Festival Mode et Design Roundup

Another summer is coming to a close and with it, comes the famous Festival Mode et Design! As usual, there were plenty of events, runway shows, pop-up boutiques, mani stations, giveaways and contests to keep the crowds entertained. It's been a busy summer and I haven't been to as many events as I would have liked, but here's a recap of some of the highlights from the festival.

The festival was a great place to see all the most highly-anticipated fall trends. Some of them were a little more predictable than others (lots of black, burgundy lipstick, fur accents etc.) but there were pops of colour and fun accessories as well.

My favourite show was probably "Mouvement." The hourlong spectacle of sight, sound and fashion was really a feast for the senses. The show was a collaboration between the symphony orchestra, designers, stylists and artists. The concept was quite theatrical and dramatic, and despite the heavy task of mixing artistic genres with such a bold theme to tell a story, they melded seamlessly within each other. The fashion complimented the music, the music complimented the lighting, the lighting complimented the video....it was a thing to behold! And I have to say, the styling of the models was impeccable. The makeup, hair and accessories really created an "other worldly" feel to show. It really really more of a performance than a runway show!

And to close out the festival, I spent the last evening at the VIP lounge, where I enjoyed the upcoming Le Château fall collection. I've always loved their professional wear (who says working in an office has to mean boring black pants suits?) and their coats and boots almost made me excited for fall. Almost.

                                                                    

Brunchin' Good Time

New Look dress/Aldo, F21, Accessorize necklaces/Vintage, Primark rings/Vintage handbag/Le Chateau pumps

There's nothing like a nice white dress with layers of accessories for a Sunday brunch with a girlfriend. I love wearing white because not only is it a great colour for most skin-tones and hair colours, but it offers the perfect backdrop for piling on the accessories and experimentation in the makeup department.

Specifically, I tried out a two-toned lip look for the first time and I think results are encouraging! I used gloss instead of lipstick for a more subtle effect and went with two kind of similar colours: a fuchsia pink on the upper lip and a cherry red on the lower lip. I'm not sure this look would be for every day, but it adds that extra little interest to a more subdued ensemble that I'm always searching for. Happy brunching!
                                                                              

Safari Shorts

Shorts: Mossimo via Target / Top: F21 / Purse + Hat: Thrifted / Necklace: Expression via The Bay / Shoes: BC Footwear via Winners 

Loving my new Safari shorts from Target! This is actually a short that can transition well into an evening outfit and take on a very chic persona if combined with the right pieces. However, since I was only going for Sunday brunch, I decided to really play on the Safari look with the neutral colours and my favourite hat. Enjoy! 

Brunch In The City

BOF was recently invited to a "Brunch In The City" event organized by Bold & Blush PR. This was the first edition in a series of Sunday brunches to be held by Bold & Blush to showcase some of Montreal's up-and-coming fashion and beauty businesses. The companies featured this time around were Shal jewelry, I heart naturals cosmetics and The Female Department online clothing store. The event allowed these companies to bring in their products which attendees were free to purchase.

The brunch also featured manicures by Esthetique Forever Mobile Spa, a live DJ and of course, some fine delectables to make it a true "brunch." Not a bad way to spend a Sunday!