Model Contest for MYW2!
My goal as a stylist is to always remember that women’s bodies are all different, and beautiful. I have little desire to dress a super model – after all, where’s the challenge in that?So, just like all my other fashion shows, I am looking for 5 women in business with different body types to strut their stuff at my upcoming Runway Show “Reinvent, Re-imagine and Recycle Your Closet”! The show/workshop is part of the event Marketing Yourself 2: Building Your Personal Brand taking place on Saturday April 28th. No modeling experience is required, women of ALL ages are encouraged to enter!
Should you win, here’s what you’ll get:
- An exclusive invite to a private styling party at Rewind Clothing where you’ll indulge in some wine and cheese, receive special discounts on clothing (if you choose to purchase anything), and receive one on one styling attention from me (Meagan Kelln, owner of HouseLife) including special tips on how to dress your body type and ideas about how to combine clothing items you already have in new and exciting ways
- Free access to the event’s panel discussion on April 28th on Building Your Personal Brand as well as the Fashion and Personal Care Market
- As a model, your name and contact information for your business will be printed in a predominant space in the program and a link to your website will be put up in various locations
…..Not to mention, unequaled fame on the catwalk at the show, professional hair and makeup, and professional photographs of you looking super hot.
To enter the contest, post why I should choose YOU on the event facebook page HERE or send a private email to meagan@houselifefoodfashion.com
Contest ends March 20th, Good luck!
Marketing Yourself 2: Creating Your Personal Brand
THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED!I had such a great time last year putting on Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show that I’ve been busily working away with my new partner, Krista Esau, (owner of Unforgettable Occasions) on preparing another amazing event for small businesses to help them network, learn and promote their great ideas and products!
While the last event focused on social media, this time we’re offering a networking and educational event specifically designed for women in business to share their knowledge with each other and learn from expert panelists on how to build and sustain a personal brand, both virtually and in person.
Mission Statement:
To provide an opportunity for women in business to gather to network, discuss and see first hand the value of building a personal brand – and learn how to do it with practical advice from industry experts in fields such as marketing, self-help, fashion, cosmetics and image consulting.
- Networking Hour with Cocktails and Light Appetizers
- Q&A with Expert Panelists on the Role of Image in Business
- “Reinvent, Re-imagine and Recycle Your Closet” Runway Show and Workshop by Meagan Kelln of HouseLife
- Fashion and Personal Care Market
Date: Saturday April 28th, 2012
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: Mount Pleasant Community Hall 602 22nd Ave SW
Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Krista Esau at events@unforgettableoccasions.ca or 403.888.3185
Krista Esau: Owner, Unforgettable Occasions, Event Co-Organizer
Krista resides in Airdrie and her company is active in Calgary and all surrounding areas. Krista is the founder, sole owner and lead event planner for Unforgettable Occasions (www.unforgettableoccasions.ca). Krista is a certified Event & Wedding Planning Professional (IEWPP) graduated in April of 2011. Planning the ultimate event is Krista’s passion, from large and lavish to elegant and intimate, her creations will reflect your vision, style and sensibilities. You will be hooked once you experience the exquisite style, meticulous planning, flawless execution and unprecedented service. Whether your celebration is a party for two or gala for two thousand, she can orchestrate a wedding or special event of any size. Krista is very excited about this event and especially so because working along side with Meagan from HouseLife will be an honor and a very enjoyable learning experience!
I’m Going Blue 4 U!
Many of you have gotten an email letting you know that I’ve joined a fund/awareness raising campaign for Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention. The campaign is called “Going Blue 4 U” and is headed by Lee Horbachewski or “Simplee Serene” as she is better known as on social media and online. You can read more about the campaign and the charities it is supporting by clicking HERE.
The campaign is lead by a team (of which I am a PROUD member) of individuals who are committing to dye our hair blue as we meet our fund raising goals. I’ve just met my first 2 goals, and will be putting 2 streaks of blue in my hair this week! A major part of the campaign is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. The organizers feel that the only way to do this is by speaking out, and making it safe for others to share their stories.
In honour of this, I’ve decided to share my story with all of you. I hope that through making my own path public I might make it safe for others to do the same, and that this will help build a community in which it is safe to to talk about mental illness and suicide.
I live with clinical depression and have suffered from anxiety for over 10 years. After having my daughter 3 1/2 years ago I also experienced post-partum depression. I have been blessed with many friend’s and family who live with the same illnesses, and through them I have found support and comfort in sharing my struggles openly with them. One of the most difficult things about living with mental illness is feeling like you are “ugly” inside and that no one would want to spend time with you, or love you. For me, a big challenge has always been to overcome the desire to isolate myself, and trust other people when they tell me they love me.
I now take medication every day, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. I used to feel like being on medication was a crutch, and something to be ashamed of. I used to tell people that it was only temporary, that I just needed some time to get my self in order before I would be able to live without drugs. I now believe that it has given me the freedom to explore my mental illness with less judgment, and allowed me to be okay in the life I have now. I want to share the message that being on medication is not an “easy way out” or a “sign of weakness.” I believe that we can live full, active, compassionate and happy lives THROUGH mental illness, not just in spite of it!
I love my life, and I am incredibly grateful for my experience “feeling blue” because through it I have learned to grow, love and feel more deeply – especially towards other people who are living with mental illness and the effects of mental illness.
