Cool Cotton Dresses

Enjoy the beauty and comfort a light cotton summer dress. When hot weather rolls around, a light dress and a pair of sandals can become the perfect outfit. Effortless and comfortable, a dress also helps beat the heat while looking lovely.  The summer dress is a well-loved and classic hot weather look, often featuring full, ruffled skirts with chic, feminine necklines.  Cute touches like bows and ruffles are often found and are available in wonderful bright colors and stylish patterns.

Cotton summer dresses with A-line skirts look great on all ages and body types.  Slip into a pair of strappy wedges for even leaner, longer-looking legs.   Can't decide which color to wear? Try a floral or patterned dress  to create a unique color-coordinated look.

 

An empire waist cut features a high waistline that falls just beneath the bust and is a nice option for women who prefer longer skirts. The empire waist look is a great way to draw attention to sculpted shoulders or a long neck and helps to camouflage any problem areas below.

 

 

Crochet is a hot trend right off the runway.  This unique style features a full A-line skirt with a beautiful crochet bodice and scalloped neckline. Enjoy the feeling of never having to sacrifice style and trend for comfort!

 

 

Browse beautiful cotton summer dresses today at Bellissima.

Miss Universe Canada

All of us at Bellissima want to take a moment to send a very warm Congratulations to Riza Santos.

On May 25, 2013, together with several other ladies from across Canada, Riza participated in the Miss Universe Canada pageant...and won!!  This December she will go on to compete as the Canadian representative in the Miss Universe pageant.

Riza is also a model with Sophia Models and has modeled for Bellissima in the Spring 2013 ad campaign.  Also, check out my blogpost from May 19, 2013 for more details about Riza.

You truly deserve the success, and with your efforts, you are sure to make it far.

Congratulations!

The Great Gatsby

With the release of Baz Luhrman's "The Great Gatsby" has come a title wave of "Gatsby Fever".  The joie de vivre of the roaring twenties can be felt around the globe.  And the fashion? No further away then the pages of Vogue or your local Bellissima store.  Yours truly couldn't help jumping on the bandwagon and having a little photo shoot fun of her own.   You can't go wrong with one of the most iconic of all 1920′s jewelry pieces: the long multi strand of glass beads.  Have a look at the beautiful Gatsby inspired styles below and let your inner flapper out to play this spring. 

 

 

Riza Santos

I have been lucky to work with and spend some time getting to know Riza Santos, the 2013 Miss Universe Canada Contestant, and one of the faces of Bellissima Fashion. Not only is she a rare beauty but she is also incredibly intelligent and opened my eyes to what really goes on behind the scenes in terms of pageant life.

Riza is a unique combination of talents and attributes. To name a few, she spent two years enrolled in the Canadian Forces Army Reserve with 15 Field Ambulance and completed her Basic Military and Soldier Qualification; she studied Mechanical Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering where she received numerous scholarships and while residing in the Philippines, Riza became a popular TV actress which led to a film career. Her leading lady role in the movie “Dobol Trobol” earned her a best actress award nomination from the Philippines Film Academy.

 

She has succeeded in ways far beyond those of the average mid-20's city girl. Having already accomplished so much, she made it clear to me that her family and friends are still a strong priority in her life as is her volunteer work. While living in the Philippines Riza was introduced the charity Bantay Bata 163 which focuses on the welfare and protection of children, specifically those victims of child abuse, offering extensive medical assistance to sick and indigent children throughout the Philippines region. While competing on the television show Big Brother Pinoy Celeb Edition 2 she won runner up where she was awarded one million pesos for Bantay Bata 163.

 

Riza has competed in several beauty pageants since her first at age 14. She proudly holds the titles Miss Earth, Miss World Canada and coming May 25th, fingers crossed, Miss Universe Canada. Bellissima Fashions is proud to sponsor Riza with a beautiful gown for the upcoming Miss Universe Canada Pageant. We wish her every success and luck. Sadly the pageant is not televised however you can keep up with all the details at www.beautiesofcanada.com.

