New Year Party Dresses and Gifts

Hello dear all!!!

I hope you had as much fun this past New Year's Eve as I have. How did you celebrate? Me and my fiance hosted a big party which lasted until about 6 a.m. It was fantastic to see our friends some of whom we have not seen in months! It was especially magical because my sister came to visit me and celebrate with us! It goes without saying that I prepared something special to wear for the New Year's party!

My sister chose to wear the dress I made from Butterick pattern 5324. She makes it shine! And it perfectly compliments her sky blue eyes! As for myself, I wore this yellow my number. Yellow is my favourite colour. I wore the dress with the red coral necklace I bought in the Dominican Republic during our friends wedding trip and the peach pumps, a present from Shannon the designer. I like how these colours contrast with each other.

And then of course there is this glorious moment of opening New Year presents.

Excited about my gift!

I lucked out this year because my fiance gave me something that will allow me to diversify my designing and making techniques. It is a hand press machine that can do grommets and all kinds of snaps! My fiance knew exactly what I wanted! Here is the beauty:

My New Year gift!

So my New Year resolution this year is to make more pretty clothes!... with grommets... and snaps!...Don't be surprised if you notice a surplus of these design details on my future creations...  (Blame the man!)

How did you celebrate? What gifts did you get or give? What did you choose to wear?  Do you like to wear something special to mark the beginning of the New Year? What are your resolutions? 

Happy New Year Everyone!!! 

Fashion Collection Teaser

Hello darlings!

Many of you may not know this but I have been taking fashion design courses for the past couple of years. I am just about finished and will show my student fashion collection in April. I am super excited about this as I have been working really hard on its development. So I thought I would show you some of the design details that will end up in my collection. Now I do not want to give away too much of what it will look like but here are just a few teasers:

I have been working on creating a feathery fluffy texture and succeeded in doing so with tulle and organza.

I have also done some leather cutouts attempting to turn leather into a type of lace.

Over sized roping details are integral to my collection. I wove it in various ways using different macramé techniques. Since designing is a process more design details and techniques might emerge as I further develop this. 

All of these details will be integrated into my runway looks. I am very excited to bring my ideas to life. I am sure you know the feeling! Stay tuned and I will show you what some pieces of my collection will look like! And for now, can you guess the theme of the collection?

Hot Salsa in Cold December

Hello darlings!

You may not know this but I dance. I love dancing! And I try to come out and dance as often as possible. Unfortunately, that "often" happens very seldom. But last Saturday I attended the 3d Annual Winter Ball hosted by Steps Dance Studio where I take my Latin dance classes. It was a joyous event in a gorgeous venue spiced up by a delicious food menu and hot Latin vibes. On top of that, me and my fiance, along with our group mates, performed our salsa routine at this ball. We performed the same routine as we did at the Canada Salsa and Bachata Congress 2013 earlier in October. Canada Salsa and Bachata Congress 2013 is the biggest festival of Latin dance in Canada so it felt very special to be able to perform on that stage. Here is the video of our dance routine from the Congress: 

I enjoy performing a lot! So I was only happy to perform our salsa dance at the last weekend's Winter Ball. After long months of tedious practice it feels very gratifying to showcase what you have learned. Here are some photos from the Ball's performance:

 

 

Besides my performance costume (which is quite revealing to say the least), I wore this champagne lacy dress I made for the past New Year's Party. 

Me and my fiance social dancing

Its shiny material and lacy outer shell are still more than relevant. Besides, its flare and cut out back are very appropriate for social dancing. And believe me I did plenty of the latter! So it worked out that I greeted 2013 and bid my farewell to 2013 in the same dress. It served me well! 

To new dresses in 2014!

Mayan Textiles at the Textile Museum

Last week, I finally made my way to the Textile Museum to take a look at the collection of the Mayan textiles from Guatemala. And I cannot help sharing with you what I saw. 

If colour and pattern were language - which I think they definitely are - this compilation of Mayan embroidery designs would sum up my impressions of the exhibit. It speaks for itself. It makes me happy! My happy muscles start twitching and my happy antennae start vibrating. Do you get that?

[The Maya believed that clothing could transform a person and a person could transform the garment and is expressed through it, so naturally clothing was of great cultural significance. ]

 The traje is also more durable, and a woman may wear it for many years, weaving a new one to recognize major life transitions or when resources permit. It makes me sad that we no longer spend as much time on a garment as women traditionally used to. Perhaps that is the reason fashion has become disposable, the less you pay for it, the less relation you have to it, the fewer times you will wear it and the less attachment you have to it. Eventually, it ends up in the donation bin...

Lilac Peplum Petal Dress + Keeping Cool in +40 C

Hello fashionistas!

I have recently gone on an amazing vacation which was paired with a magical event - our friends' wedding! Other than the happiness surrounding this beautiful couple I was overjoyed by the prospect of making a new dress. What else is new? Just give me a reason! 

I made the dress from Simplicity Pattern 1876. But, as I so often do, I made my own modifications to it. I decided to make the bodice out of a contrasting fabric - lilac satin - and the bottom petals - out of a darker purple one. I had a scrap of lace which I had bought as a sample a while ago. I thought it fit in beautifully as a belt to the dress. I also sewed a lilac flower to it to make the dress look even more festive and summery.

