Trending Now: The Dos and Don'ts of Sneakers

A while back, I published a "trend alert" about Wedge Sneakers. It soon became the blog’s most viewed post. Women of the world shouted hurray for comfort! Months later, the wedge sneaker is still a must-have accessory, perfect for the fast approaching fall weather. Recently however, I’ve been spotting a new version of the trend  *drum roll*  Ze Sneaker. I’m not talking Isabel Marant here, I’m talking Nike, Adidas... the classics! Many of you are thinking “Whoa, we were on board with the wedge, but gym shoes ain’t sexy!” I assure you ladies that once you’ve seen the following pics, you’ll be running out to get a pair.

 

Here are my dos and don’ts regarding sneaker wear:  1) Your gym shoes and your fashion statement should not be one and the same. Leave the sole support in your locker  2) Go for a thinner, sleeker shoe. They will pair up perfectly with a skinny jean  3) Don’t be shy to roll up your pants and show off a little ankle  4) Don’t rock a skirt with this look. Now’s the time to showcase your androgynous side and play up your femininity with simple pink lips, loose curls and full lashes  5) Don’t downgrade your accessories. Bring out your favourite oversized purse, manicured white nails, and sexy shades.

 

 

 

Trend Alert: Wedge Sneakers

Now this is a blast from the past! I remember being in sixth grade and wanting to be on the basketball team solely (solely – get it?) for the cool sneakers! Thanks to the designer Isabel Marant, I’m given a second chance to rock the look! Wedge sneakers... a gift from heaven. They elongate your legs and keep your feet comfortable. What’s not to like? Wear them for a shopping date with a buttoned-down shirt and skinny jeans; to a party with a sharp tailored jacket and black leather tights or even to brunch with a contrasting girly skirt! To avoid having your pants bunch up at the ankle, be sure to get them hemmed accordingly.

 

Clockwork from top brown shoes: 1. See By Chloe Tan Wedge Sneakers / 2. Steve Madden Olympiaa Sneakers / 3. Carvela Kurt Geiger Sparkle Wedge Sneaker / 4. Chloe Red Wedge Sneakers / 5. River Island Black Wedge High Tops / 6. Isabel Marant Bazil python basket sneaker / 7. Isabel Marant Betty leather and suede wedge sneakers
 

 

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Five Trends to Update your Fall Wardrobe

As the cooler weather seems to be settling in, I got together with my girlfriends to discuss the hot trends for the new season. Keep reading to find out which five trends you won't want to live without!

 

JACKET: Rag & Bone Pascal Jacket / CLUTCH: Zara Studded Evening Box Bag / PANTS: Current Elliott, The Ankle Skinny / NECKLACE: Dolce & Gabbana Gold-plated glass pearl necklace / SWEATER: Alexander McQueen Fine-knit wool peplum top / SHOES: Zara High Heel Sandal with Ankle Strap / DRESS: Dolce & Gabbana Cherub and floral-print dress / PURSE: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli leather tote / NAILS: Stylenomics by Essie

 

 

1. LEATHER: This season, we’re seeing leather incorporated in most pieces of clothing; from classic leather jackets, purses and pants to the detailing on sweaters, skirts and accessories.

 

2: STUDS: Studs and spikes give you an instant edge. For the epitome of rocker-chic, I suggest adding a studded purse or a spiked silk blouse to your wardrobe.

 

3: JEWEL TONES: Ruby, emerald and sapphire have a way of coming back from year to year. Jewel tones work great together, so don’t be shy to play with patterns and colour blocking. Since these shades are timeless, invest is some key pieces such as a forest green coat, navy purse or rich burgundy pants.  

 

4: SERIOUS BLING: Crystals, rhinestones, gold and statement necklaces (like the Collar Trend) are all the rage. You can easily update your wardrobe with a bold cuff or a little bedazzling (so retro – yet so cool!).

 

5: CAMOUFLAGE: Camouflage is to fall what bold floral was to spring. We’ve seen great pieces on the runway, which incorporate all the season’s hottest trends: leather, studs, crystals and jewel tones... the most common of which is the glitter spiked camo jacket.

 

Which trend will you be adding to your shopping list?

 

Smart Shoe Packing

I just hung up with my friend Isabelle... “I read your post about packing,” she said sounding a little bit worried. “I can’t tell you how important it is to wear sensible shoes.” As it turns out, Isabelle works in a hospital, and last night, a patient came in with a massive infection due to blisters. Ish. I don’t want that. Luckily, the comments you left on Shoe Issues have proven quite helpful. Marie L. wrote that quantity wasn’t as important as versatility and comfort. (Words of wisdom!) Style coach Monica de Liz added: “Going to Germany? The calendar is your best friend! I suggest you bring 3 shoes (wear 1 and pack the other 2).”

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I combined all your comments, and here is the consensus:

1x   Comfortable pair of flats for taking the plane & walking around
1x   Semi-casual wedge or flat sandal to rock with either a dress or pants
1x   Dressy peep toe for romantic nights out with Hubby

1x   Room in my luggage to bring back new shoes from Germany!

