The catwalk: Chinese mini dress

Ni hao! When you're planning a trip to China and you have just three short weeks there, it can be a challenge to decide what to do, where to go and what to see. Especially when you plan said trip at short notice! There were a few must-dos that ranked high on my list: check out the Great Wall at Mutianyu (and toboggan down it just because I can), head to the Forbidden City, see the lights on the Bund, experience the pedestrian street and shopping on Nanshing Road and of course visit the Silk Market in Beijing.

The Silk Market, also known as Silk Street, is one of a few markets of its kind. These markets carry everything from tea, to luggage, to high end handbag brand names and it’s also a commonality to see a full floor of tailor made shops often with photos of celebrities displayed of whom they've tailor made clothing for. Beijing had three major markets that we frequented including Silk Street, the Pearl Market and Yashow. After visiting a market or two in Shanghai to test the waters and really get accustomed to what we should expect, we were ready to bargain hard and look for some deals in Beijing!

I hadn't planned on purchasing anything tailor made but while I was waiting for my husband and friend to get fitted for their suits I figured I may as well join in the fun – after all, David Beckham had a suit tailor made at Tony the Tailor’s – why can’t I? I quickly started filing through some pattern books to see what different styles they had to offer. Since I was in China, I chose to go with a traditional Chinese dress and fabric with a modern twist. They took my measurements, and 24 hours later I returned to try on and pick up my new dress.

The black and red plum blossom fabric is exactly what I was looking for and the mini length gives it a mod flavour making it versatile and appropriate for many occasions. The fabric has very little give so it's tailored slightly larger than I had expected so I can move and sit comfortably. It's classy and fun, and I envision it being perfect for a party or a night out. Pair it with a black clutch, pumps and gold jewelry to make it glam and gorgeous! X

Tailor made dress with kate spade byrd wellesley purse. Photo by Sam Russell

Tailor made Chinese dress. Photo by Sam Russell

Tailor made Chinese dress.with black leather kate spade byrd wellesley handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

beauty banter: shade shifter

One of my favourite ways to get into a new season is by playing with new makeup, beauty and hair trends. I've never been into (or good at) nail art, but I love a style-trending manicure to accent my wardrobe and play up my personality.

Earlier in 2013, duo chrome was dubbed Hollywood's latest mani trend and this season I've been on the lookout for a good duo chrome polish so I could give it a try.

OPI's Peace & Love & OPI in their new San Francisco fall 2013 collection is exactly the polish I was looking for. Maybe it’s because just last week, I had an unexpected visit in San Francisco but I love how this metallic grey-based shade shifts between green and purple and literally changes every time I look at it. I love OPI’s applicator, and the formula was consistent with no apparent streaking when I applied. Two coats was more than sufficient for a strong and consistent colour. It’s actually a lot of fun to see what different light does for this duo chrome; every time I look at this polish, I see a different variation of colour!

Verdict: I love OPI’s Peace & Love & OPI! Would you wear this trend? Love it? Don’t love it? Let me know! x

The catwalk: spot skater dress

It's no secret... I love spots. And if you've read any of my previous catwalk posts you already know I am in love with Oasis! Rewind several months to when my husband was in London and picked up this pretty spot skater dress at the Oasis flagship store for me. I fell in love with it when I saw it online and I never expected that I'd be lucky enough to hang this lovely piece in my closet let alone wear it!

Arguably a spot-on match to Tangerine Tango (Pantone's colour of the year in 2012) this belted fit and flare was a staple for me this summer. It transitions nicely from day to night - but even better - it can be a staple in my fall wardrobe too. Pictured below, it's paired with a small Dooney & Bourke handbag that's teal in colour. Even though they're a bold pairing, the colours are an absolute perfect match and make the outfit even more fun and playful. Topped off by a tan patent pump, simple accessories and some soft mermaid waves this ensemble was one of my top go-to outfits of the summer. To take this into fall, I'll pair it with black tights and boots, and I'll darken up the handbag choice to something a little more seasonal. Do you like this dress better for summer or for fall? Happy shopping! x

Oasis spot skater dress with teal Dooney & Bourke handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

Oasis spot skater dress with teal Dooney & Bourke handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

Oasis spot skater dress with teal Dooney & Bourke handbag. Photo by Sam Russell

hernameiscat came back

Hello, hernameiscat fans! I know what you’re thinking: ‘Where have you been? I’m totally missing your fashion tips and street style!’ It’s long overdue, and your wait is over because I am back and ready to blog. 

I’ve had an unexpectedly busy summer filled with fashion, fun and fitness topped off by a somewhat unplanned but once in a lifetime trip to China. Keep an eye out for a fashionable post in the next few days – I’ll be bringing you up to speed on my favourite fashions of the summer and how you can transition your style into fall and winter. Gambei! (means ‘cheers’ in Mandarin) xx

The catwalk: Oriental infusion

SS2013 is in full swing. The weather is warm, the sun is shining and flowers are in full bloom in wardrobes from London to New York. One of the season’s top trends welcomes Oriental-style pieces with a Western flavour. Asian-inspired motifs have been dawning the pages of fashion magazines everywhere. High fashion Oriental pieces have been a fixture on the catwalk this season and the good news is, if you are into this trend you can get your hands on some trendy pieces that can be infused into your everyday style, adding a little Asian spice to your closet this season.

When I found out my husband was going to dedicate a day to shop for me in London, my Sherlock Holmes skills emerged. I quickly started researching his target shopping destination, Oasis, and I stumbled upon a full section of their site dedicated to the Oriental trend. I fell in love with some of the pieces I saw, and I decided to embrace my inner geisha and give this trend a try.

