And the winner is... Olivia Culpo from the USA - or is she?

Just hours ago, Olivia Culpo, Miss USA was crowned the ultimate title - Miss Universe! Beauty and brains, this brunette bombshell had total support from the audience, and the judges as well. Putting all of that aside however, who really stole the show in the much anticipated evening gown portion? Let's take a closer look.

Starting from the left, Gabriela Markus of Brazil is wearing a stunning floor length beaded gown, that shows off her curves and features a daring slit. It kind of feels like a mix Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie’s red carpet style. Sexy yet elegant.

Then we have our winner, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo representing the USA. She is showing skin in all the right places by adding one main focal point- a plunging neckline to this full sleeve velvet ball gown. Looking at this chic and stunning dress, I was shocked when I found out that this young lady is only 20 years old! This dress might be a little too sophisticated for her, but none the less gorgeous, and the classiest gown of the night in my opinion.

Moving onto Ranae Ayris of Australia in a crisp white strapless gown, that featured a structured corset-like bodice, which flowed into fitted and embroidered skirt that flared into a chiffon bottom. This dress hugged her in all the right places, but I don’t think it made much of a statement.

I must say, personality wise I thought the runner up Janine Tugonon of the Philippines should have won, but her dress? Underwhelming. I really don’t mean to be harsh but it reminds me of a bad 90’s prom dress, from the outdated colour to the unflattering style- she could’ve done so much better!

Lastly, and in my opinion the worst dressed of the top 5 ladies, is Irene Esser of Venezuela. Hmm... where to begin.. I feel like I'm playing that game, “what doesn’t belong?” I’ll leave it at that.

So after taking a closer look at these lovely ladies and their fabulous gowns, who do you think is the best dressed? Ill tell you what I think, USA takes the crown again! 

Olivia went a different route, leaving more to the imagination and it paid off. I have a feeling we will be seeing knock-off versions of this dress hitting stores all over the world very soon. 

Let's hear it for world peace!

Written by: Karolina Swietoniowska

Be a stylist and play this fun game that lets you Dress Up Olivia Culpo!

Missed it on TV? Check out the announcing of the Miss Universe Top 5

Bangin' Blouses

Written by: Nicole Grisell

Lately all over the city I’ve been seeing a lot of window displays with gorgeous silk blouses draped over the mannequins. They’ve become all the rage, and these silk blouses are proving to be more than another work day staple, but now a fashionable item with new patterns, embellishments and cut-outs. Over the past couple weeks, I’ve even caught myself purchasing a few of these hot ticket items! Let’s look at the new styles, and what makes them more wearable outside of the office. 

Some of my faves right now that work as great examples come from stores we all know and love. We're going to look at our first blouse, from Club Monaco:

This blue blouse from Club Monaco is the Sophie Shirt. Now this is definitely not a blouse you would have on at your office on a Monday work day, but we've taken your basic blouse, and done something modern and new to it. Making the base see-through and layering the pockets to be opaque, hiding your goods are done well. 

Available in:
xs, s, m, lrg  
$129.50 

Our next blouse is another fave of mine, bringing out nothing but bright and gorgeous colour! From J.Crew, we have the Silk Boy Shirt in a bright fuschia pink:

Something so bold would never be seen in the office where white, beige, navy are most commonly seen. The bright fuscia gives the blouse character and personality making this one of my fave picks.

Available in:

00, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10

$158.00   

Next on the list, I have a great cut-out option for your wardrobe. Seen here, my pick from Equipment, the cut-out shoulders take a spin on your average tailored blouse:

Without the cut-outs on the shoulders, this blouse, the Nixie Bittersweet, would look like your average work day shirt (other than the colour that adds a big bang to the look as well!)

Available in:
xs, s, m, lrg
$208.00 

Now for my last blouse, I want to show you all that even with a plain white blouse, adding a little embellishment to the collar, pocket, even cuffs, can really glam up your look with minimal effort. Another great blouse from, Equipment - the Daddy blouse:

Available in: 
xs, s, m , lrg
$308.00

Now after showing you all what great pieces I found that will work for your style, not only at work, but in your day to day life we can see that bright colours are also a big hit! Having some of these great finds in your wardrobe this season will set you off as the fashionable lady you aspire to be.

For more great blouses, visit:

• Equipment 
• J. Crew 
• Club Monaco 

The Hunger Games launches “Capitol Couture”

It appears The Hunger Games is marketing to the masses through their much-buzzed about fashion blog Capitol Couture. Capitol Couture, was launched by Lionsgate Entertainment, the company bringing The Hunger Games to us in theaters March 23rd. The first entry is written by Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks), District 12‘s fashionable escort, who will give fans the inside look at all things fashion and beauty within the novel’s setting of Capitol.

This movie is projected to be the next “Twilight” franchise of 2012. Everyone knows Twilight, it’s been in the media focus since 2008, focusing solely on vampires and Taylor Lautner’s abs, giving The Hunger Games every more reason to market themselves better than Twilight ever could. One thing “Twi-hards” have taught us is that when the movie hits theaters, they flood the web to consume anything and everything that was in connection with the movie, even the jacket Kristen Stewart wore in one of the pivoting scenes of Twilight was sold out in less than 24 hours all over the internet that sold the famous BB Dakota blue jacket.

Capitol Couture is capitalizing on this idea, offering a how-to-guide to perfect nails (using their branded China Glaze nail polish specially made for the release), sneak peeks at the clothes used in the film, and style tips on how to dress like your favourite character. It's probably the first branding tactic to come from Capitol Couture. Don't be surprised when the Hunger Games rolls around and fans are dressed in head to Capitol Couture styled dress.

Ciao,

Julia Mickus

Lights, Camera, Jacobs!

By Keshia Griffiths

Everything’s coming up Marc! (Marc Jacobs that is) Who else could have Kate Moss close Paris Fashion Week on a white carousel runway, be rumoured to take over the reins at Dior, and transition into acting at the same time. Yes, it seems Marc Jacobs is a man of many colours, but which of them are true? According to Harper's Bazaar, Jacobs has denied any plans to leave Louis Vuitton for Dior, however, the acting bug has bit the design icon for real. He has been cast in the movie Disconnect, alongside Alexander Skarsgård (yum!) and Jason Bateman, taking on a role he claims is nothing like him in real life. More recently, Marc Jacobs appeared in the latest episode of South Park as Muscle Man Marc, one of Cartman’s beloved toys.

It has been reported by New York Magazine that Marc Jacobs will commemorate this event by making the character his next tattoo, as he feels this is the greatest honor he has ever received (being a South Park fan, I would have to agree.) To see Marc’s big screen debut we will have to wait until 2012.

I know what I’ll be wearing!