Month: March 2010

Nella Bella Spring 2010 Handbags

Nella Bella Spring 2010 Handbags

Last season I talked about Toronto based Nella Bella handbags on I want – I got. I posted about the Nella Bella Fall 2009 Handbag collection. I visited Tarek, Nella Bella owner in his studio to get a look at the Spring 2010 collection up close.  Of course I had to take pictures with all the bags. Spring 2010 focuses on neutrals like black, brown and creme. However there are spots of colour with the acrylic dipped cotton prints, bright canvas, and vibrant pink PU materials. All the bags come with different colour options. There are a lot of the classic shapes from previous seasons like the London bag and the popular Vancouver gym tote, which always gets Tarek smiling when he sees them on the street. Some of my favourite styles include the Riviera clutch which also can double as a full bag with straps, the Vienna satchel, the liquid metal looking Stockholm messenger and the Rio. I fell in love with Rio on first sight. It was solidified when I touched the soft …

PROM at the ROM 2009

PROM V: Noir – March 27, 2010

I’m very excited to be attending one of the hottest parties in the city, Prom at the ROM, PROM V: NOIR. I’ll be bringing my trusty photographer Paul Baik with me as we try to capture the spirit and fashion of the event. Welcome to the dark side of the ROM with PROM V: NOIR, a thrilling night of dramatic glamour and cinematic fantasy inspired by the ROM’s captivating collection of winged creatures in the newly revamped Bat Cave and the recently opened Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Hosted by MTV’s Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank, hundreds of YPC members and guests will take a sensational step back into vintage Hollywood complete with private eyes and femmes fatales. Experience the melodrama of a dazzling Golden Age film première—with a contemporary twist—as you pose for a mob of flashbulbs on the black carpet, investigate tempting diversions in dark shadows, sip swishy cocktails, and shimmy the night away on a fierce dance floor to the sounds of a live Big Band and stellar Toronto DJs. …

Lanvin Ready to Wear - Fall 2010

What does Barbara think? Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Edition

I love it when the WWD asks the buyers their opinions of the collections. I’m always interested in what the buyers/retailers think of the collections. For the last few seasons I’ve been posting about Barbara Atkin’s feelings on the show. Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 is no exception. New York Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew: Trends with legs: “The drop in hems of skirts will change jackets and shoes; fabric folding and ruffling; camel, the new color of luxury; high-waisted full pants and bolder shoulders on jackets; enveloping coats; military details; sculptural tailoring and geometric body-conscious clothing.” Favorite collections: “3.1 Phillip Lim for the beautiful shearlings, knitwear, dresses, outerwear and tunics; Victoria Beckham’s sensuous dresses; Michael Kors’ long knit skirts; Oscar de la Renta’s beautiful refinement and Old-World luxury; Marc Jacobs’ simple, elegant clothes; Reed Krakoff’s utilitarian sportswear; Alexander Wang; Philip Lim, and The Row — style that’s relevant to many generations.”(source) Milan Barbara Atkin, vice president and fashion director, Holt Renfrew: “The designer business is on an upswing and our …

Sacai Ready to Wear - Fall 2010

Sacai Ready to Wear – Fall 2010

I’m loving that Sacai is becoming more popular.  Style.com has posted the collection for two seasons in a row now.  There are more photos available of the collections and now instead of  judys we get real models.  I love Sacai’s Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection. Chitose Abe, Sacai’s designer,creates contradictions that work. In typical Sacai style, tweeds and knits combined with anorak details create a unique look. Items looks like separates but are really one piece. The ropey knits are thick and substantial. Sacai is available at Holt Renfrew.  I always take the opportunity to check out Sacai in person.  The construction needs visual inspection, so inventive and different. images: the Fashion Spot

i want: Spring 2010 Danier Leather Jackets

Danier keeps stepping it up. They’ve created a more fashion forward lineup of jackets which really surprised and pleased me. I spent many years walking into The Path location wanting to buy a leather jacket and not seeing anything I would wear. Finally with Fall 2009, I filled my wardrobe with some leather staples from Danier. I love my classic black motorcycle jacket and leather leggings. Fall was very dark and Spring 2010 at Danier is the opposite, full of colour. I’m craving the blue and the yellow leather jackets from Danier.  A great addition now that I have the standard black; it’s time to play around a bit. Fall merchandise is being cleared out of Danier stores right now.  Expect to see the Spring 2010 items in the store by the end of the month. images: courtesy of Danier Leather

