Idiosyncratic Style

Guest blogger: Nina O’Reilly-Draddy, a pregnant fashionista four times over

Lavish by Heidi Klum

The Basics
Don’t overbuy. Start with a few good basics like black pants, black skirt, white button down shirt and a wrap dress. Once you have the basics you can start to fill in the blanks with a few fun items. I have often rotated the same 6 outfits, but mixed different tops. Once you are post-baby bump, you don’t want to end up with an entire wardrobe you won’t wear anymore. Invest money only in a few great pieces and then round out your options with more inexpensive items to keep you from getting bored with your closet.

Shops: Michael Stars, Mimi Maternity, Pea in a Pod, Gap and Old Navy.

Maternity Staples by Pea in the Pod

Maternity Basics by Old Navy

The Filler Fashion
Don’t limit yourself to maternity wear, you will quickly get bored with the selection or tired of the heavy price tags. There is a lot offered in regular retailers that will work with a growing belly. Look for long shirts, empire waists, baby doll cuts, leggings, yoga pants, cardigans and bohemian tops and dresses. Keep your eye open for pieces with a loose-fit or made with stretchy fabric. Remember to leave a little room for growth if you are early in your pregnancy.

Shops: The sale rack at Anthropologie for tops, H&M for cardigans and  New York & Company for a good selection of knitwear.

Tops by Anthropologie

Knitwear by New York & Company

The Must Haves
Sevens Maternity Jeans
Be sure to buy them one size larger than you are now, if you aren’t really showing. I made the mistake of buying a pair when I was still skinny thinking that my butt and thighs were going to remain smaller - but as my husband pointed out “you can’t build a house without a foundation”, so give yourself a little extra leg room.

Maternity Jeans by Seven for All Mankind

Lululemon Yoga Pants
They will be your best friend throughout your pregnancy, especially towards to end when nothing but the comfort of yoga pants feels good stretched across your belly. When I got to my third pregnancy, I wore the same pants so much that my mother insisted on burning them.

Active Wear by Lululemon

Stay Yourself
Throughout your pregnancy remember to stay rooted in your personal style. You may not be able to wear the exact same things you once did, but you can keep consistent with your fashion choices. Most accessories are size-less so they can help anchor each look with your signature style throughout all nine months. You will go through many changes and it will be comforting to look in the mirror, see your idiosyncratic style shine through and be able to feel like yourself.

Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum & Nicole Richie

Written by Kaitlyn Regehr

Whether you are venturing out on a special night for two or staying in with pals, here are a few thoughts on feeling extra fabulous this Valentine’s Day (or any day).

Become a ‘Sexy Lingerie’ Woman
It is a misconception that sexy panties are for the young or the risqué and incorrect to assume that if you’re not spending Valentine’s Day with someone special than you shouldn’t indulge in lacy bits. Whether you are wearing a little black dress or your sweatpants, a fantastic pair of panties can do wonders for your confidence and general self-awareness. Even if nobody else sees them, you will feel them. So give your self-esteem a boost and become the kind of woman that wears sexy lingerie… it’s that easy.

Treat Yourself to a ‘Good Hair Day’
Women who take the time to treat themselves generally feel more fabulous. On a special day, take this pampering to the next level. A good hair day can change your entire perspective, so go to a salon and get your hair done. Ask for a junior stylist if you’re working on a budget. Get a blow dry and then curling or straightening, whichever you prefer. For as little as 20 dollars, you can walk away with beautiful hairstyle for your night out or just for the enjoyment of some quality pampering.

The Self-Esteem Makeover
Whether you’re in a relationship or not, Valentine’s Day can sometimes provoke anxiety. Give yourself a self-esteem makeover and become a confident woman who deserves the best. Tell yourself 3 things you love about your appearance, 3 things you love about your personality and then tack on 1 extra fabulous bonus attribute, just for fun.

