Colours for 2011

Well, we've seen it throughout the Spring 2011 in September- the new trends in colour are creams, champagnes and blush hues.  In fact, put it on top of your list if you are walking down the isle in 2011 - shades of rose and blush mixed with rich champagne in dresses, flowers and all decorations are king.

Well, what you see on the runway typically emerges in home design and all areas of your life, eventually!  Prime example - anyone catch the new series on HGTV this week, Sarah 101?  If you did, there was a very different shade used to decorate a client's home:  Honeysuckle.

I know, I am not into trendy clothing or the "what's hot" list typically, however, if it's good design, I am in.  I mean, just because a designer comes out with a model dressed in Uggs, leggings and a mini skirt doesn't mean you have to sign up for this look (and trust me, you shouldn't)!  My rule of thumb has always been to stick with what works best on you and add in the trends as you feel comfortable. The same goes for how you choose to decorate the world around you - your home. So when I heard about this new colour, I had to check it out.  Sounds like a floral colour, probably with a strong yellow hue, right?  Think again... pink. Yup, it's a bright pink with undertones of yellow or orange, like coral or the popular 80s color, salmon.  And, actually, quite nice when intermixed with more masculine lines and pieces.

And now I am quite exited to see what will show up in the accessory departments of my favorite home stores this Spring!  Two years ago I refurbished our front porch bench.  I took the tired beige wicker, gave it a blast of rich black and replaced the main cushion with a beautiful neutral taupe - very contemporary.  Then, I found these fantastic bright coral throw pillows as well as a coral and white patterned pillows, reminiscent of coral reef, and fell in love with a new, fresh take on a classic piece!

I wonder if I can continue some of that re-freshening inside the house this year?  Considering we currently use red as the main accent coupled with adjacent shades on the colour wheel (pink to dark purple), I hope I can incorporate an updated but classic feel that is warm, inviting and comfortable.

Great Travel Bags: Casual and Stylish

OK, I can only speak from my own experiences, but when I travel, I like to be comfortable. That basically boils down to yoga gear, several layers of clothing and a comfortable bag that carries the essentials and doesn't weigh me down on one shoulder!  And I am a huge fan of the classic gym/duffle bag! With enough room for the ipod, iphone, gum and snacks, water bottle and latest issue of Instyle and always more room to spare, here are some great options for travelling in comfort and style!

You can't go wrong with Stella McCartney Adidas

A much more affordable version of classic Stella designs, look to Adidas for great styled tote and duffle bags, with compartments to stow ipods and gum without having them swallowed up  in the main compartment, and in ultra light weight fabrics - a great idea when designing a bag for travel!  I have one I purchased for the gym, but often times it is most practical as a weekender bag!

It wouldn't be a Canadian blog without adding Lululemon!

(Fast in Flight bag)

A great, large tote, similar to a shopping bag.  Perfect for travel if you expect a long journey with several magazines, sleep aids and of course, plans to buy duty-free!  It works nicely for trips to the Farmers Market and even a casual tote for work!

(Everywhere Bag)

The classic gym/yoga/pilates bag.  More compact than most Stella gym duffles, but perfect to pack up your clothes and runners and hit the gym!  I would easily use this as a carry-on piece of luggage - lightweight and goes with anything!

(Bon Voyage Bag)

This is the Lulu most closely associated to my own Stella duffle, a great light weight and padded travel bag that nicely collapses under the seat in front of you, fits within the carry-on standard, has several areas to stuff "things" in and comes in some unexpected colours!

Not a fan of the duffle bag?  Try a messenger bag, for a more polished look:

Whatever your preference, I hope everyone has a need for a travel bag this time of year!

Trend Alert: Layering Bracelets

I can't help but be thrown back to the 80s when someone says "layering bracelets".  I know you won't admit it, but you remember Madonna and her 3203 black rubber bracelets, all crammed onto one arm.  I instantly shivered, until I actually saw the edgy and delicate designs recently launched in the Stella and Dot holiday season collection.  A genius mix of colours, metals and fabrics including edgy leathers and delicate silks.  Take a look:

Here are some of the pieces shown individually

(Silk bases with charms)

(Signature scallop and leather)

(Clover double wrap leather)

     (Devy gold bangles)

A great selection at reasonable price points that you can mix to make casual or formal quite easily!  Looking for a great "personal" or "custom" gift for someone special?  Choose some charms to add to a bracelet: initials, birthstones or symbols.

Take a look at the complete line up!  Simply click on the "Stella!" button location in the navigation bar.  You can order directly through my e-boutique and your order will arrive in a Stella gift box in about a week.

Is it Novemebr 23rd yet??

OK, so this is not breaking news, we have known about the marriage of the drop-to-your-knees gorgeous Lanvin with H&M for some time.  (Hey, I'll be first to admit my eleven year old shops at H&M)  But the fact that H&M are going "luxury" for this merger as opposed to Lanvin coming down from the clouds and hitting the street, has me very curious and excited for the November release date!  How many more sleeps?

Have you seen the Spring 2011 shots from the house of Lanvin?  It is amazing, as usual...

Just a thought!



Maya Brenner designs at a fraction of the cost!!

Did I just lose my mind you ask?  No.  But this is just another reason why my favorite little company is red hot, spot on trend and all the buzz around movie town: Stella and Dot have released a collection of new arrivals designed by celebrity designer Maya Brenner!  Maya's designs are found at high end stores in the States like Fred Segal at triple digit prices, but for her friend Stella she has designed comparables - own your own for about $89!

