Olympics

     Allo! How was everyone's weekend?? I didn't do a whole lot.  I did plan on doing a lot but it turned into not so much getting done!  I did however, purchase some fabric for a possible new dress to wear to a wedding...yay!  Now, the first thing I've got to do is decide on my design.  I keep going back and forth between two.  It's in two weeks...so I should really figure that out!
     I've actually been watching the Olympics! I can't remember the last time I took an interest in them.  I remember when I was a little girl being sooo excited to watch everything.  I've never really been into any sports but I guess I admire the hard work that goes into it.  Well, actually,  My sport would be soccer.  It's the only one I've actually done well and enjoyed playing.  I love that you can play it rain or shine (minus thunder and lighting!) and it's a great cardio work out.  I never could get the hitting the ball with my head thing right though...I was scared to hurt my face! lol.   I also like Tennis and wish I could swim a little better!   I suppose I can still try!
    The opening ceremony was awesome! London has done a great job so far.  One of my favourite parts was James Bond and the Queen.  She looked fabulous in her pink dress.  He looked dapper as usual.  Another part that stood out to me was the mention that, for the first time every country has both men and women representing them.   This actually made me a little teary and so happy:)
     I can't forget to mention the fashion.  Dear Canada, you looked great! I loved the easy look, it was perfect....nothing too flashy.  An understated statement:)  I wish all the athletes the best of luck!!!    Let's Go Canada!

Team Canada!
photo via www.cbc.ca

The Queen and James Bond.  This was so fun!!
photo via www.hollywoodreporter.com

Back to Summer- Part Deux: Summer Dresses

     Allo! So, here is part deux: Summer dresses!!!  So many different styles.  She (Alexis Honce on the Marilyn Denis show) spoke about 4 dresses and the colour theme, pastels.  For this, we've got the Little White Dress, Printed Maxi, Asymmetrical and Sporty.

Summer Dresses by adriwell featuring sleeveless dresses

3 1 Phillip Lim full length dress
boutique1.com

Jigsaw vintage summer dress
$220 - jigsaw-online.com

Sleeveless dress
$31 - topshop.com

Quiz long pink dress
$31 - debenhams.com

The Maxi:  This one is so easy to wear.  You can get one in many prints and styles.  They are usually flowy and long. Perfect for a summer day.  She suggested (and I would do the same) wear them with flats. I would also add a nice boho bag and some bangles.  

D&G  Look at those huge earrings! Very gypsy like.  I'm really enjoying the Spanish/Italian feel reminiscent of Sophia Loren (not just this line).
photo via www.dresseseveningdresses.com

This middle one just catches my eye! The colour really pops.  The maxi is versatile.  The pattern changes the whole look!
photo via www.millionlooks.com

photo via www.pretamoda.wordpress.com

The little white dress:  The new spin on the little black dress.  So I guess now I should have an LBD and a LWD?  Not a problem.  One can have so much fun with a LWD.   White dresses look great with metals...silver or gold or both! Have fun. I would also  recommend a beautiful pop of colour (not necessarily with the metals).  Turquoise looks amazing on white.  If it's strapless I would recommend a chunky turquoise necklace or bracelet.  And lets not forget the possibilities for shoes like fuchsia or orange!! Delicious! But you can always keep it classic with black and white...always in style!

Marion Cotillard.  She's got great style!  Check it out, two trends: white dress and long pendant necklace!
photo via www.instyle.com

You know I love me some peplum! Kerry Washington is the only one who went for the pop of colour.  I do however like the simplicity of the other outfits...very classy!
photo via www.fabsugar.com

photo via www.millionlooks.com

Sports inspired:  I will admit I'm not a huge fan of this look but anyone can pull it off.  When I say "sports" I don't mean sneakers and sweats. It's cute outfits with inspiration from sports(Think Racerback styles, for example)  Kind of like taking the military look and making it feminine (another big trend this fall, but I'll talk about that later:)

See, no sweats and sneakers....style! Great trend for this summer with the Olympics starting soon.  It's a new look to work with (for me).  Dress it up or dress it down.   I think I could do it...I'm always open to trying new styles :)
photo via www.millionlooks.com

photo via www.millionlooks.com (hmm obviously, right?)

