Kara Brownlee

Toronto's Wardrobe Consultant, Kara Brownlee, Personal Blog

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Feeling the Fringe

Fringe worthy moments have been around for decades.  A timeless design detail deserving of all its current exposure.

Imagine sipping on champagne in the roaring 20’s in the age of prohibition?  Flapper girls dazzled in fringe.  Fringe enhanced the way they would twisting & turn on the dance floor.  What’s better then a ensemble that does the work for you?  Luckily for us, spring runways were fringing with a buzz.

 Another fringe worthy moment:

Free spirited & confident.  Private Dancer’s own Tina Turner became synonymous with the iconic fringe detail.  These are real fashion moments!

 Fringe is high impact, eye catching, creates and encourages movement. It’s subtly romantic with a touch of rebellion. What could be better then this? 

  Tips:

Fringe is perfect for evening out or special event like a wedding.

Unsure about investing in fringe?  Quality fringe is expensive, design wise, it’s not the easiest detail to work with.  Try incorporating it into an accessory or purchase a belt you can layer over a skirt.

Dance, baby, dance!

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Fall 2018 is favouring snake skin & leopard print.

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“I’ve worn every piece needed to be worn this summer. I’m ready for fall.” -KB. Quote dedicated to @elizabethheggie #personalshopper #wardrobestylist #torontostyle #torontofashion #qotd #ootd #statementring @birks #silktop @caminyc #pants (my obession) @dereklam #whiteonwhiteonwhite (at Kara Brownlee Wardrobe Consultant & Personal Shopper) https://www.instagram.com/p/BmmC2BfHySL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=uwekubxnp0zw

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Wise words Mr. Armani. 🌏 Happy Earth Day 🌏 #earthday #armani #qotd #sustainablefashion #environentallyfriendlyfashion #fashionrevolution #personalshopper #wardrobestylist (at Kara Brownlee Wardrobe Consultant & Personal Shopper)

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Not Your Average Tourist

Sleezey, 70′s tropical prints took center stage for men this spring/summer.  

When Saint Laurent (who can do NO wrong) showcased springs trend, I immediately become uneasy.  I could already visualize the wtf look I’d receive from my male clients.  How would I defend this typical faux pas? I will remind myself (and them) that fashion is meant to be fun and at times comical.  This trend definitely invokes both.  

 Tips:

Try toning down a tropical print by purchasing one with a neutral colour story, or neutral backdrop like charcoal and beige.

Unless you’re in a creative field, this trend isn’t appropriate for the office.

Try incorporting this trend into your accessories like sneakers.

Pair trend with modern pieces and properly fitted garments.

Just do me one favour - Please DO NOT rock with socks & sandals, cargo shorts and a fanny pack.  A girl can only handle so much.  

Always,

Kara Brownlee

www.karabrownlee.com

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Pastels -Spring Trends

I always smirk when a man proudly proclaims he owns a soft-pink-salmon coloured shirt.  Why has society associated colour with gender?  I wonder if these assumed correlations have harmful effects on individual identity? 

Fashion Tip:  Pastel pink isn’t for girls and Androgyny is trending.

**Let's take a moment and thank Kayne for wearing skirts**

Owning a pastel pink shirt isn’t a declaration of open mindedness.  It’s not progressive or fashion forward.  In fact, this pink pastel pieces should be staple for everyman! (unless he suffers from rosasia.  In which case, choose another pastel from the colour wheel)

 Admittidly, I became a bit fretful watching pastel pallets consume runways this spring.  Imagined fears of witnessing Dumb and Dummer’s, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, walking down the street or into a wedding entered my head.  (Granted, I’d invite them to any event of mine.)

Joking aside, chances are any man who can’t confidently ‘own’ a pastel suit isn’t likely to wear one.  Either way there are many ways to incorporate spring pastels into your wardrobe and embrace them.  

Tips:

Nervous about pastels?  Start with a statement coat.  Still uneasy?  Try a light weight sweater or chinos.  STILL NERVOUS?   (Okay maybe this trend isn’t for you)  Try starting with socks and work your way up.

New to pastels? Feed off your comfort colours.  Example:  Love Blue?  Try baby-boy blue.  Greens got your number?  Try, mint.

Pairing pastels with neautrals.  Neutral shades always help neutralize an emsemble.  Pastels are no exception.   

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ANORAK’S - Spring 2018

Springs ‘must-have’ jacket conjures up memories of playground approved, magenta, K-Way wind-breaker.  Then and now this jacket style is peaking in popularity. Not only, could I roll into a fanny pack it’s likely I considered it more of a toy then a functional, weather protective jacket.

Needless to say, springs runways have me nostaligic for my K-Way jacket and luckily, fashion recycles styles (side note: I wonder where it went?  But really?  My mother is sneaky!)

Fashion is art.  Designers are artists, creators, inventors – They all speak to us through their designs.  This spring they’re reminding us of mother natures unpredictability.    Anorak’s are strutting down runways combining function & fashion.  Anorak’s perfect additions to the current althliesure trend, as it’s budget friendly, not body specific, rain proof annnnnnnnd has pockets.  I’m not sure why, but to a large percentage of my clientele, pockets seal the deal when considering a purchase.   

 Tips:

At a higher price point, purchase one in your personal power colour or  neutral.  A power colour purchase will be bold, but neutral will lend themselves to more wear.  Remember to consider how it will mix and match with your current wardrobe.

Layer warmer textiles (like cashmere) underneath to accommodate cooler seasons.

Ladies – Mix with something floral or lace for a feminine contrast

 Try pairing it with a LBD.  Matching anything with a LDB is always a sure thing.

Anorka are typically bulky so wear with a fitted or tailored bottom.

Curvy?  Try purchasing one with draw strings at waist.  Cinch yourself into that hour glass figure.

Always,

Kara Brownlee

www.karabrownlee.com

@karabrownlee

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Be conscientious about what u buy. Ask: where/how it’s made, from what textiles and by who. When disposing, remember to donate. Collective changes, no matter the size can change our future. #sustainablefashion #conscientiousconsumer #qotd #mondaymantra #personalshopper #wardrobestylist #torontostyle #torontofashion (at Kara Brownlee Wardrobe Consultant & Personal Shopper)

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Favourite Fall Trend: Heavy Metal

Love, Love, Love.  

Anyone who knows me, knows, I’m a fan of a lil Rock-n-Roll, living wild-n-free. This fall’s metallic overload trend has me guuuuuuuushing!  This trend is the PERFECT evening look.  

Want to incorporate metallics during the day?  Try accessorizing with a pair of shoes or purse.  

Looking to run more wild-n-free?  Invest in a statement piece like a trench coat or jumpsuit.

Happy Shopping!

Always,

Kara Brownlee

www.karabrownlee.com

@karabrownlee

[karabrownlee]

Literally Logo’s

Fall 2017 Fashion Trends

Fall breezes into our lives, bundling up our bodies and tightening our coats with heavy fabrics.  So, lets embrace this light hearted, at times offensive, easily accessible and gender defying fall fashion trend.

Always,

Kara Brownlee

[email protected]

@karabrownlee

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TOTALLY WEARABLE TRENDS FOR SPRING 2017

I rarely recommend "trendiness" to my clients. However, I do recommend dressing modern.  Here are 3 of my favourite wearable and easily attainable trends for women this spring.

STRAIGHT LEG DENIM:

Say goodbye to your favourite skinny jeans.  Most women will welcome this trend, or should.  A straight leg silhouette is more flattering, making one look longer and leaner.  

WASIT CINCHERS:

Why do I love this trend?  The hour glass of course!  Waist cinchers make the ideal womanly shape easy.   Think, Marylin Monroe.  

RUFFLES:

This trend is flirty and feminine.  Example: Self conscious about your busty chest?  Solution:  Hide behind ruffles.  They help disguise troubled areas.

Always,

Kara Brownlee

www.karabrownlee.com

@karabrownlee

[email protected]

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You know the drill! #personalshopper #wardrobestylist #qotd #saturdays #torontofashion #torontostyle #getinformation (at Kara Brownlee Wardrobe Consultant & Personal Shopper)

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STATEMENT JACKETS, STONE HUES & VERTICAL STRIPES. 3 Of My Favourite Spring Trends For Men.

Let’s be honest, most of my male clients are not rocking the latest runway trends.  Even street style, worn by fashion weeks attendee’s, is a stretch.  

Here are 3 easily attainable, wearable and investment worth trends. 

Statement Jackets have always been high priority purchase for my clients.  Ask yourself: Will I love this jacket in 15 years?  

Swap-out your white this spring for stone.  Springs most popular neutral. 

Trends grant us freedom to play.  So play with the width.  Vertical stripes are classic.   

Always,

Kara Brownlee

[email protected]

www.karabrownlee.com

@karabrownlee

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Over The Knee Boots

Over the knee boots are no longer reserved for the ladies of the night!  Surely my favourite fall trend.  These boots add luxe to every fall wardrobe and makes layering a cinch.  Wear with a skirt, a dress or pants.  Pick a neutral (as they typically come with a hefty price tag $$$) to ensure your cost-per-wear.  

Always,

Kara Brownlee

[email protected]

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Burnt Spice & Everything Nice.

   Orange has long been my favourite colour, as it inspires creativity.  Maybe, this explains the imagination behind Halloween costumes?

   For fall, burnt orange adds luxe to every wardrobe. Many people find yellow-oranges hard to wear. Luckily this fall exposes us to a beautiful burnt orange, with a higher saturation of red and brown.  Burnt orange feels deeper and richer, making it more complimentary to many people skin tone.  

Always,

Kara Brownlee

www.karabrownlee.com

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Tips: Wearing Springs Bomber

1) Feminize this athletic boyish trend in a light pastel like dusty rose.

2) Go classic but add texture with a quilted look.

3) Make an impact in a floral statement.

4) Keep it soft with a silk.

5) Get creative with embroidery.

6) Keep is classic, but choose one of your power colors.

7) Steal your boyfriends.

For more tips on one of my favorite spring trends contact me at [email protected]

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Another Reason I love Lanolin.

I know we do not need another reason to LOVE Lanvin.  Incase you have forgotten about him unreal design, impeccable eye for design or lavish textiles, read this quote from a recent Harrpers Bazar interview. 

"U like very much to see the dresses on real people, who are not 17 years old and a size 0.  They have a bit more personality, with different ages and different body shapes, and they come with their sister or their husband, and the husband is bored and the sister is jealous.  I see it, and the whole idea is to look at that woman - and again I feel like a doctor.

Always,

Kara Brownlee

www.karabrownlee.com [email protected]