As brand representative to luxury skin care brands Laura Mercier and ReVive, Liah spits her time between Vancouver and travelling around the globe, to create flawless faces. She utilizes her creative background to generate spectacular outfits.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah continually shifts her style with her personal development. Her creative essence is what drives her looks forward. A master of interior design, Liah likes to play with shapes and accessories. Collecting vintage handbags, and adding new classics, like her Hermes shoulder sling in signature orange, Liah keeps her look current and original. Always on trend, yet looking completely natural.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Liah A.
Her current incarnation looks effortless, but I am sure she takes time to choreography each look. Liah says that her latest secret to shopping, is to shop everywhere; she doesn’t discriminate based on brand anymore. Once a label whore, Liah now loves to find a good deal at J Crew, while still mixing-and-matching with Phillp Lim.
It’s a lot of fun checking out stylish cities of the world, and attending famous fashion week schedules, but I live in Vancouver. In my own little city, known for many amazing things, fashion is not always one of them. However, we have been blessed with a handful of stylish designers that have earned a place in our city and internationally. Jacqueline Conoir’s designer, Rozemerie Cuevas, is one Vancouver designer on top. Established in 1985, Rozemerie Cuevas has taken her collection, named after her grandmother to extraordinary heights.
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
This Spring Rozemerie created a new exciting younger collection named, JAC, which is edgy and fresh. Both collections, Jacqueline Conoir and JAC, service modern women fashion needs, but each reflect individual flare. JAC is full of fun and interesting fabrications, while Jacqueline Conoir, still fun, is upscale sophistication.
JAC Collection: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC Collection: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC collection
I have used both collections for styling jobs, and it’s always a home run when I hit the studio to pull. From print ads to red carpets, Rozemerie has proven that she is a stylist dream, while dressing the everyday women. Her new 8000sf boutique studio services clients and wardrobe needs with personal stylist that are always on hand to guide you through your shopping experience.
MUSE CLOSET STYLING: Jacquline Conoir Design
MUSE CLOSET STYLING: Jacquline Conoir Design
Jacquline Conoir Staff Stylist; model in middle styled by staff
Here are some looks from her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and a Muse Closet exclusive video from her Fall/Winter 2012 runway collections.
The shoe seen round the world, Willow Smith sporting the Y3 high heel shoe, which was captured by every photographer for Spring 2012. I love the shoe!! Most talk shows and “news” shows kept talking about the price. Who cares, real fashion lovers don’t care about price, only style!!! Fuck the price, credit cards take care of that problem.
willow-smith-shoes: Y3
willow-smith-shoes-photos
Y3 Shoe
What Willow Smith’s fantastic shoe choice made me think about was Yohji Yamamoto. Before Rick Owens ruled street style, Yohji Yamamoto was giving us exaggerated shapes, while blending 80′s Punk into high fashion. Today, he uses Hip-Hop’s shapes, layered with 80′s Punk, and Hipper chic, if we can blend all those together. Well he did.
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-003_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-026_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-023_runway
Yohji Yamamoto’s Y3 collection, is a connection to street style. Willow Smith is a great example of how we can take apart what is on the runway and make it our own. Labels have become a thing of the past, as every Tom, Dick, and Sally sporting an LV logo bag. Today, real fashionistas still like designer fashion, but look, shape, and context mean so much more.
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-010_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-054_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-021_runway
Y3 takes all of Yohjo Yamamoto’s main ideas and makes them practical. Made in part with Adidas, Y3 can not be looked at as the little brother to Yohji, but a full on individual brand. Not made for everyone, Y3 take guts and confidence to wear. Goal for Spring, something Y3 to ignite my Spring wardrobe. What about you?
Hate her, love her, you will know her name, Madonna. Tonight, Madonna will cast controversy at the Super Bowl, not for what she will do or sing, but simply by her presence. Why does she always cause so much chatter? Adopting a child, music videos, and kissing girls, Madonna is always on pop culture edge. Pop stars come and go like newspaper headlines, today hot, tomorrow not. However, she is always moving forward, while other major names drift to obscurity, Madonna is still building an empire. Most people want to dismiss Madonna because of what is printed and written about her every move, but after tonight’s game I hope there is one thing to say—amazing.
madonna
Pop stars half her age are doing anything to drum up publicity and sales, Madonna is still marching forward. The diva set—Mariah and Whitney—are trying to stay relevant, but Madonna is still selling out stadiums.
Madonna-W
Madonna
In 2008, Madonna graced Vancouver, Canada with a concert, and I was fortunate to finagle a ticket. She shut our city down, almost 2 hours late, no one minded waiting for her to grace the stage. I am not celebrity obsessed and I don’t go to concerts, so I really had no idea what to expect, I knew I had to go because she had never been to Vancouver, and she is Madonna.
