Formula for New Year's Eve

It's that time of year again... The dilemma of choosing an appropriate NYE outfit daunts us again. Whether going to a club, pub, or house party, the dress code can be extremely variable. Think of what you usually wear and feel comfortable in plus where you will be ringing in the new year. This will equal your perfect NYE outfit! 


LADIES


(Jeans & t-shirt) + (house party) = jeans and a dressy shirt (i.e. blouse, or detailed tank) with fancy flats 


(Jeans & t-shirt) + (club) = black dress pants and a shiny blouse with wedges


(Style conscious) + (house party) = wide leg jeans and an animal print top with wedges or chunky heels


(Style conscious) + (club) = LBD and colourful stilettos


MEN


(Jeans & t-shirt) + (house party) = dark wash and fitted jean and sweater or caridigan with canvas or boat shoe

(Jeans & t-shirt) + (club) = grey dress pants and a dress shirt with black dress shoes

(Style conscious) + (house party) = dark wash jeans with funky dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes

(Style conscious) + (club) = dark grey suit with white dress shirt, colourful tie/bow tie (suspenders optional) with dress shoes

Enjoy your most fashionable NYE yet! 

B. 

Heel Condoms

These are the coolest thing to hit the fashion market since red soles... 


Heel Condoms! 


Amazing for dressing up a simple pair of shoes into a work of art! They fit any medium-high stiletto type heel and slip easily off and on to be used on any shoes! And get this.... they range from only $20-$30!!! 

Check out the website at  http://www.theheelcondoms.com/


B.




P.S. Thank you to my friend Kaitlind for sending me this information! 

A LBD for Every Budget

A few of my favourite Little Black Dresses for women on every budget. 

Michael Kors - Belted Drape Dress     $1595.00

Betsey Johnson - Evening Burnout Stripe Dress     $360.00

David Meister - Asymmetric Neckline Jersey Dress     $278.00

Zara - Double Fabric Dress with Pleated Skirt     $79.90

The little black dress is always appropriate, just dress it up or down with the right accessories and you will be ready to go! 


B. 

The Key Pieces for Your Wardrobe

I am a big believer in buying classic pieces that you can accessorize in many different ways to get you a ton of looks out of only a few key pieces. Here are some suggestions to help you out! 

A wrap dress in a neutral colour can go from work to party in just a couple of steps. Choose a length that hits you just above the knee. This is most body type's "sweet spot" and makes you look longer and slimmer. 

Wear it with a blazer and kitten heels during the day, and spice it up with a shoulder shrug, tights, and sassy pumps at night. 

Silk V-Neck Drape Dress - Banana Republic $185.00

A blazer can be worn with just about anything. Jeans, dress pants, skirts, shorts, and dresses, oh my! Add a pop of colour with a funky brooch or a silky tank. 

Short Cool Wool Blazer - Zara $79.90

A great pair of jeans is priceless. Invest in a pair of straight leg (falls straight from the hip) or trouser jeans (pleated down the front). These will be so versatile you won't want to take them off! Dress them up with a blouse for casual Friday, then tuck it in, roll up the sleeve and add suspenders for happy hour drinks! 

Featherweight Trouser in Deep Blue Black - 7 For All Mankind $169.00

Flats for the Holidays

Although flats are against my personal religion, I realize that a lot of people out there call them "wardrobe essentials". Here are some flats that I approve of, and actually really love. These would be perfect for running from party to party during the upcoming holiday season. 

Mistress Patent Zip Heart Bow Pumps - Topshop.com   $55.00

Jeweled Ballet Flats - Forever 21  $19.80

Valkyrie Flower Cuff Ballet Pumps - Topshop.com  $50.00

Metallic Leather Amelia Ballerina Flat - Tory Burch  $295.00

Looking Good and Chilling Out

Yes, they can occur at the same time: looking good and chilling out. You can find some real gems, the following are featured from three Canadian companies!



Bamboo Yoga Pants - Fever Resort + Cruise Wear $72.00




Wool Leggings - TNA $75.00




Run: Inspire Pullover - lululemon athletica $99.00

 B.

How to Get Your Boyfriend/Husband to Dress Better

I've had a few people ask me "how can I get my boyfriend/husband to dress how I want him to dress?". Although I generally believe in the "he will do whatever he wants" theory, there are some small things you can do to coax him out of his track pant exterior and into some Gucci loafers.

Ask about his goals, especially career-wise. You may want to remind him that you have to dress for the role that you WANT, not the role that you currently have. Hopefully this will inspire some motivation... If he works in a uniform or a trade in which clothes get ruined often, at least make sure the basics are covered (i.e. clothes for a date night, for a wedding, for other formal events, for going clubbing, for a casual night out at a pub or friend's house, for a weekend getaway, etc.)

