Farmgirl Fashionista

Tripping.

2011-02-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

So, things didn’t go so well at the airport last time. That suitcase handle, the one that had been threatening to tear off on the last three trips – well, it finally did just that. Plus the Velcro on that polka dot nylon passport folder (circa 1993) exceeded its lint-carrying capacity and refused to close. And the carryon baggage took up most of the under-seat space, leaving just about two inches of foot room. The upside to that whole experience? A perfect excuse to invest in some new sky-high style and stock up on a few timeless, high-functioning travel accessories.

Globetrotter vanity case (Special Edition Safari), $800, 6 by GEE Beauty (6 Roxborough St. W., 416-960-8080).
Heys 26” Expandable “Parisian” Upright Luggage, $309.99, Sears.
Heys Sparta 26” Upright Luggage, $255.99, Sears.
Kristina Bag in Super 88 leather, $268, Roots.
Travel organizer, $19.99, Winners.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), February 1, 2011. Written by me.

Two Timing.

2011-01-31T16:45:00.000-08:00

Pink two-tone shirt, $39.95, H&M.

From Emma Watson’s black-sleeved beige-bodied Bespoke Burberry trench coat to Rachel Bilson’s waves of ombre hair, two-tone is a trend we can’t (and don’t want to) get away from.

Sometimes it’s simply a subtle shift between two shades; other times, it’s more black and white. We know one thing for sure though: now is the time to take those pigment pairs and merge them into one fabulous fashion find.

Suede and cotton shirt, $69.95, H&M.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), February 1, 2011. Written by me.

Toys for grownups.

2011-01-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

Marco Mavilla has a knack for stumbling on to something special.

It was a moment of inspiration when the Milan-based ToyWatch designer first created a timepiece resembling a luxury men’s watch – with cheap and cheerful plastic replacing the usual heavy metal strap.

Six years later, when he sked Italian design house Missoni to be a partner in a limited-edition collection, inspiration struck again. Famous for its kaleidoscopic knits, Missoni provided a rainbow of finely woven foulard bands to set off the bright, masculine watch faces that ToyWatch is known for.

The “ToyWatch dressed by Missoni” series is at once bold, bella and oh-so-cool.

$540 each. Available at The Bay (Queen Street location), Cupido (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., 905-669-8522), Sophie Cosmetics & Accessories (550 Hwy. 7 E., Richmond Hill, 905-763-6488).

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 25, 2011. Written by me.

P.S. – I read this…

2011-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

P.S. – I made this…, $22.95 (Published by Abrams Image).

Ever admired someone’s oversized necklace or colourful cloth bangles and thought, “I could totally make that”? Well, now’s the time to put your money where your mouth is and take a page out of DIY fashion manual P.S. – I Made This.

Author Erica Domesek started out online at www.psimadethis.com with a Sharpie and a glue gun, re-creating her favourite looks from fashion magazines, runway shows and celebrity sightings. (Her latest online project is Jennifer Lopez in a Zuhair Murad poncho from the Golden Globes.)

With her can-do motto – “I see it. I like it. I make it.” – Domesek’s book features 25 easy step-by-step instructions on how to whip up trendy pieces on a dime — perhaps a faux-fur vest or a striped sailor shirt.

Sure, you may not have a fully stocked craft kit, like Domesek does, but sometimes all you need is a little inspiration.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 25, 2011. Written by me.

Star Stud.

2011-01-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Michelle Williams sporting sporty little rocks at The Golden Globes.

With statement necklaces, statement shoulders and statement colours having been up front and centre on the fashion stage these past few seasons, there’s a growing desire to turn down the volume and step out in something a little more subtle.

The stud earring plays this role perfectly; it provides just enough sparkle to avoid being boring, but not so much as to blind the audience.

City Grid 24 karat gold-plated stud earring, $44, Jenny Bird (www.jenny-bird.com).

Black diamond stud earring, $585, Anne Sportun Experimetal (742 Queen St. W., www.annesportun.com).

Coca earrings, $22, Foxy Originals (www.foxyoriginals.com).

Runway button post earrings with clear crystals in matte silver and copper, $143, lia sophia.

Loon jewelled Studs, $45, Banana Republic.

Pavé-set marcasite and sterling silver stud earring, $109, Thomas Sabo (www.thomassabo.com).

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 18, 2011. Written by me.

Captain Cool.

2011-01-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Jean Seberg rocks an Aran sweater like no other.

Eight parts Jean Seberg and two parts Relic from The Beachcombers, coastal cool is all about looking stylish by the seashore while staying sartorially set to haul in those fictional fishing nets at a moment’s notice.

Pulling together a handful of top trends — Breton stripes, cargo pants, weather-ready boots, woolly knits — this look will stay afloat in even the stormiest style seas.

Fisherman sweater, $59, Joe Fresh Style.

Striped crewneck pullovers, $58 each, Jacob.

Black Panther cargo pant, $220, Fidelity (www.fidelitydenim.com).

Tiksi boot, $179, ECCO Shoes (www.eccocanada.com).

Muskrat fur gloves, $358, Philip Sparks (www.philipsparks.com).

Tan pebbled drawstring satchel, $69.95, Le Chateau.

Stainless Damascus steel rings, $295-$395, Cosmo Knives (www.cosmoknives.com).

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 18, 2011. Written by me.

Fringe Festival.

2011-01-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

You weren’t at Woodstock (any of them). You didn’t live in a tee-pee. You’ve never inhaled. So why would you ever wear hippie-dippy fringe?

Well, fringe has cleaned up, gotten a job and is now a high-flying urban embellishment with places to go and bags to hang from.

This snipped-up style is going to be snapped up by the fashion flock this spring, so keep your eyes open for a bag near you.

Phoenix faux leather fringe bag, $84.99, Element.

Attitude Hobo bag, $55, Sears.

Ruched bucket bag, $595, Jenny Bird (Holt Renfrew).

Jaxx Snake bag, $265, Matt & Nat.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 11, 2011. Written by me.

A Leg Up.

2011-01-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

Stella McCartney designer this in honour of her favourite sport.

Maybe it’s the tight pants, maybe it’s the snap of a crop, or maybe it’s the smell of all that leather. Whatever it is, there’s something inherently sexy about horseback riding, and designers know it.

They’ve been taking their cloth-cutting cues from the equestrian world for ages (Hermès began as a horse harness workshop, don’t you know), reworking that show jumping uniform of jodhpurs, jacket and boots to be more suitable for trotting around outside the stables.

Unless you’re competing at Spruce Meadows, limit your haute-horse items to two per outfit – a pair of paneled leggings and tall boots, for example – not a head-to-tail ensemble.

Wool uniform dressing cap, $19.99, Winners.

Velvet blazer, $89.50, Esprit.

Oxford shirt, $29.50, Old Navy.

Tamma belt, $145, Brave Leather (www.braveleather.com).

Riding pants, $79.90, Jacob.

Riding rain boots, $98, Banana Republic.

Leather strap watch, $49.99, Winners.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 11, 2011. Written by me.

A Rose By Any Other Name.

2011-01-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sure, they may not sound like things you’d want to smear on your face, but these potion-like products truly are magical.

Nanoblur.

Nanoblur. Sadly, this water-based cream is not full of tiny little robots working away — but it is full of tiny little prisms blurring away. These micro-prisms reflect light, creating the optical illusion of reduced wrinkle lines and age spots. It can be worn under makeup, has skin-plumping peptides and is free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate. Nanoblur, $19 (Rexall PharmaPlus and indeedlabs.com).

StriVectin.

StriVectin. With a name like that, you know this product was formulated in the world of medicine. StriVectin came about through skin cancer prevention research — doctors discovered a compound that helped rebuild skin layers. That compound is now helping healthy our skin rebuild moisture levels during the dry winter. StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair, $68 (Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale).

Dermalogica.

