Gold & Studded Has Moved!

Please see Gold & Studded's new and updated blog at:

http://fashion-blogging101.blogspot.ca

Thank you!

Tara

Dressing for Work

Links:

1. Blue Blazer

2. Black Tapered Trousers

3. GUESS Sileno Blue Sandals

4. Long Sleeve Chiffon Blouse

5. "Love" Bracelet"

6. Pearl Flower Stud Earrings

7. White Briefcase 

Topshop Giveaway!

I'm very excited to co-host this Topshop backback giveaway via Gumball. I love this bag!!! It retails for about $70 US.

Check out how it looks HERE.

Entering is easy, just click enter on the widget below and follow the directions. Good luck everyone!!

Roshambo

I saw this video on another fashion blog and it's probably been re-circulated a thousand times so if you've already seen it, look on child!!

If you haven't it's so worth the 3+ minutes. I am a romantic by nature so naturally, I loved this short fashion film by Free People.

From Free People's site: "A Touring band member and his bohemian beaut are unexpectedly reunited on a Brooklyn street and share a short time together in the city's boroughs."

The chemistry between the two actors Christopher Abbott and Sheila Marquez is undeniable. I love it.

Style Talk Live Recap - Spring Trends

To celebrate the official start of spring, Google+ hosted an online hangout yesterday featuring fashion influencers: ELLE's Creative Director Joe Zee, Designer & Stylist Rachel Zoe, Model Coco Rocha, and Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing. It was awesome!! I almost felt like I was in a seminar with them face to face! The internet is so amazing. Honestly.

One fun fact I learned while watching the video: Joe Zee is Canadian!! Did anyone know that? I was amazed when he said that. I had no idea! 

For anyone who missed it, here is the video:



If you don't have time to watch the video, check out the set I created below. It has the key trends they talked about in it. My favourite piece is the pink moto jacket from Forever 21. I love that they said coloured leather (or faux leather if you're vegan) is a huge trend because I haven't even clued in on that trend yet and it is such an exciting idea. Can you image pink leather pants? Cause I totally can.

Links are posted below. Enjoy!!

Trend Links:

1. BRIGHT COLOURS - Romwe Abstract Drawing Blouse
2. NEON ACCESSORIES - Neon Ganado Print Scarf & Adidas Santiago Orange Neon Watch & Neon Faux Leather Belt
3. GLADIATORS - Park Lane Embellished Gladiator Sandals
4. BLACK & WHITE - Diamnate Collar B&W Blouse & Rivet Detailed Pants
5. COLOURED LEATHERS & MOTO JACKETS - Zippered Faux Leather Moto Jacket
6. WOODEN STACKED HEELS - Janus Spike Platform

*Note: If you're doing online shopping this weekend ASOS is having a huge sale, in addition to their already free shipping*: 20% off your Spring Fling or Save up to 60% on Women’s occasion wear and prom at ASOS.com. Valid 3/24/2013 only.

Music Festival Fashion

Every time music festival times comes around I get nostalgic. I've always read about them in magazines and dreamt about spending my weekend in a tent, running down mudslides and wearing braids in my hair. (Was that just me? Kate Moss in Hunter boots anyone?)

I've never actually been to a music festival so it's on my bucket list for 2013. Funny enough, today one of my friends invited me to go to one because she knows someone who bought extra tickets. Sweet!!! I'm obviously going! I wonder if Tupac will be there? I also wonder if I'll have enough stylish clothes by then to wear something like this... I hope so. haha

1. Sunglasses - NastyGal

2. Bag - ASOS

3. Spike shoes - ASOS

4. Cross iPhone Case - ETSY by BeautyandLuck

5. Tank - Freedom Culture

6. Denim Shorts - Romwe

Note: I just discovered this tank top at a Toronto fashion event. Proceeds from every sale go to stop human trafficking. Great company!

Brunch CHIC

I don't know about you guys but I am super pumped that patio weather is right around the corner. In my mind, patio = BRUNCH.

I love everything about brunch; pancakes, mimosas, gossip, eye candy, beautiful decor, city views... it is one of the best parts of summer. 

Since summer isn't here yet, we can still dream about what we're going to wear once it hits.. right?

