I have a new obsession. Cuchè bikinis are designed and made in Canada (Vancouver, to be precise) and I’m more than happy to support the Canadian economy to buy these beauties. With weekend temperatures soaring to 30, these are the types of clothes I want to wear: beach clothes!



















sun cover $71.25 and boat dress $150

I love the sexy lines of the sun cover and the fresh nautical theme of the boat dress. Both would be easy to throw over a bikini. The boat dress is perfect for al fresco dining right by the beach, whereas the sun cover would be great for when you’re staying on the beach yet don’t want to be totally exposed.



















julie $108.75 and copa 84 $116.25

The julie bikini is sleek, graphic and sporty. On the other hand, the copa 84 bikini is a bit more feminine with retro touches like some ruching and cute ties in the front and sides.

For more information go to: Cuchè Bikinis

Image credits: Cuchè Bikinis

With reminders of the recession swirling around our heads (Christian Lacroix’s company recently filed for bankruptcy protection), Fall’s rather toned-down vibe comes as no surprise. Dark and neutral colours dominated the runway, but some designers such as Galliano bucked the trend. Outerwear was a large part for many collections.

Hermès and Chloé


Clothes with a 40′s air were prominent. At Prada, models in heavy wool tweeds carrying large bags could have almost walked out of a street during World War II onto the runway. Chloé had slouchy yet feminine looks reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn. This reference was strengthened by the hair being soft waves and the makeup being glamourous and retro. For some looks, Lela Rose turned from her usual femininity and went for more utilitarian construction, but never fear, several sequined tops remained.



























Prada and Lela Rose


At Lanvin, the 40′s reigned down to the feathered poufs in the models’ hair. Sometimes with a dash of glamour, sometimes with more restraint, Alber Elbaz showed a tour de force.

Lanvin

It’s the month of July, when the most weddings take place. You know that at the reception, you’ll dance all night long, to celebrate the nuptials with the loved ones. You’ll have memories of a lovely time, long after the party is finally over, after you’ve had to hang up your dancing shoes. My first dancing shoes, were lovely gold lamé pointed toe Fluevog flats in the style of the ‘30s, with long leather strings to wrap around one’s ankles. These fabulous shoes became too small after the baby was born, but I still wouldn’t part with them, for their obvious sentimental value.

Wearing these stylish Fluevog sandals, you would be able to dance the night away like a princess, for they are surprising comfortable.

Sweet Susana is summery sky-blue, vintage-inspired sandal in delicious leather, with strappy youngful details and a super comfortable 3.5” wedge heel. It’s a steal at a sale price of $65 CAN.

This crowd pleaser will keep begging you come back for more. Encore! Encore! In comes Renata. She is so comfortable that you can dance in the rain. She has adjustable ankle and instep straps for a great fit, and a soft rubber sole. A sale bargain at $189 CAN.

Hey, your name is Aquarius. The smoking hot mango color reminds me of the beginning of summertime. And it doesn’t matter if these shoes make you taller than your dancing partner, because you are too happy and confident to notice this. These show-stoppers comes with two buckles, a slingback heel, a full 1” platform and a 4” heel. You will still want two pairs at $165 CAN each.

For more information go to: John Fluevog Shoes

Images credits: John Fluevog Shoes

Are you still looking long and far for a one of a kind, timeless piece of necklace? A unique bauble made by the hands of a dedicated artisan silversmith? We have the solution to your treasure hunt! Take time to visit Sancuary on Etsy. You will find a long retro necklace that can match almost any outfit and still look modern whenever you change your look depending on the seasons. The Electra, a 42 inch-long retro necklace features pearly grey river shell cut-outs, gorgeous faceted white rabbit jade with Swarovski Crystals, small silver balls and faceted quartz crystal and facetted black onyx, all linked together by beautiful and delicate silver circles and ovals. It is an eye-catching bauble that has that je ne sais quoi.











For more information go to: Sancuary at Etsy.com

Image Credit: sancuary.esty.com

If you are a normal woman with a normal dress size, unlike the typical six feet tall waif-like model on the runway, you come with your own curves and are less than six feet. Aren’t we all born with various body shapes and sizes? As I am 5 feet tall and wear a size 4, finding the perfect dress can be a real challenge for me. Fortunately, there is an independent Canadian label that understands the problem we all face – Narcissist Design. Not only does this niche boutique have plenty of choice, their fabulous frocks actually will fit you no matter what size you are. Narcissist Design’s signature dress, the Pamela, can be worn over eight different ways. This wonderful, flexible dress will certainly fit all body types. If you are desperately looking for a spring dress for any upcoming wedding party, it is surely the place to look, since Narcissist Design also has a line for bridesmaids.

For more information go to: narcissist.com

Images credit: narcissist.com

Many look forward to the coming Easter celebration, a seasonal ritual that signals the spring’s arrival. The signs of blooming miniature daffodils and tulips, the fresh green shoots of grass, the warm sunshine of a crisp morning, are all calling us to spend our time outdoors. While you don’t want to miss the fun of looking for the eggs in every corner of the garden, you also want to look best in your Easter dress. No fashion conscious woman wants to miss the chance, or more accurately, wants miss the excuse to break out her spring dress at an Easter party. After a long winter of snowstorms and cold frost, wearing a spring dress has the librating and refreshing power like a vase of fresh cut spring flowers!

However, it is still chilly to wear one’s spring dress alone outdoors, but no one wants cover it under a car coat or trench coat. Only a feminine, delicate and lightweight sweater will do. The Oleana knitwear line from Norway really impresses us. Their alpaca collection is full of whimsical colours and patterns and blends well with any spring dress in a garden party setting.

The alpaca is a 100% natural fleece-like fibre, thought to be similar to sheep wool, but warmer and hypoallergenic since it contain no lanolin.

For more information go to: urbanity.ca

Images credit: urbanity.ca