Camp Book of Deer SS 2013

January 15, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

“There are plenty of unofficial barometers in life to give us little hints that we’re getting older. One of the saddest is being just a little too old to hightail it off for sleepaway camp. While we won’t be sharing cabins with strangers or sleeping on the bottom bunk anymore, we can still dress the part. Enter: Book of Deer.” – Alison Baitz from Refinery 29

I came across the label Book of Deer when I was wasting time browsing Refinery 29 at work last week.

The label was started by Edinburgh born Ellidh Ho, who grew up in Hong Kong and then went to London to study at Saint-Martin’s College (does that make everyone else think of Pulp, too?). She eventually ended up back in Hong Kong, where this label was born in 2010.

Most of my favorite memories of Summer as a girl involve canoe trips to a place called Spider Island, making tin foil dinners, going to bed with my hair smelling like lake water and firewood, and singing camp songs while I hiked with eight other giggling girls. So, it isn’t any surprise to me, that I’m drawn to their SS13 collection, which is inspired by sleepaway camp (and even includes a dress with a glow-in-the-dark print of fireflies trapped in mason jars).

And, while it’s true that I have consciously been trying to steer my wardrobe away from cutesy as I get older (the label describes itself as having a “distinctive element of cute”), I can’t help it if the lovely printed fabrics -which are all hand drawn, digitally printed, and original to the brand – adorable fabrics and easy to wear pieces caught my eye. Plus, let’s face it, I don’t think I’ll ever stop liking peter-pan collars.

Posted by Meaghan

Betina Lou A/W 2012-13

January 1, 2013November 11, 20141 Comment

Betina Lou could be one of my favorite labels to-date. Montreal-based designer, Marie-Eve Emond launched Betina Lou in 2009 and I’m so happy she did. She mixes elements of meanswear with the aesthetic of historic female fashion icons to create perfectly simple, classic and feminine looks. It’s as if she entered my brain and designed everything I would like to own/wear! Thank you Marie-Eve!

The Patsy Dress has been taunting me every time I take a peek in The Future of Frances Watson (a store located in our little Parkdale neighborhood). Each separate piece is a classic staple (in my opinion) on its own and can be mixed and matched perfectly with the entire collection. The styling seems totally effortless in the best way possible. And that little brown beret is probably one of my favorite things!!!

I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year!!! I am currently spending my New Year in Austin, Texas with Matt and can’t wait to share my travels (and food eating) with you!!

Posted by Alex

Frances Baker Summer 2012

December 4, 2012November 11, 20144 Comments

I had been anticipating the launch of Frances Baker Summer collection for awhile now. And finally, starting last week and throughout, Josie began revealing pieces from her collection, and oh my, it did not disappoint! With this collection she pretty much summed up how I like to dress in the summer. Something simple, light-weight, but has such lovely details to it that you don’t feel too dressed down. From what I read on her blog, this was her intention, and she executed it perfectly.

Now, I shouldn’t be so cruel and torture myself with summer collections, as it has officially become winter here in Toronto. Our first snow fall was just a few nights ago. I can’t even really foresee myself wearing anything like this for the next coming months, but these photos brighten the dark days here and get me excited about the long-coming summer season. I think maybe my favorite thing about this collection is the 70’s feel. I’m pretty into that right now. The long floral dresses and overall dress really speak to my sensibilities right now. The ruffle details on the longer dresses really add something nice, making them super feminine in the best way possible. I also love all the pieces being paired with clogs – i love clogs – it really adds to the 70’s vibe of the whole collection. All in all, I’d like to get my hands on some of these pieces and make them a part of my summer closet.

Posted by: Alex

Red Valentino A/W ’12

November 27, 2012November 11, 20142 Comments

Okay, so I’m pretty much obsessed with everything about this collection. Red Valentino‘s A/W ’12 collection is a compilation of everything I love when it comes to styling, colors/fabrics, femininity and vintage-looking clothing. The light/deep rose, cream and off-white fabrics call to me. I know I had previously said I’m not usually a fan of big labels, but I can make an exception for something so perfect. It’s filled with cute collars, pretty ruffles, lace trim, drop-waist minis paired with knee high socks and the military style cape! The collection features 2 pairs of trousers, which, if I wore pants more often, those would be it. It almost speaks to my fashion aesthetic…skirts/dresses everyday and pants once in a blue moon. The calf-length dresses with long sleeves and high neck lines have an amish-feel to them, which I don’t have a problem with at all. I don’t, however, much like the shoes. That is okay though, the good out-weighs the bad.

Posted by: Alex

Carven A/W ’12

November 20, 2012November 11, 2014Leave a comment

I’m not normally a huge fan of big labels, they can sometimes seem overwhelming and I can never picture how they would be wearable on a day-to-day basis. Which is generally not the point of them, but I can’t truly appreciate anything unless I feel I can wear it in real life. That being said, Carven could be my one and only exception. Guillaume Henry never seems to disappoint, and his A/W ’12 upholds this right. He designs clothes with subtle yet beautiful detail and are also totally wearable. I could see myself in anyone of these pieces, maybe with the exception of the peplum-style sweater. The whole collection is full of rich colors, which could brighten any dreary day. Structured dresses in celadone, mini skirt and jacket sets, beautiful cotton lace, multicolored striped wool, big collars, shorts in mossy green, cut-out suede, bright silk dresses and the wedge t-strap shoes!! The whole collection is actually pretty simple (which i love), but the fabrics and styling make it so fun (I sound like an old lady). I’m a huge fan of wearing dresses and skirts all year round, so this whole collection is pretty much my ideal for fall/winter wear.