FASHION Magazine

See the Joe Fresh Spring 2013 collection »

Joe Fresh may have turned down the colour palette for its Spring 2013 collection but that’s not to say the collection was anything less than visually striking. Metallics, black and white prints infused with pops of yellow came together to create a sixties-inspired collection that was completely modern and ready for 2013.

Now that the rest of the collection for spring has been released, we’re excited to see these retro-inspired designs take form and be mixed in with what we’ve grown accustomed to from Joe Fresh—coloured sweaters, bright oxfords and bold pants.

The idea of any type of clothing that is prefixed with the word “sweat” may make most stylish ladies shudder, but the fact of the matter is sweatpants and sweatshirts are pretty darn comfy. This week, our Style Panel was challenged to dress up their go-to cozy sweatshirts, sweatpants, tights and thick socks and did it so well that no lady ended up looking slobby, but rather perfectly on trend (and warm).

Thanks to the recent street style overload of Balenciaga’s sci-fi sweater this past season, and also to Holt Renfrew’s artistic sweaters that were sold to celebrate it’s anniversary a few months ago, comfortable clothing is clearly right on trend this fall. And our two newest Style Panel members, Krystin Lee of Suburban Faux-Pas and KD Faustino of The Girl with the Messy Hair both worked it well this week. They each spruced up their sweatshirt and thick sock adorned outfits with a skirt and tights, making what could have been a potentially drab outfit really stand out.

Question 29: How do you wear comfy winterwear without looking like a slob? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEXANDRA GRANT, VANCOUVER | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KD FAUSTINO, CALGARY | KRYSTIN LEE, TORONTO | MELISSA KNIGHT, VANCOUVER

See how the Michael Kors Fall 2012 hair and makeup was done »

Featuring chunky cable-knits, fox furs and shearlings, the Michael Kors Fall 2012 collection was inspired by a well-to-do couple—say Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, or John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette—settling in at their cozy winter retreat after a day on the slopes. To achieve this fireside look, makeup artist Dick Page used Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in “Drama” on both lips and cheeks. The red liquid lipstick was applied with a foundation sponge on cheeks to mimic an in-from-the-cold flush then blotted on lips for a bold, precise effect. On the eyes, Dick Page swept pale gold and iridescent white powder over lids and into inner corners and finished with black mascara. Hair was just as cozy: After prepping with a volumizing spray for texture, Orlando Pita created a side part, secured it with a bobby pin and pulled the lengths into a casual, undone knot. Read on as we examine the runway look for Michael Kors Fall 2012 in full, complete with tips, tricks and the six products you need to try the hair and makeup at home.

The ladies of our Style Panel have started to help you ease into your winter wardrobe by showing you how to layer for the season, and ease into more weather-friendly boots. This week, they have taken on the daunting challenge how to pair a winter jacket with the rest of your outfit, while still maintaining some style.

Whatever your personal taste or style, the coat options this season are truly endless. Labels including Acne and Haider Ackermann took some cues from menswear and sent oversized coats down respective Fall 2012 runways. If bigger is not better for you, there are many more choices including coats that incorporate trends such as quilted leather and leopard print, as seen on Alexandra Nikolajev.
And what would a post about coats be without mentioning the cape, which Gucci did a stylish version of for its Fall 2012 collection. The cape keeps you warm and doesn’t constrict your arms, but if you’re wary about trying one for yourself, take a cue from Style Panel member Christina Cravero, who wears an Adrienne Vittidani cape in this week’s post. She ensures that a cape is not bulky and can be layered over top of other items, ensuring maximum warmness on a chilly day. So if you’re daring, maybe try a cape this season. If not, you can still take advice from our Style Panel members and see how they plan on styling their coats this winter.

Question 27: How do you wear you winter coat while still maintaining a stylish look? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO |BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | ELODIE PARTHENAY, MONTREAL | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KRISTIN MACDONALD, FREDRICTON | MELISSA KNIGHT, VANCOUVER | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES

See all the Christmas luxury gifts »

Holiday shopping for the men and women in your life that have exquisite tastes can be a tricky task. But by taking hints from the Fall 2012 runways, shopping for Christmas luxury gifts can be managed a lot easier. We’ve compiled a list of luxury gift ideas just in time for the holiday season to be upon us.

