Fashionistas, WAGs and Charvas across the GTA rejoiced when StyleSense opened its doors last week. It's been described as Mecca, uptopia, and dangerous to those trying to curb their spending. I agree on all three points. The Oakville Place location is huge - 1600 sq ft I believe, all dedicated to brand name and designer shoes and accessories. Shoes, handbages, scarves, belts, gloves, hats, sunglasses, even luggage.
There was a time I thought I had to turn my back on fashion because keeping current on trends and caring about labels somehow made me less of a person. Wrong. I would only be less of a person if fashion was all I cared about. It isn't. But damn it feels good to step out of my apartment and put my best foot forward. Speaking of feet, here's what I found at StyleSense (keep in mind that like Winners and HomeSense there are frequent deliveries and brands may vary from week to week).
Michael Kors (usually swoon-worthy but the shoes didn't really do it for me)
Kate Spade
Ralph Lauren
Tahari
Steve Madden (always fun, usually fairly comfortable)
Mephisto (comfy)
Guess
Kenneth Cole (always soon-worthy, the shoes did NOT disappoint!)
For the charvas: Jessica Simpson and J LO.
Sadly, no sightings of Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos or Louboutins. Not that I could afford them, I'd just hoped to see them up close and in person. In terms of trends booties and "shooties" are big again this year. Lace-up shooties in particular. Patent leather is also big. Heels are high. I think belts and scarves will continue to be popular for fall/winter and, my new favourite accessory - hats!
In terms of handbags there were a lot of metallics but I have a feelings that metallics are more or less played out. The dresses at the VMAs suggest that I could be wrong, but it's such an over the top, bold look that it can border on obnoxious. If the trend isn't completely over I suspect it will get put away for fall/winter. I think metallic fatigue will set in quickly, and the big colours for fall/winter clothing are jewel tones, blacks, and browns. Think refined, colourful and bold, not garish.
Finally, for those looking for true designer pieces there is a locked display case that contains pricey designer handbags. Versace, Cavalli and Burberry, to name a few. Happy shopping!
There was a time I thought I had to turn my back on fashion because keeping current on trends and caring about labels somehow made me less of a person. Wrong. I would only be less of a person if fashion was all I cared about. It isn't. But damn it feels good to step out of my apartment and put my best foot forward. Speaking of feet, here's what I found at StyleSense (keep in mind that like Winners and HomeSense there are frequent deliveries and brands may vary from week to week).
Michael Kors (usually swoon-worthy but the shoes didn't really do it for me)
Kate Spade
Ralph Lauren
Tahari
Steve Madden (always fun, usually fairly comfortable)
Mephisto (comfy)
Guess
Kenneth Cole (always soon-worthy, the shoes did NOT disappoint!)
For the charvas: Jessica Simpson and J LO.
Sadly, no sightings of Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos or Louboutins. Not that I could afford them, I'd just hoped to see them up close and in person. In terms of trends booties and "shooties" are big again this year. Lace-up shooties in particular. Patent leather is also big. Heels are high. I think belts and scarves will continue to be popular for fall/winter and, my new favourite accessory - hats!
In terms of handbags there were a lot of metallics but I have a feelings that metallics are more or less played out. The dresses at the VMAs suggest that I could be wrong, but it's such an over the top, bold look that it can border on obnoxious. If the trend isn't completely over I suspect it will get put away for fall/winter. I think metallic fatigue will set in quickly, and the big colours for fall/winter clothing are jewel tones, blacks, and browns. Think refined, colourful and bold, not garish.
Finally, for those looking for true designer pieces there is a locked display case that contains pricey designer handbags. Versace, Cavalli and Burberry, to name a few. Happy shopping!
