Oh what a change from flip-flops and open-toed strappy sandals one day to boots the next. A shock to the system after the last three months. Gotta take it sloooow starting with little ankle boots and work my way up (waaay up) from there.
Some women cannot wait to step into some stacked-heel boots (mostly because the pedicure bills were skyrocketing) but not me. I just had my first and last pedicure of the season yesterday believe it or not. I went the whole summer doing it on my own and actually ignoring my feet for the most part deciding to concentrate on other things (not related to body parts) but after a nice relaxing foot massage and glossy red toe polish I feel a heel of a lot better. I’m ready to step it up now. And boots are a big part of my Fall wardrobe and something to look forward to for what’s springing up quickly season.
Not sure you can pull boots off quite yet? Try sporting a pair with your favourite sundress to make the transition on a somewhat sunny day.
Here are some easy to wear styles to consider from Talbots in a reasonable price range:
While researching womens elegant evening wear from the 1920’s I came across these glam photos and wanted to share them. I love this era which embodied elegance, decadence and fabulousness.
Marlene DietrichSilent film actress Thalia BarbarovaI don’t know who this is but I love the lookThree Models 1926. Photograph by Edward Steichen for Vogue. From left to right: Alden Gay wearing a black and white chiffon dress by Madame Frances and a wide-brimmed hat; Marion Morehouse, wearing a light-colored chiffon dress by Jay-Thorpe, with a wide-brimmed hat; Miss Collier, holding a parasol, and wearing a printed chiffon and lace dress with a Tuscan straw hat.Myrna Loy
Because let’s face it…one can never have too many cocktails cocktail dresses.
Other than GQ magazine, where do men go to get ideas about
S T Y L E
And how to look more, uh, Sharp?
They can try SHARP which is a Canadian Toronto based magazine published eight times a year. Six regular issues and two “SHARP: The Book for Men” special editions targeting premium and luxury consumers.
Touted as the essential reference for the modern man. Basically the issues feature the absolute best in not only fashion but travel, drinks, timepieces and automotive. Man Made!
Apparently the launch party for the S/S 2016 book in Toronto was fabulous. There aren’t many fashionable events dedicated solely to men, so when one comes around it’s a big deal.
What better way to celebrate men at their best than with a party featuring a Breitling Fighter Jet Simulator, interactive Harley-Davidson display, and rare scotch tasting by Balvenie? They also had live cigar rolling and custom shoe painting. Automotive sponsor Jaguar was also on-hand with their latest models: the F-PACE SUV, the XF luxury sedan, and the XE sport sedan.
And where was I??Elsewhere… but I will try to make the next one. I mean…hello world?
Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it – Diane Von Furstenberg
Can you find it in a box?
Sometimes you can find it in a BOX! But it’s what you do with what’s inside that counts.
Wow…I just received my second seasonal box of style from the people over at *the Zoe Report. They’ve curated a carefully selected arsenal of fashion and beauty products, with amazing summer staples every style girl loves. All neatly wrapped and packaged in a nice box. Talk about chic in the heat!
*For those who are not already familiar, The Zoe Report is an online style destination curated by stylist to the stars and fashion designerRachel Zoe. The website gives tips on how to be glamorous every day with fashion, beauty & lifestyle articles from the best in the biz.
A peek inside:
A delicate lariat necklace is a jewelry box staple. The versatile piece can play nice with everything from a plunging neckline to a high-collar blouse—making it an accessory that works for the office, cocktail hour and beyond.
Michael Stars Caftan – to channel your inner Liz Taylor
This eye-catching lariat necklace with delicate pave Swarovski crystals and adjustable open crescent ring will look incredibly chic worn together or alone.
Luv AJ Pavé Tusk Lariat & Open Crescent Ring Exclusive Set.
Michael Stars Pastel Gardens Caftan. Every sun-loving girl needs a colourful caftan (cover up) in her summer wardrobe. To be simply layered over a sleek swimsuit for poolside lunch or dressed up for dinner by wearing it over a slip dress, cinched with a belt and adding earrings – a complete summer look.
YHF Los Angeles Cashton Brown Sunglasses
Flattering Sunglasses
Sunglasses that are as versatile as they are timeless This style was tested by every member of Team Zoe to ensure it flatters every face shape.
Beach in a Bottle – Quai haircare wave spray.
The only thing more alluring than textured beach waves is the knowledge that your textured beach wave spray isn’t ravaging your hair. This formula boasts rice protein instead of salt to provide the fresh-from-the-surf texture you’re craving, minus the crunchiness. I blogged about it recently. See link below.