Dermalogica. The folks at Dermalogica are all about putting the cash into product development rather than product embellishment. This no-fuss option moisturizes, covers and protects skin from UV rays without that nasty, greasy sunscreen feel. Dermalogica is definitely putting its money where our mouth is. Dermalogica sheer tint moisture SPF15, $55 (www.dermalogica.ca).

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 4, 2011. Written by me.

Sui Sweet.

2010-12-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

Anna Sui has been quietly building a boho-chic fashion empire on bright colours and baby-doll dresses since her debut in 1991.

Now, Andrew Bolton — the head curator of the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York — has plundered the archives to present a picture of a woman at the epicentre of pop culture in Anna Sui.

With an intro by Jack White, the book reads like a photographic Who’s Who of the fashion scene over the past two decades — all decked out in Sui’s finest frilly shirts and layered gypsy dresses, of course.

Arrr! She's a pirate. Or Kate Moss. Your choice.

Jessica Simpson being Jessica Simpson

Twiggy twigging out in Sui.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), January 4, 2011. Written by me.

Twinkle Toes.

2010-12-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

Black studded slingbacks, $135, Red Carpet Collection (Town Shoes).

New Year’s Eve tends to go one way or the other – a fun-filled night to remember or a completely anticlimactic dud.

Luckily, we have the (sparkly) secret to countdown success. If you feel the tug of tedium while waiting for the clock hands to strike 12, just look down.

With a pair of bejeweled heels shining back up at you, the evening couldn’t be anything less than amazing.

Victoria slingbacks, $59.99, Jessica (Sears).

Globikini, $445, Stuart Weitzman (Toronto Eaton Centre).

Black rhinestone sandal, $99.95, Le Chateau.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 28, 2010. Written by me.

Please Be Pleated.

2010-12-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

Shhh, the show’s about to start — the stars: you, and your amazing ability to rock a spring fashion trend in the dead of winter. Enter stage left: the pleated skirt.

A standout star of the 2011 shows (especially Elie Tahari’s golden tennis skirt), these accordion-stitched skirts sashayed onto the spring style stage and straight into our fashion-applauding hearts.

We can’t stall till spring – we’re pulling on our thickest wool tights and sturdiest booties, and taking these swinging skirts off stage and out onto the streets.

Fast perfect pleat skirt, $118, French Connection.

Gold pleated skirt, $64.50, Gap.

Grey skirt, $59.90, Jacob.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 28, 2010. Written by me.

Just Chillin’.

2010-12-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is in full effect, which means eating our weight in turkey and lounging about, watching CBC Christmas specials.

While there’s nothing wrong with chilling on the couch in a pair of threadbare snowman pyjamas and oversized pink furry slippers, there are other options.

As soon as Alexander Wang’s biased-cut sweatshirts and Rag & Bone’s tailored sweatpants hit the spring 2010 runways, a whole new set of slouchy styles appeared.

Now there’s no need to lose your cool while chilling in your loose-fitting clothes.

Deer Dreamer sequined shirt, $98, French Connection.

Roots Original sweatpants, $60, Roots.

Abbie leather clog, $195, UGG Australia.

Rubik shirt, $54.99, Element.

Leopard-print sleeping shorts, $20.90, Jacob.

Bession Burma leather slippers, $170, Sue London Slippers. (6 by GEE, 6 Roxborough St.)

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 21, 2010. Written by me.

Get Jolly.

2010-12-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, creating a fun holiday makeup look doesn’t necessarily mean dunking your whole face into a bucket of glitter – part of your face should do the trick.

Remember, at this time of year, you can get away with just about anything in the makeup department, whether it’s a bright fuchsia lipstick or a shimmering eye shadow.

If there’s something you’ve always wanted to try – but thought it would be “too much” – now’s the time to throw beauty caution to the wind, and lay it on thick.

Glamour Body Glitter, $22, GOSH. (Shoppers Drug Mart)

Glaze in Frostbite, $16, Topshop. (Jonathan+Olivia, 49 Ossington Ave.)

High Beam Eye Candy eye shadow and eye pencil, $4.98, Hard Candy. (Walmart)

Kabuki Bento Box Set, lipstick cups, $140 each, NARS. (Holt Renfrew)

Sparkle-icious nail polish, $10.95, OPI.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 21, 2010. Written by me.

Black Velvet.

2010-12-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

When you think velvet, you probably think of royalty (England’s King Richard II decreed that his body be clothed in velvet) or children’s holiday outfits (your mother decreed that you should be clothed in velvet for dinner at grandma’s).

But this year, velvet is being associated with something else: it-girls. From the black velvet shorts Alexa Chung designed for Madewell to Diane Kruger rocking a single-sleeved Chloé jumpsuit, this fabric is no longer reserved for the Royal Family or family obligations (unless you’re Kate Middleton, of course).

Betty tank, $195, Steven Alan (Augustina, 138 Cumberland St.)

Cross shirt, $49, Joe Fresh Style.

Velvet blazer, $118, Gap.

Velvet gloves, $29.90, Jacob.

Vixen velvet dress, $178, French Connection.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 14, 2010. Written by me.

Stuff It.

2010-12-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

This season’s most stylish socks are the ones that can be stuffed with pretty presents.

It’s a ring, it’s a perfume… it’s a Marc Jacobs Daisy solid perfume ring ($42)! (Holt Renfrew, Sephora and major department and drug stores.)

The faux-fur trend is going strong (and keeping ears warm). Muff, $29.99, Esprit.

Jonathan Adler likes butterflies and hearts. Since his (STARBUCKS)^REDceramic to-go cup ($11.95) is scattered with them, guess we do too.

All you need is a little leopard. Change purse, $10, Danier.

This Lomography Pop 9 Golden ($40) takes nine identical images with every shot. (6 by GEE, 6 Roxborough St.)

Make a makeup-artist-in-training very happy with Quo’s Treasure Box ($38). (Shoppers Drug Mart)

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 14, 2010. Written by me.

Stitched In Sparkles.

2010-12-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

Starlight knit sweater, $148, French Connection.

It’s around this time of year when sequined party dresses are set free from their plastic dry-cleaning bag prisons, shaken out and shimmied around the annual parade of holiday parties.

Sure, these dresses are pretty, sparkling around the punch bowl, but this year there’s another shining style star: the sequined sweater.

This shimmering separate can be worn with a skirt, a pair of pants, heck, even a pair of jeans, making it not only party-perfect but also perfectly versatile.

Gold sequined sweater, $59, Joe Fresh Style.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), December 7, 2010. Written by me.

Bow Out.

2010-12-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Evie clutch, $450, Augustina.

Studs have reigned supreme in the embellishment kingdom for a number of years now.

But as is the way of the fashion world, the end of one dynasty brings a completely contradictory contender for the throne — and what’s more opposite to a hard-edged stud than a softly tied bows?

Marchesa put a big one on the front of a jacket and Yves Saint Laurent put lots of little ones down the front of a shirt, while Luella and Marc by Marc Jacob put medium sized ones right on top of models’ heads.

Sorry studs, it’s time to relinquish the crown to your ribbony rival.

Bow belt, $24.50, Gap.

Bow headband, $19.90, Jacob.

Bow pendant in 18K gold, $515, Tiffany & Co.

Bow ring with diamonds in platinum, $1,900, Tiffany & Co.

Noel Georgette shirt, $128, French Connection.

Shiny belted tulip skirt, $29.90, Dynamite.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 30, 2010. Written by me.

Wide Angle Legs.

2010-11-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

Katharine Hepburn rocked these wide-legged pants like no one's business.

In the world of womenswear, the masculine tailored trend is holding on tighter than a Savile Row stitch.

Not that we’re complaining — subtle suiting techniques and straight-legged silhouettes have produced some of the word’s sexiest sartorial stars (e.g. Katharine Hepburn).

One straight-up style that kept showing up on the fall runways (and then again for spring 2011) was the wide (really, really wide) legged pant.

