Happy St. Patty's Day! (In Style)

Known for green beer, Irish pubs and munching on potatoes, St. Patty's Day is the last day that is thought of as fashionable but that does not mean you can't add little fashionable green wear into your outfit for some festive fun!

This green kaleidoscope bag by Matthew Williamson for Bulgari for example or these adorable gold Thistle and Clover stud earrings available at Refinery29. So when you go out tonight remember, fashion does not have to be forgotten when you are having fun!

How will you make St. Patty's Day more fashionable? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Buying a Counterfeit Bag Comes with a Price

Amanda's Fashion Spot is a strong advocate against the purchase of counterfeit products. As I have discussed before, the thrill of buying a fake Burberry bag for a tenth of the price may seem exciting, but what you don't know is that the money that you use to buy that bag often supports child labour and terrorism. What is often unknown is the amount of money that major fashion houses lose every time someone purchases a counterfeit bag or accessory and these fashion houses are not taking it lightly.

Three Canadian production companies have recently been sued by Burberry and Louis Vuitton for up to $3 million in damages for trademark and copyright infringement after they were caught selling counterfeit products. After a series of private investigations, it was discovered that these companies have been involved in purchasing knockoffs for quite some time with this lawsuit being called, the "largest anti-counterfeiting judgment in Canadian history".

How do you feel about counterfeit products? Have you ever purchased a counterfeit product? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Bieber Fever Baby!: Justin Bieber meets Bata Shoe Museum

The Canadian cutie and heartthrob has taken the music world by storm, his latest film, Never Say Never was a hit and he even has a nail polish collection with OPI.

However, all this success has not stopped Bieber's flame from burning bright and this Monday, March 14th at 11am you can get to know a whole new side of him at the Bata Shoe Museum. That's right fashionista's and fashiomista's, artist Landon Holmes has organized the newest addition to the museum's collection- Justin Bieber's shoes!

For one-day only you can check out The Biebs vast collection of foot attire, which I am sure mainly consists of old school high tops, Converse and purple. For all of you closeted Bieber fans, come out and visit this exhibit and you will be one less lonely girl. For more information, click here.

Are you going to check out Bieber's shoe exhibit? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Hit 'Em With Your Best Look and Become a Stylehog Styleite!

Stylehog.com

Have you become a fan of the ever so popular street style looks that you see infiltrating blogs, magazines and television shows far and wide? Have you ever thought to yourself, "I have great style and I want to share it with the world!", but all those street style photographers seem to miss you strut down the street while you are dressed in your military-style peacoat and faux fur scarf? Then fret no more my friend, fret no more.

Stylehog.com the fashion blog known for showing the latest deals and steals in fashion has introduced Stylehog's Styleites, a platform for all you fashionistas out there who want to show off your fabulous style. All you need to do is send a quick email to styleite@stylehog.com and let them know what defines your enviable style.

Hop to it and show off your bad self. Do you want to be a styleite? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

British Fashion Invasion Hits The Bay!

The British fashion invasion continues with the TopShop and Topman lines being the latest UK fashion exports to land in the Great Canadian North.

Soon Jonathan+Olivia won't be the only store carrying looks from the highly popular retailer because Canada's oldest department store, The Bay has earned the franchise rights to carry both shops within The Bay as well as standalone stores. Famous for their fast-fashion looks and designer collaborations with Kate Moss, their clothing is popular with fashionistas such as Lauren Conrad, Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson.

If you can't wait to get your hands on some TopShop, you are going to have to wait a little longer because the line won't be available until the Fall. But don't fret, it gives you something to look forward to!

What fashion collections do you wish were available in Canada? What is favourite fashion collection import? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

British Fashion Invasion to Hit Queen Street West!

Amy Winehouse may have said no, no, no to rehab but she said yes, yes, yes to a fashion collection with the British fashion line, Fred Perry. Debuting in the UK back in October, the line has made its way to Canadian soil and will be sold at the Fred Perry boutique in Toronto at 964 Queen Street West.

The line features Miss Winehouse's signature 1950's doo wop style with Hawaiian and gingham prints, pencil skirts and silk scarves. With a palette of red, black and grey the standout pieces include a red halter dress with Hawaiian print and matching scarf!


Do you plan on checking out the line? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Come On Girls! Do You Believe in Fashion?: Material Girls comes to The Bay!

