The Legging is here to stay

Beauty: Bellissima Fashions F/W 2011

After a ton of e-mails regarding the makeup used at our Fashion Week Show, Michaelle from Smashbox is revealing her well kept secret:

Runway Images Courtesy of Ian Harding

Her list to a flawlessly dewy evening look: 

Bourjois 10 Hr. Sleep Effect Foundation (1) for a flawless dewy look. Bourjois Rose d’or Blush (2), Bourjois Volumizer Mascara (3), Bourjois Elastic Mascara (4),  Lineur Feutur, felt tip black liner that stays in place. Thick or thin lining possible.

Smashbox Photofinish Luminizer Primer (New in stores June 2011)(5). Make-up applies more smoothly, stays fresher 3x longer. Smashbox Contour Palette (6). Smashbox Halo powder in solid form (7) lifts cheekbones, gives facial contours structure (New in stores, includes easy instructions). Smashbox Layer Lash Primer (8), coats lashes safely encouraging growth and giving mascara application more volume and length automatically. Smashbox Eyelid Primer (9), eyes are smoothed with completely neutral color enabling shadow to stay crease free and smooth for hours. Smashbox Trio Eyeshadow: Panorama Trio (10), 3 colors to contour and highlight. Smashbox Double take Lip color in Gossamer (11), gives perfectly neutral lip look. Smashbox Limitless Lip gloss (12) in Infinite color gives lips plastic shine for up to 4 hours.

Runway Images Courtesy of Ian Harding

I don't know about you but I will be trying this out for the next big event.

The French Riviera

Dressed in what I would think Coco Chanel would wear today, I felt so ready to board a plane to the glamorous streets of Cannes, France!

I love the shape and style of this blouse; it’s so feminine and highlights just the right spots: neckline, waist and arms. Perfect for a chic summer evening. These high-waisted trousers are made out of the most comfortable and forgiving fabric, making them perfect for travel. No more low-rise for this girl, I’m officially converted! Accessories make the look, so I’ve topped my outfit with a vintage snakeskin purse, Grace Kelly-esque sunnies, a large diamante ring (similar to the style of the Chanel camellia), and a pair of prized Chanel platforms. A simple chignon and a slick of dark pink gloss complete my look. Exetera blouse and Frank Lyman pants both from Bellissima.

You still have two days to catch an exclusive Frank Lymann Trunk Shows at one of our Vancouver Locations. Tonight we are at South Granville, tomorrow we will be at Park Royall Mall from 4-8pm and again on Thursday at Serena Willowbrook Mall. Hope to see you all there! 

Olivia

Sneak Peak: Bellissima behind the scenes

For those of you who were unable to joins us for Fashion Week we had Jason Eng come and and take some behind the scenes snap shots. They all turned out amazingly well and we are simply not able to post them all on the blog, visit our facebook page for a further look of what went on on the big day. 

The Video

Video Courtesy of CalgaryFashion.ca

The Reviews Are In

Bellissima, the gracious leading sponsor of Alberta Fashion Week have re-branded themselves to bring something different to shoppers and the results have created quite the stir. The crowd loved the new edginess and rawness added to the Bellissima mix.

Black was the colour of choice for outfits but the cuts, colour and patterns made each piece it’s own. The red hot, front side zip leather jacket paired with black jeans was the winning piece. By simply adding a staple leather jacket in a bright colour can really add some spice to one’s style palette.

The breezy one-piece jumper has made its come back and fashionable is the only word to truly describe it.

As for dresses, Bellissima took the tender loving approach, comfortable and sexy. A black and sleeveless dress with a silver zipper in the front and pockets on the side; was worn over black leggings which made for a great combination. For ladies wanting to show off their gorgeous legs for the summer time, there were several stunning pieces to choose from: the flashy one-shouldered flowy red dress, the classic black and white horizontal striped dress broken apart with a solid black strip on the front and how can we forget the funky sand-coloured dress with black and white stripes on both sides, with a touch of orange for pop.

Words by Daniela Codreanu

Main photo: Courtesy of Lions Lace Lattes

Thumbnail photos: Jason Waight

From: CalgaryFashion.ca

Press: Alberta Fashion Week Edition

The Bellissima Jumpsuit made it to the pages of 24hr Magazine on Friday, May 20th. Stylist Jennifer Lyle posed for a quick Q&A about Alberta Fashion Week and she looked stunning. To read the full article click HERE. We are excited to bring you all the coverage from the past week's events so make sure to keep checking back.