This cut has traditionally been reserved for the vertically blessed, but the key with these tent-like trousers — no matter your height — is finding balance.

For the broad-shouldered set, go with a body-con shirt. But if your upper arms are as narrow as a pair of jeggings, opt for a more flowing feminine top; it’ll widen your shoulders and create an hourglass shape that would be welcome at any boys’ club.

Wide-legged tweed trousers, $39.50, Old Navy.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 30, 2010. Written by me.

Beauty Rules Rules.

2010-11-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

Women’s mothers are usually the first people to introduce their daughters to blush and base coats.

But if your mom didn’t know her astringent from her eyebrow pencil then renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown’s latest book Beauty Rules should go to the top your cosmetics-counter wish list.

Written for those first venturing out into the wonderful and somewhat overwhelming world of makeup, Brown’s straightforward sage-like advice, from finding the right under-eye concealer (yellow power is apparently the way to go) to repurposing lipsticks as lip stains (blot, blot and then blot some more) speaks to all of us.

This champion of the natural look has also fashioned an accompanying limited-edition makeup palette that will have us practicing her new techniques in no time.

Maybe we could even show mom a thing or two.

Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown, $29.95. Available at Indigo, Chapters and chapters.indigo.ca. (The palette is sold separately and is available at Holt Renfrew).

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 23, 2010. Written by me.

Taking On Tartan.

2010-11-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

Image from MAC's A Tartan Tale collection campaign.

Tartans have always had a place in the fashion clan. After a few years of hiding out in the highlands this trend is finally charging back onto the style scene — nary a dirk in sight.

While Vivienne Westwood had her Red Label models swaddled in tartan plaids (tartan refers to the pattern, while plaid is the material), the modern-clansmen look may not be your cup of strong milky tea.

So if your surname isn’t Stewart, look for a pattern that incorporates a mix of neutrals — it will get the idea across without clashing madly with your sporran and tam (or jean and t-shirt).

If you are from the Stewart clan, wear that boisterously bright red and green with pride, especially during the holidays.

Men’s blazer, $650, Philip Sparks (www.philipsparks.com).

Wool/silk ties, $74 each, Banana Republic.

Wool cape, $530, Furi (www.furidesign.com).

Sigrid shirts, $49.99 each, Element.

She’s Got It All Apply Define & Line Brush Collection, $58, from A Tartan Tale collection, MAC.

Cozy neutral tartan scarf, $34.50, Gap.

Golden Crown Eyeshadow, $23.50, from A Tartan Tale collection, MAC.

Lined rubber boots, $85, Cougar (www.cougarboots.com).

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 23, 2010. Written by me.

Strap It To Me.

2010-11-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

Modern Tribe satchel, $338, Roots.

Not so long ago, satchel bags seemed better suited to carrying the textbooks and Marmite sandwiches of 1940s British schoolchildren than the lip glosses and iPhones of 21st-century trendsetters.

The resurgence started with the Mulberry Alexa, a saddle-stitched satchel named after the vintage-loving girl-about-London-town Alexa Chung. Designers such as Ralph Lauren and Betsey Johnson followed suit, fashioning their own side-slung styles for fall.

The trend then trickled down, and now similar bags can be found in familiar places such as Roots and Gap. No longer stuck on the set of some BBC mini-series, these practical and preppy pieces are now swinging stylishly across our very modern shoulders.

Suede book bag, $198, Gap.


Intrepid bag, $225, Tilley.

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 16, 2010. Written by me.

Trail Mix.

2010-11-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

To successfully scale a mountain, you need the right gear and a lot of preparation. Conquering a style trend is also about the right gear — but luckily, this list has done the preparation for you.

With Tory Burch sending a crew of cable-knit-clad models down her fall 2010 runway, and John Galliano strapping his model tribe into high-heeled hiking boots, mountaineering-inspired fashion is reaching new heights.

Just remember, this look is more The Sound of Music than The North Face, pulling together thick knits, vintage-inspired hikers and utilitarian outerwear.

You won’t be warm enough to survive the summit of Mount Everest, but you’ll be cool enough to sip a cappuccino on Mount Pleasant.

Black Parka, $499, Danier.

Holt Hiker boot, $160, Dr. Martens (391 Queen Street West).

Pleated crop camel pants, $39.50, Old Navy.

Women’s Oslo hat, $95, Tilley (www.tilley.com).

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 16, 2010. Written by me.

An Oldie But A Goodie.

2010-11-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Amidst the kaleidoscope of colourful boxes and bottles at the drug store, sometimes all you really want is to see a familiar face (or, in this case, package).

These time-tested beauty products were in your bathroom cupboard growing up, they were in your mom’s when she was growing up — heck, they were even in your grandmother’s cupboard when she was growing up, too.

Never mind the “miracle” creams popping up every five minutes; these four products have achieved a real miracle: longevity.

Even if the first foil-wrapped tubes weren’t very user-friendly, ChapStick has been kicking around women’s handbags for over 130 years. Cherry ChapStick, $2.79, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Canadian cosmetics tycoon Elizabeth Arden used to apply this healing ointment on her beloved racehorses’ tight tendons — now, it’s firmly in our stable of must-have products. Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $20, Elizabeth Arden (100th Anniversary Edition, exclusively at Sears).

Launched in 1893 and originally used to help soothe skin irritated by medical plasters, Johnson’s Baby Powder has become a stalwart in households across the country ($5.49, Shoppers Drug Mart).

Chemist Robert A. Chesebrough visited a Pennsylvanian oil well in 1859 and found workers using a sticky drilling byproduct called “rod wax” to help speed skin healing. Eleven years later he introduced Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($4.99, Shoppers Drug Mart).

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 9, 2010. Written by me.

All Tied Up.

2010-11-09T17:52:00.000-08:00

Chuck Taylor Woolrich Storm Boot $170. (Available at Little Burgundy, Town Shoes and Get Out Side.)

With each passing day, we get closer to that inevitable first surge of snow — so it’s time to (reluctantly) prepare for slippery pathways and plunging temperatures.

But in the face of freezing forecasts, there’s one ritual that can raise the spirits of even the most seasonally sensitive style lover: winter-boot shopping.

While we're lusting for lace-ups this fall, Old Man Winter will be sure to remind us that nothing's quite as cool as staying warm. Luckily, these boots aren’t just trendy, they’re trek-ready.

Troll, $585, Stuart Weitzman.

Lace Up Knee High Boot, $41.80, Forever 21.

Arabba, $220, Geox Respira.

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 9, 2010. Written by me.

Paint by numbers.

2010-11-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are turning orange, the skies are clouding over, and a whole harvest of new nail colours is ripe for the picking.

With the days getting shorter, you haven’t got time to try on every hue — so to save you the hassle, we tested our top colour picks for fall.

Coats (until full colour saturation) = 3
Drying time = 5 minutes
First chip = day

1. Army green and injected with gold flecks, MASH ($21) takes its name from the 1980s military comedy. Hot Lips? Nope, hot nails. NARS (exclusively at Holt Renfrew).

Coats = 2
Drying time = 12 minutes
First chip = day 7

2. The Diva of Geneva ($10.95) must have been one saucy lady because this colour is sassy and seriously saturated. OPI (at select salons).

Coats = 1
Drying time = 1 minute and 20 seconds
First chip = day 2

3. Caramel ($4) is the perfect colour for those who want to take that neutrals-from-head-to-toe look to the next level. Joe Fresh Style.

Coats = 1
Drying time = 1 minute and 20 seconds
First chip = day 2

4. Rapid Ruby ($3.99) is a no-fuss classic choice for a woman on the run. Rimmel 60 Seconds (at major drugstore chains).

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 2, 2010. Written by me!

Go with the flow.

2010-11-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Cashmere fishtail floor-length skirt, $1,995. Michael Kors (Photo credit: Michael Kors Fall 2010 runway collection, photo provided.)