If you are interested in making a donation to The Distress Center in my name, click HERE. You can also vote for this charity on the Aviva Community Fund Page, once a day every day to help Going Blue 4 U get up to $40,000 from the organization.
ROCK a new kind of Stampede wear….
I am grateful to all of the people who let me in their homes, rifle through their closets, and tell them what to toss. That is a special kind of trust to give a stranger! In some ways we define ourselves by what is in our closets, and what we wear – so it means a lot that people bestow that kind of trust on me. Our clothing holds memories, as well as hopes and wishes for the future (i.e. those pants that you think you might squeeze into in 10 pounds….) One thing that EVERY client has is a great selection of western wear. The variety is astonishing to me, and it is always the case that all items in the “Stampede section” are only worn during Stampede. I never try to remove these clothes, that would be down-right un-Calgarian, I simply leave them in their own section, knowing that they will grace the Stampede breakfasts and the midway in full glory every year until death do they part from their owners.But wait… what if there was another way?
There is! You can use the clothes that you wear in regular life during Stampede and look fashionable, be comfortable (western wear rarely fits well….), and still rock the Stampede spirit! Many people who work downtown are given the option to dress western instead of business casual (not that there is much difference in Calgary) but either run out of options in two days or wear clothing that should have found its way to the dumpster many years ago.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress western using my regular clothes in different combinations. I LOVE to mix and match!
The Peasant Blouse: Most women have one of these around, and if you don’t you might want to pick one up. This is an easy, inexpensive and versatile wardrobe basic. I wear mine as a swim suit cover up too, and with jeans and sweaters all year. As long as the proportions are correct, any figure can rock it and – BONUS – it works great for Stampede. Go with the classic blue denim jeans on the bottom, or pair it with a denim skirt. The key is to accessorize with the right pieces. I put mine with a brown leather belt, and I mixed patterns (Yippee!) and threw on a polka dot scarf and called it a rodeo. I added some silver “Mexican” jewelery, and a saddle bag for extra punch. More accessories = more kitch, and kitch is key to a good western outfit. Go BIG or go home!
The Flowy Sundress: The key to rocking a sun dress for Stampede is to wear it with boots. You don’t need cowboy boots (though if you have them whip ‘em out!). You can wear a shorter slouchy boot like I am here, or you can wear your riding boots from fall and winter. You’ll have toasty feet, but you’ll still be cool cause your dress is breezy. Throw on a rustic looking belt and you’re away to the barrel races. Amp it up another notch with a denim jacket (another year-round wardrobe staple!). Easy as apple pie, and twice as sweet.
The Paisley Scarf: Paisley is a great classic pattern for a scarf, and though it has a touch of western personality, it can still be worn year round without being mistaken for a costume. Find one at a Goodwill store if you don’t have one, and look for one with more than two colours in it to avoid being too rockabilly (unless that’s your thing….). I’ve paired mine with a white tank blouse and navy skirt, but you can go with a T-shirt and jeans too for an even more laid back look. I’ll wear this scarf all winter long too – so I know that the $4.99 I spent on it will be worth it!
When scouring your closet for pieces to mix and match, look for muted colour palettes with a vintage feeling. I prefer a more subtle tone for western wear, instead of a glitzy sparkly look. Think 90′s, comfy, subdued. Mix your leathers and suedes, try out classic patterns like polka dots and paisley, and find new uses for old clothes. It’s all about how you put it together. Share your own Stampede creations with me on Facebook – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy Stampede Calgary!
06.21.11Fashion Journeys – where does yours start?
As I bring new levels of transparency to my website in terms of my own life and my own journey in growing my business, I thought it would be fitting to share more of my fashion journey with you. My love of fashion certainly didn’t mean that I always had great fashion – quite the opposite! I was a chameleon, I took risks that didn’t work out, I dressed the trends for each decade – making my look back through the pages of my photo albums a funny one. Also, for most of my youth, like many women who are insecure about their appearance, I used fashion as costume – and a way to hide. The benefit of all of those fashion mistakes is that I learned by trial and error what works and what doesn’t. And, over the years, I’ve come to believe that I am beautiful, conventionally and unconventionally, and that I deserve to get positive attention from people because of that. My fashion choices now reflect my inner confidence – but it hasn’t come without hard work and some funny mistakes!
I can trace my conscious fashion journey back to the 5th grade. The outfit for this portrait was a very memorable one for me. This sweater belonged to my big sis, and I probably waited until she was gone to school and stole it from her drawer, then raced home and replaced it before she noticed! I frequently did this, and often got caught. It totally drove her crazy, and it was disrespectful – but I couldn’t help myself! I loved clothing so much, and I simply didn’t have enough to work with….I’m sorry sis! The fuscia tee shirt was a favorite as well because of the texture of the fabric. It was super soft and had just the perfect neckline (so I thought). You can’t see them, but I am wearing turquoise leggings with fuscia slouch socks and rainbow keds. This was my favorite outfit – and I still remember feeling awesome when I wore it! I’m holding on to that….
