FASHION Magazine

Lilyanne Nguyen Instagram: @lilyannenguyen Twitter: @lilyannenguyen “I recently rebranded my blog, formerly known as Bleed for Fashion, with a focus on my journey as a late-20-something finding happiness—with a closet that consists mainly of black and grey.”

The post The cool girl’s guide to Vancouver: See Lilyanne Nguyen’s favourite shops, eats and more appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

After 170 years of being located strictly in Quebec, Simons is ready to make a move west. In October the department store will open its doors in Alberta at the West Edmonton Mall.

Amongst the roller coasters and water parks in the giant mall, Simons will occupy 95,000 square feet (that’s a lot of feet!) and will sell international brands like Missoni and Balmain as well as its well-loved in-house brand.

The lineup for the outdoor extravaganza Festival Mode & Design Montreal, starting today and running through August 6th, is sure to be a circus of amazing events. And while tonight’s big fashion buzz surrounds Jean Paul Gaultier‘s ready-to-wear show, I’m also in a tizzy over all the local talent.

To really discover the backbone of Montreal street style, here are my five must-see shows that highlight local talent.

1. Montreal Fashion Week highlights
August 3 at 9 p.m.

In case you missed Semaine de la Mode last February, you can see all the fall and winter 2011/12 looks on one stage–and then go shop their looks, which should all be in-store by now. The models are some of Quebec’s most beloved stars, including Francisco Randez, who is the face of JPG’s fragrance, Le Male. Look for my coups de coeur: the sexy femme style of Barilà, avant-garde Denis Gagnon, glittery baubles by Micalla, and Mulcair’s tailored tomboy chic. Also part of the show is the dress by Kwantlen University student Earl Mabaquiao that won the Télio contest. I had the honour of wearing his dress to a posh event this past spring. (Thank you, Earl!)

See more of our festival picks! »

First we shared our favourite picks for the ultimate summer in Toronto. Next, we crossed the country with our western editor, Joy Pecknold’s top picks for how (and in what!) to spend the summer months in Vancouver. Next up, we give you the best bets for a magical summer in Montreal. From checking out top musical acts at Osheaga to donning a pair of mega-angular shades from homegrown talent Rad Hourani, Montreal editor Patricia Gajo has got you covered.

View the guide now! »

Bring out your inner romantic in a soft and sweet silk ruffle tunic. ($55, simons.ca)

This equestrian-inspired bracelet from Simons has an Hermès-y, to the manor born feel for a far more democratic $48 (simons.ca).

The post The daily steal: Chain bracelet, $48 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

There’s something of the Ouroboros–the snake that eats its tail–in this serpentine bracelet ($15, simons.ca). But if that’s perhaps too much ancient symbolism for a Monday morning, think of it as a subtle take on classic snakeskin.

The post The daily steal: Mesh bracelet, $15 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The military trend often appears in the form of khaki green with cargo styling. This sweater coat ($125, simons.ca), complete with the gleaming metal buttons of an officer’s jacket, line is a sharper take.

The post The daily steal: Sleek sweater coat, $125 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

This week at TIFF saw Hilary Swank and Minnie Driver walk the red carpet in velvet frocks. While we wouldn’t exactly go to a premiere in the $38 number from Simons’ Twik line (simons.ca) it does make for a nice little cocktail dress.

The post Daily steal: Velvet cocktail dress, $38 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It’s like the folks at Simons were looking at two different vests and squinted until it looked like one and this is the end result ($38, simons.ca). Pair it with a big necklace and black trousers and you’re the queen of the fashion hybrids.

The post The daily steal, 2-in-1 vest, $38 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

For a $20 shirt, this little number from Simons’ Twik line (simons.ca) is a hard worker. It’s easy like a T-shirt but the cuffed and buttoned sleeves have enough interest to make for a cute office look when it’s tucked into a pencil skirt.

The post The daily steal: Cuffed tee, $20 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Because it is of the utmost importance what one wears to testify at a war crimes tribunal, consider yourself informed that Naomi Campbell took the stand at Charles Taylor‘s trial “wearing a cream-colored knit dress and cardigan from Azzedine Alaia’s spring/summer collection” “with matching high-heeled sandals and a choker necklace, her hair tied in a bun with two loose strands and a heavy bangs framing her face.” [WWD, National Post ]

Twas Tweeted: “Is it wrong to wear a CHANEL dinner jacket with a T shirt to the airport if it’s still breakfast time out here in Singapore uugh TOO LATE!” tweets Kanye West, who should know that a dinner jacket is never wrong. [@kanyewest]