WE'VE MOVED

If you've been wondering why you haven't seen much going on on this blog after I vowed to blog more, it's not because I've abandoned my resolutions. It's because I've started a new & better venture, bringing you the same wit, sass and style of Read My Lips is the new site Spoils of Style.

Check it out.

Lip Service: 29.01.11

"One [wo]man's style must not be the rule of another's."

-Jane Austen

I may get a lot of flack for saying this but even though I sometimes adore celebrity style choices I know they're not for me. Even things Anna Wintour wears or puts in Vogue don't necessarily pique my fancy, because this tiny little woman (who by the way usually scares the living daylights out of me) has a completely different style perspective from me and I'm completely unapologetic about it. When I was in college my professor told me I had an intriguing way of writing and that I should take some time to identify writers that I liked and try to combine their style with my own, to some extent I listened, but in another breath I'm completely secure in my own abilities. Vera Wang once said that nothing hasn't been done before in fashion, so what fashion is about now is finding a way to meld different things together to create a signature look that's completely you. My style icons give me pause, because not one of them has a body type similar to my own. Yet still three of my favorite stylish women couldn't be more different if they tried, Audrey Hepburn is classic, Leighton Meester is your all-American beauty, and Tami Chynn is a shot of Jamaican flavor.

I'm a girl from the tropics who loves color in an age where everyone would just rather wear black, and I'm always going to stay true to that. My rules for style aren't the same as anyone else's and while I'm sure people can appreciate my taste, when it boils down to styling it for themselves, they'll always opt for something different. Why? Because as Jane Austen says: one man's style must not be the rule for another's. Unless you're one of those people that likes to blend into the background instead of stepping out on your own. Point and case, that's decidedly not me. While I'm not a total fan of Rihanna and her outlandish style statements, the girl has guts and I'm loving her new scent -Reb'l Fleur - because every woman has a little bit of rebellion inside of her and letting that shine through is what makes style so diverse. Did I mention that Reb'l Fleur has the sweet notes of coconut and hibiscus that beckon me back to my childhood in a grown up way.

Getting the Look: Inside Leighton Meester's February 2011 Nylon Editorial

After the insane snowpocalypse of the winter season my mail finally made it to my door and along with it my was February issue of Nylon that the mailman stuffed in a plastic bag for me. As per usual when receiving a magazine with the lovely Leighton Meester on the cover I flipped right past the staple stories and delved straight into the latest lowdown on Ms. Meester. She's so down to earth it should be sickening but every article I read about her never gets old, nor does the fashion that accompanies it. My favorite shot from the editorial spread was ripe for spring picking, and with the weather the way it is, this is the closest way to a girl can dream that I'll get while wide awake.

While I'm coveting the mustard yellow Chloé dress Leighton rocks, it's still winter and most of the Spring Summer 2011 collections are either still being sewn or sitting in storage rooms waiting for the weather or at least the time of year to improve. The almost nude peach Dolce & Gabbana backless silk chiffon dress has the same billowy flow of the Chloé frock without coming on strong with next season's color palette. Pulling winter's love for layers into the next season gets even better with the Dorothy Perkins cream lace crocheted waistcoat and an ASOS mustard yellow leather waist belt. Add in one part Alexander McQueen studded boots, one part extra long vintage Chanel necklace, a chain layered necklace and a few doses of House of Harlow 1960 14kt Aztec bangles for good measure. Voila! You've got an outfit fit for Nylon's latest cover girl or yourself.

I Want to Feel Like: A Courtesan

I'm fully aware that 'courtesan' is just a nice way of saying prostitute, except courtesans seem to have more fun. Think Moulin Rouge, minus the perilous STD. or the fact that courtesans were supposed to be fairly well off in their own rite. From accessories to home decor, I'd like to imagine myself, if only for a moment, as an Indian Courtesan with the world as my oyster, and while the former may not be true, I like to believe the world is mine to shape as I see fit. I own my fair share of clutches, but something is so seductive about the grape hue and gold Hindi looking inscription on this particular clutch. As for my home, Indian tapestry is often handmade with beading that I'd die for whether its on clothing or curtains, and this artisan creation is just that and more. If you study Hindu scriptures there's more to this decorated elephant than meets the eye, Ganesha is meant to bring joy, and enrich wisdom and knowledge so keeping this Jay Strongwater adorned figurine close is a sign of good luck. Last but not least, you can't be a courtesan with out a few bangles and these facets of color would have a girl like me who loves color even more than sparkle in lust.

