3 things: least fav trends for Fall '11

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Every season there is just one trend, perhaps 2, that I just don't understand. That or it just don't find it attractive or flattering. This summer it was the flatform- though I think that one might have been less popular than last season's heeled clog. While, I'll admit the clog has grown on me and I've warmed up to it, it isn't a fad I felt I ever missed out on. I respect the fact that I've seen many well-put together outfits that have included trends that just personally weren't for me and I will admit some people do manage to rock them! Recently I've seen a few trend reports and emails announcing a few trends for Fall '11 that I'm just not hot on:

1. High-Heel Loafers

Left: Nine West; Right: Boutique 9

Let me start our by saying that this is a look that I can see the right stylish women pulling off- whether it be a certain few bloggers, models in fashion magazines, or even a few local ladies I can think of.

But I just can't get past that fact that they just remind me of the clunky black heeled shoes girls used to wear when I was in grade 7. I love a pretty, well-made loafer, but I just prefer them closer to the ground without the chunky heel. In a particular sense I would only wear this a loafter to work- and in my profession (plus my lack of coordination) heels just don't make the cut. There are other aspects on the mens-inspired trend coming this fall that I can get on board with, but just not the chunky heel loafer. I just don't find them visually pleasing and they are just too casual for what I prefer to wear heels for.

2. Capes/Ponchos

Left: BB Dakota; Right: Ralph Lauren

Again, this is a look that some people will have no problem styling- but I just don't see the poncho as a match for the general public. I feel this is a garment when you have to choose carefully and with the right bottoms, otherwise it may come off a little hobo-ish. The closest I've coming to actually liking this look is Rachel Zoe's Ava knit cape. But this is a woman who always knows how to get it right!

3. PJ-Style Pants

Left: Elizabeth & James; Right: Missoni

I recently received a trend report from Who What Wear in my inbox earlier this month on silky pants and I had to cringe (but to give them credit, I typicall do love their trend predictions!). And along with that I've been seeing pj-like pants and unflattering prints popping up on places like Shopbop- I just don't think these looks are going to work mainstream. There will be the eccentric, creative fashionistas who will pull this off but I just think that overall, wearing these types of pants will have me thinking people just didn't change when they got up for this morning. These could really work as great, cute lounge pants, but outside of the house, I don't think it's for everyone.

Don't worry, fall is just approaching, so there is still plenty of time to talk about what there is to love (and there is lots I'm loving)! What is your take on these 3 coming trends? Perhaps you do like them or have a different perspective on how the general public could style them? Would love to hear your opinions- please, do share!

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seeing spots...

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I think we all know the pain of spending precious time on a report, email, or even a blog post just to have something happen to our computer to watch it disappear and then lament over time and work lost! (Whether it be due to the swipe of the wrong key, a program malfunction, or- heaven forbid- your computer decides to crash.) Sadly, this is was my experience yesterday in regards to my blog post. I had this particular post all ready to go and as scheduled, it was published yesterday morning. (So you may recognize these photos if you made a visit to my blog before noon.) I had to go back in to do some edits and when I updated, Blogger snatched my work and all I was left with was...notta. Blogger likes to misbehave a little too often I think...

Anyhow, here goes a second attempt at sharing this outfit post. I couldn't resist wearing this shear BB Dakota cheetah print top the day after I bought it! One reason I love about this top now is that you can wear it with minimal layering and it's cool enough for summer but with more layers (a sweater over top, tank underneath), it can easily transition into fall. Now typically, I would layer under a sheer top, but in this case I decided to do the opposite and layer this H&M vest over top. I wore this casual ensemble to meet my friend Allie for coffee uptown (with her little guy Klein) and then head to Element 5 for a pedicure.

The Outfit

• Vest: H&M (Moncton, April '11)
• Animal print top: BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '11)
• Skinny jeans: 7 for All Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (ordered online, July '11)
• Earrings: Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)

Just reminder of Perfumes Plus' tax-free sale tomorrow (Friday) on their Chanel products! If you haven't heard, Coco Chanel's birthday is August 19 (the designer icon would have been 128 years old)- in celebration you can purchase any Chanel products tax free! And what would be a party without a little cake and some prizes? I know I'll be in to get my eye concealer (and perhaps a piece of cake for a little sugar buzz)! To here a little more about it- check out Perfume Plus' blog or the Brunswick Square blog!

 

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colour splash...

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One of my latest BB Dakota purchases, this item actually may date back to their Spring collection I believe. I've spent a little time here and there in St. Andrews over the last couple of weeks and happened to find this colourful tank at the Leather House.

However, I do have some new Fall '11 BB Dakota items to share as well (as quickly previewed in last week's post for Je Suis Prest's Fall Launch Party). I finally will be able to say I have a trench coat within my closet (long overdue).

The Outfit

• Tank: BB Dakota- Leather House (St. Andrews, July '11)
• Sweater: American Eagle (SJ, Sept '08)
• Skinny jeans: 7 For All Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)
• Espadrilles: Steve Madden- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, June '11)
• Purse: Coach (ordered online, May '11)
• Necklace: unknown

I took this week off to relax, refresh, and get organized. And I'm hoping for some good weather to take advantage of since our summer days are sadly numbered! (Where did the time fly?) On my to do list this week: our wedding photos are also finally ready to be picked up- so excited to look through them! 

 

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Fall Launch Party!

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Last Friday was Je Suis Prest's Fall Launch Party in which they adorned their racks with the latest fall merchandise from BB Dakota, Covet, and a few other lovely brands. I was most excited to see what BB Dakota had in store for their fall collection.

I know, sometimes it's hard to start transitioning your perspective to buying for fall when there are still beach days and back-deck BBQs to be had. I tend to purchase the more versatile items pre-fall to mix and match with summer items and hold off on heavier items until later (or put them on lay away)!

At Je Suis Prest you'll find the BB Dakota fall and winter coat line-up of which many are of a military/utilitarian feel. Many great versatile, neutral colours including blacks, greys, olives, and browns- nad at a very reasonable price! You'll find many of the BB Dakota coats are even under a $100! It may be early to be thinking coats, but really- I find they tend to be picked over once the weather actually gets cooler (that's why lay away is so great).

Kiera also had treats on hand and even a little bubbly to celebrate the new arrivals! (Which was perfect, considering the fact I hadn't had a chance to eat supper in advance..)

Even the JSP girls themselves were dressed in lovely pieces from BB Dakota (looking beautiful, as always)!

Many of the fall colours you'll see in the store include primary colours of greens, olives, browns, greys, navys with flashes of light blue and blush pink as highlights. BB Dakota has selected a colour palatte that will be easy for women to mix and match with their current wardrobe.

There are also a number of Co-Lab bags and wallets from Christopher Kon to be lusted over. And you can't miss the wall decorated with new beautiful Hue tights in a variety of colours and patterns. Above I play with my new Nikon while I shop and sip on some of the pink! Also, in the photos above, Kiera rings in the purchases of sisters Melissa and Carla. 

Above, Kate looks beautiful in this brilliant red belted BB Dakota dress! Below, my choices to try on and another one of BB Dakota's pretty dresses.

Below were my final choices: it was tough by I narrowed it down to three items (all BB Dakota). I decided to put the trench on lay away (not quite weather-appropriate) while the sheer animal print top and multi coloured print dress came home with me that night!

As much as I hate to see summer go, I can't wait to see what other brands have in store for fall! Have you made any fall purchases yet?

 

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Industry Night Saint John...

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A week ago, another Industry Night for New Brunswick Fashion Week (NBFW) was hosted by Shadow Lawn Inn in Rothesay. Shadow Lawn, a sponsor of NBFW, was the second meeting with Buchanan & Co. to share their insight for a potential budding fashion industry in Atlantic Canada and to release the agenda for NBFW.

The exact schedule still needs some refinement, but as mentioned before, New Brunswick Fashion Week will be hosted for the first time from September 30 to October 7 this fall in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. I have to say, it has been the people of Saint John showing the most interest in the event, having by far the greatest number of attendees at each Industry Night to date!

Last week's gathering brought together a few notable names: Tracy Hanson (Uptown Saint John), Brandi Cooper (Brunswick Square Centre), Kiera Fraser (Je Suis Prest Boutique), Norman Hector-Chiasson (NWH Modelling & Fashion Shows), Cathy Hutchinson & Natalie Allaby (Manchester Shoe Salon), Sandy Teed (Baubles), Kelly Lawson (Lawson Photography), Dominique Leger (Red Hot Events), among others! 

Since Moncton is the city that initiated the event, they will kick of NBFW with events Friday through Tuesday. NBFW will come to KV Wednesday, followed by night of dressing up, drinks, and shopping in Saint John on Thursday (think Fashion's Night Out). Friday will be a big day at the Delta with a tradeshadow, Fantasy Night competition for certified hairstylists and make-up artists, and various fashion shows which will feature both retailer merchandise and local designer lines. When the time draws closer, tickets for various events will be available from Ticket Atlantic.

There seem to be many more details to iron out and finalize, but I will be sure to keep you up to date as I hear more. Be sure to be following New Brunswick Fashion Week via Facebook and Twitter for more details. Hopefully we will be seeing that new logo by the very beginning of Septemeber!

Also, for those of you interested in a taste of the real New York Fashion Week: Buchanan & Co. is hosting a bus trip to NYC from Sept 6-13. There has also been word that they are also coordinating a bus trip for Toronto's Fashion Week later in October (Oct 17-23).

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