Extra Credit: Try doing this exercise with someone else and list each others attributes. It can be very romantic with a partner or possibly a great bonding experience with a close friend. Who knows, you might even learn something really fabulous about yourself that you never noticed before. 

Sexy Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

A Little More Than a Box of Chocolates…
Take a classic heart shaped box of chocolates and take a little bite out of each one. Include a note that says, “I’ve tried them all and none taste as sweet as you”.

The “Come Home Soon” Gift
Send a mysterious package to the office. Inside, put a new pair of sexy panties with a note that says, “Come Home Soon!”… It’s sure to get your honey home sooner.

The Sexy Little Black Book
Get a small notebook that will tuck away into a pocket. Fill the pages with all the reasons you think your partner is sexy, everything from the way they make you feel to the way they look in those old pair of jeans. The little black book of sexy is something your honey can open up anytime they need a little boost.

Wishing you a sexy Valentines Day… Whatever you do, just be fabulous doing it!

Kaitlyn Regehr is a pin up model, burlesque choreographer,  host on Television’s  Re-Vamped and creator of  the Pink Ribbon Pin-Ups Calendar. 

Photos from the Pink Ribbon Pin-Ups Calendar: Photographer - Dana Brushette | Wardrobe Stylist - Kristen O’Reilly | Make-up Artist - Larissa Palaszcuk

I think there are two kinds of people in the world, those that party for NYE and those that don’t. I tend to be someone who celebrates NYE in a small way, so I asked “it” girl and costume designer, Melissa Stewart to write this post, since she is the kind of person that goes all out for New Years Eve parties.

Ten Ways to Shine on New Year’s Eve
by: Melissa Stewart

I love New Year’s Eve, it’s the year’s biggest excuse to go all out and by far the best party of the year. NYE, however poses two pressing questions: where to party and what to wear? While I can’t help with the best party (that depends on where you live and what your party style is), but I will share my 10 tips for looking fabulous while kissing goodbye to an entire decade and ringing in 2010 in style.

Photographed by: Robert Barton-Taylor

1. Go Big or Go Home
Forget the dress code - this is the time to pull out all the show stoppers - exaggerated heels, evening gloves, vintage hats, false lashes, red lipstick - don’t worry about standing out - it’s NYE!

2. Rely on the Classics
Make a statement by going old-school, really old school - think Marilyn, Elizabeth and Audrey. Little black dress, strands of pearls, oversized statement jewelry or even a feather boa. Picking a theme for your outfit makes it easier to pull the look together and vintage is a failsafe, so dust off your cigarette extender.

3. Get a ‘do
Every great outfit must be complimented by a great hairstyle. Look up a blow-dry lounge in your area and go in for an up do or even just a wash n’ style - why do all the hard work yourself?

4. Wrap It Up
Don’t forget a stylish cover-up if you want to step outside for some fresh air from time to time. A delicate shawl, vintage fur stole or a fancy cardi will do perfectly.

5. Coat-Check Extra Shoes
If you’re like me, you leave the house in your latest pair of 4-inch heels and by the middle of the night you’re dancing in your pantyhose - ew! Try checking a pair of comfortable dancing shoes to grab from coat check when your feet start to ache and you really feel like gettin’ down.

Photographed by: Robert Barton-Taylor

6. Bring Wacky New Years Specs
The wackier the better - you’ll be a hit for the 15 minutes you have them on & looking like a fool is the idea.

7. Shine On You Crazy Diamond
NYE is notoriously the time to bring out your razzle dazzle with sequins, metallics and any shinies. I’ve seen many sequined mini-dresses in the stores this season, so there’s no exuse not to go for the shine.

8. Dynamic Duos
Although your significant other may be reluctant at first, you’ll have a blast if you synchronize your look with your beau’s! If you’re not going full out on a themed ensemble - colour complimenting your outfits in subtle ways is always festive.

9. Single? Poor? Want to Travel?
Spanish tradition says wearing red underwear on New Years brings good luck.
In Venezuela it gets a little more specific: wear red underwear on NYE to bring love, yellow underwear to bring happiness. Those who want money must have a bill of high value when toasting and those who want to travel must go out while carrying some luggage.

