Obsession of the Week

The blazer is an effortless way to update your wardrobe instantly and look effortlessly chic.  Pair a cropped version like this black fitted jacket from H&M with a full short skirt and a top, or with a pair of trouser jeans and platform boots.  Throw on this orange topper from Zara and brighten up your look.  The printed snakeskin jacket from Zara is very en courant and looks great with these cropped pants and a blouse.  It’s a fresh take on the menswear inspired look.  Tweed blazers are great and can be added to a pair of skinny jeans, wide legged trousers or a skirt to add a lift to your wardrobe.  This one from shopstyle.com is no exception.  Pair it with a plain white or black tee or tank or try a logo’d version for some added edge.  This two tone jacket looks ideal with these faux leather leggings, grey top and boots.  It’s all about the blazer this season and pretty much anything goes.  It’s a must-have essential in any closet.

Editor's Pick

The much anticipated arrival of Topshop at Yorkdale in Toronto is finally here.   We have coveted the line for years and couldn’t wait to see what fab finds we could get our hands on.

Here are our top picks in store right now that are also a steal in our humble opinion;

The tuxedo cropped jacket is a wardrobe staple this season and a timeless piece.  You can’t go wrong with this version from Topshop.  This black collarless classic is only $106 and will add a flair for the dramatic to any white t-shirt and skinny jeans combo.

The chanel-esque grosgrain ruffle boucle jacket is a great addition to any closet.  Pair it with a white tee or tank, wide or skinny jeans and you will look effortlessly chic.  If you want to toughen up the look then add a rocker tee or motorcycle boots to channel your inner rebel.

The kimono was our favourite add on from last season.  Winter Kate does it well but at a pricey cost of almost $300.  This metallic lined kimono is only $106 and looks great with skinny jeans or worn over top of a simple red, grey or black dress.

The pencil skirt is a wardrobe must-have and this one is a no brainer at $56. Pair it with a sheer blouse or chunky sweater for a casual day look or tuck in a shirt and throw on heels for a night on the town.

This 3/4 sleeve skater style dress is reminiscent of the fab designer Victoria Beckham’s from last season at  fraction of the cost.  It’s $88 and would look casual chic with a pair of chunky ankle or motorcycle boots and socks.  Or dress it up for night with great tights and a pair of rockin platform heels.

This fur collar boyfriend coat is so “on trend” right now and for $180 you can rock the mad men inspired look without breaking the budget.

This knitted navy loose fitted sweater is very Alexander Wang and it costs $72.  It looks great paired with a mini-skirt ankle boots and slouchy socks or over a pair of skinny jeans and motorcycle boots.  It also comes in hot pink if you want to embrace a vibrant colour into your fall wardrobe.

If you don’t own a pair of motorcycle boots, run don’t walk and grab these stylish yet so affordable pair.  At $66 it is our Editor’s Choice for best find at Topshop right now.

This fall, Hush is obsessed with the Tuxedo Blazer.  It comes in all shapes and sizes.  Buy a cropped version in black, white or cream, or a boyfriend tuxedo jacket over a rocker tee and jeans.  This tuxedo jacket is by Jason Wu and it’s our favourite this fall.  I love the unexpected light colour with the black trim.   The cropped and fitted shape makes it a perfect jacket for day or night.  Pair it with skinny ankle length pants like these from Burberry.  Add some feminine flair with this corset from Stella McCartney.  The gold bib necklace by Roberto Cavalli is very of-the-moment, and would look great with the jacket and corset.  Add a pop of colour with this stunning Alexander McQueen jade hard clutch with the gold skull clasp.

The sun is out and it’s time to put on our sexiest body bearing clothing.  Often the dilemma arises when we find the perfect dress but don’t have the bra that goes with it.  Here are some genius bra solutions to some of our most difficult clothing situations.

This front clasp convertible Perfectly Fit Multi-Way bra by Calvin Klein works with this t-back dress or tank.  It also transforms into a halter style.  It’s $46.00

This center clasp bra and strap combo can be configured nine different ways.  It is the Microfiber and elastic Natural Solutions Convertible by Frederick’s of Hollywood.  It’s $39.00.  This works well with this summer floral criss cross front dress.

The Bra-Cha-Cha by Spanx is $68.00 and has a unique nonslip band which curves upward in the back and ensures that the full-coverage cup stays put.  It works great with any strapless top or dress.

The Silicone Sculpted Bra, Fashion Forms are $48.00 and work great with a backless dress or top.

If you have a low cleavage-baring top or dress and you want to convert it into something a little more office appropriate, throw on this Nylon-Lycra and lace Contour Cami by Natori.  It’s $58.00.

The warm weather is finally here and it’s time to update your makeup look with a summery vibe.  Peach is the new pink this season and some of the hottest celebrities are getting on the bandwagon with the new “it” lipstick colour.  It’s warm and gives most skin tones a fabulous glow.  It especially looks great on blondes.  Wear it with shimmery bronze eyeshadow for a sun-kissed look, or go with a smokey eye for evening and a peach lip.  It also looks great with a tan.  Not the real thing of course, that’s so 1980.  Get a spray tan it’s much healthier.

Here are some of my favourite peach lip colours out right now;

This Cover Girl Queen Collection Lip Color in South Beach creates a creamy peach pout.

Mac’s Peachstock is the ideal peach lipstick for the summer.

Nars Bolero Matte Lip Pencil creates a very nude peach lip and looks even better with a gloss on top.

Tarte Lip Surgence Natural Lip Luster in Glisten is a glossy pencil that goes on smooth and provides the perfect summery look.

