Fall Fashion

With the crazy mixed weather here in Ontario, Fall is all about layering. It can be chilly in the morning, warmer in the afternoon and then back to freezing by night. Internet window shopping is great, because you can do it from the comfort of your couch in yoga pants, while catching up on recorded TV shows without dealing with all the crazy crowds at the mall. (I may or may not be doing that right now...) So, here are some of the pieces that I found this year that I had to share with you guys.

A corduroy skirt is a great transition piece for the fall. While the weather is still nice, you can wear it with boots and socks like the Eddie Bauer Corduroy Skirt ($49.50) above. When the weather gets cooler, you can pair it with thicker tights and a warmer sweater.

To me, tucking in a button shirt in tight jeans and tall boots is a tried and true Fall look. I've really been loving the new Fall Collection at LL Bean Signature. I love this look with their Snap Front Wool Shirt ($65), Skinny Jeans ($49) and High-Heeled Leather Boots ($199).

Of course, nothing gives you that great Autumn feel like a warm coloured and toasty sweater. This Eddie Bauer Shawl Collar Tweed Cardigan ($69) is a classic that will last through the Winter as well.

This LL Bean Signature look is the perfect modern look for the Fall. The simple, yet cozy Mohair Blend Cardigan ($69) and Modal Blend Black Tank ($19) look great with this fantastic Tweed Skirt ($99) and modern Leather Ankle Boots ($139).

To me, Fall is all about great sweaters and I've been loving the more modern cuts of the classics.

This gorgeous Cable Knit Sweaterdress ($88) from Victoria's Secret looks supersoft and comfy. It would be great with leggings or matte tights.

 Banana Republic's Heritage Gilded Trim Cardigan ($89.50) at first appears like just a beautiful cotton cardigan, but a closer look shows a more modern addition of silver and gold trim that adds shine and style. With something like this, you don't even need to add jewelery.

For layering during the warmer months of Fall, the key is to use lighter breathable fabrics like cotton. This Cotton Twill Layering Cardigan ($79.50) from Banana Republic is the perfect layering piece and with the front tie on it gives a flattering feminine look.

For a cardigan that is a little more refined and has more structure, there is the Gap Cascade Ruffle Cardigan ($69.50) with a fine-gauge wool blend and a delicate ruffle, adding dimension.

Also from Gap this season is the Draped Sweater Vest ($44.50). It simple, yet beautiful at the same time.  You can keep it relaxed like in the above photo, or accentuate your silhouette by adding a belt.

Another key versatile piece of Fall, is a great blazer. Victoria's Secret's Corduroy Two-Button Blazer ($78) is washed for a great lived-in Collegiate feel. For a more relaxed look go with the Grey Fox (above), or go with Black for a more refined look.

 Of course no outfit would be complete without a little bit of jewelery, or a lot in the case of this great statement necklace from Banana Republic. The Manor Keys Necklace ($49.50) has multiple metal tones and several chains, letting you pick out colours that you want to accompany it.

As the weather gets cooler through the Fall, its time to add a jacket or coat. Nothing is more timeless than a camel coloured wool coat, such as the Classic Wool Coat ($109) from Victoria's Secret. Its simple sophistication and a classic that you will go back to for many seasons.

If you're looking for something a little more trendy with some edge, try on the Gap Leather Funnel Jacket ($298). Its a modern take on the timeless leather jacket with an oversized collar and asymmetrical zip front.

If you're digging the look, but prefer something a little more relaxed, try the Victoria's Secret Asymmetric Plaid Jacket ($98). Its also has the asymmetrical zipper and oversized collar, but gets softened with dusty plaid.

Although this really doesn't have much to do with Fall Fashion specifically, while window shopping on the internet, I came across this Victoria's Secret Long-sleeve Multi-way Dress ($88) that you can change into a variety of looks. I've seen a shorter version of this at American Apparel, but I have to admit that I'm intrigued by this long sleeve version. If anyone out there has tried this on, or seen it in action, please let me know what you think. I'd love to hear if it actually works!

The key with Fall is look for pieces that you can layer and pair those must-have trendy looks with more classic pieces that you will wear through the years. So get out there, get dressed and enjoy the crisp cool weather! Just try to resist the urge to roll around in the leaves in your new clothes :)

Some New Bling

A few weekends ago my mother and I were invited to attend a Spring Open House for the Fifth Avenue Collection. They are a direct sales company selling high quality, fine fashion jewellery and one of my mother's friends, Margaret is an independent jeweller for them.

I've never purchased anything from them before, but it wasn't long before I was in awe of all the stunning pieces.

Who knew that costume jewelery could be so gorgeous? It reminds me of the types of pieces that my great grandmothers used to wear.

I think that if I owned these pieces it would give me an excuse to get out and show them off. There was such an array of styles, from funky to elegant to rustic.

I fell in love with the giant cocktail rings. I need this in my life. Stat.

Margaret was a fantastic hostess the event. Not only is she a powerhouse in our local politics, but she is fashionable to boot.

Her grandson stepped in as an assistant. He was absolutely adorable - every time I was looking at a piece he would come up and suggest something that would go with it. Or maybe show me something that I hadn't even seen yet. He is welcome to come live with me and select my jewelery any day of the week!

My mother ended up buying these fun and funky twisted hoop earrings. Margaret was wearing them when we came to the house and she instantly fell in love with them. They are such a fun change from just normal hoops and the little gems are not only on the outside, but on the inside too!

I went on the earrings route too and picked up these whimsical drop hoops with a little twisted gem inside. Subtle, but so much fun. They are called "Rapture", which I think sums up how I feel about them perfectly.

I also grabbed these big chunky jeweled hoops, which are perfect for dressing up my work clothes for cocktail hour.

Whiskey had to try on some bling too. This is actually a necklace I bought a year ago from Aldo, but I couldn't resist putting it on him while I was snapping photos of the earrings. Doesn't he just look positively regal? Hahaha.

Well, I'm heading out on the town tonight for a friend's birthday and I'll definitely be wearing my new earrings. What is is about fun new jewelery that just makes your steps a little bit lighter?

Spring Fashion

Even though the weather keeps playing games with us up here in Toronto, I am excited to start wear warm weather clothes again (without fear of sudden wind/rain bouts). I love the looks that I've been seeing in stores lately, especially casual relaxed pieces mixed with more structured ones. I have a pretty neutral coloured wardrobe, so I've been trying to find many of the pieces (or similar ones) as I show below to blend in with what I already have.

I love the relaxed yet chic look of this lightweight cotton tunic ($65) paired with pink twill capris ($59) and cork wedges ($99), and I could definitely see myself wearing this on both weekends and to work. These pieces are from the newly launched L.L. Bean Signature line with designer Alex Carleton. When asked about the collection, Carleton says: "These pieces are rooted in classic American sportswear, and can be interpreted in many ways. There are great basics, plus unique items that work in a broad range of closets. So I think it's for people who lead versatile lifestyles. It's not just town, it's not just country. It can be both...We looked for archive items that seemed especially relevant today. Our initial approach was to reinterpret those items - putting new twists on vintage ideas. From there it grew into creating brand-new products, but we're always using the archives for inspiration, even when we're making things that are new". Definitely a step up from their chinos and plaid shirts (which still have a place in my heart too), I'm looking forward to seeing what else they bring into this new line

Here is another simple, classic, yet versatile look from the new L.L. Bean Signature line. The comfort and luxury of a navy cashmere cardigan ($139) gets an upgrade with chain link gold brooches ($55) and slim leg stretch denim jeans ($65). And the bonus is that you can wear the sweater all year long, layering it will a nice fitted shirts in the colder months.

How fantastic is the simplicity and classic cut of this white shift dress ($130) from Banana Republic? The feminine ruffle jacket ($130), studded belt ($50) and knockout heels really complete the outfit.

What I really like about this shift dress is that you can also transition it into Summer with a light colourful scarf. I'm not one of those people who throws clothes out often (Grade A Pack Rat), so I always have to look for pieces that are versatile for all season, and are going to hold up to more than one year.

Although I usually don't shop at American Eagle, I'm a huge fan of the boho look and it looks like they have embraced it this year. I've been on the hunt for the perfect embroidered peasant shirt this year, and after seeing this on their website, I may have to go try this one out. And I love how they keep the look relaxed by pairing the shirt ($20) with super comfy slouchy skinny jeans ($50) and a worn brown leather belt ($30) and braided brown leather flip flips ($30).

What looks have you been digging this Spring?

lula snapshots and a dotted swiss sewing project

It's that time again.. Issue 10 of Lula is out! I picked it up earlier in the week when Neil and I were having a Borders date. Here are some snapshots of a few of my favorite things.

Issue 10 is beautiful as always, filled with polka dots, bow ties, and plenty of hair inspiration. A highlight is its birthday spread. Lula just turned 5 this year, and there's a lovely celebration shoot complete with party dresses and vintage inspired swimsuits.

When we hit up Borders, I also read a bit of the latest issue of Nylon as well as Elle Magazine's Spring/Summer 2010 Collections issue. I'm not a big collection or runway person.. they can get overwhelming. Smaller designers and collections, I tend to like more.