You know a skirt trend is in full effect when a certain length makes the move from cringe-inducing to crave-worthy.

Long-flowing skirts — the ones that, last year, would have seemed acceptable only at Stonehenge solstice celebrations — are now perfectly suitable for both the office and the office party.

Elegant and elongating, these skirts work best when the rest of the outfit is kept simple and clean.

No need to pile on the accessories — the massive amount of material it takes to create these fancy floor sweepers is the only flare you’ll need.

Tulle floor-length skirt, H&M.

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), November 2, 2010. Written by me!

Baa baa black sheep.

2010-10-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Double-breasted coat, $198, French Connection.

When Christopher Bailey sent his first shearling coat down the Burberry Prorsum fall 2010 runway, it sent the flock of assembled fashion editors into a Twittering frenzy.

There was just something so right about the oversized collar, the military cut and, here in Canada, the potential warmth it would provide.

While a Burberry coat costs about the same as three months’ rent, French Connection’s shearling coat ($198) is a more affordable alternative.

Yes, it’s black, but in this fleecy number, there’s no way you’d ever be a fashion black sheep.

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 26, 2010. Written by me!

Lock-it.

2010-10-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

House of Harlow key necklace, $55 (Holt Renfrew).

Blair Waldorf wears a white gold one. Your cool cousin wears an antique one. You want to wear one.

And why not? Keys aren’t just for opening doors anymore — they’re also opening up plenty of accessorizing possibilities.

Less than two years ago, Tiffany & Co. began crafting simple silver skeleton-key pendants (starting at $240); now, they have over 60 designs, including these yellow and white diamond encrusted stunners ($43,900 each).

Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow necklace ($55) flips that key on its side, while Agatha’s ($145) takes a more modern approach.

Not sure if it’s nostalgia for The Secret Garden, but keys have successfully snuck into the magical land of must-have accessory.

Platinum and yellow gold ornate and circle key pendants with yellow and white diamonds, $43,900 each, Tiffany & Co.

Agatha Clef Fond, $145 (select boutiques, 514-272-9313).

Sterling silver crown key pendant, $240 (chain, $60); gold heart key charm, $365, Tiffany & Co.

Kenneth Jay Lane pearl key pendant, US $113 (www.maxandchloe.com).

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 26, 2010. Written by me!

No Peeping.

2010-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

Pierre Hardy for Gap peep-toed wedge shoes, $195.

You’ve spent a whole season waiting, lusting and saving — finally, today is the day Pierre Hardy for Gap’s latest creations are being released out into the wild shoe-worshipping world (i.e. select Gap stores across Canada).

Hardy has worked with Christian Dior, Hermès and Balenciaga (before launching his own women’s shoe label in 1999), and is now coming up on his fourth year of collaborating with Gap.

Since these platform peep-toe booties ($195) are the result of that relationship, here’s hoping it will last at least another four.

Pierre Hardy Peep-Toe Wedges for Gap, $195 (Available at these GTA locations: Yorkdale, Bayview Village, Square One, 60 Bloor Street West and 375 Queen Street West).

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 19, 2010. Written by me!

Cape Town.

2010-10-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

Camel cape, $169.90, Jacob.

Half shawl, half coat, and fully on the comeback trail, capes are creating an unexpected desire to party like it’s 1799.

From Karl Lagerfeld’s sleeveless yeti shrugs to Salvatore Ferragamo’s leather-piped traveler’s cape (the Attitude cape coat is a dead ringer), a cavalcade of these converted coverups marched the fall/winter 2010 runways.

While capes can create a striking silhouette, they can be tricky to dress up without looking like you’re actually playing dress-up.

Keeping the rest of the outfit modern and balanced is key: capes create volume on top, so wear something more streamlined on the bottom, like jeggings or tights and wool shorts, and don’t — under any circumstances — slip on a hand muff or a bonnet.

Pop-pom cape coat, $298, French Connection.

Attitude camel cape coat, $200, Sears.

Navy cape, $169.90, Jacob.

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 19, 2010. Written by me!

Post It.

2010-10-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ruben Toledo 100 Postcards For Louis Vuitton City Guide, $125. Available Oct. 15 at Louis Vuitton.

Before email and instant messaging, when travellers wanted to send word of their adventures back home they had to write a postcard.

With the launch of his new 100-postcards-from-100-cities box set, artist and fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo wants you to find a quiet café and rediscover the joy of putting pen to paper.

The vividly coloured iconic scenes on each card were selected from pages of Louis Vuitton’s City Guides, which Toledo has been illuminating since 1998.

Now that the postcards are taken care of, all that’s missing is the round-the-world ticket and a set of monogrammed luggage.

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 12, 2010. Written by me!

Common Scents.

2010-10-12T18:06:00.001-07:00

Remember those old antiperspirant ads with the slogan, “Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman”?

Nowadays, women are turning that phrase on its head and reaching across the gender-divided cosmetics counter for a myriad of covetable men’s colognes.

Prada’s Infusion de Vetiver ($90, 100ml) comes in a graphic grey and black bottle but smells like a sun-warmed herb garden, while L’Eau d’Issey Noir Absolu ($97, 100ml) is chock-full of the warm inviting notes of amber and oranges.

As for Voyage d’Hermès’s travel-friendly bottle ($145, 100ml), it would seem right at home in either a briefcase or a purse.

Yes, these scents were made for a man — but they’re certainly strong enough for a woman.

L’Eau d’Issey Noir Absolu ($97, 100ml).

Prada Infusion de Vetiver ($90, 100ml).

Voyage d’Hermès ($145, 100ml).

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 12, 2010. Written by me!

New Kid On The Block.

2010-10-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 5, 2010. Written by me!

The rebellious black sheep of the Tommy Hilfiger family, TOMMY, is setting up shop at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Sherway Gardens this month.

These two new Toronto standalone stores (there’s also one opening up in Edmonton) will house the latest line from the American sportswear designer who determined to put geek chic back onto the street.

Jeans and ultra bright colours are the foundation of the guys’ styles, while the girls’ pieces are a mix of feminine and menswear-inspired tailoring.

This style baby of a Queen West hipster and Princeton University prep is one kid anyone would happily baby-sit.

Double button Hareton blazer, $149

Skinny denim, $79

Short sleeve boxy top stripe, $44

Engine red/orange lambs wool cardigan, $89

Cotton oxford shirt, $59

Washed khaki cotton chino, $69

Canvas tote, $59

Slip-on wing tips, $169

Double Dutch.

2010-10-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), October 5, 2010. Written by me!

A Banana Republic model shows us how it's done.

There are a lot of “doubles” in this world that are a lot of fun: doubles tennis, double-scoop ice cream cones, and double-decker buses.

But there is one double that strikes fear into the heart of even the most dialed-in fashion fanatics — double denim.

There really is not need to freak out because this updated look is the farthest thing from uncle Buck’s Canadian tuxedo and trucker hat combo.

This trend is all about the contrast of light and dark washes on the top and bottom (i.e. deep indigo denim shirt with faded blue jeans or vice versa); this is not the time to be matchy-matchy.

Breaking up this sea of blue with a sweater vest and knee-high boots (just not of the cowboy variety!) also helps point this double away from fear towards fun.

Jessica Weekend denim shirt, $39.99, Sears.

Skinny denim jeans, $34.90, Dynamite.

More matte, please.

2010-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 28, 2010. Written by me!

You remember the drill: Slick on spice-coloured lipstick, blot, repeat until you have more layers than a Tootsie Roll Pop and every speck of shine has been smudged out of existence.

Perfecting a smooth, shimmer-free lip was part of the daily beauty routine 20 years ago, and now — after two decades of lip gloss ruling the roost — matte is back.

But instead of a multi-step routine to get the look, cosmetic companies have created lipsticks that provided the same long-lasting, mattified effect without the extreme effort.

