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- STYLE NEWS: LONGER LEGS WITH NUDE SANDALS
Get the look of the longer leg with this season's new nude colored platform or strappy sandal.... - FASHION JEWELRY - BRACELETS
The look of the moment is tribally inspired jewellery, lots of textures, colored stones and volume. I personally... - FASHION TREND:CASUAL - HIP SWEATS
As most of you, I love nothing better when I get home, than slipping into a pair...
Lifestyle: March 2009 Archives
STYLE NEWS: LONGER LEGS WITH NUDE SANDALS
Get the look of the longer leg with this season's new nude colored platform or strappy sandal.
With all major designers such as : Laboutin, Manolo, Choo showing the shoe in slingbacks, platforms and multi buckled versions, this is one of the major LOOKS of the season.
The illusion of the invisible shoe makes the leg appear longer and the person taller. Bring the visual focus upwards with a colorful bag, belt or top to further enhance the trompe l'oeil effect . Enjoy the " Did you loose weight?" and "Have you been working out?" compliments as they start rolling in.
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FASHION JEWELRY - BRACELETS
The look of the moment is tribally inspired jewellery, lots of textures, colored stones and volume.
I personally love the look of handmade jewellery, something unique and different. Not necessarily expensive , actually preferably NOT expensive, just unique. Some of my favorite Fashion jewellery finds have been at artisan and outdoor markets all over the world.
What happens when you would rather have the world come to you? You look online of course..
I found some GREAT looks with gold & semi-precious stones from $45.00 to $300.00 at Max&Chloe.com at The Brands Club online mall.
They have hundreds of jewellery designers to choose from, here were some of my favorite looks for spring:
Blu Bijoux Blue Bee Charming
Ishraya Turquoise Nizam Pade Vavra Geode Toggle
Note to Members: go to Jewelry and Accessories after log in. Not yet a member? click here JOIN to shop Max&Chloe and receive additional 6% cashback.
FASHION TREND:CASUAL - HIP SWEATS
As most of you, I love nothing better when I get home, than slipping into a pair of super comfy sweats or fleece. And NO I am not talking about your boyfriend's, husband's, son's old, torn sweats ( ok, those will do sometimes) but changing into something soft, super comfortable and good looking.
Just picture this : You come home to absolute quiet. Change out of work gear and into soft gear. Put on some relaxing music, grab a cup of hot chocolate . Relax. Read a book. Take a nap..Ooops, sorry I was daydreaming there for a bit..
Ok so, that does not always necessarily happen when you come home from work, real life takes over from the commercial break .Nevertheless, getting comfy is realistic and will make you feel good guaranteed.
I spent some time browsing through the clothing boutiques at the mall , looking for hip casuals. I really loved this new site and some of their funky designers : fashionChateau
These designers were some of my favorites :Yvette Mandell, Bejeweled ,Royal Plush and Twisted Heart for hip pants, long and short tees and hoodies in cotton,velour and fleece.
Yvette Mandell Bejewelled Royal Plush
Navy Heiress Fleece Black Mineral Dragon Soft Pink Loop Terry
Note to Members of The Brands Club: find FashionChateau in the Luxury & Fashion section after you log in. Not yet a member? Click here JOIN for FREE to shop at FashionChateau and get 3% CASHBACK in addition to online specials
FASHION NEWS:VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK AND JUNO AWARDS
March.24 to 29, 2009 Marks the dates for Vancouver Fashion Week.
http://www.vanfashionweek.com/
This year's event kicks off at Whistler and continues in Vancouver's trendy Gastown district.
One of West Coast's biggest Fashion events. Vancouver fashion week attracts up to 15,000 designers, buyers,media and local fashionistas. Now in it's 9th year it continues to grow and showcase local, Canadian and International fashion talent.
Congruently the Juno awards are also taking place in Vancouver this year and will be broadcast live on March 29th, 2009. The event will be preceded by a number of parties and music and sports celebrity galas.
Juno's are Canada's Music Awards and equivalent to the American Grammy's.
The host this year is Russel Peters and some of the performers at the show will be:
Bryan Adams, Simple Plan, Nickelback, Sarah McLachlan..just to name a few.
