2015 Fancy Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts

As Christmas quickly approaches, it’s time to get on those daunting holiday shopping lists. Because people often ask me for gift suggestions, I decided this year it was time to create a fancy (and mostly affordable) gift guide with suggestions on what to get those stylish friends and family members who appreciate unique pieces they’ll have for years to come. I’m a lucky guy because this list includes many items from some amazingly talented friends whose work I not only love and appreciate, I believe in.  Continue reading “2015 Fancy Holiday Gift Guide”

Swarovski Gets Colourful with Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

Everyone knows Swarovski is synonymous with sparkle. They’re pretty much the masters of it. I recently had the opportunity to preview Swarovski’s new Spring/Summer collection, called Sea of Sparke, at the ultra-chic Four Seasons in Toronto and it was definitely a pleasure.  Because ever since I was little, I’ve always been drawn the elaborate and sparkly jewels (hence why Elizabeth Taylor’s book My Love Affair with Jewelry will always be one of my favourite coffee table books and Dynasty still remains a source of style inspiration). Continue reading “Swarovski Gets Colourful with Spring/Summer 2016 Collection”

WMCFW Spring 2016 Review: Mackage, Mikael D and Pink Tartan

WMCFW Spring
Left to right: Mackage, Mikael D, Pink Tartan & Mikael D. (Photos by George Pimentel via fashionmagazine.com)

WMCFW Spring 2016 collections took place last week and many of the shows were not only impressive but also a good reminder of the huge amount of creativity and talent among Canadian designers today. I had the pleasure of seeing Pink Tartan, Mackage and Mikael D and each collection had impressive elements that got the crowd talking. The designers behind the three popular labels also proved they know how to design with their customer in mind while also introducing new elements to continually keep it interesting.

Continue reading “WMCFW Spring 2016 Review: Mackage, Mikael D and Pink Tartan”

FANCY Evening Gown Pop-Up at Holts

IMG_8588
The exclusive evening gown trunk show at Calgary’s Holt Renfrew.

There’s no place like Holt Renfrew. Their selection of designer goods is unmatched in Canada and continually impresses me. So when I heard they were having an exclusive designer evening gown pop-up, I had to check it out. And I’m glad I did. Because I’ve always loved the excessive glamour popular back in the Dynasty days (Alexis Carrington will forever be a fashion icon) and these gowns were reminiscent of that level of opulence.  Continue reading “FANCY Evening Gown Pop-Up at Holts”

Look Fancy In White For Dîner En Blanc

White on white
For him: Gucci cotton shirt, Diesel Black Gold jeans, Converse Chuck Taylors, Gucci canvas belt, Miansai hook bracelet, Miansai anchor necklace. For her: Topshop sleeveless blazer, Dean Davidson statement collar & sliced cuff, Topshop cropped pants, Louboutin pumps, Balenciaga textured leather tote.

Get ready for another unforgettable outdoor dining experience because Dîner en Blanc is back for its third edition in Calgary. The highly sought after event is a unique opportunity where attendees can step up their fashion game by wearing mandatory solid white looks while enjoying a fancy picnic unlike any other. As always, the top secret location will be revealed last minute but this year nearly 2,500 attendees can also look forward to art installations and live performances. Continue reading “Look Fancy In White For Dîner En Blanc”

Unexpected Bridal Looks On CTV Morning Live

Casey Wagar CTV Morning Live
Top Calgary model and personal shopper Amber Conrad stuns in Marchesa on CTV Morning Live with host Aisling Tomei.

Last Friday I had the pleasure of appearing on CTV Morning Live with the lovely Aisling Tomei to discuss and showcase some fancy and cool alternative looks for brides. We discussed how it’s no longer always about the big formal white wedding down. For the segment, we were lucky enough to feature an Italian lace Pink Tartan suit and a Michael Kors Collection sheath dress from Holt Renfrew, and a lovely Rachel Gilbert sleeveless dress with a hi/low hemline and an incredible Marchesa ‘Peony’ strapless silk cocktail dress from Ette. We also featured jewellery and accessories from both Ette and Rubaiyat – two of the most beautiful independent boutiques in Calgary.  Check out the full segment hereContinue reading “Unexpected Bridal Looks On CTV Morning Live”

Fancy And Chic Wedding Dress Alternatives

Wedding dress alternatives
Left to right: Pink Tartan ‘Flocked Clara’ dress, Michael Kors ‘Origami Sheath’ dress and Adam Lippes asymmetrical satin-twill maxi skirt and cropped pleated top.

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be stressful. There are endless options in all different prices ranges. But one thing to consider is that it doesn’t always have to be about a big formal wedding gown. These days there are more and more weddings that don’t call for a traditional wedding dress. And there’s an increasing amount of brides looking for chic alternatives to walk down the aisle in something that’s still memorable for all the right reasons.  Continue reading “Fancy And Chic Wedding Dress Alternatives”

Embrace Your Inner Rock Star – Saint Laurent Style – At HUSTLE

Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent’s 2015 fall ready-to-wear collections (photos via style.com).

When some of the city’s top event professionals get together to throw a party, you know it’s going to be a good one. HUSTLE, an annual fundraiser for Mealshare, produced by the Calgary chapter of the International Special Events Society, is definitely one of those events. This year’s theme is “rock star after-party” so the night’s sure to be a memorable one (or forgettable one, depending on how much of a rock star you become – if you know what I mean).  Continue reading “Embrace Your Inner Rock Star – Saint Laurent Style – At HUSTLE”

Local Design Talent – House of Nonie’s Impressive Fall/Winter 2015 Collection

House of Nonie
Ania B., blogger, model and Instagram star, wears some looks from House of Nonie’s new collection.

It’s always a pleasure to be introduced to fresh design talent – especially locally. And it’s no surprise that there’s an exciting amount of talented fashion designers coming from Calgary lately. Last week, I had the opportunity to preview the 2015 fall/winter collection of House of Nonie, the brainchild of local clothing designer Nina Kharey. And I was definitely impressed.  Continue reading “Local Design Talent – House of Nonie’s Impressive Fall/Winter 2015 Collection”

Bella Is Back! What To Wear To Calgary’s Fashion Event Of The Year

Bella

On March 11, Calgary is in for an event and fashion show like never before. Bella – one of Calgary’s leading fundraisers and presented by Holt Renfrew and Calgary Health Trust – is back and it’s going to be, without a doubt, Calgary’s leading premier fashion event.  Continue reading “Bella Is Back! What To Wear To Calgary’s Fashion Event Of The Year”