Celebrate Mother's Day with Style

A Charade of Fashion

Image Source: Fab Audrey

I would argue that one of the best movies made, from a fashion-lovers’ point of view, is the 1960s murder-mystery-romance classic Charade starring the gorgeously witty Cary Grant and ever so stylish Audrey Hepburn. This film features a Givenchy-clad Hepburn (think leopard pill-box hats, red wool coats and slender sheaths), as she parades around Paris. That in itself is reason enough to spend a couple hours curled up on the couch, popcorn in hand, in front of the TV. For when the weather does turn up, I adore the style of this LBD, a look right from the film. 

The clean, fitted silhouette, feminine neckline detail and modest hem length all contribute to the Audrey factor. Pair with a lovely light pink lipstick, an easy up-do and your favorite neutral pumps and voila! Style a la Hepburn! (Oh, and don’t forget the most important accessory: that charmer Cary Grant. * Sigh *, if only we could all have one of those!)

Olivia

Beauty: Freckles

Image source (from top to bottom: into the gloss, spy on style, because i'm addicted)

Many women do it with solitary beauty marks, but would you fake some freckles? Chloe S/S 2011 makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury thinks it's a good idea. They gave all the girls in the show that sun kissed glow. We think we must try this at least once. 

From Into The Gloss: Tilbury used MAC lip pencils in Cork andStone to dot them on one by one. She referenced Anita Pallenberg and music festivals, and the girls did have that free-spirited, slightly rock-chick look, especially with their cakey, jet black top-and-bottom lashes.

1 hour till the Royal Wedding!

Love them or hate them the Royal Wedding WILL be the wedding of a generation. It is to quite elaborate lengths that this event has gone, and it's not only people in England that get to participate, thanks to social media the whole world will be watching. If you haven't yet set your channels to the Royal Wedding you can still tune into YouTube where they will be broadcasting live from the procession and the ceremonies, if you are early you can even upload a video message for the happy couple. Carole will be amidst all the commotion. We wish she had a twitter account to update us all on the things to come (hint hint ;) ). For now you can also participate using the hashtag #rw2011 and #royalwedding

There are dozens of ways to stay up to speed with the events of the upcoming hours:

View the photos on the Royal Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy

Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BritishMonarchy

Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBritishMonarchy

Stay updated with their Blog: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/

and of course Watch them on the Royal channel: http://www.youtube.com/theroyalchannel

AMAZING! What are your thoughts on the Royal Wedding? 

FACT: After their marriage, Prince William and Catherine Middleton will become The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Olivia on Olivia and the Tweed Jacket

Hello fashion lovers! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Olivia Lovenmark and I am a fashion (obsessed) blogger writing to you from the gorgeous city of Vancouver. I will be a contributing writer for the Bellisima blog and I hope to bring you a fresh and witty take on style, making it approachable and fun. (Where else have I heard a line like that? Oh yeah, that’s what all fashion writers say. But it really is my mandate to provide a take on fashion that is easy and delivers a smile!)

I know, I know, less talk, more fashion. 

An aspect of dressing that majorly appeals to me: the ability to balance a sartorially fresh look with class and modesty. I think for women this is much harder done than said. One woman who gets it right every time is Olivia Palermo, the much talked-about New York City socialite who could make a paper bag look chic. Featured below is her take on the tweed jacket - a fashion staple that continues to stand the test of time and trends. 

photo source: the vogue diaries

I’ve been coveting such a jacket for some time now with no luck finding just the right one, until I discovered this fabulous version from Bellisima:

Dress it up with an LBD (little black dress), or down with jeans like the model has here. Personally, I think I’d throw it over a loose, silk blouse and a pair of wide-leg jeans. Add a pair of killer platform heels and a long chain necklace and you have it, the recipe for 'fabulosity'. 

For more of Olivia, check out her blog, www.stylestruck.ca or follow her on twitter @StyleStruck

The Royal Treatment

I have a dilemma...

Words cannot express how excited I am for this wonderful celebration. If you are as excited as I am, you must be planning on where you will be on that late April morning. Will I be one of the chosen few to be in West Minster Abbey gazing upon the beautiful couple as they exchange their vows? Will I be in England, in my family’s living room, surrounded by the youngsters who will wish to grow up and be a real princess? If my invite to the wedding doesn’t arrive, perhaps I will be on a rooftop in NYC with my dearest friends, early in the morning with the British flag in one hand and my favorite English cocktail Pimms in the other, celebrating with glass after glass. Or maybe I will simply stay put in my apartment in Manhattan, with my husband, having a delicious British breakfast complete with our English China, and of course a few glasses of Pimms! 

