Stylish Sneakers

Firstly, I would like to take just a moment to say after a brief hiatus, the Gypsy Prince of Fashion is back! I felt myself getting caught up with work and forgetting that there is life outside the tea shop. So after two months, I have decided to reiterate my creative juices and get back into the swing of blogging.

While there is a plethora of new fashion news to discuss, what really prompted me to write was just the other day, when I was catching up with my darling friend Melina Morry ( aka the Lady-Like Leopard) discussing how difficult it is to find stylish yet sensible sneakers at a fair price. Finding the perfect pair of running shoes, just like finding the perfect pair of jeans, is one of those long and painfully enduring processes but once you find the perfect pair, there is no greater feeling.

Growing up, my feet were forcibly put into the cheap and very unfashionable running shoes of Wal-Mart and Payless that were friendly for my family’s low budget. That’s probably what made me dislike sneakers so much because once I became old enough to take my fashion sense seriously I never wore a pair of running shoes again. Most recently, fun and not always sensible footwear has been my go to, from vintage cowboy boots to Japanese harajuku girl platform creepers.

In the world where platform stilettos or other dress shoes were the only option for stylish fashionistas, it wasn’t until last year that sneakers made a comeback in fashion. Suddenly it was cool for women to pair sneakers with leggings and a sweater, and for men to wear bright colored sneakers with their outfits. As the trend got hotter, more and more companies started designing new runners to appeal to fashionistas. Bold colors, unconventional materials, and platforms are just some of the characteristics that were brought to the table when creating new styles for runners.

There have been quite a few stylish sneakers that came from designer collaborations in the past, like Alexander McQueen for Puma as well as Jeremy Scott for Adidas. McQueen’s designs played with silhouettes and shapes while Scott’s runners featured everything from gilded wings to fluffy pink plush poodle heads. Since then, more and more designer labels have adapted the sneaker into their collections and have even paired up with some of the more well known running shoe brands.

Check out these killer Raf Simons x Adidas ss15 shoes that caught my eyes. I’m a total sucker for anything with a platform (seeing as I stand less than 5’5 I love anything that will elevate me to new heights) but I am loving the psychedelic color-blocking and the futuristic aesthetic of the shoes. I’d die for the pink ones!

 

What are your favorite brands for running shoes? Comment and tell me what you think!

Stay fab,

Dakota

Baby North West Stole the Show at Balenciaga in Paris

Paris Fashion Week has sprung! There is no break for fashion lovers during this time of year. From London, to Milan, and straight to Paris, designers all around the globe are showcasing what they have in store for spring and summer 2015 during fashion weeks. Earlier today, Kim Kardashian-West, her husband Kanye West and their baby girl, North West attended the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2015 presentation.

The Wests front row at Balenciaga

The collection itself was a futuristic monochrome dream with sheer overlays, sharp cuts, and lots of play with lines. It was classic Balenciaga with a cool twist from the creative director Alexander Wang. I love Wang’s aesthetic for Balenciaga. The label has always been avant garde ever since the days of Cristobal Balenciaga himself, but Mr.Wang does an amazing job at channeling the classic Balenciaga look while keeping it mod.

I am writing this post in slight jealousy. I was 18 when I watched my first fashion show and it was a twist of fate that I got to sit in the front row. It was earlier this summer at Toronto Mens Fashion Week while I was helping out my dear friend Sultan with his pop up boutique for his label Just Sultan. He let me take a break and go see the show that was about to be presented. It was Paulo Succar’s new collection, filled with beautiful custom prints featuring insects and honeycombs. I was shy and seated myself near the back but just before the show started, a TOMFW volunteer asked me if I would like to go take the open seat in the front row. I graciously accepted and strutted my way to the front row and sat next to a fabulous woman with a huge afro and shiny black Louboutins.

My view from the front row at Paulo Succar during TOMFW

Sitting front row at a fashion show makes you feel like fashion royalty. I was lucky enough to be offered my front row seat at the last minute, meanwhile baby North is only 1 years old and she is already seated front row with mommy at Paris Fashion Week. Only the child of Kim and Kanye would ever get this opportunity, but hey, good for her. She got to see what Alexander Wang had in store for Balenciaga and even got to meet the fabulous designer backstage after the show. Baby’s first steps, baby’s first words, baby’s first fashion show!

