Wendy 'Woulds' | Classic Styles

Question submitted by Melanie D.: "I hear time & again - this is a classic piece. Genuinely - is there such a thing for our age bracket & if so what the heck are these items so I can be using them?" 

Wendy Woulds: "Classic pieces are the opposite of trends. Classic pieces stand the test of time because the details on these pieces are moderate and minimal. Classic pieces will be just as viable in 5 years as they are today. For example, boot-cut jeans are a classic piece, while wide-leg trouser and skinny jeans are the trendier extreme cuts for jeans. Boot-cut jeans have been around for 20 years or more, while skinny jeans have only been popular for the last 2 years. Other examples of classic pieces: a white collared shirt, a black a-line or pencil skirt, 2-inch healed pumps, pearl earrings, etc."

Toronto Treasures: Tealish

Tealish is one of the best tea spots in Toronto! Located in the heart of a fantastic shopping district, Tealish is the perfect place to get a soothing tea before, during, or after your spree.

With a tea selection usually at 150 different types, there is so much to choose from, but Tealish has made it easier. They have all their teas categorized by colour - green label = green teas; brown label = black teas; blue label = herbal teas; pink label = rooibos teas; yellow label = other teas like oolong, etc. Be sure to ask the staff to smell any of the teas that intrigue you.  

THE REFINERY favourite is an herbal tea called toasted almond. Try it as a regular tea or a tea latte - both are delicious!  

Receive 50% off a beverage at Tealish when you're on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY!

Wendy 'Woulds' | Winter Boots

Question submitted by Karma B.: "What about casual boot options to wear with jeans? I'm at such a loss! I end up wearing my emu boots WAY too much."  

Wendy Woulds: "Emus are a great option for dry winter days, but for Canadian winters a water/snow proof option is also a must. Try brands like Sorel, Hunter, Dubarry of Ireland, and Merrell to get that kind of protection and maintain some style. I have been wearing my Frye boots a lot this winter because it's been warm enough - also the more worn Frye boots look the better. You could also go with moccasins to switch up the Emus. I suggest having a few winter boot options - about three - so you can have some fun with your footwear over the long winter season."

For the Love of It: La Krause

There is something ultra feminine, chic and especially confident, when a woman wears a headpiece. Be it a simple beret or something more daring like a fascinator, a headwear accessory will undoubtedly make a statement. Personally I can’t seem to get enough of feathers accessories. I love them so much that they have officially made my short list of staple textiles in my wardrobe!  

When I met Lori-Anne Krausewitz, I was literally blown away by her feather pieces. She was my feather goddess, and I became her biggest follower! Lori-Anne’s personal style is vintage eclectic and oh so glamorous and this same flavour is translated in each and every LaKrause one-of-a-kind head pieces. Lori-Ann uses feathers, netting, and fabrics accented by vintage buttons, fastenings, buckles and other found materials for her creations. She admits that her grandmother’s sense of style has greatly influenced her creative approach and retro spirit.  

While many feel that they require a special occasion to don a La Krause creation, I am of the mind that today is a perfect day for a fancy feather obsession... why not?  

You can find a wide array of LaKrause headpieces at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique at 1342 Queen Street West. On Wednesdays, you can also meet the uber classy and divine Lori-Ann live in person! Visit www.shopgirls.ca for more information.  

M.

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.

Oh So Smoochable

The biggest date night of the year is coming up! You want to look sexy, and knock your partners' socks off! These simple tips will lead you to an oh so smoochable date outfit.  

1. Dress for your personality: Whether you're on a date with your life partner, or a new flame, that person is into you! Show off the unique personality they love by wearing pieces that you love. Your favourite style pieces are your faves because they are a perfect expression of you.

2. The colour red: There is a reason why red is associated with high energy emotions like love - our body releases adrenaline when we see the colour. Set your date on fire by incorporating red into your outfit somehow - think shoes, accessories, dress, or sweater.

3. Show off your sexiest feature: Feeling confident is sexy, so whatever you show off needs to be a feature you truly love. You could choose something simple like wearing a dress to show off your legs, or something more complex like putting your hair up and wearing beautiful earrings to draw attention to your sensuous neck.  

Still don't know what to wear? To avoid an outfit emergency when you go out on the town, spend some time to shop your closet. With a number of date outfits ready and waiting, you will feel like strutting your stuff on a regular basis!  

Happy Valentine's Day Ladies!

Spicy Moods for Valentine's Day

Choosing lingerie for Valentine’s Day can be confusing. Not only do you need to consider what makes you feel sexy, you also want to take your partner’s preferences into consideration.  

 

Instead of having very specific pieces in mind, figure out what general feel you would like to have for the night and choose accordingly! Here three very different sexy moods, and how to create them with your lingerie.  

 

Sophisticated Sexy:

• Black is the perfect colour
• Choose high quality silks perhaps paired with lace
• Lingerie with coverage, like a slip, appears more sophisticated   

 

Valentine Vixen:

• Red is the sexiest colour – our bodies actually release adrenaline when we see this colour
• Really fitted styles like a corset will be the best for this look
• The more revealing the better!

Angelic Innocence:

• White is the colour of innocence
• Feathers have an ethereal feel
• Be sure that the fabric drapes softly across your body

 

Heat Up Your Closet

Available for Valentine's Day... side-by-side closet cleanup for couples!

Want to change things up this romantic holiday? Come together as a couple and “Heat up your closet“ with Wendy Woods, THE REFINERY and Ryan Short, Styletherapy for Men.

During the closet cleanup, Wendy and Ryan will teach you how to alter you clothes to suit you better, how to create a functional wardrobe and the essentials you need to pull everything together.  You will not only save time and money this spring, but also feel confident as you turn heads together. 

Knowing how to dress is one thing; knowing how  to dress together to be that “it” couple is another. It’s this entry into sharp, sophisticated, sexy fashion that this closet heat-up will bring this spring. 

The couples’ package is being offered for $300.00 this holiday season, and includes a list of essential items and tips specifically for you.

Order Online or call 416.262.4116. Gift certificate emailed within 24 hours.