KICK IT: Your Fall '14 Shoe Report

Photo courtesy ALDO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You can always count on shoes to make the transition from warm to cold so much easier to bear. Talk to any woman about parkas, mitts and hats and her eyes instantly glaze over. But mention an amazing pair of fall boots you found and suddenly, this whole fall thing doesn't look so bad after all.

There's been a seismic sartorial shift in the shoe world this year. While we'll probably always lust after Carrie Bradshaw's infamous closetful of heels (and there are loads of pretty heels in stores for fall - see below) it's the more low-key footwear that has every editor and blogger really psyched. From flat over-the-knee boots and chunky-heeled booties to the new wear-with-everything sneakers and boy-meets-girl flats, comfort is key for fall; luckily, the new comfortable is anything but boring. This season, look for holographic finishes, cool textures, edgy zippers and playful prints to take your shoe closet (or shoe section of your closet) to the next level. And always remember this mantra when out shopping - it's never (repeat, never) about 'needs' when it comes to shoes.

Happy shoe shopping! This fall's going to be extra fun...

SEE MY FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

WORK IT 101: The New 9-to-5

A dress from the upcoming movie, 'After the Ball' designed by Le Château.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Getting dressed for work every morning can be a real bore. If your old dress pants, suits and skirts just make you want to hit the snooze button, we've got a serious sartorial wake-up for you: dressing for 9-to-5 doesn't have to suck. We've rounded up the prettiest promotion-worthy pieces in stores for fall, chic enough to work outside of work, but profesh enough to seriously impress your boss. Boardroom babedom, here we come... 

READ MORE... 

CHEAP THRILLS: See the Sexy New Joseph Altuzarra for Target Collection

Photos courtesy Target.

Originally posted in The LOOK.

With the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey flick on the horizon (you've seen the steamy trailer, right?), I've noticed a return to unapologetically sexy dressing. With stretched schedules and everyday stresses putting constant pressure on us all,  a little bit of lace here and a sexy stiletto there can work miracles at making you feel like a natural woman (woma-a-an). 

Target's newest designer collab with Parisian label Altuzarra takes seductive dressing to the next level with a limited-edition collection of women’s apparel, accessories and shoes for fall. At only 31, Joseph Altuzarra has quickly become one of fashion's youngest, most respected designers, winning a slew of international prizes including the 2014 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award.

“One of the guiding principles of Altuzarra is that fashion can be transformative, changing not just the way you look, but also the way you feel," says Altuzarra.

So, apparently this collection is designed to transform you into a vixen with its tailored suits (your 9-to-5 will never be the same), flowy dresses and sexy heels for the modern, feminine, confident woman. As for this modern woman? I've got my bedroom eyes trained on the Romanian swiss-dot black maxi, the cropped faux fur jacket (insane!), the tailored blazers, and those crazy sexy over-the-knee boots. Va-va-voom, non? To add to the temptation, the collection ranges from only $18.99 to $89.99, making this one of the most affordable Target designer collabs to date. Yes, yes, yes!

Mark your calendars, ladies: Joseph Altuzarra for Target launches September 14^th at mostTarget stores across Canada with a select assortment also available on NET-A-PORTER.com.  

Take a peek at the entire Joseph Altuzarra for Target collection below. I know, I'm such a tease...

READ MORE...

GIRL POWER: 3 New Ways to Wear Lace

A model on the Burberry Prorsum Spring '14 runway. Photo via Fairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You know how you wake up some mornings and are like, 'Oh. Em. Gee. I have NOTHING to wear. Like, literally nothing. Grrrr.' In front of you is a closet bursting with stuff but at this point in the summer, you might be seriously done with all of it. Like you could just dump the entire contents in the Goodwill bin and then you'd actually have nothing to wear but that would be better than those hangers upon hangers of soul-sucking sartorial nothingness. Fret not, fashion mavens, don't let your lack of killer outfits bum you out this summer. Of course, you can find loads of inspiration in my previous posts. But here's one more for you: how about a fabric revisit?

Let's talk about lace, babies. The fabric, oft-maligned for either being too overtly sexy or too grandma's doilies-esque has enjoyed a seriously fun shake-up for summer thanks to designers like Chloé, Peter Pilotto and Elie Saab. The key, whether you're going for sexy or sweet, is to not take lace too seriously. No matter how you style it, lace is meant to be played with. For work, try mixing up a bunch of pastels (google Burberry Prorsum Spring '14 for inspo.) For date night or a big fancy fête, black lace is fail-proof sexy but not when worn with big tacky satin plaforms. Keep your footwear sleek and always add an element of fun - either a pair of bright playful earrings or a bold statement watch. And for the weekend, channel Osheaga style with a sweet lace tunic, distressed denim and neon accents to look like a festival veteran.

Scroll down for 3 new ways to wear lace right now to help instantly shake up your summer look...

READ MORE...

WIN IT! A Sneak Peek at RW&CO's Stunning Fall Campaign + Giveaway

All pics courtesy RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I don't want to rush your summer - I mean, I know that it just arrived a few weeks ago. But I just have to share the stunning RW&CO. fall campaign and lookbook with you. I haven't been this excited about a Canadian brand makeover in a looong time. RW&CO. is moving towards a sophisticated yet decidedly edgier look for fall with a very Montréalaise vibe. The campaign pics capture real-life pair, Francisco Lachowski and Jessiann Gravel Beland (how cute are they?!) wearing a collection that will make any street-style lover swoon. It's all totally wearable for our Canadian weather but I'm super impressed by the thoughtful little details, too; fur-trimmed coats with faux-leather trim, wool wide-brimmed and baseball hats that I can't wait to put on, and the prettiest cable-knit sweaters, perfect for cozying up on a cold day. Sorry...won't go there again...

See all of the stunning pics from the RW&CO. fall campaign and lookbook, then be sure to enter our exclusive contest below.

GOOD LUCK and happy Friday! #yay

SEE THE FULL ARTICLE AND ENTER CONTEST HERE...