I recently returned from a week in Madrid with my husband. We had a fantastic time eating tapas, exploring the city's neighbourhoods, visiting old palaces and cathedrals, and spending time with our friends and fantastic hosts, Vicky and Gonzalo. It has been a while since I've been on a true vacation and I'd forgotten how freeing it feels to travel far away from home and every day life and experience something new and unfamiliar. On the flight home I thought about how I could bring the best parts of my time in Madrid home with me:
1. Weekdays don't have to be boring. Unless I have dinner plans with friends, I have a tendency to come home from work and settle in for the night. But who says it has to be that way? It is amazing how much you fit into one day when you are on vacation. Why not come home and go for a bike ride, or visit a nearby art gallery, or walk to your neighbourhood ice cream shop?
2. Take one day on the weekend off completely. What is so fantastic about vacations is that they really allow you to disconnect. No errands, no work emails, no housework. Why not designate a day on the weekend to truly turn off? Get all your errands and housework done on one day, and let the other day be your vacation day. Plan to spend that day in the park with a picnic, or a day excursion out of the town, or even just spend time visiting sites within your own city.
3. Try something new. In a new town, you have to take risks. There is no dependable way to choose the right menu item. So why not go beyond your comfort zone at home? Try the local Indian restaurant. Go listen to some flamenco guitar just to see if you like it. Watch a documentary if you normally go for hollywood flicks.
Nothing can replace a far-off vacation. But why not try to incorporate the best parts of a trip away into your life today?
Many of you know that until recently, I was the buyer for womens apparel at Joe Fresh. Until recently, I had the pleasure and privilege of working with the unofficial king of fashion in Canada, designer Joseph Mimran. (For our non-Canadian readers, Joe founded Club Monaco and later sold it to Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. He was also involved in creating brands such as Tevrow + Chase and Pink Tartan) Joe, it turns out, is exactly how you would imagine him to be - stylish, sophisticated, and a true visionary, but also warm and very approachable. Joe is definitely someone I am inspired by. Since I recently left Joe Fresh for another opportunity (more on that later), I asked him whether he would mind answering nine questions for In Life and In Fashion readers. He so graciously and generously complied, and I share his inspiring and insightful answers with you below.
1. What is your morning routine? Workout on the treadmill - fresh vegetable juice - shower and off to the office.
2. What five items should every woman have in her wardrobe?Black cocktail dress, great pair of jeans, a cardi, a white shirt and killer shoes.
3. What is your favorite part of the day? Just before bedtime. It is the time of day that is absolutely mine - my daughter is asleep, work is shut down and there is the comfort of my bedroom which cocoons me.
4. What makes a woman beautiful? Great style, enthusiasm, and a kind soul.
5. Where do you love to travel? I love the old favorites NY Paris and London - but also love the eastern influences - Tokyo, Turkey, Marrakech.
6. What is the last book you read? White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
7. If you had an hour free, how and where would you choose to spend it? An hour is not enough time - so leafing through my fav mags - British Vogue, Vanity Fair, French Vogue, Interior Design, Scientific America, House + Home, Interior Design, to name a few.
8. Who are your favourite designers? Right now I like Marni and Burberry. I like Marni for the print and colour sense and how modern the clothes are and yet there is an undercurrent of vintage. Burberry has been very directional from a commercial fashion point of view - new and different but always very wearable.
9. If you were not a designer, what would you be? An architect. I love the study of space, balance, creativity, functionality, and the enduring quality of buildings.
Editor's Note: I stopped partaking in Links à la Mode a few months back as the lists were getting too long. Then the list was reduced to the first twenty submissions, but since the administrator lives in London, it meant posting in the middle of the night. Now, a guest editor selects the best twenty posts - In Life and In Fashion is back in the game!
The Fashion life cycle is ever evolving. Trends come and go faster than ever propelled by the information stream of online and social media. With each change comes a new perspective and new creative ideas flourish. Human survival demands that you must adapt and change with your environment in order to survive and this is also true of fashion.. Even old ideas sometimes are reinvented and come full circle creating an impact on the latest trends. This week’s links include everything from DIY and recycled style, to new discoveries and changes in the fashion industry, representing a testament to the constant evolution of fashion.
Birdie at Bonne Vie is the cat’s meow clawing away at the bitchy & snark to open the door for positive girl power.
Capitol Girl spreads her wings with butterfly jewels
Gwyneth Paltrow in a sexy, sophisticated and easy (!) look - crisp black button down open a few extra buttons, glamourous brooch, smokey eye and tousled hair.
When news of Gwyneth Paltrow's new e-newsletter broke, I admit I was skeptical. Alright, to be honest, the conversation with my sister went something like this:
Me: I don't know about Gwyneth Paltrow's website. Who is she to tell people what to do, make, get, see and do?
My Sister: You're just jealous
Me: Whatever! No I'm not! (pause) Ok I am.
I, like so many other dedicated bloggers, slave away, writing post after post with all our hearts and so little time, and Gwyneth consults her famous friends on how to deal with "frenemies" and instantly has one million readers. That is one of the upsides to fame and the same reason Miley Cyrus has a clothing line that actually sells. But putting jealousy aside, is Goop any good? Having been a subscriber for a while, this is my take: I like the Get (style advice), Do (lifestyle tips) and Make (easy, healthy recipes) newsletters, feel luke-warm about See (movies and exhibits) and Go (Gwyneth's favourite places to eat and stay in big cities) and despise Be (advice from her expert panel of spiritual advisors - a bit too goop-y for me).
