Festive Flirty Skirts!

   
     Holiday season is here and the parties are starting!  If you don't know what to wear, I have the perfect solution.  Skirts are a hot item this season, so find one you love and pair it with your favourite blouse, fitted sweater, printed tank, whatever!


 

                   

Zara Pleated Midi Skirt (above).
Wilfred Free Milla Skirt (left).

     Faux leather can be worn many ways.  Choose a fitted pencil skirt for a sleek look or opt for a pleated mid length skirt for a fuller silhouette.  Add some texture by pairing your skirt with a fitted cable knit sweater.  

                                 

                                            BCBG Bess Lace Pencil Skirt.

Anthropologie Reveillon Lace Skirt.

 

     Lace is classic and makes a statement on it's own.  It is a delicate fabric so pair with a blouse or sweater in a lighter knit.  Choose a lace skirt with a scalloped hem for a polished look. 

H&M Deco Knit Skirt

     If you want your skirt (and you of course!) to be the centre of attention, choose a fun print like this art deco (think Great Gatsby) inspired mini.  Add a tailored blazer for an office party appropriate look!

 

Anthropologie Polaris Skirt

BCBG Liya Pencil Skirt

     Don't be afraid to mix and match prints and textures as long as you maintain your proportions.  In other words, if the fabric and/or print is heavy, pair with a lighter weight fabric or solid colour item. 

  

                        

                                             Anthropologie Campaign Skirt (left). 

                                               H&M Metalic Wrap Skirt (above).

    

      Metalic silver prints are everywhere this year and come in all shapes and sizes.  A knee length pencil skirt is a classic, mature approach to this trend, whereas the mini tulip cut is trendy and youthful.  

                           

                                        Bailey 44 Satellite Skirt 

Zara Sheath Skirt with Zips

     Edgy can be pretty too!  Leather snake print and exposed zippers add some funky detail.  Keep this rocker chic look in check by minimizing accessories and pairing with a classic top or blouse.

                

Anthropologie Ponte Bell Skirt

     Finally, my top pick this season: a high waisted, a line skirt in a yummy berry tone.  This skirt can be worn many ways but I love it paired with this long sleeve, leather collar top.  Finish your look with a statement necklace and a great shoe for the perfect party outfit!

                           

Layer it!

     Wearing a blazer over a sweater is a cozy, classic look this season.  Don't be afraid to mix and match colours but be mindful of proportions.  Choose a sweater that's not too bulky so your blazer fits over easily and maintains a tailored look.

Photo from chicstreetstyle.me

     Add a collared shirt with a fun print or accent colour for a third layer.  Let the shirt peak out over the top of the blazer and the bottom of the sweater to keep the look balanced.  Finish your outfit with a statement necklace to dress it up or throw on a cozy scarf for a more casual look.   

                                                        

                                                                       funfashion.net

pennypincherfahion.com

   

pintrest.com

    

 This trend works with sweater dresses too!  Let the layering show by wearing the blazer sleeve shorter than the sweater.  You can roll up the blazer sleeve and let the lining show which will add another texture or print to the look.  

goodnightmacaroon.co

     Mix neutrals for a very sophisticated look.  White and ivory, black and navy or heather grey and charcoal are all beautiful combinations.    This look works best when the sweater has a lot of texture, such as a cable knit, to give the neutral pallet more interest.  Add a pop of colour with a statement necklace, scarf or coloured jeans.  Just mix and match items you already have in your wardrobe and have fun!

Oh Hey There, Heel Boy

     This is now my opportunity to apologize for the blog hiatus, but I have been doing something equally (more?!) amazing over the past few months.  I've been working with the awesome staff at Heel Boy, one of the top shoe stores in all of Toronto.  Located in the trendy West Queen West neighbourhood, Heel Boy is a destination, not only for hipsters but for anyone with a love or need for shoes.

     Heel Boy has grown in popularity over the past decade and has attracted shoe-a-holics, including myself, with a diverse assortment of on trend styles for men and women.  Here is a look at what is on the shelves for Fall and Winter 2013!

     Ankle boots are the hottest trend for fall.  Ranging in all colours, suede and leather, lace or zip up, these booties work with skinny jeans, tights with chunky knit sweaters and tunic dresses.  Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, Seychelles and Franco Sarto are some of the well known brands carried by Heel Boy shown above.  If you don't already have a pair in your wardrobe, you know where to find one . . . or three!

