Danier | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

What I Wore: All-Canadian

17 October, 2011 Nelia

Speaking of Toronto Fashion Week! Guess who was featured in Flare Magazine’s Wear Canada: Blogger Edition? Style Blog!!!

My fellow bloggers, and I were asked to wear our fave Canadian pieces for this post, and boy…was it ever difficult to choose! In the end, I wore this comfy Ashley Rowe dress, accessorized with a belt by George Antonopoulos (OBJECT for Danier Leather), a bracelet I picked up at The Bay, and a pair of my fave Aldo boots. Not too shabby, and pretty much all Canadian.

Trying to figure out what to wear made me realize that I actually own a ton of pieces by Canadian brands and designers. Which was definitely a nice surprise! What about you? Do you have Canadian fashion faves? If so, share in the comments!

PS. Huge thanks to Flare and Ryan M. Cheung for the feature! It was truly an honor to have been included!

I Wore: Dress – Ashley Rowe; Belt – OBJECT for Danier Leather; Boots – Aldo; Backpack – Chanel; Bracelet – Expression at The Bay; Ring – YSL

What I Wore: She’s Got Flare!

4 October, 2011 Nelia

Have you been to Old Navy lately? I am really loving their fall offerings! From breezy $18 tops, to flared jeans for all of $25, I think if it wasn’t for my Proenza booties, this outfit could actually be purchased for less than $50! Not bad, huh?

Right now, I am waiting for a leopard print Old Navy coat to go on sale (I have a wedding budget to adhere to!)…and then my leopard print-ness will literally drive le boyfriend crazy. As the saying goes: you can take a Russian girl out of ~~Russia~~ Kyrgyzstan, but you can’t take the leopard print away from her…or something like that.

I Wore: Shirt, Jeans – Old Navy; Bag – c/o Banana Republic; Belt – Zara; Boots – Proenza Schouler; Leather Bracelet – c/o Danier; Sunglasses – Ray Ban

OBJECT for Danier by George Antonopoulos

1 June, 2011 Nelia

As promised, here’s a quick sneak peek at OBJECT by George Antonopoulos for Danier Leather – an all-Canadian collaboration that will be available in stores and online in August.

Sometimes, a designer creates a collection that feels nearly tailored for you – it has all the “perfect” pieces, and all the silhouettes you never knew you needed, but now need so badly. That’s how I felt about OBJECT. The only hiccup is…as much as I’d like to think so, it wasn’t created solely for me, and lots of other people felt a personal connection to the collab – which, I guess, is a sign of a very good collection.

Creative director George Antonopoulos put a lot of thought and care into his first designing collab with Danier. He picked quality leathers (Italian lambskin for most), slaved over the most miniscule details (lining or no lining, raw hem or not), and as a result, designed a perfect collection for a confident modern woman.

As I try to narrow down my list of wants down to a manageable few pieces, I can’t help but gush about the gorgeous dresses with leather sleeves, leather pants that will hug your curves in all the right places, thanks to the added stretch, leather tank that will look as good with a pair of jeans, as it does with a killer OBJECT leather tulip skirt, and the grey leather trench? Forgetaboutit. OBJECT is also chock full of great accessories – a dreamy art-deco-looking patent leather belt with gold or silver hardware, a couple of unisex leather clutches in faux croc, as well as a kick-ass leather tote. If I had the funds to purchase this entire collection, I don’t think I’d need to buy any other piece of anything for fall – everything I need (for work or play) is there already!

Antonopoulos, a fashion stylist by day, definitely knows what women want in clothes (as well as what works), and his first collection delivers the goods in a simple, yet stunning way. I’m certain, that come fall, OBJECT for Danier will be on everyone’s wishlists. The question is…what will your OBJECT of desire be?

Danier Leather Fall 2011 Preview

31 May, 2011 Nelia

Last week, I went to check out Danier’s Fall 2011 preview, and walked away a drooling mess. There are just too many items that I covet come August/September, and unfortunately, not enough funds to buy them all!

For Fall 2011, Danier will be one of the hottest stores around, with amazing Canadian collaborations such as Greta Constantine Skin, Object by George Antonopoulos, and Mark Fast for Danier. But even the regular in-house collections are full of gorgeous, modern pieces…seemingly (style) miles away from the more blah Danier collections of, say, 5 years ago.

