Anna Dello Russo at Paris Fashion Week
This spring, you’ll have zero problem finding something sexy to wear on date night or if you’re just going out with the girls! Daring cutouts, up-to-there slits, and sheer fabrics were all over the runways for this season. Thanks to strategically placed windows and lace, this illusionist approach offers suggestive glimpses of skin while still keeping you fully clothed. So pull on coordinating lingerie, and play a bit of hide-and-seek with these look-at-me style statements that are very now and very wow.
Here are three ways to wear this daring and adventurous trend:
1. The High Slit
Black. A colour that is perfect for the not-so-glorious weather we’ve been having here in Toronto. Thank you Miranda Kerr for dressing in head-to-toe black this week in New York with a key piece that is trending and very popular this season…leather! Finding the perfect fit in leather pants especially can be tough. My suggestion is to go for leather leggings if you’re having trouble finding pants that are a comfortable fit for your body.
Want to deck out in black? Try these pieces:
BDG Slant Pullover Sweater, Urban Outfitters, $40
Faux Leather Panel Leggings, Forever21, $28
Satin Platform Pumps, Forever21, $36
Box Chain Crossbody, Forever21, $24
A lumberjack shirt is a must have, despite of what season it is. It’s the trend that never goes out of style. Finding the appropriate pieces to match it with is key to making this look work. The best way is usually to add darker colours with a touch of brown. I am loving Ashley Benson’s lumberjack and laced-up boots combination – you got the dark tones and the brown.
Want to perfect your lumberjack look? Try these pieces:
Checked shirt, ZARA, $60
Denim Jeggings, ZARA, $40
Straight-cut coat, ZARA, $90
Studded Cowboy Boots, ZARA, $50
Shay Mitchell rocked a pair of hot pink pants for the Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2013 show held at the Lincoln Centre at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. This is one of my favourite ways to add colour to an all black outfit — so glam rock! Not only is it super simple, it’s got that professional element to it. And the matching pink lipstick is the cherry-on-top to completing this look.
Want to add some colour to your look? Here are three pairs of fun trousers:
Paisley Print Trousers, ZARA, $60
Tartan Cropped Trousers, ZARA, $60 Read more…
Remember back when we were all in elementary school and would go to school and feel so cool because we got a new jean jacket, or a slap bracelet, or new Pokemon cards to brag about? I think it’s time to sit back and think about all those things we wore that were actually pretty ridiculous. For example I don’t remember it ever been cold enough to wear fleece pants. I remember they came in different colours— and I think I had three blue pairs.
How about those Gap fleece sweaters that we all wanted but only the cool kids with money could afford? I think they were the TNA sweaters of the 90s come to think of it. Now, about the gaucho pants and tie cardigans… I am not sorry. They were cute and comfortable at that time, I SWEAR. My sister and I MAY have had matching gaucho pants. Just maybe.
In the 90s all we did was trade. We traded bracelets, cards, snacks, and I distinctly remember trading chokers and going home with a different one every day around my neck. I’ll take a classic Tiffany necklace over a choker any day, and I much prefer chiffon to fleece – but that’s just me.
See the 17 items you wore (and don’t deny it) below
Gaucho Pants
Cropped Tie Cardigan
Chokers
Army Print Clothes
Fleece Pants
Cropped Jacket Read more…
The temperatures have dropped immensely in Toronto this week and Dakota Fanning’s LAX attire was the perfect look of bundled-up fashion. Fur is one of the best ways to stay warm. And one of the most stylish accessories one can possess during these harsh weather conditions. I love the combination between the leather boots and the fur; two must-haves this winter season.
Want to bundle up with style? Try these pieces.
Combined Leopardskin Parka, ZARA, $80
Oversize Maxi Sweater, ZARA, $20
Kaatz, Aldo, $100 Read more…
Years of watching TLC’s What Not to Wear has taught me that there always comes a point in one’s life when you suddenly become too old to wear whatever you want.
Luckily for many of us, that point of no return is still a long ways away from ruining our style-seeking eye. Now let us indulge in all of the cute, quirky and edgy fashions our hearts desire before we all start looking like Madonna.
This week, let’s take some inspiration from the Fanning sisters’ choice in cute cat hats during their holiday visit to Seoul, South Korea. It wasn’t just Hello Kitty’s cute face that caught my eye — it was the cute little ears sitting on top of both Elle and Dakota Fanning’s heads.
This isn’t the first time animal ears have caught the fashion world’s attention. Here’s a quick primer on just some other fashionable animal headgear from the past and present.
Animal Hats with Paws
Endless hours of entertainment.
