Meet Yvonne. The brains and talent behind Ottawa style blog Dernier Cri. A Master's student at the University of Ottawa, when she's not studying or traveling the world, Yvonne manages to find the time to chronicle the fashion world and all that is dernier cri (translation: trendy). In addition to exposing reader to the fashion world in general, she routinely features local and Canadian designers, labels and stores that most people would not necessarily hear about. In this week's blogger profile, Petite Adventures turns the tables to learn more about Yvonne and what she believes is dernier cri.
Name: Yvonne Ivanescu
Age: 24
Occupation: Master's Student / Freelance Writer / World Traveler
When and why did you first start your blog?
I started my blog back in February 2010. That January I had started to intern for an online site call theWig.ca. The website was about arts and culture within Ottawa but it lacked information about the fashion scene. I lived in the city for five years during my undergrad and I was skeptical that Ottawa even had a fashion scene. So, I pitched the idea to my editor who seemed intrigued; so I started my research by googling local designers and stores in Ottawa that could be featured on the site. In a mere half-an-hour I had at least ten sites open, all filled with information about fashion designers, stores and bloggers throughout our great city! Unfortunately, my editor didn't end up printing my story, but I used all of this new information to start my own blog.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I love to people watch. Instead of buying magazines or staring at online fashion magazines, I often just go for walks and look at what other people are wearing. Every time someone walks by in an outfit I love, I make a mental note of what they were wearing. If the piece is breathtaking, I might even stop the person and ask where they got it.
Describe your personal style.
Original and chameleon-like. I have different clothes for different moods ranging from rocker chic to bohemian.
In the past, I used to change my hair colour quite often from blond to black to fire engine red. Then, my friend introduced me to clip-in extensions. With my extensions, I experiment with different hairstyles that often compliment my look of the evening. I pair crazy curls with my rocker chic outfit, while I opt for relaxed wavy hair when I wear a floor length boho maxi dress from Lucky Brand Jeans.
In the end, it all depends on the setting. At work I dress conservatively; I love blazers and I hope to own my own Smythe jacket one day. However, when I attend fashion events, I try to add some drama to my outfit, whether its feather eyelashes, statement jewellery, large headpieces or my Jeffrey Campbell Clinic boots.
Where are your favourite places to shop?
Milk, Zara, Club Monaco and consignment stores (I am a student after all!). For makeup, I always choose Estee Lauder. I LOVE Solestruck.com for their selection of Jeffrey Campbell shoes.
What are your favourite trends this season?
I love all the trends this season. I'm a fa of bright colours, rompers and harem pants. I am a huge fan of wearing white - outfits always look crisp and classy. White linen has to be my favourite for these hot days.
As for shoes? Wedges are great, but I'm still a huge fan of white (or tan) stiletto heels.
What are your style/beauty pet peeves?
Details, details, details! It's all in the details. It does not matter if you are wearing a beautiful dress if you have dirty fingernails or if your polish is chipped. Remember that one little detail can ruin an entire outfit.
What do you never leave home without?
My emergency makeup bag. I am a huge fan of Estee Lauder so I have a bunch of little makeup bags from the company (gift with purchase). Inside the bag I always carry the essentials, in case of an emergency: Advil, Tide stick, mini deodorant stick, powder foundation, brush (with mirror), antibacterial hand sanitizer and gum. I recommend making your own emergency bag with essential items. It's easy to transfer from one bag o another and it can really help anyone out of a sticky situation.
Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?
Breckin Meyer has an amazing quote in the movie Rat Race: "my grandfather used to say that good things take time, but great things happen all at once." I am a firm believe that people need to take life one-step at a tme. My life has been a constant roller coaster, in the past four years I've lived in both Panama and France, travelled all over Europe, started my Master's, interned for some amazing magazines (I even interviewed Audrina Patridge from the Hills) and started my own blog! I have met so many fantastic people on my journey and I look forward to all my future adventures. Bring it on :)
Yvonne is so beautiful and intelligent (and sweet to boot!) She has a great sense of style and how neat that she interviewed Audrina!
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