I live blogged the Oscars Red Carpet for The National Post

I live blogged the Oscars Red Carpet for The National Post

It was a real treat to live blog the Oscars Red Carpet with The National Post last weekend. I should have posted about it before the actual telecast but I was a bit lazy. However you can review what went down on the “Oscars Live Coverage: Read the transcript from our Oscar night coverage – The Ampersand” webpage. Find out who I liked and disliked from Oscars night.

Tô Long-nam Spring 2010

Tô Long-nam Spring 2010

Tô Long-nam is no stranger to I want – I got. I posted about the TÔ Long-Nam Fall 2009 – 2010 Lookbook after I received a great email from him. I also wanted one of his Fall 2009 Jackets. I received another email from Long-nam keeping me in the loop with Spring 2010. I learned about White told me about his involvement with the WHITE and VOGUE introduce project which aims to help emerging designer from across the world. Check out the video, Long-nam’s part starts at 3:13. The collection for spring/summer 2010 is visually a development of the fall/winter 2009 collection. It picks up all the ideas of the previous work such as the pleating in the back, the inset details and the paneled structures of the garments, but translates all this with a much softer approach. In general, the shape for SS 2010 will continue with the slim straight silhouette of the past, but there is a new element which breaks the shape and gives it a new fresh breath. The loose volume …

The Must-Have Color Trends For Fall 2011

I want – I got’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Trend Forecasting Reference – Updated November 30, 2010

I want – I got’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Trend Forecasting Reference This is a listing of fashion trend forecasting reports for Fall Winter 2011 – 2012. They are posted for reference and easy access. This page will be updated as more fashion trend forecasting reports come up. BODYWEAR ACTIVE SPORTS F/W 2011-12 NILIT Innovative, Primal, Synergy Trends Mpdclick 2011 / 2012 The Must-Have Color Trends For Fall 2011 Update: (April 26, 2009) Autumn Winter 2011-2012 Trend Forecast Update: (August 7, 2010) SpinExpo Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 Trends PDF Update: (June 17, 2010) Interfiliere Trends Winter 2011-12 Update: (August 7, 2010) Handbag Trends F/W 20110 – 12, Fashion Snoops Update: (September 17, 2010) Women’s Men’s Trends F/W 20110 – 12, Fashion Snoops Update: (September 17, 2010) Women’s Sport Trend F/W 2010-11 Mdpclick.com Update: (September 17, 2010) Home Report F/W 2011 – 12 Trend Bible Update: (September 17, 2010) Kid’s Lifestyle F/W 2011 – 12 Trend Bible Update: (September 17, 2010) Trends 2011/12 Update: (September 17, 2010) Heimtextil Trends 2011/12 Update: (September 17, 2010) Le Cuir …

Miss J. Alexander, Follow the Model inscription

Miss J. Alexander Celebrity Walk Off at Holt Renfew

Only Miss J. Alexander could have gotten me out of the house on Saturday battling the wind and rain. He was hosting a Celebrity Walk Off at Holt Renfrew which pitted some local celebs against each other on the runway. The winner of the celebs was Ciara Hunt from Hello Magazine. It was well deserved and super cut to see her children cheering her on. Then there was a contest where 10 members of the public were given and chance to impress Miss J.  Auntie Fashion asked me to strut my stuff in the public contest but I was nervous and opted out. The only strutting I do is on my way to work with iPod in ear. I’m sure I’m a spectacle in the Financial District.  I was wearing my hunters that day too. Sorry Auntie Fashion 🙁 The event was one of the best public event at Holts I’ve been to. Despite the weather it was packed in the shoe department. There was a great mix of people. Some people brought there families …

