Oh Snow Cute
Playing in the snow never looked so good!
Photography and text by Kimberly Rashed
As much as I love to shop and have an overflowing closet full of just about every item you can imagine, I have to admit I do tend to skimp when it comes to winter outerwear. When the family heads out for a fun day in the snow, I shy away because I know I’ll be the first one to freeze my (albeit fashionable) butt off. Let’s face it, the red-nosed, teeth chattering, bundled like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man isn’t the greatest of looks for, well, anyone.
Heading outside for a winter snow day isn’t exactly a fashion show, but come on! Can’t we raise the cuteness factor just a little bit? Given that the snow’s going to happen whether we want it to or not, here are some top tips for looking cute and staying cozy this winter.
This winter, up your style quotient with outwear that's both functional and fashionable.
Invest in a quality winter jacket with some shape and keep the style classic.This is a sure-fire way you will wear it time and time again, making it an investment that will not only keep you warm and toasty but will last you through the years. Look for options that are specifically made for a day in the snow, like the three-quarter length jacket. Options like a snow catcher can be your best friend saving you from the surprise of snow sneaking up your back.
If you’re lucky enough to find a winter jacket with a matching pant, they are definitely worth the splurge. However, if you are forced to pull a pair from a different brand, opt for a neutral colour. The pant itself tends to get less wear and will outlast the life of your jacket, giving you the option to match that neutral colour with another jacket in the future.
When it comes to winter footwear, as long as you feel good and your feet stay dry, what more could you ask for?
Us ladies love us some fancy footwear but when it comes to winter galoshes, well, they’re not nearly as exciting to search for, are they? They’re more of a ‘well, I guess I have to’ kind of purchase. Do your best to find something you like and will feel good wearing on those treacherous snow days. Trust me ladies, they are out there. Something with a fur trim or lining is always nice. You’re going to want to spend some money on these; quality will go a long way towards comfort, warmth and durability. Plan on kicking some frosty butt this year!
Long Janes. Yeah, you guessed it – the female version of long johns. Available in super cute prints and colours, LJs offer a flirty look that look great as winter pjs but also serve a dual function as a winter must-have for extra warmth when venturing out for some snow play.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a hat person.Though I do love hats, the ridicule I endure once one is placed upon my head is something I do not. That’s why it’s important to try on as many styles available, which, literally, are endless. When trying on hats, consider what it looks like by wearing your hair up and leaving it down. Don’t forget about other head-warming options like earmuffs or a headband.
Guys don't need to be adventurous when it comes to colour, but it doesn't hurt to add a few colourful cozy accessories, like scarves and mitts.
Mittens vs. gloves.Mittens always look so cute – so cute, they remind me of my childhood days. But gloves are so much easier to maneuver if you happen need the use of a finger. I mean, what if someone asks you how many marshmallows you want in your cocoa? Or you need to flip the…switch? Mittens are fine for making snowballs, but if you’re hands on, gloves are way more functional. Choose wisely.
My biggest tip for all the gents out there is this: coordinate.For years, my husband got by on mismatched outerwear and until I decided to join the winter wear world myself, I was letting it slide. This year, however, I’m taking the reigns. He’s getting a new, coordinated look from head to toe whether he wants it or not!
If this is a stretch for you, stick to neutrals for the jacket and pant. Throw in some colour with a scarf or hat. Guys don’t need to be over adventurous, but if you’ve got some great moves on the slopes, a little colour will help a gal track you down later at the ski lodge. Hey guys, I’m just lookin’ out for you!
Thank you to models Joe Rashed and Sangeetha Young of Panache Models for braving the elements for these photos.
Kimberly Rashed, photographer, modeling director, and mother of three, keeps us looking fashion forward each month in G!
Playing in the snow never looked so good! Photography and text by Kimberly Rashed As much as I love to shop and have an overflowing closet full of just about every item you can imagine, I have to admit I do tend to skimp when it comes to winter outerwear. When the family heads out [...]
G! Style: One-of-a-Kind Designs
Jenny Dunphy Designs has passion and hard work in the bag
Photography and text by Ellen Egan
Jenny Dunphy is living proof that you really can have your dream job if you’re willing to work hard enough for it. Growing up in the small community of Morell, the 28-year-old handbag designer credits her upbringing for getting her to where she is today.
A sample of Jenny Dunphy Desgns handbags
“My father is a cabinet designer, so I was exposed to the design industry at a young age,” she says. “It really taught me to appreciate the symmetry of design and the art of making something from scratch with your hands.”
However, like most young people, Dunphy wasn’t always so sure of her career path.
“Fashion was always kind of deep down inside me. I was the kid who had fashion magazines inside her text book,” she laughs. “I was always taking my clothes and deconstructing them to be like how I envisioned it in my head.”
Jenny Dunphy
She tried out a few different streams before deciding to turn her passion into her job. Armed with a strong work ethic, supportive family and creative vision, Jenny enrolled at the International Academy of Design and Technology (now called Academy of Design) in Toronto, ON, at age 23. Here she gained her technical foundation and learned how to sew just about anything.
