Totally Shady

Brilliant shades of blue, bordeaux and bright mustard from Nanette Lepore Fall 2012

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

It's funny but every fall I do the exact same thing. Sometime right around now, when the mornings are just starting to feel crisp and the leaves are gradually leaving the trees (is that why they call them leaves?), I find myself doing the fall change-up. I'll pack away all of my bright summer dresses, skirts & tees and shove them into an empty closet in our guest room. The more I pack, the darker my closet gets as yellow, pink and orange make way for loads of grey sweaters and black pants. Um, depressing much?

There's absolutely no reason (especially now!) to live in a black hole for 6 months of the year. I've slowly been building up my colour arsenal and this year, I'm happy to report that my fall/winter wardrobe is equally as exciting as my spring & summer stuff. I can't tell you how much more inspiring it is, especially on a cold, grey day, to have shades of rich yellow, bright reds and deep greens to get me going in the morning. This season, I'm obsessed with bordeaux and mustard and can't wait to work them into my look (see below for cool new ways to wear them).

Since I've been on a bright binge for a few years now, I'm actually equally stoked about the black on black trend for fall - great news for colour-phobes, and perfect for those days when you need a colour detox. The key to keeping it interesting? Try mixing and matching loads of textures - pair a great chunky knit with a pair of leather leggings, shiny patent black boots and a bright red lip. Or, pair your black with either deep navy or bright cobalt blue for a dose of Parisian chic.

Happy Friday!  Is it bad that all I want to do this weekend is shop? x

TRY: BLACK & BLUE

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Peplum Top, $24.88, Sears 

TRY: MUSTARD & TAUPE

Floral Crepe Pencil Skirt - Petites, $64, Cleo

TRY: BLACK ON BLACK 

Mallia for Danier Wool & Cashmere Coat with Leather Piping, $749, Danier

TRY: BORDEAUX & PINK

Bar Stripe Cardigan, $15, Aeropostale

To Have and to Hold

Oversized totes are huge (literally) for fall. Photo courtesy Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When the government issued a plastic bag tax last year, I was relieved. I knew that the 5 cent charge was a little step in the right direction for our environment, slowly training us to be eco-aware. And yet, I have to admit, my relief was also aesthetically motivated. I mean, a plastic bag can wreak serious havoc on a great outfit. You could be wearing a Giambattista Valli frock with rockstar Louboutins but carry a plastic bag and you might as well be wearing jogging pants.

A great bag, as it turns out, is as essential as wearing pants. Instead of being an afterthought, a beautiful bag should be at the top of your priority list when getting dressed since great shoes and a good bag can make even jeans and a tee look spectacular. And the great news? The right bag doesn't have to be a Mulberry or Marc Jacobs. And it certainly doesn't have to be splattered with overt logos, be they Gucci G's or Coach C's. Instead, look for a beautiful silhouette, a colour that makes you happy, and a design that makes practical sense for your life. Choose right, and your bag will be something to have (and to hold), from this day forward, forever and ever (or at least for the next 3 years), Amen.

Want to look current for fall? Here are some of the top trends we saw on the runways this season:

1) Black Bags - After so many seasons lying low, black bags are back in a big way. Bonus: they're classic, weighty and go with everything.

2) The Top-Handled Bag - Ladylike and practical, these totes meld form with function. The Doctor's Bag is particularly hot for 2012.

3) Spicy Colours - Look for shades of turmeric yellow, saffron orange, and rich cayenne to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe this fall. Rich shades of bordeaux are also having a major moment this season.

4) Overt Embellishment - Bags loaded with embellishments, from studs, to fringe, to beading, to fur, are unapologetically busy and add dimension to any outfit.

5) Metallics - Shades of metallics, but particularly gold with black clutches or chain-handled bags, are perfect for busting out after dark.

6) Oversized Everything- This fall, the bigger the bag, the better. Look for massive silhouettes, from totes to oversized envelope clutches to hold all your stuff, with room to spare

7) Jewel Tones - Rich purple, emerald green and ruby red will go beautifully with all the jewel-toned separates hanging from the racks this fall.

Ready for a brand new bag? Click on the thumbnails below for 30 chic beauties from White Oaks Mall you might want to carry home this fall (Bags from Town Shoes, ALDO, Le Château, Roots, Danier, Coach, Club Monaco and Smart Set)

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True North, Strong & Fab

Canada: An Infographic, by Kirstin Hallett

MILCK Clutch, $196, thecode.ca

Oh Canada Tea Towel, $26, Roots

Suede Bootie, $100, ALDO

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

We're pretty lucky to live where we do. Sure, we've got unpredictable weather, from our breathtaking cold-snaps in the winter to our sweltering heat waves in the summer. We've got pesky black flies and longer-than-average wait-times and sometimes, our politicians can't quite make up their minds.  Yet this gorgeous country allows us to raise our kids in safety, with its good schools and relatively good healthcare system.  Add to the mix our Timbits (yum), poutine (double yum), maple syrup (I'll spare you the agony...), hockey games, CBC and of course, Justin Bieber, and there's really nowhere in the world I'd rather be.  This weekend, we'll bust out the red and white, crack open a few cold ones and shoot fireworks into the sky. We'll eat strawberry cake, splash around in our lovely lakes and generally just get out (and aboot) to soak up our beautiful outdoors. Though Canadiana kitsch is a lot less rampant (and a lot less loud) than that of our neighbours to the south, it doesn't mean we can't show our pride this Canada Day.  These fun and stylish finds will help you do just that, whether you buy them for yourself or give them as a gift to your Canada Day hosts.  Great idea, eh? For more Canadiana gems, read on...

Ohhh Canadaaa

Birthday parties are always fun, but Canada Day brings it to an entirely new level. As we approach our country’s 145th birthday, we prepare to honour our true north, strong and free with barbeques, beer (a local microbrew, of course), and a round of light-up-the-sky fireworks.

Whether you’re heading to our nation’s capital to party with thousands, or are keeping it tight with friends and family in your very own backyard, these finds will help you wear Canada from head to toe. They might not scream red & white loud, but these two looks are a subtle way to show that you’re proud.

For the full story (and where to score these great Canadian finds from La Canadienne, Matt & Nat, Joe Fresh and more), check out my story this week at iVillage.ca.

Roots Giveaway

Best cottage hostess gift EVER.  The Roots Hand-Embroidered Canada Pillow ($245)

A pic from the Roots Spring 2012 Campaign - photo courtesy Roots

My most recent Roots obsession - the Selina Italian Leather Box Bag ($239.99)  I wear it every day (did you know it's pink inside? sigh...)

I can always count on Roots for a hit of pure Canadiana, with its cozy sweaters, easy lounge wear, sumptuous leather handbags and nostalgic finds (Beaver Canoe, anyone?).  With the influx of American chains storming our retail scene, I love to see that Roots is constantly growing, evolving and, like a fine VQA, just keeps getting better with age.  

It's the last day of RLR's Treat Week and to celebrate, we're giving away a $50 Gift Card to Roots.  To win, leave a comment below telling me your what you love most about Canada.  (Maple syrup? Hockey? Justin Bieber?) Contest ends at 5 pm today.  Good luck to every Canuck! x