All posts tagged: Coats and Jackets

Smythe Pre-Fall 2012

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Andrea and Christie of Smythe have unveiled their first Pre-Fall collection for 2012.  Now Smythe junkies have more jackets to choose from in a year.   The collection will be available after June 1, making my birthday month even more amazing. I’m a huge Smythe fan but this is the first collection where I wanted every jacket.   The furry ones are calling my name. I love the three coats with the furry details from the collection, but I’m also digging the check blazer with the cropped sleeve (pictured below). It’s very Thom Browne menswear to me. You can find Smythe at the usual suspects: Holt Renfrew, Dealuxe.ca and Ssense.com, Intermix and TNT Woman. images: Courtesy of Smythe.

i want: Moncler S Navy Yukari Coat

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I’m such a huge Moncler fan after purchasing my Moncler S ‘Shihoko’ Trench coat last year. It’s my favourite spring/fall jacket right now. I really want to get a winter coat by Moncler S but that time has passed and I’m now obsessing over the spring 2012 Moncler S Navy Yukari Coat.  It’s a simple jacket but I love the asymmetric hem and drawstring. images: ssense.com

I want- I got’s H&M Conscious Collection Fall Winter 2011- 2012 Top Picks

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I’m liking the new H&M Conscious Collection Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. I picked up a few pieces from the Spring Summer 2011 collection and I see a few fall pieces that I like. This season the H&M Conscious Collection takes influences from romanticism and Swedish folklore.  The collection features recycled wool and organic fabrics like cotton , linen and hemp. The Conscious Collection collection uses embroidery and lace this season and I’m hoping they look good in person too. I’m never into H&M shoes but I love, love, love these booties. The Conscious collection will be available staring October 6, 2011 at the Eaton Centre, Yorkdale and Bloor Street locations in Toronto. Other Canadian locations are Downtown Montreal, The Pacific Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown. images: courtesy of H&M

Alex & Eli Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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Alex & Eli is an American based brand created by two Parsons graduates, Aja Singer (who is Canadian) and Anne Zeman. Their focus is suiting for women with tailored silhouettes and unusual detailing. I knew Aja and Anne were after my heart when I started to read the style names. As an unapologetic Star Trek fan, I was delighted to see things like The Vulcan Blazer, Enterprise Pant, the Voyager Blazer, the Kirk (it’s a jacket), Transporter Skirt and the Replicator Jacket. It was doubly delightful that the clothing looked really good. Womenswear influenced by menswear with a modern twist, how could I not love this. I finally saw a few pieces of the collection at the newly opened Intermix on Bloor Street. Great quality and looks just as good in pictures as real life. images: courtesy of Alex & Eli

Greta Constantine SKIN for Danier Now Available

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Finally the Greta Constantine SKIN for Danier collection has hit the stores. Last week there was a trunk show at the Danier store in Yorkdale with a discount of 35% off. You bet I took advantage of that to get me some product. Kirk and Stephen were on hand to help shoppers choose and style their Greta Constantine SKIN for Danier pieces. I ended up purchasing the grey suede Awi Vest and the black obi belt. Check out all the photos from the Greta Constantine SKIN for Danier Trunk Show You can take a closer look at this 6 piece collection on the Danier Website. images: courtesy of Danier

The Celine Uniform

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I received this in a Celine email blast a few weeks ago when the Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 treatments were being given to all the designer site. If I had to pick one designer to wear only, I think I could totally love the Celine uniform over and over again.  Celine is available at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street and Calgary.   I find it weird they aren’t listed on the website. images: celine.com

Ask A Geek – Canadian Brands Making Winter Coats – Updated November 13, 2012

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Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader @ThebergeSwim tweeted: @ThebergeSwim - @geekigirl I’m looking 4 a warm winter coat Preferably fashionable & NOT black. Would like to support local designer #ThebergemovestoToronto Me – @ThebergeSwim budget? @ThebergeSwim - @geekigirl four to six hundred. Possibly a lil more if totally awesome. Fashionable and functional are trade off that has to be made for a Canadian winter. I tend to side with function during this time of year. My recommendation is buy a long down jacket so you don’t have to layer as much. However, here’s a selection of Canadian companies with winter jackets and coats that will cover both spectrums and between.  Some of these companies might not have fall offerings online yet, but should soon. RUDSAK – Lots of leather options here. Montreal based but has a store on …