Yorkdale Style Challenge

Yorkdale Style Challenge

My twitter followers saw posts about Danielle Meder and I at Yorkdale last week. I was playing Ms Stylist. Danielle was my guinea pig for the Yorkdale Style Challenge. I received an email from Briar with Edelman with the offer to participate in the Yorkdale Style Challenge. I accepted and decided to play fairy godmother to Danielle. We met with Mina Cisternino, head of Yorkdale Wardrobe Planning and Personal Shopping. Yorkdale offers free Wardrobe planning and personal shopping services to customers of the mall.. The service is 2 hours long and one of the four fashion experts will help you with your fashion related needs. You can sign up on the Yorkdale website. I recieved $500 in Yorkdale gift certificates. I came into this challenge with a plan for Danielle. I wanted to push her boundaries and heels were part of this equation. I envisioned a pencil skirt, a white button up shirt and killer heels. It would be opposite to Danielle’s normal casual style. I was running the show here, Ha. We were in …

Balenciaga Fall Winter 2010 Shoes

The shoes in the Balenciaga Fall 2010 collection needed a post of their own. I always anticipate crazy shoes from Balenciaga and this time we got block heel brogues and loafers. What do you think of the shoes? I’m liking the three shoes in the top photo.   I love the colour combinations too.  I hope they aren’t crazy heavy shoes.  They look it. via Balenciaga Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Runway Review.

Balenciaga Ready to Wear - Fall 2010

Balenciaga Ready to Wear – Fall Winter 2010 – 2011

Nicolas Ghesquière was influenced by cosmonauts, seventies Formica, packaging and food boxes, Synthetic foam, plywood, sleeping bags and biscuits for the Balenciaga Fall 2010 collection. The weirder Nicolas goes the more I eat it up. He’s pushing new techniques and fabrics advancing the technology. Nicolas Ghesquière is one of those designers who I still has that freedom to go crazy with his vision and execute it. I love the coloured eyebrows. It looks really cool. This was a very structured armor-like collection. I see shades of Balenciaga Spring 2010 in this collection. It’s an explosion of colour. Despite the strange styling there are some wearable pieces. I’m fond of the belted sweaters, the armor-like dresses in the vein of Spring 2010. Have you seen the footware, that’s the topic of another post. There is a lot of play with texture and prints. Visit nytimes.com for large hi res images of the Balenciaga fall 2010 collection. Here is a short video which highlights all the looks.. The full fashion show video is available. It’s a must …

Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear - Fall 2010

Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear – Fall 2010

Here it is, the last collection. The Alexander McQueen Fall 2010 collection was perfection. I can’t believe we will never see the product of his genius again. It’s just so sad. I’ve included the full collection here. You might want to head to nytimes.com’s fashion section. They have huge hi res photos from the Alexander McQueen Fall collection. You are going to want to see the incredible shoes up close. The jewellery is fantastic and I love the huge collar necklace.  Of course, you’ll want to see the exquisite beading and prints.  The nytimes.com doesn’t report on all the fashion shows, but the lucky ones are given great hi res treatment. images: style.com

Pose lace-up ankle boots by Acne

i want: Pose lace-up ankle boots by Acne

Pose lace-up ankle boots by Acne They say these are boots.  I’m not sure how to describe them but they seem like a summer shoe to me.  I love all the laces and the fact that you have to be committed to lacing them up to own them, similar to Doc Martens.  It doesn’t look like there is easy zipper access on these. These are available at shop.acnestudios.com and net-a-porter.com images: net-a-porter.com

Stella McCartney Ready to Wear – Fall 2010

I don’t normally talk about Stella McCartney on I want – I got but the fall 2010 collection perked my interest. Stella McCartney has always been a collection that I love in person. She’s good but not someone I’ve vocal about. That’s changing with Fall 2010. She went very minimal and sleek with the collection but managed to add some details I didn’t expect: sheer organza, paillettes, and embroidery. There are a few misses, I’m not in love with the fuchsia items and some of the jackets just don’t work. Not a fan of the jumpsuit either. I’m noticing a trend with what I call the fashion mullet. Yup, that’s right people, it’s the short long dress. I first noticed it when Coco Rocha debuted that dress from her collection. I wasn’t a fan, it was a bit too costumey. I’m not sure I like the trend and I think it might be gaining speed. Stella wins me over with most of her fashion mullet pieces. I think that is what amazes me most about …

