ON THE RUN

On the night of Wednesday, July 9th many girls and guys could be seen walking the streets of downtown Toronto. The girls in shirts with phrases like "flawless" and "I woke up like this", headbands baring words "surfboard" and "bow down". The guys were seen in shirts saying "Tom Ford" and "99 Problems". So where were these people headed? They were making their way to the Rogers Center (formerly known as the Sky Dome) which is normally home to the Toronto Blue Jays. On July 9th, however, it was home to screaming fans bowing down to Queen Bey and Hova. Beyonce and Jay-Z have finally given the fans what they wanted and made Toronto the 6th stop on their 16 city, first-ever, tour together. 

The On The Run tour is a spin off of the song "Part II (On the Run)" by Jay-Z which features Beyonce. It also has origins from their first ever song together "03 Bonnie and Clyde". In May of this year the couple released a fake movie trailed titled "RUN" to give the fans a taste of what to expect for their concert. The trailer left fans dying to watch this movie, which starred several familiar faces. Fans even went to the extent of petitioning for it to be made into a movie. Even though this will not be happening, I must admit the concert was OUTSTANDING. Or should I say FLAWLESS. I was never a devoted fan to Beyonce, but I am a huge fan of Jay-Z. The couple did an amazing job, and I would go see it again and again. 

So here's a RUN-down. The couple finally came out on stage, about 45 mins late, to a stadium of anxious & screaming fans to the sound of Bonnie and Clyde. Behind them on the jumbo screen was a video compilation of clips filmed from their RUN trailer. In tune with the theme of their tour, there was a outlaw criminal aspect to the atmosphere and stage / lighting design.

The couple had a 42-song set list (for a full set list click here), with crowd favourites of each artist's solo songs, and collaborations they have made together. Both artists did a combination of both their older and newer hits; which didn't disappoint the fans. Beyonce with "Single Ladies" and "Partition" and Jay-Z with "Dirt Of Your Shoulder" and "Clique". Some of my favourite songs the two performed together were "Crazy In Love" and of course "Drunk In Love".

I loved the way they shared the stage, letting each have their turn in the center. Beyonce would sing a few of her songs with Jay-Z chiming in in the end, followed by the two singing a song together. Beyonce would exit and give the stage to her hubby where he would spit his rhymes that had me and my friends jamming out. This continued for the remainder of the 2 and a half hours, my only complaint being that there wasn't more. Queen Bey and Hova ended the concert singing Young Forever and Halo (with Jay mouthing the words). Mr & Mrs.Carter walked out center stage, hand in hand, all smiles with several video clips of the two and their beautiful daughter Blue Ivy. 

What I loved just as much as the music was the incredible wardrobe the two donned. Beyonce in several bodycons, leotards and even a beautiful ivory wedding dress! Like always- she showed us how flawless her body is. Jay-Z wore a number of T-shirts, gold chains, hats and a striking white suit in the end. 

So what did my friends & and I wear?

Left (Me, C)

Outfit: top- Forever 21, shorts- Forever 21, cardigan-express

Accessories: necklace- Forever 21, earrings- Heritage 1981, bracelets (not pictured)- various gold ones that I layered

Shoes (not pictured): black Michael Kors sandals

Center

Outfit: top-Urban Planet , shorts-Garage Clothing, cardigan- Aritzia

Accessories: silver hoop earrings, pandora bracelet (not pictured)

Shoes (not pictured): beige Archer sandals by Dolce Vita

Right

Outfit: navy blue and black leopard print romper from Top Shop

Accessories: earrings- tory burch, statement necklace, knuckle rings and black and gold clutch

Shoes (not pictured): orange/gold sandals- Spring

Beyonce may seem perfect ladies but just remember...

