MASK

April 14, 2020Posted in TrendsTagged apparel, clothes, coronavirus, covid19, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, influencerforgood, mask, moda, n95, outerwear, ovariancancer, spring2020, springashion, springstyle, style, styleblogger, trends, women’swearLeave a comment

To wear or not to wear?

I feel the need to document this new normal we are all living. Coronavirus / COVID19 has disrupted our lives in many ways and changed the way we work and live.

Friends in Asia have been asking me since the outbreak in Canada started – why don’t you wear a mask? In the past few days governments in the west have shifted their views on masks. Wearing a mask is not mandatory but recommended.

Here’s where I stand.

I’ve been a mask since mid-March when I go out. It protects me, it protects you and most of all it protects my elderly parents who I’m providing for.

I have 3 types of Masks:

Surgical
N95
Homemade

A friend from China sent me some surgical masks. I wear one every time I go outside. To get gas, to go for a walk, to visit from parents. It’s comfortable and breathable. Bonus – I like the colour of these.

The grocery store is where I could potentially come into contact with the most people. The N95 really protects. I managed to get 5 of these on Amazon for $60 now they are probably $60/each. I hate the writing on this one and sometimes tie a scarf over it. Also, the elastics get stuck in my hair but I’m glad I have one for these trips.

I thought I would try and sew a mask and it turned out really well. I based my design on the surgical mask. Shopping tote fabric was the closest match to the surgical mask. I like that I can wash it in hot water and wear it again. I used a bendable rod from a discarded mask to it stays close to my face. For more protection you can double the fabric and insert a coffee filter in between.

Wearing sunglasses also helps protects from infection.

What will life be like when this is over? Will it ever be the same?

I wait for friends from Italy to send a letter from the future.

STAY SAFE • BE WELL • STAY HOME

The Slogan Tee

May 20, 2019Posted in TrendsTagged apparel, art, clothes, design, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, moda, SLOGAN TEE, spring2019, springashion, springstyle, style, styleblogger, tees, trends, women’swearLeave a comment

Slogan tees have been trending for awhile. I like to choose a slogan that represent me. Usually something artsy or things that I like. A slogan tee should be about you not just a brand. Here are some styling tips for almost every occasion.

WORKWEAR

My workplace recently went jeans-everyday which makes it so easy in the morning but heading into summer I like to wear more dresses – stay tuned for my summer picks! Slogan tees are great and unexpected under suits and with pencil skirts.

These tees are both JCrew. The Champagne tee lists different types of sparkling wine -which I love. I paired it with a light pink skirt and ballet flats. I like the retro look of flats with a pencil skirt and it’s comfortable when you’re running to meetings all day. This cream & black tee looks sharp under this black suit and adds some fun – making it look less rigid. Below is a closer look at the slogans.

French fries & Italian guys – stuff I love or stuff I should avoid?

For a casual look I like this monochrome look of all bordeaux. This tee has a catch phrase I live by in my work – “creativity has no borders” and has great ruffle and lace details. I could also dress it up with pencil skirt and heels. This Georgia Okeefe quote is also special to me. I saw her show at the AGO a couple of years ago and was so inspired by her work and the way she lived & worked on her own terms. This grey tee I’ve styled with dark denim and tropical print Converse sneakers.

Night out or brunch? Here are a couple of options. Chic is the word with this black ruffle sweatshirt. I’ve paired it with this fringe pencil skirt. Texture on texture and a pop of colour with the teal kitten heels. Flower power is a top I snagged on the Joe Fresh clearance rack for $5. I love it with dark denim – especially this Paige denim skirt. I’ve kept the espadrilles in line with the dark denim so the top becomes the show piece.

Another important tip about slogan tees – if it seems offensive it probably is so consider another option before wearing it to work or out with friends.

March 27, 2019Posted in Events, shopping, Teal Fashion WeekTagged apparel, big earrings, clothes, costume jewelry, fashion, fashion sale, fashionblogger, garb, garments, inspiration, jewelry, moda, outerwear, ovarian blitzers, ovariancancer, spring2019, springashion, springstyle, style, styleblogger, sustainable fashion, trends, women’swearLeave a comment

Here are the details about this Sustainable Fashion Sale:

Saturday April 13, 2019

10am – 4pm

240 Scarlett Road, Main Floor Toronto

Free visitor’s parking

Nearly new brands (some items with tags on!) curated by me!

