Friday, October 28, 2011

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Late to the game, but I couldn't resist reposting... Especially because of the frigid weather we've been experiencing lately!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

It's Almost Time!

I look so surly in these pics! Must be due to the fact that I am totally unimpressed with this sudden shift to ass-freezing weather. Only 2 degrees this morning? No thank you.

BUT! On a GLORIOUS note, it's only 2 days til my costume party and 4 days til Halloween!
Oh how I love that holiday!

What are you all going to be this year?

2011-10-25
2011-10-25(3)
ls tee - Jacob (swap 2011); skirt - Jacob (2011); boots - Thrifted (2008)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

OFW Outfit - Day 1

Oh hey, turns out I didn't fall off the face of the blogosphere, just been super busy!
Teensy post today, just thought I'd share my outfit from the first night of fashion week.

OFW Day 1
OFW Day 1 (2)
vest - H&M (2011); dress - F21 (2011); tights - Hue (2010); heels - Aldo (2010)

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Ottawa Fasion Week S/S12: Day 1, Part 2

Alright, bare with me people, I'll try not to take forever to get through this!

So after the first intermission (which was more than an hour... and only got progressively worse...) it was time for Micalla and Anomal.

The Micalla show started with a touching story about how Danish born designer Camilla Jorgensen used to go visit her friend who was getting chemo treatment and they would make jewellery together. Fortunately, when her friend recovered, the jewellery making stuck. Make no mistake, all the pretty glitter is from precious jems, gold, and swarovski crystals. I especially loved a shawl that was completely decked out in rhinestones (someone's head decided to get in the way for those shots...) and the harness-esque pieces.

Micalla

Next up was Anomal (which conveniently sells on Etsy!). There are no words to describe my love for this collection, but i'mma try anyway! Uhm.... gooorgeous? The spring/summer line showed a definite asian influence with a dash of over the top glamour. love. The details were to die for and I loved the mix of textures. My favorite pieces were the purple jumpsuit contrasted with leather, a leopard print one-shouldered maxi, and a fabulous sequined kimono-like number.

Anomal

After the second break we got to see a line from Simon Ekrelius from the UK. I'm not even going to pretend I understood his collection. Sometimes "fashion" escapes me. Sure, there was a piece or two that was wearable and pretty, like the pleated grey sack-dress, but the majority of it was just... odd to me. I know I'll get some flack from the fashionistas when I say this, but the plastic pods, haphazardly grommeted together pieces of fabric, and the dress shirts with collars on the shoulders (see below) were (in my opinion) totally unwearable. Maybe I don't have an appreciation for the "avant-garde" yet... but I like my fashion to be functional.
I did however fall madly in love with the Aldo Calcagni red wedges that stomped down the runway in this show.

SimonEkrelius

Last but not least, we saw an outerwear collection by RUD by Rudsak. Really pretty leather pieces and trenches piped in contrasting colors are the perfect toppers for any fashionable outfit, and they came out in spades. So pretty. BUT, conversely, had me asking if this was the right show to close the first night. I understand that it's one of the better known brands and that it's readily available and most definitely wearable, but I expected the first night to go out with a bang, and this was more of a dull thud. That being said, when I'm looking for a new leather bomber next spring, I will definitely look here first.

Rud by Rudsak

Despite minor disorganization (which is understandable for a first night at a completely different venue), day 1 was a success. Stay tuned for coverage of the last two days.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Ottawa Fasion Week S/S12: Day 1, Part 1

As usual, this year's shows completely blew me away. Who knew there was so much talent so close to home?
This season offered a new venue in Ottawa's own completely renovated and remodeled Congress Centre, which proved to be the perfect upscale setting for the vendors and drink services offered. The outside walls which are completely glass gave view to the Rideau Canal which looks gorgeous lit up at night.
The night was split into three different segments of shows with intermissions inbetween (which were supposed to be an hour long) for refreshments and browsing the vendors.

The first set featured designers Birds of North America, Amber Watkins, and Valerie Dumaine. I won't get into details of how frustrated I was with my camera during this set.

Birds of North America was adorable, as usual. Designer Hayley Gibson stayed true to form showcasing little sundresses, shorts and culottes, but added an unexpected twist by bandaging up her girls like broken dolls. It reminded me in a way of Sally from the Nightmare BEfore Christmas, and since this is one of my favorite movies of all time, I mean that in a complately positive way.
While her designs aren't necessarily my esthetic, I really enjoyed the way the dresses were cut and the way the striped patterns intersected at the seams. She'd be very fitting for many fellow bloggers who relish in the vintage-schoolgirl inspired look.

Next up was a swimwear collection from up and coming designer Amber Watkins. After winning a local design competition in 2009, she was invited to show at NYFW in 2010, and has been going full speed ever since. I absolutely LOVE the way these suits feel both vintage in the way that they're cut, but fresh and modern due to the vibrant colors and feather & gold accessories (which, if I'm not mistaken, were designed by Ottawa's own Melissa Pica and can be found at Norml Clothing in the market!).
AmberWatkins

The last show in the first set was by Montreal based designer Valerie Dumaine. Personally I would wear every piece in her collection and I am completely kicking myself for not being more prepared with memory cards! (Don't worry, I ran out during the first intermission and snagged one!) Her designs are perfectly ladylike with skirts, draped blouses, and adorable shift dresses. While I love her separates, its the easy wearability of her dresses that had me in love.

To read more about the shows and to see additional photos, feel free to visit fellow show-goers Lot 65, or Pop Champagne :)