Did I mention I love precocious teenage Fashionistahs? Elle Fanning keeping it cool in Rodarte

My favourite flavour of gelato is Pistachio.  I like a refreshing brew of Mint tea in the afternoon.  I am partial to vacations by the ocean.  Why did I never think to incorporate any pale green into my wardrobe until the Pantone gurus declared it was THE COLOUR of the season?  To be honest, it’s a subliminal marketing thing – the colour gods choose the “it” trend colours, release it to the design world, they incorporate it into their collections, the editors pick it up, the buyers buy and presto:  You crave it like a tray of soft chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven!

Contrary to what the magazines are claiming, Mint is not an easy colour to wear.  Hold it up to your face and you may look like you’re about to vomit.  But for those of you who can pull off Cool Tones, I support you completely.  For the rest of us we can always merch(andise) it up and style it up with some accessories.  For you non-committal fashionistahs, try Essie in Turqoise & Caicos on your fingertips. 

With all trends, remember that they come and go.  Spend minimal on items that will update your wardrobe in season and choose to invest in classic pieces that will never go out of style.  Trust.

This Aqua cluster necklace in a subtle mint would look perfect with a soft cotton t or paired with a simple cocktail dress.

Delicious Botkier Valentina Satchel: Loving the gold hardware, convertible straps and vintage shape of this leather bag.

Appropriate for the Mediterranean: Cameron Diaz pairs a tan cinch belt with her mint shirt dress. Well played Cammie.

Tra La La Ladies: Weeee, isn't this so glamourous and fun

The summer with its warm beams of sunshine is often rammed with social engagements – from weddings and bridal showers to birthdays celebrated on outdoor terraces.  For occasions such as these, forego your usual skinny jeans and forget the flimsy t-shirt.  Dressing up is an integral part of the celebration! You can still be stylish and keep your cool.  Every day, I graciously accept compliments to the point that perhaps I take them for granted.  In a gesture of good will, here are my secrets to lady-like dressing.

Fresh as a Mint Julep – The easiest way to make an impression is to wear a day dress in a jewel tone lightweight cotton or linen.  Both have a tendency to crinkle so make sure your event is of the standing, sipping spritzer and mingling variety.  Vibrant colours often accentuate the glow of sun-kissed skin and make you stand out from the crowd.  I love the combination of bright red lips matched with a sunflower hued dress.  The best are A-line styles that flare at the waist into a full skirt – this is best for lithe girls who want more volume or for those who want to accentuate a tiny waist.  Add a skinny belt in a contrasting colour, presto 25% cuter!  Channelling Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.  Yes please!  

Classicly Refined: Alice + Olivia Grace Blouson Dress

Look Ma, no tan lines: Swish your skirt in this Rebecca Taylor Button Dress

Blinded by the Lights - When wearing a solid coloured dress, make sure to pop with a bold statement necklace.  Use the natural rays of the sun to make your jewellery sparkle.  Clear facetted or bezelled gems often radiate more than naturally smooth stones - it’s the cut that makes them more reflective and glittery.  If you are going to an outdoor party, why not beat the mosquitoes by pinning yourself with a faux insect such as a rhinestone encrusted bumble bee.  It’s a great ‘wink-wink’ conversation piece.  Hi-larious.

Mmm, this has an Antique Flavour: Aqua Pearl Necklace with Brooch

Bzz Bzzz: A Bumble Bee Ring for extra flare. You can often find these inexpensive pins or rings in Kensington Market.

Forgive my lack of new blog posts, but I have been working day and night, night and day to bring you Creative Heart Collective.  Spring is almost here and what better way to celebrate than to have a leisurely afternoon, perhaps brunching, meeting artisans, shopping local and doing a community workshop?  Sounds like too much fun, non?  Don’t pencil or pen it in.  Sharpie that!!

Date:  Saturday, April 16th, 2011 & Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Place:  The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. West, Toronto ON

Time:  11:00am – 5:00pm

Admission:  PWYC* (Suggested Donation $2) 

The Love Collage presents Creative Heart Collective, a Spring show and sale for local artisans, crafters, designers, bakers and retailers.  The mission of the event is to give artists and retailers an opportunity to connect and showcase their wares with the community in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Join us as The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom is transformed into an exciting, bustling marketplace.  This two day event will feature the talent of more than 50 local vendors and artisans.

The focus for the show will be:  Indie arts and crafts, Fashionable giftware, Jewellery & Accessories, Homemade food, Home décor, Beauty, DIY presents, Apparel and Vintage.

* Door proceeds will go to the non-profit organization, The Corsage Project www.corsageproject.ca   

Join us for the following community workshops:

LEATHER WEATHER – SATURDAY, APRIL 16^TH: 1PM – 3PM

The Make Den’s Irene Stickney will be teaching a FREE workshop, ‘Leather Weather.’  She will be teaching participants how to sew little leather medicine or cell phone pouches.  These petite fringey pouches are the perfect functional accessory while galavanting on the sidewalks of Queen West West. 