By the time I got to 7th grade, I’d had numerous bad short-hair cuts, and was growing out my hair. In this photo I am wearing a black mock-neck unitard, floral vest and matching palazzo pants (yes, the exact same pattern). I LOVED this outfit! I thought I looked so grown up and sophisticated. My mother had a dress in the same fabric…. Hey, I was 12 – cut me some slack! I actually spent most of junior high terrified about my body (oh, you too? What a surprise!) so I dressed like a boy most of the time. Throughout junior high I experimented a little, but mostly stuck to tee shirts and pants. I distinctly remember my favorite outfit from 9th grade being khaki pants and a short-sleeved denim shirt from The Gap that I wore with mary jane shoes. I actually showed up to the grad celebration in that outfit only to discover that two other girls from my class had the same bright idea. Sigh.
The final portrait I’ve included is my 12th grade picture. By this time, I’d already shaved my head once, done some serious eye-brow plucking, had numerous facial piercings, and taken up smoking. I thought I was pretty bad-ass. This outfit was another big-sis borrow, and another favorite. I loved the turtle-neck with short hair look, and still do – its so retro! I’m wearing Levi’s 501s on the bottom (if you never had a pair you totally missed out) that I had worn out in all the right places, and platform slip-on clogs. I probably had 12 rings on my fingers, besides the ones in my face. Other memorable grade 12 outfits include, my grandmother’s blue and white polka-dotted dress that I wore with cherry-coloured doc martins and an orange scarf that I bought at fringe fest in Edmonton, an off-the-shoulder blue and grey striped over sized cropped sweater that I wore with grey wide-leg knitted pants and the afformentioned red slip on clogs, and brown cigarette pants worn with a black cardigan and doc martins. It was a good fashion year – I would seriously consider variations on most of those outfits now! The difference is all in the accessories, and updating the look to meet modern fashion requirements.
At a certain point while running HouseLife, I realized that some people remember the food from times in their lives, others remember pop-culture that they enjoyed such as movies and music, and others seem to remember endless details about social events and who was dating who. I noticed that I always remember what I was wearing at certain points in time, down to the accessories and shoes that I paired with each outfit, and I remember fondly certain of my favorite outfits and how they made me feel. I remember my first big purchases, the first time I bought a pair of high heels, digging through piles of junk in friend’s apartments, and exactly what I packed to go to camp. So when I say that clothing is my passion – I mean it! It comes naturally to me to notice the details that count when it comes to style. I watch without thinking when I see someone who looks great, and file the information away for later.
I’ve had fun looking up old pictures, and I have even more to share with you! So, along with my articles about fashion trends and how to wear them, I’m going to include my own attempts at wearing the trends, those that work and those that don’t. You can look forward to pictures of me trying things out, past and present, bemoaning my poorer choices and celebrating my triumphs. I hope that it will help you realize that even people who look put together all the time have challenges in the mall, deal with poor body image, struggle creating outfits, and doubt their fashion choices. Even the most stylish don’t always find it easy to dress in a way that truly reflects who they are – but if life is a journey, then so is personal fashion – and I can’t wait to keep on discovering mine.
04.16.11Florals!
I don’t get to travel around from Milan to New York to Montreal to visit the runways and be the first to report back to my loyal readers about the trends for next season. But, I like you, can look at those people’s reports and then distill them for you to read. My skill has always been that I glean from other people’s observations what the trends of the season are, and I know how to put them together in a way that makes sense in Calgary. Fashion isn’t just about what they wear in Paris or L.A., it is about building a wardrobe that makes sense where you are. I’m all about looking around the world for inspiration, but if I can’t make it make sense in my life, or my client’s life, I have no use for it!So, that being said, this season’s runways are awash with florals! And, unlike some other trends for this season (like white on white on white, or super short shorts, for example) florals are extremely wearable for everyone. Many of my clients have given me a doubtful look when I tell them I’ll be looking for florals for their wardrobe. Some have even told me flat out that they will not, under any circumstances, be wearing them, so don’t even bother! And somehow, each and every one of them has ended up with at least one piece with a floral pattern…
The reason is that no matter what your personality, style or previous experience with florals – there really is a pattern for everyone. Floral patterns range from subdued in colour palate and/or pattern, to big, bright, bold and splashy, and everything in between. Right now, you can find everything from a floral bracelet for a dash of flowered charm, to a big bold neon begonia printed skirt. Many women find that a water colour print in Van Gogh colours works for them, while others prefer something vintage looking in bright colours. My job as a stylist is to help people find the one that works for them, and that makes them shine. Usually this only takes me a couple tries, and I always encourage (very strongly) people to try things on. You won’t know how a piece of clothing makes you feel until you put it on your body. Sometimes a pattern can be the least important thing about a piece of clothing if the shape and fit of it make you look and feel hot! You’ll start to really love that pattern, trust me!
Why I like Florals…
1. They are great for people who tote around little kids because an all over pattern hides stains from sticky fingers, and helps disguise any lumps or bumps that you want to keep under wraps…
This season, the mall stores are full of floral dresses and skirts. I especially love dresses because they make you look so put together, but they are only one piece of clothing! Hooray! It doesn’t get much easier than a dress when it comes to getting dressed for warm weather. I love this pink number at Banana Republic for its floaty breeziness. There are also a couple of floral maxis at H&M, and some super sweet little numbers at Tommy Hilfiger. If you want to spend a bit more, BCBG Max Azria has several beautiful choices, and so does The Bay. If you really want to be trendy, find a 50’s full skirted dress in a floral pattern .
