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?
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!
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!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Fashion Resolutions
Happy 2009 everyone! Now that the holidays have passed and we’re looking at a fresh new year ahead, I know everyone is making their new year’s resolutions. A lot of my clients have made financial resolutions, a particularly savvy choice in the new economy. Resolving to stay economically sound doesn't mean you can’t continue to enjoy developing your style even during a recession.
Take this time to inject some creativity into your wardrobe, while remaining budget conscious.
- Make a list and check it twice: Shop only for a few items that you know will round out your wardrobe. Take your list with you, and have the resolve to stick to it.
- Upgrade the quality level: Even higher-end retailers are feeling the recessional pinch. Now is the time when you might be able to upgrade the quality of your clothing items for the price you’d pay for a lower quality item. What’s the upside here? You might spend the same as you would ordinarily but the higher quality of the items you buy means they’ll look richer, wear better, and last longer.
- Accessorize: Use exciting, inexpensive accessory changes to update your existing wardrobe and keep your budget in check. One neutral or black dress can take on a number of different looks when paired with one piece of chunky costume jewelry or funky patterned scarf. Experiment!
- Tailoring: Compare the cost of tailoring against purchasing new, and then update existing wardrobe items by having them tailored to meet the current trend: taper your straight leg jeans for a skinny look, or take in a men’s wear vest for a curvy, fitted look for a far more reasonable price point than buying a new item.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Style Therapy at Petite Fashionista Presents
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of hosting a Style Therapy session at the premier Petite Fashionista Presents event held at Proof Bar/Sky Lounge at The Intercontinental Hotel in Toronto.
The topic at hand was one very dear to me, being 5'4" (with heels) myself: Petite Tips and Tricks, or what I call 'Presto Changeos' that can make the 'ok' items in your closet ones that are infused with personal style and fitting to a petite frame. Many of you have requested a list of the tips I shared during the show, and now, here they are:
1. Blouses/button down shirts should skim your frame, rather than hang loosely from it to maintain a longer, leaner body line. To make use of 'too loose' tops, try keeping the top untucked and cinching a belt over it at your natural waistline to bring the fabric closer to your body and creating a hint of an hourglass shape
2. Petite especially benefit from bringing attention to the face and neck, helping others to see our height. To benefit from this keep necklines open, showing some collarbone and directing the attention upward, using a boat, scoop or v-neck or leaving and extra button open on your blouse (not too low please!) depending on your face and body shape. To dress up the neckline add in
a statement necklace that fills some of the space but still allows skin to peek through.
3. Ensure that city or Bermuda shorts fall 1"-1.5" above the knee to benefit from the longest leg line possible. Pairing these with wedges or sandals with a s
mall heel will maximize the effect, while flats; on the other hand, will shorten the leg. The Theory Palmer S Bermuda short to the right is from revolveclothing.com
4. Look for heel heights that are proportionate to your height and body shape. As petites we tend to look for the most height we can get! While we may feel taller, we actually look even smaller, teetering on top of overly high heels, which defeats the purpose, doesn't it? An ideal heel height for work is between 2"-3" - the Nuncio from Nine West is my favourite basic (see left) while an evening shoe could be as high as 3" before looking out of proportion. For wedges and platforms, keep to 1.5" of platform height, 3.5" or so for heel height and be mindful of avoiding super chunky platforms which look heavy and thick against small frames. Pumps with covered platforms are especially flattering, and very of the moment. Aren't these Giuseppe Zanotti's from revolveclothing.com beautiful?
The topic at hand was one very dear to me, being 5'4" (with heels) myself: Petite Tips and Tricks, or what I call 'Presto Changeos' that can make the 'ok' items in your closet ones that are infused with personal style and fitting to a petite frame. Many of you have requested a list of the tips I shared during the show, and now, here they are:
1. Blouses/button down shirts should skim your frame, rather than hang loosely from it to maintain a longer, leaner body line. To make use of 'too loose' tops, try keeping the top untucked and cinching a belt over it at your natural waistline to bring the fabric closer to your body and creating a hint of an hourglass shape
2. Petite especially benefit from bringing attention to the face and neck, helping others to see our height. To benefit from this keep necklines open, showing some collarbone and directing the attention upward, using a boat, scoop or v-neck or leaving and extra button open on your blouse (not too low please!) depending on your face and body shape. To dress up the neckline add in
a statement necklace that fills some of the space but still allows skin to peek through.3. Ensure that city or Bermuda shorts fall 1"-1.5" above the knee to benefit from the longest leg line possible. Pairing these with wedges or sandals with a s
mall heel will maximize the effect, while flats; on the other hand, will shorten the leg. The Theory Palmer S Bermuda short to the right is from revolveclothing.com4. Look for heel heights that are proportionate to your height and body shape. As petites we tend to look for the most height we can get! While we may feel taller, we actually look even smaller, teetering on top of overly high heels, which defeats the purpose, doesn't it? An ideal heel height for work is between 2"-3" - the Nuncio from Nine West is my favourite basic (see left) while an evening shoe could be as high as 3" before looking out of proportion. For wedges and platforms, keep to 1.5" of platform height, 3.5" or so for heel height and be mindful of avoiding super chunky platforms which look heavy and thick against small frames. Pumps with covered platforms are especially flattering, and very of the moment. Aren't these Giuseppe Zanotti's from revolveclothing.com beautiful?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A note on summer fragrances
As the temperature climbs and the flowers bloom, we are compelled towards the bright, fresh scents that mark the entrance of spring and summer!
