SASS & BIDE TAKE AN ETHEREAL DRIVE

Sass & Bide's promise of an 'ode to another time' - see obligatory show goer handout wielding poetic (ahem) phrases of inspiration - certainly catapulted expectations into the ethereal realm.
The chiffon tail coats floating behind the garments certainly played with the idea of a very feminine masculinity within luxe, structured tailoring. Suit jackets were treated to deep plunges of the neckline and trousers tiny petal shaped holes, so that the female form was constantly apparent through meticulously cut peep holes.
A palette of Grecian whites and golds soon felt the heat of neon orange, which gradually cooled into blacks and disco ball silvers. Texture, meanwhile, continued the marriage of gender as gentle feathers were offset against heavier shoulder detailing or metallic ribbing across backs.
The only show gripe? Using the Drive soundtrack transported the spectacle from otherwordly right back down to the catalogue of designers using Ryan Gosling's pouting tunes for their show ambience. With big name models touting the Australian duo's tailoring, they could have continued along more playful lines of the 'I Want Candy' pop ditty blaring out beforehand.


Happy Monday!

Saskia XO

The Classic Tux!

Designers rolled out their best le smoking jackets last spring, so this year as we draw ever near to the season of newbirth, take advantage of this femme fatale trend by sporting a tuxedo jacket for both casual and formal outings. Like a classic blazer, the tux is versatile and really easy to wear.

Longer and more relaxed styles are ideal for daytime when paired with a long tunic and skinny jeans. For more elegant events, opt for a tailored tux with a sharper fit.

The great thing about tuxedo jackets is you can pair them with matching trousers for a full-blown tux effect, or you can mix it up by wearing them with contrasting separates. In some cases, it’s even fun to layer a tuxedo jacket over a lightweight (or cocktail) dress depending on the colours and fabrics you are working with.

If you decide to give the tux trend a spin, I suggest balancing the masculinity of the jacket with ultra feminine touches such as a red lip, pink nails or a pair of sparkly heels.

Here are some links to a few tuxedo jackets I am currently eyeing…
BCBG Novelty Tuxedo Jacket
Haute Hippie Oversized Tuxedo Jacket 
ADAM Cropped Tuxedo Jacket 
Rag & Bone Wool & Cotton-Blend Tuxedo Jacket
Top Shop Black Satin Collar Tux Jacket

Have you tried this trend before? If so, share the links to your favourite tuxedo jackets in the comments below or tell me which of my selections (above) you like best.


Saskia XO

That Girl with 5 Feathers in her Hair!

I love to accessorise, whether it’s shoes on my feet, bangles on my wrists or… feathers in my hair. I recently tried some clip-in feather extensions and loved them! They come in all shapes, colours and sizes. I opted for a few long and delicate feathers and I chose colours that were not much different from my own hair. They blended in for a subtle boho chic look. They are so fun to wear and temporary. So why not wear some feathers in your hair?

Will you try the feather?

Saskia XO

Your Perfect New Years Snack

When a warm, gooey, delicious cookie calls, bring out your waffle iron. so a few days ago, I came across the cutest idea: bake a quick batch of cookies using a waffle maker! Genius. It’s the perfect solution when you don’t want a full batch of cookies or want cook a few up after dinner. I also think they would be adorable to serve to guests with small bowl of ice cream… 

The idea for these cookies is based off of a recipe in Dessert Express. Simply mix up the batter and refrigerate or freeze it until you get a cookie craving. When that sweet tooth strikes, pull out the dough and your waffle iron and voila—you have toasty, melty cookies in a matter in seconds. 

I made the waffle cookies and they were absolutely delicious, just as promised! I based my recipe on the a recipe from Fine Cooking (this will make about 12 cookies), but changed a few of the measurements:

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (try not to use instant)
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Optional: Add a handful of walnuts (I did this and it was delicious!)

Cookie Dough Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Continue to whisk.
3. Add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well.
4. Lastly, add in oats and chocolate chips (and walnuts, if you’re using them) and mix.

Cooking Directions

1. Heat waffle iron. (Note: I suggest waiting until you’ve mixed up the batter since waffle irons can get too hot if left heating for too long, which will burn the cookies!)

2. Coat griddle with cooking spray.

3. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the dough onto each waffle square.

4. Close iron and cook until set for about 90 seconds. (The first batch took about 90 seconds, but as the griddle got hotter they needed less and less time!)

5. Using a pair of tongs, carefully remove the waffle cookie from the iron and transfer onto a wire rack to cool.

6. Repeat, let cool and enjoy! My family and I enjoyed a few while they were still warm in a bowl with vanilla ice cream… Let’s just say, they were divine.

The cookies will keep for about 2-3 days in an airtight container…

Next time I might try making them with a snicker doodle recipe and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top!

