FASHION Magazine

A few years ago Mattel announced that, after 43 years of dating, its plastic bombshell had ended her love affair with Ken. A woman with dozens of jobs under her belt, from NASCAR driver to paleontologist, even Barbie couldn’t keep it together. At the time I remember feeling baffled by all the media attention their break-up demanded—maybe because I was more of a My Little Pony kind of girl.

Prada in the Prairies by Bonnee McLachlan

Some women in this world never cease to amaze me with their ability to throw together stunning outfits with ease (cough: Rachel Bilson). More often than not, I forget there’s a celebrity stylist behind their glamorous look and give props to the star—tisk, tisk.

Prada in the Prairies by Bonnee McLachlan

There’s a time in every woman’s life when she contemplates her closet. Yesterday was my day. I graze my fingertips over each and every piece of clothing, discovering old gems and envisioning where and when I’ll wear it again. I can’t think of a better time to do this than when the weather is turning. Knowing that there’s someone in Calgary who could use an extra layer this winter, I take what’s fallen out of rotation and drop it off at a local women’s shelter.

More often that not, jewellery tends to be an afterthought in my morning routine. I often push it aside, like brussell sprouts at a Thanksgiving dinner. Before I hit up dessert (in this case, a delicious pair of pumps), I quickly adorn myself with little thought or consideration. It recently occurred to me that I may have missed out on that whimsical fairy phase that most pre-pubescent girls go through. I have never considered diamonds to be my best friend. More like a great aunt, twice removed.

I like to think of myself as a bit of an urban hippie.  Not the rainbow flip-flop, tree-hugging, non-shaving kind; just a woman who wants to be part of the environmental solution, not the problem.  So, when I have an opportunity to make an affordable eco-chic purchase, I jump at the chance.

By Malwina Gudowska

After 10 packed days of fashion, films and fun, the Calgary International Film Festival came to a close over the weekend. But before we said goodbye to the cameras and action, we caught the last two movies in this year’s inaugural Fashion in Film series, Useless by Chinese director Jia Zhang-ke and Gloss, set in modern-day Russia and directed by Andrei Konchalovsky.

Calgary is a cosmopolitan city, full of affluent audiences, hungry for fashion. But, anyone who lives here knows prices have soared over the past few years. For some, it’s hard enough to justify a vanilla-bean latte, let alone those killer Betsey Johnson pumps. So, what better way to indulge CIFF audiences, than with a heaping spoonful of Canada’s most reasonably-priced fashion line, Joe Fresh Style.

By Malwina Gudowska

Bryant Park is synonymous with the glamour and glitz that is New York Fashion Week. Each year in February and September the imposing white tents are erected and for one dazzling week, designers, models, editors and celebrities gather to see the collections and be photographed in their amazing ensembles.

By Malwina Gudowska

The long line of moviegoers snaked around Calgary’s Globe Theatre on Monday evening, anxiously awaiting the screening of a remastered version of the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Couples canoodled while gaggles of young ladies, some dressed up in tiaras and tribute T-shirts braved the chill to see Audrey onscreen again.

Sephora opened its doors to eager Calgarians just over a year ago and the honeymoon isn’t even close to being over.  So, you can imagine the excitement when hundreds of gala-goers at Belgo were welcomed by Sephora beauty consultants to kick off this years Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF).  Armed with tool belts, brushes and make-up palettes with every color under the sun, Sephora’s beauty team was delighted to offer guests some unexpected star treatment.  Guests were quick to fill the make-up chairs and soak up beauty tips and techniques from the professionals.

By Malwina Gudowska

Calgary’s mini heat wave got hotter Thursday night as the red-carpet opening gala for the ninth annual Calgary Film Festival took place at Belgo, the downtown French bistro/Belgian brasserie. Amid the sea of cocktail dresses and sharp suits, Jacqueline Dupuis, the festival’s executive director looked effortlessly cool with her tiered black dress and grey pumps. Her mane of wavy blonde hair would make Gwyneth Paltrow shutter with regret for cutting her tresses.

If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect jeans comes a close second to bathing suit shopping in fitting room anxiety. My routine goes like this: I turn around, check my assets and proceed to do squats and lunges. (Why I don’t bring in a set of free weights is beyond me.) I know I’m not alone in this.