It's Pretty in Pink at The Make Den on March Break

It’s Pretty in Pink at The Make Den on March Break

It’s Pretty in Pink at The Make Den. March Break is the time to MAKE your dream dress happen – with your own two hands! Design, Cut and Sew your very own PROM DRESS just the way you want it! Beginners welcome, no sewing experience required. Basic sewing skills, simple pattern alterations and cutting techniques are taught. Learn to sew like a pro!!! We’ve been working with PACT, a registered charity that helps kids learn lifeskills – We’ve had such an overwhelmingly positive response to the program that now we’re open to the public as well!!! Please pass this on if you know someone going to their prom this year!!! Classes run March 15th – 20th from 10 – 4 pm Cost is $270~ The Make Den is located at 1207 Bloor St. W email irenestickney@hotmail.com to register

Viktor & Rolf Ready to Wear - Fall 2010

Viktor & Rolf Ready to Wear – Fall 2010

Viktor & Rolf called their fall 2010 show Glamour Factory. It’s a fitting name for the spectacle they put one. They revisited their decade old Babushka themed collection and added some 21st century twists. The presentation needs to be seen so I have video. It’s just perfect. The soundtrack is amazing, I need to track down the songs. The collection is very sporty and the models wore baseball caps. The clothing is pretty standard except for the few show pieces. I think most people will remember the presentation itself, which as a piece of performance art was pretty amazing. Part 1 Part 2 God, that soundtrack. I must have it. image: style.com

Atelier Swarovski Spring 2010

I was invited to the preview of the ATELIER SWAROVSKI Spring 2010 collection at the Swarovski Bloor street store. The concept of the collection is to pair fashion designer with Swarovski and to come up with seasonal collections. Jason Wu Inspiration • Fluid shapes • Mix of textures • Femininity • Movement • Plating:Ruthenium • Jason Wu’s collection is offered in two key colourways, Lava with shades of red and pink, and Obsidian with black crystal • Feminine pieces feature necklaces trimmed with ribbon and clusters of crystal beads and briolette stones decorate bracelets, rings and earrings • Layers of faceted crystals create a textured, defined silhouette. Matthew Williamson Inspiration • Matthew Williamson signature style – statement pieces in a vibrant palette • Print used from his Ready-to-Wear collection • Strong graphic and floral elements • Architectural crystals • Colours: Rose – resin pieces in orange rose and purple tones finished in pale gold edging, Sky – resin pieces in blue and green tones finished in Palladium edging • Plating: Pale gold, Palladium • An …

Subway Jumping with Anita by Arieh Singer

Subway Jumping

I was coming home on the subway after Canada beat the US for gold and I ran into a friend Arieh Singer. He had obviously been partying during the day and was taking drunken photographs of his wife and her sister on the subway. He asked me if I wanted to take part and of course I said yes. Here is the result of that fooling around. I’m in love with this picture, but I happen to love photos where I’m jumping for some reason. I’m wearing: Hunter boots, Rick Owens Jacket, Alexander Wang snood, Elizabeth and James pants. image: Arieh Singer

Lanvin Ready to Wear – Fall Winter 2010

The Lanvin Fall 2010 Collection felt very savage to me. Perhaps it was the dark bobs or the dark, robotic jewellery. It was a series of powerful looks that would make great fashion armour. The is drama with lots of feathers, furs and beading.  The clothes also add drama with pleats.  The collection consisted of dark colours and the occasional metallic. Here are two great collection preview videos. Found the official Lanvin video images: style.com

Haider Ackermann Ready to Wear – Fall 2010

Haider Ackermann Fall 2010 Collection is the exception to my no black and brown together rule. I love the undulating collars that can be wrapped around the neck and the peplums that can be removed. The clothing is very architectural in nature. I love the use of the zippers to give the curves some stiffness. The cocoon coats are a great contrast to the more elaborate parts of the collection. The laser cut leather was a very nice touch. images: style.com

Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear – Pre-Fall 2010

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010 is a dream. It serves as a reminder of what we have lost. The best was still ahead for Alexander McQueen. We have pre-fall 2010 and the upcoming fall 2010 to soak up all that is McQueen before the house loses it’s soul. I’m speechless when it comes to this collection.  Great details with the handbags and the shoes.  I love the incorporation of the men’s fall 2010 print into the women’s collection. images: alexandermcqueen.com