Wherever I end up on April 29th, and I promise to let you know where that is, one thing I know for sure: I will be wearing waterproof mascara, as I laugh, cry, and rejoice in this historical celebration. 

Cheers,
Carole

As we all raise our glasses wishing this handsome, wonderful couple, that found each other and nurtured their love as friends, peace and happiness, we must remember it is up to us to let them live their lives in peace so that they can bring joy to the world. Joy, which we so badly need. 

I just know my invite to the Royal Wedding is lost in the mail. I check my mailbox everyday hoping to see that golden envelope with my name on it. I have already prepared my ensemble for that special day. My dilemma is: what hat should I wear?

Urban chic

In case you are still not convinced whether this combo is a good choice for you, here is a photo of Taylor Tomasi Hill (the Accessories editor at US Marie Claire) wearing a similar ensemble, in today's world of publishing an editor knows best, isn't that what they say:

Carole: London Fashion Week

As some of you might remember from previous entries or stories I have written these past months, I was born in London and although have lived in several parts of the world, one thing is constant in my life and that is the love of fashion. Now I live in New York City, my second home, I am lucky enough to call two wonderful cities home.  What excitement to be in London, not only for the main purpose of a family celebration, but also London Fashion Week. And such an amazing coincidence that the London shows were taking place during my four and a half days visit. Although I did not have any invites this year, being caught up in the excitement of Fashion Week, the mood on the streets, the energy in some of my favorite stores satisfied my thirst for my passion. I am not the most camera savvy and usually end up a video by mistake. I managed to figure it out and took some photos regardless (my genius friends at Apple tell me some of the best pictures are taken because of emotion). 

Looking at the following will drive you to the realization that I am not talking about designers in this story, I want to share with you some of the excitement that is London for me, show or not it still is one the fashion capitals of the world  where fashion and trends are born. Some of the most creative talent that we have seen in the last couple of decades have all been products of England as you must already know (Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, the late Alexander McQueen to name a few).

COLOR SPLASH-THE CATWALKS AND WINDOWS WERE A RIOT OF DAZZLING BRIGHTS THIS SEASON, AS SUMPTUOUS JEWEL TONES AND GLOWING FLUORESCENT  EXPLODE ACROSS THE COLLECTIONS AND WINDOWS.

WORN HEAD TO TOE HUE OR IN BOLDLY CLASHING COMBINATIONS, LUSH COLOR  IS SPRINGS HUGE STYLE STORY. MY STYLE TIP BREAK TRADITIONAL COLOR WHEEL RULES! BLUE PLUS GREEN AND RED PLUS PINK ARE DESIRABLE CONTRASTING COMBINATIONS.

STYLE TIPS-RICH FABRICS SUCH AS LUXE TAFFETA  AND DUCHESSE SATIN ELEVATE YOUR LOOK. LONDON’S COUTURE WAS SHOWING HEAD TO TOE HUES.   THE KEY IS TO PICK ONE COLOR TRULY VIBRANT AND WEAR TOP TO BOTTOM.

HIGH STREET FASHION

THIS REPORT IS PERSONAL AND I AM NOT MENTIONING ANY ONE DESIGNER IN PARTICULAR, AS I WAS EQUALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE HIGH END STORES AS I WAS ABOUT THE HIGH STREET STORES (THE TERM USED  FOR THE MAJOR STREETS OF ENGLAND WHICH CATER TO THE MASSES). FOR DECADES DESIGNERS AND STYLISTS GO TO LONDON TO VISIT THEIR FAVORITE HIGH STREET STORE, BUY MANY GARMENTS AND ‘KNOCK EM OFF’. THE PICTURES DEPICT SOME GREAT TRENDS SHOWN AT ALL PRICE POINTS.

MODERN CRAFT SEEMED TO HAVE A GLAMOROUS RETHINK. THIS SEASON. TASSELS, FEATHERS AND CROCHET APPLIQUES OF LACE ADD TEXTURE TO SIMPLE SHIFT DRESSES. SOME DESIGNERS WERE VERY CLEVER BY USING OLD ARTISAN TECHNIQUES BY PLAITING, WEAVING TO CREATE PIECES WHICH LOOK BEAUTIFULLY HANDMADE.

STRIPES-EVERY FEW SPRING SEASON WE SEE THIS FAITHFUL REINVENTION AND LONDON HAS IT AT ALL PRICE LEVELS. FROM TUNIC DRESSES TO T-SHIRTS, KNITTED BLAZERS AND AGELESS ATTIRE MAKE THE STRIPE CURRENT.

