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Shopping: H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection Spring 2017

27 March, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

It’s become a bit of a spring ritual for me, waiting for the H&M Conscious Exclusive collection images to drop, knowing that I’ll most likely want it all (or at least the majority of the collection), and this year is no exception. As always, the Conscious collection is chock-full of perfect party frocks and standout accessories, all made of sustainable materials.

“For this year’s Conscious Exclusive collection at H&M, we thought not only about the look of the pieces, but also how they feel and sound. It’s a collection to please all our senses, and also our desire to be sustainable in everything we do,” says Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Head of Design and Creative Director. And while I don’t know how the 2017 collection feels and sounds, it sure does look amazing. Currently on my wishlist is the pink sequined cocktail dress, a pair of statement earrings made out of recycled glass and plastic, and a frilly frock with a delicate hand-drawn print. I am also contemplating several other pieces…but will have to see how they look in real life.

H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2017 Collection will be hitting the stores (and online) on April 20th, prices ranging from USD 12.99 to USD 399, and will include a selection of styles for kids and a set of fragrances for the very first time.

If you are in need of a few exceptional pieces to wear this spring/summer, then you must check out the lookbook images below. Share your thoughts in the comments.

More photos after the jump!
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What I Wore: Summer Loving

20 June, 2016 Nelia 2 Comments

I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect white summer dress, and I finally found one at Old Navy, of all places! It was super unexpected, as I don’t visit their stores very often, but after randomly popping in one day, I found a treasure trove of LWDs. This one is my dream white dress – light cotton fabric, loose but flattering shape, and a touch of lace. It’s currently on sale, and comes in black too. You’re welcome.

Another summer item I had a tough time locating was a black straw boater/bolero hat. My head is too big for most “one size fits all” hats, so when I saw this Janessa Leone stunner in size L, I clicked “Add To Cart” immediately, and I’m so glad that I did. It goes with every summer outfit I own, and the wide brim will protect my face from the sun.

Between these two must-haves, my pizza and pretzel inflatables, and all of the one-piece swimsuits that I picked up over the last few months, I think I’m totally set for the summer. Bring on the sunshine!

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NYFW: KAELEN Fall 2016 Collection

23 February, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

I’ve been smitten with KAELEN’s designs for a while now, so when I heard that this Canadian-born, New York-based designer was presenting during NYFW, I jumped at the chance to see her Fall 2016 collection in person, and I am so glad that I did! Sticking to her elegant minimalist aesthetic, the fall collection consisted of the classic modern woman essentials like trench coat, shirt dress, work trousers, and pencil skirt, but executed in eye-catching patterns, with unexpected details like button-down slits, pleated bell sleeves, and exaggerated bows. Styling showed versatility of the collection, with mixed prints, dresses worn over pants, and a shiny evening gown layered over a turtleneck. And though I had a serious crush on more than half of the collection, the shirt dress with pleated bell sleeves was definitely a favourite. The pleats looked beautiful in motion, and the floral trim was such a lovely touch. Honestly, I just hope that the Canadian dollar is not so crappy by the time this collection is available for purchase. Because I want so many pieces!

What do you think of KAELEN Fall 2016 collection? Share in the comments.

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What I Wore: Oversized

25 August, 2015 Nelia 22 Comments

I have no idea why it’s taken me this long to discover Oak + Fort, but now that I have, I feel like a woman obsessed! Seriously…what’s not to love? The brand is Canadian, with affordable price points, and a hella-stylish selection. The fact that most offerings are perfectly monochromatic is definitely part of the attraction – you can mix and match their pieces seamlessly with your existing wardrobe items, or just re-build from scratch with errythang Oak + Fort…you will certainly want to wear their pieces over and over again.

Take this oversized black shirt dress for example – ever since I picked it up last week, I’ve been drawn to it every morning – it’s so easy to throw on, and looks just as good with sneakers as it does with heels…I think I may just need one in every colour!

They also have a friend referral program, so if you want 15% off your first online purchase, leave a comment below and I’ll send you an invite link! I’ll also get $25 credit for every first purchase, so it’s a win-win.

