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Faux Fur Made by My Dad

When we went back home to Toronto for Xmas, my Mom brought out the faux fur jacket that my Dad had made for her ages ago.  He was an architect, interior designer, avid photographer and also used to sew clothes for himself (his own suits), for my Mom (maxi dresses), and for my sister (dresses). Everything would fit perfectly.  The petite size of this jacket is well suited for me, now and it's a nice addition to the faux fur trend we've been seeing this season.  Who knew, 20 years later, I'd be able to wear it.

Have you added any faux fur to your wardrobe?

Colour Me Holiday Soiree @ Neiman Marcus

On Wednesday December 7 Neiman Marcus, in Copley Place, Boston held "Colour Me Holiday", which celebrated the season with complimentary makeup and hair with style advisor tips by Neiman's own Dave Chen, newly appointed style advisor, who also worked his magic on the lovely ladies at the recent Roopal Patel event.  

Hair stylists on hand were Denise Pushee and Jackie Angelos from L.A. Express, with makeup artistry ranging from Mia Balas, Liana Veda, Kinga Ryter, Shawn Kelly, Leigh Passaggio and other Neiman Marcus makeup professionals.

I was honoured to be a part of this fun holiday event and captured all the beauty with these head shots - thanks everyone for coming out and shooting with me; I had a blast!

ZOORA @ Bradley & Diegel

The lovely Aubrie Pagano who is the mastermind behind Zoora, invited me to an informal soirée to meet and test-drive what will soon (as of January 28 2012) change the way we shop for ready-to-wear designer clothing online.

We gathered at the gorgeous Bradley & Diegel salon on Newbury last night for a first look at the beta website and a feel of the designs from Emily Muller (of Emily Muller Apparel) and Victoria Dominguez-Bagu (of MariaVictoria Designs).  On hand was Maria Cataldo who discussed the design of the website and let us try it out giving our feedback on its layout and functionality.

Zoora plans to offer access to the latest designer clothing but with the ability for us to custom alter the clothing to our size/shape/preference.  

So far, Zoora has 22 designers who are already on board and offering modifications to hemlines, fabric and colour to their looks which will allow the customer the freedom to pick and choose what will work for them.  

The best part, and the one I'm most excited about is getting a perfect fit.  Zoora (attained from misura meaning "measurement" in Italian) will take your height, weight, bust, waist and hip measurements and go from there.  This ensures that you won't fall under the generic sizing charts found on standard clothing websites.

We were also treated to complimentary hair styling from Bradley & Diegel stylists.  Thanks to Kathy who transformed my head into a bed of luscious curls!

I can't wait for Zoora's official launch next January 2012.  For now, you can sign up here.

Thanks to Aubrie, Holly & Greg, Emily, Victoria and the gang at Bradley & Diegel for hosting such a fun event!

Breakfast At Tiffany's

Everyone knows that Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with luxury.  Opulent yellow diamonds, shiny sterling silver and that iconic (and trademarked) shade of blue.  

So when I was invited for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to celebrate the opening of the new Tiffany & Co. location at Chestnut Hill Mall, two things immediately happened, a) Holly Golightly came to mind and b) I said YES.

The jewellery sparkled on our clavicles, fingers, wrists and ears, the mimosas overflowed, and the quiches were just perfect.

It was a lovely way to have breakfast and now that the bar has been set so high, my coffee will never be the same.

Thanks to Patrick McGuinness, the director of this Tiffany & Co., Stephanie, Sheryl and the other lovely associates who assisted us in trying on all sorts of spectacular jewellery and to the lovely ladies at PANcomm, Taylor and Kerri for the invitation.  Also, thank you for the gorgeous coffee table book.

Some other dolled up Boston Bloggers were in attendance (a few of whom I met for the first time!), including Marissa of The Well Appointed Catwalk, Julie of JQ Lounge, Martini of Beyond Boston Chic, Naina of Style 'N, Lani of Mon Petit Chou Chou, and Annalise of Quarterlife Lifestyle. 

Bibhu Mohapatra at W Hotel Boston

It was lovely to meet Designer Bibhu Mohapatra at the W Hotel in Boston on November 16 for his showcase of 24 looks from his SS2012 collection (which recently showed at New York Fashion Week).

