Scarves, Scarves, and More Scarves!

Like many others, I like wearing scarves during the crisp autumn season and I’ve started a collection that is slowly growing. As I incorporate scarves into my fall/winter wardrobe, choice of scarf hasn’t been the issue, but rather the monotony of the way I wear them. When I came across this brilliant video by Wendy from Wendy’s Lookbook, I knew my monotonous scarf wearing days were over and had to share my discovery: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

What are your favorite ways to wear scarves?

xoxo,

First look at fall

I can’t believe it’s already nearing the end of September… and this is my first outfit post for fall. Eep! SA truly appreciates your support and love and we promise to do a better job of keeping updated on a regular basis.

I actually wore this outfit to work today which is on the casual side, but with the little bug that I caught a couple days ago, I couldn’t be bothered with “work” clothes and was more lax in my choices. I’ve had a few questions about where I get my textured tights so I shall divulge. I don’t actually like to shell out the big bucks for tights because I’m not very good to them and they don’t usually last very long. When I have friends or family who make a trip to Korea, I’ll usually ask them to pick some up for me as they are cheap and good quality. When this is not an option, I check out Joe Fresh and Ardene. They usually have some great varieties and colours for about $5-$8 if not cheaper.

Jacket: Club Monaco; dress: from Purr Clothing; scarf: Banana Republic; tights: Ardene; boots: F21; bracelets, watch, and ring: David Yurman, Links of London, Philip Stein, Tiffany; sunnies: foldable Ray Ban Wayfarers

How are you wearing tights this fall? Send me an e-mail with your pictures: angela@styleatelier.ca.

Oh là là! Lanvin!

Another video post, I know… BUT this is good so humour me, please!

 

L’amour fou

I apologize for the lack of posts this week…

Still hoping this lovely and moving film about the iconic Yves Saint Laurent will make its way to a theatre in Calgary.

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

This Week’s 5 // Men’s Edition

Occasionally I do a “5 things” type of post highlighting my 5 favorite things of the moment. I thought I would tweak that a little and try one geared towards men. Are you ready?

1. Simon Spurr

This one actually evolved from three-piece suits and patterned suits to British designer Simon Spurr. Think sharp, tailored suits influenced by vintage elements juxtaposed with modern aesthetics. Someone at Corduroy magazine described it as “Don Draper meets West Village hipster, with just a touch of British swagger”. I couldn’t have said it better.

2. TOMS White Perforated Leather Classics

I love white shoes. I also like slip-ons. These ones have perforated leather in addition to my former shoe likes. As we all know, TOMS also gives a pair of shoes to a child in need when you purchase one. I think it’s a no-brainer that it makes my list.

3. Prada suitcase

For the style conscious traveller, this Prada hardshell suitcase with a vintage feel will fit the bill. I love that they’ve taken the old briefcase and given it new life. I prefer the ivory version, but traditionalists will be glad to know black is also available.

4. Pen Type-A

The folks behind CW&T have designed a clean, minimalist stainless steel pen with a sleeve that doubles as a ruler. It has a smooth barrel with a dime screw at one end to allow cartridge replacement.

5. Tommy T and Bobby V

Who doesn’t love a perfect white tee? Orlebar Brown‘s Tommy T and Bobby V lightweight cotton t-shirts have just the right lean-relaxed fit ratio in addition to curved front and back hems for an even greater fit.

All images via Simon Spurr, TOMS, Prada, CW&T, and Orlebar Brown.

“Happy” Outfit and Rundle Ruins

I didn’t expect to find another historical gem in the city so soon after mentioning the first library in Calgary in the last post. Well as luck, fate, or just plain coincidence would have it, I stumbled across what is known as the Rundle Ruins along 12th Avenue SE at 6th Street SE. A quick Google search (what would we do without Google!) and a click onto the Beltline Heritage Group website and I know now that it is the site of Calgary’s first major hospital and the second General Hospital built in 1894 and demolished in 1973. Any Calgary history buffs out there? Although I find history pretty fascinating, I’m no expert and would love to find more historical sites like this in the city.

Image via Beltline Heritage Group.

I’ve been in a bit of a funk the last couple of days so to cheer myself up I pulled together a look composed of items that normally make me happy: boots, vests, silk tops, and nauticality. A cool photo location and a “happy” outfit is not a bad antidote for a funky mood! We can often fall into the trap of pairing the same tops and bottoms, recycling the same outfits over and over again. Pulling out your favorite items to create an outfit is actually a simple exercise in putting together new combinations of tops and bottoms. I probably wouldn’t have thought to wear the Hervé Léger-style skirt so casually with an open vest and boots, but I think it works and am happy with the end result and new look.

Silk tank: Club Monaco; vest: Banana Republic; skirt: Tristan; boots: F21

Loafin’ around

Two favorite things about this outfit post: loafers and the old library. For those of you who are unfamiliar, this is Memorial Park Library in Central Memorial Park (between 12th Avenue and 13th Avenue SW off 4th Street SW). It is the first purpose-built library in Alberta, opening its doors to Calgarians on January 2, 1912. Neat tidbit on this library: Andrew Carnegie funded 80% of the cost and encouraged City Hall to fund the rest. The library was closed when I got there, but I remember briefly visiting it a long time ago and what I recall is that it is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. I know most people don’t visit libraries much anymore, but they are neat places especially if it’s an old one so if you’re loafin’ around one afternoon I encourage you to check one out!

Speaking of loafing… I don’t know what it is about loafers, but I adore them. My mom always used to say I was weird for liking “granny-ish” shoes, but whether it’s the prep appeal, the tassels, the comfort, or all three elements, they definitely have a cool factor about them and I am excited to see them return with a vengeance this fall. They are the perfect alternative to ballet flats and can be worn with virtually everything. As with flats, it’s great to have a pair of loafers in basic black, but also look out for different leathers (supple calf vs structured patent), colours (camel, burgundy, chocolate brown), and texturing (faux croc, pebbled leather).

Blazer: Aritzia; silk top: Joe Fresh; shorts: Club Monaco; scarf: department store in Korea; loafers: Topshop; watch: Philip Stein; bracelets: Tiffany

Alexander Wang small heels, $495 Forever21 loafer shoes, $23 TopShop loafer shoes, $66 Cole Haan mocassin shoes, $198 Jeffrey Campbell leather flat shoes, $115 Sperry moccasin loafer, $90 Christian Dior flat slip on shoes, $550

Have a terrific weekend!

Power Couture

Fashion will not wait. Four words Calgary native and Toronto-based Caitlin Power self-motivates with. The petite powerhouse has created quite the stir within the local fashion community as well as nationally over the past few years. And with a self-motivator like that, Caitlin has not waited around since graduating from Lethbridge College with a Diploma in Fashion Design and Merchandising. She has already produced three collections and a fourth much-anticipated F/W collection is to be released later this month.

Caitlin’s self-titled high-end women’s ready-to-wear brand appeals to the sophisticated, independent, and powerful woman looking for a polished look with some rock ‘n’ roll edge apparent in the classic silhouettes with a twist inspired by distinct architecture, superior tailoring that combines feminine and masculine lines, and leather elements that mark all the collections.

F/W 2011 is inspired by Victorian Goth and foregoes the obvious colour blocking, cut, and detailing of previous seasons for a darker palette with quiet hints of green to target and showcase subtle details on an ensemble of dresses, shorts, skirts, bustiers, and dress shirts. Although the collection is described by the designer as the most wearable collection to date, it is by no means a boring one. The signature leather details are more lucid while the silhouettes of dresses and blazers are more precise. The piece that epitomizes the collection is the black sheath with leather shoulder panels that is beautifully detailed with individual flower pieces set with a black bead much in the style of paillettes.