The final verdict? I will continue to subscribe and make fun of the newsletters I don't like (ok, and still occasionally feel jealous). But that's just me. What do you think? Love it or Leave it?
I have long been a fan of Anna Sui's designs so I was excited to read that she would soon be doing a collection for Target (we have to wait until September for it, unfortunately). Anna is famously known for her Genius File - a collection of magazine clippings she has amassed over the years and constantly draws on for inspiration. Why not start your own genius file for your wardrobe, home and life?
Anna's collections are always rich with colour, print and texture, but with an edge. Her designs make you wonder, I love it, but can I wear it? Taking inspiration from my favourite looks from her Spring 2009 collection, here are some ideas as you build your summer wardrobe:
1. Make a black dress boho. Take a simple black dress, add an ethnic-inspired chunky necklace, a printed bag and thong sandals.
2. Madras or plaid is new in either a dress or skirt. As long as the shape is grown-up, it won't look childish. As an alternative to madras, choose a printed dress in saturated colours with a tonal cardigan (avoid black or white) for an easy, fun summer look.
3. Wear a printed tunic over cropped leggings or slim capris. If you can't find a printed tunic you like, start with white and add colourful bold necklaces. Add embellished sandals to complete the outfit.
In Life and In Fashion has a brand new outfit! If you are subscriber (and thus read In Life and In Fashion mostly through email), please come check it out and tell me what you think. A quick orientation:
Tabs under the header direct you to the About page, my favourite links and blogs, and how to contact me
Be inspired by quotes for your wardrobe and your life under "Quotable"
Check out the most popular posts and recent comments in the near right side bar
See a rotation of my favourite books on life and style on My Bookshelf (wait for reviews of these books - coming soon)
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Finally, I want to share with you an email I received from a reader that sums up exactly the reason-to-be for In Life and In Fashion:
"Here are the things I really like about In Life and In Fashion:
It has a crisp, clean, updated feel
It has great tips for keeping up to date re: fashion, but in a very ACCESSIBLE way. You've found a way for people like me who can get very overwhelmed with the fashion mags and almost give up in terms of how to incorporate a new piece in a way that is me into my wardrobe.
I like that it is thoughtful- it goes deeper than just the 'outer layer' of fashion- it gets you to think in terms of how to live your best life on many levels, for example, how you spend your quality time."
'Tis the season for the white shirt. OK, 'tis almost always the season, but something about the crispness of white signals spring and summer even before the weather is fully co-operating. A white shirt, in particular, is effortless, refreshing, versatile and chic. Here are five simple ways to incorporate a white shirt into your wardrobe today.
A white dress shirt tucked into a full skirt is classic and feminine (think Charlotte on Sex and the City)
A breezy white top worn over shorts or capris is casual chic
A camp shirt works great with slim chinos or boyfriend jeans. (I love camp shirts - they are comfortable and light but still look more polished than a tee)
A feminine white blouse paired with a mini is pretty and perfect for a summer gathering with friends.
A white tunic top worn over skinny capris and flats is Audrey Hepburn chic.
There are so many ways to wear a white shirt. Tell us how you wear it!
It is a beautiful Saturday morning, and I am awake early. I love Saturday mornings. Friday evenings are great too, but any stresses from the work week still tend to linger on my mind. On Saturday, I wake up feeling the freedom in all of my being. A day stretched ahead to be filled however I choose and to spend with whomever I want. But the morning is the best part because it is newest, freshest part of the day. I choose to spend it wisely. Here are ten of my favourite ways to spend a Saturday morning:
Opening the windows to let in the fresh morning air (I can do that today, it is finally spring!)
Making a pot of coffee in my Cuisinart Coffee Maker (it grinds the beans fresh, brews, and then keeps the coffee warm in a thermal carafe - no more burnt coffee! Seriously the best coffee maker ever.) and allowing myself a refill (or two)
Lounging with the paper, a new magazine, or a book I'm reading
Indulging in some mindless TV (The Hills, Felicity re-runs, What Not to Wear - true guilty pleasures.) Keep in mind, this is usually only possible if my husband is not around!
Meeting a good friend for a good chat
De-cluttering the apartment. I love the chance to clean up the apartment after a week of running around.
Walking to our local shops to buy bread and fruit
A manicure and pedicure
Writing a blog post I have been thinking about all week
Spending some time in my closet. I will be spring cleaning today - put those heavy sweaters away!
What are some of your favourite ways to spend a perfect Saturday morning
I love what the last woman says about having the perfect bag, coat and shoes. Start with only those three items and layer on what you have in your closet. Instant chic. For more on Parisian inspired style, read Six Ways to Dress Like a Parisian.
I believe this subject has been debated by women everywhere. Can shoes be both beautiful, stylish AND comfortable? To those women who say no and then teeter around in 4 inch heels, I salute you (and make fun of you behind your back). For those of you who say yes, and then proceed to wear sneakers or Ugg boots, I say, sit down, I'm not talking to you. All I know is, I use my feet to walk and I need to be comfortable. However, I also want to wear shoes that look great.
Yesterday, after I met my friend Leanne for coffee, I stumbled upon a shoe boutique selling Sofft shoes. I have seen these shoes through the windows of those "comfort" shoe shops in the mall that I dare not enter. But yesterday, I took a closer look and was amazed by the stylish selection: sexy patent leather heeled sandals, faux python skin mini wedges, and earthy brown leather slip-ons. All priced well below $150. I could picture the perfect spring/summer outfit for each shoe. More importantly, as I slipped on a the black wedge-heel hybrid above and walked around the store, I could picture myself running up the stairs at the subway, waiting for the streetcar, and walking around the office in these shoes. I am sold.
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