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

Not Wearing White After Labour Day Does Not Apply

The year is still new and as we are all working hard at brightening up the wardrobe and brushing up our resumes all while looking fabulous, why not take some time out of your day to give back to the more than half a million people living in poverty throughout Canada?

Windfall is an award-winning charity that collects and donates new clothing and basic-needs to social service agencies and shelters. This month is their annual Wear White for Windfall Campaign that raises awareness for poverty, and to celebrate they are hosting a few festivities for the generous organization.

To begin, visit 15 Bloor Street West on January 26th for Buy Design at H&M for hor d'oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment with 15% of all sales going to WW4W. What better way to add to your new wardrobe and help someone in need at the same time? To attend the glamorous and charitable soiree RSVP at ca@hm.com and make sure you can legally drink because the event is 19+.

The following day, dress yourself in your finest winter white pieces to visually express your support for anti-poverty. I suggest a faux fur scarf with a chunky wool sweater and skinny jeans or you can purchase
their official T-shirt designed by Canadian fashion designer, Franco Mirabelli for only $20 with all proceeds benefitting Windfall.

If your New Year's Resolution was to be more charitable (in addition to being more fashionable) then I highly recommend participating in this wonderful event! For more information, click here.

What charities would you like to participate in? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

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

Fall Inspirations: Flare Magazine + HM = Happy Shopping!

Don't you love all the fun shopping events going on lately? If so, you are in luck because here comes another one!

Exactly one week from today at 6pm, Flare Magazine will be hosting a special fashion event at Bloor street's H&M location. You will be able to sip on sparkling beverages, dine on delicious hors d'oeuvres and shop! (which I highly suggest because you will receive a 20% discount!)

This event will also include a special fashion presentation and a free gift item with purchase, for the first two hundred fashionable shoppers. Does it get much better than this?

To attend, you must RSVP here. 

Happy shopping!

Amanda

Fall Inspirations: Fall Fashion Finds

Here are some of my latest fashion finds. Each evoke a certain sophisticated femininity that I love. 

Photo #1: The fucshia bubble skirt (from Joe Fresh) is a really fun piece that adds a little flirtiness and ease to my fall wardrobe. Paired with a black turtleneck, statement necklace and some booties will make for a look that is a paired-down version of glamour. 

Photo #2: Believe or not, that motorcycle jacket is only $49 (kudos to Joe Fresh). I like to wear it with a white ruffled top (from Joe Fresh) because it adds a soft touch to the edgy jacket.

Photo #3: The nautical look is one of my favourites and I love that this dress (from Anthropologie) has adds that appeal with a shade of green. The fit is divine and I can't wait to wear it with a grey or yellow knit cardigan.

Photo #4: This is my new favourite skirt (from Anthropologie). It fits like a glove and has a classic yet modern look. The thick tweed-like weave is puurfect for fall and it goes just about anything from, the ruffled top (above) to a classic knit sweat.

Amanda

Sale! Sale! Sale!: H&M

If you are around a H&M store between today and September 13th make sure to grab a coupon from one of the stylish sales associates.

Why? You ask. Well, if you use that coupon you will be able to purchase any two items and receive 20% off the highest priced item. Isn't that great? A nice added perk to your fall shopping.

I highly suggest you take advantage of this, as there are tons of really great things there right now. I recommend a grey animal print beret (tres cute and oh so, Parisienne), cobalt blue faux suede boots (because why not plus they are under $60) and embellished blouses galore!

Get there soon and happy shopping! 

Amanda

The Top Ten Commandments of Fashion, Shopping and Everything in Between

Here is your second round up of The Top Ten Commandments of Fashion, Shopping and Everything in Between!

3) Thou Shall Value Style Over Brand

Who cares if you bought a basic white t-shirt from Aritzia or Joe Fresh? As long as the clothes are flattering and they look great on you that's really all that matters. With that in mind, when purchasing clothes from fast-fashion retailers such as Zara and H&M look for clothes that contain natural fibres like, cotton, linen, silk or wool. These items will generally last longer and wear better. Also, look at stitching to make sure there are no broken stitches and fabric ends are serged. If you are going to splurge on a pricey well-known brand make sure it is something classic that you will love forever. For example, a good pair of leather boots or a wool coat. My mother once bought a silk blouse from Calypso and she has worn it more times than I can count!