There’s lace + leather, knit + leather, lots of hot leather LBDs (that I would totally rock at work), amazing jackets (like the one below…swoon), and so much more, that I couldn’t help but get just a little excited about fall. Although my wallet is less than thrilled.

What do you think about Danier’s Fall 2011 collection? Will you stop by to check it out? Let me know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more photos from the amazing Canadian collaborations that will be available at Danier for Fall 2011.

More after the jump!

[Read more…]

Greta Constantine x Danier SKIN Collection

20 May, 2011 Nelia

Earlier this week, Canadian designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine previewed their brand new collab with Danier called SKIN. The drool-worthy capsule collection, consisting of jackets, dresses, belts, vests, and one kick-ass sleeveless bolero will be available sometime in August, and until then, you should start saving up – prices will run from $399 to $999.

My favorite piece from the collection and also the least expensive of the bunch (lucky for my wallet) was the bolero ($399) with an exaggerated lapel in grey suede – a perfect piece to inject some cool into one’s wardrobe. The buttery soft leather shift dresses in grey, black, and red ($499) were also calling my name, as I was watching people try them on all around me.

The mannequins on display were artfully styled in both Greta Constantine Primer and SKIN pieces – Primer being the lower-priced “basics” collection…that is anything but basic. The signature Greta draped silhouettes were present in heather grey soft jersey maxi dresses, putting at least one of them firmly on my must-buy list.

What do you think about Greta Constantine SKIN collection? Are you going to check it out come August? Share in the comments.

Greta Constantine Primer collection is now available at TNT stores, while Greta Constantine x Danier Leather SKIN collection will be available in August at 20 Danier stores nationwide, and online.

Shopping: Spring 2011 Essentials

18 March, 2011 Nelia

I am so ready for spring! Sunshine, double-digit temperatures, birds chirping, love in the air…I am missing it all. But is my closet spring-ready? That’s another question.

For months now, I’ve been buying things here and there, trying to make sure that my wardrobe consists of enough fun pieces to carry me through spring in style. And below are my top Spring 2011 essentials (part 1).

[Read more…]

Valentine’s Day: Gift Guide For Her

3 February, 2011 Nelia

Valentine’s Day is less than 2 weeks away, and I am still stuck on le boyfriend’s gift! What to get for a man that has (seemingly) everything? Well, that’s my problem to solve (unless you have some helpful advice). And though I won’t likely be doing a men’s gift guide this year, here are a few gift ideas for the guys that might also be struggling with what to buy for their beloved (obsessed with that word).

I am always happy to get a perfume for any occasion, and if you know your girlfriend well-enough, a sexy fragrance might just be what the doctor ordered! My current faves are below.

1. Coach Poppy Perfume ($60)

Recently launched, Poppy is simply lovely, with notes of jasmine, gardenia, cucumber, and rose petals. I got a chance to try it for myself, and I must admit that I really liked it! It’s light and fresh…and simply amazing!

2. Calvin Klein BEAUTY Perfume ($89-$115)

I’ve said so much about BEAUTY already. Read all about it here to decide whether your girlfriend might love it, or check out a tester at the mall.

3. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ($105-$185)

This is the one I use right now. The fragrance is sweet and feminine, the bottle is all glitter and glamour – the best of both worlds!

If perfume is not your (or your girl’s) thing, a few other gifts might sweeten her day.

4. Danier Red Clutch/Wallet ($39 on sale)

Perfect for a romantic dinner out, this leather clutch will hold all of her essentials and spice up her outfit.

5. Louis Vuitton Heart Coin Purse ($455)

Penny-pinching has never been so stylish! Also comes in a showstopping leopard print!

6. Banana Republic Bracelet ($50)

Don’t buy her earrings or a cocktail ring for Valentine’s Day, lest she confuse the small box with an engagement ring! That one might create some awkwardness. Get her a bracelet or a necklace instead. Banana Republic has a really lovely selection (at amazing prices).

7. Locher’s Necklace ($53-$71)

Speaking of necklaces, I’ve been a Locher’s fan for years! The designs are cute and sassy. And if your girl has a sense of humour, I guarantee that she will love it!

8. Heart-shaped Macarons ($4 each)

They are macarons, shaped as hearts. Go get ’em NOW at my fave MoRoCo Chocolat.