But I gave Elle a shot and read through it to see if anything caught my interest. The layout was great. Ralph Lauren S/S 2010 surprisingly had a lot I was into.. mismatched chambray and denim, liberty print, 1920's glamorous flapper meets tailored golfer looks. Overalls and sheer baby blue tops. Mostly, the prairie style look that's hard to avoid right now and even harder to dislike.

There were interviews with interesting people liking interesting things.. specifically for me, pastels and bloomers. I'm still on a furious search for a bloomer sewing pattern that's high waisted and not too long so I can make some out of my tan velvet fabric I bought recently.

Nylon was sort of a bust. Not much I was into, and words like "fierce" (when used to describe something cool, not used to describe a lion) and "Lady Gaga" (self explanatory) make me turn the page pretty fast. But there were some good parts to the issue - such as its homage to white lace, which I still can't get enough of, and some pretty underwire gingham swimsuits (also in Lula) that immediately became my ideal suit to compare all future bathing suits to this summer.

I wanted to share my future sewing project with you guys, due to start soon.. I bought this lovely pattern from Myra Melinda, a fun Etsy shop filled with vintage greats (free shipping on sewing patterns!). It's a 1950's dress pattern with a full skirt and three variations. I'll be making the sleeveless version (can't decide if I want to make the detachable collar or not) in the pink dotted swiss fabric for a spring wedding coming up. The catch? The wedding is a week from Sunday. If I'm going to be making this in time, I'll have to work quickly.

And I have to announce this because I can't wait much longer.. I have finished my handmade jumper! I ironed it out today and it's ready to be worn. I'll be posting plenty of pictures on Saturday.

Mule Days, a country festival in Columbia, Tennessee, is happening tomorrow, so Neil and I are going to meet up with my mom and enjoy some flea market shopping, carnival food, and fun (and of course cheesy) fair events. I've decided to wear the jumper to the festival and take some photos there! There might even be a clogging dance.. although I don't exactly know what that is. We'll find out!

Golden Globe Gowns

Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? Being in the film industry, I love to cheer on all my favorite TV shows and films, but the woman in me always has to watch the gowns. I was lucky enough to walk the red carpet a few years ago at a film premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France and I can remember being absolutely petrified. All eyes are on you and the whole time you're thinking "Is my dress straight? Am I walking too fast? Can you see my Spanx through this thing?" Seriously, its nervewracking...which gives me so much respect for the actresses who do it in front of millions of viewers. Here are a few of my favorite looks from last night:

Jennifer Aniston was one of the evening's knockouts with her perfectly tousled locks and sexy and simple black Valentino gown with a high slit up her thigh.

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

I'm not a big fan of pink, but I couldn't resist how stunning Emily Blunt was in her pink tulle and chiffon strapless Dolce & Gabbana gown. There is just something incredibly romantic about it.

 Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

If Lea Michele hasn't already shown us that she is a star in her hit TV show Glee, then she did last night on the red carpet in her black strapless chiffon Oscar de la Renta gown and Chopard jewelry. I love how she pulls of this dramatic dress and her hair and makeup look absolutely flawless.

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Heidi Klum looked fantastic, especially considering that she just had a baby a few months ago. I love the mermaid tail and off-the shoulder-look of this gray-lilac Roberto Cavalli gown. Don't she and husband Seal make a striking couple?

  Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

The always gorgeous Halle Berry showed of her beautifully toned back in this detailed black Kaufman Franco gown. Does anyone pull off short hair better than her? I can't think of anyone.

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

And of course I had to throw Tina Fey in the mix because I love her. Just watched the new episode of 30 Rock tonight. Just can't get enough. Anyhoo...back to the red carpet - I love these cute bowed shoes that she is wearing but I'm not sure if they're the right mix for this Zac Posen American Couture gown. The black and white pattern is not something that you usually see at such a prestigious award show, but its definitely a refreshing change, and Tina's quirky style can pull it off.

I tend to veer towards the more traditional pieces and clean modern looks (no giant swan tutus here), but I would love to know what your favorites were last night. Anything that really knocked it out of the park for you?

my cold weather wishlist

A few autumn/wintery things I've been coveting lately..

Warm dresses in earthy tones - like this 1950's peter pan collar dress from Santoki Vintage.

Cream colored legwear. (I recently bought these from American Apparel..)

Frizzily romantic hair.

Earmuffs.

Lace gloves. Preferably vintage, like these pretty ones from allen company, inc.

A bit of fur. From Good Grace Vintage.

A good book.

On a less expensive (actually, free!) note, the online Lonny Magazine has recently been released! For all of you that loved Domino Magazine before they axed it, Lonny comes from the people who brought us Domino. It's full of pretty design ideas for your home.. check it out!

Etsy shop update tomorrow!