What do you think of the Balenciaga collection? Do you think the West family should be considered fashion royalty? Tell me what you think!

Stay fabulous,

Dakota

Staple Pieces for men and Women Part 2

Last week, I wrote about the iconic Doc Marten’s boots and how I believe everybody should have a pair of their own. This week, with the chilly fall weather getting closer and closer, I have decided to write about the second staple piece that I believe everybody should have. A fabulous, signature wool peacoat.

Without a doubt, the wool peacoat is one of the oldest pieces in the book of fashion. A classic style, the wool peacoat was used by soldiers in World War I and II to stay warm. Even in films like Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge, the French people were seen sporting floor-length peacoats. It is one of those classic styles that shall never leave fashion.

There are countless variations of the peacoat, all playing with cut, color, shape, and so much more. Whether yours is vintage or new, the peacoat adds a sense of British elegance and maturity no matter who the wearer is. While the classic double-breasted wool peacoat with black anchor buttons is beautiful, there are so many different styles of the peacoat to choose from and if you are willing to look, you can find one that you can make your own.

I believe it is important to have a signature style in the world of fashion. Here’s me (and a goat) in my signature wool peacoat from Zara. It has an exaggerated hood to contrast the straight silhouette and it ends mid thigh on me. I feel like a high fashion witch when I wear my coat. Loves it!

Do you have your signature coat ready for the fall season?

Stay fabulous

Dakota

An Eventful day with a cute Outfit

So today was a big day for me. I did my first shift at David’s Tea and I was warmly welcomed into the wonderful world of tea. It’s a pretty big world and I still have lots to learn but I think my first day went well! Already I ran into a “character” as they call the customers who stand out in some way or another. As I was making a tea for a lady, she stood on the opposite side of the bar and she said to me,”I know this is random and maybe weird, but can I ask you a question?”

“Of course!” I replied, ready to tell her about the new fall teas or how to make loose-leaf tea at home, but instead she asked me

“Do you have any advice for someone who just got dumped and cheated on?”

For a moment I drew a blank because I was definitely not expecting a question like that. I kindly gave her my advice as someone who has been through that many times but someone who also happens to be on their first day of work. I told her that she needs to remind herself that she is better and deserves more than what she received from the relationship, and that she is now free and is able to move onto bigger and better things. I encouraged her to put on her best outfit and go for a night out with her friends. I’m pretty sure that I was rambling because I couldn’t remember what I told myself when I was in her position. Either way, we talked for a bit and given her current circumstances, I gave her a free tea. She thanked me for the tea and thanked me for my kind words. It was cool and it reminded me that we’re all human and unfortunately, we all have to get our heart broken by cheating assholes at some point or another.

I learned a lot today (perhaps a little too much) but it wasn’t as stressful as I was worried about. David’s Tea is a really cool place to work and so far, I love my coworkers! We listened to 90’s music, which included SEVERAL songs by the Spice Girls and I happily sang the lyrics to ‘Stop!’ while I brewed tea. Today went pretty well, I’d say, and here is what I decided to wear. I was very close to being late for my shift as I changed my outfit about 6 times, but can you blame me?! I was faced with the very scary task of choosing the right outfit for a first day at work. Ultimately, my ensemble consisted of a black and white geometrically patterned button down top, purple chinos, a brown leather belt, my favorite knit sweater and white converse. I even had to break out my Zara wool coat because it was freezing today in Toronto!

Top- Bluenotes (a total impulse buy from a store that I never go to, but I love the shirt nonetheless)

Chinos- Topman

Sweater- Macy’s

Belt- Forever 21

I guess I might post more about my job as I get more experience! I work all weekend, so my blog posts may be delayed a bit. Sorry followers! But don’t worry, I have lots in store for my blog.

Stay tuned AND stay fabulous,

Dakota

In Love With: Cara Delevingne’s Velvet Pucci Blazer

The it-model of the moment, Cara Delevingne attended the Vogue & J Crew Dinner yesterday as a part of the wrap up of London Fashion Week. She wore a beautiful Emilio Pucci velvet jacket from the fall 2014 collection along with a dainty gold necklace, black strappy heels and her own black leather Mulberry Cara Delevingne bag.

