What’s in your bag?

I got this Obakki bag when I lived in Vancouver last year (how very West Coast of me). It’s made of the most beautiful, buttery leather that’s taken on its own unique shape and colour over time. I love how it slouches into whatever I’m wearing. It holds a lot, and I spend far too much time searching for things in there (something I hate watching other women do with their bags), but I don’t care. I love it. And it would appear that whatever I’m searching for comes in either black or brown.

I got these sunnies from Zara last summer, and I love that they are two-tone, because they go with everything. They’re also perfectly oversized yet secure on my narrow face—a combination that’s surprisingly hard to find. I always have them on me, because even though it might drop below -30C in Alberta on any given winter day, it can still be clear outside, with big blue sunny skies, and snow so bright you can’t see straight.

This camera is my secret weapon, and I never leave home without it. The Canon S95 was a Christmas gift from my parents last year (after I lost my last camera, which, months later, turned up in my roommate’s soccer cleat at the bottom of his laundry hamper). Since then, I’ve been wrongly labeled a “photographer” on more than one occasion, despite only knowing how to work a point and shoot. It’s assumed I use a DSLR, but this camera is magic and does everything on its own. I blame it for my increased photo addiction (I just cleared over 22,000 photos from my computer).

This non-keychain keychain is made of leather, and it’s local, from Oak + Fort. I picked it up at O + F’s Edmonton launch party in July, and it’s cut my key/purse searching time in half.

I typically carry Excel Spearmint gum with me, but I’ve been getting into the Excel Spearmint mints lately. Way classier.

I picked up this wallet at Winners a few years ago. I’m on the hunt for a new one (in real leather, preferably, to match the soft-touch of my Obakki bag), but I can’t commit. It’s just one of those things…

I can’t make to-do lists on my iPhone like I can in my Moleskine notebook. I need to be able to scribble, and doodle, and cross things out. If I ever lose this thing, and you find it, your reward is: “A Kiss” (as per the first page inscription).

My iPhone. Well, you know all about it, it never leaves my hand for Twitter/Facebook/email/blogging purposes. The background image and screensaver is usually a photo I’ve pulled from Pinterest (my second addiction) that I’m inspired by at the moment. This one is no surprise for the holidays (or anydays): sequins!

Hello Flawless! foundation by Benefit is my favourite cover-up of all time. Not only do I adore the retro packaging, but it’s also got a sponge and brush in the compartment below the mirror. The minerals are infused with SPF 15. It lasts forever, and is light enough to always make me feel refreshed after touch-ups. I converted my sister to Benefit last year.

I seem to have an excess of lipgloss and lipstick in my purse on a regular basis—and I just realized that I didn’t buy any of these for myself. The nude lipstick is by The Balm, and was a birthday gift from a friend based on its newspaper-print exterior; the mini pink Lancôme Juicy Tubes Smoothie gloss is one I’ve neglected to return to my best friend (that’s what happens when you don’t bring your own purse to an event and ask me to carry your stuff around in my huge bag); and the red M.A.C gloss was a gift from my other BFF, in “Russian Red,” that is my go-to lippy for a night out.

Lastly, I’ve been using liquid eyeliner for cat-eye lids, daily, for the last few years. I haven’t been happy with any brand other than Revlon’s Colourstay in “Black Brown.” But really, are you surprised by those hues?

Harper Seven Beckham is destined to become the latest diaper-donning fashion icon

Looks like Harper Seven Beckham has gone from fashion accessory to full-fledged fashionista. The baby has been seen on the arm of her mom in Little Marc Jacobs dresses and Chloé tights, and though we’re assuming that she’s not yet old enough to make her own sartorial choices, she certainly knows how to attract the style snaps.

Her doting dad talked recently about her expansive wardrobe, gushing that “she has so many cute little dresses” to wear, and that he as well as his wife have been spoiling her with adorable designer duds. “I didn’t realize how excited I would get over buying hair bows,” he admitted—and while David Beckham isn’t exactly our taste, we can hear the collective sighs of women across the world.

One thing’s for sure, Harper Seven’s got a fashionable future ahead of her, now we’ve just got to wait a few years to see what she’ll do with it.

THEY SAID…

Stylecaster: “So D. Becks gets credit for those cutesy little hair accessories Harper’s always wearing? As if baby Harper didn’t already have it all, she lucks out with a really hot dad that can accessorize too! [Stylecaster]

Stylecaster: “If there’s one thing I love in the world, it’s a stylish baby. While some scoff and don’t see the point in decking your adorable toddler in designer duds, I completely disagree. Look, if you have the cash, why not splurge? Especially when you’re one of the world’s foremost fashion icons.” [Stylecaster]

Celebrity Baby Scoop: “Like mother, like daughter!” [Celebrity Baby Scoop]

WE SAID…


Rani Sheen, features editor: “If anything could make David Beckham more appealing, it is the thought of him happily selecting tiny hair bows at a children’s store.”

