Wrap Around

OUTFIT

Hat - Thrifted

Coat - Thrifted

Button up - Polo

Shirt Around Waist - Tommy Hilfiger

Jeans - Cheap Monday

Boots - Dr. Martens

For sure this post is a lot more experimental and free from what I have been offering as of late. Some days you just got to throw on whatever you want spontaneously and see how it turns out. This outfit is most definitely one of those moments. If it isn’t really noticeable yet I am in love with the abstract patterned Tommy button down. It just works so well for me with a lot of things. It’s one of few pieces that I own that can be classy if worn but add character to itself without any major modifications/adjustments.

Dr. Martens really is probably at the epitome of quality and durability when looking for a good pair of boots. I 'm really drawn towards them because it’s not easy to find boots. That can not only maintain their quality during while trekking through heavy snow storms and falls. But as well still be able to wear comfortably as well as adapt to your personal spring/summer wardrobe. Pretty much they can be worn all year round, and not look awkward on your feet if pairing them up with shorts in the summer.

1 WEEK LEFT FOR GIVEAWAY

For give away details Click Here

Kente Bowtie Giveaway

Outfit

Blazer - Thrifted

Button Down - Polo

Scarf - Thrifted

Bow Tie - Akeyno

Belt - Thrifted

Drop Crotch Pants 

Socks - Happy Socks

Leather Lace Ups - Thrifted

As I have mentioned in previous posts. I was planning and upcoming giveaway, and here it is. For my first give away I have teamed up with Washington D.C native Yinka. Yinka is a D.I.Y accessory designer.

Everything in this shop is designed by Olayinka Onyeka Oni-Orisan, and is lovingly handmade in Washington, DC; no two pieces are exactly alike. From the use of African wax fabrics, to the unique choice of colors and patterns, Yinka’s creations clearly reflect her Nigerian heritage and culture. She integrates vintage treasures and recycled materials to create pieces that are sustainable and 

fashionable as well.

Check out http://www.akeyno.com/   for more of her work.

Historical accounts trace the origin of Kente weaving to early weaving traditions in ancient West African Kingdoms that flourished between 300 A.D. and 1600 A.D. Some historians maintain that Kente is an outgrowth of various weaving traditions that existed in West Africa prior to the formation of the Ashanti Kingdom in the 17th Century.

Kenta cloth is not only used for its beauty, but it also carries strong symbolism. Each cloth has a name and a meaning; and each of the numerous patterns and motifs has a name and a meaning. Names and meanings are derived from historical events, individual achievements, proverbs, philosophical concepts, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, human behaviour and certain attributes of plant and animal life.

The abstract patterns and motifs are generally created by the weavers who also assign names and meanings to them. It is said that weavers tend to get their inspiration to name their creations from dreams or contemplative moments in their life. In which they have an encounter with the spiritual world. 

There are over 300 different types of cloth designs, each with its name. Each cloth design comes with numerous variations-in color and distribution of motifs. This chart presents names of 54 different cloth designs, and 42 motifs, their literal meanings and their symbolic significance. Symbolism are given interpretations on the basis of the general Akan culture.

RULES OF GIVE WAY 

The way it works is fairly simple.

1) You must be following my blog.

2) Follow AkeynoHandmade on twitter Or like her Facebook page 

3) Lastly, leave a comment stating how you would wear the bow tie. And as well leave me your first name and email address.

I will decide a winner at random and announce it on here on my blog.

The give way closes APRIL 9th.   
Good luck everyone :)

Fashion Week : Ottawa S/S 2011 - 2012

This past weekend I packed up my stuff and headed out towards Ottawa to attend my second Ottawa Fashion Week. Well more like weekend but you get the idea. It was really great for me to be able to meet up and catch up with a few old friends back home in Ottawa. The three days were filled of excitement, hype, and anticipation as everyone was curious and awaiting each collection.

            Gabryela From :  http://figuresofstyle.blogspot.com/

Photo Credit : Andrew Szeto 

Presenters at Ottawa Fashion Week Spring / Summer were: 

Yola Couture

Veronica MacIsaac Apparel

Khala Morgan

Birds of North America

Micalla

ElizBourk

Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre

Rachel Sin

Emily Woudenberg &

Anastasiya Kuyevda

!Nu.I

Adib Simon

Escape Movements 

Anomal Couture

Karen McClintock

Illyria Design

Florian Jayet

Adrian Wu

Photo Credit : Richard Tardif

Presentation wise of the venue I was really surprised, even though it was held at The National Gallery Of Canada the same venue as the previous season. The layout and presentation was beautiful. As well a lot more people came out to the view runway shows. It’s great to see the fashion world back in Ottawa making some progression and opening up new talents. My favorite part about attending fashion week, from no matter what city, is meeting amazing individuals. There is nothing better than being in a room with a large amount of people who have the same care and interest as yourself and building contact but more importantly new friends. 

Decisions Decisions

First off I want to say thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts on Style Vs. Fashion whether it was via Blogspot, Facebook, Twitter,  or Tumblr. This week I will get a chance to head back home to Ottawa to attend Ottawa Fashion Week. Last time I attended I met a lot of great individuals and was a great experience for me; hopefully I can get some great footage to share with you all. On another good note it’s been raining a lot lately here in Montreal, why is this good? Well why else the snow is melting away making way for spring. I really don’t want to jinx it though I won’t be surprised if we get another sudden snow storm or two.

Outfit

Blazer - Thrifted

Button down - Colours

Slim Slacks - AA

Bag - Thrifted

Pashmina - N/A

We have all had one of those purchases when  we are in the store its looks epic, but when we get the garment home and take a good look at we are disgusted and confused. I have had one of those recent episodes with the green blazer I am wearing. I have no clue to what I was thinking when I purchased it but I hope next time I have a bit more sense. I hung it up in my room and a few days past by and I walked by my closet and the blazer really caught my eye. I took a real hard look at it was completely disgusted at first. I wasn’t sure if I should keep it or somehow dispose of it. Before doing any drastic action I decided to give the blazer a chance to live and see how I could possibly work it in to a look.

