Calgary - FASHION & SHOPPING

  • May 8th, 2013

    She's a gem

    “They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend but pearls are her soul mate,” says Kristin Richard, the romantic gemologist behind Kaviar Pearls.  


    We wholeheartedly agree, which is why this Kaviar Bracelet ($199) is at the top of our shopping list for mom. Comprised of silver-hued pink and lavender coloured freshwater pearl and finished with a rhodium-plated sterling silver sweetheart clasps set with pave zircons, this may be the best Mother's Day gift ever.


    Besides the clay candy dish you handmade in kindergarten, of course. —Kait Kucy


    Kaviar Pearls, 12 805 1st St. SW., Calgary, www.kaviarpearls.com

  • May 7th, 2013

    On Pointe

    Barre and adult ballet classes are popping up all over town, but nsure your tender tootsies have the right gear before pirouetting in.


    The black microsuede Emma elasticized Ballerina (US$115) is the perfect go-to slipper to keep you steady in the studio and also looking chic in your dancer ensemble. The line is on good footing thanks to Blake Brody, a Pilates, barre and yoga aficionado who wanted to design a shoe that was not only practical and comfortable but also still allowed feet and ankles to have full range of motion.


    While we’ll be snatching up a couple pairs of these as we prep for dance class, we're still debating the tutu. —Kait Kucy


    www.blakebrody.com

  • April 16th, 2013

    Peace, Love, and Beads

    While on the lookout for ethical and sustainable jewelry, we discovered Mala Collective.


    Based in Vancouver but handmade in Bali, its jewelry is ethically sourced, sustainably harvested, and combines form and function. Made from rudraksha seeds (known to embody peace and love) and gemstones, the pieces not only look good but will also relieve anxiety, improve circulation, or provide protection, depending on the stone.


    We like the Surfer Mala necklace ($138) a combination of lava, obsidian, and turquoise, which will deflect negative energy and protect the wearer on a journey. Let’s test it out on a surfing trip to Bali, shall we? —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg


    Bracelets start at $20, necklaces at $55 in Vancouver at Nicole Bridger, 2151 W. Fourth Ave.,  and online at www.malacollective.com

  • April 9th, 2013

    Don't burst our bauble

    We've watched the new trailer for The Great Gatsby no less than 10 times (Leo in a suit? Yes please!).


    Tiffany’s is getting in on the Roaring Twenties trend with its new collaboration with costume designer Catherine Martin. The Ziegfeld Collection, a reflection of the exuberance and beauty of the amazing 1920s, is full of pieces that are decidedly heirloom-inspired but can easily be transitioned into day-to-day wear, like the stunning Pearl Ring ($525).


    We better watch that trailer one more time. Outfit research, of course. —Kait Kucy


    Ziegfeld Collection at Tiffany & Co., www.tiffany.ca

  • April 2nd, 2013

    Bling on the Sun

    Using the word “predictable” isn’t always a good thing when describing fashion, but in the case of Swarovski’s latest collection of sunglasses, predictable is just what we want.

    Featuring frames with faceted surfaces decorated with crystals, the range is exactly what we’d expect from a company whose expertise is to make things shine and sparkle. Complete with a high sun protection, these glasses do more than just hide our tired eyes.

    And without an obviously visible logo, the shades are as discreet as a sparkly, big pair of sunglasses can be. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

    From $300 at Swarovski.com

     

  • March 26th, 2013

    One to Watch

    We spotted Nicole Campre's work on the PARKSHOW13 Runway and were instantly smitten with the Albertan designer's minimalist yet ultra-feminine garments.

    At only 23-years-old, Campre has already been featured in British Vogue and FASHION Magazine and her S/S2013 collection makes dressing look effortless with drapey tops and flattering tailored pants.

    The next big thing has arrived. —Kait Kucy


    http://www.nicole-campre.com

  • March 19th, 2013

    spring has sprung

    In celebration of the first day of spring, we’re leaving the doldrums of winter black for a world of colour, colour, colour. Only this year we’re bypassing wishy-washy pastels in favour of shades that really pop. Care to join us?


    It’s not spring until you’ve snapped up a flirty silk dress, or two. This one, ($198) covered in vivid blooms, is as pretty as they come. At www.anthropologie.com

     

     

     

     

     
    Nothing beats bare, sun-kissed legs, but for now, stockings ($36) in bright colours and bold prints will more than do. At http://robberstore.wordpress.com

     


    And for even more colour (can you take it?), add a jolt of fiery orange or cobalt blue with digital printed scarf ($300) from Juma. At http://jumastudio.com

     


    In the spirit of Dries van Noten, we’re definitely up for these multi-hued pumps ($79) from high street fave, Zara. At www.zara.com


    Send it over the edge, with nails in watermelon pink ($10) and a catflick in Yves Klein blue.

