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NYFW: Banana Republic Fall 2016 Collection

22 February, 2016 Nelia

While runway shows of the high-fashion brands are certainly fun to watch, I love attending fashion week presentations of brands I can actually afford. Last week, I got to stop by and check out the Banana Republic Fall 2016 presentation, and it was awesome! Not only was it full of chic office separates and weekend staples, but the styling gave me a ton of ideas for putting together my own outfits.

My favourite pieces included the white shearling peacoat (that I’ll be stalking next fall because it’s perfect), the floral maxi dress (both fun and versatile), adorable scalloped hem pencil skirt, classic velvet ankle booties, and that amazing red pant-suit. And the best part is that I will be able to afford these pieces when they hit the stores! What are your favourite pieces from this collection? Share in the comments!

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NYFW: BCBG Max Azria Fall 2016 Collection

22 February, 2016 Nelia

If you were wondering if it’s too late to jump on the culotte train, BCBG Max Azria’s answer is a resounding no. The cropped wide-leg pants were ever present during the brand’s Fall 2016 presentation, shown in a wide selection of fabrics, both as covet-worthy pants and jumpsuits.

Other than the de rigueur pant silhouette, BCBG Max Azria Fall 2016 collection consisted of an enviable selection of outerwear (with exaggerated sleeves and fur accents), colourful lurex, quilted leather, and cozy knits. With the Bowie soundtrack blaring, the models walked the runway in their skilfully layered outfits, lurex sparkling under the spotlights, and I loved it all!

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NYFW: LACOSTE Fall 2016 Collection

22 February, 2016 Nelia

If all you associate LACOSTE with is polo shirts and tennis shoes, think again, for Fall 2016, the brand presented a runway collection inspired by the heritage outfits created for the French Ski Team in the late 60s. And even though the clothes were inspired by retro chalet chic, I felt that they were a better fit for the Upper East Side than the slopes.

As someone who adores all things colourful, I was delighted by the pops of orange and pink, bright stripes, and fun pixelated prints. Outerwear was the star of the show, with glam PVC trench coats, coolest reversible shearling jackets, and printed parkas. One of each, please and merci! On that blistering cold day, details such as extra-long sleeves, zip-off mittens, and knee-high boots were especially welcome. Perhaps next season of NYFW would be slightly warmer for many of the attendees, with extra chic outerwear and warm accessories like the ones spied at LACOSTE.

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Toronto Fashion Week: Best of Spring 2016 Collections

14 February, 2016 Nelia

Let’s pretend it wasn’t -19 this weekend, and instead look forward to spring and spring fashion. Last season of Toronto Fashion Week was one of my absolute favourites, with Canadian designers showcasing some serious talent. And while some designers like Matthew Gallagher create made-to-order garments only, others like Hayley Elsaesser have online stores, where you can pick up your fave spring pieces very soon. As such, I put together a list of my favourite pieces from the shows I attended last season. Supporting Canadian fashion industry means investing in clothing made by Canadian designers, so next time you’re considering a special occasion purchase or looking to add some excitement to your wardrobe, give one of these amazing designers a try. You may just become a lifelong fan.

Hayley Elsaesser

Hayley Elsaesser has firmly established her reputation as the go-to for crazy-fun but wearable clothing. Her prints are always on point, and her Spring 2016 Carnival of Curiousity collection was both printastic and fabulous. Once again, Hayley cast models and non-models in a wide range of ages, sizes, and ethnicities for her runway show, proving that literally ANYONE can pull off her clothing. Standouts from her collection included rainbow-printed faux leather dress, poodle-printed everything, and “Admit One” sequin pieces.

Matthew Gallagher

For his Spring 2016 show, Matthew Gallagher sent a line-up of vibrant and luxurious garments, complete with floaty capes, sexy cutouts, and exaggerated skirts. The collection was seriously beautiful! Even Lady Gaga is a fan. The ribbon dress was my personal fave – both a piece of art and something I could see myself wearing comfortably and often. All garments are hand-crafted and made-to-measure in Gallagher’s Toronto studio. You can get in touch and order your very own gown here.

