Mustache Musts for a Manly Movember

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I know. I know. That's a whole lotta 'm's. But when it comes to 'staches, it's all about the cheesy, the in-your-face (make that, on-your-face), cliché.  Or is it? Since the Movember movement (created to raise funds and awareness for male mental health and prostate cancer) has become a rite of passage for any philanthropically-inclined male, mustaches have evolved from a little bit creepy to, dare I say it, a tad sexy?  While a few years ago, I would have said that the only man who has ever (ever) looked good in a 'stache was Tom Selleck, I now see mustached men and actually kind of get the appeal.  I mean, everyone loves a guy with heart, especially when they're willing to let hair invade their upper lip for a full month in the name of charity.

And what about the women who support their hairy men - or 'Mo Sistas' as they've come to be known?  While men get to go incognito behind a full-blown fu Manchu, the women in their lives aren't quite so lucky.  You've heard of the man cold, right?  Try the man mo'. "It itches", "I keep getting food stuck in it," and the completely unrelated "I need a massaaage" is really just the beginning.  Then try kissing that. Ouch.

Here are some of the cutest mustache must-have's for this month.  Happy, hairy Movember! x

Oh, and if you live in the London area, be sure to tune into BOB FM tomorrow around 7:30 a.m.  I'll be talking men's fashion with 3 stylish looks to help guys avoid the pervy pitfalls of the 'stache. (really)

Mustache Ring, $7.90, Garage

Mustache Straw Set, Claire's

Mustache Magnet Set, $9.75, Claire's

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Blu-Ray, $17.99, Sunrise Records

Striped Mustache Beanie, $18.75, Claire's

Join the Boathouse team, grow a sweet 'stache, and help raise funds for Movember - join Boathouse here

Hello Kitty Mustache Necklace, $13, Claire's

Von Zipper Mustache Chart Tee, $9.99, West 49

Sunstache Frames with Soul Patch, $13, Claire's 

Fall in Love

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Fall '12 Ad Campaign - courtesy Dolce & Gabbana

I'm a sucker for a good love story.  Whether it's Romeo & Juliet, William & Kate,  or Emily & Jef, I just love a perfect pairing.  Still, a love story isn't exclusive to people.  In fact, I've already fallen in love several times this fall - with the perfect bag, a pair of pants and countless times in the shoe department.  You see, we're in an open relationship, my wardrobe and I.  We've agreed that as long as they make me look good, I will take good care of them and love them all until they're old.  Win-win.

Have you met your perfect match this fall?  These three runway-inspired looks set my heart aflutter and now I'm playing matchmaker for you.  I hope it's love at first sight for you, too.  Sigh...

 

Burberry Prorsum Autumn '12 Ad Campaign 

Perfect Pairing: Charcoal and Mustard Yellow (with pops of blue)

Love Profile:  Tall, dark Brit seeks fun-loving companion.  An eclectic risk-taker with a penchant for layering.  Loves to cuddle up on a cold night. 

Perfect Date: Danier, American Eagle, Ricki's, Sears, then ALDO.

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Fall '12

Perfect Pairing: Black & Red (with tan & gold accents)

Love Profile: Classic beauty seeks worldly partner. Loves market-strolling, long lunches and weekend trips to Paris.

Perfect Date: A shopping trip at Le Château, Garage, ALDO, Bootlegger and Danier.  

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 - style.com 

Perfect Pairing: Black & Blue (either bright cobalt or navy)with a dash of leopard

Love Profile:  Edgy Sophisticate seeks Commitment-Phobic Daredevil.  Loves the unexpected, especially in the form of a leopard bag or a blue suede shootie.  Looking for a good time.

Perfect Date:  Stops at Le Château, Bootlegger and ALDO at Intercity Shopping Centre, of course.  The sale racks had better watch out.

