Spring 2016

What I Wore: Surprisingly Washable

25 April, 2016 Nelia

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Have you ever needed to wear something only to realize that it needs to be dry cleaned? Well, last weekend it happened to me. As I was prepping my outfit the night before a friend’s wedding, I realized that the silk H&M Studio dress I was planning to wear was not in wearable condition and needed to be cleaned STAT! Dry cleaning wasn’t an option (too late!), and so in my desperation I looked at the inside care label only to realize that despite its silk composition, the dress was surprisingly washable! Who would’ve thought?! And so I happily marched downstairs to the laundry room, threw in a Tide POD along with the dress (inside a delicates bag), and just washed it. As you can see, the dress was in perfect condition after the wash – fashion crisis averted!

When you start paying attention to those care labels, you’ll learn that a huge portion of your wardrobe is most likely surprisingly washable too. With #TideChic movement you can save a ton of money on dry cleaning bills, while giving your clothes the TLC they deserve. I’ve been using Tide PODS ever since they first launched, and the convenience as well as excellent results got me hooked…I don’t think I could ever go back to regular detergent. Downy Fabric Conditioner is another fave; it protects clothes at the fiber level and keeps them looking like new, extending the life of your favourite pieces…and it leaves them smelling so good!

So next time you throw that dress in your dry cleaning pile, make sure to check the care label and see if it’s washable…you may just be surprised! But don’t just take my word for it! Comment below if you’d like to try Tide PODS and Downy Fabric Conditioner for yourself, and you could win one of 3 #TideChic prize packs*!

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Shopping: Sephora Summer 2016 New Arrivals

28 March, 2016 Nelia

Last month, I got a chance to stop by the Sephora Spring/Summer 2016 preview to check out the upcoming new arrivals. With Sephora being the ultimate destination for all things beauty, the preview was chock full of cute makeup bags, delicious perfumes, innovative skincare, covetable palettes and so much more! Knowing how overwhelming sorting through a ton of new arrivals can be, I chose my top 10 fave new products that will be hitting the shelves this spring.

There’s the diverse fragrance collection from Derek Lam, the ingenious Formula X nail polish remover (insert all 5 fingers, and remove them polish-free – works like magic!), the super-versatile Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE concealer palette, and the magical Bliss Climate Control wand that will help reduce redness and puffiness when used cold and boost absorption of products when hot. The new Tarte Rainforest of the Sea collection is full of must-haves, but the lip colours were my personal fave! I was also lucky enough to preview the Minnie Mouse x Sephora collection, and let me tell you – it’s adorable! From uber-cute packaging (once you use up the eyeshadow palette, you can use the case as a clutch!), to the most perfect red lipstick, this is one lovely collaboration! Check out my top 10 Sephora new arrivals below.
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1. Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection Gift Set ($115)
2. Formula X Delete All 5 Finger Nail Polish Remover ($18)
3. Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Correct + Conceal Palette ($61)
4. Marc Jacobs Beauty Cover(t) Stick Color Corrector ($52)
5. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea™ Drench Lip Splash Lipstick in Wet Suit ($26)
6. The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder Mattified Lipstick ($26)
7. Sephora Collection Breakups to Makeup Bag ($33)
8. Bliss Climate Control ($169)
9. Origins Maskimizer Skin-Optimizing Mask Primer ($27)
10. Minnie Mouse x Sephora Collection

Wishlist: H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection 2016

21 March, 2016 Nelia

H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection 2016 is not only beautiful, one may even call it art. What with prints borrowed from Botticelli, and inspired by Moreau, these gowns may just be the most exquisite H&M clothes you’ll ever set your eyes on. And if you’re getting married and are still looking for an affordable gown, you’re in luck – there are 3 wedding dresses in the collection, and they are all stunning!

“Working with innovative sustainable materials and ornate embellishment, the collection is a layering of references, shapes and textures topped off by intensely decorative accessories and deco-inspired bijoux,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M. Materials used in this collection include organic silk, hemp, recycled linen and Tencel® blends as well as new innovative materials such as beads and rhinestones made from recycled glass and Denimite® a material made out of recycled worn-out denim (H&M is the first fashion company to use).

The collection will be available in approximately 180 stores worldwide and online from April 7, and I for one, can’t wait! What about you? Share in the comments.

See the full collection after the jump!
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H&M Home is Coming to Toronto!!!

17 February, 2016 Nelia

~~First~~ Second Canadian H&M Home store is opening in Toronto’s Eaton Centre this month, and I am super excited about this! I am completely obsessed with the current H&M Home collection, and ended up buying a few pieces in New York, while attending NYFW. Since I was travelling with a carry-on, I couldn’t buy everything I wanted, but once the Toronto store opens its doors on February 25th, I’ll be stocking up on affordable bedding sets, cat towels, adorable pineapple dishes, and so much more! I hope and pray that we’ll get a wide selection of products, and chances are that we will. The new and improved flagship store is going to be one of the largest H&M stores in the world (at 58,000 square feet) and will carry every H&M collection you’ve ever dreamed of. Next up, online shopping?!

Are you excited about H&M Home in Canada? Share in the comments!

UPDATED: Thanks to our reader Alex for pointing out that the West Edmonton Mall location was the first Canadian H&M Home location. We are so used to Toronto getting everything first, that we completely forgot about the Edmonton location.

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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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Shopping: Aritzia Spring 2016 Collection – Lookbook

2 February, 2016 Nelia

Guys, I’m pretty sure that winter’s been cancelled! Last Sunday, as le bf and I strolled home from Bobbette & Belle, my jacket was wide open, my fingers were glove-free, and I didn’t even have a hat on! So now that we know that spring is just around the corner, it’s time to feast our eyes on spring arrivals. I guarantee that you’ll love Aritzia Spring 2016 Collection Lookbook – it’s the epitome of spring chic! The collection is full of easy white pieces – from flowy dresses, to sexy little tops, as well as earthy statement accessories and knits. I won’t spend too much time singing it praises, and will let this stellar lookbook do the talking. Enjoy!

Let me know if you love Aritzia Spring 2016 Collection as much as I do in the comments!

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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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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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