Walk the Line: How to Pull off Stripes

A model on the runway at the Michael Kors Spring '13 Show. Photo via Fairchild Photo.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

I have a glaring blind spot when it comes to stripes. I see them, I want them, I buy them, and now, after years of hard work, I've managed to amass dozens of striped tops. When I see a perfect stripe, it's like my brain momentarily lapses, ignoring the impressive collection I already own, forgetting that the last thing I need is another striped shirt.  I add it to my closet and wonder how I ever ended up with so many. It's a problem.

And so, I was thrilled that summer's biggest print trend is black & white stripes. After all, I own lots of navy with white and white with navy breton striped shirts (there's a difference, I swear) plus a few sporty red & white bateau necks thrown in for good measure. But mod black & white? I definitely (maybe?) don't own any of those. I'm sensing that this is one of those blind spot moments. Ignore.

If you worry about the whole 'horizontal stripes make you look fat' thing, fret not. Read on for some style tips on how to pull off stripes. I think they meant to say 'fab' instead of 'fat' anyway. Let's just chalk that up to a typo, shall we? General rule of thumb: Wide stripes add curves and narrow stripes make you look slimmer. See? Easy.

Read the full article

3 New Ways to Wear Black & White

Cara Delevingne for Reserved BLACK & WHITE Spring '13 Campaign. Photo by Mateusz Stankiewicz.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I've often wondered if there's one shining answer to every fashion dilemma and I'm happy to report that I've found it. What do you wear when you've hit the snooze button one too many times? Black & White. What about those days when you have absolutely nothing to wear? Black & White. A super important interview? Black & White. Something to help you look slimmer? You guessed it - Black and White. The non-colour combo is sometimes overlooked for being 'basic' or 'obvious', but here's the thing about this classic trend - not only does it solve nearly any what-to-wear dilemma but designers have been obsessed with the pairing lately, sending black & white looks down the runways of NY, Milan and Paris all season long. Given what It girls like Rihanna and K. Stew are rocking this week at the Paris Fall '13 Couture shows, looks like B&W is here to stay...

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Graphic Content

A model walks the Jil Sander Spring 2013 Runway. Photo © 2013 The Fashion Group International

I don't know about you but I've got a few sides to my personality. There's the work me, the girl who uses words like 'fantastic' and 'absolutely'. There's the mom version of me, who has to play the heavy to make sure we don't spend all day watching Bubble Guppies but then uses stupid voices and sings ridiculous songs to entertain. Then there's the 'me' with my best friends who usually ends up on the floor from laughing so hard, especially after a few glasses of wine. We've all got our different sides, both dark and light, good and bad, and though I usually try to be good, it's sometimes fun to get into a little bit of trouble, too.

For Spring '13, designers played up the contrast, sending models down the runways of Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander in mod black & white looks. The new way to wear it? Stick with clean silhouettes and graphic prints (ie. bold black & white stripes, polka-dots and checks) and make sure to make a true statement by keeping it black & white from head to toe (including your bag, por favor). Feel like you need a bit of colour? Go for a bright and matte red or hot pink lip. Mwah!  For those days when you can't decide which of your personalities to bust out, I can't think of a better way to dress.

For the full story, including some of my fave black & white finds in stores now read on here. 

Then check out my article this week at iVillage.ca for 3 ways to wear black & white for spring.

Italian Leather Colour-Blocked Tote, $170, Winners

Contrast Stripe Jean, $49, Joe Fresh 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $12, ALDO

It's Black. It's White.

H&M's super gorge, super graphic Spring 2013 Campaign - photo H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I remember it well.  Toronto Fashion Week, Fall 2012 (my powers of recollection are staggering) and the editors, bloggers and remaining fashion flock were rocking their finery in front of the wind-blown tents at David Pecaut Square.  Girls in neon short shorts, sky high heels and super bold frocks and of course, the too-cool-for-school editrixes in their bright coats, flat brogues and crazy expensive shades.  As always, it was a rainbow of notice-me hues as the peacocks (myself included I'll admit) tried to get captured by the street style paps. 

Then out she walked.  A blonde, bobbed 20-something.  Stark black and white striped pants, a black sweater and red lips.  Simple, cool, in a throw-back Mary Quant meets Taylor Tomasi Hill kinda way.  And while the bloggers all backflipped their way around the windy square,  she simply stood there and waited.  And the mesmerized photographers all circled the girl, lured to her like moths to a super fierce flame. 

As much as I love colour, black & white can be equally striking.  Whether you opt for graphic stripes, checks, polka-dots or fearlessly wear them all together, nothing looks more modern, more right, right now.

Check out some of my fave black & white finds in stores now - a perfecly seasonless way to get a jump on spring (no backflips required) x

Studded Barrel Bag, $50, ALDO

Stripe Chiffon Shirt, $29.90, Garage

Statement Ring, $6.95, H&M

Slim-Fit Printed Trousers, $24.95, H&M

Python Print Sneakers, $29.95, H&M

Ponte Knit Stripe Dress, $79.95, Le Château

Faux Leather Tote, $49.95, H&M

Graphic Striped Top, $14.95, H&M

Printed Trousers, $49.95, H&M

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote, $498, Coach

Striped Knit Moto Jacket, $69.95, Gap

Leather Crossbody Bag, $69, Danier

Houndstooth Pointy Toe Pump, $39.99, Le Château

Printed Chiffon Blouse, $24.99, Smart Set

NIXON The Rubber Player Watch, $199.99, Boathouse

Printed Scarf, $14.95, H&M

Zipper Tote Quilted Box, $398, Roots

Renee Top, $79.50, Club Monaco