Champagne New Year

Ring in 2011 with a little Champagne.

The Adventurous Soul

Some women love an adventure, trying something new, exciting!  These gift experiences are sure to thrill the senses.

1. Boutique Shopping Tours from THE REFINERY will give a sense of adventure shopping style - $70.
2. Sky Diving from Swoop.  She'll love the thrill of free falling, and can check an activity off her bucket list - $295.
3. Learn to Play Polo through Try That.  One of the oldest activities, but how exciting to play a sport on a horse - $250.

She'll be talking about these experiences for ages!

She'll Find Her Sexy Side

Every woman has a sexy side, some just forget about it!  These gifts experiences will remind her...

1. Boudoir Photo Session with Marlen James Photography.  A trustworthy chick with a great eye - packages starting at $175.

2. Private Shopping Session with THE REFINERY will have her trying new clothes that make her feel super sexy - starting at $150.

3. Sexy Fitness Class at Flirty Girl Fitness.  She can chose from classes like Chair Fit, Flirty Femme Fatale, and Pole dancing - $20 for drop-in classes.

She will surely have a sexy smirk on her face after these experiences!

Time Savers

Women are so busy multi-tasking they seldom get time for themselves.  These gift experiences will give her the time for herself she needs... and put a smile on her face!

1. One week of meals prepared at your home, groceries purchased, kitchen cleaned from At Your Home Cooking - $300 for 7 meals + salads for a family.

2. Seasonal wardrobe update from THE REFINERY.  Includes closet cleanup, shopping, and outfit design, which means she will instantly be ready for any occasion - $500.

3. Spa and Daycare service all at one location!  She can have a luxurious spa treatment while the kids are taken care of at the on-site childcare facilities at Sunny Mummy - prices vary.

If she needs more time, these gifts will thrill her!

Wendy Woods spotted on Princess on Slice

Wendy is spotted on the season finale of Princess on Slice giving Princess Jennifer style advice on how to make the most of her wardrobe, and spend shopping money wisely.   

Watch the episode online.  Wendy makes her appearance about 2/3 of the way through the episode when the timer is around 15:30.  (Episode 13 - Princess Jennifer)

Canadiana: Charlotte Hosten

Charlotte Hosten: Blue Collar

If you're looking for a unique necklace to up your style anti this Holiday season, Canadian designer Charlotte Hosten is your answer!  Her designs have been a stylish favourite since Montreal fashion week this spring, and ever since she has been a go-to recommendation for clients' looking for statement pieces.  

Charlotte Hosten: Berlin Gris

For holiday, Charlotte Hosten's pieces are the perfect way to update any of the dresses, or separates, you already have in your closet.  Since each piece makes such a statement no one will remember you are recycling that dress you wore last year!

Charlotte Hosten: Boucle Ghana

... and the best part, when the holidays are over, these pieces look just as amazing with jeans and a t-shirt!  So treat yourself to a statement piece and take your Holiday, and casual wardrobe, to a whole new level!

all photos courtesy of www.charlottehosten.com

Wendy's Words: One of a Kind

all photos sourced from www.oneofakindshow.com

 

I had the pleasure of heading to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto with my creatively inclined mother on opening day.  We managed to see most of the show (although with so much to see, it's hard to say for sure).  These are a few of my faves!

ARTISTS

Vicki Carruthers "Be Yourself" - acrylic paint on paper

Vicki Carruthers, booth U-06: her colourful art is so playful it makes me smile!

Erin Vincent, booth R-37: vintage inspired mixed media art

Tammy Shane, Booth Q-34: her poppy paintings are beautiful

ACCESSORIES

Lemon Park - resin bangles, small and large

Lemon Park, booth O-36: colourful resin work and semi-precious stone necklaces

Lilliput Hats, booth P-07: loved trying on all the stunning hats. They transport you!

HOI BO, booth S-19: the hand-waxed cloth bags blew me away 

FOOD

Forbes Wild Foods - pickled milkweed pods

Forbes Wild Foods, booth D-21: crazy wild foods that taste delicious!

Coach House Shortbread, booth D-24: perfect hostess gift for the holidays

Sweet Truth Candy Co., booth C-47: melt in your mouth delicious toffee

If you're heading to the show I hope you have a ball and get some of your shopping done at the same time - I know I did!

Until next time!
Wendy

Inspired by... D.

D. is a very successful entrepreneur in a male dominated industry.  She really loves neutral colours and has a down-to-earth yet edgy personal style.  She was in need of an outfit for an evening industry award's ceremony she hosted where she wanted to feel glamorous without being overdressed.  A sequin skirt and metallic blazer were the perfect combination to get evening flare, while maintaining  professionalism and being comfortable for her on stage - so important!  D. is looking forward to wearing these pieces over the holiday season, and pairing the blazer with jeans for her everyday life!