 

 

 

While we were wrapping things up and starting to goof off, I got the nerve to ask her if the final question at a beauty pageant really is the stereotypical "How will you solve world peace?" Being good natured Riza laughed. “Not at all” she says. After a few pensive moments she looks up and says "How would you describe the world to a blind person?" I'm still mulling that one over.

 

 

Periphery

Periphery is a private fashion label designed and fabricated in Canada.  Established in 2000, the line consists of dresses, blouses, and coordinates in elegant fabrics with a heavy focus on meticulous construction and quality.

Principle designer and developer, Samuel Bardon, is the son of the design team behind Suttles & Seawinds retail chain.  He says he "grew up in the business" and "sort of picked it up".  However, he's no fan of formal education, he dropped out of design school after 1 week.  "You could say that I attended the fashion school of hard knocks."

The focus of Periphery is to create garments that are "straightforward and uncluttered, clothing that is quietly fashionable.  Clothing that talks without talking and speaks chic without the force of full blast fashion."

Periphery is now available at your local Bellissima store.  Here are a few of my new favorites for spring.

  

Bellissima at Prom

 

 

Having finished high school and about to be released into the world, what better way to celebrate that then with a masquerade.  Dressed to the nines to experience what the world has to offer to our beautiful youth.

I couldn't resist, you girlie girls will understand.  First the mani pedi, the updo at the salon but nothing is more important than the gown.  It really is a rite of passage for young women everywhere. The duckling into a swan, the sweet girl transforming into a beautiful young woman. It's official.  It's prom, and what better way to toast the celebration then with the gown to end all gowns.

Now the opportunity to relive my graduation was more then I could handle and promptly set out to find the crème de la crème of prom gown fashions.  Here's a few helpful hints I've learned to make the gown hunt a little less stressful and a lot more fun!

Sequined embellishments is the leader of prom trends.  Under those lights who wouldn't want to twinkle and shine.  However, make sure not to overdo it ... you don't want to look like a side show act.

 
Asymmetrical necklines and unexpected detailing or beading add a pop that pulls the eye and flatters any figure.

 

The leading trend in bridal design has filtered its way into evening wear,  and strapless gowns are thriving. Pairing this style with a bold necklace or a statement pair of earrings will stop this look from being too simple and help to fill this open neckline.

 

Another trend that can add some fashion forward flare to your prom look is the high-low skirt.  What better way to show off those killer stilettos.

The mermaid style gown is perfect for emphasizing and accentuating curves, perfect for those ladies with wanting to create a sexy "Marilyn" silhouette.

For any one of these fabulous gowns and many more, be sure to visit the Bellissima location nearest you!

Spring Trend Alert : LACE

Let yourself devour a fabulous spring trend, despite the snow!  Spotted all over the runways across  various fashion weeks, lace made a bold and luxurious statement as both an accent and as a main feature.  This romantic look is not only for evening wear anymore.

The key to sporting this new trend is to choose a high-quality garment because lace can look cheap if it's not well-made.  Check out some of my favorites, courtesy of Bellissima, exciting ways lace can infuse some romance into your spring wardrobe.

 Expect the unexpected with this cropped pant.  The key to this look is to keep the rest of your outfit neutral and classic.

 

Peak-a-boo lace sleeves put a current spin on a classic blazer.  Add one to a basic tee or camisole to add some punch to your weekend look.

 

Layer it up!  Let peeks of lace detailing show through your favorite cardigan!

If you are looking for some other interesting ways to add a little touch of lace why not pick up a lace handbag or clutch, perhaps try a lace embossed manicure!  What are your thoughts? Do you think the lace trend is overrated or worthy of our love?  Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!

 

 

Behind the Seams with Vivian Wong

In an exclusive interview with the creative mind behind Bellissima's premier private label Vivian Wong talks about style, her fashion processes and beyond...

KC:  Vivian where are you from? What's your educational/ professional background?

VW:   I was born in Hong Kong. After I finished high school  I went to Paris to study fashion design and graduated in 1979. I then worked for a few International companies based in Europe where I learned the world's leading fashion .  When I returned to Hong Kong I was responsible for the whole fashion department, and experienced a wide range of challenges from production all the way to selling.

