Monday, September 8, 2008

StyleSense Recon Mission....


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!

1 comment:

Suburb Girl said...

Kim! You are quite the writer! This reads just like an article in a magazine. And... I haven't been yet, I am shoe-deprived, might be time for a mall trip :)