What's In For Spring... (Part one)

It's almost spring time! (I hope.) And with the snow melting away, the beautiful green grass and pretty spring flowers are waking up from their long winter slumber and are ready to soak up the gorgeous, warm sunlight. Okay so we are no where near close to this stage, at least here in Toronto we aren't. But you can never be too early when it comes to being up to date on the latest trends. I'm calling this part one of my "What's in For Spring" segment where I'll be talking about what the latest trends in clothes are for spring. My second part of the segment will be all about accessories that are in this spring - which will be up tomorrow. Here we go...

Pant/Jumpsuits 

     

Pantsuits, or jumpsuits, are definitely starting to become popular this season. They are fresh, cute, trendy, and are the fancier version of a romper. Considering how much of a hit those were the past couple of summers, I know that pantsuits will absolutely become a favourite. The best part about them is that you can wear them out to the mall, or to a red carpet, like these ladies did, and still look super classy either way. Ashley Medekwe (left) from Revenge wore this adorable white patterned pantsuit from Top Shop that resembles overalls. Pair them with heels and a clutch and she looks ready to pose for the cameras. Hailee Steinfeld (right) also rocked a pantsuit by Valentino. The navy lace set along with Brian Atwood heels and a Jimmy Choo clutch looks absolutely adorable on her.

Crop Tops and Pencil Skirts

 Last summer, crop tops and high waisted shorts were all any girl was seen wearing, whether it was to the mall or to the beach. Knee length pencil skirts and crop tops are the newest fashion statement that I absolutely love. This trend is a perfect combination of sexy and classy. The crop top shows off a little skin that is daring and edgy, yet because the skirt is knee length and doesn't give away too much leg, the look is still appropriate to wear out to dinner or to a movie premiere. Both Bella Thorne (left) and Kylie Jenner (right) went for a similar look, with off-white skirts, white crop tops and nude heels. Bella accessorized with a clutch and Kylie looked stunning with gold jewellery. 

Overalls 

 

They're right when they say fashion get's recycled. (90's throwback anyone?) Long-pant overalls as well as short overalls are going to be seen everywhere this spring. The fun thing about them is you can basically accessorize them according to any season. For example, short overalls can be paired with tights underneath if it's still a bit too chilly for bare legs. Overalls were featured in the Spring 2014 New York Fashion Week runway show. We saw at least three different styles like a denim pair by DKNY and the one's seen above (left) by Rag & Bone. The lovely model on the right is my beautiful sister Vanessa who is sporting a black pair of corduroy overalls from American Apparel with a white crop top sweater underneath, also from American Apparel. Again, the trend is perfect for any season but will specifically be popular this spring. 

Spring Colour Alert: Blood Red-Orange 

 

I am extremely happy with the trend of this colour. I mean, I've always thought that blood red-orange was a totally underrated colour and needed to to come out into the fashion world. This colour looks amazingly striking and totally makes a bold statement. I think if you can pull of this loud colour with confidence, you'll have everyone's eyes on you. Going back to one of my favourite Grammy red carpet outfits, Giuliana Rancic (left) in this stunning Alex Perry dress, which is a perfect representation of how fabulous this colour looks on. Victoria Secret Angels, Karlie Kloss and Candice Swanepoel (right) both rocked the blood red-orange colour. Karlie (right) wore a beautiful Talbot Runhof dress that shows off her long legs and Candace (left) flaunts her slim figure in a Robert Rodriquez dress with a midriff cutout.

Cutouts 

 

 Speaking of cutouts, this style will certainly be in this spring. Whether it's cutouts on a dress or on a cute top, this trend makes sexy, appropriate for any event. The 'cutout' is a way to show off a touch of skin, yet still keep your ensemble classy and chic. There are many places that the cutout can be placed but two more popular areas of the body that are being show off are the hips and midriff. Selena Gomez (left) wore this gorgeous black Dolce & Gabbana dress that has cutouts on the hips. Even with the slit on the skirt, this dress is not at all too daring, but looks sexy and fashionable on her. Kendall Jenner (right) showed off her midriff with this white Keepsake top and skirt ensemble. Again, the cutout shows just enough skin that the dress looks stylish, not trashy.

and last but not least . . . 

