Canadian Fashion Creations

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Tuesday, 10 September 2013 00:33

Written by Elaine Ing

Being third in the top coldest countries in the world, albeit with varying geo- climates due to its vast expanse (10 million square km), Canada is not for the thin-blooded.  It’s no wonder that the average Canadian goes through more boots than their peers; as well, Canadian footwear manufacturers are globally known for their knowledge and expertise on all-weather and extreme condition footwear.

PAJAR CANADA
Pajar Canada, a 50-year old family company, was specifically created to tackle all weather elements.  Their legacy of superior quality and performance is reflected in its fashion footwear, outerwear and accessories for men and women. Its Heritage Premium boots are 100% lined with genuine sheepskin and guaranteed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -40 C.  The Pajar Sport collections comprise very lightweight rain and snow boots (complete with wool lining and a waterproof construction), as well as top-of-the-line performance outerwear (made with water-resistant construction, and clever details such as inner and outer pockets, side ventilation systems and more).

Women’s 2013 Collection
The Oslo Collection presents luxury footwear with fox, rabbit, and goat fur-trimmings.  The Scarlet and Davos mid-calf boots are adorned with fur-covered uppers. Styles such as the Cher add unexpected color with alternating red, yellow, and beige fringe peeking out of its black, beige, and white fur uppers. Definitely made for the fashion diva.

The Heritage Collection is aimed for the urban woman, featuring a range of boot silhouettes with various heel heights and a modern twist for city chic style. The Sabrina and Shaina booties feature sturdy stacked mid-heels. Equestrian boot styling is seen in the Ceylan, Carla, and Carly.
For the sporty ladies, the highlight of Pajar Women’s Sport Collection is the transformed traditional Riga snow boot, which now has an innovative reversible ice pick built into the boot. With just one click, this clever snow boot is transformed from a regular walking boot to one with a claw-gripping sole to grip the iciest conditions
For the Outerwear Collection, Pajar continues to use suede and fur trimmed accents plus luxurious textures.  The Sasha bomber, mid length Kimmy, and long Cougar come in a variety of rich colors with a removable fully fur lined hood for cozy chic comfort, while the quilting details on the Kiki vest with removable fur trimmed hood are perfect for brisk fall days.

Men’s 2013 Collection
For urban guys, the sleek Scotch slip-on, Othello zipper boot, and lace-ups including the Brandon and Miracle, marry durability with a sporty look and a mink shearling lining for the utmost in comfort and style on inclement weather days.
The men’s Sport Collection showcases weatherproof shoe and boot designs with a memory foam insole for extra comfort. Laurent II and Lonestar give the mid sneaker a performance makeover with textured leather combinations and faux fur lining for a luxe meets street look. Lace-ups like the Bermine and Eugenio refine the hiker boot for the modern urban man, while reversible ice grippers can be found in the Eric, Icegrip, and Sakhaline, keeping men grounded on icy terrain.
For outerwear, the Zach bomber and mid length Eagle both feature a fur hood trim.  For the transitional weather period, the Josh quilted vest and William jacket create the perfect layering ensemble.

MANITOBAH MUKLUKS
Created, owned, operated, and designed by Canada’s First Peoples (Aboriginals), Manitobah Mukluks carry on the centuries-long legacy of traditional footwear.  Mukluks were initially used as a necessary survival tool for Canada’s harsh winters, particularly in the Territories. Now no longer as a survival tool, mukluks have now evolved to one of fashion, function and purpose.  Sean McCormick (a Metis) created Manitobah Mukluks as a way to pay homage to the Aboriginal People, and to ensure the sustainability of Aboriginal culture and traditions.  In a short time, Manitobah Mukluks were soon spotted among the fashionable, including supermodel Kate Moss, Beyonce and singer/actor Justin Timberlake just to name a few. Even British royal heir-in-waiting, Prince George was bestowed two pairs of the wee little ones upon his birth, crafted by a Manitoba artisan. The gifts symbolize “the historic ties between the Aboriginal peoples of Canada and the Crown”.

