Fall into Ruche

Fall days here in London have been crisp, but in a sunny and warm type of way.


It is starting to cool down, but I am still enjoying cool walks through piles of leaves, still tossing them into the air with my feet like I did when I was little - and loving it!


This time of year is always a transition, and I was perusing the Ruche website and thinking how perfect their lookbook images were for this time of year!


It just seems to personify the feeling of fall for me, in addition to inspiring a lengthy wishlist.

Halloween Dorkiness

by beccajanie



Can anyone guess my super dorky (and very low budget) halloween costume? I thought it was pretty creative myself...


Yep, I'm definitely sticking star stickers to an all black outfit and going as the Night Sky. It's okay if your jealous of my amazingness.

Joe Fresh Spring 2010

Yes, you buy these garments at a grocery store. I am not ashamed - I love Joe Fresh, and shop there all the time after picking up my fruits, veggies and milk.


I look forward to the collections presented by this line, namely because it is so reasonably priced that I can actually buy any or all of the pieces that I like.

Joe Fresh is always one of the best and most exciting shows at Toronto Fashion Week, namely because Joe Mimran is one of the few Canadian designers who can manage to snag some of Canada's best models, the ones who usually only walk runways in New York, Milan, and Paris, that you never normally see on Canadian runways - namely, Coco Rocha, Irina Lazareanu (past collections), and this year had Tara Gill, Kori Richardson Addison Gill and Taryn Davidson.

Joe Fresh , since it's sold across Canada, is never a collection that is avant garde or super innovative, and generally has mass appeal. However, I have to say that in spite of this fact I am still a fan of the fun, functional, and wallet-friendly pieces.


Spring 2010 on the Joe Fresh Runway was all about light, refreshing, summery colours of white, pink, yellow and blue. Lingerie-as-outerwear was a recurring theme, as were sheer fabrics, rosettes, pretty pleated skirts, and coordinating pastel coloured loafers with the granny sheer knee-socks that I always enjoy.


While it may be a line that is designed to please the grocery-shopping Canadian masses, I have to say that Joe Mimran has offered up a fun and flirtatious Spring collection that I'll be on the lookout for come April. You can check out the rest of the pictures from the show as well as an interview with the designer at Fashionmagazine.com.

All photos by Angela Y. Martin at Fashion

Hey David, Have You Met Christopher?

I'm not going to argue that some of the pieces in David Dixon's Spring 2010 Collection were lovely (you can check out some here - namely the crazily awesome metallic fringe skirt), but much of the collection featured some eerily familiar pieces.


Titled "Hanging Gardens of Babylon", I think a more appropriate name should have been "I wish I was Christopher Kane circa 2009". I read the review of the show on Fashion's website and was amazed that the reviewer neglected to even mention in passing the similarities here. I found this shocking firstly because as soon as I saw the first photo I recognized it right away, but namely because Christopher Kane's collection wasn't one nobody noticed, or one that fell under the radar. It was an iconic and beautiful collection, that everyone was buzzing about. Apparently right into Mr. Dixon's ear.

To give Dixon his due, however, I have to say that I did love the metal-fringe detailing (seriously, I say again, check it out) on skirts and tanks, as well as some truly lovely dresses and tailored pieces. However, I was surprised to see Kane's circle detail not on just one piece, but as a theme throughout Dixon's collection.

If Diane Von Furstenburg got busted for this fiasco with Canadian designer Mercy, I wonder if Mr. Kane will have words (or more) with his Canadian copycat.

Take a look (clicking on my collage will give you a better view), and let me know what you think.

Christopher Kane Photos from www.style.com
David Dixon Photos by Angela Y Martin at Fashion Magazine

Introducing Vawk

It's Toronto Fashion Week! I'm so excited.. and loving the collections so far. If it weren't for mandatory attendance at school, I'd be there with bells on and web media pass in hand.. perhaps next spring at the F/W Collections.


Firstly, when talking about Vawk, a line designed by the talented Sunny Fong, most recent winner of Project Runway I just have to say that it's nice to see that when you do Project Runway Canada you don't disappear, unlike the American version.


Actually, PRC alum have done quite well on the Canadian Fashion scene, like half the design team at Greta Constantine, Past winners Evan Biddell, or other past alum now showing at Canadian Fashion Weeks Carlie Wong, Jessica Biffi and Lucian Matis.


The 12 looks at Vawk Spring 2010 were inspired by French Polynesia, and although I wasn`t feeling the tropics vibe TOO much, I was definitely liking the collection as a whole. I am all about the perforated leather coat-as-dress, lovely. As well as the fact that I always love a ruffle - sigh. And the finale maxi dress? Beauty.

Sunny might be taking baby steps with his new line, but I think Vawk is here to stay.

All Photography by Angela Y. Martin at www.fashionmagazine.com

And the Winner is.....

After assigning each of my commentors a number and making use of my trusty random number generator, it turns out that the lovely Rachel from Sweeter After Difficulties is the winner of our fabulous Harajuku Lovers giveaway!

I hope you enjoy these lovely fragrances as much as I do!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

If I Left the Zoo

I seem to be heading for bright colours and whimsical pieces this fall, and well, just in general. Whilst perusing Anthropologie the other day I came upon these adorable animal themed accessories and now basically want them all. Especially that frog bangle..


In my ongoing search for the perfect winter coat, I stumbled upon this fabulous coat on "Anna K" via Lookbook.nu (can I get an invite?) and thought it perfection. Red might be a little much with my red hair, but I still love it. If I could find this in blue? My life would be complete.

How Etsy? How?

I was browsing the fall fashion picks on my always loved Etsy and finding some fun things for fall, when all of a sudden, in the midst of some great cozy scarves and pretty nature-inspired gold earrings I see this. The Bridal Boot. This looks like something I should have found on "Regretsy" (most hilarious - yet sometimes very awkward site highlighting some funny, tacky and downright disturbing - don't say I didn't warn you - items actually for sale on the real Etsy).

Can I also just mention that it was inspired by this fish? I prefer this silvery fellow to that footwear any day.


I mean, I've had friends with winter weddings who wore classy (but unseen by most) boots under their wedding dresses, and I've seen brides on rainy wedding days sporting a rubber boot for a fun photo shot, albeit not the whole day.

But an ugly leather boot with an even tackier ruffle? NO!

And how the heck did it make it into fall picks? Must haves for fall? What?

If this item is on YOUR list for fall, please, explain yourself.

Harajuku Lovers Giveaway!!

Calling all Canadian ladies (minus those from Quebec, sorry!) - I've got a fabulous giveaway to share with you all. With the help of Coty Canada Inc. and Matchstick Inc, I'm giving away all five of these fabulous Harajuku Lovers fragrances (I've got each one, and can vouch for the fact that they are each unique and fun, not to mention the character shaped adorable bottles = awesome).

This contest will be open from today, the 13th of October, until the 19th, when I'll select a winner at random from the comments on this post:

To Enter:
1. Must be a legal resident of Canada (excluding Quebec - Sorry Ladies!) - for more details see below!
2. Comment on this post describing your favourite scent
3. Provide an email address so I can get in touch with you if you win!

Sounds simple? It totally is - so comment away and you could win an awesome Harajuku Lovers Prize Pack.


Eligibility: To enter and be eligible to win, an entrant must be a legal resident of Canada (excluding Quebec) who is over the age of majority in their province or territory of residence. Employees of or those residing with an employee of Coty Canada Inc, the Sponsor or Host, their agents, representatives, parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and dealers, advertising and promotional agencies, sponsors, suppliers of prizes, materials or services related to this contest, including the independent judging organization are not eligible to enter this contest.