District Fashion

2011-07-06T20:41:00.001-07:00

When trying to justify the amount of money spent on a purchase, my girlfriends and I have a very simple rule:
1 compliment means it was worth it,
2 compliments means it was a great deal,
and 3 compliments means….it doesn’t matter how much it cost, consider it free, and keep on shopping, clearly you have EXCELLENT taste!

The most recent example of this philosophy are these Sam Edelman peep-toe stacked stilettos in nude and black. I first spotted these beauties in Macy’s in Tampa, and NOT on the sale rack! Nevertheless I tried them on and fell in love immediately! The black trim and adorable bow detail are so unique, and I had never seen another pair of shoes quite like them. On closer inspection, I noticed they were scuffed, and while the salesman did his best to try and talk me into the last pair in my size, I just couldn’t justify the $200 plus price tag! Like a sad puppy with it’s tail between it’s legs, I sulked my way out of the store…where was I going to find another pair? As soon as I got home, I hit the web and Eureka…there they were!

http://www.shoes.comwere selling the shoes for the same price as the store, however, if you purchased online, there was no sales tax, AND no shipping costs if delivered within the US….SCORE! I immediately whipped out my credit card, gave a special nod to Mr. Visa, and completed the transaction. In the end, I saved over $20 from the store price. A few weeks later, my shoes arrived in pristine condition and with NO scuffs!

As I stomped my way to work the next morning, proudly wearing my latest additions, I was stopped by a girl who asked me where I bought my shoes, “they are awesome, where’d you get them?”

AHA! Compliment #1 – Response “oh, on line….” I must admit, I was a bit selfish…sorry Sam! But you can’t give away all your secrets! One of the most tricky things about fashion is they typically make more than ONE, unless of course you are buying a one-of-a-kind, couture piece, so when you find something special you need to be a little territorial!

As I headed up to the office, I was greeted by several colleagues who also noticed the shoes…..

YES! Compliment #2….I was on a roll! TOTALLY Worth it!

Heading out for lunch later that afternoon, I noticed a group of guys and girls looking down, and I could hear them discussing my shoes(okay, ya, so this blog sounds totally egotistical, but really, it’s not ME it’s the shoes!). One of the guys actually said to me “Great shoes!” and not in a creeper, slimey way.

MISSION COMPLETE…Compliment #3 – and all by Noon! Was a purchase ever MORE justified?

To this day, I continue to receive compliments on these great shoes. So when I'm not quite sure if I want to spend the money, I go with my gut. Is it 3 compliment-worthy? If the answer is yes....then how can you say no?

Check out the Sam Edelman 2011 collection!
http://www.samedelman.com

Kate Middleton - OH Canada!

2011-07-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

On their first official tour since returning from their honeymoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge jetted off on a whirlwind, nine day, 5 city tour of Canada.
Not since Oprah’s “favourite things” shows, has one person had the power to cause such a buying frenzy! As soon as Kate is photographed and the images hit the web, sites have crashed with thousands of women vying to mimic the Royals amazing style!
Below are a few of our fav picks from the Canadian visit, and a shout out to the fabulous designers of our home and native land!

Smythe (Les Vestes)
http://www.smythelesvestes.com

Kate arrived at Heathrow airport ready to embark on her Canadian adventure sporting this navy Smythe blazer. There was much buzz prior to the visit, that Canadian designers would be showering Kate with pieces in the hopes that she would wear their design and provide instant fame! The Toronto-based label was founded in 2004 by Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe, and they have already had their fair share of success, with many Hollywood mavens wearing their clothes. We love this tailored look!

Check out the Buttercup yellow blazer from Smythe, we think this would look amazing on Kate with her long dark hair. Paired with a skirt or dress as Kate has done, or with jeans, the blazer is a must have in any woman’s wardrobe!

Erdem
http://www.erdem.co.uk/

The navy lace “Cecile” dress from Canadian designer Erdem’s pre-spring 2011 collection is worn here by Kate as a daytime look, however, we think it would be equally as stunning as an evening cocktail dress.

Reiss
http://www.reissonline.com

The most spectacular look (in our humble opinion!) was the white Reiss dress and red maple leaf fascinator worn by Kate on Canada Day! ALAS, Reiss is not a Canadian label, but the UK line is a particular favourite of Kate’s. In researching for this piece, we tried to check out the Reiss site, however, so must all you other fashion junkies out there, as the site was down! There isn’t enough time in this blog to cover how much we adore the fascinator....but a Red Maple Leaf Fascinator??? C’Mon! How can you not fall in love with Kate??

Kate Middleton….crashing the web one fashion site at a time…now THAT’s power! Take that Queenie

Who Wears Short Shorts?

2011-06-29T20:13:00.001-07:00

As the temperature rises, so do the hemlines!
This year, clearly we’ve hit 100 and the mercury is exploding out the thermometer…because there is no other reason that you can explain the scraps of fabric that women are loosely terming “shorts”!
Over the last couple years we have seen the reemergence of the shorts trend, a great alternative to skirts and dresses, a versatile piece from practical knee length looks for day, or a sexier evening look of black shorts with heels.
This year, however, designers have taken us to the boiling point and gone straight to the Daisy Dukes!

Check out Kate Moss in the Louis Vuitton Fall 2011 fashion show. Need I say more?! If Kate Moss cannot pull this off, then neither should we humble humanoids

Like most fashion trends, they do look great on some, check out Fergie in her sailor-inspired look during a show. Even Heidi Montag (okay, yes, I guess you can be a train wreck and still have some fashion sense!), looks great in her short shorts! But we should all remember that runways, and celebrities are like living in a fantasy world, meant to inspire but not necessarily be copied!