    —Athena Tsavliris

  • March 14th, 2013

    Luck of the Emerald

    What better way to show your Celtic pride than with a bit of green, the official Pantone colour of the year.


    We'll be writing down our deep, dark secrets (aka laser hair removal appointments) in this Moleskine notebook: $17 at Chapters.ca

     

     

    This Newberry Flat from Splendid is technically clover, but with a shoe this pretty, let's not split hues.  $98 at Splendid.com


    But we won't mind a few chilly spring days… it will give us an excuse to wear this smart J. Crew wool-blend coat. $325 at Net-a-Porter.com

     

     


    This Want Less Essentiels De La Vie tote is green in more ways than one - it's made with organic cotton. $175 at Ssense.com

     

     


    And a set of chic diamond cluster and emerald earrings from Birks will have us doing a happy jig. $8,800 at Birks.ca

     

     


    That'll make 'em Pantone 17-5641 with envy.

  • March 6th, 2013

    Spring fashion guest editor: Lisa Tant

    In Vancouver for the Holt Renfrew Spring presentations, we stole a few minutes with the very stylish Lisa Tant, Vice President, Fashion Editor at Holt Renfrew. Herewith, spring looks she's coveting.

    After a long, cold (and snowy) winter), I’m looking forward to spring’s bold, bright statement looks. Here are five of my favourites:

     

    1.  Pattern mixing
    I’m so inspired by the new pattern mixing – dots with florals, toss in some stripes and throw it all in a mixer! I first saw the concept on the streets in Paris at Fashion Week. The street style stars who inspire me – Joanna Hillman, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Elizabeth Cabral – mix pattern scale and colour with chic abandon. (Pictured L: Top, Marc by Marc Jacobs, skirt by Peter Pilotto. R: Top by Fendi, skirt by Zero Maria Cornejo)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     

    2.  Bold stripes
    I know that most of are told to never ever wear wide stripes but I love how unexpected they look. I’ll be trying the trend on for size in full trousers with a cropped leather jacket.
    (Pictured: Michael Michael Kors striped cotton tank dress.)

     


    3.  Flapper dress
    Twenties fashion is back with a splash thanks to shows like Downton Abbey and the upcoming film, The Great Gatsby. I love the simplicity of the silhouette but the intricacy of the embellishment. (Pictured: Pearl earrings by Anzie, Dress by RED Valentino, purse by Jimmo Choo, drop earrings by Alexis Bittar)

     

     

     

     

    4.  Single sole pump
    I’ve never seen the need for a simple black pump – the crazier the shoe the better for me – until now. A dead simple black leather or suede pointy toe pump looks super chic. All of the girls around Holts office are wearing them now with sleek trousers and pencil skirts. (Pictured: Manolo Blahnik)



    5.  Cropped trousers
    Perhaps my favourite trend of the season – and one look that I’ll reach for constantly – is a pair of slim trousers cropped above the ankle. To be honest, it has nothing to do with the figure flattering cut (although it helps) – it’s because the hemline will show off my absolute favourite thing in the world – amazing shoes! (Pictured:3.1 Philip Lim trousers)

     

  • February 27th, 2013

    Bride Guide: Calgary

    Ready, set, I do!

    Blooms
    Whether it’s the lush flower-of-the-moment, the peony, or the return of the cascade bouquet, Mandala Floral has you covered from corsages to centerpieces and all the blooms in between. Look for innovative use of colour in 2013, as well as that romantic, just-picked feel in bouquets.
    Mandala Floral, 14 High St. S.E., 403-257-5155, http://mandalafloral.wix.com/mandala-html


    Paper
    Flat and one-dimensional invites need not apply. Foiling, metallics, and neon colours are all the rage in 2013, including 3D embellishments and embossing. At Spoonful of Sugar, stationery requests are only limited by imagination: choose from do-it-yourself, self-serve and custom invite suites, sure to enthral both you and your guests. Spoonful of Sugar, 400 7015 MacLeod Tr. S.W., Calgary, 403-619-8925, www.spoonfulofsugarinvites.com


    Venue
    A dreamy venue can truly make your wedding an event that no one will forget. We love the historic Lougheed House in downtown Calgary. Built in 1891, this gorgeous heritage home is the perfect spot for  vintage-inspired nuptials. www.lougheedhouse.com

    Music
    Music is key for a great wedding reception and finding a DJ with an incredible record collection and a knack for entertaining the crowd is essential. DJ Rob Faust is known on the Calgary music scene for his flawless taste and ability to get crowds hoppin’. Sample his music stylings at his MOJO night on Saturdays at The Bamboo (no cover) and book him for your big day.
    https://soundcloud.com/rob-faust

    For more I Do ideas, check out our favourite decor trends today on our Editors' Diary.

    —Kait Kucy and Michaelle LeManne 

     

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