*we do not take credit for any of these photos

Must Have Summer Pieces

Sweater Weather

          No matter what state or province you live in, it's that time of year where looking fashionable and staying warm is sometimes a hard thing to pull off. The frigid winter temperatures can make even the most fashion forward thinker, think twice about changing out of sweatpants and that perfect oversized hoodie. Well have no fear! We're here with loads of sweaters that can keep you stylish and toasty; Just throw one of these lovelies over a pair of leggings, jeans, or printed tights and slip on some boots and you're winter ready.

          Whether you're into the oversized pullover look or printed open cardigans are more your forte, there are so many options on the market you can't go wrong. Nowadays when it comes to sweater trends- it's the bigger the better- but there are also classic styles with a twist (see the embellished shoulders and cool collars pictured). If you love any of the sweaters featured in this post, be sure to check out stores like Forever 21, Aritzia, H&M, TopShop, Brandy Melville, Garage, Cotton On, and Amazon.com to amp up your winter style.

*Photos courtesy of many lovely retailers. 

Blue Mountain

So I went on a little weekend getaway with my best friend to a ski resort village called Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Obviously since it's summer we weren't skiing, but in the summer time the resorts are still up and running, the village is buzzing with life and entertainment, and the hot tub is open 24/7. We went for some much needed  R&R. This was my second time going and I've got to say I'm absolutely in love with this place. The village is so cute, it's got a great vibe and there are so many dining options! And we may have a cocktail or two... or ten. Even though it's summer there is still so much to do there! My favourite place to go to when I'm there is "Crock a Doodle", they have a bunch of cool pottery there that you can paint. It's a great way to feel like a kid again. We also went paddle boating, and went on a very romantical horse drawn carriage ride. My favourite thing to eat by far has to be beaver tails (it's a Canadian thing) you can't buy them everywhere in Canada but they do sell them at Blue Mountain so I love to get them. SO GOOD! Our spot of the weekend though was this little resto lounge called Twist Wine and Martini Bar. When I see the word wine I'm pretty much sold. They had such a nice patio with cabana's, it was perfect! The best thing I had there though was their cheese and meat plate... drool. If you haven't tried goat brie cheese I highly recommend you try it, it will change your life.

Outfit #1

Gray TNA v-neck from Aritzia

Denim Vest from Forever 21

Printed skirt from J

Outfit #2

Black sleeveless button down top from Garage

Mint green chiffon maxi skirt from Forever 21

Silver geometric necklace from Forever 21

No One On The Corner Has Swagger Like Us

         On July 18th I had the pleasure of seeing M.I.A. at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. I had never been to a real concert before and I was super excited, especially because I absolutely love Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam (Known as M.I.A.) and I love to support a fellow Sri Lankan. I absolutely love that she incorporates her Sri Lankan heritage into her art and that she shows her eccentric personality in her outfits and music.

          The night started off with a DJ set, who did a good job getting everyone in a dancing mood, though my group (my sister, and two friends) encountered some extremely odd people that should not have been twerking. Next up was the opening act, a rapper named LE1F; He wasn't terrible but it went on for too long and there were some provocative dance moves that were a bit awkward. M.I.A was the reason I went to the concert, so unless Drake or Jay-Z were opening for her I could've gone without an opener. #letsbehonest #sorrynotsorry. Don't get me wrong he was good, but it was hot, sweaty, smelly and I just wanted to see my girl M.I.A.

          When LE1F finally went off stage the crowd went wild and started chanting "M.I.A!! M.I.A!!". The lights went dim, her beautiful set backdrop lit up, and we could hear a traditional Sri Lankan song all around us; We didn't know where it was coming from, if it was live or pre-recorded, but it was lovely. Then, at approximately 10:15pm, M.I.A made her debut to an eager crowd of screaming fans and began with "Only 1 U".

          I mentioned earlier how M.IA.'s style is eccentric, always a juxtaposition of textures and shapes, and that night she didn't disappoint; Her outfit was on point, and of course only she could get away with it- plus for 37 years old with a child, she looks amazing. She wore a lot of gold lamé, a shorts and shirt ensemble first with intricate trim and details, then an oversized gold lamé t-shirt. and her backup dancers either had baroque patterned pieced or army inspired outfits. Even though we couldn't see her shoes from our spot in the crowd, I'm sure M.I.A. had some cool sneakers on since her footwear choices are always dope.

