Every morning, before my workday can officially begin, I must spend a few minutes reading the latest from one of my most important fashion go-to website – style.com! The online bible for everything and anything fashion, their daily blog has inspired me to do so many things from writing to searching for the latest addition to my over crammed closet.

As I was browsing around, I found out about the latest coffee table book to hit the shelves by Financial Times’ fashion editor, Vanessa Friedman. The author decided to write about the world of Pucci and what makes this Italian fashion house timeless to this very day. Many writers have taken this route and have become inspired to create reads both textually and visually appealing. The history behind some of the most famous fashion brands has always been a coffee table favourite including Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture – a praise to one of the most recognized labels in the industry. The purpose of these books is to attract and entertain guests while creating some excellent conversation topics all at the same time.

By far, my absolute favourite has been Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The fashion world’s most stylish twins added yet another to their many titles on top of actresses, designers and most recently, authors. Unlike other designers, these ladies decided to focus not on their countless brands but on the people who have influenced them the most by focusing on other industry talents such as Diane von Furstenberg.

The list goes on when it comes to these books so check out your closest store or library and grab some joe while you’re at it as well!

Images Courtesy of Amazon.ca and Style.com

By: Mijana Veljkovic, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @mijanaveljkovic.

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Flapper girls adorned in embellished gowns to the nines, alongside rich vintage accessories, gallivanting with ease over some popped bubbly. Envision yourself amongst the party crowd, as the eye of the man of the hour himself, Gatsby. This coming Friday, May 10, it’s time to hold your own elaborate affair behind the screen, and join the talents of Leonardo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, and Joel Edgerton as they recreate the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gastby. The compelling tale unveils both love and tragedy, luring us to time travel back to wealth in the 20’s. Just when you thought your star gazed eyes couldn’t get any wider…it’s in 3D.

Costume designer, Catherine Martin, selected 40 stunning vintage Miu Miu and Prada cocktail designs from the time, which are on exhibition to the public at Prada flagship stores in New York, Tokyo and Shanghai until mid-July. Jewelry and headpieces were custom designed by the one company who best represents the films royal ora best, Tiffany & Co.

Here’s how to play a more formal version of dress up, to wear to a movie night out with your girlfriends, or a media screening party. Top one of them off with an elegant headpiece and Mary Jane pumps, and they’ll be more eyes on you than Leonardo (if that’s at all possible).

Gatsby Movie Posters Courtesy of Sassi Sam Blog

1. Topshop Limited Edition Flapper Dress, $160
2. Topshop Limited Edition Pearl Shift Dress, $195
3. H&M Short Embroidered Dress, $70
4. Marc Jacobs Mary Jane Pump, $690
5. Mod Cloth Dainty Dramatist Heel in Mint, $80
6. Ann Taylor Pearlized Crystal Satin Clutch, $143
7. Deepa Gurani Scalloped Headband, $173, available at Shopbop
8. Lulu Frost Muse Bracelet, $302, available at Shopbop

By: Jenn McNaughton, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @jennmcnaughton.

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A few years ago, Bohemian style was all the rage, skirts became longer and colours became earthier. We saw fashion lovers and designers alike embracing it (think Laura Siegel Spring/Summer 2012) and we soon realized that this trend, unlike many others, is here to stay. So where is the best place to scope out bohemian trends? At the first big music festival of the year or course. Two weekends of music and fashion collide annually at Coachella, allowing us to draw inspiration from celebrities in their designer pieces and other attendees with more affordable looks. This year we saw tons of black and white, high cut shorts and neon colours. With such a wide range of styles, virtually anyone can find something to suit their wardrobe.

1. Alessandra Ambrosio at Coachella 2013, Image Courtesy of Vogue

2. Alexa Chung at in Lacoste L!IVE Coachella 2013, Image Courtesy of Vogue

3. Chloe Sevigny at Coachella 2013, Image Courtesy of Vogue

4. Jessica Alba at Coachella 2013, Image Courtesy of Vogue

5. Kate Bosworth at Coachella 2013, Image Courtesy of Vogue

6. Solange Knowles in Alice + Olivia dress at Coachella 2013, Image Courtesy of Vogue

By: Layan Barakat, Toronto

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.

It is hard to say what makes a style icon great, but it is more than just their clothes, or their hair, or the shoes on their feet. It is a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates their everyday outfits and makes them stand out. Solange Knowles is the perfect example of a style icon that can take all the patterns and colour in the world and make it her own. Check out some of my favourite Solange looks and get inspired!

1. Solange at Coachella, Image Courtesy of Just Jared
2. Solange in New York, Image Courtesy of Huffington Post
3. Solange wears White, Image Courtesy of Teen Vogue
4. Solange in Complex Magazine, Image Courtesy of Complex
5. Solange in Blue, Image Courtesy of Styleite
6. Solange at the Grammys, Image Courtesy of Huffington Post

By: Gabi Pirraglia, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @gabi_pirraglia.

