Everyone knows about my obsession with high-end fashion. Just like an artist gets inspired by striking art works, as a writer I get influenced by meticulously designed and assembled clothing. I pay attention to details, studying the minute things like buttons and embroidery.
I also love seeing how journalists and bloggers take a runway look and style it based on their own approach to fashion. I don’t do this myself very often, but when I do, I like to have fun with it. In my latest collaboration with Holt Renfrew, I picked outerwear that is perfect for spring and “transitional weather.”
Over the next four weeks, I’ll be unveiling these looks below—each week, you will see two looks that are different, colourful and memorable.
For each look, I also picked a complementary (or sometimes contrasting) pair of shades from Optic Zone. And you will be able to find additional images of each look on my Instagram page here.
The theme is simple: street style, in spring. Very natural, very real. Something you can wear on a daily basis or for special occasions. Something that is a perfect wardrobe staple.
Look 1 — a colour party with Fendi
This piece is actually from Fendi’s fur collection for fall/winter 2015/2016, but it’s perfect for early spring in Canada. The coat is available at Holt Renfrew (retailing for $17,500).
The colours are very vibrant, so I picked sunglasses that were slightly darker, and also by Fendi. I recommend wearing this look with clothing and shoes that are black.
Look 2 — shades of grey with Margiela
It was a coincidence that worked out well: this Margiela piece was paired with Dior shades, but it all made sense in a Galliano kind of way.
The plum pants by Alice and Olivia (one of my all-time-favourites) create a nice contrast against the bluish-grey tones of the trench coat (retailing at $2,785).
Definitely an excellent option for a dressy — and classy — weekday.
Look 3 — it’s all about Rick
It’s no secret that my husband and I are big fans of Rick’s work. I paired this jacket (retailing at $1,750) with a pair of my own Drkshdw pants.
This jacket is versatile and can be worn in many ways, just like the other piece by Rick that I wore to a photoshoot in January 2015. It can easily become a staple piece in any wardrobe and its colour makes it a perfect fit for both spring and fall.
The sunglasses by Salvatore Ferragamo perfectly complement this look.
Look 4 — Fausto’s geometric patterns
This Fausto Puglisi piece (retailing for $2,510) won my heart very quickly.
In true Puglisi style, a solid black on one side and a geometric print on the other makes it a very funky item. I paired this cardigan-like jacket with a little black dress and colourful shades by Face à Face.
Look 5 — spring mood with Isabel Marant
I absolutely loved the soft cream colour of this jacket; it just has “spring” written all over it. Retailing for $725, this is an excellent option for a business meeting, a coffee with a colleague or a casual outing on a weekend.
I paired it with a Dior clutch, Prada suede boots, Swarovski bracelets and Chloe shades.
Look 6 — urban mode with Saint Laurent
This Saint Laurent blazer has stars on its pattern, which makes it a fun piece for an evening night out. It retails for $4,145 at Holt Renfrew.
I paired it with a dress I bought on a trip to Greece.
France + Greece = a very European, trendy and urban look!
Look 7 — everyone needs some Dries
Dries Van Noten makes me feel like spring 100 per cent with this long coat-like jacket. It’s light, it has a floral print and it’s exceptionally comfortable (retailing at Holt Renfrew for $2,795).
Paired with Mykita shades.
Look 8 — my heart belongs to Valentino
I couldn’t do a luxury shoot without Valentino. As many of our readers know, I’m a huge fan and have been for years. I even got married in a Valentino dress.
This blush pink leather jacket (retailing for $6,330 at Holt Renfrew) has the signature Valentino studs and has spring written all over it. A perfect piece that can be worn with a funky top (I paired it with a Denis Gagnon floral top) and formal pants (my Armani wardrobe staple), or a nice dress for a night out on the town.
Add Thierry Lasry sunglasses for the complete look!
A little more about the featured brands
Holt Renfrew: Celebrating a Proud Canadian Heritage
Celebrating a 177-year heritage, Holt Renfrew is recognized worldwide for an inspired shopping experience.
Once a purveyor of fashion to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Holt Renfrew began in 1837 as a modest hat shop. Over the years, the brand developed and expanded across Canada. In the 1930s, Holt Renfrew began exclusive accounts with leading European designers and, in 1947, hosted Monsieur Christian Dior when he launched his “New Look.”
After many years of foreign ownership, Holt Renfrew was bought in 1986 by W. Galen and the Hon. Hilary M. Weston. Under their ownership, Holt Renfrew has become Canada’s destination for luxury retail.
Connect with Holt Renfrew: web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Optic Zone
Optic Zone is an independent optical, located in the historic St. Lawrence Market neighborhood of Toronto. With 19 years of loyal business, Optic Zone prides itself in showcasing something different in eyewear. Never afraid to push the boundaries, Optic Zone consistently leads the Toronto eyewear scene with emerging designers, luxury brands and high-quality products. Visit them at 33 Jarvis Street, across from the St. Lawrence Market.
Join In On The Conversation!