Geometric prints were one of the biggest trends that came down runways for Fall 2012, so impress a lucky lady in your life by honing your Prada knowledge by choosing a luxury gift that is reminiscent of the brand’s fall collection. Or how about looking to the East for Asian-inspired prints in a shoe from Aldo or beauty travel case from Salvatore Ferragamo—both of which wouldn’t look out of place on the Proenza Schouler Fall 2012 runway.

Christmas luxury gifts can come in all shapes and sizes, but it all depends on the giftee’s personal style and tastes. That being said, a fan of Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2012 collection may not appreciate a D.L. & Co. skull candle; so choose your luxury gifts based on his or her sartorial favorites.

The influence of fashion on the gifts featured in our Christmas luxury gift guide will ease you into checking off the stylish family and friends in your life when doing your shopping this holiday season.

Jump to: CABIN FEVER | GOTHIC GLAM | CLEAN SLATE | PRETTY SWEET | SHANGHAI NIGHTS | DREAM WORLD | PREP SCHOOL | SLICK SPORTIF | PRINTS CHARMING

These boots may not be made for trekking. But we couldn’t resist pitting fall’s mighty coats, knits and leathers against the 420-million-year-old dolostone of the Bruce Trail, which turns 50 this year. Timely designs against a timeless backdrop. Happy anniversary to us all.

See the Bruce Trail photo shoot »
Go behind the scenes at the Bruce Trail »
Watch the Bruce Trail fashion film »

Rugged and rocky Canadian terrain may not be an ideal setting when combined with fall temperatures. But when paired with the latest Fall 2012 trends, the trek seems to look a lot more attractive. We put the best of fall’s coats, leather and knitwear to the test against the beautiful backdrop of the Bruce Trail, who like us here at FASHION are celebrating a big anniversary this year (they turn 50, we just turned 35). By layering modern pieces from the likes of Balenciaga, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, it made for a stark contrast against the 420-million-year-old dolostone that makes up Canada’s longest footpath. So while the boots in this shoot may not be made for hiking, the clothes sure fit beautifully against the timeless backdrop of the Bruce Trail.

As snarky as What Not to Wear may be, hosts Stacy and Clinton seem to always get one thing right: many women have no idea how to dress for differing body types. Since we all know that no two bodies are exactly the same, 9 of our unique and uniquely beautiful Style Panelists took on the challenge and styled themselves in what shape suits them best. Whether it be with tight fitting clothing, loose pieces or even balancing out both, our stylish go-to girls were able to manage the trick of dressing for their bodies

Determining what shape of body you have is the most crucial step before you start playing around with looks. Although many ladies this week, including new member Melissa Knight, agree that they prefer wearing loose-fitting over tight clothing due to comfort, most say that confidence is the real key to pulling off a look that flatters anybody’s curves (take a cue from our next new member, Barbara Solomon, if you don’t believe us!)

So no matter what your shape or size, hopefully our Style Panel will inspire you to dress for your body, and just werk it.

Question 25: What’s your foolproof way to dress for your body type, no matter the trend Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | DANIELLE ROCHE, TORONTO | GRACIE CARROLL, TORONTO | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | MARTA TRYSHAK, TORONTO | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | MELISSA KNIGHT, VANCOUVER | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON

See the biggest Spring 2013 fashion trends »
See all of our fashion month coverage »

It’s official, Spring 2013 fashion month is over. And after receiving a daily dose of street style photos and runway updates, it would be silly for us to ignore the trends that we saw day after day (after day, after day). It’s hard not to fall victim to sensory overload, but thankfully our street style photographer, Stefania Yarhi, made it easy for us to pick and choose which trends we know we’ll be seeing all spring long. With hundreds of photos from Paris, Milan, London, New York, and Toronto at our disposal, we just couldn’t ignore the countless graphic tops (a day without a Balenciaga sci-fi sweater sighting was a total shocker), exposed bellies, suits, and mixed prints—so we didn’t because we’re positive they will be huge come Spring 2013. We’ve selected 10 of the biggest fashion trends from the streets and the runways and put them together in one place, so gets to clickin’. The leaves may just be starting to fall, but it’s never too early to plan for spring, right? (RIGHT!)

