Fashionista Talk » Donna Karan

there’s something about bruce

lida — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:49:34 +0000

I had the immense pleasure of cuddling with my friend’s adorable french bulldog, Bruce, before heading out to a birthday dinner on Saturday. I’m crazy about dogs, especially when they’re affectionate and smart. It’s incredible how little it takes before feelings of attachment kick in.

What I’m wearing:

Chiffon blouse by T. Babaton (Aritzia)
Skirt by Donna Karan
Gold heart necklace

my loveliest of lovelies

lida — Mon, 30 May 2011 03:17:31 +0000

My Toronto visit is getting better by the minute because I finally get to hand out with my dear Alissa – my gorgeous fashionista friend who has been in my life since forever. We wore silk dresses, light jewellery and heels for a night of drinks, dancing, and catching up.

Love Lida

What I’m wearing:

Silk dress by Donna Karan (Resort 2010)
Heels by Betsey Johnson
Purse by Chloe (last seen in May 8’10)
Gold necklace, bracelet, earrings
Crystal nepal ceylan topaz ring by Swarovski

time and again

lida — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:21:11 +0000

These pictures are from a while back when my brother and I spend a day at Santana Row. I couldn’t dream of going out for hookah or just chilling on a patio these days – it’s officially law-school-crunch-time. But I’m still enjoying it all…especially this beautiful California weather.

What I’m wearing:

* Cashmere wrap scarf by Donna Karan
* Pumps by L.A.M.B
* Crystal nepal ceylan topaz ring by Swarovski
* Dress by The Row
* Leather clutch by Steven
* Necklace by Mawi London

it’s a wrap

lida — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:58:24 +0000

I absolutely love winters in California. In terms of dressing for the weather, “being safe” when going to school or out to eat basically means bringing a cardigan or throwing a scarf over my top. It never ceases to amaze me how agreeable the weather is here every day. I don’t think I’ll ever fully get used to this luxury. I can’t let myself for fear of missing something.

What I’m wearing:

Cashmere wrap scarf by Donna Karan (as seen in Mar. 10’10)
Pumps by L.A.M.B (last seen in Sept. 6’10)
Crystal nepal ceylan topaz ring by Swarovski (last seen in July 21’10)
Dress by The Row
Leather clutch by Steven (last seen in Dec. 17’10)

retextured

lida — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:04:12 +0000

For the past two weeks of school I’ve been consumed by a few dominating emotions – excitement and anxiety. From what I could see, I was far from the only first-year-law-student stuck in this exhausting state. In the fear of completely digressing from the subject of the blog, I will just say that the first weeks of law school are an experience in themselves. As you can imagine, my daily looks in the course of those weeks naturally reflected a lot of how I felt; they were rushed and simpler than usual. Well I must have had some unconscious accumulation of creativity throughout as well because, today after class, mom and I just looked at each other and new that “it’s time!” We got into the car and drove to Santa Cruz for this mini-shoot.

I am still completely enamoured with California and I doubt that’s ever going to change – it’s just too gorgeous for its own good.

For this look I wrapped a large chiffon shawl around my waist and pinned it with a brooch in the back. In case you were curious, there is an old post where I wear it in a traditional way. This shawl is actually one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe because it has the most insanely luxurious texture. It’s made out of about eight thin layers of chiffon, which are sown together in such a way as to leave uneven bulk and bunches.

What I’m wearing:

Large chiffon shawl by “Donna Karan” worn as a skirt (last seen in Mar. 13’10)
Crystal brooch
Necklace by “Ben-Amun” (last seen in June 1’10)
Panther earrings with pearl clip by “Mawi” (last seen in Dec. 18’10)
Bodysuit by “The Lake & Stars”

For my Russian Readers:

Первые две недели учебного года для меня были периодом стресса, дикой усталости, растерянности и восторга одновременно. Это сказалось и в каждодном подборе одежды. Да и подбора, как такового не было – все было на нервах и находу. В результате, образы получались проще обычного. Но, я думаю, на подсознательном уровне, происходило что-то вроде накопления креативной энергии потому, что сегодня, после уроков, мы с мамой безмолвно переглянувшись, поняли:» Время пришло». И вскоре машина мчала нас в Санта Круз к океану, на мини фото сессию!

