Shameless.

Alexander Wang's SS13 footwear configuration is not something to overlook. I cannot tell if he is aiming to deconstruct the riding boot or embellish the gladiator sandal, either way, his technique offers the audience a candid hybrid of industry and a raunchy heart. With Stella McCartney, Valentino, and other designers pushing the clear, plastic-like resources--similar looking to the '90s clear, jelly trend yet without the sheer disgrace, there's no doubt that the transparent movement is a strong survivor. It sparked with undergarments, then to blouses, off to dresses, now to footwear. While many theorists agree that the foot is the least important sensory district, Wang would beg to differ. Rather, he views footwear, at least for this next season, as an externalization of raw, exposed femininity. 

sweater + pencil

          Spring is gradually fading away and summer is nearly upon us. Some days you can feel the strength of the sun, while others remain frigid. This random weather may not only confuse the mind, but also disrupt the fluidity of daily attire selection. A go-to-outfit in this climate is the combination of an oversized sweater and a pencil skirt. Together, the sweater and pencil build a relationship on balance, harmony, and aesthetic pleasure, much like what makes fashion itself survive. In regards to the characteristics of the sweater, a neutral knit is preferred. In regards to the pencil skirt, colour, print, and texture may vary, as long as the garment retains the pencil silhouette. When the seasons treat you with erratic behavior, you must challenge it with an unpredictable outfit. 

Caution: Long Dresses May Get Caught On Escalator

What could be more romantic than Lucian Matis's Fall 2012 Runway Collection at the Grand Ballroom in the Royal York Hotel...mmm... nothing! Lets just say, the man knows his way around enchantment. Floor length crochet gowns, black feathered capes, and innocently evil headpieces. It was a true sight to see. To top it all off, the whole show's eerie, yet eloquent atmosphere was manifested in the "shinning-like" room itself. In addition to the location, the pounding, dramatic, classical remixed music enforced the epic atmosphere. Three words: oh my gad.

Eyes On The Prize - Peplums.

     It's been sprinkled along the runway, red carpet, and even H&M stores. Now it has become more apparent than ever; peplums have blossomed. Though, why now? Was it not just last season that oversized, undefined waists were ideal. Maybe the woes of recent crises have caused us to search for the hope, growth and happiness that is endowed in images of fertile, hourglass female bodies? Or, maybe it is much more simple than that; it is just due time that we cycled back into a figure eight silhouette. Either way, I approve. A defined waist is aesthetically pleasing, male-enticing and great camouflage for any "too many sweets" day.

Wigs, For Real.

      Throughout history wigs have been associated with costume attire--an extraordinary form of dress for theatrical or ceremonial situations. They have been recognized as something that is associated with halloween, costume parties and unfortunate hair loss circumstances. Yet, this stigmatization of wigs may be fleeting; wigs may be changing from "mmm, don't think so" to "yeah, why not."
Remember, I'm not talking about weaves or extensions --which have habituated themselves in everyday wear for a number of years, I'm talking about full out wigs. Wigs being worn out for cocktails, dinner or even a quick run to the store. Sure, their functionality may not be substantial, but they can be strikingly transformative, sexy and playful. They can enhance the cohesiveness and drama of an ensemble instantly. Really, who needs real when you have wigs?

Save the Turtleneck.

         Honestly, I feel bad for the turtleneck. It was never the coolest kid in the bunch. It's past association with the most acute academics, the many horrid patterns and textures that have been unwillingly applied, and not to mention its name! Turtleneck. Really? Poor PR job. The truth is, the turtleneck has significant potential. Just because the turtleneck appears to be conservative and somewhat prude at times, does not mean that it cannot be stylish. Try a sheer turtleneck like AKIRA offers here. It's suggestive, chic and yet still, somehow, a turtleneck.

Sea Foam Spring.

               Some say it may be a little premature, but honestly it's never too early to start thinking about what to wear for the upcoming season. There seems to be a surplus of colour palettes coming Spring's way, but one colour that has settled in my forefront is sea foam green. Christian Dior displayed some of their most strikingly elegant gowns for Spring/Summer 2012 in the refreshing minty hue. The colour is so soft and welcoming that I genuinely feel that those who wear sea foam green must be good people. Now If the sea foam is too kind for you, pair it with accents of black and you'll regain some of that edge. 

Over Accessorizing: When Does Good Go Bad?

Bad

Good

    As the accessory industry is at an all time high, consumers are spending more than ever on accessories. Whether it's that aggressive clutch, glamorous pair of earrings or innocent hairpiece, we want it. The question is, when is enough enough? Can one overdose in accessories? All earrings point to yes! There is a threshold. Too much shows a lack of character. Pick and choose your accessories carefully. We can't be good at everything all the time; we can't wear all our accessories all the time. Be confident in the few items you select, it will communicate a decisive nature. Hey, there's nothing more attractive than a woman who knows what she wants. 

       

Idol.

My Idol. You could learn a lot from this.

(Photo: Schuman, 2011).

LGFASHION WEEK - Life is your Runway.

Last night I was blessed with the oppourtunity to volunteer at Toronto's LG Fashion Week. There were three runway shows: Lauren Bagliore (airy, black and white, sultry), David Dixon (80's aroma, punches of yellow, lace and detail), and Denis Gagnon (innocent, sexy, floral and silk). The compilation of artists left the audience with a dynamic feeling. Some of the garments celebrated structure while others admired the freedom of flow. What was the most stimulating were the off the runway looks. Beautiful headpieces and lethal pumps flooded through the audience. It provided me with reason to believe that there is no purpose in saving clothes. Now is the time to wear that special piece; life is your runway.