Here Comes Fashion Week

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Here we are, upon the Ides of March, and while there is nothing to beware - except, I suppose, the Fashion Police and those crazed publicists that will soon be swarming Nathan Phillips Square - I've been in a bit of a panic about what to wear for five straight days of LG Fashion Week. The right side of my brain and my credit card can't take any more action. Nevertheless, when the cognitive dissonance subsides, I feel I've done well in purchasing items that add flash to what's not necessarily current in my closet.

And because it is the case that I went beyond my budget, each piece will be worn within an inch of its life by the end of the season, or sold for a tidy sum on eBay once I've had my way with it; patent grey heels from H&M, sexy open-toe booties from Spring, a bag from Esprit, a gorgeous silk top in the palest aqua from Aritzia which looks lovely under a delicate black jersey shrug by Covet. I also had the luck of arriving at bebe just in time to scoop the last rose-y silk halter in my size. After a month of staring at this thing in the store and online, I'd have been crushed to find it sold out. So I'm back from somewhere between the lower level and the top floor of the shopping universe, dazed and maybe a little confused. But I am definitely ready! There is a reason to this rhyme we call fashion, and I will endeavor to make sense of all the fuss that is due to go down during the coming week.

I'll bring you style from the front row to the back row as WOMAN.ca will be in and out of the tent talking to designers, stylists, models, photogs, local celebs and maybe even you if you're there! Of course, there will be gossip and the occasional illumination of a faux pas, but it's all in good fun because that's what fashion, in my humble opinion at least, should be about.

And it all starts with the exclusive Media Cocktail at Holt Renfrew on Monday evening. Now this poses two challenges since the aforementioned FP will be there documenting every stitch, and cameras are capturing every angle at this thing So I not only have to be on point with my first outfit of the week, but this winter ravaged face has got to get some love too. Feeling a tad skint from the shopping, I asked Aniko Farkas at THE SPA SUITE to help me get my cheap and cheerful glow on.

Her homemade solution was to marry orange with honey for an exfoliating and moisturizing facial treatment that's available in WOMAN.ca's Wellness section.

There will be more tips from Aniko as she helps me keep body buffed and mind focused through the week.

Do make a note to check in with me daily...Ciao for now!

By Sara Graham

Sara Graham, Fashion Forward
		About the author:
		When Malcolm Gladwell talks about “connectors,” he’s talking about Sara Graham. This gal-about-town made her mark spending five years in (and out) of publishing as Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s top teen magazines Vervegirl and FUEL. During the out part she created, designed and managed all aspects of Sister Underwear – a collection that was not only embraced by the Canadian fashion network of buyers, media and the public, but enjoyed repeat orders from boutiques located in the U.S. Although no longer deep in the publishing or fashion trenches, Sara remains curious and connected via her insatiable appetite for culture and travel. Sara also continues to produce fashion shoots through Project, her brand management company.