|Preview| Addition Elle and Ecco Fall 2015

Experiencing one of the hottest weeks of summer so far, it’s difficult to think about Fall fashion.  But if you haven’t noticed, rich hues and heavier fabrics have started to trickle onto retail racks everywhere.   Forever mentally building my perfect Fall wardrobe, I’ve defiantly started to window shop.

A few months ago, I got the chance to check out the Fall 2015 collections from Addition Elle and Ecco Shoes.

One of the best parts of Fall, is the chance to transform and evolve your style.  The textures are richer.  The colours are more lush.  And the trends are very focused.  This Fall, Addition Elle calls on the 70s in a big way.  Think suede, fringe, structure and shades of brown and burgundy.  I’m very excited for a all the 70s trends I’ve been seeing, and I love that Addition Elle did not shy away from the more trendy notes.  

Structure plays a big role for Fall as well.  Suiting with attention to tailoring is a strong focus.  Pieces range from coordinated sets, longline jackets and wide leg pants.  My personal favourite is the longline vest and faux leather vest.  Both great layering pieces that can either give some edge or make a look more minimal.   

And what is Fall, if not the kickoff to boot season!  Ecco doesn’t disappoint with well constructed leather wears.  Whether it be the edgy sporty high tops or a great heeled ankle boot, I’m dreaming of wandering the city on a chilly day.  

Keep an eye out for these collections, coming to stores now, until mid August.   

|Preview| Addition Elle Spring 2015

Back in November I was invited to attend the Spring 2015 Preview for Addition Elle, hosted by Brill Communications.  At the time it was difficult to think about the upcoming spring season, with the holidays just around the corner.  But now that it’s wickedly cold outside, I know we’re all looking forward to a little spring time colour and warmth! 

The new wears from AE are nothing short of refreshing and fun.  It’s great to see the continuing focus on young, trend-inspired pieces from the plus size brand.  There’s an emphasis on colour injection, light layering and graphic prints.  Also the introduction of more well known and designer brands to Addition Elle’s racks are more than welcomed! 

The addition of the Cactus line of swimwear, as well as the Jessica Simpson range is something that I’m very much looking forward to seeing in store.

I’ve added some photos of my favourite pieces that were previewed.  Unfortunately my bf and photographer extraordinaire couldn’t be with me, so Addition Elle was nice enough to supply me with these great snaps and campaign photos.

|Preview| - #HOME4THEHOLIDAYS

Last week I was invited to Brill Communications’ holiday preview #HOME4THEHOLIDAYS.  It was held in a beautiful suite at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel, in Toronto.  It was a fun mix of the brands that Brill works with, all showcasing their new holiday wares. 

Our Chocolate Tales experience - Elliot was so much better at making truffles than I was, but they still tasted just as good.

There was a lot to experience, with three floors of excited brand reps.  Some of my favourites were SoftLips, with their new 5-in-1 Lip Cube, Conair and Chocolate Tales, where the bf and I got to make gourmet chocolate truffles (surprisingly he was really good at it...me not so much).  As a girl that loves her some specs, I was all about Josephson Opticians, where I feel in deep love with a sick pair of Dita sunglasses that I’m still obsessing over.  I also really liked the idea behind MIYU, a beauty brand focusing on beauty from within, combining specially blended teas with revitalizing Beauty Essences (a benefiting facial mist).  I loved the sent of De-Stress Mi, Pairing No.2, the main note is mint and it is so refreshing (and the tea was delicious).

Love the packaging from MIYU Teas and Beauty

Need these Dita Mach One sunglasses in my life, available at Josephson Opticians!

Addition Elle was among the brands featured, but stay tuned for a stand alone post coming shortly.

|Preview| Addition Elle Autumn/Winter 2014

Last week I was invited to Brill Communications to check out Addition Elle’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection.  I know it might seem hard to think about fall, or God forbid winter, now that the nice weather has finally arrived, but once I saw the clothing all I wanted was for it to be fall!  

