Call of the Wild

Discover the inner animal in you.

The kings of the jungle are making their way back and it’s the perfect combination of emphasis and style--it is a sheer image of the wild.

Stampede!

The hunt begins with exotic print booties to match with the nature of this fall seasons exquisite array of colourful street style statements. Perhaps it has to do with falls pumpkin oranges, cherry reds, rich browns, and greens offered by mother natures' fall beauty that brings inspiration to the run-way or, perhaps it comes from a designers idea to take polka dots and plaids--which are too tame for you-- to something a little more wild. Not to be outdone, Erdem and Miu Miu flocked together with bird prints peppered throughout their collections. In the city too, cool cats prowl in exotic leopard booties and sly gals even snake skin thigh-high killer boots for added texture & taste. Michael Kors is one of many top designers who kicked-off this season with adorable leopard loafers- perfect for everyday wear.

For a warm welcoming return, you may also want to great winter with pair of cozy womens’ Gucci leather and fur-trimmed booties for every winters event. Bundle up!

Exotic Skins

Snake skin Anya Hindmarch, crocodile Rachel Zoe tote, zebra patterned Diane Von Furstenberg evening clutch -- this is the pattern seen to come. If it feels like your fall wardrobe looks the same as previous seasons, the wildlife may bring your apparel back to life. Make it work by simply pairing with this seasons luscious colours but just remember, too much print or pattern can be very displeasing for the eyes. So, keep the bag simple or, stick to solid colour knit sweaters, pants, or shirts.

Animal prints are hot and exotic! Get the latest glam feel with a dash of animal print. Flying off the shelves are Michael Kors cashmere leopard print scarf offered in red, grey and, camel sold at Holt Renfrew. This playful scarf has an incredible drape which can be worn in several stylish ways, adding even more heat to the flame. Whichever mammal is about to catch your attention, keep in mind that this trend has claws, tails and fangs.

Wolf Pack

Stay warm yet manage to maintain your cool in, leather and fur coats perfect for the fall/winter weather. Key pieces for this fall/winter: Aviator, fur-trimmed draped sweaters, strict-classic cut coats, parkas-either cropped or maxi length. Leather coats, often paired with short- or long-haired fur (Mongolian lamb or fox), making the cool coat of the season ’70s inspired. If fur is your foe and faux your friend, you can still enjoy this fab frenzy in diverse styles from posh and pretty to blown-out beastly. Looking for a bang for a buck? Fitting every students budget and bod, this fall 2011 season, our favourite friend Joe Fresh has designed a faux suede and faux shearling aviator jacket for every occasion!

Trust your instinct for beautiful fur trim is everywhere again! Keep cozy and beautiful with a soft, luxurious feeling of fox fur and angora trim. Marc by Marc Jacobs has you in mine boys. With the new design of gorgeous Peter Parka with fur hood, you’ll catch any pray insight. Next to your friend Canada Goose, Mackage luxury designer outwear offers extreme light-weight, warmth and, style. Catch a tiger by its toe or grab a coat and add some faux! For a home crafted version, update your favourite fall/winter coat by simply sewing a desired length of fur around the trim of a collar or hood.

Scintillating Scarves

Adding a scarf to your outfit is the perfect way to finish the look. Scarves are an easy-to-wear, quick throw-on accessory, which is ideal for this season. They offer endless possibilities to enhance the look of your outfit. You’re outfit can be as simple as a plain tee matched up with blue denim, however by simply adding that stunning scarf you have completely brighten up your look.

Living in Canada, you can never have enough scarves in your closet. Not only do these super soft and playful scarves keep us warm during those winter days, but throwing on a scarf can also add splash of colour to an outfit. Winter is a great excuse to accessorize. During those chilly winter days, where everyone seems to wear just dark colours, why not throw on a colourful scarf to brighten up your outfit (and you’re day)? It is the perfect way to look good and stay warm. These stunning scarves add flair to that specific style or give it a soft yet playful look that will make you feel like a million bucks.

We’re seeing scarves everywhere this season. Light silk scarves, wool knit scarves, linen scarves, you name it! With scarves, the possibilities are endless. This ideal winter accessory can be worn multiple ways - they are versatile in every way! These scarf tying techniques will help you achieve that look that will not only brighten up your outfit, but also keep you warm this season.