Madonna a.k.a. the Queen of Pop has always been a fashion trendsetter from her cone-shaped bras to her ho down chic look of the early 2000's. Making her fashion design debut with her capsule collection for H&M a few years ago, Madge is back onto the design scene with her recently launched clothing line, Material Girl.

After being exclusively sold at Macy's in the States, the line has finally landed on Canadian soil and is now being exclusively sold at The Bay. If you are a daring fashionista who sets the trends, then make sure to scoop up the Spring 2011 collection to add to your spring wardrobe.

Do you like celebrity designed fashion collections? What are some of your favourite celebrity designed looks? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Magnolia wants you and a friend to shop free!

With all the lovely seventies inspired and colourful clothes for spring infiltrating magazines, blogs and street style everywhere, you may be thinking it's time to update the 'ole wardrobe! And what better way to do that than at a chic boutique that is kept all to yourself, so you can shop, sip on some bubbly and nibble some delicious cupcakes!

Magnolia offering you the chance to shop at their boutique at 333 Eglinton Avenue in the T.Dot with a $700 shopping credit and 15% off following purchases in the year 2011.

If this sounds like the ideal way to spend your afternoon, then all you have to do is send an unique email to springshopping@magnolia.ca including your Twitter or Facebook account and tell them how your clothing choices effect your everyday life. Then, log on to Twitter, follow Magnolia @magnoliatoronto and tweet: "Dear @magnoliatoronto, I want the $700 shopping spree". After that, "like" Magnolia on Facebook and become a temporary fashion critic by commenting on an outfit. You can look at the picture by clicking, here.

To take advantage of this exciting shopping opportunity, enter this contest by Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at noon so you can shop until you drop with Magnolia! For full details on this exciting opportunity, click here.

What do you love about fashion contests? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Photo of the Day: It's Oscar Barbie!

Although Amanda's Fashion Spot does not normally discuss the beauty and hair of our beloved fashionistas, I just could not resist this adorable high ponytail worn by none other than Reese Witherspoon! Channeling Elle Woods and vintage Barbie, her blonde locks had slight wave that created a swish as she made her way down the red carpet. 

This is the perfect way to add some spring to your hair for the upcoming warm months. Pun intended.

What were you favourite beauty looks from the Oscars? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
Amanda's Fashion Spot Facebook
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

OSCARS Red Carpet Fashion!

Awards season has culminated with everyone's favourite night in Hollywood, the Oscars! From the Golden Globes to the SAG Awards to the Grammy's and now the Oscars, we have seen sequins galore, emerald green, fairy princess looks and ravishing reds glide their way down the red carpet. In arguably one of the biggest nights in fashion, we saw a lot of familiar trends this year including pastels in lightweight chiffons, feathers, jewel tones and sequins, but out of all the looks only a few made the Amanda's Fashion Spot cut.

Look on and be inspired:

Lavender, lavender, oh lovely lavender! A little early for Easter time but the perfect peekaboo into springtime, with the soft pallet that evokes a dreamlike quality. In Givenchy Haute Couture, Cate Blanchett does not disappoint. Always the fashion risk taker, she exudes a regal like quality with the sculptured shoulder and beaded design. The front cutout reveals a lightly pleated bodice with a soft delicacy that will be remembered for years. Mila Kunis has come such a long way from That 70's Show to Black Swan and now she Hollywood's latest it-girl. In one of my favourite designers Elie Saab, Mila simply glows in this layered lightweight frock with bits and pieces of lace detail. With the detailing on the bodice, this spring 2011 couture gown is so romantic and feminine. She sure made her mark on the red carpet last night.

 Surprise, surprise the red gowns of the night made their way onto Amanda's Fashion Spot's best dressed list. But I just could not resist! Not with the sculptural skirts that these gowns have. Anne Hathaway the co-host of the night, looked radiant in a red Valentino with a full ruffled bottom and tousled hair. The low bun with soft tendrils makes her look like an Italian goddess running through the countryside with her lover after a late dinner party. Oscar winner and comedy queen Sandy B. channels Jackie O in her bright red Vera Wang number. I love the high saturation of the colour and her pulled back hair make the whole look extra classy. It seems like the whole Oscar night was full of transformations and the trend continued with J.Hud's tangerine Atelier Versace gown. Showing off her new shape, the colour perfectly  compliments her skin.

