Holiday Season Overload- Meet the Elastic Waist Pant

By Katie Beattie
@katiembeattie

The holiday season is here. Christmas carols are playing in stores, the decorations are up, we’ve had a glimpse of snow and holiday goodies are becoming ever present in our kitchens. Personally, I can never say no to shortbread cookies, chocolate squares or white chocolate tree bark. Although my tummy loves these treats, my button-up pants do not.

But it seems this year I am in luck, because this year the holiday season overload will meet the elastic waist. “The tastemaker crowd has embraced soft, slouchy, cozy styles as irreverent and cool” says Susan Cernek, senior fashion editor of Glamour.com. Although many in the fashion world may cringe at the idea of an elastic waist, celebrity stylist Robert Verdi has the answer “You friend would day, ‘Oh my God, are you wearing an elastic waist?’ And you’d say, ‘It’s Stella McCartney,’ and then they’d say, ‘They’re fabulous’”.

Many designers, like Stella McCartney are offering elastic waist pants including Alexander Wang, Michael Kors and Rag & Bone, along with some comfort labels like Juicy Couture and Splendid. Verdi says that the best options have elastic just on the back of the waistband, that stretches from hip to hip, and isn’t visible from the front. He suggests wearing a more fitted top with any sort of loose or unstructured pants, such as a button down shirt or a lean tunic, but also states that it should remain untucked. Verdi also suggests sticking to textured fabrics such as velvet or corduroy that will help to keep attention away from the middle. But he strongly recommends no elastic-waist denim.

So for those of us fashionistas who like to indulge over the holiday season, we now have the perfect trend to help keep us comfortable, cozy and able to breathe.

Yay! P.Y.A.

By Gillian Waxer

All hail the sample sale! From Tuesday November 23^rd until Sunday November 28^th P.Y.A. importers has been making Christmas wishes come true early with their annual sample sale. With brands such as Ted Baker, Line, Earnest Sewn, Edun, Corpus, and DKNY Intimates, all the nice boys and girls will surely get everything on there list!

Located at 15 Apex Road in Toronto, (Lawrence and Dufferin) this sale is uptown, tucked out of the way of popular shopping spots so there is no need to fight off mall masses.

You can expect to receive up to 80% off of retail prices. What does 80% off look like? It looks like Ted Baker dresses anywhere from $35 to $75, Line cardigans for $25 to $45, Earnest Sewn jeans for only $30, and hundreds of dollars off amazing assorted outerwear!

So if you want your closet to look pretty, then take the trip up to the north end of the city where you will find fabulous frocks and wonderful wardrobe pieces! With the savings you’ll see this holiday season will definitely be very merry!!

Macy's Love's Lagerfeld

By: Katie Beattie
@katiembeattie

As we recuperate from the Lanvin for H&M collaboration its time to alert all lovers of Lagerfeld.

According to Vogue.com Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic creative director of Chanel will soon be creating a collection for the department store Macy’s. The collaboration will be revealed in over 250 Macy’s store and online in September 2011. Macy’s has previously collaborated with a number of designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Versace, Paul Smith and Kinder Aggugini.

Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Macy’s Inc told Women’s Wear Daily, “Karl Lagerfeld holds a unique place in the world of fashion, an icon who is the ultimate modernist. Through the decades, his style and vision have marked the history of design. It is a tremendous honour to bring his inimitable perspective to our fashion customer”.

The ready to wear collection will feature both menswear and womenswear and is rumoured to feature jeans to party dresses. The line will also offer Macy’s prices so Lagerfeld admirers will be able to purchase some of his designs at more affordable prices. Still nine months away and this partnership is already taking the fashion world by storm.

Looking for a way to increase your Bottom Line?

Ladies its time to pack up your Spanx! With the rise of bootylicious celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Amber Rose- the booty is back and bigger than ever! In the past year 5000 women in North America underwent surgical but lift procedures, to increase the roundness of their derrieres.

But have no fear the Booty Pop is here:

This is one of the many new products designed to increase the size of your butt in a reasonably natural manner. And according to retailers, they are flying off the shelves! Even celebrities such as Kelly Ripa are embracing the trend and using the Booty Pop to give themselves a little extra va-voom from the back: http://www.buybootypop.com/images/intouch.pdf

The Booty Pop is available at all major retailers and online at buybootypop.com

Fashion Bloggers for Coach Holiday Campaign 2010

By Amanda Jazvac

If someone were to ask you what your favourite thing is about the holidays, what would your answer be? Mine……the holiday spirit. The effect it has on people, and the happy disposition everyone seems to be in. And, well, the decorations of course!