Traveling in Style

As the weather warms, you begin to feel that familiar yearning to pack a bag and take off for a weekend. There is something so glamorous about immersing yourself in a foreign environment, clad in your favorite pieces and toting a very chic bag around. And naturally when you are on vacation you are entitled to a drink (perhaps a Cosmopolitan, extra limes please), in fact you have earned it. Cheers to leisure! 

So when you do have that special trip booked, here are a few things that are necessary to pack:

1. A light scarf or Pashmina – perfect for wrapping yourself in when the car or plane ride gets chilly (check out our gift ideas post on Pashminas: CLICK HERE)

2. A chic passport cover

3. Comfortable walking shoes

4. Fabulous evening shoes

5. A neutral, light jacket that will work with all possible weather conditions like this one at left. Notice the gorgeous rouching on the sleeves and the collar detail (love).

Boy Voyage!

The New Must-Have Look: The Editrix

Image Source: http://www.facebook.com/katelanphear

It all started with Anna Wintour and those dark, shady glasses. That fierce, tight-lipped expression and her ice cold demeanor. With Anna, an obsession with the women behind the pages of our favorite glossies was born. As of the past few years, thanks to social media and the rise of fashion blogs, we are now privy to the daily musings of the world’s most elite fashion editors, like one of my personal favorites, Elle Magazine’s Kate Lanphear. 

Sitting front row from left to right: Elle Magazine Style Director Kate Lanphear, Elle Magazine Market Director Joann Pailey and Creative Director of Elle Magazine Joe Zee. Image Source: zimbio.com

Image Source: http://www.facebook.com/katelanphear

Kate exudes a coolness that seems untouchable, likely to do with all that leather and those tough spiked bracelets. This look really isn’t as hard to pull of as it looks, all you need are a good pair of leather pants and a leather jacket, a few spike-adorned bracelets, a dark pair of Ray Bans and of course high heels, and you’re set. I mean fierce! 

Check out this look from Bellissima:

These pieces hit all the right notes; they’re fitted and figure flattering, a little tough looking and oh-so versatile when worked in with other pieces. The jacket would be fantastic over a simple white tank and boot cut jeans, or pair the pants with a loose silk blouse for a more casual day or evening style. Just be sure to finish off your look with a little attitude – confidence is key. So is a good strut. 

Wishing you much fierce-ness,

Olivia

Summer Weddings are Just Around the Corner

The scenario: That dear friend’s daughter’s wedding has just crept up and you’ve completely forgotten about what to wear. Naturally, you have a beautiful card picked out and a gift neatly wrapped lying ready to be given, but no dress for yourself.

I’ve been in that situation before, and it is not fun. (The last time it happened to me I was in such a state of frustration over the lack of wedding-appropriate attire, I ended up wearing a rather fitted, fire-engine-red number. Completely inappropriate for a wedding – I stood out, but not quite in the way I had intended.) Better luck this summer, I suppose. But we here at Bellissima will not let that happen to you!

I present to you a beautiful dress option that can take you from weddings to dinners out to work functions (perhaps with a little cardigan over top).

This dress is perfect for a few reasons:

1- The flattering neckline, shaped by those well-placed straps that are wide enough to conceal bra straps. (That’s actually two reasons.)

2- The length. No matter what age, I think a knee-length dress is very feminine and appropriate, not to mention flattering.

3- Notice the rouching around the hips, incredibly flattering, particularly for the tummy, hip and bottom areas.

And how fabulous is the colour? Who doesn’t look good in cobalt blue? Oooh, and the accessorizing options… The joys of being a woman!

Happy wedding season!

May Showers Bring (Fashion) Flowers

It's May and Spring is now here. I hope these showers aren't keeping you indoors and instead you're out seeing and trying on the latest fashion trends. Like every Spring, florals are back and making a HUGE statement. This year you must be noticing the new styles along with these florals. One of the hottest dresses on the runway this season was Stella McCartney's dress in botanical florals.

Whether it's a short sheath with hydrangeas or a long maxi dress splashed from chest to ankle with poppies, or something drape-y, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your body shape. A pastel border or a print on a white background. Wear it full waisted, tight in the waist with a floral print bottom, or as a long chiffon dress in a tropical print. You will surprise yourself with how updated you look and feel in this traditional style. You will be even more surprised when you see the price tag. As always Bellissima has found you a steal of a deal.  

