Style Hacks Heading Into The Holidays

Like most people, my December calendar is jam packed with holiday events.

It seems every day this month I have an event or party which require various dress codes. The other night while scanning Pinterest and Instagram for outfit inspo I thought, why not ask the pros. Since we have such a great Notable community of Fashion Designers and Style Influencers, I figured they could offer up some style advice to help us get holiday ready! Read what they had to say below:

Muna Khalaf

holiday-fashion-fashion designer-toronto

Muna, (@therawedge) is a Toronto based wardrobe stylist and personal shopper. We asked Muna, our Notable Award’s Fashion Influencer of the Year to help us put together an outfit. “I wanted to play around with color where I would combine two colors that generally or typically aren’t associated with each other. I added some sparkly long earrings and pumps to give my outfit a more festive vibe to it!”

What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
In my book, ANYTHING! Excluding a ball gown. I feel like you can easily transform a piece of clothing, shoes, or accessories to go from a casual day look to a glamorous nighttime outfit.

DAY LOOK: Wear your white t-shirt with a pair of cropped flare jeans, a pair of slogan socks, a silk bomber.

NIGHT TIME: WEAR THAT SAME OUTFIT WITH A PAIR OF SEXY PUMPS, some long crystal earrings, throw your hair in a bun, add a bold lip and you’re good to go.

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
RISK YOU SHOULD TAKE: have fun creating a monochromatic outfit.
I’m going to attempt an overall red on red one. I’m thinking a structured red suit, matching red pumps, and a red lip to complete the look. You could also do a head-to-toe leather look.

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?
THRIFT SHOP. Spend your $50 on an item or items that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd.

Sergio El-Azzi

holiday-fashion-fashion designer-torontoSergio El-Azzi is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Toronto based fashion platform Tuxedo Sergio. He created his platform 3 years ago as a hobby at first. His passion has allowed him to experience growth and flourish in the local and international fashion scene. This year alone, he worked with brands such as Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Zac Posen, Zang Toi and Neeam Khan. 

  1. What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
    If you know me…(or follow my Instagram) you know I have a slight obsession with oversized pouches. They are the perfect day to night accessories. The smaller size helps you not over stuff your bag and they really do fit everything you need. I own both designer and high street pouches. There’s no need to spend a fortune on one. But if you are looking to invest, I love the Chanel O’cases!

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
SPARKLE! Bring out the sparkly tuxedo’s, dresses and shoes… or anything with bling! But make sure to do it tastefully so you will look fabulous not tacky.

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?

If you only have $50 to spend on your wardrobe I 100% recommend checking out your local vintage or thrift store. I personally love the Kind Exchange. I have found such amazing pieces that I’ve been able to incorporate into everyday life.

Sara Duke

holiday-fashion-fashion designer-toronto
Sara Duke is a Canadian independent fashion designer, based in Toronto. Her pieces are thoughtfully created for the modern urban woman, signified by clean lines and modest fits. For almost a decade, she has been designing and hand cutting garments out of her Parkdale studio, always with an emphasis on carefree, easy wear.

What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
I love a vintage black Coach purse. They are sturdy, fit all your stuff and classic enough to wear day to night.

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
You should wear white. I love nothing more then a warm knit sweater dress in cream or white during the months fashion dictates you should stick to black.

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?
At the Toronto Humane Society. I’m a huge fan of the work that they do and would encourage them to donate that $50 or to give one of the animals there a home.

Stefania Santini

holiday-fashion-fashion designer-torontoStefania (@stylemajeur) is a bi-coastal style and travel blogger living between Toronto and Los Angeles. She uses her Instagram as a creative outlet and a way to connect and be inspired by new, amazing people. The holidays are her favourite time of the year as it is a good excuse to put together a chic, festive outfit!

What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
Now this may seem boring, but the perfect pair of jeans is so important whether it’s day or night! During the day, I’m pairing my high-waist Re/Done Levi’s jeans with Doc Martins and a cozy sweater. At night I switch to heels for a more chic and effortless look!

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
‘Tis the season for sparkles, sequins, and shiny everything! During the year you may not feel brave enough to pull that off, but the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to wear something super fun or even get a little cheesy with festive outfits!

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?
My favourite spots are H&M and Zara. My H&M sweater was a $19.99 promotion and the pants were on sale at Zara for $25.00! They are the perfect places to get trendy items on a budget!

Meredith Shaw

holiday-fashion-fashion designer-toronto

Photo Credit: @CanadianCurvies Shot by: @katiuskaidrovoo Dress: @rentfrockrepeat

Meredith Shaw is a media personality and curvy style authority. She can be heard daily on 104.5 ChumFm & iheartradio, can be seen as a style expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, The Social and Your Morning and can be read monthly in Canadian Living with her style column #WeTheCurvy. Meredith is also an in demand model, rep’d in Toronto by B&M Model Management and in NY by True Model Management.

What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
I love anything leather – especially a trim fitting, well worn leather motto jacket. I think the holidays are a time to be glam and fab but the addition of a leather jacket always adds the right amount of spice to all things nice. Wear it with a chunky sweater and jeans for day and pop it over a glam gown at night – you can never go wrong with leather.

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
This is the perfect time of year to risk & rule break because if it doesn’t work there’s always plenty o’ WINE so, step out of your comfort zone. If you’ve always stayed away from sparkle, get a great sequin topper to wear with a stiletto & jeans, if you’re always hiding your cute curves in oversized sweaters, try something bodycon- and if your comfort zone is an LBD, go for a pop of colour. Tis the season!

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?
This may surprise you, but I’d have to say to get a new bra because you can buy all the fab holiday outfits you want but if you’re wearing the same old bra that, let’s be honest, has seen better days, things aren’t going to look as good as they could. They say it’s what’s on the inside that counts right? That’s actually quite true when it comes to style too.

Meghan Kraft

holiday-fashion-fashion designer-torontoMeghan Kraft is a Canadian Designer and Creative Director focused on bringing together the top talent in creative entrepreneurship. After building Canadian Lifestyle Brand Illbury + Goose for 5 years she left the company to pursue other projects. Most recently she spent 5 months living in India, returning home with her latest collection of resort wear, Chai Atelier.

What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
A leather ‘Moto’ jacket. There nothing more versatile. Whether it’s paired with you favourite denim and or thrown over something fancier for a night out, you can’t go wrong. My favorites include the classic Schott Perfecto, a shearling lined Rudsak or a statement jacket from Hendrixroe.

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
Silver and gold, silver and gold!
Mix metals and textures. When it comes to the holidays I feel a classic outfit can be taken to the next level with metallics and layers of texture. Add interest by mixing silver and gold jewelry, or by pairing your favourite black dress with a matching velvet shoe or vintage fur.

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?
A manicure! No matter how hectic things get (especially around the holidays) I always feel put together when my nails are freshly groomed. You never know when you’re going to have a last minute event to pop into, so keeping those nails on point is an easy way to pull together a polished look, fast. My personal go-to is a classic cherry red.

Tara Rivas

parts+labour-style-fashion-trend

Tara Rivas took the leap of faith in 2015 and turned her passion into a business. Just two years later she has had 5 pop up shops, fashion shows at Yorkdale and RE\SET and has dressed top influencers in Toronto. Her collection consists of timeless, versatile and empowering designs that offer women maximum style and minimum effort.

What is your favourite accessory or fashion-piece to go from Day to Night?
My favourite piece right now is definitely our Camden Jacket. It is made out of a high quality crepe that feels smooth as silk and is available in four gorgeous colours (muted silver, midnight navy, jet black and blush). I wear it from day to night with jeans for a more casual look or in the evening with dress pants.

What is a fashion “risk or rule” you should take or break over the holidays?
Wear white! Since there is no snow on the ground, it would be nice to see more winter white. It’s festive and stands out amongst a sea of LBD’s.

If someone had $50 where should they spend it?
Considering that it is the holidays and a time of giving, I think $50 would be well spent on a charity of choice.