Shoe Artist

I recently visited the Bata Shoe Museum to see the Manalo Blahnik Exhibit and I was not disappointed. I saw the work of a true artist and I understand why these shoes are sought after with such fervor. The craftsmanship that goes into every design is why the price tag is so high.

Fun Fact – Manolo Blahnik designed the footwear for the movie Marie Antionette by Sofia Coppola.

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He was influenced by his Spanish and Czech roots. Check out the Pom Poms on these shoes which are a reminder of National Czech folk costumes.

 

My favourite piece was this boot. Totally my style!

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Definitely worth checking out! The show is on until early January 2019.

San Francisco Feeling

Such a colourful, vibrant city!

I recently spent a week exploring San Francisco and Napa Valley/Sonoma.  One popular colour was rose gold – specifically this Rose Gold Light Down jacket from Uniqlo. Everyone was wearing it – including myself. Here I’m riding a vintage tram along Market Street.

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Art is huge in San Fran with outdoor murals, galleries and the world renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

Shopping is also a big deal with Union Square being the hub. Here’s my haul.

LUX

I spotted this great accessories shop in the Castro and picked up this cashmere poncho for $50. I layered here over a jean jacket for chilly spring mornings and I know it will work over dresses and blazers as well. I also visited the UGG store in Union Square and the moment I slid my feet into these slides I was sold. The soft leather lining and cushion sole will keep my tired feet comfortable and stylish all day!

POP OF COLOUR

Being surrounded by art, stunning landscapes and coastlines made me want to liven up my Spring wardrobe with colour. I scored this Anthropologie embroidered jacket for $41 from $198. I visited the store while they were having a Friday night Happy Hour. While sampling some great California Rosé I scooped up some great sale stuff for an extra 30% off. Best shopping night ever!

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It’s the Little Things

Sometimes cheap little ordinary treats can really take you back to your holiday and remind you of the good times you had. I picked up some buttons from galleries, and tourist shops. I really like them on jean jackets or hats. They are an affordable and stylish holiday memory. Picked up this mermaid pouch at a gallery in Sonoma. The image reminded me of the California coastline with it’s rocks and sea lions. Accessories were on BOGO 50% at Victoria Secret. I love this rose gold wallet – it will work great with my Gucci belt bag because I can attach my keys as well.

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ONE DRESS 2 SEASONS

This cream sweater dress was another score from Anthropoligie. I can wear it now, as winter is ending, with OTK boots + leggings and in Spring with my new laser cut Vince Camuto boots (future blog post). I can top this dress with so many of my jackets!

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THE BEST

The very best thing about my holiday was spending time with my BFFs from Italy! CIAO!

 

 

Day 16 – Summer Boots

I love the idea of boots in summer. Obviously I won’t wear UGGs or heavy looking boots but laser cut boots or booties I like to wear all year.

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First up, these suede booties with fringe from Top Shop. I originally wanted them in tan but when I went to the store they only had black and I have no regrets. I wear them all year including summer. In hot weather I like to wear them with dresses or cropped leggings. During 25 Days 25 Looks I wore them quite a few times because it was such a cool spring.

 

I styled these booties with black cropped leggings and this fabulous tomato red sweater from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It’s a super stretchy cotton blend with scalloped detailing. I love the punchy colour of this sweater; how it warms my skin tone and compliments my hair.

Transitional Boots

Another great transitional piece is open toe boots. here is a mini guide to take you from summer to fall in style.

SKINNY JEANS

My open toe boots are from Browns in Toronto. I love the cut-work and solid stacked heel. To transition to fall, layer a coloured sock for warmth and visual interest. For a solid leather boot a patterned sock would work great.

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SKIRTS

These boots make a bold statement when paired with a pencil skirt. They would also work well with a denim or boho skirt. Layer a coloured or pattern tight for warmth and visual interest later in fall.

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CROPPED TROUSERS

These boots demand attention so a cropped trouser shows them off the best. Sheer sock or fishnet gives a little extra visual interest and some added warmth.

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All photos by Lori Tonizzo.

RUNWAY REPORT

FW 2015/16 is a season of delights. I feel overloaded with trends so I’ve focused on the 3 you need to up your style game.

  • BESPOKE

Tailored suits were featured on almost all fall runways. A suit is always a great investment because of it’s versatility it is the work horse of any wardrobe. Broken apart the jacket and trousers can be paired separately to create other looks. Dress the suit down with a t-shirt and sneakers or dress it up with a shimmery top and stilettos. Wear the jacket as an overcoat with a cashmere pullover underneath. These are just a few possibilities. The standout was PRADA. Severe tailoring on the narrow cropped trousers and fitted blazers is softened by the colour palette. Paired with the”inside” bag and you’re ready for serious work or serious fun.

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  • A LA MOD

The mod mini dresses at CALVIN KLEIN by Francisco Costa have it all. Style, glitz, attitude and comfort. Think women’s clothes in the movie Man from U.N.C.L.E. This trend is for everyone. If you think it’s too short – layer it over skinny jeans or narrow pants. Add boots and off you go. Sidebar – dresses over pants is another look for fall.

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  • NEW ROMANTICS

This trend encompasses Boho and English Eccentricity. It can be long and flowy or have several layers of mixed patterns. It is an anything goes trend. Take this cue from BURBERRY. Floral trench over graphic dark trousers. At Miu Miu they mixed plaid with leopard and stripes. Some women find it challenging mixing patterns. TIP: consider tweed a neutral and pair it with stripes or florals in similar tones.

mui_muiOTHER FALL NOTES

Brooches are the jewellery piece to have. It adds interest to a suit and works well in multiples with a new romantic look.

Burgandy and forest green are 2 of the biggest colours for fall. In New York the stores were full of apparel in these colours.

Ankle boots with stacked heels. That’s all you need to know and all you need for footwear this fall. NEXT WEEK: Footwear focus

PAPER ART

I chose to illustrate a mod dress with mix patterns playing on 2 of Fall’s big trends. As always my paper is from The Paper Place in Toronto. mod_mini

Photo Credits

Prada – both images from website

Calvin Klein – from Style.com website

Burberry – from  website

Miu Miu – from website