The Dream Turban – DreamDry (great syling tool towel)
Hair Turban to keep frizz at bay –yay
Treat your tresses with care by using this super absorbent turban (instead of a coarse towel) to speed the drying process without frizz. Thanks to a button-fastening you can easily go about your routine without it slipping out of place and the lightweight fabric won’t take up precious space in your carry on.
THE HEALTHY GLOW
Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturizer
Juice Beauty SPF 15
Multi-tasking products are wonderful. This organic brightening moisturizer with SPF 15 will help reverse existing skin damage and infuse your skin with hydration and protection so light you can wear it under your makeup.
It’s like getting styled by Rachel Zoe all year long. Order your summer Box of Style now.
Each seasonal box promises to include $300 favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle items hand-curated by Rachel and The Zoe Report Team. The necklace/ring combo alone is retail value $190 usd. And remember to tell them I sent you. If you want to be really surprised just ignore the spoiler alerts leading up to mailout.
Because unfortunately your personality isn’t the first thing people see.
We’re always looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles. How about keeping your clothes, specifically linen looking neat and nicely pressed. I have a love/hate relationship with linen. Linen is the unofficial fabric of summer. A perfect blend of sophisticated, natural and cool. Allegedly, it gets softer with each wash. But anyone who wears it knows how easy it is for creases to form which is the only downside to wearing linen. It’s part and parcel of the material but too many creases can look sloppy.
I don’t know about you but I hate ironing. I own an ironing board and an iron but can’t remember the last time I used them. My wrinkle prone clothes are left to dry while they’re still damp or I steam iron with clothing on the hanger. Much easier.
Except for men’s dress shirts and men’s dress pants and men’s dress jackets oh; men I don’t see the need for ironing. It might be relaxing but there’s simply no joy to it.
And it’s summer – who wants to iron?
Since linen is the fabric most likely to wilt and get all wrinkly within hours of putting it on:
Here’s how to bring it back to life in ten minutes (or less).
What you need: Access to a dryer, plus an ice cube
What you do: Toss your linen pants (or shirt or jacket) with the ice cube in the dryer on low. In ten minutes, all the wrinkles will be gone.
Why this works: As the ice melts, it lets off steam and creates its own de-wrinkling system in the process.
Whoa, your pants look freshly pressed. Hello, summer genius.
Have any other material tricks up your linen sleeves?
Every now and again we have to do a wardrobe check.
Bette Davis & her eyes wearing classic leopard-print.
It’s not easy to let go of some clothing. I’ve been going through my things and keeping on hand “only” those items which look good, fit properly (= well made), which is mostly comfortable, classic clothing mixed with some trendy pieces. Which leaves me with only two remaining outfits in my closet...but I believe if you have some key attire you can dress it up with great accessories like belts, scarves and all kinds of jewelery. Of course, shoes and bags are important too, but like houses first you build a foundation.
Stripes are always “on trend” and tend to bring out your “inner French-girl“
Certain things make it so much simpler to get ready when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. No more “what on earth am I going to wear” if you have a few go-to (= basic) pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease. So here are some wardrobe staples to make it easier. You probably already have most of them in your closet.
Not saying you should have only these staples in your wardrobe, but if you have them, you’re pretty much ready for anything. And I like to be ready for anything!
Starting with:
THE PERFECT WHITE T SHIRT(s)
Just like dating men & vice versa, there is loads to choose from but you have to weed through a ton before you come across a good one. Having said that, V-neck or crew, slim fit or oversized, finding the right white tee can be tricky, but it’s totally worth the hunt. This staple is casual and comfortable without looking sloppy, and is perfect for pairing with everything from your favorite jeans to under a business suit. Buy in multiples.
A NAVY BLAZER
If you think blazers are limited to the boardroom, think again. This structured topper is actually pretty versatile, as seen above. Black might read a touch more corporate, but in navy, a tailored blazer (worn with everything from dress pants to boyfriend jeans) says you mean business but also have a keen sense of style.
WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
How cool does this girl look? A slightly loose fitting button-down is relaxed, comfortable and super chic, in a crispy, borrowed-from-the-boys way.
CLASSIC TRENCH for Elements meets Elegance.
A timeless addition to any outfit, the classic trench never goes out of style. It also works for pretty much anyone, regardless of personal style. Think: an elegant Audrey Hepburn strolling along the Seine. The one in photo is a Burberry but there are many other styles with many price points.