I guarantee he will bring up comfort. There are PLENTY of comfortable options for men especially. Cole Haan makes dress shoes (and casual shoes) with Nike Air technology. They feel just like sneakers! Proper fitting dress pants can be purchased in a variety of fabrics if your guy doesn't like the texture of wool. Dark denim can really dress up a look rather than a lighter wash. As long as the clothes fit the body well, (and by "well" I do not mean tight, they should follow the lines of the body but not hug it completely) then a lot of times you can avoid wearing ties and jackets all together depending on the occasion.

If he is watching his budget, a lot of affordable stores have really stepped up their male fashion game. I would suggest Banana Republic, Club Monaco, and even H&M. You can find some real gems at Winner's if you are willing to spend time browsing. Warn them that if you choose to spend less money on an item, you will probably end up purchasing something to replace it in less time which means more time spent shopping... (yes, we love excuses to shop!)

Make sure to get them to try everything on at the store to avoid doing returns or exchanges. Do not tell him something looks great if it only looks ok. If something looks amazing on him, make sure he knows it! Point out specifically what really works for him like "man, that shirt makes your biceps look HUGE!" and he will think of that everytime he puts it on.

Make sure HE makes the final decision on his own. Once he gets a few things from a store that fit well and he enjoys, he can shop from the comfort of his computer chair!

Now get the ball rollin'!

B.

The Next BIG Things

Over the winter, if you are looking to punch up your wardrobe for spring, keep your eye out for some of the following items that are going to be rocking the streets when that snow melts away.

1. CRAZY prints!

    Bye bye stripes, hello randomness!

Mary Katrantzou - London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

    
2. Sheer (and lace)  

     Definitely a spin off from that huge lingere-inspired trend

3. White

     especially in a dress as per style.com

4. Vibrant colours

     No more neutrals!


Pink Tartan - Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

5. Trouser Jeans

    Dress up your wardrobe with these business inspired denims.

6. Heavy metal meets floral-chic

    Can I just say that I LOVE this?!

Evan Biddell - Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

7. Envelope Bags

    These over-sized clutches are fab!


Jessica Jenson - Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

 B.

Winter Style on a Budget

Pleated Trousers - $59.90 Zara

Bow Beret - $7.50 Forever 21

Herringbone Double-Breasted Coat with Flap Pockets - $249.00 Zara

Leggings PNL Amy - $44.90 Mango

 

Wide Lapel Cardian - $35.90 Zara

Knit Shrug - $21.80 Forever 21

Double Breasted Crest Button Coat - $45.80 Forever 21

"Cool" Boots for Men

Hey guys, here are my top winter boot picks for men.

Cole Haan Air Brandon Ankle Boots

 (These bad boys are made with Nike Air technology, so super comfy)

Timberland Boot Company Abington Guide Boot

Red Wing Classic Moc Toe Boot

Ugg Australia Fallbrook Ankle Boot

(This is the ONLY Ugg boot I have ever approved, male or female!)

Hope you enjoy!

B. 



Stone Love by Kate Wheeler

Kate Wheeler, News Anchor for Studio 12 News, is constantly complimented on her accessories. After receiving so many letters at her previous job at CTV asking where she got her necklaces she wore on air, Kate started making jewellery for others, rather than just herself. She is inspired by fashion trends, her own interests, hobbies and family. Kate has made theme lines (ex. “Sex & The City”), wedding jewellery and individual pieces. Kate works with all different types of materials and designs including Swarovski Crystals and her pieces sell for $25-100, depending on costs.


Kate can be contacted through Amanda Beebe (amanda.beebe@corusent.com) for requests, quotes or purchases.

See my favourite pieces from her current collection:

B.

The Importance of Self

Self-confidence, self-control, self-indulgence, self-worth, self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-actualization, self-awareness, self-discipline. 

All of these selves are critical to to our image. How can you wear a party dress or a suit when your mind is in track pant mode? If the outfit doesn't match your mood, you're going to look off. To compensate you will keep applying make-up, put too much gel in your hair. What you really need to work on is yourself, and how you view yourself. 

Take a look in the mirror. I seriously challenge everyone to ACTUALLY do follow through with this. Moving from bottom to top state out loud things that you love about yourself. Name even the smallest things, for example "I love that freckle on my thigh". Do not let your mind wander to to things you are not quite satisfied with. End the exercise with your face. I bet you will find a lot of things that you love about body and face.

Next make a mental list of your personality traits that you love. Think of all the nice things you have done for other people lately. It could be even the tiniest thing you think may have not mattered, but what if someone put the kettle on for you when you came into work? Wouldn't you appreciate the gesture.

Once you have done these physical and mental exercises, you should be able to recall the positive feelings that were felt more easily the next time you are having a "self-issue". Practice will help, and eventually you will learn to feel positively and accept your self at all times.