During her four year stint in Toronto, her own drive for greatness landed her internships for some of Canada’s top fashion labels. She went on to gain experience in trend forecasting, branding, and bridal accessory design. Her focus soon shifted and she decided to teach herself handbag design and manufacturing.
“Although I loved making clothes, I quickly realized that not everyone can wear the clothes you make,” says Dunphy. “A purse will fit everyone. It’s something that makes a girl feel good. I’m happy I can now do something everyone can enjoy.”
Attracted by the design freedom that comes along with owning her own business, Jenny decided to move back home in September of 2010 to pursue just that.
Now designing for her own aesthetic, she loves to mix the old with the new by blending vintage finds with new materials. Her pieces are all handmade from mostly leather, but she does keep vinyl on hand for someone who wants a vegan-friendly bag.
“I’m not competing with mass production. My bags are all one of a kind and made to order, although I do have stock,” she says. “I also offer customization. For example, if there’s a certain kind of lining or different cell phone pocket you’d prefer.”
Having been away for a while, the young designer says she finds a huge shift in fashion and arts in PEI.
“There’s now such a pulse here on the Island for fashion. Although PEI was always very artistic, there is definitely a community of young people in fashion that are doing really great things and we all try to support each other.”
For inspiration, Dunphy says she does a lot of research online and pays close attention to trends and what other designers are doing to keep up.
“As much as you try to fight it, you have to be at least somewhat on trend. I’m always mindful of staying on trend with shape and colour, especially,” states Dunphy. “But after being in the industry for a while, you get better at predicting trends before they even happen.”
Yet, despite her growth as a designer, she recognizes that it is a continuous learning process.
“I’m perfecting it as I go. I really feel like you will stunt yourself as an artist, as a designer, as a person if you don’t recognize your strengths and weaknesses. I think that is also a really important part of staying grounded,” she concludes.
For your very own Jenny Dunphy handbag, check out www.jennydunphy.com or call (902) 940-7476 to book an appointment at her office.
Jenny Dunphy Designs has passion and hard work in the bag Photography and text by Ellen Egan Jenny Dunphy is living proof that you really can have your dream job if you’re willing to work hard enough for it. Growing up in the small community of Morell, the 28-year-old handbag designer credits her upbringing for [...]
Hot Legs!
Photography and text by Kimberly Rashed
The ultimate accessory for any gal with those perfect legs has got to be leggings. Fear not, ladies, there are options out there for everyone. We’ve ventured well beyond just wearing them for aerobic workouts. Oh, but wasn’t that neon fabulous?
From casual to dressed up looks, leggings are a convenient and comfortable choice. With the wide variety that’s offered these days, you’ve got countless ways to work them into your wardrobe.
Be sure to stock up on a few options for mixing and matching with your favourite top.
Heavy knits
We all love to cozy up in that perfect cable knit sweater this time of year, but why not carry that comfort down to the legs. Yes, please! Heavy textured knit leggings keep you toasty warm when paired with the perfect little a-line mini or sweater dress. Steer clear of going too matchy-matchy; if you choose to wear these with a sweater dress, go with a simpler knit on top. We mustn’t look like we’re wearing a heat-to-toe look hand-knit by Nana.
Jeggings
It’s a jean, it’s a legging, oh yes – it’s a jegging! A favourite with riding boots, these jeans put the “slim fit” to shame. Fair warning, ladies: Even though these may come with pockets this does not make them an actual pant. However convenient it may be for toting along a necessity, unless you’ve got “buns o’ steel,” you should still leave a little ‘sumpin, sumpin’ to the imagination.
Adorned
Basic legs no more! The popularity of leggings is definitely apparent with the endless possibilities out there. Zippers, buttons, bows, pockets or ruching – you name it, there’s a legging that has it. Ruching can be any woman’s best friend by not only adding a little extra flare to a look, but also giving the feel of a little more coverage.
Leather
Ok, rock star. Leather + Lycra = your new best friend! Because, let’s be honest – Lycra is about the only thing that could get us into a pair (if we wanted to still continue breathing, that is). Daring? Yes, but when paired with a soft flowy blouse or dress it can really balance this look out.
Colour
Neon is out (yes!) but that doesn’t mean we should be afraid of colour altogether. Add some pop to your look with a fun hue worn under an oversized shirt dress and a tall boot for a flirty look.
Legging Lesson 101: Beware of the muffin top. It’s like anything, gals. If you’re too tightly squeezed in there, that little bit of extra leftover from too many holiday eats is going to find its way out somewhere. Give yourself some breathing room. You can thank me later.
Model: Amy Halman (recent graduate of the Panache Modelling Program)
Kimberly Rashed keeps us looking fashion forward each month in G! and on her blog Style Becomes Her.
Photography and text by Kimberly Rashed The ultimate accessory for any gal with those perfect legs has got to be leggings. Fear not, ladies, there are options out there for everyone. We’ve ventured well beyond just wearing them for aerobic workouts. Oh, but wasn’t that neon fabulous? From casual to dressed up looks, leggings are [...]
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