Photo Finish Lipstick in Legendary, $25, Smashbox Cosmetics. (Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora)

Sweet Kiss Lipsticks Fuchsia Classic #57, $18, Bourjois Paris. (Shoppers Drug Mart and select Murale stores)

Volga Pure Matte Lipstick, $30, NARS. (The Bay, and NARS)

Glamorous Grunge.

2010-09-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 28, 2010. Written by me!

Marc Jacobs glamourized grunge in 1992 by sending waiflike models down the Perry Ellis runway in oversized flannel shirts, cashmere long johns and combat boots.

That collection shook the hallowed halls of high fashion, and while it may have gotten Jacobs fired, the looks changed the way the world saw street style.

Girls raided their brothers’ closets for khaki cargo pants and red-striped wool socks, while guys sought out hardware stores for cheap checked jackets and overalls.

Those who coveted Kurt Cobain’s closet have since grown up — and so have the clothes. Cargos are now skinny; flannel shirts fit the torso; chokers can be worn at a cocktail; and Docs have heels.

The shapes are more flattering but the rebel feel is still the same. Rock on, Marc.

Bullet Choker, $880, Lia Sophia, www.liasophia.ca.

Double-Weave Boyfriend Shirt, $29.50, Old Navy.

Panther Cargos, $220, Fidelity Denim, Over the Rainbow.

Diva Viviana Desert Boot, $165, Dr. Martens.

Getting Lippy.

2010-09-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 21, 2010. Written by me!

Yves Saint Laurent fall 2010.

Would lip gloss, by any other colour, look just as sweet? Considering the wave of new, chameleon-like lip candies, we'll say yes.

These shiny-smacker makers are one colour in the tube (e.g. moss green and dark purple) but another on the lips (e.g. shiny neutral and dusty rose).

So don't let the tubes trick you — these products respond to your unique lip colour, creating the perfect, personalized pout for fall.

These three are my absolute favourites:

Hard Candy Fortune Gloss in Fate, $5.98, at Wal-Mart.

Lipglass in Jealous, $17.50, MAC.

O-Gloss Noir by Smashbox, $25, at select Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora.

Flare Ups.

2010-09-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 21, 2010. Written by me!

Chloé Fall/Winter 2010

While physics says what goes up must come down, designics (is that a word?) says what was once tapered must become flared. After what feels like 62 seasons of skinny trousers stealing centre stage, the scene is now set for the rise of the flared pant.

These belled beauties popped up all over the fall 2010 runways. Rochas kept its short and sweet, while Balmain's Christophe Decarnin's had a hard-edged rocker vibe (quelle surprise).

But if you don't want to look like Joan Jett day-to-day, try pairing them with a wide shoe (to ground the look) and a roomy top (to balance the tight rise).

Bolero, $50, Reitmans

Lace top, $39.95, H&M

Bella Super flare, $129, Stone Blue Jeans, www.piperlime.com

Gualuski platform clogs, $39.98, Aldo

Mermaid cuff, $55, Banana Republic

Whitting clutch, $19.98, Spring Shoes

Little Ms. Dressup

2010-09-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 14, 2010. Written by me!

Yes, you’re a mature adult with adult tastes, but don’t you miss playing dress up with your dolls just a little bit? It’s OK; you can admit it…

Dace, the covetable clothing line from Vancouver, has done something about it. Collaborating with über-talented fashion illustrator Dallas Shaw, Dace has drawn up a pretty, perforated paper doll along with three looks featuring seven pieces from their fall 2010 collection.

One sheet of snippable outfits are available free on http://www.dace.ca/ at the end of each month this fall.

While your inner child will want to reach for the scissors, your grown-up sensibilities may prefer to frame this fashion-forward beauty.

Loving Leo.

2010-09-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 14, 2010. Written by me!

Alexa Chung at the 2010 Emmy Awards (Getty Images)

Admit it: when Rachel Zoe proclaimed “Oh my god, a leo-pard hat!” on her reality TV show, you laughed. But when Alexa Chung walked the red carpet in her choice catty cover-up, you lusted.

The desire to be wrapped in spots this fall is fierce; thing is, designer leopard print coats don’t come cheap (Balmain’s number has a price tag of $18,605). Luckily, the I spotted an alternative: Joe Fresh Style’s faux-fur leopard print coat for $89.

Sure, a leopard can’t change its spots, but with the plethora of cool cat-coats this fall, why would we want it to?

Faux-fur leopard print coat, $89, Joe Fresh Style.

Balmain coat or a down payment on a house?

Fast Fashion.

2010-09-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), September 14, 2010. Written by me!

There’s an interesting shopping trend taking place across the pond: the merging of e-commerce and fashion journalism.

First, London’s The Daily Mail created Femail, an online boutique filled with frocks from their fashion features. In early September, The Daily Telegraph revamped its fashion and beauty website (fashion.telegraph.co.uk) with the same philosophy.

Bye, bye, shop browsing. Hello, browser shopping!


Like Hilary Alexander's style picks?

Well, she likes this dress, and you can buy it right from the website.

Letting the cat out of the bag.

2010-09-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), August 31, 2010. Written by me!

Mee-ow!

Considering the range of MAC’s Fabulous Feline line, you may actually need nine lifetimes to properly preen with all these products.

This new-for-fall collection takes its texture and tonal cues from the most dazzling domesticated cats: the regal Russian Blue, the chocolatey Burmese and the spotted Ocicat.

Leopard Luxe Eye Shadow x 4, $43

Each bright-eyed beast is featured in the campaign (they held a cat casting call — seriously) illustrating the inspiration behind of the myriad of smoky greys, warm ambers and muted plums.

The best in show? The Superslick Liquid Eye Liner, $21, which comes in nine shades, dries at a panther’s pace and transforms your eyes from moggie to minx.

See? Being a cat lady doesn’t have to be such a bad thing.

Palace Pedigreed Super Slick Liquid Eye Liner, Smoky Heir, $21.

Leopard Luxe Mineralize Blush, Utterly Game, $25.

Burmese Beauty Lipglass Fancy Cat, $17.50.

Burmese Beauty Lipstick, To Pamper, $17.50.

It’s a wrap.

2010-09-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), August 31, 2010. Written by me!

We all feel nostalgic about grade-school fashion fads from time to time. Hyper-colour T-shirts and neon bike shorts may have a special place in our hearts (if no longer in our closets), but one time-capsuled craze — the friendship bracelet — has graduated from mere memory to trendy talisman.

Chan Luu bracelets, $118 to $275.

Banana Republic befriended American jewellery designer Chan Luu, known for her wrappable woven wonders, and asked her to create a limited-edition bracelet collection.

Knotting together leather, coloured thread, precious metals and semi-precious stones, Luu’s designs appeal to the kid in all of us — and not a skein of gimp in sight!

Chan Luu bracelets, $118 to $275. Available at Banana Republic’s Eaton Centre and 80 Bloor St. W. stores.

Going the distance.

2010-09-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Words and image originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), August 31, 2010. Written by me!

Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts, $99.50.

Creams for a wrinkle-free face! Diet bars for a pudge-free waist! Nowadays, it’s tough to find a product that actually does what it pledges to do.

So while there’s no doubt that Brooks Brothers’ non-iron stretch shirts are beautifully made (accordion-pleated cuffs, anyone?), do they live up to their crease-proof proclamation?

To test that promise, this machine-washable shirt took a little cross-country adventure, beginning in Toronto and ending on Salt Spring Island. One overnight flight, two ferry rides, four hug-happy family members and three very excited, jumping dogs later, this tailored little traveler proved not all promises are made to be broken.

A few minutes in the dryer and it’s ripple-free, ready for its next adventure.

A leg up.

2010-08-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), August 3, 2010. Written by me!

They’re in your closet, somewhere. You keep them only because “everyone should have a pair”. You know the pants: the black dress slacks that don’t sit right on your hips, the ones with a crotch that’s just a tad too tight.

You never wear them; after all, they just don’t fit like your favourite pair of jeans. That’s about to change.