Have you ever shopped at Oak + Fort? What do you think of this Canadian brand? Share in the comments.

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Mary Katrantzou x Adidas Originals 2015 Collection

25 July, 2015 Nelia 4 Comments

If you’re a fan of Mary Katrantzou’s masterfully printed frocks, but can’t justify the hefty price tag, then Mary Katrantzou x adidas Originals collection is going to be right up your alley! This is the second ‘fashion meets athleisure’ collaboration between the two brands, and it’s amazing!

The first collection, while pretty cute, was too heavy-handed for my taste – giant shoe lace prints all over the place are not my idea of casual chic. But this collection is different – the athletic theme is still clearly present (tennis racquets, badminton shuttlecocks, baseballs, darts) but this time, executed in a more subtle way. There are dresses that look like they could easily belong in Katrantzou’s regular line-up, as well as more casual pieces perfect for those sporty fashion-lovers.

In Canada, select pieces from the collection can be found exclusively at Hudson’s Bay online or at The Room in Toronto and Vancouver. If you’re in another part of the world, Shopbop carries some styles, while most of the collection can be found on MaryKatrantzou.com.

I already ordered my fave pieces, and if you’re into any of the styles, I recommend snagging them ASAP…lots of sizes are already gone online. Good luck and happy shopping!

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Styled By Nelia: Summer Trends from Forever 21 +

14 May, 2015 Nelia 4 Comments

Ever since Forever 21 opened their new store at Yorkdale, I’ve been obsessed! Huge selection spread out across the 27,000 square foot boutique – what’s not to love?! Well, last month, I got to check out the brand’s plus size collection, aimed at the curvy girl who loves trendy clothes. While most fashion-forward brands don’t carry plus sizes, Forever 21 + collection goes up to size 3X, and carries a wide selection of cool girl essentials season after season. On the latest episode of Styled By Nelia, I helped Andria to incorporate a few key trends for the upcoming summer season.

Joggers
While skinny jeans are a staple for many curvy girls, wearing tight jeans in the summer may not be the best idea, which is why I am such a huge fan of tailored joggers. These versatile pants come in a variety of prints and fabrics, can be dressed up or down, oh, and the super comfy stretchy waistband doesn’t hurt either! If you’re looking for a cool alternative to your trusty jeans, give these pants a try.

All White Everything
White on white is a huge trend this year, and is a fashionable way to keep summer heat at bay. Curvy girls can get in on the trend by choosing figure-flattering silhouettes, loose layers, and a mix of shades of white for a fresh and fashionable look.

Boho
This trend is a summer staple, and is the easiest to incorporate into your wardrobe. Pick up a brightly-printed maxi dress, a fringed caftan thrown over a pair of flared jeans, or a flower-child crochet lace top…your options are limitless!

So tell me, do you love Forever 21 + selection at Yorkdale? What’s your fave trend for the summer? Share in the comments!

Photo and Video by Max Kopanygin

CHANEL Couture Spring 2015 Collection

27 January, 2015 Nelia Leave a Comment

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Karl has done it yet again! Another stunning couture collection for CHANEL, complete with a magical garden set, full of mechanical flowers that bloomed as the show began. Flowers – a huge theme for CHANEL Couture Spring 2015, were not only blooming on the runway, but on gowns, luxe beanies, and bags. Speaking of those couture toques…how cool were those?! They probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, but imagine wearing one of those during our harsh Canadian winters? Instant mood lift!

Surprisingly, there wasn’t much to see in terms of the shoes…flat black boots were worn by all models, which paired with those wide-brim, chiffon covered hats and veils had me reminiscing about Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice, 90’s silhouettes in full force.

And of course, those gowns. Thousands of sequins, plastic flowers, and beads – all attached by hand – hours upon hours of work all culminating in these couture gowns. Exquisite, artful, and fun. I felt like a few of those were specifically made to accommodate Keira Knightley’s pregnancy, so don’t be surprised if you see the actress wearing one of these stunners on the Oscars red carpet.

What did you think of CHANEL Couture Spring 2015 collection? Are you into Karl’s floral fantasy? Share in the comments!