The Horsey Set

Dree Hemingway for Ermanno Scervino - Autumn 2012

Originally posted in The LOOK

As long as I can remember, I've been a city girl. I would look at the cowboy boots, hats, spurs and far-from-rad plaid in country music videos and feel something akin to mild food poisoning. When my friends would flock to our local bar for some honky-tonk, I'd tag along and even sing (Ohhh, way down 'yonder on the Chatahoochie, never knew how much that muddy water meant to me....). I'd even line-dance a little (because seriously, it was kind of a precursor to the flash mob, no?) but the stylista in me just couldn't handle the ill-fitting jeans, the tacky hats or the cliché my-dog-just-croaked-and-now-I'm-gon'-die-toooo lyrics. Not to mention horses; as in, I won't even mention horses after the number of near-death experiences I've had in their presence. Can horses smell fear? Then again, as the years went by, I grew to admire a small but mighty group of boot-stompin' babes: the fearless Dixie Chicks, the hilarious Dolly Parton, the style-obsessed Carrie Underwood and the bad-boy bashing Taylor Swift. Even A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow have gone a little bit country these days.

But horses gone haute? This fall, designers joined the horsey set in a big way, giving us plenty of ways to get in touch with our inner country girl, be it full-blown spur-jangling country as seen on the Isabel Marant runway or the more refined equestrian aesthetic perfected by Altuzarra, Givenchy and Herve Leger, complete with sleek riding boots, equine prints, and chic tweed blazers. Like country music, I'm loving this trend in small doses, with a cute little cowboy boot here, or a cropped riding jacket there.

So, how 'bout you? Will you hop on the horsey bandwagon this fall? Yay, or neigh? Check out my favourite country finds at Intercity Shopping Centre right now. (And be sure to look at them boots, ya hear?) 

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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.

Short Story

 

Capris have always confused me; They're not quite pants and they're not quite shorts but sort of an awkward limbo between the two. I totally get it; summers are 'freaking hot' (as my nephew would say) and in the middle of a heat wave, pants sometimes feel inappropriate. And yet, will those extra five inches of exposed skin really keep you cooler? Really?? Do you feel the breeze on your exposed shin and think, "Yes!! Thank goodness I wore capris today! My ankles feel sooo refreshed!" My husband likens capris to running a marathon and then stopping just short of the finish line, jogging through the perplexed crowd on the sidelines and making a beeline for the bar. And designers tend to agree: since they stop at the widest part of your calf, capris visually shorten your legs, spelling disaster for those impossibly leggy babe-azons, which is why you rarely (if ever) see just-below-the-knee capris on the international runways.

So, what's a girl to do in the middle of a heat wave? Stick with dresses, skirts, and lightweight pants (either full length, ankle length or slightly cropped but avoid tight capris, per favore). Still feeling hot and bothered? This year marks the triumphant return of the short and the spring runways were full of them, worn both chilled out casual and totally dressed up. My biggest inspiration (as always) is Rosie Huntington-Whitely at Coachella; Her festival look reminds me that shorts don't have to be plain, pocketed and frumpy. A printed pair, worn with a breezy white blouse totally screams summer. As for the biggest short story of the season? The short suit, as seen in innumerable designer collections this season, is now the uniform of choice for New York's chic working girls. As trends tend to do, they've filtered down from runway to real life, from big cities to small, and if you haven't already noticed them, you'll start to spy them soon. (Of course, not all offices will approve, but if you work in a more laid-back place, a short suit is the perfect way to look current and stay cool all summer long.) Pick your fave legal-length pair, commit to some nightly squats (and a bottle of St. Tropez Self-Tanner from Sephora, hallelujah!) and you're ready to rock the short. My only rule? Mind your footwear, madams. Flat sandals are always good, as are wedges or tan booties to give your legs a little lift. But please (PLEASE!) steer clear of the stiletto/short combo. It's just never good, even if you are Rosie Huntington-Whitely.

Happy Friday (and happy summer) to you!  Squeee!