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CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 Collection

26 January, 2016 Nelia

Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to make us want bugs all over us! But not just any bugs…only CHANEL will do. “High-fashion ecology” was the latest inspiration behind the CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 collection, with wood chips used as beading, and exquisite gowns created from recycled paper, organic woven yarn, and wild cotton. Subtle and not-so-subtle nods to nature were everywhere – in silhouettes, embroidery, jewelry, and embellishments. Models walked down the grassy runway sporting single bejeweled bug earrings, cap-toe cork wedges, dramatic double-eyeliner, and Leia-esque buns.

As with all CHANEL Couture collections, the craftsmanship was out-of-this-world-amazing – ornate embellishments that adorned most of the gowns must have taken an unspeakable number of hours to complete, and it showed. Speaking of stunning gowns, I am hoping CHANEL darling Kristen Stewart will show up in one of these to the Oscars…the people demand something fresh and exciting…and if I see another “naked” dress on another red carpet, I will drown my laptop in a champagne bath! But I digress…

Grand Palais was transformed into a serene garden, complete with trees, water lily ponds, green lawns, and blue skies. It was a perfect setting for this eco-conscious collection. I had so many personal favourites…and while I won’t be able to afford any of the pieces from this collection, I can at least borrow some styling tips from this show – from the single statement earring, to belted evening bags, to “a bug’s life” embellishments. Thanks to CHANEL and Karl, we are like totally buggin’!

What did you think of CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 Collection? Share in the comments.

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What I Wore: WMCFW Outfit Roundup

24 November, 2015 Nelia

I’ve been meaning to share some of the street style photos of my outfits from WMCFW, and while it’s been over a month, I really love these photos, so I guess better late than never? This season, with my hair a shocking shade of blue, I had to be careful not to dress too crazy while still staying true to my playful spirit. Naturally, I gravitated to black and complimenting shades of blue, but I also ended up wearing colourful stripes one day, because why the heck not? Let me know which look is your fave in the comments.

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Sneak Peek of H&M Studio Spring 2016 Collection

9 October, 2015 Nelia

Paris Fashion Week came and went, and I just realized that there was no H&M Studio fashion show this season. But don’t fret, I found some sneak peek photos of the H&M Studio Spring 2016 collection instead, and the pieces are pretty awesome. Think vibrant colours, exciting prints, modern silhouettes, and a whole lot of sweet vacation vibes. Yes, please!

“H&M Studio for spring/summer 2016 is an adventure in style. Our girl is always exploring, whether she’s on the city streets or on the trip of a lifetime. She mixes function with femininity, sportswear with pieces for a party, and whatever she wears she always looks effortless,” says Pernilla Wohlfarth, H&M’s head of design. And I couldn’t agree more! From the looks of it, I’ll be picking up a few pieces come spring, to take on a few adventures of my own…and I can’t wait!

The collection will be in stores and online from February 25th, 2016.

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CHANEL Airlines Spring 2016 Collection

6 October, 2015 Nelia

If all airports were as chic as the one created at the Grand Palais for the CHANEL Spring 2016 show, people would certainly choose to fly more often. And if all airport attire was as chic, the world would be a much prettier place. Those were my thoughts as I was scrolling through photos of the CHANEL Airlines collection, dreamed up by Karl Lagerfeld, and presented in Paris this morning. Models strutted around the Paris-Cambon Airport, some stopping in to check-in and drop off their luggage. Speaking of those gorgeous luggage sets… There was a variety of travel bags presented – pristine white leather rolling suitcases (ummm…a bit impractical, perhaps?), printed nylon ones, and my fave – black quilted leather with white trim and yellow accents. I would probably have to sell my firstborn in order to get my hands on one of those, but if you travel enough, it may be worth it…priorities, people!

From those covet-worthy luggage sets, to the quirky airplane brooches, to light-up sandals – the Spring 2016 collection was not short of statement pieces, au contraire – there was so much to look at and so many details to take in, that it was a bit overwhelming. The collection itself was great – iconic tweeds, ethereal watercolour prints, origami-like details, and of course, airplanes everywhere from brooches to knitwear. Being a colour-lover that I am, I was drawn to the more vibrant pieces from the collection – pink and yellow tweed jumpsuit, multicoloured tweed bag, and most of the white dresses with floral detailing were all calling my name, but realistically speaking, I will probably be on the hunt for one of those fun airplane brooches once the collection hits the stores.