Perfect trouser pants, $69.50.

The Gap’s new Premium Pant collection ($59.50-$69.50) takes its pattern-making principles from the chain’s wildly successful redesigned denim line.

This potentially boring basic has been snipped, shaped and sewn into more street-savvy cuts, such as Boy Fit and Slim Cropped for the ladies and Vintage Khaki for the gentlemen.

Trust me, everyone should have a pair.

Slim crop pants, $69.50.

The tailored khaki (slim fit), $59.50

Modern boot pants, $69.50.

The tailored khaki (relaxed fit), $59.50.

The tailored khaki (straight fit), $59.50

Timing is everything.

2010-08-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), August 3, 2010. Written by me!

Wristwatches have come a long way since World War I.

In the 1910s, the U.S. Army commissioned Timex’s grandparent company to refashion the traditional pocket watch into timepieces that could be wrapped around the wrists of American soldiers.

Now, the clunky hand winders are gone but it’s clear that the simple, utilitarian faces of Timex’s new Modern Originals Grande Classics get their good looks from granddad.

See? History can be fun. $75 each, at Sears.

My little printed pony.

2010-07-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), July 27, 2010. Written by me!

The Hermès Scarf: History and Mystique, $119, at chapters.indigo.ca and Hermès boutiques.

Be warned: Whether or not you swoon at the mention of House of Hermès saddle stitching, once you open this book, you won’t put it down until you’ve taken in every kaleidoscope-coloured page.

Chronicling the history of House’s most recognizable fashion accessory, The Hermès Scarf takes you on a joy ride through concept and creation.

The majority of the 304 carré-shaped pages feature one of the 2,000-plus scarf designs from the past 73 years.

Each motif, from the familiar bridles and bits to Samuel de Champlain landing in Canada, is simultaneously a story and a cultural marker.

Page 81: A cheval sur mon carré, Bali Barret, 2006.

Page 92-93: (left) Sequences, Caty Latham-Audibert, 1984. (Right) Eadweard Muybridge, Man Riding Galloping Horse, 1884-87.

Page 148: Les Cles, Caty Lathan-Audibert, 1965.

Page 25: Alphabet III, Annie Faivre, 1990.

Here are a few silk Hermès scarves that you can buy in boutiques right now (90x90 cm carré, $420).

Putting makeup in its place.

2010-07-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), July 20, 2010. Written by me!

Melt-proof makeup

(and my excuse to put this picture up)

Toronto’s melting pot of cultures is to be celebrated year round; but a melting makeup in the middle of a summer heat wave is not.

Avoid a muddled mess with products that stick to their guns, and your skin.

A full face of cream foundation in 38C? Skip it. Camouflage those dark undereye circles with CoverFX’s oil-free concealer, $27. Available at coverfx.com.

Give cheeks a wash of colour that will complement your heat-flushed skin. Multiple Tints from NARS, $46. Available at Sephora.

Putting on a powder foundation instead of liquid is the No. 1 summertime tip from Lori Taylor, Smashbox’s lead makeup artist. Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, Smashbox, $72. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora.

These creams were made for professionals working in hot, humid conditions. Rush hour in Toronto qualifies. Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams, $23. Available at select Bay stores.

Stop your eyes from turning from girlie to goth in midday heat with long-wearing waterproof mascara. The Body Shop, $14.

Reminiscent of those scented markers from your childhood, Joe Fresh Beauty Lip Stains ($6 each) keep the colour within the (lip) lines. (Select Loblaws, Superstores and Joe Fresh Style stores)

The watercolour look, for less.

2010-07-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Words and some images originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), July 20, 2010. Written by me!

Alexis Bledel at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York.

Sadly few, if any, of us were invited to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York in late June.

But if we were, the watercolour-print Saloni frock and House of Lavande bracelet Alexis Bledel (a.k.a. Rory Gilmore) wore to the event would top our shopping list.

In lieu of ponies and Argentinean men, we’ll satisfy ourselves by recreating the look back here in Canada and paint the town red — and blue and purple and yellow — while wishing our croquet mallets were longer.

Painted print dress, $34.90, Dynamite.

Stefie flat gold sandals, $79, Banana Republic.

Gold clutch, $17.49, Aldo.

Sterling silver and acrylic bracelet, $180, Erin Tracey Designs.

One witty lash.

2010-07-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, doesn’t it make sense to have window wipers? Okay, maybe not — but what does makes sense is the first-ever double wand-wiper applicator.

Encased in a pretty sparkly tube, MAC’s ingenious Haute & Naughty Lash mascara has one brush, but two different screw-top wipers: one removes just the right amount of mascara to give lashes a defined daytime look, while the other leaves plenty of product to pump it up for evening.

Available at www.maccosmetics.com

Madewell goes viral.

2010-07-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Originally published in The Toronto Star (thestar.com), July 13, 2010. Written by me!

The hearts of jeans lovers across the country went pitter-patter with the news that Madewell finally launched its online store ( www.madewell.com).

Opening their first jeans factory in New England the same year Amelia Earhart attempted to circumnavigate the globe (1937), this pioneer of classic Americana cool goes way beyond boot cut.

So what will it cost us Canucks to have a piece of Yankee history delivered to our door?

Super sunglasses flat top in heather pearl, $140 U.S


Weaver’s Scarf in apricot, $52

Striped leeward tank, $52

Stirrup belt, $52

Railroad-stripe denim midi shorts, $72

Cyprus sandal, $98

Total: $466 U.S. = $484 Canadian

Shipping & handling: $23.50 (ground delivery) = $24

Duties and taxes: $111.92 = $116

Order total: US$601.42 = CAN$624

Mulling over Mulcair.

2010-07-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Mendes top, $295; The Lezark skirt, $295.

The clothes hanging on the Mulcair sample racks are the clothes every tomboy-cum-fashionista will want hanging in her closet this fall.

Montreal-born designer Juliana Bennett has created an edgy line that exhibits a boxy boyish elegance that is at once flattering and flat-out sexy.

And it’s exactly what you’d expect from a designer who landed a coveted internship at the Brooklyn-based Vena Cava before even finishing her BFA in fashion at Parsons School of Design.

With her online boutique opening in September ( www.mulcair.com), this is one Canadian designer to keep on your style radar.

The Sedwick top, $265; The Wasson pant, $225.

Don’t Chuck the baby out with the bathwater.

2010-07-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

I think every girl has a shoe story. You know, about that first pair of footwear that lit up her pleasure centre like Canada Day at dusk. My first were green. Kelly green, although at 11, I had no idea with Kelly green was.

They were hand-me-downs from my older cousin, made of canvas and, from the moment I tried them on, I loved them. I’m not being dramatic when I say my first pair of Converse high-tops changed me. Ok, fine, maybe I am. But the sentiment remains the same.

Similar to the retention of a language learned when very young, my attachment to Cons hasn’t lessened over the past two decades. It still feels like they’re my shoe — they’re a part of my personal history. I’m sure a lot of other people feel that way, too.

It’s because of the connection that people have to this iconic brand that those classic black Chucks are still lining shoe store walls 95 years after the first pair hit the tennis court. But their simple canvas sneakers aren’t alone up there.

Today, I went down into The Vault (a fitting location for a company that keeps design archives) to take a look at the Converse Fall/Winter 2010 line up and see what designers are doing to connect with the next generation of 11-year-olds (and 30-year-olds who think they’re still 11).

Here’s are my top picks:

Outsider Boot Canvas Hi in Deep Lichen Green: I want to wear this boot, with its thick military-esque material and large tread, with rolled-up boyfriend jeans and a white button-down shirt. Yeah, that could work.

Chuck Taylor All Star: Grey jersey. That is all you need to know.

Jack Purcell Boat Shoe in Mushroom: Converse is marketing the Jack Purcell line with a “Privileged Rebellion” tag line. These remind me of the shoes my older brothers’ wore when heading back to boarding school after spring break. So, mission accomplished, marketing team. I wanted them then. I still want them now.

