Every seasons style influencers and pros scour industry sites for a first glimpse of ‘what’s next’. I always say that in fashion, living in the present means being a season ahead of the curve!

One of the most important influences each year, and each season, is colour. Remember that scene in The Devil Wears Prada about the Cerulean Sweater? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwYZVEjlQ5Q)

OK, yes it’s extreme (and mean) but it really is pretty much how it works! However, if there is one, most important resource on colour, it is Pantone. And, each year Pantone selects the Colour of The Year! This year’s honoured hue is called ‘Tangerine Tango’ and I bet you’ve already seen it creeping into both women’s and men’s wear haven’t you?

Oranges are fairly challenging to wear, but it is here for 2012, so here are a few creative ways to add it into your wardrobe. Don’t be shy, it’s time to tango.

Sunglasses: Balenciaga
Bag: Prada
Shoes: Le Silla
Dress: Michael Kors
Earrings: Sence Copenhagen
Necklace: Miso
Bracelet: Sence Copenhagen

Blazer: J. Crew
Rings: Reiss
Bag: Big Buddha
Top: H&M
Pants: Vivienne Westwood
Scarf: Etro
Earrings: Jamie Joseph
Watch: Oozoo
Flats: Tory Burch

Earrings: Monsoon
Necklace: Satya
Bracelet: Alexander McQueen
Top: P.A.R.O.S.H
Pants: Alexander McQueen
Hat: Noel Stewart
Bag: Ralph Lauren
Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Jacket: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shirt: Daks
Pants: Life/After/Denim
Sunglasses: Burberry
Watch: Timex
Belt: Barbour
Shoes: ASOS

Shirt: Armani
Pants: Menlook
Jacket: Drykorn
Belt: Anderson’s
Shoes: Antoine & Stanley

Women’s trends get a lot of attention, don’t they? I’d never want to forget my guys though! This season, men’s and women’s trends are in very close alignment. Now, I’m not saying that you should match your tie to your date’s dress, but you will notice similarities in colour inspiration between the women’s and men’s sections, in addition to trends purely designed for guys.

 Bold colour statements and pastels two trends that crosses departments this season. Not sure you can pull it off? Here’s two ways we did it that play with colours you might already love to wear – but in new, pumped up ways.

Cardigan: Ann Demeulemeester
Belt: Reiss
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Shirt: Reiss
Pants: Paul Smith
Tie: Reiss
Shoes: Carven
Watch: Seiko
Bag: United by Blue
Socks: Reiss

Watch: Omega
Bracelets: ASOS
Belt: ASOS
Shirt: Jeanswest
Pants: ASOS
Jacket: Dacute
Bag: Boconi
Shoes: Clarks

White denim can seem so tricky! But actually, a good denim gives more ‘support’ than a lightweight summer fabric, which makes them the perfect way to test out wearing white pants. Choose skinny, tailored ones for a classic silhouette, or pair white with another trend – the Flare leg – for a contemporary statement.

Nail Polish: Essie
Nude Pumps: Rupert Sanderson
Blouse: Aubin & Wills
Sweater: Ella Moss
Necklace: Kate Spade
Clutch: Chloe
Bracelets: Alexander McQueen & Chanel

Earrings: Douglas Rosin
Watch bracelet: Oasis
Wedges: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Shirt: Tory Burch
Jeans: Goldsign
Sunglasses: Tom Ford
Tote: J. Crew
Rings: Reiss

You know we love great jewellery in any season, but statement pieces are so on trend this year that it’s the perfect time to explore the different lengths of necklaces exist.  With so many options, how do you choose the right one?

From chokers to extra-long necklaces, there is a perfect piece for everybody – and for any outfit.

Ever wondered how to choose the right length? In the above image, you’ll see can see how different necklace lengths look, or ‘sit’, on an individual.  Here are some do’s & don’ts for each length:

14” – choker
DO wear chokers with tops that show off the neck.
DO embrace this latest necklace trend because it is all over popular retailers.
DON’T overdo it with a super blingy choker, it’s likely to be a one-hit wonder – unless your Style Vocab dictates otherwise.
DON’T go too tight! Make sure you can easily swallow by sneaking one finger between your neck and your choker.

 16” – crewneck and 18” – jewel necklace
DO invest in good pieces. Jewel length is the most versatile length, you’re sure to have it a long time.
DO wear a pendent on these lengths with a V-neck (or ‘cheat’ a V-neck over a round neckline), or choose a rounded version to wear with rounded necklines.
DON’T look choked up by adding it to a high neckline.
DON’T forget to add personality with pendants!