2. You can dig upto your elbows, or you can tip toe into the flower garden.
A full floral dress might be too much for you. Perhaps the easiest way to try out a floral if you are hesitant is with a scarf. Right now at Old Navy, you can find a beautiful bouquet of choices for $14.99 that will not only add a dash of floral to your outfit, but really help carry your wardrobe from now through summer. Throw it on with your winter coat now for a dash of spring time, and tie it loosely over a cotton maxi dress for an evening BBQ in the heat of summer. You’ll be on trend, on budget and in style!
3. Florals can be mixed with other patterns to great ends, and really add personality to your style.
I particularly love pairing floral prints with stripes OR animal prints. The thing to be aware of if you want to try this out is to pick different sizes of patterns (i.e. tiny flowers and big stripes or vice versa) for each clothing item, while keeping the colour palate complimentary. Try wearing a striped sweater with a floral scarf, or a leopard print scarf with a floral skirt. WARNING: this is a risk! Don’t expect to get it right the first time. That being said, fashion is a fun and harmless way to try things out and be adventurous. Have fun with it!
03.14.11Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show
Purchase Tickets
Ticket Types:
NOTE: Both Tickets WILL be sold May 27th and at the door (pay in cash or via paypal on site)! However, because of the deadline to place the catering order the $55 day pass will NOT include access to the luncheon. Thank you!
Social Media Forum, Fashion Show & Exhibition ($55) – This ticket includes a pass to everything you see on our Itinerary (below) including the Social Media Presentation, Catered Networking Luncheon, and Fashion Show & Exhibition. You can use your ticket the evening of the 28th to come back for live music and dancing!
Fashion Show & Exhibition ($20) – This ticket includes everything from 2pm on! A pass to the Small Business Exhibition and Market and a Fashion Show courtesy of HouseLife. Don’t forget, you can use your ticket to come back the evening of the 28th for live music and dancing!
Itinerary
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Preparations & Refreshments
The hour and a half leading up to the official kick-off of Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show are reserved exclusively for our business vendors. This is a valuable opportunity to network with other small-business owners and local, innovative organizations. It is also a chance for all vendors to set up their displays, arrange product for visitors, and organize promotional material. During this time, complimentary coffee/tea and pastries will be provided to all business vendors, courtesy of Waves Coffee.
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Kelly Martin: Social Media Presentation
Kelly Martin, CEO and Founder of My Social Media Bridge, will be delivering a one-hour comprehensive presentation addressing the usage of social media for promoting businesses as well as for individuals. Kelly has been helping businesses with their marketing strategies for over ten years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to using social media and capitalizing on an online presence. The three major topics that will be addressed in Kelly’s presentation are:
• Facebook: the advantages and disadvantages of profiles, business pages, and group pages; how to set up various pages within Facebook; how to use Facebook effectively
• Twitter: how to set up an account; building followers; constructing an effective tweet; the purpose behind tweeting; how to tweet for your business
• LinkedIn: how to set up a profile; the advantages of joining LinkedIn; how LinkedIn offers a different aspect to social media usage; how to use LinkedIn effectively
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Social Media Q&A Panel
Following Kelly Martin’s presentation on social media, an interactive question and answer period pertaining to promoting businesses online, specifically through social media, will be held. A panel consisting of experts in marketing, promotion, and branding will be present to answer questions from everyone attending the event. This is a valuable opportunity to clarify any information presented in Kelly’s talk, as well as draw on the unique expertise areas of our guest panel.
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Catered Networking Lunch
A catered lunch will be provided for all business vendors as well as event attendees. While enjoying locally-prepared delicious food, everyone attending Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show will have the unique opportunity to network in an environment of like-minded businesses and individuals. Take the time to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, educate yourself on new businesses in Calgary, and promote what you have to offer to the world! Beer and wine will be available for purchase from this point on.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Small Business Exhibition & Market
The afternoon exhibition and market creates a prime opportunity for business exposure, marketing, and networking. Visitors from the public will be exposed to a variety of small businesses, new and upcoming ventures, and entrepreneurs representing a wide range of products and services. Small business owners who have set up display tables will have the time to explain their business, meet with potential new clients, sell products, and take orders. In addition to the trade show and market, visitors and vendors will have the opportunity to purchase wine and beer, and be provided with complimentary snacks to fuel their conversations!
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
HouseLife Presents: Fashion Show
Specifically for this event, HouseLife Owner & Stylist Meagan Kelln has created a fashion show to demonstrate how to maximize the positive image you project, regardless of your business industry. The fashion show is designed to help you learn how to dress in order to give others the best possible impression of you, your skills, and your business. From creative artists to corporate boardroom representatives, Meagan has put together an impressive lineup of current outfits to work for any image and any budget, male or female.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Break
During this time, visitors and vendors are invited to take a break from the event to stretch, eat dinner, and collect their thoughts – it’s been a very full day up until this point! Vendors are also encouraged to take advantage of this time to dismantle their display tables and pack up their products. Although there will be additional time for cleaning and packing up marketing materials at the end of the evening, this is the best time to do so. Remember to keep at least a few business cards on hand for networking into the night, though!