4) Thou Shall Take Care Of Their Clothes

Always read the care label when washing your clothes. From working in retail, I cannot tell you how many times customers have come to me complaining that their beloved dark jeans have faded and shrunk! As a general rule, wash items in cold water with like colours and hang to dry, especially jeans. This is the best way to preserve the longevity and quality of your clothes. If you have items that require a dry cleaner, take them there. Need hand washing? Do it!

Amanda

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! Celebrate your country's birthday in style

Many people find wearing your country's colours to be a little tacky or corny but personally I find it lots of fun! I love the holidays and any excuse to have fun with fashion (don't get me started on Hallowe'en). Today is Canada Day and I thought what better way to show this amazing country some love than wearing it's colours. Ready on for some helpful tips to wave your patriotic flag with style!

Checkmate!

I find the best way to mix to solid colours, is to do it with a print. Gingham is great because it is classic, vintage-looking and a fresh alternative to plaid. Just look at the fitted button-up from H&M towards the top of the article or full skirted Michael Kors Spring 2009 dress to the right. These are both great ways to incorporate a little patriotic style at the barbeque.

Flower Power

If you plan on spending your Canada Day by the pool, why not try wearing a floral printed bathing suit? The vintage red and white style of the Jessica Simpson Collection swimsuit above, looks great with a large white sun hat or red pashmina to cozy up while watching the fireworks.

Red meets White

Luckily, Canada Day is right at the cusp of the summer, which means you have more options to wear different types of clothing. For example, you can pair white pants with a vertical striped blouse or like the photo above, cute white shorts with a gingham button-up.

Pierre Elliot Trudon't

The best way not to look like your great Aunt Joyce from the retirement home, is to never, ever wear the following items: a gigantic tent like t-shirt with a large red maple leaf (believe me, this is flattering for no one) and maple leaf monogrammed anything. Also, don't wear shorts with a top, hat and shoes whilst carrying a Canadian flag that all say Canada at once. Like any trend, it is important to have balance with strategically placed colours, prints and a good 'ole maple leaf. Take a look at the DSquared maple leaf high heels. Dean and Dan take their Canadian pride and turn into stylish stiletto.

So remember ladies and gentleman, when going out tonight remember to show your patriotism and to always do it with style!

Amanda

New York, New York It's a Helluva Town! Part Deux

What is a trip to New York City without a little shopping? Well, in my case a lot shopping. NYC is filled with oodles and oodles of places to shop 'til you drop. Uptown, Downtown, East Side, West Side, clothes are everywhere and I love it!

Some memorable places include a small store called, Taroo located in Murray Hill. The small white boutique has tons of colourful bohemian inspired pieces and exotic jewellery. Some items that I picked up there include, a bright pink peasant top with colourful embroidery and a silvery blue lightweight ruffled dress. Perfect for a summer afternoon catching a Broadway show or a lunch date.

A store that must be visited when in Manhattan has to be the Marc by Marc Jacobs Accessories store located on 385 Bleecker Street. The store that is no stranger to long line ups, bright colours and stylish sales associates is filled with affordable accessories all by Marc Jacobs. Last summer I got a purple quilted clutch and a gun metal quilted bag that was only $64. This year they had a colourful python clutch with a chain link handle that was ah-mazing for $74. It would great for a night on the town in a black blazer, hot heels and a mini skirt.

My favourite store to visit would have to be Nolita's Project 234. Carrying designers and brands such as, Yumi Kim and Plastic Island I felt welcomed by this small boutique through the warm inviting smell of pomegranate citrus and its surrounding positive energy. I was instantly taken away by the gorgeous prints of the beautiful Yumi Kim dresses. A piece that caught my eye was a purple floral silk t-shirt dress. It works perfect for day with a pair of jewelled gladiator sandals and delicate gold jewellery. It is lightweight, very comfortable and made me feel so pretty as I wore out of the store and down Bleecker Street. Another standout piece was a silk chiffon floral ruffled button-up. Worn by the store's friendly manager, this Yumi Kim design looks great with tailored shorts for a casual summer day or crisp white linen pants for work. I loved these pieces and the entire store. The music including No Doubt, Justin Timberlake and AHA's, Take on Me puts you in a relaxed, happy mood. The clothes are great for any fashionista who loves colour, print and a dash of sophistication. Project 234 located at 234 Mulberry Street is definitely a hot shopping spot to visit while in New York City!

