Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Herstory of Shoes

It's been too long since I wrote solely about shoes (pun intended), so I decided I should do some research on their herstory. Here are some very interesting facts:

Shoes have almost always signified which social class a person belongs to. In ancient Greece, aristocratic women hired slaves to carry around up to 20 pairs of shoes because shoes were meant to be worn to suit ANY occasion (I wish...).

In fashionable Europe elaborate footwear showed that the wearer did not and could not perform any physical labour. These are the original, genuine "loafers".

Women began wearing high heels in France in the sixteenth century. In Venice they took the heels so far that they more resembled stilts, and people were hired to help women in and out of their gondolas. Word on the river is that the men that created the shoes did so so that their women could not travel too far without them. Eventually, the stilt-like "shoes" were banned because so many woman had fallen to their deaths.

Pointed shoes also originated in France. Much like their exaggeration of heel height, points on shoes got so long that they often had to be stuffed to the toe and tied to the wear's leg below the knee.

It wasn't until 1818 when shoes were created to be worn on different feet. Before this, either shoe could be worn on either foot. Reminds me of modern day Uggs. Blah.

It is usually assumed that the Italian's were the inventors of the leather shoe, but the first genuine leather shoes were produced in Spain.

We all love our shoes but really.... falling to your death. That's a little bit extravagant.

B.

Monday, July 19, 2010

When it comes to job interviews, it is important to look professional and conservative but also still like you. For example, ladies may want to wear a conservative, fairly plain dress or shirt/skirt combo, but spicy it up with cute kitten heels. Men may want to add a splash of colour into their suit (yes, always a suit guys!) in their shirt or tie. Always dress for the job a level above you if you hope to move up within the company. You want your employer to be able to visualize you in that position.

More do's and don't's.

DO
- wear fresh neutral nailpolish (light pink, beige, clear, french) chipped nails look sloppy
- do not over-do makeup or hair, looking clean is most important
- wear kitten heels, not stilettos
- smile a lot and give a firm handshake

DON'T
- forget deodorant or to brush teeth (seriously!)
- wear a black suit, it is too formal, go for dark grey or navy
- wear something you don't feel comfortable in, the last thing you want to think about while strangers ask you tons of questions is how you look in that new jacket


Did you know that the more contrast in the colours you wear (example: black suit with white shirt and red tie) creates a more powerful look because it makes you seem less approachable. Good for CEO's and other executive positions, but for the initial interview you want to seem approachable, friendly and like you will fit in with current employees well.

Feel free to email me with any questions at brianna.douglas@live.ca and good luck!

B.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Omer Asim


I just cannot stop staring at this dress. I cannot wait to see what this Suanese architect/psychology major from Oxford University comes up with next. I promised to keep you posted, because let's be honest... this is the most original thing your eyes has seen in a long time!


B.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Head O' Hair

I find that people either totally agree or completely disagree with me on the subject of their hair and their hairdresser.

I believe that this is somewhere where money and time should be invested. Finding the perfect hairstylist/colourist is essential to our image. Once you find someone you click with, you should know right away. For example, I can go to my salon with no ideas about what I want, and when that chair spins around at the end of the appointment, I know that my hairdresser knows my hair better than I do. I put my trust in her and it pays off.

Some of my friends complain about spending $150 on their hair, but have no qualms with spending $80-90 on a top on a whim. How often do you wear this top? Twice a month? Yet you wear your hair everyday, right on the top of your head for all to see. I'm just sayin'! Spend the money where it matters and get a good colour and cut. Trust me, it'll boost your confidence and you'll be portraying the true you!

I'm SO happy to have found my perfect hairstylist!

xo B.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Backpacks for the Style Conscious

Now these are some backpacks I would be caught wearing!!! Aren't these Valentino Resort Backpacks just lovely?! The fabrics match some of their collection pieces as well as the style (a.k.a. welcome back big, beautiful bows!) Love 'em!

B.