Style: Spring in a Box

Everyone knows I love a surprise just as much as the next gal.

Not a scary surprise like someone jumping at you from out of nowhere and gives you a mild heart attack – just a fun pleasant kind of surprise. So you can imagine how happy I was to receive a…………..

Mystery girly Gift Box to celebrate Spring from the people over at the Zoe Report. The Zoe Report (if you don’t already know) is an online style destination curated by none other than designer, celebrity stylist, editor and all-around business woman extraordinaire, Rachel Zoe.

Of course I’m going to share with you all the goodies inside the beautifully wrapped box that everything came in. Even the tissue paper (above) is stylish. So adorably cute!

First I should tell you that anyone can order (up to a limited amount as they sell out) the set (s) online although the Spring Box of Style (shown above) is now sold out. The boxes will cost anywhere from $100USD for a one-time only gift box or $350USD for an annual set for each season (that’s 4 boxes). What you get inside is worth more than what you would pay for everything retail. Everything is chic and useful and the retail value of the contents are revealed as prices and links to websites are provided. The box I received was valued at $344 USD (before taxes) not including a deluxe size sample of La Mer Skin Concentrate (I’ll review this later on the beauty post). You can also get additional discounts (anywhere from 15 to 30%) off further orders on most items for a limited time should you desire.

When I first heard about this I thought “what a fabulous, fun idea” and I knew that it would be geared to fashion forward “women in the know.” So now to share:

In Photo above:

I can cross this off my bucket list — I can now cross this one off my “bucket bag” list

“The Sidekick” Leather Bucket Bag designed and made in L.A. Gorgeous custom go-with-anything caramel leather with suede lining. The best thing is that it’s super light, just big enough to carry all essentials and I love that I can wear it cross-body (especially good for dog walking). Cross body is my latest obsession. I know I’ll get so much wear out of this simple bag all Spring/Summer long.

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayon – sultry with a little shimmer, perfect for evening.

Delicate Pave and Stone Cuff gold plated bracelet by Jules Smith – chic enough to stand on its own or layer with other jewelry. In other words, simply perfect.

Chic pair of great sound headphones by LSTN Sound Co – Wembley Earbuds.

A hair saviour dry shampoo by Klorane – discovered by RZ in Paris during fashion week. The one she recommends as “the one.” Who am I to argue?

Something to blot that midday ~~all day~~ shine with – Hollywood oil blotting tissues for a photo-ready look.

And if that wasn’t enough, a deluxe size sample (luckily a little goes a very long way) of the very expensive but effective miracle broth known as La Mer Concentrate. Ooh la la

Obsessed already?

Summer Box of Style will be shipped out in June. To Order:

http://thezoereport.com/shop/ Don’t forget to tell them that girlwhowouldbeking recommended you. XO

STYLE

Style: Wearable Art

The Black Leather Jacket Revised

Left: Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. Middle: Joseph Alturzzara. Right: Dries Van Noten — Left: Givenchy by **Riccardo Tisci** (men’s). Middle: **Joseph Altuzarra**. Right: **Dries Van Noten**

Never has the classic black leather jacket looked so good in so many different interpretations – 23 to be exact.

Barneys has collaborated with some of today’s top designers and most noted artists to create their own versions of the quintessential black leather jacket. The jackets were being auctioned off by International auction house Christie’s with proceeds from the sales going to benefit two art institutions (*White Columns and **The Centre).

The project pays homage to an iconic 1986 event in the original downtown NYC store location entitled Decorated Denim—in which customized denim jackets designed by prominent designers and artists were auctioned off to benefit an AIDS organization.

laying on the idea of the iconic black leather jacket, artist Rob Pruitt emblazoned his interpretation, 91 Notables Wearing Biker Jackets, with hand-drawn likenesses of those know for sporting the style, ranging from Marlon Brando and James Dean to Drake and Bart Simpson. — **Artist Rob Pruitt** emblazoned his interpretation, *91 Notables Wearing Biker Jackets*, with hand-drawn likenesses of those know for sporting the style, ranging from Marlon Brando and James Dean to Drake and Bart Simpson.

