The times where I have attempted to wind down and relax during vacation or breaks have countless, as are the times where I’ve failed. I was devouring my Raspberry Symphony cake at sen5es Bakery & Restaurant while talking about LG Fashion Week with my cousin when a lady working hard at her computer said “excuse me.” I was actually fearing that she was going to tell me that I was being too loud or obnoxious and that I was bothering her, but she turned out to be a designer wanting to know what I thought of this past LG Fashion Week. Phew. Turns out that she none other than Sarah Shell, designer of 442 McAdam, who was hard at work for her new collection.

Launched in Calgary in October 2008, 442 McAdam has been well-received by fashionistas and professionals with numerous magazine and television spots, as well as invitations to present at LG Fashion Week and Edmonton Fashion Week. With a touch of bohemian, the bags make themselves perfect for everyday wear. The bronze and silver (which an available option for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection) hardware accents, though, allow the Flop and Gator clutches maximum versatility in day and night wear. The accents draw on various inspirations, including old cabinet pulls. What can also be said about the flexibility of these bags is their use of cowhide leather; the snake and gator textures seen on the bags are in fact punched into the cowhide leather and then painted. Just as beautiful on the inside, each bag features pockets for organization, magnetic closures, and an attached keychain clasp.

This season showcases a lighter palette, as well as in the introduction of the Duffle bag for travel and exercise, and The Sac for the girl on the go. The top selling clutches, Flop and Gator, and Mini-Skirt reprise their roles in the 442 McAdam lookbook. And as previously mentioned, the accents are now also available in silver, which makes outfit matching easier.

What’s my personal opinion? I’ve never been a huge fan of the bohemian trend (okay, it’s more so because I don’t look great in a lot of the clothing), but these bags are gorgeous and might very well change my mind on the whole style. Well, that and the fact that a bag is easier for me to pull off. The workmanship and time that goes into creating these bags and their textures are unbelievable. So here’s my 2010 prediction: Sarah is definitely a designer to watch out for as her designs will be picked up by more stores and rock the fashion world hard.

For more information, check out the website: http://www.442mcadam.com

The Duffle Bag; perfect for exercise and travel

Flop Clutch; comes with removable gold chain

Sac; perfect for the girl on the go

Mini Skirt Sac; easily fits your laptop, books, and/or files

Gator Clutch; also comes with removable gold chain, and just so happens to be my personal favorite

Images courtesy of 442 McAdam, and headshot courtesy of Dead Sexy Magazine

Barb :: Jan.17.2010 :: Fashion, Spotlight :: No Comments »

I first caught wind of DESIGN + CONQUER several weeks ago just before my inbox began filling up with messages about LG Fashion Week events. Seeing that this accessory line was to be paired with Jessica Biffi’s runway show, I knew that it would be one for the bold, adventurous, and fashion forward.

With a background in graphic design and painting, the founder of DESIGN + CONQUER Morgan Mallett acquired her jewelry skills through years of trial and error. She often found herself tweaking and experimenting with various materials until she was satisfied with what she had created, which attributed to the name DESIGN + CONQUER – bold designs wanting to conquer the fashion scene. The inspiration for many of these designs comes from a variety of things, as stated on the website: “futuristic geometry of the 1960s, cell biology, electronic music, and [fun] quotes.”

Using materials that are lightweight and interesting (e.g. industrial tubing), Mallett has created not only one, but two collections for her spring/summer 2010 line – “small + saucy” and “large + loving it.” The inspiration for having two lines stemmed from not only as a means of organization of pieces, but also to bring more versatility to the designs. In doing so, Mallett brings her feisty nature to both everyday wear and nights out on the town.

Already having received plenty of attention, DESIGN + CONQUER is on its way to making it big. Recently featured in The National Post and in ELLE Magazine, the line was also well received on the runway at LG Fashion Week, and will be making a splash tonight at the Fashion Cures à La Mode event in Ottawa, Canada.

My opinion on this accessory line? DESIGN + CONQUER is definitely unique and I’ve never encountered anything of its like, but those are the qualities that make the line all the more fabulous. The material is different and easy-to-wear (hello acrylic polymer plastics!), and gives a lot of attitude to any outfit without overpowering your current style. And with two collections for this upcoming spring/summer, Mallett definitely shows that she thinks about both aesthetics and practicality. Think about it: how many times do you say to yourself that “gee, that was beautiful on the runway, but I can’t see it being worn on the streets.”

For more information, check out the website: http://www.designandconquerjewellery.com/

"Big Bang" earrings from the "Large + Loving it" collection”

“"Assimilate" cuff from the Small + Saucy collection”

Images courtesy of DESIGN + CONQUER, and headshot courtesy of The National Post

Barb :: Nov.07.2009 :: Fashion, Spotlight :: 1 Comment »

I did a double take when I saw on The F-List’s Twitter feed when I saw the words “Portobello market” several weeks ago. Clicking on the link provided, I wound up at a website in the making. Quickly, I dismissed the whole thing and went back to browsing RedFlagDeals and my Google Reader.

Just yesterday, the words “Portobello East” caught my eye in the F-List newsletter. I gave the little link a click and wound up on the website for a Toronto fashion and art market preparing for its first market this Saturday. You’re probably wondering what peaked my interest; well, when I was in London during my winter break, I had a delightful time at the famous Portobello market one Saturday afternoon. Okay, I have to admit: I love looking at antiques, indie jewelers, and unique things.

London's open-air Portobello Market, January 2009

Anyway, Portobello East is, in effect, a Canadian rendition on the idea with accessories, art, clothing, bags, and jewelry. Sounds exciting, but doesn’t seem to have the same ‘market feel’ like the British original. One thing about the market that I loved was that it was an open-air market that took over the streets. Here in Toronto, it will be held at The Fermenting Cellar, a great venue, but just not the same feel. Be reminded that if you do plan on checking Portobello East out this weekend that there will be a $5 CDN admission fee to the public (children 12 and under get in free), which is decent price for these type of things. With all that said, I’m sure it will still be tonnes of fun and will check it out when I’m back in Toronto in mid-August.

As a side note, Portobello East does in fact have counterparts in both Calgary and Vancouver. Wait, when was Toronto ever behind the west?

Barb :: Jul.21.2009 :: Culture, Fashion, Trendy Finds :: 1 Comment »