First, motivate yourself to keep working out despite the cold weather by reading what our health editor, Maureen, wrote about exercising during the winter on her excellent blog. Then, head over to the Adidas website to get some warm workout clothes for 40% off:
That’s 40% off everything on the website. (Yes, including all of the sweet Stella McCartney workout clothes.) The coupon code is ADISAVE09. And if you spend more than $100, you’ll get free shipping to anywhere in Canada. The sale’s on until November 18.
Sep
02
There’s so much to love about fashion this season. Fall is by far my favourite time of year for clothing, even though fall really doesn’t exist in Canada. But hey, we’ll have about a week between the hot and cold so layer on these fashion dos!
Metallic Accents
How could someone who loves shiny things so much not love metallic accents? I want to bedazzle the hell out of all my outfits but I must practice self-restraint. Anything with studs, shiny appliques or gunmetal hardware is in. Check out this Miu Miu clutch. It’s pretty fab but there’s a ton of great options at the mall.
Big shoulders
I admit, I love shoulder pads. They might be very Melanie Griffith in Working Girl but they make you look authoritative and you’re wearing them like Balenciaga or Balmain so it’s ironic chic, not actually your mom’s 90’s blazer. (Though that would probably work too.)
Neons
Michael Kors did this look so well on the runways. I want this pink dress badly! But you must remember: While neon is really fun and should be played with and mixed with your favourite nude pieces, unless you’re actually going to an 80’s dance party, stick with one hue at a time. And if you aren’t adventurous enough to do a full-on outfit (or as big of a colour spazz as I am) then try a watch, bangle, shoe or purse with a neutral ensemble.
Nudes
Only one woman comes to mind when I think of nudes and that’s Stella McCartney. Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton also did an amazing job of creating beautiful, skin tones. Ask a friend to help you pick out an outfit that goes well with your skin. If you look completely naked from far away try one nude darker or lighter for a bit of contrast.
Sequins
Sparkly, flashy outfits are in style this season. You might be wondering how to wear this? Try a vest, a blazer with some sequins or a simple top for a hit of sheen. Stay tuned for more advice in one of our upcoming issues.
I’m kind of obsessed with this top from last season at J. Crew. I never found it and sadly continue my search for something similar.
Oh and one Don’t I forgot? FUR. EWWW. Avoid at all costs unless it’s vintage or faux.
And that’s all for now.
–Kate Daley
For all the über-stylish moms out there – you’re in luck. Though it’s much more budget-savvy to dress your kiddies in hand-me-downs (and trust me if you grew up with lots of siblings you get what I’m sayin’) you now have a little excuse to run down to the mall and get your children some fancy designer wares.
I have no pictures yet to prove it but rumour has it that Gap is launching a kids and baby collection with famed designer Stella McCartney. Woe is us who aren’t pint-sized. I heart Stella so much I would definitely try to squeeze myself into something ridiculously small just to buy her designs at a reasonable price.
“For years now I’ve wanted to create a collection for kids, it’s something I’ve often been asked about,” says McCartney. “I believe that this one off collaboration will be a great way for customers to be able to participate in the Stella McCartney brand. I believe that kids clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment given the current climate. It’s really exciting for us to do a boys and girls collection for the first time.”
You know what Stella? I totally agree. I’m a big fan of her designs because as a lifelong vegetarian, she doesn’t use leather or fur and she has beautiful, classic clothing to boot.
(Dear Gap, please ask Stella to make you an affordable ladies jumpsuit!)
Available in stores November 2009, GapKids and babyGap across Canada will feature her duds. As if their stuff wasn’t cute enough.
–Kate Daley
Apr
22
Get out your most fashionable running shoes – designer Matthew Williamson’s line for H&M hits stores tomorrow morning. I have no doubt there will be many clothing racks knocked over and some credit card-related mayhem.
Admittedly, his stuff is gorgeous. He cites global travel as his inspiration and you can definitely see it in the eclectic prints, eye-popping colours and interesting cuts. Williamson’s created everything from a silky jumpsuit to a peacock-inspired shift dress with some funky accessories to boot.
Leather biker jacket, $250. Long Ruffle Dress, $350.
Personally, I’m vying for the grey leather jacket above with gold detailing but I’m not sure if I have sharp enough elbows to snap up that purchase. (Okay I do, but I may not.) Thus far, H&M has collaborated with the likes of Stella McCartney, Commes des Garçons Rei Kawakubo, Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf and Roberto Cavalli. Not too shabby for the Swedish-based retailer that has swept it’s cheap and chic fashions across the globe.
Dress, $100.
Though Williamson’s line is not the usual H&M prices, it’s an amazing steal for designer wear. Check it out if you dare at over 200 stores across Canada. Go on the H&M website and you can click on the styles you’re looking for. It will tell you which store in your area has the line.
The second part of his collection hits stores May 14th so if you miss the first round you still have a chance to snag some of the coveted pieces!
–Kate Daley
Mar
03
MY BOYFRIEND JACKET
I have mixed feelings about the ’80s from a fashion standpoint. I find, for instance, the geometric shapes and bold primary colours jarring. And leggings? Well, I’m still a little love-hate on them.
I was crazy for the over-the-top accessories that characterized much of that decade of excess, the black opaque tights and the supermodels, who by today’s standards were downright curvy.
I have also harboured affection for the era’s boyfriend jacket: I loved its slouchy ease, how its sculptured, shoulder-padded shoulders made me feel slimmer-hipped beneath, how it immediately added style substance to something ho-hum or too-high-school beneath.
This season’s boyfriend jacket still offers me that, although its shoulders are characterized by a softer, more elegant silhouette. The piece still looks terrific with jeans and boots and over a tee and pencil skirt. Or if your style is more romantic and bohemian-leaning, the design simplicity of a boyfriend jacket is a lovely contrast to layer over this spring’s many printed dresses or tunics.
Colour-wise, pick a neutral shade: Black is a no-brainer and my first choice – like little black dresses, I don’t think it’s possible that I can own too many black jackets – but soft grey or tan would be terrific assets in your spring wardrobe.
And for the record, I don’t have a boyfriend. This is just about clothes. Really. I can hear my husband joking with me, “Deb, do you have a boyfriend? And doesn’t he want his jacket back?”
– Deborah Fulsang
ABOVE: Stella McCartney’s boyfriend blazer offers bum-covering, tummy-sheathing and tuxedo-style chic. STYLE.COM
BELOW: Club Monaco’s Abbie boyfriend blazer is a great fashion foil to a flower-print dress. CLUBMONACO.COM