The fashion scenes in Calgary and the rest of Canada may be evolving at a snail’s pace as the mass slowly absorbs fashion culture, but with major talents like Caitlin Power emerging, it is worth anticipating and nurturing the development of Canada’s fashion industry.

Caitlin Power F/W collection will be available mid to late August at Mealan (Calgary), TNT Boutique (Toronto), Homegrown Boutique (Toronto), and online at Ukamaku.

Caitlin Power will also be featured at PARKLUXE, a fund-raising initiative by PARK.

“I don’t consider myself a very fashionable person, I just like to create.”

Caitlin Power F/W 2011 lookbook images by Jason Eng from Caitlin Power. Photo of Caitlin Power by Jessika Hunter.

 

Secret Rooftop

I must divulge a secret. Ok, maybe it’s not top secret because I’ve already told many people and I’m not the only one in a city of roughly one million that knows about this place. It’s my own (or I like to think it’s my own) rooftop patio oasis at the Mission Starbucks in Calgary, complete with music and heat lanterns for chilly summer evenings. I love to go to this hideout to enjoy an Americano, study, hang out, and people watch (extreme people watching available with zero creep factor!).

Cardigan: Banana Republic; silk tank: Club Monaco; linen pants and belt: Zara; patent flats: Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan; watch: Michael Kors; necklace: Heart Oiseau.

Since I’ve divulged my secret rooftop patio, won’t you tell me where your secret hideouts are?

The man ring

There is renewed interest in fellow Canadian Ryan Gosling these days and it doesn’t involve his on-off-on and now very off ex-girlfriend (and also Canadian) Rachel McAdams. Crazy, Stupid, Love has women going gaga over his chiseled abs and good looks, but more than good looks and a good movie is Jacob Palmer’s wardrobe which is simply amazing. While I could write an entire post on his perfectly tailored suits and black sweater that has just the right amount of sheer, I want to steer away from suits to focus on jewellery for men. When I noticed Ryan Gosling’s character sporting a couple of sizeable baubles on his fingers throughout the movie, I was intrigued. Why don’t men wear more jewellery? I suppose there is a stigma of sorts attached to certain men who wear a particular style of jewellery, but just as the right necklace or earrings can add a level of refinement to a woman’s outfit, so can a man’s jewellery take the suave level up a notch or two.

As such, I take a cue from Jacob Palmer and introduce you to the man ring. Women wear right-hand rings and cocktail rings  in addition to engagement and wedding rings. There is no rule saying men can’t also wear fashion statement rings. When choosing a ring, I suggest you focus on simplicity, details, or overall “art” appeal. Also, experiment with which finger you sport the ring. A ring you might never wear can have a different feel worn as a pinky ring and vice versa.

Links of London 20/20 XL ring and Tiffany Paloma Zellige ring

Asos BLACK stainless steel ring and Louis Vuitton Stand By Me ring

David Yurman Petrvs Horse ring (similar to one worn by Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid, Love) and Tiger’s Eye Chevron ring (also worn by Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid, Love)

Accessorize the Accessory

After gawking at the one-too-many accessories that I have piled on for the day, many of my friends often comment that they prefer to stay away from jewelry as they “don’t know how to accessorize”. To this I guffaw and simply state that there’s no “know-how” when it comes to sporting jewelry, just simply pile it on! Although it’s safe to stick with one metal, even that “rule” is not steadfast… but for those who are still weary when it comes to “throwing it on”, here is a tip to help you wear that latest sparkly acquisition of yours…

Try choosing the jewelry first (especially statement pieces) THEN pick the background outfit. For instance, I really wanted to sport this hand-cut Labradorite stone pendant from Stella & Dot’s latest fall collection (get yours here) and so I used it as my starting point to build my look around the piece. I stayed neutral with the color palette to highlight the stone’s earth tones and made sure my top was a simple canvas that would not compete with the pendant. From here, I added a few more pieces (one will never do for me!) to compliment and complete the look. What do you think?! Next time if you are unsure how to accessorize your look, try choosing the jewelry first and treat it as you would with an accent/focus wall/art in your home where you build around that particular piece of inspiration. Jewelry should complete your look not compete with it. If your top or dress has a busy neckline, opt for a pair of drop earrings or stick with a cocktail ring and give the necklace a rest. Or, enhance the tribal feel of that summer maxi dress with chunky bangles made of wood. Just remember, the power of jewelry goes a long way; you can instantly spice up a plain black ensemble with a long stranded necklace and avoid looking like a stagehand. There are so many selections of beautiful costume jewelry on the market today that for a nominal investment, you can really enhance your wardrobe without purchasing any new clothing items! Check out Forever 21 for cheap and funky designs (don’t expect it to last long but with the bargain prices you can experiment without fear!) or Banana Republic for a more serious but still very affordable investment. And of course, I highly recommend checking out Stella & Dot online OR contact me for information on where to attend a trunk show.

Fedora from Aritzia, sunglasses by Chanel, silk tank by DKNY, skirt from Zara, Blazer from Club Monaco, purse by Marc Jacobs, gold spiral bangle and pendant by Stella & Dot, oversized ribbon ring from Forever 21.

Mellow Yellow

I find casual blazers and boyfriend blazers to be versatile and handy elements of my wardrobe. They work well in the office without being too stuffy and in the evenings and on weekends, well, the options are pretty much limitless. The blazer pairs well with virtually all styles of jeans (boyfriend, trouser, skinny, etc…) for a chic, pulled together look. When worn over a flirty and feminine dress (long or short), it brings a casual element that allows you to wear that fun dress on more occasions than a formal one. We’ve seen the black, grey, and white boyfriend blazers, but now I am in love with the great splashes of colour in green, red, yellow, and pink.

floral jacket, 437 Theory jacket, $215 Drape jacket, $360 Alice by Temperley cropped jacket, $340 TopShop floral jacket, $118 H M pocket jacket, 13

Blazer: Topshop; dress: Urban Outfitters; wedges: Banana Republic

Happy weekend, everyone!

Snapshots of London

Last shots of my trip to Europe– these ones are mostly touristy photos from London where I discovered men dress much better than women. Although I didn’t get any street style photos, I did notice that men were much more thought out and creative when it came to fashion. I was enraptured by the history and architecture of the city, enjoyed some traditional pub fare and Pimm’s, oooh-ed over the magnificent vintage shops, and was shocked that pubs shut down at 11:oo p.m. London is an intricate city that I would love to explore over and over again.

Happy Wednesday!

Norge foto dagbok

Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed my first adventure to Europe. Discovering new cultures, new languages, new foods in addition to meeting new friends and seeing new things is always inspiring. In Hamar I met lovely people, attended a beautiful Norwegian wedding set among old church ruins encased by glass, tried brown cheese (surprisingly sweet and delicious), got astounded by the ostehøvel (really ingenious invention!), drank lots of delicious Norwegian water (think Voss), and admired the lush countryside. Oslo welcomed me with interesting architecture (a great mix of old and modern), a bustling boardwalk (patio central!), the beautiful Vigelandsparken, a street named after Henrik Ibsen, and a wild Thai beach bungalow restaurant named Yaya’s (also surprisingly tasty). I could travel for a living! And because words can’t describe it, here is a small Norway photo diary to share my experience with you.

Have a great weekend!!

 

Stella & Dot

I am thrilled to share with you about my latest hobby/business venture! I am a stylist for an amazing jewelry collection called Stella & Dot. When I discovered this line, I immediately had to get involved purely because I fell in love with the fabulous designs, quality workmanship and affordable prices. I am a self-proclaimed jewelry addict (a.k.a. “magpie“) and I would not stand behind anything less than stellar! It is a San Francisco based company that is available exclusively through trunk shows and online. The collections are designed by celebrated New York designers who also consult for Cartier, De Beers, and Banana Republic to name a few. The pieces have been featured on celebrities, Gossip Girl, InStyle and Lucky Magazine. Check out the modern gems and shop online at stelladot.com/nahri

If you are interested in attending or hosting a trunk show (major jewelry incentives!) then simply email me for more details! If you are in the Calgary area, I would love to throw a party for you but if not, I’d be glad to hook you with a local stylist!

I love piling on the bangles and here is an example of how you can mix and match pieces to create a coherent look:

Bardot Spiral Bangle – Gold (also available in silver)

Layla Stretch Bracelet

Devi Bangles – Gold (also comes in silver)

Now here is a sneak peak from the new FALL collection!

My favourite line of Stella & Dot jewelry is the La Coco Collection due to the timeless and versatile qualities. Here is my pretty friend modeling the La Coco concept:

Check out La Coco 

Add a little sparkle to your life with S&D

How old is too old?

I’d say I’m normally a pretty reserved and conservative person in my actions, speech, and choice of dress. But talk to my boyfriend and he’ll tell you I’m a kid (or baby) at heart which is why I get along so well with kids. So that leaves me to question… how old is too old? I never want to be too old to play on a playground or be silly or dress however I want to. Unfortunately, the older I get and the more responsibilities that come my way it seems to get harder and harder to just be carefree. Lately I really cherish those moments when my actions are pure and free and my laughter uncontrollable.

Cashmere sweater: Anthropologie; silk dress: Interlud from Purr Clothing; slip ons: Old Navy kids; beaded bib necklace: from Mealan; watch: Michael Kors

Happy Wednesday!!

JUMP IN

Sometimes, less does not mean best. While braving the not-so-universal jumpsuit, I thought I’d go “all in” and pick one covered in print. Why not? Sometimes, it pays off to be fearless instead of doing something half way, where does mediocrity get people anyway?! Then again, it’s a gamble! Here’s my latest gamble…husband did not love it but girlfriends did~ just goes to show, you can’t please everyone! What do you think?

Jumpsuit from Zara, belt from Jacob, jean jacket from Club Monaco, shoes by Toms, bag by Marc Jacobs, Rayban aviators, jewelry by Stella & Dot

Whatever you decide to do this week, take the plunge, risk the risk and jump in!

American Classics

Sometimes there is nothing more comforting than a classic outfit of khaki and jean. Although I am proudly Canadian, I played up the fourth-of-july-ish vibe with a star spangled scarf, pops of blue and red and accessorized with who other than American designer Marc Jacobs. 

Labels: jean jacket from Club Monaco; tank from Banana Republic, Khakis from Zara, Bag by Marc Jacobs, Toy watch, Tiffany bracelets and necklace; Toms shoes

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Wheee!! I leave for a 10-day trip to Norway and London today! Travelling is one of those favorite things that I definitely don’t get to do enough so I am really excited about this trip. It’s been a few years since I’ve been on a “real” trip (those quick 1-hour flight trips don’t count!) and as I finish packing and checking off my list I am getting more and more anxious to dash off to the airport. As I think about how much I enjoy travelling my mind wanders off to the other things in life that make me happy so here are 5 other favorite things of the moment.

1.

Fratello Analog Cafe at Calgary Farmers’ Market

Ok, so coffee is not a favorite thing of the moment, but a favorite for life. I first discovered it in high school with all those sugary drinks at Starbucks and slowly matured away to enjoy Americanos and good drip coffee. Although I’m not a coffee connoisseur by any means, I think I’ve drank enough to know a good coffee when I taste it! Some of my favorite coffee spots in Calgary are Chiasso (17th Avenue location), The Purple Perk Coffee Market, and although I don’t get to this one very often, I also enjoy deVille. There’s a new spot in Kensington called Vendome Cafe that I haven’t been able to check out yet– anyone been?

2.

Watches by Michael Kors and Philip Stein

I love watches. I recently got the Michael Kors one to add a fun and sparkly piece to my wardrobe and I absolutely love it. That’s not to say that I’ve neglected my Philip Stein as it is a really classic design with a twist that I will likely wear for the rest of my life. I love its dual dial and how adaptable it is with its changeable straps.

