Tough Love

Looks from Versace Spring 2012 (left and right), and Balmain Spring 2012 (middle). Via style.com 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Opposites, as they say, always attract.  Whether it's the unexpected mash-up of a masculine cut with an ultra-feminine twist, the fresh contrast of mixing something traditional with something modern, or the proportional beauty of pairing a fitted piece with a super voluminous partner, things always work better when there's a yin and a yang to help achieve that perfect balance.  Case in point: my husband and I, who could not possibly be more different, are somehow just what the other needs.  He's rational where I'm completely not, he's a science and business nerd and I'm a fashion geek.  I'm a little immature and he's... Okay, maybe we're more similar than I like to admit...

Always in search of that perfect contrast, designers often rely on the stud to toughen up a too-pretty look. Those little metal details provide the perfect hit of toughness to add some bitter to the sweet.  And when you think of it, couldn't most of us use a little edge? After all, we spend so much time trying to look professional, trying to impress our mother-in-law, trying to look the part (blah, blah, blah) but somewhere underneath, there's a little trouble-maker trying to get out.  I'm not talking 50 Shades of Grey trouble..(not that there's anything wrong with that...)

And yet, the stud is just tough enough.  Wear it now and all the way into the fall, anytime you feel like your look needs a little edge.  You might be surprised how fun it is to break out your inner rebel, even if only in the form of a bad-ass little bracelet...

From summery neon sandals and little white dresses that you can wear right now to studded leather finds that will see you through the fall, here are some of my top picks from White Oaks Mall.  Oh, and unlike a tattoo, this trend is 100% removeable.  Phew ;)

Valentino Spring '12 Ad Campaign - photo source: whowhatwear.com

Studded Bag, $59.95, H&M

Doreen Studded Sunglasses, $90, Guess

Shauna Studded Dress, $349, Club Monaco 

A sweet summer look gets a little edge thanks to cool studded loafers. Photo source: Zara

Studded Loafer, $80, ALDO 

Neon Studded Sandals, $14, ALDO

Bed Stu Studded Heel, $127, American Eagle Outfitters

Studded T-Strap Sandals, $24.49, ALDO

The Burberry Prorsum Fall '12 Finale, complete with studded leather gloves. 

Button Cuff with Wrap Chains and Studs, $30, Guess

Suede Peep-Toe Booties, $120, ALDO

Wrap Bracelet with Studs, $12.99, Guess

Studded Ballet Flats, $50, ALDO

Studded Leather Tote, $168, Guess

Studded Pumps, $100, ALDO 

Le Château Giveaway

Pics from the Le Château Spring 2012 Campaign - shot by the genius Max Abadian

Crepe de Chine Blouses, $59.95 each

Italian-Made Leather Wedge Sandal, $99.95

Gemstone Statement Necklace, $45 

There's a palpable buzz surrounding Le Château these days;  The clothes are suddenly a little more luxe, the offering decidedly more refined and the styling has gone to an insane new level.  On my recent trips to the store, I've scored Italian-made wedges, pretty pastel blouses, and a crazy cool statement necklace that looks like a Net-A-Porter splurge, and it seems like every time I go online, I find something else that I simply can't live without.   

Le Château has offered up a super huge prize for the last day of RLR's Treat Week with a $150 Gift Card up for grabs!  To win, leave a comment below telling me your favourite spring 2012 trend. Contest closes at midnight tonight.   A huge merci to Le Château for this sweet prize! Bisous et bonne chance! x

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Shoe La La

 

It's taken everything in me to not buy shoes today, especially since I just finished my round-up of Spring's 10 Best Splurge vs. Save Shoes for iVillage.ca.  Question:  Think these are the splurge or save versions?  Hmmm...

Happy Friday, my pretties!  xo

Pretty in Pastels

Originally posted in The LOOK

When it comes to colour, our favourite hues are a deeply personal matter.  My daughter, for example, is OBSESSED with pink..in fact she'll wear nothing else..to the point where she asked me the other day if we could rename her Pinkie-Pie - she was so not kidding. Meanwhile, my friend takes one glance at an orange sweater and a look of complete confusion crosses her face,  "Ugh," she'll say, "I just don't get why anyone would choose to wear orange."

This spring, runways were rife with vivid pastels in sorbet shades like lemon yellow, mint green, and soft bubblegum pink.  Yum!  The new pastels are a pretty departure from all the bold, vivid brights we've seen for the past few seasons and are a much less intimidating way to experiment with colour.   Love 'em or hate 'em, here are some key ways to wear pastels right:

Liven up your neutrals:  Punchy pastels contrast beautifully against whites, denims and neutral beiges & tans.  Try adding a pastel tee or sweater to your white jeans for an instant spring pick-me-up.

Go Head-to-Toe:  Top-to-toe pastels are not for the faint of heart, but look amazing when worn right.  Choose sleek silhouettes to avoid looking like a cupcake

Try Small Doses:  Take advantage of accessories to test out the trend.  A group of stacked pastel bangles or a great pastel bag will help you look totally current.

Add Spice to the Sweetness:  Nude or tan extras are super safe choices but I love how Emma Roberts unexpectedly teamed black with her mint frock.  A black leather bomber or killer black shoes add some necessary edge to all the ladylike sweetness

Le Château's Haute Holiday Campaign

  Le Château's Holiday Campaign, shot by famed photog Max Abadian

I'll admit it:  when I think of Le Château, many things come to mind, but aspirational fashion isn't exactly one of them.  Yet when I look at the pics of the model in the Canadian brand's latest campaign, I a) really, really want her hair and b) kind of want to hit up Le Château for some party wear.  And you?  If you haven't set foot in a Le Château lately, will these pics make you reconsider?

For some can't-miss tips on dressing for the holidays, don't miss my article in Metro.  It's that time of year...

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