1. Nasty Gal Straight Laced Dress

2. Michael Kors Sunglasses 

3. H&M Earrings

4. DVF Clutch

5. Nasty Gal Dark Matter Ring

6. Alberta Ferretti Pointy Pump

DIY Studded Moto Jacket

This is a really easy project to do if you want to add a little edge to your jacket (or any piece of clothing).

All you need is:

• Screw in studs
• Something sharp to poke a hole (I used a toothpick because that's all I could find and it worked out well. I've seen DIY's where people use darts and that scares me because I poked myself with the toothpick and that freakin hurt! I wouldn't recommend using a dart in case you hurt yourself).
• A tiny screwdriver to make the hole bigger and to tighten the stud

I got my studs in Chinatown here in Toronto, they were only $1.50 for 15 studs so this project only set me back $3.00! Pretty sweet deal. (Not to mention, the store has a "buy 2 packets get 1 free" deal so I got an extra 15 studs for free!).

This project is REALLY fun to create and it only took me about an hour. Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions!

Toronto Fashion Event!

Interested in a career in fashion? Would you like to network with fashion professionals and aspiring fashion students in the Toronto area? Having a tough time breaking into the industry?

On Wednesday, March 20, from 6:00pm - 7:30pm, the Academy of Design will be hosting a really exciting "Wine and Cheese" event where they will discuss their fashion programs in detail and offer an opportunity to meet with faculty and view the recent work of fashion students.

There is no question that the fashion industry is not like it was 20 years ago and it is much harder to break into the industry without formal education. Just two weeks ago I spoke to one of the HR managers of Fashion Magazine and she told me she receives approximately "100 resumes per day". Crazy eh? When I worked at Holts, our department alone received about 50-60 resumes per day when a position was posted. It really is that competitive.

The Academy of Design has reacted to the fiercely competitive job market by ensuring each student is exposed to as many career opportunities as possible and as many skills as possible to increase each student's marketability. The programs are also shorter than a typical college program so that students can enter the field sooner. The school even has their own fashion magazine where student's can write, edit and even do creative photoshoots! How cool is that?

If you'd like to see more information before registering, see what students are saying about the programs and watch a snippet of a previous Wine & Cheese event HERE.

If you're ready to go... Sign up HERE! Tickets are going fast! Registration is free via Eventbrite.

Full Event Details:

Fashion, Wine & Cheese Info Session
Academy of Design Davisville Campus
1835 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4S 1X8
Canada
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
6:00pm - 7:30pm

Designer Spotlight: Beau XOXO

Some people are born with creative instinct. They just know what to do, how to do it and go about getting it done. Georgie is one of those people. As the creator behind the online hair accessories shop "Beau XOXO", Georgie has effectively translated her creative skills into a source of income. 

In 2010 she began selling her pieces in markets and officially launched her Etsy shop online. In 2011 she was invited to partake in a clothing show, where an X-Factor hair stylist purchased a variety of her pieces for pop group Little Mix to wear on the show. Much to Georgie's surprise, when the show aired, Perrie Edwards was wearing one of her pieces. Since then, Beau XOXO has boomed and is still going strong.

This photo set is a creative derivative work of original images owned by BeauXOXO. Logo via Beau XOXO's blog Dreams That Glitter. 

**Prices are approximate conversion from GBP -CAD/US**

With her continued success you might think to yourself (as I did)... How did she do it? How has she grown her crafting business? 

Well, Georgie did an interview with Seek My Scribbles last spring to share the answers. It's a great read for any DIY crafters wanting to grow their business. She explains in the interview how she started selling in local markets and then grew to selling online after getting a good reaction. Here's the meat and potatoes:

Do you have any advice for crafters wanting to take the next step and sell their creations?

Well like I said before, market stalls are a fantastic way to start, and so many stalls are as little as a few pounds and you will be surprised how much money can be made, and even if you don’t make much, you will learn so, so much. I do think cracking into the big wide web world is quite hard, but I would definitely advise anyone to join Etsy, Folksy or similar at first, so that you’re part of a community, so it’s kind of like one big market stall in a sense! I adore Etsy. I am so thankful to the community and I have met so many other gorgeous crafty ladies and that’s what it’s all about. Once you have built up a strong customer base it’s then good to look at places like Big Cartel, but this is just my personal opinion! Bear in mind some people will just shop on Etsy and so on. Most importantly though, be determined, be pro-active, network, have fun, be passionate, research your market thoroughly, have fun and never ever, ever give up! I truly believe this period in time is perfect to start a crafting business because interestingly there’s a massive crafting boom right now, despite the struggle for larger retailers in the economic climate. I guess that’s partly due to the fact people are really thinking about their spending, and crafting has the ‘specialness factor’ so it makes you stand out from the mainstream. And don’t be hard on yourself if you find it hard to sell much at first, simply take a back seat and evaluate what it is you adore about other stores, and make small changes. I find the best shops are the ones where I see an item and think, ‘ahh, that’s so, and so’s item!’. It’s really good to keep a scrapbook or simply note down how you want your shop to look from the start.