This floral plait neck top features a vintage floral print, ruffle trim cap sleeves, a keyhole button closure and layered pleated hem. Since it's light and airy it pairs well with skinny denim. It's shown below with dark blue skinnies but it also works very well with white. I've worn it both ways, and I like to change it up between the two to keep my look fresh. Sometimes I wear this top with a thin coloured belt to create a defined waistline but I think it's nice to let the shirt just flow as it is (both looks are shown below.) As I mentioned in a previous post, I love Oasis (I can't emphasize how much I love them) and I hope that someday they'll ship to Canada but for now you can order Oasis pieces on asos.com. Keep your eye out for this trend during SS2013 and let me know if you try it too! x

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

Photo by Sam Russell.

The catwalk: Seeing spots

Polka dots have always been a timeless fashion staple. I began seeing spots last year when polka dots started trending, and it's clear they're having a moment in the spotlight again in 2013. They're fun and feminine and they've been spotted adorning nearly everything from cute flats and tops, to handbags and delicate dresses. They go very well with neutrals and solids, but can also be paired with print for a bolder more fashion-forward look.

If you know anything about me at all you know that I love a good fashion find, especially when I can really get my money's worth out of it. I don't usually buy things that will go out of style quickly. Instead, I try to find some great timeless versatile pieces to diversify my wardrobe. My polka dot popover is a perfect example of a piece I’m proud to say was a great fashion investment.

While on a solo shopping mission at South Coast Plaza I visited J.Crew in search of summery tops and bright bottoms. That’s where I found my skinny red denim and vintage sailor-inspired tee. I was happy with my fashion finds and getting ready to move on but my lovely personal stylist at J.Crew insisted I try on a brand new arrival – a pretty polka dot popover. It was love at first sight (which is a big deal for me!) This precious piece can go easily from day to night and can be worn in many different ways – part of the reason I love it so much. I've since purchased other polka dot pieces and who knows… maybe you’ll see them featured in the future!

You can (and really should) get this look too! My J.Crew popover has made its way to J.Crew Factory, where you can purchase it either in store or online. If you want the look for a lower price, check out Forever 21 for a comparable style. If you have a hankering for a high quality piece, you can find this style at Neiman Marcus both in store and online. I’ll be seeing you in the spotlight soon! x

P.S. I'd like to give a huge shout out to my friend Sam Russell, who is kind enough to take pictures of me for my blog almost every week. Sam is fantastic and super-talented. If you'd like to see more photos by Sam, you can check out his work here. 

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

The catwalk: Royal mint

It’s cool, fresh and appealing to the eye. A place where money is made, and a key ingredient in mojitos. It even means modest, insightful and kind-hearted. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Mint is a cool colour (literally) that was touted the trendiest hue of spring 2012 and is still trending this season. Mint has an air of sophistication with a hint of femininity. I had to have it, no question. But how does one with a fair complexion pull it off?

That’s a great question, considering last year I said that pastels wouldn't work against my fair skin tone. The truth is that I thought pastels wouldn't work because I wasn't used to seeing myself in them. Every time I tried one on I’d find a different reason why not to buy. I call it the pastel complex. ‘It makes me look too pale!’ ‘Do I look like I’m sick?’ ‘What’s that? Did someone say chocolate?’

Since I've accepted the way I look in pastels, I've been surrounded by a whole new colour experience! While shopping for key pieces this season, light and breezy spring tops were at the top of my list. And so was mint. I found the perfect minty piece at a DKNY outlet and its flowing fabric goes wonderfully with my white skinny denim. Pair it with some standout black pumps and a dainty black handbag and you’re ready for a night out. If the weather is cool, layer a blue jean jacket over the top with a printed scarf to pull the look together. Finally, I can check mint off my list!

You can get this look too by visiting your fav shop, and if that doesn't do the trick just search for ‘mint blouse’ on Polyvore and you’ll be lost in lots of options in no time. Happy shopping! x

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

The catwalk: Pretty in print

Summer is almost here and hernameiscat is ready for the catwalk! After a winter hiatus (or maybe hibernation) I'm back and ready to blog about my favourite fashion trends and to tell you where you can find them!

My first look of the season features a summer staple that's very on-trend and was bought from a lovely place in one of the big four fashion capitals of the world – London, England. My husband was on a business trip in the UK, and I think he sensed that I might be a little envious of his location because he earmarked a whole day at the end of his trip to go shopping for me. Clearly, I took advantage (what girl wouldn't?) Someone quickly pointed him in the direction of Oasis, a contemporary British brand that’s grown to 79 stores world-wide and conveniently seemed like it was right up my fashion alley.

Putting my fab fashion investigative skills to good use, I quickly started researching. I'm thinking that this store is amazing yet I can’t have everything. How can I choose? I sent him a variety of things I liked – everything from dresses, to tops, to accessories – to help him as he embarked on his shopping mission (not an easy task, I might add!) He went to the store armed with photos and styles, and he was there no time before some of the friendly staff were voluntarily recruited to help complete Operation Oasis. He left with a few pieces that I absolutely adore, and some complimentary chocolate for the road!

Now, back to the dress. This Photo Floral Skater Dress which was featured in LOOK is a clear favourite. I love everything about it: from its bold floral print, subtle pleated front, and cut out detailing to its cinched waist, bright belt and flowy skirt. It’s perfect for anytime and any place. Wear it to work with black tights and pumps, dress it down during the day with a pair of flats or sandals, or glam it up during the night with your fav heels! Finish the look with a bright handbag and fun accessories.

While Oasis doesn’t ship to Canada (yet – I’m hoping that someday they will), you can still get their latest trends on asos.com. I, for one, am now an Oasis girl! Happy shopping, and see you next week! x

Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

"Denise!" Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell

Cut out detail. Photo Floral Skater Dress by Oasis. Photo by Sam Russell