So, I realize that you probably haven't even bought your Hallowe'en candy yet. And I know that the holiday season is probably not the first thing on your mind. But, you have to admit, the scattered mentions of parties, presents and the chubby guy in red mean that Christmas, Kwanzaa and other merry festivities are really not that far away. And since several friends have mentioned that their offices have already booked their holiday fêtes (crazy, I know), it means that now is a fabulous time to start pre-planning your party wardrobe.
This season, step away from your basic little black dress and instead, think outside of the perfectly wrapped box. White Oaks Mall is full of pretty finds sure to set you apart from the crowd at your next office party, cocktail toast, or full-out holiday bender. Here, we share 3 chic, party-ready looks (PS - Be sure to check back next week for 3 more)
I know it's early but I'm already excited. You? xo
1. Pinstripe Trousers, $69.50, Gap; 2. Statement Choker, $24.95, H&M; 3. Leather Bomber, $349, Danier; 4. Stretch Cami, 2 for $26, Smart Set; 5. Mimi Bow Belt, $59.50, Club Monaco; 6. Schutz Eunice T-Straps, Club Monaco; 7. Gemstone Flapover Clutch, $69.95, Le Château
1. Red Carpet Collection Clutch, $89.95, Town Shoes; 2. Red Peplum Dress, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Erickson Beamon Earrings, $149.50, Club Monaco; 4. Calvin Klein for Town Shoes Strappy Heels, $170, Town Shoes; 5. Sephora by O.P.I Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips, $14, Sephora
Everybody loves a good designer collab, allowing those of us who a) don't live in a big city or b) don't have an unlimited budget, to gain access to some of the world's top designers. This season, there are plenty of ways to do just that with a slew of covetable capsule collections. Here, some of our current faves....
The Store: Danier
Friends w Benefits: Greta Constantine & Philip Sparks
Collab Deets: Danier's ever-impressive list of designer collabs continues this Fall, with new capsule collections from Canadian designers Philip Sparks and Greta Constantine SKIN, as well as the release of Meagan Johnston's DANIER DESIGN CHALLENGE winning jacket (recognize any of this year's judges?) Each collection reimagines leather in beautiful ways - from Greta Constantine's sexy, modern take to Sparks' decidedly nostalgic flair.
Available: Greta Constantine SKIN items are available now at danier.com with Philip Sparks for Danier to be released later this fall.
The Store: ALDO
Friends with Benefits:FLARE Magazine‘s fashion director, Liz Cabral
Collab Deets: Liz Cabral has teamed up with ALDO Shoes a second time for Fall 2012. The editor, internationally admired for her flawless taste, has designed 2 pairs of covetable shoes for fall; an oxblood colour-blocked shootie ($155) and a lace stiletto bootie ($175, not pictured) as well as a roomy faux croc bag in red or blue ($70).
Available: In select ALDO stores now, online later this month
The Store: ALDO
Friends with Benefits: Preen & Patrik Ervell for ALDO RISE
Collab Deets: ALDO RISE, ALDO’s fashion week collaborations program, gives designers the chance to create and showcase the footwear they envision for their collections at accessible price-points. For London-based design duo Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi of Preen, the current crop of shoes is reminiscent of an English Garden, featuring striking butterfly and botanical prints in lush suede and rich leather perched atop a skyscraper heel. Meanwhile, Patrik Ervell combines various materials such as classic leather with utilitarian rubber soles and technical fabrics like nylon to create functional/fabulous footwear for both men & women. The ALDO RISE collection retails between $180 - $190.
Available: Now at select ALDO locations and online at aldoshoes.com
The Store: ALDO (again..I know)
Friends with Benefits: Manhattan's ultra-chic shop, WARM Boutique
Collab Deets: Taking a cue from The Shops at Target, The ALDO BOUTIQUE is a new collaboration program that seeks to discover great partnerships amongst ALDO's global network of talented tastemakers (think artists, musicians, architects etc.). Winnie Beattie and Rob Magnotta of WARM worked alongside ALDO's in-house designers to design a plush suede bootie for all seasons, available in taupe, camel & black ($125). Says Beattie, “I love this style because it can be worn with a runway dress as much as it can be thrown on after a surf on a cool day at the beach. It is cool, casual, and reminds me of something a girl from the Marais would wear if she was on her way to Biarritz for the weekend."