Camel for Holiday 2010

Camel is one of those hot Fall colours that looks great on women with warm colouring.  There are some really simple ways to wear this colour to your holiday parties, especially as outerwear.  A camel coat is such a staple classic piece, even if you buy this piece specifically for the Holiday season it will stay with you for years to come.  

For a more conservative work appropriate office party look, a wool camel skirt is a great choice!  Pair it with a beautiful blouse, statement necklace, animal print heals, and some fishnet tights for a pulled together playful look.

Since camel is such a golden brown, when it is made in a shiny fabric or sequins it tends to look more like gold.  This camel sequined blazer is the perfect way to jazz up anything in your closet, and make even the simplest dress holiday ready!  

Inspired by... G.

G. works in an industry that encourages creativity, so she has a lot of flexibility with what she wears during the day.  After our first appointment together - filled with lots of chatting, closet cleaning, and organizing - we came up with a personal style that feels great for her... sexy boho!  One way for her to express this style is to pair sexy skinny jeans with down to earth boots, slouchy shirts, and textured accessories.  In this outfit, G. is on fire!

Wendy's Words: Walk the Walk

Michelle Germain, Ashley Wiinnington-Ball and Wendy Woods enjoying the festivities!

Walk the Walk Fashion show is such an amazing event, and a fashion show like no other.  The focus is on the women, and showcases each of their diverse personal styles with the help of the beautiful Canadian designs available at Shopgirls.  One such beautiful design is the navy dress I'm wearing by Individual. This dress makes me feel like a lady, confident & sexy, and makes me smile.  I got a lot of compliments on this dress throughout the night so I'm very excited to wear it a lot during the Holiday Season!  

"Models" final walk at the end of the show.

All the models in this fashion show are Shopgirls' customers, and each have their own unique personal style.  I worked with each of them to put together 2 outfits that made them shine on the runway.  They all did amazingly well and owned the catwalk!

Video by Cliptheory.com

The show is a fundraiser for Windfall, Canada's only new clothing bank, which helps men, woman, and children feel confident through outfitting them with brand new clothes.  To get a feel for the essence of the event, take a peak at this amazing video by cliptheory - a progressive video company producing content that counts! 

Until next time!

Wendy

Fall Fashion Fixes - Layer Up!

So many women have difficulties dressing for Fall weather.  Understandable.  It's a challenge to dress for weather changes so sporadic that one minute it's 30 degrees, the next it's 12 degrees.

The key... layers!

Building an outfit based on layers starts with the top:

1. Choose a really great t-shirt or sleeveless blouse depending on the formality needed for your outfit (i.e. work or play)

2. Add a cardigan or other long sleeve layer

3. For cooler mornings layer both those pieces with a blazer, leather bomber,  or other light-weight jacket

4. Throw a scarf or pashmina around your neck (this piece is key for fall as you can easily toss it in your purse and use as needed)

*** These top layer pieces can be used in any combination depending on the day.  For example, the t-shirt with a scarf may be fine when you leave the house, but you may want to have the cardigan as back-up in your car or purse.

The bottoms are easier:

1. Choose either pants or a skirt

2. If you choose a skirt you can add opaque tights or nylons for warmth

Accessories:

1. With no snow on the ground pretty much any footwear goes - boots, flats, heels... you name it!

2. Adding at least one accessory finishes the outfit, and there are so many to choose from - earrings, bracelet, necklace, belt - the possibilities are endless.

 

Wendy's Words: Speedy Encounters

I am one of those few people who actually really enjoys networking.  For me, networking is comfortable and familiar.  I treat the events like the cocktail parties I have attended all my life, wandering from group to group getting to know each of the people as individuals. 

At this SPEED networking event organized by The Fuchsia Factory I was thrown out of my comfort zone.  I had 3 minutes to talk to every woman there - 1.5 minutes for me, 1.5 minutes for her.  Only 3 minutes! Imagine!  I either made a connection, or I didn't.  I found myself just getting interested in a person when a bell rang and it was time to move on.

After I got home, I was amazed at how much I had learned from these 30 other women (many small business owners) in such a small amount of time.  There are a few I want to highlight below for my REFINED. readers. 

Kim - Mother's Core Fitness

Training the muscles inside your body before, during, and after pregnancy that will help with delivery, incontinence, etc. - AMAZING! 

Elke - Cake For You

She can make a cake that resembles a Chanel purse - 'nuff said. 