Chuck Taylor All Star: Insulated forest green nylon + florescent orange lining = hunting jacket...or the latest in Converse cool? In this case, it’s definitely the latter.

Outsider Boot Woolrich Hi: This wicked boot is the product of a rather ingenious collaboration with another iconic American brand, Woolrich. Firewood-stacking approved.

Chuck Taylor All Star Dr. Seuss: My first niece/nephew will be born in November (fingers crossed he’s a Scorpio like his aunt!) and I’m planning on spoiling the kid rotten. These shoes are now a part of the master plan.

Outsider Boot Leather Hi: If I ever wanted to become a member of The Commitments (and, trust me, I’ve thought about this a lot) these would be the boots I’d wear for my audition...my audition for a fictional 1990s soul band in Dublin.

Chuck Taylor “Jimi Hendrix” Series: Not sure if this an example of burying the lede or saving the best for last, but here it is — marching-jacket Chucks. And I’m in love all over again.

Underwear I can get behind.

2010-07-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Like getting my first tooth cavity drilled, I can clearly remember wearing my first pair of thong underwear.

I was waitressing at a bustling waterfront pub (it wasn’t always runway shows and industry parties, people!) and one of my coworkers was taking down orders for “the most comfortable underwear ever,” which she was going to pick up on her next trip to the newly opened Lululemon in Vancouver (their underwear at the time was actually American Apparel with the logo stamped on the bum).

She returned like Santa Claus, handing out handfuls of multi-coloured cotton loin clothes to a crowd of squealing servers. My pair was black, tiny (see above) and, after the first night of wearing them, remained safely in the back corner of my underwear drawer, surrounded by my trusty Jacob panties and Mark’s Work Wearhouse boy shorts.

The point is, I discovered very quickly that perma-wedgy lingerie just wasn’t my style. And it was a relief to see that I wasn’t alone in my aversion, with the team of fullback cuts that charged the Lingerie Française runway at the smoking hot Wychwood Barns this past Wednesday (hosted by the ever-cool Brill Communications in the middle of a Toronto heat wave).

I was lucky enough to see the mammoth models and toned ballet dancers getting their hair and makeup done before the show — in the only air-conditioned room in the whole building. (Funny that the people with the least clothes had to sit in the coldest room.) Not that I begrudge them a moment’s relief from the staggering heat, they worked their butts off…or rather didn’t. Full panties, FTW!

So, sit back and enjoy a few shots I took at the show in between wiping the beading sweat off my brow and cooing with my friend Stacy over the outfits we wanted to take home with us.

Here’s hoping that emerald-green getup on the spunky redhead and the black lace mask on the beautiful blond find their way into my underwear drawer and push out that black thong for good.

Participating lingerie designers: Chantelle Paris, Gerbe, Lise Charmel, Antinea, Empreinte, Passionata, Princesse Tam Tam and Simone Perele (my fav!).

Lip staining — almost as much fun as berry picking & tea drinking.

2010-07-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

I drink a lot of tea. In the winter it’s a steady stream of English Breakfast alternating with green tea (so I don’t become a total jittery mess). In the summer it’s a blend of fruity homemade iced teas alternating with glasses of water (again, so I don’t become a jittery mess). I adore the stuff but there’s one thing that doesn’t mix well with my tea…lipstick.

No matter how carefully I layer primer, liner, lipstick and powder, by the time my morning cup is done, so is my once-pretty lip colour. I played a lot with my eyelid colour this past winter and this summer was going to be the time for my lips to shine. But alas, there was no shining, just smudging.

And then I was sent something very special from my friends at Joe Fresh Beauty — a parcel bursting with lip stains. Now, I’ve ruined many a shirt with mashed berry and exploding pens so I never thought I’d see the day where I’d willingly stain anything. But, boy, was I glad that I did!

Applying with these new lip stains is like doing a colour-by-numbers with those smelly felt-tip markers I used to scribble with when I was three years old. Trace around edges with the tip, fill in with the wider side and ta-da a picture-perfect lip colour that can survive the trials and tribulations of even the most ardent tea-drinker.

Note: The one draw back with stains is that they can make your lips quite dry. But fear not, just have a good lips balm on hand to moisturize over-top of the stain. Burt’s Bee Beeswax Lip Balm is still one of my all-time favourites.

Lip stain reviews:

Stila Lip & Cheek Stain: I’m usually a huge fan of Stila products but I don’t think their lip gloss brush works for a lip stain — it runs out to quickly and the liquid stain dries before I’ve had a chance to apply it evenly on my lips and cheeks. I do love the “raspberry crush” and “cherry crush” names and it does smell like a basket of freshly picked berries but I think they need to rethink the applicator. 6/10

CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain: Drew Barrymore was a smart pick to head the campaign for the CoverGirl Outlast line, with a three-decade career that has had more ups and downs than a game of Snakes and Ladders, she is the ultimate trooper ... as is colour pigment in this lip stain. Outlast made my lips bold, beefy and beautiful berry-kissed. My only complaint is that it didn't outlast my other stains (see what I did there?) — after month or so of use, it dried up [sad face]. 8/10

Joe Fresh Beauty Lip Stain: Ladies and gentlemen, after many a cup of tea — and glasses of something a little stronger — we have found ourselves a winner! [crowd goes wild] This lip stain stands the test of time and comes in a fabulous range of colours — I have yet to try one I didn’t liked. It’s easy to put on, smells like something delectable from a candy shop and is Canadian. What's not to like? 10/10

Not Such Great Lengths.

2010-06-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

By now the last few music-loving stragglers have stumbled out of the Somerset fields of Glastonbury music festival, muddy tents and hangovers in tow, I do what every good fashion blogger does…scour paparazzi photos looking for the new, the cool and the popular.

And I wasn’t disappointed; long pendants, Panama hats and playsuits all had a hand in turning this British music fest into a right royal fashion fest. But one trend, worn by some of my biggest style crushes (I love you, Alexa!), was a cut above the rest — the cutoff jean short.

If snipped at the right length, this item can be flattering on just about everyone. Everyone except if, as my brother puts it, you’re a “middle-aged man wearing a wrestling tank top and Brooks running shoes with white sports socks.” I’m going to assume there aren’t to many of who fit that description reading this blog, and if there are, welcome!

Ok, so while cutoffs obviously don’t fit into the “new” category (as proven by the above paragraph) what does make them fresh is the other clothes these girls are wearing with them. Tights underneath, Oxford shirt on top, flats on the feet.

A piece of clothing once reserved for sitting in lawn chairs out in front of the camper drinking Coors Light is now being dressed up and taken out on the town, or, um, festival, and demanding Pimm's and smoked salmon. I, for one, am happy to oblige.

(Photo credits: Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Emma Watson & her new singer BF George Craig — who met on set here — celebrity-gossip.net; Alexa Chung — contactmusic.com)

Better than the real thing.

2010-06-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

In the world of fashion the newest is often heralded as the greatest. But sometimes it takes a little time for a new trend — or colour — to sink into the collective consciousness. Such is the case with the 1940s-kitchen green of Essie’s most unusual shade from their winter 2009 nail polish collection.

Mint Candy Apple was by far the most talked about colour around the beauty closet last winter but it wasn’t until this summer that this bordering-on-bile green came into its own. (FYI, a beauty closet is the magical place where editors archive products and makeup samples for testing and photoshoots, a.k.a. heaven for a beauty hoarder, such as myself.)

It began with the fine-fingered models of Chanel’s fall 2009 show slinking down the runway with lime-green Jade 407 sparkling on their slim digits and now a version of that same shade can be found in the summer nail polish lineup of fast-fashion factory Joe Fresh Beauty. But the apple-y named polish from Essie is still the apple of my eye...or my hands.

