French Connection 2015 Fall/Winter Preview

 

Yesterday, I had a chance to take a quick peek at the French Connection Fall/Winter 2015 line and although I gotta say, I have barely begun to explore Spring and Summer, a few pieces from their collections really caught my eye.

The themes of the day were the usual suspects: lots of patterns, blacks, grunge, punk rock and retro styles, with some pop of colours like bright yellow and tomato red. There were also plenty of oversized sweaters and coats, with faux fur collars and capes (which you all know I adore!) But the pieces that really caught my eye were the party looks for Christmas and New Years, not to mention how they incorporated the same kinds of details in more casual pieces as well. It was all about the embellishments and little details. Tons of fringe hems, feathers, sequins and beading! There were so many fun party pieces that really made me rethink my whole winter hibernation habit. I gotta start finding more parties to go to...
                                   

The Cape Crusader

Photos by Kyler Kelly

I really can't say enough about the benefits of a good cape when traveling. There's nothing quite so enchanting and surprisingly versatile. You don't need punchy colours, heavy accessories or second-guesses. It elevates itself into the fashion stratosphere.

I recently went on a trip to China and this number really came through for me. Whether it was paired simply with jeans, a short shift dress or knee-socks and booties, I didn't spend a single sight-seeing day feeling dowdy. Despite the simplicity of the colour and design, the whole idea of a cape just adds intrigue to any outfit. In order to steer clear of the potentially frumpy silhouette, I made sure my legs were always well-defined in some classic skinny jeans or shorter hem-lined dresses. And for those brisker days, I threw on a dusty rose scarf and wool gloves. Granted, a cape may not be the best choice if the mercury drops below the double digits, but this beauty got me from Beijing to Guangzhou in style. What are your favourite travel must-haves?

                                                                

Westward Bound

Photos by Kyler Kelly

How to carry a life in one vintage suitcase:

1) roll your clothes, don't fold (it takes up less room)

2) plain black loafers are a girl's best friend

3) bring separates (3 outfits suddenly become 9)

4) blush, eyeliner, lip balm, moisturizer and sunscreen are all you really need to put your best face forward

Of course, as soon as I boarded the plane I began pining after my favourite book The English Patient. Ridiculous of course, I've read it about 20 times already and how can a person really fit a whole life into one suitcase? A 10-day sojourn cannot contain all your heart desires. So you end up settling for 2 pairs of shoes and 1 tube of lipstick and remember...you can always shop when you get there!

Happy travels!

                                                                                  

The Forecast Calls for Strong Winds & High Fashion

Photos by Kyler Kelly



Sometimes you just need a wind machine to get the full effect of an ensemble. Since we're not exactly Vogue Italia, we decided to take full advantage of the gale-like winds Montreal has been experiencing lately.

The call of the seafoam maxi dress was too much to ignore. The pleated skirt turned live sculpture against the breeze, pirouetting with the apple blossoms (highlight of all highlights in May). For equal parts contrast and compliment, we paired it with a luxurious printed mini dress whose centrepiece (the cape!) practically flew skyward at every gust.

Hold onto your frocks stylites, the forecast calls for strong winds and high fashion!

                                                                                     

Sweet Nothings

Photos by Kyler Kelly



The grey and soggy seasons of March and April mean one thing to Montrealers: sugar shack! We forego the comforts of central heating and cell reception to spend a brisk weekend afternoon with friends, flirting dangerously with diabetes and heart disease.

Our company has a spring outing every year and this year, we went to a sugar shack outside of the city. It was on this crisp April afternoon that Debbie and I decided to plunge into the world of self-proclaimed stylistas and launch our blog. It was a chilly, chilly day, but god was I going to rock that fur-lined cape and never look back.