Hello ladies and gents! Well, I’ve been in Van City for a month now and I can’t help but feel alive! My spirit can’t be still and my soul feels alive! There’s something in the air that I breathe out here that makes me feel renewed. It’s the sights, the sounds, the smells that just awaken every fiber of my body. And of course,  it must be the fashion I see all around me! It’s a world where I can wear bright, golden yellow and no one will look me up and down weird. (And speaking of Winnipeg, it’s hot, humid and mosquito infested there! Not missing the weather at all!) I can be totally anonymous, and wear what I want. I feel exhilerated!  I feel like the streets of downtown Vancouver is my runway and I’m Giselle Bundchen…well, in my dreams. Nonetheless, I feel like I can confidently strut my stuff. And I’m not the only one, everyone seems to strut what they momma gave ‘em in this town…or at least strut the cash they have and spend it on clothes…whatever it is, it’s eyecandy to me.

Summer is in full effect and you’ll see pretty much every hue and shade on people and its nothing but inspiring! To me, color drives me to be creative and more so when people can put combine colors together to make an outfit work. As I absorbed what Vancouver street trends are, I couldnt help but conclude that its so easy to be trendy in this city because everything you see in mags are so accessible and cheap! This is probably true in every major metropolis.  Right now, what I’m seeing is the ‘Hipster’ look, which has been around for 2 or 3 years now I think? And has only become mainstream now, from what I see in Van. If you don’t know what the Hipster look is, google it. It’s like a cross between 80’s style and hippie. I define them as the New Age hippies. They’re cool, knowledgable of pop culture, educated, tech savvy and free spirited. A few years ago, there was only a handful of Hipsters, but in Van, I see the look everywhere. And they’re not even true Hipsters as a subculture, it’s more of a style now.

But Hipster or not, I love fashion watching and the great thing is, I can sit at a bench, have a japadog, listen to some tunes, lay back and enjoy the scenery. It’s urban paradise to me, considering I am much the City slicker. The great thing, too is that this is prime time for sales galore in Van City! This is the perfect time and place to get deals all over the place! At Zara, I scooped up some tops for $10 each. Sale is still going on, for all you Peggers visiting Van City! Pretty much everywhere, you can find a deal. And if you have time to head down to the States, there’s crazy deals there too. Luckily, I was able to head down to the States and bought, not one but 2 pairs of Vans sneakers at the Vans store for under $40! What a steal! I was a happy camper! 

So, if you’re ever in a big city like Vancouver, take the time to sit in the midst of the concrete jungle and take in the vibrant colors on beautiful people. Trust me, you’ll feel energized, relaxed and fashionably inspired!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to style for a video – a video for a local hip hop group Magnum K.I. As a lover of hip hop, I jumped at the chance to do it, when I got asked by their manager and friend Martin Mushinski. (www.foutone.com) I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew that it would be a great way to gain some experience, network and of course it was gonna be fun! Plus I was gonna dress up some boys for a change, not that it’s less fun to style girls, but sometimes boys are just easier.

As a lover of hip hop, I was excited to listen to what the local talent had to offer. So, Marty told me to listen to the song and the album to get some inspiration. I already knew the beats were gonna be deadly but still didn’t know what to expect as a whole album. Well, what I heard was infectious, catchy and smart to my ears- the whole album, that is. I was impressed, it’s a well rounded album full of pop sounds, and superb lyrics. And the K.I? There’s 3. The man behind the beats, is Michael Arnone (aka DJ Kutdown) who pretty much produced all the beats. Then there’s Rob Crooks (aka Grubbs) and the writing talent behind half the tracks in the album. And last but not least, Ismaila Alfa, formerly of the legendary frek Sho crew of All Over, Winnipeg, Mb. now has re-invented himself as singer as well. But don’t let this discourage you from scooping up the album. Alfa delivers and pleasantly surprises with his rich, semi-baritone voice. The rapper proves he can sing for sure, which can also be thanks to Rob Crooks who, when writing for the group keeps Ismaila’s voice in mind accentuating his voice and more with careful choice of words. I’d like to think I know good music and it’s just the beginning for something huge to come. The album also features guest rapper John Smith in “Old School”, another local veteran rapper, doing what he does best and compliments Ismaila’s voice and track nicely.
So, I met these guys and pretty much needed a crash course in Fashion 101. (Sorry guys) So talented and dedicated in their prospective crafts, but so fashionably challenged. And that’s where I happily come in. As much as talent is important in a band’s career, unfortunately image is just as important. So, gear was borrowed from The Urban Bakery (398 Portage Ave), where there were a ton of shirts and kicks to choose from. Lots of brands like Crooks & Castle and Obey, just to name a few. I put Kutdown in a black Obey shirt, and straight, slightly baggy cut jeans. Rob, in a Gia! (Angelina Jolie) shirt and electric blue hipster jacket, and Ismaila in a leather jacket with a yellow Obey shirt. I was glad that they were open to what I suggested because it was fun dressing them up, like blank canvasses or my Ken dolls. Lol! They were totally down.

