BeautyBabe: OPI

Welcome to Hong Kong: OPI Spring Collection

There is something about new nail polish colours that excites me. Although OPI and Essie are both equal in my books, OPI's new spring collection, Hong Kong, is bright and fun.

The majority of the colours are jewel tones, and have amazing names (this is one of the many reasons why I LOVE about OPI).

The collection includes:

• Bling Dynasty A char-”ming” gold that shimmers and glimmers
• Red My Fortune Cookie And this rich red is in my future
• Hot & Spicy A sizzling coral that’s a kung pao wow!
• Dim Sum Plum A berry delectable delicacy
• Jade is the New Black The vibrant green is the new fashion vibe
• Suzi Says Feng Shui A serene cobalt blue to balance your yin yang
• A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find But you’ve found it- in this zesty red-orange!
• Lucky Lucky Lavender Be pretty and prosperous in this luscious light purple
• Meet Me on the Star Ferry A Kowloon-lit, moonlit violet
• Panda-monium Pink Lend a panda a hand-a in this uproarious light pink
• Pearl of Wisdom Smart girls choose this lustrous pearl shade
• Chop-sticking to My Story I mean it – “pick up” this warm caramel shade

Source

I love all of the purple shades, but I am excited for Hot & Spicy, which is the coral shade. Which spring collection do you like better, Essie or OPI?

Stop'n'Style: Tory Burch

Tory Burch Denim

There are some designers who try to expand their collections by adding accessories or shoes to their line. However, not all designers can make a name for themselves in all aspects of fashion.

Tory Burch does not simply need to put her T-logo on her products in order to succeed. Although she has certainly mastered the shoes and purse market, her simple yet fashionable clothing collection has started to bloom.

Tory is on a roll: she recently introduced eyewear, which consists of different styles of sunglasses. Additionally, she now has a denim collection. The jeans range from $175-$225, and include denim of all styles.

Here are some of my top picks:

Five Pocket Denim Legging

Super Skinny (with studded pockets)

Slouchy Slim Jean

(Photos from http://www.toryburch.com)

What are your thoughts? Should TB only stick to shoes?

Stop'n'Style: i heart rompers

i heart Rompers

One of my favorite trends for the upcoming spring and summer season are rompers.

They make a great outfit, are effortless, and all you need to add are shoes and accessories. Rompers can be made fancier to wear out for a night on the town, and they can be dressed down to wear everyday. Since Spring fashion is starting to bloom, my blog will begin to share some of top choices on the approaching season.

If you're looking for a fancier look... Try:

Dolce Vita: strapless washed-silk romper with sweetheart neckline and sequin bodice. Great with a blazer or dark tights (as pictured). ShopBop, $232.00.

Karina Grimaldi: strapless silk romper with a ruffle trim and mixed metal chain fringe. Available in navy. ShopBop, $190.00

Parker: 3/4 sleeve, silk romper with beaded detailing on shoulders. Wedges are a great addition to this glam-edge outfit. Bloomingdales, $242.00

If you're looking for a casual look... Try:

Rory Beca: Racerback, silk romper with scoop neck. The drawstring at waist allows you to adjust the romper to fit you perfectly. I am in love with this blue/green colour. Metallic strappy heels would be a good addition. ShopBop, $247.00

Shoshanna: Floral, ruffle trim romper. The spaghetti straps tie at the shoulders, adding a feminine touch to the outfit. Floral is a popular style this season, and the vibrant colours are simple yet playful. ShopBop, $230.00

Alice and Olivia: Rainbow, strapless, ruffled romper. Comes with a purple belt with a circle buckle, which brings the outfit together. Neiman Marcus, $297.00

If you're looking for a beach look... Try:

Marc by Marc Jacobs: hooded, v-neck, jersey romper. Has pockets, and is a cute look for the beach. ShopBop, $248.00

Victoria's Secret: Terry cloth, strapless romper. Has a drawstring elastic waist, and is a reasonable price. Available in turquoise, coral, white, and black. $32.00

C&C California: Cotton, button-up, racerback tank top romper. This is simple yet comfortable, and can be worn on the beach or even shopping. Revolve Clothing, $82.00

BeautyBabe: Essie Spring 2010

Essie Spring 2010

Although snow is still on the ground, spring is apparently around the corner. Many designers and stores have started releasing previews of their Spring collections. Essie has jumped on the boat and has started advertising their new Spring 2010 collection.

The collection is called Essie's Art of Spring, and consists of pretty pastels with a mixture of red, pink, and purple. The collection is inspired by colours seen in the Spring 2010 Fashion Shows.

The collection includes: Pop Art Pink - sheer chiffon pink shade

Lilacism - satiny smooth lilac shade

Neo Whimsical - rose-plum shade

Van D'go - deliciously ripe melon

Tart Deco- dreamy creamy coral shade

Red Nouveau - fiery hot red pepper shade.

They are all very pretty, but I'm excited for Lilacism and Tart Deco! The collection hits stores February 1st.

What is your favourite shade? Are you going to purchase this collection?

Stop'n'Style: Flirty Skirts

Flirty Skirts

Skirts are a great necessity for any wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down and add a little feminine touch to any outfit, which I love.