Loopin’ Around

For that layered, thrown-on look, loop your scarf around your neck once or twice, depending on the length of your scarf. Pull it down and scrunch it up to it give some volume and texture. This look is perfect with a short leather jacket or a big chunky sweater. For those cold winter days, I suggest wearing a wool knit scarf for extra warmth.

Pretty Parisian

It’s simple to get that classic Parisian look. First, fold it in half lengthwise and follow this by simply wrapping it around your neck. The loop should be on one side and the fringe on the other. Finally, pull the fringe side through the loop. You may make it as loose or as tight as you want, whatever is most comfortable to you!

Wrap it Up

You can wear your scarf as a wrap to give it that elegant look. First, wrap the scarf around your shoulders. Then simply cross the left side over your right shoulder and your right side over your left shoulder. It’s as simple as that!

Toasty Turtleneck

On those extreme harsh winter days, the best way to wear your scarf is as a turtle neck. The first step is to put the scarf on the back of your neck. Wrap it around as many times as possible until creating that turtle-neck look. You may tuck in the ends inside, or you may leave them out. A bright solid scarf looks great wrapped this way with a simply black coat - It’s a classic winter look!

Nifty Necktie

Necktie scarves add a touch of glamour and it is perfect for any occasion – it can be can a casual or a formal look. In order to get this clean elegant look, I suggest using a squared silk scarf. To start, fold the scarf into a triangle. Wrap the scarf around your neck, from the front to the back. Bring the two ends around and tie them into a lose knot at the front. This look is perfect for the office, for a formal event in the evening, or even just a casual day. A simple silk necktie scarf adds a touch of elegance to your outfit and overall look.

SERVICE JOURNALISM FALL 2011

DRY, DAMAGED, DILEMMA.

Winters here and for most of us, it takes a toll on our precious mane of hair. Here are a few tips to tame your tousles, and make them look great over the holidays.

FROSTBITE
It’s time to zipper up those parkas, and slip on those mittens! Winter has arrived and is back colder than ever. With decreasing temperatures, the harsh winter cold is hairs number one enemy. From dry brittle ends to full on frizz - We went to the experts on what we can do to keep our hair smooth and frizz free.

HAIR-APY
Expert stylists say to avoid winter hair problems there is one basic step you can do and that’s moisturizing conditioner. Many of our hair problems stem from it being too dry and brittle, so with a little extra conditioner in the mix it will help kickstart your way to smoother, healthier hair. What kind should you use? For women with thicker, coarse hair go for a deep conditioner thats thick. “Leave it on for a half hour twice a week. Since thick hair seems to hold oil at the roots, it can make your hair seem extra dry. Be careful not to condition too close to the scalp.”, Chavez, who created Perfect Plus hair care products says. For hair thats very fine and thin, its not recommended that you use a deep conditioner for it will make your hair seem oily, and have a wet-like appearance. Instead, use basic conditioner after you shampoo your hair in the shower. Follow it with a light conditioning leave in spray to keep it moisturized throughout the day; Keyword: light. With fine hair you have to be careful with product, it can drown your roots making your hair look like you haven’t showered in days! Ew!

FIGHTING THE FRIZZ
No matter what your hair type is, mostly everyone on this planet gets frizzy hair at some point, and oh how we love to have to put up with it more during the holidays. To decrease your frizz full hair follow these three simple steps and be free of worry.
1. Try to towel dry your hair as best as possible before blowdrying
2. Use a heat protector before styling
3. Don’t wash your hair daily. It will get rid of the natural oils causing your hair to become dry, and yes frizzy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
With all these tips under your belt, its now time to style that hair of yours and get yourself seen! A few things to reconsider when styling your hair is your products. Do you use the same product during the summer months as you do for winter? So on and so forth? If so, its time to hit the mall. A few simple switches will give you the boost your hair needs to tackle that winter weather. For one, switching from your styling gel, to a styling cream will add more moisture and elasticity to your hair and decrease the chances of your hair breaking. Opting out of sprays and perfumes with a high alcohol content (alcohol dries the hair) will help your hair stay moisturized instead of your tresses getting dry and brittle. The one most important thing you can do when styling your hair is to cut back on the blow dryer! (Surprised?) It also goes for year round - cutting back on your blow dryer is the smartest thing you can do. Less heat, less mess! So wet, wash and style with these tips and you’ll have the happiest of all holidays!

