Hallowe'en Costume Ideas 2013

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Hi there! Because Hallowe'en is just around the corner, I thought that I'd share with you a list of pretty random and varied costume ideas. It's a pretty random list, like I said before, but I hope that it'll spark some inspiration for you! There will be a post every week on how to put together at least one of the ideas below. Enjoy!

Sunday Funday: Blah's the Word

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Hi there! Another Sunday Funday this week, as usual. I'm not going to bother to ramble in this intro, so I won't. Let's get into the Sunday Funday!

Read This: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

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Hi there! I’m sure you’ve heard of (or even read) countless fashion books that are essentially non-fiction. Or maybe you haven’t and you think that this vast generalisation is completely inaccurate. Whichever person you may be, if you have a sense of humour, you’ll (most likely) love this book.

Also, one more thing to add. This is my first book recommendation/review-type thing, so bear with me!

Confessions of a Shopaholic is a fun, witty novel written under the pseudonym Sophie Kinsella. The story follows Rebecca Bloomwood, a finance journalist on her many shopping expenditures that end up (ironically) leading her to debt. 

Style Diary: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Hi there! This set of photos are really special to me because they were just so spontaneous. The process of taking these pictures came about on my bus ride home from school when I decided that I'd share with you what I wore that day. I was going to go to my usual brick wall, but I wanted to change it up a bit.

For the rest of that ride home, I had this vision (haha, that made me sound like such an artiste) of taking the photos at the park. So that's what I did, and oh, it was an... interesting time.

Introduction to: One of a Kind Finds

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(I really hope that's a lollipop and not something sketchy)

Hi there! Today, I'm super excited to introduce to you a new series I'll be starting on my blog called, "One of a Kind Finds." For a little bit more on "One of a Kind Finds," keep reading!

I'm someone who strives to dress differently and just be unique in every aspect of my life. Sometimes, I succeed (my version of success, of course. You might think what I wear is just about the most mainstream thing, haha). Other times, I fail miserably. 

This summer, I did quite a bit of shopping internationally, so I've acquired a few unique pieces that I won't find in other teenage girls' closets back here in Canada (SCORE!). Sometimes, all you need is that perfect piece that no one has to make yourself stand out. Well, I mean, they could have it if they knew where to find it, but you catch my drift, right?

"One of a Kind Finds" is going to be a series that you will be seeing once at the end of every month here on Style Generis unless nobody likes it, of course.. I'll be sharing with you really unique and different items that are like the hidden gems on online shops that I find after spending way too much time window shopping. I'd just like to point out that these items aren't actually going to be one of a kind. They're just going to be items that I think are really different and unique and aren't... mainstream, so to speak.

I just got this idea recently, so I haven't had the chance to online shop very much, but here's September's rather short list of items. There will usually be about seven to ten-ish items on this list, but if you want more, let me know! 

3 Ways to Wear: Wedge Sneakers

Hi there! Last week, I gushed to you guys about my new love for my beautiful pair of wedge sneakers. This week, I'm going to show you how I style these babies. Enjoy, my darlings! Haha, that sounded funny. Aw well...

Autumn To-Do List

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(There's a watermark, but whatever. It's adorable)

Hi there! I'm someone who really, really, REALLY loves making to-do lists. It's a weird little thing about me, but what the heck, why not share it with the blogosphere, right?

Autumn is my favourite season, (at the moment, because I constantly drift back and forth between fall and summer), so I decided to combine my two favourite things and make an autumn to-do lists of things to try out this fall and things to just get me excited about the seasons changing.

Designer Delicacies: Monserat de Lucca's Bracelets

Hi there! As you might already know, I've been really into my copy of Lone Wolf Magazine lately because it's just freaking amazing. If you want more details as to why I love it so much, you can get them here.

Anyway, I was introduced to a designer called Monserat de Lucca in Issue 6 and was immediately drawn to his quirky bangles. The little article, titled "A Touch of Midas," showcased four bangles from his collection that were made to look like they were literally touched by Midas. It's such a fun and interesting concept that I couldn't keep to myself, hence this blog post. You can check out some of his designs here and below.