Flowy and sheer, elegant yet edgy and all very wearable, the designer himself describes the clothes as being worn by:

"Strong, confident, self-assured, well-traveled women who appreciate beautifully crafted clothes. These are the women who do not chase fashion, they make fashion." - The Boston Globe

I stopped by Neiman's yesterday and met the designer once again as he was tweaking his gorgeous window displays in their "'Twas the Night Before..." theme - don't forget to check them out!

And if you haven't seen Bibhu Mohapatra's collection yet, you can meet the designer TODAY Nov. 17 at Neiman Marcus, Copley Place from 10am-4pm in the Couture Salon.

Zac Posen at Neiman Marcus

It was such an honour for me to cover Zac Posen at Neimans on November 8th, in Boston.  He was there to showcase his Spring 2012 collection recently shown at New York Fashion Week.

It's truly a breathtakingly elegant and romantic collection.

Everyone who was there last night was blown away by the glamour of the floor-skimming gowns, the cut, the fit, the detail.  Everything was simply fabulous!  Not to mention how nice it was to meet and talk to Mr. Posen!

Models: Adriana, Kerrin, Claire, Helen // Makeup: Le Metier // Hair: Mizu 

Zac Posen at Neiman Marcus

It was a complete honour for me to cover Zac Posen at Neimans last night, in Boston.  He was there to showcase his Spring 2012 collection recently shown at New York Fashion Week.

Truly a breathtakingly elegant and romantic collection.

Everyone who was there last night was blown away by the glamour of the floor-skimming gowns, the cut, the fit, the detail.  Everything was simply fabulous!  Not to mention how nice it was to meet and talk to Mr. Posen!

Here's a teaser from last night's event.  More to follow!

Models (L-R) Adriana, Kerrin, Claire, Helen, Makeup by Le Metier, Hair by Mizu 

Exclusively.IN + Fashionhogger

My sister and I have been fans of Exclusively.in for a while, now.  For luxurious indian fashion, jewellery and accessories, they have the best access to top Indian designers and hand-curated selections.  

Having started in the Spring of 2010 by a small group of Indo-Americans, Exclusively.in is the destination for gorgeous textiles in vibrant colours and intricate craftmanship. The age-old tradtional sari finds itself reinvented for a new generation of modern expectations.  This gap between old and new is what Exclusively.in strives to bridge, allowing us in the Western world to appreciate and easily attain Eastern traditions which before was beyond our reach.   

Exclusively.in is offering Fashionhogger readers 15% off! Visit Exclusively.in and use code FH15!

 

ETSY designer: MISHA GIRL

Hogger & Co. is happy to be featuring Misha Girl and her leather accessories this month and into Christmas, so if you're looking for a special, hand-crafted Christmas present this year, you need not look any further than Misha Girl's gorgeous hand-made leather jewellery.

Etsy Jewellery designer Michelle de Farra, Misha Girl started working with leather 15 years ago by creating picture frames, coasters and other small home accessories out of leather, and giving them away as gifts.  

In 2008 Misha Girl was launched, when Michelle began making leather jewelelry, showcasing her designs at craft fairs and local fashion shows.

As a lover of the versatility of leather and the variety of ways it can be used, Michelle works with a huge range of leather, including rawhide, calfskin, patent leather and exotic skins.

Here's Michelle in her own words:

"I also incorporate the use of beads in my work, which makes them unique and very feminine. When designing a new piece, my ultimate goal is to combine edginess with an element of polish and sophistication. I never get tired of exploring new ways of expressing that idea through leather."

Here's more info on the particular piece that Misha Girl has generously gifted me with, which I absolutely love.  Note the gorgeous packaging details in which Michelle delivers her items.  Lovely!

In a rich, dark brown patent leather, the bracelet is adorned with a mix of metal beads with a single cream wooden bead situated in the centre.  The beads are sewn around the band with a natural coloured leather material.  The inside of the bracelet is lined with soft, caramel colored leather. A single black metal snap closure makes it easy to fasten.

All of Misha Girl's leather is hand cut, hand sewn and hand assembled which may account for slight imperfections which gives each piece a unique touch, letting you know the item was crafted by hand.  

MISHA GIRL is offering Hogger & Co. readers a 10% discount when they visit her Etsy shop, simply use the code: HOGGER10 

Alice + Olivia

I scored these Alice + Olivia shorts the other day from Neiman Marcus.   Would you believe these were down to $53 from $158? Then I only ended up paying $3 for them as I had a gift card.  I love a good deal.