Studded Ears
Jessica Alba is probably one of the most stylish moms in Hollywood. She was spotted with her baby at F&S Fabrics for the Home in Los Angeles earlier this week donning this two-tone jacket with leather sleeves paired with Dr. Martens boots. This look defines comfort and style; both of which Jessica is often seen doing while she’s out and about!
Want the look? Try these pieces:
Two-tone zip jacket, ZARA, $70
Skinny jeans, ZARA, $20
Dr. Martens 1460 boots, Urban Outfitters, $130 Read more…
Anne Hathaway is a dedicated follower of fashion but it appears she has taken some inspiration from Les Misérables co-star Hugh Jackman as she donned this very foppish-sleek Saint Laurent black tux with gothic nails. I am loving the dark attire Anne has been wearing these days on the red carpet. Opting out of gowns and dresses for this chic look is definitely the way to go. This look is professional enough for the office yet dressy enough to wear to a party.
TREND: Over the Top Curls
If you’ve been following Beyoncé on Instagram as obsessively as I am, you’ll notice how Bey went from straight and sleek to bodacious curls in her latest #WIWT (what I wore today) shots.
The over the top and full of volume style must be an inspiration (and a relief) for those who are have natural curly hair. No longer do we need to fuss over straighteners and hair clips—we can just stick to our favourite moisturizing conditioners to get the look we want. Just don’t use the brush too often and find a good gel/mousse/cream (or whatever concoction you find works best! To each their own) to keep those beautiful curls intact. And for those who have naturally straight hair, don’t forget to use a heat protectant when curling your tresses—you don’t want to fry your hair in the process!
TREND: Geometric Prints
Thanks to the creative mind of Marc Jacobs, I can’t help but love all the geometric prints over at Louis Vuitton. It’s like he moved from the Mad Men conservative style of fifties to the swinging sixties, more specifically swinging London. I also love how chic AnnaSophia Robb also looks in a Marc Jacobs geometric print sweater in the newest Teen Vogue. I can’t wait to pick up some great monochromatic pieces in the future!
WTF?: Condom wedding dress
A restaurant called “Cabbages and Condoms” was developed in Bangkok, Thailand as part of a plan to raise awareness of safe sex, HIV/AIDS and family planning. Not only are prophylactics a part of the name, they’re also integral to the restaurant’s décor as condoms from around the world add some, um, interesting points of interests. No, they aren’t used to make balloon animals but instead costumes such as a wedding dress. Yes, a wedding dress.
I wonder if the creator was trying to debunk the whole “you ain’t getting any” saying that surrounds marriage. Or is the happy couple supposed to use all of the condoms whilst on their honeymoon? How cheeky! I’d advised against it though because of the general wear and tear it would go through during the ceremony and reception, not to mention they’re probably expired. Safe sex, y’all!
After the first actual snow fall of the season, we all need to get our sweater-swag on! Miley Cyrus is the queen of comfort and edge and combined both these elements while grabbing a cup of coffee from Starbucks in Toluca Lake, California a few days ago. She donned a pair of grey leopard print pants with an overgrown sweater tucked in to show off her vintage-looking belt. Leopard print is the perfect way to transform a simple outfit into a statement look.
Want the look? Try these pieces:
Sweater, ZARA, $50
Leopard-Print Trousers, ZARA, $50
Studded Oxford Shoes, ZARA, $40 Read more…
TREND: Plaid
Inspiration: Kate Middleton
Plaid has been making big moves this season. The print isn’t just the sole property of cozy flannel shirts anymore — it’s popping up on skirts, blazers and pants, all perfect for your next holiday party. It’s even more exciting to browse through the racks when there’s a large variety of plaids and colour combinations to choose from. It’s sleek, it’s fun and a great alternative to the holiday sequin.
TREND: Fancy Pants Pyjamas
Inspiration: David Beckham’s gift to Victoria Beckham
Take a cue from David Beckham’s not-so-secret gift for wife Posh/Victoria Beckham, and indulge in a fancy set of pyjamas. After a long night of parties and fun, it’s the perfect comfy outfit to spend all those mornings after in. Don’t worry about dropping too much cash—there are a number of brands and labels putting out some great sets just in time for Christmas. If you want to stay in something homey for yet another holiday dinner or get together, try a pajama-styled blouse. The sleek spring trend continues to have legs even after all the leaves have fallen.