Will you waffle your cookies?

Happy Monday!

Saskia XO

What Are Your Nails Telling You?

Polished, shellacked, gelled or sparkled—many of us rarely see our nails in the nude. But what happens when the paint comes off? Do your nails hold up in the buff? Well ladies, it’s time to strip down and find out. This month I encourage all of you to take a quick polish vacation for the sake of your health. Believe it or not, your nails can reveal important things about your overall wellbeing. Who knew?

Your nails (and cuticles for that matter) are indicative of a wide range of ailments including stress, anxiety, nutritional deficiencies, infection and even disease. Once the polish comes off, take note of what lies beneath. A healthy nail bed is “smooth without ridges and grooves” with a light pink underlying flesh tone that’s “free of spots or discoloration” (Share Care). So whether it’s a white spot, a yellowish tinge or excessive chipping and peeling—all imperfections should be investigated. Below is a quick list to help you decipher what your nails are telling you…

Yellowish. Most of the time, yellow nails are simply the result of wearing dark nail polish for long periods of time without a proper base coat. Typically, a few days sans polish will do the trick in removing the yellowish tinge. However, if the yellow tone sticks around for longer than a week or so (and/or your nails are reddish, tender or swelling), you may have a fungal infection and should consult a doctor.

Peeling. According to WebMD, your nail plates are “made up of several layers of keratin,” which are sealed together. When hands are routinely exposed to water or even cold, dry air, the top layers of your nails can “delaminate “ and therefore peel. Usually, polish will help seal the layers together. Using a good hand lotion also helps. However, excessive peeling may mean your diet is lacking in a nutrient called linoleic acid. Amp up your linoleic acid intake by incorporating more vegetable oils into your diet such as olive oil, sesame oil or even peanut oil.

Brittleness. Did you know that 20 percent of women suffer from a condition called “brittle nail syndrome”? (I never even knew this was a real “condition” until I started researching brittleness for this blog. Oh the things you learn onWebMD…) Usually, an iron deficiency is related to this condition so try eating more dark leafy green veggies and eggs. Biotin can also help (plus I’ve heard it’s good for your hair). More often than not, brittle nails are the result of excessive exposure to—you guessed it—water! If hand lotion and diet changes fail to improve this condition for you, you should see a medical professional.

Ridges. Surprisingly, ridges are not usually something to be alarmed about. As you age, ridges will grow more prominent. However, in some cases ridges may be a manifestation of extreme stress so take heed (and maybe enlist yourself in a yoga class).

Lastly, if you notice anything particularly strange with your nails (dark lines, white or concave nail plates, inflammation or puffiness), please see a medical professional. I’ve only just scratched the surface (pun intended) in the list above…

In most cases, a healthy balanced diet and good personal hygiene will ensure healthy nails and a healthy you. So eat your veggies, take your vitamins, make sure you are getting all your minerals and don’t forget to take a quickie polish vacay to make sure you and your nails are doing okay this New Year.

Will you join me in a quickie polish vacation?

Saskia XO

New Year: New Do- The Bedhead

YES… we have hit the New Year! That means fresh, new short cuts will be on the rise for a new semester. So many of my friend's clients have been on a mission to go shorter this year and the very first thing she tells them is: short hair is all about learning different textures! It’s really easy to find updos, styles, braids + buns for longer hair lengths but not usually so easy for girls with mid-length hair or shorter. Here’s the thing… you girls with bobs & lobs have the advantage of creating new textures in a way that girls with long hair do not! Girls with longer length don’t get to utilize product the same way girls with short hair can. Here are 8 perfect examples of ways to keep your mid-length & short haircuts exciting, defined with either path way:

Pathway 1 -Romantic, soft texture- Try setting your bob with large hot rollers. Use a thermal setting spray before putting them in, then leave the rollers in until they cool all the way down. Allowing your rollers to set until they’re cool will make curls last much longer.

Pathway 2- Matte + messy- There are so many dry shampoos and texture sprays out there now. An even dirtier secret: If you work a little pomade into dry hair and then spray dry shampoo it becomes even more matte! After applying, flip your hair upside down, “stir it up” with the blow dryer on the cool setting, flip back up and scrunch with your fingers. Don’t brush after that. 

Which pathway will you take....?

Saskia XO

New Year, New You: How to make your New Years Resolutions last!

