Monday, January 31, 2011

A Day On The Lake



Sure, it's only February but once the holidays are over, thoughts of winter melt to give way to thoughts of spring...and the NBA finals of course! Almost a sure thing to see in those coming months: bright colours, pretty dresses and an appearance in the playoffs by the dominating Los Angeles Lakers.


Wear the purple and yellow with pride in a tiered floral sundress. A polka-dotted yellow topper incorporates this year's biggest trend: mixing prints. Give the outfit some shape with a leather belt and offset the femininity of the look with a menswear-inspired bag and you've got yourself a Lakers-worthy look: all cheer and lots of dominance.

Kobe's tracksuit ain't got nothin' on this outfit!

Monday, January 24, 2011

The Running Of The Bulls



Walk into the boardroom and all eyes will be on you...in a good way. Just like all eyes are on Michael Jordan whenever he steps into any room. Well, maybe not exactly like that, but close.

It's the ultimate non-conventional power suit. A feminine maroon blouse tucked into a modern printed pencil skirt and reigned in up top by a structured blazer, perfectly pressed and snowy white.

Menswear details like Oxford peep-toe booties and cuff links (these ones have a menacing bull stamped on them, how perfect!) show you mean business. Just don't try running the business on the basketball court...you won't get very far in this outfit.

Go Bulls Go!




These two sure knew how to command the attention of thousands!

Celtic Woman



It's tough to pull off a green outfit without looking like a leprechaun...or worse, a barely-legal youngster heading out for her first St. Patrick's Day pubcrawl.

But wearing vibrant greens in the summer is always tempting, especially when those Boston Celtics consistently show up in the NBA Finals around June. A slightly darker, muted green stands out in a flowy blouse with a satin sheen. To offset the top's volume, wear khaki short-shorts (not too short!) and nude wedges.

A pair of finely twisted gold shamrock earrings scream Celtic pride without being over the top, and a bracelet in coral and onyx add a pop of contrast to the mostly neutral ensemble.
Warning: this colour combo looks dangerously good with a tan and will make you glow brighter than the gold on a championship ring.

Go Celtics Go!


Green and gold look so lovely together, don't they?

A Canadian In Paris



Black and white and red and stripes...there's something about that combination that is so Parisian. But of course, black and white and red are also the colours of Hockey Canada. So when IIHF World Juniors time comes around, I live in those colours.

A sailor-stripe sweater and cuffed boyfriend jeans scream leisure but are pulled together smartly by a tailored blazer and some killer red heels. And nothing says classy better than a quilted bag (Chanel label optional) and some big Jackie O sunglasses.

How can you not feel good in an outfit like this? Well...I guess you could not feel good after watching the Team Canada juniors blow a 3-0 lead to lose to Team Russia in the 2011 gold medal game...

Go Canada Go!

There are other ways to wear the maple leaf on your sweater without actually wearing the maple leaf on your sweater

Party In The USA


There's a Penguins game on the night of a cocktail party I've been invited to. And as much as I would like to throw on my Crosby jersey it's probably not the best idea in the world. So a classier outfit in coordinating colours will have to do.

The dress itself is extremely minimalist. Form-fitting and sleeveless, it's sexy but not obnoxious. The accessories can do the talking for this look, with an art deco cuff on one wrist, an Hermes clic-clac bracelet on the other, paired with a sleek watch, all in black and gold. Spice up the outfit with leopard heels and you're ready to party like you won a Stanley Cup.

Go Pens Go!

Old School, Prep School







Some fans aren't too keen on the retro Calgary Flames jerseys, with their bright whites and vivid oranges and yellows. Personally, I love them. They take me back to the Lanny MacDonald era. The Stanley Cup-winning area. So I have no qualms about sporting the retro colours on game days when the Flames are doing the same.

This outfit is easygoing but definately not sloppy. You can wear it on a summertime date, a casual work outing, to school, or even just out to run errands (though you might want to switch out the heels for some pretty flats for that one).

When wearing such loud colours you need to keep the accessories understated. This simple gold necklace packs a punch with a charm in the shape of a flame, along with a delicate cross.

Go Flames Go!




Nothing says retro like bright, clashing colours!

Flaming Fashion



Red is a strong colour to wear in the office. It's the signature colour of vampy vixens, Valentino and of course, my Calgary Flames. A classic shift in a bold red hue is toned down for the workplace by a zip-front black cardigan, black tights, a structured tote and black pumps. Christian Louboutins are only too perfect for a Flames fan with their signature red sole. Too bad I can't actually afford a pair...

Dress up the shift's simple neckline with a bib necklace with chunky stones with a slightly orange tint. Now that's hot!

Go Flames Go!

You'll blend right into the C of Red in this outfit...though you might be a bit overdressed in the 'Dome!

Too Cool For School


If you live in Canada like me, you'll know how hard it is to get up on a cold, blistery winter morning and want to look good when on your way to class. Fortunately, there is no shortage of fun sweaters and thick boots so you can go to school without having to wear thermal pants and a Snuggie for warmth.

How cute is this sweater! When it comes to repping my second-favorite NHL team, any Penguin will do. This little guy looks like he could be Iceberg's adorable offspring. Knitted Ugg boots and a cross-body bag with gold hardware complete the comfy-casual ensemble and add a shot of the classic Pens colours to the outfit.

Go Pens Go!

Pretty In Pittsburgh


A girly, glacier-friendly outfit you can throw on for dinner with friends or a romantic date. Or in my case, a dinner with friends or romantic date while obsessively checking my TSN for iPhone application to see who's winning the game.


A pin-tucked sundress in the powder blue shade the Penguins don every now and then, and of course the standard black and white accents in the cardigan, belt and shoes and you've got your go-to game uniform!


Obviously, the $2000 price tag on this navy Mulberry Alexa is not accessible to everyone, especially for a paycheck-to-paycheck sports writer like me, but any semi-structured, menswear-inspired bag will do to offset the femininity of the dress.


Go Pens Go!



It's not just Crosby and the crew who can rock powder blue, white and navy so well