women’s wear – modacarta

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.

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.

Italian Fashion Series – Leather

October 21, 2017Posted in TrendsTagged backpack, fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, italia, italian fashion, leather, moda, style, style blogger, trends, women's apparel, women’s wearLeave a comment

Italy is known for it’s leather production. I love the way Italian leather feels, looks, and smells. Footwear or a bag will last and only get better over time as a patina develops and enriches the original colour.

I bought this small back pack in Gallipoli. This artisan shop had tons of handmade bags – it was hard to chose. I liked the way this bag opened up and then folded to close. It can be worn as a back pack or on one shoulder. I love this cognac colour and I know it will only get better over time,

I also bought this red leather bracelet on the beach near Gallipoli. Red is such a hot colour for fall so it’s nice to have an accessory that reminds me of my trip.

I’m wearing a cashmere sweater from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for this post. I love the length and off-the-shoulder style. For a hint of allure I’m showing off my Intimissimi bralette that I got in Udine. I love the antique rose colour against my skin. It acts like a cami without the added the layer. Intimissimi is a popular lingerie store in Italy and if you can find an outlet you can get great deals.

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.

Fashion Motives (IFS)

October 12, 2017Posted in Brands, shoppingTagged fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, italia, italian fashion, moda, slogan tops, style, style blogger, trends, women's apparel, women’s wear1 Comment

Motivi (Motives) is a clothing brand that is part of a larger apparel group from the 1930s. So many of Italy’s brands started in the early 20th century as family businesses which either grew into bigger groups by acquiring labels or becoming luxury brands like Prada, and Bruno Cucinelli.

Motivi is a casual/work wear brand for women. The clothes are elegant with great detailing. I purchased 2 tops from Motivi because I couldn’t decide between them and they had a BOGO promotion going on.

CREATIVITY HAS NO BORDERS

I love this saying. I live by this saying because I don’t allow my creativity to get fenced in.

I styled 2 monochrome looks for these slogan tops.

The black sweat top has cold shoulders with lace detailing. I love the ultra feminine lace with the slouchy, athletic top. Black leggings and high lace-up moto boots complete the look.

The burgundy tee also had lace cutouts and frills to finish the shoulder. My cousin Sabry preferred this top because of the colour and way it fit me. I paired this top with bordeaux jeans and my rose gold Superga sneakers. I love the way the sunlight hits these sneakers.

Italian Fashion Series (IFS)

October 9, 2017October 12, 2017Posted in Brands, TrendsTagged fall 2017, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall style, fashion, fashion blogger, italia, italian fashion, moda, style, style blogger, superga, travel, trends, women's apparel, women’s wear1 Comment

I’m dedicating my blog to my recent trip to Italy via the purchases I made.

I shopped some great brands in Northern Italy’s hotbed of casual wear. Then selected some beautiful artisan pieces in the heel of Italy – Puglia.

1st Stop – Citta Fiera, Udine

This shopping mall is the biggest in the area. It had some great stores like OVS, Benetton, Zara, Motivi – to name a few. The food court had a great bar that served gelato. If you’re a follower of modacarta you know from reading 25 Days 25 Looks I recently went through radiation treatment for Endometrial Ovarian Cancer and it caused some changes in my body. The main one is a sensitivity to dairy. Very sad news when you’re in Italy and surrounded by gelato. Lucky for me I rediscovered my love of lemon gelato.

1st Purchase

The very first thing I bought was Rose Gold Superga sneakers. Superga is an Italian sneaker brand that recently went through a resurgence through collabs with The Row and other fashion brands. Rose coloured and embellished sneakers is a huge trend for fall 2017 and these were a steal at 44 euros or $62CAD. The fabric is canvas with a rose gold varnish which makes them water resistant.

DIY Project

I wanted these sneakers to be more on trend so I decided to add satin ribbon laces. It’s super easy!

Buy some satin ribbon in a colour that matches the sneakers. Measure the ribbon to the laces and add about an extra inch. Tape the ends of the ribbon to make it easier to thread. Remove the tape once the ribbon is threaded and dip the end into some clear glue. This will seal the end and keep it from fraying.

Here’s how they turned out. I love them!