FASHION Magazine

Valentine’s Day is not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a holiday to celebrate love, but some may ask: why do we need a holiday to tell us? Let’s be realistic, sometimes we just need an organized day to remind us to show and share our love and thanks with those closest to us. Valentine’s Day is a carefree one, so why not dive in and have fun.

So, what to wear on Valentine’s Day? We usually think of a few options: feminine, flirty and plenty of red and pink. Paging Rihanna at the Grammys? Maybe. But for tips on how to break that down for a date or a night out with the girls, we asked our experts in residence, the Style Panel.

Miss Melissa’s Melissa Knight loves dressing girly, but hardened her short red dress with studded overcoat for an added unexpected touch. Stephanie Sterjovski went for the tricky pink and red look, which we daresay she pulled off with flying colours (no pun intended). Kassandra Camponi of Kastles went fairly literal, and chose to wear hearts from head-to-toe. So, without further ado, let’s help you find out what to wear on Valentine’s Day.

Question 38: What is your favourite way to dress for Valentine’s Day? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | KASSANDRA CAMPONI, EDMONTON | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | MELANIE MORAIS, EDSON | MELISSA KNIGHT, VANCOUVER | STEPHANIE KOCH, KELOWNA | STEPHANIE STERJOVSKI, TORONTO | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON

We’re in the midst of May, which means wedding season is once again upon us. While we may not be able to help you out on the gift-giving front, we’re your go-to when it comes to getting inspired on what to wear, especially when it’s no easy feat to stand out from the wedding crowd without upstaging the bride. But before you brush us off and reach for the closest little black dress, we’ve asked our Style Panel members to share their fashion expertise on new and unique ways to dress for a wedding this upcoming season.

When it comes to making a statement, prints are definitely the fave trend. While Sandy Joe Karpetz of The Pretty Secrets continued last week’s all things stripes, Lion Hunter’s Mo Handahu and Velvet and Vino’s Becky Kung worked show-stopping prints that will definitely get heads turning at wedding receptions. Barbara Ann Solomon of Barbara Ann’s Style Blog proves that a crop top is definitely appropriate for weddings (done tastefully, of course). Teaming it with a full-length ball skirt, this look has chic and elegance mixed into one. And if straying from the LBD makes you feel a tad queasy, To Vogue or Bust’s Alex Grant shows us how to wear the timeless shade with a colour-blocking twist to keep things interesting.

Question 103: What to wear to a summer wedding? Read the answers now! »

Nothing brings out show stopping outfits like Fashion Week Month. But we’re not just talking about the runways—the style always continues outside of the venues. Editors, bloggers and wealthy patrons tend to go all out, wearing their most attention grabbing outfits, and sometimes changing between shows. So we couldn’t help but wonder—given the chance, what would our Style Panel wear to fashion week?

In the first few days of shows, we’ve seen some jaw-dropping looks from fashion go-ers. Most notably, Michelle Harper, the queen of shock and awe, was out in a sleeveless dress with a completely see through upper-half, despite the frigid temperatures. But seemingly one of the biggest trends among fashion’s players is to mix contradictory pieces, seamlessly blending them into cohesive looks. Case in point: camp socks and gladiator sandals or a floor length grey satin skirt with a Carhartt workman’s jacket. There are no rules when it comes to Fashion Week. And if you’re ever in doubt about how to style an outfit worthy of Fashion Week, just remember: arms never go in the sleeves.

Question 90: What would your big fashion statement be for Fashion Week? Read the answers now! »

Our Style Panellists, no strangers to trying new looks or mixing it up in the name of fashion, showed how they would rock Fashion Week. Barbara Anna Solomon from Barbara Ann’s Style Blog kept things quirky with a peek-a-boo skirt and throwback sweater. Becky Kung of Velvet & Vino kept things ladylike while at the New York Fall 2014 shows with a midi skirt, it-bag and statement coat. The biggest takeaway, however, was that all of our panellists put their own unique spin on their outfits— proving that the best look for Fashion Week is something that is totally you.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner so you best be ready. Couples around the world are gearing up to put their stamp on the special day and even if you’re single, the international day of love is as good a reason as any to flaunt what your mama gave you. On February 14, every occasion can call for the perfect come-hither outfit. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to bare all to be sexy. The challenge lies in taking cues from bedroom dressing—lace, satin, bare skin—and applying them in small doses to your outfit of choice.

Question 89: How do you dress sexy without being overtly so? Read the answers now! »

The boudoir trend was huge hit this past season and designers offered up many ways to rock the look outside of the bedroom while not going full on Miley. Ankle skimming pink satin coats trimmed with marabou at Louis Vuitton covered up plaid slips, proving it it can be demure as well as alluring. Canadian label Beaufille lengthened the hem on a negligée in an earthy brown and paired it with dark tights and chunky metallic shoes. Marni, the ultimate in quirky dressing, styled a black bandeau top with billowing pants and matching black riding boots with a sweeping fur stole that took the look from basic to va-va-voom.

Grey hasn’t always been our favourite neutral. With a connotation that’s more “mid-winter sky” than “exciting wardrobe staple,” it has taken a back seat for the past few seasons. That all changed for Fall 2013, when designers from Paris to New York re-imagined the grey trend in various exciting ways. On the runways, Alexander Wang […]

The post Wearing the grey trend: 11 Style Panel tips for adding some personality to fall’s favourite neutral appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Ah, what to wear to the holiday party. It’s one of our most common refrains this season, and yet, never ceases to puzzle. As we juggle an ever-surmounting social schedule of cocktail parties, dinners and the like, falling back into the fail-safe LBD can be tempting. We’re here to take you away from the typical and get you going with some out of the box inspiration.

