Tis the season for sparkle, a time when jewelry can truly make a statement. Adorn her this holiday season with a handpicked item from eye-catching collections by Joanna Morgan Designs and Toby Lynn Gems. While wearing these designs, she can mix and match, create ensembles or layer her favourite pieces, celebrating her creative side.
With an eclectic flare, the Joanna Morgan Designs make gift giving easy for the classic to edgy woman. The stylish jewelry accessories give versatility, transitioning from day to night and outfit-to-outfit. Primarily using sterling and fine silver, along with brass, each piece is given personality and character.
Well known for bold statement pieces, designer Toby Lynn uses a mixture of precious and semi precious stones, crystals, silver and gold, making unique one of a kind items. Wearing a Toby Lynn design makes any woman a crowd pleaser, giving testimony to her great style. Toby Lynn Gems
Joanna Morgan Designs
Article written by Raylin Grace aka the Red Curl Owl with Luevo. You can follow Raylin at@raylingm
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1016.jpg500500Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2013-11-22 22:24:312014-12-11 15:59:47Jewels for HER this Holiday
At this time of the year, men are beginning to ask themselves, what do women really want? From sparkle, soft fabrics, poetic words and feminine scents, gifts for her are endless. For treating her this holiday season, we have come up with a list of gifts that we know she will feel special receiving.
DesignerFranco Vernica has become particularly noted for his exotic leather and handmade luxury handbags. Carried in the hand of any woman, a Franco Vernica handbag imbues stylish elegance and a chic attitude. Complimentary to the brand’s vision, Franco Vernica remains committed to upholding to principles of quality and integrity, and exquisite craftsmanship.
For keeping stylish and ultimately comfortable, Seatttle-based designer Paychi Karen Guh creates luxurious knitwear for any woman who likes to indulge in cashmere. Catering to a timeless style, the Paychi Guh collections provide a variety of cashmere pieces from everyday essentials to novelty pieces that add a little unexpectedness. Paychi chooses cashmere with finer yarn-count, creating a more lightweight and breathable quality that can be worn at any time of the year, feeling divinely soft against the skin.
For anything but original,Hintz Design have something to offer. As a young couple from Europe, these emerging artisans bring their European flare to jewelry, creating unique pieces that are one-of-a-kind. While being environmentally conscious Hintz Design mixes cooper, silver plated wire, leather, gems to natural stones and glass beads. These handmade pieces of jewellery will inspire and boost a woman’s positive energy.
If jewelry isn’t on the wish list this holiday season, how about a gift for the home? Taking old vinyl records to upcyle, and mixing different painting techniques, Hintz Design creates unique colourful clocks. These one-of-a-kind clocks will bring joy, and an upbeat vibe to any home. Franco Vernica
Paychi Karen Guh
Hintz Designs
Article written by Raylin Grace aka the Red Curl Owl with Luevo. You can follow Raylin at@raylingm
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Screen-shot-2013-11-21-at-6.48.11-PM.png486425Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2013-11-22 22:11:352014-12-11 16:00:05Gifts for HER this Holiday Season
Children like to feel good and look good too, so style your child with fashionable gifts for every season. Investing in your child’s fashion wardrobe can have a lasting impact on them, moving beyond a wonderful appearance. A fashionable wardrobe will expose your child to a boost of self-confidence and sense of individuality. We suggest two designers whose clothing will make your child walk tall and smile. Whether for holiday, fall, spring or summer these designs will be reliable for your child to wear.
Being passionate about designing, Peini Yang’s KK Children Designs offers handmade garments woven with love and care. As a mother of two twin girls, Yang’s inspiration comes for creating designs of “style that grow with your children” offering designs that are wearable across seasons. Using brightly coloured bold prints and elegant fabrics, your child will twirl in happiness for feeling the most fashionable and stylish in Kk Children Designs.
Inspired by Liberty London, Little Men is a funky and fun clothing brand designed for young boys who want to express themselves stylishly in bold and vibrant colours. Mother of three and designer of Little Men, Sofia Trokey uses cool and lightweight fabrics, creating comfortable clothing for any active young boy. Not only will Little Men give your child more character and a sense of his own style but also provide him with the palette to stand out from his peers.