  

     Heel Boy is a true supporter of Canadian brands, being an striving independent company itself.  Taking us stylishly into the colder months are Sorel, Kodiak and Uggs.  Having a warm, waterproof boot is a must and Heel Boy has the most stylish designs available.  If you are a true "heel girl" you will love the Sorel ankle rain boots with a bright orange heel!  

     Any style of rain boot is perfect for this chilly, wet weather.  Available in fun prints and versatile  neutrals, Hunter, Cougar and Dav are the go to classic brands to slosh through the city in.  Not only are they all 100% waterproof, they are also cute and comfy!

     Need some on trend footwear for your man?  Heel Boy carries a perfect selection of mens shoes and boots for any occasion.  Suede shoes by Reef for fall and warm, waterproof Sorel's for winter with   contrasting soles and laces is the new look in men's footwear.  

     Kenneth Cole, John Varvatos, Lacoste and Walkover are some of many brands with options for the office and first dates (hint, hint).  Need a comfortable shoe for weekends and mornings at the dog park?  New Balance offers support and style in fun colour combinations (also available in women's styles!).

     

     Heel Boy is a known destination for ladies looking for the perfect sexy shoe or boot.   Bold buckles and lace ups add an edgy look, especially with a sky high heel like these Tiger of Sweden's.  A slim, simple buckle is a classic, well tailored look on a knee high boot, much like the Ivanka Trumps on the top shelf.  Colcci, French Connection and Guess are also go to brands for the perfect black bootie, a look any girl can pull off for a night out!

      Pumps and flats for the office or any event can be found here.  The upcoming holiday season is the perfect time for suede and patent leather, sparkles and gold details.  Red, oxblood, navy and of course, classic black are the most popular but don't be afraid to have some fun with vintage inspired cuts and ankle straps.  

     What ever you are looking for, Heel Boy is your one stop shop.  The welcoming, high energy staff will gladly assist you and have the answer for any footwear fix.  So throw on your warmest layers, grab a coffee and take a stroll down Queen West to visit us.  I promise you won't be leaving empty handed!

Print It

     Over the past few years, a collection of coloured denim has grown in my wardrobe.  As much as I love each and every colour, I feel there is something missing.  I tend to pair my coloured denim with fun printed blouses and blazers but it is time to change it up.  Printed pants are making way to the forefront of fall fashion in everything from feminine colours to edgy textures.  Remember to keep it simple and balanced with a solid colour or neutral on top.  Here are some of my favourites so far:

H&M Loose Fit Trousers
Available in sizes 2-16 and only $29!

Zara's Flock Jeans
They are similar to JBrand's velvet brocade jeans
from last year but these are an affordable $80.

Aritzia Talula Los Feliz Pant
Very cute and comfy!

JCrew Collection
Beaded Cropped Matchstick Jean
Not so much a print as an amazing embellishment!

JCrew Cafe Crep in Jade
Love it paired with the beaded button up.

Michael Kors Printed Lace Pant
A perfect substitute for any dress . . .
you might even prefer to wear these instead!

Michael Kors Samantha Pant
My personal favourite!
Take the look farther with a black sequin top,
a dark smokey eye and a studded clutch.

Emerald Green, The "It Colour" for Fall 2013!

   

      It is easy to reach for our favourite black, brown or grey clothing items in the fall.  Darker colours are more slimming and comforting to wear.  Cooler temperatures fail to inspire us to wear brights and fun prints.  But this fall, we have a handful of beautiful jewelled toned accent colours available to us in any form we desire.  Although any accent colour would win me over any day, my favourite this season is emerald green.  Pantone* forecasted that emerald would be the "it colour" of 2013 and many designers have incorporated it into their fall collections.  The best part is, you can still wear your black, brown or grey (sometimes white?) clothes and just include one accent piece! Here's how to do it with emerald:

Anthropologie's Lace Bloom Jacket.
Easy to throw over a blouse and skinny jeans
but can also be worn over a neutral dress.

J.Crew's Silk Henley Top.
Throw on with your favourite jeans and finish with a boyfriend blazer.
Tuck it into a black, navy or nude pencil skirt for a dressy look.

Zara's Emerald Dress.
Go for a bold look with a solid bright frock.
Pair with neutral or black shoes, bag, blazer and jewelery.

