Category Archives: Fashion

Friday’s Fashion Fix

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We’ve heard it time and time again…winter forces our floral, colorful, bold items to hibernation, releasing those drab and dull pieces that do nothing for us but keep us warm. Rather than bringing out your summer pieces and reinventing them with layering, I think it’s more worthwhile to look at colour combinations that satisfy the yearning for rejuvenation while keeping you season-appropriate. Seeking out a warm coat in a fresh hue will breathe new life into your day-to-day routine, and reaching for a bright pant will offer your chunky sweaters a fun, new playmate.
Grey is a go-to in cold months, but pairing it with denim or black is way too expected. Add a soft pink to your look, and maybe even a touch of silver. Winter wardrobe made fresh indeed.
An icy blue shade for winter is so ideal. Add to that your deepest purple and you’ve got yourself a lovely pairing. Green has been absolutely everywhere this season, especially that dark evergreen that us Canadians know so well. Spice things up with a pop of pink mixed with neutrals and you’re head-to-toe in winter color blocking.
Next time you’re feeling colourful, grab two shades of bright rather than one, mix and match tones and textures, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; all this for a look that says the winter blues don’t exist in my world …in a nutshell.

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Friday’s Fashion Fix

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The most famous Vogue editor-in-chief is Anna Wintour, a woman who controls the fashion world to such a degree that she often tells renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta and Valentino not to include certain looks in their runway shows. Even more shocking? They always listen. She’s integral in the high-fashion world, but she’s often seen as a stern figure, who takes herself and the work she does, a little too seriously.

The newest addition to the group of Vogue editors is Emanuelle Alt, the edgy mind behind Vogue Paris. This woman, in contrast, definitely infuses an element of fun into the work she does. The video above is the best proof of that. What other Vogue editor, who sees themselves as a defining figure in fashion, would channel an 80s music video by lip-synching to “Wake me up Before you Go-Go”? Instead of launching an expensive, extravagant campaign in order to re-launch the magazine’s website, Alt decided to get a group of models together and use her favourite Wham! song to encourage visitors to “Go-Go to Vogue.fr”

In the video, Alt sings along with top models Karmen Pedaru, Kendra Spears, Jasmine Tookes and Anja Rubik, as well as French TV host Mademoiselle Agnès. With this hilarious imitation of the original 80s video, I can’t help but think what the fashion world would be like if every designer, model, editor and influencer infused a little more fun and humanity into what they do. The truth is, fashion shouldn’t be such a cold, intimidating industry, and masterminds like Emanuelle Alt are helping to turn that around. In a nutshell, for a new take on it all, go-go to Vogue.fr, and don’t forget to have a little fun with your clothes!

Friday’s Fashion Fix

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Today is National ‘Wear Red Day’ in Support of Women’s Heart Health!

It’s safe to say that one of the many ways we express ourselves is through the clothes we wear. Communicating our moods, conveying personality traits, it’s all right there for anyone to see. For that very reason, many charitable organizations have turned to clothing campaigns to increase support and general knowledge about serious health concerns. The CURE Breast Cancer Foundation’s Denim Day has seen great success and today’s “Wear Red Day” is no different.

Canada’s Heart & Stroke Foundation has been raising awareness on women’s heart health for over 50 years. Through various campaigns, the foundation has taught us that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. We can all do our part to support a cause that affects every one of us, like canvassing to raise money, participating in a local event, and, easiest of all, wearing red today. Sporting your best reds will encourage women to protect their hearts and reminds us all to do our part in caring for our most vital organ. The month of February is Heart Month in Canada, so do some research to see how you can contribute. In a nutshell, dig out your brightest scarlet shades today and be sure to take care of that ticker of yours with plenty of activity, healthy eating and a regular visit to your doc!