TAILORED BLACK PANTS
Various black pants will take you from work to the weekend, depending on how you style them. The difference between these and any other pair of pants is tailoring: You want them to be fitted but not overly tight.
SILK CAMISOLE for LAYERING
Whether peeking out from beneath a blazer or worn on its own, a silky camisole can read sweet (tucked into that A-line midi skirt) or sexy (tucked into a curve-hugging pencil skirt), depending on your mood.
DENIM JACKET
Another all-season piece, a jean jacket adds an element of cool to any outfit. Draped over your shoulders with a breezy summer dress, it’s both relaxed and utilitarian.
WHITE PANTS (optional) but super chicJEANS that fit well in all the right placesLITTLE BLACK DRESS (es)
Ever gotten a last-minute dinner or drinks invitation and had no time to choose your outfit? That’s where the LBD comes in. A total workhorse, this should be a dress you’re comfortable in and can wear a bunch of different ways for a bunch of different occasions. On its own it’s fairly plain and simple, so you can also get a lot of wear out of it without anyone noticing.
Which brings me to some other options like a Tuxedo Jacket, Dressy Dress (for those special occasions) and different length size skirts. And something edgy like:
Maybe a little faux SHOW STOPPER like Gene Tierney is wearing
When Kate Moss, one of my favourite style icons, designs a signature capsule collection for Equipment, which just happens to be my favourite silk shirt brand…
It’s a match made in fashion heaven.
I especially love their silk button-down blouses. Because you know…there are your everyday button-downs, and then there’s Equipment.
Kate’s Inspiration when asked about the collection: “it is representative of my everyday style. A little 90’s, a little rock ‘n roll, a bit of an edge with a subtle nod to Bowie.”
the Suquet home tells a story of eclectic elegance, taste and style
La Carinthia Fireplaces among Italian Leather Sofas (you can choose your style and colour).
Last Thursday I attended a designer & artist champagne reception to toast the newly opened Suquet Interiors in Vancouver’s Yaletown. A feast for the eyes…décor and art sublime!
Artist: Tanya SlingsbyArtist: Justin Ogilvie
The building itself has industrial flair with its high vaulted ceilings which melds perfectly to the furnishings inside; an enduring amalgamation of old world charm and modern luxe mixed with captivating art. A perfect combo.
the entrance
It doesn’t get much better than this.
I find the furnishings themselves are works of ART, and
definitely the standout magnificent mirrored fireplaces. Do you get the idea of how much I like them?
Artist: Tanya SlingsbyTanya Slingsby stands beside one of her ART pieces.
I met lovely Tanya Slingsby, an artist who has impressive and varied works of art displayed around the store. There are some amazing stand-alone pieces.
Mosaic wall art by Jason DussaultGeorgina Masana stands next to a set of her paintings
Georgina Masana is another talented local artist. She is originally from Mexico City. Her son Ramon Jr. is co-owner along with Rick Bohonis (previously of Urban Barn). I asked Georgina if there was a meaning to the name Suquet. Her explanation:
“Suquet is the last name of my late husband Ramon’s mother. It is also a Catalan word that means a broth in diminutive. When you use the letters ‘et’ in Catalan it means a diminutive. There is also a dish called Suquet that is similar to bouillabaisse with shellfish and broth served in a casuela. But basically my husband wanted to use it because it sounds nice.”
suquet meal
I agree. It does sound nice and it’s as nice as the tasty photo she sent me of the eponymous dish. Best of luck!
Suquet Interiors – 1014 Homer St. (in Yaletown) Vancouver.
Van Caissey is best described as a youthful him ‘n her multi-brand lifestyle boutique. Yes, that’s it!
I walked in because it felt airy and uplifting. The brands are not-so-typical.
They specialize in intriguing objects of desire – things you can use from your head to your feet, made by local artisans.
Clothing, hats, healing products, jewelry, skincare, some just for fun and vintage-inspired pieces and a rack of consignment clothing at the very back of the boutique.
Van Caissey is located in Vancouver at 3463 Main St.
FYI: there’s a funky neighbourhood hot spot for great breakfast/lunch right next door called Slickity Jim’s. I recommend you try it.
My newfound love for light comfort with a hint of cool.
White Sneakers are making a comeback…again.
Something to slip into while walking the dog, getting groceries, out for coffee, walking to work, (walking to work is on the rise with the migration to urban living) or performing a concert (a la Kanye West)….to be worn with a variety of looks as you can see from these photos.
Then it makes putting on a pair of heels more special for dinner or an evening out.
They’re just an easy alternative to regular flats to go with almost anything.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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