For the occasion, Barneys partnered with *White Columns, New York’s oldest non-profit art space specializing in emerging artists, as well as with **The Center, New York City’s LGBT community center, for an art-meets-fashion collaboration.

Designers including Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant, along with artists like Helmut Lang, Marilyn Minter, and Rob Pruitt, have all put their own spin on the wardrobe staple, some for men and others for women, and each with phenomenal results. From the edgy to the refined, from wild to elegant, each of these jackets is a true expression of its creator’s vision.

The Los Angeles-based artist Sterling Ruby has been quoted as saying, “I like to think about art as being similar to poetry. It can’t be proven. It just exists, and there’s an aura about it.”

There is definitely an aura about the leather jacket. I love a slightly tough but sleek black leather jacket that shouts SEXY, CHIC, COOL, EDGY and always in style!

How about you?

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: Garbe Luxe

INTRODUCING

Garbe Luxe Fall 2016 — **Garbe Luxe** (Fall 2016 Campaign)

A STYLISH LINE of comfortable, functional athletic/lifestyle wear that I think you should know about if you don’t already since it’s been getting press in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Redbook and Shape. I’ve basically been living in my Garbe Luxe basic, seam and moto leggings and not just for going to the gym. For evening you can find me in the Luca pant – a little too often.

Cambridge Jacket, Henley T, Heide Sweatpant — Cambridge Jacket, Henley T, Heidi **Sweatpant**

Garbe Luxe is not only well made, the clothing fits beautifully (which let’s be honest, is our main objective) and looks good in all the right places. I wear the short & long bra tops for yoga or running and in the summer I love the various tanks and t-shirts. No doubt that they’re current and fashionable because they’re designed by my unfussy stylish friend Natalia MacLeod who is originally from Montreal and now makes her home in Los Angeles where everything is made. As soon as I found out that she was creating an athletic wear line I wanted it – whatever she wears I want because I always admired her simple, elegant style. She’s also exotically beautiful.

ABOUT:

GARBE LUXE is a contemporary collection of sporty edge styles perfect to take you from your workout and into your day. The collection is all about helping your athletic wear gracefully make the transition to the world beyond the exercise studio (très L.A.). Whether heading to a morning meeting, dropping off the kids or joining friends for lunch, GARBE LUXE has you covered so you always feel polished, confident and comfortable.

Paired back minimalism, luxurious fabrics, and mix-and-match options create sophisticated options for your on-the-go life.

Some of my go-to’s:

To VIEW current styles and to Purchase:

http://garbeluxe.com/

Get your GARBE on!

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: COACH gets a reborn identity at 75!

At 75 years old COACH is looking better than ever!

COACH VINTAGE Circa-1971 Coach Mahogany Leather Fringed Duffle Shoulder Bag - $995 — **COACH VINTAGE**
Circa-1971 Mahogany Leather Fringed Duffle Shoulder Bag – $995 USD

That can be due to a recent much needed facelift. It happens as we become more tired looking over time. However the Coach bags that I own have remained in very good shape over the years with no signs of diminishing. Almost like new. Of course it helps that I look after my stuff with kid gloves but mostly it has to do with the overall craftmanship. I always thought Coach never got the credit it deserves. Similar to another brand that makes beautifully well-made leather bags, Furla.

Coach is more widely known than Furla though, and loved by many. Most of us are familiar with the Coach logo (although I’ve never loved their bags with the highly recognizable logo written all over them – I prefer the hidden logo) and the attractive leather handbags are readily found in almost every city. Even though they’re well made using high quality leather and come in many colours and price points they never quite reached the “tops” in the designer bag category. They were considered a “starter” bag which sounds kind of snobby but I think it’s because you can find them everywhere and they have so many outlets. Also younger women can more afford them and if that’s the case and they’re made so readily available to the masses they are not deemed so ‘exclusive’. But that may change now as the brand becomes more upscale. It will be interesting to see what happens. They never had a problem selling but now they may become more sought after and appeal to a different demographic – a more sophisticated crowd.

