Micalla proved that all you need is one good accessory. Designer Camilla Jørgensen’s show was pure glamour with big statement pieces. The models were dressed in strapless purple cocktail dresses that really made the jewelry pop. The crowd stared in awe as they saw jewelry in a new light. Micalla’s newest collection was extravagant and could make anyone feel like a princess.
Ottawa-based supermodel Herieth Paul
For more photos visit our facebook page!
Photo credits: SK
^LK
Read MoreEvery time walk into a thrift store and breathe in the musty air, the thrill of my thrifting adventure takes over and excitement reaches a peak . I like to think of thrift shopping as an adventure - you need to search for the hidden gems and use your imagination to create one-of-a-kind outfits. When you thrift shop, you’re your own stylist – you have to be able to look at the garments and picture how you’re going to incorporate them into your wardrobe and you have to keep a keen eye out for a good quality item.
I think every fashionable wardrobe should include vintage and thrifted pieces. They add a touch of genuine character that “brand new” clothes don’t necessarily have .
Row of scarves at Value Village
Ottawa is a thrift store mecca. There’s a huge amount of good quality, large and interesting stores throughout the city. My personal favourite is one of the most well-known thrift stores, Value Village. I always seem to leave with an arm full of things when I go. Some locations have a section called “vintage”, which is clothing from the 70s and 80s and is definitely one of my favourites. Salvation Army is another franchise thrift store that has a lot things other than clothing to offer like cds, books, furniture, shoes and accessories.
Glasses, $3, Bow Tie, $2, Watch, $3 (All from Value Village)
Rag Time, a special place that sells the most amazing blazers and accessories, is also one of my personal favourites and is located off of Bank St., on Flora Ave.
Attic clothing and The Clothes Secret are two other smaller thrifting havens in the city. Smaller thrift stores like these are great if you’re pressed for time (if you plan on visiting some of the bigger stores, like Value Village, make sure you have at least an hour or two to shop and make sure you go on a full stomach!).
75% of my wardrobe consists of thrifted items, buying clothing and accessories from thrift stores ensures that you will never be caught wearing the same thing as anyone else because what you find is almost always one-of-a-kind.
Naturalizer $10, Jones New York $5 (Both from Value Village), No name leather oxfords $10 (Salvation Army)
Thrift shopping has become somewhat of a phenomenon over the past few years and many fashion bloggers have explore their love of thrift shopping through blogging. Vintage fashion bloggers are a great source for inspiring outfit ideas and learning how to mix and match vintage with modern day clothing. Some cool blogs to check out are Sally Jane Vintage, Vintage Society, Bonjour Gazel, Frantic Dreams, and An Olive A Day.
Fashion Blogger, Franceta of Frantic Dreams
So why is thrift shopping such a growing trend? The thrill of thrift shopping comes from the feeling of owning a one-of-a-kind piece at a low cost. No one wants to look the same, so by building your wardrobe around thirft pieces, it’s unlikely that anyone else owns it, making your unique sense of style shine through.
Another appealing aspect to thrift shopping is that it’s environmentally friendly. Like we all learned in kindergarten, “reduce, reuse, recycle!”, thrift shopping is a great way to practice the three Rs. Not only will you look fashionable (if you choose the right item), you will also feel content knowing that you are reducing waste by re-wearing clothing that would have otherwise been thrown in the trash.
Where are your favourite places to shop vintage? Do you ever think the vintage style will die?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment box!
Photo credits: hyperlinked and personal photos
^LK
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In 2007, an American Apparel billboard was vandalized in New York City. The billboard is of a topless woman wearing tight leggings, bending over, and facing away from the camera. Her face is not visible, and the main focus of the advertisement is her nude upper body and her backside. Spray painted in big bold letters to the left of the woman is 
“Gee, I wonder why women get raped”. This act of vandalism promotes the idea that women who dress provocatively are a direct contributing factor to rape, and the fact that they are scantily dressed is seemingly used to justify their victimization. This perception is an example of traditional feminist theory, and thus exhibits the differences in feminist and post-feminist perspectives through the art of advertising.
As Rosalind Gill, a post-feminist critic, states in one of her articles entitled, Beyond the Sexualization of Culture, “[a] crucial aspect of the shift from objectification to sexual subjectification is that this is framed in advertising through a discourse of playfulness, freedom and, above all, choice. Women are presented as not seeking men’s approval but as pleasing themselves, and, in so doing, they just happen to win men’s admiration”. This is demonstrated within the example of American Apparel advertisements, as one could argue that the imagery and positioning of the women in the photos is a much more modern depiction of female empowerment and feminist thought. Today, it seems that women impose feminine cultural norms on themselves instead of consistently seeking male approval, resulting in the constant scrutiny of the female body by both men and women.