          She performed some of her classic songs like "Bucky Done Gun" and "Sunshowers" and for her encore she sang "Galang", "Paper Planes" and "Bad Girls". She even brought out a huge bouquet of white roses and threw them to the crowd. I proudly fought for one, unfortunately it broke during the struggle to get it and I got the stem and the other girl got the rose -_________-. At one point, M.I.A. asked a Tamil to come up on stage and had them break a coconut, a Hindu tradition, then she played her last song. And with that the show ended; It was a phenomenal experience. M.I.A. is an amazing entertainer and I would, without a doubt, see her live again and again.

What did I wear?

Gold foil baroque patterned dress- H&M $19.99
Black suede wedges - Payless $40
Black & gold leather purse- XSRE $50
Assorted jewelry from Forever 21

My inspiration for this outfit? M.I.A. of course.

C's New Purchases

 Baby Yellow Cotton Peplum Top -$13.99

Gold Foil Baroque Patterned Shorts -$23.99

Geometric Patterned Rings- $4.99

      All from Forever 21

Mint and Black Geometric Patterned Tank Top -$13.99 Forever 21

Strapless Floral Bustier Romper with tan belt- $10 Sirens

Mint Blue cotton pants with beige belt -$10 Sirens

White Hair Bow -$12 American Apparel 

J's Outfit of the Day

CLOTHES
Quilted Black Leather Moto Vest w/ gold studs on back ( $32.80 @ Forever21 )

White Sleeveless Button-Up Blouse ( $14.95 @ H&M )

Vibrant Floral Skirt, by Bongo ( $9.99 @ Sears )

ACCESSORIES

Black and Gold Retro Round Sunglasses, by LC Lauren Conrad ( $14.99 @ Kohl's )

Black Leather Clutch ( $5 @ Cotton On )
Black Tube Bead Sandals ( $12.80 @ Forever21 )
Dark Gold & Black Stud Earrings [ from various sets ]

HAIR & MAKEUP
A side part w/ an inward braid wrapped into a messy side bun.
Gold and neutral eyeshadow tones from different pallets.
Wet N Wild's Mega Liner for a cat eye effect. ( $1.99 @ Rite Aid )
NYC Cheek Glow Powder Blush in "Sutton Place Peach" ( $2.80 @ Sears )
Revlon Matte Lipstick in "Smoked Peach" ( $4 @ Sears )

C's Outfit of the Day

Wardrobe

Navy and white striped peplum top... $14.99 @ Forever 21

Red skinny jeans... $29.99 @ Smart Set

Accessories

Rustic gold tribal statement necklace... $1.99 @ Forever 21

Various gold bracelets & rings

Hair

Ballerina bun using a hair donut

J&C in NYC

          New York City; What's not to love? There's food from all over the world, shopping for every budget, and entertainment in all forms. So whenever we get the chance, we take the short trip to the city and make a day of exploring and enjoying. And of course it's fun to put together a chic "New Yorker" ensemble and hold our own with the fashionistas that strut the streets. 

          

          Our most recent trip was in mid-February so it was cold and we needed to dress for warmth yet still be stylish. Here's a breakdown of how we did it:

               C wore a silky beige blouse with studded gold buttons and a pussybow, black skinny jeans, black knee high flat boots, a short black wool

                               coat, a taupe fur vest (outerwear courtesy of J), and a cream knit scarf.

               J wore blue-violet skinny jeans, a black open knit pullover sweater over a metallic gold t-shirt, a shoestring, chain, and spikes necklace, 

                              black wedge booties, and a grey + black tribal print BB Dakota wrap coat with a grey knit scarf.

          So as per usual, we did some serious shopping and hit the jackpot at a few of our favorite NYC stores like Forever 21, Amsterdam, and Mr. Joe's. From blouses and peplum tops to colored pants and jewelry, we definitely did a good job; We always shop around for the best deals and buy what we love for less.