COACH VINTAGE Circa-1973 Coach British Tan Leather Rip & Repair Small Dinky Bag $695 — **COACH VINTAGE**
Circa-1973 British Tan Leather Rip & Repair Small Dinky Bag – $695 USD

Not all about the BAG

They make more than bags you know and they have Stuart Vevers. Entering his third year as creative director for the brand, Stuart Vevers has revamped an American Classic into a brand every girl wants to wear again. A major feat. He is in charge of all creative aspects of the Coach brand, including Women’s and Men’s product design, brand imagery, and store environments. Since his takeover we can expect to see mini skirts and mod square-toed boots with a hint of bohemia & rock n’ roll details (studs, metallic, floral prints and leather – lots of it). It helps that cool girl Dree Hemingway is a model for them.

The ultimate nod is that they’re re-introducing some popular styles from the past – available exclusively at the exclusive department store Barneys no less.

COACH VINTAGE Circa-1972 Coach Black Leather Fringed Stewardess Bag $1,195 USD — **COACH VINTAGE**
Circa-1972 Black Leather Fringed Stewardess Bag – $1,195 USD

On the occasion of celebrating 75 years in the leather biz, the brand is taking a look back by launching three customized iconic vintage bags. The Dinky, Stewardess and Duffle were selected for the “Coach Vintage Collection,” sourced from collections all over the world, but originally created in NYC in the 1970s and 80s. Over 18 months, the bags underwent authentication and restoration processes before each was given one of three hand-applied motifs—Fringe, an homage to the American West, Rip and Repair, a nod to the baseball mitts that inspired the original founders of Coach and Vintage Stripe, a reference to classic Ivy League style. “This feels like the perfect way to honor our 75th anniversary by bringing together our heritage with something new in one project, “Vevers explains, “It was lots of fun creating these one of a kind pieces for Barneys.”

The limited-edition collection retails for $595-$1,195 and will be available exclusively at Barneys New York locations on Madison Avenue and Beverly Hills, as well as barneys.com.

THE BOOT: BANDIT Chelsea by Coach

Traditional Americana goes downtown in a cropped cowboy boot (always loved the cropped cowboy – maybe I’m a cowgirl at heart) colorblocked in black and oxblood leathers with a saddle leather gore and exotic embossing on the heel. This statement limited edition is finished with a low heel for all-day ease. Niiiice!

What do you think? Like or no like?

STYLE

La Parisienne – Famous French Style

Oh I think you know where I’m going with this…PARIS fashion week kicked off yesterday so right now is a good time to brush up on that French je ne sais quoi in all its forms.

To honour Fashion Week here are some Frencheccentric trendsetters of yesteryear and today worth taking note of. Starting with:

Josephine Baker

Nightclub performer Josephine Baker might have been American by birth, but she came as close to being a proper Parisian as a foreigner could get, becoming a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur after World War II. (Charles de Gaulle himself bestowed the honor upon her.) Baker first arrived in Paris in 1925, gaining acclaim for her sultry dances at the Folies Bergère. Her costumes were as famous as her moves, too—her banana skirt ensembles inspired a Prada collection, while her sheer crystal dresses were a reference for Rihanna’s unforgettable see-through CFDA look. Today, you’ll find traces of Baker in some of Spring’s more soigné slip dresses.

Anouk Aimée

French actress Anouk Aimée is perhaps most famous for her Golden Globe winning role in Claude Lelouch’s 1966 A Man and a Woman, but her offscreen style was just as noteworthy as her career-making role. In her ’60s heyday, Aimée preferred sultry yet simple pieces like cropped sweaters, fitted dresses, and flats. She was never one for accessories, choosing to complement her looks with a flick of winged eyeliner and expertly arched brows.