The soft coloured sparkly frocks are always a favourite of mine and these ones continue with their goddess-like quality that I love so much. Halle Berry looks gorgy in this creamy and sparkly, ruffled Marchesa gown. The Oscar winner sported her signature pixie cut and simple jewelry that were the perfect accessories for the feminine look. Hilary Swank took a departure from her usual structured, streamlined look and went for a fun Gucci gown. The gradated grey number was a dreamlike gown that was sparkly on top and feathered on the bottom and shows the glamorous way to walk through the storm.

What were your favourite Oscar looks? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

It's Red Carpet Fashion Baby!: Grammys Edition

Easter Time!

The Grammy Awards has come and gone. A night celebrating the past year in music and the outpour of some colourful and crazy fashion. Channeling Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj right now. There were many risk takers and memorable looks but only a select few made the Amanda's Fashion Spot cut. Behold the ladies in pastel, Natasha Beddingfield and Kelly Osbourne who each dressed in the softest and prettiest colours of the night, baby blue and lavender. The groundhog that predicted an early spring was spot when it comes to these looks that remind me of springtime. Natasha Beddingfield wore a strapless blue gown with a sequin bust detail and chiffon skirt with a print reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty. Her soft waves brought out a 1940's Old Hollywood vibe with her glowing skin and bright smile leaving the perfect finishing touch. Kelly Osbourne has always been regarded as a style risk taker, from her black and pink choppy haircuts, 1980's punk princess revival look and her vast collection of vintage dresses. Now, her style has taken a demure ladylike turn and is every bit stunning. Kelly O absolutely glows in this beautiful lavender ruffled dress with satin bow tied sash and sparkly peeptoes. Bravo, Kelly bravo!

Discoball

I have featured a countless number of sparkly, sequin gowns on Amanda's Fashion Spot and with all the gorgeous shiny stunners that have been in fashion as of late, that will not be slowing down any time soon! Plus, I love all that glitters. Country songstress Leann Rimes dazzled on the red carpet in this gorgeous gold stunner. With a slight off-the-shoulder cap sleeve and loose draping, this gown evokes a look reminiscent of the screen goddesses of yesteryear. You go Leann! Jenny from the block is now the Jenny that knows how to rock a red carpet! This Emilio Pucci mini dress looks like a hybrid between a sexy dress and a discoball in the best possible way. J.Lo lit up the red carpet in her matching silver clutch and studded shoes in a look to be remembered.

What were your favourite Grammy red carpet looks? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week Part Three

Rebecca Taylor

Another day, another day at New York Fashion Week! Rebecca Taylor's collection was full of ladylike separates in pink, blue and soft grey. These combine a classic ladylike tailored look for a young sassy fashionista. If you ever pondered on how to make your work attire a little more colourful, the look on the left is your answer! Paired with a grey blouse and sweater jacket, it looks like grey is becoming the new black. The middle look is how I like to look when out on the town during the winter, a sugar 'n' spice cocktail dress with a chic fur coat over it. It's the way to cozy up when the temperature goes down. The last look shows how to add a little flair to a monochromatic look, add ruffles and a little texture. Now no one can ask why your outfit is so blue.

 

Jason Wu

He had his first break when he dressed Michelle Obama and has had oodles of success since then. His latest collection was inspired by the Baroque Period and the historic Chateau de Versailles, which created a beautiful collection for the chic princesses in all of us (I am talking to you Blair Waldorf!). High collars and crew necks seemed to be the shirt style of choice with this gorgeous black lace sleeveless blouse contrasted with a mustard yellow silk pleated skirt in the look to the left. This is how you do leather and lace as elegantly shown in the middle look, with the sunglasses adding an air of mystery to the outfit. The look to the right, is perfect for any cocktail parties you may have listed in your fashion calendars. The feather ruffles add a playful touch with the hint of red adding a dose of glamour! Bravo, Monsieur Wu!

Jason Wu 

My favourite Jason Wu looks didn't end with his above the knee looks up top, they also include these beautiful gowns that he had plenty of in his Fall 2011 collection. The gown to the left is Chinoiserie-inspired and very vintage-looking with the delicate flower pattern and small hints of gold. Shimmery and stunning. If you read Amanda's Fashion Spot, you know I love a red dress and this one on the right is no exception. With lightweight chiffon and satin that lightly floated down the runway, the black lace mask made a nod to the lace loving Baroque period and the look that I plan on wearing at my next masquerade party! 

What are your favourite looks from Fashion Week? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Happy Valentine's Day from Amanda's Fashion Spot!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week Part Deux!

Wider Shades of Red

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week continues through the deep freeze and snow, with fashionistas making their way to each show in their stiletto heels. You didn't think a little cold weather would stop New York's fashion set from looking their absolute best did you? Adding to the latest looks for Fall 2011, are looks by Luca Luca and Jill Stuart. These designers clearly had autumn colours on the brain with their looks in bright orange and rusty reds accented by the accessory du jour-although I don't think it's going anywhere-fur! The neon orange shirt dress by Luca Luca on the left is the perfect simple dress for the fall wardrobe, with the bright colour adding some cheer to the grey and cloudy months. The middle look also by Luca Luca, shows wide-leg rust coloured trousers and an ornately designed matching blouse with a soft grey fur coat. This is one of my favourite colour combos and an excellent way to up the chic factor at the office. The last look on the right, comes from Jill Stuart's forest-inspired collection filled with fox motifs on silk dresses. This silk dress is a beautiful bright red in an A-Line cut. The vertical stripes add a playful touch along the bow tied at the side.

Rebecca Minkoff

This collection was the quintessential chic downtown girl look. With fur bomber jackets, boyfriend blazers, lace frocks and dashes of leopard print here and there. The camel coloured trench coat with the fur shoulder detail to the left, takes a timeless look to a super glam, uber-chic and sassy level. Fur tends to do that to most looks, however when your wearing fur, make sure it's faux fur. The sassy leopard jumpsuit in the middle, shows that no matter how simple or lightweight a look leopard always make it sassier. With some stilettos, tousled hair and chain link bag, you're ready for a night on the town. Now onto the look on the right, the red tweedy bomber jacket make the look. It can be worn in a multitude of ways from over a cocktail dress for a sassy, youthful vibe or over a maxi dress for a boho vibe. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

What are your favourite looks from New York Fashion Week? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week!

Another fashion week has begun and this time it gives us a sneak peek of what is in store for this fall. Since the weather is still frigidly cold, it is not too hard to start daydreaming about wearing these chic outfits. The first collections to stick their necks out for Fall 2011, are coincidentally newer lines by Zac Posen for his Z Spoke line, knitwear company St. John and celebrity stylist turned designer, Rachel Zoe. If their collections are any indicator, black, grey, white and lots of texture are what we have in store for our fall wardrobes.

Look on and be inspired:

 Rachel Zoe

Uber-stylist, Rachel Zoe is known for dressing all the most fabulous celebrities in Tinsel Town including Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz and Paula Patton. Her BravoTV reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project is hilarious and her QVC line is a hit! Now, she has branched out in the next logical step in fashion, her own contemporary line called non other than Rachel Zoe.

A true Rachel Zoe look would not be complete with touch of some faux fur, a maxi dress or a dash of the seventies and her debut collection includes all of the above! Highlights include, several faux fur bomber-style jackets, a vintage inspired black and white sequin shift dress and good deal of chic de la chic capes. My favourites include this GOR-JUSS double breasted wool and fur trim peacoat to the left. Hello! If this doesn't say chic winter wear, I don't know what does. I love it! In the centre is a perfectly styled outfit perfect for a crisp fall day. The light colour of the vest goes perfectly with the blouse. The last look on the right is true Zoe fashion with the asymmetrical collar and tiered layers. A goddess dress perfect for a special event or casual wedding. Kudos to you, Rachel Zoe!

St. John's


This line which is known for it's knitwear, has debuted its first-ever collection for New York Fashion Week by staying true to form with knit pieces such as, this simple yet elegant cream sweater dress accented with light grey leather gloves and a luxe fur cropped scarf in the centre. This collection focussed on well put together separates ideal for fall such as, wide-leg trousers paired with ruffled blouses and wool trench coats as well as knit dresses with fur trim capes. The collection was ladylike with some modern touches such as the look to the right, with a fun and trendy silver sequin maxi skirt with a grey v-neck sweater accessorized with a brown leather belt and ruffled gloves. The look to the left is the ideal ladylike look with the slightly off the shoulder leopard trench coat, because the perfect way to add a touch of glamour to any look is with animal print.

Z Spoke By Zac Posen

This is the second collection for the Z Spoke line and it featured a great deal of heavy wool, grey, navy and black, black, black! Once the temperature drops most people tend to dress in the colours of the night so its fitting that this collection reflects that. A very wearable line, it was full of separates perfect for that back-to-school fall look with a small dash of Gossip Girl style. The look to the left features a leather pencil skirt and black cardigan with a skinny belt, which is a classic and sexy way to add some edge to any fall look. No autumn look would be complete without a wool coat and from the looks of it this coat in the centre photo fits the bill of a uber-chic coat that goes with just about anything. The pleated striped skirt adds flirtatious touch to the whole outfit. The last look on the right is a bright navy, if there ever were one and continues with the grown up schoolgirl look of this collection. The light weight fabric of the skirt takes away some of the heaviness felt by the collection and the fitted cardigan is something that we all need in our drawers once September rolls around.

What are your favourite collections from New York Fashion Week so far? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Cupid Pull Back Your Clothes: Lingerie for Valentine's Day!

Looking for the best way to add a little sugar and spice and everything nice to your Valentine’s Day? How about picking up one of Jenna Leigh’s gold satin balconette bras with matching panty and lace trim? Or perhaps a satin red and white polka dot bra and panty set from Agent Provocateur tickles your fancy? Dean Martin may sing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” but lingerie looks from Chantelle, D&G and La Perla will keep you warm on the day of love.

Amazing Lace

Romantic and feminine looks are ideal for the sweetheart in all of us. For this Valentine’s Day try pastels such as sheer pinks and nudes seen on bras and panties by Calvin Klein who has you covered under cover with the Perfectly Fit Bra and coordinating panties. For a dash of soft colour, try this peachy keen bra by Agent Provocateur. Its demi cup adds an extra lift to your breasts while the ornate lace trim is equal parts sweet and sexy. Channeling the Baroque period, a French lace kimono by Agent Provocateur epitomizes sensual elegance with its creamy white colour and satin belted sash.

Will you be my Valentine?

February 14 is the day of love and passion and if you are looking for something with an extra punch for that special evening out (or in! wink, wink), then you must try Agent Provocateur’s red love basque. Made of French Leavers lace, it features a demi cup and satin straps all together creating a look that screams muy caliente! Not feeling red? Young lingerie designer Jenna Leigh has designed a blue silk trimmed lace triangle bra and matching mini skirt with a garter that provides a sexy alternative. In true D&G style, animal prints can be found all over their assortment of baby doll dresses and smooth satin bras and panties, a sure way to unleash your inner sex kitten. Meow!

Borrow from the Boys

So who is purchasing these frilly, ruffle-y things any way? According to Aimée Finlay owner and manager of Beestung Lingerie De Femme, located in Toronto, 80% of lingerie shoppers are male. That’s not surprising considering the masculine meets feminine looks appearing on our intimates. Take for example La Perla’s Black label bustier with panels made of a silky check print and leavers lace adding a peek a boo of what’s underneath. Chantelle has a lovely collection of looks including a sheer nude capelet worn over a black trim sheer pink bra and panty accompanied by a mysterious masquerade mask evoking your inner Parisienne.

What are some of your Valentine's Day lingerie choices? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Fashionista.com knows where to shop, None other than the T.Dot!

As a fashionista, it is important to be well-versed on the fashion ins and outs of all the major cities around the world. New York, Paris, London, Tokyo and Toronto mainly. One look around the T.Dot and anyone can tell that a few of things that reign supreme in the fashion world here are scarves, Canada Goose jackets, leather jackets and vintage, vintage, vintage! It seems like a few other people are starting to take note of what us T.Dot fashionistas wear on our backs, starting with New York-based fashion blog, Fashionista.com!

Recently they posted their first ever shopping guide and they have started with Toronto! If you are familiar with the Toronto fashion scene you will recognize some of the favourites such as, 69 Vintage and Jonathan+Olivia, both on the trendy Ossington as well as the higher-end Holt Renfrew and The Room at the Bay. Written by two Toronto-natives Hayley Phelan current writer at TeenVogue.com and John Ortved, you know that they have a keen eye of what Toronto shopping is all about. Although I am surprised Mendocino, Aritizia and Joe Fresh did not make it onto the list, oh well maybe next time!

Check out the article here!

What are your favourite places to shop in Toronto? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot