Aritzia Neil Jacket - a perfect staple year-round!
fashionable functional winter boots
… for every woman!
This is my first winter on the East Coast in three years, I’m thankful that it’s been mild enough that I’ve been able to get away with my J.Crew Sperry Shearwater boots, original navy Hunters (with cream fleece socks), my Stuart Weitman leopard rain boots and my black Gucci (with leopard fleece socks) rain boots. But a big snow storm will hit… so topping my “to-buy” list is a pair of winter boots. Above are my finalists, I’ll likely end up getting a furry-shearling pair, and a classic black go-to. I’d also love a white pair like the Pajar‘s or Sorels to throw into the rotation. Wish-list!☺
Sorel “Tofino” (Canada) – these are all over the magazines and style segments as the “it” boots of the season. Red is fresh and unexpected, but this style is also great in brown, grey, and black. They fit small, in the US they come in half sizes – in Canada go down half a size to the next whole size.
Sperry “Plover” – these work in rain or snow, keeping you warm and dry. I love the tie and fur!
Hunter “Adley” – these come in black, dark olive and brown. I can’t get enough shearling. Hunters only come in half sizes and they fit big, if you’re a half size go down to the next whole size.
GEOX’s “Dina Stilvali” – these quilted patent boots are warm and cozy with a subtle shiny splash. They only come in whole sizes, they fit small, go down half a size to the next whole size.
Hunter “Regent Savoy” - my favorite boot this year, but I’ll warn you – the shaft is snug (15.5 inch circumference). Snugger than the Hunter original; 16 inch – (if you have a wider calf try the Hunter Huntress for an extra 0.5″, it’s 16.5 inches). The Regent also comes in Montpelier leopard.
Pikolinos – Lisboa 767-8441 – these are tall, warm, waterproof and a complement to any outfit.
UGG Belcloud (Canada) – great in black, brown, or Cognac – you can wear these like a riding boot.
Pajar “Grip Boot” (Canada) – so après ski, but they also work in the city. I love white, red, grey, black, animal (brown and black) and plaid… the black Gianna, Women’s Wolseley, and Red Wood.
Sorel’s 6138640 – exclusive to Browns in Canada, these zip-up boots are ready to throw on and go!
Hudson’s Bay Tote Bag
I’m all for fashion meeting function. So when my best friend gave me the Hudson’s Bay Tote Bag as part of my incredibly thoughtful “welcome back to Toronto” birthday gift, I was sold (NB: August has more birthdays than any other month, Happy Birthday to you if you’re also one of them). I had just seen a très chic women in her forties shopping carrying the bag in Toronto’s upscale Summerhill neighborhood and immediately complemented her on the bag when I saw it in her living room. “It’s for you!” was her response. Too perfect! Thank you, thank you.
Reusable totes help the environment and your wallet as many provinces and states like Ontario now charge for paper and plastic bags. With my new go-to retailing for only $10, you can’t afford not to. So when grabbing your groceries, or anything bag-worthy, why not make a statement. And for any other patriotic Canucks – there are countless ways to enjoy and wear your STRIPES!
Sailor Girls… Get Noticed
Photos (William & Kate) c/o: www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/; www.bff.tv/fashion-face-off-2/
SJP and Kate are nautical visions of summer in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen’s ribbed sailor dress. Sarah Jessica wore the navy style in Hollywood, accented with a red croc clutch and hot-red bowed peep toes. Kate wore the classic white version with black heels in Prince Edward Island… her new husband playfully thanked P.E.I for naming the island after him. Awe… And speaking of the Prince. What’s not to love about Kate in a white Sarah Burton dress? Memories…
This gorgeous dress isn’t available, but you can still skirt your sweater this month and into the fall in beige, navy, off-white, or black. Thicker knits flatter… And as always, SPANX are your friends.
penny loafers are back
…for men and women!
Whether you go bold à la “intense red” or “tulip” yellow, or keep it “sabbia” subtle – this is the driving moc that doesn’t stop. An animal print makes a statement, while suede keeps it simple.
Wear these fashion-meeting-function flats with white jeans, capris, linen pants, or a summer suit.
For the daring – and true retro irony… add pennies!!
Will and Kate’s Canadian Tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Canada for 9 days as their first official overseas tour.
Photos (William & Kate) c/o: www.iialp.org; www.wwd.comm; http://m.ibtimes.com
Kate’s first outfit, an off-white REISS dress (the same one she wore in the couple’s official engagement photos), a patriotic maple leaf brooch borrowed from Queen Elizabeth (presented to her by the Queen mom when she first visited Canada in 1939), and a crimson red maple leaf fascinator by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co. Normally we’d consider her bright red pumps matchy-matchy, but worn in the Nation’s capital on Canada Day – they’re the perfect finishing touch.
Moving from Ottawa to Yellowknife, Canada, Will and Kate joined the locals in a street hockey game. Her linen dress is by Danish-born British high street designer Malene Birger. Catherine opted to stay on the sidelines and cheer for the Duke, reportedly explaining that if not for her nude L.K. Bennett heels, she would have joined in the game herself. She had me at nude heels…
Lastly, her Highness wore a navy lace dress called “the Cecile dress” designed by Erdem. The dress can be found in their pre-spring 2012 collection. Kate paired her stunning navy lace dress with her L.K.Bennett Sledge2 patent nude pumps. Her style is so classic, and so-spot-on PRINCESS PERFECT!
I ♥ Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler is a design company offering gorgeous pieces for your home. Celebrities like Lauren Conrad are fans, and so am I. When I moved from West Hollywood to Brentwood back in February, I took it as an excuse for some redecorating. I ordered these gorgeous “K” and “D” letter pillows (we know I’m a sucker for anything monogrammed), and a custom British Flag (Union Jack) pillow in 20 by 22 (inches). Call it the Commonwealth connection (or the year I lived in England), but I’ve always been drawn to all-things-British… and they don’t offer my home-and-native land – Canada’s – flag. Hand made in Peru, my pillows took three and a half months to be ready. After picking them up, and placing them on display on my chocolate-brown leather couch… I’m in ♥.
a wedding fit for a Queen
Photos: Kate Middleton www.starandstyle.com; www.westfieldstylenotes.com; www.shibawi.com
“Marry Prince William? I’d love that. Who wouldn’t want to be a princess?” – Britney Spears
Sorry Brit, that ship has sailed.
This Friday, April 29th marks one of the biggest days in nuptial history. Prince William of Wales KG FRS (William Arthur Philip Louis; born June, 21st 1982), the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales – will marry Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton (born January 9th, 1982). In full royal-fashion, their Westminster Abbey wedding has earned the UK a bank holiday. After their engagement was announced last year (November 16th, 2010), the world has been counting down to the big day. Who will Kate be wearing? It’s rumored to be the British fashion house of the late Alexander McQueen. 4 more days… until the festivities begin at 4am EST.
Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera will host a NBC Royal Special Wednesday, and E! News will also be on the scene. Not to mention the blogosphere and press coverage from the 1,000 BBC and 400 CNN workers assigned to the wedding. For those of us without an invite (or plane ticket), we can wake up in the early North America hours to our TVs and royal-high-tea. I’ve already got a date.
And for the countless women (myself included) following Kate’s style – her red suit above is Luisa Spangoli, paired with a Hollie de Keyser belt purchased from a Knightsbridge boutique. Her trench coat is by Burberry – selling out within one day of her wearing it (how Oprah-effect). And finally, her hot-blue dress worn while attending a wedding at St Andrews with William is by Issa. Her go-to London designer also responsible for her November engagement announcement dress. While Kate’s turned down offers to grace the cover of VOGUE, and keeps quiet while William shines – we can’t help but LOVE this girl next door turned princess and future Queen of England. Not bad.
What will she be wearing next? Her family’s new coat of arms. It just keeps getting better for Kate.
Coral Cam
Cameron Diaz brought the Miami heat wearing Rag & Bone skinnies and a Stella McCartney blazer.
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Photos: Cameron Diaz c/o http://www.fashionfame.com
Pastels are just some of the colors we’re seeing in spring – summer 2011, and I like it! Cameron Diaz shows her style’s softer side in a muted color palette of white, beige, coral (pink, blush, rose?), and tan. Call it what you will, her Rag and Bone “coral” skinny jeans are the perfect pairing for her Stella McCartney beige wool blazer (a great example of wool working year-round). The blazer’s relaxed boyfriend style gives this ultra-sweet and feminine look some sexy spice (rolled sleeves and popped collars are a do when you’re sans boardroom). Her white basic t almost covers a black bra. The finishing touches? Tan leather ankle cuff heels and Bottega Veneta woven bag…
ooh la looove.
st.ELLA.r MOSS
Ella Moss has great basics for women, children and toddlers. Think Splendid colors and
patterns meeting Vince’s quality cotton… DONE! Here are my top 10 favorites for Spring 2011.
Sold by piperlime (with an exclusive Ella Moss line for Piperlime), shopbop, Bloomingdales, Saks, Zappos, Revolve, Neiman Marcus, CUSP, Barney’s, Nordstrom – this line complements everyone!
10 – Ella Moss Kaleidoscope Top: the subtle black lace up the sides of this basic charcoal sweatshirt make it anything but basic… 10! Wear it with leggings or skinny jeans. Nothing but net.
9 – Ella Moss Penelope Three-Quarter Sleeve Striped Top: spring 2011 is all about bright colors. Mix your brights into stripes and G.l.O.w! Thick horizontal stripes are best worn in looser fits.
8 - Ella Moss Windsor Cashmere Tunic: I love a good tunic, and cashmere is ALWAYS in season. This black and charcoal staple will keep you warm on cooler days and spring-summer nights.
7 – Ella Moss Khloe Stripe Cardi: This is an every day basic you’ll likely live in (I know I’d like to). The pattern updates your errand-gym-all-encompassing-life uniform, matching everything.
6 – Ella Moss – Black Infinity Legging: Snugging (thick flattering fabric) leggings are a must-have for every woman’s closet. These crops are perfect for working out… before, during and after. Or for days when you really meant to… Not to mention a long plane right (tuck them into over-the-knee high boots or even UGGs). I’m not afraid to admit to living in cropped leggings whenever I’m not in my black skinny jeans. So great for spring and summer!
5 – Ella Moss Mélange Pullover: I’m all about cropped sweaters right now. I have two from Topshop that I can’t get enough complements on. We’re to dress our bodies in thirds; a cropped sweaters stops after your top third flattering many figures. It lengthens petites, emphasizes height, minimizes a long torso. Keep a long fitted top (preferably a basic hued tank) underneath and try it with leggings or skinnies. This styles inherently loose, allow everything else to be fitted.
4 – Ella Moss Caycee Short: The short of spring-summer 2011 are precisely this relaxed yet SHORT style! Worn with flats, heels, or flips – they’re an instant update.
3 – Ella Moss ‘Greenwich’ Sweater: Again I love a cropped sweater. Is there anything more classic than light-wash denim, a white cotton tank, and heather gray sweater? I love this combo. Love. It.
2 – Ella Moss Zipper Leggings: Leggings are a wardrobe staple, why not add a zipper to yours?
1 - Ella Moss Portabella Cardigan: this open cardigan is PERFECTION – belt it and you’re set!
ELLA MOSS intimates, swimwear and maternity shouldn’t be missed. Go on, get your st.ELLA.r ON.