It’s day 5 of 2013, meaning that you might have made some New Year’s resolutions. While we all have the best intentions of following through with them, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals so we put together a list of handy tricks and tips to help make your resolutions last all the way through December 31^st…

6 Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Last 

1. Make measurable resolutions. Your resolutions should be easy to measure and attain. That way you can keep better track of your progress. When you make vague resolutions like, “Be fearless!” they end up being grandiose statements, which don’t do you much good.
2. Write them down! Things feel more official when you put pen to paper and you will feel more committed to them once they’re written down, too.
3. Review them. Keep your resolutions somewhere where you can see them on a daily basis. I keep my resolutions framed at my bedside. The reason being that it’s important to go back and reread your resolutions and consider the different ways you can achieve them. We love this trick that LC member Blair Arms shared: “I've put little post-its [notes] on my mirror as little reminders for when I get ready.” Or try this one from TT: “I wrote my resolutions on a notecard with a pretty pen. Then I put it in a cute tin box and set it on my dresser as a decoration. Every morning, whether I'm putting on jewelry or perfume, I am reminded of my resolutions!”
4. Make milestones. This suggestion is from Raven West: “I write down the big goal, and then write down all the little goals that will be milestones in helping me reach the large one. Checking off the little milestones shows me that while I may not have reached the large goal yet, I have made some progress toward it.”
5. Keep a journal. Emily Kait Hunter said, “[It’s] good idea to keep a journal (I know it's hard/weird to do) at the end of every week reflecting on what you've accomplished so there is no backsliding or tricking yourself into thinking you did something when you actually didn't. It doesn't have to be expansive or include every detail, but when you know you have to write things down there is a little extra caution, and effort during the week to accomplish or do the things you set out to do for your New Year's resolutions.” 
6. Make an inspiration board. If you’re a visual person, this is a great idea. Jennifer Sellen, suggested this idea: “My friend has an inspiration board to keep her motivated. She has clippings of places she wants to go, clothing she wants to buy and the number of the size she needs to get in shape to fit into those clothes, and she has motivational quotes and sayings on sticky notes on her mirror closet door... so every morning when she wakes up she will see that certain quote that will motivate her to do a certain something that day. I think I am going to do the same thing and I will also post my resolutions on that board and keep a log!!!” 

How are you going to stick to your 2013 resolutions?

Saskia XO

Thanks Santa: What I got for Christmas!

I had the most lovely Christmas and New Year- nothing fancy but an intimate affair, with a host of beautiful, supportive and wonderful people. I was also very lucky to receive some very generous gifts from them which I will share with you today as I know you bloggers all love this sort of post and it has been popular in the past!!

White iPad:



Ted Baker Case:


Prada Candy Perfume and Lotion:




Tiffany Earrings:





Lauren Conrad: Style Guide:






Deborah Lippmann Nail Varnish: Glitter in the Air:


  


Juicy Couture Navy Tracksuit:






Hunter Wellies: Black Glossy with the Hot Pink Inner Socks:



         



Mark Wright Calender:




I loved all my presents soo much! Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a happy New Year!!

What did you get for Christmas?

Saskia XO

Happy New Year!

Hey blogger world! 
So sorry that I have not been blogging away over the festive period, however after that short, but well needed break, I'm back, bursting with blogger brilliance....maybe? ;) Anywho....Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a fabulous New Year’s Eve and that you have an even more fabulous 2013. Thank you all for your constant love and support. It means the world to me and for that I am so thankful. Cheers to yet another wonderful year!

To start the New Year off on a high note, I thought I'd do a quick 'New Years' Eve style party guide....

In order to kick off 2013 on a stylish note, I thought I’d put together this Style Guide to help you pick out the perfect dazzler to don on New Year’s Eve. Here are a few of my favourite dresses for the occasion:

Little Black Dress

Paper Crown Jasper Dress 

If you don’t want to go out and spend a small fortune on a sparkly, spangled dress, I suggest pulling out your favourite little black dress from your closet and dressing it up for the occasion. Recharge your LBD by pairing it with glittery accessories like a glitzy statement necklace, shimmery heels and maybe even a bejeweled clutch. Finish of your look with sleek waves and a red lip for a polished yet festive feel (that won’t be mistaken for a disco ball).

Red Dress

Paper Crown Ruby Dress 

New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to wear a bold, red dress. Red is a statement-making shade that is perfect if you’re looking to standout at your pre-2013 soirée. Wear your LRD with neutral heels, a few pieces of your favourite flair, and bold winged liner for a retro-inspired vibe.

Something Sparkly

Paper Crown Amber Dress 

When I imagine a New Year’s Eve look, the first thing that comes to mind is a fabulously shimmery little frock. There isn’t a more appropriate time of year to wear a little sparkler, so if you can swing it, I say why not. I particularly love the Amber dress from LC's Paper Crown line. The modest neckline tempers the short hemline and glittery finish. (Plus, this dress can be worn beyond December 31st when paired with a tailored blazer and tights.) To make this sparkly number work, I suggest pairing it with a lot of liner and lashes, pale pink lips, and a chic topknot or tousled waves. 

What did you wear this New Years Eve?

Saskia XO