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Wednesday 26 March 2014

Grad Gown Masquerade


This is the time when girls get to have some serious fun with their clothes.  They're a little more daring and they want a little more embellishment, more sophistication and a look that is more feminine.


 
 
Beaded bodices, sequins and sparkle will continue to be a major gown trend.
 
 


For a more grown up, sophisticated look, consider vintage inspired elements such as scalloped edging and lace. 

 

Rich, saturated colors such as teal and coral add the perfect amount of whimsy and attitude.
 
 


The most important thing is that you decide on a gown that you love and that makes you smile.  Let Bellissima help you find the perfect dress for your grad.

 
 
 
Congratulations Class of 2014 !

Friday 28 February 2014

Introducing Selected Femme


At select stores throughout Canada,  Bellissima is proud to offer a new and exciting designer label; Selected Femme.




Launched in 2008, SELECTED FEMME represents a strong, metropolitan woman. Exclusive qualities as well as textured and eye catching details enhance the unique and luxurious feel.  It blends the classic and high fashion trends with emphasis on glamorous items. The silhouette has a feminine essence, both simple and bold with sharp and surprising details. A sharp tailored look, a rich mix of fashioned knit wear, and refined luxury daywear complete the look of SELECTED FEMME.

Monika from our Downtown Calgary location has kindly modeled the newest fashionable additions to the Bellissima family.  It's with unique and luxurious details that Selected Femme stands out.  Notice the zipper detailing along the side of the top and the fresh pattern of the pant.

 

 

 

The line is full of thin layers that coordinate with each other making each outfit unique.  We have paired a printed blouse underneath a ribbed sweater along with a full box pleated skirt to create a comfortable yet elegant look.

 


 

No spring wardrobe would be complete without a maxi dress.  Paired with a light cardigan and chunky hip belt we've turned a casual look into something chic!  Selected Femme also has a jewelry line, notice the handcrafted necklace. (Also available in gold)

 



 

Another trend for Spring will be the elastic cuff pant.  With some gold zipper detailing these pants will transform any basic outfit into something special.

 

 

This year spring is all about taking chances, let Selected Femme and Bellissima help you add something fresh to your wardrobe.

Friday 14 February 2014

The Uniform Challenge

Do you ever feel like with the winter weather and snow comes lack luster feelings towards your winter clothes?  Heavy, often scratchy, never wash well and always seem to be black!  I can't help but remember the times of colorful sun dresses and printed cropped pants.  After a colleague planted the seed one afternoon over coffee, I became inspired.

 
1 Dress, 5 days, 5 different and fabulous looks

Rules...can't purchase anything new to coordinate, only use the current pieces in your winter wardrobe.

...no cop-outs...each outfit has to be interesting and beautiful ...document each day and each outfit together with a photo - thank you ahead of time to all my co-workers for the help!


 The dress...

After reading a bunch of other fashion blogs for inspiration I decided that using my token "little black dress" was not enough of a challenge.  So I upped the ante.  I had a fabulous Frank Lyman sample dress hanging in my closet still having yet to meet the light of day, did I mention that it was made entirely of gold lame? I realize that gold lame is not normally worn during the day, this is exactly why I chose it - talk about a challenge.  Now before you start...this particular dress is hand wash only, which makes it perfect to freshen in the sink each night.

 

OK waking up on a Monday morning to open my eyes and see my fabulous new uniform hanging on the back of my door is a treat.  I open my closet door with a new found sense of adventure.  What can I pair with my dress today - the options are endless...

 

Day 1 - Piece of Cake

I've chosen a sample poncho by Frank Lyman.  Outside it is a balmy -13 degrees Celsius, so the coverage is definitely necessary.  I've got a pair of check opaque tights and my trusted riding boots to top it all off.  Now I know that some of you may be thinking this is a little casual for work.  This would be a different challenge all together if I worked in a formal office building, however one of the many joys of working in the fashion industry is that we are encouraged to have fun with our clothing and relish in self expression.

 


Day 2 - No Prob!

I was honestly excited to dig up something fun out of the black hole that has become my closet.  One of the trends this season is the collared blouse so I decided to pair my dress with an old stampede favorite along with soft knit vest.  Add a little bling and voila!

 

Day 3 - Relying on "Old Familiar"

Ok ok we all have that "go to" piece, you know the one that saves the day when you "hate" everything in your closet....welcome to mine.  A cropped plaid blazer, which happens to match perfectly with my patent leather pumps!

 


Day 4 - Ever so slightly tired of wearing a dress ...

So to change things up today I decided to wear my dress like a tunic and added a pair of black Vivian Wong leggings.  To make sure that the proportion wasn't thrown off I wore it with some cute high-heeled ankle booties.  I finished it off with one of my favorite pieces, a Joseph Ribkoff cardigan.

 


 

Day 5 - Last Day...THANK GOODNESS!

While I still hold very fond feelings towards my lame dress...I am so eager to slip into a pair of jeans!  For the final day of the challenge I decided to go a little more classic.  With my favorite Joseph Ribkoff blazer.  I love the built up shoulder.

 


I hope this blog helps you find inspiration in your current wardrobe and if not, visit your local Bellissima store and we can definitely help you out! 


Tuesday 11 February 2014

Spring / Summer Sneak Peek


 
 
I am sure you will agree that Fall fashion is always fabulous and exciting. 

However, the day-dreams of color and fun in the sun have become a regular occurrence come January's end. 

This year the Pantone fashion color report for Spring 2014 calls for dazzling cobalt and vibrant yellow alongside lavender, sand and sage making for an eclectic and varied color palette suitable for everyone.

Bellissima recently had their Spring / Summer 2014 campaign  photo shoot.  Myself, together with supervisor/stylist June Hamilton, created a modern "Mad Men" themed story of pastels paired with vivid brights, graphic  prints and revived florals. 

Enjoy some behind the scenes photos and please stay tuned to www.bellissimafashions.com for the final spread!
 





 

Friday 15 November 2013

PEGG Fashion Show


On October 24 Bellissima had the pleasure of working with the PEGG Womens Club. It was  a day of fun, fashion and food.

Bellissima coordinated with the Women of PEGG to present a Fashion show at the Pine Brook Golf and Country Club. We even set up a private store in the lobby for everyone to shop the latest in jewelry, accessories and designer fashions.  All of the "PEGG" ladies enjoyed a lovely 3 course sit-down lunch which comingled with a private fashion show.



7 of the PEGG members even graced the runway as Bellissima's models.  A special thank you to Sarah, Mary, Audrey, Ollie, Valerie, Ray and Pat. 

The presentation consisted of a showcase of designers like Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman and even Bellissima's private label designer Vivian Wong.  The ladies enjoyed looks ranging from casual all the way to formal evening attire.

Thank you to all the wonderful ladies involved with the event and to the Pine Brook Golf & Country Club for such a beautiful location.







 
 

Monday 4 November 2013

Beautiful Fall Outerwear


 
 
I’m going to share the best piece of fashion advice I’ve ever received: a jacket is the most important item in a Canadian woman’s wardrobe. It’s the only item you’ll need to wear every day when toughing the cold climate – and if you want any hope of looking fashionable on those bone-chilling days, a great coat is a must.

There is a ton of different styles to chose from, but one of my absolute favorites is the tie-waist.  Not only is it a chic style but is flattering to every body type.  Here a few of my favorites;

 

This tie-waist, hooded jacket is a fabulous cashmere blend.  Not only gorgeous but warm! 

 

Aside from the fabulous color palette this boiled wool jacket is stylish and tough.  I find boiled wool vastly underestimated, during the felting process tiny air pockets are created in between the fibers making it a fantastic insulator but incredibly light weight.  Boiled wool will also hold its shape better than most other fabrics and also gets softer with wear.

 

The unique silhouette of this Samuel Dong jacket is really what makes it so special.  The pleating and bubble hem really emphasize the natural waist.

Visit your local Bellissima store for all the hottest coats that are stylish, cozy, versatile―and reasonably priced.

Tuesday 29 October 2013

EXCITING NEWS - MISS AMERICA 2014 IS IN TOWN!



