Although the weather may be behind schedule, as the snow hasn’t even hit the ground yet, in the fashion world, we’re already ten steps ahead. Preparing for the Spring/Summer season, H&M launched it’s collection to the press just recently in Toronto. Held in the downtown showroom, fun and colorful garments were displayed around the room, with a backdrop of an outstanding view of the city!

H&M’s SS ’12 collection is a complete line for men, women, and children. Modern tailoring to create crisp, fresh pieces is a big trend for next season, along with feminine and romantic touches. The women’s line also features whites, creams, bright yellow and orange, as well pastel blues and peaches. Accessories for women are chunky and bold, bringing modern fashion back to the 60’s.

For men, there are no boundaries! It’s all about adding a modern twist; pairing marina stripes and khakis, with bright orange, yellow, and red. The focus is on authenticity, which really came through throughout the collection. Pieces that really stand out are the long kimono floral jacket, the neon orange and teal wedge shoes, and geometric shaped white and orange bangles.

The H&M’s S/S’12 collection will be released sometime between January – March, 2012.

70s REVIVAL TRENDS:  bow blouses (my mom wore these and I would NEVER imagine doing the same) and paisley prints (which had a brief comeback sometime in the 90s).

Honestly, both are available everywhere these days (especially vintage on Etsy), but a few I came across online:

Vero Moda Rosa Bow 3/4 Long Sleeve Top on sale for $35 with free Canadian shipping at Tiastar.com


Shop Bow Blouses on Shopstyle


The very popular ASOS  pussy bow blouse on sale for $27 right now


Paisley prints @ Forever 21

Paisley on the runways – Fall 2008
Dolce & Gabbana | Gucci | DKNY

Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 4

Cynthia Rowley | Vawk | Trend: Flashy Accessories

Day 4 was a much quieter day (is everyone getting tired?) in David Pecaut Square, and the weather was still not cooperating; which is a mood killer especially after you’ve just done you’re hair and makeup.

Jenn proves that even your grandma’s closet can hold the best-hidden treasures – Wearing a sported a vintage, sequined floral shirt and black Guess jeans. Knee high, wedge boots from Aldo.

The agenda of the day was full of studio shows in the afternoon, and some in the later evening, which made for smaller crowds and better seats. I successfully made it in time to see the Fashion Environment Kellogg’s Special K Presents: Cynthia Rowley. Her mini show featured three ‘real’ women, in beautifully designed, cherry red dresses, supporting their “feel good” vibes and active lifestyles.

Next up was Caroline Néron in the studio (see Liza’s post here), presenting her goddess inspired SS12 line. The models had a breeze from the fans placed in front of the runway, giving the show an “Ancient Greece meets Victoria Secret” feel; it worked!

Vawk SS12 photos via http://www.stevealkok.com/

Bustle captivated the gentlemen in the room’s attention with sailor-like suits, and navy seal stripes. Although all three shows were outstanding, I have to say it was Vawk that captured my heart – sheer maxi skirts, Asian inspired dresses, and the use of metallic gold pleased everyone.

As the night went on, I found myself playing the classic childhood game “Where’s Waldo?” while awaiting the shows to begin. As I previously stated, it was a quiet night in the LG tents and many previously spotted fashion A-lister’s were busy elsewhere; wherever else their fabulous lives take them. I did happen to notice models Andrej Pejic and Stacey McKenzie, stylist Liz Cabral and designer Adrian Wu. It was great to see Adrian out supporting other Canadian designers in preparation for his studio fashion show on Friday.

Accessories Trend: Flash Attack!

The trend I spotted throughout the night was different than any other thus far: chunky accessories. Many chic women jazzed up their ensembles with edgy, bold, and dazzling jewelry. Designer, Naanafya rocked her own accessories line, wearing a bundle of silver beaded necklaces, a large cross ring, and a jeweled, pink skull ring while my own friend and partner for the night, Jennifer Nguyen, flaunted a Jeremy Scott white winged watch.

RELATED POSTS:
+ Naanafya Accessories at FAT >link
+ Dispatches from a Newbie LGFW Day Three > link
+ Statement Necklace T.O. > link

Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 3

Inside, the LG tents were bustling with positive energy all day, despite the glum weather outside. Early shows included Robert Graham, Sid Neigum, Marie Saint Pierre, and Klaxon Howl. However, the majority of the day was quite quiet, which I guess was a result of busy work schedules of fashion week’s elite and the not-so nice weather.