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My CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2014 Appointment

31 October, 2014 Nelia 2 Comments

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Last month, while attending NYFW, I was invited to stop by the CHANEL showroom (!!!) to check out the CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2014 collection in person. I don’t need to tell you that right after I was done pinching myself, I replied with an emphatic YASSS. I had a chance to visit the haute couture salons in Paris, and already knew that the level of craftsmanship of CHANEL couture garments is next level, so to be able to see yet another collection up-close-and-personal, sounded like a dream.

Just like in July, I was in awe of the collection. But this time around, I actually got to touch the pieces, see them in front of my eyes, and imagine that they were hanging in my wardrobe (as if!). I got to see how cool the silicone-coated lace looks, how glam concrete beads are in Karl’s imaginative hands, and just how exquisite the endless intricate embroidery on gowns, coats, and accessories is. But let’s get back to concrete. Those grey bead-like detailing is actually concrete! And surprisingly, it wasn’t as heavy as one would imagine. Sure, the shrug covered in hundreds of those beads wasn’t exactly light, but pieces that had concrete sprinkled on were perfectly manageable, and of course, stunning. Who would’ve thought?

The use of molded scuba fabric also made for some dramatic silhouettes, flattering, but never boring. I was a little sad that I didn’t get to see the puffy blue confection of a gown in person, so in its absence, the red dress blooming with small plastic flowers became the showstopper of the collection – both classic and modern at the same time, and so-very-beautiful. It’s at times like those, I find myself wishing I could live a jetsetting and glamorous life of scandal and intrigue, where CHANEL haute couture is par for the course, and parties where one gets to wear creations like the ones I saw are commonplace. I may be referring to a movie-level type of life, but one can always dream, no?

Anyway…enough of my obsessive ramblings. Check out some close-up photos I took at the showroom, and let me know if you find these as impressive as I do.

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It’s Here! Complete Altuzarra for Target Lookbook!

13 August, 2014 Nelia 5 Comments

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Altuzarra for Target collection will be hitting the stores on September 14th, and we FINALLY have the entire lookbook to gawk at. Consisting of 50 pieces, and ranging in price from $18-$90, the collection seems to be a lot more wearable than most collabs we’ve seen as of late. For one, there are a lot of work-appropriate separates, dresses that can be worn to a 9-5 job, and to a date after, a lot of timeless silhouettes, sexy cuts, snakeskin, lace, oh my! Speaking of lace…that lace mask may be very Fifty Shades, but I truly find myself needing it a lot more than I probably should.

Apart from the lace mask, my list will include the Swiss dot maxi (oh-so-70s!), the faux fur jacket, that terrific velvet suit, and of course, the black tuxedo-style dress with a sexy slit – all pieces that I can see having longevity inside my overstuffed closet.

But what about you? What do you think about this highly-anticipated collection? Will you be among the early birds on September 14th at your local Target store? Share your faves in the comments!

Full lookbook after the jump!

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What I Wore: Let Them Eat Cake

30 July, 2014 Nelia 5 Comments

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The Palace of Versailles has always been a place I wanted to visit eventually…what with all the drama, intrigue, excess, and history surrounding this royal château, I knew it would be worth the trek. The only reason that I have avoided visiting Versailles for so long is the fear of endless line-ups and tourists. Usually, with the exception of the Eiffel Tower, we try to stay away from crowded and touristy places, but this time around, we decided to just go for it.

As expected, the place was teeming with people…SO.MANY.PEOPLE! But not to worry, after about 30 minutes of waiting for our tickets, and then lining up to get in, we were finally inside Marie Antoinette’s stomping grounds! The palace was definitely very impressive, with rooms full of beautiful art, ornate doors (and ceilings, and floors), and of course, plenty of historic tidbits to glimpse and learn – totally worth it the wait.

But as cool as it was to see the Hall of Mirrors and the grand apartment de la reine in person, the gardens were a highlight for me. After hours of frolicking around, lying in the grass, sipping iced chocolate on Angelina’s terrace, and taking way too many photographs, I don’t think we covered even half of the massive grounds. I guess another trip to Versailles is in order…maybe next year!

Have you ever visited Versailles? What was your favourite spot? Share in the comments.

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