Needless to say this is a Fantastic time to be in Vancouver this week. My girlfriend is there and will be going to some of the festivites. I will make sure to get all the scoop from her.
FASHION TREND IN SUNGLASSES - MOVIE STAR IS THE WORD!
Ahh., big frame movie star sunglasses are all the rage for spring and summer.
Fendi, Gucci, Armani, Donna Karan, David Yurman ( my pick) all are showing oversize slightly squared or oval shapes. And with them come all the connotations of mystery and glamour that they so easily evoke. So, so, so tempting..
BUT
Are they for everyone? I would caution that they are not...
Small faces, longer shaped faces and very round faces don't necessarily suit the oversize sunglass shape. Yes it is fashionable, but that will not help, if it makes you look like you are an 8 year old trying on your mom's Jackie O's shades...
As with all trends, you must use that as a guideline only. Customize " The look" to suit your face shape first and foremost. If a slightly smaller frame, in similar style is a better personal fit, then those are the right sunglasses for you.
For the LOOK check out these designers at Sunglasshut : Prada, Burberry,Versace
( Members to shop Sunglasshut at The Brands Club: go to accesories and sunglasses section after log in - Not yet a member? click here JOIN to shop and receive 4% cashback)
FASHION TREND: APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
That maybe true, but we might as well get wet in style.
While the beige Burberry or Aquastum classic trench are always a good investment (they last forever and don't change styles), some of us prefer to be slightly more adventurous in our outerwear.
Here are some gorgeous fresh looks:
Gucci Short Classic Trench - If you do go with a beige trench , jazz it up with a colorful umbrella...spring has arrived after all!
Louis Vuitton Trench Louis Vuitton Raincoat
To get the look above and more, at GREAT prices, check out the following stores and designers at The Brands Club mall:
CoutureCandy designers : Suzabelle, Ecoganic, Paul Smith
Yoox designers : Silk and Soie, Manila Grace, Europeans Culture
hipchick.com designers : Karen Zambos, Alicia + Olivia
Not yet a member? click JOIN to shop.
FASHION TREND:OOH LA, LA - LINGERIE VS UNDERWEAR
Now there is a sensitive subject. Because underwear is really two faced and shopping for lingerie or just plain underwear is a VERY different experience indeed.
Lingerie: the sexy, completely uncomfortable, yet makes you look hot outfit that you wear only for someone else (oh c'mon, admit it...do you really go around prancing in leather and lace all by yourself?).
Underwear: comfortable, usually beige, white or black bras and panties set that you buy to wear everyday.
In the first case: you buy the outfit in some sexy shop with dark walls and mood lighting. You have the very complimentary young sales assistant fawning over you as she laces and tugs and pulls you into whatever ridiculously expensive piece of lace, leather, feathers and what not concoction some (clearly male) designer's fantasy has birthed. By the time you are done with the garters, you know exactly what women in the 18th century went through!
In the second scenario: an older lady very unceremoniously grabs you there, shoves it in here, tells you to bend over to make sure nothing is spilling out. After appraising your bits and pieces under the glaring lights, as a mechanic appraises some car that needs a tune up, she then informs you in a stern English nanny tone of voice that you are have come to this shop just in the nick of time. Everything you have been wearing before has been utter, ill fitting rubbish and who only knows what would have happened to you if you kept wearing that!
As a chastised school girl you dutifully buy everything laid out for you.You then thank her for her wisdom and leave the shop elated that due to her miraculous intervention you can sleep at night knowing that now: surely nothing will fall off. The secret smile on your lips is of course due to you wondering if the piece of gum you stuck under the counter ,as you were leaving, will ever be discovered...
All I can say, is phew thank g-d for online shopping! Here are some links to great shops to get both of the above:
Not yet a member? click here JOIN for FREE to shop at The Brands Club and receive cashback on your purchases
Questions, tips , topics of interest? Let me know editor@thebrandsclub.com
GET STYLISH WITH WARDROBE SPRING CLEANING
It's finally starting to warm up around here, which of course means the following:
1. you start dieting NOW just in time for the bathing suit season
2. start planning your summer vacation
3. and you CLEAN out and ORGANIZE your closet
If number 3, has not made it to your short list as of yet, change that!