Second Spring Colour Alert: Maroon

My high school uniform colour was maroon and at the time I thought, if I saw maroon one more time, I would scream. I was so unbelievable sick of the colour that after four years, I vowed to never wear it again. And..I was wrong there. Surprisingly, I actually adore this colour now and I may even be a little bit obsessed. There's something about it that looks so high-class and and fashionable. Julienne Hough (left) showed off her fit dancer body with this maroon Marc Jacobs crop top and skirt get-up. I love the high neckline and the three-quarter length sleeves. It's a little different from the traditional short-sleeve or tank crop top. Reese Witherspoon (right) sports a casual version of maroon in a nice fitted sweater paired with skinny jeans and cute flats. Again, there's something about maroon that can turn the most simplest of outfits into a trendy and stylish, ready-to-hit-the-town look. 

Those are some of the biggest trends I believe will hit the fashion scene this spring. I for sure know that I'll be trying out these looks and colours (If I already haven't). Stay tuned for part two of my "What's In For Spring" segment - accessories.      

Six Movies That Contain Fashionable Fashionistas...

When I watch a film, the first thing I tend to focus on is not the plot, not the setting and not even the cast. What my eyes get drawn to before anything else is the amazing fashion. I mean, how many times do you watch a movie and see the most fantastic clothes being worn by the actors? Then in order to rock the same style that Anne Hathaway made famous, you look in every store to try and find something similar so you can get that much closer to being Anne Hathaway, or meeting her, or smelling her hair....too far?
So if your looking for some fashion ideas or tips, or maybe you just want to change up your own personal style a bit, I'm about to give you some inspiration for your new look.
Here is my list of the top six movies with the best fashion.

6    13 Going On 30   

The great thing about this movie is that we not only get to see current fashion from this decade, but we also get to see the like, totally cool trendy trends from the eighties. I mean who doesn't love a little eighties fashion? Scrunchies, leg warmers, mini skirts, off the shoulder sweaters and ALL. THOSE. POLKADOTS. This movie really makes me wish I lived in that decade for maybe even a day just so I could wear some neon pink tights and not get looked at like I'm someone that time travelled from yesteryear! And here's a little Did You Know? fact.. At the beginning of the movie when the popular girl and her little posse are talking to Jenna, being all nasty and sarcastic - one of those girls is none other than a little well known Pretty Little Liar by the name of Ashley Benson! How cool is that? There she is in the pink top with the green scrunchie. Awh, who knew that in another seven years or so she would be playing detective, trying to find her so called stalker 'A' who's attempting to ruin her whole life?

But anyways, back to fashion. Just look at that girl on the left's shirt. How.. colourful. Then we get to the part of the movie where Jenna wakes up as a thirty year old. I don't think any girl would dream of missing out on their teen years and early twenties, but we sure would dream of having the closet that she is so lucky to have! Could you imagine waking up and having a walk in closet that you could get lost in? Dream. Come. True. This movie is full of fashion that makes us females drool like a kid in a candy store. Thanks Jennifer Garner. 

        5     Bride Wars 

Bride Wars is one of those movies that explains the mind of an engaged female, soon to be bride (or bridezilla) perfectly. This should really be a documentary that all males should be required to watch before they make the decision of asking someone to marry them. I bet engagements would decrease by fifty percent and the male population would decrease by seventy five percent due to all the scared little boys running off into hiding. That's right guys, don't mess with us girls, especially when it comes to us planning our wedding. Just give us the ring and walk away.. and then show up for the ceremony please, we kind of need you there. This movie is the queen of all bride movies for wedding fashion. All those gorgeous dresses make me want to grab the first boy off the street and beg him to marry me just so I can wear a white gown. Ha ha, just kidding. I don't need to get married to wear a wedding dress.. and eat cake.. and cry off my mascara... Anyways, not only is Kate Hudson's Vera Wang wedding dress absolutely breathtaking, but her Tiffany Novo engagement ring by Tiffany & Co is to die for. And let's not forget the very sexy orange, Oompa Loompa tan sported by Anne Hathaway. Or the bubble gum blue hair that Kate Hudson rocks. Yeah, maybe I'll avoid those two fashion statements around the time of my

wedding day..or any day for that matter. But hey, you have to give them some points for keeping completely calm during--yeah let's face it, no normal female who's been planning their wedding ever since the day they were old enough to say the word, "Tiffany" would ever be under control if the slightest malfunction occurred. Kudos ladies, for at least trying. 

