Valentino | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

Beauty: Introducing GABRIELLE CHANEL

6 September, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

For the first time in 15 years (!!!), the House of Chanel has released a brand new fragrance – GABRIELLE CHANEL, named, of course, after the the inimitable Gabrielle Coco Chanel. Created by Olivier Polge, GABRIELLE is a fresh floral fragrance with warm notes of Jasmine, fruity scent of Ylang-Ylang, fresh essence of Orange Blossom, and a finishing touch of Grasse Tuberose. This feminine fragrance is an instant classic, and the streamlined yet striking square bottle only reinforces its timelessness.

To celebrate the new fragrance, a beautiful mini film starring Kristen Stewart and directed by Ringan Ledwidge was released, capturing the essence of the rebellious spirit of Gabrielle Chanel. If you’re still not familiar with the designer’s history of breaking the rules and reinventing herself, make sure to watch the Inside CHANEL videos linked below. They offer a fascinating glimpse at Coco Chanel’s life and of course the history of CHANEL.

As for me, I am smitten with GABRIELLE CHANEL. I’ve been lucky enough to wear it for a few weeks now and it’s my current go-to perfume – can’t get enough! The new fragrance is now available at all CHANEL Beauty counters in Canada, so make sure to stop by and try it for yourself.

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Met Gala 2017: The Best, The Worst, and The Meh

2 May, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

I was about to write a ragey post about all of the boring and unimaginative looks from this year’s Met Gala (I’m looking at you Gwyneth Paltrow/Salma Hayek/Jessica Chastain/etc), literally shaking my head at all of the A-listers who showed up in prom-wear even though they have access to top tier designers…but then I decided not to. Instead, here are my favourite looks: Rihanna flawless in Comme des Garcons, Solange in Thom Browne, my new fave Ruth Negga in Valentino, Pharrell and Helen Lasichanh cool as always in Comme des Garcons, and Cara Delevingne in CHANEL Haute Couture. Of course, there were a few other standouts – Lily-Rose Depp in CHANEL Haute Couture looked both perfectly age-appropriate and interesting at the same time, Zendaya looked smashing in a Dolce and Gabbana ball gown, Tracee Ellis Ross was dressed perfectly appropriate for the night in Comme des Garcons, and Lily Collins looked both edgy and sweet in Giambattista Valli.

If I had to pick a few looks for the Worst Dressed list, I would choose Gisele Bundchen in a forgettable dress styled with a pony tail (why even bother?!?!), Gwyneth Paltrow in an ill-fitting minimalistic Calvin Klein that was so offensive to me on a night honouring Rei Kawakubo, and Bella, Gigi, Kendall, and Hailey – all for different reasons, but all missing the mark. Sarah Jessica Parker was noticeably absent this evening…prompting an instagram treasure hunt and conspiracy theories. I for one, missed her creative interpretation of the theme. And though, admittedly, I don’t always love what she wears to the Met Gala, at least she’s never ever boring.

What did you think of “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” red carpet? Share your fave looks in the comments.

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SAG Awards 2017: Best Dressed

29 January, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

Over the last few weeks it seems that the world has gone insane, so in case you needed a distraction, here are some pretty celebrities wearing pretty gowns at the 2017 SAG Awards. Truth be told, I was pleasantly surprised to see some really exciting choices on the red carpet this year. Nicole Kidman wowed in a birds of paradise Gucci creation, Michelle Williams looked flawless in a glittering Louis Vuitton gown, while Black-ish star Yara Shahidi wore a delightful Naeem Khan beaded frock. Evan Rachel Wood made good on her promise to skip dresses this season and wore yet another impeccable Altuzarra suit, this time in rich blue velvet. Janelle Monae who’s also known for her beautiful suits chose an intricate CHANEL frock instead, accessorised with the cutest hair-do ever.

Michelle Dockery (aka Lady Mary Forever) wore a colourful striped Elie Saab gown (similar to Yara’s), and as someone who loves colour, stripes, and Downton Abbey, this was definitely a hit for me (though that hair was a tad too severe). Kirsten Dunst looked lovely in a bridal-like Dior gown (very appropriate for a newly-engaged star), while Thandie Newton’s Schiaparelli creation looked like it belonged in a museum…in a good way. And while I’m usually not a fan of the “naked” dress, Taraji P. Henson looked simply stunning in her Reem Acra gown. Lastly, I loved Claire Foy in The Crown, and perhaps my judgement is clouded by my adoration of the actress, but I quite liked the Valentino gown she wore on the red carpet (paired with gorgeous Tiffany & Co. earrings), even if the dress wasn’t my absolute favourite.

