3 Looks Transitioning into Fall

Picture by http://yhoo.it/tInBZX

Yesterday I was telling you about my new Moped sandals and how they will be worn and enjoyed around the house all winter - that's how much I love them. Today I paid a visit to Mr. Sartorialist and thought I would share three more pairs of sandal I totally dig and see myself wearing next season.  I am also hoping that by looking beyond the sandals, these three styles will offer good examples of how we can easily transition certain elements of our wardrobes into the next season.  So let's check out the pictures, and add a few Fall touches.  Shall we?

Here's a delicious combo to go with Gladiator sandals.  Love the sunglasses and bag too. Could we not easily swap sandals by funky tights and elegant boots, add a soft wool scarf around the neck or grab a cashmere cardigan, and go out in the town?  I think so. 

All pictures by The Sartorialist

Now, here's my idea of confidence, good taste and gorgeous elegance.  Have a look at the man's suit... impeccable, just the way it should be. The square pocket and shinny shoes are a must, gentlemen.   Just perfectly put together. As for her... I love the bling, the layers, the volume, and of course the ribbons.  The gorgeous black sandals, could easily be swapped by a pair of patten black flats, add some cashmere and le tour est joué.

 The Sartorialist

Now, onto my favourite!  I totally adore the bright coloured man's pants she's wearing.  Simply divine!  The Tropéziennes sandals are a perfect touch and do I see a red purse?  I think so.  It's great.  To transition into Fall, I would simply swap the Michigan tee (sadly, I don't think I own one of these) by a simple darted white shirt (cause I'm a wimp) and perhaps add a bright silk scarf with loads of blue... Ermès would easily do the trick, me thinks!  To complete the look, I'd also add a vintage man's thin belt and loop it at the front (instead of using the buckle).  Then, much to my chagrin I'd have to replace the classy Tropéziennes.  I think a pair of Chelsea boots would know how to complete the look.  Et voilà!  We're all done.  That was easy.

 The Sartorialist

One more thing:  These fabulous looks speak of fantastic middle-age style, and that's simply something that gets me très excitée, people - probably because I don't think I see enough of it on a day to day basis.  Do you?  What's your ideal fall look? 

The Wait is Over, my New 'Moped' are Home!

"Oh Mr Postman

Give me a sign

Tell me you've got my Moped sandals to make me feel fine... "

I avoid shopping online but I made an exception when I read about the new Mohop line: 'Moped' -Handmade Interchangeable Flat Sandals.  Look at these beauties...

I told you how I fell in love with my first pair of Mohops last summer and so when I read that for a limited time, and to celebrate the launch of their new line, the company was offering free customization... I simply had to have a pair!! Imagine flat sandals with nearly infinite styling options, made just for you with all your personalized details... hmmm I couldn't pass the opportunity!

My new Moped flats feature a cozy padded suede hand screenprint with one of their original drawings. All materials are vegan and their processes is as eco-friendly as possible. Mohop sandals in general truly have it all:  they're comfortable, stylish to boot and offer endless possibilities with a set of 7 ribbons.  Now, if 7 is not enough, you can add to that number - a homemade pair of jean ribbons is a must, me thinks!  Also, I've seen the wedge style worn with tights in the fall, and though I haven't tried the look yet, I'm not ruling the possibility out.  I just need to put some thought into it!
The set comes complete with illustrated cards showing 11 different ways to style your sandals. Quick basic math: 77 pairs of shoes in 1 then multiplied by 2 - since I now own two pairs.... and I think I'll never be bored again!

My sandals and ribbons were sent nicely wrapped in matching satin bags with jaw breakers and a Thank-you hand-written note (I'm not kidding, I've got proof!  See bellow). Somebody was thinking, and I like that.

Now...There's absolutely no way I'm going to wait for the weather to warm-up to wear my flat beauties, forget cheesy slippers, I'm going Mohop at home all winter long, baby!

What I Wore on RelieF by Fresh Collective

When Laura-Jean Bernhardson owner of Fresh Collective and designer of the Fresh Baked Goods line, accepted to dress me in her Roncesvalles' shop for my TV contributions on RelieF I was - and still am  - just thrilled!  She suggested I come to the store and meet with the stylist, Tamara Saltpeter.  An experience I highly recommend to anyone, including expert shoppers!

 

Why? Because a stylist might help you discover a brand new you!

When? Meet Tamara on Fridays and Saturdays at the Roncesvalles location.

How?  She will style you head to toe right in the store.

Guess what?  No need for an appointment! 

Absolute best part?  It's Free!!

Need more help?  Fear not, Fresh Collective's got you covered!  Here's how...