Meet Dani & Ally; the duo behind one of Canada’s biggest fashion and lifestyle blogs, Girls of TO. Girls of TO’s mission is simple, to bring to readers all the Toronto has to offer, whether that be fashion trends, event coverage, beauty tips or product reviews. It’s obvious that the girls have a lot of fun with their work, making the blog an always upbeat, entertaining read. I asked the girls a few questions to help shed some light on what goes on behind the scenes during the blogging process:

Beauty Nine to Five: What was the inspiration behind starting Girls of TO?

Dani & Ally: We figured since the dream of having our own TV show may have been a little far-fetched, we needed a different creative outlet to talk about what we loved and to share it with women just like us. We’ve been best friends and neighbours since the age of five so it was only natural that we had similar interests and goals. The science behind it all is very simple: we’re girls, we live in TO, and we love fashion.

BNTF: What’s your favourite part of blogging?

D & A: The best part about blogging has definitely been the wonderful people we’ve met. Canada has incredible talent and being able to see it unfold and witness it first-hand is always an unforgettable experience.

BNTF: Who is your go-to designer?

D & A: It’s hard to pick just one designer. With so much talent in Toronto alone, sticking to a select few can be a challenge. Caitlin Power has stood out to us since the first time we saw one of her collections in 2010 at the Drake Hotel. Another favourite is Lucian Matis for obvious reasons: he’s insanely gifted. No Toronto girly-girl can go wrong with Pink Tartan. And when it comes to picking out the perfect bag we always rely on Nella Bella.

BNTF: What trends should we avoid this season?

D & A: We’ve noticed a lot of metallic on the runways all over the world for S/S 2013, and although we love it, we think it could be tricky to pull off. No trend should be completely avoided if the person interested in it thinks it’s right for them. We don’t consider ourselves “trend followers” so we’ll let Coco Chanel give advice on this one: The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you

BNTF: What trends should we embrace this season?

D & A: Stripes please! Flattering prints and anything monochrome. The best trends to follow are the ones that won’t go out of style. When you’re investing in a piece of clothing, designer or not, you should buy it because you love it and feel good in it.

BNTF: Any advice for readers on how to start their own blogs?

D & A: Although blogging is harder than some people think, the formula is quite easy. As long as you love what you’re writing about and have the passion to commit to it, the rest falls into place. Just as designers edit their collections, bloggers need to do the same with their content. Write to the people you want to attract – more often than not you’ll find that your readers are a reflection of yourself.

BNTF: In your experience, is Canada a harder place to be a fashion blogger or an easier place?

D & A: We think it’s not so much about where you’re blogging but what you’re blogging. Anyone can write about what they love – it only becomes challenging when they have expectations of what they want in return. We can’t all be sitting front row at Paris fashion week, but you get back what you give and with a lot of hard work, creativity, and the right connections, you can rise to the top no matter where you are.

BNTF: What are your goals for Girls of TO five years from now?

D & A: We’d be lying if we didn’t say we have big plans for the coming years, but we don’t want to give away any secrets just yet. Ideally we’d love to grow our content and our team so that the women in Toronto have a one-stop-shop for everything in the city.

All images courtesy of Girls of TO. For more information on the blog please visit:
www.girlsofto.com or their Facebook page.

By Zoe Alexandra Torell, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @blueauguste

Get wrapped up with Canada’s coolest online accessory shop, Lilogi Scarves. Featuring designs from all areas around the globe, Lilogi embodies the heart of scarf culture online with a carefully edited assortment of eclectic and artisan accessories that reflect true quality and craftsmanship. Creating a global community where scarf lovers can unite and explore the imaginative and infinite world of scarves.

Housing a sensational selection of scarves, Lilogi offers everything from sleek and sexy silks by Versace and Matthew Williamson to artful textiles and woven designs at Le. Sens to bohemian free-spirited styles at Alexia, Lilogi considers scarves as a transformative fashion accessory that deserves a focused and inviting retail space.

This versatile accessory can be shaped and molded in a variety of ways to fit and flatter outfits, hairstyles and yes, even different climates and temperatures. Even during the transitional spring season and the soaring temperatures of summer, get bundled up in lightweight wraps that add an easy and breezy edge with trendy textures, luxe fabrics, graphic prints and bright bursts of fresh colour.

Shop all scarves now at www.lilogi.com. Images courtesy of lilogi.com.

1. Alexia Nikita Scarf, $325,
2. Le. Sens Inka Scarf, $350
3. Matthew Williamson Cobra Ikat Scarf, $325
4. Versace Geometric Medusa Scarf, $315
5. Alexia Florence Scarf, $450
6. Le. Sens Pink Sunset Scarf, $295

By: Megan Correia, Managing Editor, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC

(Source: styleninetofive.com)