Sylvie Vartan

Chanteuse Sylvie Vartan rolled with the right crowd in ’60s Paris, calling Yves Saint Laurent one of her closest collaborators. That relationship bore some of the decade’s best outfits, like the two pairs of crystal-studded jeans Vartan and her then-husband, Johnny Hallyday, wore to perform a duet. Off the stage, she favored minidresses with girlish collars, Mary Janes, and plush furs, helping to define France’s nascent yé-yé girl movement. (Think of yé-yé style as the French equivalent of mod.) A just-released book on her taste, Le Style Vartan, chronicles her outfits in immense detail—all the better for re-creating them today.

Sonia Rykiel

The name Sonia Rykiel might conjure up visions of thin, patterned knits, but the wardrobe of the designer herself is much more varied. As one of Paris’s Rive Gauche trendsetters of the ’70s, Rykiel built up a reputation of being the woman with the best—and biggest—coat in the room. Underneath the voluminous outerwear, you’d find a mix of gamine pieces like jumpsuits and mannish trousers, styled with some of her namesake knits. There was a Sonia Rykiel store for years in Vancouver on Burrard Street but sadly it didn’t make it and closed shop – it did not appeal to the Vancouver crowd.

Niki de Saint Phalle

Sculptor and artist Niki de Saint Phalle made some of the most vibrant works of the ’60s through ’80s, which have just been honored in an exhibition in Paris’s Grand Palais. When she wasn’t wearing a caftan that rivaled the colors and patterns of her artwork, De Saint Phalle preferred simple, neutral pieces that she jazzed up with bold accessories like berets, pendants, and armfuls of bracelets.

Vanessa Paradis

Today’s runways have made a habit of applying highbrow taste to thrift store finds—something Vanessa Paradis has been doing for decades. The singer has been sporting slip dresses with shaggy furs, bohemian maxi skirts with boyish blazers, and skinny jeans with blouson tops since the ’90s, and continues to hone her eclectic style to this day. No wonder her daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, has such good taste at only 16.

Aymeline Valade

Model-turned-actress Aymeline Valade’s Saint Laurent tuxedo at the Cannes Film Festival was the stuff of red carpet dreams. Valade’s off-duty style is just as memorable, making everything from a Lacoste polo shirt to a dainty Chloé dress look all her own.

These women are all fine examples of how to embody personal STYLE

Photos: Getty Images

Source: Vogue Runway

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: the Travel Jacket – more function than fashion

Don’t think I’m going off on a tangent here just because I’ve been posting lately about glamping. Mind you there is something freeing about not having to second guess your outfits while spending time in the great outdoors.The main thing about getting ready for a trip (be it by air or road) is the packing and deciding what to bring and a big part of that is your go-to jacket because you don’t want to carry so much bulk. You need something to cover up in that will keep you warm, be comfortable and at the same time go with pretty much everything except your dressy wear. Something you can throw in the washing machine and not worry about it falling apart too.

My gore-tex jacket is something I never leave home (for any length of time) without. It’s light and folds up easily to fit in a suitcase or under the seat of the camper, it’s totally wind and water proof so will keep me dry when need be and if it’s super cold outside then I can always wear a fleece underneath (which zips right in). It has a hidden hood & pockets. I don’t know how many times that jacket has saved me from the elements. I even skied in it once.

We all know that air travel can be miserable depending on your seating arrangement. Aside from all the hassles of getting on the plane, once you’re in your cramped little economy seat it becomes difficult to do anything but sit upright, elbows tucked and wait for the journey to be over.

But it seems that long-distance love has paid off for the designers of a travel jacket that has now attracted a record $9m from would-be buyers on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

Last summer, Chicago-based startup BauBax launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for its new self-titled travel jacket.

