Trends Archives - Page 5 of 6

Love for small Indie Boutiques

April 6, 2014/in Trends /by Ana Cara

I think we have all heard the statistic that after the third generation, many businesses fail to thrive if kept within a family. I’m not sure exactly why, but I’m going to speculate that it is a lack of passion. Surely not everybody in a family is as passionate about what drove the founder to begin a small business, and surely every successor isn’t excited to to be an entrepreneur. Don’t get me wrong, many successful businesses thrive when passed on, and I realize i’m generalizing, but there’s something to be said about the magic you feel when purchasing from an entrepreneur. For me, the magic comes in the form of feeling extra special, having excellent customer service and feeling an emotional connection to keep coming back.

Feeling extra special is anything above and beyond asking if you need help in a store and being thanked when leaving. It’s so much more, especially in such a competitive landscape. For me, it’s the handwritten thank you note that is tucked into the carefully wrapped tissue paper, it’s the conversation around why you’re buying the product, it’s informed conversation, never a one sided lecture. It’s an experience, it’s like a short yet deep friendship.

The next is excellent customer service. Sure, you can argue that making me feel special would come from excellent customer service but for me, it’s defined at a more logistical level. As an example, I recently fell in love with a small indie boutique who has their head office in Vancouver, but I purchased their products exclusively from a boutique in St Johns, Newfoundland. Since moving provinces, I reached out and contacted to see where in Toronto had their apparel. I received a prompt reply, clearly not a copy and paste answer, with a detailed list of the boutiques complete with an address and phone number. Customer service? top notch.

From the above two,combine with a product you’re in love with, creates this sense of connection that makes you want to continue to come back. You don’t always get to feel special when you’re at school or work, but you know you will from the store. That special feeling doesn’t leave, because when you adorn that new piece it just stays with you. Through a tough business meeting or an unpleasant commute to work, it’s given you a secret weapon, and a lot of the times you don’t even realize where that extra boost is coming from.

For all of these reasons, I love shopping from indie boutiques, especially ones that are still connected to the person passionate enough to make it their life. There is nothing like that extra intangible something that really makes you memorable, and that makes me (and others) keep coming back.

Article written by guest blogger, Bhreigh Gillis. You can follow Bhreigh at @Bhreigh

Valentine’s Day Fun

February 13, 2014/in Trends /by Ana Cara

Valentine’s Day Fun

Today’s the day! It’s either you’re dreading this day or very excited to celebrate love. Valentine’s Day has arrived. As department store shelves go empty of chocolate, stuffed animals and cute love inspired cards, we prepare for the day or night ahead of us.

Although many couples will be celebrating on this special day, this is also a time for you to show the ones close to you just how much you care about them. If you are looking for some fun valentine’s day inspired gifts or outfits for a special occasion this weekend here is a small list that may help give you an idea.

D’avi Knitwear

This “Orangine” D’avi Knitwear dress is perfect for any occasion this weekend. The lace adds a little sex appeal to the dress, while the length offers a more sophisticated look. This two toned, luxurious dress is 100% hand knitted and made in Canada.

Willa Stacking Rings

From live beautiful co. this set of seven stacking rings makes for the perfect eye catching look and the gift that will capture any heart. Made from 14/20k recycled gold fill, rose gold fill, and sterling silver, these delicate rings are great to wear separate or all together. Timeless with endless possibilities!

Estee Lauder- Modern Muse Fragrance

This alluring fragrance by Estee Lauder is sure to capture your heart, but also those around you. Modern Muse provides a great blend of florals and woods to create a smell that will match whatever plans you have for this day.

Erickson Baemon Headpiece

Crystal headbands make it much more simpler to do something with your hair. You can easily turn a dull outfit into something amazing without the added accessories. This stunning Erickson Baemon Ice Age Headpiece exemplifies that.

Pearl Chandelier Earrings

If you’re having a fancy night out, or stumped on a gift to get that special woman in your life, these chandelier earrings would do just fine. Toby Lynn Gems has created this beauty; It’s intertwined glass pearls and crystals is what makes these earrings so magical.

Christopher Bates Brown Trench Coat

If you are looking to splurge on the man in your life this Christopher Bates trench coat is the perfect choice. His use of the leather patch offers a unique look to this jacket, while still allowing it to remain sleek and stylish.