4      Mean Girls 

The only word that I could use to perfectly describe the fashion of the legendary film Mean Girls is, "It is so fetch!" I know, I know, stop trying to make fetch happen, it's not going to happen. Mean Girls, I believe, really paved the way for a lot of fashion trends. For example: tank tops with holes cut in the breasts, army pants and flip flops (only because Cady Heron wore them) and we also learned that wearing your mom's skirt from the eighties is a good thing because vintage is soooo adorable. And it also inspired many, many awesome Halloween costume ideas, such as the ever so classic "Ex-wife" that could double for a zombie bride, or wearing any type of lingerie with animal ears makes you "a mouse, duh." Then there's all those rules that are very important to the female world of fashion. Like, on Wednesdays you wear pink, and you can't wear a tank top two days in a row, you can only wear your hair in a pony tail once a week and it's definitely only acceptable to wear jeans or track pants on Fridays. Did you get all that? Grool. Oh and P.S, remember last week when you borrowed my pink shirt? Yeah, I want it back. 

3     Legally Blonde

If you love pink then after you watched this movie you probably vowed to never, ever wear pink again. And if you hate pink, then after this movie you probably went on the internet and looked up how many possible shades there were of this colour. Hot pink, pastel pink, bubblegum pink, barbie pink, it doesn't matter which shade, Elle Woods has it, has worn it and has definitely rocked it. There's certainly not a Wednesday only rule to which day she's allowed to wear the colour, no sir. According to Miss Woods, everyday is pink day. And it also seems that Elle took another fashion tip from The Plastics in the costume department. She almost gave Regina George a run for her money in that adorable bunny ensemble. Who says lawyers have to wear black pant suits with slicked back pony tails and boring leather suitcases? No way. A pink leather jacket with orange pumps is definitely the way to the jury's heart. And if that doesn't impress him, be sure to casually drop your folder of notes on the floor and preform the "bend and snap" move. Not only will you convince him, but the criminal you're trying to prove guilty will probably confess to his crime. Court adjourned. 

2     Confessions of a Shopaholic 

Hi, my name is Alex and I'm a shopaholic. At least I was after I watched this movie. But hey, I think ninety-five percent of the female population are admittedly obsessed, fashionista shopaholics just like Rebecca Bloomwood. (The remaining five percent don't have a problem and don't need help whatsoever! Says girl with seven shopping bags in her hands while she flips through the newest issue of Vogue and hands the store clerk her credit card.) Every girl lives by Rebecca's life motto, "When I shop, the world gets better." I mean, that definitely makes sense, right? When I go to Chanel and ask the store employee to bring me the latest dress in Haute Couture, she's doing her job, therefore getting paid at the end of the week and then she can buy the newest Chanel bag (most likely discounted) which equals a very happy employee. See? It's all a cycle in life that brings smiles to the faces of girls who start hyperventilating at the word "Prada". And how do you know if you yourself are a shopaholic, you

ask? Well, look at the picture to the right. Does this scenario look like a picture taken out of your very own life storybook? If you said, "*Sigh* Yes, that looks like me.." then you are a shopaholic. If you said "No, that does not look like me or anything associated with my life. I do not have those Gucci Division Triple Platform Pumps in purple or that black wool Christian Dior Gold Nautical Sailor blazer.." Then you are still a shopaholic, just one who's in the denial stage. That's okay, the first step is admitting you have a problem. 

1    The Devil Wears Prada 

And the number one movie with the most fashionable fashionista is none other than The Devil Wears Prada. I mean this movie's main character, Miranda Priestly, is based and inspired by the English editor-in-chief of American Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour, aka the queen of the fashion world. Who knew the queen could be so scary? Although, if the entire world was waiting on your word as to whether or not cerulean gowns by Oscar de la Renta were the 'in' thing to wear this season, I'm sure you'd be a little grumpy too. That's a lot of pressure. In this film we kind of see the ugly, intimidating side of the fashion world such as eating nothing at all except a cube of cheese when you feel like you're going to pass out just so you look you're very best for Paris Fashion Week. Also, we learn that in order to work in fashion, you must be able to complete many impossible tasks within minutes. Like getting two copies of the unpublished Harry Potter manuscript or booking a flight from Miami to New York in hurricane weather. Yup, in order to maintain a stressful and constant on-the-go job in fashion, you must be able to make the impossible, possible. But let's face it, it would all be worth it, right? What girl wouldn't want to be given free Jimmy Choo's or the newest sold out Marc Jacobs bag? Me! Me! I would! But no matter how intense Miranda Priestly is, no matter how many lip purses she makes, and no matter how many times she calls you 'Emily' when your name is 'Andy', there's no arguing that she is most certainly the number one fashionista in all of film history without a doubt. That's all. 

Top Ten Best Uniforms at Sochi 2014...

