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Spotlight On: Canadian Designers

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Happy Canada Day!

While most of my Canadian counterparts are getting their party on today at one of Toronto's Summerlicious celebrations or on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, I'm --

Working on my tan and getting my beach on in sunny So-Cal. (True story).

That being said, I'm also celebrating my country's 143rd birthday by checking out a few of my favourite Canadian designers.

Let's a take a peak at what talent Canada has spawned, shall we? In no particular order:

 

  1. Pink Tartan: Co-founded and led by Kimberley Newport-Mimran, Pink Tartan is probably one of the most classic labels in Canada. Beautifully-made, partical clothes, cut mostly conservative - I love this line. Check out some spectacular styles at Neiman Marcus. I'm especially loving that tweed skirt.
  2. Ports 1961: One look at the Spring/Summer 2010 collection and it's easy to see why celebutantes like Olivia Palermo are such huge fans of the brand. Created with the hemisphere-hopper in mind, Ports 1961 features classic cuts in loose fabrics, like the Ports 1961 Furoshiki dress in cherry (on sale now).
  3. Pippa Small: Canadian-born and British-raised, jewelry designer Pippa Small's hand-crafted designs feature delicate chains and carved out stones. Exhibit A: These 18-karat gold pink tourmaline studs, sold-out at Net-A-Porter (but certainly check out the rest of the collection).

 

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Get the Look - Whitney Port in The City

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Get the Look: Whitney Port of The City wearing Yoana Baraschi

Though many of her looks are 80s-inspired, Whitney Port always does an excellent job pulling off her city chic style. Her personalized style is definitely fashion-forward, - as evidenced in her own WhitneyEVE designs, - and Whitney Port wears clothes that are accessible. READ: You can buy several of the styles Whit wears in stores or online.

Like Yoana Baraschi's x-ray rock galaxy dress. Worn by Whitney in last week's episode of The City, that bright and funky neon yellow with sequin overlay design is really upbeat sheath for this summer.

The sleeves open wide, but wear like cap-sleeves, the boat neck is universally flattering, and the fit and length are equally appropriate for office-hours and after. With that smattering of sequins on the sleeves and down the front of the dress, accessories can be kept to a minimum.

While I love Whitney's acid yellow choice, this daring dress by Yoana Baraschi is also available in black and navy blue. The sequins especially pop on the darker coloured dresses, but somehow I like them best balanced with the yellow hue.

 

Yoana Baraschi x-ray rock galaxy dress, $345, Yoana Baraschi

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Get the Look - Taylor Swift's High-Waisted Bikini

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I've been loving retro-inspired bikinis for eons. Remember Victoria's Secret and those super sweet high-waisted bandeau bikinis? I can't get enough. There's something about vintage-inspired swimsuits that has that classic appeal. Think Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, annnd --

Taylor Swift?

Cue the country-pop music superstar visiting the Bahamas and beach-combing in oversized red sunnies, her signature curly locks, and an adorable black polka-dotted high-waisted bikini. Want the look? While VS and J.Crew only have a few high-waisted options in stock, I prefer this Esther Williams beach blanket bingo two-piece from Modcloth. While the polka-dots are certainly more exaggerated than the ones on Ms. Swift's bikini, the black-mod print only adds to the vintage vibe of the suit. Low-cut legs and a high-waisted bikini provide ultimate coverage (for those of you booty-conscious babes out there), and ruching at the front. The halter top cut is flattering on almost every body shape.

Not a fan of Taylor's polka-dots? Want a similar retro-style bikini in a different colour? Definitely check out Diane von Furstenberg's leopard-print bikini. Done in a fabulous red/blue/cream leopard print, this bikini features low-cut legs, a high-waist, and all-over gathering. The balconet top with halter straps has a sweetheart neckline provides a look that's delicate and not as bold as Esther Williams's version.

While a high-waisted, retro-styled swimsuit looks good on any body type, the main thing to remember when you put it on and head to the beach is your confidence. Besides your bodacious beach bod, confidence is what will make your look completely appealing.

 

Esther Williams beach blanket bingo bikini, $89.99, Modcloth

Diane von Furstenberg leopard-print bikini, about $100/piece, Neiman Marcus


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Get the Look - Sarah Jessica Parker's Nicholas Kirkwood Platforms

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SJP in Nicholas Kirkwood Platform Sandals

Like her alter-ego Carrie in Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker has fabulous taste in footwear. The epitome of classic with a twist, SJP knows precisely how to add a little pop to every ensemble she wears.

Check SJP wearing Proenza Schouler in Central Park; at the NYC SATC2 premiere in a lace Elie Saab dress; then again at the David Letterman show styling some Stella; -

Each of her looks is finished off with absolutely marvelous Nicholas Kirkwood for Future Collectable suede platforms. The shoes, done in a spray paint effect, are navy suede with neon pink piping. The black leather trim outlines the platforms and adds to the jigsaw effect. Black suede lattice crisscrosses the front of each shoe. Not leaving anything to the imagination, even the suede laces of these Nicholas Kirkwood sandals have intricate details - check the silver metal end caps!

The podium platform on these sandals is also navy suede, and the 5.5-inch stiletto heel is leather-covered. Available exclusively at Browns, SJP certainly has an eye for European fashion.

 

Future Collectables Nicholas Kirkwood suede platforms, about $960 USD, Browns

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Your Style - J.Crew Zoey Blazer

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What You're Looking For

Over the past week, several readers have been asking about the J.Crew zoey blazer. Is it still available? How does the zoey blazer fit? Should I buy it in slate or black? Can I wear the zoey blazer during the summer? Answers to your questions, and more:

 

  1. Is it still available? YES! Surprisingly, this is one popular style that J.Crew still has in stock for their spring sale - the zoey blazer is probably still available in your size, too! Hard to believe the classic hasn't sold out.
  2. How does the zoey blazer fit? J.Crew's bestseller has a relaxed fit, but don't let that fool you. It features a notch collar, and double welt pockets that anchor the blazer so it hits the hips perfectly when worn open. The blazer's long sleeves have functional buttons so you can style it with sleeves shrugged at your elbows or straight at your wrists. In a nutshell, the zoey blazer wears much like your boyfriend's.
  3. Should I buy it in slate or black? This totally depends on you! While black is classic, there is something on-trend about the zoey blazer in slate. If you're asking because you're not sure which colour will suit your skin tone, I'd say stick with black. It's a non-colour any woman can wear, and black can be playful or professional - it's a wear-with-all shade. Slate, on the hand, requires the wearer to have a certain complexion and can only be worn with certain items in your wardrobe.
  4. Can I wear the zoey blazer during the summer? Yes, yes, YES! This is one blazer you can style all-year-round. Unlike wool, the silk construction of the zoey blazer is warm-weather friendly, so you'll look smart styling it spring and summer.

 

Zoey blazer, $49.99, J.Crew

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