Let us know what fashion or beauty gifts you are giving or hoping to receive today @LuevoFashion

This article was written by fashion blogger Jonika. You can follow her @JonikaJun

Fashion Finds for Winter

January 17, 2014/in Trends /by Ana Cara

Fashion has always been the difference between a good day and a great day. It’s walking into the break room and finding freshly made bagels with homemade peanut butter, it’s finding your favourite pair of shoes on sale only your size, and it’s the coolest summer breeze on a hot August night. For me, fashion has provided me the confidence to speak up, to strive further professionally and really discover myself. It’s beautiful, it’s comforting, it helps me express myself without saying anything at all… and it’s seriously being hindered by below thirty degree Canadian winters.

I’ve always had a good laugh at a few Fall/Winter fashion shows. They showcase their beautiful tights, pleated skirts and short sleeve coats. Sure, they’re lovely and I want to wear them all season, but it’s just impossible in Canada. As somebody who frequents public transit, I knew I needed to find an alternative to feel myself while facing the cold.

Below are some of my finds to get me through the winter. I hope you find your warm and fashionable niche this cold season like I did!

Women’s Medina Rain Ankle Boots
Putting a short wool sock in these boots makes them an all year round favourite. They’re comfortable, true to size and make me feel super fashionable. Not only do they feature a rubber sole and proper traction, but they feature a rubber coated heel which is made to look higher fashion with the brown leather panel on the back. Did I also mention that rubber boots are the easiest to clean in the winter? These are perfect at $250.

Denali Masterpiece
This coat is high quality, and undeniably beautiful. It’s perfect for cold weather, even if you take a trip further North. I also love that this coat isn’t as obvious as a Canada Goose, setting you apart from the crowd while still staying toasty warm. At $1,165, it’s definitely a coat to save for.

Dylanium Knits Carolina Toque
You lose so much heat from your head in the winter, it would be crazy not to wear a hat. Not just any hat, but a beautifully knitted toque from Dylanium Knits. It’s easy to mistake this choice as an endorsement as Dylanium Knits will be available on Luevo, but his hats are high quality, warm, soft and very versatile. The toque trend makes this a great option to wear in the fall with just a scarf and sweater, or a cozy must-have for the coldest days in Winter. If you wear this hat a conservative twice a week in the Fall and Winter, the hat only costs $1.80 each time you wear it. Realistically, you’ll wear it some days in the fall and every day in the winter. For only $99, do the math, this piece is an easy yes!

Article written by guest fashion blogger Bhreigh Gillis. You can follow her on twitter @Bhreigh.

Changing Fashion Habits for 2014

January 8, 2014/in Trends /by Ana Cara

Changing your fashion habits for 2014? As we bring on a New Year and make resolutions for the promise or aspiration of self-improvement, lets reminisce over fashion habits. Looking back at the past, do you have post-shock of December holiday shopping, and rampant consumerism? Out with the old and in with the new, consider these four fashion shopping resolutions to change it up for 2014.

Quality over Quantity

The phrase, “quality over quantity”, is one we often hear in the fashion industry, especially coupled with the popular movement, slow fashion. Opposite to fast fashion, the Slow Fashion Movement, encourages less consumption and thoughtful shopping. The concept of purchasing a garment for equal price to your Starbucks Macchiato and then having to throw it away after a few washes as it falls apart is a fashion faux pas. Instead, stop the relentless cycle of fast fashion and examine the quality of garments such as looking at the fabric, buttons and hemming. As a note, trends come and go, so it’s always wise to leave the trend jargon behind and buy long lasting quality pieces that suit your style.

Read Clothing Tags and Research

A big part of making changes to your fashion habits is about educating yourself and doing research on the clothing you purchase and the brands you support. The clothing tag is important, it offers information like where the garment comes from, and materials used. Also do research to educate yourself on where and how the garment is manufactured, and any news you can find on the brand such as whether they use sweatshops. Before making a purchase, think of yourself as a walking advertisement, why would you advertise for a label that doesn’t resemble your own ethics that you follow?