What did you think of CHANEL Airlines collection? Are you a fan? Share your fave pieces in the comments.

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Toronto Fashion Week: Fall 2015 Favourites

30 September, 2015 Nelia

WMCFW is coming, and while this season’s focus will be on Spring 2016 collections, I wanted to revisit last season’s shows, and share my Fall 2015 favourites. If you’re on the lookout for cool Canadian designs to invest in, perhaps you’ll find a few new faves as well.

Mikhael Kale
Mikhael Kale has long been at the top of my fave Canadian designer list, and still his Fall 2015 collection managed to exceed all of my expectations. Artful embellishments, creative shapes, a mix of textures and exciting colours – it was my favourite collection last season, and one I would almost go as far as to compare to couture – it looked exquisite! So far, I only own one Mikhael Kale piece, but I am certainly itching to add more from this incredibly talented designer. Select pieces from his Fall 2015 collection are available at Holt Renfrew, so make sure to check them out in person – I have no doubt that you’ll be impressed.

Hayley Elsaesser
Ever since I laid eyes on Hayley Elsaesser’s Spring 2015 Heavenly Bodies collection, I’ve been in love with her particular brand of eclectic maximalism. Her Fall 2015 Midnight Cowboy collection was true to her colourful aesthetic, full of fun prints executed on fairly classic silhouettes. There were matching knit crop top/skirt co-ordinates, bomber jackets, sweater dresses, and even a few things for the boys. I guess girls aren’t the only ones who want to have fun.

VAWK
It’s hard to believe that Sunny Fong’s fun but sophisticated ‘DOT du JOURS’ Fall 2015 collection was originally inspired by Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. There’s no trace of silliness that defined the animated film; instead, the collection was sexy and vibrant – with flirty cocktail dresses, glam gowns, and Sunny’s specialty – cool coats. Rounded shapes (meatball-inspired?) were featured prominently, adding an architectural feel to the collection. Another great showing from one of my fave Canadian designers.

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Le Cercle Privé – Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2015 Collection

8 July, 2015 Nelia

I’m not a gambler, but if there’s anything out there that would make me one – it’s CHANEL. For Fall 2015 haute couture show, Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up a James Bond-worthy Le Cercle Privé casino, complete with Silver Camelias slot machines, and blackjack/roulette tables where the high rolling celebs (Kristen Stewart, Vanessa Paradis, Julianne Moore, Rita Ora, Lily Collins, and more!) got to play smack dab in the middle of the runway. Quel spectacle!

The collection itself was themed 3D, with embellishments and futuristic techniques aplenty, yet still maintaining that distinct CHANEL look and feel. Classic jackets were reinterpreted with wider shoulders and masculine details, stunning gowns featured assymetric hems, feathers, pleats, beading, and ruffles, while the iconic tweed dresses and suits were trimmed with the “new CHANEL braid”, sewn into the fabric. Even the traditional bridal look was reinvented, with Kendall Jenner closing the show in a veil-caped white pantsuit.

Angled bob wigs worn over models’ hair, overdrawn red lips, and origami-like shoes helped emphasize the futuristic feel of the collection, but once again I found myself wishing for more shoe variety. The last few collections have had a strong emphasis on the clothes, with models wearing a variation of the same style of shoe, but this shoeaholic wants more options, s’il vous plaît. A small complaint in view of yet another powerful collection. I can only imagine the level of crafstmanship behind those 3D pieces!

So what do you think of CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2015 Collection? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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NYFW: Banana Republic Fall 2016 Collection

NYFW: BCBG Max Azria Fall 2016 Collection

NYFW: LACOSTE Fall 2016 Collection

Toronto Fashion Week: Best of Spring 2016 Collections

CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 Collection

What I Wore: WMCFW Outfit Roundup

Sneak Peek of H&M Studio Spring 2016 Collection

CHANEL Airlines Spring 2016 Collection

Toronto Fashion Week: Fall 2015 Favourites

Le Cercle Privé – Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2015 Collection

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