AS FAR AS A GREAT NEW JACKET FOR THE SEASON, THERE ARE SOME WONDERFUL CHOICES. IF I COULD SPLURGE I WOULD BUY A SHORT SCRUMPTIOUS LEATHER JACKET TO WEAR OVER A SHORT OR LONG MAXI DRESS. THE KNIT JACKET A’LA CHANEL WAS ANOTHER FAVORITE, GIVING A GIRLIE FEEL WORN WITH A GEORGETTE BLOUSE SOLID OR PRINT.   

EMBRACE THE WIDER FLARE TROUSER (SOME OF YOU MIGHT LAUGH AS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THROWN YOURS AWAY). THEY CERTAINLY ARE MORE FLATTERING IF THEY ARE TIGHTER IN THE LEG WITH A HIGHER WAIST. IT CERTAINLY LOOKS SEXIER WEARING A WEDGE SANDAL OR A BOOT BUT DOING YOUR OWN THING IS THE WAY TO GO!

NEON COLOR HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH STREET FASHION AND THE YOUTH MARKET BUT THIS SEASON NEON GREW UP, FROM VIVID LASER CUTS TO FEMININE BRIGHTS.

LADYLIKE BRIGHTS  ELEGANT CUTS MEET EXPLOSIVE COLORS IN A BURST OF BRILLIANT GLAMOUR . FEELING SHY? GO FOR ELECTRIC ACCESSORIES. EYE POPPING BAGS AND SHOES  OR GREAT COLORED BANGLES.

Left: TWO BRITISH HOTTIES! 

Right: LIBERTY OF LONDON SIDE ENTRANCE. ALWAYS  HAVE THE FLOWER OF THE SEASON IN FULL VIEW

'PECKHAM RYE' IS SLANG FOR 'YOUR TIE', SO WHAT A PERFECT PLACE TO BUY YOUR FELLAS TIE!

CARNABY STREET. THE 60’S EXPLOSION. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

As the famous British song goes... 

“Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner, that I love London so.”

Love,

Carole

The perfect color to remind us that it's spring. Here are some great white staples to add to your closet this season.

Runway Obsessed

It is much too early to be already buzzing about f/w 2011 but these images really inspired us. we just can't wait.

It's Been a LONG Time Coming...

In case you haven’t noticed with all of this cold, windy weather, the mix of spring dresses is full of change. This 'newness' that they have brought along with them is 'springing' out at us. First indication that the spring season is taking off is that the MAXI dresses are back.

photo source: http://www.whowhatweardaily.com/

For you ladies who have worn them before, as you try on some of these fabulous dresses at Bellissima, a smile is sure to cross your face. A revival of the 70‘s is back as I’m sure you know since you have been reading magazines and noticing trends. You might even wonder whether or not you should have saved your dress from the 70’s. Fashion always comes full circle, our MAXI dresses are so affordable and fashion forward that you will need one the instant you see it.  At Bellissima you will see techno prints, wonderful bright colors with a splurge of flowers. And as the season warms up, keep your eyes open for that perfect picnic day MAXI dress with a flow of garden florals. 

 photo source: styleguru

Here are some worthwhile tips as how to wear the MAXI dress. I am enjoying the different lengths: there’s long and there’s longer. The MAXI dress is perfect for day. When worn with a flat, be sure the dress touches the top of your shoes. For evening your hem could gracefully graze the floor. I am certainly not the tallest person in the world, but I never felt as if I shouldn’t wear this MAXI look just because I’m not 5’10. Don’t allow fashion to intimidate you. It should be fun, exciting and new. And most importantly, comfortable. The MAXI look is timeless as well as age and body appropriate. 

When it comes to your feet... Here are a few foot wearing tips that will certainly add to the glamour of making that MAXI dress work for you. As you’re browsing the stores around the mall, shopping in the supermarket, or walking through the park to relax on the swings, I would recommend:

1) Ballet slipper

2) Toeless thong

3) Espadrilles

4) Wedge

5) Sandal with a cork heel

Personally, I wear this look with a heel or a wedge.

Make sure before you leave the dressing room or your home, look at yourself from the front and then from the side. Do you feel taller already?!

As for accessories, you know I’m a lover of hats, especially floppy, vibrant or neutral ones, depending on the mood. If you opt out to not wear a hat, play around with a head scarf instead. Or if you are more comfortable letting those locks flow, have an assortment of colored bangles ready to match your dress for that day.  Shoulder bags with fringe, and straw to canvas totes add to this terrific trend. And never ever forget those dangling earrings, you know those perfect ones that sparkle in that warm spring sun. You might finish off your outfit with a cocktail ring as you may end the day celebrating that spring is finally here. 