It's Olympics time!! My favourite bi-annual world event in which I do not leave my couch for two weeks so I do not miss a single thing! Personally, I'm the type of fan that get's very competitive and passionate about my team. There's a lot of nail biting, gasping, sweating and screaming no matter what the situation is.
But before all the events actually start, we have the opening ceremony, where all the countries walk in proud, excited and ready to compete as hard and as best as they can! It's so fun watching the teams walk in together with their flags and matching uniforms.
This year, there has been many amazing and interesting outfits and I will be listing my top ten best dressed team uniforms at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games!

                               10 Sweden

I like the colour coordination that Sweden did to match their flag, the blue jackets and the yellow and black hats and scarfs look very striking. The black boots are very classy and look good against those AWESOME SWEDEN PRINT LEGGINGS! Wow! Those are fantastic! Great job Sweden, you look ready to compete in style. (Please email me the store in which you got those tights)  

9 Kazakhstan 

To be completely honest I've never heard of this country before, but now I have and I'll always remember them for their beautiful team uniforms. Once again their jackets match their flag and I love their white pants. Because the jackets are very bright, the white is a nice contrast against them. Four for you Kazakhstan, you go Kazakhstan! 

8 Great Britain 

Looking bloody fantastic Great Britain! Navy blue and maroon are two colours that I normally wouldn't pair together, but I'm having some second thoughts now. These uniforms are plain and simple, but less is more and I really enjoy the simplicity of this look. Also, with an awesome flag like that, it was a better choice not to go too crazy on the outfits. Cheers to you Great Britain, I fancy your look! 

7 Slovenia 

Wow I love this! I'm not sure where the lime green comes from according to their flag, but besides that I really enjoy this look! The little beanies that match the jacket and are too cute! They are striding in with pride and they know that even if they do not win any medals, they still look fan-tas-tic. Break a leg, Slovenia!

6 Canada 

Ok so I am completely biased to my own country, but hey like I said, I'm quite passionate about my team! Canada went for the classic red coats, black pants and boots, 'Canada Tuques' and signature maple leaf mittens. They are ready to do their best for their country and I have faith in them. Go! Canada Go! Kick some butt eh! (he he) 

5 Norway 

Well this is a roll reversal. Norway knew that the norm was to wear white pants and colourful jackets but that's way to mainstream for them. Pastel blue pants and white jackets look amazingly striking and did I mention those silver golf hats? If their outfits don't grab your attention, those hats definitely will. Norway is on their way to victory whether it's for an olympic medal or an award for the sparkliest hats. 

4 Italy 

Chao bella! Magnifico! I don't know if it's because I just love pizza and pasta (and Italian boys) but I can't take my eyes off of Team Italy. Navy blue with white accents that contrast beautifully are sure to grab the attention of any spectator or competitor while Italy slips in and grabs a medal for themselves. Grazie Italy, I'll be in the Gelato shop cheering you on. 

3 Ukraine 

Yellow, grey and black seem to be quite popular around the world this year but Ukraine sure does it best. They even went that extra mile with patterned coats that one up every other country that had a grey jacket. Good choice in coordination with your flag Ukraine, here's a bronze medal for best outfit in the olympic games opening ceremony. Woo! 

2 Poland

Holy smokes, Poland. Who's your stylist and where can I get me one of those jackets? You take ombre to a whole other level! Basically no matter what happens your country is definitely not going home empty handed because I present you with a silver medal for best outfit in the olympic games opening ceremony. Congrats!

and the Gold Medal goes to....

1 Russia 

 A gigantic gold medal award goes to the host country and their amazing white fur coat and red pant ensemble. You knew you were hosting, you knew you had to look the best, and you did just that! Russia, you are definitely showing the world that this is your country and you are the leaders! Who runs the olympics? Russia! (sang in the tune of 'Who runs the world?' by Beyonce) Take your gold medals and flaunt it because you are my number one pick for the best outfit in the olympic games opening ceremony! 

and......

Go! Canada Go! #TeamCanada

Fashion Friday...my favourite looks of the week

As of February 7th, 2014 I have officially launched my first and newest segment called "Fashion Friday" in which every Friday I will countdown my favourite three looks of the week!
3 Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood looks beautiful and elegant in this Pamma Ted Baker knee length gown she wore at New York Fashion Week. Everything from her white clutch, silver pumps and short hairstyle flows perfectly. I love the soft pastel pink of this dress and the little designs on the shoulders give the gown the perfect amount of pop that it needs.
Because the look is so delicate, I'm glad she went light and natural with her make-up. Her nude lip and light eye make-up are soft enough to not overpower the dress and not wash her out either.
The white clutch she chose is the perfect size and colour
that once again does not complicate or busy the ensemble. My favourite part of this look would be her hairstyle. I think it's such a cute, vintage-y do that frames her face perfectly.
Carrie won't be slashing my tires anytime soon because I chose her as my number three look of the week!

