Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Fall 2011 Preview!

Hello Ladies!

Check out our new fall lineup - it will be available for purchase soon!

Fall Preview - Cropped Jacket & Detailed Angled Top


Fall Preview - Cropped Jacket Detail


Fall Preview - Striped Boxy Top


Fall Preview - Stripe Top Detail


Fall Preview - Detailed Angled Top, Denim Skirt and Floral Leggings


Fall Preview - Denim Skirt Detail


Fall Preview - Stripe Dress


Fall Preview - Stripe Dress Detail


Fall Preview - Detailed Angled Top


Fall Preview - Angled Top Detail


Fall Preview - Lace Sweetheart Top & Gathered Skirt


Fall Preview - Lace Top & Gathered Skirt Detail


xoxo
Stefanie

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Stylin' Look: Western Chic!

Howdy y'all!
So I thought I'd show you how I mixed my mom's 80's western vest with some modern pieces for a super fun look! (To be honest, I think my smile looks a bit weird in this photo but it was the only one I could find!)
I am joined in the photo by my production assistant & friend Corinne Monique! Check out her blog HERE! She looks fab too in a dress of her own creation. Such a talented lady!




A few things I tried...

Mixing Prints: I used both a stripe and a leopard print in this look, but since the stripe is bold & neutral colored (grey and white) and the print is small & bright brown, it works! A neutral mixed with a bright and a bold print paired with a small one - Keep those things in mind and you can make it work too!

Mixing Colors: I had the neutral grey, white, black and brown so how did I spice it up? Turquoise! The teal in my necklace picked up the aqua in my shoes (which also had a brown strap to tie into my vest and scarf), which coordinated with the blue of my bag. Fab!
Mixing styles: Vests and puffy skirts can be problematic sometimes, but I just went for it and paired them together. Because I had heels on, the skirt was just the right length to show off my legs. The vest nips in at the waist ever so slightly making it a nice little accent piece. Because everything about this outfit is so bold, all the aspects work together to make it noticeable in a VERY good way!

Try it out yourself, you'll be amazed what you can make work with some creativity and confidence!


And here's another photo, just for fun :)



xoxo
Stefanie


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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Stylin' VIDEO: The Signature Bow

My friend said to me the other day that she was impressed by how I have embraced the headscarf with such intensity. She actually can't remember me without it and I think that is a sign of complete success! Obviously, my absolute favorite accessory is the hair bow. I wear one with practically everything. And now you can too!

I originally posted this last summer, but I think some of you might have missed it and frankly, now is the perfect time to test it out anyways! It looks especially great in spring - so fresh! Something I didn't mention last time, to get the best bow, your scarf should be about 36" square or 54" X 10" long.

It really is super easy and if you have the confidence and flair, you can make this retro accessory look totally modern and cute!

Watch the video and check out below for some more detailed instructions.



Step #1
Grab a pretty square or rectangular scarf and 6 bobby pins.

Step #2
For a square scarf, fold it in half- creating a triangle. Then you want to start at the tip of the triangle and roll the scarf inwards creating a strip approx. 2” wide.

For a rectangular scarf, just kinda scrunch it up (or roll it if it is really wide) to create that same 2” wide strip.

Step #3
Place the scarf at the centre back of your neck, lift the ends to the front of your head and tie a knot. Making sure it is secure, go ahead and tie a bow. Using the “bunny ears” method is the easiest- try to think of when you were a kid tying your shoelaces for the first time. Then once that is done, fluff out the bow to get it exactly how you want it.

Step #4
Secure the bow with a few bobby pins. At the back of your head on either side, you are going to want to place 2 pins in an X shape for maximum strength. Then place one on either side of the bow at the front of your head (not to worry - the bow should hide the pins).


And that’s it! An eye-catching effect that frames your face and will get people noticing you!

Hope you try it out soon – let me know how it goes!
xoxo
Stefanie

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Stylin' Tip: Wedding Dress Love!