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Friday’s Fashion Fix

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Yesterday, as I pulled on my ripped jeans and clipped on my oversized hoop earrings, I got to thinking about thematic dressing. Carrie Bradshaw once said that she wears “ghetto gold for fun”, explaining that her engagement ring (something one wears everyday) could never be gold. On countless occasions we’ve seen Carrie rock that ghetto gold she speaks of, in the form of her nametag necklace or some wild statement bangle, and on others, she wears elaborate diamond-encrusted pieces, elegant as ever. Her character is the prime example of reinventing personal style to channel an era, a movement or a muse.
Choosing to pair two items you’ve never imagined, sporting a piece that has been sitting in the back of your jewelry box or smearing on a bold lip colour during the day; each of these style choices will allow you to modify the routine, and to consequently find yourself reaching for new influences. For any designer, from big shots to start-ups, inspiration often comes from a point in history, whether it’s a person, a time or a trend. Well, if it works for the design experts, it should work for us too. Venture outside your usual formula and take notes from the historical movements that have brought us here today.

50s Style: Hourglass shapes reigned in the fifties. Skirts were full, kitten heels were sought-after and dainty, feminine accessories like gloves, hats and tiny purses were abundant.
50s Today: To get the fifties look today, an A-line or full skirt is the first piece of the puzzle. Try a fitted blouse on top and smear on a harsh, black eyeliner and some red lippie. OR Opt for high-waisted straight leg pants, rolled at the bottom, with loafers and your shirt tied in a knot.
Muses: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel

60s Style: The swinging sixties brought on a lot of social change, which greatly influenced the fashion scene. Rules were broken and new standards of style were set. Go-go boots, pillbox hats, bright psychedelic colours; all those things we now call ‘mod’ prevailed. Mary Quant introduced the mini skirt, changing the way women wore skirts and dresses forever. 
60s Today: High-impact mascara or false lashes will give you that Twiggy look, and any geometric shapes in bright colours and fitted, boxy silhouettes scream 1960s revival. Cat-eye glasses, square-toe boots or loafers and opaque, bold tights, are all a must. 
Muses: Twiggy, Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, Mary Quant, Edie Sedgwick, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (yes, still)
 70s Style: Saturday Night Fever was a huge catalyst in bringing on the disco era in the 1970s, changing fashion forever. Bell bottoms, platform shoes, the mini skirts of the 60s, fringe, tie-dye, hot pants and jersey wrap dresses c/o DVF. Leotards, crop tops and wavy hair with a centre-part were also prevalent.
70s Today: Evidently, bell-bottom jeans have seen a resurgence in the past few years, making this the easiest 70s trend to emulate. Otherwise, an American Apparel leotard, some platform shoes, bold gold jewelry and your best beach hair will give you the hippie demeanor in a flash.
Muses: Bianca Jagger, Marie Helvin, John Travolta, Farrah Fawcett, Liza Minnelli, Alie MacGraw, Faye Dunaway,  Debbie Harry, Iman, Joni Mitchell, Jane Fonda, Stevie Nicks,
80s Style: In the late 70s, punk entered the fashion scene, and this trend saw it’s heyday in the 80s. Ripped jeans repaired with safety pins, cropped or oversized leather jackets, fishnets, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Doc Marten shoes, and anything leopard print was the go-to punk attire. Otherwise, the 80s saw a popularization of “Power Dressing”, likely created due to women’s newfound presence in the workforce. Shoulder pads, boxy, neon suits and large hair were “power” staples.
80s Today: Today’s 80s look is a bit more refined, with thinner, more modern shoulder pads in blazers and less of a box frame in suits. However, the punk movement has certainly not died, with Balmain continually recreating the style each season. Ripped jeans, an oversized t-shirt, blazer or leather jacket, heavy eyebrows and some cumbersome jewelry, and you’ll be eighties-ready.
Muses: Madonna, Vivienne Westwood, Molly Ringwald, Joan Jett, Linda Evans, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Beals, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Grace Jones

What's your favourite era?