Melissa - National Film Board (NFB)

Did you know that the NFB has over 5000 titles you can view for free and $6 screenings every Thursday?  They also offer animation classes for kids and adults where the group designs and films a short animation flick together.  I was amazed! 

Marlen - Marlen James Photography

Boudoir photography - sexy pics for sexy women!  How liberating! 

Carrie - Pink Elephant Communications

An amazingly honest and open communicator, who blew me away with her ability to express.  Her own first impression is as brilliant as the one she creates for brands. 

Evangelina - At Your Home Cooking

Imagine coming home from work, groceries bought, dinner made, table set, kitchen clean.  These women do that for you.  They are the complete package.

Inspired by... E.

E. is a new mom taking her first trip away from her baby for a girls getaway to New York City.  Not feeling quite like herself in her new body, E. wanted to work the clothes she already owns.  With a combination of well-cut clothes from before pregnancy and some maternity pieces we were able to put together and pack, a day and evening wardrobe perfect for her weekend getaway!

This versatile evening outfit was designed with: a turquoise cocktail dress worn once to a wedding, an old boxy suit jacket with the sleeves rolled up to mimic a boyfriend blazer, a pair of black tights for warmth, and simple classic accessories that add elegance to the overall look.

Toronto Treasures: Coco's Closet

Coco's Closet, a beautiful new consignment boutique, opened up this summer at Jane and Annette. True to it's name, this boutique is a small, aka manageable, space filled with elegant pieces for stylish women! 

 

Store owner Nadia is always in the shop greeting you with a friendly smile, and is eager to help. She wants you to find a treasure that will light up your eyes, and brighten your wardrobe.  

 

Brands in store 'au moment' range from Prada, to Marc Jacobs, to BCBG, to the odd tailored Banana Republic piece. 

 

If you're looking for a place to sell your wares, Nadia also offers a rare pickup service where she'll come to your house to collect your pieces. 

 

Coco's Closet is the perfect place buy, and sell, your consignment treasures! 

 

You can visit Coco's Closet at 413 Jane Street - 647.981.6870 

 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Wendy's Words: Fall Trends

I'm always really hesitant to use the word "Trend".  There is a misconception that women need to add many different pieces into their wardrobes each and every season in order to keep up with what everyone else is doing/wearing.  If you play this game you will always lose.  There will always be another new thing.

 

That said, it is important to add a couple new items to your wardrobe each season to add life, and inspire creativity.  

 

So where's the balance?

 

The balance lies in finding one or two things you like about what's happening in fashion this Fall, and interpreting them to work for you.  Every woman is different, every woman's style is different, and therefore the trends you incorporate need also to be different.

 

For example, a few trends that speak to me personally this season include:

 

Cuffs. I love the way they look best when worn on both wrists, are the same size, but different colours.  This look is unexpected yet elegant.

 

The Cape. Although totally impractical for cold Canadian winters, I can't help but fantasize about a camel cape with long leather gloves up to my elbows - if I can find the gloves in coral I will be in heaven! 

 

Winter White. I've always been a winter white person, so it's even more fun now that it's in style.  I often get questions as to why I'm wearing white after labour day.  My usual answer, "I like to break the rules".  My new answer, "It's on trend".

 

More on great Fall fashions to come!

Wendy

 

Wendy Woods from THE REFINERY shows you how to tie a 36 x 36 square scarf.  This look was worn by Wendy in the video "How to Tie a Rectangular Silk Scarf 4 Different Ways".

Toronto Treasures: Melmira

Now that the heat is here, you might be thinking about a new swimsuit for cottage days on the dock, lounging by the pool, or sunning in the sand. 

 

Not that you need the added pressure, but wearing a swimsuit is really like wearing lingerie for the whole world to see -- so you better feel fantastic in your suit! 

 

Melmira is the best choice for swimsuit shopping. They have perfected the art of styling their clients with suits that work for their personality, body shape, and lifestyle. 

 

Melmira stocks suits from multiple brands from around the world including Shan from Canada, Jets from Australia, and Vix from Brazil in a range of sizes from 0 to 26 (varies by brand). They also offer specialty suits for different needs like maternity or athletic suits. 

 

Book your one-on-one appointment with a swimsuit specialist and leave the rest up to her. Your specialist will pull styles that are perfect for your body shape, in a colour you love. Plus, you can try on the suits in the comfort of your own private dressing room with refreshments available. 

 

The Melmira experience is relaxing, enjoyable, and productive – they really take the stress out of shopping for a suit.

 

Visit Melmira at 3319 Yonge Street Toronto - 416.485.0576

 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Toronto Treasures: Distill

Distill is a wonderful east-end boutique filled with Canadian designs. From clothing and accessories to pottery and pillows, this boutique is perfect for perusing. 

