I’ve been a fan of the brand since the beginning of this blog. It seems like it was only yesterday when I wrote my first of many posts on the brand. It was way back in November of 2005 and I have to thank Now Magazine for turning me on to Christie’s and Andrea’s beautiful designs. Man, looking at those early posts are painful 🙂
To celebrate 10 years, Smythe is hosting a Flashtagram Right Now! Upload a photo of yourself in your favourite Smythe Jacket to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #smythejackets #10X10 #flashtagram. The Smythe social media channels will be posting their favourite shots of their fans. You can follow the fun on Smythe’s Twitter and Instagram pages.
It was an absolute honour to be asked to take part in the Smythe flashtagram. So much so, that a meager selfie of the Reefer Coat wouldn’t do. I got into the studio to show off my favourite 10X10 collection piece.
The Reefer Coat is an absolute stunner. The colour is really vibrant and the gold button are perfect match. Functional pockets and button holes are important things in my life and Smythe never lets me down. Thank you so much Andrea and Christie for the jacket! I will love it and cherish it for the rest of my days.
Outfit Breakdown: Smythe Reefer Coat in Royal, Zara Dress, Manolo Blahnik Heels, Jenny Bird Earrings Smythe Jackets 10X10 Reefer Coat
The Smythe Spring Summer 2014 collection takes their classic tailoring and minimalism to new heights with suiting in liquid textures in Flouro and Petrol Shine. They recently expanded to trousers and this spring summer we will see skirts as the new must haves from Smythe.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
As with every Smythe collection there are a lot of I want – I got approved pieces. I’m loving the Petro Shine suiting. Turn heads with the total suit or if that’s too much for you, just go with the pants. It might be a bit bright for most but I’d totally wear it to the office.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
I was at an event late last year and saw the Foil Pant in person. They are so hot it’s not even funny and in the perfect silver shade.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
The Flouro liquid texture suit is gorgeous too. It doesn’t have the leather vibe like the Petro Shine but it’s still gorgeous.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
It’s not a Smythe collection without a military inspired jacket and Spring Watch Jacket is a great colour. The Smythe skirts are adorable. There is one that isn’t pictured because I didn’t like it that much but it’s more office friendly than the shorter ones that get the I want – I got stamp of approval.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
The Harem Pants with the tassel are a must have in black and tangerine. I’m obsessed.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014Smythe Spring Summer 2014
On my bucket list is a jacket with tails and this is the perfect cropped jacket with mini tails.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
There are some great rainwear this season and I love this leopard print Lab Coat one. If you are looking for something more classic, check out the Khaki Walking coat.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014
I’ve notice that Bomber Jackets are going to be a big trend this spring summer. This classic black bomber has a twist, it’s quilted.
Smythe Spring Summer 2014 hits stores this month. You can find Smythe in the GTA at TNT Women, Holt Renfrew, Andrews Bayview Village, Grafic Woman and NYLA.
This ice blue coloured One Button Shawl Collared Blazer by Smythe would be perfect in the summer paired with a spaghetti strap dress. I’d like to pair it with white skinny cropped pants and platform sandals too.
I’m in the current issue of Worn Journal. It’s been out since November but I’m only getting around to posting about it now. In June, I got an email from Serah-Marie asking if she could feature me in Worn’s hair issue. As you can imagine, I was a little perplexed at why I would be included. She explained that the piece would be feature on people with interesting hair styles. Accompanying the photos would be an interview with questions related to hair and identity. I said yes without question because it’s Worn Journal and it’s a great topic that my (lack of) hair could contribute to.
