Fall 2016 | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

Shopping: Sosken Studios Fall 2016

14 November, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

Last fall, I attended the Sosken Studios fashion show at what ended up being the final season of Toronto Fashion Week. It was a highlight of that fashion week for me, with clothing that was both practical and beautiful to look at. Designer Maria Minicucci created a perfectly chic collection of modern outerwear that any woman would be excited to have in her wardrobe, outerwear that could elevate any outfit.

I was lucky enough to be one of the first few who got to own a Sosken Studios piece, and I selected this beautiful camel Bali coat. I’ve now worn it too many times to count, and while I have many other coats in my wardrobe, I find myself wearing this one over and over again, because it is both warm and goes with everything. If you’re still looking for a stylish coat this season, check out the Sosken Studios Fall 2016 lookbook – this Canadian brand may be new, but the beautiful coats they create are timeless.

What do you think of Sosken Studios? Share in the comments.

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Shopping: Shopbop Sale of The Season is On!

12 October, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

If you’ve been patiently waiting for a Shopbop sale, today is your lucky day! You can take up to 30% off your entire order on brands like Acne Studios, Alexander Wang, Kenzo, Tanya Taylor, and so many more with a promo code MAINEVENT16. The sale will end on October 14th at 11:59 pm EST, but shop early, before your sizes disappear.

Below, I put together a few of my seasonal favourites, from fall must-haves, to quirky accessories, to cool new designer finds. Happy Shopping!

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CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2016 Collection

5 July, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

Couture season is upon us and, of course, this site would never miss a chance to feature some CHANEL Haute Couture amazingness. Skipping the usual frills, CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2016 collection was presented in a pared down setting made up to look like an actual atelier, with petites mains working away in the background. Karl Lagerfeld wanted to pay tribute to the people behind the magical couture creations by dedicating this show and collection to them.

While couture is certainly not the biggest influencer of mainstream trends, this collection seemed to proclaim the return of the strong shoulder. From boxy tweed suits to exquisite evening gowns, strong shoulders dominated CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2016. Perhaps because of all the off-the-shoulder looks as of late, seeing more structure felt fresh and exciting.

I probably don’t have to mention how exquisite the gowns are – all you need to do is look at the detail shots. Evening silhouette was inspired by the work of English illustrator Aubrey Beardsley. Using a variety of fabrics and embellisments like radzimir, ziberline, mikado, taffeta, faille, chiffon, crêpe georgette, organza, silk tulle, embroidered laces, almost transparent grosgrains, stones, matt sequins, beads and feathers, Karl Lagerfeld has once again presented art on the runway. Many of the looks placed a lot of emphasis on the back of the garment as well as the front – this way you turn heads coming and going…that is if you can afford CHANEL couture, of course.

Willow Smith (aka coolest 15 year old) sat front row with her famous father Will Smith, and I couldn’t help but think of her when I saw the sequinned top and culotte combo from the collection. I won’t be surprised if I see her wearing this look on the red carpet in the near future.

What about you? Did you enjoy CHANEL Haute Couture Fall 2016? Share your fave looks in the comments.

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Paris Fashion Week: H&M Studio Fall 2016 Collection

3 March, 2016 Nelia 1 Comment

After taking a break from Paris Fashion Week runway presentations, H&M was back in full force this season, throwing a grand runway show at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris to preview the H&M Studio Fall 2016 collection. With celeb guests like Emma Roberts, Ciara and Kate Mara, and notable models that included Amber Valletta, Jourdan Dunn, Freja Beha Erichsen, Ashley Graham, and Soo Joo Park strutting their stuff on the runway, this was definitely one of the hottest tickets of Paris Fashion Week.

“This collection is about the strength and beauty of women, and how we express that power through our style. I love the contrast of strong tailoring with handicraft touches of Swedish heritage and folklore,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s creative advisor. Being a bit of a magpie, I was drawn to the more eclectic pieces like the chain-embellished velvet gown that closed the show, beautiful striped blue velvet, as well as folklore-inspired embroidered pieces. But even if you’re not so into velvet and chains, there were plenty of classic garments that would enhance any modern woman’s wardrobe – from the beautifully-tailored coats, to masculine pantsuits. The collection will hit the stores on September 8th and will be available in 200 stores worldwide.

What do you think of H&M Studio Fall 2016 collection? Share in the comments.

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NYFW: Banana Republic Fall 2016 Collection

22 February, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

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 Leave a Comment

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 1 Comment

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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NYFW: J.Crew Fall 2016 Collection

19 February, 2016 Nelia 2 Comments

Even before previewing the J.Crew Fall 2016 presentation at Spring Studios, I knew that my day was off to a great start. As I walked out of the elevator, I nearly stumbled right into Anna Wintour in her signature shades and a leopard coat. Greeted by Jenna Lyons and Somsack Sikhounmuong, J.Crew’s new head of women’s design (and a fellow Canadian!), Anna walked through the room spending some time to explore the collection. After a few minutes of star-struck stupor, I finally looked up at the row of beautiful models, and promptly fell in love with the entire collection – menswear and womenswear combined.

There was just so much to love – plush faux fur coats in cotton candy pink and dove grey, Anna-worthy leopard print pieces, coolest strappy shoes, colourful culottes, pajamas styled as daywear, a mirepoix of prints, bold toppers, and so much more. Unsurprisingly, it was all impeccably-styled, with chic neck scarves, artful layering, and braided ponytails. I spent a crazy amount of time looking at each outfit, but when I inevitably came back to take another look at my favourites, I would notice more cool details that I had somehow missed earlier. On top of it, thanks to one of the coldest winter days in New York, I really wanted to borrow a few of the cozy cable-knit sweaters and a fluffy coat or two and wear it all right then and there.

Needless to say, I adored J.Crew Fall 2016 collection and will certainly be on the lookout for my favourite pieces next fall. What do you think of this collection? Share in the comments!

“The advantage of having been with J.Crew for more than 15 years is knowing what feels right/what doesn’t, what is natural to J.Crew versus what feels unnatural…striking the right balance between what is new and what is timeless. Designing the collection almost feels instinctual.” — Somsack Sikhounmuong, women’s design team

“This season we focused on the inherent DNA of J.Crew with an emphasis on reinvigorating time honored classics with a modern, whimsical twist. Unexpected colors in traditional men’s tailoring – the playful mash-up of vibrant prints – the embracing of pleated pants and wide wale cord. Those are some of my most favorite moments in the collection. In addition, this season will be Somsack’s first in his new position as head of women’s design. Having Somsack back on the team has been like rereading your favorite book and discovering all over again the reasons you loved it the first time. He brings a fresh and spirited take to the women’s collection with a deep understanding of its core tenants. Most importantly – the magic is in the mix.” — Jenna Lyons, creative director and president