The video shoot was a blast! They brought in a whole bunch of extras/fans for the vid and was shot all over Winnipeg with the city shots, Kutdown’s studio and the Rudolph Rocker above the Mondragon in the Exchange District. There’s nothing more gratifying than working collectively on a single project and then seeing the result of it.

But basically, it comes down to doing your thing, putting it out there to be seen/heard and having fun! That’s what I was feeling working with these guys. And something I advocate, as well. I felt the passion, soul and hard work put into it. And they’re pretty damn funny too! Know that this is Winnipeg hip hop at its finest! It’s all there, beats, rhymes and lyrical skill! So, keep your eyes and ears out for the next big thing to come out of Wpg. I will guarantee you will enjoy!

www.foultone.com

www.djkutdown.com

http://witchpolice.blogspot.com/

A couple of weeks ago, I’ve had the opportunity to be involoved in a wonderful cause here in Winnipeg called, “Rock the Ribbon” fashion show which was a fundraiser event for breast cancer. But what made this event truly special was the models who rocked Nygard fashions were breast cancer survivors. Amazing, inspiring women who overcame adversity. The show, which took place at the Plug In Gallery in the Exchage District, was brilliantly organized by Meryl Kaye De Leon and Shayne Wiwierski, 2 college students who asked me to simply teach the gals to learn how to work the catwalk and strut their stuff.

When I started to get to know the ladies, I had the task of memorizing all their names which I was determined to know all of them. It was difficult at first, but in about an hour, as I got to know all the ladies, their personalities started to shine and was easily able to place a name to each one of them. From the ladies, I learned that in spite of what they went through, as women we all have beauty to share. Whether its inner beauty or outer beauty. Although this was a fashion show, the real beauty was within the ladies showing their strength, sense of humour, determination, perseverence and fierceness. Bravo ladies and thank you for being an inspiration to all of us women!

The top trends and looks this season are urban/rocker chic (my favorite), incorporating vests of all fabric from cotton denim to leather, paired with skinny jeans or leather leggings. And of course, what makes it give that edge is all the accented metal hardware on everything from clutches to black, patent pumps. So, go ahead ladies, show your bad side.

How to pull it off: Don’t go overboard that you’ll look like a member of a biker gang! Little touches of metal all over the outfit is perfect! Start with black (leggings or skinny jeans) and work from there. Add a top such as a feminine, ruffled blouse and accent it with a chain belt. Finish the look off with some hot stilettoes and you’re ready to rock out and kick ass!

Rock Out! by Myra7 featuring Alexander McQueen accessories

Another hot look that graced the runways is the “Plaid print” found on everything from blazers, to dresses (suprisingly pleasant), to leggings and bags. Haggis anyone? I’m kidding! It might sound like a plaid overkill, but designers strategically placed them in spurts on outfits and in different variations, giving an outfit that harmonious feel. Pair these items with your basic neutral colors (like camel) and you’re golden!

How to pull it off: Again, don’t go overboard that it looks like you’re going to need some bagpipes! For example, pair a red, circle plaid skirt with a cute black vest and some black, opaque tights and cute ankle booties. And if you’re feeling brave, you can mix different color plaids. Just make sure you add solid color into the mix.

British Theme by Myra7 featuring Carvela shoes

The final look that I’m loving for this season is the draping seen on alot of dresses, tops and skirts, cut in sleek, modern lines and adds sophistication and almost a futuristic feel. It’s reminiscent of 1930’s fashion when gowns were cut on the bias, giving it a luxurious drape and feel to it. But this season, stiffer fabrics, like crepe is used are used as well as silk. The modern cuts of this season, like the off the shoulder top/dress give the garment movement as the woman struts her stuff.  Colors  are rich and soft, molding and falling nicely to the woman’s body. Lots of fabrics are being used to give it that added luxury. Recession? By the looks of the new Fall lines, one would think the Recession didn’t even exist.

How to pull it off: An item that has drape and lots of material is usually the feature piece of the outfit, so don’t pair it with another feature piece to take it away from its glory. For example, put on a simple, solid colored pencil skirt with a drapey blouse. Or to a drapey dress, add little statement pieces and matching neutral colors such as black as shown here. I LOVE, LOVE this Vivienne Westwood asymetrical dress!!! The color is amazing!