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Live Music & Dance
The final phase of the evening is a showcase of local talent – a fantastic lineup of musical artists and bands will be providing the soundtrack to a night of dancing and fun! This is the last chance to mingle with the people you’ve met throughout the day, and kick back and appreciate some of the extremely talented musicians we have here in Calgary. All sound and lights for the dance have been provided by Calgary Sound Rentals. At 10pm, we’ll wrap up Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum & Fashion Show and go our separate ways, armed with a wealth of new knowledge, business contacts, and ideas for the future!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Please contact us via email or phone for more detail – we would love to work with your business to find somewhere within these packages that will fit with your business vision and budget.
Platinum Level ($1000+)
Our Platinum Level sponsors receive the most benefits, marketing and exposure of their business. These organizations are also given priority as feature sponsors for future events hosted by HouseLife and/or Calgary Sound Rentals. As a Platinum Level sponsor, you will receive:
* Placement of a banner that you provide across the main stage – 15 feet of prime space
* A full-length feature blog post promoting your business on both the HouseLife and Calgary Sound Rentals websites
* Business posting on HouseLife’s “My Community” webpage for 6 months
* Feature business promotional interview on the Calgary Sound Rentals Weekly “Behind the Scene” Podcast
* Your business’ full-color logo on all event posters and signage
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
* Detailed feature mentions on the P.A. during the event
Gold Level ($500 – $999)
Our Gold Level sponsors receive significant exposure both on the event day as well as online both before and after the event. These organizations also get early notification of sponsorship opportunities for future events hosted by HouseLife and/or Calgary Sound Rentals. As a Gold Level sponsor, you will receive:
* Business posting on HouseLife’s “My Community” webpage for 3 months
* Feature business promotional interview on the Calgary Sound Rentals Weekly “Behind the Scene” Podcast
* Your business’ full-color logo on all event posters and signage
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
* Multiple mentions on the P.A. during the event
Silver Level ($250 – $499)
Our Silver Level sponsors have the opportunity to contribute monetary funds or make their sponsorship in-kind through the donation of a door prize or multiple door prizes (dependent on estimated value of goods and/or services), or through tote bag items (samples, gifts, coupons, and/or gift certificates) that total a minimum of $250 in value. Silver Level sponsors will also receive exposure in the following ways:
* Your business’ logo on all signage at the event
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
* Multiple mentions on the P.A. during the event
Bronze Level ($50 – $249)
Bronze Level sponsors have the opportunity to contribute monetary funds or make their sponsorship in-kind through the donation of a door prize or multiple door prizes (dependent on estimated value of goods and/or services), or through tote bag items (samples, gifts, coupons, and/or gift certificates) that total a minimum of $50 in value. Through event marketing, Bronze Level sponsors receive invaluable exposure for their business. Bronze Level sponsors receive:
* Inclusion of promotional material (catalogues, business cards, and/or flyers) in tote bags given the first 25 to purchase tickets, and/or mentions of your business and product on the P.A. while distributing your door prize
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
The Double Entendre Preserves and HouseLife on the RADIO!
I know what you’re thinking. Fashion? On the radio? How is this possible? Anything is possible with HouseLife!I’m so excited to be doing my very first radio show with Ching Li on her show The Double Entendre Preserves!, this Saturday on cjsw 90.9 fm from 1-3pm. Tune in to hear my takes on some of spring’s trends for women and men, listen to some great tunes and get into some of the challenges that women face in business in honour of International Women’s Day this past week. Also, I’m going to be unveiling some new details about HouseLife’s biggest event ever coming in May….Thanks so much to Ching for this opportunity!
Spring Fashion Trends – Women and Men
At long last, the weather has started to turn for the better! I wanted to prance around in bare legs today but decided it was still a little on the cold side of spring. Also, shaving has fallen by the wayside to add a layer of warmth beneath my jeans….But weather and personal grooming aside, spring has definitely sprung in the malls and boutiques of Calgary! If you need a little pick me up, there is no time like the present to head out shopping for some spring treasures. In anticipation of a radio show I’m co-hosting this Saturday on cjsw, called The Double Entendre Preserves with Ching Li, I thought I’d put together a little post on the trends for spring. I’m branching out for the first time in this blog and including men’s fashion! So if you know a dude who likes fashion, or if you know one who could use a little help in that department, point him my way….For me, spring has always been about a return to the lightness of being. We put away the wools and the corduroys and we pull out the cotton and the seersucker. I love the transition from thick and heavy to light and breezy. Sadly, in this city, I have to wait until June for spring weather! But no worries my fashion loving friends! A little clever layering and you can pull off the easy lightness of spring and still have the warmth you need for actual Calgary temperatures. The key to looking like spring while dressing for winter is the type of layers that you choose. Stay away from heavy gauge woolens, and go for thinner pieces in fresh spring colours. If you wear a long-sleeve floral cotton blouse with a long-sleeve white cotton cardigan you’ll still be warm enough, and you’ll be a breath of fresh springtime air! Try switching out your wooley scarves for voluminous whimsical-patterned cotton ones (tons of cute inexpensive floral and polka dotted options at Old Navy right now), and think about freshening your winter look with some of the tribal inspired jewelry everywhere this season in bright cheerful hues, bold brassy metals, and chunky earthy wood (check out Aldo Accessories for some great options!) As always, I have done my duty and checked out the malls and carefully recorded where you can find springs hottest trends – so read on to find out where you can pick up what you need to look and feel great this season!
