Dressed to Thrill

Avoid a fashion crisis with quick fashion fixes

Photography and story by Kimberly Rashed
So you’ve been invited out for an evening of celebration; may I just start by saying congratulations on getting out of the house. Sure, everyone loves that overloaded basket of laundry that stares them down each Friday night just begging to be folded, but your relationship with housework aside, you need some time apart.

As you trade in your trademark sweats for something a little more fun, there are a few things to consider; one being how to avoid possible wardrobe malfunctions that somehow always ruin a perfectly good evening. Luckily, I’ve got a few tips to share on the subject.

Overdressed vs. Underdressed

If your invite states the dress as formal or semi-formal, much can be left to interpretation. If you’re on the fence about what to wear, it’s always better to be overdressed, I say. One of my favourite must-have items for events is a stylish blazer – if you happen to arrive in your glitziest dress, jewelled to the hilt, at least you can peel off a couple of jewels and keep the jacket on.

Heading out in a group is also a great safety net when it comes to gauging the fashion waters. Prepare ahead of time by making sure everyone in your group is dressing at the same level of glam-ness – that way, you’re rolling with a hot-looking entourage as opposed to those who opted to show up in their best “party slacks”.

 

Twins!

Sounds cute, doesn’t it? Not so much when it comes to fashion. PEI is small and though we’ve got our fair share of fashion options, there’s always a chance that you will show up to an event wearing the same thing as someone else (and yes, this has happened to me). Let’s just say, you don’t want to be seen in the next issue of G! under the heading “Who wore it best?” That is, unless, you are completely confident that you totally rocked it. But really, you don’t want to risk it.

So what do you do when your fashion doppelganger is mingling in your midst? Running home and living in seclusion for the next six months is one possibility, but there are better options, I promise. This is where the stylish blazer comes in handy – it will give your dress a totally different look. It’s true that a dress can take on a slightly different look on someone else – little edits like hairstyle, accessories and that handy blazer will save you.

Keeping chicky in your sights at all times helps too; that way, you’re sure to mingle on opposite sides of the room. Of course, you could always pay her off in the ladies room to send her home. The possibilities are endless, really.

Going Strapless

Strapless gowns are not for everyone. You definitely want to be sure that you and “the girls” are on the same page. Test your sexy strapless look ahead of time; try sitting, standing, dancing and moving around in your outfit before leaving the house. There’s nothing sexy about being mid conversation with a possible suitor and feeling everything start to go south.

The Mini Dress

This look can be classy but you will have to be prepared. Alcohol consumption should be moderate and try to stay on your feet for as much of the evening as you can. Aside from that, be aware that things will happen; a pair of seamless booty shorts can be your best friend. That way, if you do end up taking a tumble, you can at least cover up your embarrassment by knowing you’re…well…covered up!

The Five-Inch Demons

So this is where I tell you about the cutest little ballet flats that are made to fit right in your clutch. After you’ve managed to dance off the first few hours and your tootsies are a barkin’, you can pull them out and still look hot. Blech! No! I forbid it! Wearing sky-high heels is kind of like childbirth – it really sucks at that moment but after some time passes and you’ve forgotten about the pain and agony, you’re willing to go through it again. It’s totally worth it, I swear.

We’re looking hot tonight, ladies. Period.

 

Find your style potential with Kimberly Rashed each month in G! As a fashionista working mom of three, she shares her take on relationships, fashion and the low-down getting through the days…all in her five-inch demons.

Avoid a fashion crisis with quick fashion fixes Photography and story by Kimberly Rashed So you’ve been invited out for an evening of celebration; may I just start by saying congratulations on getting out of the house. Sure, everyone loves that overloaded basket of laundry that stares them down each Friday night just begging to [...]

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G! Whiz: The Harry Potter Hat Superbowl

The greatest love story that’s not in the movie The Lake House played out in London on Friday, April 29, 2011 when William Arthur Phillip Louis Windsor, Prince of Wales married Catherine Elizabeth Middleton (or K-Middy Dirty Money as the Queen refers to her) in front of an audience of millions. Many are calling it the wedding of the century; I wouldn’t go that far, at least not until 2031 when we get to see Shiloh Jolie-Pitt marry Rocco Lourdes (which is what I assume Lady Gaga will name her unborn son, since she always copies Madonna).

Here’s how I thought all the major players fared:

William: William loses points for not saying “I take thee Rachel”, which I think would have added a touch of humour to the otherwise dry ceremony. He did get a big laugh when he deadpanned the line “For richer or poorer,” and then turned to wink at guests Elton John and Posh Spice, who are worth a collective $850 million. (Side note: I bet those hymns marked the first time Posh has ever sang live!)