Some of my favourites ranging from activewear to career.  Stunning jackets coming out this season.

Fall has always been my favourite season.  I love the richness of colours and all the layers.  It’s great fabrics like leathers and wools.  Fall is key pieces like boots, sweaters and coats.  And on all fronts AE has delivered.  I don’t think I’ve more excited to see a  collection in store, as I am for this one.  AE has really brought their A-game and piece after piece left me feeling obsessed!  

More great leather footwear continuing for A/W 2014.  Wide widths and calfs.  

There are three main feels within the A/W2014 season, but the one that caught my eye the most was the Elegantly Grunge Chic range. I could not get over the amazing plaid coat on one of the display manikins.  It’s edgy, but functional and super on trend.  I also loved all the layering options from cropped sweaters to great tailored leather jackets.  And even though there are three different vibes, they all work together to really create a fall/winter wardrobe that is chic, daring and fashionably on point!  

Obsessed over this jacket!  A must own. 

I can’t wait to shop this collection, available in stores and online starting in August.

Check out my interview with Roslyn Griner, VP of Marketing and Visual Display for Addition Elle for more about this collection.  

|Preview| Addition Elle Summer 2014

On Wednesday I had the chance to check out the Summer 2014 previews for both Addition Elle and Smart Set at Brill Communications. It was one of the coldest days this winter, but everything that Addition Elle and Smart Set had to offer, was definitely the opposite. I’m desperately over this winter and seeing what I could be wearing, made me long for warmer days.

I have to say that Addition Elle has come a long way. As a customer since the age of 14, a former employee and once designer for the company (I designed two capsule collections for the brand in 2010), it’s nice to see AE finally expand and grow into the more trend focused and contemporary side of plus.

The preview ranged from denim to activewear to lingerie. There was a strong 70s luxe Bohemian vibe throughout the main collection. Sheer, gauzy fabrics, earthy tones and tans as an anchor. The silhouette spanned from flowing maxi dresses, sheer peasant tops, high waisted wide leg denim, to a playful modern take on the jumpsuit. There was even a shorteralls (short overalls) and a denim romper! All true to the California surfer girl attitude the collection drew inspiration from. Keeping with the denim focus, designer lines return after huge popularity in previous seasons. Justin Timberlake’s co-designed line William Rast is back again, starting April 12th. Featuring more than just jeans the line also includes tops to compete the look. And keep a eye out for new lines to be added this summer.

Some of the pieces I’m really looking forward to are the slinky joggers and all-way vest. The joggers are a nice take way from the season’s top trends and a super versatile piece for day to night. A step further on this trend is the pajama pant, which I was very pleased to see in refreshing colourful prints. The vest was a piece I was so intrigued by that I just had to try it on. With small buttons and button holes for multi wears, it is a great piece that you can wear any way you like. AE’s newest activewear line Nola, also got a boost of colour and a fashionable update. Feminine punches of coral bring contrast to the base of black, which is common in activewear. The technology of the fabric is also something that has taken a step in the right direction, offering moisture wicking (the fibers pull moisture away from you so it keeps you drier. The fabric nerd in me couldn’t resist). And the nice thing about these pieces is that they don’t just say gym. Playing off the sportswear vibe for spring/summer, you could incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe, and not just your gym bag. Obviously being plus size, I was more interested in the wears from AE, but Smart Set’s sleek styles could not be ignored. I loved the way they played with soft touches of colour against a black and white backdrop. Keeping in line with the upcoming trends, there are some key pieces that I plan on incorporating into my own looks to come. The midi skirt is a look I’m very into for spring/summer. With a play on the pencil skirt, but in a mid length, knit fabric it is an easy piece to dress up or pair down. I’m also really feeling the sportswear influence that gives a chic edge to work-ready pieces. Lots of inspiration here, and ideas to use when shopping in the future. A big thank you to Addition Elle, Smart Set and Brill Communications for having us.