Create a chic style without the sophisticated price.

Everyone wants to be that eye candy, or best dressed in a room, however not everyone has a budget that will allow that. Today, there are many brand names and designers, but with all the fast fashion stores that we have readily available to us, it is easy to create a mock couture outfit without paying the price of couture.

Here are five easy steps to look great while still staying on a budget.

Step one, keep your mind set on your budget and only shop at places that have the most up-to-date fashion at the most affordable prices. Retailers that fall into this category are H&M, Zara, and the brand new to Canada TOPMAN TOPSHOP. Shopping at these fast fashion retailers will keep you up-to-date with your fashion sense while staying within your budget.

Step two, follow up with fashion magazines, and make sure you know the current trends and what kind of style you want to sport “Whether it be a trendy hipster from Queen Street or a designer diva from Bloor Street”.

Step three, if you want to be an authentic and an original shopper I suggest doing a little “vintage” shopping. Head to places such as Value Village, Haute Classics and Fashionably Yours to find deals and pieces at more affordable prices.

The fourth step, knowing your fabrics and materials is a huge help in looking chic while keeping your budget in mind. Instead of purchasing real suede you can settle for micro suede which is a cheaper alternative to the suede look. Respectively, instead of spending upwards of $500.00 on a genuine leather jacket, H&M and TOPMAN TOPSHOP provide similar alternatives for a cost that will not break the bank.

Step five to staying in fashion without costing you a fortune; remember to have your own fashion sense. It is important to stay on trend with styles and fashions because they are constantly changing, but always remember to have your own creative mind. Creating a eye-catching piece does not always mean imitating what is put together in a magazine; it comes from creating an image in your mind and bringing it to your everyday life.

After following those five steps of shopping on a budget, you should find yourself looking fashion savvy and having a little more money than you expect left in the bank.

Overwhelming styles and an abundance of in-store merchandise and prices can be overwhelming for most people. Fortunately, fast fashion stores have opened their doors world wide to help people shop with ease. Although the amount of merchandise and styles these fast fashion stores offer can be excessive, it is all made to your advantage. The main fast fashion retailers, such as H&M, Zara, and TOPMAN TOPSHOP, carry many styles for the current fashion buyer, along with the basics for the not-so-fashion savvy customer. These stores gear their merchandise and styles to people aged between 18 and 28. They also have basic collections for the more mature, and “black” and “grey” labels for the more high-end fashion customer who is willing to spend more than the average consumer. Keep in mind that being trendy does not have to cost you your inheritance.

With the five steps given above you should be off to a great new start for the Fall/Winter 2012 season and even have some money left in that Prada wallet of yours. Happy Shopping!

Eye-conic Lashes

How to have the sultry, va-va-volume, eye-popping lashes of the classic style icons before us.
All the glitz and ultra glam eyelashes without the hassle of falsies.

When you walk into your local drugstore or makeup specialty stores- women are always drawn to something that will make their eyes dazzle, and what’s more alluring than sensational lashes. This is why many have wondered “which mascara is best for my buck?” But not just any mascara, one that will fulfill the categories of LENGTHENING, VOLUME, DEFINITION, and CURLING.

So, here’s the top 6 mascaras; for the frivols spenders and the money saving gals.

1) Dior’s “Diorshow” Mascara (around $25)
2) Lancôme’s “Hypnose” Mascara (around $23)
3) Maybelline’s “Lash Stiletto” Mascara (around $10)
4) Maybelline’s “Volum’ Express the Colossal” Mascara (around $10)
5) Covergirl’s “Lashblast Fusion” Mascara (around $9)
6) Revlon “Grow Luscious” Mascara (around $9)

Diorshow
The first time I ever tried this mascara was without so much as an eyelash curler, and yet this tube of wonder worked its magic on my short, straight lashes. Although the cost will definitely put a dent in your wallet- it’s well worth its weight in gold! Lots of volume, lengthy AND curled up lashes. Including no smudging, next to no clumps and definitely DRAMATIC! The only downside, takes a bit to dry and you can’t get the bottom lashes. All in all, the ultimate Marilyn Monroe lashes, sans the falsies.