2 Perrie Edwards

Perrie Edwards from Little Mix looks stunning in this patterned navy blue pant suit. The solid grey peacoat creates a striking contrast against the pattern and brings the whole outfit together.
 Her blue strap purse and aqua pumps make her eyes stand out beautifully. I love the way she tied her hair back so that it looks casual but still has a dressy feel to it. Perrie's ensemble is fun and exciting, yet can still be worn to look classy professional at a business meeting.
Choosing to leave the peacoat open was a good way to keep her warm, yet still show off her cute outfit to the cameras. She looks confident, classy and ready to sing her heart out on Good Morning America.
Salute! to you Perrie. You are my number two pick of the week!

1 Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole rocked this edgy and sophisticated outfit while walking the streets of London, England. Firstly, I have to mention the absolute sass that Nicole has in this picture. She looks hot and she knows it.
*Finger snap*
Referring back to Perrie's outfit, grey peacoats/jackets seem to be the accessory of the week. Her silky, black camisole and tight black leggings go from casual mall look to red carpet ready look with the addition of her silver necklace. I really love her black and grey opened toe pumps, they match perfectly with her coat and surprisingly don't make this look a summer outfit. Her silver necklace and red-orange lipstick add the perfect 'pops' to this grey and black outfit, and give the look the bit of brightness it needs. I love, love, love this look! Nicole definitely makes your girlfriend wish she was hot like her and that's why she's my number one pick of the week!

my favourite make-up products...

Make-up is a girl's best friend! Literally. It makes us feel beautiful, confident and sometimes (depending on the look) a little edgy and daring. Our world stops when we step into MAC, Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart. It's like a museum for an art freak or a moth to a flame. If you're like me, doing my make-up is the most crucial part of my morning because it determines my look for the day. Do I want to go for an edgy look with a dramatic smoky eye? Or do I want to keep it natural?
Everyone has their favourite products that they love and use everyday. I'll be telling you some of my favourite products that I recommend.

To start off, I took a make-up artistry diploma course and with the course we got a whole kit of Make Up For Ever products, therefore; I have A LOT of Make Up For Ever! I really do recommend this brand for basically any type of make-up. It is a little on the expensive side but it's long lasting and good quality so the cost is worth it.

The HD Microperfecting Primer works as a full face primer as well as an eye primer. It really hydrates the skin and helps to create a long lasting look so you don't have to constantly touch up throughout the day.

The HD invisible Cover Foundation is literally invisible and is oil-free. It doesn't look 'cakey' at all and because it's HD, one layer makes your face look like a clean canvas. This foundation is literally HD because it's used on people who are going to be seen on television. Before HD make up came along, when someone was going to have their make-up done for TV, it required lots of layers and looked horrible in person. Now, with Make Up For Ever's HD foundation, only one layer creates a picture perfect, TV ready complexion. Make Up For Ever is also one of the only companies that has the most foundation shades (26) from light to dark. For my personal use, I use two different shades. Shade 127 (left) for the summer time when I have a little colour and shade 120 (right) in the winter time when I'm looking a little pale.

One of my favourite make-up tools that I could not live with out is my Top Shop Kabuki brush. The Kabuki is the best blending tool out there and can be used to blend foundation, apply powder, bronzer and blush. Once again, the more you spend on a Kabuki, the better quality it is. I just recently bought this one because the last one I bought was cheap and every time I used it on my face, the hairs would fall out and get stuck on my face.

After applying my primer and foundation, I always use a powder to create a nice matte finish. My favourite is the Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation (Right). This gets rid of any shine that I have and also evens out the skin tone.

The Avon Glow Bronzing Powder (left) I actually use to contour, or as a blush. Just a little bit on the cheek bones to make them pop and it gives you an amazing glow.

The Make Up For Ever Double Ended Sculpting brush is extremely useful because it can be used to apply powder, blush and bronzer and it can be used to contour and highlight as well. Five brushes in one!

I think this product is on every girl's wish list. I just recently got this and I'm obsessed. The Urban Decay Naked2 Palette has twelve amazing shades which are all around the neutral and natural colours. Personally, I always wear browns so this palette is perfect for my every day applications. The best part is that there's a variety of matte shades and shimmery shades so you can create a nice evening look as well. Shade 'Blackout' is great to create a dramatic smokey eye for a fun night out, and shade 'Verve' is perfect to highlight the corners of the eye and under the eyebrow.

