Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 10:41AM 
How perfect is this classic navy trench?! Photo courtesy Massimo Dutti.
Time to swap your light summer jackets for a heartier crew - these cold-weather-ready coats are cute, cozy and make a very compelling case for getting outside this season. Check out all my top picks in my article this week for iVillage.ca...
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 3:20PM
The finale at last night's Pink Tartan Spring '14 show - Photos by George Pimentel Photography
World MasterCard Fashion Week has officially kicked off and before I nap off the Holts party (is it bad that I'm already tired after Day 1?) I wanted to share pics from last night's big show. Pink Tartan is always one of my faves and for Spring '14, rlr mini and I found plenty of pieces to covet. The collection was inspired by contemporary art - bright white & textured jacquards, pop-art florals and highlighter accents felt modern and fun, while soft pinks and blues added just the right amount of sweetness. Kimberley Newport-Mimran also introduced her first washable vegan leather capsule collection for Spring '14. If any Canadian designer knows how to 'do' pretty, it's KNP.
As for the Twitter backlash that ensued after models were sent down the runway exposed, here are my thoughts: When in Paris, one can send one's models down one's runway wearing whatever undergarments one wants. No bra, no big deal. Exposed nips? Par for la course. Toronto is quite familiar with braless models - I mean we're not exactly prudes here. But pasties seem to be a bit of a fashion prerequisite in Canada, particularly for a brand like Pink Tartan that's so perenially ladylike and whose clothes are so consistently lovely. The boys in the audience were thrilled. I barely noticed (no pun intended). The Yorkville ladies who lunch, however, looked a little unsure. Or perhaps they were considering a little post-Fashion-Week bra-burning of their own? Is it really a big deal, Toronto? Maybe nipple is the new normal?
See the full (#NSFW - depending on where you work..kidding...) collection below. I need that blue pleated shirt dress. Isn't it just perfect?
Friday, October 18, 2013 at 1:04PM 
Photos courtesy Lucian Matis. Photos by Greg Swales. Location: Royal York Hotel
In my books, Lucian Matis can do no wrong. The Romanian-born Canadian designer's stunning new campaign shots recently landed in my inbox and I just had to share. His sumptuous fabrics, expert cuts and boundary pushing silhouettes make Matis a leader in Canada's fashion landscape and inspire women to be a little more daring, and a little more luxe, in their daily dress.
Since Matis isn't showing at World Mastercard Fashion Week next week (boooo!), we'll have to make do with these photos instead. Sigh...Doesn't it just make you want to check yourself into somewhere with room service and stay awhile? BTW, you can order his custom designs (if you happen to be in the market) at lucianmatis.com.
Speaking of Canadian talent, I'll be at WMCFW most of next week and will be sure to snap loads of photos of the runway, the street, and of course, all the backstage chaos. But for now, happy, happy Friday! Anyone else more than ready to chill a little?
x
Friday, October 18, 2013 at 10:11AM 
Cara Delevingne in Tory Burch. Photo via Tory Burch.
Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop
Fashion is in the details and for Fall '13, we can't agree more. These super chic extras might be small but they pack a powerful punch. Check out our edit of must-have accessories, guaranteed to bring your style to the next level, even when you're all bundled up...
Fingerless Leather Gloves, $39, Danier
The Trend: A Leather Accent
How to Pull It Off: A little leather (faux or real) goes a long way. A pair of driving gloves, a moto bomber or a studded clutch (see below) will infuse your look with a little biker edge.
The Trend: Pink Accents
How to Pull It Off: This season, soft pink and other pretty pastels are having a moment. We love sparkly pink earrings because they cast a dazzling light on every complexion.
Animal Print Skinny Belt, $10, American Eagle
The Trend: An Animal Print Belt
How to Pull It Off: Black pants, white shirts, and solid crewneck sweaters are kind of zzzzz on their own for work - but add an animal print belt and you've got yourself an outfit. Add it to cinch the waist of your favourite wool coat or little black dress, or to add interest to your distressed jeans.
Chenille Knit Loop Scarf, $28, RW&CO.
The Trend: Teddy Bear Outerwear
How to Pull It Off: Not a big style secret here - a cozy chenille scarf, headband or even coat are the perfect cozy antidote to a cold winter day. Expect hugs.
Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 9:40AM 
Pretty in pink in the Oct '13 issue of Marie Claire UK. Photo by Patric Shaw.
Originally posted in The CLOSET
Fashion is a lot like life. Once you think you've got it all figured out, as soon as you feel comfortable somewhere, something inevitably comes along and spins you around. The lesson (in life, and fashion), is to not let the hurricane of change paralyze you. It's about getting back up and facing the next challenge head on because if you don't, 20 years will fly by and there you'll sit, Jennifer Aniston circa Friends-era hair and tacky '90s pumps intact. This has happened to so many great people - please don't let it happen to you.
For Fall '13, the big colour story is all about lightening up. While pastels have historically been a spring thing, designers threw us for a loop, sending soft pinks, powder blues and minty greens down the fall runways. Forget everything you thought you knew about colour; here's how to incorporate this very current trend into your wardrobe right now...