- Audrey Hepburn

First Lindsay Lohan now Sarah Jessica Parker. I Do Not Approve!

"I know I come to the company in a rather unorthodox way but I'm not the first to be president of a company without the traditional background" - Sarah Jessica Parker  *



Last year when Lindsay Lohan was announced as the new creative consultant for French fashion house Emanuel Ungaro, I shuddered.  I mean, she doesn't have sufficient knowledge of the industry, nor the proper background needed to do well in such a position.  It would take years for a normal person, say someone like me, to get a job like that, especially without sufficient knowledge or the education needed for it.   Obviously she got it through her connections, along with the fact that she is a celebrity (although, in my honest opinion they could have done much better.  There are MANY better celebrities than her at the moment).

Her first few months as creative consultant had not been very successful, or so I've heard. One would think that fashion companies would have learned their lesson, and hire someone with an appropriate fashion background, and someone who is deserving of it.   Alas, sadly they have not for here we have the US fashion brand Halston hiring Sarah Jessica Parker as their President AND chief creative officer.  Insert exasperated sigh here.  

Although I know there are more women who idolize SJP as opposed to LiLo, BUT she is still a celebrity. 
Of course companies do this for more publicity and exposure, and I know that SJP is one of the most influential celebs in the fashion world, but I still don't feel that it's right or fair.  They are celebrities; they already star in tv shows, movies, endorse other products, get free fabulous clothes.... and now get appointed presidents of companies?    Leave such jobs to the people who actually work hard, and go to school for these things. Those who bust their butts in unpaid internships for years, etc.   I'm also talking from personal experiences here!   

I know this is probably not the only rant out there about this and that I'm not the only one who doesn't approve.   SJP does have her own perfume line and her own affordable clothing line called 'Bitten' for US retail store Steve & Barry's, yet in my eyes, this doesn't count as having a true background in fashion. I highly doubt she even did much work on the perfume or clothing lines but only lent  her name to it like many celeb "designers" do (minus Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, and Victoria Beckham...but that's a whole other story!).

I just hope this whole celebrity becoming presidents, CEO's , chief creative consultants, etc of fashion companies does not become a big trend or else someone shall be very upset -cough cough- .

And there you have it ladies and gents.... my rant of the week!

xoxo


* Quote from  People Magazine
SJP photo from Times Live
Lindsay Lohan photo from CBS News

Style Icon: Alexa Chung

I loooooove Alexa Chung. Her style is simply amazing, and she always looks so effortlessly cool. She has a quirky style which is constantly changing, but that's what makes her so unique. Definitely one of my girl/style crushes! haha

Here are some photos of Alexa and her fabulousness:

 

Quote of the Day

"Why would you want to look like everyone else? ...It's so... common..."
- Coco Chanel

New Years Resolutions! Time For a Fresh Start!

I know this doesn't really have to do with fashion or what my blog is really about but I felt like sharing it with all of you!

This year, 2010, is going to be different. I think a lot of us feel this way, am I right?  It's a new decade, a new beginning...at least that's the way I see it!     I can't wait!  I feel so much more optimistic than I did this time last year.  For me, 2008 had been the best year of my life so far, and I guess that's mainly the reason why last year was such a let down.  Well, no more feeling sorry for myself! I have SO many things I want to and MUST accomplish this year.  It's a new decade, I'm turning 23 in a month; I'm obviously not a child, so it's time to get out there, erase all my negative/pessimistic feelings and accomplish everything I want to do!  As a wise person by the name of Kandee Johnson said, "Each person is born with a little suitcase, and in that suitcase are your talents and your dreams".  It's up to us to get out there, take risks, and pursue our goals and dreams no matter how big or small they may be.    My resolutions this year have to do with: my fashion journalism and fashion PR aspirations, my career (and perhaps more school) goals,  travelling, learning/gaining more knowledge, health and personal achievements, and many more things!  I will explain all of them with a list that I have compiled!  There's no stopping me now, just you watch  ;)

Ta da!...this is my list of my MANY resolutions for this wonderful year, which is full of potential for all of us!



To Get Out There and Experience Nature! To Be More Outdoorsy!

Take up Riding! I've always wanted to, just as a hobby.  It will be like finally living out my childhood dream!

Learn to ski! Finally, for once in my 23 years of life I can say I have been skiing or at least know how to!

Hiking!!!!! Oh to experience the great outdoors!

Can you believe that I also DON'T know how to swim! I have also forgotten how to skate because I haven't done so in a very long time.  Those are also part of this list!   (I have to quit being such an indoor girl!)