This year for their Holiday collection, Coach has partnered with some of the top fashion bloggers to get their perspective on both decorations and the holiday spirit. The combination of the two has led to fun, glitzy and unbelievably fashion forward top picks of handbags as chosen by these fanciful fashionistas.

At the recent launch in Soho, NY, guests were treated to a sneak peek of the collection, as well as the opportunity to meet and great the bloggers. More and more, we see the rise of the blogger as more than just a face behind a website. With as much fashion knowledge and punch as these lovely people have, it is no wonder they are being sought after by mega brands such as Coach to spice up seasonal ad campaigns. My favourite of the bunch: Kelly Framel of the Glamourai. Check out her blog for amazing pictures of daily outfits, her extensive vintage collection, and cool do-it-yourself fashion projects.

Enjoy the video below, and keep an eye out for the new Coach Holiday 2010 collection to land in a store near you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IJaFAfDdmI

Movember to Remember

By Gillian Waxer

Can you handle the handlebar? Or perhaps you prefer the more delicate demistache. Well what ever you fancy, you should make this November into Movember!

Join the fight against Men’s prostate and testicular cancer by taking part in the Movember movement.

Assuming that all you lovely ladies out their can’t grow a mustache of your own, support the special men in your life who can by donating to those who are growing out their gristle for a good cause.

The Movember foundation started in 2004 in Australia and New Zealand and by 2007 spread to Canada, The United States, Ireland, The United Kingdom, and Spain. In Canada proceeds of the Movember fundraising go to The Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada.

So for all those ladies that can’t grow a mo’ of their own what are their other options? And how can make a positive mo’tion? Through the purchase of Mo’ positive products such as Demistache mustache necklaces, Arbitrage cuff links and label pins, Tom’s Shoes, Fuzzy Ink, Palmer Cash, or Threadless Tee. Or better yet, perhaps you want to document your Movember fun with the Movember Flip video camera?

Whatever your movement or mo’tion, make this November a Movember to remember!!

Alexander McQueen: A Masterpiece

The MET Celebrates the Late Fashion Designer

By: Katie Beattie

After almost a year since his passing, the late and greatly missed British Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen is being honoured by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The MET announced that its 2011 edition of its tony “Met Ball”, as Vogue’s annual Costume Institute Gala at the museum is known, has been inspired by the late designers work, who was an art collector himself, his final collection was inspired by Old Master paintings.

The gala event will be taking place on May 2^nd, 2011, and an exhibition of McQueen’s work will follow, running from May 4^th to July 31^st, entitled “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty”. A range of pieces will be included in the exhibition, from McQueen’s 1992 graduate collection from Central St. Martins, to designs created for Givenchy in the 90s, and pieces designed for the designer’s late friend, fashion icon Isabella Blow. The exhibit, “Savage Beauty” will not be arranged chronologically but around specific themes such as “The Savage Mind”, “Romantic Gothic”, “Romantic Nationalism”, “Romantic Exoticism” and “Romantic Primitivism”. The creative consultants’ for the exhibition are Sam Gainsbury and Joseph Bennett who produced many of McQueen’s runway shows.

The exhibit is expected to attract a great number of people and will be an emotional event for McQueen’s family, friends and fans. Curator of the Costume Institute, Andrew Bolton told Women’s Wear Daily, “His catwalk presentations were outstanding and straddle art and fashion. We want to get across two elements- the spectacle of the runway presentations and the beauty of his craftsmanship”.

On pre-order, and just shipped...finally!

Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion

By Amanda Jazvac

“ When Isabella was born, it was unthinkable that woman from her class would have to work for her living. But work she did – and it was work she enjoyed. This did not kill Isabella Blow, but neither could it save her..... it could not provide her with what she needed. Isabella wasn’t looking for just a career when she began to work, she was looking for a place she could feel at home.”

- excerpt from Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion

In May 2007, the fashion world was rocked by the suicide of this wonderfully avant-garde icon. She truly was the epitome of fashion for so many people who knew her, and the power of her influence is still in motion today. One need not look further than the inspiration that drives Lady Gaga to catch a glimpse of the legacy that Blow has left behind. A legacy that she never thought she had the power to impose.

Her work in the fashion industry contributed to the development of a world where eventually she couldn’t see a place for herself. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Blow struggled with severe depression, leading to a battle she eventually lost, which led to her death.

As a fashion student, I am mesmerized by the passion this woman had for the industry, and the beauty she saw in design. She is credited for discovering the late Alexander McQueen, a man who was undoubtedly genius and unfortunately plagued with the similar dark forces of depression. Blow purchased McQueen’s graduating collection in entirety, forcing the fashion world to take notice. She also promoted the work of Philip Treacy, an unbelievably talented hat designer, by constantly parading around with fabulous creations upon her head. She knew talent when she saw it, and it was

this passion that has had a lasting affect on the industry.

