Thursday, March 28, 2013

#WMCFW - My Final Look

I didn't get many outfit shots during the first half of Fashion Week. I was busy working, enjoying myself and taking photos of the event. That all changed on Friday (yup, the final day) with the help of some blogging friends - Jane from Toronto Shopoholic and Jenny from Crazy Style Love. We all received the Cobalt Blue Memo the night before and dressed accordingly...just joking...we couldn't have planned it if we tried.

One thing that surprised many people was my height, Jane and Jenny had seen me on The Marilyn Denis Show and read my posts where I complain about not being able to find clothes that fit properly so knew to look up. It is funny hearing people saying "I never knew you were so tall".

My final thoughts of World MasterCard Fashion Week can be found in today's (Insert City Here) Sun in the Life section. That's right folks I'm going National and I'm more shocked then you are. I enjoyed working with Victoria, Monique, Natalia and the rest of the team from QMI Agency. They helped me navigate the craziness of the week and I came out counting the days till October and the Spring/Summer preview.






Dress - Nicole Miller
Belt - BCBG
Purse - Rebecca Minkoff
Shoes - Christian Louboutin
Hair -  Rowenta (big thank you Jessica)

Sunday, March 24, 2013

World MasterCard Fashion Week in Instagram









World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto (#WMCFW - I am still dreaming of this hash tag) was a great time full of fashion (duh) and fun (no surprise there). I was fortunate enough to be working with Sun Media during the entire week and one of the perks of working with QMI Agency was having my own chair. It didn't say my name (Sun Media), however, it was mine. Located in the second row, middle I was able to stroll in and take my seat. Except I lost it during Joe Fresh. When it's a Joe Fresh show all bets are off. 

I have mastered (for the most part) the art of the Live Tweet and had Joe Fresh and Mackage re-tweet me during/right after their shows. That was the highest form of a compliment I could hope for. Those two design firms appeared to have the best handle on social media and the use of Twitter. While The Collections was doing a great job re-tweeting for all it's clients and keeping them current during the week. Interestingly enough Huff Post Canada Style section also liked what I was saying...they just didn't realize I was working with the competition.

When I'm at home and trying to do my hair, there is usually a lot going on. Kids fighting, husband asking where something is, cell phone buzzing with a text message about anything really, so imagine how excited I was when I found out there was a hair station? I loved coming into the tents and getting hair touch up by the Rowenta stylists. It was a treat and I only wish I could keep one of the stylists forever! Their tools are so sleek and user friendly, plus I was given lots of tips. 

It's an eclectic group at #WMCFW- designers, journalists, bloggers, fashion people, celebrities, socialites and fashion fans. The street style was just as eclectic and a feast for the eyes. People watching is never as fun as during Fashion Week. Now I could feel some eyes on me, judging what I was wearing. It bothered me for a few seconds - I swear I was back in high school, the too tall skinny girl still working on that fragile self confidence. Feeling the eyes of the cool kids on her. Then I got over it, I used the old eyes straight and bitch face on. I've been told I walk stuck-up. Gets them every time, plus I usually have six to 10 inches (with heels) on the average person. I'm a fancy dresser - a 37 year old fancy dresser (tailored and polished where used) mother of four. I will continue to be that after the tents have been disassembled and I'm taking pictures of myself in front of my house, while my 3 year old naps. My picture will not be found on any Street Style galleries in Toronto and I'm okay with that just as long as you guys come back when I post again later this week.

Fashion is fickle and so are some people in the industry, yet I met some amazing bloggers and colleagues from QMI Agency that made the experience memorable and meaningful. We're already planning on meeting up at Glas Wine Bar (I know Dan will treat us right) and making stronger connections.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Black & White - Not just for Jailbirds

Yesterday I was raving about colour and how everyone should wear it and today I am wearing black and white. The fickle world of fashion...I've been covering World MasterCard Fashion Week (#WMCFW) in Toronto for QMI Agency (took today off, however, you can find me here, here or here) and one very strong trend that will carry on into Fall/Winter '13 is black and white. This is something I can get on board with as long as it doesn't over take all the strides I've made in embracing colour and patters. The 90s were all about black and it felt like a really long funeral.

The Joe Fresh show was almost entirely void of any colour. It was a huge risk and I think it paid off. Other fashion lines like Pink Tartan, Mackage, Matis, Line and David Dixon all had elements of B&W in their shows. Why mess with a sure thing?


I find when wearing B&W I always wear red lips. Something needs to pop!


Another popular trend that will continue well into Winter of '13 is peplum. Yeah!! I love the femininity of this trend.


I purchased these shoes at least 7 years ago. Classics last forever!




I plan on doing a Fashion Week Wrap up this weekend. I am enjoying my first time at the shows and hope to share a bit of what I've learned.

