THE JUMPSUIT SHIFT

Life has changed (for the amazing) over the past year with the birth of our daughter, Aurelia.

A shift in design thinking as well has occurred.  Here's the story.

PRE BABY- I can admit that most evenings before going out I would spend quality time discussing the outfit of the evening with a girlfriend, or two.  Everything down to the shoes and jewellery was up for consideration.  I would lay out my outfit, and try on a few different options in front of the mirror.  I had time to make these decisions, and they were important ones for the evening ahead.  And I went out feeling like a million bucks!

POST BABY- I still lay out clothing choices, but now it's outfits for my daughter.  Packing her bag with cute ensembles, and enough of them, is top priority.  After that, it's all a bonus!  

Some time during the first months after Aurelia's birth, it happened.  I still wanted that million bucks feeling, but needed decisions made faster and easier.  

Enter THE JUMPSUIT SHIFT.

The jumpsuit, the all encompassing outfit that had me not thinking about pants and skirts going with blouses and tops.  It would be that amazing garment of clothing that thought for itself.  To me, this was the greatest revelation in a long while.

Only a few criteria needed to be met for THE JUMPSUIT SHIFT.  Comfort, ease of wear, luxury, and a hint of sexiness.  Pockets too!  If I can get away with one less bag to carry around, I'm a happy mama.

So, once I had a good sleep routine set with Aurelia, I was off to the races!  Naptime and after dinner had become the new work routine.  

I hope the debut collection has done my name proud.  Here's a few of my favourites I can't wait to wear when the weather gets warmer. 

MARA

ANA

ELA

BEST OF DENMARK

We recently travelled to Denmark for a little family vacay getaway (a first overseas with our little lady). Denmark is quintessentially picturesque, progressive, and pretty cool- people, design, and way of life. 

We look forward to revisiting next September again!  Here is our best of... 

Best of the MET 2014

Here's our roundup of the best of the best from last night's MET Gala.
We enjoy the laid back vibe of these dresses.  They all look comfortable and effortless!

By the way, if one day we were invited to go, and like the designers do, they showcase with a muse, I would bring Kate Hudson.  No contest.

Leighton Meester, in Emilio Pucci.

Cobie Smulders, in custom Reed Krakoff.  I think this is my favourite of them all.  I love the neckline, the bit of hard gold and silver against a soft cream... I would wear this in a flash!                    

Victoria Beckham, in obvs. Victoria Beckham.

Zoe Kravitz, in custom Topshop.  In my opinion, the slit is wayyyyy too high, I swear you might see something, but otherwise, love the colour and style.

All photos are from Style.com

To dress for myself or my man?

I have been facing a bit of a dilemma this week in the wardrobe department this week. Most people would assume for a designer it can't be possible, unfortunately it is.

Just as every other woman, I too have moments of "nothing to wear", raiding my closet, and once in a blue moon shopping and nothing is working.

Since becoming a designer years ago, I have barely walked into another clothing store with an intent to purchase.  I look to see what other designers are doing, I enjoy observing how some boutiques present their clothing, and love window shopping, especially the fun windows!

However, with a Black Tie wedding coming up this weekend, I went on a hunt to some of my favourite vintage shops of Toronto.

Was it successful?  I'm not sure...

I found and purchased a long black Diana Vreeland type gown.  If you don't know who she is (that's her in the photo), look her up.  Mad cool lady!  

I love the dress, but I am not sure my man will.  And I usually take him into consideration when designing anything.  Would he be attracted?  Will he want to tear it off me?

I just don't think that will happen with this one... but I feel soooo good in it!  So, I'm going with it.  I don't even think I will show him the dress until two minutes before we leave for the wedding, and I don't think I'll bring a back up plan either.

Moral of the story... sometimes a lady has to dress for what makes her feel good, and it may not be something that is oh so sexy for her man to look at, but if you feel feminine, confident, and stand tall, I think that's a winner!

And I think that's all I want this weekend...

xo

p.s. maybe I'll post a photo post weekend of the long black number.

