A Gabrielle Johnson Guest Post!

Style Expert Gabrielle Johnson knows a thing or two about fashion.  The exceptionally stylish Central Saint Martins grad and former Sweetspot editrix has worked with some of the biggest publications in the business and currently spills her fashion and beauty secrets for Toronto Life and Glow Magazine, among others. Gabrielle agreed to write a guest post for RLR to help us harness the power of the peplum for fall.  Lucky us! Check back for more guest posts in the coming months from Ms. Johnson and other members of Canada's fashionable flock...

Forget one-season wonders: Pretty peplums — those ultra-feminine, flattering flared ruffles currently spilling forth from the waists of tops, skirts, dresses and jackets everywhere — dominated designer runways for spring and fall 2012.

This season, we’ll be working the peplum at the office, on weekends and after hours (and showing you how to master the looks, too). We love a fashion trend with staying power.  

OFFICE CHIC
A flouncy peplum top becomes office-appropriate when paired with sleek, simple basics. Team this gorgeous wine-coloured 3.1 Phillip Lim belted satin-twill peplum top (US $550) with a smart black pencil skirt or slim-cut tailored trousers, and keep the accessories minimal. The best part? It’ll take you from endless meetings in the boardroom to after-work cocktails with colleagues, no costume change required.

WEEKEND CASUAL
We’ve grown accustomed to seeing stylish celebs like Emma Stone rocking OTT peplums on the red carpet, but take the ruffles down a notch and suddenly the peplum is perfect for weekend brunch.  This super-soft Autumn Cashmere button-back peplum sweater ($310) is just begging to be paired with skinny jeans, ankle boots and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. We can feel the leaves crunching underfoot already.

EVENING AFFAIR
Did we mention that the peplum is a godsend for women with curves? It creates the ultimate hourglass silhouette, nipping in the waist and sensually grazing the hips.  Show off your best assets in Zara’s embroidered faux-leather peplum top ($69.90); wear it with a flirty skirt or your tightest pants, depending on the level of bad-assedness you’re hoping to project.