The talented Lainee Dee did my makeup before I ventured to the Worn Journal offices to meet the photographer, Brittany Lucas. I brought a few different outfits to choose from for the shoot but the final decision was the Smythe Warbler Tribute Blazer, earring by Eliza Kozurno and a leather Tshirt by Danier. It was late July when this photo was taken and it was roasting outside. With the leather and the blazer on I’m surprised my makeup isn’t’ running all over the place in this shot. Brittany and I went into the alley by the office and took a number of shots against different garage doors and using different angles and mostly stoic facial expressions. I’ve always said I’m terrible at the model scowl, this photo proves me wrong. Smiling comes so naturally to me but it’s nice to see I can do the complete opposite too. I’m pretty much in love with the photo. It turned out better than I could have ever dreamed. Lainee and Brittany did a fantastic job of making me look great. I’m giving myself a pat on the back for the kick ass styling 🙂
Now your probably curious about my interview. Well, you’ll have to grab yourself a copy of Worn Journal Issue 15 to read it. The issue is fantastic overall and you should probably buy a copy anyways. It’s available online at wornjournal.com or in person at a whole ton of places in the city and beyond.
So, this year I lost my mind and I decided to create a holiday gift guide. I’m usually anti-gift guides because I’m not much of a Christmas person and gift guides are a shit ton of work. I don’t know what made me change my mind this year but here we are. People have told me this is a good idea, so I hope you find it helpful or amusing.
This is the part one of four in the I want – I got Gift Guide series. I have so many favourite things I wanted to include. This gift guide is very much I want – I got. You’ll see things I want, things I got and other obsessions. Some things are affordable and some aren’t but I’ve tried to mix it up. The list covers fashion, beauty, electronics, art, toys and booze. Basically, all the items on the gift guide are I want – I got approved.
So, join me on this exploration of things I would love to see under my tree at Christmas.
complex geometries coma sweatshirt, complex geometries Long Turtleneck Dress
complex geometries Coma Sweatshirt ($240) – online at complexgeometries.net and Fawn (967 Queen Street West, Toronto) carries complex geometries in Toronto
complex geometries Long Turtleneck Dress ($262) – online at complexgeometries.net and Fawn (967 Queen Street West, Toronto) carries complex geometries in Toronto. Looks like the gold turtleneck is sold out folks. There are grey and navy options.
Synergy Jem & The Holograms, Dean Davidson Plaza Ring, Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelet, Hermès Brazil Enamel Bracelet
Synergy Jem & The Holograms doll collection ($125) – Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor Street West, Toronto)
Dean Davidson Plaza Ring ($185) – Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor Street West, Toronto) and online at DeanDavidson.ca
Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelet ($645) – Hermès (130 Bloor Street West, Toronto) and online at Hermes.com
Hermès Brazil Enamel Bracelet ($565) – Hermès (130 Bloor Street West, Toronto) and online at Hermes.com
Givenchy Dahlia Noir Eau du Toilette, Maison Martin Marigela (untitled), Balenciaga Florabotanica Eau de Parfum, Demeter Fragrance Mahogany
Church’s Classic Burwood glossy leather brogues, Jeremy Laing Mouton Knit Sweater, Jeremy Laing Ridged Fan Sweater, Maison Martin Margiela Glitter-finished raffia brogues
In celebration of individual street style, MOON Apparel has partnered with 10 Canadian fashion bloggers in five cities across the country. The bloggers were specially selected by Mimran Group Inc. to become members of an ambassador program set to launch October 8th 2012. The bloggers were challenged to bring their best fashion flair forward by integrating their individual style with clothing pieces from the fall 2012 MOON collection and accessories from their existing wardrobe to create seasonal fashion looks. Captured on the streets of their cities, the bloggers turned the lenses on themselves to shoot their looks. Each ambassador will post their favourite look and style tip of the season on their respective blogs and invite their readers and followers to enjoy an exclusive offer from MOON. Check back with the Yellow Dot Blog each week for the full scoop on Canada’s newest style influencers.(source)
Save 20% on the Moon Apparel Ottoman Dress with the promo code IWANTIGOT
Moon asked me to talk about my look (which is a pretty typical fall look to be honest) and give some styling tips for the dress.
This is a classic fall look for me. I contrast the ladylike Ottoman Dress with a rock and roll edge. To achieve this I use the standard: opaque black tights, black flat boots and a leather jacket.