Support Independent Designers and Shop Locally

While, there is an abundance of mass-produced clothing at cheap prices consider shopping locally and from independent designers. Similar to the above commentary, you’ll find better quality from independent designer clothing since the products are usually manufactured with a close attention to detail and fabrics are selected with careful consideration. Given the smaller scale of production for independent designers, you’ll most likely receive more unique or one-of-a-kind items. One of the added advantages of shopping locally compared to big name retailers is that you can connect with fashion designers and the talent behind your clothing. Not only are you supporting the local economy and creating more jobs for local fashion, but you’re also engaging with the stories behind what you wear.

Do it Yourself

Time to clean out the closet and shop to replenish it? Before throwing clothing away and shopping more, get creative. Repurpose clothes that you’re about to put to waste and turn them into something useful again that fit another purpose such as a look, fashion trend, or size. If repurposing is not an option give your old clothing to Goodwill and charities for continued use.

Are any of these fashion shopping resolutions hitting your checklist this year?

Article written by Raylin Grace aka Red Curl Owl with Luevo. You can follow Raylin on Twitter @raylingm

New Year Fashion Resolution

January 4, 2014/in Trends /by Ana Cara

Hello Luevo readers! Happy New Year! It is 2014, which means it’s time for a new wardrobe to start the year right. As we bag up and give away our clothing we no longer desire, we make room in our closets for new and exciting clothes we are dying to wear out.

Many will be making New Year resolutions like losing 10 pounds, eating healthier, or being a better “you” all around. Let’s not forget about fashion along with the mix. I have compiled a list of items I hope to see more of or own in 2014. Below is my New Year Fashion Resolution.

Tapered Baggy Trousers

Tapered trousers are no longer an extremely casual look. They are perfect for all you ladies that need a quick look to throw together. The trousers pictured above are by MoonSpoon Saloon. The colours and shapes add vibrancy to the pant, which creates a bold statement piece so you can stand out!

Cuffed Heels

These Charlotte Olympia Bubblegum Sweet Dolly cuffed heels are deliciously amazing! Cuffed heels allows for a lot of unique designs that opens up a door for us to enjoy an endless amount of heels.

Tartan

Tartan is back! This punk inspired look is everywhere with no apologies. The designs have become more fashion forward, which makes this look wearable for just about anyone. Above is a pair of Daisy Street Tartan high waisted leggings. This print is perfect for anyone seeking to create an edgier look for themselves in 2014.

Tulle Skirts

Tulle skirts create such a fun and cute look with mostly anything you pair it with. This Lara Khoury yellow tutu skirt is no exception. This whimsical skirt has a lot of movement, while the colour can be paired with anything bold or subtle and will surely have your outfit standing out.

Velvet Dress

This Beaufille semi fitted mini dress is a perfect piece to wear for a casual dinner night with friends. The slash across the chest adds a subtle hint of sexiness, which will add a little drama to your look.

Armour Ring

Armour rings are sure to jazz up any outfit, especially this particular ring from Maria Francesca Pepe. It bands around your entire finger and exposes enough for others to know it is one piece.

Be sure to follow Jonika on Twitter @JonikaJun

How to Wear Sequins on NYE

December 27, 2013/in Trends /by Ana Cara

Sequins, a small shiny disk sewn onto a garment that promotes festive cheer. It’s a holiday staple, an almost guarantee for holiday fashion. Sequins is as predictable as the overindulgence of holiday sweets and chocolate. The sparkly disc comes sewn onto garments as few, or an overwhelming abundance. With so many options, there are certain places to wear the garment, and other ways that will have you as a disco ball.

So, with New Years fast approaching, what do your new year plans look like, and how will you wear sequins?

Close to Home Get Together

Whether you’re hosting a get together in your own home, or are attending an event at a friends house, there is a way to dress in sequins. Whats love about this look is the ease of holiday fashion. The outfit will have you looking dressed to impress, comfortable, cozy and cute. The absolute best part of the grey sweater with the sequins collar is the sustainability of the piece. The collar clips out, so you can wear the sequin collar outer pieces and the sweater on its own.