P.S. Monica wrote a great piece on smart-packing. Check it out by clicking HERE. Also, don't forget to click HERE to read PartyMixTape's interview with her!  

Shoe Issues

This summer, I am planning a three week trip to Germany. Hubby and I have our plane tickets booked and hotels lined up. Although this is nothing short of amazing, I am worried about one thing: shoes. Without fail, I always pack too many. Sandals, sneakers, high heels, flip flops: you name it; I’ve got it in my suitcase. This weekend, I went for a two-night trip to Ottawa and packed three pairs. You see the problem? I vow to make things different – but I need your help! In your opinion, how many pairs would be a reasonable amount?  

1. TOMS in orange and white / 2. Tory Burch Bernadine wedges / 3. Valentino Rockstud kitten heels / 4. Missoni flat espadrilles in Coral Wave / 5. RADA beaded gladiators / 6. Tory Burch raffia logo ballerinas in blue / 7. Michael Kors white Vivian cork wedge slingbacks / 8. Rebecca Minkoff Baha sandals in neon / 9. Michael Kors Reichow sandals / 10. Jimmy Choo Nova glittered leather slingbacks / 11. TKEES Zincs flip flops in neon orange

Colourful Wedges

Yesterday, the lovely Alison wrote the following request on PartyMixTape’s facebook page: “Hey PMT, I need help finding bridal wedges (because heels sink in the grass and I need about 3 - 4 inches). They must be cool and colourful. Your mission should you choose to accept it.” CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – and completed!

For this challenge, I chose to stay away from all cork and straw heels as I felt they might appear too casual for this special occasion. After all, Alison is a bride and as such she merits la crème de la crème of wedges. I saw the most exquisite pair of Christian Louboutin glitter wedges, but our BTB was clear about wanting colour. (And try as I might, glitter is not in our colour wheel.) Finally, you’ll notice that I gravitated towards red, orange and tangerine. Am I the only one who thinks that a bride wearing red shoes is the epitome of glam?

We start off strong with a pair of orange Jimmy Choo’s. Wow-za!

Here is a decadent tangerine wedge by Kate Spade.

A budget friendly pair of Franco Sarto, found at Le Château

I. need. these. A gorgeous pair of suede wedges by Michael Kors.

Happy shopping, Alison! And to all you PartyMixTapers, do not hesitate to forward any requests or challenges! I’ll gladly help out in any way I can! Cheers,

Mine!

A while back, I fell hard for these sandals:

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Seriously, how gorgeous are they? I finally hunt them down at Zara’s and now they’re MINE! Woot! Woot! Did you make any fun purchases this weekend?

Geometric

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are well aware that stripes are all the rage. How about rocking a different type of stripe? Change it up by adding these geometric patterns to your wardrobe.

P.S. Thank you for encouraging PartyMixTape. Over 6000 pageviews in two and a half month is such a fantastic start! Many many thanks to all of you!

1. Fossil Jules Patchwork Wristlet / 2. Forever 21 / 3. Andreia Chaves Naked Shoe / 4. Forever 21 / 5. DKNY three quarter sleeve geometric panel system dress / 6. Etro oversized geometric gold-tone necklace / 7. DVF mint and orange wool silk blend scarf / 8. Burak Uyan   

Kiss me, I’m Irish!

Nah… I’m not. But on Saint-Patty’s Day, we all pretend to be Irish as we drink green beer and tattoo clover leaves on our cheeks. Good times. Did you know that Montreal has one of the longest-running Saint-Patrick’s parades in North America? We’ve been partying it up since 1824. A city after my own heart! Will you be wearing green this weekend?

If I’m dressing in green, I’m doing it in style: 1. Mui Mui / 2. Chloe /3. DVF / 4. Deborah Lippmann, Mermaid Dreams / 5. Valentino / 6. Angelina-Jolie-French drop earrings / 7. Prada / 8. Chanel, Jade / 9. JCrew / 10. H&M / 11. Marc by Marc Jacobs (A-DO-RA-BLE)

Hot Dot

Is it just me or do polka dots never seem to go out of style? As soon as I think they are over, they reappear on the runway. Bold dots or micro dots, we love them in any colour! Prepare for the spring/summer collections, I predict they’ll be everywhere.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts / 2. Dolce & Gabbana scarf / 3. Kate Spade shoes / 4. Kate Spade iPhone cover / 5. Loeffler Randall shoes / 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle / 7. Equipment blouse / 8. Polka dot Lip tattoo from Violent Lips / 9 . Current/Elliot skinny jeans

Zara / Forever 21 / Mango

Glamour Puss

The epitome of girliness: black lace with blush coloured accents.

Zara tulip dress / H&M bow / Valentino shoes / Lauren Elan Caitlin necklace and heart shaped bracelet (a special edition for Vday!) / Madewell lingerie / My girl D’s favourite shopping stop, Jacob, now sales nail polish. 3$. Seriously. 3$.

