Warning: Harem Pants Ahead...

MEG Harem Pant 

MEG Leather Top

ZARA Ankle Boots (SS 2014 version here)

RUSSIAN navy Ushanka 

(traded for my Canadian toque from a Russian Navy trainee)

ARTISAN necklace (similar here)

ARTISAN necklace (similar here)

One last winter fashion post before the sun starts to fill my see-through pale self with color or at least provide me with some much needed vitamin D.

These photographs feature another part of my Russian adventure; the Red Square in Moscow. The square holds the very beautiful Kremlin, which was the former royal household and is now the official residence of the President of Russia, Putin. Every time I think of this guy it reminds me of poutine (one of Canada’s stable foods consisting of French fries, cheese curds and gravy); both devilish yet significant.

This outfit includes one of my favorite clothing purchases from the winter; my gold ‘hammer’ harem pants. These pants are a) comfortable, b) great to dance in, c) small and easy to travel with and d) gold. What more could you ask for from a piece of clothing? They are great for the summer too. These babies emit a bohemian vibe that is ideal for a music festival like Montreal’s Osheaga.

However, I feel as though I have a responsibility in promoting this sartorial choice because unfortunately, these pants do not come with a warning label attached to them. For those of you looking for that special someone, the harem pant’s integral characteristic of a lowered crotch hanging somewhere between knee and mid-thigh may be considered sartorially aggressive and result in “repelling members of the opposite sex.” But people like Leandra Medine, who I quoted from the fashion blog The Man Repeller, and I say f*** it. Wear what you want, where you want and make your style a means of expressing your interests, personalities and opinions.  Doing this will only inspire others to do the same, and I don’t know about you, but I consider the world to be a better place when people nurture their individuality and passions and aren’t afraid to innovate the conventional to offer the world something novel.  

So please, blast “You Can’t Touch This” by M.C Hammer on your stereo, dance like a boss, and work those dropped crotch sons’ o bitches. Be everything you are right now and show it off.

Sochi 2014

Roots Canada Hooded Varsity Jacket

Roots Canada Pom Pom Toque

HBC Olympic Team Mittens

Rag and Bone Skinny Heritage

Roots Roll-over Tribe Boot (Julia)

Roots Lori Cabin Sock (Me)

Buckle Moto Boots (These are amazing)

While some of you were soaking up the sun on some warm island down south over your school break…I was freezing my buns off! But please, do not feel bad for me (or for my buns) because I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Russia and be a spectator at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. 

Before the trip, the news tried to flatten our enthusiasm for the trip by highlighting the political unrest in neighboring Ukraine, the unfinished Olympic facilities, the abundance of stray dogs, and public bathrooms with no stalls. However, I couldn’t wait to experience a culture that ate giant perogies on the daily, to see the result of Putin’s $53 Billion investment, and to converse with people from all around the world. I feel sad for those individuals that shied away from the trip (especially the family and friends of athletes), because it was definitely a rewarding and safe experience. In terms of safety, I would have to say that this may have been one of the safest Winter Olympics to have visited due to the high level of security. There were security personal standing along the railway, in fields and in camouflage huts throughout the mountains. But I must stay that the security was anything but invasive. 

The positive energy at any Olympic games is incomparable and indescribable. People from all around world, even with their vast differences in opinions, come together, drink beer, and enjoy each others company. It sounds so cheesy now as I try to mold my experience into words so all I can say is, even if you aren’t a sports fan, try and get out to an Olympic games once in your life. 

My older sister Julia and I had some fun in Olympic Park taking these photos. Russians wanted to join in the fun and take pictures with us. For some reason, that they cannot even explain, Russians love Canadians. I have never felt so much like a celebrity in my life. They constantly wanted to take pictures and drink with us and my fellow Canadian spectators. The response that we received only makes me more proud to be a Canadian. 

For our Olympic style, Julia and I pulled from the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic Team Collection at Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and the Canadian Collection at Roots. I find the Roots collection is more consistent in its aesthetic with vintage inspired details, while HBC provides a range of both bold and classic designs and graphics. I love my varsity jacket style sweater and classic toque from Roots, and no one can deny the popularity of HBC’s Canadian Olympic Team mittens.

This Holiday Season...Comfortable Leather.