Collab Deets: For Vera Wang, simple, classic, elegant designs come naturally. The designer, best known for her luxurious bridal frocks, has created an extensive diamond ring collection, Vera Wang LOVE, available at People's, a next-to-foolproof way to thrill any girlfriend, wife or bride-to-be. The collection launched last year but it's worth a shout-out because sometimes, if you mention it enough, somebody (nudge, nudge) might get the hint.
Collab Deets: A few years back, silver fox Jay Manuel was appointed Creative Director of ATTITUDE Jay Manuel, Sears Canada's private label collection, which includes current, cool and (since it's Sears) blissfully affordable women's apparel, shoes, and accessories. This season's collection was inspired by the best of Britain - imagine colour-blocked cobalt blue and poppy red, plus studded Peter Pan collars and of-the-moment peplum accents.
LINE Knitwear x Roots Maple Intarsia Crew, $128, Roots
Preloved x Roots Mitts, $25
The Store: Roots
Friends with Benefits: LINE Knitwear and Preloved
Collab Deets: Roots always chooses the most interesting partnerships and this year, the collabs are especially cozy. Haute label LINE Knitwear is a go-to for celebs like Jennifer Garner, Kate Bosworth and Taylor Swift. The LINE Knitwear x Roots collection features iconic Canadian prints (beavers? check. maples leaves? ditto.) worked into cozy-luxe sweaters at an accessible price ($128 for a sweater). Next up? Preloved, a Canadian design co. that cleverly reworks vintage sweaters and fabric into pretty new pieces like cozy toggle scarves, and homepun-looking mittens. Devotees of the brand include Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson and Kirsten Dunst. Oh, and yours truly. Does that count?
Available: LINE Knitwear pieces available now at Roots and roots.com. Preloved in stores mid-October.
The pretty, party-ready MARTIN LIM for Reitmans collection
The Store: Reitmans
Friends with Benefits: Danielle Martin and Pao Lim of Martin Lim
Collab Deets: Partners in both love and business, Danielle Martin and Pao Lim, founded their label, MARTIN LIM, in 2010. Ever since, the fashion industry and customers alike have fallen for their sleek, sophisticated designs. The just-revealed MARTIN LIM for Reitmans capsule collection comprises 10 gorgeous dresses in regular, petite and plus-sizes, perfect for dancing your way through the upcoming party season. I'm most excited about the plus-size body-con dresses - such a welcome (and flattering!) change for curvy girls. Oh, and the video above? A hilarious must-see.
Available: Online Nov 1st at reitmans.com. In select Reitmans stores Nov 2nd.
Frye for Coach Fur Lined Engineer Boot, $398, Coach
PS - Couldn't include this one in my article for New Sudbury Centre but worth a mention:
The Store: Coach
Friends with Benefits: The Frye Company
Collab Deets: Founded nearly 150 years ago in Marlboro, Massachusetts, Frye has made boots worn by pioneers, cowboys and style icons. Frye now makes the coolest and most coveted boots in the world with their authentic styles and perfectly worn-looking leathers. For the Frye for Coach collab, Frye updated its famous Campus Boot and Engineer Boot, among others.
Available: Now at Coach stores nationwide and coach.com
It's funny but every fall I do the exact same thing. Sometime right around now, when the mornings are just starting to feel crisp and the leaves are gradually leaving the trees (is that why they call them leaves?), I find myself doing the fall change-up. I'll pack away all of my bright summer dresses, skirts & tees and shove them into an empty closet in our guest room. The more I pack, the darker my closet gets as yellow, pink and orange make way for loads of grey sweaters and black pants. Um, depressing much?