You need one to match your Muklukks whilst walking along the grassy nole that is Trinity Bellwoods Park. I want one.

WEARABLE ART – SUNDAY, APRIL 17^TH:  11AM – 5PM

Steeped in ancient history, symbolism and a celebration of beauty, Mehndi designs are awe-inspiring works of wearable art.  Henna Yasir will be contributing her artistic talents to the event.  Take a break from shopping and receive a unique herbal temporary tattoo (applicable fees).

For more info, please visit: www.creativeheartcollective.com

 ”Be the change that you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi

As an entrepreneur, crafter, bon vivant and lover of the people, I often lament that there aren’t enough small-scale community events for the talented artists, designers and small business owners to share with their friends and neighbours.  Even if I can create this change in a small way, it’s something I am extremely excited to organize and take part in. 

The Snow Day Holiday Market is a holiday themed show and sale for Toronto-area artisans, crafters, designers, bakers and retailers.  The mission of the event is to give artists, entrepreneurs and retailers an opportunity to connect and showcase their wares with the community in a fun and inviting atmosphere. 

 The focus for the show will be gift-giving and holiday:

• Indie arts and crafts (stationary, cards, toys, small sized artwork)
• Fashionable gifts (jewellery, accessories)
• Homemade food (baked goods, preserves)
• DIY presents (ornaments, stockings, warmwear)
• Vintage

The Snow Day Holiday Market is looking for artisans, bakers, artists, crafters and local retailers to exhibit and sell their work on Sunday, December 5th, 2010, 12noon – 5pm.  This afternoon event will be taking place at The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) in The Ballroom (click to view images).  No matter if you are a novice or a hobby-ist, all applications are welcome!  It will be an intimate affair with a diverse array of vendors.

Submissions will be accepted until Saturday, October 30th, 2010, however, please apply early as the number of available spots is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  For more detailed information on how to apply, please visit my website The Snow Day Holiday Market and please spread the word (‘bzzzz’ – buzz noise).

Drew Barrymore in Richard Chai sequin top and high-waisted satin pants. She looks lovely, non?

 There will be a lot of Gold happening this Fall and Winter.  I’m not complaining.  I have a partiality to the shimmery, glittery opulence of 24k.  Looks great with a tan.  While I do love the look, it can easily slip into overkill territory (aka tacky).  Some rules to apply when amping up the wattage:

1.  Cocktails After Dark – A gold lame dress to the office is a major no-no, unless you work at Studio 54 and it’s the late 1970’s.  But helloooo, it’s not.  Refrain from looking like a high-class escort by storing that outfit in the ‘evening looks’ section of your wardrobe. 

2.  Subtle Bling -  Daytime gold jewellery can be very dainty and pretty while dramatic statement pieces are well suited for evening.  Try taking a simple chain and adding a few charms or layering various length necklaces to create dimension.  It’s a classic look by also incorporating a few pearls in an iridescent white.  I have seen the best gold bangles and cuffs which are also another alternative to reaping high ROC’s.  That would be low hanging fruit.

Rooarrr! Loving the stackable ABS Animal Print Bangles

Is it just me, or are you mesmorized by the turquoise in this Alexis Bittar Crystal Gold-plated Cuff?

3.  Non-Competition Clause – Gold has a tendency to stand out so your best bet is to choose 1-2 elements maximum in this hue.  Matchy-matchy has a way of looking too conventional and TRY.  For instance, if you are wearing a gold sequined dress and gold stud earrings, you can tone down the flash by wearing a classic black blazer and accessorizing with a bright coloured clutch.  Of course, you can always discard your jacket as you heat up while dancing, maneuvering a packed bar, etc, etc. *This rule can be applied to any fashion scenario.

Gold Done Right: 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Lame Party Dress paired with black tights and patent stilettos.

In my spare time, I love making jewellery.  The kind that is bright, fanciful and makes a statement.  I actually taught myself how by watching tutorials on YouTube.  I mean, how did we ever exist before the Internet?  I also managed to hone my skills by attending an earring bee, supervised by supportive expert beaders. 

As The Love Collage approaches her first anniversary, I thought it would be a nice thank you to my loyal readers and a lovely welcome gesture to new ones to do a giveaway.  Up for grabs is a charming textile and bead piece from my line Rosetta Stone. 

Photo courtesy of Pixel Pills www.pixelpills.com

La Vie En Rose: Oversize faux pearls wrapped in pink chiffon ribbon on an 18k gold-plated link chain with crystal accents (Retail value $100).  Hand-made with love, of course.

To enter, subscribe to my blog by entering your email on the left sidebar OR leave a comment on this post.  The winner will be selected in a random draw and notified via email.  Rules: One entry per person.  Contest closes Friday, August 20th, 2010.  Good luck!