Last but not least would have to be good 'ole H&M. I know, I know. Why go all the way to New York to shop at a store that is right here in Toronto? Well I have got to tell ya, the prices there are about $5 to $10 less than they are here and they have many different styles that are not available in Toronto. I snatched up a Chanel-inspired chain link scarf, white skinny jeans, a lightweight grey t-shirt, a red and white gingham button-up shirt (perfect for Canada Day) and studded sandals.

All in all New York City shopping was a great success. I came with a brand new summer wardrobe and a shot of some New York style!

Amanda

SALE! SALE! SALE!

Are you a lover of trendy, stylish clothes?

Are you a lover of affordable trendy, stylish clothes?

Are you a lover of H&M?

Well then, get thee to the H&M at the Eaton Centre pronto! They are having a sale.


Amanda

What's In Your Closet?: A look at where your clothing is made and how it affects it's retail price

Dragon Warrior
Have you ever wondered where your clothing comes from? Are you one of those people that reads the tag of your clothing before making a purchase? For a recent school assignment, I had to look through my wardrobe and record the country of origin, fibre content, brand name and price of 35 pieces from my wardrobe. As I rummaged through very full closet, I discovered that (expectedly) that the majority of my garments were manufactured in China with these items accounting for 42% of my wardrobe. The garments that I had purchased in China included a $100 Adidas sweater made of polyester and cotton purchased from Aritzia, a $15 fitted blue t-shirt made of spandex and cotton purchased from Garage and a $19 white eyelet dress made of polyester and cotton purchased from Reitmans. What I found interesting from this selection, was that the most expensive item (a brand name) used the same fibre content and was manufactured in the same country as the two lesser expensive items. This discovery made me realize that there is more to retail price than just the country of origin or fibre content for a given garment. Retail price can also be determined by brand name, designer prestige and store image.

Oh Canada!
To my surprise, Canada came in second place (WOOHOO!) with 19% of my wardrobe being manufactured in the North American country. This was something I was pleased to discover because personally, I am a very strong supporter of Canadian manufactured apparel items and although Canada does have a good reputation in terms of workmanship, the last thing that this nation in known for is apparel manufacturing. Clothing items that were manufactured in Canada include, Guido & Mary jeans purchased from Jean Machine with a retail price of $119.95, a plaid fitted dress from Le Chateau with a retail price of $89.95 and a floral printed tank top from La Senza with a retail price of $25.

Mass Manufactured Quality
As I continued with my treasure hunt it was revealed to me that (surprise, surprise) the majority of my wardrobe has been purchased from fast-fashion retailers such as Forever 21, H&M, Joe Fresh Style and Zara. Each of these retailers are known for providing trendy, affordable apparel items that often have lower quality standards, are made with less expensive fibres and are manufactured in countries with lower labour wages. My army green button-down quarter-sleeve length shirt from H&M, grey and navy striped sweater from Joe Fresh Style and polka dot halter top from Zara each contained high quality, more expensive fibres, including lambswool, silk and linen. This stood out to me because the average price of these items were $36, an affordable price for a top and they all contained a natural fibre, something that tends to be used with more expensive garments. After reviewing this I realized that budget retailers are able to charge lower prices for their garments because they tend to purchase them in larger quantities. In the apparel industry, the more fabric you buy the less expensive it is.

Winding Up
Taking the time to look at my clothing from a different perspective (not just admiring the beautiful details, prints and fit) made me realize that even though a certain item is manufactured in a particular country, it does not mean that the fibre content of the garment came from that country. For example, according to my results spandex is often used in garments that have been sourced from Canada, China, Morocco, Spain and Turkey. This activity has encouraged me to take a closer look at the garments that I purchase. Instead of only looking at the construction and aesthetics of a garment, I will begin to look at the country of origin and how it relates to fibre content, store image and retail price. Now, how about you?


Amanda