After experimenting with different looks to throw this blazer with, this is the one I was most satisfied with. I grew pretty fond of the blazer after wearing I just grew on me. What do you guys think? YAY OR NAY? The really vibrant green was what really through me off but it’s not that bad, is it?

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thank you goes out to young UK based blogger Harry for featuring me as one of his inspiration Check it out here & Here

Special thank you goes out to Montreal based blogger Beatrice who I so happened to meet at Montreal Fashion Week. CLICK HERE

Share your thoughts ( Style Vs. Fashion )

Outfit

Tweed blazer - Thrifted

Cardigan - Vintage

Crew neck - Thrifted

Slim Slacks - AA

Leather Loafers - Thrifted 

There are many things in life that we can all agree on that you technically really can't be taught. Such as having passion,emotion,making companions, and many other things that come with just living life. 

There are many things in life that we can all agree on that you technically really can't be taught. Such as having passion,emotion,making companions, and many other things that come with just living life. 

Another thing you can't be taught is how to have your own personal sense and feel of style. A lot of times individuals may get lost in what is the difference between fashion and style. Many times I have conversations with friends about style vs. fashion and frequent questions that rise are. What is fashion? what is style? what came first? can you have one without the other?

I am not in anyway in the position to try and dictate what is right and what is wrong and try and get everyone to follow my lead. But, what I can do is share my own personal opinion on this matter and hopefully all my followers and whom ever comes across my blog can share their's as well. This should be more of a community more than anything. 

Personally, I am a lover of personal style whether its punk, medal, skater, rock, timeless etc. Whatever it may be I think every style has its own story and structure behind it. Style is being able to get any garment and wear it in your own way. For example, if i wear to give a prep influenced person and a metal style influenced person the same garment. They would both find a way to wear it in their own way to fit their style and be able to be comfortable.

Fashion on the other hand I feel tries to dictate to the world who they are and what they should be wearing. Whether its a specific designer, color, or just due to the season. And many at times fall into this, and end up spending hundreds upon thousands of dollars on garments just because it is what is currently hot at the time. But when the next season or year comes around they will be on to the next and the previous set of garments they purchased would end up forgotten there is no longevity in that. But some people are into that I guess.

Style however allows you to wear whatever you are wearing from when you are 20 to 95. Everyone's style somewhat defines who they are to a certain extent. 

Being comfortable and confident in what you wear is also an element of style. Imitating what you may see over the internet and television just might not work for you ( we've all been there ). Due to the fact that it's way out of your comfort zone. At time your comfort level can be written all over your face. 

Developing and constructing your style takes years. I myself am still developing myself as well I don't consider myself better than the next person.

But always try and keep in mind who you are, and what you want to portray and eventually we will all get there.

Fairhaven Boot Sebago

Just when I thought the weather was lightening up, and spring was starting to peep through a tad bit. We got pounded by large amount of snowfall. Personally, I must say Fall/Winter is my favourite seasons style wise. Reason being is that you can do so much more with layering and proportions. I’m not much of a fan of the summer heat. The sweat, humid air, and the sticky feeling really does not sit well with me. However at the rate winter is going out here in Montreal (my first winter in this city), I am really thinking about reconsidering my feelings towards summer just this once.

OUTFIT

Beret - H&M

Glasses - AA

Scarf - Zara

Tough Leather Coat - Vintage

Button Down - Tommy Hilfiger

Slim Slacks - AA

Boots - Sebago

When looking for classy and timeless boot footwear it just might be a tad difficult at times. Trying to avoid not looking to uptight or corny. There are a few great choices that are a good start to try and suit to your personal style and not your fathers.

Sebago has always for many years produced great quality footwear, mostly known and familiar by their deck shoe designs. “Sebago represents authentic product and timeless design”. Looking at the Billy Kirk Edition, Sebago has stayed true to their original deck design and added a twist of two storied leather. And of course the gold laces are a tradition and timeless mark from Sebago. These shoes bring high levels of durability, comfort and as well as design to the table. Sebago is really one of those companies along with Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Clarks. Who have really been tried, tested, and true to their designs, which really makes them such classics.

Knitted Cardigan

Hello Everyone! I know I know it's been awhile since I have last posted. I have been very busy with school as of late. I am currently back home in Ottawa to visit friends , family, and as well as get a lot off of my head. Sometimes we just need to take a step back and breathe from it all. However I am excited to say I have a pretty cool styling video project coming up as well as my first give way that i can't wait to share with you all, So stay tuned for that.

OUTFIT

Messanger Cap - H&M

Button Down - Ralph Lauren

Knitted Cardigan - H&M

Wool Trousers - BDG

Boots - Vintage

Winter is surely a season that requires to be dealt with in knit wear. The chunkier the better really seems to be the case over here dealing with Canadian weather.

 A knitted cardigan is truly a classy and warm garment that needs to be added to anyone’s wardrobe man or women. Knits really have that corny and lame stereo type of our grandmothers sitting on the porch all day knitting away scarves and mitts for the upcoming fall and winter season. As corny as knits may appear, they really do get the job done and at times are not given as much credit and attention as they should.

However when wearing knits it may be a little tricky at times, depending how chunky your knits might be. Knits might give off an effect of having a lot more volume width wise on your body.To avoid this issue I suggest possibly wearing the cardigan unbuttoned or pairing it up with something a bit more fitted. As in maybe a pair of skinny or straight cut jeans or trousers. This surely helps the outfit flow much more together.