Channeling the holiday literally with red and green is always fun, but why not go the extra mile and blend those hues with high fashion flair? You can be flirty and feminine or even grungy glam if you please. So whether you’ll be a host, attend a glitzy affair at work or be entertained by family or friends, we’re challenging you to be unexpected just like the holiday style ninjas that make up our Style Panel.

Schooling us on the art of mixing and matching sequins, stripes and metallics is Lyndsey Forest of Over My Styled Body while Jen Tam of Her Waise Choice rocks a Topshop jumpsuit that is sure to make her the flyest hostess when she entertains guests at her annual party. Showing that one can never be too dressed up during the holidays is Cara McLeay of A Fashion Love Affair who is stunning in a BCBG Max Azria maxi dress.

So consider what to wear to the holiday party your next great adventure, not challenge.

Question 80: Party style! What’s your look going to be this holiday season? Read the answers now! »

ALYSSA LAU, EDMONTON | AMBER DESILETS, LONDON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | IVA GRBESIC, TORONTO | JEN TAM, VANCOUVER | LEAH GUST, TORONTO | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON

For style-minded Gen X and Yers, the resurgence of 1990s fashion on the Spring 2013 runways is cause for celebration. Our minds are full of fond memories—Blossom hats, grunge plaids and 90210-branded T-shirts are just a few that come to mind—what could be better than so many modern re-iterations from the likes of Dries Van […]

The post Reclaiming 1990s fashion: 13 Style Panel tips for adapting the It decade’s styles for today appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Pastels have been making waves this year, and while they may have once been strictly associated with spring’s blooming flowers, they are one of this winter’s biggest statement makers. Seen at runways including Jil Sander, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta and Acne, pastels running the gamut from mint green to pastel pink (the hue highlighted […]

The post Winter Pastels: 14 Style Panel tips to wearing the season’s brightest fashion trend appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It’s hat season, though many would like to avoid it. For some of us, the idea of wearing a hat may induce horrific memories of flat, static lifeless hair, and unfortunate style choices we may have made when we were young (we’re looking at you, Doctor Seuss hat). Let’s face it though, winter hats are hard to avoid, and actually quite essential to staying warm all season long.

Beanies and toques were the style of choice for many of our Style Panel members, and there is no question why. Beanies provide ultimate ear warmth while remaining the simplest style to wear on a particularly bad hair day. But if getting hat head is a concern, earmuffs and headbands do just the same trick while leaving your hair relatively untouched. For a more fashion-forward take on the look, trying a Russian-style faux fur headband like Barbara Solomon’s adds an extra touch of luxe.

Question 28: What is your go to hat or head covering for winter and why is it your favourite? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO | ALICIA QUAN, VANCOUVER | ALYSSA LAU, EDMONTON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | JEN TAM, VANCOUVER | KASSANDRA CAMPONI, EDMONTON | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KRISTIN MACDONALD, FREDRICTON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES

Let’s face it: it’s November, the temperatures are dropping here in Canada and unless we want to get sick, we can’t continue to bare our legs to the world everyday like we did back in the summer. Thus, our legs need a warm friend to keep them company on these chilly days. Whether you call them nylons, pantyhose, stockings or tights, chances are we’ve all got a big drawer full of plain black ones to wear when the seasons start to get cold. This week, our Style Panel threw out the idea of only wearing boring plain tights and spruced things up by showing us how they wear patterned versions.

If you’re wary of pattern mixing, then let this be your chance to go bold. Even if there is no pattern in the rest of your outfit, the girls of our Style Panel show how easy it is to incorporate fall’s trends into your wardrobe even if it’s just on your gams. Polka dots seemed to be the go-to style for many members like Kassandra Camponi and Christina Cravero, while Vickie Laliotis showed off her legs that were covered in the ever-classic houndstooth pattern. So even if you’re not sure if you can pull off patterns elsewhere on your body, then just let those legs do the work for you.

Question 26: How have you mastered the patterned tights look? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO |BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | KASSANDRA CAMPONI, EDMONTON | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KRISTIN MACDONALD, FREDRICTON | MARTA TRYSHAK, TORONTO | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON

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

It’s the middle of October and although the sun may still be shining in some parts of Canada, that doesn’t necessarily mean that temperatures are staying warm. With cooler temperatures upon us, it is time for us to start easing in to our fall wardrobes.

We already covered the options for fall boots a few weeks ago, and this week our Style Panel takes on one of the most desirable, but tricky ways to dress for fall; layering. Layering, as warm and cozy as the end result is, can be difficult for many of us because it can sometimes leave us feeling a little messy or bulky. But leave it to stores like J.Crew to show us how to work this trend properly. It’s Fall 2012 collection was an array of long sleeved shirts under thin sweaters which were then layered with blazers and coats, all the while staying tailored and not looking a touch bulky. There were many mixed prints in the collection as well, but our Style Panel already knows a thing or two about those.

Although the members of our Style Panel may experience completely different climates in the fall, they all understand the importance of layering for this season. And this couldn’t be more apparent with our two newest members. Los Angeles-based See Shop Eat Do blogger Whitney Cosgrave may not have to deal with freezing temperatures and snow, but she still layers with a trench coat for those chilly nights. Kayla Short on the other hand is prepared to take on the below zero weather in Halifax but she notes that the feared bulkiness can be avoided by balance. So have no fear and get layering!

Question 23: What’s the smartest and most stylish way to layer for ever-changing fall weather? Read the answers now! »

Or jump to: ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER | ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO | ALYSSA LAU, EDMONTON | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | CHRISTINA CRAVERO, TORONTO | JEN TAM, VANCOUVER | KASSANDRA CAMPONI, EDMONTON | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KRISTIN MACDONALD, FREDRICTON | MARTA TRYSHAK, TORONTO | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES