Freelance Whales

It's been a few weeks since I last got ridiculously excited about a new band. I've downloaded lots, but nothing that made the hairs on my arms stand up. Until today, that is, when I gave in to the hubub and checked out Freelance Whales. I was initially hesitant because I really hate clichéd indie bands who all jump on the bandwagon of using something in their name (pandas, bears, most recently whales...) but there's been an absolute explosion of hype for these guys in the last few days - too much to ignore. I was far from disappointed. This is classic, pretty indie rock. It has hints of today's penchant for electronic effects but isn't as synthy as acts like Passion Pit. Their songs are instrumentally-rich and well composed. Check out their videos and see for yourself!

John Hughes Documentary

"Don't You Forget About Me" is a Canadian-produced documentary coming out about John Hughes, the director behind teen favourites and 80s style classics "Pretty in Pink", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club" among others. He truly defined the teen movie genre, and few teen films since he stopped producing in the early '90s have come close to what he achieved. This documentary tracks where he disappeared to in the early '90s, and is even more relevant after his tragic death this summer. I can't wait to see it!

Mila Jovovich for Donna Karan DK Cashmere

This looks so cozy - the prefect thing to snuggle up in during Canadian winter!

Toronto Fashion Week: Jason Meyers

This show was so frilly and girly, I think it was probably my favourite from LGFW. Love the '80s gloves that lend the outfits a rocker feel, especially with the body-con white dress. I could totally see myself getting married in that - clearly I don't want a traditional wedding!

Toronto Fashion Week: Pink Tartan

And now from the other half of Toronto's fashion power couple, Kimberly Newport-Mimran's Pink Tartan, which showed edgy-glam pieces with a distinct '80s vibe. Although the collection seemed very safe coming from an established label, it is certainly very wearable and is sure to sell well despite the recession. I love the jumpsuit (possibly my favourite trend right now) as well as the belted blazers. So many designers have been emphasizing the waist this season - such a good look.

Toronto Fashion Week: Joe Fresh

This show was so quintessentially Joe Fresh - simple, light, fun and tasteful. The looks all felt very collegiate to me (maybe it was just the knee socks and spectacles) and it definitely picked up on a lot of the trends I like to wear to school: shirt dresses, stripes, messenger bags, classic blazers and trenches, pastels and those aforementioned preppy knee socks. The pantsless trend was in full effect too - can't wait to see how stores market that come spring! Best of all was Joe Mimran landing high-profile celebuspawn and budding model Theodora Richards.

The Hair! The Dress! The Necklace! The Earrings!

The Drapers go to Italy. I die.

I know the look is a little Cindy-Lou-Who-ish but I still think it's gorgeous.

P.S. - Betty speaks Italian. Could she be any more perfect?!

Is it time to clean your closets for fall?

Here's some inspiration!!

Raccoon Glasses

I had sunglasses as a child that folded together to create a raccoon. The raccoons in our neighborhood were always really active and I was obsessed with them - the way the waddle is adorable! I saw these on lookbook.nu and would love to know where I could find a pair.

Halloween

I either want to be the Queen of Hearts or the Paper Bag Princess (I like to keep my costumes in the under $10 range). Which one should I choose?

Toronto Fashion Week: Greta Constantine

As always, Greta Constantine delivered beautifully structured, slightly futuristic dresses at their S-S 2010 show in slight anticipation of Toronto Fashion Week. These are looks that I hope we'll be seeing on funky Canadian celebs like Jessi Cruickshank, Yasmin Warsame, Fritz Helder or Coco Rocha, who all rocked last year's seatbelt tops and dresses. I love this line but wonder how long before they migrate south to NYFW in search of bigger markets.

Vancouver 2010 Olympics Clothes Are Out!

The Bay is in the middle of a massive re-vamp (this week's Globe and Mail came with a massive, and gorgeous, flyer for the relaunch of the designer-focused The Room in select Bay stores). They've also done the Canadian olympic gear for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, and I'm impressed! I adore this sweater but at $350 it's a bit more than I'm willing to pay for olympic swag. Nonetheless I think they did a great job making clothes that actually have a bit of style and have a hope of making it out of the closet beyond March, 2010.

Check out the rest of the collection here.

Montreal Store Opening: Hush Puppies

Hush Puppies just opened in Montreal at Fairview Pointe Claire and Carrefour Laval. I've been looking for the perfect pair of winter boots for eons but it doesn't look like I'm going to find them there. Nonetheless, they have a few cute pairs like this.

Happy shopping!

Florence and the Machine - You've Got the Love

Florence + The Machine - You've Got The Love

Florence and The Machine | MySpace Music Videos

Stylespiration!

(And awesome song, also check out The xx's remix of it for an understated but equally beautiful take)

Ever wonder what the 1930s woman thought we'd be wearing today?

I Want to BEDAZZLE

via stylefrizz.com, jakandjill.com, psimadethis.com, cocorosa.blogspot.com

I have such an urge to DIY bedazzle right now! Time for a trip to the craft store!

With that being said...

I actually bought something at F21 after trashing it! And it's awful, a total guilty pleasure, but I really love the one piece concept: only one piece of clothing you need to select which you can accessorize to the 9s. Anyway, I may never wear this out in public but it's going to make for damn good loungewear:

What is VeintiUno?

Veintiuno: Spanish for twenty-one.

¿Por qué? Because being twenty-one is great! On the cusp of adulthood, 21-ers have a clear view behind them into the world of teenagedom, and can translate into the world of the 20-something. We're in a unique place to comment on music and fashion because we have the knowledge and judgement of an adult, but our fingers are still firmly pressed upon the pulse of the teen market.

So what will this blog do? Combine designer and real-world fashions that are relevant to the late-teen to mid-20s girl with posts about the music that influences our style.

Enjoy the ride, because fashion is fun!

xo Veintiuno

ps - this blog is in NO WAY affiliated with the store Forever 21, nor does it condone extensive shopping there. However if you occasionally buy a thing or two from there because you're in a pinch and need an inexpensive, super-trendy look for a night that's ok. I guess.