I’m throwing in a pair of GREAT shorts from the Gucci Resort Collection…THIS is how you wear shorts!

My rule of thumb is this….if you need to have a bikini wax to wear an outfit; you should probably leave it for the beach! Oh wait, the SECOND rule of thumb…because we do have two….if you cannot see your shorts when you sit down, they are too short! Who Wears Short Shorts? No more short shorts!!!

Snow White…Bashful? Wear a thong!

2011-06-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Spring/Summer 2011 collections were filled with all white ensembles, from sweet lacy dresses, to sultry low cut blouses. This look definitely catches the eye, and is a bit of a shocker for those die hard fashionistas who swear by the little black dress….could it be the LBD has been usurped by the LWD?! GASP!

The look is so fresh and light and completely stunning, however, there are a few simple tricks in pulling this one off!
1) Invest in nude underwear! Bra, and thong…a must! Many of the slinky hot summer dresses are made of jersey or other clingy, sheer fabrics and are notoriously transparent! No rainbows please, this isn’t the time to try and go all SJP with a fuchsia bra strap! The look is simple and elegant for a reason..keep it classy!
2) Use some bronzer! Being a fair haired pasty princess myself, I know the woes of feeling too pale to pull off lighter palettes. While I am definitely a supporter of SPF 60 and all things anti-suntan, I must admit that these white styles look stunning against darker skin tones. For my fellow whiteys, get a spray tan, or brush on some bronzer…this is the perfect bronzed goddess look! Hello?…..why do you think Aphrodite wore the WHITE toga?
3) BE CONFIDENT! If you are going to wear an all white ensemble, you better have your shoulders back and your chest out! This look screams “look at me!” Unlike the LBD, white will draw light to you, and is ultimately NOT as slimming as black, so stand tall, and suck it in….and relish in your gorgeous angelic appearance!

Here are a few of my favourite all white looks!

Blake Lively KILLS it in this gorgeous Cavalli dress! The plunging back, and black side inserts are so hot!

Rhianna – White Pantsuit…other than the naval grazing blouse (LOVE), the Max Azria Pantsuit is completely functional for the office! This look is perfect for the boardroom, and then taking it to the club for some after work cocktails with the girls!

Who said Snow White was a good girl??

Socks and Sandals….not just for Hippies anymore!

2011-04-04T19:04:00.001-07:00

Do ever stop and wonder how a fashion trend is born?
I’m convinced that once a year, the fashion elite converge in a top secret location and have a brainstorming session, letting their creative juices run wild. The results of this meeting are displayed on runways across the globe, and then just for kicks, they throw in one wacky idea, in an effort to see just how much power they have.
This MUST happen, because seriously, how else can one explain the socks and sandals phenomenon?
Suddenly thrown back in time, I picture highschool with my lumberjack socks and Birks…what were we thinking? I think we thought that was cool, but I’m not exactly sure why?!

Fast Forward to the socks and sandals trend of today, and I’m suddenly confused….it’s so ugly, so geeky, but, can it be….kinda daring, and possibly fashion forward? I’ve done a lot of research on this topic, and even stalked a woman in the street in order to get a pic of how NOT to wear this trend, but luck for her she escaped me! I think the tricky thing about this trend is that it is so well done in magazines, and on the runway, it is the mastery of styling that almost convinces us that we can pull this off.

But in reality, almost 100% of the girls I have seen trying to emulate this look end up looking like they are wearing saggily baggily socks that have lost their elastics, clomping around in their grandma’s sandals.

If you want to try this trend, my suggestion is to stick to knee socks, or over the knee socks..although with spring/summer approaching this might be a tad warm..but OH WELL, no one ever said beauty didn’t hurt. Unlike the saggy sock/sandal combo that we have seen a lot of, the well-fitting higher socks are more crisp, and have sex-appeal. I’m overlooking the fact that kneesocks and sandals may be slightly reminiscent of the Britney, school-girl look, but hey, even Brit had her day!

Our Favourite Fashion Links!

2011-04-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.chanel.com
http://www.dior.com
http://www.louisvuitton.com/
http://www.gucci.com/
http://www.armani.com
http://www.fendi.com
http://www.dolcegabbana.com
http://www.prada.com
http://www.dkny.com/
http://www.ysl.com/
http://www.bottegaveneta.com/
http://www.jeanpaulgaultier.com/
www.michaelkors.com
www.burberry.com
http://www.miumiu.com/
http://www.valentino.com
http://www.hugoboss.com
www.bulgari.com
http://www.calvinkleininc.com
http://www.verawang.com
http://usa.tommy.com
http://www.armaniexfchange.com
http://www.giuseppezanottidesign.com
www.maxmara.com
http://www.balenciaga.com
http://www.marcjacobs.com
http://www.blackhalo.com
http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com
http://www.nujnovakhett.com
http://jeffreymonteiro.com
http://www.blumarine.com
http://www.longchamp.com
www.chloe.com
www.albertaferretti.com
www.lanvin.com
www.viktor-rolf.com
www.robertocavalli.com
www.dereklam.com
www.twenty8twelve.com
www.rag-bone.com
www.matthewwilliamson.com
www.thewaywewore.com
www.celine.com
www.proenzaschouler.com
www.oaknyc.com
www.cutlerandgross.com
www.soniarykiel.com
www.azzaro-couture.com
www.costumenational.com
www.brianreyes.com
www.bandofoutsiders.com
www.isabelmarant.com
www.anndemeulemeester.com
www.driesvannoten.com
www.zacposen.com
www.balmain.com
www.alexanderwang.com
www.loewe.com