Hey ladies! Has the previous winter got you sick of being covered up in layers like
jackets, hoodies and booties? Do you feel like getting dolled up? Well, I think I’ve found the remedy. Here is an outfit perfect for the Spring when your ready to go to that wedding or a special gala event. It’s green, its fresh and its fun! This outfit will definitely cheer you up and help forget that the winter winds even existed! Enjoy!

Spring Is Here! by Myra7 featuring Hermes sandals

In the midst of uncertain times in the economy, it’s no wonder the fashion industry has put color and brightness to our days! It’s all about bright hues like fushcia, yellow, orange, reds, purple, blues. All the colors of a hopeful rainbow! One of my favorite trends this season is the colorful take on the trench coat. Gone are the days of a neutral colored trench, such as khaki, black or grey. And I couldn’t be more grateful. Whether it’s on lightweight, flowy silhouettes made with fabrics like chiffon or silk or heavier, more structured cuts, a good dose of color is applied. Trust me, we need it!

So, here’s an outfit I would love to stroll around in on the streets of Paris without having to be stared at because everyone dresses up in the City of Love! You won’t see any track suits or ripped jeans, just fashion forward individuals who appreciate the art of fashion! If I was a single French gal, I would go to the cafe and have a light lunch of salad and a baguette and then take off to the Louvre Museum to take in history. Now that would be the ideal lazy Sunday afternoon!

A lazy day in Paris – by Myra7 on Polyvore.com

Last January 30th, marked the first time I showcased my talent on local television! I had the opportunity to style some of the staff of Breakfast Television and then have them strut it on a makeshift runway in the studio. Along with the lovely Terri Apostle, we talked about the current styles in fashion! It was quite an experience and definitely something that I can get used to! So, make sure you check me out every 2 weeks on Ch. 8 on Breakfast television. You can learn about the latest trends as well as how to wear them by tuning in!

Here’s a snapshot of some of the styles I conjured up for the lovely staff of BT!

http://www.btwinnipeg.ca/extras/photos/media.jsp?content=20090130_154251_55584

Hey guys! Here’s a little somethin’ somethin’ for you. This look, I’ve always loved on a guy…very clean, yet boyish. The straight cut of the coat gives a slimming effect which makes it work for all men’s body types. The cut of the jeans and the darker wash help elongate the whole look when put together. This is a guy that tells me he cares about the way he looks but doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s in that place, on the way to manhood.  The military style coat, gives a look of polish and sophistication while the cut of the jeans, is just baggy enough but not sloppy. This look works with or without  the hat and is perfect for this season. Add a scarf for extra drama. Very classic!

Last Thursday, I attended one of my favorite boutiques in the city’s customer appreciation party and even though I didn’t stay as long as I wanted, I still experienced the warm energy that I associate with Cha Cha palace. Every time I enter the 3 storey house, I can’t help but feel like I’m almost walking into my best friend’s house and then her, letting me raid her closet and Thursday was no exception. The staff, headed by the lovely Sandi Johnson were there to make us feel welcome and to show us the latest styles that they had to offer. The store was definitely buzzing that night as they even gave out surprise discounts. There was plenty of wine, champagne and SUSHI! But even on a regular day, the staff at Cha Cha are  quite warm and friendly. And this energy only adds and reflects the pieces that Cha Cha carries.

On the first floor are the footwear, handbags, and jewellry, where you will see lines from Fly London, Lug and  Satya. The second floor is where I spent most of my time, and carries clothing lines such as OHM, Comfy, Metallicus, Free People, Beatrice Halloway just to name a few.  You’ll find lovely blouses with romantic ruffles, sophisticated coats,  comfy linen pants and dresses upon dresses. There’s casual dresses, business casual dresses (like the ones Cameron Diaz wore in “What Happens In Vegas…”), evening wear dresses, holiday, day to night, cruise, summer…you need it, Cha Cha Palace has it. And when you’re browsing, make sure you look through the racks fully because you might miss something. 

The third floor is where the evening wear and lingerie/nighties are.  Cha Cha has everything covered. On the right side, you’ll find all the evening/holiday wear from different lines. On the left, you’ll find sexy, colorful lingerie like teddys and fancy bras, but what I like, too is that they offer the comfy pyjamas, as well, like cotton tanks with matching pj pants and slippers. They also have these wonderful, soft flats that you can wear with your nighties. In addition, all over the store, you’ll find goodies such as handbags from  and necklaces in the most unexpected places. One can always expect to find something new and exciting at every corner. 2 words sum up the palace that is Cha Cha and that is warm and whimsical. It’s like one big treasure chest waiting to be opened. so, if you’re ever shopping in the area, during the winter holidays, drop by Cha Cha Palace at 173 Lilac St. and take in the warmth and the charm that this shop offers. Grab a handbag for your girlfriend too, she’ll love it!

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