Enjoy the rain today in style!
Stop by HUSH for the perfect little umbrella.

UMBRELLA PICTURE - CLICK HERE!


We love these because they are perfect for your purse, or your favourite little fashionista!

March 2010 Ottawa Fashion Week. That's right - another Fashion Week in a matter of just 5 months. For a city perhaps best known for being 'Proud to wear Plaid' we are so spoiled to be treated to another four-night run of Canadian talent in design.

5pm the doors at Arts Court opened for the media launch party which was also open to the public; cool and unusual for fashion weeks which are typical for industry folk only – thankfully Ottawa hasn’t reached that point yet.

The set up included a vendor market place, although somewhat weak this year, a good idea and will improve no doubt, a bar with a dangerously delicious grape vodka drink sponsored by The Exchange Restaurant and a VIP lounge visited by Canada’s own Danny Fernandes. Truth be told, I was more excited about the drink! The room was filled with media, or maybe it just seemed that way because these days everyone is taking pictures for their blogs…

Dimmed lights, and pulsing dance beat created the perfect vibe in the cozy theater. The front row of the geometric runway was filled with Ottawa VIPs. With the scene set the shows were ready to begin. The show opener, Courtney Flood, presented a collection indicative of the week’s theme – more accessible real-life wear with less emphasis on fantasy and over the top design. There were some strong pieces but the highlight was the many new additions to the model roster walking the runway.


Shout outs to Starfish (www.eventsbystarfish.com) and Faniente Luxury Social Club (www.faniente.ca) for a great night and great rest of the week!


Ottawa Fashion Week: www.ottawafashionweek.ca

Cindy Lauper and Lady Gaga for MAC VivaGlam.
They are a fashion force of nature!
http://www.maccosmetics.com/giving_back/vivaglam.tmpl

Seasonal transition: how to remain stylish from Winter to Spring

Spring is by far the best time of year. We come out of hibernation to bask in the warmth of the sun. How is it when we are so tremendously happy to get up and get outdoors, it takes so long to get ready to leave!?! Dressing for Sprinter (the transitional weeks from Winter to Spring) can be the most challenging time of the year. Here are some tips to help you stylishly make the transition:

Put away the heavy stuff: We know there is a strong chance we will get one more snow fall but even if we do, we wouldn't put on our heaviest coat. One of the best parts of Spring is shedding our buffalo coats in favour of lighter wear. Down, heavy wool and ski jackets can hibernate over the next few months.

For Spring, bring out your classic trench, and your lightweight coats for your outings. Think you'll be too cold? Check out tips on layering below!

Add a pop of Spring colour - In the sun there is nothing that looks better than colour. Use accessories like a coral pashmina or a yellow bag to brighten up your conservative winter wear. One piece of brightly coloured clothing is the perfect way to breathe new life into your wardrobe.

Layers: let me say it again - LAYERS! This is the single most important thing for you to remember when heading out for an unpredictable day of Spring flowers and Spring showers! The temperature can be a bit of a roller coaster. Enjoy the ride using camis paired with cute preppy cardigans or last season's staying piece - the boyfriend blazer.

Footwear - Wellington boots are fantastic and fun. There are so many prints, patterns and colours to choose from, you can really express yourself. Although they may feel frivolous, they are supremely practical for Spring showers and puddle jumping! Give your winter boots a break. Leather doesn't do well in the wet anyway. And please, pack away your UGGS!

Don't rush the season - It is so wonderful when the forecast no longer includes a windchill factor. But don't get carried away! Resist the urge to put on all the new Spring trends all in one day. Pair one spring trend with your existing winter wear e.g. cropped pants, layered cami and cardigan paired with open toe boots.

Even though the sun feels 'hot' don't confuse Spring with Summer. Leave your sandals, tank tops and shorts packed away until mid May. That being said - let the sun shine in. Hooray for SPRING!

Clogs - Hot Trend?
Can't say they are love at first sight. Thanks to Chanel, clogs are everywhere we turn, and just this morning celeb stylist Rachel Zoe was preaching about the shoes in her newsletter. She writes: “When Karl Lagerfeld sent a slew of less-than-conventional clogs down Chanel's spring runway, many people questioned his genius at first, but the wooden-soled shoe has become one of the hottest trends of the season!”
So, are we really going to wear them again?

Oscars fashion. This is our favourite part!
We have to agree with these reviews.
Charlize - what happened!?!
Here are this years best and worst:
http://fashion.about.com/od/celebritystyle/ig/Oscar-Fashion-2010/

Spring Trend Report

For some of us Christmas comes in March with the arrival of the very best present ever: the Spring Trend report. Fashion magazines filled with page upon glossy page of Spring treats are better than anything crafted in Santa's workshop. The fashion fairies did not disappoint. Spring 2010 is full of warm and wonderful delights to bring us out of hibernation!

There are so many great pieces to look for this season. We have selected our fav's for you to look out for:

Nudes and Neutrals - Cream to beige and all neutrals in between this is the palette we are seeing and loving! So soft and feminine they are easy to mix and match. Don't pick a colour too close to your skin tone as you risk confusion of nude and naked. The solution: accessorize with a shot of this season's hottest colour coral and shiny rose.

Denim - jeans never go out of style but this season denim is hotter than ever! Look cool in great jean minis, fun dresses, jackets and bags too. http://www.louloumagazine.com/english/fashion/trends/article.jsp?content=20100203_140628_1920

Ruffles - this carryover from last season is most welcome. Ruffles and frills add interest to even the simplest pieces.

Pattterned Mini Skirt - this piece is working in reverse. Most often we wear patterns on top and something solid on the bottom. Time to mix it up! With so many colours, patterns, and prints to choose from with the flirty mini there is no need to stop short - except for the hemline of course!

Honourable Mention - trend or not a shot of hot pink always does wonders for your wardrobe. We are so excited to see our HUSH hot pink heating up the runways. This will be the season to stock up on it!

Pica jewellery is now at HUSH

Pica jewellery is now at HUSH!
These one of a kind pieces are made with jewels, feathers, and chains. What we love best is they are unique and custom made - no two are alike. They are HOT!

Open toe boots and shoes - to love them or hate them? When the open toe shoes and boots appeared on the runways last year I thought they were limited to just that - the runway. How in real life could they ever possibly be practical? And with that, I swore them off. Well, in typical Ottawa style, a year later, I have come around. That's right - I have really warmed to them. They are a true fashion puzzle: boots so they are for cold seasons, open toes so they are not. When are you supposed to wear them? I'm still not sure but after seeing them throughout magazines, all over runways and the best of fashion television, I have them at the top of my list this season. I'm up to the challenge. Perhaps once removed from the runway and inserted into my wardrobe the solution will become clear. Or, maybe they'll come with instructions!