As the scents of the seasons change, now is a great time to consider a change in the scents we choose for ourselves. I often receive questions about what makes a fragrance suitable for particular events or seasons. Here are a few guidelines for choosing your fragrance for warmer months:
1. Choose a lighter formulation than you would in winter. Warmer weather and warmer body temperatures intensify fragrance. The strength of fragrances are classified by the concentration of perfume oil present in the formulation, compared to the concentration of water and alcohol that are also present. From lightest to heaviest, fragrances are labeled:
Eau de Cologne (EDC): this has 3-5% perfume oils and is the lightest and most inexpensive perfume.
2. Choose simpler fresh or floral fragrances that reflect the fragrances that naturally occur in nature (think spring blooms, the freshness of spring rains or the bright citrus scents of summer). Fragrances are also classified by type or scent category. The basic categories of fragrance include floral, oriental, woody and fresh.
3. Use a light touch: While you might already feel that you can't smell your fragrance because you've chosen a lighter concentration than usual but remember, we often become so accustomed to fragrances and odors that we are surrounded by on a regular basis that we can no longer detect them. Use only 1-2 spritzes of fragrance on your skin so that; as one article delicately states, 'others should perceive the perfume as a continuation of your personality not as an olfactory aggression.'
With these simple guidelines in tow, I wish you happy smelling!
I always love hearing from you, so please keep those emails coming! I can't wait to hear which fragrances become your favourite fragrances for spring/sumer 2008!
As the scents of the seasons change, now is a great time to consider a change in the scents we choose for ourselves. I often receive questions about what makes a fragrance suitable for particular events or seasons. Here are a few guidelines for choosing your fragrance for warmer months:
1. Choose a lighter formulation than you would in winter. Warmer weather and warmer body temperatures intensify fragrance. The strength of fragrances are classified by the concentration of perfume oil present in the formulation, compared to the concentration of water and alcohol that are also present. From lightest to heaviest, fragrances are labeled:
Eau de Cologne (EDC): this has 3-5% perfume oils and is the lightest and most inexpensive perfume.
Eau de Toilette (EDT): contains 4-15% perfume oils increasing its price.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): this has 15-22% perfume oils increasing its price.
Parfum: contains 22-50% perfume oils and is the highest concentration. This makes it last a lot longer and it is
the most expensive.
2. Choose simpler fresh or floral fragrances that reflect the fragrances that naturally occur in nature (think spring blooms, the freshness of spring rains or the bright citrus scents of summer). Fragrances are also classified by type or scent category. The basic categories of fragrance include floral, oriental, woody and fresh.
3. Use a light touch: While you might already feel that you can't smell your fragrance because you've chosen a lighter concentration than usual but remember, we often become so accustomed to fragrances and odors that we are surrounded by on a regular basis that we can no longer detect them. Use only 1-2 spritzes of fragrance on your skin so that; as one article delicately states, 'others should perceive the perfume as a continuation of your personality not as an olfactory aggression.'
With these simple guidelines in tow, I wish you happy smelling!
I always love hearing from you, so please keep those emails coming! I can't wait to hear which fragrances become your favourite fragrances for spring/sumer 2008!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sweet Fashion Event for Toronto's Petites
Here's a fresh new way for my petite ladies get the inspiration they've been looking for to turn over a fresh new leaf!
As many of you know, I am an advocate of finding Style Inspirations to help you envision new ways of building your image. One of the resources I have recently found to provide an extra bit of fun for my petites clients is www.petitefashionista.com. Petite Fashionista is a Toronto-based website that provides fun, flirty, celebrity inspiration for we petite lasses who like to stay on the edge of the trends.
On June 22, Petite Fashionista presents the First Ever Fashion Event for Petite Fashionistas featuring designers who have the petite figure in mind! I am proud to be both behind the scenes as the 'caller' of the show, as well as a sponsor of this premiere fashion event.
Not only will this be a great show featuring styles and combinations with the small figure in mind, but there will also be opportunities to shop from a host of the featured designers - hand picked by petite specialists.
Visit www.petitefashionistapresents.com for details and to order tickets.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
As many of you know, I am an advocate of finding Style Inspirations to help you envision new ways of building your image. One of the resources I have recently found to provide an extra bit of fun for my petites clients is www.petitefashionista.com. Petite Fashionista is a Toronto-based website that provides fun, flirty, celebrity inspiration for we petite lasses who like to stay on the edge of the trends.
On June 22, Petite Fashionista presents the First Ever Fashion Event for Petite Fashionistas featuring designers who have the petite figure in mind! I am proud to be both behind the scenes as the 'caller' of the show, as well as a sponsor of this premiere fashion event.
Not only will this be a great show featuring styles and combinations with the small figure in mind, but there will also be opportunities to shop from a host of the featured designers - hand picked by petite specialists.
Visit www.petitefashionistapresents.com for details and to order tickets.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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