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The Canadian Street Style Lookbook – March 29, 2013 Edition

by The Backseat Stylers | March 29th, 2013

Gracie Carroll of Gracie Carroll, Toronto

With two fashion weeks running simultaneously on opposite ends of the country last week, our favourite style bloggers gathered in Toronto and Vancouver to take in the Fall 2013 collections of Canada’s top fashion talents. They showed up to the tents in their sartorial best, donning standout pieces by homegrown designers.

Gracie and Alexander were both decked out in Canadian wares from head to toe. Alexander’s fierce get-up was all by Calgary native Caitlin Power, from the cobalt blue neoprene jacket to the green printed shirt to the leather pants. He even topped the ensemble off with a pair of blue ALDO sunglasses for that extra patriotic touch.

Gracie sported a coyote and suede coat by Chloé comme Parris that was beyond fabulous, styling it with a printed skirt also by the Toronto-based duo, a t-shirt by Montreal-based Mimi & Coco, a ruched leather clutch by Toronto’s Jenny Bird, and limited edition FLARE Magazine x ALDO shooties.

So many incredible pieces created in our home and native land – hats off to you, Gracie and Alexander, for representing!

Bianca Venerayan and Danielle Roche of Kastor & Pollux, Toronto

Alexander Liang of Alexander Liang, Toronto

Ivy Xu of This Is What We Do, Vancouver

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The Canadian Street Style Lookbook – June 22, 2012 Edition

by The Backseat Stylers | June 22nd, 2012

Robyn Chalmers of Fashionista 514, Montreal

This week, Canada’s best dressed took a break from the usual colour bonanza in favour of black and white with divine textures, cuts, and accessories.

Kristin’s indisputably charming look illustrates the often ignored but serious power of buttons. I’m now convinced that gold buttons are the best kind of buttons, as they transform her blouse from ordinary to extraordinary. Meanwhile, the pearl buttons of her jacket perfectly complement its scalloped trim – primarily in the sense that both are elegant details, but also in that both allude to the ocean.

Rivaling the magnificence of Kristin’s jacket is Robyn’s white jacquard blazer (close-up here). She pairs it with an otherwise all black ensemble of lace, leather and metallic trimmings – unlikely ingredients to a summer-perfect getup. And can we take a moment to ooh and aah over her Preen for ALDO RISE sculptural shoes (close-up here)? They’re downright amazing.

If you’ve ever attempted to wear knitted shorts, then you know they’re the hardest thing to pull off. Bianca does it admirably by incorporating them into an outfit that’s more dark and futuristic, and less cute and casual. Jay has a similar look going on and pulls off his knit sweater with plunging neckline with equal success. Plunging necklines are, of course, a summer style essential. You can take that one to the bank.

Gracie Carroll of Gracie Carroll, Toronto

Jen Tam of Her Waise Choice, Vancouver

Jay Strut of Jay Strut, Toronto

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Street Style

The Canadian Street Style Lookbook – May 25, 2012 Edition

by The Backseat Stylers | May 25th, 2012

Gracie Carroll of Gracie Carroll, Toronto (Image Credit: Jillian Botting)

While the Victoria Day long weekend brought much-needed relaxation to Canadians, this week’s highlights in Canadian street style indicate that no vacation was taken from dressing fabulously.

Gracie’s monochromatic look is genius; the colour and length of the ensemble keep the layering of different textures light enough for spring. Ania’s restrained take on the neon trend – in the form of a yellow bra – is refreshingly different and elevates her casual chic look from moderately sexy to super sexy. Robyn manages to make white shorts seem like the best idea ever (an exceedingly challenging feat) by brilliantly combining them with a sheer mullet blouse and elegant blazer.

Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, Vancouver