Take a look at the Ellipse, Double Bar and Clover necklaces.  In true Brenner design they are classic and delicate pieces which transition from home to office to dinner.

(Ellipse)

"A delicate14kt gold vermeil chain with handset pave in an oval shape adds the perfect amount of sparkle to the side of your neck. Wear alone for a casual look, or layer it with longer necklaces for a more glamorous style. This necklace pairs beautifully with the Pave Double Bar Necklace and Together Forever Necklace. Each piece is handmade in Thailand."

(Clover)

(Double Bar)

www.stelladot.com/sites/thegoods1

K



Spring is Here!

Ok, I know I have to shake up this blog a bit - too many recipes, too much cooking.  So, I have been previewing the Spring 2011 collections over the past weeks, to keep my deep rooted denial of winter intact as well as giving me vision of something to look forward to - just 8 months away...

Although I have to admit, Fall is the best season for fashion, I was taken with the recent collections of some designers as it transported me to garden parties with delicate pastel florals and beautiful flowing fabrics.  Some of the designers I follow created an ethereal, flowing feel with draped chiffon fabrics, garden prints and even "resort" (I hate that word - conjures up images of the Love Boat for me) themes such as Monique Lhuillier and Stella McCartney.  So, let's start with a quickt snapshot of Spring 2011:

Monique Lhuillier - fabulous, fabulous, fabulous

Stella McCartney - edgy and intelligent, as usual

Collections had other trends occurring, beyond the ladylike flowing soft fabrics and garden party themes:

Donna Karan kept a neutral palette that was both soft yet strong, true to her designs:

(Donna Karan)

70's glam continues thanks to Marc Jacobs, dressing models in deep jewel tones and black,

(Marc Jacobs)

while others opted for punches of bright colors offset with neutrals.  Michael Kors worked Kelly green, Canary yellow and hot pink with classic grey, beige and khaki:

(Michael Kors)

Many designers used bright coral, one of my favorite summer colours, balanced with neutral, like Luca Luca and J. Mendel

(Luca Luca)

The queen of beautiful gowns and wedding design, Vera Wang, showed her timeless and elegant design, always evolving, always fresh, and simply divine

(Vera Wang, Wedding Collection)

Trends that continue into the Spring include "loungerie", the morphing of lingerie and street wear and biker clothing.

I was surprised to see this shoe supposedly on the horizon

Nothing good can come of this.  Nothing.

And, the kitten heel continues, which is great for us with back problems!

K



Fall 2010 has arrived!

I have mixed emotions here.  On one hand, it feels like we have had one long spring in Edmonton and are impatiently awaiting summer to show up any day now.  On the other hand, I adore fall fashion!  On Friday, Stella and Dot released their Fall 2010 lineup to stylists in North America, and yes, I have already placed an order for the line!

If you'd like to preview the new line, take a peek on my website:

www.stelladot.com/sites/thegoods1

And, if you are interested in getting a group together for coffee or drinks to view the new collection, I would be thrilled to set a date with you!  Not to sound like a pushy saleswoman, but there are many advantages of "hostessing" an event, including free swag!

My order is expected to arrive in about a week along with new Look Books and currently booking into late August!

That's enough pitching for this blog...K

Modern, Everyday Jewellry

Jewellery. Where to start? Costume to fine, modern to vintage, new to previously enjoyed - I love it all! So today, while still recovering from our European adventure, I thought I would build on the previous Stella and Dot info blog with a few of my favorite designers for modern, fun jewellery, covering the span of mass-created costume to high-end designed jewellery.

Let's start with the basics: fun, clean designs, costume with semi-precious stones and a variety of metals, including silver. Good old Stella and Dot fits the bill perfectly for me. Whether you want Indian, Asian or Mexican inspired jewellery, trendy enamel, personalized necklaces and bracelets and even a line for our children, Stella and Dot does not disappoint. In fact, you can visit the web link in the previous blog, and let your fingers do the buying! Your order will arrive in whimsically packaged boxes, ready to wear or give as gifts, in just a few days!

Canada has some great designers to choose from! For those that want to pay a bit more for higher quality everyday wear, including silver and pearl pieces, I love Hilary Druxman. This is a Winnipeg-based designer who has stunning simple, yet elegantly designed pieces. You can also order on-line and expect shipment in about five to ten days, in beautifully packaged boxes:

http://www.hilarydruxman.com/

Similarly, take a look at Vancouver's Jessie Turner:

http://www.jessieturner.ca/

You can buy these pieces online at:

www.etsy.com/shop/JessieTurnerDesigns

For those that want to spend (much) more and get some timeless pieces in gold with/out diamonds or other stones, look to Jennifer Meyer, a US based designer. Her pieces can be purchased in several trendy boutiques throughout the US, or at Mecca (Barneys). You will see her designs in such magazines as In Style, as her designs are worn by many celebrities across the globe.

http://www.jennifermeyer.com/

You can purchase her designs through several websites, inluding:

http://www.shopbop.com/

All of these lines give a diverse sampling of great modern design using a variety of materials to suit different tastes and budgets, so go ahead, buy a piece or two to add to your collection!

K

Stella and Dot

I love jewellery. Whether a piece has clean lines or elaborate detail work, modern or vintage, symbolic meanings or history behind a design, it fascinates me. Recently, I came across some fantastic pieces through the InStyle magazine from a company called Stella and Dot. I liked it so much, I have now opened a virtual store to offer these pieces to friends, family and new clients.

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/thegoods1

I hope you will take a look and add a piece or two to your collection!

K