For The Bold and Beautiful: How to accessorize for the changing seasons

Accessorizing an outfit this fall/winter should be bold, fun and fearless. You can take an extremely simple piece and turn it into a great ensemble. Some exciting ways to upgrade your looks as the cold weather drags on is to add that pop of color.  Key colors this season, that are excellent accents to your outfits, would be; Oxblood (this is a brown red), Merlot (similar, but more of a purple tone is added to the brown), deep navy, red-orange, turmeric, camel, deep sky blue (darker shade of a pastel blue), a bright stock blue and Ivy (a deep moss-like green). When it comes to the use of color, most people refrain from it, especially in the colder seasons, because they don’t know when to use what colors. The great thing about fashion retailers, is they’ve already set your trending colors for you. If it’s in the stores, you honestly can’t go wrong. However, here is a simple easy trick to mastering your use of  color combinations;

A color wheel. This guide tells you everything you need to know and more. With the simple act of google, you can find out what colors are complementary to one another. For example, Orange. Directly opposite of orange is blue. These two colors are very often seen on the runways and they look incredible together. Another simple trend is to keep your chosen color pallet monochromatic (one color) but play with your levels of light and dark. Here’s a couple accessory trends that you can play a colorful, creative, and a monochromatic twist on. 

Color-blocked handbags

A simple way to master your use of color this season is the art of color blocking. Designers have created their own color collage of these hues and interpreted them to best fit your needs all into one handbag. Co-ordinate your handbag with at least one common color in your chosen pieces to make this look work wonders.

Tod's A/W'15

Thin waist belt

A colorful outfit can always be accessorized with a colorful accessory. Adding a thin tailored belt at your waist is an easy way to make the waist appear thinner and add an extra bit of style and sophistication to your outfits.  Pick a color that is  used the least in your chosen ensemble.

Etro A/W'15

Over-Sized Waist Belt

For an even more exaggerated and unique twist to your outfit, try an over-sized waist belt. Colorful or not, this belt is guaranteed to enhance your look and create that visually appealing narrowed waist.

Pascal Millet A/W'15

Wrap Belt

Wrap it around your waistline, over the last layer and tie it to once to one side. Once again, you have another way to enhance your narrowed waist and give that outfit an extra pop of style by co-coordinating your belt with the color of your boots.

Luisa Beccaria A/W'15

The Brooch

This oldie is still a goodie. Pin whatever your heart desires onto a solid color garment, a knit dress, poncho or wrap cardigan for that personalized touch.This gives you the opportunity to play with your pieces by pinning them in different drapes.

Les Copains A/W'15

By: Eleni Kapetaneas

Lamania Boutique

How to Transition Your Day to Night Look by Enhancing Your Best Assets

On Monday, November 9^th, 2015, Lamania Boutique held a beauty tips event with our very own style expert, Anna Jackowska and Arbonne Cosmetics Beauty expert, Vanessa Juandoo. A perfect way to end a rough start to everyone’s week, the event began with wine and tips to figuring out simple ways to identify our body shapes. With comparisons to celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé Knowles, Oprah Winfrey, and Cameron Diaz, the 4 most common identifiable shapes are; pear, apple, straight, and the most desirable by many, the hourglass.

In case you missed out on the event here are some helpful tips;

Pear:

The pear shaped body type is easily identified by a more rounded bottom ratio than the bust. The hips are wider than the shoulder and bust line, creating a fabulous curve with that defined waist. When finding an outfit for a pear shaped body type, you want to choose necklines that make the appearance of your shoulders seem wider. When it comes to wearing the most complimenting tops, choose brighter prints and colors to draw less attention to your hips. Focus on defining your waistline by belting your garments at the most narrow part of your torso. 

Apple:

The apple shaped body is easily identified by a more rounded shoulders and torso. The bust and hip line are similar in width. The best way to dress for an apple shaped figure is to create an empire waistline. This line is right under your bust line, it will compliment your lady bumps and draw less attention to your mid-section and accentuate those legs.

Straight:

The straight shaped body is easily recognized by the similarity in length of the shoulders, bust, waist and hip line. The figure is considered boxy and have a seemingly athletic appearance. The best way to dress for a straight body figure is to accentuate the model like legs and visually enhance the waistline for a more curvaceous and feminine appearance. Belt your garments at the waist, and wear necklines that help widen the appearance of shoulders, to aid in creating the hourglass shape. 

