15.3.11

accessories with shoes?

Accessories are something that have become ultra trendy, and a lot of people who were once not big fans of jewellery or handbags are becoming increasingly intrigued. There's such beautiful stuff out there, and a bold, funky accessory is a great way to express a big personality for someone who doesn't feel comfortable in flashy clothes. A cool, edgy, over sized bangle or a couple layered necklaces are fantastic ways to add punch to an understated outfit. One other great use of accessories is for workplace; if you must dress in professional attire, trying adding simple but colourful sparkles to your otherwise understated look through accessories!

With all this being said, I wanted to share one of the ways I find some great accessories which are both inexpensive and adorable! I've recently noticed that in almost any trendy shoe store I've been in, there's always been a couple shelves, not always outwardly advertised, that carries a bundle of necklaces, bracelet clusters, bangles, and rings. I used to always look past them, but ever since I spotted a gorgeous Eiffel Tower necklace which I still wear adoringly these days, the jewellery section is always the first place I go to when I walk into a shoe store. It's a great way to add little, inexpensive pieces to your collection here and there, as they are usually priced well, and there's usually always a few things on sale!

If you are one looking to expand your accessories wardrobe, make sure to look around for some jewellery while you're browsing through your shoe stores. You never know what beauty you may discover!

Love it? Wear it. Own it!
-xo

8.3.11

i'm not so sure..

"flatforms"      

One newly fronted trend that I'm having a hard time believing in is the flatform shoe. Very obviously, it's got the platform for height, but from the front to the back of the shoe, it's the same height. Therefore, you get the elevation similar to heels, but without the discomfort of your foot being on two different levels. Of course, the description makes them sound like miracles, but I just can't get over how completely unflattering they look. They add such bulk to the foot, and although I've seen many different adaptations of this concept, I've found none of them cute. There's a specific excitement that my body naturally produces when I see an adorable pair of shoes, and let me tell you, the fuse was definitely not lit on these ones. I'm sure it's a trend that will catch on very quickly, but it's safe to say, not a trend I will ever adopt.

paris RTW fall 2011 faves

This year's Fall ready to wear collections have already surfaced, and therefore I spent many a minute surfing through countless designer collections, and have written up some of my favourites.

First, of course, is one of my favourite designers, Stella McCartney. I love how she always designs for the real, hard-working woman, opting for comfort but remaining effortlessly chic. The fact that she loves animals as much as I do, and does not allow the harm of them to enter her collections adds points in my books as well. Her fall collection featured a lot of neutrals, such as dark blues, greys, blacks, and whites, but with pops of gem tone blues and metallic gold. It ranges from lightweight, loose but flattering dresses, to 80's and 90's inspired power suits with oversized boyfriend jackets. We also see many slimmer fit dresses, and a polka dot pattern throughout different pieces. All in all, a fabulous collection! My favourite was a patterned grey and white jumpsuit, a piece that Stella has perfected.

Another of my favourite collections was none other than Givenchy. Such a brilliant designer, he took things to the next level this fall. Full of edge, black, and embellished with panthers, it's a wild, fun, sexy, yet beautiful collection. Sheer bodices, tops, and hemlines, pin up girl embellishment on tops, and rich fabrics such as velvet (love!). Everything from tops to skirts to jackets had a collage of panthers throughout, displaying his obvious inspirations. My favourite piece would have to be the velvet pencil skirt; I've been dying for one.


Last but not least, I felt that Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo had one of the most beautiful collections. There was lots of colour and pattern, which intrigued me since there was such a neutral theme to many other collections. I feel as though Kawakubo's collections are so much fun, as though a mood could instantly rise by slipping an item of his design. This fall season's collection was no different. He mastered an almost "unfinished" look; swatches of different patterns placed roughly into one piece, ruffled and ruched and knotted together ... yet it's beautiful! There were also a couple of beautifully constructed LBDS and unfinished jackets, missing a sleeve or a back. A lot of shorts, jackets (some fully constructed, some not), and dresses. To say this collection was not elaborate would be a fallacy. My favourite piece would have to be the the sleveless, knee length dress which looks like pieces of a million different fabrics and patterns have been sewn together messily.


There were so many beautiful collections this year, but those were a couple that stood out to me the most. And, if all goes well, one day I may be reporting from front row! 




Love it? Wear it. Own it!
-xo

7.3.11

flourishing designer: amanda lew kee

A snippet of Amanda's Spring 2011 collection
I've been hearing about this young Torontonian designer on entertainment and fashion news programs for a few weeks now, and after checking out her beautifully constructed website, as well as her collection, I can see what all the buzz is about.

She graduated from Ryerson University just last year, and since then, her opportunity and success has been well-deserved and endless. She's shown her collection in such places as the university, Holt Renfrew, debuted in the Great Hall in Toronto, and accessorized her collection with infamous blue lips at Toronto's LG Fashion Week. She has also been featured in famed publications such as Flare, Nylon, and the Toronto Star. Some celebrities she has worked with are Shenae Grimes and Keri Hilson.

Amanda has entered the Canadian fashion world strong, and I'm sure in time, her name is one who will be on every fashion insider's lips. Her fall collection offered sharp shoulders, asymmetrical cuts, and a raw and edgy array of black jackets, tops, and dresses. Fast forward to her spring collection, an ultra feminine, neutral paletted series of straight cut dresses in varying lengths, top and skirt combos, and funky leggings. She also does accessories.

Shenae Grimes rocking an Amanda dress!  

* all information found on amandalewkee.com, check it out! 
 

target coming to canada!

Many Canadians were excited to learn that Target has bought the leases of many Zeller's stores across the country, and I was no exception. As a dedicated fan of low-priced high-quality fashion, the department store coveted for it's amazing affordable designer collaborations will now be accessible to Canadians, save a trip over the border.

Although I take pride in Canadian business, and am sad to hear another Canadian born business has been taken over by America, I love the opportunity that this change will bring. Not to mention the thousands of jobs, in many facets, that will be available! My main excitement, however, is the array of designer labels that Target will bring along that once were not accessible in Canadian stores.

I. Cannot. Wait!

Love it? Wear it. Own it!
-xo