We all wish for summer

Brief post in response to Amanda's. I'm no summer expert; my summer wardrobe is non glamorous and very simple. To me, summer is about layering because everywhere you go its either air conditioned or stifling hot. Wear a simple base, and then accessorize around it.

Jessica Simpson has long been in need of some assistance in the wardrobe department, that is, if she'd like it. By no means would I ever impose on someone. Go wild, wear what you'd like. However, she DOES have a multi-million dollar fashion empire (I think Forbes said she raked in $750 mil last year) on her hands so, in a way, maybe she should dress for her body. That been said, I love her clothes when she's lounging about with no makeup on.


I know... McQueen is a bit much for the beach. BUT envision it without the train, without the length, without the crazy makeup. A little belt never hurt anyone in your mission to step it up a notch for dinner. Nor did a grandpa cardigan (I'm thinking grey, or perhaps a beige to bring out your tan from the days events) with it for when the sun goes down. Nor did hemming it shorter, say mid calf for those who it would work for.


I love this black dress. Super simple, I'm positive I could make it myself and I don't even know how to sew. Obviously it's not for everyone, but if you're confident in a bikini, have at it in a stretchy little number like this that you can funk up with some crazy jewelry, some beach hair, and some killer shoes that you're missing whilst it's a freaking freezer outside.



Just a maxi dress, but still...looks sharp with her casual heels. And clean. and not like she's going to pick up her dog from the groomers. (Oops, her dog died. sorry...)

So all in all, rock a little print if you want, use your accessories to bring your style to the level of personal style, and bring in some versatility by layering according to weather appropriateness.

S.xo

The Mens

Hello tout le monde

This weekends feature is focused on les mens. I love men's clothing. Love looking at men's shoes, hoodies, suits, all of it. Sometimes I love a men's style so much that i'll change it to suit my lady wardrobe. Hopefully now I do it more adequately than when I was in college. That was...horrific I'm sure. Rugby jerseys, baseball hat (daily) and mens jeans. We'll leave it at that. ahem.

So currently on the European runways is menswear! Sarah Burton has taken over the creative direction of Alexander McQueen, and has made a collection that is surprisingly neutral and subtle. Technique looks spot on, but to compare Lee McQueen's to that of Miss Burton's craftsmanship, its definitely different. I'm ok with different though. The real test will be when she pumps out Women for S/S '11. We're watching you Burton.

**(image courtesy from Huffington Post)

This is Prada. Pretty simple. Minimalist perfection.

Here we have Dolce and Gabbana. Beautiful. I'm aware that few North American men would sport this suit, but we're not all N. American, are we? Some of us are daring. If I was a dude I'd wear this suit as often as event appropriate.

Bottega Veneta. I like this line. Love the fit of the blazer, and the length of the cargo short. Like the models hair. Love that he's somewhat pulled together with his worked in blazer. Makes his beard not so 'bushly' (for all your Anchorman fans).

There are many, many photos and designers that weren't included here. But these were worthy. Menswear shows are continuing across the Fashion capitals so perhaps I'll do a second post with top 10 looks or something. We'll see.
Hope everyone's enjoying the G20! I'm pro-Summitry, or at least I was until last night when i tried to order food to my doorstep and got firmly rejected because roads were closed... DOWNTOWN! How is that possible? I had to actually make dinner. Geez, like I was prepared for that kind of task. ;)

Have a good weekend everyone!
xo

**(all images courtesy of thesartorialist.com unless otherwise stated)

My Dad's Better Than Your Dad.

Happy Father's Day!

I realized yesterday that I never introduced myself to all the readers of I Like Your Style Toronto. Ive never been huge into throwing my personal life out there, nor sitting around discussing "me". But, with respect to Mandy, I'll venture into the unchartered;).

As I'm sure you've assumed, I'm in love with Fashion. Most of you think Mary-Kate Olsen looks like a homeless troll? I think shes a fashion icon and has influenced many, many trends in the last 5 years. Trends that you're probably wearing right now. I dont care who you are, or what you do, or how many monies a year you make, you can allllways keep your unasked for comments deep down inside. That having been said, I appreciate sarcasm with the best of them. I used to be a tomboy (I blame my brother who forced (wasn't really forced) me to learn how to survive in the elements, how to properly hold a snake, and how to build a treefort that would last) so I'm opposed to wearing pink, or anything girlie. I've been told as I get older I'll wear more and more patterns and skirts and all that. I remain skeptical.

That's enough about me. Now let's get to the good stuff. I'm going to Europe soon, so the creativitiy of the people across the wee ocean are a bit on my mind. Since we're Canadians, let's start with England.

Alexander McQueen

This past spring we recently lost a creative genius, Mr. Lee McQueen of Alexander McQueen. He was known as the 'bad boy' of fashion telling people off when he wanted, doing what he wanted. He apparently didn't use a pattern for his clothes. Insane, especially considering the stuff he was pumping out. His shows on their own were inspirational, not to mention his collections. Each season he'd have a different theme, perhaps the most well-known being a hollogram of his close friend Kate Moss in an ethereal image in one of his dresses (a company is currently being sued by his House for having their campaign be too similar to that well-known image). He was innovative in the Fashion world, always pushing to create something that was never done before. For example, his Armadillo shoes. I'll show them another time. If I get started on shoes, I may not get into England at all today.

These photos are from Spring 2010 collection. His Fall 2010 season was shown in memoriam after his death.

Miss Vivienne Westwood

For those of you who are familiar with her style, she's awesome eh!? I'm almost positive that her and Diane von Furstenburg rolled with Andy Warhol and his crew. They must have amazing stories. (I'd have loved to meet Edie Sedgwick.) Westwood is known for bringing punk into the Fashion industry, as evidenced with her most recent collection (Fall 2010).

Victoria Beckham

I know lots of people think she's an idiot, and pathetic, and crazy and too skinny, and blah blah blah. But her design foray has been utter success. Tons of celebrities attempt at being a serious deisigner, and most of the time there's big publicity for the first season and because they're NOT designers, their collections don't sell. Everyone thought Victoria Beckham's attempts would be similar. They were wrong. How cool is this: even though she personally has probably zero body fat her dresses are created with boning and ribbing so that ANY body size can wear them. Think Jennifer Lopez wearing the same dress as Vicky Beckham. Pretty rare. Even though her first collection was awfully close to that of Roland Mouret, she's done well for herself.

I will attempt at posting a feature both Saturday and Sunday, at the very least one of those days. I hope you all enjoy it. I'll read all your comments and suggestions so feel free to keep sending them.

Amanda, you're on!

xo

**(all images courtesy of style.com)