Blushing Beauty

2011-04-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

As we near the fresh months of Spring, the fashion palette has exploded with a vibrant array of colours as we leave the dark and gloomy Winter months behind. In the last couple of seasons we have seen the reemergence of the “girly girl”, soft and fresh with a focus on natural beauty. Beautiful pinks, and blushes are being utilized in many different way, not only in clothing but shoes, bags and accessories. This neutral tone is perfect for any skin type, whether a pale-skinned princess, or bronzed-skinned goddess, anyone can find a shade that will compliment their look. Similar to basic black, a nude shade is the perfect canvas for accessories, and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the event.

For a casual look, try BCBG’s Rose Racerback dress, with it’s pretty pattern and simple lines, this is a great little daytime dress.

We also love this simple ballet inspired look from ModCloth for a casual but pretty day look.

For a more polished look, we love this Nylon Blush dress from Chloe’s Spring 2011 collection. Again, simple but so well tailored, this dress is very versatile.

Ahhhhh…..what a breath of fresh air! Put on a pretty dress, pin up your air, throw on some lipgloss and let your natural beauty shine!

Jumpsuit or Romper - We’re bringing sexy back…

2011-03-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Over the last few seasons, we have seen the jumpsuit slowly creep it’s way back to it’s glitzy 70’s fame, (picture it….Farah Fawcett, feathered golden locks and scandalously skin-tight onesie! )

,and metamorphosis into a staple of every fashion mavens wardrobe. Whether heading out for a casual brunch with the girls in a floral romper,

or for a hot night on the town in a fabulously daring full length garment,
the jumpsuit has been reborn into a versatile piece that rivals the little black dress….okay, maybe that’s a stretch….but if you layer with a sweater or cropped jacket, we’re pretty sure you could class it up enough for the office!

The popularity of the jumpsuit, can be easily seen as you browse through the online fashion cataologues of major fashion labels. Many sites offer their own “jumpsuit/romper” category, in addition to the traditional tops, dresses, skirts tabs that we are so used to.

Ha! Okay, Elvis also wore a jumpsuit…but he was hot in his day, so we are still 100% in support of this trend!! C’mon girls…pull on your onesie, and rock it!

Golden Globes 2011 – Where have all the pretty dresses gone??!!

2011-01-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

As a total sucker for everything Hollywood Glam, when awards season comes around I get as excited as a kid in a candy store! Lock the door, turn off the phone and get out the popcorn….let the show begin!

These shows provide an amazing opportunity to watch some of the most beautiful women in the world parade around in gorgeous gowns, and let us fashion-obsessed get a taste of what the elite designers are producing today, and a glimpse of the fashion forecast to come.

There I was, door locked, phone off, popcorn in hand (husband bound and gagged in the closet)….AND…….

Fffffffwwwweeeeeeeee….that’s the sound of my imaginary balloon losing all it’s air!!!

Like, what? How was this possible…with all the money, press and celebrity, how could there be not one dress to take my breath away?!

Don’t get me wrong…there were some pretty dresses, and beautiful women, but overall I was left with so much longing. In some cases it was, great dress - bad hair, or great hair - bad dress, or great dress – bad colour, you get my drift.

Let’s break it down:

Angelina Jolie – Whether you love her or hate her, Brangelina and all, I have always thought that Angie is a stunner (I know some of you are still convinced she may be a man, but you just be quiet for a minute!) So hear she comes down the red carpet, a face that could knock you dead, shiny long hair, the bangs are just so-so for me, covered in an emerald sea of sequins.

Gah! I am sort of torn over this one. I want to love it..I really do..the low V back is really pretty and I do like the strong shoulder, but I just feel like she is drowning in this dress!

Scarlett Johannson – Another absolutely beautiful women, but seriously…Scar…what’s up with this dress…the hair…the whole look?? It’s so baaaaad! I know that she is just recently separated from the lovely, and by lovely I mean totally hot Ryan Reynolds, but still, there is just no excuse for this dress! And even if she is in a depressed state, shouldn’t her handlers have held a fashion intervention here?? I mean, c’mon!

Dressed in Elie Saab, this dress is another red carpet disaster! While the colour is soft and pretty against Scarlett’s preaches and cream complexion, I find that she is just lost in this creamsicle sparkler.

Oh and, don’t even get me started about the hair, when I saw the hair it made me want to smash my TV into a thousand pieces, if only I could reach through the screen and pull out those pins from that Frankenstein do! AHHHHH!!!

Scar(Jo)’s fashion crime leads me to a brief dissertation on Sandra Bullock’s dress, which like Miss Johannson has that skin-tone, ethereal quality, which (YAY) I can’t wait to hit the streets for all us regular peeps (Ladies, this is my strong note of warning on this look!! If a size 2, celebratante can’t pull it off, then neither can you!). I just don’t get this one on Sandra? Usually a big fan, I came away feeling really confused about this look, the strong rocker hair (I do like the bangs…but the rest of the coif leaves me kinda blah) the hair just doesn’t seem to match the dress..which I guess is the look she was going for? I dunno. I just don’t like it. Period. The End.

