Starts with Inspiration: 2013 Grammy Awards Edition

Last night's Grammys was yet another night of eye candy and dress-drooling galore. Here are my top three personal faves from the red carpet.

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Rihanna in vintage Alaia and romantic curls turned heads. This was a welcomed change from her usual edgy looks. The colour, the shape, and understated jewelry were perfect. And while the look was less "look-at-me" than her other red carpet looks, this was definitely not subtle or boring.

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 While Carrie Underwood's  $31 million-dollar Johnathon Arndt necklace was the buzz of the evening, her gorgeous Roberto Cavalli gown didn't play second fiddle either. The pattern, shape and amazing fit were absolutely stunning - I could imagine this in white for a perfect bridal gown.

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Finally, continuing on her white-hot streak, Taylor Swift wows again in her Grecian style J.Mendel with silver detailing. Love, love, loved this!

Image credit: People

Starts with Inspiration: SAG Awards 2013 Edition

Hot on the tails of the Golden Globe Awards come this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards. Below are my top three picks for best dressed, and what an eclectic list it is. What I especially loved were the different plays on colour and textures - it's really starting to get my mind spinning for Spring!

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First on my list is Marion Cotillard in Dior. The navy and white colour blocking conjures thoughts of very refined nautical chic, while the subtle high-low hem is feminine and fun. 

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Second on my list is Nina Dobrev's Elie Saab dress in hot fuchsia. The lace cut-out detailing adds a bit of edginess to this otherwise understated and elegant dress, but best of all, this dress looks wonderfully comfortable to wear. 

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Finally, Sarah Hyland in Dolce & Gabbana is hot, hot, hot. In one of my favourite colours, this simple sheath with lace detailing is eye-catching and perfectly timeless.

Image credits: People

Starts with Inspiration: 2013 People's Choice Award Edition

The People's Choice Awards have a decidedly less formal vibe, and what great fortune too, because last night's dresses were a-maz-ing!. Below are my top three faves:

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Sleek, stunning, and sexy. Need I say more?

Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren Collection

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I seem to be gravitating more and more towards Peter Pilotto's psychedelic print dresses. This is the perfect youthful-yet-chic choice for Ms. Watson. I actually clapped when she won!

Emma Watson in Peter Pilotto dress and Tabitha Simmons shoes

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An otherwise safe and feminine silhouette is glamified by edgy leather. Well-played Ms. Aniston. 

Jennifer Aniston in Dior

Image credit: People

Starts with Inspiration: Year in Review

Today marks the end of 2012, and what a year it's been. Below are some of my top blogging moments of this year.

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In July, Starts with Style  is born. After a year-long hiatus to allow me to plan my wedding (and get married!), I finally realize my dream to launch a refreshed and updated blog dedicated to personal style and fashion.

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By sheer luck, I'm in Las Vegas during Fashion's Night Out. On this night of fashion being celebrated around the world with parties, sales, and amazing shopping, there was no better place than Las Vegas to take it all in. Champagne at Marc by Marc Jacobs, desserts at Tory Burch, and 30% off a H&M - it was the perfect way to end the trip! 

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The peplum trend of 2012 was one I embraced with elation. Feminine, eye-catching, and versatile, I relished moments when I could wear my peplum tops. This was by-far one of my favourite ensembles of the year and I was so happy to wear this to a dear friend's wedding.

With the new year on its way, I look forward to sharing many more style moments with you as I continue to build my blog. What were your favourite style moments of 2012?

Starts with Inspiration: Nude Pumps

I have been on the search for the perfect nude pump for years now. With Fall undeniably on its way, and with chilly days making open-toed shoes no longer a practical option, a nude pump is an easy way to create a longer leg while still keeping those toes warm. Below are my current top 3 nude pumps:

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In my opinion, no one does a nude colour better than Jimmy Choo.  Not too pink and not too yellow, these are the perfect match for my skin tone. I'm also loving the almond-shaped toe of the Gilbert, which renders this shoe universally flattering and a great pairing with any outfit.

Jimmy Choo Gilbert, available from Jimmy Choo online

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The Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato pump in patent nude leather is also a great choice. Also, because a high heeled shoe is not always the most comfortable, the subtle platform not only further elongates the leg, but provides a bit of reprieve to what could otherwise be an unmanageable heel height (4 3/4 inches) 

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato available from Saks Fifth Avenue

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Finally, the classic pointed pump. This version, by Semilla, has a subtle point which is flattering on shorter legs (I find that pointed shoes where the point is too long or sharp actually creates the illusion of shorter legs).  

At almost half the price of the two other options above, it's an eye-catching shoe while being a bit gentler on the wallet.

Semilla 100mm Patent Leather Pointy pumps, available from Luisaviaroma

Notice a trend? They're all patent leather. For a nude pump, patent leather provides a bit more dimension so the shoe doesn't blend in with the legs exactly. I haven't committed to a pair just yet, but that doesn't mean I haven't been obsessively researching/trying on nude pumps. I think any of the above would be a great choice and would definitely be a staple in my wardrobe for seasons to come. Unfortunately, this also means my Fall shopping list is steadily growing...decisions, decisions, decisions! 

Image credits from top: Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Ave, Luisaviaroma

Starts with Inspiration: Smoking Slippers

I'm loving the new smoking slippers being shown for Fall. They are, to me, the  older sister to the ballet flats (which I still love!). But make no mistake, though more mature, a wall-flower this shoe is not. The endless varieties of embellishment and textures for this Fall's smoking slippers will leave you, shall we say, burning with desire? 

Here are my current top three favourite styles:

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First is the B Brian Atwood Metallic Leopard-Print smoking slipper. The embellished suede backstay is what stands out to me here. It's the perfect unexpected complement to an already pretty stand-out pattern. I'm loving the subtle leopard print, while the metallic fabric provides a great "pop".

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Second is the Prada Glitter Logo smoking slipper. A less in-your-face look, but eye-catching nonetheless. I'm loving the light gold and small glitter flecks (I'm not a fan of chunky glitter). I'm imaging these with cropped black skinny pants topped with a polka-dot silk blouse like this one.

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Last but not least is the Valentino Caviar-Crystal Lace smoking slipper. There's really nothing like Valentino's iconic lace pattern. I think the lace is a nice complement to the sometimes more masculine-looking shoe, and provides an unexpected texture to the leather base of the shoe.

So what are your thoughts? Will you be giving your ballet flats a rest this Fall and give smoking slippers a try?

(Image credits for post: Neiman Marcus)

Starts with Inspiration: Red Handbags

 I really can't get enough of fire engine-hued bags right now. Here are my top 3 favourite red handbags of the moment.

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My newest obsession is the Fendi 2Jours. You can't miss all the celebs who are carrying this right now, and the lucky ones even have the tag monogrammed! What I love most is its simplicity and subtle logo. No big monograms here! And the smooth leather? Delicious!

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The leather on the Yves St. Laurent Cabas Chyc Tote looks so supple and durable. I'm loving the "Y" flap and the zipped closure - you can't deny practicality! This is such a great balance between weekend and work. A definite workhorse for sure. 

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I've always stood firmly by the fact that no one makes a red quite as exquisite as Prada. The Saffiano Lux Tote has been on my list for quite some time and this red is truly what makes me love Prada so much. The Saffiano leather is also super durable, perfect for our cold and wet Toronto winters.

Happy Wednesday! Hope it's lovely wherever you are!

(Image credits from top: Saks Fifth Ave, Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman)