Festive [fes-tiv]: an adjective pertaining to something suitable for a feast or merry making. What comes to mind? Sparkle. That’s right, it’s time to bring out your inner showgirl because the holidays are the perfect time to pull out all the stops. But be careful – not all that glitters is indeed gold. Little hits here and there are the easiest way to go, so have fun with it. If you’re going to wear sparkle you better be ready to smile. These accessories will amp up any old LBD or even jeans and a tee in the most high fashion, festivus way. Now go find some mistletoe.

1. Haffen High Heel ($100), available at Aldo Shoes.
2. Glitter combat boot ($180), available at Betsey Johnson.
3. Sequin ($49.90), available at Zara.
4. Sequin Wallet/Clutch ($59.90), available at Zara.
5.“If You Think I’m Sexy” Nail Polish ($22), by Deborah Lippman, available at BluBird and Kiss and Makeup.

6. Sequin Embellished Suspenders ($282), from Dolce & Gabbana, available at Net-a-Porter.

By: Katherine Horsman (Bullet With Butterfly Wings),Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @lilkatehorsman.

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Fresh and fabulous for the weekend

1. Aldo “Swansen” heel in Bone ($34.99) Available at www.aldoshoes.com

2. Club Monaco www.clubmonaco.com “Aleta All In One Romper” in Blue Print ($187.94) Available at www.shopbop.com

3. Nine West “Hey Jute Large Clutch” in Natural/White ($64.99) Available at www.ninewest.ca

Date night in the city

4. Aldo “Nachod” heel in Beige ($27.99) Available at www.aldoshoes.com

5. Tommy Hilfiger “Legging Jean” in Summit Wash ($79.00 US) Available at www.tommy.com

6. Club Monaco www.clubmonaco.com “Zoey Sequin Tank” in Putty ($128.43) Available at www.shopbop.com

Sleek and polished at the office

7. Steve Madden “Unityy” Heel in Blush Patent ($89.95 US) Available at www.stevemadden.com

8. Banana Republic “Lightweight Wool Melange Blazer and Pencil Skirt” in Grey (Skirt: $56.99 Blazer: $154.99) Available at www.bananarepublic.ca

9. Aldo “Iachetta Handbag” in Taupe ($45.00) Available at www.aldoshoes.com

Subtle and sophisticated, nude heels are a wardrobe staple. The neutral hue creates an elongated, streamline silhouette and is available in a wide range of versatile styles and tones, perfect for all occasions. From work, to weekend, to those hot summer nights, put your best strut forward this season, proving you can wear it nude.

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

You may remember the foam platform heels of the 90’s, but the wedge shoe has come a long way since its retro predecessor. Sleek, sophisticated and always practical, these modernized wedges feature updated materials like wood, leather and suede for a more restructured design. Rock your favourite with a skinny jean and you’re ready to take on the town.

1. Filby Leather Wedge, $80, available at Aldo Shoes
2. Diane Von Furstenberg Willie Leather Wedge, $280, available at Net-A-Porter
3. Givenchy Woven Wedge Sandal, $1385, available at SSENSE
4. Peep Toe Wedge Bootie, $31.80, available at Forever 21

By: Shareen Sandhu, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @ShareenSandhu

There is something about velvet that exudes pure decadence. Sure, there have been some questionable, over-the-top velvet fashion trends in the past, but the 2010 versions are much more wearable. A touch of velvet goes a long way, adding some contrast and class to your winter ensemble. The trick to keeping the look current? Experiment with colour and texture and please refrain from sporting velvet head-to-toe.

1. Style inspiration: Alexander Wang Fall 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
2. Look for velvet pieces with a unique pattern and a flattering silhouette, like this Nanette Lepore dress (Approx. $348). Available at Shopbop.
3. If you’re velvet-shy, try a burnout pattern for a subtle touch of sheen. Winter Kate Burnout Velvet Cardigan (Approx. $248), available at Nordstrom Online.
4. Velvet purses are the perfect go-to accessories for holiday events. Kimchi Blue Velvet Bow Clutch (Approx. $38), available at Urban Outfitters.
5. Add a pop of colour and texture to your look with some killer velvet platforms. Aldo Baisley Platform Pumps (Approx. $80), at Aldo Shoes.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on twitter @valerietiu.

Thanks to stylist Elim Chu for assisting me and to Holly Boutique for the lace-front black dress I wore.

You should visit fashion career website Style Nine to Five and follow me on Twitter @Christie_Lohr.

If there are two things in life I really love, they’ve got to be shoes and spas. You can imagine my delight when I found out that the lovely ladies at Aldo had found a way to combine the two into one amazing media event at, my fave, the Elmwood Spa. Upon arrival we changed into our robes before getting a sneak-peek of the Fall Collection available at Aldo and Spring, along with new store Locale, which promises to be a more sophisticated version of Little Burgundy. We also heard that a much beloved name from our past, Pegabo, is making a come back. After that it was off to the treatment rooms for massages, mango body scrubs, or mani-pedis. I opted for an aromatherapy massage and enjoyed every minute of it.