The BauBax Travel Jacket is equipped with 15 features that makes it perfect for those traveling. The jacket’s retail price starts at $160 (plus taxes/shipping). It comes in four different styles—sweatshirt, windbreaker, bomber, and blazer—and boasts 15 features targeting the varied torments of air travel, though they’re useful for any kind of travel really. Among them are earphone holders, an iPad pocket, a drink pocket that fits a can of soda, gloves that extend from the sleeves, a telescoping pen built into the front zipper that doubles as a stylus, a passport pocket, and a hood that includes an inflatable neck pillow and sleep mask.

I think it’s a pretty damn good all around solution. Genius right?

http://baubax.com/

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

STYLE and INSPIRATION

Out with the old, IN with the old recreatedI often wonder how fashion designers get it together to keep coming up with new ideas for something original and inspiring for every season (including “resort wear” which is considered another season in fashiondom which makes five) and all those nerve wracking make-or-break shows. Something that will make people excited to want to go out and buy that new shirt right away. To be “that girl.” Because you know the easiest way to transform yourself is through clothes – if you dress for your mood (not necessarily the occasion). Sometimes you see something totally wild. You can admire it (on someone else) but never consider it for yourself and sometimes it’s like….I like it but it’s been done before…again and again (maybe they’ve just added some more buttons, zippers or pockets but otherwise it’s the same). In any event you must be very creative to keep plugging away at it and try to outdo your last performance. Just as much pressure as a musician has to come up with a new hit, but not wanting to be totally typecast…….as a

The New World Order - Vintage Alaia Shearling Bomber Jacket — **The New World Order – Vintage Alaia Shearling Bomber Jacket (website below)**

Designer, Musician, Artist (one who paints + draws), Actor, Photographer, Chef, Writer……(blogger?) and even Politicians (The best reality TV drama going is Trump vs Cruz vs Clinton vs Sanders). I’ve been watching the U.S. debates like any other interested Canadian.

By being typecast I mean restricted to one style (a recognizable signature style such as a Picasso painting), that are the kinds of things that people “expect” of you . But even with Picasso, the style may be recognizable but it’s not “always” the same. You know what I mean. Maybe you eat the same cereal all the time but one day you put blueberries over top and another day strawberries. There must be an element of surprise.

In the mad crazy world of invention, everything seems to be intermixed lately. Fashion and Art, Art and Food, Beauty and Culture. A designer visits an art gallery and gets ideas for his next collection. Actors are models, models are actors and regular people are starring in their own version-of-reality TV series. It’s interesting.

For myself in general, I draw inspiration from everywhere. People, the media (like everyone else, is a big contributor) through TV, magazines, newspapers, online with other peoples blogs, music, books, stores, movies (amazing ones this season), art, travel, restaurants, nature and on the street. I’m usually more inspired when I’m travelling and things look different and fresh and I’m living more in the moment (which we say we should do but mostly do not). It’s not only for trying to come up with new ideas for the blog so it doesn’t get stale (I hope) but also in day to day life, in areas like cooking and finding a new recipe for fish or maybe trying out a new running route to keep from getting bored.

As for restaurants, why do you think Cauliflower is having a moment of fame right now trying to outshine Kale in many restaurants? The chefs have come up with some pretty incredible ways of serving it. It’s still the same vegetable but now it tastes so much better. We never thought of baking it with chilli and lemon before? Hell; I was just taken out to a popular restaurant and they had a delicacy of chocolate covered crispy chicken skin on the menu. When I asked the waiter what happened (like did the chicken fall into the pot of melted chocolate by mistake) I can’t remember but I think it actually did. In any event, it was a mistake. But one most people like because it’s new (if you didn’t know that it was chicken, it could be walnuts). And if it wasn’t served cold, it would be more greasy. Yuck! Not like the intentional chocolate covered bacon many chefs are now serving. At a party someone brought orange chocolate covered bacon. Really?? I went off again…but really…

I’m wondering how important any of this is to any of you? I believe inspiration is a big deal. At least something else to keep us going, a curiosity towards finding a different way, idea, recipe, whatever…

Isn’t that what life is about?