100s of items $20 or less

100% of sales goes to support ovarian cancer research

Gift with Purchase to the first 20 buyers

Cash only $

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the items:

Geometry Lesson

January 27, 2019Posted in Teal Fashion Week, TrendsTagged apparel, big earrings, clothes, costume jewelry, fall2018, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, jewelry, moda, outerwear, ovarian cancer, style, styleblogger, trends, winterclothes, winterfashion, winterstyle, women’swearLeave a comment

Here are some of fav costume jewelry pieces that I currently have on repeat. I love costume jewelry because it is inexpensive, it presents opportunities for mixing & matching and there is no worry if you lose an earring 😉

Trending right now is large geometric shapes for earrings. These are unique because their shapes are disrupted. The triangle has a little loop in it and the hoops have a pearl.

This circle necklace came with my FabFitFun subscription. I’ve been a member since Spring 2017 and I love receiving a box of great stuff every 3 months. I like the clean design of this necklace and its’ simplicity.

These beaded tassel earring called my name at Nordstrom Rack. Teal/Turquoise are my colours and never more so then when I became an endo-ovarian cancer survivor. Whenever I wear teal now it is so much more than my favourite colour.

In 2018

December 29, 2018Posted in Teal Fashion WeekTagged apparel, clothes, fall2018, Fallclothes, fallfashion, fallstyle, fashion, fashionblogger, Fight Cancer with Style, garb, garments, influencer for good, moda, outerwear, ovarian blitzers, ovarian cancer, style, styleblogger, trends, winter style, women’swearLeave a comment

I became an influencer for good!

I raised awareness and badly needed research funds ($1900) for women’s gynecological cancers.

I laughed until I cried.

I joined a Road Hockey Team called the Ovarian Blitzers and helped raise money for Princess Margaret Cancer Center.

I rode a cable car.

I learned that being a cancer survivor is a journey.

Shoe Artist

November 12, 2018Posted in Brands, EventsTagged apparel, art, Bata Shoe Museum, boots, BSM, clothes, design, fall2018, Fallclothes, fallfashion, fallstyle, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, inspiration, knitwear, manoloblahnik, moda, outerwear, shoes, style, styleblogger, trends, winter style, wishes, women’swear1 Comment

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.

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!

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

Layering Knitwear

November 4, 2018Posted in TrendsTagged apparel, clothes, fall2018, Fallclothes, fallfashion, fallstyle, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, knitwear, moda, outerwear, ovarian cancer, style, styleblogger, trends, winter style, women’swearLeave a comment

I wear my chunky knitwear on the outside. I like my outerwear fitted as opposed to puffy and so my chunky knitwear really bulks up underneath – solution wear it on top.

I still get all the warmth but without being constrained and stuffed into a coat. It provides unique style to a mass market coat like my Costco Andrew Marc silver puffer or my Uniqlo light down.

I started this style for health reasons. Before I was diagnosed with Endo-ovarian cancer I was living with large cysts which caused bloating. All my coats got super tight and some I couldn’t zip up but I really wanted to wear my chunky vests so I wore them on top of my coats and still do!

I’ve heard that necessity is the mother of all invention or in this case unique style!

CONTRIBUTION

September 7, 2018Posted in 25 Days 25 Looks, Teal Fashion WeekTagged apparel, clothes, fall2018, Fallclothes, fallfashion, fallstyle, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, moda, ovarianblitzers, ovariancancer, style, styleblogger, trends, women’swearLeave a comment

The last few months have been about giving back. Teal Fashion Week raised $1900 for the Ovarian Blitzers Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer team from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This success strengthened my collaboration with the key fundraisers for the team. If you’re wondering what the link is – my doctor – Marcus Bernardini is the captain of this team and I came on board through him.

EVOLUTION

Last year during radiation treatment for Endo-Ovarian cancer I focused on awareness and presenting a positive outlook about treatment through my 25Days25Looks campaign.

Then it was fundraising for World Ovarian Cancer Week with my Teal Fashion Week campaign.