KK Clothing Designs
Little Men
Article written by Luevo’s marketing and social media team member, Raylin Miszczuk. You can follow Raylin at@raylingm
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/little-men-_4.jpg640960Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2013-11-22 14:13:242014-12-11 16:00:25Holiday Gifts for Children
With the holiday season approaching comes the perfect time to pamper our loved ones, need ideas for gift giving? Treat your special man to a stylish outfit, making him fashionably dressed for any holiday party and the winter season. These are key looks from designers that we guarantee he will love, receiving a head-turning appeal in any crowd.
Well acclaimed for his talent,Toronto based Christopher Bates is the definition of clean lines and chic designs, borrowing inspiration from 1950s styling. Transitioning between casual wear and an evening out, Bates offers fashionable items for any man.His newest collection can be found at Holt Renfrew, and we look forward to offering his exclusive items on Luevo soon.
Finding inspiration from Peter and the Wolf, Toronto based Philip Sparks creates designs that blend vintage details and classic tailoring, offering a contemporary sensibility to his collections. Providing high quality and functional clothing, the Sparks’ collections capture the essence of Canadians. For a classic and preppy style, sharp in every day, Sparks is the perfect option. Proudly made in Canada, you can buy his collections here in Toronto’s Ossington Village.
It is true; women do know how to style a man. Well known for her success in menswear, talented UK based Jenny Schwarz offers unique, innovative tailored fashion. Blending a classic style with a contemporary edge, the Schwarz collections imbue a dark and detailed twist that can be dressed up or down.Buy Schwarz designs in the UK or online at designated fashion shopping sites.
Christopher Bates Jenny Schwarz Philip Sparks
Article written by Raylin Grace aka the Red Curl Owl with Luevo. You can follow Raylin at@raylingm
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/christopher_browncoat.jpg700513Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2013-11-20 22:15:292014-12-11 16:00:38Holiday gift guide for HIM
With the days getting shorter, it’s almost time to say goodbye to summer and embrace the best of fall fashion. While crop tops and beachy maxis can be packed away for next year, transitioning into autumn doesn’t have to involve a complete wardrobe overhaul. Pairing a few on-trend pieces with your existing staples can easily bring you up to speed and prepare you for fall’s most anticipated trends. This season, we’re introduced to a new colour palette filled with shades of grey, rich jewel tones and high-contrast black and white pairings. Take a look at some of the key trends and must-have pieces for the summer to fall transition season.
Oversized
One of the most notable trends for fall/winter 2013 is oversized outerwear. Thanks to designers like Céline, Carven and Alexander Wang, roomy coats and thick, chunky knits are a go-to choice for cooler days.
While transitioning from summer to fall, bundle up with Toronto-based DylaniumKnits’ fall line of statement accessories in burgundy, cream and black. “My absolute favourite piece is a super heavy long scarf with fringe on either end,” says designer Dylan Uscher. “It’s huge, creates such a statement and help keeps the wearer very warm. This particular wool works on everyone.”
For a casual yet luxe look, opt for Seattle-based designer Paychi Guh’s Two Way Cozy Cardigan in a versatile geometric print, which can easily be paired with Fluevog ankle booties and a Franco Vernica Milano Leather Tote.
1. Paychi Guh Two Way Cozy Cardigan 2. DylaniumKnits Rowen Mobius Scarf 3. Franco Vernica Milano Leather Tote 4. Fluevog Garden of Enjoyment Ankle Booties
Punk Accents
Coinciding with the Met’s Costume Institute punk exhibit, designers like Givenchy, Rodarte and Moschino have shown the fashion world the chic side of plaid, leather and punk-inspired embellishments. If you’re not ready to go all out with grommets and studs, try to subtly incorporate punk elements into your wardrobe with leather accents and mixed metal accessories. Seattle-based Joanna Morgan’s Talisman collection serves up bold Krystallino rings in brass and sterling silver that can complement a plaid statement skirt.
1. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Tartan Leopard Arena Skirt 2. Joanna Morgan Designs Krystallino ring 3. Givenchy Obsedia Leather Shoulder Bag 4. Alice and Olivia Weston Straight Skirt With Buckle
Layering
Practical and chic, layering is a no-brainer for autumn. This season, multi-length pieces layered the right way can create an effortlessly cool ensemble. ”When you transition from snowy streets to hot bar or restaurants I would love you to be wearing one of my silk separates under that coat,” says New York City-based designer Alex Koutny. In unpredictable weather, start with a base that’s versatile, such as a washed silk black tank. Complete the look by layering a pair of Skinny Sweats’ leggings with a tunic and a Mackage leather motto jacket.
1. Skinny Sweats Arrowhead leggings 2. Mackage for Aritzia Paula Jacket 3. Alex Koutny Lo Tank
Black & White
Black and white combinations have been trending all year and are still going strong for fall/winter 2013. Update the look this fall by opting for a black and white dress in a geometric print, such as a Pink Tartan Hexagon Dress. For a menswear-inspired look, embrace a tuxedo style ensemble by pairing Joeleen Torvick’s black and white shirt with an on-trend pair of tuxedo pants by Skinny Sweats.
1. Skinny Sweats Tuxedo sweats 2. Pink Tartan Hexagon Dress 3. Philip Lim 3.1 x Target black and white dress 4. Joeleen Torvick Black and White shirt
Article written by Julia Eskins.
Julia Eskins is a Toronto-based writer and features editor at FAJO Magazine. You can follow her on Twitter at @juliaeskins
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/background_fb1.jpg9451502Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2013-09-09 18:30:022014-12-12 14:21:56Style Guide: Summer to Fall Transition
Skinny Sweats are lazy, sexy, cool and comfortable clothing that are a casual and chic hybrid for work or an evening out. A line designed by Adrienne Butikofer of Toronto, Canada, she aims to create a look of polished comfort with fashion forward styling.
I recently attended the GREEN JOBS FORUM in Toronto to find among the speakers many young entrepreneurs in the fields of fashion and beauty. I became curious about eco-trends in fashion when we were recently approached by local designers Alexandra Wilson and Jessica van Enckevort from LittleWhiteDress (we will review their line in a separate post).
We are picky eaters, picky travelers, picky partners, but how about fashion? How concerned are we of where our clothes are being made, or if young children were the “tailors” of our clothes? I would leave that up to you my reader, but my guess is most of us aren’t. Most brand name labels do produce their lines in a third world country, but I am not even going to go there.
This post is about those designers that are trying to make a difference, and not only that they source their materials and produce their designs locally, but they also try to incorporate sustainable practices in the manufacturing process of their clothing lines.
At the GREEN JOBS FORUM I listened to Shawna Robinson co-owner of LABEL.
The designers at LABEL use recycled and organic materials as much as they can and they use eco-friendly printing processes for their T-shirts. Shawna also made an interesting point on being sustainable versus eco, as a company. They choose “sustainable” design patterns, to make full use of the materials available and reduce waste. This is one of the reason why their most recent collection has a lot of asymmetrical designs – which is not only sustainable but also very trendy, and we love it!
Obviously, prices are always going to be an issue for the buyer, as most of the sustainable and eco-friendly clothing will bear a higher price tag than, you know their non-so-sustainable competition. But I believe if we can pay 50% more on organic foods than we should consider local designers that not only are they doing something good about our environment, but they are also a source for innovative fashion and high-quality craftsmanship.
For more information on sustainable and eco-friendly fashion you can have a look at FASHION TAKES ACTION, an industry non-profit organization.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/lwd-18.jpg432648Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2012-09-20 12:02:502014-12-11 15:04:14Is Eco-Fashion Just a Trend?
So you were invited to a fashion event, and the day before you start wondering what should you wear! This time is not your girlfriends checking out your outfit head to toe, but it’s your local fashion experts, and in a city like Toronto the pressure is on!
So, with an invitation in my hand to go to a fashion event in the famous Yorkville district of Toronto, I start lining up different outfit options, and what else can I do, but categorize, sub-categorize, and choose! (Must be the divide and conquer theory I was taught in history class a while ago…).
Option #1: Wear something famous! Choose a brand that anyone would recognize and flaunt in front of snapping cameras and the on-site fashionistas…but.. that can be a bad idea when the event is organized by a designer or a store that showcases certain brands, which is the case with my event. So no, this is not a good opportunity to showcase the one most expensive piece of clothing that I own; however, here are some designer outfits that most certainly will be a hit at a Toronto fashion event:
An outfit signed by Lucian Matis – one of the best shows at Toronto Fashion Week 2012:
Option #2: As an alternative, I could wear one of the labels carried by the respective boutique, such as :
A Back stretch knit dress by Arti Gogna you can buy here.
Cowl neck 3/4 sleeve dress by Dagg & Stacey that you can get here.
Option #3: Or you can be totally fresh, and wear Canadian label no other than Joe Fresh:
Ultimately I think the rules of the game are: while you want to stand out, don’t overdo it, be yourself! Be considerate to the event’s theme, if the event is organized for independent local designers don’t walk in wearing Prada!
And finally, in my case, I want to wear something that will represent me and my company, and most importantly bring forward the creations of the designers that we at Luevo have discovered.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/149764_3475055928000_233526417_n.jpg960720Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2012-07-25 16:38:132014-12-11 15:13:31What to wear to a fashion event?
Nina Ricci. Valentino. Fendi. Lanvin; the list goes on. These fashion gods and goddesses are among the many designers creating custom-made outfits destined to be worn by some of the hottest names in Hollywood. Not only are these designers responsible for making celebrities turn heads as they enter a room; they are part of a team responsible for creating an image that reflects the personality and brand of each actor, singer or eccentric to walk the red carpet. Take, for example, the white Givenchy number sported by Rooney Mara at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in L.A. It was the perfect blend of edge and elegance, a sincere reflection of the image portrayed by the Girl in the Dragon Tattoo. Need another example? Bond, James Bond. Made famous by his witty retorts, womanizing escapades and specific choice in cocktail (vodka martini, shaken not stirred), he is best known for the style with which he successfully executed top secret mission; and by style, I mean suit. Granted, Bond wasn’t so much styled by the stars as he was clothed in suits that were tailored to perfection, but in this case, as in so many cases, the clothes really did make the man (dare I say legend?).
The history of tailoring as an art form
The art of tailoring, which has its roots in the 12-14th centuries, became exceptionally popular during the Renaissance as clothing started moving away from conservative trends sweeping the old empires and towards designs that accentuated and brought to life the human body. Curves and skin were suddenly in! Not too much of course, but enough to get the creative juices of designers and tailors flowing as floods of orders for custom made apparel came in from the crème de la crème of European society.
During this time, tailored apparel was an expression of power, wealth and influence for men and women lucky enough to afford it. Moving into the twentieth century, tailored clothing became less a luxury for the nobility and more a way for women, in particular, to express themselves as they made the move from traditional wear to garments that allowed for simultaneous functionality and femininity.
Going, going… still here?
It seems to me that somewhere along the line, tailoring fell out of fashion. Perhaps wartime experiences and depression simply made indulging in custom-made clothing unaffordable for the average buyer. Perhaps woman, the provocateurs of fashion around the world, became less inclined to invest in custom made garments, preferring to mix existing pieces to create a sort of “self-made” look similar to that trending around the streets of Toronto as I type. As I see it, outside of particularly trendy (or wealthy) communities, tailored clothing is quickly falling through the fashion cracks. For starters, the definition of tailoring has moved from meaning custom-made to clothes that fit well without necessarily being tailored to fit the contour of a particular individual. Gone are the days of visiting ones tailor in order to be fitted for a new jacket; today, “tailored” suits, jackets and pants are widely available at popular department stores and independent boutiques. Perhaps there is a link between the decline of custom-made clothing and globalization as imports allow for the selection of material to increase tenfold. Whatever the reason, custom made clothing is due for a comeback, don’t you agree?
Putting customization back on the table
At Luevo, we believe that creativity is the essence of fashion and we are big supporters of customization tailoring. Some of the selected designers on Luevo will be able to offer clothing that are literally made to fit your body. There’s only one you, so make it count and dress it up! Get in touch with your style and check out Luevo soon for the latest line of customizable products.
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Over the next few months, we will be shining a spotlight on some of the most unique designers to hit the streets of T.O.
This week, we would like to introduce Claudia Llado, a talented jewellery designer and artist from Peru who uses inspiration from her travels to design high-end, handmade products with universal appeal. Specializing in unique designs, Claudia produces only a small number of must-have pieces that remain available only as long as supplies last.
All of Claudia’s accessories including rings, bracelets and necklaces are made with 950 Sterling Silver, and come in a hand embroidered gift bag made from 100% natural cotton and designed by the artist herself.
These eye-catching pieces provide a unique twist on classic favorites and are a great way to accessorize featured items from our signature coat and jacket line. Exclusive collection from Claudia will soon be available for purchase online at Luevo.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/plate.jpg311700Ana Carahttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngAna Cara2012-06-06 09:30:502014-12-12 14:00:56Featured Designer of the Week: Claudia Llado