For liner I always use MAC's Fluidline Gel Formula liquid liner in 'Blacktrack'. This is the best liner to use for a perfect slick line that is smudge-proof and lasts all day. I've tried different kinds of eyeliner and this is the only one that will still be intact after a full six hour day of being out.
The brush I use is an angle brush that I can't remember where I bought but it wasn't expensive it was very cheap. Any angle brush is good to use with this type of gel liner, especially to create that little 'flick' at the end.

I use lots of mascaras and I'm not picky to any brand in particular because I find that any works fine, but Make Up For Ever's Smoky Lash mascara in "Rich Black" can literally give a person with the straightest eyelashes a beautiful curl. It gives volume and fullness and the secret is to apply a few layers to build up the lashes.

These are two of my favourite lip products that I use a lot. Firstly, I hope everyone has an EOS Lip Balm. It just hydrates your lips and makes them feel so fresh especially now in this harsh winter weather.

Make Up For Ever's Lip Line Perfector prevents your lipstick from bleeding and smudging. I love putting this on even under a lip liner because it's smooth and hydrating on your lips.

So this was one of my recent purchases that I am so happy with. I'm obsessed with lipstick, specifically red and I have about ten different kinds. I did not have a matte so I went to Sephora to look at the Laura Mercier lipstick. I was just going to buy the lipstick but then I found a set that came with lipstick, lipgloss and lip liner. The set of three was only a few dollars more than the lipstick on it's own so I thought, "what the heck?" that's a good deal!

The set comes with "Lip Glace" in "Poppy" which has a beautiful shine, "Rouge Nouveau Lip Colour" in "Mod" that is a stunning bright matte colour and a Lip Pencil in "True Red". I love this set and I definitely recommend Laura Mercier lipstick to anyone looking to buy a new one.

So that's the end of my list, for now.. I tend to obsess over specific products at different times so be on the look out for an update of some more products that I'll recommend! 

happy birthday Harry Styles!... and 20 things to do when you turn 20 ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY STYLES ! ! ! 

You are now 20 years old - no longer a teenager. I hope that this bittersweet moment doesn't depress you as much as the thought of turning 20 does me. (Five more months of being a teen, nooo!)
I remember when you were just a young little chap, only seventeen years old. Ahh the good ole days of being not legal. You have the excuse of being young and having no responsibilities. Now, that must come to an end and you must turn into a responsible adult, where you have to do your taxes on time, watch the news and constantly 'lay down for a few minutes because your back has been bothering you.' ...Okay so maybe not yet, you still have a few more good years left in that back of yours, but try not to get too crazy.
In honour of your 20th birthday I am going to list twenty things that you could or should be doing this year - some are more extreme than others so choose wisely for situations that you believe aren't a matter of life or death.

Let's begin.

1. Drinking! Let's just get to everybody's favourite first shall we? Of course in many countries you've been able to drink for many years now - England (18), Canada (19), Italy (16 - oouu sneaky), and if you've visited Cuba or Jamaica at age ten you were allowed to drink already. So what countries have you gained the ability to kick back and relax with a martini? Let's take a look. First up, Iceland. (I'm guessing there, on the rocks is their specialty.) Say you decide to take a quiet trip to Iceland with your pals and want to party your curly locks off - you may do so there. Second, Japan. I know you've already been there but next time you go back, no more green tea for you. No way, it's all about something a little stronger - and I'm not talking about drinking your tea black.. if you know what I mean. Finally, feel free to go crazy in Paraguay. When you're soaking up the blazing sun and you feel like you're about to melt, you know what to do. (And I don't mean jump in the pool.)

2. Get your motorcycle license! Why not right? You've already had your regular car license for five years, it's time to upgrade to cooler and faster things my friend - a two wheeler. Driving on four wheels where balance comes as easy as sitting peacefully in your car seat is so two-thousand-and-late! You're twenty now, you have a need for speed and a motorcycle will quench that thirst!  

3. Swim across the ocean. I mean, this doesn't take years and years of practice and training at all. And the first person to do it was a 64 year old woman who attempted it five times until she succeeded..so come on I'm sure it's not that big of a deal. (This may be one of those times when you decide for yourself whether or not you want to attempt..)