Shopping for a wedding dress can be a frustrating process, but it is much worse when you are over size 10. The traditional wedding dress shops do not carry larger sample sizes (and if they do you are most likely to try on a princess gown resembling something possibly worn in the Victorian era) so how are you to know if something is the right shape and style for you? You want to look modern and pretty, just like everyone else!

I totally understand this predicament as I was married a few years back and took (for me) the easy way out- I made my dress. But going store to store trying to get an idea of what I liked was so hard because I couldn’t try anything on and I was (and still am) angry about the whole thing. Here is a pic of my dress:


It had a lace jacket, was tea-length and a had pops of color in the crinoline and waistband!

So, below are some possible options to help you get through this process alive and make it a bit more fun!

Tip #1: Think outside of the box. Who says you have to buy your dress from the “traditional” wedding shop with all their rules and fees. I say, look for dresses that are plus-size that can be added to or manipulated to create what you have in mind. Adding lace, beading, tool, etc. can all be done by a seamstress relatively easily and can end up getting you exactly what you want.

I would also search at vintage stores to see if you could spruce up a used number (an old wedding gown or simply a white dress).

Also maybe think about getting a new dress that isn't necessarily white- just something you like a lot- and add white accessories and shoes to make it look really bridal. A really great printed dress would look fab with a great headpiece, belt and shoes!


Tip #2: Buy Online I know this can be scary, but it is a great place to start. Be prepared to pay for some alterations once you get it, and perhaps some design adjustments, but really, you could have a totally one of a kind look this way.


Madison Plus has a great list of online stores with fab dresses! Check it out HERE!




As long as the dress is purchased from a reputable site, you should be able to get all the measurements you need to order the right size. This can also be cost effective. The downside to this is knowing what style looks good on you.


Some tips:
-strapless is a nice fit on basically everyone (I also love the halter and sweetheart necklines)
-try getting or adding a lace jacket for the ceremony- it is soft and demure and helps hide some of those trouble spots around the arms most of us have
-Tea length or short dresses are super cute and you don't have to worry about getting them hemmed
-think of a dress you have that you wear often and like the shape of. Try and mimic that style for your wedding gown- it is important to choose something that suits your personal style.



Tip #3: Go Custom Made Keeping in mind the tips I just gave you above for fit, locate pictures of things you like and bring them to a local seamstress or designer. If you don’t know anyone, go on Craigslist or ask around. It shouldn’t be that hard to find someone in your area you like. Most will work with you to create a custom look. Remember this process is all about trust. If you aren't feeling the vibe of the designer, just walk away. Don't feel bad about that. If this is the case, be prepared to spend at the very minimum $1000. It takes a lot of time to create a customized dress just for you and just consider this- it is your wedding day after all- treat yourself!


Hope you all have beautiful weddings and know that I am here if you need me!
Xoxo
Stefanie

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Stylin' VIDEO: Raiding Your Partner's Closet

This was a favorite video from last year so I thought I'd re-post it for those of you who may not have seen it! Enjoy! xoxo

Some days I get so sad when I look at my wardrobe. Nothing is clean or nothing fits. It is then that I decide to look at what my husband has in his drawer and I whip out the cutest of his shirts. It will definitely fit and with some accessories and some attitude I know I can rock it.

Watch the video on how to make this masculine shirt fantastically feminine and see my detailed notes below on how to make this look work for you!



Tip #1
Choose The Shirt Wisely
. Really, it is all in the print (or lack thereof). Plain colors work well - there isn’t too much to think about there, just keep in mind that you should pick a color that is suitable for your skin tone.

But if you want to spice it up (like I always do) then make sure you choose a print that is somewhat current and bold. Don’t choose a print with a tiny floral pattern or minuscule pinstripe. Try for a buffalo check or detailed plaid instead.

Tip #2
The Accessories Make It Lady-Like
. This shirt is going to be very boxy, with no darts or feminine shaping at all. You have to add that on your own. Unbutton the top buttons to bring focus on the bust, add a belt at the waist for definition, and roll up the sleeves to show some skin. You must finish the look with girly shoes – manly runners or clunky boots are a no go.