This knit Ottoman Dress is my favourite piece from fall 2012. My look can be adapted slightly with motorcycle boots or even some black converse. The dress is also perfect for colour blocking. Pair it with bright tights or a cardigan. It’s time to break out your colour wheel. To create a more classic look use a white or black button up shirt, black tights and black pumps. Finally, on those really cold days add a turtleneck for extra warmth.
I really enjoyed this campaign because I had free reign to do whatever I wanted. Each blogger receive a package that includes pieces from the fall collection. Our job was to style it and capture it. I received the Ottoman Knit Dress, Riding Pant, Snakeskin Blouse and Pencil Skirt. One Sunday, I put together looks for everything but the skirt and bundled them into a garment bag. There was a quick stop at the Eaton Centre MAC cosmetics for makeup applied expertly by Lainee Diona. Then onset stylist April Wozny and photographer friend Dave Yan, who brought two friends along as his assistants headed over to U of T. We did it guerrilla styles in one of the building at the University of Toronto. No, we didn’t get permission and strategically placed ourselves outside of camera range. Moon only required one look but I’m posting the others for fun. It was a fair bit of work and we should show it off.
I paired the Riding Pant with a black Complex Geometries tank top, plaid Smythe blazer, Rebecca Minkoff MAC Bag and Ash Boots. I paired the Snakeskin Blouse with a Nine West clutch, Club Monaco over-sized blazer and cobalt blue pants from the Gap. The earring and ring are from Jenny Bird and the bangle is Hermès.
Smythe celebrates the fall 2012 collection with these great campaign videos. I love the rough and tumble outdoorsy women contrasted with the feminine outfits and beautiful silhouettes of the Smythe jackets.
Smythe celebrates Fall 2012 with this film created by Toronto creative agency Open, directed by Christina Hodnet (Sons & Daughters) and with music by Apollo.
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.
I’m not a huge online shopper. I love the tactile nature of shopping too much. The shipping fees and import duties really keep me away from online shopping. I like that there are more Canadian options popping up these days. One of my favourites is newcomer, dealuxe.ca. They support Canadian designers, have great sales, super fast shipping and an easy to use website.
There were a few looks from the Smythe spring summer 2011 collection shown at LG Fashion Week but I received the lookbook a few weeks before. I’ve pulled my favourite looks from this season.
So it’s LG Fashion Week once again. Toronto now has its own kick at the Spring Summer 2011 collections. The venue has changed to Heritage Court at Exhibition Place. It’s a lot roomier and there are lots of bathrooms. Getting into the runway room is alway a chore and that hasn’t changed. I love the exposed brick but I wish it was on both sides of the building. The non brick side could have used some extended curtains but I’m getting a little nitpicky here. Overall, decent except for the bad sun glare at the end of the night.
Monday night saw Holt Renfrew bring its traditional media cocktail party to the runway. We saw some of the best of Canadian fashion in one runway show. Denis Gagnon, Jeremy Laing, Lida Baday, Line RUNWAY, Mikhael Kale, Pink Tartan, Smythe, Wayne Clark and Wings + Horns all presented several looks from their spring summer 2011 collections. This show was also a sneak peek at the upcoming Pink Tartan and Line Knitwear shows. The runway show didn’t have champers and nibbies, so it was a bit bittersweet. I stopped attending when they moved to the breakfast format started, work was beckoning at that time. Coco Rocha even attending wearing Spring Summer 2011 Greta Constantine and looking wonderful. She also gave a little speech at the beginning.
I loved Jeremy Laing. His clothing is just so effortlessly cool on everyone I see. Now I’m even more excited to see the stuff in the studio. I knew I would see the entire collection from Pink Tartan and Line Knitwear the next day so I didn’t read anything into the looks shown. I would make judgments on the whole show. I liked what I did see though. I’m pretty bang on with my CBC Radio One trend predictions of colour blocking and stripes. Pink Tartan knocked that prediction out of the park.