My love of flowers stems from seeing so many wonderful English gardens. This love has brought me once again to Macy's on 34th street. Every year, they showcase the Macy's Flower Show in NEW YORK CITY with brilliant arrangements from some of America's distinguished floral designers who are featured daily. From March 27-April 10, the aisles of Macy's were themed as different types of gardens. Japanese, tropical, and desert styled gardens blossomed throughout the store, and filled the walls with their aroma. Being around so many wonderful bouquets of flowers and their marvelous scents, I was inspired to write this blog for you. Whether or not you're surrounded by a garden of flowers, hopefully the spring weather is enough to inspire you to try this wonderful look.

Perhaps you are one of those women who  could never imagine herself in anything floral. Well, time to sprout out of that bad habit and try something different. This is the YEAR to add floral to your wardrobe, and Bellissima is the store to discover your new found love for it. It's time to create your own bouquet! 

 

Love,

Carole

Beauty: Freckles

Image source (from top to bottom: into the gloss, spy on style, because i'm addicted)

Many women do it with solitary beauty marks, but would you fake some freckles? Chloe S/S 2011 makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury thinks it's a good idea. They gave all the girls in the show that sun kissed glow. We think we must try this at least once. 

From Into The Gloss: Tilbury used MAC lip pencils in Cork andStone to dot them on one by one. She referenced Anita Pallenberg and music festivals, and the girls did have that free-spirited, slightly rock-chick look, especially with their cakey, jet black top-and-bottom lashes.

Olivia on Olivia and the Tweed Jacket

Hello fashion lovers! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Olivia Lovenmark and I am a fashion (obsessed) blogger writing to you from the gorgeous city of Vancouver. I will be a contributing writer for the Bellisima blog and I hope to bring you a fresh and witty take on style, making it approachable and fun. (Where else have I heard a line like that? Oh yeah, that’s what all fashion writers say. But it really is my mandate to provide a take on fashion that is easy and delivers a smile!)

I know, I know, less talk, more fashion. 

An aspect of dressing that majorly appeals to me: the ability to balance a sartorially fresh look with class and modesty. I think for women this is much harder done than said. One woman who gets it right every time is Olivia Palermo, the much talked-about New York City socialite who could make a paper bag look chic. Featured below is her take on the tweed jacket - a fashion staple that continues to stand the test of time and trends. 

photo source: the vogue diaries

I’ve been coveting such a jacket for some time now with no luck finding just the right one, until I discovered this fabulous version from Bellisima:

Dress it up with an LBD (little black dress), or down with jeans like the model has here. Personally, I think I’d throw it over a loose, silk blouse and a pair of wide-leg jeans. Add a pair of killer platform heels and a long chain necklace and you have it, the recipe for 'fabulosity'. 

For more of Olivia, check out her blog, www.stylestruck.ca or follow her on twitter @StyleStruck

The Royal Treatment

I have a dilemma...

Words cannot express how excited I am for this wonderful celebration. If you are as excited as I am, you must be planning on where you will be on that late April morning. Will I be one of the chosen few to be in West Minster Abbey gazing upon the beautiful couple as they exchange their vows? Will I be in England, in my family’s living room, surrounded by the youngsters who will wish to grow up and be a real princess? If my invite to the wedding doesn’t arrive, perhaps I will be on a rooftop in NYC with my dearest friends, early in the morning with the British flag in one hand and my favorite English cocktail Pimms in the other, celebrating with glass after glass. Or maybe I will simply stay put in my apartment in Manhattan, with my husband, having a delicious British breakfast complete with our English China, and of course a few glasses of Pimms! 

Wherever I end up on April 29th, and I promise to let you know where that is, one thing I know for sure: I will be wearing waterproof mascara, as I laugh, cry, and rejoice in this historical celebration. 

Cheers,
Carole

As we all raise our glasses wishing this handsome, wonderful couple, that found each other and nurtured their love as friends, peace and happiness, we must remember it is up to us to let them live their lives in peace so that they can bring joy to the world. Joy, which we so badly need. 

I just know my invite to the Royal Wedding is lost in the mail. I check my mailbox everyday hoping to see that golden envelope with my name on it. I have already prepared my ensemble for that special day. My dilemma is: what hat should I wear?