4. Hang out with Justin Bieber. He sure knows how to live life to the fullest - maybe a little too full but hey, I'm not judging. Could you imagine the fun you'd have on your big day if you spent it with none other than mister bad boy Bieber? What's more fun than riding yellow Lambos, partying 'till the sun rises and sets again and making it crazy rain - or maybe even pour? If that opportunity ever knocks on your door, please answer it, ask it in, and offer it tea and cookies. But, maybe try not to get caught by the po-po, wouldn't want to spend your first hours of being twenty in the slammer.

5. If Bieber isn't available, the next best person to share a night of awesomeness with would be the royal ginger, Prince Harry. He's sure known to party it up king style. Go and get crazy in Vegas!(Maybe remind him that if you are going to play strip beer pong, make sure nobody is snapping any photos of your bottom. Though, if it accidentally happens, we won't mind.) This royal chap is even known to stay out until 3 AM with mister David Sexy-Bod Beckham. Awh how cute, three british lads getting crazy, crazy, crazy 'till they see the sun! I approve.

6. Steal a tiger. What? They did it on the Hangover. Regularly I would not advise this because in fact, the possibility of a free ranging tiger making your duties of capturing him easy, are probably not in the cards. Though, on your twentieth, it's time to break the rules of the zoo! Not only are you going to feed the animals, you're going to take the animals for a ride in that yellow Lambo that Bieber lent you. Then as you're driving, you're going to blast Stu's song about what tigers dream of. (While this all goes down, try to avoid Mike Tyson.)

7. Have a soccer (or football to you) tournament. This could be done sober or not sober, totally up to you. Being twenty is definitely a calling to start a little scrimmage right? Design your own uniforms, wear some sexy shin-guards and recruit the best possible team ever. Please make sure to include David Beckham (after he recovers from your night out till 3 AM of course) and Cristiano Ronaldo. If you need cheerleaders, I'm your girl.

8. Bake your own birthday cake. This is the solution to all those times when someone bought you a hazelnut cream cake with pistachio filling and vanilla icing when you specifically hinted that you prefer chocolate, always. Put your chef hat and apron on, whip out that Gordon Ramsey cookbook and bake yourself a masterpiece that is to die for. As a matter of fact, after you've made that delicious perfection, hide in in the back of your fridge and buy a store bought cake for your party - because who wants to share something that heavenly?

9. Attempt to catch the train on Platform 9 3/4. This is something that will mostly likely be done hours into your party and multiple shots later. This is 100% necessary because of the fact that your name is Harry. I mean how great will it be when you walk up to the ticket booth and ask for one ticket for Platform 9 3/4 under the name Harry? It's like an unwritten rule that because you have the same name as Mr. Potter, you must do this task. But please if you see a huge, burly man directing kids onto trains, do not run up to him and cling to his legs like a baby sloth yelling, "HAGRID!" Chances are, that is not Hagrid, just a giant man with a beard.

10. Shave your head. Ha Ha! Just kidding, don't ever do this. Your signature curls are what make you unique and special. Also, they hypnotize the ladies every time you give them a little shake - a real life superpower! Don't ever give that up.

11. Spend the night in an abandoned, haunted house. I will never do this, not even in five months when I turn twenty, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take chances and offer your soul to the spirit world! You can even bring an unlimited amount of weapons to fight off the already dead entities that you can't scare off with a baseball bat. Good luck with this, sir. Text me when you make it out alive.

12. Change your style, Styles. Not that you don't have a good sense in the clothing department and always look incredibly good - there's no issue there. Though, what do you think about a little switch-a-roo? Maybe punk? Goth? Boho? I'm sure all of these will only enhance your cute dimples and charming smile, because let's face it, you could wear a garbage bag kilt and still look like a million bucks.

13. Make an extremely outrageous and ridiculous purchase. I'm talking something so dumb that you'll instantly have regrets in a week. Not ten or twenty years down the road, you'll instantly question your life decisions days after making this quick and stupid impulse buy. But why the heck not, you're not a teenager anymore, you're an adult and if you want to purchase something crazy, you can do so if you please! (Avoid anything illegal or too big to fit in your house.)

14. Have a mean streak. You're such a sweet gentleman 365 days a year, it's time to spice things up a bit. Do something mean! Steal candy from a baby, eat grapes at a grocery store without paying for them. Yeah! Do it! I know that maybe your little heart will break if you do something that will remotely ruin your good mama's boy image, but hey, on your birthday nothing really counts right?

