Reading Week + An Education

It seems as if I am in a quite nostalgic state in my life. School is about to finish in two months forever for me. It's scary but exhilarating at the same time. This week would have been my last reading week, and since that is so, I wanted to make it especially memorable and spend it with those I love.

First off, we went to go watch An Education. I was blown away by the story and the acting, but I was especially blown away by the great clothes that Jenny, Carrie Mulligan's character, wore. I loved the 60s style shift dresses and the coats. Carrie has a way of being completely transformed by the hair and makeup department.

My favourite was the white dress with the red running through it on one side. It was so romantic and beautiful.

All images from imdb.com
If you haven't gone out to see this movie yet, I encourage you to go! It definitely sparked conversation amongst us and it was well worth the time and the money.

I also ended up going to Sweet Flour Bake Shop, which was recommended by Marta from With Love. Her blog has to be my all time favourite blog ever. I absolutely loved it there. You can create your own custom cookies (so yummy!) and their drinks are fantastic. The mocha was to.die.for as was their hot chocolate. We made one with chocolate chips and m&ms and mine was oatmeal+chocolate chunks+macadamia nuts.

It has become my favourite place to go, but since it is quite far from my house, it will have to be a rare treat. There was photography involved in the day (that's me with my bf's camera), as Bloor street is a very pretty place. If you live in Toronto or near by, do check it out!

There was much more that happened during this week; going down to Buffalo, frequent trips to new cafes and bakeries, but the most special moment for me was when my bf got me these gorgeous tulips when I was feeling blue. I know I have a lot to be happy about in my life (especially him and my sister, they are both fantastic to me) but its nice to be cheered up when you're feeling down.

I hope you all had a memorable week as well, and if not, I hope you all take the time to make special memories with the ones you love.

Happy 101 Award

I just wanted to say thanks to Nina of the wonderful Ballerina's Closet Obsession for giving me a Happy 101 award! :) She is such a great blogger, so its such a treat for me to receive this from her. Thanks so much Nina! Here are a list of the 10 things that make me super happy!

Another thing that makes me happy? Become.com

It's claim to fame is that it puts shopping and research together. I love this concept because I'm always cross shopping at different stores for the best prices and reviews, and this just makes it that much more simple. And they have everything from clothes, to jewelery, to beauty products. I love when things are just easy.Make sure to check them out next time you're doing some online shopping!

Elie Saab Couture 2010

It is no secret to anyone that knows me that Elie Saab is my hands down favourite designer. Seriously. I've been obsessed with him ever since I discovered that he was behind Halle Berry's winning Oscar dress. His designs truly embody all that I believe to be beautiful about fashion.

I've been on a serious romantic kick lately. All things soft, pretty and feminine have been on my wish list lately. It may just be because I am sick to death of all the dark and depressing winter days we have here. Plus, a little romance in February is always warranted.

I adore the details in all these gowns. But my favourite things about the collection are the subdued colour palette and the attention to detail (which he is famous for). The lace, matted sequins, rosettes and Victorian style buttons on many of his dresses are gorgeous, but not in a way that overpowers any one dress.

The water colour effects and the soft blues are stunning. I love the draping and twisting of the fabric, it creates texture without added bulk or ruining the softness that each garment is trying to portray.

I used two of Claude Monet's and one of Van Gogh's paintings for the background in each of these collages. I love the softness of Monet's water lilies. And van Gogh's Iris's are stunning. They are my favourite flowers.

Elie Saab is just a master at what he does. If I don't get to wear one of his amazing creations in my lifetime I will be utterly disappointed.

All images from style.com

Elie Saab Couture 2010 collection