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Entries in Fall 2012 (42)

Thursday
Aug162012

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...

Wednesday
Aug152012

If You Wanna Be my Loafer

Stubbs & Wootton will have to wait.  I'm loving these loafers from Gap and they come in so many fun patterns and colours. If you don't already own a pair, what are you waiting for? So comfy. So cute.

Ch-ch-check 'em out (styles range from $29.95 - $49.95) at gapcanada.ca

Tuesday
Aug142012

Fall's Instant Updates

Louis Vuitton Fall '12 Ad Campaign shot by Steven Meisel

Originally posted in The LOOK

The other day, I was walking through a massive cavern of a big-box store and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Christmas cards and a light-up reindeer. What the...?  Didn't summer just start?  Sure, I'm used to seeing Hallowe'en costumes in August, but breaking out the holly jolly in the middle of a heatwave?  I mean, I love to plan ahead but this is getting a little ridic.  Seems like just as summer really gets going, the fashion world is already one season (or two) ahead.  And although I'm reluctant to admit it, September really is just around the corner. Since fall is my favourite fashion season, shopping always helps to lessen my end of summer blues and this year I'm especially stoked.  

We've entered a new era of opulence this fall, complete with super rich colours, unapologetic prints and embellishments worthy of a Russian czarina (scroll down if you missed last week's post).  And while our economy might still be on shaky ground, we can all achieve that feeling of luxury for less since retailers at every budget seem to have joined the movement.  From this fall's hottest colour to the latest silhouettes, read on for 10 instant wardrobe updaters to set you up for a stylish season.  In the meantime, let's make every summer moment count.  And really, if this September's anything like last, our sunny summer days are from over.  Yay!

1.  The Shirt Collar Necklace

Ardelia Metal Shirt Collar, $12.98, ALDO

While a good white shirt will always be chic, a fun shirt collar necklace is the 2012 update.  Add one on to dress up any of your basic button-front shirts as a cool alternative to a necklace.

2. The Leather Shirt 

Leather and Jersey Tee, $249, Danier

Leather is always a popular fabric for fall but this year, designers employed it in totally new ways, from pleated skirts to laser-cut leather dresses.  Instead of a bomber, try out a mixed media leather and jersey shirt for a comfortable way to edge up your look.  

3. Burgundy:  The New Black

Bordeaux Skinnies, coming this fall to RW&CO. and Varsity Jacket, $349, Danier

Whether you call it burgundy or bordeaux or plum, this wine-coloured shade has made a major comeback for fall 2012.  Pair your burgundy pants, sweaters or trench coats with grey, black or cream or opt instead for an oversized bordeaux bag to look totally current (or should I say currant?) for fall.

4. The Concealed Wedge Sneaker

Leather-Like Colour Block Sneaker, $69.95, Le Château

While Converse will always be cool, sneakerphiles have been stepping up their game of late; Thanks to Isabel Marant and a host of other designers, the latest way to achieve instant weekend cool is with the concealed wedge sneaker. Though this trend's being brewing for awhile, you'll be seeing these kicks everywhere for fall, whether you go for the flash with a metallic pair, or keep it more subdued with a muted hue.  Either way, these shoes give you both comfort and height in one pretty package.

5. Black and Blue

Zip-Front Dress, coming to RW&CO. this fall

Instead of an LBD, a cobalt blue dress will help you stand out at any of your fall fêtes.  The key to looking current?  Ignore the old-school rule and pair your blues with black for a look that's reminiscent of royalty rockstars.  If it's good enough for Kate...

6.  The Peplum

Lace Peplum Hem Top, $59.95, Le Château

It's official:  Peplum is the silhouette of choice for 2012.  A black lace peplum top will perfectly dress up a high-waisted black pencil skirt or slim-fit pants for 9 to 5.  Plus, the exaggeration of the peplum will make your waist look wee and help you flaunt your womanly curves.  Genius!

7. The Slipper Loafer

DV by Dolce Vita Marcel Loafer, $79, American Eagle Outfitters

Looking for a cute alternative to your old ballet flats?  Meet the 'sloafer' or slipper loafer, your new go-to flat. The broguish details add interest to this neutral pair, or have fun with jewel-toned versions to kick up your fall look.

8. The Fun Blouse 

Polka Dot Chiffon Shirt, $29.90, Garage

A navy polka-dot blouse is both playful and sophisticated and a perfect way to bust a work wardrobe rut.  This season was also all about the embroidered blouse, as seen everywhere from the runways of Isabel Marant to Stella McCartney.  If you're a little more daring, this chiffon version from American Eagle is totally on trend for fall.