The wedding took place on the hottest day of our vacation. (That is why you see me drenched in the picture!) But that is why I was happy with my choice of dressing: strapless and short! I wore the dress with a nude envelope clutch and my nude heels.

Since the resort life for me is a non-stop party I had to think how to look party-like and not drop from the heat while at it. So here are a couple of solutions I came up with. 

Apparently, white shorts go with everything(left)! And a top can function as a dress if it is +40C outside (right). Just because I am melting does not mean that my accessories should dissolve too. My favourite peep-toe lace up shoes went great with an asymmetrically draped yellow top! And my new BCBG flat sandals perfectly completed my aqua dress.

Here is a close-up of these gorgeous creations! 

Can't. Get. Enough!

Lesson of the week: don't let the heat melt down your fashion sense!

Redefining Design 2013

It is a funny paradox: the busier you are the more you have to share, yet the less time you have to do so. But this boring silence has to be broken and I just have to share the highlights of the Annual Seneca Fashion Gala with you.

Students once again displayed a wide range of skills and talent. There were plenty of designs to drool over. I especially liked these gorgeous leather skirts and tops:

Tania DaSilva, who won the Media award with her unusual knitwear collection, stole the show:

Tania DaSilva's collection; Tania DaSilva - far right.

Yours truly modeled for Shannon Skura who created a collection based on the idea that the wearer can be a designer. Shannon strategically placed magnets in the garment so that the wearer can change the way the piece is worn, offering him or her infinite options.

Shannon Skura's collection; Shannon Skura - far right.

My look for Shannon Skura's collection

Backstage with model Dayna Stevens

You can check out more of Shannon's designs at her website

fashandesign.webs.com/

Another designer I modeled for was M.R. Leach, who had a completely different and somewhat historic point of view...

M.R. Leach's collection; M.R. Leach - right.

...and Carly Vimini, who created a sportswear collection with experimental shapes for the modern woman. (Love the chunky knits!)

My look for Carly Vimini's collection

And these shoes were an absolute highlight of the show for me!

Congratulations to all the graduated students on the job well done! It is always impressive and inspiring to see their creations come alive: from concept to catwalk! Those sleepless nights and endless fittings definitely paid off! Needless to say I cannot wait for the next year's Gala! 

Redefining Design Fashion Gala 2012

Hi fashion-lovers!

How has this wintery spring treated you so far? For me, April has always been the most exciting month of the year! Not only because it is my Birthday month. But also because it is always the busiest month of the year when I am rushing to get everything done and over with to get ready to greet summer which is right around the corner!

This year is not an exception. Other than cramming for exams, frantically completing projects, balancing it all with work and birthday preparations, I also get all pumped up for Seneca's Annual Fashion Gala Redefining Design which will take place on April 10. Needless to say I am extremely excited about this event. This is the quintessential moment for all the graduating students. Their hard work and talent comes to the fore in their collections which get a chance to be seen and admired not only by family, friends, staff, faculty and guests but also by industry professionals!

Last year, I got to model for three talented designers and had a chance to get an insider's look on the whole venture. So here are some highlights:

Designer: Samantha Grace

Designer: Amy Chong

Designer: Jenna Frost

Modeling, however, was only part of the fun. Free food, make-up application and hair up-does were great.  But it was seeing all the amazing work that the emerging fashion designers have done that was extremely inspiring! Seeing their concepts come from paper to real life! Not walking down the runway but basking in their creativity gave me the biggest adrenaline rush! It is such an amazing learning and, at the same time, entertaining experience!!!

Some of the most memorable designs from Annual Fashion Gala Redefining Design 2012

Some of the most memorable designs from Annual Fashion Gala Redefining Design 2012

Here is a video that sums up last year's show:

My lovely grandma came to see the show and I could not help sharing this picture with you guys. She loved all designers' work and could not believe that it was produced by students!

My biggest fan - my granny - attended the show and was swept off her feet by the beauty and variety of looks presented.

Although I was at the venue from 8 am to 10 pm, the day flew by and left me yearning for more. And MORE is coming in just 5 days! I can't wait! Perhaps, you would like to join me in this happy event and attend Redefining Design as well? If you are interested in attending, leave a comment below and you may get a FREE ticket to the show!!!

Outfit Idea #11. A Happy Dress for a Happy New Year!

Hello fashionistas!

I think you will agree that New Year's Eve is the kind of an occasion which simply has to be celebrated in style. This magical night only happens once a year. So which girl would not want to feel like a Cinderella at a ball while the clock strikes 12! The only exception is that she can stay at the ball and continue partying until the first day light of the New Year! And if you choose the right attire you will definitely not want to leave early.

For this special night I wanted to come up with a special dress. I have kept this gorgeous brown-and-gold lace fabric in my stash for a while. This time I finally found a perfect design for it in combination with this beautiful champagne taffeta. These fabric choices reminded me of sparkling drinks and fireworks and seemed appropriate for such a big holiday as New Years! I made this dress from McCall's pattern 6647 with minor modifications. 

