All posts filed under: Accessories

Ela Handbags

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Ela is a new Canadian handbag line that I’ve just been introduced to. I met co-founders Ela Kowalewska and Martin Aldorsson at Dark Horse cafe where I got a chance to chat and see the line in person.  I really liked what they had to show me. The basis of ela is the idea of humble luxury, where refined and sophisticated silhouettes strive to showcase, rather than upstage, the wearer. From subtle asymmetry to luxe hardware and leather, every design element is infused with a high level of craftsmanship, materials and a signature aesthetic. The collection is small but focused. The handbags are on the minimal side of things but they all share the signature Ela leather closure. The leather is lovely and there are a few different finishes to choose from.  I like the pebbled leather the best. The MILCK clutch is a big enough for a night out that includes a camera and smartphone. It comes in a variety of colours and finishes. There are also some tote bags. I like the more …

i want: Mary Boots by Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony

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Chloe Sevigny and Opening Ceremony have teamed up again for the spring summer 2011 season. The boots are super, super tall for 2011. I’m loving it. Keep the platforms coming. Mary Jo Mary Anne Mary Ellen Holt Renfrew is carrying the Mary Jane shoe by Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony. I’m hoping they bring in the boots. images: openingceremony.us

CHAO & EERO Jewel

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Chao-Hsien Kuo, half of the design duo of CHAO & EERO saw my United Nude Spring Summer 2011 post on facebook. She then emailed me to let me know about their collection as she thought the aesthetic fit the kinds of things that catch my eye and end up on I want – I got. She was absolutely right. Chao & Eero Jewel is an independent Finnish jewelry design brand created in 2005 by a husband and wife team, Eero Hintsanen and Chao-Hsien Kuo. Both Chao and Eero are Finnish Master Goldsmiths with background of design education. The company is based in Lahti, a small city surrounded by forests and lakes. All the products are made and hand-finished with care and attention to the details in their studio in Lahti. I normally not one for heart shaped jewellery but CHAO & EERO makes the overdone and lame heart motive very, very cool. It’s different and a bit edgy.  The smiley face ring is just brilliant. CHAO & EERO can be found at Enflux in Vancouver, …

Cupido Designs Spring Summer 2011 Preview

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I attended the spring summer 2011 preview for the luxury jewellery store, Cupido. Cupido has locations at Bayview Village and Vaughan Mills. There were four brands at the preview: HERA, Baccarat Crystal, Gioie & Co and 3H Italia watches. HERA: Canadian jewellery designer, Hera Akarakas presents her debut line, HERA. Divided into two collections, “Paradise” and “Unity,” the ethereal pieces combine precious metals with the casual elegance of silver, as well as 18 karat gold, accented by diamonds and uniquely cut gemstones. The preview introduced a new Canadian jewellery line called HERA which I’m loving. There is a lot of intricate details in all the designs and the rings are my favourites. Baccarat Crystal: Founded in 1764, Baccarat is globally recognized as the preeminent leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of the world’s finest crystal products. The Baccarat Crystal pieces were very beautiful. I remember seeing a Baccarat Crystal lamp during my Bisha trip to New York. The rings were perfect cocktail pieces: huge, statement makers. I loved them. Gioie & Co.: Widely known …

ToyWatch Spring Summer 2011 Preview

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My favourite watch company, ToyWatch came to town to show off what’s going on for spring summer 2011. I’ve been mourning my beloved Neon Chronograph Plasteramics in Atomic Orange since the clasp broke and render it unwearable. I’m awaiting a replacement and I hope it’s the same.  My wrist hasn’t been the same since. ToyWatch introduced a kids line this season. The new styles this year are solid black or solid white. This is a very big trend I’m noticing in watch land that is keeping in step with the bright colour trend. At the preview, I got to see some of the Missoni x ToyWatch collaboration. This was pretty exciting. They are a little hard to wear in my opinion but oh so very beautiful. They aren’t your everyday watch, much to pretty. Various retailers across Toronto and Canada carry ToyWatch, check the website for more info.

i want: Spacematic Backpack by Three Thirds

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I’m heading to Vancouver and Whistler this weekend and I wish my laptop was small enough to fit in the Three Thirds Spacematic Backpack. It looks like the perfect traveling companion for someone with a lot of gadgets like me. Unfortunately I have a 17 inch laptop and not a 15 inch. Boo. You can also get the Spacematic Backpack online at A2ZANE and Threethirdsdesign.com. images: Threethirdsdesign.com

Complexgeometries Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Complexgeometries held their fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation at The Westside Gentlemen’s Club. That’s right, a strip bar. Designer Clayton Evans had colour and collaborations on the mind for the season. It’s a surprisingly colourful fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection for Complexgeometries and I’m not complaining. The textile evolution of the line into fabrics other than jersey is progressing with charmeuse, silk, mohair, suede and wool. Collaborations came in the form of jewellery and shoes. Complexgeometries partnered with fellow Montreal designer, Mireille Boucher of Harakiri. See the Complexgeometries fall winter 2011 – 2012 presentation video by Jason Last. The towering platform boots came out of the minds of LD Tuttle and Complexgeometries. Clayton tells me they are 9 inches high. I’m simultaneously scared and salivating. It’s an extra 9 inches of height. Who the hell knows what I’ll use it for but I want it. I’d probably scare small children and some men. Do these qualify as Manrepller shoes? Ha Ha.  Thankfully there are some more reasonable short boots available in the collaboration …

Rocaille Spring Summer 2011 Preview

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I love hearing about new Canadian brands. Rocaille is a Vancouver based and was started in 2010 by Amanda He when she decided to explore a creative career instead of the investment banking world she occupied. Amanda sources antique items and turns them into one of a kind pieces. ROCAILLE is modern by design and inspired by classical periods. We scour the globe for unique vintage pieces and delight in the unabashed sense of adventure and discovery as each item of jewellery is deconstructed and then transformed. The antiquity of each resurrected find is enhanced through reinterpretation and reinvention. Simply put, every ROCAILLE jewellery is one of a kind. Rocaille is beautiful and I love that each piece is unique.  I like the clash of antique with a modern style. They would be perfect for black tie events.  Currently you can purchase Rocaille online at www.rocaille-design.com.

Victoria Beckham Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Victoria Beckham’s Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection was pretty damn beautiful. I’m totally impressed with her dedication and understanding of fashion design. When she first started out I pretty much dismissed her as a celebrity/designer. Over the years she has proven that she’s serious about the business. The only beef I have is with the line’s sizing. I tried on a dress at Holt Renfrew for fun. I was brought a size 8 and I couldn’t fit into. I’m technically a four. That’s a bit of warning for people. There is a specific body type and it’s one that matches Victoria. See the entire Victoria Beckham Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Fashion Show I love so much of this collection. The yellow dresses totally blew my mind. The hangbag line is coming along nicely. They are classic and minimalist designs. images: vogue.com, thefashionspot.com