Dress Slim for Spring

  

We've all been there (or at least I like to think so...) Whether you're a curvy girl for good or just can't seem to shake those last stubborn 10 pounds, there's an easy way to lose the weight. It's all about a little wardrobe trickery, ladies.  I mean, if A-listers can benefit from these stylist tricks, why shouldn't you? Read on for my 10 favourite slim-down essentials to get in fighting form for spring (no treadmills required). And speaking of celebs, check back next week for our Oscar run-down with my fave looks from the red carpet.  Will Adele be back in black? Will Julianne Moore wear Tom Ford again? Will Brangelina continue to look even more old/creepy/anorexic? They should have bookies for this. x

Why It Works: A structured blazer works wonders at lending polish, form and flattery to a rounder-than-you'd like bod. Sharp shoulders instantly make your waist and hips appear smaller while the deep-V lapel gives the illusion of a long and lean physique. Meanwhile, the single-breasted, one-button style minimizes a larger bust, which will make you appear smaller overall. Win. Win. Win.

Try: One-Button Blazer, RW&CO.

Why It Works: Like a fish to a lure, our eyes are drawn to shiny things. A big, statement necklace will draw the eye upward, putting the focus on your fabulous face. If this necklace is too OTT for you, the accessory stores are loaded with other silver and gold stunners sure to suit your fancy but whatever you pick, I dare you to go for something sparkly, shiny and fabulous, even if it's outside of your comfort zone.

Try: Eagle Necklace, $18, ALDO

 

Why It Works: Far too many of us are bouncing around with a poorly-fitted bra. I can't stress this enough - go and get thee a bra fitting. Invest in a bra that lifts you up, fills you out, or diminishes, depending on how well-endowed you might be. If your girls are in place, your shirts will hang so much better and yes, you will look thinner. Pinky swear.

Try: Vanity Fair Full Coverage Contour Bra, $20, Sears

 

Why It Works: In the middle of a late winter deep-freeze, sweaters are a stay-cozy essential. But when it comes to figure flattery, not all knits are created equal. If you want to look slim, avoid chunky knits and too-tight sweaters and instead, opt for lightweight knits with flattering ruching, forgiving dolman sleeves and a drapey but not overly sloppy fit. Again, if you want to minimize your bust, choose v-necks over crew necks.

Try: Dolman Sleeve Pullover, $39.50, Ricki's

 

Why It Works: Colour-blocking, when done correctly, can work wonders at highlighting your best features while downplaying others. Here's the general rule: dark colours conceal while light/bright colours highlight. I'd wear this blouse to work with dark navy pants or with dark denim on indulgent weekends to give my thighs a day off.

Try: Colour-Block Blouse, RW&CO.

Why It Works: A wide belt worn out of the belt loops will immediately make you look more pulled together and give you shape. Wear it to cinch your waist over a billowy sweater, a drapey dress or even to define the waist of your winter/spring coat. If you're going to wear a wide belt, leave the necklace at home and instead, opt for a statement cuff or cocktail ring.

Try: Wide Suede Belt, $20, Le Château

Why It Works: The peplum trend is a frightening proposition for some but is actually surprisingly figure-friendly (for real!). If you've got a tummy, pick up a white peplum top (or one with a small print) and pair it with dark tailored pants or a high-waisted pencil skirt - you'll love the way the silhouette whittles your waist while flowing over your belly. If your arms aren't quite up to Michelle Obama snuff, layer up with a slightly cropped tailored jacket.

Try: Lace Peplum Hem Top, $60, Le Château

 

Why It Works: If you want to look fit, it really helps to look polished. Well-groomed hair and eyebrows, polished nails and crease-free clothing all somehow help the cause. Well, same goes for your bag - pick a structured, polished tote (try something top-handled) and you'll actually look slimmer. If you're tall, you can get away with a larger handbag while sweet petites should choose a smaller, structured bag that won't overwhelm their frame. Easy, peasy!