Madonna Album
Madonna Album
Madonna Album
Madonna Album
She kicked my ass; fifty and I could keep dancing with her all night. I had to sit down. People tonight will see her energy and passion for performance and music, and I hope her critics take notice. For over twenty-five years, Madonna has kept current. This is something that is worth applauding because in an industry were women are always pushed out at a particular age, she is still kicking.
Madonna--The English Roses
2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Inside
I am not a football fan, so I don’t even know who is playing, but I will be watching. Go Madonna!!!
The second most popular post on my blog, thus far, is my shaving tutorial for men. Jamie had great advice for men, but unfortunately he does not sell products for women. Well, I guess you could swing by and ask; I am sure he would pull something together for you.
W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)
One of my blog followers, and close friend, wanted to know why I hadn’t done anything for my female viewers, well here we go. I meet with beauty and all around lifestyle expert, Liah Anderson, to discuss great tips for skin care. I’ve always felt an art piece needs a great canvas, and I believe that your skin is that canvas. Therefore, before you touch brush to make-up, you need to get your skin flawless.
MadonnaTakeABow- Laura Mercier
Madonna-by-Laura-Mercier
Liah invited me into her beautifully custom designed home, interior design done by her—I hope she lets me do a tour for everyone—for now she has great advice to activate your skin and turn back time—no, not while dancing to Cher.
W (Magazine): January 2011 (Image)
Liah is a skin care expert with plenty of background knowledge about each product and its usage. We all need a little after-glow to start the day, even if no one, uh…um… gave you some last night. Her daytime routine is all about protection, while nighttime is about tricking the clock.
Day Routine: Protection and Skin Prep
Step 1: Re Vive, Cleanser
Step 1: Re Vive, Cleanser
Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)
Step 2: Re Vive, Lotion (Toner)
Step 3: Serum
Eyes: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair eye serum
Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair eye serum
Face: Re Vive, Defensif Renewal Serum
Face: Re Vive, Defensif Renewal Serum
Step 4: Moisturizer
Face: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair oil-free day lotion (SPF 15)
Face: Laura Mercier, flawless skin repair oil-free day lotion (SPF 15)
Eyes: Re Vive, moisturizing renewal eye cream
Eyes: Re Vive, moisturizing renewal eye cream
Extra Defense: Neck; Re Vive, Fermitif neck renewal cream (SPF 15)
Extra Defense: Neck; Re Vive, Fermitif neck renewal cream (SPF 15)
Night: Anti-Aging and Make-up Removal
Step 1: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil
Step 1: Laura Mercier, Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil
Between jetting-setting around the globe and bitching to my friends about what is missing in Vancouver, Canada got cool, I think? I’ve spent the last year of my education roaming the globe for a new home. My current home is beautiful Vancouver. Vancouver is a place to come to be healed, and I needed to be healed after high school–don’t we all. Vancouver is full of amazing wellness centers, yoga factories, yes factories, its high turnover, while organic products and eco-friendly living fill our heads.
Source: Wallpaper November 2011
Source: Wallpaper November 2011
Source: GQ September 2011
Source: GQ September 2011
Source: GQ September 2011
With spring around the corner, I am prepping myself for spring cleaning, and I came across two great articles or profiles about Canada: Wallpaper and GQ. I am sure other magazines have covered Canada, but these two focused on the idea of “cool.” As always, geography is behind major highlights—Toronto and Montreal—because most publications are based on the East Coast. Vancouver did win a role in both magazines, due to our Olympic hosting and YouTube hockey riot antics. Little did we know to get noticed, all we had to do was act like rebellious teenagers.
Source Photo: Jason Lachance
The most talk about Vancouver is our industrialized design nature. This past weekend I made an effort to find some “cool” new spaces in my city, and I did. A new store in Yaletown, espace d., opened by Pierre Derreumaux this past Christmas. Derreumaux has crafted a world-class accessory boutique from his own travels and interior design experience. He has settled in Vancouver to bring us wonderful gifts of “coolness,” which is credible on a world scale, with decorative details for our life.
espace d.
Vancouver is mixed of different cultures, and Derreumaux has encapsulated our Vancouver aesthetics into one unique space. His interior design background is utilized in each piece chosen in his boutique. He explained his design philosophy during our exclusive interview.
What does it mean to have individual style? I’ve searched for this definition my entire life, my confidant Ricky C. had this to say, “It doesn’t matter what you look like when you’re born, fashion can be democratizing because you can develop and evolve your own style.” I find this to be true because as I’ve read and researched style development, the theme of evolution is consent. We may start one place but our end is our own choosing. When we arrive at this understanding, it is the moment when our true style becomes apparent. This is power of choice.
chaz-bono and family
Chaz and Cher
Chaz and Cher
Heart
Fashion, at times, has been my only friend. When I was a child, I was ridiculed for my fashion obsession. In first grade, my teacher told me that my locker was not an extension of my closet, as I had multiply outfits stored in my locker—none of which were my gym clothes. I changed about three times per-day (I still do). In middle school I did try to “fit in,” but as I gained friends I lost confidence within myself. Not until high school did I understand how much clothes, fashion, and style were a part of me. A muse, to me, speaks truth from their heart because passion is only sustainable when it flows from your heart.
