It's Already September?

By Natalie Naccarato

Even though it doesn't feel like it (at least in Toronto) and completely snuck up on us, we are officially in September. The 1st of September always marks the end of summer for me (instead of the proper Sept. 21 end date). My fashion thoughts are now focused on richer colours, warmer fabrics, and layers upon layers. So, I am happy to announce that LUXaholic.ca will be unleashing a new selection of fall merchandise shortly. There are some great new pieces that will be added to the site so stay tuned!!

Back at it with a fall/winter wish list!

By Natalie Naccarato

Hi all! We took a bit of a fashionable hiatus and we've missed you! We are happy to announce that we're back at it!

Earlier today I took my dog out and was stunned by the cool morning air...I had to remind myself that it's only August! Luckily it warmed up and I was able to get away with wearing a dress today, but it was a reminder that the cool fall weather is just around the corner. Which got me thinking about making my fall shopping list! After perusing a variety of September magazine issues (side note: there really may be nothing better than sitting on a patio enjoying a sunny day and cup of tea while flipping through magazines) I came up with a decent starting point for my fall/winter fashion wish list:

1. Wide leg trousers - ever since I spotted a beautiful woman crossing the street in Barcelona six years ago in the most perfect wide leg pants I have dreamed of finding an equally stunning pair. I feel like this fall is the time, with the dress being put on the back burner pants are being heralded as THE item to invest in this season. Chloe showed some great pairs on the Fall/Winter 2010 runway.

2. Button down shirts - I'm thinking loose and Parisienne inspired. Similar to the ones that Pheobe Philo sent down the runway at Celine. Sigh, a girl can dream. Nothing says simple elegance like a great shirt and pants.

3. Casual loafers - some great styles have been popping up all over and luckily they don't bring about horrid flash backs of your parents loafers. These shoes are being re-envisioned as chic, easy additions to casual day outfits. Here is a shoe by Prada on the left and one by Gucci on the right:

4. Two new pairs of boots - I think I'll be in the market for a great simple flat boot and a lace up boot with a heel. EVERYONE needs a great flat riding style boot - classic, classic, classic!! The lace up boots would be trendy investment for the season. Style on the left is by Burberry and the style on the right is by Gucci:

5. Cashmere cardigan in oatmeal colour - LOVE! I want the length to be a happy medium between cropped and long - if I can find one that hits me at around mid-bum I'll be satisfied...and oh so cozy! This one from Marc by Marc Jacobs would be perfect in the oatmeal colour I want and all cashmere (this one is only 5%):

6. Chunky knit sweaters - these are mandatory in Canada. I will take stock of what I have in my closest from previous years and fill in any holes with a couple of new ones. D&G sent some beauties down their Fall/Winter 2010 runway:

7. Cape - I love capes, for me they don't go out of style. The only unfortunate thing about them is that I can't wear them all winter seeing as the temperature drops far below cape appropriate by the time mid-November rolls around. Nonetheless I want one in plaid this year! Here is one from the Rag and Bone show. Drool.

8. Jeans - I know everyone is trying to end the reign of the skinny jean, but darn I love me a skinny jean! I think I'll be adding one more into my jean rotation this fall...and maybe one more boot cut. Both in a medium to dark wash for more versatility.

9. Socks and tights - Fall is the time to stock up on great knee highs and thick opaque tights. I'm thinking of buying dark blue tights this year to wear under dresses just to add a little something special to an otherwise simple outfit. Here are some great chunky socks from Prada, perfect for our cold Canadian winters!

10. A holiday dress - I'll begin my search for the right holiday party dress in November. I happen to know that LUXaholic will be carrying some beauty's this season - can't wait!! Here is a great one by Alice + Olivia:

11. Winter jackets - ohhh, my weakness. I love too many different styles of winter coats, especially the ones I've been seeing for this season. I think I should buy a couple new ones this year. Burberry sent to-die-for shearling lined aviator jackets down the runway.

What's on your fall/winter shopping wish lists?

Photo Sources: shopbop.com, style.com, saksfifthavenue.com

Step Into The Future

By Natalie Naccarato

We love to watch the gradual shift of fashion styles. What is incredibly popular one year may be completely hideous another year. We could go into the psychology of it all, but really what it comes down to is that fashion is about change and convincing us all that we need change.

For some reason the heat wave we are experiencing in southern Ontario has us thinking about the upcoming fall season when the cooler temperatures demand creative layering. And of course, what outfit is complete without the perfect shoe? The gorgeous shoes that were sent down the Fall/Winter 2010 runways have us craving change! None of the below styles is affordable for us by any stretch of the imagination, but we're highlighting four wonderful designer shoes that are giving us a peek into what footwear will look like over the next little while. These particular design houses: Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, and Marni are known for pushing the fashion envelope and the dreamy, futuristic shoes they sent down the runway for Fall/Winter 2010 are no exception. These labels are always well ahead of the curve and present a good indication of where fashion styles are headed. As evidenced below the shoe trends to watch out for as the weather cools down are texture, colour blocking, and sturdy heels. Also - it appears the shoe boot is going no where fast - which is great news to us!

Top: Balenciaga; Second; Proenza Schouler; Third: Rodarte; Fourth: Marni

All photos from www.style.com