3.

I recently came across these mason jars and knew I needed to use them as water glasses. I really like the simplicity of the design yet enjoy the nice details. They would also look great with some fresh cut flowers, yes?

4.

I miss reading. 5 or 6 years ago all I did was read to complete my degree and now with the bustle of every day life I don’t get to pick up a good read often enough. Anyone have any good recommendations?

5.

PB&J and S’mores doughnuts from Jelly Modern Doughnuts.

I’m not normally a huge fan of doughnuts, but the folks at Jelly do a really great job and have created some of the best flavour combinations: salted caramel, maple bacon and more!

What are some of your favorite things?

Four Eyes

After getting lasik eye surgery years ago, I find myself wearing glasses once more! Fortunately, I only have to wear them occasionally and thus I have more liberties when it comes to selecting glasses! I choose to think positively about this unfortunate situation and use this opportunity to try out fun and funky glasses (with a minor prescription, I only have to wear them when I please) until I go in for corrective surgery. Here are my geek chic glasses that I got for free during a Clearly Contacts promo (literally I paid $17 and change! Not bad hey?!):

I am awaiting another pair so stay tuned! Four eyes are better than two…I guess!

White Elements

What is it with summer and white? I’m not sure, but when summer finally arrives, I want to wear white and lots of it.

Rag Bone matte dress, $395 TopShop cotton shirt, $66 Milly lace shorts, $190 Madewell wedge heel shoes, $92 Big Buddha tote handbag, $90 Timex dial watch, 50 Isaac Mizrahi resin bracelet, $275 Buckle belt, $58 Eugenia kim hat, 144

 

The maxi skirt trend as been around for a couple seasons and I hadn’t bothered to give it a go, but as I was looking through my closet for some new outfit ideas, I found this skirt I got in Korea almost 10 years ago (yes, I’m a now not-so-secret clothes hoarder). It’s too bad I don’t have any pictures of how I wore this skirt a decade ago, but it turns out to be quite easy to wear and I may pull it out of retirement for the summer!

Boyfriend blouse: Talulah from Aritzia (last seen here); skirt: market in Korea; envelope clutch: H&M; watch: Michael Kors; bangles: market in India; necklace: PAX; turquoise necklace: market in Nepal (last seen here); flip flops: Havaianas

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Night & Day

We all live hectic lives where schedules are packed with a disarray of activities and appointments. For those days where you feel like you’re living out of your car, rushing from work to play and meeting to errand, the last thing you want to worry about is your wardrobe. But, Style Atelier is here to remind you that a busy schedule does not need to compromise your fabulous quotient! For days such as this, opt for outfits that can be easily tweaked with some minor adjustments. I always stash a couple pairs of shoes in a basket in my trunk that will take me through whatever the day has in store; I rotate between heels, flats, sandals or boots (depending on the season) on a regular basis. It is amazing how much difference a simple change of shoes and accessories (and hairstyle even) can make. To illustrate my point, here is an outfit that I wore during the day then modified with MINOR adjustments for an early evening dinner for which I did not have time to go home and change for:

Zebra by day…

Zebra by night…

Essentially the outfit remains the same but I was able to make the aura more evening appropriate by tucking in the top to my high-waisted trouser shorts, change of necklace and addition of bangles and ring then an instant heightening with a pair of red pumps, to “glamify” an otherwise the casual and flowy day look. The next time you need to make a quick adjustment from office-to-night, try:

1. changing into a sexier pair of pumps (and ditch the pantyhose!)

2. adjusting the “shape” of your top (eg. unbutton the collared shirt, roll up the sleeves, belt the skirt for a high-waisted look, or simply remove the blazer and let the silk camisole shine on its own)

3. add some sparkle with accessories like a bold statement necklace or earrings and a chunky cocktail ring for good measure!