Cult Chronicles: Gossip Girl

I (la la la la) love Gossip Girl to the point where it could be nauseating to people that don’t share my love of what NYMag calls ‘the greatest show of our time.’ I feel like I’ve grown up with Gossip Girl. I live and breathe with GG on a daily basis, from the books in high school to the show in college. Blair instigated my love affair with Audrey Hepburn and led me to my decision to pursue a career as an editor, or rather to dream of becoming an Editor-in-Chief. In some ways my life has been tied to GG in unexpected ways. Between the Gossip Girl whisper as my text message ringtone, my obsession with Gossip Girl fashion, and my willingness to stick it out even when I thought the writers weren’t getting it, Gossip Girl will always have a special place in my heart.

How do I count the ways I love Blair Waldorf? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, she’s the only character the writers and actors have gotten perfectly right. Blair’s a bitch, the Queen B if you will, but she’s got so many secrets, a heart of gold, and she’s loyal to a fault, I’m attached to this Audrey Hepburn lover in ways I can’t describe. This is the character in pop culture that single handedly revived stockings and headbands. And while her onscreen counterpart couldn’t be more different, I gravitate to Leighton Meester because I realize that the daring style statements and not so elite upbringing behind Ms. Meester have made her an actress that plays roles outside of herself so well. The fact that Blair and I have come to want the same career is just a little icing on the cake in my Blair Waldorf-Gossip Girl love affair.

The Look

As for getting the look, I'm in love with the mix of chiffon and tweed, but as per usual Eric Daman likes to use pieces that are unavailable to us masses so here are a few comparable pieces and a contrasting scarf to add a little bit of me into the Blair Waldorf equation.

Square Lust - Good Morning Scarf; $250.00, Boticca.com

Jason Wu - Crinkled Floral-Chiffon Blouse; $945.00, NeimanMarcus.com

See by Chloé - Tweed Miniskirt; $275.00 (on sale - $77.00), Bloomingdales.com

Wolford - Souvenir Lace Tights; $150.00 (on sale - $60.00), Outnet.com

From Film to Fashion

Reversible Turban from Madame Framboise; $59.00, Boticca.com

It's my belief in life that everything can be likened to an Audrey Hepburn movie, at least everything in my life. From fashion to philosophy, I can more than likely always tie something back to the woman who taught me a lot about 'how to be lovely.' Moonriver remains one of my favorite songs, simply because its notes of longing and complexity lurk beneath the surface, and Audrey Hepburn's reprisal was, in my completely biased opinion, made for her. Audrey poses off along the windowsil on the fire escape with a guitar in hand and her hair tied up in a towel made to look like a turban. The turban may not have been meant to be as chic as it has become, but everytime I see one or wrap my head in a scarf in the same manner I can't help but picture myself as Audrey Hepburn while humming or belting out a little bit of 'Moonriver.' This reversible turban is perfection, if only I could have a few scarfs made the same way, I'd be in heaven.

Lip Service: 21.01.11

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass."

-Maya Angelou

Quite frankly that statement works literally and figuratively. Exhibit A: Janelle Monae's contrasting-lapel jacket in black on stark white, or the Stella McCartney version with black on ivory. Janelle Monae has possibly taken the fifties menswear thing to an unparalleled level of chic, and I'm looking forward to the day when she replaces Blake Lively as the face of Chanel (hint hint Mr. Lagerfeld). This Maya Angelou quote is the perfect sort of lip service, the kind you keep in the front of a notebook and have it printed, framed and hung on a wall. I plan full well to take this year by storm and grab the world by the now proverbial 'lapels'.

