dresses – modacarta

San Francisco Feeling

March 18, 2018Posted in shoppingTagged Accessories, art, boots, California, dresses, fashion, fashion blogger, jacket, photography, poncho, San Francisco, shopping, spring fashion, spring shoes, spring style, travelLeave a comment

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.

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!

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.

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!

THE BEST

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

J’adore DIOR

February 27, 2018Posted in Brands, Vintage ThursdayTagged design, Dior, dresses, fashion, fashion blogger, french fashion, moda, show, style, style blogger, trends, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

Recently I visited the ROM to see the J’adore Dior exhibit. The exhibit celebrates Toronto’s connection to Dior couture and Dior’s 70th Anniversary.

It featured the ROM’s collection of Dior dresses donated by Toronto socialites. The show was small but well curated. It told the story of Toronto’s love affair with Dior dresses. The entire design process was explained so you could see a garment from start to finish. One outfit was a strapless dress for evening that came with an buttoned vest for daytime. So practical for a busy 1950’s lady.

So many favourites…

I loved this pinstripe taffeta with the pink sash. It has a very modern top and the menswear inspired fabric with the feminine full skirt is a great contrast. This blue and grey ribbon dress has so much detail and embellishment and yet it was such a simple cut. The dress to the left and behind is made up of white cotton ribbon and black linen. Both are studies in embellishment and simplicity.

These 2 black dresses are so chic. The draping of the gown on the left takes a lot of skill and would have needed several fittings with the client to make it perfect! The tailoring of the black day dress on the right screams sophistication. All that’s missing is the big black sunglasses and cartwheel hat.

When I saw this black dress on the right I knew I had some pieces in my closet that to make a Dior look. This skirt has a tulip flared bottom similar to the Dior dress and the fitted jacket with the belt cinches my waist like this dress and several others in the collection.

This show is must-see for all fashionistas but hurry it ends April 8.

Summer Sizzle – Winter Chic

October 15, 2017Posted in shoppingTagged dresses, fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, italia, italian fashion, moda, style, style blogger, trends, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

I was lucky to find 2 original pieces that are almost exactly the same except one is for summer and one is for winter.

On this trip to Italy I traveled down south to Puglia – the heel of Italy. Summer was still full on with temps in the low 30s and beautiful sunshine everyday I was there. The fabric of summer in Italy is linen and designers tend to use 100% linen opposed to blends. I found this navy blue dress in a little shop in Otranto. I loved that it is a column of pure linen and hangs so beautifully on my body. The scoop in the back adds drama and allure.

At the other end of country, in the north, in Udine, I found this great sweater dress – also navy blue. It’s from Stefanel. One of several companies in Northern Italy’s hotbed of casual wear. This dress is a heavy cotton blend and is a little more body conscious. It has a plunging V in the front so layering is a must.

Day 19 – 25 Days 25 Looks

June 5, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 LooksTagged 25 Days 25 Looks, Brave, conquer cancer, Courage, dresses, fashion, Fight Cancer with Style, moda, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, spring fashion, SS2017, stay positive, style, Summer Fashion, ThePMCF, We can I canLeave a comment

Pretty Dress

Sometimes all it takes to lift your mood is putting on a pretty dress – like this one from Ann Taylor Loft. I love the lotus flower print on the black background. The subtle hint of blue makes it perfect to wear with a jean jacket and black laser cut booties.

Last Full Week

This is my last full week of treatment. I can’t believe that I have come to the final countdown so quickly. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to share my story with so many of you. I’ve enjoyed reading your comments and appreciate the likes and follows. I hope I’ve been able to provide some inspiration and encouragement to women battling cancer.

In case you missed it here is the link the CTV news clip from Friday!

http://ctv.news/Opti3LM

DAY 4 – 25 Days 25 Looks

May 12, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 LooksTagged 25 Days 25 Looks, Brave, conquer cancer, Courage, dresses, fashion, Fight Cancer with Style, moda, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, spring fashion, SS2017, style, Summer Fashion, ThePMCC, We can I canLeave a comment

My Fave Style

I love wearing dresses over pants or leggings. It’s comfortable and adds warmth. Check out this look from Gucci – so stylish!

Style Notes

I purchased this dress in Florida. I was attracted to the chevron lines in the pattern because it reminds of Missoni. I’m wearing leggings underneath and I pop the look with teal ballet flats and scarf. Taking a colour out of a pattern for your accessories is #1 easy and #2 makes your look really come together and look polished. This mini trench is from Soia & Kyo. This brand really gets detailing right! It makes their coats and jackets stand out from the plain offerings of other brands. My Princess Margaret selfie was taken today while I curled up in one of the club chairs in the radiation waiting room. They also have recliners which I will have to try next week.

Me Time

It’s important to do things for yourself that make you happy and provide inspiration during your treatment. Yesterday I went to the AGO to see the Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit. The paintings were bursting with colour and her story of living on her terms was so inspiring. It takes courage! Facing this diagnosis I know I have the courage stay positive during treatment and put my story out there so others can gain strength from it!

Pretty in Pink

February 12, 2017Posted in Trends, UncategorizedTagged design, dresses, fashion, fashion blogger, flowers, inspiration, paper dresses, pink, pink dresses, spring fashion, styleLeave a comment

The 80s are calling and the answer is PINK. If you want to jump start your Spring wardrobe then a pink dress is the perfect booster.

The Spring/Summer collections were bursting with optimism and colour. Pink is the colour trend of the season, especially for dresses.