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly accessory option, I highly recommend checking out the Erin Templeton sandals and bags made mostly from recycled leather. They all have interesting design elements and are made with a keen eye for detail.

For a quirkier piece of accessory art, I suggest both the stacking cuff and scribble necklaces by Alison Dawson. A Toronto native, her pieces are creative works of art and each a wonderfully lightweight summer accessory.

If a new summer frock is still on your list, check out the navy and white striped Lucie dress by Dace. This simple dress is the perfect outfit to throw on for hot summer days.

Add the stackable cuff to the dress, a bag and sandals and you’ve got a perfect outfit for city streets or the cottage beach! 

Visit Distill at 55 Mill Street #47 Toronto - 416.304.0033 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Wendy's Words: 1M bucks... or 20.

People fascinate me, so I tend to observe them from afar on a regular basis.  One of my favourite places to do this is in the hall of the change room where I stand waiting for clients to try on their next piece.

Most recently I observed a mother and daughter trying on shirts and reacting to the new pieces they picked out.  The daughter had a shirt on that she wasn't sure about, so she asked her mom's opinion.  Mom said, "It looks good for 20 bucks."

I've heard women speak this way before, but it struck a cord with me on this particular day.  I couldn't help but think, "If you settle for something that looks good for 20 bucks, you are never going to feel like a Million!"

We all want to look, and feel, like a million bucks, so it saddens me when women are willing to settle for less than that.  Pieces don't have to cost a fortune to look spectacular, but they do need to make us feel like we're worth a fortune!

Until next time!
Wendy

Toronto Treasures: Do My Hair

Do My Hair brings New York style luxury to Toronto with their blow dry and makeup bar - a salon with convenience at the top of their minds.  The environment is relaxing and comfortable, like a home away from home with stylists who know what they're doing, and have a knack for welcoming you into the space.

Whether you're looking for a daily blow out, or styling for a special occasion, this boutique salon focuses on making your already cut and dyed hair look stunning!  Choose from styles like The Jennifer 'Straight-up' or The Fabulous Farah, or Me but Better - your choice of style, executed by the pros.

Finish your whole look while you're there with an expert makeup application appropriate for whatever events you have on that day.

The Do My Hair Motto:
Gorgeous Blow Out. DONE
Fabulous Fresh Face. DONE. 

Appointments are optional so pop in when it works in your schedule.

Treat yourself like a star, and leave this salon looking like one.

Do My Hair is located at 583 Mount Pleasant Road - 416.544.0505

For The Love of It: Candy Pants

Undies are about as intimate as a fashion accessory gets so when the young designer from Candy Pants, Jamie Metzger, rolled into the shop on her skateboard and glittery makeup, I was left speechless...that is until I actually saw her designs.  Jamie’s original approach to underwear is not only colourful and fun but best of all Jamie uses only eco fabrics.  Her line of underwear is locally made with flare, featuring ruffles and buttons and “cheeky” accents. Jamie is a 3rd year fashion student at Ryerson and has always been a strong advocate of green fashion so much so that she helped found Design Awear, an association created to help connect fashion students to the eco options available in the fashion industry. 

It is refreshing to see someone take on a serious staple such as undies and make it fun again.  While no one else might know that you are wearing a pair of hot pink ruffle bottom panties with orange trim, you certainly will!  And the softness and lightness of organic cotton is pretty darn nice too!

You can find a wide array of Candy Pants unmentionables at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique at 1342 Queen Street West.  On weekends, you can also meet the adorable Jamie live in person!  Visit www.shopgirls.ca for more information.  

Michelle Germain, owner/curator of Shopgirls Gallery Boutique, showcases over 80 Canadian artists and designers in her Parkdale shop.  This 1800 square-foot creative and retail space features one-of-a-kind and one-of-a-few designs from emerging Canadians and also boasts carrying the biggest selection of Yoga Jeans in Canada.

Simple Ways to Wear a Summer Frock NOW

Many women have summer frocks sitting in their closets waiting for warmer weather... well wait no longer!  Listed from the easiest to execute to the most difficult, REFINED. shares some layering tricks so you can frolic in your frocks right now!

1. Layer a finely knit cardigan over your dress.  Fine knits go really well with lightweight summer dress fabrics. 

2. Wear a pashmina style scarf around your neck in a colour that's in the dress.  If it gets cooler you can take the scarf off and wear it around your shoulders instead.

3. Add a blazer, which can be worn instead of a coat outside, but perfectly appropriate to leave on while you're inside.

4. Tights are amazing because they keep your legs warm, which none of the other layer options do.  Just be sure that the fabric, colour, and weight of the dress and tights match - an advanced style move.