Sunday Funday: Firsts

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Hi there! This week was a week full of firsts, as you could probably tell from the title. First this, first that, first everything. I guess it was kind of expected considering that it's my first month as a freshman, and I'm kind of loving it.

This post will include a few things that aren't firsts and I really hope that you'll enjoy this!

How to: Overcome Human's Block and Get Inspired

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Hi there! Today, I wanted to inspire you guys. Well, technically, I wanted to help you get your creative juices flowing when you're wracking your brain for some inspiration for whatever you're doing. So I wanted to inspire you guys to get inspired. Yeah, I think that's about right.

When I’m just feeling very blah, I like to call that human’s block. Not writer’s block, not artist’s block, not blogger’s block – human’s block. I mean, people who aren’t writers, artists, bloggers, etc. can feel that way about anything in general, right?

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate feeling unproductive and procrastinating. It’s like that feeling I get when I eat something too greasy – I just feel icky. Awful. Whichever, take your pick. Whenever I realise that I’m having one of those days, the rest of my day could either be spent doing absolutely nothing productive, or browsing a few websites to just get my energy back. Here are a few of them for some of your dilemmas. Enjoy!

Style Diary: Here Comes Autumn

Hi there! Fall, fall, fall, how I love you so. To me, wearing this outfit was like screaming fall at the top of my lungs. That might've sounded so weird and just... weird. Aw well. Personally, this is my definition of fall in an outfit. The rich colours, the scarf, the oversized sweater... everything.

Current Love: Wedge Sneakers

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Hi there! I know that I said on Twitter that it wasn't likely that I'd have a post up today due to my weird eye situation and energy slump, but after a nice, warm dinner, and nice talk with my mom, and grapes (yes, grapes), I got my energy back and got really excited to write this post for you guys.

Today, I wanted to talk to you guys about the infamous wedge sneakers. I know, I know, this trend has been around for a while, since like last year, but it's still around, so why not talk about it, right?

Ever Heard of: Lone Wolf Magazine

Hi there! One of my lovely best friends recently gave me a copy of this little indie magazine (is that even a term?!) called Lone Wolf that she picked up for me for my birthday when she was vacationing in Europe for the summer. I can almost officially say that it's my new favourite magazine.

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this to you, but I'm a huge fan of magazines. I know that might sound a bit superficial or what not, but I just can't help it - I'm obsessed with magazines. They allow me to escape into a fantasy full of beautiful clothes worn by beautiful models captured by amazing photographers. What else could a girl ask for? I mean, besides being able to rip the clothes from the glossy pages and own them. For free.

Anyway, let me tell you a bit about Lone Wolf and why I love it so much.

Collection Crush: Zero + Maria Cornejo Spring/Summer 2014

Hi there! Today, I'd like to introduce all of you to a new series here on Style Generis called... drumroll please... COLLECTION CRUSH! It's basically going to be a post that I write after each Fashion Week showcasing a collection that I was absolutely blown away with. Most of the time, it won't be really "mainstream" designers because there's already WAY too much coverage of that, and I feel like I would be writing just another soulless exposé on the standout looks at Marc Jacobs.

I was, once again, on style.com looking through the shows after finishing my geography homework one night and came across this designer called Zero + Maria Cornejo. I was immediately drawn to the name because it was just so... different. Not saying that anyone with the name Zero is weird or anything, but it was definitely something that caught my attention.

According to Maria Cornejo, the designer behind Zero + Maria Cornejo, the name was "a pure vision" and the number zero is "a number that neither adds or subtracts; it is, rather, a point of departure." Isn't that just wicked cool?!

Fall Favourite: Layering

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Hi there! It officially feels like fall where I live and if you didn't already know, fall is definitely my favourite season EVER. Sure, summer's great because there isn't school and there's my birthday, but it's just hot, man, and it's really hard sometimes to find the energy within you to not just throw on a tank top, denim shorts, and head out the door. Or not even get dressed at all, because what's the point in dressing up when no one's going to see you?

When I think of fall, I think of leaves changing, the resurrection of boots, mittens, everything pumpkin, and most importantly for us fashion lovers - layering. I just love layering, like it's not even funny. But after one or two weeks, I kind of get burnt out. Why? Because sometimes, I'm just not creative with my layering.