WTF: Expensive Leather Bear
I really do love Alexander Wang and am very much looking forward to seeing what he will do for french fashion label, Balenciaga. What I don’t love is this leather bear. There’s nothing cuddly about the bear at all, especially the $225 price tag. His sherling chest seems soft enough but please remember how terrible it is trying to sleep on a leather couch—you stick to it and it hurts like hell when you finally get off of it. So no, not cuddly whatsoever. Between this and designer skateboard decks (as a skating fan: blech), it’s safe to say I’m not a huge fan of typical items made luxurious because their over the top price tags are hardly practical. Nice try Wang, but I’m not buying it.
Blake Lively donned a red-orange leather mini Isabel Marant dress at the 12/12/12 Sandy Relief concert held in New York at Madison Square Garden last week. The studded embellishment on the tough leather is truly something we all need to incorporate into our holiday wardrobe. Sequins and glitter are a given during the holiday season but this unique combination adds edge to a simple look. I love how she paired nude accessories with this oh-so-bright colour – a colour we normally don’t see very often in the winter time.
Want to get this red carpet look? Try these pieces:
Studded Bodycon Dress, Zara, $60
High-Heel Two-Tone Sandal, Zara, $90
TREND: Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Inspiration: Colin Firth from Bridget Jones’ Diary and Snoop Dogg
Yes, my dear friends, it ‘tis the season for the obligatory ugly Christmas sweater! There’s really nothing better (okay, except for Mariah maybe) than donning a reindeer on your shirt to get you in the holiday mood. The best part of it all is that it’s fairly cheap to get this season’s warmest look. Just head over to your local Good Will or Value Village and go hunt that sucker down. If you’re not a thrifting fan, don’t fret! Popular stores like J. Crew and Urban Outfitters are selling their own take on tradition. Now everyone can join in on the ugly sweater this season!
TREND: Leather Nails
Inspiration: Alexa Chung
I love how nails have became a canvas for expression this year, all without the palm trees and fake nails of the old days. This time, all around trend-setter Alexa Chung made waves after picking up the trophy for British Style Award again with leather nails. Don’t worry, folks. They’re not real leather, it’s just a matte effect to make them look like the real thing. Leather nail polish is the perfect way to add a little attitude to any outfit even if you’re as sweet as could be.
WTF: Eau de Pizza Hut
Things you can get in Canada: Ketchup chips, Laura Secord chocolate and Pizza Hut perfume. Yep, that last one threw me for a loop and while technically they’re not widely available, I’m still counting it as an only-Canada thing.
The food company only made 110 bottles of the fresh pizza scent with top notes of “freshly baked, hand-tossed dough” and already sent all of them to a few lucky fans. These fans were plucked right off Pizza Hut Canada’s Facebook page after they responded to the company’s question of how much do they love the smell of fresh pizza. Will it be the way to your guy’s heart? I highly doubt it, but it seems like a better idea than Burger King’s Flame by BK meat-scent body spray for men. That stuff is just repulsive.
Guess who got all dolled up to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family last week? Gwen Stefani and husband Gavin Rossdale took their boys to Gwen’s parents house in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving dinner. Gwen’s nerd-chic attire is a must-do this season. The plaid shorts and sweater combo is very appropriate for the occasion; dressy but not over the top!
Want to look nerd-chic? Try these pieces:
Sweater, H&M, $15
Jacquard Zippered Shorts, Forever 21, $24
Garlinger, Aldo, $130
TREND: Burgundy
Inspiration: Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johannson
Burgundy, maroon, oxblood or whatever you think this darker shade of red is called, it’s pretty much the colour of the season. I’ve seen a lot of people (men included) wear this hue because it’s just one of those unfussy colours. It works well as pants, bags, shoes, nails, hat, the list goes on and on. For the more adventurous, I’d suggest trying a burgundy lip à la Scarlett Johannson and Jessica Biel. Looks sophisticated, no?
TREND: snubbing Black Friday
Inspiration: Nordstrom
Okay, it’s not so much of a trend but more so something I’m completely befuddled by. I know there are a lot of Canadian retailers/locations trying to getting in on the sale frenzy to compete with their American counterparts.I’ve seen the Black Friday videos online and they’re downright scary, and I just don’t get why anyone would want to go through Boxing Day before Boxing Day. The yelling, pushing, shoving and long lines are not exactly enticing me to get out of my warm bed and score some great deals. Anyways, kudos to Nordstrom staying closed on Thursday and opening on Friday, just like any other day, and boo to Wal-Mart for making their employees work on Thanksgiving night.
WTF: Sex doll jackets
Made up of mashing bits of inflatable sex dolls and clothes from big brands, Dutch artist Sander Reijgers told Vice that he wanted to find a way to separate the toy from its original use. That way, by putting it on a jacket, the doll would come in contact with everyday life.
