Spring 2011 | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

Wishlist: Swarovski Matrioshka Necklace

16 November, 2010 Nelia

Last week, I had a chance to attend Swarovski Spring 2011 collection preview, and I was definitely impressed with what I saw. So many beautiful, colorful, lovely pieces – I left coveting more than a few.

But the one item that stood out to me was this fun Matrioshka (Matryoshka) necklace. As a half-Russian myself, I’ve always been a sucker for items that represent my heritage, and this necklace does so in a very cutesy, yet chic way. Sadly, these won’t be available until sometime in February, so until then I’ll be dreaming of a crystal-studded Matrioshka doll necklace.

Thakoon Spring 2011 at The Room

15 November, 2010 Nelia

Last month, The Bay held an intimate cocktail reception to welcome New York designer Thakoon Panichgul to Toronto for the very first time. And after previewing his Spring 2011 collection, it is quite apparent why Thakoon is adored by such famous women as Anna Wintour, Michelle Obama, Demi Moore, and Sarah Jessica Parker, among others. His clothes are feminine and romantic, without being too girlie, his use of decorative detailing is innovative, but not overdone – Thakoon makes beautiful modern clothes for modern women.

There were lovely gowns in gorgeous blues, snakeskin patterns, hits of yellow, grey and rose, leather bangles, velvet, knits, and silks…oh, my! I’ll take it all, please and thank you! Ok, but in all seriousness, the chunky-knit cardigan (below) is definitely something I would wear all-through the winter, spring, fall, and even chilly summer evenings – my favorite piece from the collection, hands down!

Another highlight of the night was actually meeting Thakoon in person. The designer was charming and down-to-earth; he shared his insights on social media, Toronto, and the kind of woman he designs for. His charisma definitely shines through his clothes – Thakoon is a man that understands women, and makes clothes that make women look and feel amazing.

Thakoon is available at The Room at The Bay, and if you still haven’t seen the collection, you must check it out! Oh, and if you’re picking up an early Christmas gift for me, that yellow/grey cardigan has my name on it!

Gap Spring 2011 Preview

8 November, 2010 Nelia

Spring is in the air! Ok, not really…the winter hasn’t even begun yet, but after Spring 2011 fashion shows, and a string of Spring 2011 fashion previews, I am left dreaming about cherry blossoms and open-toe shoes.

Last week, Gap held its very own Spring 2011preview, and I was immediately smitten. The pretty pastel-colored cotton pants, the ones I’ve been searching for high and low this past spring, are part of the collection and are definitely on my “To Buy” list. Along with the gladiator wedges, that seem absolutely perfect for late spring walks in the park.

The collection itself contained plenty of Gap-y basics, as well as a variety of more fashion-y 70s-inspired flared pants (from khaki to denim), lovely peacoats, some kick-ass camel-colored shorts (also on my list), and pretty blouses.

Other stand outs included the fringed sweater-jacket, and a gorgeous cream-colored airy frock, which I wasn’t able to see at the preview, but noticed in the Spring 2011 lookbook instead.

Spring 2011 collection will be available in stores sometime in January, though I doubt the weather will cooperate accordingly. Sadly…I’m not in Texas anymore.

L’Wren Scott at The Room

1 November, 2010 Nelia

Last week, we were treated to a special Spring 2011 L’Wren Scott preview courtesy of The Room. The designer/stylist/model herself was present at the event, and though she was as tall as expected (6’4″), one thing that really stood out about Scott was how graceful and gracious she is.

The collection itself was a lovely selection of separates, and evening gowns covered in intricate beading and sequins. My favorite of the night was definitely the black and gold floor-length gown, with floral clusters of sequins all over – stunning, and yet unfortunately for me, unaffordable at this time.

L’Wren Scott is yet another high-end label that is available at The Room at The Bay! The Room has now become my lunch-shopping destination of choice. And if you still haven’t been, after hearing me rave about it for days, then you really need to pay a visit to the Queen St. Bay store. The transformation is striking!

Don’t Miss This Week: Thakoon at The Room

1 November, 2010 Nelia

This has definitely been a year of The Bay! From SJP for Halston, to the British Invasion party, designers simply cannot stay away from the venerable Canadian store institution. And this time, the latest feted designer at The Room is Thakoon!

If you are a fan of this designer’s feminine aesthetic, and are dying to see his Spring 2011 collection in person, now is your chance! Thakoon trunk show will take place at The Room on Queen St. West tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd from 12pm until 2pm. See you there!

Photo Credits: NYMag

Lanvin vs. Prada

5 October, 2010 Nelia

Was catching up on my Paris Fashion Week Spring 2011 RTW shows, when the above Lanvin dress (on the left) caught my eye. The whole look of it just felt eerily familiar. And of course it did, since I’ve already seen it back in 2009 during Prada’s Fall 2009 RTW show (on the right)! Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

All-over vertical embellishments? Check. Thick strips of fringe at the bottom of the skirt? Check. Belted waist? Check. And sure, Miuccia used leather to make her dresses, while Alber opted for a more delicate fabric. But so what? Lanvin’s finished product could be Prada dress’ not-so-distant cousin.

And no, I am not necessarily saying that this is a clear-cut case of creative plagiarism, but I do believe that the Prada design is not any typical ol’ LBD, it’s got enough distinguishing characteristics, so that I would never confuse that particular dress with another designer’s. Even after seeing the Bebe knock-off version, I remembered where I saw this dress first – Prada Fall 2009. And yet another factor is that Alber’s aesthetic for Lanvin has always had a very particular feminine air to it, not at all “tough gladiator chick”.

So what are your thoughts on this? Do you think someone at Lanvin was lacking original ideas, or is this dress not at all like the ones from Prada? Is immitation a sincerest form of flattery?

Take the poll below.

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Photo Credits: www.style.com

Shopping: First Dr. Martens Store in Canada

24 September, 2010 Nelia

Fall is upon us, and just like many others, I am embarking on a new footwear search. This year I vowed to buy something practical for Toronto winters, something sensible, with a stylish kick. And after visiting Canada’s first standalone Dr. Martens store at 391 Queen St. West, I think my search is over.

The shop’s walls are lined top to bottom with different styles and colors of the iconic grunge-fave shoe, and the whole feel is like being in a candy shop – just take your pick. There are girly shoes – with floral and paisley designs (my fave), the “originals”, the “Made in Britain” pairs, and some not-so-Doc looking Doc Martens. I was also told that most styles available worldwide will be sold at the Toronto store…all neatly lined up under one roof.

I also got to see the Spring 2011 lineup of Docs, which included the below pony hair leopard print styles, which I believe were made in collaboration with Opening Ceremony, some cute pastel ones…even gladiator wedge Docs! It’s pretty safe to say, that if you’re looking for a specific pair of Dr. Martens shoes, the Queen St. store will have them.

Most shoes retail between $100-$200, which is not a high price to pay for a comfy, well-made, classic boot. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so make sure to pop by and say “Happy Birthday!”.