Bye for now. Will return with more updates on hot trending styles to make your summer a memorable one. In the meantime you can always visit the BELLISSIMA website for the latest fashion trends. 

Love, 

Carole

More than one way to help Japan

Our friends at PARK are putting together a fundraiser in partnership with the Gerry Thomas Gallery here in Calgary, the event takes place on April 7th and will include a Silent Auction, an Art Exhibition and a presentation of the Caitlin Power A/W 2011 Collection and most importantly all the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross towards the Japanese disaster relief. We are so proud to see our city collaborate on so many levels to help out our Eastern neighbours. If you are in the Calgary area next Thursday make sure to come support PARK at this great event. For more information go to their blog, http://stateofthepark.blogspot.com/ or visit their facebook page here. 

Also remember to 'like' our facebook page for a chance to donate $1/every like to Japanese disaster relief. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Joseph Ribkoff in the blogosphere

We love finding Bellissima brands on other blogs, so it's no exception that we fell in love with Fashion Pearls of Wisdom. The vintage Ribkoff jacket looks amazing with the rest of the outfit, what a classic and signature piece. Camel (dare we say beige) is definitely a must have color for spring. Do you have any classic Bellissima styles to share with us? We'd love to see them.

photo source: www.fashionpearlsofwisdom.blogspot.com

Reading Room: April

I wanted to start a new section on the blog where I share with you the latest and most talked about books in fashion and pop culture. I already mentioned one book I have recently read, 'Hungry' by Crystal Renn a couple of months ago (to view the entry click here). I always stumble upon great reads during my research or just when I am flipping through a magazine (and even sometimes channel surfing), there, literally is inspiration everywhere. I picked up the copy of 'Unbearable Lightnesss' at a Christmas Dinner we went to in December. Intrigued by the fact it was written by Portia de Rossi (aka. Ellen de Generes' significant other) I read it in one sitting. I love books which require me to reach out and research the topic. I googled constantly white reading this book, they don't provide you with many photos, and they also often refer to clips from Ally McBeal. There are some great interviews with Portia also if you find yourself wanting to know more. A word of warning to those with weak stomachs, she goes into some horrid details in the book, describing her battle with anorexia. Overall it's a great read, definitely an eye opener to both the disease itself as well as the elusive world that is Hollywood.

Bellissima For Japan

Some amazing news from the Bellissima Team. As you know Japan has recently gone through a world scale tragedy, killing thousands of people and leaving even more without homes and with little hope. Japan has been amazingly brave, with the help from the rest of the world they are slowly coping with this imense disaster and will eventually pull through. We wanted to show our support to the country and its people by donating to Doctors Without Borders, and we need your help to do it! For every like on our facebook page we will be donating $1 toward Japanese Relief, that's $1 per every person. One click is all you need to do. The goal is to donate up to $3,000. This is the perfect opportunity to help in the time of need. See you all on facebook!



photo by Richard Avedon, New York June 1, 1964

RIP Elizabeth Taylor 1932-2011

Bellissima Channels Emilio Pucci Pre-Fall 2011

Love this dress, so girly and fun. It even made it to CalgaryFashion.ca  

Runway Obsessed

We are in love with the super girly but entirely modern looks sent down the Stella McCartney runway at this years fashion week in Paris. Can YOU spot a trend for the next season?

Images Courtesy of FashionGoneRogue.com

Joseph Ribkoff Takes on Alexander Wang

Anna

photo source: fashiongonerogue.com

I have to post this amazing cover of the wall street journal with Anna Wintour. She is just such an ellusive personality. I feel like all of her fashion knowledge and personal secrets hide in that infamous bob. Love her or hate her she is an enigma.

Bellissima Lookbook Now Features Prices

In our recent web developments we have added the prices for all the pieces found in our lookbook. We hope this feature will make your shopping with Bellissima an easier experiance. Now you can plan your Spring must haves before you even hit the store. The style numbers for all the garments are there for you in an event you wish to contact your closest Bellissima store and check for their availibility. We can't promise anything for sure, but online shopping has crossed our minds. For now, however, baby steps. Visit the Bellissima Website for more looks and prices.

Bellissima S/S 2011 Campaign

Photo: Jason Eng

Model: Ania Boniecka (Sophia Models)

Makeup: Wray Bokitch

Hair: HedKandi Salon

Creative Direction: Shea Kerwood

for more campaign photos visit our FACEBOOK PAGE (and don't forget to like us)

Spring Color and Print