10 Ways to Get Your Glitter On

Photo courtesy RW&CO.

Though I've spent most of my week in a Kit-Kat-induced candy coma, I'm now ready to face November, full steam ahead.  It's amazing how the end of Hallowe'en always marks a seismic shift of focus;  where we turn our attention away from costumes and candy and suddenly start to think about the holidays.  It might be almost 2 full months away but it's always amazing how quickly the season arrives.  I've already gotten 3 holiday-related emails about everything from gift exchanges to shopping trips to Christmas wish lists for my kids.  And though I haven't received a party invite quite yet, I know that that's just around the bend, too.  

If it's acceptable to embrace sequins and shine in any season, this is it.  And though you might not fancy yourself a 'sparkly' kind of girl, there are so many ways to get your glitter on.  Read on for 10 chic ways to do it without looking like a Vegas showgirl (heaven forbid):

1. ADD BLING WITH A RING

Sometimes, all it takes is just a little sparkle, be it a ring, necklace or earrings to define a look.  'Tis the season to have fun so try something you wouldn't normally wear (ie. go bigger/bolder/shinier than usual). PS - Don't be afraid to wear sparkly extras in the day - it's way less expected and therefore, so much more interesting, than just busting them out at night.

Jewel-Encrusted Bow Ring, $15, ALDO

2.  BE A DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS

For a holiday fête, it's nice to stand out from a crowd of little black dresses.  Go for the gold with a blouson top dress.  This dress has a chic, sleek silhouette which lets the sparkly detail speak for itself.

Sequin Blouson Cocktail Dress, $240, Le Château

3.  GET NOSTALGIC

This season makes us all a little nostalgic for the good old days.  Channel 1920's Gatsby-era glam with this black and silver cobweb embellished stunner, then finish it off with t-strap heels and a cute clutch to look like Daisy Buchanan and her well-heeled friends.

Beaded Chiffon Cocktail Dress, $169.95, Le Château

4.  BLAZE THE TRAIL

Sure, you could ward off the chill with your standby black or navy blazer but really, isn't it time to shake things up a bit.  This blazer is guaranteed (seriously) to invite envious stares and endless streams of, "Where did you get that?"  Since this piece is such a high-fashion standout, keep the rest of your outfit streamlined and simple.  Try it with all white underneath (see pic at top), taiored black trousers, or even a white cami, pale distressed jeans and pointy-toed pumps. Love! 

Metallic Sequined Blazer, $150, RW&CO. (in stores mid-November)

5.  SPARKLE SOFTLY

This ultra-feminine t-shirt dress is a subtle stunner.  The pale pink and relaxed silhouette provide a perfect contrast to the sparkly detailing.  Wear this with a camel or off-white coat to look like a total goddess.

Pastel Sequined Mini Dress, $98, RW&CO. (in stores now)

6. LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR

This one-shoulder maxi dress is a figure-flattering genius;  its well-placed pleats and gathers brilliantly conceal your tummy while the sparkly detail at the shoulder draws all of the attention up to your face.  

One-Shoulder Draped Gown, $139.99, Laura

7. COLLAR-ME, MAYBE?

In case you haven't heard, the Peter Pan collar necklace is the It piece of the season.  Wear it over any simple knit to add instant shine to an otherwise basic outfit.  The open rose design on this particular version is perfectly pretty (and blissfully inexpensive) for a fun holiday cocktail party. 

Peter Pan Necklace, $16.50, Bootlegger

8. SKIRT THE ISSUE

If you love your legs and can't wait to show them off, nothing beats a sequined mini.  I love the unexpected combo of a sparkly mini with a great chunky knit and refined, ladylike pumps.  If you can't bear the thought of going bare-legged in the cold, pair the mini with opaque black tights and an oversized grey sweater and pumps for a party or booties for a more casual look.

Sequined Mini, $68, RW&CO. (in stores this week)

9. YOU GLOW, GIRL

This limited-edition spritz-on highlighter is a must for party season. The smart atomiser releases a fine shimmery powder to highlight the face, body and hair so you'll glow from head to toe.

The Sparkler All Over Shimmer in Enchanting Gold, $24, The Body Shop

10. GET A LEG UP

Looking for a way to reinvent last year's little black dress?  These stunning ankle-wrap sandals are your holiday 2012 answer.  What makes them such a brilliant buy?  The mixed metallic bands at the top means you'll be able to pair these with your silver and gold accessories all season long. 