Red Carpet: Golden Globes Jewels

Jewel tones were hot on the red carpet last night and at least one of my faves was a surprise. I usually hate what January Jones wears, partially because I can't really differentiate between my dislike of Betty Draper and the actual woman behind the character. Nevertheless, I have to hand it to January Jones, that red Versace fringe gown was out of this world stunning, proving that her Grace Jones-esque looks work best when she's glammed up circa 50s and 60s style. I gravitate to the color green, and Mila Kunis and Catherine Zeta Jones look positively stunning. The emerald hue of Mila 'Sweet Lips' (according to Natalie Portman) Kunis' ruched Vera Wang dress couldn't have been more flattering, I kept hoping to catch another glimpse of it during the camera scans throughout the entire show. Catherine Zeta Jones's beauty would radiate in a paper bag, but this Monique Lhuillier ball gown has heightened her goddess like divinity. Surprisingly, accessories were at a lull for the evening, letting the pops of color really set in on the red carpet.

Red Carpet: Golden Globes Sparkle

Red carpet style kicked off with a little glitz and glamour from the likes of Olivia Wilde, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Love Hewitt. I'm obsessed with glitter and shine so spotting these three gowns on the red carpet was a delight to my eyes. Olivia Wilde's full Marchesa ball gown is absolutely gorgeous, paired, the dress alone makes the perfect statement. For all I know she was wearing flip-flops under the gown, but her sleek cut and basic bangs made the look a perfect statement. I'm in love with Romona Keveza. as a matter of fact the Spring/Summer 2011 collection made me cry at Toronto Fashion Week. As for Jennifer Love Hewitt, her updo and dress looked stunning in the understated blue gown and it's sparkly crystal belt. She could have added a veil and taken that dress straight from the red carpet to a chapel for her wedding, which may or may not be a good thing. Nobody does the red carpet like Jennifer Lopez and this white Zuhair Murad gown with the crystal embellished sheer shawl is breathtaking and the slit makes it ultra sexy.

Kristen Stewart's Vogue Cover

I'm increasingly annoyed with Vogue. It's not that I don't admire Anna Wintour for all of her strides in the publishing industry, and her undeniable reinvention of the fashion magazine. It's also in spite of the fact that Grace Coddington has the uncanny ability to make every Vogue piece she constructs look like a dream I'd like to live in. I find myself saying - 'this magazine just doesn't get me,' for that matter neither does Elle. Between the latest Kristen Stewart February Cover, and Anna Wintour's obsession with Blake Lively, I'm more than a little turned off of Vogue. I think if my subscription ran out and I forgot to renew it, it wouldn't even register to me until someone I actually think is cool was on the cover or the September Issue came out (my guess is as good as yours which would come first). I'd be much more content to sit around reading Lucky and Nylon but these aren't considered the pinnacle of my chosen profession, then again I'm inclined to think that those people deciding what the 'pinnacle' is are a little out of touch.

More to the point of this Kristen Stewart cover, maybe it's because I'm not a huge Twilight fan, or maybe it has something to do with her unsightly lack of confidence. Shyness can be endearing, but I'm more endeared with a bee fluttering about, tempted to sting me. I have to hand it to her stylist, or maybe she was just 'Vogued' like Blake Lively, because I'm still holding a grudge against her for ruining the look of my favorite piece from Yigal Azourel's Fall 2009 collection. I understand if Vogue is trying to reach out to a younger, albeit slightly immature audience (yes I'm calling all of you Twilight heads out), but I'm still waiting to see more faces of color that aren't Halle Berry on the cover of Vogue, even Rihanna is too overdone for me. Speaking of Vogue, I have yet to receive my February Copy, which is actually annoying me because I don't subscribe for kicks.