Shopping Links:

Butterfly Glitter Hair Clips

Butterfly Hair Crowns

Floral Hair Crowns

Glitter Hair Bows

STUDDED GIRL

Woohoo! This set was so much fun to create! I love to contrast items that are typically seen as bold and edgy with soft and feminine items. I downloaded some new fonts to experiment with as I find the more I blog, the more I get the desire to improve the formatting and look. Let me know what you guys think.

In this set I've featured some of my favourite studded creations on Etsy and looks from Lookbook.Nu (which by the way - is such an AWESOME site!).

Thank you to all the designers who gave me the go ahead to feature their unique, hand-made creations. They really are one of a kind. Please check below for links to items and looks.

(How adorable are the matching best friend bunny iPhone cases? Too cute!)

Shopping & Links

①  ETSY: GlitzyGirlBling - Best Friends Bunny Rabbit Heart iPhone Silicone Case
② ETSY:  TheBlackFeather - The Osiris Spike Bracelet
③ LOOK by Lina Tesch Photography on Lookbook.Nu - photographed by Max Liebenstein
 ④ ETSY: NiceReworkedVintage - Tie Dye Studded Sweater
⑤ LOOK by Amanda Shoemaker (OneofEach Blog) on Lookbook.Nu with Alainn Bella studded purse (Website seems to be having difficulties. Here is the Alainn Bella Facebook page)
⑥ ETSY:  ShopWünderlust - The Jenna Shorts

ON THE SCENE: Outfit Inspiration

Curating our own personal style takes a lot of trial and error and an event night is NOT the kind of night for experimentation. These girls are a perfect example of how to dress for an event, showcasing how to break up a dress with great accessories. They really take the guess work out of it eh?

This is a creative derivative work of original photos by Eva Rinaldi, Celebrity and Live Music photographer via Flickr; "David Jones Fashion Launch 2013" originally licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Shopping Links:
H&M 100% Silk dress
H&M Khaki green dress
Massimo Dutti Two-tone Court Pump with Chain
Forever 21, Faux Leather Beige Platform
Forever 21, Clutch
The Bay, Jessica Mcclintock Metal Black Clutch
Vince Camuto Crochet Bootie

DIY Embellished Bib Necklace

I've been wanting to do a DIY blog post for a while now and am so excited to post this! I had a great time putting this together.

I had most of these supplies already but if you don't have any of the below supplies it will probably cost you around 30$ (which is a great price compared to what you would purchase one of these handmade bib necklace's for!). Most of these supplies you can get at Michaels!

Note: You don't necessarily have to sew in beads but if you want a different look on parts of your necklace, string a strand of beads and sew it in, in combination with gluing the rhinestones. Also - get a thicker ribbon. I didn't sew in my ribbon and it seems to be super secure. This glue is MEGA bonding, but I think I may sew in my next ribbon just to feel more secure.

Are there are good DIY posts you've done or have seen? I'm going to do more of these because I had WAY too much fun! Let me know if you have any questions!

Toronto Style Defined

Like any city, Toronto style varies from the most eclectic to the utterly conservative. Somewhere in between you'll find most urban Torontonians; chill, understated, brogue infused, tomboyish, urban, slightly conservative and chic.

I'm very eclectic in my style and usually like to pair edgy looks and feminine looks together, but I have found that in recent years since I've lived downtown, the style that breathes life into this city has creeped it's way into my wardrobe and changed me a little bit... and I've fallen in love with it.

In this set I featured some looks and designs that sample and personify Toronto style. Check below for the links!