VERO MODA Leather Trouser

ZARA Alexander Wang Inspired Heels

ZARA Collared Studio Shirt

LEATHER Collar Coat (similar here)

ANTIQUE Beaded Chain

ALEXANDER WANG Rocco Pebbled Black with Rose Gold

MONSTER Inspiration Noise Cancelling Headphones 

Sorry sillies, I know I have been M.I.A for a little while. Although it is no excuse, my fumbo jumbo of a school was keeping me busy with a ton of group projects. But I mustn’t fret, as the end of my uni career is so damn close! Although it will be nice to break from the constraints of a business school focused on raising the best of the best of investment banking and consulting broods, I am going to miss the mid day naps and slack schedule. Won’t you my fellow graduates? One minute, I can’t wait to be free of homework, teachers and grades while the next I get sentimental for the random beer benders and frozen yogurt sprees, and for the days when wearing sweat pants in public is socially acceptable. 

But enough with the sappy shit, lets talk fashion shall we?  We have all seen or donned a slim pair of leather leggings and they will always be a mainstay for the ladies out there, but this year it’s all about the baggy leather trouser. Just think… your favorite Roots sweatpants with the tapered elastic ankle and stretchy waistband, but made in leather. It is absolutely genius, and a real treat for those of us making the transition from the lazy and unperturbed student lifestyle into the real world.   This low-slung, slouchy trouser style is more androgynous than their skinny rock n’ roll counterparts, but is still able to provide a perfect combination of edge and unpretentious sex appeal that is desired for any outfit.

This pant can be styled for any occasion whether it is casual or sophisticated. Drawstring leather trousers add an air of casualness to polished pieces, like a blazer, silk blouse, and pointed heels. This is a great look for a night out for dinner or a day at the office. I have also worn these pants during the day with a chunky knit sweater, a dense metal necklace, denim jacket, and a pair of heeled sneakers. It’s always a good idea to add a bit of height in the shoe with this pant because of trends’ integral bagginess. 

For the men out there, you can take some inspiration from Kanye West on this trend. He is the king of the leather jogging pant and trouser…well so he claims.  Kanye asserts that he was the one to invent the pant before they became a trend (Read what he had to say about this below). 

“[I] brought the leather jogging pant six years ago to Fendi, and they said no. How many motherf****ers you done seen with a leather jogging pant.”

Kanye also thinks Saint Laurent's creative director Hedi Slimane has some ''nice s**t'', but can't compare to the trend-setting power of rappers, who are the ''biggest rock stars.''  

Again, Kanye thank you for being your egotistic self…I needed a chuckle. 

One final thing, for the first time on the blog, I’m going talk about the world of beauty products. I was recently sent the Rowenta Curl Active. This curler is a high tech curling system that automatically rotates your hair around the barrel at a push of a button. I was kind of excited to try it out because these motorized hair curlers seem to be all the rage right now but I also didn’t really understand the purpose of the curler other than the fact that it could be great for accommodating my lazy tendencies. Yet, I did find some perks when using it. It’s great for those who may not be as experienced in curling hair; it doesn’t need a lot of effort and coordination and prevents you from burning yourself (it bounces back about an inch and a half once you release the button so that you don’t burn your scalp). The iron is also super hot, which is great, especially for those of us who have hair that doesn’t hold a curl very well.  As a veteran hair curler (I’ve been curling my hair since I was 14), while it didn’t necessarily save me a lot of time, it was great for allowing me to multitask and for providing a lasting curl. 

If you have a special lady this holiday season this curler is a great idea. She will love this Canadian made and high tech curler when she opens it. If you are interested in this iron, it is available at Trade Secrets stores.

2013 Fall Fashion: Presented by Fisher and Company and Accents

 

These fashion videos are bound to provoke closet envy with an emphasis on pattern, color and texture, as nature’s vibrant hues dissolve into grey, and the last trace of summer fades from our complexions into paleness (well, in my case…into transparency). 

I gained the opportunity to wear these beautifully styled outfits by working with two connected local boutiques located in London, Ontario, called Fisher & Company and Accents.  Fisher & Company provides both contemporary brands such as Philip Lim, Elizabeth and James, Rag and Bone, and J Brand, in addition to more classic brands such as Marc Cain, Michael Kors, Riani, and Diane Von Furstenburg, in order to accommodate women of all ages. 

