Friday, August 28, 2009

Out with the Old, In with the Fashion New Year!

I don't know about you, but I've always felt like the true start of the new year is September. The change in the air, that back-to-school feeling I can't ever seem to shake, and of course, the THICKEST fashion magazine issues of the year! If nothing else, September is the start of the new year in the fashion world and that, in and of itself, is thrilling for me! Just as in Spring, the start of the Fashion New Year is a great time to take stock of your closet's contents. Do they fit your lifestyle? Do they suit your needs? Do they fit, flatter and make you happy? How long have you had them? (hint: generally 5 years or more for every day clothes is too long!) Even though styles may come back, they will always come back with a difference (wait until my entry on the New New Wave trend...)! This week I had the pleasure of being featured in an article 'Simple Expert Advice for Reinvigorating Your Closet' on MSN/Sympatico's Shopping Cart Confidential Blog with writer Jackie Burns. In it I provided tips and thought starters on how to master an unruly closet of clothes and make sure that it works for you. Hope it helps provide a bit of 'new year' inspiration! Happy Cleaning and a Very Happy Fashion New Year!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Ukrainian Fashion Hits the Canadian Landscape

I often have the opportunity to check out new fashion and accessories collections few have been as exciting or varied as new addition ASL (Age, Sex, Location) from Ukraine. I had the opportunity to view their F/W 09-10 collection at a show put on at Ultra Supper Club. While on a recent visit to Europe, two Canadian sisters, Lucy Tregubenko and Alexandra Nikitchina came across the gorgeous Ready-to-Wear, that their gut told them would be a perfect addition to the Canadian fashionscape.

The line exclusively uses Italian fabrics (from the likes of Valentino)and designs range from subdued to extreme, all sharing a great attention to detail. Not for the faint of heart, many in the line are special occasion pieces with an overall 'Euro-Chic meets Bombshell' feel - don't you just feel like a young Catherine Denueve or Jane Birkin could show up at any minute?

Saturday, August 8, 2009

The August Melt

Well we've been waiting for the summer weather to arrive and just when you thought it wouldn't, here it is in spades!

I've had loads of feedback from my Ladies who have been test-running sweat proof products, and you can bet these are not only effective, but will also suit the glamour needs of the stylishly active.

These are the bare minimum are for a super low-maintenance look. Think pool party, weekends at the cottage, or activities at the beach or harbour. Here are some of the products that came in tops:

Anti-Perspirant
Winner: Arrid Extra-Dry Unscented Roll-On. Takes a bit of time to dry, but when it does you'll be fresh and dry all day long!

Runner-up: Secret Clinical Strength/Waterproof deodorant. While it costs about $10 a pop, it gets rave reviews from my Ladies who run around the park and run around the city.

Facial Sunscreen
Winner: Dermalogica Pure Light SPF 30 contains chemical-free sunscreens, peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid protect from UV rays, moisturize and brighten the skin, reduce fine lines and protect from free radicals.

Runner-up: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. Contains broad spectrum UV protection to protect against free radicals in a non-comedogenic, non-greasy formula. Goes on matte and, while moisturizing, doesn't let make-up slide off.

Daily Sunscreen
Hands-down Winner: Coppertone-Sport Continuous Spray in SPF 15, 30, and 60. You can spray your shoulders and back before heading out on a run. As a bonus: it gives you a nice glowy sheen! Guys, this is also especially great for you - the spray gets right to your skin.

Mascara
Winner: Benefit BADGal Waterproof Mascara. If you love the original you won't get over the waterproof version! It does take some serious make-up remover at the end of the day for this one, but it is so waterproof you will still have lovely lashes after working out and swimming laps.

Runner-up: Imju Fiberwig Mascara. This one's been a bit harder to come by, but thanks to Sephora we can all get the top selling brand in Japan! It coats the lashes building a long and feathery look that stays put, but comes off easily in tubes when you apply remover.

Have you got other favourites? Let us know what they are!