10. Don’t Chase the Fun Horizon
So many are disappointed on NYE - the build up is so high,  it’s easy to be let down. Make sure you get the most out of your fabulous ensemble and don’t just chase the fun horizon all night! Plan carefully - pick the best party in your city, bring all your friends and dance ‘til dawn! I’ve been going to the same New Year’s party for years and celebrating with friends I’ve only met & see on NYE each year!

Photographed by: Robert Barton-Taylor

This holiday season give your wardrobe a high-impact boost with Another Word For Pink, the budget-friendly sister label of Breeyn McCarney’s signature line.

Sequin Dress ($75) & Bowtie ($30) AWFP, Clutch ($30) BKS

Another Word For Pink makes pieces to order based on 3 easy-to-take measurements, so you can get custom couture at affordable prices. They ship to fashion friends across the globe, but Toronto style-makers can arrange pick up and save on the cost of shipping . Turn around time is currently about 2 weeks, but they are always willing to try to accommodate rush orders for special events.

Floral Skirt ($30) Bodysuit ($25) & Sequin Hoody ($80) AWFP

Breeyn McCarney & Another Word For Pink are committed to ethical and environmental practices and dedicated to a goal of becoming 100% sustainable with zero impact so you can feel good about your choices to look good. 

Velvet Dress (65$) AWFP, Clutch ($30) BKS

Shop The Shoot
Clothing - AWFP: Another Word For Pink
Handbags - BKS: Bettykiss Style Inc. 
Select Accessories - Eeek.

Photo Credits
Photographer - Petia Karrin
Fashion Stylist - Abigail Murphy
Make-up & Hair - Rachel Smith

Weren’t planning on doing Halloween this year, but plans have changed  and you don’t want to be just another Lady in the sea of Gagas? No worries, using pieces mostly from your own closet, here are 5 fashion-friendly costume ideas.

Beyonce - Single Ladies
Wardrobe: Black body suit (chop the right arm off) and black heels
Key Peices: Two brave friends to be the back up dancers
Bonus Point: Sell it with some actual choreography

Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Model
Wardrobe: Layered pieces of houndstooth, opaque tights and a head scarf
Key Peices: White face make-up and huge red lips
Bonus Point: Perfect that runway walk and be sure to pose a lot

Karl Lagerfeld
Wardrobe: Tight black suit, high-collared white shirt and major accessories
Key Peices: White hair wig tied into a low ponytail and stiff posture
Bonus Point: Practice the accent and bitchy comments to really sell it

Holly Golightly - Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Wardrobe: Black evening dress, evening gloves and lot’s of jewelry
Key Pieces: Styling your hair just right and the old-fashioned cigarette holder
Alternative: Skip the cigarette and opt for large sunglasses and to go breakfast

The Devil wears Prada
Wardrobe: Your most fashionably chic ensemble
Key Pieces: Devil horns and a tail
Bonus Point: Actually wearing Prada

Need more ideas, check out Threadbanger for a ton of creative DIY Halloween costumes. Will you be wearing a stylish halloween costume this October? Share your pictures with us in the Idstyle Facebook Group.

Whether you are going back to school or just excited about fall fashion, pay attention to your soles this season.  The newest shoes from your favorite designers seem to have a personality all thier own, so let them do the talking.

THE PROM QUEEN

Manolo Blahnik | Sergio Rossi

THE VALEDICTORIAN

Tod's | Cole Haan

THE ART MAJOR

Christian Louboutin | Dolce & Gabbana

THE VARSITY HERO

Yohji Yamamoto | Balenciaga

THE DRAMA CLUB STAR

Anna Sui | Dolce & Gabbana

THE DETENTION LEGEND

Burberry | Alexander McQueen

THE CHIC FREAK

Miu Miu | John Galliano

What clique does your shoe style belong to?