Isabella Blow has been described as many things, not all of which are positively charged, but she was more than the over-the-top fashionista most people knew and expected her to be.

I have been waiting for months, and the day has finally arrived. The biography, Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion by Lauren Goldstein Crowe has finally been released! I am expecting it any day in the mail now, and cannot wait to read it. For information on the book or availability, go to www.indigo.ca.

Happy reading!

Poppy Pucker!

How to get the perfect red lip

By Gillian Waxer

Help commemorate Remembrance Day in a modern way with the perfect pair of poppy red lips! To do this you will have to take certain steps in order to prepare your pucker.

Step 1: Exfoliate. Gently remove dead skin cells with a soft sugar and honey scrub or by lightly brushing your lips with a toothbrush.

Step 2: Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing treatment such as a hydrating moisture mask, lip balm, or Chap Stick. Let set for a minute or two, and then blot away any access product.

Step 3: Line. Line your lips along their natural line with a red lip pencil, then fill in both lips. Avoid lining your lips outside their natural line because it will give a clownish or drag queen appearance.

Step 4: Color. Apply your lipstick. If you want a more precise application use a lip brush as opposed to applying straight from the tube. After application, put your finger in your mouth and pull it out. This will remove any excess product that would end up on your teeth.

Step 5: Contour. Using concealer, line the outside of your lips and blend outwards. The concealer will add even more life to your lips.

Now your lips pop like a poppy!!

Things are starting to heat up!

My friend Chloe, bbm'ed me randomly the other day and invited me to go to a hot yoga class. I had the time, and always like to keep active so I decided to go with her. It was to be Chloe's first time, but, I had taken a few hot yoga classes over the years. I was actually quite excited because I have been really tense and anxious lately with the combination of work, school, and maintaining a social life...whhhheeeeewww! Remembering the feeling of leaving a hot yoga class had me ready to go--the best way I can describe it is how you feel after receiving a deep tissue massage. You are left so relaxed and de stressed, its like your body is saying "thank you, I really needed that!"

The Studio that we went to specializes in Bikram yoga, it is a series of poses that are done in a heated room of 110 degrees. There are 26 poses and two breathing exercises during one session. Throughout the class, you will sweat profusely...every time I go I think I literally sweat out three pounds. It is an abdominal work out, combined with stabilizing exercises, ending with meditation full body relaxation. Additionally, there are many more benefits of practicing hot yoga; detoxification, muscle strengthening, weight loss, boost immune system, increase energy.

Hot yoga is the perfect way to destress and stay warm during the winter. To find a yoga studio near you I suggest checking out www.yogatoronto.ca

Killigrew: It's a Bird, Its a Font, No...Its a Clothing Line

By: Katie Beattie

For those of you who don’t know, Killigrew is the name of a 17^th Century English writer, the name of a font, and another name for a raven. However, it is also the name of an up and coming clothing line that I had the very fortunate opportunity to preview.

The designs for Killigrew were started by Canadian, Mitch Darragh who soon enlisted the help of his energetic and determined mom, Cleo Darragh. The collection consists of a number of different t-shirts, tanks and polo’s, some with the Killigrew logo, and some more basic pieces for both men and women. The Killigrew logo features a crown with a raven in the middle of it. The crown is representative of King Arthur, and the raven or Killigrew represents what King Arthur believed he would be reincarnated as.

The line is very fresh, and clean, and they make sure to use the best materials for a luxurious feel. What I really like about it is the story behind the logo, and the edgier appeal of such basic pieces. The Spring 2011 preview features an awesome soundtrack, which just adds to the appeal of the collection. It’s not in stores yet, but stay tuned; you’ll also be able to shop online. To get a sneak peak of Killigrew Spring 2011 line check out http://www.killigrewfashion.com/.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes...

I was recently surfing the web, indulging in a little bit of online shopping, and I came across these interesting booties. I knew instantly that they had to be mine! But, the site that I was on (solestruck.com) was sold out of my size! I was heartbroken...and determined to find them! I tweeted in a desperate attempt that maybe somebody out there in cyberspace could help me track down the Jeffrey Campbell Meeker Booties--turns out a freind, of a friend, heard about my tweet and knew exactly where to direct me: http://www.shopnastygirl.com/! I was so excited and immediatly placed my order, 10 days later; they were delivered to my door step. My first pair of Jeffrey Campbell booties....these booties are not only stylish, but they are also ohh soo comfy! I am absoloutly hooked on these shoes. There are styles for every occaision; casual, sophisticated, and funky. This is going to be dangerous! (I ordered another pair just this morning shhhh..)