View by trend: 1. CARTOON GRAPHICS | 2. BARE MIDRIFF | 3. FILING SUIT | 4. MIXED PRINTS | 5. MONOCHROMATIC | 6. OUT THERE ACCESSORIES | 7. PEEK A BOO | 8. SEEING RED | 9. SIXTIES | 10. STRUCTURE

See our shopping picks »

Jump to trend: FUN FUR | EQUESTRIAN | LEATHER | GEOMETRIC

If you’re ready for a mid-season wardrobe shakeup, we have four hot-on-the-runway trends to try. We’ve taken inspiration from some of our favourite Fall 2012 runways and made the looks ready for the streets. From geometric prints á la Prada paired with a classic pair of jeans to a tough leather jacket as seen at Gareth Pugh with a badass studded ring. We’re also into having some fun with fur and taking the pelts out of their natural hues and wearing bold orange vests like at Blumarine and green-cuffed gloves paired with a delicate watch to make the look a little bit more casual. And if wearing fur isn’t your jam, try looking like you’re riding a horse with some equestrian inspired gear from riding pants to classic knee high boots. Hop to it and get on board with some of our favourite looks for fall. We swear you’ll like it.

See the latest Lana Del Rey for H&M campaign images

Lana Del Rey has brought her perfect pout back out for the second installment of H&M ads. For the winter campaign, the sultry songstress has taken to a parking garage to flaunt the latest and greatest from the Swedish company.

With her hair as big as always (‘big beauty queen style’ if you will), Lana Del Rey wears leather pants and models moto jackets, blue puffer jackets, and oversized sweaters. The new campaign feels more editorial than the first and proves that Lana Del Rey’s fashion career is just getting warmed up.

Take a closer look at Kate Middleton’s outfits »

Gone are the topical accessories, strapless dresses and pastel colours she wore just weeks ago—Kate Middleton is completely ready for fall, and doing so with a range of rich jewel-toned outfits. Considering that she has a half-dozen appearances scheduled this week, over the coming days our Kate Middleton gallery is going to fill up with cold-weather-approved outfits. And while we can’t confirm that the Duchess has been reading our Fall/Winter 2012 trend guide, it’s worth pointing out that so far, she’s most definitely following our fashion forecast.

Let’s be honest, mixing prints can be a scary and daunting concept for most girls out there. Sticking to a norm of block colours or one simple print in our sartorial choices is a safety net for many of us because we fear that mixing prints will result in a messy eyesore.

Many designers jumped on the bold print bandwagon for Fall 2012, from the delicate floral seen at Dolce & Gabbana to the fun geometric prints at Prada, but it’s a matter of mixing the two together that leaves most of us in a fashion pickle.

This week’s Style Panel has risen to the mixed-print challenge, and our members have come up with many new and comfortable interpretations to try out. An easy go-to print for some of the girls was stripes, as seen on The Style Mogul’s Christina Cravero’s floral and stripe combo and A Fashion Love Affair’s Cara McLeay who accented hers with gingham of the same colour. Also, please give a warm welcome to our newest Style Panel member, I’m a Little’s Alex Nikolajev, who kept her mixed prints classy and subdued by using colourful accessories from the same colour palette on her printed skirt. Leave it the Style Panel to take care of all of our fashion fears.

Question 22: How do you combine two or more prints in one outfit without looking like a mess? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER | ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO | ALICIA QUAN, VANCOUVER | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | DANIELLE ROCHE, TORONTO | JEN TAM, VANCOUVER | KRISTIN MACDONALD, FREDRICTON | MARTA TRYSHAK, TORONTO