For work, I need to be comfortable but still chic, these pants are so both of the above.  The cotton jersey is great for summer, the stretch is moveable and effortless.

Shirt: Gap

Pants: Zara

Belt: Banana Republic

Bag: Jenny-Bird

Shoes: Ralph Lauren

A few weeks ago I was at a BBQ with some friends.  We somehow got on the topic of the transition from work to evening.  Sometimes it is a work event, sometimes just after-work drinks, but nonetheless these amazing women were struggling with the transition and being aptly prepared, even when it is last minute. I myself, like to keep things simple; with my work I am constantly on the go, my purse is large enough with my notebook, Blackberry, ipod, wallet and keys, to carry an arsenal of beauty supplies on top of it all just to morph into my evening butterfly, not going to happen!  I tote a small and sleek solution, refined to the bare minimum.  For those who have desk options, you have it a little easier but this still applies to you, these are the basic necessities that every fabulous gal should have on them at all times.

From left to right:

Tweezerman Matchbook Nail Files- nothing worse than not having a nail file when you need one.

Sachet of hair elastics & bobby pins- When I get any of these little bags I always hold onto them.  They are also great little travel bags for your jewellery.

Tide to Go pen- Well because sometimes I make a mess!

Chanel blush- Blush with blush brush, a must for a quick beauty revival.

Floss- The mini size ones you get from the dentist are just perfect, I always ask for a few.

Bobbi Brown Moisture Cream Compact Foundation- When you need a quick flawless fix, this one is the best.

Chanel Lipstick- Any lipstick will do, this just happens to be the one I have in my bag right now.

Kielh’s Lip Balm #1-  I prefer no lip colour during the day, but “moisture is the essence of water” (Sorry that was a little Zoolander quote, for those who now think I am nuts!).

Sephora Pop-Up Travel Brush- Tucks away nicely.

Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch with wrist strap- Doubles as an evening bag, if I so please.

Last week I had the pleasure of working, yet again, with some amazing talents; Mathew Guido, Elena Pacienza, Dan Falconi on video and the lovely Ksenia from Elite.  We all came together for a feel-good project which will help raise funds for Drawn to Develop and Street Kids International.  Here is a little behind the scenes action from our day….

Jewelery by Ashley Winnington-Ball

Mathew getting down & dirty, while Ksenia works it

Myself & our amazing hair/make-up gal, Elena

Dan, our videographer

Here's a better look at Mathew

I can’t wait to see what the talented Mathew Guido creates as the final product, which will go up for auction at the D2D Gala in The Fermanting Cellar at The Distillery District on October 14, 2010.  Hey, I have an idea!  You should all come and bid on Mathew’s work! It’s for a good cause!

Oh and if you all enjoy the jewelery, it’s Ashley Winnington-Ball.

A little hamming it up, never hurt anyone….I wore this old skirt of mine as a dress.  It happens to be the right length to do both, how great is that!

Skirt as dress: Mosquito in Montreal

Vintage Necklace: Bought at I Miss You Vintage in Toronto (definitely one of my favorite vintage shops in the city)

Belt: On sale at Banana Republic

Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs at Holt’s

Sandals: Ralph Lauren at The Room

At Givenchy it was a collection inspired by religion, sensuality, the human anatomy and Frida Kahlo.  It was a beautiful and unique interpretation of the aforementioned, using lace, leather, feathers, fur and minimal colour, but a vivid and bold presentation nonetheless.

All images from style.com

There are a few things, in my opinion, that make couture so amazing, one is certainly the craftsmanship and detail for which the couture is determined but two, is the manner in which a theme or idea is conveyed…..it is not always wearable clothing but the dreams and fantasies, and ideas and inspiration it creates is so much more fulfilling that any pair of common pants could be.  John Galliano for Christian Dior did something with flowers this season that may be more spring than fall, but my goodness it couldn’t be any more dramatic and exquisite if he tried.  This collection was breathtaking and ethereal, it was sheer perfection.  Galliano researched flowers as if it was the last thing he was ever going to do.  He assimilated and digested all knowledge on flowers and reinterpreted it into a couture collection that was stunning and extraordinary.  Each look was a different perfectly scrutinized flower.  He emerged himself in floral bliss, even orchestrating couture floral arrangements for magazine editors hotel rooms.  Tops were even belted with rafia ties used in floral arrangements.  It was different from what Galliano has done in the past but still stayed true to the aesthetic that makes his work so coveted.  This collection should be in a museum, it is perfection.

All images from style.com

I found this last week or so, on a blog for which I can’t remember.  I apologize to that particular blogger, whomever they may be, and to the blogosphere itself (I do try to give credit to all those that inspire me, that is my premise afterall).  To be honest, I didn’t think I would be blogging about the story myself as I kept it only for personal reference, but every time I look at it, I am just mesmerized and so here we are Mario Testino and the ever stunning Daria Werbowy for V Magazine.

Sarah Burton, has taken over the design helm at the house of Alexander McQueen.  She has followed in her mentor’s footsteps by staying true to the drama and intellect that McQueen epitomizes, but has illuminated this resort collection with a lightness and freshness that will surely make it a winner amongst McQueen’s devoted following.  Burton referenced a vast array of material from McQueen’s avid career, you can see certain collections or pieces gleam through; the opening jacket certainly reminds us of the Spring/Summer 2010 collection, and the elegant slim fitted dresses are a tried and tested look for McQueen, the vivid and fluid red gown is a resemblance of one of his very early collections.  Burton did a great job of bringing us back our McQueen, she was respectful of McQueen’s profile but navigated with confidence and authority.  It will be interesting to see what Burton brings to the table in the coming seasons.

All images from style.com