Lastly, I will touch on Emma Stone’s, Calvin Klein, again peachy, silhouette dress.
I actually really love the shape and cut of this dress, and she has a perfect frame to pull it off. There is just something lost on me with the coloring, I’m not sure if it’s just lost in translation due to photography, but I find that it is hard to tell where her her skin begins and the dress ends, add to that, her newly bleached blond tresses and I’m left sort of feeling a little perplexed. Again, I want to love it, there is just something not quite right for me.

So there it is.

A brief, and somewhat deflated summary of my Golden Globes (and by Golden, more like Bronze) experience for 2011.

Don’t worry though; this girl is not giving up!

I will anxiously await for my next fashion fix……. bring on the Oscar’s!

Fall-ing in love with Fashion

2010-11-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

As Summer turns to Fall, many people start to feel a little depressed;
“Goodbye warm weather, goodbye sun, goodbye beach, goodbye bikini wax!” HA..Gotcha!
Yes, of course, we all love summer, hot nights, hotter outfits, bronze skin, bare legs and flirty miniskirts. But along with all delicious warmth of summer, comes a lot of work! Sweat-filled workouts, personal-grooming and calorie-counting are all a part of the summer beauty regimen, so by the time September rolls around, I’m not that sad to see Summer go! Give a girl a break already!
Okay, okay, I know, working out should be a part of a healthy lifestyle no matter what the season, and personal grooming, ya, well, that too! Yet, I still look forward to the changing seasons, and the beautiful fashions that come with the Fall and Winter collections.
Luxurious fabrics, wools, velvet, leather, and flattering palettes, purple, grey and black, it is a time of classic beauty and sophistication. A little less skin, yet still full of sex appeal.
This season, I decided to get back to basics and develop a Fall/Winter wardrobe with a focus on cut and style – quality, not quantity. I wanted to create a sleek collection with a few key pieces that could take me from day to night, Monday-Sunday. Below is my Top 10 List of items that every woman should have, no matter what your size, shape, or personal style, use these basics as the foundation for an amazing wardrobe:
- A crisp white dress shirt
- Black pencil skirt
- Well-tailored dress pants
- Skinny Jeans (and no, just because they say “Skinny” it doesn’t mean you need to be, just find the right ones!!”
- Knit dress
- Black wrap dress
- Belted wool coat
- Leather Bomber Jacket
- Leather booties
- Knee high boots

Here are just few pics of some of my favourites!

McQueen – True Blood, True Beauty

2010-09-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please……and the winner of this year’s Emmy for best red carpet look is…….
Anna Paquin!
Like most fashion addicts, I can’t help but watch all of the celebrity award shows. Not because I’m a big TV or movie buff, but simply to revel in the gorgeous gowns, fabrics, colours, and designers that have become such an important part of these events. This year, I couldn’t help but be completely enraptured by Anna Paquin’s dress, from Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2010 collection.
I will spare you jokes about the “blood red” carpet (hee! Okay, I couldn’t help it!) nevertheless, Ms. Stackhouse was stunning in the McQueen, black satin gown with beaded and embroidered epaulets. There was something very gladiator about the look, powerful and authoritative, yet, sleek and sexy.
It seems that Anna is a true McQueen fan, because earlier this year she wore another amazing piece from his Spring 2010 collection. The silk, reptile print with plunging neckline is absolutely stunning and I would probably consider becoming a vampire if I could wear this dress (okay, okay, a Vampire’s girlfriend).
Alexander McQueen passed away earlier this year (Feb 2010) and his Fall 2010 collection was his last. His memory will live on in his creations and the ability to take a woman, put her on a pedestal and make her feel like a work of art.
Check out the link below to visit the Alexander McQueen 2010 collections:

Alex McQueen Collections

I Heart Karen Millen

2010-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Last month, during one of my on-line window shopping trips, I came across a dress by Karen Millen, posted here, that I fell in love with. Not being familiar with the label, I did a quick search to find out that Karen Millen is an Icelandic brand
that has been around since the early 80's, present mostly in Europe but with several stores in the US, and a flagship store in NYC.
Fast-forward a few weeks, while on a working day, lunch-shopping hour (my favourite kind of lunch for sure), I came across the same Karen Millen dress at a new boutique on Toronto's Queen W...pretty sure it's Cors (terrible promo I know!), but it's changed hands, names and styles alot in the last couple years. More recently it became a really cute, semi-fancy dress shop.
Anyway...back to the dress! I snatched it up and ran to the dressing room..I'm pretty sure the sales guy was trying to tell me about how amazing the dress was, but really, it did not take a rocket scientist to tell that I didn't really need to be "sold" on this one! Zip, zip...TA DA!!! The dress fit beautifully! How refreshing! A dress actually made for a woman's body!! I cannot go on enough about how much I love this dress, and now this brand. Having an hourglass figure, one of the most challenging things with dresses is finding a style that fits all your curves equally as flattering, and this dress does just that. The cut of the dress is superb. The exquisite tailoring, and colour-blocking add to the beautiful shape of the garment....*sigh*....just lovely!
Not only did I find this gorgeous dress (not distributed in Canada from what I can tell), but I got it on sale (I have been accused of having horseshoes in unmentionable places), but honestly, I would have paid full price for this gem, given how many compliments I received the first time I wore it. My philosophy is, first compliment is nice, second compliment is flattering, and third is priceless ...it doesn't matter how much it cost!

For a glimpse into this amazing label, go to KarenMillen.com

What more can I say? Let me sum it up like this....
When I put on this dress, I know I look good. It's not vanity, it's as it should be.

J...J....J.....Jeggings!

2010-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

As a loyal supporter of jeans, and a die hard leggings junkie, when "Jeggings" hit the market, I was an instant fan. How could you go wrong? Jeans, ageless, not only surving the fickle fashion world for over 60 years (Interesting Factoid: I Wikied jeans just to find out exactly how long they have been around, and can you believe it, but jeans were invented in 1873 by Levi and Strauss, becoming popular as casual wear amongst young fashion savvy teenagers in the 50's..crazy!)..I digress..Jeans... a hot commodity in any fashion lovers wardrobe. Leggings, an alternative to jeans, dressed up or down, always comfortable and a trendy fashion-forward choice.
I'll be honest, I did not discover jeggings while on a chic European vacay, or even while shopping through the streets of New York. Jeggings came into my life through my friend and work colleague as I stopped by her desk (my usual morning ritual) for a quick chat before getting down to business.
The discovery went something like this...
"Hey, good morning, how are you, what did you do this weekend?"
"Went shopping..bought some stuff?"
"Is that a new outfit you're wearing? I really like that top, are you wearing
leggings with that? Wait....are those skinny jeans? But they are so soft, and thin...(as I groped her leg) what are those? Where did you get those?
"They're Jeggings"
"Jeg..what?"
"Jeggings..you know, jeans + leggings = jeggings!"
"AH! Jeggings! Love it! I want Jeggings too!!!
My friend went on to say that her jeggings were Winners (aka TJ Maxx),which by the way is a personal pet peeve of mine and one which I will have to write about at a later time. Please note, when you are complimenting someone on what they are wearing and you ask who it's by and they say "dunno, Winners" it is a little frustrating..it kinda makes me want to shake the person a little...Hello? People..pay attention! Winners is not a fashion label!! It's a store where fashion labels go to die! Just kidding...but seriously my friend knows better!).

Anyway, the very next day there I was scouting the stores for my own pair of Jeggings...and let me tell you, once you start looking, they aren't hard to find!
Everywhere I went, there were jeggings! How had I not seen them before?

I picked up my jeggings from H&M, and sadly cannot post a pic because the site is a total pain, and I can't find them! But, I highly recommend them, great dark wash, thin, super comfy, great back pocket with stitch detailing, so you actually get the look of jeans with all the comfort of leggings. There are some jeggings out there which have the jean print, but they are just regular old leggings and these just will NOT do...in fact, in my humble opinion, a big fashion don't.

Below is a link to a cool on-line store with lots of different jeggings..we shall call them Jean Leggings to be proper...you'll note, like all things fashion, they can range in price from $30-$300...so choose wisely...as is my mantra, for trends (and yes, I do think this is a trend), I usually go for the less expensive box store brand. As long as they look good and feel great, you don't need to break the bank on this kind of piece. Save your dollars for your accessories, or classic shirt/sweater/jacket.

Ahhhhh....Jeggings! Hey, who knows? Maybe I'm wrong and this spin-off from the original denim work gear will still be around for generations to come!

http://www.denimology.com/store/women/denim/jeggings/usa

Safari Style - Part 2

2010-03-04T07:04:00.002-08:00

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!

Okay, so not exactly Tigers and Bears, but safari in South Africa was
a life-altering experience, and definitely an unforgettable adventure!

My hiking boots, while not beautiful, were most definitely practical, and came
In handy while trying to avoid dung beatles, and their precious dung!
This isn’t to say there was a lot of walking, because frankly, you aren’t really supposed to leave your vehicle…you know, the lions, but when a girl’s gotta go, a girl’s gotta go!

Our host, tourguide and friend who prepped us for the appropriate gear to wear while on safari was not exactly Crocadile Dundee (okay, I know, he’s Australian, but whatever, you get it, outdoorsmen, bushman, the whole nine). Our ex-South African, turned Canadian-wonder, showed up for safari wearing a tshirt, shorts and flip flops!! I had to
Look around for a second and remind myself exactly where we were, because for a second I thought he was headed to the beach, but no, out into the wild we went!

Day 2 was even more perplexing, as we arrived for safari a la elephant! Once again,
I arrived with my trusty (ugly) boots, UV protected pants, and long-sleeve tee, and
Out comes strolling our main man, in…get this….GUCCI LOAFERS!!

So here I am, left to wonder, if you can wear Gucci while on an elephants back,
Then there is no excuse for running shoes while walking to work, sorry ladies!
Try Harder.

Olympics Vancouver 2010 - Carrying the Flame for Fashion

2010-03-04T07:04:00.001-08:00

While not the most athletic girl in the world, I have been Canada’s #1 fan, and devoted
Follower of the 2010 Olympics, hosted in glorious Vancouver, British Columbia.

As an avid fashion follower, I have always been excited for the opening ceremonies, for a chance to see each countries individual style and flare, their moment in the spotlight to
Show the world what their designers have to offer.

This year, the Canadian athletes outfits were designed by the oh so kooky designing twins, the Caten bros., Dean and Dan Caten.

While not personally my favourite year for the Canadian designs, I actually think I preferred the outfits from Torrino 2006 (sorry boys!), the hype that surrounded these games, hosted in our amazing country, catapulted the designs into the most coveted pieces across the country and around the world!

Who wouldn’t want apple red (or is that Canadian red, have we patented that yet?), wooly mittens, with a white Maple Leaf felted onto your palm? Adorable!!
Waving to fans and cameras, the emblem of this great nation has been etched in our minds and on our palms ….we ARE proud to be Canadian, we deserve to brag about it and we aren’t too shy to wave it in your faces!!