Try: Leather Bucket Tote, $99, Danier

 

Why They Work: We know, we know - you love your skinnies, right? Everybody's wearing them and your jeggings, leggings and skinny jeans have become such an integral part of your day-to-day. We won't tell you to give them up but if you want your bottom half to look slimmer, nothing beats straight leg or bootcut styles. The slightly flared leg instantly balances out proportions, making your hips and bum look smaller. One key tip: be sure to wear your bootcuts with heels (try the new chunky heels if you can't handle wobbly stilettos) for the most flattering effect.

Try: The Miracle Pant in Navy, $54.50, Ricki's

 

 

Why They Work: Pointy-toe pumps are all the rage for spring but they're also a great trick to looking slimmer - they lift you up, make legs look longer, and the pointy toe/narrow heel combo extends the narrow look of your calves, especially with skirts and dresses. (PS - If you want to make your gams look extra long, opt for a neutral heel) Any excuse to buy new shoes, right?

Try: ATTITUDE JAY MANUEL Cap-Toe Pump, $59.99, Sears

Originally posted in The LOOK

Friends with Benefits

Greta Constantine SKIN images courtesy: Danier

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Everybody loves a good designer collab, allowing those of us who  a) don't live in a big city or b) don't have an unlimited budget, to gain access to some of the world's top designers.  This season, there are plenty of ways to do just that with a slew of covetable capsule collections.  Here, some of our current faves....

The Store: Danier

Friends w Benefits: Greta Constantine & Philip Sparks

Collab Deets: Danier's ever-impressive list of designer collabs continues this Fall, with new capsule collections from Canadian designers Philip Sparks and Greta Constantine SKIN, as well as the release of Meagan Johnston's DANIER DESIGN CHALLENGE winning jacket (recognize any of this year's judges?)  Each collection reimagines leather in beautiful ways - from Greta Constantine's sexy, modern take to Sparks' decidedly nostalgic flair.

Available: Greta Constantine SKIN items are available now at danier.com with Philip Sparks for Danier to be released later this fall.

The Store: ALDO

Friends with Benefits:  FLARE Magazine‘s fashion director, Liz Cabral

Collab Deets:   Liz Cabral has teamed up with ALDO Shoes a second time for Fall 2012.  The editor, internationally admired for her flawless taste, has designed 2 pairs of covetable shoes for fall; an oxblood colour-blocked shootie ($155) and a lace stiletto bootie ($175, not pictured) as well as a roomy faux croc bag in red or blue ($70). 

Available: In select ALDO stores now, online later this month

The Store: ALDO

Friends with Benefits: Preen & Patrik Ervell for ALDO RISE

Collab Deets: ALDO RISE, ALDO’s fashion week collaborations program, gives designers the chance to create and showcase the footwear they envision for their collections at accessible price-points.  For London-based design duo Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi of Preen, the current crop of shoes is reminiscent of an English Garden, featuring striking butterfly and botanical prints in lush suede and rich leather perched atop a skyscraper heel.  Meanwhile, Patrik Ervell combines various materials such as classic leather with utilitarian rubber soles and technical fabrics like nylon to create functional/fabulous footwear for both men & women. The ALDO RISE collection retails between $180 - $190.

Available: Now at select ALDO locations and online at aldoshoes.com

The Store: ALDO (again..I know)

Friends with Benefits: Manhattan's ultra-chic shop, WARM Boutique

Collab Deets: Taking a cue from The Shops at Target, The ALDO BOUTIQUE is a new collaboration program that seeks to discover great partnerships amongst ALDO's global network of talented tastemakers (think artists, musicians, architects etc.).  Winnie Beattie and Rob Magnotta of WARM worked alongside ALDO's in-house designers to design a plush suede bootie for all seasons, available in taupe, camel & black ($125).  Says Beattie, “I love this style because it can be worn with a runway dress as much as it can be thrown on after a surf on a cool day at the beach. It is cool, casual, and reminds me of something a girl from the Marais would wear if she was on her way to Biarritz for the weekend."

Available: At select ALDO stores and online at www.aldoshoes.com 

The Store: People's Jewellers

Friends with Benefits: Vera Wang

Collab Deets: For Vera Wang, simple, classic, elegant designs come naturally. The designer, best known for her luxurious bridal frocks, has created an extensive diamond ring collection, Vera Wang LOVE, available at People's, a next-to-foolproof way to thrill any girlfriend, wife or bride-to-be.  The collection launched last year but it's worth a shout-out because sometimes, if you mention it enough, somebody (nudge, nudge) might get the hint.

