TRENDS // WILD WILD WEST

It seems like Country is coming back with a big bang! I started to notice this trend when I went to Boots n Bourbon opening for work in November. Shockingly, it was the first saloon in Toronto and a week after another opened up in the west end. So... I think it's time for us to grab our cowboy hats and get ready to do some square dancing - because it seems like this trend has also trickled onto the runway.

It would actually be a dream to be invited to see Karl Lagerfeld's runway shows especially for Chanel. It's always grandiose and extravagant - and you can never be disappointed. The Pre-Fall 2014 collection was a bit surprising but at the same time it wasn't. The collection took place in the good old Texas, in the Dallas' Fair Park, the home of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition and a National Historic Landmark.

The collection reminded me of the 1930's where dresses weren't as full









I just had to include Karl's muse Brad Kroenig and his adorable son Hudson.


xx charisse
{images via style.com}

TRENDS // PREP TIME

Tartan, plaid, and all things checkered with the colour combinations of blue, black, red and green have a tendency to make everything more preppy. (As one could call it.) I don't think the preppy trend ever really disappeared but during NYFW it was given a much needed extra shot of life. Gone are the days of Britney's Baby One More Time outfit that will only be a faint memory (and hopefully that look should only be seen on Halloween). Now it has graduated to Parisian chic. And I for one could not be anymore happier! Add it with a halo braid and you are set. And let's not forget the comeback of pleated skirts. Yes!!! I am totally loving Fall 2013! (Best one yet!)

Alice + Olivia Fall '13

Tommy Hilfiger Fall '13

TRENDS // ORANGE BE GLAD

As Fashion Week moves to London... I decided to do some round-up of one of the interesting trends I've seen on the runway in the Big Apple. Orange. Orange. It reigned supreme in the see of  blacks, whites and grays. Quite a surprise since orange is rarely associated with the fall/winter collection. But, nevertheless, I'm excited to see the range of orange in the fall. 

What do you think of the pop of colour?

Michael Kors Fall '13

J.Crew Fall '13

TRENDING // BOLD CLUTCHES

I headed down Queen West with Neha to show her my favourite boutiques that I go to when I need some shopping therapy. We dropped by Charlie and Bicyclette, of course. I finally got to see what the Coal Miner's Daughter is all about and I fell in love with this black & white stripe leather clutch, designed by a Vancouver designer. It's such a statement piece to have in your closet. Pair it with something casual (like what I have on in the picture) or dress it up for a night out in the city. I'm not thoroughly convinced with the price. But, as I keep staring at it. Maybe, I'll drop by and grab it. 

This brings me to another point... I am seeing a lot of clutches that are becoming the statement pieces of the outfit on the recent runway shows, so I wouldn't be surprise if we see more bold colours and prints in the upcoming season from Zara and H&M at more affordable clutches. I feel clutches has always been around just dabbling here and there, but once the long clutches arises (where you are able to put MUCH more things aka wallet, cellphone, make-up, etc without any bulge), I think they are here to stay. 

This clutch I actually bought about 3 years ago when I was in the Philippines made by a local designer Aranaz. I am very big on looking for local designers and buying their creation because it guarantees that no one will have it and I'm not part of the norm. Sadly, I actually haven't used it and it has been sitting in my closet ever since. The clutch is hand made out of straw with some studs and snake skin detailing that makes the clutch perfectly amazing. Now that it's out of my closet... I'll take this out for a test drive. 

TRENDING // TWEED

H&M Traditional Blazer, $69.95 // H&M Modern Blazer, $29.95

I am very neutral on the idea of tweed because really when you think of tweed - you think of middle-aged British men. But, of course, like everything else in fashion... things gets recycled and I present you the season of tweed. I think tweed is a timeless fabric that will always be good to have in your closet staples. Of course, it just has to do with how you wear it. I would never wear a whole tweed suit... ie. jacket & pants/skirt... but I would however, wear a tweed jacket with a pair of slacks or skirt in a solid neutral or even jeans to make it more casual.

I was at H&M and saw that they played the idea more. They have a traditional tweed blazer with an elbow patch (awesome!) and then they modernized it with a black tweed fabric that is reminiscent of Chanel's classics (its only $29.95). Both are good depending on what your style is. I, for one, wouldn't mind having both because depending on how I  wear it with - it could be part of my style. 

Which style of tweed do you prefer?

charisse

Art Student.

How befitting posing in front of my diploma from York U, when I get a comment from work that I dressed like an art student. It was a chilly day today. So I decided to throw on my fur vest with my checkered shirt, jeans and finally took out my Uggs. Yes. I wear Uggs. They are so comfy. Don't hate. I got so many compliments on my glasses. I found these when I was in Asia last year. I normally don't wear glasses but today my contacts was giving me problems. And that summed up my outfit. I love the no dress code at work. I normally just dress what I feel.