Tip #3
Don’t Forget The Attitude
. In order to pull off any look, you have to love it and people need to see that. By flipping up the collar and walking with a bit of a swagger, the look is complete. No need to be over the top, just know that you look hot and others think so too! You can feel confident knowing you put together a great outfit.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spring One of a Kind Show!

Come see me at the show!

Wednesday, March 30 to Sunday, April 3, 2011
Wednesday to Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm


Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto ON M6K 3C3 Canada

I'll be at BOOTH P-35!



Get $3 off too! Click HERE to use this coupon!

Hope to see you there!
xoxo
Stefanie

Friday, March 4, 2011

Stylin' Tip: Prints!

Why is it that all plus size prints available are horrible? Do I really want to be wearing a psychedelic circular print in neon pink & green on a black background? Was it my life’s goal to wear only microscopic printed flowers in blue and pink on a tan shirt? Definitely not.

I think most of the time designers feel that these prints “distract” or “compliment” our shape, but really – they just make women look gigantic and possibly shabby unnecessarily.

Just because those prints are available doesn’t mean you have to wear them. Here are a few tips on avoiding these dreaded looks:

1. Keep The Colors Neutral and Clean If you avoid bright colors against black and stick with the neutrals it will give you an overall classier look.

The black paired with bright colors is just too much. You notice the print and not the woman. If you stick with a softer color, but still have a cool print, you're set!


2. Don’t Go Overboard If there is a print, the style of garment must be simple – don’t go flashy print and fancy design (ruffles, beading, asymmetrical). Any print must be accompanied by a simple design. Less is definitely more in this scenario!

3. Pick A Size of Print That Matches Your Body Don’t go too small or too big. Too small of a print won’t get noticed from far away and it may actually give you that Laura Ashley vibe unintentionally, and going to big with the print with make you look foolish and out of the loop.

The brown fabric in this image is neutral and the right size - not too big, not too small.


4. Look For Contemporary Prints At the moment, stripes, dots, floral and animal prints are big, but that doesn’t mean you can wear every style.

-Don’t go too narrow on the stripe, don’t go too small on the floral.
-Keep the dots smaller, don’t go crazy or it will look clown-like.
-If it’s a bird or horse print you can’t really go wrong, but again, keep the other rules in mind – neutral/soft colors work best with the proper size pattern (I’d say the images should be anywhere from 1”- 2” wide depending on how many are on the garment).
-Avoid colorful animal prints when wearing cougar/leopard patterns - keep it grey/black if possible.

From this image you can see how keeping the print all in one color tone and smaller is classier than bright, large blotches, right?



5. Don’t Be Intimidated By Prints or Stripes
Horizontal stripes can look great if you have the right fit! By avoiding horizontal stripes you really are hindering your style quotient – they are so hot right now!

All you need to do is add a belt that cinches the waist and a long necklace that hangs mid bust point and you’re set. Those 2 things will really elongate you. For good measure, throw your hair up in a stylish bun and watch the compliments roll in!

Look at this picture - the vertical stripes (which people always say make you look slimmer - lie) are so tiny they are hard to look at. If you buy a blouse with this print you will most likely blind everyone you meet!


6. Play It Safe Just wear prints on your accessories! If you’re afraid you’ll make a mistake (or if contemporary prints aren't available in your area), a great way to start incorporating prints is to only use them in accent pieces – scarves, a purse, shoes, etc. That way they won’t be too overwhelming. Keep the rest of your clothes one tone and add a fab scarf around your neck – people will love it - Trust me!

Remember all these tips when shopping - It will help you avoid some style mistakes and hopefully add some classy into your wardrobe!
xoxo
Stefanie

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

My Favorite Things: Spring Thaw Edition!

Okay! Today is March 1st - Its pretty outside (at least where I am located) and I am so ready for winter to be over! In anticipation of the new season, I have put together a list of my favorite things for spring! Hope you like!

1. Retro Backback! This one is by Marc by Marc Jacobs and its called the Totally Turnover Backback. It has a super long strap that you can use as either a backpack or throw it over your shoulder - Love that versatility! And the brown leather is so attractive to me right now. Yay for functional and beautiful design!