Jenn pictured with Liz Trinnear of MuchMusic – Day 3 fashion week (on a student budget) outfit: Faux leather jacket, black tights, and black booties from H&M.  Black tank top, cream skirt, and pearl-gold chain necklace from Forever 21.

Around 5 p.m, the guest lists expanded as more people filed in for Label, Korhani, Pink Tartan, and Joe Fresh.

The Label studio show was a collection of feminine pieces; very basic yet girly chic pieces for spring! It featured edgy necklaces and other chunky jewelry designed by Toronto’s own, Emily Woundenberg (below). Pink Tartan and Joe Fresh lit up the night with beaming neon’s against sharp white, creating a crisp contrast for next season. Both collections also had neutrals and classic tailoring as two of their main features.

Waiting in the mayhem for the Joe Fresh show to start, I introduced myself and spoke with Liz Trinnear of MuchMusic. She sported her classic bun and looked fabulous. As always, Joe Fresh was a fully packed show (some people were even crowded sitting on the stairs) with supermodel Yasmin Warsame taking the catwalk.

Another highlight of my night was meeting InFashion’s, Glen Baxter (above). I had noticed him from afar the past few days but actually had the chance to speak with him, which was amazing! Other attendees of the nights fashion shows were Toronto fashion reps: Melinda Shankar, Adrian Mainella, Randi Bergman, Tommy Ton, Stacey McKenzie, Fefe Dobson, Keisha Chante, Lisa Tant, Bernadette Mora, and Mosha Lundstrom.

Turban Trend?

Seeing turbans and headwraps on the models at the Attitude Jay Manuel and Laura Siegel shows, it got me thinking about this new “Turban” inspired headband trend. I recently bought myself one from American Apparel, and noticed two girls sporting one. It’s a unique trend, which can go with ultimately any outfit, not to mention how cute they look! Look for this style of headwear appear more often for the season Spring/Summer ’12.

**All pictures credited to Jennifer Nguyen http://jnouveau.com/

RELATED POSTS:

+ Headmistress Head Wraps & Turbans > link
+ LG Fashion Week: Joe Fresh SS12 > link
+ DIY Couture: Try on a Turban >link

Gingham, Plaid & Prints @ Sharp: The Book for Men (Winter 2011 edition) Party

Looking like anything but farmers in suiting with checkered shirts at Tom Ford!

In Toronto – The launch of Sharp Magazine’s semiannual style bible always brings gentlemen out dressed to impress. While there was plenty of classic suiting and leather jackets spotted, I couldn’t help but notice there were plenty of guys rocking a corporate farmer look. Maybe it’s because Thanksgiving is only a couple weekends away or maybe they do farm, but these guys were rocking gingham or plaid shirts under their suits. Some even went so far as to have the cuffs sticking out from the jacket sleeves.

Other key mens style notes for the evening included pocket squares and mixed patterns. See pictures below for a view of the corporate farmer look. I say ye-haw! but what do you think?!

* Funky Leg Wear Helps Handle Unpredictable Weather

The weather has been crazy over the past few weeks here in Toronto. Some days are so warm that summer clothing is mandatory, while other days have people bundling up. What’s even more confusing is the hot days and cool evenings!

One of the best ways to handle the weather while looking good is with some funky legwear. Weather you choose summery patterned pants, fierce tights or strut your heels with knee-high socks, you’re sure to look good while coping with whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

We managed to catch three girls at the Plaid Magazine Drawing Influence art show who were rocking out the look. Which is your favorite?!

Been seeing these on guys and gals more and more these days…

via http://fora.mtv.ca/tag/toronto-street-style/

So although we’ve been seeing colored tights out and about for a few years now, as predicted they’ve just recently become popular with the masses. (Doesn’t it always take awhile for people to embrace color?!)

I’ve always loved my color tights – such a great way to add color and interest to an outfit! Don’t be afraid: give your legs some color with a black dress, pair with prints or even keep your outfit all in the same hues.

Secret’s beautiful fall colors include gorgeous deep tones like charcoal, deep teal, black iris, blackberry, sangria and chili pepper.

Colored Legwear at Fendi Fall 2011:

Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2010:

Kate Spade Fall 2009 Colored Legs:

More: H&M Fall 2011 | Milly by Michelle Smith

For Fall 2011, Secret also has *affordable* fashion tights in various patterns and textures, animal print leggings, cable knit legwarmers and of course all different color nylons. Find them everywhere!