 20” – scoop & 24” – deep scoop
DO choose these lengths to elongate your neck.
DO highlight these pieces by wearing simple tops with them.
DON’T wear with plunging necklines. Hey…eyes up HERE.
DON’T be afraid to layer these necklaces. The complexity is fantastic!

 30 to 33 – extra long
DO wear with high necklines, to create drama and elongate the torso.
DO try doubling or tripling these lengths to add versatility to your accessories.
DON’T forget to layer these necklaces for a great multi-strand look.
DON’T wear long super long necklaces if you are petite as they can overwhelm your figure.

 This Spring is full to the brim with new trends that are seem just a little bit trickier than in past seasons. But, with a little inspiration, these Tricky Trends can be reined into some of your favourite Spring/Summer go-tos. Need a nudge in the right direction? No problem. Here are a few ways to wear one of the trickest trends this season: floral.

If the words ‘floral print’ give you a little Laura Ashley ‘acid reflux,’ I would totally understand. But, it’s time to revisit them this year in a completely new way. As a neutral print on a narrow pant, florals look graphic and modern, while in a technicolour print, they bring a daring element to a classic cut blazer.   We want to share a couple of floral print looks with you to hopefully inspire you to try this trend!

Glasses: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Satchel: Rebecca Minkoff
Shirt: T by Alexander Wang
Jeans: J Brand
Pearl studs: J. Crew
Bangles: Debenhams
Loafers: Ellen Tracy

Watch: ASOS
Flats: Tory Burch
Blazer: Roberto Cavalli
Jeans: Mango
Bag: J. Crew
Ring: Yves Saint Laurent

Check back soon for our post on how to wear white denim!

Happy New Year! 

Before the holidays we posted a number of suggestions for how you could perk  up your holiday style no matter the entertaining scenario. From Office Parties to Entertaining at Home, we gave you the information you’d need to feel confident and current during the Social Season. That got us thinking…wouldn’t it be fun to take the theme of Presentable PJs and really go over the top? What would happen if you were invited to a PJ-Only brunch?

The Jingle Jammies Boxing Day Brunch was born! Giving over to ‘Jammies and Jewels’ dress-code, some of Tamara’s nearest and dearest got together on December 26th to enjoy mimosas and avoid the shopping crowds.

Hostess with the Mostess (jewellery that is) with Minouchka the Marketing Cat

The Girls in their Best Jammie & Jewels

Adorable in stripes!

The first question I’m asked when friends receive my brunch invitations is: “Are you going to make my favourite??” So, for you, I will include the recipe for the brunch item I am best known for…

Tamara’s Baked French Toast Machel (mix-up) 

Ingredients

1 challah cut into 1″ thick slices then cut these into halves
2 tbsp. corn syrup
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
5  eggs
1 + 1/2 Cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
raisins or dried cranberries if you feel funky
cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Mix corn syrup,brown sugar and butter in a saucepan. Heat until syrupy. Pour into 9X13″ pan.
2. In a small bowl, plump up raisins/cranberries with hot water for 5-10ish minutes, then drain
3. Cut crust off Challah, place in single layer over syrup
4. Add raisins or cranberries if using
5. Beat eggs, milk and vanilla together.
6. Pour over dried fruit, challah, and syrup. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
7. Remove plastic wrap, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake @350 degrees for 45 minutes
8. Watch your friends’ delight, and accept copious compliments  

Tomorrow is Boxing Day!  Who’s going shopping?  After years upon years of working retail on Boxing Day, and then experiencing the unadulterated joy of being able to go shopping on Boxing Day instead, I have some pretty hard-core tried and true Boxing Day Shopping rules. Or laws. Whatever.  Follow these guys tomorrow and enjoy a remarkably stress-free shopping day! Bon chance!

Tamara’s Boxing Day Shopping Laws:

1. The Pro Goes Pre- or Post: Shop prior to, or after, Boxing Day. Typically sales start prior to Christmas, particularly for clothes and cosmetics.  Save day-of Boxing Day shopping for stores that do major door-crashers: Big Box electronic stores, appliance and furniture stores, some boutique retailers, etc. 
2. Wrapped Up In Chains: Large clothing chains rarely promote extra special savings for Boxing Day anymore, but check online to see if there are any ‘surprise savings.’ 
3. Use the Full Week: If you’re really itching to shop the after-Christmas sales, try going a day or two after Boxing Day.  Have you noticed that retailers are extending the sales into ‘Boxing Week’?
4. Shoesies are a Doozy: Never shop for shoes on Boxing Day.  There’s no reason to go into stores where crazed, dehydrated people are wielding stilettos at your head when the sales will still be on tomorrow.
5. Can’t Try? Say Good-bye: Fitting rooms are usually packed or closed during this busy shopping day, so be prepared.  Wear clothing that is easy to try clothes on top of: leggings, slim t-shirts, etc. 
6. HYDRATE: Bring water, easy snacks like trail mix or dried fruit, and ibuprofen.  You’ll need it!
7. The Early Bird Gets the Worm: The earlier you start, the better. Parking lots and public transit will be packed!  Don’t forget about those folks who wake up with the rooster to line up at their favourite store before the mall opens! Yikes!