My favorite trends for spring have to be the decades that have been drawn on for inspiration. I’m a personal fan of most things vintage, and I love it when a particular decade gets the spotlight shone on it in a fun new way. This spring, the 50’s and the 70’s are getting another turn. The “Mad Men” silhouette of the 50’s is everywhere – and I love it! I feel so feminine and polished in a full skirt and I’m just tickled pink that it is on trend right now! The one I bought for myself is from Talbots, and it is in a gorgeous selvage denim with big box pleats and longer hem that hits just below my knee. Careful about a longer hem if you are petite, or have thicker ankles that the hem doesn’t hit in an unflattering way and make your legs look too short. Of course, you can often alleviate this issue with a great pair of heels…You can also find some fun flirty options in bright trendy hues at H&M this season for a super reasonable price. Many figures really shine in this kind of cut because it highlights an hourglass figure while de-emphasizing the tummy (Mommies unite!). The fuller skirt is also a great option if you have a wider hip because the longer line and volume at the bottom bring the eye down and away from the hips. It usually most flattering to wear clothing that shows off the smallest part of your torso, which for many women is the natural waist – usually slightly above the belly button. There are also many women who carry more weight around their middles, and for them it would be more beneficial to bring the emphasis up to just below the bust with an Empire seam. Things to be aware of with an Empire seam are: a thick enough band, not too much volume above or below the band, and a long enough hemline. If any of these go wrong, the effect can be very juvenile and/or figure widening which is generally not what we are going for!
The 70’s haven’t had a special spotlight on them in awhile so I’m finding it particularly exciting that they are getting another go around. My favorite 70’s trend for spring is the trouser jean with a higher waist and a flared leg, paired with my favorite spring and summer staple – the peasant blouse! This look is not only super polished, but amazingly comfy. It’s also especially easy to carry this look from now through to summer simply by switching the outer layer and the footwear. For example, you could pair this awesome bohemian blouse from Piper Lime (also find a great option at Jacob in one of the seasons hottest colours – cinnamon) with this high waisted trouser jean from The Gap, cover up with a long boyfriend cardi like this one from Old Navyand throw on a pair of boots underneath NOW, and LATER you can wear the jeans and blouse with only a chunky necklace and a pair of espadrille wedges (I’m loving all the platform sandals for spring on Piper Lime. Done and done! This kind of “bohemian” blouse is really versatile if you get it in a silky fabric because it is dressy enough for work or evening, and the pleating and peasant style of it make it casual enough for a coffee date or even the mall. I love it when I find a piece like that! If you want to pull off this look, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to make it work. First, for a flared jean to look good (I’ve mentioned this before) make sure the knee area isn’t skin tight. A little bit of room around the knee makes the hip appear smaller, while no room makes it appear larger. If you have a very athletic figure without a lot of curves, you can go a bit tighter because it will create more of a hip for you. As always with pants (unless they’re cropped of course) make sure the hem is right! Decide if you are more likely to wear heels or flats and hem accordingly. For a peasant blouse to work, you must be sure that the pleating ends at the right place on your bust. If you have a smaller chest, you probably won’t have an issue, but if you are larger in the chest look for a lower cut, and possibly a tie around the back to show that your waist is smaller than your bust (you can always use a separate belt to highlight the waist as well – just make sure that it isn’t too short after you belt it). Be sure that the shirt hem hits mid-hip, just above the widest part of your hip, or go long and cover the rear completely.
Men’s fashion this spring is all about the prepster. Think Mad Men plus Clinton Kelly meets Steve Irkle. Pants are short, hitting at the ankle. Jackets and cardigans are double breasted, prints are tiny ginghams and checks, and suspenders and woven belts are the accessories. Check out this look from Club Monaco. Clean cut. Narrow fitting. Pressed and combed. Mmmmm. I love it! There will always be a little part of me that appreciates the grungy slacker look from the 90’s, but now that we’ve left that decade way behind and its cool to care again – I just love a man who tucks in his shirt and parts his hair. But don’t fret if ice cream parlour and prep squad isn’t for you! Military is still here and you can find a lot of options in army drab and denim with epaulets and square pleated pockets to fulfill your grungy Nirvana boyhood fantasies. Pair these shirts with cozy grey cardigans and rolled up jeans, or mix them with a regular boot cut or easy cut pair of slacks. Men’s fashion is about comfort (you lucky guys you!) so go with what feels good. If you do want to be on trend, find a shirt you would normally wear but in a tiny checker or chambray and you’ll be ahead of the curve. I would like to say, though, that if you have been wearing a wide leg pant for the last ten years, you might be surprised how slimming a narrower leg can be. A lot of men (and women) labour under the assumption that the baggier the clothes, the slimmer they’ll appear – and this is not the case! You want your clothes to be cut closely to the body, but not be skin tight. Try on a pair of slimmer pants and ask the sales clerk’s opinion, I bet she’ll tell you they look great. Luckily, the slim cut pant and suit are modern and in style so all your favorite shops are likely to have a skinnier option for you. The Gapand Banana Republic are great for men’s (and women’s) jeans.
02.23.11White Shirt Workshop: the follow up
The White Shirt Workshop was a hit – thank you to everyone who was involved that helped to make it the success it was! I really got to cut my teeth on this event, and I feel ready to take an even bigger bite for the next one. For those of you who took a chance on my first event, look forward to more experiences like this one! And if you missed the February 8th event, don’t worry! Many of the fashion tips and all of the outfits are in this blog, so read on! Also, stay tuned to this blog and sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss out on upcoming events…
Thank to our Sponsors! More about them coming soon to My Community...