Vintage Splendor: Accessories

I'm sure everyone loves to show off the Chanel logo on their quilted purses, but I find the most fantastic ones don't bother with all the label whoring. This Chanel purse is understated elegance at it's best, the perfect evening bag. Brooches are underrated, and I'm not sure I understand why. My grandmother understood the importance of a good broach, they look great and this one adds a little pop of color to even the most contemporary outfit. Frye boots are legendary because they're timeless and built to last, these are a wardrobe staple for any serious vintage lover. I'm obsessed with hats and it's not because I even wear them, it's just because I love to look at them and take pictures in them. Cloches are my absolute favorite, I amp up my curls, add some red lipstick and put on the most seductive pout I can muster, this blueish-purple cloche is handmade and tailored to perfection. Maybe I'm just an accessory and clothes horse but I literally hoard belts, my aunt has this mother of pearl seashell belt that I covet deeply and this belt vaguely reminds me of it, except it's somehow more my style.

The Fantastic Four: Scarves

It's not that scarves are the most practical accessory, but they're just so darn pretty. I'll wear a scarf around my neck, tied to my purse, and wrapped around my head all because these cuts of fabric look so beautiful. I'll sit down on the floor of a vintage store and rummage through the buckets of scarves to uncover these buried treasures and I don't think I'll ever stop.

From Top Left to Bottom Right:

(1) Foulard - 'Seventy' Scarf; $140.00, Yoox.com. Tons of color make this the perfect seventies chic scarf for a head-tie. (2) Matthew Williamson - 'Batik-print wool-blend' Scarf; $495.00, Net-a-Porter.com. Forget about the weather, I'll wear this in the winter or the summer because it's my favorite thing: colorful. (3) Philippe Roucou - 'Polaroid' Scarf; $349.00, Farfetch.com. I'm in love with this designers take on the scarf, they're like enlarged polaroid prints that I get to admire, tie, and carry. (4) Square Lust - 'Dancing Birds Silk Scarf'; $250.00, Boticca.com. I don't know if I'm just in a Black Swan state of mind or what but this scarf's illustration of bent legs and arms speaks to the dark side of the revered ballerina.

Today's Pick: 12.01.11

Ebony & Ivory - Bib Necklace, Krista R, $195.00; Boticca.com

Is it just me or is this the total black swan package? Layers and layers of tulle textile, pearls, crystals, and this undone ribbon, tulle, and chains motif make this necklace a signature piece for the inner ballerina. You wouldn't wear it every day, but it's the perfect addition to any little black dress or a plain tank and blazer. It's a perfectly crafted vintage inspiration that I'm sure will prove irreplaceable.

I Want to Feel Like: Marie Antoinette

I'm not sure which I adore more the French baroque style or French confections like the macaron and croissants. Either way I'd like to follow Marie Antoinette's lead and eat some cake. I'm quite convinced that reincarnation exists, how else can I explain my love for almost every decade and century of fashion we've documented. Right now I'm enraptured by the decadence of French baroque, the extravagance of crystal chandeliers, and the like. Interestingly enough, I'm obsessed with pearls of all shapes and sizes, and although I didn't make the connection, the word baroque initially referred to imperfect, rough pearls. Nevertheless, today I woke up and I thought: I want to feel like Marie Antoinette, and these picks are how I'd do it.

From Top Left to Bottom Right:

(1) Macarons; $2.10, Nadege Patisserie, Toronto, ON. Insanely delectable confections in one cute boutique patisserie, Nadege brings a little bit of France to North America. (2) Erickson Beamon - Talking Heads Chandelier; $40,000.00, Vivre.com. An uber luxurious chandelier, handmade using pearls, Swarovski crystals, vintage cameos and vintage jewelry pieces, also named after the 70s band. (3) Pink French Baroque Chair; $1110, FrenchTouchDeco. A contemporary French baroque designed hot pink chair that'll be the perfect accompaniment to a vanity or white washed desk. (4) Baroque Carved Cabinet; £880, The French Bedroom Company. I can never have too many things to hold my hoards of jewelry and clothing and the detail on this cabinet is utterly divine.

Pop Cult Chronicles: The Game

They say hindsight is 20/20 and maybe it's for that reason that we're always nostalgic, but I don't think anyone was actually quite ready for what came with the return of The Game. Here are a few things I feel I need to say:

Melanie is a triflin' ass mad woman, and her weave needs a fix up.