Here is a sampling of the upcoming fall collection from Aldo. The four looks of the collection are American Heritage, Military Academy, Victoria and, my favourite, Galactic Minimalism, which features lots of black, Camilla Skovgaard-inspired high, high-heels, perfect for a night out in the big city.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

Tea parties are the new cool. Now we may have to give Johnny Depp, Mr. Mad Hatter, credit for making teatime tempting again, but this trend has certainly been making its mark on the mainstream in recent months. After all, it is the quintessential hobby to socialize with friends and family, and better yet, relax. Traditional afternoon tea called for best-dressed, polished attire, so why not take a cue from the past and get dolled up and decked out?

Whether you are headed for high tea at The Empress, or simply sipping at a café with the girls, try taking a step towards clean and ladylike looks. My pick for the best afternoon tea in Vancouver? The Secret Garden Tea Company in Kerrisdale.

1. Think ladylike looks for teatime. Look for elements like sweetheart necklines, draping, and girly prints. Try this floral silk-chiffon dress from 3.1 Phillip Lim ($595), available online at Net-A-Porter and at Misch in Vancouver.
2. Cinch in a flowy dress with a belt – bows are a nice touch! Leather contrast bow belt by Sonia Rykiel ($125), available online at ASOS.
3. Top it off with an ultra-chic wide brim hat. I love this Deena & Ozzy Straw Hat from Urban Outfitters ($34).
4. Accessorize with lovely layered chains. My pick is this gold multi-chain necklace by Tom Binns for Alice In Wonderland ($175). Available online at Karmaloop.
5. Traditionally, tea gloves were worn to protect from the elements. Play up this idea with these sheer lace gloves by ASOS ($7).
6. Want to feel extra luxe for high tea? Slip on these sexy stockings by Bebaroque ($101) from ASOS.
7. Balance out this feminine ensemble by pairing it with some cool brogues. Two-tone brogues from Aldo ($80).

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Celebs are wearing barely there minis on the red carpet and designers are hiking up the hemline on the runways. This mini trend will be sticking around for the warmer months.

My outfit: Summer Jumper from local label Lav & Kush, feather earrings ($32) from One of a Few and shoes ($90) from Aldo.

Look #1: Paola, from InspirationAll Talent & Modeling Group, is wearing a BB Dakota fresh floral mini ($40 to borrow, $108 new) from Du Jour Boutique & Gallery (628 Abbott St., Vancouver, 604-688-3524) and cream strappy heels ($49.99) from Spring. Trendy Gastown destination Du Jour gives you the option of buying or ‘borrowing’ from their great selection of designer dresses.

Look #2: Kirsten from JK Models is wearing a Robert Rodriguez frock ($485) from Holt Renfew. Her ‘lucite’ earrings ($780) and matching chunky cuff ($1080) are from an amazing line called Van Der Straeten.

Look #3: Louisa is wearing a Milly mini ($455) and wood statement necklace ($110) from Holt Renfrew and nude heels ($80) from Aldo. This look is perfect for the curvy gal.

Look #4: Michelle’s look (blazer and dress $39.95) is from H&M and pumps (69.99) from Spring appropriate for the women a little older who has killer legs. Think Jennifer Aniston.

The word clog may conjure up visions of little Dutch girls sporting braids and a pinafore or free-spirited hippies getting in the groove at Woodstock. If you’ve been paying any attention to recent runway trends however, you’ll notice that the clog has re-emerged as this season’s must-have shoe, and it’s had a makeover. The clog circa 2010 is a sleeker, studded, more modern breed than the ones of the past. The verdict is in: clogs are cool. Paired just as easily with a sundress as with jeans, the style will prove a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Look for modern updates like edgy hardware or studded detailing. Keeping them in a neutral tone will prevent them from appearing over-the-top, and you’ll also be playing into another huge trend this Spring, the nude shoe. Michael Kors, Miu Miu and Chanel all paired their Spring designs with clogs, and hey, if it’s good enough for Karl, I’m onboard.

Top to bottom: Aldo Nude Gualuski ($100), Jeffery Cambell for Free People ($150), Banana Republic ($120), Chanel (style.com), Aldo Cognac Finnell ($100), Stuart Weitzman from Browns ($418)

By: Chloe Berge

]]> http://christielohr.com/2010/03/going-dutch/feed/ 2 http://christielohr.com/2010/03/spring-transitional-wear/ http://christielohr.com/2010/03/spring-transitional-wear/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:21:29 +0000 christie http://christielohr.com/?p=1473

If you’re lucky enough to be a Vancouverite, transitioning into spring is simple.  With our sparse winter season, it only seems natural that we should be trading our toques for tanks. Regardless of where you live, there are a few simple fashion fixes to consider for in between the seasons.

1. Store away the puffy winter jackets and pick up a topper in a lightweight, yet rainy day friendly material. Try the Banana Republic Classic Trench Coat ($198 USD).

2. Trade your winter wool scarf for a featherweight fabric-like silk or French twill like this Coach Madison Floral Scarf ($78).

3. Goodbye pants, say hello to feminine skirts. Pair with tights for chilly spring days. Pick up the American Apparel Full Woven Skirt ($52).

4. A change in seasons also means a change in colour. Incorporate powdery hues to update your look. The Aldo Daven Heels ($100) and Aldo Zenon Bag ($42) will do.

5. Leathers continue to be on-point this season. Look for lighter, buttery and soft textures in a tailored motorcycle-style jacket, or be daring in a sexy mini like the Urban Renewal Leather Mini ($58).

6. What’s spring without the flowers blooming? Introduce floral patterns to your wardrobe with this Forever 21 Floral Ruffle Tunic ($34).

By: Valerie Tiu