Hello Darlings,

Last night while reading Vanity Fair, I came upon an interesting quote by Thackeray:

" To know nothing, or little, is in the nature of some husbands. To hide, in the nature of how many women? O ladies! how many of you have surreptitious milliners' bills? How many of you have gowns and bracelets, which you daren't show, or which you wear trembling? - trembling, and coaxing with smiles the husband by your side, who does not know the new velvel gown from the old one, or the new bracelet from last year's, or has any notion that the ragged-looking yellow lace scarf cost forty guineas, and that Madame Bobinot is writing dunning letters every week for money! Thus Rawdon knew nothing about the brilliant diamond ear-rings, or the superb brilliant ornament which decorated the fair bosom of his lady;"

Women during 1840s had similar problems that women do today, which begs the question: are obsession and guilt really a part of our womanly nature???

Sometimes a girl needs a pick-me-up but how often is too often?

When do you become a shopping whore?

When do you become a liar?

When reading this Vanity Fair article, all of these thoughts came to mind. Why do women over-shop? I realize that over-shopping is half the problem, the other half is LYING. While over-shopping is glamorized in the world of fashion, it is a problem that most women have come to accept. Another perspective is that no fashion magazine or "fashionista" is willingly going to mention The Lie behind it all. So it got me thinking, how many of us lie for the sake of fashion?

 

Over-shopping is accepted and embraced in some narcissistic way since women enjoy doing it. But what about lying. How many of us have lied about shopping? How many of you hide your purchases? How many of you realize that underneath all of the glamor and fancy it is a nasty problem, even an addiction? And why is it that women are the main target?

Personally, I am a liar... I lie to myself.

I shop unnecessarily, and when I don't want to...

Then I comfort myself with thoughts that my new item is fabulous.

Fabulous? What am I thinking, I am a smart woman who knows better. I know exactly what I am doing, so why can't I resist??? So after every shopping trip, I either "forget" to mention some of the purchases or just simply lie... Why? It's not as if anyone punishes me. The only reason is the guilt, and shame from not being able to control myself. AS I came to realize this, I try to restrain myself but can I? I don't even have second thoughts about shopping... I just do it for fun and never reconsider what I've bought. But once it all sets in, I feel ashamed and guilty for falling into the trap of fabulous. Do clothes really make us beautiful people? I don't believe so... so what it is then???

Hello Darlings,

It's a very hot day in Toronto, and I have a busy day ahead with a mixed agenda including a morning appointment at the hairdresser's, an afternoon at the art gallery and professor's office, and then dinner and drinks at the chic Yorkville neighborhood. It makes no sense coming home to change between appointments, so choosing a fitting wardrobe for all this is a dilemma.

I am wearing:

Armani Exchange Silk Blouse

Donna Karan Silk Cami

Talula Shorts

Pretty Ballerina Flats

Juicy Couture Laptop Bag

Diamond Ring courtesy Ice.com Jewelers

What I came up with was comfortable, simple and hopefully cute. A pair of Talula shorts that are comfortable to wear but do not look sloppy, Pretty Ballerina flats for all of the running around and to add a pop of color, and a silk blouse from Armani Exchange to make it more chic and pulled together. And as a final touch, my trusty Juicy Couture laptop bag for computer and all the papers needed today.

Hello Darlings, ♥ First, thank you all for your sweet comments on my Elle Canada page. I've posted another look... check it out by clicking here and here. Your support means a lot.♥ By the way, I am wondering if you have any post requests... I am open to any suggestions!!!

Hello Darlings,

Although the appeal of this sexy trend is understandable, I've been wondering whether an everyday woman can pull off this look? There is a fine line between trashy and sensual... how do you know when you've crossed that line???

Spring 2009:Jean Paul Gaultier; Christian Dior; Roberto Cavalli;

YSL; Alexander McQueen; Alexander Wang.

Lately, I am obsessed with sheer tops, including my favorites from Club Monaco and Talula Babaton. There is something beautiful about the lightness of the fabric and the way it drapes over the body.

Dressing for late dinner and drinks seemed like a pretty good occasion to venture out "semi-naked". I decided to play it "safe" by wearing a sweater over a simple semi-sheer tee and pretty black graphic bra. Personally, I think this trend is best kept for evening wear, since exposing your bra in a subtle way can add a little something to an otherwise a simple outfit.

This is a love/hate trend for me. I love the look but to a certain degree hate the feeling that makes me wonder what exactly I am thinking going out in public looking like this! But then again what would fashion be if we didn't experiment... this is my experiment!!!

I am wearing:

Talula Babaton Semi-Sheer Tee

D&G Bralet

French Connection Skirt

Wilfred Sweater

Michael Kors Oxfords

I was nervous stepping out with my bra visible, but with a sweater judgmental looks were seemingly avoided. The tee is not overly sheer, but still gives a good glimpse of the lace and graphic details of the bra. I felt comfortable enough to wear this again, and think the sheer trend is a good way to spice up a date night outfit.

Do you love or hate the sheer trend?

How do you feel wearing it?