Anybody who knows me knows that I am obsessed with velvet, and I am honestly head over heels for this double-breasted tuxedo jacket. I love when women rock menswear inspired garments, and Cara definitely killed it with her blue velvet look. The fabric and garment itself has a nostalgic feel, while her messy up-do and leather accessories make it modern. It has the perfect balance between sexy and lady-like. It’s quite a risky look, and it easily could have gone wrong but on her I adore it.

So today’s lesson? I need that jacket. Do you love Cara’s look as much as I do?

Stay fabulous

Dakota

Staple Pieces for men and Women Part 1

First off, I would just like to apologize for my lack of posts in the last week! I have been busy job hunting and hanging out with friends, and basically running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But that’s not important, let’s get into what’s really important. Fashion. 

Every fashionista has their own list of ‘staple pieces’ aka clothing items that they believe everyone with true style should own. Staple pieces are timeless items that will never go out of fashion and will always look good. Staple pieces can be anything from a blazer, to a statement necklace. I thought I would write a few posts on my blog about my own staple pieces. Here is the first, I have more to come!

The first staple piece  is easily one of the most versatile, enduring, and timeless items that anybody can own. I am talking about none other, than the leather boots known as Doc Martens. They have been around since World War II where they were indeed created by Dr. Klaus Martens for soldiers fighting in the war. The soldiers needed a boot that was sturdy, comfortable, and enduring that also was able to trudge through different war conditions (water, oil, acid, etc). Apparently, the boots were hard for Dr.Martens to sell back in those days, but in 2014 they have come a very long way. Doc Martens are sold in the brand’s stores around the world, their online website, in addition to other retailers. Readily available in a cornucopia of different colors and styles, there is definitely a pair for you and I honestly think that everybody should own a pair. With their bouncy rubber soles and signature yellow thread, Docs are up there with Louboutins as one of those items that you will always recognize when you see them.

When I wear my Docs I honestly feel indestructible. I can splash through puddles on rainy days, I can march through snow in winter, but I can also wear them with shorts during the summer. I have had my boots for 3 years and they have definitely been through hell and back, but they are still standing tall.  Doc Martens are one of the more expensive boots out there (upwards of $150.00) but they are definitely an investment piece. They will last you years, and you won’t stop loving them. So whether you are looking for a real pair of work boots or a sexy new boot for fall, you can very easily find a pair that is perfect for you. New, or vintage, 8 holes or 16 holes, black matte leather or purple glossy leather, there is a pair for EVERYONE! I remember when I first got my pair of Cherry 1460 Doc Martens, my mother was reminiscing about her own black leather pair with gold holes for the laces, which she wore in the 1980’s. She told me that she sent them to the clothing donation box once they got scuffed up, but she regretted it because she didn’t realize the more scuffed up they are, the better they actually look. Doc Martens are one of those things that actually look better the older they get, the more scuffed up they are gives them more personality and more of a story.

My own 3 year old cherry docs, photo taken on the day I got them.

If you already love them, fabulous. And if not, I hope you give Doc Martens a second thought because they are a really great item that everybody should have in their wardrobe. You can style them in so many different ways at literally any time of the year. It’s my personal vow to myself that someday I’ll own Docs in different colors, enough so that I can wear a different pair every day (a white pair is next on my wish list).

From 50’s soldier gear, to 90’s punk, to 00’s hip, the boots have made quite the trip throughout the years. What do you think of Docs? Do you love them as much as I do? Comment and tell me what you think!

Stay fabulous,

Dakota

Fall Trend to watch: Flower Pins

Image from StyleBakery.com

The latest must-have fall accessory is the floral pin. Great for men and women alike, they’re colorful and statement making and I think they’re a cute way to bring flowers with you into fall all the while embracing your inner Carrie Bradshaw.

You can go for a metal brooch with jewels on it for a refined and elegant look. It can dress up a sweater or accessorize a dinner jacket or a dress. Different metals and different jewels will only make the brooch more unique.

Amethyst flower pin from Overstock.com

Jewelled flower pin from Amazon.com

If you want something more natural looking, you can get a pin that has a flower made from fabric which gives the 3-D look of a real flower. I like how you can put them almost anywhere on your outfit for a pop of color and spunk. My personal favorite line of fabric floral pins (and the one featured in Elle Canada’s October issue!) is from Just Sultan .

Floral lapel pin from JustSultan.com

Rose pin from JustSultan.com

So what do you think of floral pins? They are very diverse and it is quite easy to get one, you can order one online or you can search vintage shops for one that is you. Are they something that you think you could rock this fall? Comment and tell me what you think of them.