My favourite article is probably the down-filled, fur-hooded parkas, in red, white and black, however, the hefty $500 CDN price tag means that it’s not exactly a souvenir item.

Mackage…Canadian-olympic parka….Mackage…Canadian-olympic parka…..Mackage….my head says both, why not? My bank account does not agree.
Score 1 bank account….and the crowd says “BOOOOO”.

Although I would love to brag about the awesome Canadian designs some more, I have to take a little time out and give my kudos to the Italian team! Is there really anything better, or more “Italian”, then a navy, three-quarter length, double-breasted, wool coat, Kelly green zippy sweater underneath with popped collar, dress shirt and tie?
Add …*sigh*

If I was a judge for Olympic style, the Italians would definitely score some points, but as a proud Canadian girl, and totally biased at that, Canada wins the Gold!

Fashion Blues? More like grey or black....

2010-03-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

During the last few weeks, I have suffered what I can only describe as a fashion depression. It’s startling, I know! How could fashion and depression co-exist?
Even writing these words feels a big sacrilegious, but wait, before you judge, let me explain.

Each morning, after my shower, I put on my super-soft comfy blue robe and head downstairs for my morning coffee, a quick peek at HGTV (shhh don’t tell), and head
Back upstairs for a stroll through my closet. This morning ritual has always brought me great joy, sifting through my drawers and clothes hangers, deciding what to wear, how I feel, and wondering what the day might hold in store for me. It is a happy time, precious moments between me, and the clothes I love.

A few weeks ago, I finished my coffee, headed upstairs, entered my closet, and…..

Blah.

Black..boring, grey…boring…black with grey, boring, boring, boring!!!

Ahhhhhh!! What’s a girl to do? Turning around aimlessly in my closet, I was suddenly as lost as Alice in Wonderland!

My fashion blues had reached a critical point. On that cold, dreary morning, I had only one solution; grab my blue comfy robe, and head back to bed!

Safari! The dark, underworld of practical clothing....

2009-11-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

On December 25th, 2009 I will be leaving my beautiful country for an adventure of a lifetime!

AFRICA!

My husband and I were recently invited to join a friend (a South African himself) and his girlfriend for a whirlwind adeventure through S.A for the holidays.

Get out of the bitter cold and spend 3 weeks in 30 degree weather?!?

Move over, where do I sign up?

We were both immediately smitten with the idea and booked our tickets the following day without a second thought.

In preparation for our trip, our host held an "information session" giving us the
down-low on S.A. Surprisingly enough, fashion was one of the main topics of discussion and one that I was more than happy to participate in!

The first leg our trip will be spent just outside of Kruger National Park for a 3 day Safari, at Kapama Game Reserve (check it out...unbelievable!) As you may or may not know, most Safari's consist of both a day and evening drive through the reserve, one beginning at about 5 a.m., and another in the late afternoon. The idea being, that you will be able to observe the various animals in their most active states, away from the scorching African sun.

The first required item for the safari was hikig boots, preferably ankle high to protect your ankles from snake bites...whaaaaaat????

Ya, that's right, snake bites.

So this afternoon we headed off to the local sportswear store, looking for hiking boots, because, let's face it, this city girl owns alot of boots, but none made to ward off venomous fangs! Unless stamping a snake with your stiletto counts!

Scanning the racks of boots I realised, this wasn't going to be a typical shopping trip, and by typical, I mean fun.

Why do practical clothes have to be SO ugly??

I will spare you with the gross details of my whining and child-like behaviour as I complained incessantly about the boots, which I DID end up purchasing, so, TA DA! Here they are!

In happier news, Urban Safari is a look that I can totally sink my teeth into!

Take that, Mustapha!

Here are some awesome pieces that I hope to be sporting sometime during my trip, once all the ankle-biting, rip your face off, make a delicious meal stuff is over and I'm allowed to put my cute clothes back on!

Sample sales....Fashion Saavy...or insanity?

2009-11-27T10:57:00.001-08:00

This morning as I was walking to work, taking my usual path along Brant St toward King W, I noticed a group of people standing on the corner.

"hmm, that's unusual, maybe they are filming a movie" I thought to myself.
As I approached the intersection, I noticed that it was not just a group of people on the corner, but a HUGE LINE of people wrapped around Brant St from Adelaide to King W, a whole city block!

Okay, okay, so it wasn't like 5 am or anything, and yes, I was running a little late for work(!), but why were all these young people waiting in line...I had to know!
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that they were holding flyers in their hands, with pricing lists, and it suddenly dawned on me..."AHA, Sample Sale!"

When I got to work I immediately googled, King St Sample Sale, and found out that
American Apparel was offering a weekend long sample sale at 590 King W.

For flyer details, visit, www.americanapparel.net/whatsnew/Index.aspx?p=914

85% off the inventory, with inventory to be replenished throughout the day!

My first thought after seeing the line, on a chilly November, almost December, morning was "don't they have school, or jobs?"! My second thought was "who would be so crazy to stand in a line for hours, to rummage through clothes with strangers, jostling and shoving for some shiny leggings or a sequined body suit?"

To be fair, I JUST recently purchased this black, dancer, 3/4 sleeve bodysuit from American Apparel, and it is one of my new favourite pieces! It's quite versatile and can be worn under skirts, pants, jeans, whatever you fancy. More importantly it can be worn with a bra, and trust me...you really should, because flattening out your chest in a bodysuit is not that attractive, I should know!