Want to keep your accent subtle? Opt for a jewelled toned mani!
OPI's Jade is the New Black.
Go for a sparkly gold or silver party nail for a chic effect.

Tory Burch's Robinson Double Clutch Tote.
This classic style bag is the perfect size for everyday!

Want your man to match?
Brooks Brothers' BB #5 Rep Tie.

Monique L'huillier straight from the runway
for a dramatic red carpet look.

*The Pantone corporation is world renowned for colour authority. A large part of the business is forecasting which colours are going to be popular in the upcoming year for many industries.  Most "it colours" in fashion are dictated by Pantone but is not always the first industry to use them.  The automobile and interior design industries are two that are ahead on colour trends and are often the first to use Pantone's forecasted colours.

I know It's the Middle of Summer, But . . .

     When I checked the mail this morning and found my September issue of Fashion at the bottom of the pile (thankfully unbent!), it was a quick reminder of what's to come. . .  Fall 2013!  There is something about fall fashion that I have always loved.  The layers, textures, colours and new trends help me transition into cooling temperatures without totally loosing it!

     The retail sale season is coming to an end as stores are now receiving new merchandise almost everyday.  Although we just started into August and have another 5-6 weeks of summer weather to look forward to, it is still my favourite time to shop!  I love being the first to see (and sometimes purchase) the latest items for the upcoming season.

     There are lots of new trends and must-have items to discuss so let's start with something I recently came across that got me extremely excited: Mackage's new line of handbags!  This will no doubt be the best fall season yet!

The Rubie Bag from WWD

The Bookie Bag from WWD

     The Rubie and the Bookie are my top two faves but the line is complete with 12 styles.  I love the combination of the smooth leather with the texture and colour.   The arrow closure is a sleek finish which suddenly states "It's a Mackage".  As for the price? I guess we will have to wait and see!

Anthropologie Summer Fashion Show

     Last week I had the pleasure of attending Anthropologie's in store fashion show at Don Mills.  I was lucky enough to be asked to model and saw first hand the new, gorgeous collection for summer 2013.

     The summer pieces are true to Anthro's feminine, flirty style.  Flowy skirts and shorts were showcased in colourful prints alongside fun, casual layered looks. The models were all friends, sisters and mothers of the Anthro staff creating a diverse look on the runway.  I was proudly representing the curvy girls of the world! 

Wearing the Pindot Ruffle Dress in orange and the Ruffled Lexa Romper in black.

      The store looked amazing for the event and there was a fabulous turn out.  All seats were filled and the camera flashes never stopped.  The runway was outlined with tea lights in mason jars which created a romantic feel and was the perfect way to transform the space.

     Of course there were yummy treats for all who attended.  Sangria to sip on, bocconcini salad skewers and cake pops, all neatly present on an Anthropologie tablecloth which I love!  The staff was amazing, not to mention their individual, unbelievable styles.  By the end of the night, I wanted to take home the amazing outfits I walked down the runway in and more!

Anthro managers (and personal friends!):
Holly wearing the Lasercut Fleur-De-Lys Sheath dress
and Courtney wearing the Macrame Day Dress in black.

     For more photos of the show and other outfits, please check out Crazy Style Love and Toronto Shopaholic. 

mix it up

     I've always found mixing prints to be a challenge.  Maybe because I'm a matchy matchy kind of girl.  Maybe because my mother drilled it in that one should never mix pok-a-dots with stripes (or black with navy for that matter, which I now love).  Either way, when I do come across a successfully executed mixed print outfit, it deserves to be credited.

     The best way to go about mixing and matching is to pair two prints in the same colour family or to pair a colourful print with a neutral of a similar pattern.  If one print is busy, the other should be minimal to maintain balance.  Most importantly, have fun with it and you will look as glamourous as theses two!

Courtney and Candace 

revenge is sweet

     Just in time for cottage season, Lauren Weisberger has once again graced us with her talents and released the sequel to The Devil Wears Parada.  I picked up my copy of Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns today and can not wait to get away this weekend to crack this while tanning on the dock!

     Warning: this book may lead to unnecessary spending on designer products, too many consumed Starbucks coffees and unexplained anxiety attacks when hearing the name Miranda Priestly.

Purchased at Chapters for 40% off in the Bestsellers section!

     All we need now is a sequel to the movie.  Start growing those locks, Anne Hathaway!