All in all, the possibilities are endless when it comes to fashion and beauty in this world. Why stick to the present era when there’s so much to work with from the past? I bet you’ve got a piece inspired by each of these eras in your wardrobe, take one to the next level this weekend by pairing it with its perfect match and echoing some time in history. You’ll probably wind up falling in love with the trends of a decade, creating your own little resurgence, one go-go boot at a time.

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Friday’s Fashion Fix

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My last edition of Splurge vs. Steal was way back in the Summer when we were basking in the sun’s heat. Well, our current situation is slightly different…the weather outside Eastern Canada this weekend is way more than frightful. It is bone-chilling.
If you’re headed out today or tomorrow and some part of your skin is exposed to this climate, you better get yourself to a store on the double. Hats, scarves, gloves and layers of wool, cashmere and flannel should be in your grab-and-go pile this weekend, no exceptions!
Evidently, for this edition of Splurge vs. Steal, I turn to cold weather necessities, things I hope your wardrobe is stock-full of so the brisk air does not do its damage to your heavily moisturized skin. If you’re missing anything, here are a few places to get the best cold-weather deals…in a nutshell.

For Details: Splurge vs. Steal

For Details: Splurge vs. Steal

For Details: Splurge vs. Steal

For Details: Splurge vs. Steal

Clothes that Get the Job Done

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We’ve all been there. Sifting through a wardrobe that may as well be empty, because absolutely nothing seems to work. This is often the case for special events, dates or even just a regular indecisive day. But on one occasion in particular, I’d have to say getting dressed is especially challenging. Job interviews. Aside from deciding how to answer that infamous question “what’s your weakness?”, making sure you’re on time and getting all your genius ideas in perfect wording…deciding what to wear is the biggest challenge when it comes to interview prep. It’s tough to know what type of office environment you’re entering and you never know the taste of your interviewer. There’s no doubt that no matter what you say or do, the first impression you give is all about the way you look. There are some important rules to interview dressing that a) make the words you say most important and b) make sure you are well dressed, comfortable and prepared for anything. Read on!

Look 1:  Black pants, simple pumps and a great fitted blazer are the ingredients for a flawless interview outfit. But adding the wrong top can make this look go from business casual to purely inappropriate. Any safari prints or extremely bold patterns are not ideal for an interview, they’ll distract your assessor and bring your serious level down more than a few notches. Opt for a more subdued design that you feel comfortable in.
Lesson: The only wild animal that belongs in your interview is your beast of a brain.

Blazer: Mango, Pants: BDG, 1st top: Zara, 2nd top: Vero Moda, Shoes: Gianni Bini

Look 2: A pencil skirt is the classic choice for an office environment. However, there are certain precautions to take. Firstly, be sure your skirt is not too tight. If you’re more than happy to wear it to the club, please refrain from heading to an interview in it. Second, pencil skirt slits run rampant, be sure the option you choose or own does not have too big of a slit. Sexy at the office may work on Mad Men, but you will not be taken seriously if you go this route. As demonstrated below, a loose-fitting top works just fine, but for the occasion we are tackling, it’s best to go for something simple that will stay tucked in and is fairly high-cut. You’ll feel relaxed enough to tackle any question, and look stellar doing it.
Lesson: Only rock a seductive pencil skirt/blouse combo if you’re becoming a flight attendant.

1st top: Cheap Monday, 2nd top: Banana Republic, Skirt: Mango, Necklace: Banana Republic, Shoes: Gianni Bini

Look 3: There are certain interviews that don’t necessarily require you to go all-out in the clothing department (when you’d likely feel pretty ridiculous in a pencil skirt), and that’s completely legitimate. In my personal opinion, no matter what type of interview you’re doing, denim should not be an option. Go for a classic blouse, a professional jacket and simple black pants. No matter what, you’ll look polished and genuinely interested in the position.
Lesson:  If you wear jeans to an interview, you may as well answer the age-old ‘weakness’ question with: “I dress inappropriately”.