Now it’s using my creativity to help the Ovarian Blitzers with their communication strategy for their 4th annual bowling event. I sourced images and then tinted them to create a “teal” themed campaign. I also designed their new logo for communication and team shirts.

My friends and I are excited to be participating in the bowling event and of course we need to look great as Team Teal Fashion Week so I designed our look. I call it Meaghan-Markle-meets-Jackson-Pollack! Each of my friends gave me a white shirt and picked an accent colour. I monogrammed each of their shirts and then went to work on the design. I used shades of teal for the paint splatter and then the custom colour was added to each shirt to make it individual.

If you’re interested in making a difference during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month click on the links below:

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Ovarian Blitzers Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer Team

Arizona Haul

July 12, 2018Posted in shoppingTagged apparel, clothes, fashion, fashionblogger, garb, garments, gucci, italianfashion, italianluxury, italianstyle, moda, style, styleblogger, summer2018, summerclothes, summerfashion, summerstyle, trends, women’swearLeave a comment

I was in sizzling HOT Scottsdale, Arizona and the fashion deals were just as hot as the 100F temps.

On my list was a black dress and I found 2 outstanding ones at Marshalls. This BCBG was a steal at $29 and I can wear it with a plunging neckline or just a normal V. The tea length makes it very sophisticated for a night out!

Next up is this Michaek Kors dress – also from Marshalls. It has very flattering draping as you can see in this shot. I gave myself the Beyonce treatment with natural wind. I’m showing this dress for a night out but it can easily be dressed down with flat sandals and a tote bag for a day of shopping or brunch. Great buy at $39.

The sandals I’m wearing in these photos are from Macy’s clearance and were $28. Alfani suede ankle straps but look like very high priced designer sandals.

Let’s talk about more shoes.

On the left are Fly London sandals. A brand I have always wanted. As soon as I saw the pattern and colours I knew these wedges were mine. They are super comfortable so a good investment. Cheap and cheerful finds on the right are yellow wedges from Macy’s and fire red kitten heels from Vince Camuto. Both $34 each.

I couldn’t resist these super cute flip flops!

Consignment shopping can be a touchy issue for some people. Some women do not like buying second-hand but I grew up buying vintage in my teens so not a huge stretch to the consignment experience. The store we visited in Scottsdale had an amazing selection of clothing, bags and shoes. My whole squad scored!

This Gucci dress was $145 and is from the Tom Ford era of Gucci. I love the draping and the round hem. It has a built in super fashionista cape and is a perfect match for my new Gucci Marmot mini bag. Bellissima!

I like to be on the look out for the next season when I’m shopping. My final pair of shoes was these embroidered flats by Tahari. Jewel tones on black. These will look great with jeans, leggings, skirts. In other words -everything.

TIP: make your shopping dollar go further by buying non-seasonal items on deep discounts.

Italian Heritage Month

June 24, 2018Posted in BrandsTagged apparel, clothes, fashion, fashionblogger, Fendi, garb, garments, gucci, italianfashion, italianfood, italianheritagemonth, italianluxury, italianstyle, moda, prada, style, styleblogger, summer2018, summerclothes, summerfashion, summerstyle, trends, women’swearLeave a comment

June is Italian Heritage Month in Canada so of course I’m celebrating!

Italy is known for fashion and luxury brands. My favs are Gucci, Prada and Fendi for accessories. From Prada I have a vintage nylon cross-body that is my “go-to” on the weekends. My “hack” to make this bag useful is by inserting a organizer so my stuff doesn’t tumble around in there. I also have a pair of espardrilles and peep-toes. When buying designer shoes (even on sale) always lean toward the classics. You want to get your money’s worth and wear them for many seasons.

Fendi is all about vintage for me. I have had this backpack and circle bag for many years. I love the double FF pattern.

Gucci is a recent love for me. These bags are pure Italian luxury for me.

Italian style without the hefty price tags? It’s possible but you need to look for it. This patterned bomber jacket was a steal at Winners for $59 and this jumpsuit is a collab between Missoni and Anthropologie. $170 vs $1160.

Taste of Italy is super easy to find in the6ix. My fav spot for a quick bite or an after work prosecco is Sud Forno. Try it! For arancini and polenta fries CIBO is my “go-to” to get my fix.