I like the way you think André Supa-

Best of the Met Gala 2013 (the Taessa version)

Last night's Met Gala is comparable to the Oscars for the fashion industry.  The theme this year at the Costume Institute is "Punk: Chaos to Couture".  Highlights are pieces from Vivienne Westwood, London's punk fashion designer of the times, as well as some of Versace's more statement designs, such as the safety pin dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley ages ago.  It's interesting to see how everyone has interpreted the theme, some literal, some oh so thematic (note Marc Jacobs & Sofia Coppola in their pajamas, because they just don't care), but for the most part, the ladies looked beautiful with edge, a combination that I love.  I'm hoping to check out the exhibition before it closes in August (save your couch for me, Tanya).

Here's my favourite red carpet photos, courtesy of style.com ...

#1 Cara Delevingne in Burberry

This one wins hands down!   She's my favourite model these days (who doesn't love her, right?) and she is just pulling off that badass vibe big time!  Plus, this is just a really cool dress period.

#2 Kate Bosworth in Balmain

Apparently pink is the colour of punk, and she just rocks this little dress.  Perfect length in my opinion- when people start to think it's a top!

#3 Rooney Mara in Givenchy

This is the first time I am seeing white lace look hard.  It's usually typically dainty and romantic, but the edge to this dress is wicked!

#4 Sienna Miller in Burberry Prorsum

I always love her, no matter what (she is definitely on my wish list of who to dress).  She looks so happy and fun and cool, as always!

#5 Greta Gerwig in Saint Laurent

Not going to lie, I had to look her up, and then was like, "oh ya, I know who she is".  Love the dress, would wear it in a second!  Too many necklaces in my opinion, but to each their own.  Like the hair too!

#6 Chloë Sevigny in Proenza Schouler

It's not really about the dress here, it's her look!  That whole "I don't give a ...." look I love about her.  I bet we would be great friends.

#7 Carey Mulligan in Balenciaga 

Love the triangle cut, plus this is just a really clean, modern dress.  

But how could she look so sad in it?

Summer '13 Shoot

It's been feeling a lot like summer here lately in Toronto, a perfect time to start wearing long flowy dresses, bold prints, and sheer little numbers.

Here are a few of my favourite shots from a photo shoot we did last week...

a two tier cream crepe with white chiffon tank 

paired with the tropical printed skinny pant

The tropical print is amazing for every woman- the colour combination [green, peach, yellow, nude, white, touch of black] guaranteed works for any and every skin tone.

black perforated one shoulder tea length dress

I love perforated fabrics for summer- breathable + uber sexy.

black and white printed halter maxi dress

I think each woman should have at least one of these staple summer dresses in her closet.  They take you from day to night, are very comfortable, light weight, and easy to pack for any occasion- you know those events when you don't know the dress code and don't want to under or over dress- this is the dress for that!

cream crepe jumpsuit

Anyone who knows my line knows I like to try a fancy jumpsuit each season.  

This one is heavenly for summer... and like I've said a gazillion times before- men love the jumpsuit!

black and white stripe tank 

paired with the tropical printed tea length skirt

I love my stripes, always have, and don't these two prints combined look fabulous together?  The tea length skirt has a bit of fun pouf and is the perfect length for every woman!

Contributions by

Model- Pamela Lincez.  Pam is my wonderful, amazing sister-in-law who was visiting for the weekend.  I felt bad I put her to work as soon as she got here, but doesn't she just look stunning!  I couldn't resist.

Photographer- Elise Windsor.  I was introduced to Elise through my husband (they've worked together in a previous life), and I must say, I liked her vibe big time the second I met her.  She got my style and vision right away, and was a ton of fun to work alongside.  I'd love to work with her again!

Hair & Make Up- Stefanie Mather.  Stef and I have recently become great friends after a heavenly trip to Costa Rica this winter.  She was amazing pre shoot (loooove how she did Pam's hair!) and was surprised how great she was during the shoot as well to help give direction and suggestions for the looks.

What a fun group of gals to work alongside for an afternoon!