There's absolutely no reason (especially now!) to live in a black hole for 6 months of the year. I've slowly been building up my colour arsenal and this year, I'm happy to report that my fall/winter wardrobe is equally as exciting as my spring & summer stuff. I can't tell you how much more inspiring it is, especially on a cold, grey day, to have shades of rich yellow, bright reds and deep greens to get me going in the morning. This season, I'm obsessed with bordeaux and mustard and can't wait to work them into my look (see below for cool new ways to wear them).
Since I've been on a bright binge for a few years now, I'm actually equally stoked about the black on black trend for fall - great news for colour-phobes, and perfect for those days when you need a colour detox. The key to keeping it interesting? Try mixing and matching loads of textures - pair a great chunky knit with a pair of leather leggings, shiny patent black boots and a bright red lip. Or, pair your black with either deep navy or bright cobalt blue for a dose of Parisian chic.
Happy Friday! Is it bad that all I want to do this weekend is shop? x
Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Fall '12 Ad Campaign - courtesy Dolce & Gabbana
I'm a sucker for a good love story. Whether it's Romeo & Juliet, William & Kate, or Emily & Jef, I just love a perfect pairing. Still, a love story isn't exclusive to people. In fact, I've already fallen in love several times this fall - with the perfect bag, a pair of pants and countless times in the shoe department. You see, we're in an open relationship, my wardrobe and I. We've agreed that as long as they make me look good, I will take good care of them and love them all until they're old. Win-win.
Have you met your perfect match this fall? These three runway-inspired looks set my heart aflutter and now I'm playing matchmaker for you. I hope it's love at first sight for you, too. Sigh...
Burberry Prorsum Autumn '12 Ad Campaign
Perfect Pairing: Charcoal and Mustard Yellow (with pops of blue)
Love Profile: Tall, dark Brit seeks fun-loving companion. An eclectic risk-taker with a penchant for layering. Loves to cuddle up on a cold night.
Perfect Pairing: Black & Blue (either bright cobalt or navy)with a dash of leopard
Love Profile: Edgy Sophisticate seeks Commitment-Phobic Daredevil. Loves the unexpected, especially in the form of a leopard bag or a blue suede shootie. Looking for a good time.
When the government issued a plastic bag tax last year, I was relieved. I knew that the 5 cent charge was a little step in the right direction for our environment, slowly training us to be eco-aware. And yet, I have to admit, my relief was also aesthetically motivated. I mean, a plastic bag can wreak serious havoc on a great outfit. You could be wearing a Giambattista Valli frock with rockstar Louboutins but carry a plastic bag and you might as well be wearing jogging pants.
A great bag, as it turns out, is as essential as wearing pants. Instead of being an afterthought, a beautiful bag should be at the top of your priority list when getting dressed since great shoes and a good bag can make even jeans and a tee look spectacular. And the great news? The right bag doesn't have to be a Mulberry or Marc Jacobs. And it certainly doesn't have to be splattered with overt logos, be they Gucci G's or Coach C's. Instead, look for a beautiful silhouette, a colour that makes you happy, and a design that makes practical sense for your life. Choose right, and your bag will be something to have (and to hold), from this day forward, forever and ever (or at least for the next 3 years), Amen.
Want to look current for fall? Here are some of the top trends we saw on the runways this season:
1) Black Bags - After so many seasons lying low, black bags are back in a big way. Bonus: they're classic, weighty and go with everything.
2) The Top-Handled Bag - Ladylike and practical, these totes meld form with function. The Doctor's Bag is particularly hot for 2012.
3) Spicy Colours - Look for shades of turmeric yellow, saffron orange, and rich cayenne to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe this fall. Rich shades of bordeaux are also having a major moment this season.
4) Overt Embellishment - Bags loaded with embellishments, from studs, to fringe, to beading, to fur, are unapologetically busy and add dimension to any outfit.
5) Metallics - Shades of metallics, but particularly gold with black clutches or chain-handled bags, are perfect for busting out after dark.
6) Oversized Everything- This fall, the bigger the bag, the better. Look for massive silhouettes, from totes to oversized envelope clutches to hold all your stuff, with room to spare
7) Jewel Tones - Rich purple, emerald green and ruby red will go beautifully with all the jewel-toned separates hanging from the racks this fall.
Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 2:23PM 