The front of the dress has a seemingly simple silhouette. However, it harbours a little flirty surprise in the back. 

I switched the lengths around from what the pattern suggested and made the bottom layer longer than the lace layer. This modification created a border at the hem and added an extra design interests.

I love how this dress goes nicely both with the heels (for indoor partying ) and with my new cognac boots (for outdoor fun). This dress-with-boots combination came in especially handy this New Year because I had to travel from one party to the other in the middle of this festive yet chilly night.

My favourite gold-tone jewelry and the sky-high nude heels perfectly complete the look and make me feel like a princess! Cinderella could only dream of the kind of a ball that I had this year!

Wishing You a Happy and Stylish New Year!!!

My Engagement Trip to Winter Wonderland

Hello darlings!

I have very happy news to share with you. I got engaged to the most wonderful man on the planet!!! It all happened in an intimate and romantic fashion at home under the Christmas Tree! Here is the gorgeous evidence of that fairy tale moment!

As a way to celebrate our engagement my man took me on a trip to a Winter Wonderland. We first went to Ste-Adele where we stayed at Hotel Le Chantecler. 

Hotel Le Chantecler

My fiance was determined to teach me to like downhill skiing (after a previous unpleasant experience) which is what we did for the whole day at Le Chantecler Ski Resort. I must admit he accomplished his mission as the resort had a very nice bunny hill and non-stop flurries ensured fresh powdered surface perfect for beginners like me.

This is our "Aliens" look

On the second day of our stay, we decided to literally go off the beaten path - in snow shoes. Spoiled by mild and snowless winter in Toronto I had no idea what I was up against in the Montreal area. The amount of snow in the region definitely called for warmer and sturdier shoes than what I had packed with me. Yet, I was so determined to go on this snowy adventure that my heeled boots did not stop me. My fiance insisted that he take a picture of my snowshoeing gear. 

Snowshoeing in style in Ste-Adele

My determination payed off: the virgin white fields and snow-clad trees were a magical sight to see.

Downtown Montreal was our next stop. Here we went to the Musee des Beaux-Arts, saw Luminotherapie installations in the Quartier des spectacles, watched Cirque du Soleil's last performance of SaltimBanco and just walked the streets of this lively city. All of the above activities deserve their own posts. I will limit myself to showing you a few pictures from this unforgettable trip!

Luminotherapie installation at Place des Festivals

Inside Place des Arts

Montreal definitely looks more glamorous in winter than during any other season! So there was no better way to celebrate this amazing event!

Creative Event with a Cause

Last Friday the Toronto Public Library held a creative event with a cause - the 2nd Annual Arts and Crafts Fair for the United Way at North York Central Library. Staff from various Toronto Public Library branches surprised library employees as well as the patrons visiting Central with their marvelous creations. 

Art and crafts of all kinds were presented at the fair: lino cuts, tiny crocheted cats and life-sized cat sleeping mats, hand-made cards, lanterns, one of a kind hand crafted wrapping paper, stuffed toys, and jewelry jewelry jewelry! 

Adrineh's creations at TPL Arts and Crafts Fair

My coworker Adrineh Lavi was probably the most versatile exhibitor/vendor at the fair. Her table was abundant with hand-crafted cards, boxes, jewelry, textile art, and tapestries. As long as she can remember herself she was always interested in making things with her hands. When speculating about where this "itch" may come from she says that she comes from a family of carpenters, designers, sewers and crafters of other kinds. "There must be something in the genes!" she laughs. 

I would not be surprised if it were so. Her jewelry pieces are truly unique. She does not simply copy designs from DYI books. Her one-of-a-kind designs "come to her" and she feels compelled to go and seek out the right materials. "It takes a long time to get the exact beads or pieces that I need for each particular design I am making," she says. "I do not want to just make whatever. I want it to be what I envisioned it to be!" And they are nothing but that! 

Two of my personal favourites are this leather knot necklace the likes of which I have never seen before...

Adrineh's leather knotted necklace

...and this upcycled brooch. Adrineh took an old brooch shell which had missing pieces and filled it with beautiful sea shells, pearls and other findings. 

Adrineh's upcycled brooch

You can view more of Adrineh's creations here: http://beadsandflourish.blogspot.ca/

Another colleague of mine, Connie Hwang, surprised me with her funky over-the-shoulder bags! She has been crafting these cool numbers on and off for a number of years now. Connie likes to upcycle  old materials and clothes. She loves the idea of reconstructing and recombining "pre-loved" materials into new and exciting items with a new purpose. But she also makes bags out of new fabrics and clothing items. Her jean and cargo purses are lined with gorgeous Chinese silks. Connie also makes little charms to go onto the straps of the bags.

One of Connie's funky bags

This cute monkey was getting all the attention at her table during the fair. Unfortunate for curious shoppers, he was not for sale.

Monkey-the-Model showing off his over-the-shoulder bag

Like true artists, Adrineh and Connie both agree that they cannot be forced to make things. Inspiration has to come to them first. Once it does however, they find it hard to stop. The process of creation compels them to keep going. I think I know exactly what they mean. It was delightful to see my familiar coworkers in this unfamiliar artistic light!