Top: Banana Republic, Blazer: Banana Republic, Jeans: Zara, Pants: BDG, Shoes: La Canadienne

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Keep the makeup at the minimum, I don’t even suggest putting on eyeshadow. You don’t want to distract from what you’re saying, and looking your most natural is always best.
  • Make sure you’re sporting a good manicure. Chipped nails are such a turn-off and bright pink polish is improper. Best case scenario is nude or a french manicure.
  • Get a good sleep the night before and have a hearty breakfast. No matter how many times you rehearse your spiel, these two things are of greatest import.
  • Send a follow-up email a few hours after your interview. Explain why you think you’re right for the job and what separates you from anyone else.
  • Put your Facebook creeping skills to use on Google and check out your interviewer on LinkedIn and/or Twitter, browse relevant news clippings and do plenty of company research. You never know what type of information will come in handy.

After you’ve picked out a comfortable and appropriate outfit, it’s all about you and what you have to offer. Radiate confidence, take your time, ask questions and be yourself. Bonne chance!

Friday’s Fashion Fix

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As much as many of us would like to say that we don’t engage in celebrity culture, most of us can’t help but be fascinated. Charlie Sheen’s tiger blood, LiLo’s dozen court appearances, Bieber’s haircuts and most recently…the newest addition to the playground Suri currently reigns, Baby Blue. There’s no doubt that this fascination is at its height during Award Season, when us normal people are able to watch the rich and famous sip on champagne, apply lipstick when they think the cameras aren’t watching, whisper to their neighbors, and most of all, read/mumble/scream/cry through their impromptu acceptance speeches. Aside from the absurd jokes the host is making and the sight of a newbie stumbling up the stairs in her stilettos, the two-hour Red Carpet special before the show is really what gets me all riled up. I’m sure you can guess why. Gowns, up-dos, pant suits, obscenely sparkly jewelry and the picture posing we get to see live…isn’t it just magical?

Now, more often than not, stylists have selected the absolute newest designer duds for celebs to select from. Although vintage (hello Reese wearing a dress Kirsten Dunst wore 6 years ago) is sometimes an option, I always like to see the latest dresses that have just recently been gallivanted down the runway. Pre-Fall 2012 is the season on everyone’s lips right now, so I thought I’d sift through the collections to find the gowns I’d be pleased to see on the carpet. Charlize, Michelle, Kate, Emma and Rooney…listen up.

Don’t forget to tune in for the Awards!
Golden Globes: January 15th 8pm (Host: Ricky Gervais)
Screen Actor’s Guild Awards: January 29th 8pm
The Grammy’s: February 12th 8pm
Academy Awards (Oscars): February 26th 7pm (Host: Billy Crystal)
Juno Awards: April 1st

Which gown is your favourite?

photos via style.com

Wardrobe Makeover for 2012

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The best thing about ringing in a new year (aside from champagne and a major excuse to celebrate) is the chance for a fresh slate. Although we all make heaps of resolutions we may or may not keep, there is one thing that can easily be achieved with a few simple steps and a bit of time spent in your very own chaotic closet.
This is your chance to de-clutter, reorganize and rethink your wardrobe altogether, changing the way you dress throughout this fresh new year.

1. Get RID of anything you haven’t worn in two years.
I read that piece of advice in a magazine once, and I think it’s a great rule of thumb. I continually keep clothing that I think I’ll one day wear (I even have pairs of jeans I’ve kept for when “I’m painting my first house”…so ridiculous.) There are, of course, certain pieces that should be kept, like ones that were an investment or ones you may want to pass down generations some day. But all the rest; the ripped, the stained, the too small, big, long, short, get rid of them now, because all they’re doing is clogging up your closet and making it more difficult to find what you really want to wear. They’re just clothes (gasp!) and if you aren’t wearing them, get rid of them.