9. The Bow Belt

Snake-Print Bow Belt, $15, Le Château

While wide belts are definitely making a comeback, the pretty bowed belts seen at Burberry are an ultra-feminine way to cinch your waist this fall.  The python print on this version adds great texture to the black.


10.  The Tall Boot

Tall Leather Riding Boot, $170, ALDO

I'm all about great deals but a well-made pair of boots is always worth the splurge.  This pair of leather riding boots from ALDO are practical yet chic and at under $200, won't completely break the bank.   Wear them over your skinny jeans and leggings all season long.

Friday
Aug032012

Opulence Overdrive

Baroque opulence reigned at Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012. Source: style.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

August always marks the beginning of fall..well, in the fashion world at least. The hotly-anticipated September issues hit newsstands bursting with fall's most covetable finds, while tired sale racks are replaced by shiny things for the new season.  I don't want to rush summer (I mean, it's only the first week of August) but now's the time to start thinking about fall...

And this season, there's a lot to dream about.  Where once opulence was considered over-the-top and out-of-touch, designers piled it on again in a big way, with brocade, feathers, black and gold all over the fall runways, from Dolce & Gabbana to Ralph Lauren.  So why all the flourish and fuss?  Blame it on the blockbusters;  The Great Gatsby hits the big screen this December, extending our spring obsession with the roaring twenties. Flapper fringe, drop waists, feathers and art deco accents will give you that Buchanan-babe vibe, perfect for an East Egg soirée.   I'm most excited about Anna Karenina, though, coming to TIFF this September.  My inner Czarina can't wait to layer up with faux fur, crystals and military wool coats once the mercury drops to Moscow levels.  With bold colour so prevalent for the past several seasons, moody black looks decidedly modern again, and lends a practical side to all the excess. Invest in the basics, be it a good wool coat or a well-made pair of boots, and then decorate with sparkly (yet affordable) abandon.  After all, excess is only good in moderation (or something like that...)

Load it up.  Pile it on.  'Tis the season for opulence, darlings!

Leo DiCaprio (as Jay Gatsby) with Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton (as Daisy and Tom Buchanan) in the upcoming The Great Gatsby

Source: IMDb

Stretch Deco Bracelet, $15, ALDO

Crochet Fringe Mini Dress, $150, Le Château

 

 

Metallic Snake Embossed Crossbody, $39.95, Le Château

Gilded feathers at Ralph Lauren Fall '12. Source: style.com

Necklace with Glass Beads and Fringe, $39.99, Sears

Colour Block Metallic Pumps, coming this fall to ALDO

Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina. Source: cineplex.com

ATTITUDE Belted Coat w Faux Fur Collar and Cuffs ($229.99) and Wrap Style Coat with Faux Fur Collar ($179.99), Sears

Ruched Lace T, $35, American Eagle Outfitters

Parkhurst Faux Fur Headbands, $20 each, Sears

Crepe de Chine Blouse, $39.99, Le Château

St. Basil's Cathedral X-Large 3-D Puzzle, $39.99, Sears

Cocoa Jewelry Crystal Antique Cuff, $60, Sears

Victorian Suede Ankle Boots, $119.98, ALDO

Wednesday
Aug012012

A Stella & Dot Giveaway

Elizabeth Bracelet, $32, Stella & Dot

Duchess Bangle, $84, Stella & Dot

It's no secret that I'm a big (HUGE) Stella & Dot fan.  I love their stuff so much that I even hosted a little party a few weeks ago and got $350 in free jewels just for hosting.  For reals!   So, why the obsession? When I put on something by Stella & Dot, I feel like I'm wearing something not only chic but substantial.  The quality is impressive, the designs are haute and they're constantly being featured in top publications like InStyle and Vogue.  Unlike so many of their competitors, celebrities actually choose to wear Stella & Dot.  And it's no wonder; before joining the company, Stella & Dot's Chief Creative Officer, Blythe Harris, studied at Parson's School of Design/Paris before going on to design at Cartier, DeBeers and Banana Republic.  

But enough about my love affair with S & D, this post is all about you.   Thanks to Stella & Dot, we're giving away the Elizabeth Bracelet and Duchess Bangle to one lucky winner, perfectly timed for the London 2012 Olympics. 

Tell me your fave Stella & Dot piece for your chance to win these pretty pieces.  Contest closes at 5 pm today. I'll announce the winner tomorrow morning.  Good luck, y'all! 

PS - Shout out to the stylish Jaime Patton for this sweet giveaway :) xo