Fall's Instant Updates

Louis Vuitton Fall '12 Ad Campaign shot by Steven Meisel

Originally posted in The LOOK

The other day, I was walking through a massive cavern of a big-box store and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Christmas cards and a light-up reindeer. What the...?  Didn't summer just start?  Sure, I'm used to seeing Hallowe'en costumes in August, but breaking out the holly jolly in the middle of a heatwave?  I mean, I love to plan ahead but this is getting a little ridic.  Seems like just as summer really gets going, the fashion world is already one season (or two) ahead.  And although I'm reluctant to admit it, September really is just around the corner. Since fall is my favourite fashion season, shopping always helps to lessen my end of summer blues and this year I'm especially stoked.  

We've entered a new era of opulence this fall, complete with super rich colours, unapologetic prints and embellishments worthy of a Russian czarina (scroll down if you missed last week's post).  And while our economy might still be on shaky ground, we can all achieve that feeling of luxury for less since retailers at every budget seem to have joined the movement.  From this fall's hottest colour to the latest silhouettes, read on for 10 instant wardrobe updaters to set you up for a stylish season.  In the meantime, let's make every summer moment count.  And really, if this September's anything like last, our sunny summer days are from over.  Yay!

1.  The Shirt Collar Necklace

Ardelia Metal Shirt Collar, $12.98, ALDO

While a good white shirt will always be chic, a fun shirt collar necklace is the 2012 update.  Add one on to dress up any of your basic button-front shirts as a cool alternative to a necklace.

2. The Leather Shirt 

Leather and Jersey Tee, $249, Danier

Leather is always a popular fabric for fall but this year, designers employed it in totally new ways, from pleated skirts to laser-cut leather dresses.  Instead of a bomber, try out a mixed media leather and jersey shirt for a comfortable way to edge up your look.  

3. Burgundy:  The New Black

Bordeaux Skinnies, coming this fall to RW&CO. and Varsity Jacket, $349, Danier

Whether you call it burgundy or bordeaux or plum, this wine-coloured shade has made a major comeback for fall 2012.  Pair your burgundy pants, sweaters or trench coats with grey, black or cream or opt instead for an oversized bordeaux bag to look totally current (or should I say currant?) for fall.

4. The Concealed Wedge Sneaker

Leather-Like Colour Block Sneaker, $69.95, Le Château

While Converse will always be cool, sneakerphiles have been stepping up their game of late; Thanks to Isabel Marant and a host of other designers, the latest way to achieve instant weekend cool is with the concealed wedge sneaker. Though this trend's being brewing for awhile, you'll be seeing these kicks everywhere for fall, whether you go for the flash with a metallic pair, or keep it more subdued with a muted hue.  Either way, these shoes give you both comfort and height in one pretty package.

5. Black and Blue

Zip-Front Dress, coming to RW&CO. this fall

Instead of an LBD, a cobalt blue dress will help you stand out at any of your fall fêtes.  The key to looking current?  Ignore the old-school rule and pair your blues with black for a look that's reminiscent of royalty rockstars.  If it's good enough for Kate...

6.  The Peplum

Lace Peplum Hem Top, $59.95, Le Château

It's official:  Peplum is the silhouette of choice for 2012.  A black lace peplum top will perfectly dress up a high-waisted black pencil skirt or slim-fit pants for 9 to 5.  Plus, the exaggeration of the peplum will make your waist look wee and help you flaunt your womanly curves.  Genius!

7. The Slipper Loafer

DV by Dolce Vita Marcel Loafer, $79, American Eagle Outfitters

Looking for a cute alternative to your old ballet flats?  Meet the 'sloafer' or slipper loafer, your new go-to flat. The broguish details add interest to this neutral pair, or have fun with jewel-toned versions to kick up your fall look.

8. The Fun Blouse 

Polka Dot Chiffon Shirt, $29.90, Garage

A navy polka-dot blouse is both playful and sophisticated and a perfect way to bust a work wardrobe rut.  This season was also all about the embroidered blouse, as seen everywhere from the runways of Isabel Marant to Stella McCartney.  If you're a little more daring, this chiffon version from American Eagle is totally on trend for fall.

9. The Bow Belt

Snake-Print Bow Belt, $15, Le Château

While wide belts are definitely making a comeback, the pretty bowed belts seen at Burberry are an ultra-feminine way to cinch your waist this fall.  The python print on this version adds great texture to the black.

10.  The Tall Boot

Tall Leather Riding Boot, $170, ALDO

I'm all about great deals but a well-made pair of boots is always worth the splurge.  This pair of leather riding boots from ALDO are practical yet chic and at under $200, won't completely break the bank.   Wear them over your skinny jeans and leggings all season long.

Opulence Overdrive

Baroque opulence reigned at Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012. Source: style.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

August always marks the beginning of fall..well, in the fashion world at least. The hotly-anticipated September issues hit newsstands bursting with fall's most covetable finds, while tired sale racks are replaced by shiny things for the new season.  I don't want to rush summer (I mean, it's only the first week of August) but now's the time to start thinking about fall...