Every year in Toronto and many other cities across North America, women and men speak out about this stereotyped and objectified “version” of the “real” female in the Slut Walk (www.slutwalktoronto.com). On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”. Upon hearing this police officer’s shameful (and ignorant) comments, women and men from the city of Toronto organized the first annual “slut walk” by taking their frustration to the streets – literally. Marching through the downtown city streets of Toronto, crowds gathered to make their stance on this matter known with voices ready to be heard. The topic of objectification versus subjectification again arises when discussing women who dress in a stereoptypically “slutty” way. Are these women automatically objectified by society or do they subject themselves to the “male gaze”, choosing to dress and act a certain way in order to gain the attention of the opposite sex?
What do YOU think? Are women and models in advertisements today still objectified by men? Or are these women now subjects of their own sexuality? Are average women who get dressed up to go out with their girlfriends “sluts” and “asking for it” as a result of what they choose to wear? Where do we draw the line?
Photo Credits: Google Images
^BB
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United Colors of Benetton Spring 2011 ad campaign
Is there enough diversity in the fashion industry? Diversity in this sense specifically meaning race and body image.
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via therunwayscoop.com
Image from couturecandy.com
Tribal inspired designs and patterns are undoubtedly hot this season. That makes Keera Sama’s designs very appropriate and trendy. “City Wear with an African Flair”- With abstract patterns and vibrant colours, this Montreal designer’s clothing is perfect for the sunny seasons. These styles are also beautifully feminine with flowing skirts and cute halter dresses.
For more on Keera Sama, visit her website at http://www.keerasama.com/index.html
Want to see more summer styles an Canadian creativity? Ottawa Fashion Week is the place for you! To purchase tickets, visit our website at http://www.ottawafashionweek.ca/tickets
^SK
Read MoreThis is my second blogpost as social media intern and so many cool things have happened lately in the fashion world. First up was Montreal Fashion week, then there’s the Vogue’s upcoming Power Issue and much more. I’m still excited about Ottawa Fashion Week, I’ve been Tweeting and blogging about designers around the world and I can’t what to see what the Capital has in store.
The designers at Montreal Fashion Week were daring in their new forms of creative display. The most intriguing were Ying Gao and Karl Latraverse, who turned the cameras on the audience and photographers on opening night. The models in Gao show wore minimalist clothing that could make the perfect staple in any wardrobe. Montreal Fashion Week had some new designers like Sonia Eclair for Anomal Couture who definitely made their mark last week.
Then there’s Lagy Gaga on the cover of American Vogue’s Power issue. True to Lady Gaga’s nature, its explosive and intriguing — a real page turner. I’m excited to see what she decides to wear to the Gramy’s on Sunday!
With so much happening around the world and right here in fashion, I’m excited to bring you all the newest and coolest info.
Only 36 days left!
^OO
Read MoreBoots are no longer limited to winter wear- they’re good for all seasons. Whether you’re a fan of little open-toe booties or durable over-the-knee boots, this accessory is perfect year-round. Designers have been feeding our boot/booty craze with more creative and innovative shoes to match any preference.
Simple tall boots are not only trendy, but they’re practical as well. With a flat heel, they’re perfect for everyday attire.
Loeffler Randall
The gladiator booty trend continues from last year to give off an edgy yet feminine impression.
Jean-Michel Cazabat
Wedged-heel booties have been trending lately where the heel provides a more practical approach to running for buses, but still satisfying that craving for height.
Stuart Weitzman
We even have booties that resemble running shoes for a spunky casual look.
Balenciaga
^SK
Read MoreLace has been popping up here and there for a while now. After seeing it more and more, it’s definitely a style that has grown on me. Style.com reports it as one of the major trends for spring 2011. What I love about lace is that it is multidimensional. It is typically thought of as delicate and feminine, but it can also provide for an edgy street look.
In its most basic look, lace illustrates a romantic look- perfect for those that are a fan of the Victorian or vintage styles. This romantic look is best suited in soft neutral tones or pastel colours such as white, mauve, and crème. Trending especially is sheer lace, which gives that light, refined impression.
Oscar de la Renta
Ralph Lauren
On the other hand, lace in bright colours or dark shades can add an edgy and playful look. To add an extra kick, lace has been paired with sequins and bold accessories.
BCBG Max Azria
Christopher Kane
What’s your take on lace? Are you more for the classic romantic style or the modern edge?
^SK
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