Party Girl

Erin Fetherston's Resort 2011 presentation contained a number of adorable party dresses.

I love the neckline on this frock...

... and the placement of the pleats on this khaki number.

Although not the easiest shape to wear, this was my favourite dress in the collection, for it's youthful sophistication and visual clarity.

Black and White: Resort 2011

This year's Resort presentations weren't very "resort-y". There was a marked transition away from fanciful vacation attire towards elegant and practical dressing. Many designers favoured black and white over bold colour, acknowledging that, especially with today's airline baggage limits, the most important thing when one packs for a sojourn is versatility. Also, as globalization surges forward and destinations on both sides of the equator become equally enticing, the notion of the winter getaway to a warmer climate may be a thing of the past.

Boater hats appeared at Oscar de la Renta...

... and Jason Wu. I doubt this trend will make it far off the runway, but it was a very cute statement. I also adore the visual effect of the off-kilter pattern on this tiered dress.

Christian Dior presented this boldly striped coat.

Erin Fetherston grabbed my attention this season, particularly with this crisp, tuxedo-inspired look.


Diane von Furstenberg makes great use of pattern with this black and white halter two-piece.

Narciso Rodriguez used the simple palette to create balance and simplicity.

I will never tire of a high waisted mermaid skirt with a collared shirt, like this ensemble from Carolina Herrera. It's the type of sophistication that no girl can pull off - it requires a woman.

Ms Herrera also presented this exquisitely fun party dress, for those who find the previous look too staid. I can't think of a girl who wouldn't want this one.

Coveting...

I first came across Company of We on Facebook, from a friend who was surprised I wasn't aware of the brand. Make no mistake, I am now. This line of affordable separates quietly shifts traditional silhouettes while remaining true to the essence of good tailoring. A bit dandy, a bit laid-back, kind of nerdy and definitely cool, I have a feeling these pieces are going to become my new staples. The S/S 2010 lookbook has me enamoured.

Grey has made an impact in recent seasons as a crisp, fresh neutral. The colour works beautifully to effect the refinement of this jacket.

A 3/4 sleeve is not the easiest thing for a man to pull off, but Company of We's version is undeniably smart and stylish. How can you not love the overturned patterned cuffs?

Plaid Magazine

Please check out my latest work for Plaid Magazine, shot by Jaclyn Locke.

This inter-season menswear editorial features some of my favourite Canadian designers and retailers, including Apt. 909, GreenShag, Juma and Philip Sparks.

Coveting...

To put it simply, I love Philip Sparks. I'm sure my friends are tired of hearing it, but I've never seen a piece I wouldn't wear and never tried anything on that didn't fit and look fantastic. The appearance of two-tone riding boots in his Fall 2009 collection emboldened me to wear my own outside the stable. (NB: I got my incredibly made custom boots from La Casa de las Botas)

For fall 2010, Sparks interpreted a nautical theme in a way that was whimsical, but modern and approachable; no easy feat with a motif that has been done to death. I cannot get the Whaler bag out of my head.

Cape Town

The fall runways were cloaked in mystery and sophistication as this classic garment continues to inspire designers and gain popularity among fearless dressers. Capes can look dower or costumey, so unless you're going for drama, stick to something sleek and tailored.


A great wearable option, the cape/coat hybrid, swept down many catwalks for Fall 2010. Ann Demeulemeester's collection rocked, with architectural collars and leather whip-cord accoutrements.

The first look out at Christian Dior, Karlie Kloss was stunning in leather. This is a fantastic, rich colour for Fall.

Hannah MacGibbon presented a crocheted cape in her accalimed collection for Chloé.

A short swing coat/cape from Dries van Noten.

If you're not comfortable wearing a cape, you can use seperates to imitate the silhouette. Many designers exhibited a full coat or skirt, with a sloping shoulder and a sleeve placed lower and closer to the body, giving the visual effect of a cape with more wearability. Consider this prim ensemble from Fendi.



For the avant-garde, this angular wrap should set pulses racing. Gareth Pugh asserts his unique vision, season after season.

My, what long legs you have! Volume on the upper body can emphasize sculpted gams, like this bold cape from Yves Saint Laurent.

Tie One On!

Bows appeared in many Pre-Fall collections and I anticipate we'll see even more on the fall runways. There's something great about bows, whether it's the perfectly crafted flourish on a sash, or a hap-hazard knot in a scarf.

There were big, floppy cravats at Viktor & Rolf...

... and swarms of tiny bows at Valentino.

A bow makes a great accent over a structured jacket, like this one from Moschino.

Sexy bow-topped stockings at Christian Dior were an interesting contrast to the collection's military theme.