And this season, there's a lot to dream about.  Where once opulence was considered over-the-top and out-of-touch, designers piled it on again in a big way, with brocade, feathers, black and gold all over the fall runways, from Dolce & Gabbana to Ralph Lauren.  So why all the flourish and fuss?  Blame it on the blockbusters;  The Great Gatsby hits the big screen this December, extending our spring obsession with the roaring twenties. Flapper fringe, drop waists, feathers and art deco accents will give you that Buchanan-babe vibe, perfect for an East Egg soirée.   I'm most excited about Anna Karenina, though, coming to TIFF this September.  My inner Czarina can't wait to layer up with faux fur, crystals and military wool coats once the mercury drops to Moscow levels.  With bold colour so prevalent for the past several seasons, moody black looks decidedly modern again, and lends a practical side to all the excess. Invest in the basics, be it a good wool coat or a well-made pair of boots, and then decorate with sparkly (yet affordable) abandon.  After all, excess is only good in moderation (or something like that...)

Load it up.  Pile it on.  'Tis the season for opulence, darlings!

Leo DiCaprio (as Jay Gatsby) with Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton (as Daisy and Tom Buchanan) in the upcoming The Great Gatsby

Source: IMDb

Stretch Deco Bracelet, $15, ALDO

Crochet Fringe Mini Dress, $150, Le Château

Metallic Snake Embossed Crossbody, $39.95, Le Château

Gilded feathers at Ralph Lauren Fall '12. Source: style.com

Necklace with Glass Beads and Fringe, $39.99, Sears

Colour Block Metallic Pumps, coming this fall to ALDO

Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina. Source: cineplex.com

ATTITUDE Belted Coat w Faux Fur Collar and Cuffs ($229.99) and Wrap Style Coat with Faux Fur Collar ($179.99), Sears

Ruched Lace T, $35, American Eagle Outfitters

Parkhurst Faux Fur Headbands, $20 each, Sears

Crepe de Chine Blouse, $39.99, Le Château

St. Basil's Cathedral X-Large 3-D Puzzle, $39.99, Sears

Cocoa Jewelry Crystal Antique Cuff, $60, Sears

Victorian Suede Ankle Boots, $119.98, ALDO

De. Li. Cious.

From ALDO. Coming end of August. I WANT. Might cry if I don't get it. 

Tough Love

Looks from Versace Spring 2012 (left and right), and Balmain Spring 2012 (middle). Via style.com 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Opposites, as they say, always attract.  Whether it's the unexpected mash-up of a masculine cut with an ultra-feminine twist, the fresh contrast of mixing something traditional with something modern, or the proportional beauty of pairing a fitted piece with a super voluminous partner, things always work better when there's a yin and a yang to help achieve that perfect balance.  Case in point: my husband and I, who could not possibly be more different, are somehow just what the other needs.  He's rational where I'm completely not, he's a science and business nerd and I'm a fashion geek.  I'm a little immature and he's... Okay, maybe we're more similar than I like to admit...

Always in search of that perfect contrast, designers often rely on the stud to toughen up a too-pretty look. Those little metal details provide the perfect hit of toughness to add some bitter to the sweet.  And when you think of it, couldn't most of us use a little edge? After all, we spend so much time trying to look professional, trying to impress our mother-in-law, trying to look the part (blah, blah, blah) but somewhere underneath, there's a little trouble-maker trying to get out.  I'm not talking 50 Shades of Grey trouble..(not that there's anything wrong with that...)

And yet, the stud is just tough enough.  Wear it now and all the way into the fall, anytime you feel like your look needs a little edge.  You might be surprised how fun it is to break out your inner rebel, even if only in the form of a bad-ass little bracelet...

From summery neon sandals and little white dresses that you can wear right now to studded leather finds that will see you through the fall, here are some of my top picks from White Oaks Mall.  Oh, and unlike a tattoo, this trend is 100% removeable.  Phew ;)

Valentino Spring '12 Ad Campaign - photo source: whowhatwear.com

Studded Bag, $59.95, H&M

Doreen Studded Sunglasses, $90, Guess

Shauna Studded Dress, $349, Club Monaco 

A sweet summer look gets a little edge thanks to cool studded loafers. Photo source: Zara

Studded Loafer, $80, ALDO 

Neon Studded Sandals, $14, ALDO

Bed Stu Studded Heel, $127, American Eagle Outfitters

Studded T-Strap Sandals, $24.49, ALDO

The Burberry Prorsum Fall '12 Finale, complete with studded leather gloves. 

Button Cuff with Wrap Chains and Studs, $30, Guess

Suede Peep-Toe Booties, $120, ALDO

Wrap Bracelet with Studs, $12.99, Guess

Studded Ballet Flats, $50, ALDO

Studded Leather Tote, $168, Guess

Studded Pumps, $100, ALDO 

The Taylor Tomasi Hill Effect

Taylor Tomasi Hill mixes it up in at the Rochas show in Paris. Source: StyleBistro

As former Style and Accessories Director at Marie Claire and current Artistic Director at Moda Operandi, Taylor Tomasi Hill has an eye for the extras. Add to that her fearless approach to fashion (she’s the current one-to-watch in the street style world) and her supermodel looks and we’re completely smitten.

So, how do you pull off Taylor’s aristo-chic look? Mix up unexpected colours and textures, always keep your hair well-groomed (fiery red hue optional) and of course, never forget the power of killer statement accessories.  For all the luxe-for-less pieces to help you nab the coveted TTH vibe, check out my story this week at iVillage.ca.  Love her!