The low back adds flair to this simple top, and while a one-piece isn't very forgiving when it comes to, how shall I say, La toilette, it's really not as unmanagable as you might think! Recall the bodysuit of the early 90's that used to employ snaps..not that comfortable! I'd rather get half-naked then have a snap in my (ahem) nether-regions.

Okay, so back to Sample Sales! I don't know if I'm a snob, or just an Enochlophobe (having a fear of crowds), but I have this huge aversion to the idea of standing in a line for hours on end, rammed up against perfectly(nice?)strangers, waiting for the doors to open, hoping to find something that I might want to buy! I get it, trust me, these are tough times, and a $5 bodysuit is alot more economical than a $44bodysuit, I totally understand, I DO, but the risk/benefit ratio is just not worth it for me!

I love a great deal, and have definitely been to sample sales! There is sale held on King every few months, just across the street from this one, where they have all sorts of bras and underwear (don't get me started on bins of underwear for people to put their grimy hands all over). This sale does not attract hundreds of blood-thirsty fans like AA, so you would think I would have only good things to say, but sadly, no. "Sample" generally refers to a size that no human woman can wear, and for this underwear sale, I was reminded that I am not a small, and that my thigh is bigger than a chicken wing. So forget the underwear, let's move on to the bras...AA, AAA, DD,DDD....what happened to all the B's and C's? You see my point.

So to close, here are a few key notes:

1) I LOVE SALES
2) I LOVE SALES THAT I DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN A LINE FOR
3) I LOVE SALES THAT I DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN A LINE FOR, WITH A GIRL LEANING ON ME AND SHOVING HER ELBOW IN MY BACK
4) I LOVE SALES THAT I DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN A LINE FOR, WITH A GIRL LEANING ON ME AND SHOVING HER ELBOW IN MY BACK, AND A BIN WITH 49 OTHER GIRLS MADLY RUMMAGING THROUGH
5) I LOVE SALES THAT I DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN A LINE FOR, WITH A GIRL LEANING ON ME AND SHOVING HER ELBOW IN MY BACK, AND A BIN WITH 49 OTHER GIRLS MADLY RUMMAGING THROUGH, ONLY TO FIND NOTHING IN MY SIZE
6) I LOVE SALES!!

2009-11-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

As we move into the winter months, (and yes, that means colder for this Canadian girl!) I am reminded of my love affair with jackets and coats! My mind begins to wander into that fashion fantasy zone..the one wear I have oodles of money and Bill Gates is the angel investor for my shopping addiction…what would I buy? Mackage…of course!

One of my all-time favourite designers of women’s coats and jackets are the Montreal-based Mackage www.mackage.com.

Their asymmetrical cuts add unexpected drama and flair to an otherwise traditional wool coat. One of their signature looks, that I happen to be infatuated with, is the transitional high-collar, whether folded over or extended, it is super sexy. There is just something about covering your neck, while peeping over the collar with a smoky eye that I am wild about! Forget cleavage, a well-fitting coat is a woman’s ultimate weapon!

Whether short, knee or ¾ length, there is something about a wool coat that is totally flattering to a woman’s figure and provides a polished look to any outfit.
The recent trend towards gladiator-chic has also worked it’s way from summer
sandals into the Fall & Winter collections, with leather detailing and multiple buckle closures on belts.

I purchased my mackage navy coat several years ago, and it is still my "go-to" piece every winter! The quality and cut of this coats will never go out of style!

2009-11-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

According to Dictionary.com, an Addiction is a noun, meaning, the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

And so, this leads to my confession. I am, by definition, an addict.

I have a shopping addiction. Yes, I know, it's sad, but true.

To further add to my disgrace, I am not only totally hooked on your run of the mill regular mall or boutique shop type of shopping, but have an even more bizarre fetish with on-line shopping!

My addiction began as most usually do... a few innocent explorations into unknown territory, after a few encounters, I began to develop the warm and fuzzies, waiting for my next chance to get connected...and then BAM, endless days spent pouring over pages of online stores!

The dishes? NO..those can wait! The laundry? Are you kidding..I have 30 more pairs of underwear to go! It wasn't until one Monday when I realised that my apartment was a mess and I was rifling through the granny panty drawer that I understood how far I had deteriorated.

eBAY was my first "drug" of choice.

"Pshaw" I said, "on-line shopping...that is so NOT For me!"
But suddenly I found myself sucked in, wowed and amazed by how well the items were organized! I could search by type of shoe, heel height, size, colour, brand, new in box, used with box, you name it, they had it! It was like shopping heaven.
What some of you may or may not know, is that eBAY isn't just about people selling their used items, but there are a ton of on-line stores within the site, so you have access to thousands, maybe millions of items that are brand new and that might not be available in conventional retail stores!

Lucky for me, and my bank account, my virtual shopping cart does not often make it's way to the checkout! The beauty with an online store is that you can pile on loads of cute sweaters, one in every colour, boots, jackets...whatever your heart desires...and there is no pressure to purchase! No annoying sales girl, watching your every step, telling you you look great when you KNOW you don't!

Despite the ease that the e-world offers to an addict like me, there is still something about the feel of amazing material on your skin, how the right jeans hug your curves and make you forget about why you say you hate your thighs, the tactile quality of shopping and trying on clothes that will always remain my number one high.