So with today's post, I wanted to share some really cool ways to layer to get your creative juices flowing for when you're putting together your outfits in the morning. If you think these ideas are totally not out-there and different, just think of it as any other outfit inspiration post. You'll thank me later. ;)

Sunday Funday: Life Happened. Again.

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Hi there! I didn't have a Sunday Funday up last week because the blog makeover just got so hectic and stressful, and I missed writing those posts so much. I didn't realise how much I actually adored writing them until I stopped for a week. I feel like I can just talk to you guys, you know? Simple communication, it's fun.

Versatile Blogger Award!

Hi there! I'm so excited to tell you guys that Zoe from the Carribean Flower, one of my favourite beauty and fashion blogs, nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award. I was so shocked, blown away, and touched that she thought of me, so thank you Zoe! Now, what I have to do is share with you seven (interesting?) facts about me and nominating seven other bloggers to do the same. It was pretty hard to come up with these seven facts, especially after doing the 50 Random Facts About Me tag, but here they are!

Style Diary: The Lucky One

Hi there! Today is Friday the thirteenth and most people would consider today and unlucky day, but for me, it's the opposite. I was actually born on a Friday the 13th, so I consider it a rather lucky and cheerful day, not one where I walk around with all these superstitions running 'round my head.

New York Fashion Week Recap Spring/Summer 2014: Colours of the Rainbow

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Hi there! Every time I think of spring and summer, I think of bold colours. After all, in the winter, we stereotypically cover our bodies with dark, solemn colours to keep warm. So once the sun starts shining again, it's all about colour for me, and a lot of other people, I'm sure.

That's why today, I'll be giving you a very simple NYFW recap. It'll be full of standout looks from this season, a few in each colour of the rainbow and a few other colours as well. I'll probably be doing this for the next three weeks, so be on the lookout for that!

I Want Her Closet: Aria Montgomery

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Hi there! I don't know about you guys, but I love watching my TV shows and seeing how the characters dress and how that correlates with their personality. I've been watching Pretty Little Liars ever since the first episode of season 1 and the character's whose clothes I just want to rip off her back (to be completely honest) because they're so freaking amazing are Aria's.

Aria has such a quirky, artsy, and eclectic style that suits her character perfectly. Most of the clothes she wears on the show seem like one of a kind pieces (when some of them aren't) just by the way they're put together in an outfit. That shows that you don't need an enormous budget to dress to impress! (I know I sound lame, but whatever.)

I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets inspired by what she wears, so I put together a mini lookbook of some of Aria's standout outfits that will hopefully inspire you to put together some crazy outfits and rock it like it's nobody's business. Because after all, that's what fashion's all about. Confidence, my darlings. (See what I did there, PLL fans? Maybe? No? Okay.)

Welcome to Style Generis!

Hi there! Today, I'd like to welcome each and every one of you to Style Generis! I'm tempted to call it my new blog, but it really isn't. So I guess you've probably noticed some changes here and there, especially my header. I might decide to change the background later on, but for now, it's going to stay like that because, to be completely honest with you guys, I'm writing this pretty late at night because my week has just been so crazy.

First of all, I should probably tell you why I decided to call my blog Style Generis. If you want to know more about why I changed the name, you can check out that post here. The name came about when I was looking around on thesaurus.com for synonyms for the word "unique." I came across the Latin phrase "sui generis" which basically means "of its own kind." So I played around with the name a bit and came up with Style Generis which kind of means "style of its own kind." Kind of.

I think the new name fits the blog much better than the old one, and I hope that you think so, too! I was so excited to unveil the new design and everything for you today, but unfortunately, there are still a few bits and pieces left to do. Hopefully, they'll be done very shortly.

Please let me know what you think in the comments below! I'd love to get your feedback and read what you have to say!

Thank you so much for reading!

- J

Bloglovin' | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | ask.fm

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Style Diary: Freshman Fashion

Hi there! Today is the day that you guys get to see me without my glasses! I wrote in a Sunday Funday recently that I got contacts, but I didn't share with you how I looked like without them. So here it is!