2. Find out what your closet’s missing.
Evidently, there is no science to dressing, but there are certain items that we can incorporate that will make outfits more complete, and make those difficult morning decisions much easier. We all have our own styles, so these closet essentials are all relative, but finding items within these categories that fit and flatter you, will definitely give you the boost you’re looking for in 2012.

Topshop blouse / American Eagle sweater / AllSaints leather jacket / Mango blazer / Hue leggings / Zara top / BCBG dress / Levi’s jeans / Gap skirt / Urban T-shirt / Old Navy cardi

  • A solid blouse is great with jeans or tucked into a skirt with a blazer.
  • A chunky knit is perfect for Winter or a breezy Spring day paired with shorts.
  • A leather jacket for Fall and Spring – or a trench if you’re more of a classic gal.
  • A fitted blazer for any dressed up occasion, a black one is preferable for versatility.
  • Leggings for comfy soirées or even a night out with heels and some sparkle.
  • Speaking of sparkle, an embellished top is great for dressing anything up.
  • A little black dress, obviously. Accessories change an LBD in a cinch.
  • Slimming jeans can be hard to find, but the perfect pair are so essential.
  • A flattering skirt is different for every body type, find the shape that best suits you.
  • A graphic T is great for throwing on with jeans but also gives your skirt some edge.
  • A cardigan is essential for every Canadian who needs to throw on some warmth.

Forever21 Earrings / Zara clutch / Mango bracelet / Nine West pumps / Forever21 necklace / Forever21 scarf / Forever21 ring / BCBG boots / Dolce Vita flats

  • Statement earrings are vital for adding some bling to an LBD or a casual outfit.
  • A clutch is necessary for any night out & ‘dutches’ (day clutches) are all the rage.
  • A cuff or bangles are so easy to throw on and mix up.
  • Nude pumps are critical, they match with everything and will become your go-to.
  • A statement necklace transforms any outfit – casual or classy – it always works.
  • A pattern scarf is perfect for a relaxed day or accessorizing a lacking outfit.
  • A statement ring spices up just about anything – try a combination of styles.
  • Warm boots are necessary for any Canadian, heeled or flat, find your poison.
  • Colourful flats are a great accent for a neutral outfit – red ones give the best pop.

3. Organize your closet
Take the time to fold and classify your things, this will be your best asset for those daily choices. Seeing what you own in an orderly fashion is crucial. Visit Ikea for budget-friendly solutions to your closet woes!

 4. Break the Rules
I’m always a big advocate for breaking the rules and taking risks. Once you’ve built up your closet essentials, be sure to incorporate that edge that makes your collection of clothing all yours. Every once in a while, remember to reach beyond your comfort zone and bring your closet to new heights…2012 can be your most fashionable year yet!

The Best of Boxing Day Sales (Going On Now…)

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It’s that time of year, once again! We’ve spent our last few shopping trips perusing the racks for our loved ones, for once never thinking of what we need (or most importantly, want). Christmas Day has come and gone, and we’ve received plenty of gifts from distant family members, close relatives, friends and plenty of knickknacks from acquaintances. Enter the most genius of Holiday traditions: a Sale period that allows us to gift ourselves with the things we really wanted, at prices we only get to see biannually. Online and in-store, there are plenty of Sales to chose from, it all really depends on what you’re looking for. In an effort to organize your frantic Boxing Day (and beyond) shopping, I give you a review of some current sales and a little bit about what you’ll find…so that you don’t waste your ‘me-time’ on a Sale that’s not worth your energy …in a nutshell. 

Looking for: Anything and Everything
Best Bet: Shopbop.com

With over 400 designers ranging from 3.1 Phillip Lim and Jil Sander to Splendid, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Free People, Shopbop’s wide range will have you browsing for hours. Aside from the endless goggling that will take place, you can also righteously spend your virtual time in their Sale section, which includes some great deals for you closet and/or jewelry box. For example, the following items are considerably marked down and each under $100. Browse away!