 Have a beautiful holiday, everyone!  We’d love to hear all about your Boxing Day purchases tomorrow.  Tweet us!

The annual office parties, cocktailers, and dinners out are always fun (and expected) this time of year, but not all entertaining happens at a banquet hall or restaurant.  Sometimes, the best holiday venue is at home!

I love low key Holiday and New Year celebrations. There’s something about setting a cozy mood and gathering your loved ones around – nothing compares! If you’re having guests over, or will be a guest at someone’s home for a holiday gathering, make sure to treat it like the occasion it is! What a heart-warming honour to be included in a get-together during the festive season!  Putting a little thought into an outfit can go a long way to showing your guests, or hosts, how much you appreciate spending time with them.  Forego the ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater’ for an outfit that’s comfortable, with a little festive flair (re: sparkle, shine, or a play on jewel tones), to put ‘the icing on your gingerbread.’ Here are our picks to take you from brunch to dinner-in this season: 

Beret: Forever 21
Bag: Miu Miu
Gloves: Juicy Couture
Watch: Marc Jacobs
iPhone case: Dannijo
Sweater dress: Dorothy Perkins
Leggings: Malene Birger
Earrings: Mango
Necklace: Mango
Bangles: Tasha
Scarf: McQ Alexander McQueen
Socks: Avoca
Wedges: Coconuts Clooney

Hat: New Era
Glasses: Cutler & Gross
Scarf: J. Crew
Watch: WeWood
Boots: Bacco Bucci
Socks: Topman
Corduroys: Levi’s
Chambray: J. Crew
Blazer: Burberry London

OK, before I even begin I can hear some of you saying: “Are you going to take away my baggy sweats? Do I have to look good when I SLEEP??” I have a few answers to that but suffice it to say that during the holidays, there are plenty of occasions when giving a little bit of creative thought to your PJs can make or break your: week-long stay with the in-laws, having your spouse’s family stay over for the first time, going away up north or down south with a group of friends… 

Lounge in what you will, but as they say: Opportunity never rings twice. Now that the holidays are here, that doorbell can ring at any second – and that’s no time to try  to pull together a presentable outfit!

Lounge clothes and PJs are all about looking and feeling good at home.  After a long day at work, who wouldn’t want that?  Presentable PJs are all about feeling warm, cozy, cocooned, and even luxurious!  There’s no reason that feeling warm and ‘comfortable’ must be in direct opposition to this. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your stay-at-home outfits, from wearing a adorable, oversized sweater with thick, cushy leggings to wearing a silky & sexy camisole under your pajama set.

*In fact, look out for my Jingle Jammies Boxing Day Brunch post, where you’ll be able to see a fun, real-life play on Presentable PJs!  

Set 1
Top: Topshop; Bottoms: Full Tilt; Poncho: Uniqlo; Slippers: SM

Set 2
Top: BKE; Bottoms: Juicy Couture; Robe: Topshop; Slippers: Woolrich

Set 3
Top: SO; Bottoms: Topshop; Slippers: YesStyle

The Holiday Season seems like it should really be renamed the ‘Social Season’, doesn’t it? Bookings upon bookings with friends, family, co-workers, ex-co-workers…the calendar gets full pretty quickly and figuring out how to keep those ‘going out’ outfits fresh can seem overwhelming. 

Tis the season to have fun again, so try creating an outfit that’s trendy and fun for others to remember you by!  Building your social wardrobe with separates that you can wear over and over again means that you won’t feel restricted to only enjoying them in December, but you can rely on them throughout the winter! After all, you’re not going to hibernate throughout all of January – March…are you? 

Hat: Vivian
Watch: Bulgari
Necklace: Yves Saint Laurent
Bracelets: R.J. Graziano
Top: Narciso Rodriguez
Pants: Alice & Olivia
Blazer: Day Birger Et Mikkelson
Clutch: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Shoes: Chrissie Morris

*PS: I love that jacket so much that I bought a very similar one myself! So much fun – and shockingly versatile – to have a topper that isn’t the usual ‘black blazer’!

Watch: Timex
Belt: Diesel
Shoes: Neil M
Coat: Mr. By Roland Mouret
Sweater: S.N.S. Herning
Pants: Helmut Lang
Scarf: Peacocks
Gloves: Celtek