Chelsey Parker gives Dr. Jessica Hiebert (Performance Spinal Health & Fitness) a mini-massage
We commenced the evening with an intimate trade show and market in which our vendors and sponsors had an opportunity to meet with the public, talk about their products, take orders and sell their wares. We think this the most effective way to market our home-based businesses – and the workshop participants benefited too with discounts and samples, and exposure to new businesses that they were interested in. We had everything from tea and treats to skin care (from Avon, Arbonne and Mary Kay), and unique clothing for sale (paperbag clothing) to mini-massages (Performance Spinal Health & Fitness)! It was a win win for everyone involved, and we’re going to repeat this format next time – with even more products and vendors. As well, based on the helpful feedback from the participants, we’re going to do our best to have wine and more clothing and accessories for sale. You ask, and I’ll deliver – so keep the comments coming!
The Door Prizes and Tote Bags were amazing. We LOVE free stuff!
Everyone was blown away by the tote bags and door prizes. Thanks again to the sponsors for their generosity! Special thanks to MPCA Playgroup, Home Harmony Tea and Fraiche Desserts for the food and beverages – they were such a nice treat! Also, the fashion show wouldn’t have been nearly as spectacular without the stellar styling and makeup skills of Rachelle and Shawna from Ymay Hair Studio. Thanks to Calgary Sound Rentals for the sound and lighting support for the event, I look forward to working with you again for our upcoming events! Finally, I’d like to give a special shout out to Kari for offering up her Stella & Dot jewelery to help our models really sparkle on the runway.
Thanks to Kathie (Fraiche Desserts) for all of the yummy treats!
After we mixed, mingled and otherwise enjoyed ourselves, we moved on to the Fashion Show! I designed the White Shirt Workshop with two purposes in mind. First, I felt it would be valuable to show how important basics are to build a versatile and easy wardrobe. With only a few pieces, it is possible to create a good deal of variety, as well as be cost effective and simplify your daily dressing routine. I wanted to show that the most important thing with a basic is that it is a good fit for your body, and your lifestyle. If you build yourself a great collection of basics, all you need to do each season is pick up a few fun and current pieces to liven up your staples and you’ll be able to carry your wardrobe through the year with minimal fuss.
Marci Birnie brought some amazing skin care products from Arbonne
The white shirt spoke to me as a great star for the show for three reasons. First, the colour is a blank slate, and unlike other neutrals transfers easily from season to season. You can wear white in the dead of winter and height of summer and not look out of place or be uncomfortable. Second, it is just as appropriate for a professional setting as it is for a casual outing. You can wear the same shirt under a blazer to work, as you can over a pair of faded jeans for a weekend lunch. Third, I like white because it can carry a lot of detail. You can have rosettes, pleating, and tucking and still make it work as a basic. I love structure because is a great way to hide some imperfections in the physique, and also give a lot of personality to an outfit. If you have all of that structural detailing on a patterned or brightly coloured blouse it becomes a very special piece and it won’t have as much wear-ability as a white shirt will.
The secondary focus of the workshop was to demonstrate how important it is to me as a stylist to take into account a client’s existing wardrobe, lifestyle and budget while building a wardrobe for them. When they open their closet in the morning, I want my clients to feel like they are looking at their clothes, and that they will be comfortable and appropriate in what they put on for what they have planned for the day. To help me illustrate that, I asked four friends (who are not models in their day jobs, but definitely could be!) to show off some clothes. I found them all their perfect white shirt and I styled it into three outfits for all the occasions in their lives. They are real people, with real bodies, lifestyles and budgets and I took all of those things into account while I styled them. Furthermore, I found everything at the mall at very reasonable price points and in a wide variety of sizes. If you’re interested in the details for any of the clothing just email me and I’ll happily send you a list!
Shawna does Kyla's makeup before the show at Ymay Hair Studio
Model: Kyla
Kyla has to juggle being a mommy and starting her new business (something I know a little bit about!). Her new company, ÉGAL Natural, is in the beauty industry so she needs to reflect that with a polished, pretty and creative wardrobe. She lives an urban lifestyle, living in city center with her partner and son, and loves to get out and enjoy trendy restaurants and entertainment – so I had to find her clothing that would get her all the places she needs to be in style!
Details make this blouse special
Her white shirt is a soft off-white blouse from Urban Outfitters. I loved the ruffles across the bust, the pretty buttons down the back and the banding on the bottom that make it work both tucked and untucked. The ruffles help balance out a hip, but beware of giving too much volume to a chest that is already larger with this kind of detail.
Outfit 1 for Kyla: modern and figure flattering
Outfit 1: from a business meeting to a picnic in the park and everything in between! Belt the jacket to balance out the fuller a-line skirt, and look for this kind of silhouette if you want to balance a hip as well.
Outfit 2 for Kyla: a bold floral
Outfit 2: Casual day at the Market, or a friend’s for a BBQ. Careful if you’re wearing a jean this flared that it doesn’t cling at the knee – this will create a mermaid silhouette that could accent your rear end more than you’d prefer…
Outfit 3 for Kyla: soft and tough
Outfit 3: Church, garden party, brunch. This is a great way to wear a strapless dress without having to wear a strapless bra! Just a little bit of tucking and fluffing makes it look like they are all one piece.