Asymetrical:  Oh one of my favourite looks.  Ever since school (Fashion) I've been obsessed with the asymmetrical look.  Look at any of my lines and I've got at least one outfit with asymmetry.  This one though is a little different..it's also known as the mullet dress...such a terrible name for a pretty look!!  I actually had a "mullet" dress in my line...Hmmm I must have known something:)

In love with the pink one! From head to toe Pink, not everyone could pull that off...but I would try! I would however add a little metal for me: a long necklace and some bangles....I think that would work!
photo via www.millionlooks.com

Little White Mullet dress???  Gianfranco Ferre .
photo via www.chicstories.com

I am so attracted to this designers lines! Mary Katranzou.  I actually touched a couple of her pieces while in Quebec City this past weekend...yeah not in my budget at the moment! But oh so tempting.
photo via www.chicstories.com

Couldn't help myself...Alexander McQueen.  Maybe a little dramatic for every day wear but still oh so lovely.
photo via www.chicstories.com

Well, this has turned into a long post, that's why it was in two parts!  Hopefully full of good information!  I loved writing it.  One of my favourite things to do is look at fashion trends...I have this little radar constantly looking for them!

Back to summer part 1-Summer accessories

Bonjour! I know I started talking about fall fashion because obviously I'm already excited to add to my wardrobe...I'm going to however, take a step back for a second and focus on summer.  It is after all only July!!  I was watching the Marilyn Denis show the other day.  I can't say I'm a usual viewer but it came on after Live with Kelly and I couldn't resist...it was all about fashion!  A few of the main topics were accessories and dresses.  They had a stylist on, Alexis Honce, who shared what her top 7 accessories are and I totally agree! I even agree with how to wear them.  She knows what she's talking about.  The top seven were as follows:  Cocktail rings, watches, long necklaces, dangly earrings, cuffs/bangles, beaded bracelets and simpler necklaces.   She also suggested how to wear them. 

A good way to keep on top of these trends is to pay attention to what celebs are wearing.  They're usually the spokespeople for style...well most of them!  My favourites to follow are Diane Krueger, Jennifer Aniston, Zoe Saldana, Jessica Alba, just to name a few!

Bangles/cuffs/cocktail rings?   One thing she suggested is to stack them!  It sounds like much but it looked really fun..almost a tribal effect (with the cuffs ).  And she said if you do this wear it with a cocktail ring and that's all.  That's your bam piece that is still balanced enough for the whole outfit.   As for the outfit I think it depends on if it's day or night and if there is colour in the clothes or the accessories.

Gwyneth Paltrow at 2012 Academy Awards. This looks stunning! look at the details on the cuff and ring! I'm a suck for florals.
photo via jewelry.about.com

Zoe Saldana- cocktail ring.
photo via www.huffingpost.com

For a more casual look. R.J Graziano Bangles.  How fun would these be stacked?!
photo via www.instyle.com

Now, these are stacked "Forget Me Not" rings from What On Earth.  When they are stacked together they can appear to be a cocktail ring!  That way you can wear one or several.
Via What on Earth on Facebook.

Long necklaces: Another great point she made was wearing a long necklace elongates the body.  Yes!! Will this make me look taller?? lol no probably not but it will still look nice.  When wearing a long necklace it's okay to wear bigger earrings because the distance between the two balances out the two designs without making it look like too much (in my opinion).  If you had a shorter chunkier necklace however, I'd say either no earrings or small earrings.  A suggestion is a necklace with a light chain and a beautiful,  stand out pendant, such as one stone with a unique design or stunning colour.

      

Cate Blanchett.  What a beauty.
photo via www.vegasfashionstylist.com

Kardashian Kollection
photo via www.instyle.com

Watches:  I know for me, that's usually a man trend...like my husband.  However women are starting to wear them like accessories.  I have actually found myself these past few months looking at them.  My favourite, Michael Kors rose gold watch...Love!  It's got this nice pinky gold colour and vintage spark to it. 

Jennifer Aniston.  Rose gold Rolex.
photo via www.erylex.com/blog

Sophia Vergara, another one of my fashion favourites (She's also wearing a sort of cocktail ring) wearing cartier.
photo via www.erylex.com

 O Clock. This watch was an example used on the show.  I had not heard of this brand until then! They come in a variety of colours. So fun!
www.a2zane.com

Beaded bracelets:  Great for summer! They can be simple or fun i.e., wooden or coloured.  They can also be a little dressier with a touch of silver or some sparkle like crystals.  A great touch to any outfit for day or night.  These puppies can be staked too with other bracelets! 

"Egyptian Princess", bracelet.  I own this one...it matches with nearly everything!! It also has a lovely sterling silver detailed toggle...so pretty!
photo via www.whatonearth.ca

The stacked look!!  Totally in. Have fun!
photo via www.fashionfeen.com

"Tibetove" Bracelets by Jenny Bird.  These were actually shown on the show. She's a Canadian Designer:) I think these could be worn dressy or casual.
photo via. www.jenny-bird.com

Every day Necklaces: Now, I know I was talking about the nice long necklace but we also need some nice every day necklaces.  A nice dainty chain and a small dangle, like a bead or silver piece with minimal detail so that it matches everything.  Anne Hathaway is the example she used.  She's so classy! They don't have to be all metal.  Some stones make beautiful pieces and speak for themselves without lots of added detail and can match most outfits. A couple of my favourite stones are Turquoise and Larimar...nice blues that pop.  I also love me some pinks and purples...like quartz....I could keep going... :)

"Everlasting", What on Earth. Perfect every day pendant/necklace.  I  wear this one with everything!! It also has sweet earrings, gorgeous cuff and beautiful ring.
photo via www.whatonearth.ca 

Anne Hathaway.She's just such a classy lady!  She actually doubled up on the necklaces....and very nicely! I can't wait to see her as cat woman!
photo via www.people.com 

"Angel Wing".This lovely pendant is from What on Earth and one of my favourite every day pendants.  The beauty of this one is that you can wear it on a shorter chain or a longer chain! That way you can have two looks.
www.whatonearth.ca

  

 Lastly, dangly earrings.  Oh so fun for summer...these I would recommend to wear either alone or with a nice set of bangles or with a long simple necklace.  It again, depends on the outfit...is it busy or simple??  Not everyone can wear the same size earrings.  People with long hair or shoulder length hair can usually wear longer.  People with shorter hair don't want to go overboard with size.  Something in the middle range usually works.  I suggest having a pair of silver/gold dangly earrings to match most everything and one pair of stunning show stopper earrings for special occasions with no limits on colour or design.  

"Cascade" Earrings from What on Earth.   They are one of my first big designs .    They come in two lengths so there is an option for a casual or dressy outfit.
photo via www.whatonearth.ca

"Lorien Leaf" earrings from What on Earth.  I do love these.  I am surprised I haven't bought a pair for myself.  They are good dressy or casual.  They look so much nicer on then in this picture!
photo via www.whatonearth.ca

Diane Kruger....I absolutely love her style!  She knows how to dress from head to toe.
These are great casual or dressy!
photo via www.styehub.com

 She's definitely one of my muses.  These earrings are obviously not every day earrings but still stunning!
photo via www.stylehub.com

  Most of  This is similar to what I said about summer jewelry.  It's all about adding a touch of this or that to an outfit....not making the accessories the whole outfit. It's about balance, just like most things!  You have to have a nice easy flow that is pleasing to the eye.  Yes, that's the art/fashion student coming out.

Stay tuned for part deux: Summer dresses.

Thankyou Marilyn Denis and Alexis Honce:)

Staycation and Start of fall trends

Well I'm still vacationing...actually I should say, "staycationing".  I don't think that's even a word but it is now! Anyways, I'm enjoying myself....just doing what I want....but keeping busy!  It's been so nice these past couple days that I actually went swimming (I'm not much for pools and beaches...).  I've also been thinking up a storm for new designs and may get to sewing something if I can decide what to do first! I got a few new books all about fashion and techniques.  I'm excited to try a few!  That's one thing I love about fashion design...there's always more to learn!  I've also been thinking ahead for fall clothing.  It's hard not to notice the summer clothes are going on sale and making room for the new season.  They always do it so soon! I mean, the fashion weeks for fall were in late winter, early Spring! I guess you do need some time to get everything decided and ordered.  Anyways, I last mentioned what I think will be happening this next fashion season.  These are just my thoughts, so not necessarily all right but I hope they're pretty close!  So far, seems to be pretty much on track!  I actually just bought a really nice blue shirt this week, starting off my fall wardrobe! Also, a cute tunic...white with bows (imagine that! I saw them everywhere while shopping) and two cardigans; white with black polka dots and grey with black hearts.   One of my fashionable friends once said hearts are like polka dots but funner!  Anyways,  Here are a few colour trends.  I'm sure there will be more to talk about!  And as you all know...I'm a sucker for colour!

Here are a few examples of black and white. Another trend is just all black or all white.  I love the sort of artistic feel of this dress...how the hands look like they're hugging the dress. Fun!  The pop of colour from the red gloves are a great touch.