What's been the greatest deal you've ever snagged on something?

 

 

 

 

Lit Boutique: Blogger Shopping Party

It was a meet, mingle, shop and sip at LIT Boutique last night in the North End.

It was great meeting Shanna-Marie of Shanna's Eye View who put the event together and Rebecca, the manager of LIT as well as fellow Boston Bloggers, Michael of Trendy Dwarf, Kristen of Boston Fashionista , Michele of Michele's Musings and Anosha of Locks & Trinkets.

I tried on a pair of super cute Naughty Monkey heels, but the sixes were a tad snug on my 6.5 feet. (Although I fit into size 5 Hunter boots, wtf?).

Thanks for the wonderful cupcakes (still need to know where those babies were from) and the lovely Votiva candles.  Photos by photohogger.

Flannel here and there...

It's getting chilly out. Time to break out the bigger duvet, the hot chocolate, the flannel!  As much as I wanted to hibernate this weekend, we went for a long walk along the Charles River, it was the perfect weather to break out the flannel - except this shirt is not flannel at all, but cotton and not as heavy to walk in, as it was still warm on Sunday.

Reminded me of this shirt I saw a girl wearing in Amsterdam at one of the flea markets.  She had a lot going on, but the shirt stuck out for me.  Oh, and the LV bag. (photos by photohogger)

How do you like your flannel?  Shirt/blazer/socks/sheets?  Or not at all?

Maroon + Booties

As seen on the streets of Amsterdam.

Maroon bag + booties?  Check.

Cute peplum jacket?  Mmm-hmm.

Cellphone?  Yup.

Bicycle?  You betcha.  (photo by photohogger)

What's the colour of your go-to Fall bag?  (One of my faves is a dark blue Sak messenger bag)

Animal Print

Y'all know how much I love a good leopard.  Print, that is.  And animal print is nothing new to the seasons, it is a classic print that goes with anything, but when I saw these Franco Sarto wedges with the unusual placement of fur, I was sold.  (photos by photohogger)

So, how do you animal print?

And if you haven't already, ENTER TO WIN THIS FABULOUS COPPER CUFF from ESMA STUDIO! Contest ENDS TODAY at 5pm EST!  Stay tuned for the WINNER!

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Esma Studio Starr Cuff

The lucky winner of the Esma Studio Copper Cuff is Supal - Congratulations!

Thank you Amy at Esma Studio and to everyone who entered!

Husbandswear

My hubby wears suits and blazers to work every day and I can't help but think how dapper he looks each morning.  I decided to start chronicling his combos of shirts/blazers/ties.

Today he had on a Hugo Boss dress shirt and a tweed blazer from Tom's Place in Toronto.  We love Tom's Place; it's the best place to go whenever you need a suit or a tux for a big occasion and it's always tailored to fit perfectly.  (photos by photohogger)

Stylewatch has been saying the BIG-BOYFRIEND-BLAZER trend is over.  What do you think?  Would you sport the oversized blazer?

Don't forget to enter to win this gorgeous copper STARR CUFF ($40 value!) from Esma Studio!  Contest ends Monday October 17 at 5pmEST.

Red Boots in Amsterdam

This summer we saw red pants all over the place. So, how about some red boots for fall?

I've hung onto my red Steve Madden boots over a few seasons, now. I purchased them a few seasons ago, and love wearing them when it's just starting to get chilly.

I saw many a boot in Amsterdam as it was quite cold and rainy over there.

These girls had red covered. (photographs by photohogger)  How are you planning on wearing red this fall?

And stay tuned for a super chic jewellery giveaway from Esma Studios happening tomorrow!!

Other ways to wear red boots (Images via Pinterest)

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Amsterdots

I just donated a polka dotted hoodie from H&M amongst other articles of clothing which didn't fit in the closets here (having moved from a house in the burbs of Ontario to an apartment in Cambridge). I also didn't know about the SIP and SWAP until too late, which would have been ideal for the boxes of clothes that we had.  Still, it's a good thing I didn't get rid of all my polka dots, as it's all very trendy and happening this season.

It was also happening in Amsterdam. (photos by photohogger)

Are you en trend? Or an avid avoider of polka dots?