I was glad it wasn’t the real Line Knitwear show because all I could focus on was the models and the shoes. It wasn’t pretty even though the knits and printed silks were. I’m usually the biggest Mikhael Kale fangirl and it really pains me to say that I only liked the finale dress and the tan cropped leather jacket. The dress was so sparkly and beautiful. It memorized me as it shimmered under the lights down the runway. There is little left to the imagination because of the plastic which makes it a bit scandalous. 🙂 Lida Biday and Wings + Horns were both well made lines but didn’t grab me at all.
I really like the styling for Smythe. It made me smile and it looked like fun. Plus I’m a huge fangirl. I also liked the styling for Pink Tartan. You work it George.
I was gaga for Denis Gagnon again. I cannot wait for his show on Friday. Cannot freaking wait! He’s continuing the string thing which I love and doing something very cool things with stripes. It was my first Wayne Clark runway experience and he opened with Rose. I love Rose she’s cool. He did a series of long red gowns with bows, ruffles and roses.
So, my LG Fashion Week posts are sponsored this week. This doesn’t affect my editorial point of view and I get awesome pit pictures out of the deal (ya and money). Bloggers can also use these photos for free on their sites. Follow the Chick Advisor Flickr Feed to see the latest shows. Next up for me is Pink Tartan, Jessica Jensen + Alexander Berardi and Line Knitwear.
I was very excited to received the Smythe Fall Winter 2010 -2011 Lookbook. I knew I would be drooling over coats again like I’ve done in years past. Smythe is one of the brands that have been coveted on I want – I got from the beginning. Here are my favourites pieces from Fall Winter 2010 – 2011
I like the closure detail on the camel coat.I was a fan of the red tartan jacket and I'm dying over the blue one
There are jackets for everyone: leather, bold shoulders, classic military and equestrian styles.
Smythe can be purchased at Holt Renfrew, TNT Woman, Canopy Blue and Andrews in Toronto. Online shops carrying Smythe include net-a-porter.com, shopbop.com and saks.com.
I wrote about the Fashion House From Runway to Hallway preview in the summer of 2009. I’ve discovered some videos of the designers talking about the project.
Celebrate the best in Canadian fashion in the heart of Toronto’s Fashion District. Eleven of Canada’s premier fashion designers have added their personal touches to the floors of Fashion House and will be on hand to toast Toronto’s first, award-winning fashion / condo project. This is your chance to mix, mingle and immerse yourself in all that is made-to-measure and ready to dwell. Fashion House – impeccable style from the inside, out.
I was invited to the preview of The Blanket Statement in the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop on Queen Street. The Blanket Statement is a collaboration that saw 10 Canadian designers rework the traditional Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket into coat. In addition to unveiling the 10 one of a kind coats, the event also showcased new items created for the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop.
Harricana par Mariouche
Specialty items from fashion to home to collectibles have been created by several Canadian fashion designers and artisans — encompassing everything from organic T-shirts to artisanal maple syrup cubes to women’s recycled fur accessories.
Todd Lynn
Jeremy Laing
My favourite coats are a toss up between Comrags and Smythe.
It wasn’t just womenswear designers, Krane and Klaxon Howl created something for the guys.
Krane
The new collection at the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop included custom made canoes, canoe paddles, Pink Tartan Hudson’s Bay Point cardigans, $75 pure maple sugar cube (I was astonished at this item to be honest. I even had to twitpic it.), specially made tshirts from Shared, chocolates, chunky sweaters, Virgina Johnson printed scarfs, Point blankets, fur hats and stoles.
I always enjoy the Holt Renfrew Media Cocktail and I think they might have put the best one on yet. The 3rd floor Contemporary space was more open. No more talking through the racks of clothing. The runway was nice and high so everyone could get good pictures.