2009-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

It's not often that I like to think about our economy and how that impacts my ability to shop (and spend) because, really, let's face it, that's not fun!
But when I found out that my company, like so many others, had decided to cancel the annual "Holiday Party" (aka Christmas...gasp! YA I said it..the C word.), I was a little disappointed. I'll be honest, it wasn't so much that I was upset about not getting to spend a night of good food, drink and laughter with my fellow colleagues, but more that I wouldn't have an excuse to buy a new party dress for the occasion!

As I stopped to mourn over my lost oppourtunity for a new frock, I had a revelation...maybe I didn't need a new dress!
And now for a moment of silence....
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE dresses, but I have a closet full of party dresses, so why, each time I have a holiday event, do I feel that sudden and immediate urge to buy another?

Seeing as my company had decided that the holiday party was not a financially responsible decision this year, I too began to debate how best to spend my hard earned cash on holiday attire.

Accessories! Of course!

A crystal-studded cocktail ring, a sequined clutch, these items can be easily integrated into your exisiting wardrobe. Take your little black dress and add a few sparkling pieces and it will be like new! Accessories are a great way to get involved with a fashion trend without having to totally revamp your wardrobe, or go outside your comfort zone.

I've included a few pics of some examples that I totally love!

I picked up this black and gold sequined clutch at a little shop on Queen W (XXX).
It's by KC Malahan, you can check out the other great designs on the webiste
kcmalhanhandbags.com - you can also order online!

I chose the small clutch, which held my blackberry, housekeys, ID, money...but sadly my lipgloss did not make the cut and was stashed in my jacket pocket! The clutch has designs on both front and back, so no matter how you hold it, it's an eye-catching piece. This is a fabulous and thrifty addition to any holiday wardrobe.

I've also included a couple of really cute cocktail rings...these oversized bands are totally amazing and will bring sparkle to any outfit! These are both from the Banana Republic collection, I know, I know, this is a chain store, blah blah blah, but seriously I have found that both BR and Club Monaco have some really gorgeous accessories collections for this Fall/Winter. The great thing about an accessory is that you rarely find yourself at a posh party saying "OMG she's wearing my RING!"
AND, as these are not made of rare jems, the price is totally affordable!

All in all, the cancelled holiday party was not such a disaster. I've ended up with some really stunning new accessories to add to my collection, and my credit card stayed all snugly and warm in my wallet where it belongs!

2009-11-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased these amazing leather, snake-print, ruffled zip, anklestrap stilettos (now that's a mouthful!) from an awesome shop on Queen St, Balisi.
These shoes are from Bos & Co, a Brazilian company that create boots, shoes, sandals for men and women. I have tried to find some background informaton on this company; however, I couldn't find anything! The only thing I know, is that there is a distributor of Bos & Co in Burlington, Ontario, by the same name
www.bosandco.com
These fabulous shoes represent everything that I love about footwear!
They incorporate the latest trends, and meld them together with the feminine ruffle and edgy zipper detail. The neutral silver leather means that they can be incorporated with both casual and formal outfits. They have a chameleon-like quality, with the ability to either compliment an already knockout dress or skirt or act as a standout piece on their own!
For example, at recent fundraising event in Toronto (Frocktail), I wore these shoes with a metallic print mini from Club Monaco with a black dancer style body suit from American Apparel. These shoes would look equally hot with a simple pair of skinny jeans and black top.
I don't necessarily agree with the school of thought that beauty should also be comfortable...because let's face it...highheels are not sneakers...but I have to say that these beauties were not TOO painful! Beartraps as my friends and I would say.

The thing that I most love about shoes is their ability to transform mind and body.
There is just something about strapping on a stiletto that gives you an immediate confidence, and rightfully so! Posture is improved, shoulders back, chest out (my mother's mantra!), as you find yourself walking with a new found stride.
Move over Fido, heels are a girls best friend!

2009-11-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Parachute pants....harem pants....whatever you call them, they aren't flattering!

According to Wikipedia, the parachute pant was popularized in the late 70’s, early 80’s and were termed such due to their nylon material construction, and baggy appearance. My first exposure to the parachute pant, was through MC Hammer – you remember, Hammer Time, “Can’t touch this”. It appears that the parachute has in fact, had a long and illustrious history, and who am I to question it’s p opularity and success?
But I will anyway....
I know that everything old is new again, and we love to flashback to styles and days gone by, but really? JUST because you rename a trend to try and sound like something that oozes sexuality and evokes images of hoards of beautiful, dark-haired, almond-eyed, scantily clad women sitting around waiting to act on their master’s every whim, doesn’t make it okay?! Does it?

Living in Toronto's trendy Queen West neighbourhood, (in fact, the REAL Fashion District, and the inspiration for this site...and my secret passion...yes, I have an OCD-like infatuation for all things fashion), I have seen many examples of the recent harem pant trend; short pants, long pants, jumpsuits, you name it. I can corroborate that this trend has not only penetrated the North American market, but likely had its resurgence in Europe (as most trends usually do).
On a recent trip to Spain I was awed and amazed by all the saggy-bottomed young women surrounding me. I just have a really hard time getting behind any fashion trend that does nothing for a women's form. In short, diapers are for babies...not grown women.

Like some trends, we see them in magazines one year, say "ya right, I will NEVER wear that" and then find ourselves coveting the item the following year. In this case, this is one item that will not enter my closet, and in my opinion should be left for the runway. I'm not sure why it's even okay on the catwalk, but I will leave that one to the freedom of design.

Fine you Spanish beauties, you have succumbed to the gods of trends gone bad, but I beg, plead
to my fellow Torontonians...please..please...do not cave in! Show your butt...it's beautiful!