Shoe Art

We’ve all done it: bought a pair of shoes that’s so glamourous that we never ever dared to wear them. Ugh. I hearby swear never to do that again... unless... I buy one of these:         

Chewing gum shoe by Kobi Levi / Blue & Butterfly shoes by Alexander McQueen / Lace shoes by Valentino

True shoe-lovers believe that shoes are akin to works of art. This is literally the case with Brian Jungen’s Prototypes of New Understanding. For this series, the Canadian artist created aboriginal masks using Nike Air Jordan shoes, thus confusing the concept of authenticity... clever, clever. Click here to read more.

Do you sometimes wish you could be a shoe designer? (Me too!) Check out Upper Street, a fantastic site which permits you to design your own shoes. Dreams come true on this blog, people, dreams come true.

Style 101

Recently, I’ve been remembering how fun university was. In this spirit, The Kikster and I went to our alma mater for a conference given by one of our professors at the time. As enjoyable as it was, it was also a reality check. I am so grateful for the work I did back then, and happy to have my diplomas hanging on the wall… but yup, I’m done with quoting Walter Benjamin and the overuse of the word “semiotics.” But you know what is undeniably cool about university? The university-look! And I’m certainly not ready to stop rocking it just yet!  

1. Kate Spade University Stripe Scarf / 2. Moleskine / 3. See by Chloe elbow patch sweater / 4. Willis Coach bag / 5. Pencil case from Chapters-Indigo / 6. Retro pens from Chapters-Indigo / 7. Steve Madden Jazie Oxfords

Interview with Karine Bassal

I met Montreal-based artist Karine Bassal in 2004, and attended her first exhibition three years later. I am the proud owner of a fantastic 20 x 20 inch painting, which depicts a close-up of a bright blue eye with lashes so lush and skin so velvety, it makes me envious. Painted in oil (and not air brushed as many believe), Karine’s paintings portray women who are strong, confident, and not afraid to look at you directly in the eye.  

1. Nat P. by Karine Bassal / 2. Best purchase: leopard heals! / 3. Loving Mark Rothko / 4. The best thing about MTL? The Jazz Festival / 5. Number one music choice: Janis Joplin / 6. Loving Andy Warhol / 7. Everyone needs a little black dress / 8. Gin and tonic with lime, please! / 9. MM byKarine Bassal

What best defines your style?   

I can't say that I am inspired by just one thing or current. Words come to mind: clean, fresh, sharp, crisp, intense, colourful, edgy... these could be use to describe my aesthetic. I love love love artists Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko. As far as personal style, being the mother of an active two year old, I don't feel like I have much of a fashion style these days. But I used to be a bohemian/hippy/rocker-chick all rolled into one!

Karine Bassal, Madonna, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches (SOLD)

Photograph taken by Christine Guérette, Dimension Plus    

Your husband is a musician. Which are your top three songs?

My all-time-favourites-no-matter-what are anything by Janis Joplin, Tori Amos and Rush (Sam Roberts and Led Zeppelin would be numbers 4 and 5... I'm just sayin'). I love these singers/bands because they are classics that I will never get sick of listening to. They make me feel the most like myself! However, when I’m running on the treadmill, my right-now-favourite-songs-but-I-doubt-I'll-be-listening-to-them-20-years-from-now are "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO and "Moves like Jagger" by Maroon 5.

What is your morning ritual? 

Cheesy but true... my favourite morning ritual is rocking with my son Louka while he drinks his milk and we read books for a half hour. It's a relaxed and snugly way to wake-up and ease into the day before the craziness starts.

What’s the best thing about living in Montreal?

That’s easy: the Jazz Fest. You get awesome shows for free and great people watching guaranteed!

Karine Bassal, La muse (sepia), oil on canvas, 30 x 60 inches (SOLD)

For special orders, please follow the links: Karine Bassal and/or Dimension Plus.

What’s the best fashion-related purchase you have ever made?

My little black strapless dress from Bedo and my 4-inch leopard heels. Oh, and earrings.  Earrings can make you look good with very minimal effort!

Any favourite quotes?  

Gin and tonic with lime, please! (laughs) I’ll go with "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have and the decisions we waited too long to make..." These are words I live by.

Photograph taken by The Village Gallery

Shoe Love

There is one thing you should know about me: I love shoes. Oh, I love a lot of things, but shoes are my weakness. I’m told it’s a problem (hubby, are you reading this?) but I don’t know why. The household rule is that I can’t buy more than fit in my bedroom closet, but I have come up with several devious ways to get around this problem... and my office space suffers the consequences.  

That being said, I truly deserve a new pair. New Year = New Shoes. Seems like a logical equation to me. (And no, MOM, my last pair was bought in December two-thousand-and-ELEVEN. Jeez!)

What’s your pick?

1. Zara / 2. Christian Louboutin / 3. Michael Kors / 4. Nine West / 5. Zara / 6. & 7. Valentino / 8. Pretty Ballerinas