It’s a good thing Reijers totally understands how the dolls are made up of stupid female clichés and expectations, and how incredibly creepy the jacket is. I would hate to have to stand in line behind whomever decided to wear this jacket. I either a) would feel compel to stare at the back of his head because well, there’s a face there, or b) look completely awkward as I try to avoid her creepy gaze.
Basically, what would you do in this scenario? Leave your answer below in the comments!
The holiday season is just around the corner so why not get your festive spirit on by adding some velvet into your winter wardrobe? Miley Cyrus already has. This Disney graduate was seen out and about earlier this week in New York City donning a velvet skirt paired with what looks to be a faux fur sweater and biker boots. I love the combination of the two textures! Perfect way to add hard edge into your look.
Do you want to experiment with textures? Try these pieces:
Velveteen skater dress, Forever 21, $24
Bejeweled faux fur jacket, Forever 21, $60
Black lily biker boots by CJG, TOPSHOP, $239 Read more…
Florals might be hibernating this season but animal prints are so on! British TV personality Alexa Chung incorporated three of my favourites at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York last week; lace, leopard print and Chanel! A Chanel bag and lace is expected at a lingerie fashion show, but when you add a print like the cheetah print, it adds a harder edge. Her plain black coat really ties this outfit together!
Long sleeve lace dress, Forever 21, $28
City bag with chains, Zara, $50
TREND: Pink
Inspiration: First Lady Michelle Obama, Emma Stone, Ann Romney
You know a trend has found its roots when the wives of two presidential candidates are both wearing pink and it wasn’t even a Wednesday. AND just a day before, current it girl, Emma Stone, was wearing a bright pink dress at Elle’s Women in Hollywood party. If THAT wasn’t enough for you, when Jessica Biel got hitched to Justin Timberlake, she wore a blushing pink wedding dress.
So, how do we even wear such a bright hue? My best advice is: wear it with confidence. It only looks ridiculous if you think it does. Unfortunately, confidence is sometimes hard to come by. In order to build this confidence, treat pink like any other neon colour: start small by matching pink accessories to whatever you wear. Most importantly, pink is an exciting colour so remember to HAVE FUN!
TREND: polka dots
Inspiration: Taylor Swift on The View
Last summer, I had a bit of a shocking revelation when I was riding the bus back home after a trip to Ikea. I realized that the boxes I just bought, my skirt and my nails were covered in polka dots. Since then, I’ve been trying to cool it with the dots because, let’s face it, I’m not Zooey Deschanel.
Unfortunately, it’s been really hard to get off this kick. Between Marc Jacobs’ fragrance Dot and The Sartorialist‘s polka dot street style shots, I can’t stop myself but want more dotted pieces. So, you know what? Let me at ‘em! They’re fun, they’re flirty and most of all, they are (this week’s theme) F. U. N. Fun!
WTF: Chanel’s Hula Hoop bag
Imagination plays a huge part in fashion, and as a result, there are a number of outstanding collections that are more art pieces than ready-to-wear clothes. What kills me, though, when designers try to sell insanely bizarre objects as the world’s most practical accessory. Case in point: Chanel’s hula hoop bag. According to designer Karl Lagerfeld, it would be the perfect beach bag because you can drape everything on it. It might’ve been useful if I couldn’t picture myself tripping over it, or crying because the white fabric got all dirt stained. Not to mention, it’s just a tad ridiculous and a little too over-the-top for the beach.
TREND: Army jackets with leather sleeves
Inspiration: Olivia Palermo
This fall seems to belong to leather: I’m seeing leather shrts, skirts and leggings everywhere! One of my favourite leather trends has to be the army green jacket with the leather sleeves. I’ve always loved the oversized army green jackets because it works as a no-fuss neutral; it just seems to go with everything! The icing on the cake, though, is the leather sleeves. It gives the whole piece a sleeker look and just enough toughness to inspire confidence in any girl.
TREND: Varsity Jacket
Inspiration: Emma Watson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A more classic way to keep warm this fall is with a varsity jacket. The varsity jacket has lasted all these years as it keeps you looking cool without having to go the grunge route. You can easily pair up this jacket with a simple t-shirt/jeans combo or wear it on top of a button down shirt for a slightly more dressed-up, but casual, look.
WTF: the Munster shoe
The Munster shoe is kind of like the Frankenstein of footwear. The popular nineties style has the Victorian, creeper and platform elements all in one shoe. With the grunge style coming back in full force, it’s no surprise someone tried to revive this trend.
This time designer John Fluevog tries his han but it’s not as elegant as one would hope, especially with that sculpted heel. Those with a more conservative style should style away. These shoes can easily look ridiculous as if not styled properly. Let’s reserve the Munsters for those with lots of style to spare.