LINKS 
➀ Nikki Rich

➁ Rudsak
➂ Blogto Fashion & Style

On Trend: The Drape Jacket

I really love this style jacket because it's so effortless to wear and it turns casual day into a trendier version of casual day. Say for instance it's Sunday afternoon and you have to do some groceries but you're totally in relaxation mode... you don't really want to get 'dressed' but you have to... You just throw on some fitted pants, a shirt and then a drape jacket. It doesn't even matter what you're wearing underneath it because the jacket makes the whole look!

This style of jacket is really great for curves; especially if the jacket comes with a waist cinching drawstring. For me personally, I have a petite curvy inverted triangle frame and this style of jacket instantly makes me feel more confident and covered up in the right places.

Links/Shopping:

1. House of Harlow 1960 Zenith Loafer
2. Merona scoop neck white tee
3. Target Sonya rhinestone flat
4. Black drape jacket
5. Faux Leather Guess Purse
6. True Religion Jeans (only sz 28 left on MrsH.com)
7. Draped trench jacket Nasty Gal

Stylist Spotlight: Patricia Field

I first discovered who Patricia Field was after watching Sex and the City. I remember walking out of that movie feeling a sense of rejuvenation like, wow I could dress like that one day and run the world. That's what Patricia Field does. When she styles a character (or person) she stays true to the essence of that person, but also livens them up and gives them more vivacity.
Patricia Field has been a fashion stylist/costume designer for years and has garnered many awards for her work. She is a fearless, unapologetic individual with a true passion for fashion.

Patricia on style: "The way you dress yourself is a form of self-expression, and a way of communicating to others who you are. But style is broader than just fashion — it’s not only the way you dress, but how you decorate your home, the books you read. It all runs together. The more ways you can express yourself the better, because then you are communicating at a higher level."

Links/Shopping:

1. Carrie in Sex and the City 2. Tux shirt/pant and jacket by Christian Dior. Headpiece by Trivial New York. Photo via Vanity Fair.
2. Patricia Field's boutique at 306 Bowery in NYC.
3. Samantha in Sex and the City 2. Dress by The Blonds via Love is love, lifestyle blog. 
4. Noir Keith Haring Baby Pin sold at Patricia Field. Keith Haring by House of Field.
5. VOGUE Snapback Cap by Patricia Field; an homage to the 80s dance style of 'Vogueing'.
6. The Chiquita shoe by Patricia Field. (Currently out of stock)
7 .Floral Crown by Patricia Field.
8. Patricia Field styles singer Elle Varner in African print Teacup mini-dress for her "Only Wanna Give it to You" (feat. J Cole) music video. Designed by Motoko (House of Field member) for Patricia Field via Patricia Field Tumblr.

Personal Styling Tools Online

Am I the only one that wishes my life was like this every morning? That getting dressed was completely effortless? Ok just checking.



Now it can be... sort of.

The other day I discovered H&M created this amazing styling tool called "The Dressing Room" that allows you to personally style a model. The tool has actually been around for over a year!! You can select clothes, put them together with accessories and you can even change the model's hair to create the look! It's so amazing.

I continued my search to see if other major retailers were using the software and discovered Hugo Boss also has a really good one too. The only thing is the selection isn't as wide. 

I was thinking, not only is this a great idea for those of us who want to style ourselves (before going to the store) but also for any bloggers who also have online stores. What a great way to increase your sales! The only issue with online shopping is the fact that we can't see what we are wearing online. This is such a great tool for the business and for the shopper. Win win!! What do you think? Did you already know these were around? Do you know of any other retailers that do this?

On Trend: The Upgraded Moto Jacket

Let's go back to the basics for a second and talk about the cycle of a fashion trend. I see trend adaptation like this; a few trendsetters wear the trend (usually celebrities), we end up loving it, then the risk takers start wearing it, it catches on in masses, and then designers re-create the trend in a multitude of different ways so that almost every person can like their own version of the trend. Then it explodes and either fades away never to be seen again, or becomes a staple in the wardrobe.

Enter - the moto jacket.

The moto jacket trend is in my opinion, one of the BEST innovated trends of all time. It is the old school motorcycle jacket re-created into a fashionable hybrid mix of the harley bike jacket and the sport bike jacket, except it's also really cute, fitted, feminine and glamorous. The re-creation of the trend is done so amazingly well that I think we forget how it used to be worn, unless maybe you think about the Ramones. But seriously, all I can think of in my mind when I think of moto jacket trend is Celine, jeans, pointy shoes, a cute clutch and Miranda Kerr.