KC:  Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a collection. What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing? In your mind what are the necessities in the design/construction of your line?

VW:  When designing a collection, it is very important to know what the trends are; in style, fabrics and color, and to closely study the target market that I am aiming for. To make a quality article of clothing, it needs a good design with character, fabric and workmanship so that women wear it with confidence and comfort. I also take pride in manufacturing our garments in Canada.

KC:  What is your favorite part of the process? Least favorite?
   

VW:  My favorite part of the process is the design aspect however it is also the hardest.  When designing, I can fantasize about creating fashion that I like. My  least favorite part is the production, which is at the hands of others and it is not easy to find someone with the same passion towards fashion that I have.

KC:  What are some of your fashion goals for your line?

VW:  My fashion goals are to design clothing welcomed by the general public and recognized by the fashion world.

 KC:  How would you define the style your line exemplifies?

VW:  My fashion designs convey a message of style and comfort.

 KC:  Do you have any favourite fabrics you like to use?

 VW:  My favourite fabrics are silky chiffon and a jersey knit with colorful prints.

KC:  Who are your favourite designers?

 
VW:  My favourite designers are Frida Giannini (Gucci), Donna Karen, Eva & Roberto Cavalli, Yohji Yamamoto, Jil Sander…

 KC:  Where would you recommend someone who wanted to become a designer take their schooling?

 VW:  I would recommend studying in Paris or London simply because Europe is still the fashion leader.

 KC:  Since Bellissima is based in Western Canada do you base your designs on the "West Coast Women"?

VW:  Yes. It is very important to be welcomed by the local Canadian women before seeking recognition from the World.

I can see that the Vivian Wong private label is very well received and definitely growing in popularity with our Bellissima clients. By having a designer work exclusively with Bellissima, it puts this unique company on the map and shows their commitment to bringing the very best in fashion to the market place, not to mention how they stand out amongst the rest.

Thanks Vivian, stay chic!

 

 

Pretty Pretty Peplum

One of the latest trends to hit fashion waves this season is the Peplum. Peplum tops, jackets and dresses are all the rage for the upcoming season. In case you are unfamiliar with what exactly a peplum is, it can be described as a flared ruffle attached to the waistline of a dress, jacket or blouse. Peplums are an easy way to define or give the illusion of hips and curves. Peplums also add class, style and sophistication to any look.

Here's a few tips I've picked up for rockin' the peplum look;

• When wearing a peplum top, keep your bottom half fitted with either a pencil skirt or skinny jeans. The only flare should be on the peplum, more than that would be overkill. 

• Don’t be afraid to try it! Slim women will benefit from the instant illusion of curves and curvier women will benefit from the accentuated waistline.

Special Spring Sneak Peek

Lets look ahead shall we ... leave the snow and ice behind and stroll our way alongside Punxsutawney Phil into the fresh spring sun.  This spring season there are so many trends to look out for, vibrant colours, feminine textures and graphic patterns.

This past month I had the pleasure of assisting at the Bellissima website photo shoot.  After a long day spent styling, posing and snapping photos, everyone was exhausted by the time we left the studio, but couldn't be more thrilled with the final product. I hope you enjoy this little sneak peak... stay tuned for the final spread coming soon!

Invest Invest Invest

My New Years resolution?  Invest.  Making the most out of our wardrobes by investing in 1 great piece that can be worn in a variety of ways.  One of my new favourite pieces, courtesy of the Bellissima spring collection, is this chiffon casual jacket, which I've worn in 3 different ways below;

1.  Everyday Chic
Together with a bejewelled T and your favourite pair of blue jeans, adds an artistic flare to your everyday.

2.  Office Fashion Party
Make the work week a little more fun by updating a basic suit!  I've worn this piece as a blouse over top of a classic pair of trousers then combined with some funky statement jewellery making this the perfect outfit to make it through any long week.

3.  Friday Night Fabulousness
Now for something a little more fashionable to go with a cosmopolitan.  Notice how this jacket is also completely reversible!!  I've paired it over a classic "little black dress" to create the perfect evening outfit for date night!  Add some sparkle and a cute pair of heels and you're good to go.

Happy Shopping!!