Calgary Blues

Every girl in Calgary waits for that one nice day (and we're talking +10 degrees) to wear her favourite outfit - the one with the beloved warm-weather pieces that just can't be covered up by a big, bulky coat. 

Well, I say "Forget You, parka!”

Goodbye Parka
Picture via fashionmotion

When putting together a new outfit for all of late-winter/early spring, I put on a pair of winter shorts (i.e. leather) over some black heavy tights (I'm partial to what I find at The Bay (very cheap!)) and military boots. Add to this look an oversized graphic tee, or for a more professional look, a silk blouse. And then there's accessories, which can capture the fun feeling and add a little somethin-somethin- if you know me well enough, there's always those long necklaces that complete my look.

Hot shorts paired with a short sleeve blouse.
picture via Look Book

Feeling like a million bucks on a snowy day is not an easy task underneath all those layers.  But take it from me: throw a little caution to the wind, and bring the heat with some fun surprises underneath- pull out some leather shorts and dash those lips with jungle red lipstick. And to top it off, I'll pull my hair into a messy bun, countering all the boldness with a simple hairstyle so that my key pieces pop. 

Hot shorts paired with an oversized sweater and black tights.
picture via Look Book

Wearing my favourite outfit out of season pulls me out of my winter doldrums and makes feels like a million bucks. Guy or girl, you can't help but bask in the warmth of the double takes.

-Madison

Colour Block Me Bold

              Vogue Italia March 1996                                                             Versace campaign 1994                                                             Chanel Winter 1995

You could say my love for fashion erupted like fireworks at a young age. Although I was oblivious to the influences of Vogue, Chanel, and Versace, I was drawn to the bright, bold, colors of the mid-nineties with just as much gusto as Lisa Frank. My most fashionable outfit, at the stylish age of eight years old, consisted of a purple and teal Northern Getaway orca whale sweatshirt paired with matching purple tights and purple Sorel boots. 

My naive nineties fashionista counterpart was revived when I saw the pink, red, orange, purple and teal color blocking introduced again in the SS 2011 season. My heart flew back to the days of '95, where I would happily pair red and pink without a second thought. The forerunners, most obvious crusaders of the reintroduction of this trend were Prada and Jil Sander in SS2011.

Prada SS2011

Jil Sander SS 2011

The trend caught my eye but I didn’t think much of it until I started to see it was becoming a staple for FW2011. Following suit in the fall season with a vigour:

Burberry Prorsum FW2011

                                                          Gucci FW2011                                                                                    Yigal Azroël FW2011                      Diane Von Furstenberg FW2011 

And then, why not, all combined at once (the eight-year-old me would create a secret handshake with the current me to celebrate these looks): 

                Jonathan Saunders FW2011                                         D&G FW2011                                                     Gucci FW2011

Alberta Ferreti FW2011

Looking back at the naivety of my youth, I once vowed to never again utter the words “purple” and “teal” or “pink” and “red” in the same sentence, let alone let them be paired in my wardrobe. And yet- how easy it is to run back into the arms of my beloved jewel tone and candy bright pairings thanks to these recent collections. Like an awakening from the old for a new season, I'm washed with nostalgia and new beginnings; now, if only I could find that whale sweatshirt...

- Kara

+ART: Ryan Mathieson

"Good news- it's Wicca for Men!," Ryan Mathieson, 2011

In 2009, photographer Ryan Mathieson worked with PARK to capture the best of our annual PARKSALE with some superb results. Now the ACAD grad, who is originally from Halifax, is working on his MFA at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC and taking dreamy, double processed lo-fi images that evoke emotion both nostalgic and just out of frame's reach. With his washed yet punched up colours, treatment of space and light through juxtaposing layers, and Human/Nature subject matter, Ryan is an artist who sees a big picture in the interior, personal moments of his subjects. 

Ryan Mathieson flickr

http://www.ryanmathieson.com

 untitled, Ryan Mathieson, 2010

untitled, Ryan Mathieson, 2011

 untitled, Ryan Mathieson, 2010


 read more for more Ryan ....

