Toronto is below average in above average stores

Don't get me wrong I love Toronto: the food, the people, the little cultural pockets all over the city and although we are catching up in the fashion world we are still lacking in one major category- Above Average clothing stores. Not only are we lacking, but what little representation we do have is an embarrassment. The big box stores simply churn out synthetic fabrics in dated styles. Where are all the decent clothes? Answer? the Internet . Focusing on dresses (a girls second best friend), I have scoured through a pretty decent list of extended sizes and speciality above avergae stores to bring you the top five online stores. Plus, they all help out us Canucks by shipping to Canada.

1. Lane Bryant- By far the most professional looking website. The jean finder is priceless and they have a decent selection of items in all categories. And at buy one get one half off, no matter what your number your tag says, do not miss out on their great accessories. The black dress featured is just one of their many classic pieces(check out their trenches!)

http://www.lanebryant.com/

2. Lola and Gigi-The second website is the only Canadian representation on the list. What this website lacks in other areas it makes up for in dresses. This navy Tadashi is an incredible alternative to the little black dress. Petites may have to alter the lengths, but this still remains a great place to search for that much needed spring dress.

http://www.lolaandgigi.com/

3. Kiyonna- While the selection isn't huge the inventory is really well selected. Work wear is classic and even the lounge wear has great slimming details. Don't forget the dresses! This wrap dress, is as easy to throw on a as a pair of sweats, but looks a million times more chic.

http://www.kiyonna.com/

4. Alloy- While the models are not even average, nevermind above average, I can't help but be drawn to their amazing selection of clothes. The sizes are extended, so they are not going to cater to all above average; however, it is a step in the right direction; trendy clothes for everyone!

http://www.alloy.com/

5. Igigi- That's fun to say. If you are in the market for a formal dress, look no further, Igigi has some really great options. Even their casual dresses stand out. This colour block dress creates the illusion of a teeny tiny waist. Who doesn't love that?

http://www.igigi.com/

Even if they don't fit you can always send them back; remember, it is better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all

xo

S.

Weekend Obsession YDE by Ole Yde

The YDE spring/summer '09 collection by designer Ole Yde of Copenhagen is a feast for the eyes. Mixing elements of tradition, fairy tales and femininity, the simple colour palette of creams, blacks, browns, and pinkish hues is nostalgic, yet completely modern in execution. This wardrobe is the perfect example of a modern romantic like moi.

Spring Romance

It's been soo frigid in our fair city this week, I have spent a good chunk of my time huddled under blankets, flipping through magazines devoted to all things Spring. Of course, I am a sucker for feminine frills and romantic details. Here is a peek at (a fraction of) my wish list!

Stay warm!
E

Weekend Obsession: The Other Hepburn

I am not normally a huge fan of old movies, there is just something about them I can't relate to. However, now that I am on a major vintage fashion kick, Many of fashion's greatest starlets have convinced me to give old films a second chance.

Ever since I caught The Philadelphia Story over the holidays, I have had a bit of an obsession with Katharine. Her grace, her presence, her androgyny.... It's something I am really feeling at the moment. To me though, her greatest triumph in this film is the wardrobe, and the way this woman can just pull it off. In particular, The cream and sequined Gilbert Adrian Gown that she wore (above) takes the cake. It visits my dreams every night, and I am now a better fashionista because of it.

So to those of you with a short attention span like moi, give this movie a try, you might be inspired! ......Oh, and the men aren't too hard on the eyes either:)

Xoxo E

Recession Blues + Cheap Vintage = Happy Face

Hello Everyone, and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday, and were spoiled as much as possible!

A lot of the conversations I have these days revolve around addictions, and where to get a quick fix on a budget. The addiction, of course, being fashion. Since many of us have a death grip on our wallets these days, there can be a lot of guilty feelings about wasteful spending. During these penny pinching times, I turn to my computer for a fashion miracle. As of late, both Etsy and Ebay have offered me some cheap thrills.

I wanted to post a few pics of my recent purchases. The total price tag for all of these items being under 200 dollars (including shipping) 1. an adorable yet sophisticated take on sailor-chic. Dress (Etsy) 2. Some buttery black vintage riding boots (Etsy) 3. An amazing vintage Cartier burgundy leather purse (Etsy) 4. A chiffon flutter sleeve caplet (eBay)

So go, take a little peek....don't be shy. You may find something really tantalizingly cheap to indulge your fashion tooth, and to tide you over until your GST rebate cheque rolls in:)

Who's Your Style Icon?

A new year a new me. So where do I start? Where any respectable fashion loving, style seeking girl would start: Audrey Hepburn; my style icon. As one of the most beautiful and stylish women in history she continues to influence the fashion world. Cigarette pants, men's shirts, black flats, trench coats and scarves: At any given time Audrey was dressed in a manner worthy of anyone’s top ten list. I could sing her praise for days; so the real question is, how does her style influence me in everyday life?

1. When I shop I look for basics

Audrey did not wear many accessories. Her style was clean and classic; neatral colours and great tailoring. She stuck to what worked on her. Which leads me to number two

2. I stick to what works on me

We may love items on other people, but you have to respect and acknowledge your body type. I rely on shapes and fabrics that work for me.

3. If I find one designer or label that I love, I will buy as many pieces as I can

Audrey had the luxury of having one of the most incredible designers in history as a close friend; Hubert de Givenchy. We cannot all be that lucky, but we can have the same commitment to a designer if we love their pieces. Pick up a collections magazine and browse through to discover which collections you are drawn to. You may not be able to afford the real thing, but at least you can keep an eye out for the reproductions.

Together, it all leads back to what made up her signature style. Maybe 2009 will be your year to find yours.

Here’s to a new year and the possibility of making fashion history.

Cheers, S