Hourglass:

This hourglass body shape is easily identified by the curves. The shoulders and bust are similar in width in comparison to the hip line, all complimented with that narrow waist. Your body is one of the easiest to dress for, just keep showing off all those curves by belting at your waistline, necklines that show off those collarbones, and wearing fitted garments that truly show off all that you’ve worked hard to keep in shape. 

At Lamania, while we were in the midst of a makeover in the dressing room, Vanessa Juandoo, educated us on the importance of a beauty cleansing routine. The do’s and don’ts of your regime for day and night included: Step one: cleanse, Step two: tone and Step three: restore your skins elasticity with the right lotions for day and night.

-          You should be going through your routine morning and night, as tough as it can be sometimes applying an SPF based lotion for day to protect you from the harmful rays and environmental bacteria.

-          Apply an anti-aging or firming night lotion for bedtime to restore that youthful look while you endure your literal, beauty sleep. 

When our volunteer- model stepped out of the dressing room, in a body-con dress, she had everyone in awe. The dress featured the perfect positions of print accentuating her curves, and elongating her length. Her makeup routine featured a slight smoky eye, liquid liner, touch up on mascara, beautiful blush, and berry lipstick. Such a simple, sexy and completely transforming day to night look. 

The evening was full of surprises and prizes!

Come join us for our next style and beauty tips event at Lamania. See more details at www.lamania.ca It’s a great opportunity to meet local industry professionals, shamelessly ask experts for style or beauty advice and network with women that just love fashion. We’d love to meet you!

Lamania Boutique

Eleni Kapetaneas

How to Turn Catwalk Trends into an Affordable and Stylish Wardrobe Part 1

Toronto’s fashion industry is becoming as diverse as the population. The more boutiques and second hand stores you can walk into the more unique your wardrobe will be. There’s following trends and then there is wearing the same thing as everyone else. 

Be original and take some risks. When you see something that grabs your attention, grab it. Surely, there’s a way to wear it. The greatest thing about the boutiques and second hand stores are the limited stock and affordable prices. So follow your favourite boutiques on social media and get their latest updates.

Here are some effortless Fall trends to look out for when you’re out hunting next.

50 Shades of Layered Loungewear

Think knits and wool/cashmere blended textiles. The trend is monochromatic and perfect for the minimalist. It honestly requires minimal effort. Shades of grey, neutrals and believe it or not, pastels and whites. These outfits make running errands totally worth getting out of bed on weekends for. Add your layers of a various combination of lengths and lighter tints as the winter approaches. No snow out there yet? Feel free to wear socks and sandals. That rule in fashion died years ago. Match the color of your socks to the color scale of your look to ease yourself into the whole idea.

                       AKRIS A/W15                                                Lamania Boutique

The Robe Coat Evolves

Now, I've made one of these for myself last winter. It was an incredible investment. Solid colours, wide lapels, wool/cashmere, knee length, deep pockets, and a belt to tie it all together. Every designer has added this staple to their A/W collection.  Bulky yes, but you will be the last person complaining about the fluctuating Canadian weather.

Now let’s talk about the affordable way of achieving this look. I announce this seasons sleeveless version. It’s ideal for the fall to winter transition, perfecting your layered looks.

   

 Masha Ma A/W15

                                             

                                                           Lamania Boutique

Try a cropped waist length jacket version of this robe inspired trend. This is a plus for us! Less fabric means less of a beating to our wallets. Pair it with a lengthy pencil skirt or a knit dress, leggings or super sexy knee high boots. Add a unique belt, if you wish to close the jacket, and you’ve got your runway trend mastered.

 

          Masha Ma A/W15                                                  Lamania Boutique

Enjoy Fall trends for less!

 Eleni Kapetaneas

The Eastside Pop-up Market: The Fashionista!

We're calling all Fashionistas!

Date: 

August 22 & 23, 2015

Address: 

1383 Queen Street East

Time: 

10am-5pm

Cost: 

Free

We are almost reaching the last bit of Summer!

But do not fret just yet… 

To spread forth our love for you fashion and lifestyle enthusiasts in Toronto, Lamania is excited to announce that we will be heading out to Queen St E on August 22^nd and 23^rd to meet you fashionistas. 

Eat, shop, drink, and listen to music, and experience the real Eastside life on Queen!

We promise that you will have a sweet time. As part of a summer series pop-up, The VandenBerg House is hosting various exhibitors dedicated to all things fashion, jewellery, home decors, and accessories with live music and local artisans! Not to mention the mini manicures, wine, massages, and goodie bags. 

Lamania will be presenting one-of-a-kind pieces from the latest summer collection, freshly from Europe. 

