Shop the Look: Hitchcock Heroine

Sophisticated and pretty with a touch of sass is the perfect way to describe the mood of one of the hautest trends fashion experts are referring to as, Hitchcock Heroine. To achieve this look, one must embrace the 40’s simplicity and modishness; opt for slim cut suits and well tailored dresses. A nipped waist is essential, so don't hesitate to cinch that dress with a skinny belt. Handbags are structured and luxe while shoes are lady like, yet sexy. Leather driver gloves are a chic fall must-have and jewelery should exude a simple, ladylike, elegance. As for outerwear, hunt for the perfect statement swing coat or cape. Keep in mind, there is no need to wear these all at once. Make it your own, by picking and choosing pieces that capture your personal modern interpretation of the trend. Need inspiration? Channel Grace Kelly: the epitome of polished and elegant; a true Hitchcock Heroine.

(This Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress is perfect Hitchcock attire for a dressy event or party and is available at www.saks.com)


(These Aldo Balschner satin shoes compliment the mood and fabric of the dress perfectly - they are available for approximately $70.00)


(This Stephen Webster Mother of Pearl and clear Quartz, Sterling ring is just enough bling to accent this uptown girl ensemble - approximately $335.00 at www.saks.com)



(A silver clutch like this classic and chic YSL version adds just enough pop to this steamlined silhouette and neutral palette - also available in gold at www.saks.com)

(This Tahari Sheath is the perfect go-to dress - a classic wool and Jersey blend in one of fall's hautest colors, camel - this dress will last for seasons - approximately $368.00 at Robert Simmonds in Fredericton, New Brunswick or online at www.saks.com)

(The Leopard print on these classic Jimmy Choo stilettos add just the right amount of sass to this chic, yet, conservative ensemble - available at www.saks.com)

(The Hitchcock woman wouldn't be complete with out a structured handbag like this Valentino patent style available at www.saks.com for $1895.00)


(Today's Hitchcock Heroine would store her chunky watch and wear something a little more feminine and modern like the one above by Philip Stein- $440.00, available at www.saks.com)


(To complete the look - these 18k Gold Tiffany & Co earrings give a nod to both the past and present day Hitchcock Femme, accenting the look fabulously - available at www.tiffany.com)


(When stepping outside, take direction from this gorgeous Cashmere AKRIS swing style coat above - available at www.saks.com)


(Last but not least, driver gloves like the ones above, are very on trend with or without your jacket - so be sure to include a pair on the fall shopping list - available at www.victoriasecret.com)

Lifestyle: The Cove Resort

Atop and two of the stunning Paradise Island, Bahamas, sits a stylishly dynamic 22-story luxury hotel: The Cove. Inspired by Vegas Hipsters and located in the exciting world of Atlantis, this "resort with-in a resort" offers the best of both worlds: tranquility and a vibrant social scene. With no shortages of indulgent experiences, including gourmet cuisines, high-end shopping, an amazing water park and a world-class casino, it's no wonder that guests have been known to rub elbows with celebrities such as, Julia Roberts, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood.

Rooms present ocean views of breathtaking pink and white sand beaches against crystal clear turquoise waters. Guests of The Cove resort also receive total access to the exclusive Cain at The Cove; an adults-only pool area where the vibe is trendy and the energy is high. Guests can feel free to try their luck at any 5 gaming tables surrounding chic infinity pools; indulge in a massage while chillin' in their lounger or soak up the sun on a day bed sipping fancy cocktails with friends - all while the DJ mixes the coolest beats.

Only in Nassau for the day via cruise or renting a condo with friends? Then be sure to purchase a day pass to Cain at The Cove – it will give you a little taste of the resort and trust me – it’s totally worth it!
(The Cain at Cove, Atlantis, Bahamas)

Spotted: Untamed Fashionista's

For decades fashionista’s have been tastefully incorporating animal prints into their wardrobes (key word being – tastefully). This season designers, such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Lanvin went wild for Leopard prints; since then these sexy spots have been making a fierce comeback. Whether worn as an accent or statement piece, adding just a spot of leopard will undoubtedly add personality to an otherwise basic ensemble. Pair this print with excessive bronze and gold jewelry to channel some frisky 70’s Glamour (think heaps of bangles, oversized earrings and one big statement ring) and be sure to perrrrr-fect the look with a sexy pair of vintage inspired shades – meow.

(Burberry animal print fur trench coat available at: www.burberry.com)

Lifestyle: Spice in the City

Spice Market, originally uploaded by luckyfish.