Dancing With The Stars: Source
Dancing With The Stars: Source
Bravery
I started The Muse Closet to understand style beyond convention. What I have learned thus far is that style is not what you wear, but who you choose to be everyday—even when you’re faced with ridicule to be yourself. Individual style to me is to stand inside your skin and say, “here I am.” These are the qualities that I feel create a muse, so for 2012, I chose Chaz Bono as style inspiration. Chaz Bono is a 42-year-old man, born daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono, went through gender assignment surgery to become the person inside. With true power, heart, and bravery Chaz gave voice to those without. A muse is fearless and impactful beyond convention. His strength is what I wish to everyone for 2012—be fearless, confident and passionate. When you open your heart to yourself only good things can happen, even when faced with ridicule and despair. When you follow your truth, style is easy.
chaz-bono-lacey-schwimmer-twitter
Chaz and Girlfriend
Dedicated to all my fashionable friends, see you in 2012
Special Thanks to Barry W. who suggested celebrity review. Not sure you had this in mind–surprise!!
Vancouver’s première designer Jason Matlo has created a new men’s wear collection. I had a moment to speak with him about his personal style, collection, and brand aesthetic.
Voted 3rd worst dressed city by GQ and MSN Travel, Vancouver needs to salvage its image. Magazines such as Vancouver View have been doing their best to revoke this vote by capturing stylish images from social events. One Vancouverite shattering our unstylish image is blog favourite Jen V. Her image has been used in fashion blogs all over North America because of her unique personality and individual style. Street fashion is all about attitude because as fashion becomes more commercial and mass-produced, deciphering your own style becomes difficult without access or skills in sewing. The seamstress, tailor, and atelier development custom-made items for individuals. However, not everyone has access or deep pockets to indulge personalized luxury. Therefore, street style has become fashion’s new frontier in style independence.
Muse Closet Profile: Jen V.
Jen has crafted her look from a lifetime of pieces discovered throughout her personal development; vintage, discount, and high-end clothes are included in her repeater of style. Jen is very thoughtful about each outfit she creates, thereby telling a story with every item she chooses. Her artistic background builds simple basics into statements. With a creative eye for embellishment, Jen utilizes accessories like battle armor, while on the side knitting beautiful handmade scarves to create a signature look. Jen describes her style philosophy as, “not necessarily being about expensive designer items or what’s trendy; it’s about self-expression through whatever means you have. This could mean pairing that old sweater you forgot about with that thrift store find to make a new outfit! Like any other form of art, fashion is a medium in which we can communicate who we are as individuals, and how we feel and absorb the world around us. Every day is a chance to express oneself in a different way.”
Muse Closet Profile
Style enthusiast can to take note from Jen’s philosophy because clothes are an extension of what you represent to the world. Income level does not hinder your experimentation with fashion; take two items you’ve never worn together and make them into something new; pair an evening piece with something extremely casual. These small steps create confidence and personal growth. I can see why bloggers capture her image for others to imitate.
Recently in Los Angles, I was browsing through the Beverly Centre; like all my trips, my first priority is to gather treats for my two favorite people, my three-year-old god-daughter and four-year-old Godson. I love buying them clothes because children are so expressive with their style authentically at that age. Now is the time to nurture their creativity before years in school and massive media overload when children lose style freedom to conformity. Therefore, I buy them items that are personal and expressive to their personality.
What shocked me as I walked through this maze of commercial driftwood was the amount of children stores blended between haze of fashion yuck. I waked into each children store excited to find my two little fashion soldiers clothes to express their inner beings. Yet to my dismay, I was met with over-priced clothes aimed towards baby girl strippers, and baby boy douchebags. Barley-there dresses for little girls stood next to overworked jeans for little boys. How was I to find a suitable outfit for my two fashion individuals? Needless to say I ended up with nothing. Disillusioned by my outing in L.A. I returned to Vancouver to discuss my fashion disappointment with friends, and to ask where I could find great children clothes, my friends returned a resounding, “I don’t know?”
Pint-Size Style Accessories
Walking through Holt Renfrew, Canada’s version of Barney’s New York, I grew empty by my gift-less entry back to Canada. I pride myself on discovering new styles for my god kids; they love being able to express themselves through clothes because with so little words in their vocabulary clothes are their connection to self-expression. Nearly defeated by lack of gift success, I found inspiration from a pint-size fashion queen. Her look was adorable and she modeled for me brilliantly: her coat, yellow scarf, boots, and tweed tights hit all the fashion trends of the season. Her stylish demeanor impressed me, as she stood proud by her father and modeled her signature look, which was described to me by her father. Her cap felt most authentic to her mood and personality. Fashion is like great music—seamless—and this little girl hit all the right notes.