Here are some cute skirts that vary in prices:

Myne - This silk skirt is great with or without tights (for the winter) and adds colour to your outfit. $138.60, ShopBop

Silence and Noise - Knit drape skirt, also available in concord purple. Any colour or patterned tank top or t-shirt (as pictured) works well. $48, Urban Outfitters

Forever 21 - This reasonably priced floral fuschia and rose peplum skirt is perfect for the spring. There is an exposed zipper at the back, which is currently still a trend many designers are using. $15.80, Forever 21

Aqua - Flirty silk magenta miniskirt is great with a simple shirt and heels or boots. It is also cute with dark tights for the winter. $46.80, Bloomingdales

Free People - Super flirty tiered mesh skirt. To get the cute ballerina look, add a simple-coloured t-shirt and a bun in your hair. Skirt is also available in white and hot pink. $59.55, Free People

Twenty8Twelve - Textured silk skirt with opening in front. Looks great with a white t-shirt and wither flats or short boots. $282, ShopBop

Do you like to wear skirts? Do you prefer to wear them out on the town, to school, or casually?

The StacieBlair Review: Youth in Revolt

From Innocent to Rebel: Cera is a "Youth in Revolt"

When you think of a rebel, you think of characters like James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause, Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Judd Nelson in The Breakfast Club. All of these actors play characters who are young, tough, and “bad to the bone.”

And then there’s Michael Cera: a twenty-one year old actor who usually plays the outcast or nerd.

However, Cera plays a not-so-innocent character in Youth in Revolt. Directed by Miguel Arteta, Youth in Revolt is based on a novel by C.D. Payne, and is the story of Nick Twisp, an obedient teen who is the son of two idiotic divorcees. After meeting the love of his life Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday) on vacation, Nick is forced to leave his one chance at love (and sex) behind, and go back home. The only way they can be reunited is for Nick to rebel against his family, forcing his alter ego (Francois Dillinger) to give Nick lessons on how to be a badass.

Unlike Nick, Francois dresses well, sports a fancy mustache, has a deeper voice, and has no shame spilling out dirty words. He gets Nick to act out rebelliously against his family and society. Believe it or not, Michael Cera soon becomes a felon who is wanted by police across California.

The relationship between Sheeni and Nick is at first awkward and childlike. While Sheeni and Nick visit the beach, Sheeni asks Nick to apply sunscreen on her exposed areas. While he straddles Sheeni’s almost-naked body, she calls Nick out on getting aroused so easily.

Although the plot is fairly simple, the combination of the script and characters kept the audience laughing throughout the entire film. From Nick’s father’s strange neighbor (Fred Willard) who hides illegal immigrants in his basement to Nick dressing in women’s clothing and wig, the movie is extremely entertaining.

Michael Cera was born in Brampton, Canada and starred in many TV shows and movies as a child. His first acting job was in a Tim Hortons coffee commercial which led to a Pillsbury commercial. However, Cera is most notable for his roles in Arrested Development (2003-2006), Juno (2007), Superbad (2007), and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008).

Although Cera usually plays the dweeb in most of his films, Youth in Revolt presents a slightly darker, mysterious Cera. This new persona is great, but his blond hair, charm, and goofy smile will win over my heart in any role.

I heart michael cera!

What did you think of the movie? Same typical Cera role or something interesting and new?

Also, this review will be up on College Magazine shortly.I am part of the daily content team for their website. Check it out!

Food Glorious Food: Covent Garden Market

Covent Garden Market

With the sun finally shining on my frost-covered window this morning, I decided to go with a friend to the Covent Garden Market in London, Ontario (Canada). The market runs every Thursday and Saturday, bringing local growers and artisans who sell a variety of foods, flowers, crafts, and beverages.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

The market offers: fruits and vegetables, baked goods, seafood, poultry, cheeses, coffee, tea, candy, ice cream, dry goods, flowers and gifts, organic foods, international foods, and arts and crafts.

A variety of feta cheese

Fresh cheese

One of my favourite booths at the market was the Sweet Cakes counter. Sweet Cakes sells nothing but CUPCAKES, CUPCAKES, and more CUPCAKES. The pink booth is filled with cupcakes of all flavors and sizes. Some classic flavors include: lemon, double chocolate, vanilla bean, banana chocolate, rainbow, caramel, and pina colada.

Sweet Cakes Booth

Cookies and Creme Cupcake

For the holidays, they also featured a gingerbread, snowflake, and snowman cupcake. They were so adorable! The gingerbread cupcake is made with a gingerbread cake and cream cheese frosting. How delicious does that sound?

Snowflake Cupcake

Snowman Cupcake

Gingerbread Cupcake

The market is great to visit year-round. In the spirit of winter, there is also a skating rink located outside the market which is usually a great sitting area in the summer time.

Covent Garden Market is located at 130 King Street. I suggest you visit it!

Anyone know of any markets they can recommend?

Shoe-Craze: Winter Boots

The Perfect Winter Boot

Canada's cold treacherous winters take a toll on fashionistas. The best way to survive winter is to be bundled up in a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. For the amount of snow that arrives, it may be difficult to find a pair of boots that will be comfortable, water resistant, and warm.

Here are some of my top picks of winter boots that are durable yet stylish:

1. Everyone knows and adores Uggs. These boots, unlike the classic ones, are perfect for snowy weather. They are waterproof and will keep you super warm because they are lined in sheepskin.

2. These Blondo boots are great for women looking to add a little more style to their winter attire. The boots have a 2" heel, are waterproof, and have a wool lining. They can be purchased at Endless Shoes.

3. These Tory Burch duck boots are durable but a little on the expensive side. The trim of the boots is rabbit fur which is super soft.

4. North Face is known for their warm weather gear. These boots are no exception; they are fashionable yet designed to protect against the brutal winter weather. They are insulated to keep your feet warm and have a special grip outsole. They are also available in white and brown.

Hopefully these boots will help your feet stay warm during Canada (or America's) brutal winters!!!