See items here: necklace, ring, skirt, top, boots

Looking for: Quality Workwear and Cozy Sweaters
Best Bet: Banana Republic 

Two of my finds!

Contrary to popular belief, Banana Republic offers a great range of prices and the quality is always topnotch. If you’re really looking for a deal, head to the back where Sale racks are divided by size and overflowing with cardis, jeans, blazers and tops. For a limited time, all items are an additional 30% off, so feel free to roam the new collections too. A big majority of my costume jewelry comes from Banana, so be sure to peruse those unappealing plastic bags that are actually filled with little treasures, all on sale.
I visited Banana on Boxing Day and picked up 4 lovely items, two of which are pictured at right (and were an additional 30% off!) See the items here and here.
Shop the Banana Sale here or visit a store near you!

Looking for: (Literally) Piles and Piles of Clothing- different styles & seasons
Best Bet:  Zara

If you’re a Zara girl like me, you know what I mean by literal piles. Come Sale season, the (somewhat) orderly scene at Zara becomes complete and utter chaos. Every table in the store is filled with piles of turtlenecks, long sleeves, t-shirts, sweaters, jeans and the like, priced by a large sign found on each table. Be sure to double check the prices before you hand over your credit card, because it’s often the case that things end up where they don’t belong. However, if you’ve got the patience, the time and the will power, you’ll definitely find some great staples at this time of year, with prices that won’t come back ’til summer Sale season rolls around. These three items are cute and versatile, at under $40.

See items here: dress, jeans, sweater

Looking for: Quirky Accessories & Unique Party Dresses
Best Bet: Asos.com

Asos.com offers its own one-of-a-kind brand (which essentially dominates the website) as well as other reasonably priced lines such as Jeffrey Campbell, American Apparel, Cheap Monday and Sam Edelman. This is an online store that offers cute, eccentric, on-trend fashions that surely fit your budget (assuming you have one for impulse purchases). The shoes, dresses and accessories will have you mirroring style mavens like Zooey Deschanel, Alexa Chung and Kelly Framel. These three lust-worthy garments are all $50 and under…can you say “at to shopping bag?”

See items here: 1 2 3

Looking for: High-End Designer Duds
Best Bet: Net-a-porter.com 

A sale at net-a-porter only comes around a few times a year and after that, their Sale section literally disappears, as though no prices had ever been reduced. So, if you’re looking to treat yourself to a designer item in 2012, now is truly the time. With items at up to 70% off, you’re sure to find a piece that you’ll cherish for years to come. Each of these lovely pieces (Pierre Hardy wedges…hiiii) are marked down by 70%, so you’re guaranteed to find a steal of your own.

See items here: wedges, sandals, dress, blouse, sweater, skirt

Friday’s Fashion Fix

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J. Crew Holiday

The best seasonal inspiration comes from lookbooks new and old, editorials, street style and, most of all, the images you’ve saved on your desktop for months on end. These pictures have stood out to you among thousands of styles and pieces, and these are the ones that will inspire you to try something new or to invest in a piece you’ve noticed in your photos more than once. As the seasons come and go, some of these images become irrelevant and others are unexciting after a while. I find the best way to get it all sorted (what you love this season, that is) is to take the time to create a season board. As January approaches, winter is on its way to full maturity and those suede boots and that military jacket you’ve been sporting ’til the bitter end, must now be replaced with rubber and down (respectively).
I always leave a spot in my bedroom that gives me free range for magazine cut-outs, lookbook pin-ups and blog print-outs that will keep me on my toes throughout the season. You’ll find my Winter Board below (to be elaborated upon as the season rolls through), as well as some frosty photos that will surely have you embrace the chilly, wool-infested Canadian winter we have ahead of us. And most of all, have you envisioning a perfectly dreamy, white Christmas …in a nutshell.

Click to enlarge.

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