I know many people carry a safety kit on board, why not add a fashion safety kit to your trunk or glove compartment as well! My kit contains: lotion (incase you want to change from trouser pants to a skirt or shorts before heading to after-work drinks on the patio), travel size perfume, hand sanitizer, lint brush, gum, makeup (eye liner, eyelash curler, lip gloss, compact, blotting papers), and like I said, I always have a pair of pumps and flats in my trunk. If I know I need to stay out for the day, I throw in a clutch and some appropriate jewelry too. Voila! Ooh, a good tip for those of you who “run” into pantyhose problems, pardon the pun, carry around a bottle of clear nail polish and dab some on the snag asap to temporarly prevent a major run before that critical office presentation. It’s like sealing a windshield crack, but much less expensive!

It’s wednesday afternoon at 3:30 and you just received a call from your boyfriend who says the gang is meeting at the wine bar a few blocks from your office! Don’t panic! With a little preparation, you can be ready for any last minute change of plans. What are your tricks and tips? We always love to hear your suggestions!

Shwood

I was flipping through the newspaper one day a few weeks ago when an insert on spring trends in design and fashion fell out. Since I was mindlessly flipping through the paper anyway, I promptly picked up the insert hoping something would inspire me. I saw a couple of neat innovations in design and home electronics, glanced at the new “it” Pantone, and was ready to toss it all into the recycling bin when something caught my eye and heart in a big way. Shwood. A collection of classic styles of sunglasses handcrafted from sustainably-harvested wood. How ingenious. My curiosity piqued, I explored their website and knew I had to share this discovery with SA blog readers. So without further ado, my Q&A with Eric Singer, founder of Shwood.

Who is behind Shwood and how did it all get started?

Shwood is a collective group of hands-on creative people. The idea was originally founded by me 6 years ago in my mother’s garage and now the brand employs about 20 talented craftsmen and women.  The idea for wooden sunglasses was derived simply out of the boredom that had taken over my creative side. Everything I had done prior eventually became stagnant in some way. The sunglasses were goofy in the beginning—carved from an actual tree branch with cabinet hinges off the bathroom mirror and lenses from the second hand store down the street. It was carefree, not judged by anyone, not made to impress. It was new and in many ways revived my creativity. People were nothing but supportive of the idea and that support has lead Shwood to where it is today.

Tell us about using sustainably-harvested wood and why that is important for Shwood.

The woods we use are grown on authorized and supervised plantations that sustainably harvest these trees with the sole intention of turning them into lumber. No woods we use in any of our products come from endangered areas. We care about the world we live in and would never use materials that might harm it. That being said, wood is one of the earth’s most abundant natural resources and as long as it is harvested properly, it’s a great material to work with.

Shwood glasses are handcrafted in-house as opposed to being manufactured overseas. Why and is this related to the ideas that surround using sustainably-harvested wood?

We are a do-it-yourself brand and believe that good things come from hard work. There is a better sense of pride in something that is done by yourself and it creates a much more premium product.

How long does each pair take to create? Anything you’d like to tell us about the process?

About 90 minutes of hand time goes into every pair of sunglasses we make. Everything from chopping large lumber planks down to a manageable size to shaping parts such as nose pieces and lenses are all done by our well-trained and skilled employees in our Oregon-based wood shop. Just about everything is made here, including our packaging and branding material.

What can we expect from Shwood going forward? Any exciting projects on the go that you can tell us about?

There is a lot in the works, all very original, and all still very secret. All I can say is get ready for some limited edition products to be released within the year. They are going to be pretty exciting releases, no doubt.

Be sure to check out Shwood’s website and blog and keep up to date on their amazing work!

All images from Shwood.

Summer Dress

When the weather warms up and summer finally arrives, I tend to gravitate towards dresses and skirts. Dresses are so easy to wear and with the right accessories, shoes, and maybe a blazer or cardigan, they easily translate from brunch to office to cocktails. This summer look for dresses in bright colours, stripes, small prints, and colour blocking. 