They have a great in-home styling service and you can read all the details here but in short, a stylist come into your closet, helps you go through your clothes and helps you see new ways to wear and put together pieces.  She takes away things that can be altered, and does the alterations.  She will help you let go of pieces that will just never work for you, and should be donated so they can find their rightful owner.  They will also suggest pieces that can be purchased to fill in the gaps.  Their goal is to help customers find new value in their  wardrobe by tweaking, editing and coordinating in new creative ways, and helping them to find guidelines for future purchases so that they buy things that suit their body, personality and lifestyle.  How cool is this shop?  Very.

In terms of my own experience, meeting Tamara has been amazing.  Her fresh new perspective, keen eye and understanding of who I am have allowed us to work together and of course, have a ton of fun!  We will continue to create a professional image that reflects exactly who I am while chosing clothes from the store's fabulous collections.  I'm so excited to help promote new and local designers! 
Here's the look Tamara suggested for this week's show:

All pictures by my 7 year old wonder!
Merci, Mademoiselle M.!

Dress by Brenda Beddome - Style that fits $165
Susana Grazo - Adjustable belt Ox blood red $120
And to complete the look...

Hair by Salon Gabriel

Sugar Rush Earrings - Chandelier parts, made in brass and copper $26

Make-up by Julie Champagne - TFO

I simply completed the look with black leather boots, dark tights and a wide red bracelet.

Looking forward to working on outfit number deux, Tamara!  I will be back on the show on November 2nd.

I heart Mompreneurs!

Yes, and you know it.  I heart Mompreneurs.  I told the world just that - en français, s'il-vous-plaît! - several times last night on RelieF, TFO. As you know, I will be contributing Lifestyle segments on a regular basis to the show. Here is some useful information about what I presented last night. The link to the actual segment will follow.

Dressed by Fresh Collective - Hair by SalonGabriel

First and foremost, you must know that Fresh Collective on Roncesvalles (owned by another amazing mompreneur and designer Laura-Jean Bernhardson) dressed me for my segment.  Their stylist Tamara, is responsible for putting together such a great and comfortable look.  She's amazing! More on my looks and the designers on my next post.

Can I tell you how tough it was to pick among so many brilliant women and products?! Here we go...

Mom Inc. by Amy Ballon and Danielle Botterell - Admiral Rd Designs A most read if you are a mompreneur, if you've had or are about to have your AHA! moment.  Priceless advice, reads well while feeding children and changing diapers.

 Soyoung - Catherine Choi
The Charlie bag, my idea of a perfectly designed lifestyle bag - even with 4 or even 5 kids!  Who doesn't want to have another baby just to get a funky stroller and this bag? (just kidding, honey!)

Fancy Pants Kids - Gretel Meyer-Odell
Superpower your imagination with these dress-up products.  The Classic Supercape comes in adult sizes... never mind Halloween, I wear mine all year around!  What about you?

SolsticeBotanicals - Joan Wyatt - Hand-crafted bath and body products for the whole family without any unnecessary additives!  Get to know this company on Etsy, it will be a good resource come Christmas time.  Everything is reasonably priced too!

Mompreneur.com figures there's about 1 million mompreneurs in Canada alone and the number is growing by 7% each year.  What Mompreneurs do you know and heart?

Fresh Off Queen Street West - Here Comes Joe!!!



All pictures by Joe Fresh

If 5th Avenue is good enough for Joe Fresh, it comes as no surprise this stylish yet affordable Canadian brand would set shop on Queen Street W. joining - and possibly completing - the most vibrant hood in Toronto.  

Joe Fresh has now packed a 8,200-square-foot store with frocks, shoes, jewellery and makeup!  Can you imagine?  Based ont the store pictures I've seen, the shop looks fantastic and rumour has it there's a brand new collection of cashmere sweaters ($69) in a crazy variety of colours... hmmm... could a girl (or a guy!) ever have too much cashmere? I think not!

Two Fall items I'd love to own to keep warm and cozy on weekends...

À plus tard, Joe! I'll be paying you a visit soon.  Bon weekend, tout le monde!

Joe Fresh
www.joefresh.com
589 Queen Street West (at Portland)
416-361-6342

Alternatives Écologiques au Quotidien - RelieF - TFO

English - Spanish version (see google translate top right!)

Bon lundi! Me voici, me voilà de retour à la maison suite à des mini-vacances à South Beach! La vie est belle d'autant plus que mercredi dernier j'ai participé à l'émission RelieF sur les ondes de TFO. Pour voir Gisèle Quenneville et moi-même en action, c'est par ici!  Allez à 29 min. 30 secondes pour ma chronique. 



Les couleurs de l'émission vont à merveille avec ma salle familiale! :)

J'ai présenté des 'Alternatives Écologiques au Quotidien'.  Comment peut-on avoir un impact positif sur l’environnement, sur sa santé et celle de nos familles, sans nécessairement vider nos portefeuilles?  Vous découvrirez des produits abordables, des solutions pratiques et des astuces économiques à utiliser au quotidien.  Qu'est-ce que vous en dites? 

De retour à l'émission le 19 octobre à 19h.  Bonne semaine à tous!