9. Your Love (priceless)

If all else fails, a simple I LOVE YOU should do. Adding “just the way you are” at the end will earn you some brownie points. It is a day to celebrate your love, after all…not some materialistic holiday, masterminded by Hallmark to bilk you out of millions of dollars!!!

10. A Card

Even though I said that thing about Hallmark, most of us (ladies) would still like a card. So make sure to get her one (Papyrus cards are amazing)! The one I got for le boyfriend this year kicks ass!

So this little post might or might not have been helpful in your search for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. If it wasn’t very helpful, I am sorry…email me for more genius ideas. Happy Shopping!

Holidays 2010: Cool Guy Gift Ideas

22 November, 2010 Nelia

For some awful reason, gift-buying for le boyfriend is particularly difficult this year. I don’t know if it’s due to the lack of paying attention on my part, or due to his lack of wanting things. I’m guessing it’s the former.

If you’re unsure, uninspired, and completely don’t know what to get your special someone this Christmas, check out a few gifts I’ve given in the past, and would consider giving in the future. Once again, prices range from $29.95 to $450, to fit various budgets.

Oh, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, check out Holidays 2009, and Valentine’s Day gift guydes. Any other suggestions? Please feel free to let me know in the comments…I am still not done shopping!

1. Old Navy Fair Isle Cardigan $54.50 (Old Navy)

2. Marc Jacobs BANG $69 (The Bay)

3. Burton Snowboard from $450 (Burton)

4. Nokia N8 Cell Phone $79.99 with 3-year plan (Rogers)

5. Danier Weekender Bag $199 (Danier)

6. Philips SensoTouch 3D Shaver $139-$329 (The Bay)

7. Converse Jimi Hendrix Sneakers $120 (Converse)

8. Lanvin for H&M Bow Tie $29.95 (H&M)

9. Macallan 12 Year-Old Scotch $89.95 (LCBO)

10. Cookies (baked with love…works every year)

Holidays 2010: Stylish Lady Gift Guide

19 November, 2010 Nelia

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I’m proud to say, that I’m half-way done…only a few big ones left on my list, and then I can begin enjoying the season, instead of running around like a madwoman from one store to another on my lunch hour and after work…who knew that shopping can be so exhausting?!

Just in case you’re still stumped, here are a few gift ideas for that special woman in your life. Some are under $10, and others…in case you really want to pamper that stylish lady of yours, are a bit more expensive. Enjoy!

1. Love Moschino Clutch $190 (The Bay)

2. Lanvin for H&M Shoes $99 (H&M)

3. Fornasetti Candle $150 (AT Design)

4. Gap Bow Belt $25 (Gap)

5. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara $8.99 (Shoppers)

6. The September Issue DVD $22 (Best Buy, HMV)

7. Calvin Klein BEAUTY $89-$115 (The Bay)

8. Swarovski USB Stick $120 (Swarovski)

9. Olympia Le Tan Book Clutch $1500 (The Room)

10. Danier Leather Gloves $49 (Danier)

What I Wore: Man Repeller

3 November, 2010 Nelia

I’m sure, unless you’ve been under a rock for the last few months, you must’ve heard about Man Repeller. Her hillarious blog has been making the rounds, and has become a staple “read” for many around the blogosphere. I like it, because it’s pretty much universally true: women don’t dress for men, women, especially the ones obsessed with fashion, tend to dress for themselves, as well as for other women. Men would never understand the appeal of the lovely lace-up grandma oxfords, yet still women wear them in droves.

So today’s outfit (yesterday’s really) was inspired by Man Repeller, and includes such repelling items as pleated leather shorts. I repeat – pleated leather shorts. Not the tight ones that make the men go “whoop-whoop”, but the pleated ones, that could potentially cause some bulging and end up looking like a diaper. I also wore my new Moschino belt, that I picked up at The Room last week, which le boyfriend not-even-jokingly calls a “wrestling belt”. To up the repel-factor, I paired the shorts with a pair of oatmeal-colored H&M tights, fit for a 10-year old, and topped it all off with a semi-floppy hat.

No man would be enticed by this outfit, and yet, I proudly (and lovingly) wore it all day, getting compliments aplenty from the ladies, and some pretty strange looks from the men.

What’s your take on man repelling? Would you rather “cut off your arms” than wear something that repels or do you not give a crap? Dish in the comments!

What I Wore: Leather Shorts – Danier; Sweater – Jacob; Hat, Tights – H&M; Tank Top – Forever21; Belt – Moschino