And there you have it, my SAG Awards 2017 Best Dressed. Share yours in the comments!

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Golden Globes 2017: Best Dressed

8 January, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

“I decided early in the year not to wear any dresses to awards shows to be a gentle reminder to young girls and women that you’re not required one if you don’t want to, to really be yourself and that your worth is more than the dresses that you wear.” – Evan Rachel Wood

Not only did Evan Rachel Wood looked amazing at the Golden Globes, but she had a very positive message to share about her choice of outfit. What’s not to love? This year’s Golden Globes red carpet was actually pretty good – not too many boring outfits, a few that I didn’t love, but could appreciate, and these ten looks that I actually really enjoyed. Some more than others, like Emma Stone’s stunning Valentino gown – so appropriate for her La La Land role, almost too on the nose, but too beautiful to criticise.

Isabelle Huppert looked radiant in her powder blue gown; and she rocked that ear cuff too! Ruth Negga’s Louis Vuitton dress was futuristic perfection (and that hair!). Natalie Portman’s Jackie-inspired Prada look was very fitting and both interesting and flattering. And of course, Evan’s impeccably-cut suit was one of the highlights of this red carpet for me.

There were a few others in memorable gowns, like the beautiful see-through lace on Kerry Washington (Dolce and Gabbana) and Kristen Wiig, Claire Foy in a lovely sequined pink dress, and Kristen Bell (whom I love in The Good Place) in a sexy black gown with a plunging neckline. They all looked incredible, interesting, and stylish. As a bonus, I’ve added a photo of Millie Bobby Brown looking super cute at her first major awards show…because Stranger Things should’ve won something and Millie is adorable.

So there you have it, my top 10 Best Dressed from the 74th Golden Globes. Share your picks in the comments!

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What I Wore: Chloe Carlina

26 November, 2016 Nelia 1 Comment

I’ve been obsessed with these oversized sunglasses from Chloe for a while now, but I wasn’t sure if I could pull off such a statement look. What do you think? I think I’m in love. I have a ton of fun sunglasses in my closet, but this pair is my current favourite – with its bug-eyed shape, lightly-tinted lenses, and curvy frame – reminds me a bit of those early 2000’s JLo days, but in a good way. Incidentally, she actually owns a pair too!

If you’re looking for a pair of statement eyewear yourself, there’s no better time to pick one up. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale happening over at Smart Buy Glasses, you can snag a pair of cool designer sunnies for a fraction of the regular price. And their shipping is lightning-fast!

So tell me, what do you think of Chloe Carlina sunnies? Which sunglasses are your favourite? Share in the comments.

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What I Wore: Summer Loving

20 June, 2016 Nelia 2 Comments

I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect white summer dress, and I finally found one at Old Navy, of all places! It was super unexpected, as I don’t visit their stores very often, but after randomly popping in one day, I found a treasure trove of LWDs. This one is my dream white dress – light cotton fabric, loose but flattering shape, and a touch of lace. It’s currently on sale, and comes in black too. You’re welcome.

Another summer item I had a tough time locating was a black straw boater/bolero hat. My head is too big for most “one size fits all” hats, so when I saw this Janessa Leone stunner in size L, I clicked “Add To Cart” immediately, and I’m so glad that I did. It goes with every summer outfit I own, and the wide brim will protect my face from the sun.

Between these two must-haves, my pizza and pretzel inflatables, and all of the one-piece swimsuits that I picked up over the last few months, I think I’m totally set for the summer. Bring on the sunshine!

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Golden Globes 2016: Best Dressed

10 January, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

I usually love to watch the Golden Globes live – from the red carpet arrivals to the show itself – I find it more entertaining than almost any other award show. But this weekend, I simply forgot all about it! So this Best Dressed list was based on photos and photos alone. To tell you the truth, it was a bit challenging selecting 10 favourite looks, as a lot of celebrities and their stylists opted for either been-there-seen-that, or snoozeville looks. With that said, here are my faves.

Olivia Wilde is not my usual style favourite. Her style is uneven at best, but this time, in this oxblood Michael Kors Collection gown, she looks ravishing (if we overlook her demon-like eye makeup). The dress fits her like a glove, the colour suits her skin tone, and while I think that necklace is completely unnecessary, she still looks mighty good. Bonus points for keeping it real and rocking a pair of great custom-made ALDO heels (#WearCanada FTW!).