Available: NOW, at People's Jewellers :)

Jay Manuel with his signature silver-fox smize

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Long Sleeve Peplum Top, $25, Sears

The Store: Sears

Friends with Benefits: Jay Manuel of ANTM Fame

Collab Deets: A few years back, silver fox Jay Manuel was appointed Creative Director of ATTITUDE Jay Manuel, Sears Canada's private label collection, which includes current, cool and (since it's Sears) blissfully affordable women's apparel, shoes, and accessories.  This season's collection was inspired by the best of Britain - imagine colour-blocked cobalt blue and poppy red, plus studded Peter Pan collars and of-the-moment peplum accents.  

Available: Now at Sears or online at sears.ca

LINE Knitwear x Roots Maple Intarsia Crew, $128, Roots

Preloved x Roots Mitts, $25

The Store: Roots

Friends with Benefits: LINE Knitwear and Preloved

Collab Deets: Roots always chooses the most interesting partnerships and this year, the collabs are especially cozy.   Haute label LINE Knitwear is a go-to for celebs like Jennifer Garner, Kate Bosworth and Taylor Swift. The LINE Knitwear x Roots collection features iconic Canadian prints (beavers? check. maples leaves? ditto.) worked into cozy-luxe sweaters at an accessible price ($128 for a sweater).  Next up? Preloved, a Canadian design co. that cleverly reworks vintage sweaters and fabric into pretty new pieces like cozy toggle scarves, and homepun-looking mittens. Devotees of the brand include Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson and Kirsten Dunst.  Oh, and yours truly.  Does that count?

Available: LINE Knitwear pieces available now at Roots and roots.com. Preloved in stores mid-October.

The pretty, party-ready MARTIN LIM for Reitmans collection

The Store: Reitmans

Friends with Benefits: Danielle Martin and Pao Lim of Martin Lim

Collab Deets: Partners in both love and business, Danielle Martin and Pao Lim, founded their label, MARTIN LIM, in 2010.  Ever since, the fashion industry and customers alike have fallen for their sleek, sophisticated designs.  The just-revealed MARTIN LIM for Reitmans capsule collection comprises 10 gorgeous dresses in regular, petite and plus-sizes, perfect for dancing your way through the upcoming party season.  I'm most excited about the plus-size body-con dresses - such a welcome (and flattering!) change for curvy girls.  Oh, and the video above? A hilarious must-see.

Available:  Online Nov 1st at reitmans.com.  In select Reitmans stores Nov 2nd. 

Frye for Coach Fur Lined Engineer Boot, $398, Coach

PS - Couldn't include this one in my article for New Sudbury Centre but worth a mention:

The Store: Coach

Friends with Benefits: The Frye Company

Collab Deets: Founded nearly 150 years ago in Marlboro, Massachusetts, Frye has made boots worn by pioneers, cowboys and style icons.   Frye now makes the coolest and most coveted boots in the world with their authentic styles and perfectly worn-looking leathers. For the Frye for Coach collab, Frye updated its famous Campus Boot and Engineer Boot, among others.

Available:  Now at Coach stores nationwide and coach.com

Jay Manuel: Like Butter, Only Smoother

Chillin' with Jay Manuel, at the after-party for his ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Spring 2012 Collection show.  Photo by:  Some random lady that caught my camera.

At last night's after-party for the Jay Manuel show, I was a total stalker.  I hung out by the press section, hoping to get a closer look at the famous Mr. Jay.  I took some pics from afar, watching him flirt his way through the media outlets, hearing from others about his perfect skin, his perfect teeth, and his perfectly pressed suit.  Finally, when the timing was right, I seized the opportunity, calling out "Jay! Jay!  Can I get a picture, please?!"  Shameless?  Totally.  Am I happy I did it?  Ab-so-lutely.  He told me he liked my red coat, smized a big Jay Manuel smize, and then he was gone, in a camera flash. 

Pics from the show up next...