Fall in Love

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Fall '12 Ad Campaign - courtesy Dolce & Gabbana

I'm a sucker for a good love story.  Whether it's Romeo & Juliet, William & Kate,  or Emily & Jef, I just love a perfect pairing.  Still, a love story isn't exclusive to people.  In fact, I've already fallen in love several times this fall - with the perfect bag, a pair of pants and countless times in the shoe department.  You see, we're in an open relationship, my wardrobe and I.  We've agreed that as long as they make me look good, I will take good care of them and love them all until they're old.  Win-win.

Have you met your perfect match this fall?  These three runway-inspired looks set my heart aflutter and now I'm playing matchmaker for you.  I hope it's love at first sight for you, too.  Sigh...

 

Burberry Prorsum Autumn '12 Ad Campaign 

Perfect Pairing: Charcoal and Mustard Yellow (with pops of blue)

Love Profile:  Tall, dark Brit seeks fun-loving companion.  An eclectic risk-taker with a penchant for layering.  Loves to cuddle up on a cold night. 

Perfect Date: Danier, American Eagle, Ricki's, Sears, then ALDO.

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Fall '12

Perfect Pairing: Black & Red (with tan & gold accents)

Love Profile: Classic beauty seeks worldly partner. Loves market-strolling, long lunches and weekend trips to Paris.

Perfect Date: A shopping trip at Le Château, Garage, ALDO, Bootlegger and Danier.  

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 - style.com 

Perfect Pairing: Black & Blue (either bright cobalt or navy)with a dash of leopard

Love Profile:  Edgy Sophisticate seeks Commitment-Phobic Daredevil.  Loves the unexpected, especially in the form of a leopard bag or a blue suede shootie.  Looking for a good time.

Perfect Date:  Stops at Le Château, Bootlegger and ALDO at Intercity Shopping Centre, of course.  The sale racks had better watch out.

The Horsey Set

Dree Hemingway for Ermanno Scervino - Autumn 2012

Originally posted in The LOOK

As long as I can remember, I've been a city girl. I would look at the cowboy boots, hats, spurs and far-from-rad plaid in country music videos and feel something akin to mild food poisoning. When my friends would flock to our local bar for some honky-tonk, I'd tag along and even sing (Ohhh, way down 'yonder on the Chatahoochie, never knew how much that muddy water meant to me....). I'd even line-dance a little (because seriously, it was kind of a precursor to the flash mob, no?) but the stylista in me just couldn't handle the ill-fitting jeans, the tacky hats or the cliché my-dog-just-croaked-and-now-I'm-gon'-die-toooo lyrics. Not to mention horses; as in, I won't even mention horses after the number of near-death experiences I've had in their presence. Can horses smell fear? Then again, as the years went by, I grew to admire a small but mighty group of boot-stompin' babes: the fearless Dixie Chicks, the hilarious Dolly Parton, the style-obsessed Carrie Underwood and the bad-boy bashing Taylor Swift. Even A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow have gone a little bit country these days.

But horses gone haute? This fall, designers joined the horsey set in a big way, giving us plenty of ways to get in touch with our inner country girl, be it full-blown spur-jangling country as seen on the Isabel Marant runway or the more refined equestrian aesthetic perfected by Altuzarra, Givenchy and Herve Leger, complete with sleek riding boots, equine prints, and chic tweed blazers. Like country music, I'm loving this trend in small doses, with a cute little cowboy boot here, or a cropped riding jacket there.

So, how 'bout you? Will you hop on the horsey bandwagon this fall? Yay, or neigh? Check out my favourite country finds at Intercity Shopping Centre right now. (And be sure to look at them boots, ya hear?) 

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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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Fall's Instant Updates

Louis Vuitton Fall '12 Ad Campaign shot by Steven Meisel

Originally posted in The LOOK

The other day, I was walking through a massive cavern of a big-box store and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Christmas cards and a light-up reindeer. What the...?  Didn't summer just start?  Sure, I'm used to seeing Hallowe'en costumes in August, but breaking out the holly jolly in the middle of a heatwave?  I mean, I love to plan ahead but this is getting a little ridic.  Seems like just as summer really gets going, the fashion world is already one season (or two) ahead.  And although I'm reluctant to admit it, September really is just around the corner. Since fall is my favourite fashion season, shopping always helps to lessen my end of summer blues and this year I'm especially stoked.  

We've entered a new era of opulence this fall, complete with super rich colours, unapologetic prints and embellishments worthy of a Russian czarina (scroll down if you missed last week's post).  And while our economy might still be on shaky ground, we can all achieve that feeling of luxury for less since retailers at every budget seem to have joined the movement.  From this fall's hottest colour to the latest silhouettes, read on for 10 instant wardrobe updaters to set you up for a stylish season.  In the meantime, let's make every summer moment count.  And really, if this September's anything like last, our sunny summer days are from over.  Yay!

1.  The Shirt Collar Necklace

Ardelia Metal Shirt Collar, $12.98, ALDO

While a good white shirt will always be chic, a fun shirt collar necklace is the 2012 update.  Add one on to dress up any of your basic button-front shirts as a cool alternative to a necklace.

2. The Leather Shirt 

Leather and Jersey Tee, $249, Danier

Leather is always a popular fabric for fall but this year, designers employed it in totally new ways, from pleated skirts to laser-cut leather dresses.  Instead of a bomber, try out a mixed media leather and jersey shirt for a comfortable way to edge up your look.  

3. Burgundy:  The New Black

Bordeaux Skinnies, coming this fall to RW&CO. and Varsity Jacket, $349, Danier

Whether you call it burgundy or bordeaux or plum, this wine-coloured shade has made a major comeback for fall 2012.  Pair your burgundy pants, sweaters or trench coats with grey, black or cream or opt instead for an oversized bordeaux bag to look totally current (or should I say currant?) for fall.

4. The Concealed Wedge Sneaker

Leather-Like Colour Block Sneaker, $69.95, Le Château

While Converse will always be cool, sneakerphiles have been stepping up their game of late; Thanks to Isabel Marant and a host of other designers, the latest way to achieve instant weekend cool is with the concealed wedge sneaker. Though this trend's being brewing for awhile, you'll be seeing these kicks everywhere for fall, whether you go for the flash with a metallic pair, or keep it more subdued with a muted hue.  Either way, these shoes give you both comfort and height in one pretty package.

5. Black and Blue

Zip-Front Dress, coming to RW&CO. this fall

Instead of an LBD, a cobalt blue dress will help you stand out at any of your fall fêtes.  The key to looking current?  Ignore the old-school rule and pair your blues with black for a look that's reminiscent of royalty rockstars.  If it's good enough for Kate...

6.  The Peplum

Lace Peplum Hem Top, $59.95, Le Château

It's official:  Peplum is the silhouette of choice for 2012.  A black lace peplum top will perfectly dress up a high-waisted black pencil skirt or slim-fit pants for 9 to 5.  Plus, the exaggeration of the peplum will make your waist look wee and help you flaunt your womanly curves.  Genius!

7. The Slipper Loafer

DV by Dolce Vita Marcel Loafer, $79, American Eagle Outfitters

Looking for a cute alternative to your old ballet flats?  Meet the 'sloafer' or slipper loafer, your new go-to flat. The broguish details add interest to this neutral pair, or have fun with jewel-toned versions to kick up your fall look.

8. The Fun Blouse 

Polka Dot Chiffon Shirt, $29.90, Garage

A navy polka-dot blouse is both playful and sophisticated and a perfect way to bust a work wardrobe rut.  This season was also all about the embroidered blouse, as seen everywhere from the runways of Isabel Marant to Stella McCartney.  If you're a little more daring, this chiffon version from American Eagle is totally on trend for fall.

9. The Bow Belt

Snake-Print Bow Belt, $15, Le Château

While wide belts are definitely making a comeback, the pretty bowed belts seen at Burberry are an ultra-feminine way to cinch your waist this fall.  The python print on this version adds great texture to the black.

10.  The Tall Boot

Tall Leather Riding Boot, $170, ALDO

I'm all about great deals but a well-made pair of boots is always worth the splurge.  This pair of leather riding boots from ALDO are practical yet chic and at under $200, won't completely break the bank.   Wear them over your skinny jeans and leggings all season long.

Opulence Overdrive

Baroque opulence reigned at Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012. Source: style.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

August always marks the beginning of fall..well, in the fashion world at least. The hotly-anticipated September issues hit newsstands bursting with fall's most covetable finds, while tired sale racks are replaced by shiny things for the new season.  I don't want to rush summer (I mean, it's only the first week of August) but now's the time to start thinking about fall...

And this season, there's a lot to dream about.  Where once opulence was considered over-the-top and out-of-touch, designers piled it on again in a big way, with brocade, feathers, black and gold all over the fall runways, from Dolce & Gabbana to Ralph Lauren.  So why all the flourish and fuss?  Blame it on the blockbusters;  The Great Gatsby hits the big screen this December, extending our spring obsession with the roaring twenties. Flapper fringe, drop waists, feathers and art deco accents will give you that Buchanan-babe vibe, perfect for an East Egg soirée.   I'm most excited about Anna Karenina, though, coming to TIFF this September.  My inner Czarina can't wait to layer up with faux fur, crystals and military wool coats once the mercury drops to Moscow levels.  With bold colour so prevalent for the past several seasons, moody black looks decidedly modern again, and lends a practical side to all the excess. Invest in the basics, be it a good wool coat or a well-made pair of boots, and then decorate with sparkly (yet affordable) abandon.  After all, excess is only good in moderation (or something like that...)

Load it up.  Pile it on.  'Tis the season for opulence, darlings!

Leo DiCaprio (as Jay Gatsby) with Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton (as Daisy and Tom Buchanan) in the upcoming The Great Gatsby

Source: IMDb

Stretch Deco Bracelet, $15, ALDO

Crochet Fringe Mini Dress, $150, Le Château

Metallic Snake Embossed Crossbody, $39.95, Le Château

Gilded feathers at Ralph Lauren Fall '12. Source: style.com

Necklace with Glass Beads and Fringe, $39.99, Sears

Colour Block Metallic Pumps, coming this fall to ALDO

Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina. Source: cineplex.com

ATTITUDE Belted Coat w Faux Fur Collar and Cuffs ($229.99) and Wrap Style Coat with Faux Fur Collar ($179.99), Sears

Ruched Lace T, $35, American Eagle Outfitters

Parkhurst Faux Fur Headbands, $20 each, Sears

Crepe de Chine Blouse, $39.99, Le Château

St. Basil's Cathedral X-Large 3-D Puzzle, $39.99, Sears

Cocoa Jewelry Crystal Antique Cuff, $60, Sears

Victorian Suede Ankle Boots, $119.98, ALDO