Stay fabulous,

Dakota.

Novella Magazine Launch Party

If there is one thing that I learned last night, it’s that being ‘fashionably late’ is not being 3 hours late. We took forever to get ready and when myself and my friend Natasha arrived at the Abozzo Gallery to celebrate the launch of Novella magazine, we found fellow blogger and style guru Melina Morry (aka the Lady-Like Leopard) outside the building as well. It was perfect timing, and it made me feel not so bad about being late. But when we made our way inside the party, we discovered that we had missed the food, runway shows, the best of the bar (beer was the only thing remaining), and supermodel/cover-star Stacey McKenzie’s appearance. I guess that’s what we get for being so late…

The fabulous Melina Morry, woman behind my fave blog The Lady-Like Leopard.

Myself and my date/ best friend Natasha Mendicino.

Nonetheless, the Novella launch party was a glamorous affair with the gallery filled with bloggers, designers, writers, and fashionistas. Purple lights illuminated the room as people danced and worked the runway for fun. Images from Stacey McKenzie’s spread were projected onto the white walls for everyone to admire. The crowd was full of fabulously dressed people and I met great entrepreneurs and heard of lots of exciting new fashion ideas including Canada’s upcoming first fashion business conference, a new app called StyleID that informs you of costumes on your favorite TV show, and much more.

Posing with Novella cover girl Stacey McKenzie and skincare and beauty expert, Monique Enriquez

I was extremely lucky to have been invited by the wonderful and beautiful Monique Enriquez, her and the rest of the Novella team threw a great launch party.  A special shout out goes to Just Sultan for dressing me up in one of his amazing bow ties.

My beautiful Just Sultan bow tie

I look forward to seeing what Novella has in store for Toronto, and I look forward to their next party in December (and I have promised myself that I will NOT be late for this one!)

Stay fabulous,

Dakota

Tonight’s Look for the Novella Launch Party

As promised, here is my look for tonight’s Novella magazine launch party!
Sweater – Gucci
Shirt – Hawkings McGill
Pants- Topman
Shoes- Forever 21
And I will also be sporting some fab accessories by my favorite line Just Sultan.

Novella is a new Toronto based life&style magazine. I was fortunate enough to be invited tonight by the lovely Monique Enriquez, beauty and skincare expert for the mag whom I met at Toronto Men’s Fashion Week earlier this summer. It shall be an interesting and fashionable evening to say the least and I’ll fill you in later on!

Till then,
Stay fabulous
Dakota

Getting Dressed for a big Event

If you are like me, then an invitation to a wedding or a party gives you two emotions. The first of course is excitement, but the second is sheer anxiety based on the question of “Wtf am I going to wear?” Getting an outfit together for a big event can be very stressful but here are my tips on how to ease the stress and find the perfect look.

1. Read the invite 

Making sure you understand the details of the event is key when deciding what to wear. Dressing for an afternoon tea party is much different than dressing for a party at a night club. Keeping in mind the time, location, and details of the event will help you choose the perfect outfit.

2. Raid your closet and try different things on 

There is no better way to help you choose what to wear by actually going into your closet and trying on different outfits. Having options in your mind is good but actually seeing the options will help you narrow down the best one. You can put the outfit on to see how it looks on your body and get a real feel for what you’re wearing or you can lay out the clothes on your bed to see what you have to work with. Getting a preliminary visual of the outfit will help you decide what works best, as opposed to just throwing something together on the night of the big event.

3. Take pictures

Taking a selfie to see if your outfit photographs well is a great way to decide what to wear. If it looks good on camera, then it is definitely suitable for your big event.

4. Ask for advice 

We all have a friend, colleague , or fashionista that we look up to for fashion advice and getting a second opinion never does any harm. Just like asking your friend in a store if your butt looks big in these jeans, asking someone what they would wear to the event will help you decide on your own outfit. Seek out your trusted fashion adviser and ask for their opinion on what to wear to the particular event.

So there you have it, my tips on getting ready for a big event. Tomorrow I will be attending the launch of a new Toronto magazine entitled Novella, and it was definitely difficult finding an outfit. I’m still not 100% decided, but when I am I will post a picture of my look! Hope you found this post helpful and best of luck getting dressed, make good choices!

Stay fabulous,

Dakota