Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Cool Guy top pick in USA

1971 Daylight Cotton Trouser by Reiss
$136.21
Buy Now

Guys in USA go casual with spring. Their pick features these 100%cotton trousers by 1971 Reiss with buttoned hip pocket and subtle embroidered logo and twin slit pockets to back. Comfortable and relaxing.

Stylish Girl top pick in USA

Rogue Jacket by Nanette Lepore
$398
Buy Now

This cotton/rayon blazer is fully lined, with buttoned three-quarter sleeves and four flap pockets. Its puff shoulders and structured cut makes it slightly casual yet stylish enough for the workplace. Nice pick girls.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

DJ Lissa Monet @ Rachel Roy Spring 2010 Preview

Last week, Rachel Roy was in Toronto to preview her collections at The Bay.



So in light of all the gorgeous weather we've been having, I opted for a
bright orange sleeveless tunic. I needed something lightweight and easy to
DJ in. The back detail was perfect for showing off just the right amount of
skin. I paired them with tights, also from the spring 2010 line. The tights,
a twist on the classic black, had sheer patches that really gave edge to the
look. It was love at first sight! I have been dreaming about owning a pair
of tights with some sort of sheer element to it and Rachel Roy knows how to
balance it out - making these amazing tights both functional and sexy.



Both items were from the RACHEL Rachel Roy collection, sold exclusively at
The Bay.

For those of you who couldn't attend, here's a taste of our playlist from
the Rachel Roy event. A great selection of songs to add to your library:

Adele - Stepping Stone
Colin Munroe - Brick In The Wall
Le Tigre - TKO
Kilo Riley - Dejalo
Michael Jackson - Dont Stop Till You Get Enough
The Gossip - Listen Up
Nouvelle Vague - Melt With You
OK Go - You're So Damn Hot
Toni Basil - Hey Mickey
The Cardigans - Love Fool
Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance

xoxo,
~lissa

Monday, March 29, 2010

Spring / Summer 2010 : Shoes

STUDDED




NEON TRIBAL




NAUTICA






MILITARY BOOTS





ANKLE SANDELS







FAUX ANIMAL SKIN


Sunday, March 28, 2010

LG Fashion week - IZMA


Tonight marked the official beginning of Toronto's LG fashion week's, "Power of Style". Held in the Allstream venue - which is vastly larger than last years location - this year is sure to impress with it's "Power of Style" theme.

Impress is exactly what it did.

                                                Robin Kay, President of FDCC 

With fabulous music, space, and decor, the night began on a high note as Robin Kay, President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada took to the runway. In a fabulous opening speech, she explained, the "'Power of style' is in all of us. It means to be bold, to be noticed, and to make us feel good." She was also thrilled to announce that this was the the first time, that the Toronto's LG fashion week would be streamed live internationally for all to see here. A huge step in putting Toronto's fashion week on the map for others around the world.



Immediately following the opening speech, designer Izzy Camilleri and fashion host/journalist Adrian Mainella showcased their talents as their amazing, "IZMA" fall/winter collection took over the runway. It was breathtaking.

A beautiful display in a wide variety of furs hit the runway; beaver, coyote, fox, and muskrat to name a new.



It was a collection that was sure to impress a wide range of personality types. The collection was feminine, edgy and elegant. Beautiful suits, vests, shirts and dresses were displayed in alongside leathers, cottons, and mesh materials in a fantastic array of neutrals from creams, blacks, and the warmest of browns.

My particular favorite; a fabulous creme blazer that had a fox vest wrapped around the shoulders and lapel. It was STUNNING.

I can't wait to see more of Izzy and Adrian's collaborations.

What do you think of the collection?
xo






*Pictures courtesy of lgfashionweek.ca

Warmest wishes, 

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant and Style Coach
Personal Power Image Consulting 

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Toronto Fashion Week: March28th-April 1st, 2010


Once again, the Toronto L'Oreal Fashion Week, or LG Fashion Week officially hits the runway tomorrow, Sunday, March 28th. Titled as "The Power of Style" the well known event opens its doors at 7:00PM. (unfortunately by invitation only) following by the "Party of Style I" starting at 9:00PM and featuring DJ Honey Dijon.

The new Fall 2010 collections will be presented by various young and established designers and design brands, turning Toronto into a fashion beehive, where people from industry and fashion enthusiasts will have a chance to talk style and fashion, present new ideas, new faces, and party for a few days, until April 1st, when the event closes with the "Party of Style III" in the well known club MUSIK.

So enjoy, look for fashion shows, get together with designers and models and have fun.
For tickets, visit www.ticketweb.ca
Individual Shows: $24.99 each, Week Pass: $475

More about LG Fashion Week on http://www.lgfashionweek.ca/default2.aspx

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

GB guys still in winter mood?

DIESEL BLACK GOLD Coat by Diesel
$149.00 (On Sale from $200.00)
Buy Now

This great looking Diesel coat can definitely make you miss winter days. Or maybe guys in GB prefer winter and snow over spring and rain. In any case, this is a very cool fashion item and perhaps the sale price gives you another reason to buy it as the next winter is only nine months away.

