Black & Blue

I don't see a single thing wrong with this blouse, except that I'm not in it.  Must get to Winners, like, stat!

The Python Chiffon Blouse is waiting for you (and me), ready to pair with your white jeans now and all your black separates for fall.  Only $24.99 at Winners.  Love is not a strong enough word...

Found: Gold, Silver, Bronze

If I were an Olympic judge, these gorgeous sculptural cuffs in gold, silver and bronze would all come in first place. Oh come on...they're just little; I'm sure we can find room at the top of the podium for all 3, non?  Wear them now and year 'round to add a little metallic cool to your look.  

The Villaguay Cuff ($18 each) is available now at ALDO 

Splurge vs. Save: Instant Spring Updates

Splurge: Gucci Noah Calf Hair Pump, $725, Nordstrom

Save:  Coltskin Heeled Court Shoe, $99.90, Zara

Since ‘hot’ so quickly changes to ‘not’, it can be tough to keep it all straight. From this season’s top belts (goodbye skinny!) to the new silhouettes, to today’s ‘It’ print, I’ve put together 10 instant wardrobe-updates to keep you looking current this spring.  Check out the the full spring It-list at iVillage.ca

Last season's round toes have been replaced by pointy-toed pumps, which make every outfit look just a little more grown-up.  Though neutral shoes are always safe, I love these graphic printed pumps to add texture and dimension to your work wardrobe. 

Cozy, Comfy, Cool

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Eniko Mihalik shot by Terry Richardson - Harper's Bazaar, November 2011

Fashion is all about fantasy.  In pictures, runway shows, movies and magazines, I want to see the impossibly glamorous model wearing a sheer, glittery gown with skyscraper boots, a pure white furry hat, and vampy red lips while strolling, sockless, through an enchanted wood.  Oh, and don't forget the well-trained owl, perched on her hand.  Is it just me or is he smizing?  In real life, this girl would not have had a happy walk - think rabid owl bites, running mascara, hypothermia and a serious dry-cleaning bill.  Sometimes, fantastical fashion just doesn't work for every day.    

Does that mean that you should ignore your fashion fantasies in favour of practical footwear.  I say, NEVER!  A great winter boot should keep your feet warm and dry and look beautiful while doing it.  A tall, flat boot (much more chic than heeled versions, in my personal opinion) gets you from A to B in comfort and style.  And when it comes time to dressing up this season, whether for work or going out, opt for a fun little ankle boot in a great colour, print or sleek silhouette.   

Check out my top picks - from the cozy to the comfy to the cool - and you'll be officially booted up for the season.  Once you find a boot you love, you'll wear it every single day - making it well worth the investment.    In my own little fashion fantasy, I'd be able to buy every single one, but sometimes it's fun to pick a favourite.  Which one will you choose?

1. Shamp Boots, ALDO, $100; 2. Silver Sparkle Uggs, Soft Moc, $254.99; 3. Manitobah Mocassin Boots, Town Shoes, $299; 4. Raponi Boot, Spring, $99.99; 5. Sorel 1964 Premium Boots, The Bay, $140; 6. Tall Lace-Up Winter Boots, ALDO, $110; 7. Lacoste Boots, Town Shoes, $145; 8. Mocassin Boots, Spring, $69.99

1. Terboss Leather Riding Boots, ALDO, $180; 2. Laughead Two-Tone Leather Boots, ALDO, $170; 3. Russian Vamp Boots, Roots, $288; 4. Steve Madden Flat Riding Boots, Town Shoes, $180; 5. Synthetic Deare Boots,ALDO, $100; 6. Hunter Lace-Up Wellies, Town Shoes, $240; 7. Fyler Leather Boots, Naturalizer, $159.99; 8. Sperry Top-Sider Qulited Boots, The Bay, $100.

1. Python Print Block Heel Boots, ALDO, $140; 2. Alfreda Cut-Out Booties, Guess, $139; 3. Vince Camuto Suede Bootie, Le Château, $180; 4. Canvas Lace-Up Ankle Boots, Gap, $99.95; 5. Python Sole Boots, Spring, $79.99; 6. Material Girl Fur Bootie, The Bay, $100; 7. Maytorena Short Lace-Up Boots, ALDO, $80; 8. Nine West for Town Shoes Wedge Boots, Town Shoes, $190

Colonel Mustard in the Closet with a Hanger

Originally posted in The CLOSET  

Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler, Hermes Fall 2011 RTW - photos courtesy style.com

I've always thought of yellow as a strictly summer colour.  The bright hue brings to mind sunshine, lemons and tulips...not exactly fall fare.  So when I started to notice all the pops of spicy mustard yellow on the runways this fall, I was surprised but totally excited.  After all, one can only take so much red, brown, black and camel.  Fall's been needing a good dose of colour and I'm loving this totally new, on-trend option.

Don't have a CLUE how to wear mustard?  I'm not one for rules, but these tips should help:

1)  Mustard looks marvellous with white, black, purples, oranges, shades of brown and denim.  Don't be afraid to colour-block or, if you prefer the more subtle approach, look for a spicy yellow bag, belt, or shoe.  

2)  Were you an early adopter of mustard yellow this summer?  Don't be afraid to carry your mustard pieces from summer into fall but be sure to consider the fabric; keep more weighty fabrics in rotation but be sure to store any of your summer-weight items...except for silky blouses, of course.

3)  It's always nice to add a little shine to your look.  When it comes to mustard, gold jewellery (real or faux) plays off beautifully against the brown-based hue.

4)  Yellow can be a tricky shade for certain skin tones.  Counteract the sallow effect by loading up on a little more eye-makeup than usual.  Or, if you're up for it, try a bright red lip as seen at Jil Sander and Hermes (see above).  The team at Sephora will help you get your look just right.

Want to add a little colour to your fall and winter wardrobe?  Click through the slideshow below for some of my mustard musts:

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