Tasha Mac needs to get her swagger back and stop smoking those 'cigarettes' laced with something other than nicotine.

Kelly needs a character overhaul, nothing is right about her character, including her jacked up hair and wardrobe.

Terrence J, err... Devonte needs to go.

Derwin is being taken for a ride, and it's just too damn bad.

Jason is umm... interesting?

TT is less funny, but more likable.

Malik isn't even retired and he's behaving like he's about to become the Brett Favre of The Game (& I don't mean that in a good way).

What in the world did they do with Rick Fox, Camille, and the real Brit Brat?

Hopefully, this and more will be resolved/answered next week.

That's all she wrote... For now

Beauty Booty: Purple Haze

I'm a self professed beauty addict. When I was in highschool you couldn't get me to wear make up but somehow my bag was always brimming with beauty booty. Fast forward to five years later and I'm officially a make up wearing junky. I put make up on when I'm at home just for fun, and have an almost obsessive addiction with reinventing the smoky eye.

Let's call this one the purple haze:

• Thickly line with Estée Lauder Double Wear in Untamed Violet; $19.00.
• Dust corner of eyes with opaque shade from Lancôme Holiday Eye Palettes Jewelry Purple; $39.50.
• Use the palest pink shade to accentuate your brow.
• Dust the mid-tone purple to the rest of the lid.
• Layer the mauve-ish purple to the outer corner.
• Add a thinner layer of black ELF Brightening Eyeliner; $1.00.
• Layer the Estée Lauder Double Wear violet liner on top of the existing liner and blend using the accompanying smudge tool.

Best Brogues

I don't know if this has something to do with that subliminal crush I have on Janelle Monae or my obsession with Mad Men but I've got this thing for Oxford shoes that I can't quite get over. Here are my five favorite oxfords or brogues at this particular point in time, shoes I've promised myself I'll buy as soon as I stop shopping too often.

Miu Miu - Glitter Crystal-Embellished Brogues

Positively adorable glittery brogue flats.

Price: $585.00

Available at Net-a-Porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Francesina Oxford

Patent leather beauties, in a deep navy blue.

Price: $295.00

Available at Endless.com

Christian Louboutin - Fred Flat

When you hear Christian Louboutin you think death defying heels, these flats boast the same red sole with an androgynous edge.

Price: $575.00

Available at Barneys

Belle by Sigerson Morrison - Studded Black Leather Oxfords

Studded silver accents on these oxfords give this classic style a little bit more biker chic.

Price: $99.99

Available at Piperlime

Bass - Saddle Oxfords

Last but definitely not least, these classic tuxedo - black and white - flats are the ultimate ode to the good old days and the perfect pair for that Janelle Monae moment I referred to earlier.

Price: $310.00

Available at FarFetch.com

What They Said...

Hugh Hefner not a sex slave rapist, just a celebration of the Daddy complex. [Gawker]

Art imitates life - M.I.A releases mix tape Vicki Leekx. [VickiLeekx.com]

Think you've got Vampire Diaries all figured out? There may be possibility of a Damon+Bonnie romance. [WetPaint]

Looks like breakup season didn't leave with 2010 - Jake Gyllenhaal & Taylor Swift call it quits. (Am I allowed to smile?) [People]

I remember when I thought Vivica Fox was hot, now she looks like a plastic surgery practice dummy, never mind that she's engaged. [NYPost]

Today's Pick: 03.01.11

Color-block Silk Dress, 12TH Street Cynthia Vincent, $50.00; TheOutnet.com

In my adolescence you couldn't get me into a dress if you beat me. I distinctly remember my mother beating me into a dress for a family photo that I in turn ruined with a less than attractive, noticeably fake smile. Nevertheless now that I've grown up a little bit, I have an obsession with dresses. When I find myself in a cyber frenzy with a need for some e-retail therapy I more often than not find myself perusing the dress selection. I find silk dresses utterly adorable and after a little window shopping on The Outnet, I've found the latest object of my desire -- a silk turquoise and navy color-blocked silk dress from 12TH Street by Cynthia Vincent.