The 2013 collection consists of new designs in Mukluks, Moccasins, Accessories and the Storybook Project. The Storybook Project is a profit-sharing partnership to better the community.  Working with elders and artisans who create their crafts in the traditional way – by hand, Mukluks then commissions the designs for a limited line of replicas.

Using a variety of distinctive hides, leathers and furs (suede, rabbit skin, deerskin, fur, sheepskin to name a few) and trim (beaver, rabbit, etc), an entire foot bed of 100% genuine sheepskin, and now with Vibram (a world leader in high-performance soles) for a high-abrasion, durable and rugged sole, Mukluks and Moccasins incorporate intricate beadwork and traditional designs of nature to used to reflect centuries-old customs and culture.  

For Winter 2014, “Memento”, a mukluk-inspired women’s snowboard boot, will be the first collaboration boot for Manitobah Mukluks and the world’s leading snowboard brand, Burton Snowboards.  This exclusive pairing utilizes Burton’s snowboarding performance tech (eg Women’s Specific True-Fit Design for ultimate comfort and response) with an authentic Manitobah Mukluks’ design.

Clark Shoes Unveils Fall Collection

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Wednesday, 04 September 2013 16:07

Written by Elaine Ing

After nearly 200 years, Clark shoes remain a relevant and popular brand worldwide.  Originating in 1825, Clark shoes were the brainstorm of James & Cyrus Clark who decided to use remnants from their family-owned tannery in the UK.  Starting from humble origins of sheepskin slippers, Clark shoes have evolved to epitomize fashionable and comfortable footwear.

Six generations of the family firm translates into footwear for the whole family – from babies to kids to adults, and now bags.  Even more exciting have been the collaborations with well-known designers Lisa King, and brands (Harris Tweed, Hanon, Gloverall, just to name a few) to add to their perennial staples such as the Desert Boot and Wallabee.  Whether it’s a new development (eg Clarks Sportwear) or updates of classics, Clarks continues to re-invent itself but remains true to its core.

For the upcoming Fall/Winter 2013 men’s collection, a number of collaborations are available.  In particular, Clark’s Desert Boot has been reinvented in different ways:

Horween x Clarks Originals uses Horween’s luxury premium leather for the Desert Boot and Wallabee.

The Gloverall x Clarks Originals collaboration presents a distinctive shoe – think duffle coat style in a shoe.  Authentic Gloverall wool and suede, with a functional toggle fastening emphasizing the “duffle” identity, is used to create the Desert Duffle.

Woolrich x Clark uses Woolrich’s distinctive plaid, woolen fabric to create a tapestry-covered boot. The Woolrich x Clark is available for both men and women.

Back to School with Fall Fashion

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Friday, 23 August 2013 14:41

Written by Elaine Ing

Summer is coming to an unofficial close with the back-to-school shopping season already in progress.  Amidst the mandatory stationary product purchases, here are some great back-to-school accessory picks to keep the teen, mom or teacher always looking smart.

The Accessories Council and Lyss Stern, creater of of Divalysscious Moms (a luxury lifestyle company catering to stylish moms), offer the following choices to keep you warm and chic:

BCBGeneration Herringbone Fedora ($38)
What a perfect way to cap off a look (pun intended)! An angora-blend fedora is augmented by the jaunty herringbone weave and ribbon band. Available at fine department stores.

David & Young Scarves ($24-36)
Available in a variety of prints (animal, geometric/ Aztec, tie-dyes, etc), fabric and colors, David & Young Scarves allow you to create an infinite number of looks. Their Figure 8 infinity scarf is extremely popular given its versatility.
www.shopdavidandyoung.com, Nordstrom, Macys

Big Buddha Carmen Wallet ($30)
The faux croc wallet / clutch’s interior dividers and snap closure helps you keep fashionably organized. The perfect accessory that you can take from daytime to nighttime.
www.zappos.com

Boy Meets Girls ($18)
Tights are the perfect way to ward off chilly days. Add new looks to your wardrobe by adding a little pop of color or design to your legs. Boy Meets Girls, an edgy yet wearable, stylish yet casually classic young contemporary brand, launches a fun pair with their silhouette motif.