There are no more rules in fashion and this is a perfect example of that. The trend exploded in 2009/2010 and has been going since. Although the moto jacket is best worn in Fall, if you wear it right you can wear it any season.

Celine jacket photo via Celine Perfection at Fashionising.com

Blogger Style Icons: The Beckerman Sisters

The reason I love the Beckerman sisters is like any other; they are original, funky, loud, bold and totally creative!! In their originality they easily inspire and deliver a refreshing composite to the typical style covered on fashion blogs. If you have never heard of them you need to check out their blog STAT.

They will influence you in a new way, for sure. http://beckermanbiteplate.blogspot.ca/ Enjoy!

Photos via Beckerman Bite Plate, Toronto Life, AHutchPhoto.com

Designer Spotlight: Mercura NYC

While I was researching photos for this post I discovered who the creator of Nasty Gal was; Sophia Amoruso (she's featured in picture 1). I had no idea who she was until I saw the photo of her with these gorgeous Mercura glasses on. Now everything makes so much more sense. 

1. Nasty Gal creator, Sophia Amoruso at NYFW SS12. Photo via Elbowsandkneesblog.com via Elle
2. Blank Magazine, October 2011. Styled by Lyndsey Hornyak. Photo via Trillista Tumblr via Mercura NYC blog
3. Singer, songwriter Neon Hitch at NYFW AW13. Covered by Garment District Diva, styled by Kyle Luu. Photo via Mercura NYC blog
4. Olivia Dawn for Pulp Magazine 2012. Photographed by Brent Goldsmith, Editor Elaine Jyll Regio, Hair & Makeup by Andrew Elek. Photo via Tales from Pluto Tumblr

Additional links: 

Zink Magazine designer feature

Mercura NYC's BLOG

Rihanna: Best Dressed at Grammys 2013

I couldn't resist. Rihanna killed it!! Hands down she is the best dressed in the whole place. I couldn't even post anybody else. Stunningly beautiful!!

Rihanna's dress is by Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer Azzedine Alaia, her jewelry is by Neil Lane and she has on Manolo Blahniks hidden underneath that beautiful gown!

New York Fashion Week

While everybody is busy talking about the snow storm, can we take a minute to focus on the amazingness of the runway looks for Fall/Winter 2013-14? There are so many beautiful looks. For starters, everything Balmain is amazing. I've been obsessed with Balmain ever since Beyonce wore that amazing military jacket in 2009. Remember that? Oh it was sooo good. But I digress..

Back to the looks - Balmain is absolutely stunning - the entire collection. I love the clean lines and sleek silhouettes. I really admire the collections from Jen Kao and Jill Stuart as well. Personally, I can't wear a lot of the power shoulder looks but I can definitely admire from afar. I posted my favourite looks below.

In order of amazingness I would have to say that so far it's Balmain, Marissa Webb, Jill Stuart and Jen Kao. Check out the full collections at Style.com or WWD.com

On Trend

Links:
Shopping: River Island blouse, H&M skirt, Forever 21 Skirt, Miss Selfridge skirt, YSL pumps
Photo: Daniela Ramirez, Nany's Klozet
History: Encyclopedia of Clothing & Fashion, Valerie Steele

Finding Inspiration

Since I've started my blog I've found it so much easier to find inspiration for fashion, home decor, beauty, cooking, writing and even conversation! I think it's because I have a purpose for it, or rather, an avenue to exert it into a form of creative output. I find inspiration everywhere- in other blogs, at home, listening to music, movies, videos, walking down the street, shopping, even driving in my car! It's easy to find once you begin to look for it.

Patterns are everywhere right now and they pair so nicely with light colours. I created this fun inspiration board out of admiration for these beautiful designs.

I'm thinking of making this a regular post, what do you think? Where do you find your inspiration? More importantly, how do fashion bloggers stay inspired?

Photo Credits:
Christian Lacroix Notebook
Mary Katrantzou SS13 Runway
Kelly Wearstler collection
DANNIJO Lookbook
Designed room by Katie Ridder

What to Wear? - The Fashion Interview

Have you ever found it frustrating figuring out what to wear to your interview? It happens to me all the time. I have probably gone over about 40-50 interviews in my lifetime and every single time I get stuck! Most recently I went on an interview and the recruiter said my Calvin Klein dress looked like an evening gown.. Ouch!

Here's some inspiration to help us figure out what to wear..