2. Platform Clogs! So I guess I am working a 70's theme today, but I really think these nude platforms by Coclico Shoes are the sexiest! That heel is to die for in my opinion. While these may not be the most traditional of clogs, I think they maybe are the prettiest!


3. Chunky Colourful Necklace! Love this so much - this shade of yellow is beyond fabulous. I can imagine myself wearing any one of C'est Joli's pieces but this necklace in particular is so great! It is going to look fantastic will all my scoop neck tops this season.


4. Floppy Straw Hat! I think I may abandon my classic bow headscarf for a few days this spring and summer so I can don this fantastic piece. I get so happy just looking at it! Classic elegance all the way!


5. Matte Lipstick! Matte Lipstick is my new favorite thing especially when you find a great shade. Revlon used to make the most perfect shade of peach but I lost mine and now I can't find it. Bummer! But they have other colours that are equally charming like Sky Pink! Can't wait to bring some color into my look!

So I hope you are inspired to bring a few new pieces into your wardrobe this season. Even just one or two things will make such a difference to your overall look.

xoxo
Stefanie

Monday, January 17, 2011

Stylin' Tip: Evening Wear

So this is the first time I'm commenting on celebrity fashion, but I just had to give props to Amber Riley! This dress she wore last night to the Golden Globes was fantastic and we can learn a lot from it!

Amber Riley At the Golden Globes 2011

First, let's analyze the fit:
-Cinched at the waist with a defining belt - yay!
-One strap for support and style - fitting right in with the other fashionistas of the night! No need to dress differently just because you have curves!
-This mermaid shape doesn't always work, but because it is such a heavy weight fabric it cascades off her hips, doesn't cling, and emphasizes her beautiful shape
-The sweetheart neckline holds her in, lifts her up and doesn't reveal too much of her bust, which can often be a problem

Now, for the fabric:
-Love love love this new glitter craze in dresses right now and yay for Amber being right on trend
-Its a bold fabric but not a bold color and this is why it works - It is making a statement, but not in a "look at me, look at me!" way. Classic elegance!

Note Amber's confidence and stature when posing. You can tell she loves this dress! She isn't hiding her arms, or afraid to show off her body - she wants you to feel this good too!

Some curvy & plus-size celebs (I won't mention names) could learn a few things from this lady!
Good job stylist and designer Oliver Tolentino!

xoxo
Stefanie

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Stylin' Tip: Accessories

Accessories are meant to enhance an outfit - emphasizing your good parts and distracting us from your trouble spots. Here are a few DOs and DON'Ts regarding accessories:

DO bring attention to your face by wearing large earrings, a head scarf, or a bow

DO wear loose fitting jewellery that cascades off the body. Long necklaces and earrings give the illusion of length & height instead of width.

DO wear strong pieces that match your body's weight and height. Jewellery that is too small on a larger body will not have much impact.

DON'T be afraid to bring some color into your life with accessories. They are meant to be fun afterall! A full black outfit looks extra hot when you add some dynamic red earrings!

DON'T wear cuffs, chokers, ankle straps if you have bulky wrists, neck or calves. The tight jewelery only emphasizes the width in these areas. If you leave them free and open you will look like you have tiny wrists, a longer neck, and slimmer legs.

Obviously these are just suggestions, and rules are meant to be broken! Here are a few accessories that I like that are bold, sophisticated and fun!

A CUTE HAIR ACCESSORY
I've mentioned these before and I probably will again! I love these Beret's!
le petit beret

Click here to see the entire Le Petit Beret Collection!

Love this floral scarf from ASOS obviously!
floral scarf


A BOLD BRACELET
So I am breaking a rule here by suggesting cuffs, but since these are colorful and extra wide they work!

Check out C'est Joli's website for details!

A DYNAMIC NECKLACE
check out shopbop for a great selection and this hot number from Sachin + Babi
Sachin + Babi Necklace



And again, just remember that as long as you are confident in your fashion choices, you will look fab!
Have Fun Ladies!
xoxo
Stefanie