Top fashion item in GB: stylish and casual

Grey/white neru collar shirt by Dorothy Perkins
$15.00 (On Sale from $22.00)
Buy Now

Stylish Girl top item choice in Great Britain features this grey/white striped neru collar shirt, with 3/4 sleeves (70% cotton, 27% nylon, 3% elastane) ....comfortable, casual and affordable.

How to wear statement jewellery

Not sure how to wear the statement jewellery you see in magazines? Image consultant and style Coach Christie Ressel of Personal Power Image Consulting shows you how here!


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Feathered Designs

This season is all about 40’s glamour with a twist of rock. Most of the clothing that came off the runways is feminine, elegant and in deep colours that reminisce of the “old world”. One of my favourite things about the trends this year is that it has reminded us to be more playful and expressive in our attire with head pieces! You’ll see hats, headbands, pins, and other accessories in all different flavours to give our outfits a chic, and polished look.

 I’m so excited about this trend, because one of my favourite movies is the classic, “My Fair Lady” with Audrey Hepburn. In my mind – there has never been a movie with more glamour. All of the designs in the movie were so elegant. The hats that are in the movie are so feminine; so chic; and so detailed. I swoon just thinking of all of the options they created.

That’s why I wanted to turn everyone’s attention to an AMAZING designer named, Blair Nadeau, creator of “Feathered” designs. She makes the most stunning head pieces with feathers. They have the most European vintage flair that just wearing her designs instantly makes one look chic and fabulous.


Just looking at her website makes me instantly want to dash to the nearest street side cafe for a glass of champagne.

Not feeling bold enough for a beautiful cocktail hat? Blair also creates hair designs and creative pins for all of your different moods and occasions! She has such a wonderful variety of things to choose from!



On top of her already genius line, each piece you wear has been hand crafted by Blair herself. To top it all off – she also offers consultations for her clients to have a custom piece created just for them! She offers a variety of embellishments for each of her designs in, “rhinestones,  sinamay ribbons, fresh water pearls, salt water pearls, sequins, covered buttons etc,  as well as available on hair pins, clips, combs or headbands.”


Le *sigh*. Stunning.


Check out her website for more details: www.blairnadeau.com


Warmest wishes,


Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant
http://www.personalpowerimage.com

Friday, March 12, 2010

Gool Guys around the world go James Bond

Patent Tuxedo Lace-Ups by Hugo Boss $275 Buy Now
Cool Guy worldwide top fashion item today comes with the license to kill: these totally 007 sleek, elegant, classic tuxedo oxfords come in stunning, glossy patent leather. Cool, very cool.

Stylish Girls around the globe are in D&G mood today


Dolce&Gabbana Carla Bow Lace Platform by D&G

$486.75
Buy Now

Stylish Girl top fashion item worldwide today is this old school luxury powder pink/black peep toe platform with black grosgrain trim. The platforms feature a patent 4.25" black heel, bow to the front and a satin foot pad.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

From Blue to Green Denim Drive at The Gap (on till March 14, so hurry!)


Recycling denim for insulation has become a popular idea, but is still underused in practice. I'm not really sure why, because the "pink stuff" is so bad on so many levels, including being totally toxic. I think the idea behind the From Blue to Green Denim Drive in conjunction with The Gap is absolutely super-fantastic, I support it wholeheartedly and will be bringing old jeans down myself, tomorrow. The two-week denim drive is part of The Gap’s “Recycle Your Blues" event, where customers who donate denim will receive 30% off new denim purchases from Gap, GapKids or babyGap through March 14. So head on down before you run out of time and get yourself a new pair of jeans for spring, and know that in doing so you can be part of a greater good. Just look at these fabulous styles, it's so prefect!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Japanese guys' top choice: great look - half the price

Tuce 00ehs by Diesel
On Sale $100 (was $200)
Buy Now

Japanese Cool Guy top item is a great example of a good deal, and this one is definitely worth the attention. This Diesel top comes at half its original price. Looks casual and cool: perfect for the upcoming spring days.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Upper Body

Look your best with the right neck line for your upper body type

Our focus emphasizes the right fit for jeans and pants, rather than our upper body. Some of the benefits of having the right neckline are to look slimmer, taller and it also helps to stand out your best assets.

Here are tips on what type of neck line would flatter you body


If you are of a busty frame v neck would work perfect for you either on a fabulous top or a cut long cardigan. For the office a button- down shirt is perfect. During warmer days a strapless tank top would look great on you.


For the more petite ladies, fun and flirty details on the upper part are key. Also thick horizontal lines would help make the illusion of a fuller bust.


For ladies with broad shoulders tank tops and spaghetti straps are perfect for you. Any cute top works for this body type, the only thing you should focus on, is to not have anything that would emphasize your shoulders such as ruffles.