This event is free, so bring your friends and family along!  There will be something for all to enjoy. 

More details on: https://www.facebook.com/events/979792158731967/

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Jennifer Yoon Jeon Leen

Dress For Success: Bay Street Suit Challenge

Here at Lamania, we are passionate about all things fashion (obviously!). What we love even more is when we can use our love for fashion to help others. We were lucky enough to have that opportunity at the Dress For Success: Bay Street Suit Challenge, which was held at the beautiful Irish Embassy Pub on Tuesday, June 16th. The evening was dedicated to gathering donations of suits and professional attire for the Dress For Success organization. 

Dress For Success volunteers, Robin Seif, Diana Moore and Liana Shlien.

Dress For Success is a global not-for-profit organization that provides access to work appropriate clothing as well as a network of support to help women achieve their goals in work and in life. "Our goal is to remind these women that they are not alone and to create a space for them where they can feel normal," says Margot Getz, international delegate for Dress For Success. 

Dress For Success International Delegate, Margot Getz and Verbal Communication Specialist, Kathryn Preston.

Guests of the event donated to the organization in the form of purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win one of several amazing prizes. Our own Lamania Boutique donated a generous prize of a $500 shopping spree, which winner Debbie, was ecstatic to collect. 

Lamania shopping spree winner, Debbie!

The event drew a crowd of employees from companies such as Scotiabank, BMO, McCarthy Tetrault and many more who have spent weeks gathering garments to donate. At then end of the night Scotiabank took home the award for most garments donated. The 2015 suit drive managed to bring in over 1,100 pieces of donated clothing. "I am so pleased to be associated with such an amazing organization. We are so grateful for the opportunity to help and empower women," says 2 year Dress For Success volunteer and vocal communication specialist, Kathryn Preston. "It's all about confidence building."

Scotiabank accepting their award for the most donations.

Lamania is a proud sponsor of Dress For Success and we are thankful to the organization for allowing us to take part in the Bay Street Suit Challenge. Congratulations to shopping spree winner, Debbie! Looking forward to seeing you at the boutique! 

For more information on Dress For Success, or to get involved and make a donation, please visit: https://www.dressforsuccess.org

Meghan Wels

Lamania Boutique

Spring Inspirations...

Although the Spring/Summer season is supposedly here, it hasn’t felt a lot like it throughout the city.

Here at Lamania, we wanted to get you into that Summer spirit with our display this week. 

A bright bold tank and floral patterned skirt paired with a chunky necklace will have people turning

their head back to you.

Fashion trends throughout the years are always transforming, but these Pantone colours for Spring/Summer 2015 will definitely be highlighted in the boutique for the next few months. You can use these colour to support a minimalistic outfit for a pop of colour or use two for a 60’s inspired colour blocking outfit.

As for accessories, Gold-Gold-GOLD! Everywhere! Whether it’s in bracelets, brooches, or shoe hardware, our ladies here can help you accessorize in that field. The  structured blazer can take you from looking average to a classy fashionista. All accessories can be seen in the boutique today, also stick around to scope out our stylish pieces.

We’ll keep you updated on our last inspirations in the next post soon.
Until then, keep it classy ladies! Xo

- Amanda Esposito

Lamania Boutique

Having the Confidence to Look & Feel Good! Part 2

With a new found confidence comes the attraction of others. Naturally, when we glow with self confidence, it acts like a magnet for the people around us. Your friends will gravitate toward you and your positivity, and of course, the men will too.

Dating and Relationship expert Lesley Edwards joined us at the Boutique on January 19th to give us some insight on what it takes to find our inner confidence and to share it with the world. Her goals are to help any struggling singles and unfulfilled daters attract the partner they've always wanted, whether they thought it was possible or not. The first thing she talked about was being able to pinpoint our sensitive areas and the aspects of ourselves that lower our level of confidence. As we carried the discussion around the room, each lady was able to point out an area of discomfort within themselves that often reflects in their outer confidence. Something that each lady had in common was that their lack of confidence was often brought on by a lack of trust in themselves.

Lesley has created her own definition of confidence that she kindly shared with the ladies at Lamania. "Confidence is the ability to trust yourself and be in control of your power." Many of the ladies could agree that if they were able to put more trust in themselves when they are lacking confidence, their outwardly look of discomfort would vanish. Lesley believes that once we can begin to put trust in ourselves, our confidence will glow and attract others. The first step in being a confident dater is being confident in yourself.

- Meghan Wels
Lamania Boutique