Last week’s look was all about flirty, fun frocks, perfect for spring. This week, the frock has returned however, its reached maximum lengths-enter the maxi dress. Maxi dresses, which are long, floor sweeping dresses, made a comeback last year and have stuck around to see yet another spring/summer season. Maxi dresses are great because they allow you to achieve the dramatic, elegant look only a long dress can provide, but are casual-cool enough to wear during the day. Maxi dresses are also great because they are extremely flattering, with a long, loose fit not only will they make you look taller but they will also diminish any problem areas around your waist, hips and thighs. The variety of maxi dresses is far and wide, therefore make sure to pick one that flatters you. Pay attention to the colour, fabric and details of the dress like the neckline, thickness of the straps and where the waistline falls.
YSG TIP: Similar to the flirty frocks, maxi dresses are versatile and easily go from day to night. A switch of the shoes and accessories can completley change the look and function of the dress. If you are looking to carry your maxi from am to pm, make sure to pay attention to length and allow it work with both flat and heeled shoes.
Ladies its almost that time of year when you can break free of your bulky winter duds and replace them with the light, fresh colours and fabrics of your spring wardrobe. Literally drop your pants, not to mention your sweaters, socks, and coats, and pick some flirty, fun spring frocks! The perfect spring dress is an essential and staple in every women’s closet. One that can be worth both day to night, work to play, and spring right into summer. Look for one in a light fabric that is a either short sleeved or tank. This will offer you the most flexibility, as it can be worn with a sweater or jacket over top for office attire or in colder weather, and can then transition later into the season with the warmer months ahead. Try to find one that is an appropriate length, just above or below the knee, this again will give you the most flexibility plus put a little swing in your step with a longer sweeping fabric. Also keep in mind a cut which cinches in at the waist, as it is always a flattering option. See the selected looks from the Donna Karan Spring 2010 ready to wear collection for inspiration. Flock to frocks!
YSG tip: To help your spring frock transition, try pairing it with a tailored blazer and flat shoes for day/work and then switching into heels and adding some accessories like jewelry or small handbag for night/play!
After a good Saturday afternoon shopping slash wandering session, wouldn’t it be nice to have somewhere to go to drop your bags, rest your weary feet and re-energize (read: discuss and compare your purchases)? Um…YA-HUH, you say and I most certainly agree. Enter Rouge Nail Bar, a gorgeous, relaxing little haven of a salon, where you can do just that and get your nails done at the same time. Amazing.
Get comfortable and sink into Rouge’s living room couches as expert hands treat your feet to a soak, shape, massage (best. ever.) and a pretty paint. Enjoy a cafe au lait and a cheese and fruit plate while you gab with your girls, or just relax and watch an episode of Sex and the City as your feet get the royal treatment. I also noticed a selection of movies prepared for rotation, including Dirty Dancing and a few classic Audrey Hepburn flicks!
After the talented staff are finished with your toes, why not pull up a chair at the bar and have a manicure as well? The Classic Rouge mani-pedi goes for $55.00 (psssst…$45.00 if you go before 2pm during the week) and you can choose from a selection of O.P.I. colours. However, in case that wasn’t temptation enough, the salon offers various other packages from which to choose. Check it: The Barefoot is a regular mani-pedi, just as The Classic, but done with yummy-smelling, natural Barefoot Venus products; Madame La France is the ever-chic, classic French manicure; or, seriously spoil yourself and have The Essential, which uses Escents, a line of natural aromatherapy products, created with 100% pure essential oils. Mmmmm…how lovely does that sound? Seriously.
And, since Rouge is located on none other than The Main itself (where else??), it’s the perfect place to go when you need a break from all that shopping you’re doing!
