Base Camp Beauty

Burberry Prorsum, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Fall 2010 - photos courtesy style.com

Is anyone else feeling at all, for lack of a better word, fatigued by military chic?  It's been on the fashion scene for a few seasons yet somehow, the trend marches on.  What is it about glammed up utility wear that has resonated so profoundly with the fashion set?  Do we all harbour a secret desire to wear uniforms so that we'd never again have to stress over what to wear?  Does the proliferation of pockets, buttons and epaulets make us feel less guilty at the cash register?  After all, we are getting more bang bang for our buck with all of those added details.  No matter the reason, the military trend is huge for fall but its call of duty is likely to end soon, which is why it makes a lot of sense to go for the cheap, cheerful versions I've shown below.  Real Life Runway Tip:  Don't want to look like you're ready to join the army?  At ease, my sultry soldiers - all you need to remember is to wear one military piece at a time to pay homage to the trend.  The most current way to rock the look is to add in bits of leather, lace, and even a bit of sparkle to add some sweetness to an otherwise masculine trend. 

You can channel Amelia with some of these fab finds: 

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Found: The Best Mood-Brightener

Sometimes, all it takes to transform your outlook from glass-half-empty to overflowing-champagne-flute is a little hit of colour.  It always amazes me how when I'm feeling pouty, I throw on something colourful and instantly feel a little better.  And, with the long, grey days of winter looming near, we Canadian girls will all be needing a little lift.  This pretty wool-blend coat from Old Navy is the perfect shade of electric blue and when teamed up with black, it looks instantly modern.  Yes, you can (and should) mix black and blue, especially when it's this brilliant.  Electric blue with black was spotted all over fall runways from Burberry to Matthew Williamson to Sonia Rykiel.  Need another endorsement?  Kristin Cavallari and 90210's AnnaLynne McCord have already been spotted in Old Navy's equally cute (and selling out fast) red version.  This wardrobe mood-lifter is at Old Navy stores for only $29.  Don't you feel a little happier already?

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Oh Gosh, Oh Gee

 

If you haven't already had the pleasure of visiting the Gee girls, you really have not lived.  They can tame unruly brows into come-hither arches in mere seconds, make your skin appear as if you have Oprah's lighting crew on hand 24/7 with their magical facials and apply makeup in a way that completely changes the way you see yourself.  Forget the Dove Beauty campaign, this mother-daughter team of trendsetting beauties makes you feel good but look much, much better, attracting the city's most gorgeous people day in and day out.  Gee Beauty is turning 5 and in celebration, they're offering select services free of charge next week.  Call now to book or you'll miss the beauty boat.  Oh, and I'm warning you in advance, Gee is completely addictive.  I accept absolutely no responsibility for elevated 'personal wellness' bills in your future.  Enjoy!

Linguine, fettucine, zucchini, bikini

LG Fashion Week has wrapped for another year and it's becoming clear that, like TIFF, Canada is starting to make its mark on the international fashion scene.  With homegrown designers achieving serious success both here and abroad, Toronto Fashion Week is the perfect place for young designers to build their reputation and be seen by the fashion elite.  Okay, it's not Paris or New York but I must say, I'm seriously impressed by the talent I saw at Fashion Week this year.

The hot ticket of the year, attracting the biggest celebrity contingent and the highest calibre models, was a surprisingly budget-friendly brand.   I was lucky to get invited to a lot of great shows this year but I literally jumped up and down in a very uncool way when I saw the one from Joe.  Everyone was at this show because like me, everyone hearts Joe Fresh Style.  His wallet-friendly finds have made living in a small town bearable because I can buy my bread and my breton-striped shirt in the same place.  Joe Mimran and his design team have whipped up some super pretty looks for next spring that I can't wait to add to my wardrobe, especially the navy sequined leggings and the tennis-inspired looks.  I know that we're nowhere near spring yet but here's a sneak peek at what Joe will be offering when the snow melts.  Thanks for your patience with my sporadic posts during Fashion Week and thanks to the girls at Joe Fresh Style for inviting me! 

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Gap's Most Anticipated Bootie Call

Pierre Hardy's collaborations with Gap never disappoint.  More architect than designer, Hardy is known for his edgy, envelope-pushing designs that make us see shoes in an entirely new light.  His creations have graced the feet of Rihanna and Cameron Diaz and he's designed for fashion powerhouses like Christian Dior, Hermes and Balenciaga.  I love a good designer collaboration since it allows mere mortals like myself to own a piece of genius without blowing an entire paycheque.  His latest peep-toe wedge bootie for Gap is streamlined, sexy and oh-so-edgy and can elevate the most basic of looks into something spectacular.   In addition to the Pierre Hardy beauties, Gap also debuts their lace-up ankle boots today.  Both pairs retail for $195 and are available at select Gap stores nationwide.  For those of you lucky enough to afford both pairs, I'm a size 9 - want to share?