Some Inspiration when it comes to STYLE:

Portraits by Willy Vanderperre — **YOKO ONO – Portrait by Willy Vanderperre**

An online magazine featuring interesting women:

http://thegentlewoman.co.uk/library

The passage of time has been miraculously beneficial for Yoko Ono. While previous generations held grudges and questioned her motives, in the 21st century Ono is cherished for her provocations and wisdom. As a musician and multimedia artist since before the term was coined, Ono holds the rare position of courting a global audience without ever having to compromise her work, which is often wilfully impenetrable.

At the age of 77, Ono continues to think of the long-term, with two forthcoming exhibitions and a recent album, as well as progressing her ongoing project around the world, asking the masses to imagine peace. It is a message from which she will never waver.

Text by Liz Hoggard, Styling by Olivier Rizzo

Shopping Online:

The New World Order NYC: http://thenewworldordernyc.com/

Vestiaire Collective Website:http://www.vestiairecollective.com/

Shop the closets of fashion lovers from Paris, Berlin, Milan, New York City, and more. Mix ‘n match high street, luxury vintage and new pieces with Vestiaire Collective.

**Vestiaire Collective – St. Laurent Leather Biker Jacket**

WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION?

STYLE

Style: what to wear UNDER what you wear

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again… “it’s what’s underneath that counts”

jesus fernandez lingerie from Buenos Aires

It’s the slipperiness of the silk, the sauciness of satin, and the delicate lingering of lace that can make lingerie so arousing.

Lingerie (including corsets, camisoles and a few garters) has been a passion of mine for a very long time. It still is, but to a lesser degree because I already own so many pieces. It takes a special man to appreciate your lingerie…because when it comes right down to it we women know that most ~~all~~ men don’t care how nice your lingerie is. They just want to see us naked.

JF lingerie - I LOVE this complete outfit — JF lingerie – I LOVE this complete outfit

On the other hand, as you begin to remove whatever you happen to be wearing overtop (remember it’s Valentines Day this Sunday) isn’t it much more seductive to be seen in a lacy, racy number than in granny underwear? I’m just saying…..I think he’ll take notice even if he never says anything. Men have it so much easier. A nice pair of boxer shorts that aren’t torn to shreds (eww) – perfect!

JF lingerie lace triangle bra & panties — JF lingerie lace triangle bra & silk/lace panties

But honestly I’ve always been attracted to beautiful lingerie whether it be retro romantic, sexy, plain pretty or terribly trashy (reserved for special occasions). Keep in mind that interpretations of what makes underwear sexy varies from woman to woman, and from man to man. The sexiest part is the way it makes you feel…kind of like a signature perfume. In fact, nothing except your perfume gets as close to your skin.

Having said that, I also really like some of the sporty combos I’ve been seeing (since it doesn’t make any sense to wear lace to the gym). It gives you an underlying (ha, ha) confidence just knowing you have it on. A little secret.

That’s why I added lingerie to my repertoire of things to sell in boutiques and online. I found a special brand in Buenos Aires when I walked by a store that was closed – the mannequin in the window was wearing a set I wanted. It was very simple but extremely lovely and feminine (with no wiring, padding or anything of the like and I had never seen anything quite like it in North America) so I went back the next day and bought it then asked to speak to the owner. We had a meeting and I ended up getting the exclusive rights for sales in Canada at the time. The line sold very well to repeat customers who understood the workmanship, guys who wanted something special for their ladies and an actress who starred opposite Tom Cruise (filming a few scenes in Vancouver) who came into the shop directly from the airport specifically looking for lingerie. She mentioned seeing the ad I had put in the Vancouver Sun (for the first time) on the flight over from Los Angeles. She took several pairs into the dressing room and left with five sets.

It was a good run even with the complicated European sizing difference, but I decided to end the lingerie business to concentrate on other areas.

I like this quote from a Passion for Lingerie – “You know it’s a bad day when you put your bra on back to front and it fits better”

La Perla – LaPerla.com

Here are a few ideas of lingerie sets I think are simply sublime – although they won’t replace your can’t-live-without seamless t-shirt bras and commandos. Still…….necessary!