Anna Sui strappy dress, $666
Milly pocket dress, €454
DKNY sweetheart neckline dress, $275
3 1 Phillip Lim deep v neck dress, £305
Karen Walker pocket dress, $253
Cacharel flower dress, £508
Dorothy Perkins chiffon dress, £45

Jacket and dress: Club Monaco; Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Happy Weekend!

In Limbo

I find myself in a strange stage of life where “I’m not a girl, not yet a woman” ~ wow, did I just quote Britney?! Well, everyone has their moments of inspiration! What I’m getting at is that I am “outgrowing” my youthful clothes yet I am not quite ready to step into the world of “adult-wear”. Regardless of age, every woman seems to go through such a phase, a phase where both hoodies and cardigan-sets seem silly. Well, I say we make the most of this limbo-period and use it as an opportunity to expand our fashion creativity. It is not about giving up outfits of your teen-twenties but rather about revising those looks; age-appropriate dressing is all a balancing act, not a “can/cannot list”. Therefore, I am not going to break down the outfits by age but rather by phases: “daring” to “in limbo” to “conservative” Here are some examples: (left column: daring / middle column: conservative / right column: in limbo)

Here’s the equation: daring + conservative ÷2 = in limbo! Actually a fabulous place to be when it comes to fashion!

Top row – THE DESIGN TOP: loud prints in skin-baring tank tops + classic prints with soft silhouettes ÷2 = don’t be afraid to stick with the tank but opt for shapes that loosely flow and drape. If loud graphic prints are too obnoxious to be comfortable, opt for subtler statements like a shimmery or sequined fabric.

2nd row – THE FITTED SKIRT: bold colored and curve-hugging mini skirt + knee-length pencil skirt in neutral shades ÷2 = you can still wear a short hemline but in order to raise the comfort quotient, look for a skirt that has pleating which will be more forgiving than a form fitting style; a slightly voluminous form will transform that sexy skirt into a sophisticated and more demure version but still maintain the flirty quality that your average work-skirt may lack.

3rd row – THE COLORED SHOE: Bright multi-colored skyscraper stiletto with stud/design details + black round-toed mary jane pumps ÷2 = if bold shoe colors seem frightening to incorporate into your wardrobe, try easing into it by experimenting with more subtle shades such as jewel tones (navy blue or ruby red). Navy blue shoes are surprisingly easy to coordinate into your everyday looks and it will add a special accent whereas your basic black pumps will simply blend in or may even look overly formal for your summer look.

4th row – THE NUDE DRESS: body-hugging, skin-toned strapless dress + creamy lace A-line dress ÷2 = cream tones can be very sexy (club-worthy) or very formal (church/chapel-worthy) and this depends largely on the silhouette. Instead of braving a strapless or playing it safe with a cap-sleeve, try half and half, literally! One shoulder dresses and tops are a great way to maintain a flirty and contemporary look without completely compromising comfort.

5th row – THE PEEP TOE PUMP: bandage mesh stilettos + suede pumps with ribbon detail and tiny peep toe ÷2 = a happy medium between strappy booties (which are not universally flattering as they tend to make legs look shorter than they are, especially in a color other than nude) and your average work-week peep toe pump would be a pair of stilettos that have a crossover design where the peep toe is accompanied by a couple other cut outs, making it more evening-appropriate.

These are only a handful of suggestions but feel free to email us for more in limbo ideas!

I truly believe that each stage is equally fabulous but they differ in attitude. The way I simplify it in my mind is: daring is in your face risk-taking, conservative is understated classics and in limbo is subtly flirty; but remember, it is true that sometimes less can be more. Here are some mainstream shops & premium designers that epitomize the three phases:

Daring: Forever XI, BEBE, Guess by MARCIANO, Herve Leger, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace

Conservative: Banana Republic, RW&CO, Jacob, Max Mara, Teenflo, Ralph Lauren, St. John

In Limbo: Club Monaco, Aritzia, Anthropologie, Zara, Derek Lam, Catherine Malandrino, Phillip Lim