And now....to get to the more fashion-y part of my resolutions!!

Apply for, GET, and successfully accomplish a PR internship (I'm already working on achieving this part of my resolution !...working very hard).   As most PR and fashion internships are unpaid, I will also need a part-time job. I am ALSO working on that.  Yup this year is going to be pretty crazy, hectic, and busy.

Update this blog more frequently!.. and perhaps write some fashion articles for newspapers/magazines. (I am also already working on this!)

Go to college for a postgrad diploma in communications. Now that I'm done my BA, I can't be bothered with university anymore, plus it's only a year long program with an internship at the end!

Travel More!!

 That's right. I made a promise to myself that I would travel at least once a year somewhere.

Two years ago my friend Kristin and I went to LA, and that's what kickstarted my travelling habits. After that I went to Europe for a few months.  Yup 2008 was one busy, adventurous year.  In 2009, my yearly travel adventure was to NYC with my friends Teresa and Lisa.  This year.... I am planning on returning to.....

 Yup! Back to LA and wonderful California.  Perhaps go to San Fran and other cities too.  I would also like to go back to Europe, but maybe next year when I have saved up more.  For now, I really miss Cali, and must go back sometime this year!

I have a few more resolutions too but they're the same old things such as... losing about 5 pounds by my birthday!   My birthday is in exactly a month, eeek. If I really try, I know it's possible. If not by then, then by March at the latest!  I also need to be more active! Here's to regular work outs everyday!

Another one is to begin improving my french!  I know the basic stuff, but I want to improve it so that by the time I'm 30, I can hold an entire conversation! PLUS, I want to go live in Paris for 6 or 12 months in a couple of years, so knowing the language would help.

Lastly, to read more! I used to be such a bookworm and these past few years I have been too busy just reading boring textbooks and journal articles for school. I need to make time to catch up on my reading. I have SO many books I have bought and have yet to read.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway, I know that's a lot of stuff, but as I said..I'm very optimistic this year!  I know I can achieve all these things if I really try, and all of you can too! Don't give up yet, there are still about 51 or so weeks of 2010 left! 

xox

Gia

ps.  You  MUST watch this video.  Kandee Johnson is a makeup artist, but she has her own youtube videos and  is sooo inspirational.  I used to be so optimistic a few years back, then last year my optimism completely disappeared.  This year I told myself it would be different, then a few days after I told myself that I would stay positive ...I saw this video and it inspired me even more!

Emma Watson for Burberry Spring/Summer 2010

The lovely Emma Watson is once again starring in a Burberry ad campaign, this time for Spring/Summer 2010.  Having already starred in the awesome Fall/Winter '09/'10 campaign, she is back...this time with her younger brother Alex.  He is seen in some photos here with Emma, which were photographed by Mario Testino. 

Have a look:

[Photos: Martio Testino/ Courtesy of Burberry]

Style Spotlight: Cute, Bright Flats!

I think these flats are so cute and fun!  They're the BC "Escalator" flats.  I'm usually not into bright and bold colours all that much, but every once in a while they're alright.  Some people can pull off the bright, bold, funky look without any effort.  On the other hand, others like moi, have to find the perfect item that suits us.  I'm usually more into blacks, browns, and neutral colours.  This is just something fun and playful that would add a pop of colour to any cute, casual outfit.


$50 - BC Footwear

Quote of the Day

"Fashion is very important. It is life enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well."         Vivienne Westwood

The Best Fashion Shows: Final Part

This is the final installment (for now) of looking back at my favourite runway shows.   I have plenty more that I could add, but it would literally take weeks. Plus...it would start to be boring if that's all I posted about, obviously!

Here are the last of my favourite shows for now:

John Galliano: Spring/ Summer 2010



Alexander McQueen: Spring/Summer 2010



Diane von Furstenberg: Cruise '09/'10



Roberto Cavalli: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Anna Sui: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Emilio Pucci: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Gucci: Fall/Winter '08/'09



Miss Sixty: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Marc by Marc Jacobs: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Marc by Marc Jacobs: Spring/Summer 2010



Emanuel Ungaro: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Balmain: Fall/Winter '09/'10




And there you have it!
xox

The Best Fashion Shows Part: III

To continue with my picks of the best fashion shows, here are a few more of my personal favourites!

Have a look:

Chanel: Spring/Summer 2009



Matthew Williamson: Fall/Winter '09/'10



Chanel: Cruise '09/'10



Versace: Spring/Summer 2008