This great boutique provides an unparalleled and personalized wardrobe planning and purchasing experience by using what they call “the Formula.” The formula of (F&C)+9=36 uses Fisher & Company’s style expertise and 9 key pieces to create 36 different looks. In addition, they provide the customers with a journal of personal style, which consists of 36 pictures of the complete looks, for easy reference by the customer on a day-to-day basis. To top it all off, the stylists will work to involve your favorite and most stylish pieces in your current wardrobe when styling to ensure a new wardrobe that is comfortable and uniquely you. Whether you are starting a new job (hint, hint, my Ivey peeps and other upcoming grads), or just looking for a wardrobe facelift, this system will make dressing fun and easy. 

Adjoined to Fisher & Company is Accents, which is an accessory boutique that provides customers with both trendy and classic shoes, bags, scarfs and jewelry. The boutique houses brands such as RED Valentino, Rebecca Minkoff and my new personal fav, Canadian jewelry designer Dean Davidson. By working in combination, these two stores provide more clothing and accessory options and better customer services to increase your chance of finding a truly individualistic style.

The Nineties

URBAN OUTFITTERS vegan moto jacket

ARITZIA sweater

WOLF print scarf (similar here)

MICHAEL KORS faux leather and twill pant (similar here)

JUICY COUTURE chain-link bracelet

ALL SAINTS 'mom' leather boot (with calf hair here)

The nineties was the era of the slacker and group pop bands, grunge and chunky heels. Now, less than twenty years down the road we are seeing the styles of this time reemerge as inspiration for the winter wardrobes of both men and women alike. The true grunge style of the era consisted of tattered, wrinkled, layered and oversized pieces, and was a sartorial representation of nihilism that developed among members of a new fringe alternative rock scene.  

But the runways have been showing more of the decade than just the fashions associated with grunge. Have you noticed the resurgence of ‘JuJu’ Jelly shoes? Or that thick soled, almost orthopedic looking footwear are all the rage again? And what about those Dr. Martens? I know I will be kicking myself for letting my mom throw out my and my sister’s pairs back in the day. I still love those chunky lilac colored boots with the distinct yellow stitching. But not only are 90s inspired shoes taking a toll on our bank accounts this year, styles such as slinky Posh Spice-esque spaghetti-strap dresses, crop tops similar to Kelly’s from Saved by the Bell, and Johnny Depp type moto jackets worn during his time dating Kate Moss, are also taking up real-estate in our closets. 

To be honest, I could go on and on about all the fashions of the era making a comeback today, but who really wants to read it. I thought, instead, I would show how styles worn by some of the most iconic men and women of the time are perhaps even more relevant in your closest today. I have also styled my personal outfit around my 90s inspired ‘mom leather boot,’ as I call them, and a vegan biker jacket (similar to Drew Barrymore’s). These ‘mom’ boots are my favorite purchase in a long time. They can be worn anytime, whether it is casually during the day with a boyfriend jean or dressed up at night with tights and a high-waisted, flared mini. 

I will finish off this fashion blog post with a revelation for all those 90 kids out there. Did you know that Space Jam had a Pulp Fiction reference in it? During the movie, Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd, sporting black suits, shoot out the teeth of one of their opponents during a basketball game. As a kid, I naively assumed that they were emulating the scene in Men In Black (which didn’t come out until the next year). However, the black suits, white shirts, black ties and poses were in fact a tribute to the classic movie, and one of my personal favorites, Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino. To see the clip from Space Jam click here. 

Off the Wall

URBAN OUTFITTERS flannel

GOLD skinnies (similar here)

COLLAR (cool and reasonable option here)

VANS Chukka Low

DREGS longboard

Vans is more than just a shoe company; it’s a lifestyle. Since the mid 1960s the action sport brand has fueled the renegade skateboard culture and other adrenaline driven junkies. The bond between brand and consumer arrived from being the first skateboarding company to sponsor athletes, who had both talent and colorful personalities, and giving them the power to help design the products. This served to heighten the authenticity of the Vans brand by giving the culture that they are targeting, ownership in the creation of the brand. The shoe named ‘the Era,’ designed by professional skateboard Tony Alva and skateboarding figure Stacy Peralta, became the iconic shoe for riders due to its superior grip on the board.