 

Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri, will be visiting Calgary on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 as part of a country wide media tour.  Nina isn't your average girl
5 Things You Don't Know About Nina Davuluri ... but Need Too
1.           She is the 2nd Miss New York to be crowned Miss America.  Last year Mallory Hagan of New York won the crown.
2.           Despite the ongoing issues surrounding the deal to end the US government shut down, President Barack Obama hosted the scholarship winner in the Oval Office at the White House. 
3.           Nina was the first person in Miss America to perform a Classical Bollywood Fusion dance routine for the "Talent" portion of the competition.
4.           She is not just another pretty face.  As a student at the University of Michigan, Nina is on the Dean's List, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Merit Award winner. The end goal? To become a  doctor after attending  to medical school.
5.           She is sponsored by Canada's own Joseph Ribkoff! 
For all the up to the minute details of Nina's visit check out the Joseph Ribkoff facebook page!
 
 
 

Monday 21 October 2013

Sweater Weather


It's hard to admit but summer has officially come to an end and fall is in full swing.  Sweater weather is here. Now wait, there is a silver lining:  Now you have an excuse to buy  super soft and cozy sweaters!  A time of year revered by many, let Bellissima is make the decision easier this year with a vast selection of cozy and elegant fall sweaters.



This season is all about details, those small touches that will take a piece from "cute" to "WOW".  Consider   metallic thread detailing or perhaps stepping out of your comfort zone with one of the seasons hot patterns such as hounds tooth or check.  The possibilities are endless.  Here's some of my favorite styles. 


 

Pair a shimmering tunic length turtleneck with a neutral check wrap to enjoy a cozy evening amongst friends.


Or perhaps this classic loose turtleneck underneath a crochet vest trimmed with fur for clean and trendy outfit.

 
Whether you are looking for a little glitz, something classic or just something to wrap up in with a cup of cocoa, I guarantee that you'll need to look no further then your local Bellissima store.

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Exclusive Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show



It's that time of year again!  The season of the pumpkin spice latte at starbucks, luxurious leather boots and the most exciting fashions of the year.  It's Fall.  Now while I can appreciate the sadness in watching the warm summer weather leave us, it's with dreams of snuggly sweaters and chic tailored coats. 
With fashion week just around the corner, Vancouver fashion week runs September 16 - 21, 2013 (http://vanfashionweek.com) and Calgary fashion week September 25 - 27, 2013 (http://yycfashionweek.com)
Bellissima is hosting a series of Joseph Ribkoff Trunk shows.  Find exclusive never-seen before pieces and be the first to get your hands on them.  I've detailed the shows below, make sure you contact your local store to be added onto the VIP guest list!  
 
 

September 10, 2013
Bellissima Orchard Park Shopping Centre
948, 2271 Harvey Street
Kelowna, BC  V1Y 6H2
250.717.8876
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Bellissima Market Mall
3625 Shaganappi Trail N.W.
Calgary, AB  T3A 0E2
403.247.0062
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Bellissima South Centre Mall
100 Anderson Road S.E.
Calgary, AB  T2J 3V1
403.271.0522
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Bellissima Scotia Centre
220, 700 - 2nd Street S.W.
Calgary, AB   T2P 2W2
403.263.5978

Hope to see you there!


Wednesday 3 July 2013

Come Hell Or High Water, the Stampede Will Go On


Calgary Stampede officials plan to hold the City's annual event, despite devastating floods that washed out the grounds in Calgary, Alberta.  President Bob Thompson announced Monday the Stampede will run as scheduled from July 5-14.  "We have pumped millions of gallons of water from our facilities, scraped the mud from our tarmac, commenced the clean-up of our park, all to welcome guests from around the world, we are greatest together and we will be hosting the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth come hell or high water" he said.

Bellissima is proud to take part and celebrate the 101st Calgary Stampede.  They have designed a fabulous and classic cut,  3-piece denim suit that makes the perfect summer festival uniform.  Easily paired with bright colors, chiffon fabrics or a casual sundress, this denim makes the perfect outfit. 
 

 



 
Don't forget the accessories!  Bellissima is one of the exclusive boutiques that sell the Wallaroo Hat! A unique, stylish and UV protected hat!  Perfect for days on the midway.  The Wallaroo Hat Company was founded in Boulder, Colorado by Stephanie Carter and Lenya Shore in April 1999.  The team discovered that nothing was available in North America that compared to these UPF-rated fashion "finds" from Australia.  The Wallaroo Hat Collection is washable, crushable and versatile for everyday work or play. Each Wallaroo hat has been designed with an internal or external drawstring to make it one-size fits most.   These fabrics are also tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 97.5% of the sun's ultraviolet rays!
 
 



Happy Summer!
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