Drop It Like It's Hot: Spring's Cutest Raingear

A pretty in pink look from Burberry Prorsum Spring '13 - photo Fairchild Photo Services

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I never thought I'd say this but, I kind of love the rain. After a long Canadian winter, all of this wet stuff can only mean one thing - that the snow has actually melted, which means that the temperatures are rising, which means that pretty soon, we'll be chilling on patios, hopping in our drop top (if we had a drop top) and hitting the beach.  Okay, maybe I'm a little ahead of myself but I can handle April rain because it's really just a precursor for what's to come. I've made a commitment to look as cute as possible this month, so I did a little shopping (when am I not doing a little shopping?) and found the prettiest raincoats and wellies in moody blacks, playful prints and primary brights. Check out my top rainy day picks here.  Ooh, you're going to look so cute jumping in those puddles...xx

Here's are a few of my faves:

Rose Trench, $249, Club Monaco

Donia Rubber Boots, $45, ALDO

Classic Stripe Long Trench, $548, Coach

Fête Accomplie: Part 2

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now that November's arrived (along with a little bit of snow and Starbucks' red cups), it's all about the holidays. Before you know it, you'll be getting invites - whether it's to your office mixer, a New Year's party, or a fun little gift exchange with your besties. There are so many reasons to celebrate in the coming months and since parties generally mean dressing up (yay!), we thought you might need a little inspiration. Here are 3 pretty looks to help get you prepped for the madness. Though dresses are always a safe bet, I love the idea of trying something new and fun, especially around the holidays, whether it's a sweater and skirt combo in chic winter white, an edgy lace blouse with rockstar accessories, or an eclectic mix of printed pants with an easy chambray shirt. The best part? You'll be able to add these pieces into your wardrobe all year 'round. Then, all you have to do is brush up on your Gangnam Style moves so you can properly hit the dance floor. Seriously.

For more pretty party looks, check out Fête Accomplie: Part 1

1. Pattern-Knit Jumper, $39.95, H&M; 2. Studded Collar Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 3. Fuzzy Mini Skirt, $39.95, H&M; 4. ALDO RISE Floral Lace-Up Platform Booties, $195, ALDO; 5. Pastel Friendship Bracelets, $12, ALDO Accessories; 6. Snow Angel Color Palette & Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, $51, Sephora

 

Dolce & Gabbana Fall '12 - photo style.com

1. Satin Pleated Clutch, $39.95, Le Château; 2. Ultimate Miracle Skirt, $35.50, Ricki's; 3. Skull Motif Ring, $9.95, H&M; 4. Mesh Boots, $59.95, H&M; 5. Mirror Lace Print Blouse, $32.90, Dynamite

A Holiday '12 look from 3.1 Phillip Lim 

1. Floral Slim-Fit Trousers, $39.95, H&M; 2. David Dixon for Town Shoes Clutch, $69.95, Town Shoes; 3. Jersey Jacket, $59.95, H&M; 4. Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 5. Glitter Nail Polish (set of 3), $10, Call It Spring; 6. Patent-Toe Pump, $67.49, ALDO

Fête Accomplie: Part 1

Beyonce in the November 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

So, I realize that you probably haven't even bought your Hallowe'en candy yet. And I know that the holiday season is probably not the first thing on your mind.  But, you have to admit, the scattered mentions of parties, presents and the chubby guy in red mean that Christmas, Kwanzaa and other merry festivities are really not that far away.  And since several friends have mentioned that their offices have already booked their holiday fêtes (crazy, I know), it means that now is a fabulous time to start pre-planning your party wardrobe.  

This season, step away from your basic little black dress and instead, think outside of the perfectly wrapped box.  White Oaks Mall is full of pretty finds sure to set you apart from the crowd at your next office party, cocktail toast, or full-out holiday bender.   Here, we share 3 chic, party-ready looks (PS - Be sure to check back next week for 3 more)

I know it's early but I'm already excited.  You? xo

Photos courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim

1. Short-Sleeved Dress, $39.95, H&M; 2. Statement Necklace, $17.95, H&M; 3. Icon Sunglasses, $16,American Eagle Outfitters; 4. Striped Top, $19.95, H&M; 5. Laser-Cut Clutch, $40, ALDO Accessories; 6. Red Suede Pump, $69.98, ALDO

1. Pinstripe Trousers, $69.50, Gap; 2. Statement Choker, $24.95, H&M; 3. Leather Bomber, $349, Danier; 4. Stretch Cami, 2 for $26, Smart Set; 5. Mimi Bow Belt, $59.50, Club Monaco; 6. Schutz Eunice T-Straps, Club Monaco; 7. Gemstone Flapover Clutch, $69.95, Le Château

1. Red Carpet Collection Clutch, $89.95, Town Shoes; 2. Red Peplum Dress, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Erickson Beamon Earrings, $149.50, Club Monaco; 4. Calvin Klein for Town Shoes Strappy Heels, $170, Town Shoes; 5. Sephora by O.P.I Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips, $14, Sephora

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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Splurge vs. Save: Fall Shoes

Once mid-August hits, we’re hit with the realization that dum-dum-duuuum, fall is just around the corner. What better way to drown your end-of-summer sorrows than with a new pair of shoes?  These sinfully gorgeous kicks, from fun loafers to colourful suede booties to knee-high tasseled boots will help you strut happily into the new season. And, with splurge vs. save options for each, they won’t even trip up your budget. For the full fall list of well-heeled finds, check out my gallery this week at iVillage.ca.