Vans continued to strengthen their lifestyle brand by focusing on integrating the brand into the skater’s lifestyle rather than trying to push the lifestyle onto the skater. As Vans CEO Gary Schoenfeld told Inc. magazine, “Kids don’t relate to direct hard-sell advertising. They see through a company that’s just spending a lot of money to attract their attention. Our strategy is to integrate ourselves more into their lifestyle” through events and concerts with extreme sports. By sponsoring events such as the “Warped Tour,” an extreme sports and musical festival, and opening skateboard complexes with Vans stand-alone stores across America, Vans is intertwining their products into the regular activities of their customers.

Cult brands, such as Vans, achieve a unique connection with customers, and are able to create a consumer culture that people want to be a part of. Personally, I am motivated by an aesthetic like the style curated at Vans that is developed from the countercultures of the past and that supports the countercultures of the present. Vans footwear and apparel reference a culture of youth in our history who resisted the socially accepted norms of the time. But not only are Van’s unfailing designs celebrating times of liberation in our past, they are also encouraging youth to be ‘Off the Wall’ by releasing themselves from the social constraints of today.

During this shoot, my photographer brother, Matt, and I went downtown London, Ontario and found this amazing mural, done by a local artist, that captured the colors of my Vans inspired outfit. This outfit can be used as inspiration for both men and women since 2/3 of the outfit is purchased from menswear sections.  I have found some great menswear pieces lately, and although the pieces are rather large, this season, oversized is encouraged. So ladies, embrace the chance to expand your options. 

For the men reading, take note of the rich, autumn colors as seen in the shirt and shoes (both from the men’s section) for this season. Also, instead of wearing a graphic tee with these casual vans, try mixing it up with a buttoned up flannel shirt, un-tucked, and add a chunky watch from a company like Nixon.

Xo

cee.staf  

The Power of One

LEATHER pants (similar here)

KIMONO cardigan (similar here)

VINTAGE chiffon shirt

TOPSHOP suede messenger bag

FELT hat 

The 1960s saw a revolution in fashion that was born out of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This movement gave credence to those, generally youth, who resisted the socially accepted norms of the time due to their dissatisfaction with the dominant culture.  Tensions grew globally regarding the war in Vietnam, race segregation, sexuality, women’s rights, modes of authority, and conflicting interpretations of the “American Dream.” By defying the dominant culture in the 1960s and 70s, the youth of the time spurred the creation of new and more ideal cultural forms.

The revival of hippie fashion in contemporary culture and, more broadly speaking, the growing popularity of what we call ‘hipsterism’ may actually be a sign that we as a society are noticing the discrepancies in dominant culture.  Individuals such as these, although technically conformists within their own subculture, are pioneers and leaders of the latest and most progressive cultural ideals. New cultural forms are emerging, and will only emerge, with the help of individuals like these, who value independent thinking and strive to eradicate the ego, redefine true happiness and establish equality for all. 

I recently watched an amazing documentary called ‘I am’ directed by Tom Shadyac, which has become to my surprise and happiness a widely seen film. “I am” is a non-fiction film “that poses two practical and provocative questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what will initiate change?”  The answer to these questions is “I am” and “I will”.  While we are all part of the problem, we are also part of the solution. We will initiate change by believing in the power of one. 

The hope is that this film along with other inspirational work will encourage others to question the conventions of dominant culture (ex. the way business is done, the way we treat others, and our understanding of true happiness) and see the power in individual actions.

I was given the chance to shoot with this adorable yellow Volkswagen bus, which inspired me to create a look that exhibits hippie fashion’s trippy, crafty and sometimes ethnic essence.  My outfit brings together contemporary fall styles including layering, a darker color palette and chunky wedges (essential for your fall shoes collection) with 60s and 70s style involving ethnic patterns, fringe and natural unkempt hair. The result is a fashion style that is relaxed and flirty, yet edgy. This look is a great way to carry the festival style into the fall fashion season. 

* Information about the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s gained from "The Rise and Fall of an International Counterculture, 1960-1975" by Jeremi Suri