LNA was founded by, Lauren Alexander and April Leight in the summer of 2007.  That fateful Summer, the first LNA collection launched at Barneys New York, Madison, and Henri Bendel. After receiving press in magazines such as Vogue and Nylon, along with a celebrity fan base that included Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton, Alexander and Leight decided that it was time to expand the line.  They began with the  simple goal of creating the perfect men’s tee for woman, and turned it into an iconic t-shirt brand.  Their line focuses on fit, colour and the perfect cotton for their t-shirts.  With a similar feel as Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang, LNA is a less expensive more accessible brand.  Their mantra is to create the perfect basics with an edge.

With a collection that now includes everything from Lace Tee’s to their signature Zipper Legging, LNA will always have their initial goal in mind: designing wardrobe staples with a twist. This season they have expanded on their basic oversized tee to include a line with varying shapes colours and styles.

This grey Double Faced Tee at $99.00 is the perfect shirt with skinny jeans, or a fitted skirt.  Its slouchy off the shoulder sexy style, can easily take this basic tee into night.

The Delta-Pocket Cape Tee is $81.00 and is great with shorts, a mini, or a fitted asymmetrical maxi skirt.

The Zipper Pocket Tee is $50.00.  It has a slightly asymmetrical bottom and an open neck.  It looks great with skinny jeans and heels or flats.

The Multi-Pocket Tee is $77.00.  It looks great with jeans, a maxi skirt, or shorts and can be dressed down or up depending on the accessories.

The Reversed Seems Tee is $70.00 and is a great basic.  It comes in a variety of colours.  Be bold and try the bright yellow for a pop of colour.

The S/S Deep V is $48.00 and is a classic white v-neck and a wardrobe staple for all seasons.  Try the half tuck for an edgier look.

The shirt-dress has always been a consistent fashion staple.  Its lightweight material and easy silhouette makes it a summer must-have.   It is universally flattering and suits all body types.  The shirt-dress is great for all occasions.  Dress it up with some stiletto heels and a chain belt, and you’ve got the perfect night time outfit.  Throw on a pair of wedge heels and it is a great day outfit.  A conservative shirt-dress is the perfect work dress.  Add flair by wearing it in the of -the- moment patterns like checks, and stripes or go with bold colours and you are stylish and chic.

This chambray linen shirt-dress by Nautica is $69.50 and available at most department stores.  It is the ideal day outfit and can be worn with wedges or flat gladiator sandals for an easy breezy look.  Throw an armful of colourful bangles and you are very en-courant.

This Hugo Boss Black shirt-dress comes with the skinny brown leather belt.  I love the sleeves and the detail at the top.  This can be dressed up with dramatic makeup, stilleto heels or open toe ankle booties and some edgy jewelry or worn to the office with wedge heels. This is $550.00.

DVF was the fashion pioneer behind the shirt-dress.  This bright orange silk dress is very in for spring/summer and looks great with wedge heels, ankle boots or strappy sandals.  It is $385.00.

The floral daytime short-sleeved shirt-dress is by Topshop.  It is great with this thick braided belt and can be edged up with a short fitted jean jacket or leather jacket and some ankle boots.  Throw a crinoline underneath and you can take this into night.

Accessories are a great way to amp up any wardrobe.  Throw on an armful of colourful bangles this season to a plain black or white tee and you’re right on trend.  Belts are also an easy way to update your look and add life to a dress from last season.  My favourite summer accessory though,  is the hat.  They come in all shapes and sizes, like the 70′s boho floppy hat, the summer cowboy hat, the floral hat, but the best shape that suits pretty much everyone is the Fedora.  Originally worn exclusively by men, the Fedora is a right of passage for every woman.

Not only is it a great way to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, it is a super stylish way to add flare to an otherwise plain outfit.  It is also great for those bad hair days or in between blow-outs.

Seen on pretty much every fashionable celebrity, the Fedora can be worn day or night.  At night, wear it with a black ensemble like Posh.  Pairing a fedora with a girly floral or maxi dress really edges up the look.  Seen all over The New York 2011 Spring Fashion Week, the Fedora is timeless and a must-have summer wardrobe staple.

What began as a dark denim line has turned into a full-blown sportswear collection which blends the masculine tomboy with a girlish edge.  Tough chic is another word to describe their collection of tailored menswear jackets, sheer skirts, dresses and sweaters mixed with nudes nautical stripes and bold pattern.  They have created the perfect blend of modern and traditional elements in their line which attracts an array of fashionistas from the more classic dresser to the edgier fashion risk taker.  This spring their line is the ideal blend of structure meets flowy.  Layering sheer over solid is a running theme in a lot of their line this season.  Amongst my favourites are, the sheer black maxi skirt with the tailored white tank, the white crochet shorts with the nude top, the camel lambskin motorcycle jacket and the Alexandria lace-up booties which are exclusive to Rag & Bone and can be purchased at their online store.  The perfect juxtaposition of the expected mixed with the spontaneous, Rag & Bone is a force in the design world and has brought it up a few notches to compete with the likes of Helmut Lang,  Alexander Wang, and other seasoned designers with a similar edge.

With the partnership of John Eshaya’s Jet T-shirts, and fab jewelry designer Tom Binns, the resulting marriage is the perfect tank and t-shirt.  Heidi Klum is sporting the Pearl tank whose statement necklace graphic is inspired by Binn’s multi-strand cultured pearl and crystal necklace.  The necklace retails at $2365, which is a bit pricey, so if you love the look, invest $165.00 in the t-shirt instead.  Katie Holmes is wearing a silk screened t-shirt with a piece of jewelry emblazoned on it and has paired it with skinny jeans, cowboy boots  and an over-sized bag to create a casual look.  First Lady Michelle Obama believes that you should always look stylish even when painting the house and is working her t-shirt on top of a ladder doing chores.  Wouldn’t you think she has someone else who could do that for her?  The Pearl tank comes in a black T version as well.  Check it out at www.johneshaya.com.