Random celebrities showed up too. I was so angry that I missed Sam Neill in the flesh. I’ve been in love with that man since Jurassic Park. I was too busy running around talking to people and getting my picture taken. The Jeremy Laing dress I was wearing caused quiet the stir. Even Lisa Tant said she liked it. It was the first time she’s talked to me. I think of it as a personal fashion milestone. Yes, I am quite silly.
This season we saw designs from Jeremy Laing, Greta Constantine, Erza Constantine, Pink Tartan, Lida Baday, Smythe, Denis Gagnon and Mikhael Kale. They are some of our best designer talent in Canada. They are all available at Holt Renfrew. Yes, Canadian designers are available at Holt’s.
Denis Gagnon and his stylist did some DIY madness on Aldo shoes. They are so covetable. I’ve heard the rest of Denis’ collection is to die for. I need to find pictures stat. If you know of good ones, please leave a comment.
I’d love to step into Mikhael Kale’s brain. He comes up with some crazy stuff. He’s very inventive with the fabrication. Loved the bright blue and pink shoes.
This is one of my favourite dresses from the Jeremy Laing Spring 2010 collection. I love how the print converges to a point on the hip. Jeremy is so damn adorable. I knew I would see him at the cocktail and that’s why I decided to make sure I was representing him by wearing one of his dresses. I couldn’t believe that many people couldn’t figure out who I was wearing. I guess I’m just a little obsessed.
Fashion House is a condo building that is located around Brand and King Street West. It has housed a couple fashion parties in the past. They asked 11 Canadian designers to create interiors for the floors of the building.
Celebrate the best in Canadian fashion in the heart of Toronto’s Fashion District. Eleven of Canada’s premier fashion designers have added their personal touches to the floors of Fashion House and will be on hand to toast Toronto’s first, award-winning fashion / condo project. This is your chance to mix, mingle and immerse yourself in all that is made-to-measure and ready to dwell. Fashion House – impeccable style from the inside, out.
The party was a mix of designers, media, Holt Renfrew staff, unit owners and developer friends. The Holt Renfrew connection is through the Unit Holder contest. If you buy a unit you have a chance to win a $100,000 shopping spree at Holt Renfrew. That’s some serious coin to go through.
I loved Andy Thê-Anh board. The dress is made from wood. It’s beautiful.
Jay GodfreyJeremy Laing
I’m very intrigued by Jeremy’s print choice.
SmytheDean DavidsonMikhael Kale
I also have a couple people snaps
The Beckermans and Jay Godfrey Natalie and Me
I felt that Dean Davidson, Jay Godfrey, Jenny Bird and Greta Constantine boards were the most clear. Many of the others were very conceptual and I couldn’t get my head around how it would translate. I felt all the boards needed some labeling. It was hard to figure out whose was who and it was only after talking to some of the designers I figured it out.
The best part of the night was when Yasmine Warsame introduced herself and her son to me. I was in total shock! She’s amazing.
Check out the slideshow, I have some more photos of the designer boards.
Previously I’ve talked about wanting a Smythe Les Vests sailor jacket. The Fall 2006 collection is pretty fun and has a red version of the sailor jacket I loved.
This black wool trench is so perfect. I love the length and high waisted belt.
Sailor Jacket by Smythe Les Vests
Smythe is at it again with some beautiful jackets. I really like that the sailor influence is everywhere this spring. I’ve been rocking sailor pants for years now, so it’s about time people caught up. LOL
I was reading Fashion Notes in Now Magazine and they mentioned Smythe because of their recent popularity. I decided to see what the fuss was about. They have some beautiful jackets (and a vest) that I have been salivating over.
“Designer development
We love a great Toronto fashion success story, and Christie Smythe ‘s and Andrea Lenczner ‘s tale of global blazer domination has just turned another fantastic page. Their Smythe line of just jackets has been a hit with hometown fashion folks and the Barney’s blonds set in New York City. This spring, London ladies hunting for smart oxford cloth waistcoats and shrunken double-breasted sailor jackets can pick up their collection at UK style mecca Harvey Nichols. www.smythelesvestes.com“.(source)