"Why?" You may wonder. "I don't have time" you may whine. Well let me tell you something, not only does it signify the season's change and gets your wardrobe ready, it really helps to organize and not just your closet, either!
Give yourself at least half a day to do this right.
- all foldable winter clothes are cleaned and put away in storage bags or boxes
- all finer winter clothes are dry cleaned and placed in garment bags at the back of the closet
- get some cedar chips and place in small bag to put in with your wool and cashmere sweaters, you can always air the garments out when you take them out for the winter and it sure beats the old moth ball smell.
As you are sorting through the garments be honest with yourself and no matter how much you think you love the "what cha ma call it?," or "looked so cute just had to buy it"...if it's been at least a year since you wore it, put it aside.
We both know, you are NOT going to wear it again, so have it cleaned and deliver to a woman's shelter or other charity. You will be helping others and making room in your overcrowded closet.
And finally if all of the above fails to sway you, can you trust me when I tell you:
You will feel so good when it's all over ...:))
Questions, tips, topics of interest? Let me know by contacting me here
SHOPPING REVIEW: MAXSTUDIO.COM @ THE BRANDS CLUB
I was browsing in The Brands Club mall looking for the latest and came across Maxstudio . The online store specializes in smart casual separates and is very affordable. Here are some of my favorite picks, considering that there is also a massive sale going on, this is definitely NOT to be missed:
FASHION NEWS: TORONTO LG FASHION WEEK
I hope our Canadian readers have a chance to come this fabulous event which takes place twice a year in Toronto http://www.lgfashionweek.ca/main.html
Hot on the heels of the international shows in Paris, Milan and New York, the Toronto event showcases some really terrific home grown talent.
Kimberley Newport-Mimran from Pink Tartan is not only a great talent, but a very charming lady and a pleasure to be with http://www.pinktartan.com/index.php
I'm also glad to see the irrepressible Linda Lundstrom back in action with her new label "Lundstrom" http://www.lundstrom.ca/default.aspx
A few years ago, yours truly went to Paris with Linda and another favorite Canadian designer Wayne Clarke. Since then I have dressed almost exclusively in Wayne's evening gowns for soirees and events. He is often linked to Armani in the clean lines of his designs and his ability to worship the female form through his silk creations http://www.wayneclarkdesign.com
FASHION TREND:THE 80'S ARE BACK!
Big shoulders, The Boyfriend Jacket, distressed denim and the jumpsuit are all showing a big following amongst designers such as Bottega Veneta, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain, Stella McCartney to name a few...
I think it's safe to say that the 80's are back in a 2009 transformation.
While I wouldn't jump into a jumpsuit all that fast, a nicely cut "boyfriend" jacket with rolled up sleeves and a pair of well worn and slightly shredded jeans spell out relaxed chic. Pair that look with a pair of sky high platform shoes from Prada and a large slouch bag and you've captured the "spring look of the moment".
FASHION TREND: FRINGE BENEFITS - WESTERN LOOK
The cowboy look is still strong for spring and summer.
This look must be worn carefully as not to look like you've been wearing your cowboy boots since the 80's...
Speaking of cowboy boots, not a one was seen on the spring runways so don't event think about it!
Instead the look is best updated with the spring and summer IT look: the sky high platform shoes and a big slouchy bag.
My suggestion is to buy a tunic or vest in beige suede or faux suede with fringed edges( a la Hermes 2009 collection) and wear with a wide leather belt. Pair it with skinny, distressed jeans or if you have the legs (and the guts) with a pair of jean shorts.
Here is where to get the LOOK: 
Not yet a member of The Brands Club? JOIN for FREE to shop and receive cashback on your purchases!
Lotta Stensson Fringe Peace Vest. Available at CoutureCandy
Paesaggino Skirt. Available at Yoox.com
NYC - DAY & NIGHT SCENE
Day:
I was keeping a close eye on street scene and this is what I saw:
Day fashion is jeans and more jeans, blue, faded, torn. Colors still primarily dark. Seen on the street fashionable New Yorkers sported blue jeans some tucked into boots with slim winter nylon and some leather jackets. Day look was distinctly casual...