Galliano: A play-by-play of yesterday’s hearing

The instant that former Diordesigner, John Galliano was legally accused of firing anti-Semitic insults at a couple while drinking at Paris cafe La Perle, all of the fashion industry—and much of the rest of the world—sat wondering what would happen to him and the famous fashion house. After much anticipation, Galliano’s trial took place yesterday in France. Though we’re sitting an entire hemisphere away from the reportedly un-air-conditioned courtroom, the highlights of the trial were made accessible through industry tweets, blogs and news articles. We were hitting the refresh button for hours—talk about suspense!—and now we can share the play-by-play with you.

Almost fittingly, the trial commenced a fashionable 20 minutes late. From there on out, Galliano defended himself against witness after witness. Here are the highlights:

Plaintiff Geraldine Bloch’s lawyer revealed outside the courthouse that she is seeking just €1 in damages on moral grounds. 

Second plaintiff Philippe Virgitti, unlike Geraldine Bloch, is seeking financial compensation for “moral damage.”

Plantiff number three, Fatiha Oummedour, was not present in court, but according to her statement, a drunken Galliano had repeatedly thrown anti-Semitic slurs at her in a dispute at the same bar the previous October. 

Three judges enter the courtroom: Two women and a man. The trial is underway as the charges are read out loud. In response to the reading, there is muffled laughter in the courtroom—presumably directed at the judge’s English accent, not the incident itself. 

Galliano walks slowly into court looking drained, wearing black leather pants, a black jacket and a black polka-dot neck scarf. 

Galliano’s initial statement included an explanation of his alcoholism and drug addiction. Galliano tells the court that he doesn’t remember February 24 very well, but he claims that one of the plaintiffs was aggressive towards him. “After every creative high, I would crash and the alcohol helped me…I have a triple addiction. I followed a rehab programme, spent two months in Arizona, I am still being treated and spent two months in Switzerland.” 

Galliano’s lawyer takes over for his translator, as she claims she cannot decipher his words. 

Galliano claims that he has fought all his life against prejudice and that he, himself, had been subjected to it in the past. 

There is a 15-minute recess. 

The trial resumes to closing remarks in which Galliano apologizes. 

The prosecution wants to know how Galliano can apologize for something he said he never did. 

After the seven-hour hearing the judge makes a final statement. Drum roll, please. The judge says that the court will adjourn and reconvene on September 8, 2011. And the suspense continues.

Hailee Steinfeld’s Miu Miu ad, Galliano’s second chance and designers dissing designers

Miu Miu’s muse: Take a look at the first shot from Hailee Steinfeld’s fall ad campaign for the label.
Rumours that John Galliano might be asked to return to his signature label are circulating after Cathy Horyn defends the designer. 
Aretha Franklin broke her toe stumbling over her own pair of Jimmy Choo heels. They say pain is beauty! 
Move over Tyra! Karlie Kloss launches her own modeling competition. 


What does Alaïa think of Karl Lagerfeld? Apparently not all that much. ReadAzzedine diss the Chanel designer as well as Anna Wintour. 
The fashion backtalk doesn’t end there. Find out why Giorgio Armani thinksMiuccia Prada’s clothing is ugly. 
Beyoncé takes the silver screen. Watch behind the scene footage of the singer’sMarlene Dietrich-inspired shoot for L’Uomo Vogue. 


What Kate Moss wants: wondering what the supermodel put on her wedding registry? Gifts include a set of pricey crystal ashtrays. 
After 10 years of marriage, Natalia Vodianova’s separation from husband, Justin Portman, has been confirmed. 

John Galliano’s Topshop collaboration, true or false?

The media just can’t get enough of John Galliano. Last month Cathy Horynspeculated that he would be reappointed to his signature label, claims that were soon proven untrue after Bill Gaytten got the job as creative director (and let’s see how long that lasts). Today, new rumours have surfaced that the former Dior designer has a new gig.


After designing Kate Moss’s wedding dress and making an unexpected appearance at the nuptials last week, Vogue UK reported that Galliano was in talks with TopshopCEO Sir Philip Green regarding a possible collaboration with the high-street megastore. According to the magazine’s website, a collection similar to the one Moss did a few years back was possibly brought up in conversation between Green and Galliano at the supermodel’s wedding.


So, is there any truth to the rumours? All signs are pointing to no. Both Green and Topshop denied any negotiations, and even though Galliano fans would still jump at the chance to own his designs at an affordable price point, it seems an alignment with the designer now still feels too risky. So, what’s everyone saying?


THEY SAID:
Vogue UK: “The move would be a fashion resurrection for Galliano, currently awaiting judgment for charges of public insult in Paris, especially as his return would be under the wing of Green, one of the country’s most influential Jewish businessmen.” [Vogue UK]
Topshop: “It’s incredible how rumors get started!” [Twitter]
Sir Philip Green: “I saw John Galliano at Kate’s wedding last Friday. I did not discuss any business with him then, nor have I since.” [Vogue UK]


WE SAID:
Randi Bergman, online editor: “I wouldn’t be surprised if this turned out to be true. After all, rumours like this all tend to start off with a denial (let’s not forgetSarah Burton‘s swift denial of designing Kate Middleton‘s wedding dress). I for one, though, am not ready to see Galliano anywhere near a positive spotlight any time soon.”