Empowered by You Panties ($20-26)
Panties with a purpose. These high-performance panties are sexy and comfortable due to its seamless fit, patented flocking technology that prevents slipping or bunching (the bane of many women) and performance gear moisture-wicking fabrications.  In addition, Empowered by You is donating 20% of net profits from every panty they sell, to global charities for underprivileged women via micro financing loans for women's businesses. Talk about empowerment. Each panty is packaged in a small, clear zip-closure smart-pack that is resealable and reusable.
www.empoweredbyyou.com

Calvin Klein Leather Bookfold Wallet & Key Fob ($45)
For the organized dad or teen, the sleek wallet and key fob combo with its 8-card slot and ID window is a perfect way to keep credit and id cards handy.
www.macys.com

Carlos by Carlos Santana Carryall ($108)
The rocker Santana obviously has an ear for music and an eye for fashion. The rocker chic carryall is roomy enough to carry everything you need for the entire day.  The faux leather bag features whip stitch chain detailing and stud accents.  A great tote and traditional backpack replacer.  Available at Macys.

RUUM American Kid’s Wear Sequin Dot Backpack ($44.50)
So chic that you may steal it off your kid’s back and wear it as your own. What girl (of any age) doesn’t like a like shine and sparkle in her wardrobe?  The sequin dot backpack features a front zipper, inner compartments and adjustable straps.
www.ruum.com

Steve Madden Canvas Backpack ($54)
If glitz and glam isn’t your thing, how about Steve Madden’s soft canvas backpack with faux-leather accents that comes with a matching cosmetic case.  Available in a variety of colors, prints and colors, there’s something just for you.
www.nordstrom.com

Robeez Soft Sole Shoes ($25)
Don’t leave the wee ones behind.  Robeez’s non-slip suede outsole and elasticized ankle band are a perennial favourite for infants, babies, pre-walkers and toddlers, and approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.  Available in cute, whimsical patterns, animal prints and colors for both boys and girls.   
www.myrobeez.com

Fossil Florence Collection ($75-95)
Now you’ll never have a good reason to be late for class or a PTA meeting.  Part of Fossil’s Fall 2013 collection, the Florence collection features a new case shape in eye-catching jewel-tone leather straps or metal bracelets.
www.fossil.com

DEOS Pink Leather and Swarovski Wave Case ($60)
You’ll always know whose iphone it is with this stand-out genuine leather / Swarovski-embellished iphone 5 case.  A great way to protect your phone while stating your style.
www.deosstyle.com

Electric Picks “Two Heads –Stars” women’s Bracelet ($60)
More rocker chic.  Electric Picks is a contemporary jewelry line with a rock’n’roll heritage. Its designer, MJ Barton, started her career working with a number of rock bands, starting from custom-designed guitar picks and then extending her line to bracelets and necklaces.  The Two-Heads bracelet features 2 gold plated skulls anchoring a hand-painted star bead, along a string of hermatite stones.
www.electricpicks.com

Randolph Bright or Matte Chrome Aviator Sunglasses ($129)
A classic style originally built for the U.S. Military, now a mainstream sunglass style.
www.shop.randolphusa.com

Roman & Sunstone Pinky Rings ($50)
Add a dash of pizazz with Roman & Sunstone’s Luxe Triangle Python pinky ring - a high polished 14k gold plate featuring faux python inlay. Or try the Roman Luxe Polished Square Front pinky ring which features a casted oversized square in the centre.
www.romansunstone.com

Stephanie Kantis Chain ($235-495)
If there was ever a piece of jewelry that gave you the most bang for the buck, Stephanie Kantis’ chain is it.  Stephanie’s talents in interior and home product design are clearly demonstrated in this one-of-a-kind versatile chain which can be worn 15 different ways for all occasions.  With interlocking loops, the innovative chain can be transformed into a multitude of looks either alone or mixed & matched with pendants – due to her signature “S” clasp.  You have to see it to believe it.
www.stephaniekantis.com and in finer boutiques and department stores.