Jeffrey Campbell (JC) shoes is a family based company located in LA. The inspiration for the designs come from a combo. of real life, vintage and runway trends. JC shoes can be found in Asia, North America the UK, and on my feet! :P

You Spin Me Right ‘Round by Gillian Waxer

In the 80’s it was hair metal, in the 90’s it was boy bands, and in the 2000s it’s a new breed of boy that is making the collective female heart beat loud. He spins style, sound, and sex appeal into a masculine mix that no one can resist. He is the D.J. and he is turning out the beat and turning up the heat like never before.

When Blackberry sought a handsome hunk to promote their new Blackberry Torch Smart phone instead of opting for a Ryan Reynolds or a Daniel Craig, they went for someone devastatingly dashing and completely cooler than blond bond. And who was this man of mystery? None other than American D.J. Diplo, he suits up and you get down. And companies are starting to take notice.

In a world that is saturated with actors and musicians wearing designer clothes to red carpet events, it is easy for a label to get lost. At any given event there are multiply celebrities wearing multiply designers. But if a D.J. is to don designer dudes in front of a captive audience of 10,000 people night after night, while people dance they’ll want to wear his pants. He is the new cool. The men want to be him, the women want to be with him. And now is the time to cash in on his fashion.

Newest Fast-Fashion Break-up: Kate Moss and Topshop to split ways?!?!

By Amanda Jazvac

After designing for UK based retailer Topshop for the past 3 years, Kate Moss recently unveiled her newest, and now last, full clothing collection. Spending just six minutes at the launch, where people had lined up for hours to see her, Moss has left her fans wondering what has happened, and whether Topshop will be Kateless for good.

Despite rumours surfacing of relationship problems between Sir Phillip Green (Topshop owner) and Miss Kate, statements have been made that the split is amicable and serves both parties well. For a fast-fashion store, primary goals are to stay trendy, be consistent and keep consumers engaged. After 13 collections, maybe Topshop is planning on bringing on a new face of fashion or budding designer in lieu of repetitive pieces and declining sales.

Kate, on the other hand, is experiencing no shortage of work. She is currently enjoying opportunities with luxury brands such as David Yurman and Longchamp to name a couple. Not to mention her statement of wanting to “explore other ventures”. This leaves us begging the question of what the uber-trendy, self-styled model will bring us next. ….

For all of you die-hard Kate fans, I won’t leave you hanging. Sources say she will stay on as a part of the Topshop family, possibly producing two capsule collections a year, each comprised of about twelve pieces. They may be of a new nature however…vintage?? Cashmere??

I guess we will have to wait and see what our darling Kate will do next.

Give a Girl the Right Footwear, and She'll Dance All Night

By: Katie Beattie

For some of us, planning the perfect outfit comes right down to what we’re wearing on our feet. You’ve found just the right dress, just the right accessories, and just the right “oh my god I’m in love!” shoes. Your hair, your nails, your make-up is done to perfection and your feeling hotter then lightening. You meet up with your friends, head to your favourite spot, and dance all night long to your favourite songs. Your night couldn’t get much better then this, but then… things take a turn for the worse. Your legs start to ache, your feet start to throb and you feel like you can’t take one more step, and the cause = your fabulous footwear.

Now I know not every shoe lover has this problem, but for us former flat-wearing girls, those four-inch stilettos can cause some major issues. After recently searching through one of my favourite trend reporting websites, www.trendhunter.com, I came across a new invention that definitely caught my feet’s attention; Afterheels, invented by Michael Stead. Stead is a British inventor, who came up with the idea for inexpensive and biodegradable flats known as “Afterheels”. The flats can be purchased out of a vending machine and are directed toward women who want to stay out on the town, but can’t stand to wear their towering heels any longer. The flats come in a number of different colours and are completely biodegradable for all those thinking of the environment, (they will biodegrade in the same time as an oak leaf).

To develop “Afterheels” Stead sought out the help of some aerospace and military scientists, and created the waterproof outer layer and the protective flock-line insole that is made from locally sourced and manufactured recyclable #5 polypropylene. The flats are also the perfect size to fit in your clutch, making it easy to take them with you. Now they may not be every fashionista’s dream come true, but these “Afterheels” may serve a very good purpose. The shoes come in small and medium sizes and are currently being sold out of the UK; however when I clicked the “buy now” option the website stated that they were currently out of stock so they must be pretty popular, (http://www.afterheels.com/afterheels.html).

They may not complete your outfit, but they’re a great idea for making your perfect evening, that much better, and that much more comfortable.