The Cult of Beauty

I haven't picked up my copy of Vogue's December issue, but I keep seeing this editorial featuring actress Saoirse Ronan (whose talents I am a major fan of) and it is absolutely breathtaking. To the point that I will be snapping up a copy of the magazine just to pull out these photos.

The Pre-Raphaelite inspired styling, the wild red hair, the ethereal beauty, the feeling of the photographs - all make for a mesmerizing story featuring this lovely young actress. And a little nod to Shakespeare's Ophelia (in the photo - above, right) is right up this nerdy English major's alley.

This shoot by Steven Meisel is easily one of my favourite editorial spreads of 2011. Simply gorgeous - and the type of fashion-as-art kind of photographs I would gladly hang on my walls. Beauty.

Music Monday - The Fox

I can't believe it took me this long, but I first heard the Nickel Creek version of "The Fox" while listening to this (seriously good) mix on 8tracks the other day. I totally fell in love with it mostly because it's a song that has been sung at probably every single family party I have ever gone to.

My uncles are all excellent singers and they sing a fabulously harmonized rendition of this tune whenever a bunch of us get together. Nickel Creek's version with some awesome mandolin playing is pretty great as well though, so of course I had to share with you all!

She Comes in Colour

In my wanderings through the many blogs I follow I often discover new shops, collections, inspiring images and in some cases, artists. I find myself very much drawn to watercolour of late, perhaps because it is the one paint medium that I could just never get right so my admiration for those who can is great. Liss' blog Daydream Lily is a constant source of inspiring finds for me (if you haven't seen it, you should check it out), and in one of her recent posts I discovered Australian artist Emma Leonard, whose dreamy ink and watercolour illustrations are absolutely lovely.

I took a peek in her shop and found a number of prints I would like to eventually add to the growing collection of art (mostly yet-to-be-framed) piling up in my apartment. The above are two of my favourites from among those featured in Ms. Leonard's etsy shop. And if you're seeking inspiration? Have a look at her gorgeous tumblr, here.

P.S. Sending a thank you to the lovely Leah of Little Red Purse for her sweet mention here!

A Tale of Two Coats

So the story is that I am on the hunt for a new winter coat. I have a lovely long houndstooth print coat from Soïa and Kyo that I absolutely love, but it is a little dressy for every day. So when I stumbled upon these two coats by BB Dakota I was smitten. I love bright colours, especially in long Canadian winters when the weather is so cold, drab and grey.  Happily for me, both of these colourful coats fall into the price range I was hoping for - but not so happily, I can't decide which one I like best!

Mustard yellow and emerald green are consistently two of my favourite colours to wear at any time of year but particularly when the frosty winds of winter are blowing.  I like the simple, military-esque feeling of the style of the gold coat, but the easy simple style of the green coat makes me feel like it would go with a lot... but I can't justify getting both, at least not at the moment.

Help me decide! Green or Gold? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Matilde

I don't know if any of you have seen the series of Closet Visits (if not check them out here), but it is full of seriously inspiring women and wardrobes. A little bit like "The Coveteur" in that it profiles the wardrobes of stylish folk,but with a more dreamy and Lula-esque tinge (which I appreciate a little more).

In any case, I stumbled upon their second Closet Visit video, Matilde and found it so inspiring and lovely that I had to share. It combines a number of my favourite things, namely - the woods, fancy dresses, sparkle, pretty colours, and - perhaps best of all, a fantastically lovely tea party. Watch and enjoy.

Cherished

I have yet to see a lookbook from Ruche that I don't like - they are consistently lovely, but the most recent is a favourite of mine largely due to the beautiful setting. I love the look of old weathered wood on ramshackle houses, as those of you who've been following for a while may already know.

I also find myself loving any lookbook that prominently features beautiful natural settings, and Cherished certainly did not disappoint. I don't know where they were taken, but the idyllic woods and meadows seemed like a fashion blogger's paradise. Makes me think I should head to the Gatineau Hills for an outfit shoot sometime (much like the lovely Justyna did) to recreate the feeling in these photos.

I will say that many of the showcased pieces have already found their way onto my wishlist for pretty winter wear. I am trying to rebuild my sadly lacking winter wardrobe and many of these would certainly be a lovely start.

I must admit I am also in love with the hairstyles here - does anyone know how to re-create these looks? Want to make me a tutorial? Please? Would love to figure out how to do my own hair that way, but since I'm still growing it out it's a bit tricky.

The lookbook's accompanying video is also lovely to watch - take a peek and see what you think.

This Ruche lookbook has certainly found itself saved in my inspiration file  What's inspiring you lately?

The Sisters Fanning

I have to say, it's pretty easy to see why both Elle and Dakota Fanning are the muses and darlings of the fashion world in this editorial from W's December issue. Although I am not a usual reader of that particular magazine, when I heard these two were featured in an editorial in the newest issue, I will admit my attention was piqued.

I took a peek at the spread shot by Mario Sorrenti via Fashion Gone Rogue and found it to be utterly inspired and lovely - beautifully styled while still keeping the look age appropriate for these two young ladies. I may just have to pick up a copy of W's December issue so I can add this spread to my ever-growing inspiration folder (currently stuffed to the brim with magazine tear-outs).