Pier Paolo Piccioli’s solo debut collection for Valentino was full of feminine, flowy pink dresses. This one below on the left is my favourite. So want this dress! Balenciaga took a slick, minimal approach to pink with high slit tunics over boot leggings. Pants and boots in one! Love these! How could I not include my favourite designer Miuccia Prada. This pink dress from Miu Miu is part housecoat/part day dress in pink brocade. I love the flower hat.

I created this multi material dress for the doll inspired by Valentino. I’m still obsessed with transparency sections so I incorporated a pink mesh paper to show off the legs. I ended the dress just above the shoes. I’ve seen many gowns this length and I love it. It’s a refreshing change from floor length gowns. I also added a flower hat in hot pink, red and copper.

If it’s still full winter where you are then grab your pink coat & hat like I did in the feature image to brighten up your day!

Black & White Study

February 4, 2017Posted in Brands, TrendsTagged barbie style, blog, Chanel, design, dresses, fashion, inspiration, moda, paper art, paper dresses, shows, styleLeave a comment

This week’s inspiration came from a number of different sources. Year of the Rooster had me thinking about plumage and Chanel’s Haute Couture Show gave me ideas on how to create fantastic dresses aceented with feathers.

Chanel showed floaty, feathery, uber feminine dresses in a very monochromatic palette of black and white. I decided it was time to use up the feathers I had from the fascinator project int he summer.

I think the dolls look elegant in their feathery gowns. What inspires you to create?

Inspired by Friends

December 18, 2016Posted in Events, UncategorizedTagged art, design, dresses, fashion, fashionblogger, inspiration, paper art, paper dresses, showsLeave a comment

I find inspiration everywhere. But I get really excited when I’m inspired by my friends. Recently my friend Lucia Bellina posted a link on my wall. It was for show in Milan at Villa Necchi Campiglio entitled MODA DI CARTA.

It showcases the work of Isabelle Borchgrave with 30 full size garments made entirely of paper. The designs illustrate fashion from the Novecento (early 1900s).

I would have loved to see this exhibit. The clothes look spectacular and the fact that they are made of paper really got me inspired to create some new looks for the dolls.

This show reminded that another friend of mine, Tracy Kim, was kind enough to think of me on a trip to Paris this summer and brought me back this charming Marie Antionette paper doll set. Obviously the mood was perfect for design.

I choose blue and white as a theme for the first dress. The navy and white paper dress from the exhibit, as well as the feeling of MariAnt were the inspiration. I also created a long flapper/mod dress in pink. I’m feeling the resort pull as temperatures drop and snow blankets the 6ix.

Favourite Look

June 5, 2016Posted in TrendsTagged 70sStyle, barbiestyle, designers, dresses, fashion, layering, moda, paper art, spring2016, SS2016, style, trendsLeave a comment

Do you have a favourite or a go-to look? An outfit you keep going back to?

My favourite look is dresses over pants. I have a passion for the 70s so of course I love this look. Every few seasons this look resurfaces with different cuts and lengths but the feeling is always the same for me.

I have several combinations of this look and I’m drawn to it for a couple of reasons. Comfort – the pants underneath the dress make this outfit very comfortable without all the trappings of hosiery. Unexpected – the pants worn with the dress make it very unique and I like being an original.

This look popped up in a couple of collections for SS2016. Chanel layered wide leg trousers over wide skirts and flowing dresses. Marni showed matching tunics and pants.

MY STUFF

I bought this red, print tunic at Ross Dress for Less for $8 and I love wearing it over jeans with boots or wedges. For me it has a laid-back 70s vibe. For going out I have this black and white Banana Republic dress that I pair with narrow black trousers.

THE DOLL

Here she is in a print-on-print combo of jeans and an off the shoulder dress. I love the neutral colours of this paper with the jeans. It reminds me of my red tunic and jeans. The paper is from Italy and wrapped a hand-made sketch book from Venice that I use when I’m writing or sketching for modacarta.

What’s your favourite or go-to look? As always I love to hear from you.

Spring Movement

March 21, 2016Posted in TrendsTagged designers, dresses, fashion, flamenco, moda, offtheshoulder, silver, spring, spring2016, SS2016, style, trendsLeave a comment

The movement theme for SS2016 encompasses shimmery silver dresses, flamenco ruffles and off the shoulder tops.

SHINE

This trend is all about the movement of light. These 2 dresses from Lanvin and Tom Ford show how a simple form and sequins can turn heads. The Lanvin dress on the left sways and catches the light as the model moves. The colour blocking on the Tom Ford dress creates its’ own movement. Both are highly wearable styles.

FLAMENCO

Rhythmic, passionate and and exciting. Flamenco encompasses all of these. Many designers showed ruffles on long skirts or dresses. Here are two looks showing evening and daytime versions of this trend. On the right we have a Ferragamo design with multiple ruffles and colour blocking. Perfect for going shopping or out to brunch in the summer. This evening look from Oscar de la Renta reminds me of the Flamenco shows I saw in Seville. Bright red lace and flowing print skirt will definitely make the best dressed list of any summer soirée.

SHOULDER SHOW

It’s time to learn of to shimmy in these great Spring styles. Perfect for hot days and dancing the night away. It’s so great to see the Sonia Rykiel back. Julie de Libran has brought new life and such great dresses to the brand. This ruffled dress has many variations – long, short, over pants. It’s the perfect summer dress! Proenza Schloer showed this wonderful eyelet off the shoulder dress. A very modern and sexy way to do eyelet.