Dress: Sarah Stevenson x Target Boots: Joe Fresh (similar)
The first thing you might notice about this post is that my hair is wildly different - and you'd be right. I chopped it off yesterday in the name of charity (see my 13 inch braid here) - Angel Hair for Kids (similar to Locks of Love in the US), where donated hair is used to make wigs for children suffering from cancer and other diseases that cause hair loss. It's a bit shorter than I am used to, but I am embracing it so far.
This dress is one of the many pieces I picked up earlier in the year from one of my very very favourite Canadian designers, Sarah Stevenson (posts about her here and here), when her collaboration with Target came out. I haven't had an occasion to pull it out yet, but thankfully holiday festivities have given me the opportunity. This will definitely be one of my go-to dresses this holiday season because it is, first and foremost, comfortable! But I also love the bright colours in place of my usual LBD, as well as the extremely flattering inset of black into the print that really highlights the hourglass shape. For curvy ladies like me, this is a wondrous thing.
In the midst of all the shows happening live and in person during Toronto Fashion Week (TFW), one of my absolute favourite Toronto fashion (and textile) designers, Sarah Stevenson, has released a lookbook showcasing her latest offering for spring. I've been a huge fan of her work since I saw her debut collection, and was lucky enough to see her S/S 2012 installation at TFW in person. Each season I'm excited to see what's coming next, and this season was no different.
When I took a look at her latest collection for Spring 2013, I was immediately struck by the change in the style of prints. Where in previous collections they often had the floral inspiration I always love, this time round there was a distinct Moroccan vibe and I think it worked beautifully, especially when contrasted on a stark white background. The classic feminine shapes I've come to love were present, and there are many pieces that I would love to wear, especially the printed sheer blouse or the fabulous white dress (second from bottom) that is an instant classic.
These looks are a few of my favourites, but you can check out the whole (gorgeous!) collection on Sarah's website, here.
Sarah Stevenson is hands down one of my favourite Canadian designers (not familiar? Check out my post on her Spring 2012 collection!). So when she got in touch to let me know about a fabulous sale happening next week, I knew I needed to mention it here on the blog because I am a huge fan of and believer in her work, and I am all about promoting home-grown designers.
That said? If you're from Toronto, living in, around, near Toronto, or heck, Ontario - you need to get yourself to Rescue Vintage on Ossington next week to snap up some incredible garments from the lovely (and seriously talented) Ms. Stevenson at up to 70% off. I swear, if I had the $$ to fly to TO just for a sale it'd be this one.
And if beautiful garments from Sarah Stevenson weren't enough, Toronto-based jewelry designer Eliza Kozurno will also have a number of her stunning and statement-making baubles up for grabs as part of the sale goodness. Last but not least? Even the folks at Rescue Vintage will throw in 30% off their own offerings. Have I tempted you yet? Get the full details below:
It all starts with a big opening party a week from today, so mark your calendars! And, if you go? Make sure to send me a note to share what lovely piece (or pieces!) you picked up!
As I walked into Sarah Stevenson's presentation last Thursday, I felt very much like I imagine Mary Lennox might have, wandering into her Secret Garden. After seeing the beautiful prints last season, I was extremely excited to see what colours and textures would come across in her prints this time round, and I have to say I was not at all disappointed by the breathtakingly lovely floral prints, all of which were personally designed by Ms. Stevenson herself (learn more about her process in this video interview).
A nice touch that I loved was that these same prints were actually on display in frames around the room. I loved this idea! Especially getting to read the accompanying notecards which featured a bit more about the process and thought behind the prints used on the seriously lovely pieces around the room. I almost (okay, totally) wished I could take them home and hang them on my walls.
Overall, the shapes and silhouettes of the garments were simple, yet feminine and flattering, and were a perfect canvas for the exquisite floral prints used throughout.
It may be because lilacs are one of my favourite spring flowers (both the look and smell, divine!) but the above two looks that featured spot-on placement of a lilac inspired print were a couple of my favourites. Particularly the dress, since the x-shaped look of the print would be really flattering on, I think.
Prior to LG Fashion week I had never been to a presentation style show, as at our local fashion week here in Ottawa runway was the only option. A few of the shows I saw in Toronto were presented in this way, and I am glad that Sarah's was one of them - namely because it allowed for a long time to take in the intricacy of the prints, get a good look at the garments from all sides and (my favourite) take lots of photos.
I can genuinely say that this was one of the only collections that I saw during my time in Toronto where I could see myself delightedly wearing every piece (even if such a prospect might be a bit over budget). While in most of the shows and presentations I saw one or two garments that really stood out, in Sarah Stevenson's presentation I wandered around the posing models in their pretty printed dresses again and again just enjoying the lovely colours and patterns.
I took this very simple (and amateur) video of the presentation to give you a feel for what it was like to be there in person, as well as to see the clothes in better detail. I took this using my phone so the quality is less than stellar, but hopefully it gives you a good impression of this lovely collection.
I will say that literally from the moment the presentation started until the models left their posts, I was admiring and snapping photos of each garment and look. Especially following the debacle of the night before, this show was such a pleasure (as was the designer herself, who went out of her way to prevent any such thing happening to me at her show). I can honestly say that even if this had been the only show I'd gotten to see, it would, without a doubt, have been worth the trip to Toronto.
I will be uploading all of the photos I took during this presentation to the Lot 65 FB page, so take a look there this evening to see more!
All photos are my own, please credit and link back if you use them!
Sarah Stevenson made her debut at Toronto Fashion week, and I have to say her first go was one of my favourites of the whole week. Not just because of her commitment to environmentally conscious design practices (although locally made and printed natural fabrics are a plus any day in my books), but also for the simple, classic shapes that made up her presentation. Any of them would look at home at a high tea or chic garden party, at least any I was hosting or attending.
What really struck me about the collection as a whole, however, were the absolutely beautiful and ethereal floral prints. From parrot tulips to kaleidoscopic apple blossoms and watercolour lilies, they were truly a testament to Stevenson's talents in fashion but more especially in textile design.
One of these perfectly pretty floral tea dresses is definitely on my wish list for spring, and I am very much looking forward to seeing future presentations from this up-and-coming Canadian designer.
