Walk the Line: How to Pull off Stripes

A model on the runway at the Michael Kors Spring '13 Show. Photo via Fairchild Photo.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

I have a glaring blind spot when it comes to stripes. I see them, I want them, I buy them, and now, after years of hard work, I've managed to amass dozens of striped tops. When I see a perfect stripe, it's like my brain momentarily lapses, ignoring the impressive collection I already own, forgetting that the last thing I need is another striped shirt.  I add it to my closet and wonder how I ever ended up with so many. It's a problem.

And so, I was thrilled that summer's biggest print trend is black & white stripes. After all, I own lots of navy with white and white with navy breton striped shirts (there's a difference, I swear) plus a few sporty red & white bateau necks thrown in for good measure. But mod black & white? I definitely (maybe?) don't own any of those. I'm sensing that this is one of those blind spot moments. Ignore.

If you worry about the whole 'horizontal stripes make you look fat' thing, fret not. Read on for some style tips on how to pull off stripes. I think they meant to say 'fab' instead of 'fat' anyway. Let's just chalk that up to a typo, shall we? General rule of thumb: Wide stripes add curves and narrow stripes make you look slimmer. See? Easy.

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Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

What to Wear in a Heatwave - photo courtesy J.Crew

Can't breathe. Can't move. Gasp. Wattteeerrr. I want it. In a glass would be great, but preferably in a 12' x 24' basin set to ohhh, I don't know, about 83 degrees. Now that would be perfect. Forget called-off soccer games. Shouldn't everything be ceremoniously cancelled in this heatwave? If I were mayor, I'd do it - I'd interrupt every channel for an emergency announcement and declare that it's officially far too hot to do anything at all. I'd command every man, woman and child to proceed immediately to the nearest pool deck.  Shut down the markets, call in the ice cream trucks and send in frosty beer glass reinforcements. This is a state of emergency, y'all! Throw on your cute bikinis, grab a cocktail and save yourselves!

Hee. Happy heatwave, homies. 

xx

P.S. Your Personal Flotation Device May Also Look Like This:

VPL Swim Top & Bottom, VPL

Under $100 Summer Dresses

The lazy days of summer are officially upon us, calling for a new, prettier kind of uniform: the throw-on-and-go dress. Whether maxi, mini or anywhere in between, a good dress will be your go-to all steamy season long.

Check out all of my pretty under-$100 picks here.

Hope your week's off to a great start!

xx

The Luxe for Less Guide

A look from the Tory Burch Summer '13 Lookbook. Photo courtesy Tory Burch.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

 I'm not going to pretend that I don't covet budget-breaking designer things. I do it on the daily - whether flipping through magazines, checking out blogs or watching girls parade by me in their $1,500 shoes. Sigh...

But stronger than my desire to wear the latest label is the thrill I get when I can score something for way less. Unless it's a closet staple - a gorgeous coat, perfect jeans, beautiful boots, a classic handbag that I know I'll wear for years - it doesn't seem worth it to me to overwork by Visa just to help a designer build his fifth home in Capri. Just me?

July is the perfect time to score amazing deals on the season's top trends since stores are in major markdown mode. Check out these 7 luxurious-looking finds that will instantly update your wardrobe for the rest of summer...

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The Horsey Set: Our Favourite Looks from Queen's Plate 2013

Très-Chic Trifecta: Colin and Justin (no last names necessary) went matchy-matchy while TV Producer/Director Natalie Deane sported a cheeky star-studded peplum by Maybe by Catalfo and a feathered fascinator.

Horsey Hostesses: Tara Ng and Sharon Ng Hayes of Backseat Stylers hosted the VIP party at the Grey Goose Lounge and looked beyond lovely in their custom David Dunkley fascinators, though we think Sharon's Erdem dress stole the show.

The Power Players: Anita Clarke (with her lovely mum), Vicki Hogarth, and Gail McInnes rocked fierce fascinators by Midencé Oliu while Amira de Vera went for pretty florals and an oversized floppy hat.

Oh Canadaaaa: CBC's Monika Platek reported live from the Hats & Horseshoes party in oh-so-Canadian red and white.

Photo Finish: This dapper Toronto realtor had a lot going on but pulled it all off with aplomb.

Lacy Lady: This pretty party-goer's lace dress and oversized fascinator by Lilliput Hats made for a total fashion win.

As for me? I ended up wearing a Gatsby-esque crystal headpiece by Toronto's I Love Goldie while James wore a bow-tie blazer combo. 

Cute husband and I hit up the Queen's Plate at Woodbine this past Sunday and while neither of us are avid horsing enthusiasts, the party definitely took my love of the races to the next level. Thanks to an invite from Backseat Stylers, we hit the Hats & Horseshoes Party VIP-style, with access to the Grey Goose Lounge, complete with cocktails, canapés and an extremely stylish crowd. As it turns out, Queen's Plate might be one of the best people-watching events of the summer, with everyone trying to their best to outshine the rest. The fascinators were fab, the gents looked dashingly dapper and while there wasn't a set dress code per se, haute hats and bow-ties were the horsey set uniform of choice.

A huge thanks to Backseat Stylers and Woodbine for all the fun! 

xo

Check out pics of my fav street-style looks from Queen's Plate 2013. Don't you just love all the amazing headpieces? Yay or neigh?

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