Не устаю восхищаться красотами Калифорнии и сомневаюсь, что когда-нибудь устану – сказочно красиво.

Для данного образа я использовала шаль (моя фаворитка в моём гардеробе, состоящая из 8-ми слоёв шифона, стёганная в виде воздушных пузырьков-Слава Донне Каран !), завернувшись в шаль, заколола брошкой на талии. Так же состовляющие наряд: Бюстье “The Lake & Stars”, серьги “Mawi” и колье “Ben-Amun”

Silk Shawl

lida — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:07:46 +0000

I saw another play at the Tarragon theatre last night called Communion. To my surprise, its lead character was named Lida. She spent the first half of the play in a shrink’s office and while Lida on stage searched for answers to the meaning of life and attempted to persuade the psychiatrist into offering her concrete advice, Lida in the audience was trying to predict the actress’s facial expression. Unfortunately the character of Lida had her back turned to me the entire time. That’s what you get for coming two minutes before the show starts and getting the most unfortunate seats in the theatre by default . Was that confusing? Sorry for indulging in the whole Lida thing; I’m not accustomed to hearing my name repeatedly shouted from the stage and it was my way of savoring the moment .

Today’s look-of-the-day is what I wore to the show. I had very little time to get ready so I went with something simple and elegant. I paired my new Donna Karan silk shawl with a silk black dress and opaque black tights. I own very few pieces in burgundy, probably because I believe in its inherent conservatism, and I seem to have a definite approach to dealing with this loaded colour. That is, I tend to proceed with caution when choosing supporting garments. I seem to instinctively favour black, grey, mustard, and beige tones.

Once again, I was really in a rush so I only had time for one picture (not sure how telling it will be but hopefully it will convey at least the general idea).

What I’m wearing:

Large silk shawl by “Donna Karan”
Silk dress by “Marciano” (as seen in Jan. 7′10, Let it Rain, Jan. 30’10)
Tights by “Givenchy”
Satin clutch by “Murval” (as seen in Jan. 27′10, Mar. 9’10)

A Bohemian Touch

lida — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:39:03 +0000

Today’s look-of-the-day is my take on Boho. The aesthetic synthesis we now recognize as the ‘Bohemian style’ has gypsy roots and is often associated with unconventional, artistic lifestyles. Keeping these two facts in mind is particularly helpful when constructing a boho look because they trigger a multitude of mental images and direct associations. Ask yourself the question of ‘what would a gypsy girl wear?’ and you’ll know immediately weather a certain garment qualifies. Their usual characteristics are: (a) loose fit, (b) natural materials, (c) muted tones, (d) flowy silhouettes, and (e) an abundance of accessories.

Now a days, the term ‘Bohemian’ is applied to people who live unconventional, usually artistic lives. Nonconformity is the ever-present undercurrent of this aesthetic movement (if you can call it that), and naturally, the same principal applies in the construction of its looks. Freedom from limits of self-expression is at the heart of this fashion ‘genre’ so explore. For example, play with chunky bangle, large hoop earrings, flowy long skirts and dresses, long tops, flats, or broken in boots. With Boho, fashionable is the anti-fashionable.

What I’m wearing:

Cashmere top by “Michael Kors” (as seen in Mar. 1’10)
Cashmere wrap scarf by “Donna Karan” (as seen in Mar. 1’10)
Simple tank-top by “BDG”
Vintage mini skirt
Leather boots (as seen in Nov. 23’09)
Leather bag by “BERGE” (as seen in Mar. 1’10)
Headband by “Priti Moudgill” (as seen in Vacation Clothes)

March Dreaming

lida — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:37:44 +0000

It’s finally March! We made it to spring my friends. I just wish that it would automatically mean that we could start wearing spring clothes but the weather in Toronto still leaves something to be desired. I am beginning to run out of ideas for winter looks, or maybe I’ve just developed some sort of a subconscious reluctance towards winter clothes. As though it’s going to somehow speed up the warming process…a little backwards don’t you think. This look-of-a-day illustrates some of that reluctance because despite all of the brown tones I still avoided layering the Michael Kors top over something simple and long-sleeve, as I would have normally done.

