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.