It’s no secret that Cate Blanchett is a superior human being, and as such, she would probably make this list no matter what she decides to put on, but it helps when she shows up in a visually-arresting Givenchy gown. I wish some of those strings/dress hairs weren’t so stringy, but beggars can’t be choosers. Other than a stray string or two, Cate The Great looks impeccable, no surprise here.

I’m not sure why Kate Bosworth was at the Globes tonight, but the fact is, the woman’s got style. This sequinned Dolce & Gabbana gown looks great on her, the print is interesting, and I love that she chose minimal accessories, letting the dress shine.

Alicia Vikander is quickly becoming my new favourite. Even the fact that she’s dating my boyfriend Michael Fassbender can’t stop me from liking her. She’s marvellous in The Danish Girl, and has been killing it at every event she attends. I am not madly in love with this Louis Vuitton gown, but she makes it work. I love the stripes, the criss-cross back, and the ruffles around the neckline; it’s both chic and simple, and in my opinion, it’s certainly one of the best looks of the night.
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What I Wore: WMCFW Outfit Roundup

24 November, 2015 Nelia 2 Comments

I’ve been meaning to share some of the street style photos of my outfits from WMCFW, and while it’s been over a month, I really love these photos, so I guess better late than never? This season, with my hair a shocking shade of blue, I had to be careful not to dress too crazy while still staying true to my playful spirit. Naturally, I gravitated to black and complimenting shades of blue, but I also ended up wearing colourful stripes one day, because why the heck not? Let me know which look is your fave in the comments.

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What I Wore: Off To The Races

9 July, 2015 Nelia 5 Comments

Last Sunday was my first time at the Queen’s Plate, but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved everything about my experience at the racetrack – from dressing up, to bidding on horses, to people-watching, to enjoying everything the Hats and Horseshoes party had to offer – it was truly a blast!

I did have a moment of panic about 30 minutes before leaving the house…and ended up completely changing my outfit, and also MacGyvering a fascinator from a large flower purchased at Homesense, old headband, discarded ribbon, and 2 hair elastics. Though le bf looked at me as if I was insane, I did end up getting a ton of compliments on my DIY headpiece, and it was even featured in Toronto Star’s Queen’s Plate hat line-up. Take that, le bf!

Once we got to Woodbine Racetrack, we were a bit overwhelmed by all the action happening all around us – food trucks selling yummy bites, various party tents with things to do and people to see, wine and beer tastings, fancy hats for sale, and that’s before we even stepped foot inside the main building! We found our way to the Rethink Breast Cancer tent, where we spent most of our day. It had everything – DIY fascinator station, manis courtesy of The Ten Spot, fashion illustrators drawing partygoers’ outfits (mine was done by the talented Danielle Meder!), sweet and savoury treats, silent auctions, Be Good gelato cart…it was THE PLACE TO BE!

But of course, the track provided even more entertainment! Knowing close to nothing about horse races, I decided that my strategy would be to bid on contenders with fun names and/or my lucky number 8, which is how I ended up picking Aldous Snow and Conquest Boogaloo, and actually winning!

Overall, we had a wonderful time at the races. Queen’s Plate is quickly becoming one of the top summer events, and now I know why. I was told that each year it gets bigger and better, and I can’t wait to see what next year’s Queen’s Plate will have in store.

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What They Wore: Cannes 2015 Best Dressed

20 May, 2015 Nelia 1 Comment

I love Cannes fashion. Most of the time celebs aren’t afraid to make style statements on the croisette, and we get to feast our eyes on over-the-top gowns, as well as the more subdued, real-life-appropriate day outfits. It’s a win-win!

This year, I found the fashions particularly inspiring, with some of the world’s most stylish leading ladies all over the red carpet, I had a tough time picking my faves. Diane Kruger, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Sienna Miller, Lupita Nyong’o, and many others brought their A-game to Cannes, and it was glorious.

I know that the festival isn’t over just yet, and I’ll update this post as more photographs become available, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy Poppy Delevingne in her exquisite CHANEL gown, the always regal Cate Blanchett in an otherworldly Giles creation, Diane Kruger in the most adorable Dolce and Gabbana dress, and many more.

Share your faves in comments and stay tuned for more beautiful looks from Cannes 2015!

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