S/S 2016 Runway Trend Report

Once again it is time to look to the runway collections and designers that presented notable themes for S/S 2016. With the help of Vogue.com we have grouped together our favourites.

Boudoir: Satin & Lace

Céline

Designers doing this trend:

Celine

Givenchy

Alexander Wang

Vintage Revival: Luxe + Thrift Store

Gucci

Designers doing this trend:

Gucci

Dries Van Noten

Christopher Kane

Romance Redux: 1800s modern femininity

Alexander McQueen

Designers doing this trend:

Oscar de la Renta

Erdem

Alexander McQueen

All that Glitters: Sequins and appliqué 

Anthony Vaccerello

Designers doing this trend:

Marni

Pucci

Paco Robanne

Oh, how I am waiting for the warm weather again!!!

XO, Phaedra

London Fashion Week 2015 Recap

London Fashion week has come and gone in a whirlwind of young, provocative and unapologetically British styles.  Everyone is talking about Christopher Kane - whose show was a “car crash” of ripped and see-through garments, scribbled-on blouses and brightly coloured cable-ties on every single model.

( http://www.stylist.co.uk/fashion-week/london-fashion-week-ss16-insider-blog-shows-frows-backstage-celebrities-parties-beauty-designers-editors )

The Canadian born designer Erdem also garnered a lot of press with his Victorian themed show made entirely from lace left over from his previous collection, organically farmed silk and fibers made from, among other recycled materials, plastic bottles. Think “Sustainable Jane Eyre.”

(http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/09/24/london-fashion-week-erdem-green-carpet-challenge_n_8172660.html )

No London Fashion Week would be complete without collections from Burberry and Vivienne Westwood, the former presented Prada-esque nylon backpacks to its obsessive fans while the latter executed a fashion-show-meets-protest – complete with models carrying placards condemning austerity and climate change. 

(https://us.burberry.com/london-fashion-week/spring-summer/ )

As the grande dame of punk style Westwood is no stranger to activism, and several media sources agree that the message was likely targeted at Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, for his adamant support of the practise of fracking. 

(http://news.yahoo.com/vivienne-westwood-stages-protest-london-fashion-week-184006751.html )

(http://news.yahoo.com/vivienne-westwood-stages-protest-london-fashion-week-184006751.html)

But to put aside the ultra-modern crusades and Vicorian motifs, my personal favourite show came from the only high-street brand to make it into the week’s prestigious schedule: Topshop Unique. Topshop’s reception has been mixed, but I found the obvious 70s inspired prints alongside playful work-wear and daring club-wear comprised a well balanced collection that does what fashion is “supposed” to do: show attractive, thoughtful, and modern clothing in innovative, yet wearable ways.

(http://www.fashionisers.com/fashion-news/topshop-unique-fall-winter-2015-2016-collection/)

That said, the stary-eyed madness of Gareth Pugh will forever hold a place in my heart.  

Trends to take away from this week:

Ruffles

(http://www.globalblue.com/destinations/uk/london/london-fashion-week-ss16-trend-report/#slide-4 )

 Romantic lace

(http://www.fashionisers.com/trends/fall-winter-2015-2016-fashion-trends/)

 Talkative Accessories

(http://anyahindmarch.tumblr.com/post/97726260829/the-anya-hindmarch-version-of-a-statement-bag)

~ Monica Sommerville

Fall/Winter 2015 Trends

Our favourite season of fashion is just around the corner. Here are our top 3 trends for F/W:

Lady in Layers

Layer tweeds, wools, cashmere and cotton to get on board with this trend. 

Miu Miu

Goth Girl

Head to toe black is the easiest trend to rock this season because we all have this shade in our closets.

Simone Rocha

Pretty Sweet

Pastels, silks, florals and appliques are carried over from S/S 2015 so don't put all this away in your summer closet.

Giambattista Valli

Happy Shopping!

~ XO, Phae

Fall Footwear Trends of 2015

If you follow us on Instagram you may have noticed that we love shoes. Whether you consider them as important as a handbag or an accessory when putting together your ensemble for the day, they are the foundation of your look. We would suggest putting more focus on your footwear collection this coming season and building your outfit based on what you have on your feet! Below are 4 of the hottest footwear trends of F/W 2015. Enjoy!

Patchwork

Try pairing patchwork boots or shoes with a patterned jacket (as seen below) or go simple and pair with skinny jeans and a chunky knit sweater.

Etro

Mary Jane

My first pair of designer shoes were Prada Mary Jane pumps and I still have them today so needless to say I am elated these are back in style! 

Try pairing Mj's with a fitted cocktail dress or keep is minimal with silk slouchy pants and a drapey t-shirt and leather jacket.

Miu Miu

High Rise

In cold weather wear these with a tight underneath the boot and layer an A-line dress over top and finish with a trench coat.

Emilio Pucci

Colour Blocked

Whatever the colour combination, a colour blocked shoe will lend interest to a monochromatic outfit. Try pairing a colour blocked shoe or boot with an all black look - which is also very on trend for the season.

Jil Sander

~ XO, Phaedra

*Images from Harpers Bazaar*

#OOTD Weekly Wrap Up

Wondering what to wear this season? We have 6 #ootd suggestions to help you outta that rut!

MONDAY: Baby blues + pops of hot pink

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | T-shirt: J. Crew | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

 TUESDAY: Tropical prints

Top: H&M | Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch | Shoes: Shelley's from The Bay

WEDNESDAY: Mosaic prints + nudes

Jacket: H&M | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Earrings&Bracelet: J. Crew | Sunnies: Ray Ban

THURSDAY: Shades of grey (monochromatic)

Jeans: Stella McCartney | T-shirt: Camp Brand Goods | Shoes: Coach | Sunnies: Ray Ban

FRIDAY: BF jeans + reds + stripes

Jeans: J. Crew | Tank: Old Navy | Bag: Prada | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

SATURDAY: Folk Fest Vibes

Hat & Neclace: APT 22 | Shorts & Gladiators: Free People 

SUNDAY: Take the day off with PJ's!

~ XO, Phae

Spring / Summer Boho Trend: Kimonos ~ Lost In Layers

If you have been following us on Instagram or Facebook lately you are aware that one of our favourite trends lately is the kimono. 

Lost In Layers kimono

Lost In Layers kimono

Apt 22 kimono

Lost In Layers kimono

We featured some on our Global Television Festival Style segment in June as well.

Lost In Layers

One of our favourite local designers in Lindsay of Lost In Layers.

She hand makes her kimonos locally and sells them on Etsy and at a fabulous new boutique in Inglewood called Bamboo Ballroom. Even making "mini monos" for babies and toddlers and matching ones for Mom if you want too! 

Bamboo Ballroom

Another great boutique in Calgary to shop for kimonos and boho pieces in general is APT 22

Apt 22 kimono

If you happen to be passing through the Okanagan then you must check out the cutest little shop in Penticton, Soulfull Project where they donate 50% of the proceeds to philanthropic partners!

Soulfull Project

See our Trend Report on kimonos for The CORE Shopping's online magazine

~xoB

Trending: Trimmed Sweaters

A look I am loving lately is the layered sweater. 

Instagram

I paired a peplum eyelet top from Old Navy under a Zara sweater, but these tops below make this look super easy as they are one piece - no mixing and matching needed.

~xoB

What to get your man for Valentine's Day

Ladies, you can thank us later, we have a selection of gifts for your man. He will we be a stylin' stud this weekend after you show your love with one (or more) of these great gifts!

Great retailers in YYC to find some of these products:
Less 17
Modern Menswear
Understudy
Harry Rosen
Nordstrom

~xoB