Kiki de Montparnasse - sold at net-a-porter.com Bra: $225 Panties: $155 Garter: $150 — **Kiki de Montparnasse** – sold at: net-a-porter.co

L'Agent buy Agent Provocateur. Sold at net-a-porter.com Bra: $110 Panties: $50 Garter: $65 — **L’Agent by Agent Provocateur.** Sold at: net-a-porter.com

My Love of Lingerie Board on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/girlwhowould/love-of-lingerie/

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style at the Beach/Pool – What suits you

Getting ready for a little WINTER GETAWAY?You don’t want to pack too much but you want to make sure you have everything you need.

A bathing suit is always one of the most essential things to consider for your resort/vacation stay… but what about all the little extras that go along with it….like your beach towel, sun hat, after swim cover up and beach bag. Don’t you love beachy accessories?

It’s weird that I still have a thing for bathing suits even though I have a whole drawer dedicated to them. I just love a nice swimsuit – either a one or two-piece and I have a collection from various travels. This time on holiday I took only two – one of each kind but the problem was I didn’t want to ruin either of them in the hot tub. The hot tub (après swim or in the evening) tends to stretch your suits from their original shape over time. You have to immediately run them under cold water after being in the Jacuzzi. One time I had to have a designer swimsuit altered a size smaller because the bottom got stretched out. Normally I wouldn’t care but this one was too nice to throw away.

I keep thinking that I’ll take along an old suit that I don’t really care about for hot tub purposes only but I can’t bring myself to wear something I don’t like. Anyway, I wasn’t planning on it ~~only scheming~~ but I ended up buying a few new bikinis on sale that I planned to use only in the hot tub because the prices were too good to pass up (ha, ha, that’s what I told myself). Problem was they’re really nice and as I ended up liking them so much I had to limit my time in the hot tub altogether. It’s not the worst problem someone could have in the big scheme of things. But still…

In Palm Springs I came upon a swim wear store that caught my eye because of their playful display at the front entrance. I loved the brightly coloured little zippered bags to enclose stuff like sunblock, lip balm and the like and also believe it or not, old fashioned bathing caps.

Canyon Beachwear

Did I really say that?

Canyon Beachwear

Bathing caps are normally not something that attracts my attention but these were kind of fun and reminded me of something old time movie star Esther Williams might have worn in “Million Dollar Mermaid”. Maybe they’re making a comeback.

Because let’s face it, there’s nothing less attractive than covering your head in one of those ugly stretchy caps and then wearing swim goggles to boot …..nothin!

Unless you're Will Ferrell - of course then, anything will look good on you. — Unless you’re **Will Ferrell** – of course then, anything will **look good** on you.

My INspiration – Canyon Beachwear @

http://canyonbeachwear.com

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style ICON – David BOWIE

We all know the various ch ch ch changes that David Bowie went through over his vast successful career and since he was the man of style I had to dedicate a whole post to him because:

This shows his unkempt elegant side. KMazur/WireImage — I love this photo – it shows his unkempt, sexy, elegant side.
Photo: KMazur/WireImage

can’t believe he is no longer among us
he was the original man of style
his was one of the first concerts I went to see at the Montreal Forum
I have four friends who got up close and personal with him – in a professional sense
He was one of a kind and the first and best person at re-inventing himself. Surely that’s where performers like Madonna & Lady Gaga got the idea from.
out of countless crazy, fun and fashionable images these are my personal favorites
A swashbuckler, with scarf and white shirt. Photo:
Jorgen Angel/Redferns

Things were looking peachy with “Let’s Dance” Photo: Paul Natkin/WireImage

Guess I love a well-dressed Bowie best. Photo: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

Bowie’s most normal look of the 70’s. Photo: Steve Morley/Redferns

Handsomely dressed down. Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect

He can really rock a suit.
Photo: KMazur/WireImage