Night:
Gramercy Park Hotel hot spots Jade and Rose Bar were teeming with trendy bar goers but the dress wear remained casual.
Jeans in some cases were replaced by black pants. The overall color scheme of the 'cool' crowd was black.
Short dresses with boots were a big look on the girls and boys wore skinny pants or jeans with fitted long sleeved shirts, t-shirts with casual shirts worn as jackets on top and dressy shirts with rolled up sleeves. Some of the boys also sported tuques for head wear, which (at least to me) reminded of the grunge look. Let's hope that does not come back...
The look went with the vibe which I can only describe as 'distinctly chill".
"The Rose Bar" Gramercy Park Hotel , NYC Saturday March 15th, 1 a.m
NEW YORK CITY - SHOPPING THERAPY
Yours truly decided that she needed a little get away and there is simply nothing as mood uplifting than getting some shopping therapy in the Big Apple!
Luckily, I avoided my usual uptown haunts to check out the fashion scene at Soho and the experience was so terrific I decided to share it with you.
SoHo, starting around Spring Road and West Broadway is a great area to shop for the latest looks. It's still jam packed with all the designers stores we know and love such as DKNY, Dolce & Gabanna,Prada and Chanel. What's fun about the neighbourhood is that it still houses many funky boutiques and has of a bohemian vibe. Where else can you see a group of talented street musicans singing Motown a capella?
After some great shopping I stopped for lunch at the hot restaurant, Cipriani's Downtown. My table neighbors, models Christina and Patti were very entertaining with news on the latest IT spots in Miami. According to them: Clubs are: Set and Mynt. Lounges and dinner: Gansevoort and Modrian.
Cipriani's Downtown, Saturday March 14th 2 p.m
FASHION TREND:SPRING/SUMMER 2009 - SWIMWEAR
As spring and summer months grow near, we start thinking (or rather dreading) the bathing suit season. It's a well known fact that a one piece, especially a shaped one, has the ability to hide many a figure flaw and keep all the bits and pieces well contained.
Nevertheless, the old fashioned dowdy look of most one pieces, so reminiscent of what grandma used to wear, kept the outfits out of the closets of the fashionistas determined to look au currant in the tiniest bikini (whether it suited us or not...Donatella anyone?). Well here is some good news for the summer season, the return of the one piece bathing suit as a fashionable swim outfit of choice. Here are some smoking hot trends to look for:
• White, high cut
• Black with cross bands
• Corset look- look for shaped bathing suits which will also minimize your waist
• Belted bathing suits
• 40's Retro for super glam, to wear with a big rim hat and mega sunglasses to channel your inner Garbo or Marlena
• Multi textured
CoutureCandy-OYE Swimwear
http://www.thebrandsclub.com/tbc/luxury.asp#courture
YOOX - Missoni Mare Swimsuit
http://www.thebrandsclub.com/tbc/clothing-apparel.asp#yoox
FASHION JEWELLERY NEWS - Make your Own: Get the Look and Save a Bundle!
The latest fashion look right now is large and chunky! Lots of colored stones, textures and bling.
Here is something interesting that I recently discovered, places that import semi-precious stones like amethyst, turquoise, pearls and coral and sell them retail to the public. This allows you to make your own jewellery, get the look and save a bundle in the process.
Get the fashion look:
1. Walk in with an arm full of your favorite designer fashion jewellery pictures and a knowledgeable sales person will help you put the "look" together by gathering the stones, pearls and beads that you can make into a fashion piece.
2. Costs:
Stones like turquoise, amethyst and coral were selling for a fraction of what they sell for in a retail store in an already made piece.
3. Creativity/ Unique Design:
If you are like me, you love to be unique and individual. This is one way to be au currant, but be able to create one of a kind pieces that YOU know only you will have.
4. Have it made for you:
Finally, if you love the idea of creating, but have no time to actually put your piece together you can have the jewellery artists make it for you in the store or take it to your favorite jeweller to have it made. All the stones come drilled already and are easily assembled into a fashion piece of your own design.
