Month: January 2011

The NYTimes Worn-Out Fashion Terms List

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The NYTimes has a great list of Worn-Out Fashion Terms. They’ve got a few of my pet peeves list. Couture: Calling something “couture” doesn’t make it hand-sewn or high class. Yet the word popped up everywhere last year, from discount Web sites to Canal Street pushcarts. It’s even uttered repeatedly on HSN and QVC to describe handbags, dresses and almost anything else. You can trust that the rayon and polyester cape selling for $49.95 was not hand-stitched by petite seamstresses in a Parisian atelier. Fashionista: The word has gone from describing a class of urban style-conscientious sophisticates to becoming a lazy and cheap byword for anyone with a modicum of taste. (See “hipster.”) Fashionista is probably my most hated word. I can’t stand it when people call me this but I”m usually too polite to get on their case about it. Hopefully, this article will finally put this word to death. image: nytimes.com

i got: My Lost Glasses Tights by Hansel from Basel

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I was walking around on Queen Street West and decided to stop into Robber. I ended up getting some tights from Hansel from Basel. Hansel from Basel is an independent legwear company based in Los Angeles, California. Inspired by the small and lovely details of everyday life, our goal is to create subtle yet beautiful socks, tights, leggings, and accessories. I like the tights a lot but they do run on the very small side. I bought the m/l size and I’m pushing the limits of the garment. Take it as a word of warning. Robber 863 Queen St. West Toronto image: myself, hanselfrombasel.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2011

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Philip Lim keeps entertaining me. I like the use of orange, tan, blue and grey in the collection. It also has good sweaters and coats which are important to me come fall time. I’m all about the chunky knit images: thefashionspot.com

NorBlack NorWhite Spring Summer 2011

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Trolling facebook leads to great finds. I noticed two of my very stylish friends liked, NorBlack NorWhite. Being inquisitive, I clicked the link and discovered a new Canadian label with a Toronto and Bombay twist. Charmed by the stories, people, culture, state of transition and everything indian, these little ladies shifted to bombay to discover and create. Focusing on a region per collection, they are exploring india through textile and art. Norblack norwhite documents their respect to their current playground by designing through adventure. First stop: kachchh, gujarat. The khatris of kachchh are endowed with creating stunning colour on fabric, bandhani (the tying and dying of fabric), while the nomadic rabaris express their story and art through the cross-stitches on their wear. From the embroideries to the beading, the barren desert to the gulf extremes, kachchh is a land of creators. On their website I discovered a fascinating video that documents the Bandhani process. Bandhani is Indian tie dye. I love seeing the process being a garment and it’s amazing that the internet has made …

Le Château Embracing the Resort Collection

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Le Château has online shopping on their website now so I was taking a look around. I noticed that they were promoting their Resort 2011 collection. I know a lot of mass retailers have collections for this time of the year when people are thinking about spring but the weather isn’t cooperating. I thought it was interesting that with the increasing coverage of resort collections that Le Château would jump on the band wagon.  So what does resort look like for women.  A lot of stripes, white and blue.

Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2011

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I’m dying over the Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2011 collection. I want everything that has a print on it. Surprisingly the only things I dislike in this collection is the solid colour pieces. I was told that the ikat print would be coming in spring and I’ve seen many collections make use of it. Seems this print will be rolling into fall too. I love the chunky sweaters and the awkward length shorts.  It’s true, this is a collection for people on the taller side and I’m just on the cusp of that allows me to participate.  Thank you platforms. images: thefashionspot.com

Dandi Maestre New Retail Location, 386 Huron Street, Toronto

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Canadian jewellery designer, Dandi Maestre has decided to keep the 386 Huron Street location as a permanent retail space. Based on the response received, my holiday pop-up store at 386 Huron St. (at Sussex Ave.) will be extended indefinitely. My unique pieces, made of organic materials such as antlers, bull horn, rough amber and emeralds, reclaimed wood, natural seeds and nuts will be available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm; Saturday from 12 to 6pm. Other times by special appointment – please call 416-948-2040 or write to dandi@dandimaestre.com. Now you will also find beautiful recycled glass bubble terrariums (with or without plants) and unique home organic homewares. My designs have been seen in Vogue, Lucky, Hello!, Flare, Glamour, People Style Watch, Holts Style, The Toronto Star and The Globe & Mail and on Donna Karan, who features my line in her Urban Zen shop in New York. I visited the shop before the holidays, bought some earrings and took some pictures. It’s such a beautiful space and the gallery setup works perfectly for Dandi’s …

Preen Pre-Fall 2011

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I’m loving that Preen is using the 20s drop waist silhouette for the Pre-fall 2011 collection. The 20s is one of my favourite fashion eras and I’m glad to see a modern take on this silhouette. images: thefashionspot.com

I want – I got Reading Room: Toronto based Online Magazines

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Thankfully people email me about their projects because I don’t have the time to keep on top of things. I was glad to learn about some great online magazines created here in Toronto recently. Some are by people I know and I think that’s pretty cool. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on my reading list right now. PERFECTO Mag is Diego Armand’s baby. He works with handful of local toronto musicians, designers and stylists. PERFECTO is his way of showing support for their work and the diversity in the community. The first issue is out now and I’m really loving Stefania Yarhi’s editorial (pictured above). There are interviews and videos as well as editorials in PERFECTO. The second issue will hit the streets in the spring. Plaid Magazine started in digital and has supplemented that offering with seasonal print issues. Odessa Paloma Parker, Editorial Director sent me a copy of the inaugural print edition for Fall 2010. The magazine has beautiful editorials, shop profiles and interviews. You can get a copy of the print issue …