In the city where dreams are made of and there is nothing you can’t do, buy, try or eat, exists an unbelievable establishment that continues to remain a popular choice to dine amongst an array of old and new restaurants in Manhattan. Located in the heart of the oh-so-hip and trendy Meat Packing District, Spice Market, has become a staple restaurant to celebrities and the masses.

Owned by one of the world’s most famous chefs, Jean - Georges Vongerichten, who delivers his remarkably exotic menu by traveling throughout South East Asia sampling street foods then translating them into his own delicious masterpieces.

Portions are made to share and all dishes are equally mouth-watering, however, I recommend the grilled strip steak with garlic coriander and sesame, with an order of green curry vegetables and ginger fried rice (to-die-for). If the mood calls for appetizers and drinks, there is an array of small dishes to whet your appetite; my personal favorites being the chicken skewer with lime dipping sauce or to satisfy that super spicy craving, opt for the spicy Thai fried chicken wings with mango and mint - yum!

Beauty: Slick & Stylin'

Men’s hair trends for 2010 are numerous and diverse, with something to satisfy all male hair types, face shapes, personalities. We are seeing a return to classic philosophy in all ventures, creating an ‘out-with-the new’ and ‘in-with-the-old’ mind frame. In the hair department, the resurrection of the slick back (that sexy and stylish hair style sported by the suave and handsome Cary Grant) is a prominent example of this philosophy.

Since appearing in 2008/09 designer fashion collections, the look has been gaining much momentum and has since been flaunted on the red carpet by fashion icons like George Clooney; helping to popularize the slick back look amongst the masses.

The slick back is a classic yet modern hair trend not to be confused with the "comb over." If unsure how to create this look, take direction from the pictures shown or check out Ralph Lauren’s male catalogue models at: www.ralphlauren.com

With the real decision being to part or not to part the hair; keep in mind both looks are on trend, so it basically depends on which one better flatters the facial structure.

Tamper around with different variations and side parts to see what works best for you. As for hair product, there is no need to break the bank - keep strands in place while achieving the classic, wet, slick look with some good, old fashioned Brylcreem.

(Hair & photo compliments of emersonsalon.com)

Lifestyle: Magnificant Music

Dead Letter Chorus & Jonathan in Chippendale, originally uploaded by Shoot The Player.

Dead Letter Chorus, an indie folk band hailing from Down Under, is a musical force to be reckoned with. With intensely addictive tunes, it's no surprise they're capturing fans from all over the world. The dynamic band consisting of five members have just completed a tour across Canada, promoting their latest album: The August Magnificent. It features a unique and sweet mix of vocals, deep lyrics and shifting tempos; backed by truly amazing instrumentals. Often compared to the talented Canadian native band, The Arcade Fire, DLC’s August Magnificent has been receiving rave reviews with critics giving them four stars and calling it “epic.” Be sure to check them out!

http://www.myspace.com/deadletterchorus

Beauty: Mane Priority

Shiny and healthy hair should always be a priority; however it's not always easy to keep up with new color trends and styles and maintain your mane's ultra healthy condtion. With healthy hair being the top hair trend for 2010, it’s no surprise many of Hollywood‘s A-Lister's are ‘going back to their roots'; turning heads with their Au natural take on tresses.



Some trendy salons are opting for alternative techniques, as opposed to foiling, in order to achieve this natural lightening effect. A very low maintenance French technique that has become a big deal in the world of fashion is called “Balayage.” This involves the stylist applying a lighter hair color in a sweeping motion, freehand, with a brush to hair strands of choice (mostly toward the ends). The end result: sexy sun kissed hair with more natural re-growth.



The “Ribbon” technique is another very similar way to get natural highlights. Created by Jo Hansford, a stylist also known as, the “first lady of color." The trick to this technique is to paint 2cm “ribbon” sections of hair from under the part with the lighter hair color; thus creating a peek-a-boo effect with the highlights. The end result: very multi-dimensional hair color, similar to foiling, but much less maintenance and more Au natural.



Another technique that is as easy on the bank account as it is the hair is some good old fashion lemon aid. Next time you’re out pick up some organic lemon juice and save a trip to the salon. Apply it freehand to strands you wish to lighten for a tres Au natural lightening effect. Some salons are actually offering a similar service to this DYI highlighting technique. First they bathe hair in organic lemon juice. Then more lemon juice is applied to various sections or strands of hair to create a highlight effect. This might be one of the oldest highlighting tricks in the book; however, it appears to work best on naturally blond or light brown manes.