FASHION TREND:WILD SHOES AND SKY HIGH HEELS
Ladies time to live out your runway model fantasies. The shoes are a big focus this spring and summer with sky high heels, lots of structural shapes, buckles and gladiator looks.
While it seems that the predominant color for spring and summer clothes is white, all the excitement is happening literally at our feet.
Shoes are anything but monochrome for the season. Metallic's still loom large but the biggest trend is snake, croc in multi hues and tortoise shell.
Look for shoes with a platform to help balance the 5 inch heels and get that pedicure done as all the shoes are open toed.
![iStock_000008216643XSmall[1].jpg](http://www.thebrandsclub.com/tbc/blog/iStock_000008216643XSmall%5B1%5D.jpg)
NAILS FOR SPRING
Finally a return of short, round nude colored nails on well groomed hands as seen on models in the latest Prada and YSL campaigns.
And just about time. If I was going to see another 35 + woman wearing black nail polish, I was going to scream and chase her with a nail polish remover.
What are these women thinking?
After a certain age the first thing that shows aging, are the hands, baby fat dissolves and veins and skin discoloration becomes more prominent.
Here are some favorite nail enamels for nude nails:
Avon Canada - Avon Nail Enamel in Sheer French Pink
Maybelline - Express Finish Iced Mauve
L'Oreal Pro Manicure - I Pink I'm in Love
FASHION TREND:RETURN TO GLAMOUR
Well dear fashion followers you have undoubtedly already realized that the designers are channeling Greta Garbo, Marlena Dietrich, Joan Crawford glamour for Spring 2009.
Oh, how I love those femme fatale goddesses of the bi-gone silver screen. It seems that the glamour look of yester year has all but disappeared from our closets, to be replaced by tight skin showing duds which leave little to the imagination.
Now nipped waists, over the knee pencil skirts, sharp shoulders on jackets, fur stoles and or big fur collars are very much signaling the classy day look. The shoulders on jackets are as structured as they have been in a long time, somewhat reminiscent of the over the top eighties.
And the gowns, oh the gowns....straight out of 1930's movie, silky, long, drapy lots of satin and a very glamorous sort of sexy. Not much skin, nothing too obvious, but the silk and satins have the timeless appeal of flowing on the body, softly and sensuously draping it. The most popular look off the shoulder draped or spaghetti straps and fish tailed at the bottom. Fabric satin silk colors range from soft pastels to black.
So ladies channel your inner Garbo and practice looking mysterious and glamorous for the spring party season.
Rachel Pally Citrine Dress. Available at Fashion Chateau http://www.thebrandsclub.ca/tbc/luxury.asp#fashionChateau
Tart Hera Dress. Available at CoutureCandy
THE PURSE
People always ask me, if you had to have just one purse what would it be?
Washed denim by LV? The classic Chanel bag? Black Hermes with gold buckle?
And they are surprised when I tell them: go for the best your money will buy you in either a crocodile or python in black. Labels are great, but if it means you will save thousands with a lesser label or no label and a stunning bag, go for that.
Why?
Because it's timeless. A well maintained croc or python will last you decades and a classic shape will not go out of style.
One of my favorite purchases was a doctor bag style black alligator bag. I purchased it for 250 euros ($400) at the Paris flea market about 5 years ago. An identical bag here costs between $3 to $5, 000. This bag is my favorite not only because it's gorgeous and timeless but because I feel like a won the purse lottery every time I wear it and tell the story of my wonderful find!
INTRODUCTION
Dear Readers,
Hello and Welcome.
On this blog, I will be bringing you the news and views on fashion,style and celebrity style in Canada and across the world.
I hope to bring you some expertise and insights gathered through over 20 years experience in the fashion, design and business worlds. I have been a journalist, showroom model, aspiring fashion designer, freelance decorator, and an accredited artist. I will also be sharing travel tips and street fashion looks from my frequent travels in Canada, U.S and Europe.
Your opinion matters. Please stay in touch with me through your comments and let me know what YOU would like me to talk about. Get in touch with me at editor@thebrandsclub.com
I look forward to connecting with all of you.
Editor