Rouge Nail Bar: 3790 St. Laurent, t: 514.840.3003, http://rougenailbar.com
From Montreal,
Tired of everything in your closet? How about taking a peek in the man in your life’s wardrobe! Menswear inspired looks have been gaining much popularity and attention over the past few seasons. The ever popular ‘boyfriend blazer’, has become a staple item for many women, and can now be found in stores at almost every price-point season to season. However, this androgynous look does not have start and stop with the addition of an oversized tailored men’s jacket. For spring, try new menswear staples that put frilly and girly to the wayside. Say goodbye to your daisy dukes, god knows that’s one look you can live without, and welcome longer cut khaki shorts. Light and airy, khaki is perfect for spring and the neutral tone lets you play up other colours and textures in your outfit. Pair your shorts with an oversized or menswear button up shirt for a look that oozes casual confidence.
YSG TIP: The boyfriend look, is most definitely comfortable and casual, be cautious however, not to confuse this with sloppy. Wearing too many pieces which are too oversized, can quickly become messy and uncoordinated. Pairing oversized pieces with a fitted, even cropped blazer (as shown) is a good way to ensure that your outfit remains some sense of tailoring and control.
If I may, I’d like to keep us on St. Laurent just a little while longer…mind? Not after you visit this delight of a shop, you won’t. Ladies, please allow me to direct your attention to Unicorn. Welcome. Set aside a few hours for a good Saturday afternoon browse; you’ll want to stay awhile, I promise.
With a look and feel to it that says part art gallery cool, part designer showroom chic, Unicorn is certainly the go-to boutique for an impressive selection of items from international, national and local brands. You’ll find (and immediately covet) gorgeous pieces such as recycled leather bags and wallets from New York’s Ashley Watson, cute n’ classy dresses from British Columbia’s Dace and elegant, feminine looks from Montreal’s own Betina Lou, Eve Gravel and Melissa Nepton. Not to mention a myriad of other labels on the roster to tempt you with their sartorial delights. The boutique also features environmentally conscious labels and occasional vintage gems from mysterious sources to add to the mix. And, um…did I mention that they’re all about the colour black at Unicorn? Perfect if you’re searching for a classic LBD or generally any kind of article of clothing that pretty much goes with anything and everything. All kinds of fabulous, in this girl’s opinion!
Since it IS currently Montreal Fashion Week and all, now in it’s 18th year and happening from March 1st to the 4th, drop by Unicorn and celebrate la mode de Montreal by picking up something from the local design darlings mentioned above. An LBD from Betina Lou, perhaps, or a lace-embroidered, loose-fitted summer tank from Eve Gravel to pair with jeans and dressy sandals…sigh…if I must!
Boutique Unicorn: 5135 St. Laurent (north of Laurier), t: 514.544.2828
As we enter March we can see the light at the end of the long, cold, dark tunnel that is winter. That being said however, the arrival of March does not instantly mean the arrival of sunny skies and warm weather. That’s why today’s look of the week is all about transition, and creating an outfit made of pieces that can be worn from winter into spring. As shown, the simple frock paired with a scarf and cute ankle high booties is a great look that carries through the seasons. Try this outfit with thick tights a heavier scarf and sweater for the colder days, and as the weather gets warmer try without tights and pair the dress with a light spring scarf as shown. Booties carry through the seasons and have been seen all over the spring runways as a great transitional shoe that looks great with pants and tights, as well as skirts, shorts and dresses!
TSG tip: Ankle high booties, both flat and heeled, have been increasing in stores over the past few seasons, but open toe booties are all the rage right now! A great pair of open toe booties act as great transitional footwear, paired with socks or tights for chillier days and then worn without for warmer days. The open toe makes them all the more appropriate for spring and will help carry you into sandal weather, not to mention show off a great pedicure!
Tired of everything in your closet? How about taking a peek in the man in your life’s wardrobe! Menswear inspired looks have been gaining much popularity and attention over the past few seasons. The ever popular ‘boyfriend blazer’, has become a staple item for many women, and can now be found in stores at almost every price-point season to season. However, this androgynous look does not have start and stop with the addition of an oversized tailored men’s jacket. For spring, try new menswear staples that put frilly and girly to the wayside. Say goodbye to your daisy dukes, god knows that’s one look you can live without, and welcome longer cut khaki shorts. Light and airy, khaki is perfect for spring and the neutral tone lets you play up other colours and textures in your outfit. Pair your shorts with an oversized or menswear button up shirt for a look that oozes casual confidence.