This tailored denim blazer adds a touch of attitude
Shawna does Jocelyn's makeup before the show!
Model: Jocelyn
My beautiful sister! She’s been away for the last four months working and researching in South America and she’s back into full time studies and teaching at the University. She leads an active outdoorsy lifestyle and much of her current wardrobe reflects that. I wanted to find pieces that would work well with what she had, and also give her some polish and urban flare. She needs clothes for going out and to give her an edge at upcoming presentations and job interviews.
Her white shirt is an easy cotton tank from Banana Republic. The burn-out texture of the jersey and the ruffles give it some sophistication and also conceals any imperfections in her figure . Also, you can see in outfit 3 that the ruffles zig-zag across the body which makes it more flattering than if they were straight horizontal lines.
Outfit 1 for Jocelyn: casual and polished
Outfit 1: Weekend BBQ’s, coffee dates, shopping. The pop of colour and the texture of the flat along with the beautiful cascading front of the striped cardigan make this outfit super grown-up and beautiful. But, it really isn’t that much of a departure from a hoodie and jeans making it comfortable and chic!
Outfit 2 for Jocelyn: professional chic
Outfit 2: Academic presentations and upcoming job interviews. Though the colour palate may be monochromatic, each piece has such great detailing that the whole effect is understated, elegant and professional. Look for special details like texture, interesting seaming, structural elements and sheen to pull this look off.
Outfit 3 for Joceyln: simple and sparkly
Outfit 3: Trendy evening outfit for dinner and drinks out. This shows that jeans and a tank can be a polished look for evening if you add a dose of texture, colour and shine. This shrug can be worn in two ways, as a sweater or draped over the elbows for a fancier evening cover up.
Outfit 3 for Jocelyn: the shrug doubles as an evening wrap
Backstage before her modeling debut!
Model: Caitlin
Caitlin is my trusty copy writer and book club buddy, and she’s venturing out on her own as a freelance writer! I wanted to give her some options that would create a powerful, competent and professional look. I also wanted to give her some pretty things that would work well for hot dates with her fiancé…
Her white shirt is a plain tailored oxford button down from The Gap. There’s a reason this shirt hasn’t changed much over the years, it flatters the figure and the clean lines and classic cut make it a great choice for a professional outfit.
Outfit 1 for Caitlin: powerful and sexy for evening
Outfit 1: Evening business networking events, cocktails or dinner. This tuxedo jacket says all the right things: I’m on trend, I’m confident and I’m powerful! Check out where the shirt hits on her hip, this creates the right proportion on top of a skinny jean – long enough and cut closer to the body is the way to go.
Outfit 2 for Caitlin: a suit that isn't a suit!
Outfit 2: Business casual look. The details of this blazer make it current, creative and cute! The folded ¾ length sleeve and rounded bottom make it appear “shrunken” which makes it an updated classic. Paired with these jeans, it comes across as a suit, despite being separates, that will give her a lot of mileage in her wardrobe.
Outfit 3 for Caitlin: purple and yellow are opposites - see how they make the outfit pop?
Outfit 3: For weekend walks in the park whilst whispering sweet nothings into her lover’s ear…This sweater works as outer wear despite not having a closure because we belted a heavy scarf in between. It also defines the waist and shows off her hourglass figure.
Melissa with Rachelle, the owner of Ymay Hair Studio
Model: Melissa
While she works in a fairly casual retail environment, Melissa needs to fit in with her downtown location. I also needed to consider that most of her current wardrobe is very casual, so I needed to incorporate a few special pieces to liven it up and give her some polish.
Her white shirt is an easy crinkled tie-back peasant blouse from Old Navy. The tie works well for Melissa because it highlights her small waist, and the longer length makes it work with leggings (a favorite for her!) as well as with jeans.
Outfit 1 for Melissa: comfy downtown look
Outfit 1: Business Casual. This sweater is a great low-cost alternative to a jacket. A great strategy to balance out a larger chest is to add volume above at the shoulder, and bring the eye down with a longer length. Belting at the smallest part of her ensures that her tiny waist doesn’t get lost.
Outfit 2 for Melissa: soft colours, big impact!
Outfit 2: Fabulous evening out on the town! These suede rose coloured booties are a great neutral for Melissa in the rest of her wardrobe. Because they are so similar to her skin tone they elongate the leg while a black heel could shorten the appearance of her legs – and longer is always leaner! This tunic is actually a little too long on her, though! To create her ideal silhouette we would make sure the hem hit just above the widest part of the hip, not on it, which both minimizes the hip and elongates the leg.
Outfit 3 for Melissa: young, hip and casual
Outfit 3: Casual daytime look for the weekend. This outfit gives the impression that she is having a laid back kind of day, and a lot of that is because all of the colours are right beside each other on the colour wheel. More contrast would create a more polished look, but this is great for just hanging out – and it suits her personality perfectly.
Thank you to my models (from left to right), Melissa, Jocelyn, Kyla and Caitlin (not in picture)
Thank you to my models for their time, energy and bravery! They all really rocked the runway and the clothing, all while supporting me throughout my first event. Finally, many thanks to Anna Chan for the photography during the trade show and fashion show. Anna also sells products for home, beauty and life from Capture Simplicity.