Kate: She looked beautiful, there’s no denying that; I haven’t had that many goosebumps since Rachel Leigh Cook descended the staircase in “She’s All That”. Her dress was gorgeous, but simple, and she did her own make-up in an attempt to create a more down-to-earth image. If she really wanted to appear down-to-earth she’d change her name to CATHY, don full-body sweatsuits, and grumble, “Wake me up when I’m a size 5!” but that’s just my opinion.

Harry: Overcoming obstacles like his father’s hairline, his father’s ears, and the stereotype that all British gingers look like Harry Potter’s best friend Ron, Prince Harry of Wales has emerged as the sexiest prince since Prince Eric of…um…The Surface.

Pippa: She looked…well, why don’t I just let the Facebook page dedicated to her rear-end speak to how Pippa looked. Yes, a Facebook page called the “Pippa Middleton’s Ass Appreciation Society” has collected over 300,000 members since the wedding. I’ve got a website dedicated to my ass, too – just Google “people who are taller sitting down.”

At any rate, it was a storybook wedding that, knowing Hollywood, will soon be made into a major motion picture in which William is played by Robert Pattinson, Kate is played by a more-German-than-British-sounding Anne Hathaway and Oscar® winner Helen Mirren reprises her role as the scene-stealing Queen who raps at the reception. I wish them both the best and hope they spend a long, prosperous, and happy life together.

 

 

Heidi Brander is a writer with YTV, a stand-up comedian and wig connoisseur with big dreams of big hair. Read what’s on Heidi’s mind each month in G! For daily Heidisms, follow her on Twitter: @HeidiBrander.

The greatest love story that’s not in the movie The Lake House played out in London on Friday, April 29, 2011 when William Arthur Phillip Louis Windsor, Prince of Wales married Catherine Elizabeth Middleton (or K-Middy Dirty Money as the Queen refers to her) in front of an audience of millions. Many are calling it [...]

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G! Eats: Out With the Old, In With the New

Celebrating change one plate at a time

By Ellen Egan
Photography by Amy Kroeker

 

 

New restaurants are kind of like the new kid in the class. You’re intrigued with the thought of experiencing something new but also have your guard up, not entirely committed to letting this unknown newcomer capture your heart.

Well, let me tell you, the Daniel Brenan Brickhouse has stolen my heart. I think I may have actually left it somewhere between the Three Pillars Pulled Pork Sliders and paintings by the talent-soaked Island couple, Darcy and Marcia Beck. Or maybe it’s been located upstairs at the swanky bar where I can already picture the 9-to-5ers lounging after a long week.

For those looking to take in the full package, this new spot – formerly Off Broadway – manages to maintain the rustic feel but from an urban viewpoint. The exposed brick coupled with the authentic Island art and modern décor has transformed it into the perfect retreat for folks to escape the hubbub of everyday life.

And I haven’t even got started on the food yet.

Head Chef Ilona Daniels has poured her soul into this bistro, telling a story with each dish. The menu reflects the local flavours of our soil and surrounding waters, with worldly twists derived from her travels along the way.

A perfect example of this is the Korean Style Braised PEI Beef Cheek. Topped above a Kimichi pancake, the soy, garlic and chili spiced beef slips apart with the slightest touch of the fork. Drizzled overtop is a Korean-style sauce, poppy seeds and a medley of Asian-inspired veggies.

More, please.

And with the whole “Buy Local” movement happening across PEI, the Brickhouse hopes to be a place that people will really get behind and feel proud of. They hope to change people’s perceptions of eating out – to realize that you really can eat delicious food while supporting the bread and butter of our local economy. By summer, when more produce is in season, almost 80% of their products will be local, if not organic.

And how about the open-concept kitchen? Yes, my friends, you can quite literally sit and watch your meal being created before your eyes. The barrier between guest and chef has been lifted, and in its place rests a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve just been a part of something really special.

So now that you’ve got the skinny on the latest addition to the downtown Charlottetown restaurant scene, what are you waiting for?

Happy Eating!

 

 

When Ellen Egan’s not devouring the latest and greatest food creations across the Island, she’s writing about her culinary experiences every month in G!

Celebrating change one plate at a time By Ellen Egan Photography by Amy Kroeker     New restaurants are kind of like the new kid in the class. You’re intrigued with the thought of experiencing something new but also have your guard up, not entirely committed to letting this unknown newcomer capture your heart. Well, [...]

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