Charlotte Gainsbourg?

Now that the international fashion weeks have finished making their rousing rackets, and the street style snappers have turned their cameras back to more spontaneous shots not taken en route to the shows, I will share my favorite: the one photo that pops to mind without having my memory jogged. I think the Sartorialist, Scott Schuman, owns this one. Love the rock star disguise, confidence, and sharp silhouette, especially against a backdrop of an overly fussed editor and a posh and polished woman.

Birthday brightening

I have this fun, unnecessarily narcissistic, completely self-indulgent ritual where, a couple of weeks prior to my birthday, I begin to make a mental list of what I'm going to get myself as gifts for my special day. Some things have been nixed from the list, including over-the-knee boots, a Vanessa Bruno bag, and a beater bike to replace my rusted one... (these things I'll save for another month or so down the road). There are, as usual, some books on the list including new fiction, philosophy, and a social economics gem. I'm also looking forward to getting myself a special piece from Harakiri, as well as some (overpriced!) fashion industry magazines to mull over for midnight soaks in the tub. Books, mags, jewelery? A good way to commemorate knocking off another year of my twenties.

I just picked up a couple pairs of platforms as early bday gifts to myself: a sturdy pair of caramel brown leather knockouts from Frye and these purple beauties from Charlotte Ronson:
They look fabulous with my tri-colored, knee high Prada socks. I'm in Vancouver right now - land of dour faces affected by the dark skies of late - where it has snowed, sleeted and perpetuated Gotham skies for the last month - not exactly the weather to start donning these slingbacks. HOWEVER, soon I get on a plane myself, to return to the happy homestead of Montréal where I'll be rockin' both pairs of my new shoes with a wild outfit every day, including on my birthday. Shows, shoots, styling sojourns with clients... can't wait! A trip to NYC is in the mix too. Fun city: HERE I COME.

Unlikely Musketeers

Large, lesbian singer, Beth Ditto, has been quoted dissing Kate Moss for her skinniness. Designer, Karl Lagerfeld, is notorious for being 'fat-phobic'. How did the three end up becoming pally at the recent FENDI party in Paris? Ahh, Kate's track record for befriending musicians (Pete Doherty, Mariana Faithful, James Hince), perhaps? Images from Style.com and Daily Mail.

Style Defined - Young Gun Days - Beatles & Rolling Stones

(New iconic Bob Bonis shots revealed to the public for the first time. Published in Telegraph). 
"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn." - Gore Vidal

Jennifer Aniston 'Goes Natural'

I always tell my personal styling clients that the two things most worth indulging in are 1) shoes, and 2) a haircut. I cannot overemphasize the importance of having a good haircut. After all, your hair frames your face and you have to wear it everyday. Good hair is a telltale sign of someone who cares to put their best foot forward. However, that being said, I guess we should lay down some boundaries. Like, say, maybe the cost of a haircut/blowdry needs to be a wee bit less than the reported several thousands of dollars Jennifer Aniston spent on her lid to walk down the red carpet at the premiere of Marley & Me.

Ahh... I get it. When Jennifer Aniston says in interviews that she prefers a 'natural look' she means, naturally expensive. Naturally.

Tower Power

Countdown: 25 days until my birthday. These Chanel puppies currently purring my name from atop shelves in Coco's boutiques have "Happy Birthday Raji" written all over them. They felt like walking on black, satin clouds. Gimme, gimme.
I did leave Chanel with something however; Chanel Hydrabase in Fire, Shade 65. Previously, I'd been wearing Chanel Lotus Rouge. Some girls do the big scents, no9, Allure etc. But Chanel lipsticks are my thing. I swear by their unique shades and rich texture. The bonus safety feature of my new one is that in case I require a rescue mission for some reason, this baby's bright enough to get my lips seen from outerspace. I know $42.00 is quite the hit to take for lipstick but hey, it's my signature. Muah!