Embracing Curves

Whimsical Waterfall
~featuring accessories by Saniya Kahn & Bronsino

When it comes to accessorizing a simple flow of fabric can look both chic and stylish with little effort at all.

For several seasons now we have seen fabric draping dominate the industry, no wonder scarves have become an instant wardrobe saver.

Clients constantly ask, how do I tie it? Its simple, either wrap the scarf loosely around your neck once or twice and let it do what it wants to do; or tie both ends together in a small knot and twist the scarf around your neck twice, again allowing the fabric to flow and fall in place, knot at the back.

Deep lemon two piece, tunic and skirt by IF ($200); Tie belt ($110) and oversize leather purse by Bronsino ($550); draped waterfall one of a kind scarf by Saniya Khan ($190)

Pretty in Pink
~Karamea, Toronto

Michelle Turpin, Toronto fashion designer of the Karamea line knows exactly how to capture the feminine figure with her line of dresses. Each style combines both soft textures, subtle draping of the fabric and a unique way of patterning the dress. Her architectural skills reflects in the way she cuts the fabric which is remarkably rewarding to the female form. Once again we applaud you Michelle for a winning spring 2011 line!

Spring Collection by Karamea - silk cotton blends, soft cotton and knits ($240-$280)

Flower pins and Facinators by Vancouver Designers: Coral Moon, YoulalaCouture, JElliott and Notice Me Hats ($38- $120)

Feels like Flip Flops with PJ's
~featuring Broken Doll Clothing

When the warm weather turns into hot weather, the type we wait for but complain when it arrives usually in July, every women turns to a grab-and-go dress that will look great with flip flops and feel like PJ's.

Calgarian Designer Leah Bohnet knows how to combine eco-friendly fashion with comfort style and ease. These two dresses (Egypt and Fraiser) are two of her top selling designs. Leah's collection is reasonably priced and wears well. My Jullian dress has been washed and worn over 50 times, a true testimonial for good quality!

Broken Doll dresses ($115-$135); Coral Moon summer soltice necklace $148; Flower pins by J.Elliott ($26-$36); Davie and Chiyo clutches ($65-$115)

The Perfect Dress!
~Cassie Dee Collection

A Dress to suit your personality
~Karamea, Toronto

At the Velvet Room Boutique, we create a comfortable environment with the service women need to find what they are really looking for.  We know you want to find something that is stylish, that suits your personality and most importantly, you feel good in. We pride ourselves in helping women find the perfect styles for their physique and lifestyle. Don't be afraid to seize the moment. If you find the right thing on your first time out resist the temptation to come back later. It will be harder to find your size and choice of colour as the season progresses. Your goal is to look amazing in an age flattering style. Colour matters less than does a knockout dress that flatters your body type.

Spring Collection by Karamea - silk cotton $240-$280

Its Coral or Floral!
~Coral Moon Designs and BodyBag

Romancing the Wardrobe!
~Coral Moon Designs

The Velvet Room`s philosophy has always been about teaming up simple classic garments with quality fashionable accessories. Three Rules for Choosing the right accessories:

1) Brave and Bold, this is the time to have fun with style,.

2) Choose statement pieces that define your personality.

3) The piece needs to be energizing! Whether its a scarf, belt, necklace or a handbag, you want to feel fantastic when you put it on!

TIPS: By adding a long necklace a shorter torso is instantly elongated. By adding a thin leather belt, a straight body shape gains a waistline. Show stopper earrings draw attention to your face and away from the body and a short chunky necklace can draw attention away from a larger bustline.

We've got it covered!
~ Irina Filippova, Waterloo Ontario

Choosing an outfit for a wedding should be a fun, while finding exactly the right choice can require a considerable expense of time and energy. Ensuring you can wear some or all of the pieces again becomes essential.

Sleeveless dresses do create the most flexibility for creating several looks from the same garment. However, finding something to cover the arms and shoulders can be a daunting task. Featured is our ribbon sweater by Fillipova. The loosing knit cover up style sweater has a certain movement to it allowing it to be easily matched with a variety of garments (offered in an array of colours and black) ($160)

TIPS: Clean simple lines is the easiest way keep your look classic yet modern. Either choose a solid colourdress & team with am ai zing accessories or a soft pattern fabric and utilize neutral shades of charcoal or Carmel tones for the accents.

The Big Day
~alternative bridal options

Whether it`s for the bride or mother of the bride, starting off with a dress that is comfortable for a special event is essential. Choose fabrics that will work best with your body type. Then select styles that suit your personality.

Your goal is to look amazing in an appropriate style for the occasion. Colour matters less than does a knockout dress that flatters your body type and suits your personality.

Dress by Jessica Rose Designs ($169)`Sash belt by Jessica $78; Pearl necklace by Jane Monterio( $490); Silk Clutch by Daive and Chiyo ($95); Wrap by Saniya Khan ($190)

Serenaide
~featuring Kelsey McIntyre

Serendipity formal wear by Kelsey McIntyre is a collection of silk sensations. Each garment comes in a variety of fabric choices and is available in size 2-14. Perfect for the bride or mother of the bride who has a specific look in mind for the special day. Team it up with a silk clutch from Dave & Chiyo, sash and flower pin broach by Jessica Elliott, Pearl Remix jewellery by Coral Moon. All lines offer one of a kind creations to match the brides wishes.

Davie & Chiyo handbags ($95-$145); Pearl Remix Jewellery by Coral Moon ($68-$375); Sash and floral broaches by Jessica Elliott ($58-$148); Serendipity teal silk dress ($350)

The Gala ~featuring 'The Hug'
by To Desire

This little wrap can dress up anything. Go Gala instantly! The beauty about the design is the wrap has a loop on one end that allows you to wrap the sheer scarf in place. Simply wrap it snuggly around the shoulders ensuring you have created the gala look around the neck and then wrap tie it in place. It covers the shoulders and arms but not interferring with the look of the dress. The 'Hug' created by Vancouver Designer Jetti as a 'breast cancer' fundraiser and has been upscaled for this fancy version. 100% silk chiffon available in jet black, cream and silver ($145)

Oh.. you flatter me!
Dress by Iris Collection - Montreal

Does the dress flatter my body type?
Is the dress flattering to my body type and does it diminish or camouflage areas that need to be overlooked? Check for unsightly bulges or undergarment lines that can often be illuminated by such things as the ‘all in one bra/cami’ shaper, a spanks body shaper or even from adding a slip. The perfect dress will be in a colour that you find uplifting or will be very simple and in a neutral shade of blue, grey, brown or that good 'ole black and can be easily accessorized to create multiple looks. Soft lilac dress Collection Iris $259; Silk wrap To Desire $165; Silk bow clutch Davie & Chyio $105 Below: Mini hair band hat Notice Me Hats $79; Jewellery Coral Moon $68- $168; Silk and tapastry cluthes Daive & Chiyo $95-$115

Shazam, there it is!
~featuring Lara Presber

Ever notice that when you desperately need something it's not there, but magically when you're not looking - shazam there it is! It's like shopping for that unique dress; when you are desperate you'll never find what you are looking for.

Have you ever bought the consolation prize? The dress that was the best of the worst, or the dress that was perfect except for the colour? We've all learned the hard way that impulse buying under desperate measures leads to buyer's remorse.
This is why it's smart to have something special tucked away for a last-minute invitation that requires a fabulous outfit. The best find is the dress that suits your personality and lifestyle, is your favorite color, and most importantly makes you feel comfortable and confident.