Guest Blogger: Michael Dixon on Men's Fall/Winter 2011

Although much of the men’s season tends to take place before any of the women’s shows occur, men’s fashion still tends to take a backseat to the hegemony of the female centered fashion world. As much as I love women’s fashion, lately I’ve started to keep better track of the men’s shows (it only makes sense that I would want to keep on top of new ideas and trends for myself). I sincerely hope that one day men’s fashion will be regarded as equally important to the dominant women’s. Read: equality for all.


With that said, here are a few Fall/Winter 2011 favourites of mine.

Marni F/W 2011

We all know that the world is becoming increasingly complicated. My solution? Give minimalism a try. It’s definitely something I look for often in collections. This season, Marni seems to have got it right: simple, relatively clean lines, and starkly intellectual styling. I think that it’s safe to say that I would wear at least half of this collection. A leather tote? I’m willing to give it a try. The bit of colour blocking on some of the sweaters reminds me of a Prada collection seasons ago of which I was also a fan. Marni, or more specifically Consuelo Castiglioni, does casual, smart nerd well.

Sometimes a fashion show is just that: a show. Maybe that’s all it really needs to be? Although I’m not one for the attire itself, Jean Paul Gaultier brilliantly sent his models down the runway looking a tad gender neutral, at the same time contrasting what seemed to be super feminine with extremely masculine ideals. Odd proportions, no real theme, and I loved every second of it.

John Galliano F/W 2011

Speaking of shows, in a category of his own is John Galliano, who never fails to impress theatrically. The thing I love about Galliano is that his shows always tell some sort of fantastic story. And the story for this season? Well, uh, I’m not quite sure exactly. Expeditions in Old Russia perhaps? All I know is that you can count on Galliano to have shirtless men in every show (even in this Siberian lineup)- I’ll admit that that is a part I look forward to. Despite the drama, not surprisingly some of the pieces look extremely wearable, and created out of the rich textures and high quality cuts Galliano is reputed for on the ladies side of Dior.

-Michael Dixon

Spring Cleaning

Finally, Calgary sees the sun... and it's no wonder this ray of warmth has got my heart racing and my mind wandering.  I'm inspired by these increased daylight hours, and I've got the new Kings of Leon album playing on repeat in the background as I start putting together my spring wardrobe. It's time to Pony Up, Mi Amigo, because I'm going to go Pyro on this winter weather.

Biker style at Burberry
(Fashionising.com)

Seventies style at Chris Benz

Spring trends that I find enticing are the urban biker style that hit the Burberry Prorsum and Giorgio Armani runways, 70's decadence a la Marc by Marc Jacobs and Chris Benz, and lots of lace from Sean Cunnigham, and D & G . I haven't felt this giddy about new trends in a while: the 70’s= fun times, and delicious wide leg pants, and the biker style gives great bad girl vibes, while pairing it with lace gives me a good girl gone bad look to heat up some hearts as the weather defrosts. The thought of remixing them together makes me want to roll into the slightly later sunset like a 2011 Peter Fonda.

Looking dreamy, Captain America.

Yet here I am, stuck with all the winter pieces that I've collected in the last couple years, all from bygone trend times. Dilemma, dilemma: how can I channel a groovy Lady Easy Rider outfit for spring using my winter pieces?

Let's Ride!

Ain't no thing: here lies my favourite leather jacket (biker), that chunky knit scarf that has proven faithful through the colder seasons but will be trusty yet, and a simple lace tank top.  Dressing up for spring can be simple, classic, and, yup, bad ass. Throw on a couple long necklaces and maybe a pair of wide trousers and I think I'm ready to hit the road- no helmet required.

-Madison

Red Carpet Moment- The Grammys

Wait The Grammys are in February? I could have sworn they were on Halloween?

The red carpet pre-show for the Grammys was the most ridiculous and outrageous red carpet I have seen yet.  From angel wings, to plastic eggs, to feathers, to see-through dresses; there were some serious fashion risks being taken by characters I saw many people actually dress up as last Halloween. 

High leg revealing slits here, dresses that were short in the front and long in the back there, and all over glitter, sparkle, wow factor accessories. If the recession hit people hard in the flash department last year, this year is making up for it. As for the men, there were a lot of grey suits, and mixing formal pieces with casual pieces, and while a few fellows missed (Bieber, I'm talking to you) the gents were overall, rather debonair. Nary a gold chain overdose was to be had, and for that, I am grateful. 


It's to be expected that the bigger personalities often found in the music industry tend to bring out the wilder fashion at these ego-pumped events, but bless my young fashion loving heart, it inspires me to see celebrities taking risks and not just playing it safe to make the best dressed list. there were a ton of amazing dresses and overall (for once!) I was impressed; I wish I could be snarkier about who wore what this year (everyone's favourite part, no?) but I this year I've got to hand it to the academy of music members by giving out more "way to goes" than WTFs.

A full leg revealing slit is the perfect way for a diva to wear a long formal gown and still show off- a cue taken by all three of these drama queens. What is red carpet fashion about but getting people's attention? Plus, a well-placed slit gives you an excuse to showcase- my weakness- a killer pair of shoes (Louboutin, on all these ladies!). True, slits have backfired in the past, but all three here look super hot, which is an effective ploy to distract us from their superfluous appearance at the music awards (Emilio Pucci-clad Lea Michele is excluded, who as part of Glee apparently now holds more number one hits than Elvis). 

It pains me to admit this, but... Kim  K.'s combination of a Kaufman Franco dress with Louboutin shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery is one of my favourite looks of the night. And Heidi Klum in Julian McDonald- way to be Seal's real life embodiment of trophy wife, because I don't think he's been a contender since he was getting kisses from a rose and I was in kindergarten.

I don't really know who the first two of these people are (okay, I'm pretending), but I like their dresses! (L-R: Roberto Cavalli, J. Mendel and Edition by George Chakra on five-time nominated Miranda Lambert) Here is proof that it doesn't always matter who deserves to be on that red carpet: all you have to do is look like you belong. Also, it doesn't hurt if you try as hard as you can to resemble the colour of the award- wishful thinking, right? 

And, well, personally at the end of the day, I'm like a bird- I'm drawn to anything shiny. Throwing some eye-catching sparkle on top of the neutral colours of these dresses makes me want to pluck these ladies up and put them in my fashion nest, whoever they are (did I just go there? Sure.)

(more  stars in all their glory + commentary after the jump)

Skirting the Issue

If you're like me, you'll try your skirts with a pinch of everything - prints, solids, full, slim+straight, wrapped - you name it I just might have it.


In the last couple years, however, I've gravitated towards skirts that are like a long, cool drink of water- I can't get enough of maxi-dresses and long over-the-knee skirts. I come from a sunny island in South-East Asia where jeans, though practical, are even too hot on some days. Skirts, on the other hand, breathe.

Above (from left): Spring 2011 runway looks from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler,

Suno, Vena Cava. Image via http://www.refinery29.com/

The 1950s to 70s are playing a huge part in the spring/summer collections this year. And as such, spring 2011 trends calls for us to pull fuller and longer hemlines from these eras and add a dash of flirty sophistication.  It's all good- the longer hemlines this season appear in a wide range of styles: preppy, minimalistic, printed, and stripes, and on and on. Taking a cue from the runway, covering up can still reveal something interesting about your sense of style and a good statement skirt could very well be the go to item in a closet that you can pair with almost anything- it definitely is in mine.

Donna Karan, Jeremy Laing, Chloé. images via style.com

Think Calgary's February-April last-bit-of-winter forbids the skirt? Ha! I say pull out your favourite pair of boots, a pair of stockings or leggings, and that printed fuller midi-skirt you own. Now that is an outfit that would make you want to lose your pants.


Where to Shop:
Costa Blanca, located in the new wing of Chinook Centre, has brought in many skirts just along these (longer!) lines for spring. If price is no issue, check out Nanette Lepore's current collection at Holt Renfrew.


- Valerie

Happy 1st, Fashion Central

 

Fashion Central's First Birthday

Where: Fashion Central, Corner of Stephen Ave. & 1st Streen S.W.

When: Thursday February 3rd 2011

It seems like it was just yesterday that the windows of Fashion Central were covered up with paper and posters with sketches heralding what it was going to look like, while Calgary's fashionistos buzzed about what exactly might be found inside the space.  Well, fast forward a year: these same windows now stand out because they are filled with luscious designer names bedecking gorgeously dressed mannequins that show off the latest in style with a creative urban flair. There's a lot to love inside.

Fashion lover that I am, I'm always excited to make a trip to Fashion Central, but it was a special sort of bliss that enveloped me to head down there and attend their Valentines Day themed first birthday party. We arrived fashionably late to a red carpet laid out front, a DJ spinning, and a dashing crowd already in the midst of mingling while enjoying chocolate and the cutest little cupcake tasters.  Everyone- from photographers, stylists, models, makeup artists, bloggers, magazine editors, and people who just plain love fashion- was in attendance, and everyone took time to wander from store to store admiring the lovable current styles (while looking amazingly fashionable themselves!).  

Girls working at Betsey Johnson in the designers newest party dresses

 The fabulous vintage finders from Words Are Camera running the photobooth

My favourite part of the night was the adorable Valentine's Day photobooth that was  upstairs.  There were lacy snowflakes, paper hearts, and confetti everywhere- the perfect set up to take pictures with or for that special someone. I definitely got caught up throwing around the confetti and fell fast in love with the Valentine's Day theme of the whole event.

 

*photos from wordsarecamera.com

So, Fashion Central: consider your 1 year anniversary a fashionable and fun success. Wanna be one of my Valentines?

Fashion Central is a great space that really promotes the Calgary Fashion scene, and a special event like this, where we got to mingle with the fashion elite of Calgary and meet some new passionate and talented individuals makes me excited for whatever event they put on next. You've got my heart, Fashion Central- I can't wait until the 2nd birthday party!

- Maeghan

   

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Photo Shoot: Boudoir Empire

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more boudoir empire after the jump

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Winter 2011 Fashion Industry Mixer

Speaking of love- we are still blushing from all the love shared amongst the Calgary fashion community.

There are awesome people creating and running the beautiful and blooming business of fashion here, and on Wednesday February 9, 2011 we had the best time co-hosting our very first Fashion Industry Mixer with our good friends from Sophia Models, Conglomerate Magazine and The Gerry Thomas Gallery. Amongst the incredible featured photography by Jason Eng, Faby Martin and Chris Sattlegger, the live set by Davidson Liau and fresh bevvys, there were a whole lot of good-looking people with even greater looking perspectives on fashion in Calgary.

The interest in and attendance for our first mixer was astounding, and it was truly inspiring  to see just how passionate the people in this creative industry are about making their mark on our growing city. It's no wonder that Calgary is starting to stand out on the fashion stage in a global way.

Besides all the opportunities to meet and chat with the people who are the beating heart and pulse of fashion in the city, I also came to our event with the intent to photograph the best dressed. Knowing that Calgary's finest in fashion would deliver, I wasn't disappointed! 

What did I see on parade, you ask? Lots of fur: real and faux, prints, sequins, skyscaper heels and even some bits and pieces of dressed up denim for those who let their the true Canadian in them show . Feast your eyes:

   

   

   

The impeccably dressed aside, the mixer did exactly what it came to do: it brought people in the indusry closer together. Whether it was bumping into someone who knew someone, rekindling old acquaintances or meeting new creative minds to collaborate with - everyone I spoke to said they had a great time. Truth: the whole mission of P.A.R.K. is to create opportunities for creatives in Calgary to meet and grow dynamic new relationships, and the sentiment of the people who attended this event embodied that mission perfectly. I look forward to see the spark this mixer may have ignited and to see what new creative ventures will be popping up in the near future!

A special thanks has to go to everyone at our above and beyond venue, The Gerrry Thomas Gallery, our awesome partners Sophia Models and Conglomerate Magazine, the incredible model for our promotional materials, Ania B. (www.aniab.net), our amazing P.A.R.K. interns and everyone who attended. I think we could get used to these magical mingling opportunities- where should we do it next?

More photos+info after the jump