Mark Fast for Danier

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The Mark Fast Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 featured a collaboration with Danier. Mark created some amazing leather pieces in the show. Some of these runway pieces have been developed into a small capsule collection for sale at Danier this fall. I missed the Danier preview and didn’t get to see the collection in person but here are my top picks of the collection. As you can tell I love the coats and the pants. Even the cropped leather overalls has me happy. I can see myself pairing them with my platform boots from the Gap. images: courtesy of Danier

OBJECT, George Antonopoulos x Danier Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

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I missed the Danier Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 preview a few weeks ago. I wanted to see the new line OBJECT created by George Antonopoulos for Danier. I had twitter to keep me updated that day as I slaved away at the office. The lookbook images are pretty damn good looking. These are my top picks from OBJECT by George Antonopoulos for Danier Fall Winter 2011 – 2012. I didn’t know what to expect from OBJECT exactly. I know George.  His style and taste is impeccable. It would only make sense that OBJECT reflect his sensibilities.  I’m in love. I love the contrast in textures in pieces.  The menswear influence is quite strong. I’m glad to see that I could easily wear most of this stuff to the office without much of a side glance from my coworkers.  They know me too well nowadays. I have some serious thinking to do this summer about my fall Danier purchases with OBJECT, Greta Constantine and Mark Fast coming. It might be time to expand the leather options in …

i got: Moncler S ‘Shihoko’ Trench

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Moncler and Chitose Abe of Sacai came together to create the Moncler S capsule collection. Think Sacai sensibility and Moncler quality and functionality. I’m in love with the line. I was lusting over the Moncler S ‘Shihoko’ trench coat. It has this beautiful cape detail that gives it a lot of volume. You can wear it in a number of different ways. I needed a proper trench coat and I didn’t want to get Burberry. I loved the army green colour. It’s not khaki. I stared at the jacket while it sat on the rack at full price. I contemplated the purchase but never followed through. This past weekend I noticed it on sale at Holt Renfrew and decided I would buy myself a birthday present. Toronto is getting some sub 20 days coming up so I plan on taking this jacket out for a proper workout. images: www.farfetch.com

DANIER x Greta Constantine SKIN Launch Party

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DANIER x Greta Constantine collection is so good. I had no inside access to these designs this time around.  So, the debut of the collection at the Neubacher Shor Contemporary gallery was a complete surprise. The gallery is a beautiful space with adjustable white walls, a huge window and exposed brick. It’s a great space for hanging artwork with the high ceilings. The six look collection ranges in price from $399 for a sleeveless bolero with exaggerated lapel to $999 for an asymmetrical, draped coat with rounded back. Key colour motifs include black, slate, eggplant, walnut, and lava, in a variety of fabrics ranging from Italian lamb leather to silky suede. As part of the capsule, Kirk and Stephen designed a contemporary take on the obi belt, a welcome addition to each look. “We sought to find a happy medium between fashion and function; to offer silhouettes that were appealing to the eye and still flattering on a variety of different body types,” explain Kirk and Stephen. The collection features several jacket types in leather …

i want: Opening Ceremony x Pendelton Spring Summer 2011

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I’m still enjoying this collaboration. Opening Ceremony x Pendelton Spring Summer 2011 collection has some great pieces. These wool Ruffle Bottom shorts are so cute.  It looks like a little skirt.  The colour combination is just perfect. This wool Print Felt Jacket is another fun piece.  I love that it’s cropped.  Cropped jackets go well with maxi dresses and are perfect for spring summer layering The Cropped Knit Poncho is made from cotton but a wool version would be great in winter.  I just like the pattern and shape of this item. images: ssense.com

Stacey Zhang Toronto Boutique Launch Party

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Montreal based designer, Stacey Zhang has opened a boutique in Toronto. She’s chosen a strip of Queen Street West that was independent boutique friendly until the corporations moved in many years ago. It’s a brave move to  complete for foot traffic with Zara, H&M and the Gap. Stacey Zhang aims to provide stylish women with affordable,ready-to-wear collections that are ethically produced and limited in quantity, maximizing the time and care spent in creating each garment. Known for highly detailed and structurally unique clothing, Stacey Zhang features styles ranging from fun, flirty dresses to sharp business attire to feminine, chic casual wear. With organic cottons, relaxed linens, luxurious silks, wool and sustainable bamboo as staples of past collections, the designer is also known for her impeccable selection of fabric. She is continually researching practical ways to replace fabrics with more ecologically sound and sustainable threads. Both Montreal and Toronto boutiques feature a wide variety of unique accessories handpicked by Stacey on her travels throughout Europe and Asia. Stacey plans to make the shopping experience at the Toronto …

i want: Drawstring Parka by Muttonhead Apparel

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Muttonhead Apparel started following me on twitter. When a clothing company follows me I usually check out their site to see what’s up. I was pretty intrigued as the are based in Toronto and they are doing a unisex line. The Drawstring Parka parka caught my eye. I can’t get enough of parkas. It’s made out of hemp, organic cotton, recycled leather and denim.  There are a variety of colours: the traditional army green, olive, black and maroon.  There is also a maroon option in a waterproof breathable fabric that is listed as Epic. You can purchase Muttonhead in Toronto at The Future of Frances Watson 1390 Queen Street West Or at their studio by appointment (email info@muttonheadcollective.com) 163 Sterling Road, Unit 9B

I want – I got takes Vancouver and Whistler – Visiting Orb Clothing

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During the Vancouver portion of my trip, I visited Orb’s Vancouver flagship store and headquarters. Orb is a Vancouver based women’s sport lifestyle clothing line that started in 2001. Orb is part of the Global Collective Design company, established by Vancouverites by Glenn Taylor and Leslie Lee in 1992. The Global Collective Design company now has two labels that they design and produce: Arson and Orb.  The two brands also have sub brands Orion and Orb Outerwear. Orb is empowered. The intent of Orb is to inspire all to live empowered lives of generosity; creating and attracting brilliance, beauty and well-being. The Orb design triad of mind, body and soul represents an active, fashion-forward lifestyle, designed to enhance the momentum of people engaged in living purposeful lives – to live like you mean it! Orb is very big on corporate responsibility and have implemented ways of reducing waste in their business practices. You can read more about those initiatives on the Orb website. They also have manufacturing initiatives to reduce harmful chemicals. They also incorporate …

Danier Spring Summer 2011

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I attended the Danier Spring Summer 2011 preview a few months back and got to play with some of the pieces that will be available in store soon. Exploration is central this season, unveiled through safari silhouettes and tribal details. Graphic animal prints and exotic Moroccan-inspired embroidery are incorporated into accessories, while utilitarian items like a leather trench or slim-cut bomber are sure to be adopted as wardrobe staples for the season. Accessories and garments in an upbeat palette of poppy, fuchsia, violet, teal and citrus make for daring dressing this season. Using colour as the inspiration and statement point of an outfit, DANIER’s collection invites a pop of interest into your wardrobe with a multitude of hothouse hues. Whether it’s a bright and bold accessory or an eye-popping bomber, this season colour takes center stage. Finally, sporting gear is made glamorous with the new take on athletic chic. A lineup of slick sports-style separates make up this season’s all stars. From striped hoodies and tanks too cool for the gym, to micro shorts and …

i want: Tila Sleevless Jacket by Club Monaco

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Obsessed is a good way to describe how I feel about the Club Monaco Tila sleevless jacket. The oracle helped me breakdown the perfect looks to pair with it as I was stumped. Now I see them paired with a white shirt and my Gap wide leg trouser jeans (courtesy of Gap). From the picture, it could also work with an easy summer dress. A tunic and leggings would be a good bet also. images: clubmonaco.com

i want: Gap Spring Summer 2011

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There are a few things from Gap’s spring summer 2011 collection I have my eyes on. I love the Pale Denim ruffle top. It reminds me of Lanvin a little bit. The Chambray denim hooded parka will be a good substitute for that Lanvin x Acne denim jacket I never bought. The white skirt is heavily influenced by Jil Sander’s spring summer 2011 silhouette. It wasn’t a silhouette that I liked at first but it has been growing.

Danier Design Challenge Winner – Andrea Dineen

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I had two favourites for the Danier Design Challenge out of the Top 10 finalists. Last week, I attended the award ceremony and discovered if any of my choices were correct. The winners, announced by DANIER CEO, Jeffrey Wortsman, received cash prizing in the amount of: $2,000 split between two third-place winners; Robyn Gemzik from Calgary and Meghan Erin from Edmonton); $3,000 for second-place, Ottawa native, Jessica Tep; and $5,000 for first-place winner Andrea Dineen, who fused her fine art background from London, Ontario with a fresh fashion design perspective to snag the top seat. Dineen’s design will also be sold in select DANIER retail locations across the country this coming fall, offering immeasurable exposure to this young design talent. I was right with my one choice, Andrea Dineen. Her jacket was just so beautiful and detailed. I thought Danier would pass on it because of the production value. I’m so glad that didn’t affect the decision making. I’m going to want this jacket myself come fall. ” I am extremely honoured to have my …

Christopher Raeburn Spring Summer 2011

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There are a couple designers whose spring jackets I covet. One is the Issey Mikyake nylon parka. It’s absolute perfection. I bought a knockoff from Zara many years ago but it hasn’t stopped the lust for the original. The second is Christopher Raeburn. I love his style. Check out this Christopher Raeburn Spring Summer 2011 video. images: londonfashionweek.co.uk, treehugger.com, ecouterre.com

Playing in Jeremy Laing Spring Summer 2011

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I finally got to see Jeremy Laing’s new studio in Toronto and it is beautiful. Many people told me that his space was incredible and they were so right. It has a clawfoot tub! That’s like my dream. A lot of the looks were out on loan but there were lots of jackets and leather pieces to play with. I didn’t mind that a lot of things were on loan because I couldn’t fit into the dresses which was a bit of a boo urns moment. The dresses were so pretty. So I played in some coats.  They were voluminous but the ties allowed for customization.  The above photo I have the ties loose. This one found it’s way home with me.  Wise investment.  In this photo I’ve used the ties at my waist.  This coat is also shorter than the beige one. I’m dying over these leather shorts. They are perfect and they fit perfect.  I was stunned.  They also have ties.  I like them down on the shorts. I love the hand woven …

Tron Legacy x Opening Ceremony

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I got invited to a Tron Legacy screening next week so I thought it would be a good time to talk about the Tron Legacy x Opening Ceremony collection.  I really like the shoes and the laser cut details on the skirt and dress.  The collection is very colourful which I love. This fall/winter 2010, opening ceremony has collaborated with disney consumer products to create a special capsule collection inspired by tron: legacy. opening ceremony travels into the tron universe, where high-tech aesthetics and neon dominate to create futuristic designs. incorporating the four tron colors of yellow, orange, blue, and black, the women’s collection features bomber jackets with over-sized funnel necks, snug scuba shirts, bodice dresses, seamed leggings, dresses with laser-cut ring patterns, and more. Inspired by high-performance athletic apparel, Opening Ceremony uses stretch spandex with flat-lock stitching to create ergonomic, form-fitting styles. You can get the Tron Legacy x Opening Ceremony collection online at Opening Ceremony. images: openingceremony.us

Hudson Collection Social

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The Hudson COLLECTION launched at Holt Renfrew with a Social that included a DJ, mocktails and models. Hudson reps were on hand to talk about this exclusive to Holt Renfrew collection with customers and help them discover the perfect pair. It was my first time seeing the collection in person and I’m a fan. I even purchased a great tank top with an asymmetrical tail on it. It reminds me of coattails and I can’t wait to bust it out. I’m thinking a pre-LGFW debut or perhaps during LGFW. My favourite pieces of the collection were the D.I.Y style denim that incorporated leather into waistbands and hems. Of course these were the most expensive denim pieces, ha. My eyes and hands are drawn to expensive. There are lots of skinny leg options in the collection. The tops were versatile. The cowl neck long sleeved top and the tank can be worn in many different ways. I live for stuff like that. I loved the jackets, in particular the wool jacket with the large cowl that …