Suede Ankle-Wrap Pumps, $110, ALDO

Wrap Stars

Originally posted in The LOOK

If you've ever had the chance to visit Paris, you'll understand the importance that French women place on their accessories. They might be wearing a pair of 10 yr.old distressed jeans and a $20 sweater from the local Monoprix but on their pieds are beautiful flats, on their yeux, a chic pair of designer shades, and on their bras, an expert edit of good jewels. Though each accessory plays an important role, none is quite so crucial to a woman's je-ne-sais-quoi as the scarf. And unlike most Canadians, a Parisienne never just throws on a scarf as an afterthought, allowing it to hang weak and limp around their well-moisturized cou. Oh non - the foulard must be given a starring role, with great attention to detail and a certain, practised flick of the wrist so that in the end, it looks as though you just grabbed it last-minute while running out of your pied-à-terre. Parisian insouciance, as it turns out, is anything but.

Not to fret though, if you have absolutely no clue how to tie a scarf. If you haven't already seen it, check out the brilliant viral video above for 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes. Then perfect your technique with one of these pretty scarves from Bootlegger, Sears, Bluenotes, Garage, ALDO, Ricki's, Le Château, Northern Reflections, Aeropostale, Danier, American Eagle and Ardene. (Or just pick up a cozy infinity scarf and be done with it) Bisous, mes belles! x

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Ice, Ice, Baby

An editrix loads up on accessories at the Milan S/S 2013 shows - photo via show & tell me

Originally posted in The LOOK

As Rachel Zoe says, "An outfit is nothing without accessories. I don't get dressed without them!"  Let's analyze that. So, if Rachel Zoe were to be believed, then if someone took all of her accessories away while she was sleeping (ie. a burglar or perhaps a wily raccoon) the next day would be a total write-off.  I mean, she would rather go naked, stay in bed all day, and call off every meeting if she didn't have the earrings, the shades, the sparkle to help her get on with her day.  Call them the finishing touches, the icing on the cake or the Michelle to your Obama, but no good outfit is ever really complete without rockin' accessories.  And though I will get dressed without them, I'd rather not.  I mean, seriously, where's the fun in that?

Now comes the tricky part.  How do you ice yourself without looking like a Vegas showgirl?  Simply follow these tips for accessory nirvana:

• MATCH YOUR MOOD: Instead of trying to match colours, choose pieces that reflect the mood or tone of your look.  So, try a chunky heel with an oversized bag, or a refined pair of python gloves with pointy-toed pumps.
• OPPOSITES ATTRACT: On the other hand, you can play with opposites to either tone down or edge up a look.  Want to take some of the too-too sweetness out of a floral dress?   Edge it up with a wide statement belt or studded pumps.
• MAKE A STATEMENT: Love your eyes?  Use earrings or a statement necklace to draw attention to your face (and conversely, away from hips, a tummy or any areas you want to minimize).  
• PICK & CHOOSE Did that necklace come with a cute pair of matching earrings?  The general rule is that if you've got a great statement necklace, keep your lobes bare.  Amazing chandelier earrings? Leave the necklace at home.  How about a busy neckline on a sweater or dress?  Try wearing a great stack of bracelets or oversized ring instead of a necklace or earrings.  So many women feel the need to wear a bracelet, necklace, earrings & a belt and the message gets completely lost in the process.   Choose 2 (max) and load up.
• BIGGER IS (usually) BETTER Go big or go home. Instead of a single bangle or bracelet, mix and match to your heart's content for major impact.  
• ADD SHINE  Metallics always add interest to your outfit and a little goes a long way.  If your outfit has yellow undertones, try gold jewels (real or costume..I won't judge) to enhance your look, even if you're not a 'gold person'.  You'll be amazed by how quickly you'll convert. With grey undertones, go for silver pieces to add shine. 

Check out some of my fav new fall accessories for work, after-dark and the weekend.  Speaking of which...Happy Friday!  Time to play! x

(Accessories from American Eagle, ALDO, Ardene, Le Château, Vivah) 

 

PS - Made for toiletries, but makes a great holder for your rings, bracelets & earrings.  Danielle Acrylic Organizer, $16.99, Sears

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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