Hypnose
This mascara delivers greatly in the LENGTHENING department, also contributes to the curling- however it is always recommend to use an eyelash curler before applying any mascara to help enhance the shape to your lashes. Yet another mascara that is costly, but this will definitely keep you coming back for more. Has a glistening appearance; however it clumps- so just one or two coats will be more than enough.

Lash Stiletto
Given the name STILETTO for a reason; lengthens, defines and separates the lashes; making it easy to achieve the infamous bottom lashes of Twiggy. Lash Stiletto leaves a silk-like look to the lashes and doesn’t clump. Only costing around $10, the only complaint on this one is it’s difficult to remove.


Volum’ Express the Colossal
Delivers dramatic result in as little as ONE application; the Colossal mascara gives a great thick “false lash” effect. Alongside with elongated the eyelashes, with minimal clumps, and keeps the curl of lashes all day. Overall really seems to give your eye that extra POP! For around $10 a tube, it is a wonder it doesn’t cost more.

Lashblast Fusion
Covergirl has made an entire line of the Lashblast mascaras, all of them having one thing in common BEAUTIFUL THICK LASHES but from all of them, Lashblast Fusion stood out the most with its extra “oomph” of lengthening. It defines every single eyelash and makes them look as if you’ve always had Audrey Hepburn-esque lashes. Quite inexpensive at $9, usually needs 2 coats to achieve its full claims.

Grow Luscious
This Revlon mascara is said to actually increase the growth of your lashes in 2 weeks, and from what I can tell- it does, but it is something you will have to keep up with. Gives loads of volume with no clumps, however does not curl the lashes. Definitely gives you more of a natural full eyelash look. The brush is a little thick which makes it slightly hard to manoeuvre on the bottom lashes.

Now that you have the perfect tools to pick from, go forth, make those eyes sparkle and create the “eye-conic” lash look!

Service Journalism Fall2011

Nailed It!

Prep and polish your way to pretty nails without the salon price tag.

Prep

To start off your at-home manicure, remove any old nail polish with a cotton ball and an acetone free nail polish remover. Using a nail polish remover with acetone too often will weaken and damage your nails.

Once you have removed your old polish, trim your nails until only a small amount of the white tip is visible. File the nail into a smooth, rounded shape by dragging the file across the nail rather than pushing. Using too much force with the file can cause the nail to weaken or break.

Next, it is necessary to buff your nails. Buffing the surface of the nail will even out any ridges, leaving a smooth surface for the polish. At this time, you will want to wash your hands to remove any dust from filing and buffing.

Once your hands are dry, apply a cuticle cream to the edge of the nail bed. Use an orange stick (cuticle pusher) to push the cuticle back gently. Remove excess cream with a tissue in the same direction that you pushed.

Finally, massage a lotion into your hands and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Pretty

Once you have prepped your nails you need to choose a polish colour, which can be a very tough decision! Here are a few suggestions from timeless tints to current colours.

Shades of pink and red have always been go-to colours for daily wear, however, coral can also be added to that colour pallet. How about trying a translucent flirty pink such as Cabi-o-lait, by Essie or a creamy coral-red hue, Escapades, also by Essie.

Two of the most current trends are neutrals and shatter topcoats. At first sight by OPI is a neutral taupe shade that matches every outfit perfectly. Take your polish from day to night by adding a black shatter topcoat.

Try using Essie all in one base coat, which is a base coat and topcoat in one for normal nails.

Polish

Before applying coloured polish, be sure to cover your nails with a basecoat or hardener. This will serve as a primer for the polish, which will keep the colour pigment from staining the nail as well as helping it last longer.

Once the primer has dried, shake the polish well before you begin to apply it. As you remove the brush from the bottle, swirl it around the top inside rim to remove any excess polish.

Now you can slowly begin to paint each nail. Place the brush in the centre of the nail, angle the brush forward and push down gently to create a fan like effect with the brush. Drag the brush down the centre of the nail. Repeat this step twice, once on each side of the initial middle swipe.

Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the polish to dry before applying the second coat. Applying the second coat without allowing the first coat to set will result in smudging the first coat.

If you happen to get a bit of polish on your finger, there are two ways of removing it. If the polish is still wet, use a flat toothpick to wipe it away. If it is dry, dip a Q-tip in nail polish remover and gently rub the polish off your finger – be careful not to touch the freshly painted nail!

Finish off your polish by adding a clear topcoat. A topcoat will give your nails a smooth and scratch free finish while adding a touch of glossy shine.

Perfect!

Service piece for Oh, George! 2011/2012 issue

Decking the Halls

With every holiday season comes the same, typical holiday party, with typical decorations, typical food and the typical tacky sweaters that were knitted by a close relative.

Just as typically, the host, the person who should be in the spot light, shining like a bright star, is usually the one in the background making it all happen, occupied in the kitchen making the best turkey two hands can make.

Well, this year, bring the old traditional style of a holiday party and blend it with these modern and fresh ideas, all while twinkling like a star and taking centre stage.

Every holiday party is incomplete without a giant turkey sitting in the centre of the table. It is the main feature that all the guests look forward to, but also the most time consuming part of the whole cooking process.

What to do? Mix the old with the new! An 18-20 pound turkey takes approximately four and a half hours to cook in the oven. This is far too long for this year; you need to focus on you!

Instead, satisfy your guest’s taste buds with the bold move of deep frying your turkey. Deep frying your turkey promises a delicious crispy outer skin, while keeping the meat on the inside as juicy as can be. Using this technique, it only takes about 45 minutes to cook an 18-20 pound turkey.

Since you just saved yourself three and a quarter hours, it is time to worry about decorations and décor! Normally you will see garlands, mistletoe and an array of poinsettias.

This year, mix these ordinary traditional decorations with something new and fresh. Instead of spending lots of money on expensive poinsettia arrangements, opt for bowls filled with fresh lemons and limes with decorative holiday carvings (you can create this yourself with a butter knife or potato peeler by carefully scraping a design into the skin of the citrus fruit).

Instead of the usual mistletoe, try hanging an arrangement of handmade glittering pinecones. All you need is pinecones, some glue and sparkles. Tie them all together with a festive ribbon and you have a new twist on the typical hanging bunch of mistletoe.

Finally, freshen up your old garlands and wreaths by adding a string of cranberries and some birch bark. You can easily string the cranberries yourself with some nylon string and a needle. With the bark, just take small pieces and using the same nylon string, gently tie them to your garlands.

With that, you have put a new, festive twist on the old classics of holiday party décor, all while saving time and money.

Now it is time to focus on you- the real star of this party.

Instead of the usual, woolly sweater you normally wear, awe everyone with a festive, beautiful and elegant outfit, with accessories to match.

Put a new spin on an old idea- instead of a big, warm, woolly sweater; wear a mid-length knitted long sleeve dress, with a wide belt with some festive sparkly rhinestones to synch at the waist. Match it with a pair of black pumps and pitch black tights to really make a lasting impact. Wear your hair in a tight bun, or wear it down in heavy waves with a dark, smouldering smoky eye.

Or if you really want to make a statement, wrap yourself in a vibrant red dress. It still holds the traditional holiday colour but adds a touch of sex appeal. Pair this with your favourite pair of shoes, black tights, subtle make-up and hair, and a barrage of shiny accessories to really deck the halls.

With all these helpful hints, your party, and you, are guaranteed to be the talk of the town for many holiday seasons to come.

Oh, George! Fall 2011 - Personality and theme

THEME: The Contrast Issue (including the idea of "reinvention")

Inspirational/modern/moodboards
Textile patterns
Adventurous
Smart and savvy
Street style x 3
Modern/edgy x 2
Edgy/underground/unkown x 3
Chic
Freespirited
Fresh/new/up and coming (canadian/toronto) designers
Informative/detailed X 2
Fierce
Technology
Funky/eye-catching
Reinvention
High-end/low-end

#LGFW More photo coverage...

Here are some more photos taken by Michael Middy at LG Fashion Week

Joe Fresh:


Attitude (sears) by Jay Manuel:

(CNTM Season 3 Winner Meghan)