What I’m wearing:

Cashmere top by “Michael Kors”
Cashmere wrap scarf by “Donna Karan”
Mini skirt by “Marciano”
Suede pumps by “6267″ (as seen in Jan. 10′10, Feb. 5’10)
Opaque brown tights by “Holt Renfrew”
Long necklace with a large silver pendant (in the shape of a leaf) (as seen in Feb. 22’10)
Leather bag by “BERGE”
Suede gloves by “Alberta Ferretti” (as seen in Nov. 24, Dec. 14’09, Gloves)

Happy Valentine’s Day Fashionistas

lida — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:16:39 +0000

It’s the international day of love and another perfect reason for fashionistas to dress up in something beautiful. To celebrate, I decided to come to Montreal, Quebec for the long weekend. Aside from the fact that Montreal is more fun than Toronto and that its European-esque scenery is more conducive to the celebration of Valentine’s Day (being more romantic that is), Montreal has some amazing little restaurants that are worth driving five hours for. My absolute favorite restaurant here is Au Pied de Cochon on 536 Duluth Ave. It’s extremely difficult to get a reservation (especially on days like these) but after trying their food you quickly realize why. It’ll make you fall in love all over again!

I wanted to wear something special for my Valentine’s dinner at Au Pied de Cochon; preferably something I’ve never worn before. I first opted for a red Marc Jacobs dress, that has been hanging in my closet for half a year now without getting any lovin,’ but it requires double-sided tape and minor-alteration so I went with this Donna Karan skirt instead. It was so tight that I had to take the tiniest steps to move around. Fitted skirts that restrict your range of motion (such as this one) are exclusively dinner garments. I can imagine trying to dance in it… – a recipe for disaster.

Have an amazing Valentine’s Day everyone!

Love Lida

What I’m wearing:

Skirt by “Donna Karan”
Top by “Single”
Shoes by “Pierre Hardy”
Nude tights by “Expression”
Crystal Nepal Ceylan Topaz ring by “Swarovski” (as seen in Jan. 3’10, Dec. 18′09, Dec. 13′09, Dec. 7′09, Nov. 30′09, Sequin Dresses)
Gold heart necklace
Gold link bracelet (as seen in Jan. 25’10, Jan. 17’10, Jan. 5’10, Nov. 30’09)
Purse by “Chloe” (as seen in Jan. 26’10)
Cashmere cardigan by “Inhabit” (as seen in Nov. 25, Jan. 23’10)
Fur coat by “AlixK” (as seen in Jan. 22′10, Jan. 30’10)

Dusty Bluish-Grey

lida — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:46:04 +0000

I was asked a question recently in relation to sequin dresses and I thought that it might be helpful for me to answer it on the blog. This was the message from one of my YouTube subscribers : “I want to wear a silver clingy, one shoulder sequin dress, but I hate my legs. Would be okay if I wore tall leather boots instead of pumps?”

Here was my reply:

Wearing boots instead of pumps is perfectly fine. The only thing is that I would make sure the boots in themselves are relatively simple so as not to overdo it. I also probably wouldn’t go with a really high, over-the-knee boot because it might be a little much with a sequin dress; sort of like ‘lady-of-the-night does disco’ . A simple tall leather boot would look nice though. If the boots are black, I would probably pair them with black opaque tights because I wouldn’t want to draw too many lines across the body – first the bottom of the dress and then the top of the boot. I think it looks more flattering and cleaner when the boots are integrated into the look with tights.

So there you have it. If pumps are a problem boots are the fix!

Today’s look-of-the-day is in the bluish-grey color scheme. I love playing with colour in general and I especially love combining pieces that look so compatible in their tone, style, and texture qualities that they appear almost inseparable. The combination of the silk coat, the boots, and the dress exemplifies just that. However, the bright chunky necklace is the wild card. While on the one hand it seems to relate to the effect of the look there is also something awkward in its inclusion. I like to add one borderline ‘unharmonizing’ piece in order to make the outfit less ‘matchy matchy’ (as Bruno would put it).

What I’m wearing:

Dress by “Marc by Marc Jacobs” (as seen in St. Petersburg)
Silk coat by “twenty8twelve – by s.miller” (as seen in St. Petersburg)
Necklace by “BLMA Venezia Italy”
Ankle boots by “Gil Carvalho” (as seen in Jan. 14’10)
Nude tights by “Donna Karan”