"Style Diary" is a new series I'm starting on Style Generis (what this blog will be called starting on Monday. I will also change my url to stylegeneris.blogspot.com). It's basically just something to categorise my outfit posts in. There will be a new "Style Diary" up on Style Generis every Friday. I hope that you enjoy!

How to: Look Your Best for Picture Day

Hi there! Before I get into today's post, I just wanted to let you guys know that on Monday, September 9th, the url of this blog will be changed to stylegeneris.blogspot.com. If you want to learn more about the change, check out my blog post here.

I don’t know about you, but I have quite the love-hate relationship with Picture Day. I love it because I get to all dolled up (it’s pretty much the only day of the year I’m allowed to wear makeup), but I hate it because it’s just so… awkward. Sitting in that chair and having people tell you how to pose, it’s just weird. Maybe that’s not how it is at your school, but that’s how it was at my school.

Anyway, sometimes, you get so focused on how you want your makeup and hair to look, you forget about the fashion part of it all. That’s why today, I’m going to give you some more fashion-related tips on how to look your best for picture day. If you’re looking for something hardcore beauty, this might not be the post for you.

Let’s get into it!

3 Ways to Wear: Flowy Pants

Hi there! Before I get into today's post, I just wanted to let you guys know that on Monday, September 9th, the url of this blog will be changed to stylegeneris.blogspot.com. If you want to learn more about the change, check out my blog post here.

Last week, I wrote a post all about my love for flowy pants. In that post, I told you guys that I'd be doing a "3 Ways to Wear" post on how to style these lovely pants, so here it is! These are actually photos of clothes I own, unlike my other posts. Enjoy!

Important Changes Coming Up On Coco and Picasso

Hi there! As you could probably tell from the title, there are some pretty big changes coming to Coco and Picasso.  First off, it's not going to be called Coco and Picasso anymore. C&P started out as a blog about fashion and art, and bit by bit, it became all about fashion, making the Picasso part totally irrelevant and confusing.

I stayed up really late the other night, trying to think of a name that would better represent my blog. After about thirty attempts, googling about ten domains that were already taken, and countless disappointments, I came up with Style Generis. I got the idea from "sui generis" which is Latin for "of its own kind" which I thought was perfect for my blog. So "style generis" is a word I made up means "style of its own kind." With this blog, I strive to be unique with everything I post and what I show you guys, so I'm finally really, really happy with the name.

With this new blog name, the URL of this blog will change. Instead of cocoandpicasso.blogspot.com, it's going to be stylegeneris.blogspot.com. This change will happen in a week's time, so on Monday, September 9th, this blog will be transformed into something completely different. I wanted to give you guys a heads up before I changed the name.

There will be a proper introductory post coming on Monday next week, so stay tuned for that!

I really hope that you guys take this change well and let me know what you think! I sincerely hope that all my readers will be to accept this change and that this will be a smooth transition. All of my social media sites will also change to style generis when Monday rolls around. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them down below and I'll surely get back to you.

Thanks for reading!

- J

Bloglovin' | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | ask.fm

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3 Days 'til Fashion Week and How I'm Staying Sane

Hi there! Before I get into today's post, I just wanted to let you guys know that on Monday, September 9th, the url of this blog will be changed to stylegeneris.blogspot.com. If you want to learn more about the change, check out my blog post here.

As you may or may not know, New York Fashion Week (as you could probably tell from the title) is starting in five days' time. It's a bi-annual event that brings the biggest fashion people (in the world) together because right after New York's big week, it's London's turn, then Milan's, then Paris's shortly after. It's a pretty crazy phenomenon that lasts all month.

All the big fashion people - models, bloggers, everyone, actually - is rushing from show to show, trying to keep up with it all. Just hearing it from other people makes it sound like madness, but in the best possible way. I can't imagine what it would feel like to actually be in that environment for a week. Wouldn't it be a thrill? Amazing?

Sunday Funday: Farewell, Summer

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Hi there! I hope that you're all having a great Labour Day weekend! Whatever you're doing for the next two days, have a blast!

It's the last week of my summer vacation and I'm headed back to school in just a few days. I'm pretty stoked, yet pretty frazzled as well about going into my first year of high school and not really knowing anyone. But whatever, let's get into the last Sunday Funday of this summer, even though it technically ends in like three weeks.