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue

Music Monday - Paris Green

A lovely lady and fellow English major at in my undergrad shared this song by Edmonton artist Jessica Jalbert with me. Not only did I really enjoy the song but I also love the way this video alternates between a number of totally beautiful natural settings.  I love discovering new musicians and bands, so thanks to Miss 'Franny' for the introduction!

What are you listening to lately?

LGFW: Golnaz Ashtiani & Caitlin Power

Long overdue is this last post on the final two shows I saw presented at LG Fashion Week - those from Golnaz Ashtiani and Caitlin Power. I wasn't initially going to see these two, but the lovely Nikkita from Queen West Style and I got to chatting and it turned out she had a plus one but her husband who had meant to come with her was unexpectedly called into work so she offered me what would have been his ticket. Since I had a couple of hours to kill before my train, I gladly accepted and was excited to see what to previously unknown-to-me designers would present.

First up out of the double-header of shows was from Golnaz Ashtiani. Citing Roman Holiday as inspiration for the collection as a whole, there was a soft colour palette (soft purple, lime, grey-blue, cream ) as well as some colour blocking (I loved the blazer with peach lapels and cuffs), lots of pleated details and some seriously pretty draped dresses.

Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani

I could very easily picture myself happily wearing many of the pieces that walked the runway. A very feminine and well tailored collection of separates definitely cemented Ms. Ashtiani in my mind as a designer to watch.  You can see the rest of my photos of the collection on the Lot 65 fb page, as well as some better ones via Fashion mag (well worth a look!).

The second show featured an LGFW debut for  Caitlin Power, an up-and-coming designer based out of Toronto, although I believe she is originally from Alberta (Calgary, confirms Ashley). In any case, based on her list of sci-fi inspirations including Blade Runner and Star Trek, I was definitely intrigued as to what sorts of garments would stroll the runway.

Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani

I can honestly say I was extremely impressed at the quality of the tailoring, and the futuristic but totally wearable aesthetic. She had a number of blouses that I absolutely adored, my favourite being the one pictured above - the orange detailing? Genius. I loved it, and I certainly wasn't the only one who did - I think it was particular favourite of many. In addition to some seriously fantastic separates, there were some sexy dresses and a jumpsuit that I (who generally avoid one-pieces at all costs) actually liked. I have to say, overall, that this was an excellent first showing at LG Fashion week for Caitlin Power.

Check out more photos of Caitlin Power's collection on the Lot 65 fb page, or also here via Fashion mag.

Getting to see two extra shows (thanks again Nikkita!) was a fabulous way to close of my second day in Toronto, and these two will definitely be on my must-see list if they show in Toronto next season.

Wrapped in Words

Okay, I'll admit it. Sometimes I search on Etsy specifically for items that are book or library themed. Yup, that's how cool I really am! But sometimes it pays off - seriously. For instance, I recently stumbled upon these literature embossed cuffs from Jezebel Charms.

If you can't already tell whey I love them, I'll tell you.  Firstly, they actually look really great and I can easily picture incorporating them into my outfits. Secondly, almost every literary work I love from Austen to Shakespeare to the Brontë sisters and then some are available in the shop, so the fancy of my former English major self is definitely tickled. And last, but certainly not least, every librarian needs at least one (but preferably more) book-themed accessories. Right? Okay maybe not, but this one definitely does.

Needless to say, these word-wrapped cuffs have wormed their way right onto my ever-growing Etsy wishlist, and hopefully sooner rather than later at least one of these will be found warming my wrist with their inspiring words.

Five Weeks of Favourites Grand Finale - Denj

When I initially planned the Five Weeks of Favourites giveaways to celebrate the relaunch of the blog as Lot 65, I knew I wanted to include a beautiful scarf made by the fabulous Danielle. If you don't already know her, she is the talented blogger behind Denj (trust me, you'll want to follow along!), as well as the artist behind the etsy shop of the same name, where she sells hand-dyed silk scarves and bracelets that are oh-so-lovely.

I contacted the lovely Danielle to make a custom Lot 65 inspired scarf based on colours that would echo those featured in the new design and her resulting creation - the above scarf - was so unbelievably gorgeous, I actually gasped when I saw it (I've since asked Danielle to make me one of my own since I was actually loathe to give this one away!). So yes, it's true, the scarf in the photo could be yours - want to know how? Read on.

1.  Follow Lot 65 via GFC or Bloglovin'
2.  Leave a way for me to contact you - email, twitter handle, you name it.
3.  Comment on this post naming your favourite song!

For an extra entry or two or three (which you'll likely want, considering how ridiculously awesome this scarf is):

-  Follow @lotsixtyfive on twitter
- Like the Lot 65 FB page
-  Give Danielle a follow over at Denj

(Don't forget to let me know you've done any or all of these)

I'll be keeping this one open a wee bit longer, until next Thursday, November 10th at 5:00 PM EST, so get your entry (or entries) in before then. Deal? Deal.

Congrats to Ashley over at Lions Lace Lattes on winning the Joe Fresh gift box! I'll be sending it off to you soon! Keep your eyes peeled!