Sweater - Banana Republic
Skirt & Belt - Cassis (Old)
Shoes - Nine West (Old)

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

A Yellow Blazer

I love colour and have never shied away from wearing it. That being said I know many people do not feel the same way and to be honest I'm not okay with that. I think we should wear colour. I don't mean you need to look like a box of crayons or a colouring book picture my five year old coloured. Or stay away from the black and white. Just mix it up a bit. Start with accessories like bracelets, belts, shoes or scarves.

Wearing a blazer or blouse in a pretty yellow or green will do your face a service and take years off. Don't like yellow or green? What about red, blue, pink or orange? I know there is something for everyone. You just need to find it. Hell, I'll settle for Navy.




I'd also like to thank Cocoa Jewelry for the earrings and bracelet. I first discovered Cocoa jewelry at the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Bar. I've purchased several pieces over the last year and was flattered when they sent me a BOX full of items from their latest collection. I've been getting compliments from my sisters (who's opinion I value and both could have their own style blogs) on the items and have been wearing pieces all week. Cocoa Jewelry is a Canadian success story and will be found in Canadian locations of Target as well. Please know that all these opinions are my own.

If you want to see what colours other Canadian bloggers are wearing head over to Fashion Magazine Style Panel here.

I will be posting World MasterCard Fashion Week pictures as well. Just need to figure out where to start.

Blazer - H&M
Blouse - Ann Taylor (old)
Jeans - J Brand (old)
Shoes - Prada
Earrings, Bracelet - Cocoa Jewelry
Watch - Michael Kors
Wallet on a Chain - Rebecca Minkoff

Thursday, March 14, 2013

March Break - Camo Option #2




 
This is a more casual look and it is cold so this works.

Sweater, Button Down, Jeans & Booties - The Gap
Necklace - Banana Republic
Watch - Michael Kors
Sunglasses - Burberry

Monday, March 11, 2013

March Break - Camo Option #1

I first saw Camo jeans at Zara and thought they would be loads of fun to wear, however, height is often NOT my clothing friend. They were far too short on me and I left wishing tall girls had more choice. Fast forward a year later and I found a pair of tall friendly camo pants online at The Gap. Thank you for your Tall section.




Pattern play is still my Achilles' heel so I'm taking it slow. I thought I would play with this pattern and do two posts using these pants as the anchor. March Break is in full swing in my house and next week is Toronto Fashion Week so I'm busy (along with everyone else). So I'm taking it nice and easy. I hope everyone else is enjoying their March Break.

I will be partnering with Sun Media during Toronto Fashion Week. We are still hammering out the schedule. Once I know all the details I'll let you know where I'll be and where you can follow me.

Pants & T-Shirt - The Gap (tall)
Blazer - J Crew (old)
Shoes - Stuart Weitzman (old)
Necklace - Banana Republic (old)
Watch - Michael Kors (old)

Thursday, March 7, 2013

It's a Mom Day - Cardi & Denim

Style isn't just about being able to co-ordinate patterns, colour and texture. I love to mix all these elements to express my own personality, however, I also live in a world where I'm picking up toys, folding laundry, cooking, cleaning, dealing with dirty diapers (can't wait for that to end) and running around in cold weather doing pick ups and drop offs. While I would love to be posh, when I'm doing "the everyday" it is not going to happen.

So I'll fall back to some old favourites - cardigan, button down and denim. Classics are timeless and easy. We all need some easy in our days.




Cardigan - Pink Tartan (old)
Button Down - Ann Taylor (old)
Jeans - James Jeans (old)
Belt - Tory Burch (old)
Boots - Frye (old)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Investing


Investment pieces are different things to different people. I’m a stay at home mother and retired my power suit a long time ago. However, a great blazer will get me from day to night – I can wear this blazer while running errands and still wear it out in the evening for date night or drinks with the girls. It is also something I can wear year round – except maybe the hottest days of summer. This blazer is structured and cut perfectly for my frame. It tapers in at my waist and sits perfectly on my shoulders. It is a classic shape and won’t be subject to changing fashion whims. The lapels are done in a satin fabric, which give it a nice touch. I only need one good black blazer and this one’s it.

After the age of 35 women need to think about cut and fit before trends. Nothing ages a woman more than ill-fitting and poorly cut clothes.  Clothing that fits properly accentuates our shape and camouflages any problem areas we have.  Thank goodness well cut clothing can be found at every price point!





Blazer - Smythe (old)
 Blouse - Ann Taylor (old)
 Jeans - J Brand (old)
 Shoes - Prada (old)
 Belt - Tory Burch (old)
 Watch - Michael Kors (old) 
Jewelry - F21(old)