Freezing the flip-flops off this week
Its mid September and there is no denying it now – its getting cold out there! Sadly, though not officially the summer of ’08 is over. The calendar says we still have a few weeks however the goosebumps on your bare legs are telling a different story – but how to gracefully (and a bit begrudgingly) transition to fall. First before flipping your closet contents from the sundresses to turtlenecks start small. Indulge in picking up a couple of new round-necked ¾ sleeve cardigans, it’s a nice time to try out some cozy vintage cashmere looks. Lightweight and durable their great if it does get a bit warmer or colder. Don’t forget to accessorize with some great antique looking pins for classing it up for work – or go with some retro-inspired new pieces by your favorite local designers for a more edgy evening-on-the-patio look.
But where will I wear it?
The eternal question. Well, along with “Is this too fancy?” and “Will people look at me?”
Strange though that the celebs that we look up to most are always being looked at and wear whatever they what wherever they want. From speaking to lots of people, it seems that the only acceptable time that most people think there is for people to look at them specifically is at their wedding. Well that’s pretty sad if that’s the only time the rest of us feel comfortable being the centre of attention. As well as robbing glory if you never get hitched.
Sometimes it’s not best to be appropriate. Be you and be a standout. Life is really too short not to be the lead actor in your own life. So pull out the glitz and the fancy stuff the next time that you go out with your friends.
Be Dinner Delightful
So you are going out for dinner with the girls to have some great food and a few drinks. Its time to bust out the cute heals and the come-hither cocktail frock. Yes, even though you may be in a relationship or have some sort of significant other having an evening out with your party, looking every inch the sophisticates you are, is better than a pitcher of cosmos. Start making the ordinary get-together extraordinary by the invite. No-one has time these days to make fancy postal invites but by playing work-hooky for 5 min set up an event with an invite list for 3-7 of your favorite gals on facebook. Then set the ground rules – no flip-flops, no black, and no gargantuan bags. Its time to take to the town!
The rules are essential; the evening culture scene has de-evolved to somehow flip flops and a black sundress as common. This is time to be uncommon and bring your style to the occasion. Bring out your cute (and maybe slightly sexy) heels as dinner and drinks involve minimal standing and walking. Its also time for the fun tiny purse that has been gathering dust – all that you need to carry is the cell, cash, and a tube of lipstick so space is not an issue. Finally, literally paint the city with colour. Ditch the black favor for dramatic reds, deep purples, and autumn earth tones. If you really must do the black, then accentuate with one beautiful large jewelry piece. Whether it’s a chunky necklace with a little shine or an antique pin with some bling a little accent to your standard black will give you that little edge.
So go out there, and make an ordinary night extraordinary. After all, fortune favours the bold.
Fashion – Outside looking in
It’s all about image right? Status? Labels = Prestige= Celebrity? On most checkout magazines and glossy entertainment TV shows there is no shortage of who is wearing what to wear, and many of us try to emulate this by aspiring to by the same names for the same instant fame. What does this result in though? More of the same, nothing new and a disposable look that changes faster than the season. If you go to the experts you’ll actually get a contrary story than those in the editorials. Fashion is not about what’s on for the minute, but developing personal style. But what is personal style? Read more
“No problem, I can meet you by the red carpet in a couple of hours.”
In Toronto this week, this is a sentence that most people are likely to utter than any other time of the year. With the Toronto International Film Festival in town not only is our fair city a haven for the glitterati, but it also gives us local folk a chance to shine as well. TIFF boasts a stellar lineup of stars here to premiere their new flicks, and an extra bonus that gives a leg up from other festivals; a record amount of tickets available to the public. It is much easier to get festival tickets to TIFF screenings than Cannes or Sundance. So when your BFF lands tickets to a hot screening at Roy Thompson hall this evening there is only one question – what to wear?
The staple for theatregoers this week seems to be basic black. Its everywhere from the media in the trenches to the lovelies on the red carpet. Emerging from one of the most colourful summers in years, Fall ’08 seems to have seen a resurgence of the non-colour. Though it has turned quite cold in a short amount of time here in Toronto, there are still many bearing their arms with lovely sheath dresses and low décolletage. However, for the more adventurous Cabaret has outfitted some red-carpet bodies in a little vintage class that has definably stood out. Check out our gallery for some choice pics.
So what to do if you are looking last minute for something to make you ready to face film festival crowds and parties? Start with some comfortable footwear. With TIFF, you never know where you will find yourself…and with whom. Think classic and functional as even with tickets or passes you may end up waiting in line for your time to shine. For hair, as most of us still have day jobs in addition to being a fashion enthusiast so simply saying “go to your stylist for a blow-out” is not an option for most. Most likely you will barely have enough time to get home and shower before you have to get to the show much less get to the salon. Go for a natural, clean look as it’s the fastest to achieve and the least likely to turn into a pumpkin at midnight just when the post-screening party is getting started. When looking for the perfect outfit; think again comfy and clean. Skip the frou-frou and go for classic lines, and fun eclectic pieces to make you stand out. This is the time to have fun! And remember, when you walk down the streets – strut it.