Girl About O-Town

This time of year, I can’t help but catch shopping fever.  With the September magazines arriving regularly in my mailbox, and my blog reader filled to the brim with 2010 trends, I always seem to find myself making a list of wishes.

Even though the hot weather seems to have returned for now, it is fall after all, and it won’t be long until we’re sporting sweaters and boots.  In order to avoid shopaholic status, I try to stay focused on a few smart pieces that will build on those I’ve purchased in the past.  The idea is to incorporate the trends in a way that will work for the long term.

You too may have noticed a nostalgic return to the subtle and sexy silhouettes of the 50′s and 60′s, a new emphasis on classic colours like camel, and a number of strong references to military chic.   This is great news for those seeking to express individual style, as these solid pieces will serve well over time, but are also easily personalized.  Whether splurging or searching the thrift store racks, why not take this season to stock up on some great basics (other than black)!

So, when I’m out and about with a wee bit of time, here are a few things I hope to find:

1. Michael Kors Houndstooth Wool Sheath, via The Outnet 2. Donna Karan Double-Breasted Pea Coat, via Net-A-Porter 3. Brompton Hobo, J.Crew 4. Croc Platform Pumps, Talbots

1. Black Sequined Top, Cheap and Chic by Moschino, via the Outnet 2. Gray Wool-Boucle Pencil Skirt by Moschino, via Net-a-Porter 3. Isharya Moonbeam Chandelier Earrings, via Net-a-Porter 4. Elie Tahari Audrey Boot, via Zappos

1. Plaid Western tunic, Old Navy 2. Double Studded Belt, J.Crew 3. Vanessa Ankle Boots by Modern Vintage @ Gravity Pope 4. Cargo Pants, Joe Fresh

HELLO PEACH BESERK!  Welcome home to OTown!

Image source

For all of you out there who wonder what to wear when the occasion demands that you dress up, why not check out tomorrow’s totally rad Trunk Sale by legendary Toronto-based fashionista Kingi Carpenter?!

Kingi is first and foremost a silkscreen artist, but she also designs fun & funky dresses, appears in front of audiences & on TV, and even commands a legion of Beserk fanatics who regularly show up at her renowned Queens St. store.  Passionate about her craft, Kingi not only delivers silk screening workshops, she enables her customers to design their own fashion using her cheeky, unique fabrics.  If you dare, pick your own silk screened print, choose your most flattering fit, and order straight from Peach Beserk’s online Dress Designer!

Teaming up with Ottawa’s own Catherine Landry of “Cherry Pie” fame for tomorrow’s event,  these two are completely convinced that us Ottawa girls will be keenly interested in such coolness.  Show up in droves, and we might actually inspire the opening of Peach Beserk’s first store outside of Toronto!   Oh, you might want to consider planning ahead too, by playing a little with the Dress Designer.  Put together your personalized piece so Kingi and her crew can measure you up before your dream dress gets made.

And, here’s a bonus: 10% of all sales will go to Ottawa-based organization CANHAVE, which builds schools in Uganda.

Stop in to see what the buzz is about tomorrow, Tuesday, 27 April 2010 from 4 to 10pm at The Clarendon, 15 George Street in the Byward Market.