And for the curvy ladies square cut and V cut are a must, but make sure that they are not to low cut. Also solid patters work perfect but if you don’t like only solids you can add some sparkle to the neck line of the top.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Vintage Dreams

I LOVE everything about fashion – the creativity, the glamour, the history, the energy and fun. Designers, photographers, stylists, retailers, and fashionista’s like you gather inspiration from fashion’s past and everything else in the world. While my inspirations stem from many things – one passion I cannot deny is my attachment to vintage. There are so many era’s and decades to choose from - so many colours, accessories, fabrics, styles and silhouettes! It gives me an adrenaline rush just thinking of all of the delicious things to choose from! Because of this, I find it appropriate to turn your attention to this must have resource as places to look into on your vintage shopping hunt: Shrimpton Couture . Trust me when I say – this IS the number one place to go for beautiful vintage finds and creations.

Not only have they been written up in the Huffington Post, but they have also been recognized by the likes of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Looking for inspiration on what to do with your couture? They also provide you with a look book that will leave you breathless and drooling for more. I know; I’ve been there.


1930's lingerie set

The picture above is a snippet of their look book – this 1930’s lingerie set? A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. – so elegant, romantic and chic; makes me think back to the actress Marlene Dietrich.

Definitely do yourself a favour and take a glimpse into this world of art and glamour – you won’t be sorry you did.

Warmest wishes, 

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant and Style coach
Personal Power Image Consulting 



Friday, March 5, 2010

Let the sunshine in-sings the top choice of US girls


Wandering Willow Vest by Free People
$78.00
Buy Now


Rich Hippie Fringe Tote by CC Skye

$595.00
Buy Now

Most popular fashion items today deliver the message of spring. American girls are already looking for casual, comfortable hippie retro details celebrating young spirit and longer daylights. It's California even if you are in North Dakota is what these items are saying out loud. Sexy and refreshing.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Fashion for any budget!

So many magazines out there push women towards designer purchases. For many, this will not only break the bank but could leave them feeling frustrated and out of style. I’m here to tell you that any woman on any budget can easily be fashionable and chic!


Here are a few tips for how to stay in style, all while keeping money in your wallet!
1) Hunt vintage. Vintage and thrift stores have hidden gems that are typically gentler on the budget. Take an afternoon with some girlfriends and play with the clothing and accessories from decades past. There are hundreds of beautiful items that are just waiting to go in your closet!

2) Skip the expensive trends. Items that are trendy are not worth the splurge if you’re on a budget. Buy less expensive versions of trends in stores such as H&M and forever 21. When the piece is no longer in style in 6 months you’ll be happy you didn’t break the bank for it.

3) Accessorize. Jewelry, scarves, hats, and any other accessories completely change the look and mood of an outfit — without having to spend a lot. Get a variety to suit your many different lifestyle requirements and add in more classic pieces. You’ll be surprised at how many outfits you can create!

4) Black is not all that. I’m here to set the record straight: Black does NOT make everyone look good, even if it’s considered a classic shade. I do recommend splurging on more classic items that will last in your closet, but don’t forget to add some color to give your clothing an extra “pop.”

Follow these tips to get the ‘best bang for your buck’, all while being chic, stylish, and confident!

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant and style coach
Personal Power Image Consulting

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

H&M: The Garden Collection







Recently I was in the H&M showroom pulling for a shoot and there was this lovely upcoming collection on display, The Garden Collection. It will be in stores on March 25th, and the price point, well, it's H&M, so it's fantastic! There was even the above red dress, in a cream colour, that I would say if you are having a frugal wedding, at $49.95 you really couldn't do any better, were you wearing nothing. Even for those not engaged to be married, there are quite a few party dresses to be made your own.




Monday, March 1, 2010

Hair rut?

In my line of work, there is one piece of everyone's image that everyone always seems hesitant to change - their hair. Hair is an extension of our fashion sense, personality and lifestyle - it shows who we are!

It's so much fun to play with - you can choose different colours, styles, and cuts to reflect the various moods we all go through on a day to day basis.

I find however, many women today get stuck in the "hair rut". They become comfortable with a style they've had for ages - and never change it. Either that, or they keep a haircut that perhaps reflected a time in their life where they felt best about themselves. As a result, I've seen many women today walking around with mullets, and perms from the trends of years ago - or cuts that are just so boring it kills an entire "look" you've worked so hard to put together.

So how important is a haircut and style?


It's VERY important. Just like clothing - if it's outdated looking - you will also look outdated. As a result, many people will make the assumption that your job skills are also - or that you're just "out of touch" with what's current. Not okay.

My general rule of thumb is that if it's been 3-5 years and you haven't at least changed the style of your hair - it's probably outdated.

This is why so many people love Victoria Beckham - her style has already remained relatively the same - but she's constantly changing her hair - giving her a fresh edge to whatever look she is striving for.

I'm not saying you have to drastically change your look at each haircut - but play with colours, different textures, bangs, or just how you style your hair! You might be surprised and how much a "good hair day" can affect your mood.

What do you think?

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant and style coach
Personal Power Image Consulting