15. Eat something you don't like. They say it only takes the taste buds two weeks to adjust to a taste so why not inhabit a new craving? Fish eggs, octopus, frog legs - turn one of these unappealing delicacies into your new go-to comfort food. It may be hard to get down for thirteen days, but on the fourteenth it'll be a piece of cake! (A slimy, fishy piece of cake.)

16. Tee-pee someone's house. This is not to be confused with egging someone's house because that one apparently can tick people off and might get you in trouble with the law. (Thanks for the tip Justin.) Toilet paper is the safe and clean way to go because not only is it soft and fluffy, but you're also helping someone out if they happen to be running low of the toiletry. I recommend Charmin Ultra - because less is more!

17. Go Christmas Carolling not on Christmas. It's the ultimate prank for a prankster in training that won't make anyone want to smack you! Unless you're choosing to sing 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', that one's known to drive people cray cray.

18. Throw an acoustic concert. That one shouldn't be too hard for you to do considering you're already a world-wide known rockstar in a boy band that makes the girlies faint. I'm sure the only thing better than hearing your edgy tone sing to bass and drums is hearing your voice with only the back up of the angelic strums of an acoustic guitar. You can do this one at any age and still be appreciated by the entire female population.

19. Stay home and do absolutely nothing. You are always on the go and now, as a twenty year old mature lad, what's more manly than sitting on the couch with a cup of tea and your cat curled up on your lap, watching 'The Notebook'? I say nothing. Only a real man wears pink right?

20. And last, but definitely not least, have fun! Do what you want to do, eat what you want to eat and hang out with the people that make you the happiest. It's your special day and if you want to party hard or sleep in till noon, it's up to you. All that matters is that you have a rockin', fantastic and rememberable twentieth birthday that tops every other birthday you've ever had. (Until next year, nothing beats twenty-one am I right?)

the Fading series review...

I love to read. It's one of my favourite hobbies. Sometimes I'll read five books in one week and get so caught up in the stories that I have to remind myself what is real life and what is from the pages of the books that I've drowned myself in. I am definitely one to get major book hangovers. It's the worst feeling when you finish an amazing novel and are so depressed because you felt such a connection with the characters; it's as if the've left your life. I felt this recently with an amazing book series by an author who wrote such a strong, heart wrenching story in three completely different perspectives. 

E.k. Blair is the author of three amazing books, "Fading", "Freeing" and "Falling". The "Fading Series" is the story of a college student/ dancer named Candace who experiences something horrible in her life and the journey she takes to overcome her fears. The three books are based along the same time line that the event occurs, but are told by three different people. "Fading" told by Candace, "Freeing" told by her gay best friend Jase, and "Falling" told by Candace's lover Ryan. The three different point of views are about how they all dealt with Candace's tragedy but also about events in their own lives that they are dealing with.  

What may seem like a drag to read the same story three different times, is totally amazing and leaves you wanting a fourth or even fifth book. E.k.'s ability to tell the same tale in three unique and interesting ways is a talent in itself. I never got bored reading these books, I never felt like I was reading the same story over and over. E.k. was able to write the perspectives of three different characters and make you fall in love with each of them. 

Candace, a strong woman who experienced something no person should have to experience, took you through a journey of her healing. You were able to feel and experience with her the pain, regret, agony and hurt that she was feeling. When I was reading her story, I cried many times for her and with her. I've never read a story where I was so opposite and different from a character, but also connected with her so well. Candace is an inspiration to everyone who has been through something and thought that their world had hit rock bottom. She is the woman who inspires someone to power through the wound that is affecting them and realize that this is not their end, their story continues on. 

Jase is a character that many can relate to whether they are like him or not. In his point of view, you see that he is not only the best friend that a girl can have but also such a kind and caring man who'll do anything for someone he loves. The admiration I have for his character is endless. The patience and understanding he had for Candace was unlimited and I loved his own personal story of the struggles he was experiencing at the same time. 

Ryan is any girl's dream man. From his strong demeanour to his soft and gentle heart, this man is a combination of perfection and a pure hero. The love he has for his mother and Candace warms my heart. The patience he has with Candace to overcome her fears was touching. His story showed you inside what made him the way he is and the reason for some of his actions. It showed the transformation that a girl as fragile as Candace helped Ryan make of his life. 

I recommend this book series to anyone and everyone. You will cry, laugh, hurt and smile and you'll love every page of it. This book series is utterly beautiful and will change your life. You will not be able to stop thinking about it for months and you'll go back and re-read parts of it multiple times. I can't and probably will not ever find a story that affected me as much as this one has, and I hope I don't. 

"And though she be but little, she is fierce."