red HOT !

 Left: Acne / Right: Marc Jacobs

Did anybody mention the RED ALERT happening! RED is the colour gracing every major runway this season and it is showing itself in so many different themes. RED doesn't always have to be sexy... this season has shown us RED sophisticated, elegant, edgy, and even conservative. While solid RED is quite literal to the trend you can always do a print inspired by RED as well. Make a statement with a orange -RED or sport a muted red with crimson tones for a more dramatic feeling.

 Some of us may be ready to rock the Red pants NOW! But for the less forward dresser ease your way in with a great RED accessory - every girl needs a pair of fabulous RED shoes!

And if you decide that RED clothing just isn't your thing... then at least sport a RED lip this season! Dior, Fendi, DVF, and Gucci (just to name a few) all sent RED lips down their runway this season. Chanel can always provide a great RED lipstick (my personal fav is their Rouge Allure Laque 75) but recently I just found out that YSL does vegan lipsticks -  I just bought myself the vibrant Rouge Pur Couture 01 and am loving it.

 So punch up your wardrobe with a little or a lot of RED...

 

Left: Lanvin/ Right: Chanel - RED cuff bracelets 

 Left: DKNY/ Right: Oliver Theyskens for Theory 

Left: Banana Republic RED printed top/ Right: Fendi RED printed skirt 

Left: Jil Sander /Right: Akris 

 Balmain RED studded jacket (Left) / Balmain dark crimson tie dye pants (Right) 

 

Left: Michael Bastian RED bow tie and belt/ Right: D&G

Urban Orchard

Italian organic yarns, vintage antique finishings and everything from chunky scarves to edgy headbands… what more could you ask for when it comes to knitwear?

Sonia Rakchaev is the Designer/ Owner of Urban Orchard, a line of beautiful handmade knitwear inspired by urban landscapes. Sonia has achieved a perfect balance of innovative designs and superb craftsmanship. She first started knitting as a child with her mother and has since used her skillful hand to create knitwear awesomeness in her evolving line. Check out the entire collection at www.urbanorchard.ca. 

I did a playful little photo shoot around town styled in Sonia’s scarves, snoods, and headbands...

(white Theory T-shirt, Prada sunglasses, Links of London bracelets, Paige Denim, and Toms shoes) 

Snaps by Shea Kerwood 

take off your skinny pants!!

( Left: Alice and Olivia/ Right: Gap)

One of the sought after Women's Wear must haves for the season - the wide leg floor sweeping 70's pant!  This classic silhouette will be such an investment piece in your wardrobe! It seems these bad boys are walking down every runway this season, we are even seeing the wide leg silhouette make it's way into denim, definitely a more trend driven version of this design but on the right person can look quite chic. All sorts of colours and fabrications thrown together with all sorts of looks. Make them edgy and go for a boho feeling or sophisticated by using them in suiting.

Whatever your style will permit!?  A wide leg jump-suit with loud colours and prints, or maybe its more realistic for you to wear a pair of wide leg grey trousers with a platform pump, classic, simple and so sophisticated. Flowy or tailored either way the 70's are back and looking better than ever ;)

Chloe 

Dsquared 

DKNY

 Citizens of Humanity 

Akris

Blumarine 

Theyskens Theory 

STELLA!

Stella McCartney?...as in Paul McCartney's daughter?...the Beatle? YOu got it! British designer extraordinare.

If its crisp, simple and gorgeous its probably STELLA's. While I know some of her stuff can feel some what "mom-ish" the detail and strong tailoring is what makes us all come back for more!

This spring McCartney's ready to wear line said "to hell with the wide leg floor sweeping pant" and flew in with the cropped, high-waisted, and cuffed pant with a hint of flare. It's simple and genius as always, but a slap of bold fruity prints and slits up the leg...Bob's your uncle! The suiting is strong and the dresses playful. Her line is so wearable i feel as though it would mesh so well with anyone's current wardrobe! Piece it together and imagine for yourself...

Fashion 4 Japan

With the tragic earthquake that hit Japan it has left one of the most thriving and culturally enriching countries in devastation. Having travelled to Japan in 2008 I left feeling so blessed to have been able to see such an amazing country and to be able to immerse myself in life changing culture.

I happened to be there during cherry blossom season which made everything more magically Japanese. I think my favourite part about Japan was how diverse it was, and the harmonious marriage of modern vs traditional. I loved that you could walk down a street in Tokyo and have a 1000 year old shrine strike your interest and take you back into a vision of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, while steps later you could find yourself shopping in Shibuya and feeling like you were in the bustle of Time Square - Geisha vs Harajuku. This country truly touched me and it saddens me that some of my memories from this travel will have to always remain memories. The light at the end of the tunnel for me is the amazing efforts and contributions that individuals and companies have been making to help Japan and send relief, particularly in the fashion industry...

Bellissima Fashions has launched an amazing social media campaign. All you have to do is "Like" their  Facebook page and Bellissima is donating a dollar for every "Like" to Doctors without Boarders. As a family owned company i can appreciate that this retailer could easily be using their ad dollars to launch a photo shoot campaign or billboard campaign - instead they were able to get the customer involved and make a difference for a country in need. www.facebook.com/BellissimaFashions 

Park (Promoting Artist Redefining Kulture) is also doing their part and holding a fashion event on April 7th. The tickets are 30 bucks and their will be a silent auction, all profits are going to the Red Cross.

Time	Thursday, April 7 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location	The Gerry Thomas Gallery 602 11 Avenue SW Calgary, AB
Created By	PARK, Kara Chomistek
More Info	PARK & the Gerry Thomas Gallery have teamed up to host a fund-raising event to aid relief efforts in Japan: Silent Auction featuring several local designers & artists Art Exhibition Exclusive Show Room Presentation of Caitlin Power's A/W 2011 Collection Tickets $30 Purchase Tickets Online: www.tickettrunk.com/buy/850 Tickets also available at the door Dress Code: Smart Casual Appetizers will be provided 18+ Event All profits from the event, all proceeds from the silent auction, and 10% of gallery art work sold will be donated to the Red Cross to aid victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami Sometimes its hard to find money or time to donate to a cause - however I think it is pretty easy to "like" a page of a company committed to facilitating relief. Or attending a fun filled night of fashion. So i hope that we can spread the word about the Bellissima Facbook page, or maybe I will see you at the Park show :) I have posted a few fun pics below of my trip to Japan - I apologize for the the blonde hair in advance... it was my "California phase"

Tareya Green

Not just a pretty face - this gal has the most amazing voice! I could hardly believe my ears - take a listen for yourself! It was my first time working with Photographer Phil Crozier and he made the shoot maintain a great energy. Ladies and gents Tareya Green...

Kyla Loewen rocking make up and hair