Diane Von Furstenburg
photo via www.millionlooks.com

Leather seems to be big.  Not necessarily all leather.  Just a little bit is a nice touch to an otherwise feminine dress.  I'm a fan of Calvin Klein.  I like the simplicity and sophistication of a lot of the designs. Black and white is classic and the leather adds a little twist..or edge if you will!
Calvin Klein
photo via www.louloumagazine.com

Here is a little colour blocking using black and white. It's very square but flowy..catches my eye.  I like the detail down the middle..or lack of. It's just good use of negative space.  It added to the square look of the top.
BCBG Max Azria
Photo via www.louloumagazine.com

This is what I mean by the bright Spring/ Summer colours being a little more subtle for fall/winter.  Love this colour.  It's so rich and delicious!  I really like DVF designs.  They often have a 70's feel and are very flowy and feminine.  She knows what she's doing!

Diane Von Furstenburg
photo via www.millionlooks.com

I'm actually surprised I didn't notice this colour on my radar!  I love purples and this upcoming season I think it will be making an appearance.  Yay!
Feretti
photo via www.louloumagazine.com

So, I think I was on the right track.  Blue seems to be making it's way down a few run ways.  It's a very rich hue.
Stella McCartney
photo via www.louloumagazine.com

There is the leather again! I hope this is not real fur....lets say it's faux.
Ferretti
photo via www.louloumagazine.com

Another example of blue on the runway.  I'm liking the collar and the cuffs! It's kind of business like.  Mrs. Beckham sure knows how to design!  I'm definitely a fan.
Victoria Beckham
photo via www.millionlooks.com

Red also seems to be a common colour on the runways.
Victoria Beckham
photo via www.millionlooks.com

Oh do I love this one! It's business fashionista.  Lovin' the hat and purse.
DVF (of course, she's awesome)
photo via www.harpersbazaar.com

Another example of the bright colours being a bit more subtle.  This combination is so rich!
DVF
photo via www.millionlooks.com

Vacation

   Hello! I guess it's been a little over a week since my last post.  I'm actually on vacation right now. It's more of a "stay cation".  We didn't really go that far! But honestly, sometimes it's just nice to stay home, sleep in and not give a crap lol.   We did however spend the day being busy.  It was Canada day on Monday, so I wore some red and celebrated.  My Friend, E.jo, was in town too so that was great.  Me and Hubby toured around down town on Tuesday , hit up the mall (bought some Toms) and went to see "The Amazing Spiderman", loved it so much!!!!  Right now we are in Moncton, at the Casino.  Haven't gone gambling yet though! (Cool thing;  My Red Dress from the show last year is featured in a promo commercial for the Casino! I had no idea, it was a pleasant surprise:) I also got to see my friends new little baby , only a few days old. Adorable!
   Often we think we have to go far and explore when sometimes, something exciting is right in our backyard!  We decided to go to Fundy. While in Fundy we decided to go kayaking around the Hopewell rocks.  Wow, so amazing!  A woman stopped us to ask the name of the park and where it was located.  She had a very thick accent so I asked her where she was from.  She told me, Israel.  She came all the way from  Israel! I live a few hours away and have never been to the park!  A couple of the people she was with came on our Kayaking tour and when asked why they came to Canada, they answered , without hesitation, "For the Beauty".  I smiled to myself and thought, it truly is a beautiful country and all of us living within it should see that and be so happy to live here!  I finally realized that we didn't have to go far for our vacation....beauty and adventure is in our back yard :)          

Me kayaking.  My life jacket was a little big lol

Standing where we were Kayaking! 

Bought these while we were at the mall.  My sister has a pair and kept saying how awesome they are...she was right! Not only are they awesome to wear, it's a great cause.  For every pair sold, a pair is given to a child in Africa.  They can be worn with almost anything and come in a variety of colours! I think I may purchase another pair.

My Red Dress and beautiful model from last years Red Dress show. I really need to learn to stand straight...I think I was laughing. I made my dress too:) ps it was my first go at a maternity dress.

 PS here are a few of my fashion forecasts that I've been meaning to write, will expand next post!

My prediction: Neons will stay somewhat…fade into slightly darker colors:  Neon Pink; Magenta…Yellow; Mustard Blue; Indigo…etc.

Black and White and one Color (Probably Red, Blue or Green)

Flavours influenced colours for spring/summer i.e., Watermelon Crush…Lemonade…etc. I think it will continue but with "fall Flavours"  Caramel, Butterscotch, Wine,….etc.

Larger purses

Scarves

Snake Print

Hats

Maybe an Art influence (Water Colour fabrics were popular the past few seasons)

Bows

Collars

I'm also thinking an old fashion look like maybe Grandma would have worn. Think the British Monarchy  i.e. Wallis, Duchess of Windsor.