fashion blogger – modacarta

Hat Season

December 3, 2018Posted in shopping, TrendsTagged fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, fashion cancer, fashion design, Fight Cancer with Style, Hats, winter styleLeave a comment

Late fall and early winter is hat season for me. I love to wear hats because they give me a unique and eclectic style. I like to layer them with different scarves – I find matching sets boring and uninteresting. This tweed cap I’ve had 4ever and I’ve added floral embellishments to make it more feminine. It was my first DIY hat project.

My collection has a bit of everything from cloches to caps and pom-poms.

An alternative to hats is earmuffs. They keep your ears warm and sometimes that’s all you need depending on the temperature. These are from Kate Spade and are so fun. They also help you ignore people on the subway or in an elevator 😉 if you need to.

My newest hat was a feel good purchase. At a recent appointment at Princess Margaret Cancer Center their shop was having a hat sale. I picked up this beauty for $17 knowing some of the money is going towards helping women with image issues associated with cancer treatment. Win-Win.

Nordstrom Rack Haul

May 21, 2018Posted in shoppingTagged Accessories, clothes, fashion, fashion blogger, nordstrom, nordstrom rack, retail, shopping, summer 2018, the6ix, thehaul, Toronto, white jeansLeave a comment

Nordstrom Rack recently joined Toronto’s retail landscape and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I am huge fan of both Nordstrom and Rack stores. I like the original brands and variety. I’ve been to the Bloor & Yonge St location a couple of times and scored large.

I was looking for a pair of mirrored sunglasses this season and found these Miu Miu in the designer sunglass section. $99 regular $450 for a similar pair on their site. Love how they look.

These grey nubuck sandals are Eileen Fischer. Yes they pinch my toes a little but I’m breaking them in. They have a mid-height heel and they literally go with everything. Especially the Rebecca Minkoff canteen bag I got.

Silver metallic is so great for summer. Fresh and shimmery and goes with everything.

The final piece in this haul outfit is the grey and black striped cold shoulder top. The brand is Philosophy and Rack had a lot of great pieces from them. The white jeans are not from this shopping trip. I got them last year at the Nordstrom 40% off sale. It’s on right now and it’s always a great time to pick stuff up.

TRANSITIONAL JEANS

April 15, 2018Posted in TrendsTagged denim, fashion, fashion blogger, florals, flowers, italian fashion, Italy, jeans, moda, shopping, spring, spring 2018, spring fashion, spring style, spring trends, style, style blogger, transitionalLeave a comment

I love the idea of pieces that can shift from one season to next and these jeans are my latest acquisition in this category.

Kut from the Kloth jeans are available at Nordstrom. Funny story – I tried them on and didn’t like the fading on the butt so they called another store for me and to check the fading on other pairs and I ended up getting exactly what I wanted shipped directly to me. Best service at this store!! ❤

Spring Cool

For the chill that is Spring in the 6ix I’m wearing a peach long sleeve tee from JCrew and a denim jacket from Parasuco. My Toms desert boots keep my feet warm and this outfit from looking too wintery.

Summer Heat

When things heat up in the summer this kimono top from Italy with its zig-zag weave add visual interest to these jeans and make this look unique. My new Vince Camuto sandals finish it.

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.

Spring Inspo

February 20, 2018Posted in TrendsTagged fashion, fashion blogger, inspiration, italia, italian fashion, moda, paper art, paper dresses, spring, spring fashion, spring preview, spring style, spring trends, style, style blogger, trends, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

While I was reviewing the Spring/Summer 2018 runway shows I came across this fabulous dress by the master – Giorgio Armani and was immediately inspired!

I decided to create it in paper – once again returning to the origins of modacarta. I reversed Armani’s idea by using a print for the dress and a solid colour for the scarf. The result in a burst of bright sunrise.

Color of 2018

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018Posted in TrendsTagged color, color of 2018, design, dress, fashion, fashion blogger, fashion design, inspiration, moda, pantone, pantone color of 2018, paper art, paper dresses, style, style blogger, ultravioletLeave a comment

Every year Pantone introduces a new colour. This year it’s Ultra Violet. Representing the cosmos and space it should not make us feel despair or darkness but allow us to think about the infinite possibilities this year may bring.

At least that’s how I feel about this colour.

Happy New Year everyone!

Black Friday Wrap-up

November 26, 2017Posted in shoppingTagged blackfriday, eaton centre, fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, moda, sales, shopping, style, style blogger, the6ix, trends, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

Another Black Friday passes but the deals live on as fabulous additions to my wardrobe. The CF Eaton Centre provided some good deals but the deep discounts were on previously reduced apparel.

Best Score

These Blondi boots I got at Nordstrom and they were an additional 25% off the Fall Sale price. They are leather, water proof and felt lined. They will be my go-to boot before the snow flies. I love this cognac colour because I can wear it with black skinny trousers or tights. A darker brown would have limited my looks.

Sweater Season

A picked up a great sweater from Zara. It has built in accessories with the pearl embellished neckline. It has short sleeves which helps keep me cool when the office is warm and dry. I love this classic look when combined with a camel cardigan.

Artsy

Uniqlo’s recent contribution to Art meets Fashion is a collab with contemporary artist KAWS. KAWS is well known for his work using iconic figures like Snoopy and Pinocchio. It was mayhem at the Uniqlo store for this collection. I am not a huge Snoopy fan but I do like the idea of wearable art and have a few pieces from previous Uniqlo collections so I tried on this hoodie and liked the fit.

Creepers

October 31, 2017Posted in shoppingTagged creepers, fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, footwear, italia, italian fashion, moda, shoes, style, style blogger, trends, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

Top on my shopping list for Italy was bordeau creepers. I really wanted a pair of these 80s throwbacks. I found them at Geox. I really didn’t want such a pedantic brand but this was the only pair I could find that met all the criteria.

Ridged, uniform sole
Patent leather
Bordeau
Loafer detailing

With a list like that I’m surprised I found them at all 😉

These creepers are super comfortable and give me some height which is great. The colour and black sole are giving me some challenges when putting looks together but they are too unique not to wear!

Tweed the Season

October 25, 2017Posted in Brands, TrendsTagged coats, fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, italia, italian fashion, moda, style, style blogger, trends, tweed, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

Coats are a “must-have” in Canada and multiple coats are a necessity in Toronto. Fall can bring rain, wind, cold, damp –you get the picture. As the cooler weather sets in it’s good to have various choices for outerwear. That’s why I added this Sisley Tweed Coat to my outerwear wardrobe.

I picked this coat up at the outlet just outside Udine for 47 euros ($70 CAD). STEAL!!!! The colour and retro shape of this coat are what attracted me to it. Burgandy has been a hot colour for Fall for the past 2 seasons and it works well with my skin tone and hair colour. This tweed also has grey and pink in it so the possibilities for looks are endless. The high collar of this coat provides protection against wind and cold. I can tuck in a silk scarf that peaks out of the collar or wrap a long scarf around the outside. The bracelet length sleeve shows off my leather gloves.