An Evening Out

Dialling up the sequins for an easy evening out is a fun and exciting way to dress up. A sequin skirt is dressier than the previous subtle sequin accents, but is not dressy enough to be mistaken for a disco ball. The fun about the skirt is the versatility it provides. Not only can a skirt be teamed with tights for a warm and comfortable for an evening out, but it provides a great deal of safety for it’s ease of transition. The last time I wore a skirt to an evening out, I was unsure of the dress code. I wore a comfortable more casual shirt and opaque black tights. In my handbag, I carried sheer black tights and a statement necklace. This way, in a casual setting I would only be slightly overdressed, and slightly underdressed if I had to take a quick stop to the washroom to switch out my tights and necklace. Just perfect!

An All Night Affair (the ‘good luck getting a cab back home’ type of evening)

As far as dressing up for an all night affair, there is almost no rules as far as sequin amount. Going to a dance or a club, sequins is a fun piece of fashion to wear that is highly seasonal and extremely dressy. Sequins all over a dress, or being a major highlight of your outfit puts you into this category.

Article written by guest fashion blogger Bhreigh Gillis. You can follow her on twitter @Bhreigh.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater

December 24, 2013/in Trends /by Ana Cara

From The Cosby Show with Bill Cosby and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase to The Santa Clause with Tim Allen and Bridget Jones’ Diary with Colin Firth, the “ugly Christmas sweater” as worn in film and television has become a popular mainstay. Traditionally, seen with the iconic image of the “Cosby Sweater” and “jingle bell sweaters”, today the ugly Christmas sweater has emerged with a resurgence of popularity.

The ‘ugly’ from too much embellishment, tinsel and festive pattern, is placed in contrast with the soft, cozy, warm oversized sweater – a staple in every Christmas wardrobe. This dialectic serves to conjure up two parts, the ugly and the Christmas sweater; without its counterpart, both loose its meaning. So what do we owe to this joining of the ugly in the Christmas sweater?

Pop Culture

The image of the ugly Christmas sweater has become a hallmark for the holiday season. It is one that has resulted in a co-opting of the hip, trendy and nerdy, ultimately making the ugly Christmas sweater a hot commodity. As it is re-appropriated over and over in film, television, and other pop culture outlets, the ugly Christmas sweater has shown to hold significant popularity and economic benefits. Vintage stores, the Salvation Army, and Goodwill are re-defining the benefits of this trend, but we are also seeing this trend hit retailers, online shopping sites and even the book market. As the ‘business of the Ugly’ continues to capitalize and the ugly Christmas sweaters continue to be worn, it seems like this pop culture ‘trend’ has made its way to being a permanent tradition.

Nostalgia

While, we may associate the laughable depictions of Christmas trees, reindeer or snowmen as tacky it does conjure up sentimentality for the past. These highly embellished and animated sweaters bring about the inner adult child, making us remember happy associations from the childlike aspect of Christmas. When we ruminate in recollections of the past, it makes sense to think about homemade decorations, stringing up lights to brighten the home or the decorated Christmas tree. As we “deck the halls” in celebration of Christmas, why not decorate ourselves?

Freedom

Even though the ugly Christmas sweater is a site for bad taste and hideous style it undeniably appreciates comical laughter and letting your guard down. Perhaps, we owe this tradition to the freedom it gives us to transcend the boundaries of fashion and embrace the beauty of ‘ugly’.

Article written by Raylin Grace aka Red Curl Owl with Luevo. You can follow Raylin at @raylingm

The Folly of Fast Fashion

December 20, 2013/in Trends /by Ana Cara

It’s not me, it’s you. It’s definitely you.

The folly of fast fashion.

We’ve had a good run. It was fun and exciting, but we’re not meant for one another. I’m looking for something longer lasting, while you’re looking for just a fling. Face it, we have different visions and we want very different things. I know that it’s hard to understand, but I’m looking for a more long term commitment. I’m sorry, but it’s not working out. We’re breaking up.

I wrote this letter to myself just a few weeks back. I’ve moved out just over a year ago, and like anybody starting out I’ve needed to find ways to cut costs. Cutting some costs were pretty simple (cable TV) and some things were a little more difficult (magazine subscriptions and imported wine). The hardest thing to give up by far was the freedom to make what felt like unlimited fashion choices. Suddenly, I had to choose between pieces that I loved equally, where as I previously lived at home, my income could go almost entirely to shopping. I decided that I’d switch from my regular boutiques with selected quality pieces to fast fashion. This way, my clothing budget that would normally afford me one piece could afford me nine. Brilliant? Absolutely not.

I truly felt that it was a genius idea. Sacrificing what I thought to be a small amount of quality turned out to be a much bigger issue. It went well beyond clothing not being as soft and zippers not gliding up as easy. My new issues? Hems falling down, ill fitted pieces, articles of clothing pilled and pinholes appeared in what seemed like impossible places. I’d need to replace dresses much more frequently, and I didn’t feel beautiful wearing a dress with pinholes and pilling.

When I thought things couldn’t get worse, they did. Things took another turn one year later. Normally, I had my staple pieces from the year before that I could build from, but those pieces weren’t purchased quality enough the year before, so I had to start a wardrobe on a completely blank slate each season. Purchasing new fast fashion pieces wasn’t an option; I knew the same thing would just happen again next year.

This is why I’ve broken up with fast fashion. It gets you caught in a cycle where you have to constantly replace. It’s not sustainable, it’s not inspiring or beautiful and it really watered down the fun of fashion. I need to begin building a quality wardrobe again, it’s going to take time and it’s going to be expensive. I’m done with fast fashion. We’ve broken up and I’m never looking back.

Article written by guest fashion blogger Bhreigh Gillis. You can follow her on twitter @Bhreigh.

Christmas Party Dresses

December 16, 2013/in Trends /by Ana Cara

Christmas is one of the most festive times of the year. Besides going last minute shopping for those special ones in your life, you are also attending parties to spend some quality time before the New Year. Whether you are meeting your partner’s parents for the first time, or going to a big Christmas party with family and friends, it can be hard finding that Christmas look that screams you. Below are 3 dresses that will give you some ideas for what to wear this Christmas.

First is this red wrap dress with pockets by Frock Los Angeles. This dress is simple yet sexy and will surely catch many peoples eye for any Christmas party you attend.

If you have both a dinner and party to attend Joscelyn Himes’ Jessi pale gold cocktail dress is perfect. Not only is it cute, but also the design creates a sophisticated look that will function for a night filled with many events.

The Claire Andrews SS14 sequin dress will be sure to make a statement as soon as you walk into the room. The dress is elegant with it’s light colour and subtle sheer cut out at the bottom. The silver lining along the neck and shoulders helps finish this polished look.

So get ready to toss your coat to the side and show your Christmas party look!

Let us know what you plan to wear to a Christmas dinner or party @LuevoFashion

Dress for Winter

December 8, 2013/in Trends /by Ana Cara

The temperature has fallen and the snowfall has begun. If you’re anything like me you detest winter. During this time of year your style is completely dependent on the weather. However, you have nothing to fear my fellow readers! I have a few tips that will keep you looking as chic as possible while staying warm.

We’re all looking for a signature piece to brighten our dull winter outfit or jacket. Dylanium Knits has created their very own line of knitted infinity scarves that will not only keep you warm, but also add a little “oomph” to your outfit. This chic oversized möbius cowl is a standout winter pick for me. There are a number of different ways to style this scarf, making it versatile and ready to wear for different occasions.

Finding a balance between being comfortable, warm and stylish can be difficult. This is a challenge many of us can attest to, but Skinny Sweats allows us to feel as comfortable as possible while looking fashionable. Their grey trouser sweats are just one of many featured on the site. Combining this with a pair of casual heels and a blouse makes for a chic workplace outfit that still feels more like a lazy Sunday. The fun thing about these trousers is the stylized patch pockets. It gives these trousers a little edge while still managing to keep it appropriate.

The best way to keep warm this winter without losing your sense of style is by layering. Layering not only adds more life to an outfit, but it also keeps you snug while facing the cold. A sheer blouse, vibrant knitted scarf and oversized blazer, paired with a pair of comfortable trousers can liven up any winter outfit.

If there are any more winter pieces you would like to share with us let us know @LuevoFashion

Article written by fashion blogger Jonika Lewis, follow her at @JonikaJun

Love for small Indie Boutiques

Valentine’s Day Fun

Fashion Finds for Winter

Changing Fashion Habits for 2014

New Year Fashion Resolution

How to Wear Sequins on NYE

The Ugly Christmas Sweater

The Folly of Fast Fashion

Christmas Party Dresses

Dress for Winter

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