Bold Block Ahead

SPRING IS HERE!!!

After a long and bitter winter, finally we can embrace the sun and warmer weather.  So it's only natural that we would want to brighten up our wardrobes... but enough with those drab florals!  Don't get me wrong, I love flowers and lace and all that girly, springy stuff.  But once in a while, its nice to do something out of the ordinary.  Colour blocking is the trend to watch this spring.

So think back to the days of being a kid playing with bright bold blocks!  Contrasting colours that are bright and vibrante are all the rage this spring.

The Gucci dress to the left is a perfect example of bold blocks of colour.  This spring favorite has been poping up on every red carpet.  With stars like Camilla Belle, Emma Stone, and Olivia Wilde sporting this look, its sure to be a spring must-have!

This retro look is fun, flirty and best of all CHEAP!  To re-create these looks is oh-so-simple.  Stores like H&M and Forever21 are loaded with bold colours.  As long as you keep things simple (ie. no patterns and minimal detail) you can acheive this look by simply pairing contrasting colours (typically closest to eachother on the colour wheel) For example Orange and Pink.  Both hues are close on the colour wheel, but no close enough to be monocromatic.  Add a neutral pant or belt in either a metalic or black to ancore the outfit and provide a much needed seperation between the hues.

This trend takes some getting used to... at first the colours seem odd and wrong.  But sometimes, if it feels wrong, its oh-so right!

Got The Blues

Fashion's got the blue's this spring... royal blues to be exact!

Thanks to the soon-to-be princess Kate Middleton, blue is the tint of the season.  Think royal, indigo, and even light dusty blues.  This cool shade looks sleek and sophisticated.  Just take a look at this award season ...

Mandy Moore

Mila Kunis our vote for Best Dressed

 

Make no mistake, this colour choice was no accidental pick by Miss Middleton.  On the announcement of her engagement to Prince William she knew all eyes would be on her.  The Princess-to-be wore a 'royal' blue satin v-neck dress echoing not only her upcoming role but also enhancing the vibrant blue of her ring.

 

It's safe to say this new Princess will be making fashion trends for many years to come!

Ballerina Envy

This past year we have been fortunate enough to enjoy many great movies.  As an avid movie go-er I found myself pretty disappointed in the last few years, however within the past few months there have been an abundance of flicks that have impressed me. 

Among many of the cinematic masterpieces released this year, Black Swan was one that stood out as an iconic piece.  Natalie Portman as a ballerina is simply superb.  And although her character goes insane... who wouldn't want to look like her.  That impossibly skinny look has always been a fashion favorite, so it will be no surprise if this flick starts to influence the trends of 2011.

 

The power and beauty behind this movie is sure to influence the fashion world.  Besides, what girl didn't dream of becoming a ballerina when they grew up? So watch out for soft pinks, leg warmers and flat chested girls.  So to all us bust-challenged girls, its seems we are in luck this season!

Wish List

One of my favorite gifts to recieve and give is the gift of fragrance. There is something so romantic about perfume that I find hard to resist. It goes back to those old days when I was a little girl watching my mom get ready to go out. I would watch as she carefully applied her makeup, did her hair and finally veiled a mist of sweet perfume over herself.

It is the height of feminity, and an art that all women must perfect. Just as you choose your own makeup style, your fragrance should reflect who you are.

My personal favorite is Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. Its sweet and elegant.

Another favorite of mine, is my name-sake Chloe. My grandmother worked for the Eaton's fragrance department for 25 years and when my parents couldn't decide on a name for me, she intervened. This scent is much more of a splurge, but I find it perfect for evening.

Unsure about your friends favorite scent? No need to worry, most perfumes come in a smaller roll on applicator. These small gifts are perfect stocking stuffers!

For more fragrance ideas check out shopper drug mart

Easy Holiday Looks

I love the holidays! Parties, festive music, smiling people, delicious food... what's not to love?

Like most women, I want to have the perfect outfit for each occasion... but I don't want to break the bank for it. The problem is, with most of these events such as office christmas parties, social get-togethers, extended family dinners, Christmas, New Years etc. You are bound to run into some of the same people, not to mention people documenting your every move and posting the pictures online. So, how do you avoid wearing the same thing twice without spending your life savings? Here are a few quick tips to creating the perfect holiday woredrobe

Go for the classics. Adding pops of red will make any outfit scream with festive cheer. This red tulip-skirt dress by Zara is the perfect addition to any holiday wardrobe. Pair with black stockings and black high-heeled booties for a modern look.

Too shy for red? Even just adding red nails to a LBD (little black dress) will work... not to mention keep things cheap. Or try adding a splash of rouge on your lips will spice up your holiday look.

For more of a winter wonderland look, try going for colours like mauve, grey and silver. This Asymmetric twist dress by Rachel Rachel Roy will work perfectly from day to night and will still be relevant after the holiday season. Or for something more festive, Rachel Rachel Roy's sequins dress. This disco inspired frock is perfect to ring in the New Year!

Accessories! With the statement necklaces still going strong, there is no reason not to jump on this trend. Its cheap and changes your outfit completely. Stores like Forever21 and H&M have hundreds of accessories to choose from. Prices range from as low as $4.99!

Poised and Ready

Burlington is technically a big city, however it still has a small town feel. And because of this, many of its small downtown shops get over-looked. So I'm starting a style guide to the small boutiques of the Shore.

This months spotlight is on Poise Boutique Their mission is the "transform self-conception through style". This upscale boutique holds many designer labels such as DVF and Missoni. The owner, Diana Vranich, has created an environment that feels like a dream closet. This small, but beautifully simple store, showcases gorgeous garments at their best. Warm smiles, elegant lighting and all the must-have-picks of the season, make Poise one of Burlington's finest.

389 Brant Street, Burlington ON

Fathers Day

Not being a man, I find it hard to buy for them.  Even when I think I've found the perfect gift, turns out I just ended up finding something I'd like to see them in or have them try.  So, to avoid feeling selfish and like an unattentive daughter, I have hit the streets in search of what dad's REALLY want.

Surprisingly enough, many men have started to take better care of their skin. Either its the sweeping epidemic of the metro lifestyle, or men have just started to hear our suggestions, regardless its good news.  Problem is, although our lads are finally on board, they don't really know where to start.  One brand that truly captures the straight forward male mentality is Bread and Butter skincare.  This line was created specifically with men in mind, "Everything a man needs and nothing he doesn't" is B&B's moto. 

Although this Canadian company is still in its infancy , Brian Lau the founder of Bread and Butter, is an old pro.  Working for companies such as Dove, Aveda, and Burts Bees, this man knows his cosmetics!  He first launched his own brand in 2009, and I was lucky enough to be one of his students during this exciting time. As if starting your own business isn't hard enough, Lau teaches Cosmetic Marketing at Humber College.  And as he taught us about creating a concept, grasping our target market, and creating our "Reasons to Believe" Lau is living proof that hard work and a great idea, is all you need to become a success.  

Can't get enough of Bread and Butter? Want to follow their story? Check them out on facebook and twitter!