While the thought of eating a mint-flavoured candy apple may make my stomach heave just a little bit, when I look down at my fingertips and see Mint Candy Apple shining back up at me, my mouth begins to water … making Essie's confectionery-titled polish oh so much better than the real thing.

*Note: Usually after two days of sporting my favourite new colour around town, my nails begin to peel and flake like a Cadbury's Flake bar — but not as chocolaty or as tasty. Essie is one of the few brands I've tried where this doesn't happen. It's probably something to do with a formula that doesn't include any hair-raising ingredients like formaldehyde or toluene.

Not only that, but I can't deny Essie's ability to create a lineup of colours that takes my tendency for indecision to a whole new level; which one do I decorate my digits with first? Take a look at the new summer colours now available at a nail shop near you and see where my dilemma lies.

Oh, hi there HAUTE AS HELLO. Please paint yourself onto my nails immediately. Although MISS MATCHED would go perfectly with one of my head-to-toe neutral summer outfits...

(Photo credit: minty green mood board via polyvore.)

Beauty and the Barn.

2010-06-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

I was never a makeup person. I don’t have any photos of me with my mum’s lipstick smeared across my grinning face, or stories of finally being tall enough to play with those magical pots of powders lined up on her dresser. Those powders didn’t exist; neither did the lipstick.

Ok, I lie.

Mum did have one tube of bright coral pink lipstick. She wore it at Christmas. It made her look like someone I didn’t know. I didn’t like it.

While other mums were showing their daughters how to apply mascara without stabbing their eyeballs, mine was showing me how to nail together a sheep fence without crucifying myself. There was no space in the barn for makeup, just hay and grain. After all, the cows didn’t care what colour my fingernails were — just as long as I used them to scratch behind their ears.

After a (mercifully) brief phase at age 13, when I experimented with layers of white pressed powder and burgundy lip liner, my face remained relatively makeup-free for a decade. I thought the point of makeup was to cover up what was really there and create what wasn’t; I was always frustrated by the results because I hated not looking like myself.

A couple summers after graduating university I went to stay with my cousin in London, England. One evening, I was on my way out to meet an ex-boyfriend for drinks when she offered to do my makeup, to help amp up my “look what you let go” factor. With a few expert clicks of a Touché Éclat, pats of correcting concealer, sweeps of eyebrow powder, two layers of LashBlast and a swipe of Lancôme lip gloss, my stage-makeup-trained cousi n had transformed me into… me. Just with clearer-looking skin, shiner lips and brighter eyes.

And that was the moment I became a makeup person.
I discovered that makeup was suppose to compliment not compete; it became my weapon of choice in the battle against absolutely no one, especially myself. In my current arsenal, I have 18 eyeshadows, nine eye pencils, four face powders, three foundations, four blushes, two bronzers, six lip glosses, three lip stains… and a whole pile of Facebook photo albums with them smeared expertly across my grinning face. With the cows approval, of course.

(Photo credits: Vogue Feb. 2010 and Vogue Nippon March 2010)

Mind the Gap.

2009-07-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

The final shipment of Gap Design Editions, featuring khakis designed by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners, arrived in stores last week. This is your last chance to snag a little Wang, Swanepoel and Vena Cava for yourself... for under $100.

When I stopped by the Gap last weekend to pick up a pair of white jeans (yes, white jeans - their existence in the universe and presence in my closet to be discussed at a later date), I had no intention of falling in love with Alexander Wang’s cropped motorcycle jacket

I had seen it before: at a media preview at my office, at the Canadian launch on Bloor Street last month, and, finally, on the unquestionably cool backs of two of raddest dressers I know in the city, I wan t - I got & ice age heat wave. Not wanting to, you know, have the same jacket as Anita and Sarah Nicole (?) and convincing myself $98 was too much money (??), I put it back on the rack.

Wang is a young American designer whose rise to fashion fame has been fast and furious. He designed his first knits collection at 18 when he was still studying at Parsons; now his sexy LBDs are a fixture on the red carpet.

His signature combo of casual clean lines with a street wear edge can be seen in this jacket, with its cocoon back and metallic poppers. The second I put it on I knew I was lost. My mind started pulling clothes from my closet and constructing outfits that would only be fabulous if this jacket was there to wear on top of them.

“That jacket really suits you,” said the cute long haired lad who had been fetching me different jean sizes (and who was getting even cuter by the minute). “You’ve got this whole nautical thing going on - not many people could pull that off.” And then it happened. “Are you a style editor, or something?” Oh, they trained this one well!

Sold! To the girl whose job it is to report on everything stylish but who mostly feels like she just stepped of the ship and who was just ridiculously flattered by a 21-year-old boy whose job it is to flatter. Gullible or not, the jacket is now mine and I’ll be wearing it with a smile as I stride off the boat and into this strange New (Urban Fashion) World.

The Proof is in the Pudding...

2009-07-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

...or the Pink Pumps.

I spotted a pair of Alexander McQueen's Pink "Love" Peep Toe Platforms at The Secrets of Seduction Fashion Show at the Wynchwood Barns, Toronto, last week. Like a deer in the headlights, I couldn't stop staring ...

And look at the model's nails. I know it's hard to focus on her hands, but look! Neon pink polish. See? See? Fluorescent colours are everywhere. Love it or loathe it, it’s officially a trend, people!

Oh, and the lingerie? I loved how Lejaby styled their models with cadet caps and whips and I could live quite happily in any of the pieces Elixir send down the runway. But honestly, the outline of those pink McQueen shoes had seared into my retinas and I could see little else...

Wearable Tang.

2009-07-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

I grew up on an island off the west coast of Canada. We didn’t have shopping malls, magazine stalls or clothing stores but fashion trends in the '80s and '90s did eventually trickle into our classrooms: neon, acid wash, jelly shoes, hyper-colour…

“Off-island” shopping trips happened about twice year, so if we wanted to expand our wardrobe beyond older siblings’ hand-me-downs, there were only two “on-island” options: the Lady Minto Auxiliary Thrift Store or Mouat’s Trading Co.

In Grade 5, my best friend Katie and I thought fluorescent colours were the coolest thing since purple and teal stripes (Sooo Grade 4!). We went on a neon hunt and to our delight discovered a pile of pink plastic jiggers at the hardware store.

Not exactly the Chip & Pepper T-shirts we had hoped for but they did make rather dramatic dangly earrings. After a week or so of proudly displaying our industrious efforts, they mysteriously ended up in my brother’s fishing tackle box. And that’s where my experimenting with neon safely stayed -- until I saw the ’09 spring runway shows.

From Lanvin to Marni, models were positively blinding in head-to-toe DayGlo orange, electric blue and bright canary yellow, mixed and layered to distraction. Nowadays, I live comfortably in the neutral colours zone so I was shocked to discover that I actually liked the way it looked. A lot. And seeing the fall collections, these bold colours aren't fading away any time soon.

When a trend is resurrected, the Salvation Army is the first place I go because chances are I’ll come across a garment from its original decade. Lo and behold! I find a bright coral jumpsuit (double the trend!) made in Italy for $4. I was kind of on a roll - I also picked up an $8 top from Zara, a leather picture frame, two Ikea towels and an angora throw, all in too-bright tangerine

Bob Switzer, an amateur magician from Ohio, made the first neon paint in the 1930s. He was unloading Safeway crates from a train when one fell on his head, putting him into a coma. After regaining consciousness he was forced to recover in a dark room for several months - to pass the time he played with fluorescent minerals. When he returned home, he threw the minerals into a tub, poured in some wood varnish, dipped his wife’s wedding dress into the mixture and voila! DayGlo fashion was born.

So far, comments on my fluorescent finds have been mixed, from “Fabulous coral jumpsuit, darling!” to “Well, if you worked at the airport you could just use your arms to guide the planes in.” While I may not be walking out the door anytime soon in a neon green fur coat a la Michael Kors, as long as my tangalicious top keeps putting a smile on my face it will stay securely out of any tackle box.