Imagine what this self-acceptance will do your image. You will glow! You will carry yourself with more confidence. Your clothes will look better on you, your hair will bounce, your eyes will sparkle. I bet you can't wait to get started... GO!

B.

Designer Spotlight: Betsey Johnson

At age 68, Betsey Johnson is still rockin the runway. Her unique designs have been changing with the times since the 1960's, but I love that Johnson stays true to her creative self, and isn't set on following trends of the fashion industry. She was awarded for this by the CFDA when she won the "timeless talent award", created just for her!

Betsey studied at the Pratt Institute and at Syracuse University. Following graduation, she worked as an intern at Mademoiselle magazine for a year. She then won the Mademoiselle guest editor contest which launched her career in fashion.

A boutique known as Paraphernalia was Johnson's first in house design gig. In the early 70's Betsey took over for the rock n roll collection Alley Cat. In her first year their, the collection took in over $5 million.

Betsey Johnson started her self titled label in 1978 which is still going strong. Her daughter, Lulu, was born in 1975 who now has a daughter of her own, Layla. Betsey loves spending time with her girls!

In 2002, Betsey was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through radiation and had a lumpectomy, and is now cancer-free! Also in this year Betsey was inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame. An original sketch, signature and biography was embedded into the Seventh Avenue sidewalk. Her other achievements include a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 from the NAWBO-NYC committee, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Accessories Council in 2005, and Designer of the Year Award from the American Apparel and Footwear Association in 2006.

Betsey shows off her youthful-ness at the finale of all of her fashion shows by doing a signature cartwheel. Her spirit and energy is so inspiring to so many of her colleagues, fans, and supporters.

Thank you Betsey!

Dsquared's Spine Shoe

Dsquared2's Spine Shoe

Twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten are from TORONTO and founded Dsquared2 (their second label) in 1994 with a men's collection, and launched their women's collection in 2003.

Warming Up

It seems too early, but it is time to start buying those necessary warm accessories for our Canadian winters. Here are some of my winter wants:

3.1 Philip Lam arbus chain embellished leather gloves  

DVF Carilisle Hat and Ludgate Scarf

DVF Lothbury Rabbit Earmuffs

Emilio Pucci Wrap

Lauren by Ralph Lauren perforated sheepskin drivers gloves

Michael by Michael Kors detachable neck warmer sweater

Michael by Michael Kors scarf and extra long gloves



A Fitting Subject

All great clothes need a great support system. In this case, a great bra (or 7). Here are some necessary tips for your next underwear and underwire shopping trip.

First, you should know how to measure yourself to determine if you are wearing the correct size or not. Believe it or not, most women wear a bra that is too small!

To find this number, you will need a measuring tape that will wrap easily around your body. If you don't have one use a string and then measure the length of string. For this fitting wear a bra that does not either minimize or maximize your breasts.

To get your band size, measure under your armpits and across the top of your chest. If you have an even number, this is your band size. If you have an odd number, add one, and that will be your band size (i.e. if you get 34, 34 is your size. If you get 35, 36 is your size).

To get your cup size loosely measure the largest part of your chest. Make sure the entire measuring tape is level with the ground and not on any kind of angle.

The difference between the cup size and the band size determines the letter of your cup.

Less than 1" is AA
1" = A
2" = B
3" = C
4" = D
5" = DD  ... and so on.

Now the fun part... shopping! Until you find your perfect bra, this cannot be done online. First, decide what you want your bra to do. Looking for ultimate support and comfort sports bra, or a sexy and seductive push-up?

Things you need to know and check for in the fitting room:

1. Make sure the band goes around you and stays horizontal to the floor. If it is higher in the back you need to loosen the straps.

2. If loosening the straps makes you feel unsupportive this is not the right bra for you. The band and cups are what support the majority of the weight. The straps should be more of a comfort feature to the bra.

3. Raise your hands to the ceiling. Make sure the bra does not move at all. Twist left and right and make sure there is no pinching or movement.

4. The middle of the front of the bra should be flat against your chest.

5. Bend over. Make sure your breasts are not falling out of the bra. If so, the cup is probably too small for you.

6. Make sure the underwire isn't digging into you anywhere. Check especially close to your armpits.

You may take a long time in the fitting room, but trust me this is worth it! If your bra passes ALL of these rules, you may purchase and enjoy.

B.

Ugg for Jimmy Choo

When I first heard of this new collaboration, I was VERY hesitant. And for good reason. Jimmy Choo has disappointed me with this partnership. Usually Choo makes a sexy, strappy slingback, or a pretty platform pump. But this? This is just horrifying.

Ugg for Jimmy Choo



I can't say that I ever approve of wearing the traditional Ugg boot, but I would certainly choose plain over these monstrosities.

I would love to get the opinions of Ugg-wearers... What do you think? Would you rock these bad boys?