5. Wear a long sleeve shirt under your dress to give the dress a jumper-style appearance.  You can try a t-shirt, fine knit sweater, or collared shirt.  This is the most difficult of options because it takes a keen eye to be able to find necklines and fabrics on both the dress and shirt that go well together.

For those really cool mornings, wear a few of the options above so you can easily take layers off throughout the day when it gets warmer!

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Edgy Women

 

WHO YOU ARE: You are a wild one, who likes to break the rules!  You do what you feel and you express your emotions through many mediums - your wardrobe being one of them.

WHAT YOU LIKE: You love music, art, and going to concerts.  You like to dress very out of the ordinary and stand out from the crowd.  You are drawn to hard-edged, graphic details. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: Channel your inner rock star! This season, go all out on studded shoes and accessories like jewelry and belts. Asymmetrical shaped blazers, dresses and skirts are great for you. Although, you might not love colour, try adding a hint of it with a bold red purse, bag or clutch. Denim flats or caged booties show your laid back side, while a pair of studded black shades finish your rocker ensemble!

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Sporty Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are full of energy, adventurous and outgoing. You love anything that keeps you active and makes you feel vivacious! 

THINGS YOU LIKE: You like adventurous  activities - hiking, running, or scuba diving... if it's active, bring it on!  You enjoy easy fitting and fun fabrics that feel comfortable. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: This season, you can easily update your sporty style by treating yourself to a wild coloured canvas tote bag or fanny pack.  They are both convenient ways to carry your things, and have stylish flare!  Designers were inspired by the olympics this year so lightweight breathable fabrics are available in more than just activewear.  Update your day-to-day sporty style by adding an easy-to-wear tennis style skirt, or flat sneaker inspired shoes.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Creative Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are an independent free thinker.  You love taking risks and doing the unpredictable. People appreciate your originality and wild imagination.

WHAT YOU LIKE: You enjoy artsy activities like painting and yoga. You like bright mixes of colors, abstract styles and one-of-a-kind designs. You are attracted to anything out of the ordinary, and unique.

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: The key to being kitschy this season is to mix things up, especially with patterns and colour blocking. Animal shaped bags, purses and clutches can also express originality in your wardrobe.  See how crazy you can go with your shades - be as daring as you wish!

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Natural Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are environmentally friendly and have an easygoing nature. You wear minimum to no make up, let your hair loose and embrace the joys of life!  

THINGS YOU LIKE: You enjoy gardening, camping, taking your dog for a walk, and organic healthy food. You like to recycle and reuse. Earthy colours like green, turquoise, and brown are your favourites because they connect you to the natural world.   

WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR WARDROBE: Designers have taken inspiration from the hit film AVATAR, so the tribe has spoken this season! Tribal prints are everywhere and an authentic way for you to upgrade your clothing wardrobe. Natural accessories made with beads, canvas, and leather are also very hot this spring.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Romantic Women

WHO YOU ARE:  You are a girly girl who loves ruffles, lace, and bows.  As a true romantic you believe in prince charming and fairy tale endings. 

THINGS YOU LIKE: You love to cook, bake, and enjoy a glass of champagne. You love to take photos of family & friends so you can put together beautiful scrapbooks and enjoy those loving memories.

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: Spring into the season by splashing some dusty tones in your wardrobe.  Soft pinks, purples, blues, and greens are everywhere and go so nicely with your feminine style.  Floral patterns always show themselves at spring, but this season florals are seen on unexpected accessories like purses.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Alluring Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are a confident sexy woman who believes in getting what she wants when she wants it.  You love to show off your sexy curves.

WHAT YOU LIKE: You love cocktails, dancing, parties, and social events.  You love makeup, which is always applied very neatly and boldly; you are known for your smokey eyes and sharp red lips. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: Show off your sexy legs in a pair of ankle-length lace pants.  A trench with sheer sides is the perfect way for you to wear a piece that is usually too plain for you - a sheer trench will definitely make you stand out in a crowd. Black is universally sexy, splash an animal printed shoe and handbag in your wardrobe to enhance your look. A sheer chiffon blouse will definitely bring out your flirtatious personality.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Classic Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are a sophisticated, polished and educated woman. You are independent and enjoy simplicity. 

THINGS YOU LIKE: sailing, taking a cruise, horse back riding, tennis, musicals, and visual arts. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: This season, get nauti with nautical hinted accessories while sticking with your favourite crisp white collared shirts and neutral colors.  A cropped trench coat is  a simple way to update your Spring 2010 wardrobe while staying true to your personality. Clean and neat outfits will best accentuate your true classic personality.