          After a tiring day of shopping and picture taking, we found a little resto/bar called The Liberty NYC, which is now one of our favourite spots, ever. It's decor is the epitome of New York, with black and white photographs and portraits, dark hardwood floors, mirrors, and minimalist everything else. We sat down and were greeted by a super cool Australian waiter who didn't card us, which was great since C is definitely under the drinking age in the U.S. And since it was Happy Hour we ordered several of their signature Moscow Mules- which is a simple yet oh-so-refreshing cocktail of vodka, ginger ale, and lime. C ordered a Margarita Pizza and J had a turkey club masterpiece with fries cooked in duckfat that were divine. (So much so that we didn't get a picture of them in time. haha)...

          The moral of this story is: If you aren't already a fan of NYC, give the city a day and it'll change your mind. There's so much to see and do, and we haven't even cracked the surface. Until next time... <3.

A Bit of Easter Shopping

Hey all, C here.
I'm home for the Easter long weekend, and decided to take advantage of that fact and go shopping with my mom. A little shopping therapy to wipe a way the stress from school is exactly what I needed. I bought the red denim straight cut pants from Jacob on sale for $29.99. The peach floral printed top was $18 and the blue & gold geometric print top was $15. Both of these were from Forever 21. But I think my best bargain of the day was this gold geometric print necklace from Forever 21 for only $1.50. bargain! Me and J would like to see what you guys bought this weekend, tweet us a pic! Happy Easter <3

C's Holiday Outfits

Party 1:  Wine & cheese night at home

         Every year I have a themed Christmas party with some of my closest friends from highschool. The theme usually surrounds the food we're eating, and it's always a potluck. This year we (we as in me) decided to have a wine and cheese night because I LOVE WINE. So we had many different types of wine, crackers and cheese. It was great!

          My outfit: I wore the mint green lace collared top that I bought at Marshalls in the states a few months ago. For my hair I did a high ponytail and teased my hair a bit (unfortunately you can't really tell here because I'd already had a few glasses of wine...) and I paired it with a floral white headband I bought in Singapore. For my jewelry I stacked a combination of white and silver bracelets, wore my standard pair of pearl earrings and Tiffany necklace.

Party #2:  Hotel Christmas Party, Downtown Toronto

          Not only was this party cool because my sister's friends had it at a hotel but also because we were divided into 2 teams : Red vs. Green. And everyone had to dress in their colour. I was on team green and decided to wear a long sheer mint green skirt (which apparently wasn't green enough for people) and tucked in a purple top from Wilfred. My jewelry again was simple: stacked silver bracelets, Tiffany necklace, peace sign necklace and pearl earrings.

Party #3:  Christmas Eve

           For Christmas Eve I wore this maroon peplum top I bought from H&M a while back that I've been saving for Christmas. (J has the same top; It's that great.) I didn't really wear any bracelets, instead I wore a nice collar necklace that I bought from Forever21. I wore this top with a tight black skirt from H&M as well. But you could also wear this top with dark skinny jeans for a more casual look.

Party #4:  New Year's Eve

          For New Year's Eve my best friend and her boyfriend came over and we had a little party in my basement (see http://fashiontakemyheart.blogspot.ca/2012/12/last-minute-new-years-eve-ideas.html). I wore a black and cream chiffon dress from TopShop. I wore a lot of accessories/bling, consisting of a collar necklace (A Christmas gift from Forever 21) and various gold and pearl bracelets (From Forever21 and Juicy Couture) since New Year's style is all about shine.

Party #5:  New Year's Day

         On New Year's Day we went to my aunt's house for dinner, as tradition. I wore a blouse that I bought at Forever21 on sale (Boxing Day obviously) and I wore red lipstick and a red purse for a pop of colour!


What did you wear to ring in the holidays? Share your photos at our email fashiontakesmyheart@gmail.com.