In Bloom
Join us in retiring black clothing for a season. We're fully embracing bright colours, florals, patterns, and mixing them all together. This winter has felt exceptionally long and with the Pantone Party only days behind us, we have a feeling this is going to be a bright season.
Brands like Ted Baker, Stylestalker, Malene Birger, and Designers Remix have even the most fashion-y of fashion people ditching their black basics for silk floral pants and bright pink blazers.
One of Melissa's most anticipated Spring trends is the return to femininity. Take a few extra minutes to get creative and play dress up in the morning, you'll be surprised what a little fun can do for your day.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to bold and mix florals with stripes.
Follow us on Pinterest for more spring style inspiration. Need more info? Tweet us @gotstylewoman or give us a call at 416-260-9696.
Manic Monday
Go shopping.
Be wild, be happy, and embrace Spring Fever.
Kuta necklace $215.
What's New: Jenny Bird Spring Accessories
"It was so hard to find beautiful accessories that were fashion forward yet well-made, luxurious yet priced affordably. Few things on the market were distinctly beautiful with a meaningful story; everything felt vacant of soul. I didn’t want obnoxious brands or empty fast fashion. I wanted indie-luxe and cool. I couldn’t help myself but to create." - Jenny Bird
Kuta necklace $215.
Keep the indie luxe look alive with the newest Jenny Bird pieces. We're the first store to have the Kuta necklace in stock, and it's going to be a quick seller. Heavy chains, spring colours, and spikes make this the perfect piece for all your casual tees. The hottest look for next season is pairing statement necklaces with t-shirts, a look that works for any day and almost any situation.
Tibetlove bracelet $60, Triple Wrap bracelet $85, double wrap bracelet $80,
Stacking bracelets never gets old, especially not with these affordable indie luxe wrap bracelets and colourful beaded pieces done in this season's right on trend colours of turquoise, coral, gold, and earthy browns.
Mackage Perfecto jacket $750.
What's New: Spring Brights
March came in like a lamb, and right now it's a lion. But, we intend to finish this month off with sunny colours and bright smiles.
The boldest Gotstyle women will opt for Mackage's Perfecto leather jacket, bright enough to make the gloomiest spring showers a happy sight. For the rest of us, there's a multitude of ways to do spring brights, a trend that everyone should indulge in.
Malene Birger Maevac silk shirt $325, Malene Birger wrap pencil skirt $265.
This outfit shows how one simple solid colour takes an everyday outfit from okay to amazing. We've all got black and other neutral workday basics in our closets, so without buying a whole new suit you can update all those basics with a refreshing spring look.
Manic Monday? All you need is neon. Take those extra ten minutes of sleep with confidence, neon will make you look put together and on the style ball with minimal effort.
Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC bag $225.
For the colour weary, ease into spring brights with Rebecca Minkoff's MAC bag in this ultra spring green. It'll go with neutrals, navy, and most other colours without standing out too much. A good bag will last you multiple seasons and lend a versatile hand to your entire wardrobe.
Pro tip: it's all in the details. Happy Socks, Cuchara Jewelery, scarves, and even nail polish will all clear your mind and wardrobe of the winter blahs. No budget breaking necessary.
Cuchara necklace $185.
What's New: Cuchara Spring Bling
The secret to being a smart shopper (on top of not buying fast fashion) is to explore jewellery & accessories. No fitting room necessary, here's the most affordable and easiest way to turn your wardrobe into a whole new playground.
Cuchara necklace $185.
Inspired by her childhood in Victoria, BC and later relocation to Toronto, Cuchara jewelery designer Edi handcrafts each piece in her Toronto studio, applying a mix of urban edginess and a bohemian island attitude. Using rare gemstones, quartz, heavy chains, coloured threads, and a mix of beads, she creates statement pieces that look like you totally blew your budget. Except, they're affordable
It's easy to see why this is Carla's favourite jewelery line. Suddenly those tshirts, work outfits, and little black dresses are more than ready for a new season.
Pro tip: Spring is all about mixing casual tees with bold necklaces. - Carla
Cuchara bracelet $85.
The immense amount of Canadian talent can't be missed, Jenny Bird, Shay Lowe, Ela Handbags, and Cuchara are just a few Canadian accessory lines that call our display case home. To make over your wardrobe for Spring without even entering a fitting room, visit the Distillery District and take a peek into our display case!
This Frank Life: Gotstyle Launches Womenswear
From The Genteel comes This Frank Life, an arts & style journal that recently came to meet Gotstyle Woman. They took some beautiful photos, chatted with Melissa and Carla about our dive into womenswear, and admired our newest spring arrivals.
“I think with women, we tend to shop around a lot more. We’ll go check out our ten favourite stores, and then we’ll come back. With guys, there’s more time constraint, so if they see something they like, they’ll buy it then,” explains Austria.
“I find a lot of women are very confused when it comes to shopping. Women actually overspend because they don’t have, so they make impulse purchases.” Buyer Carla Ruscetta adds."
Paige Verdugo ultra skinny jeans $235
What's New: Paige Denim
After meeting Paige Adams-Geller at Coterie this year, Carla fell even more in love with Paige Denim. Not only are they cut to move with your body instead of vice versa, they're on point for this season with light washes, bright colours, and patterns.
Paige Skyline peg jeans $258
A lot of women avoid skinny jeans because there's a perception that skinny jeans are uncomfortable, hard to live in, and unflattering. These women just need to meet Paige skinnies. The denim is ultra soft and after 10 years as a top fit model in the denim industry, Paige Adams-Gellar knows a thing or two about how denim should fit women.
Paige Vergudo Batik jeans $258.
Batik dye and turquoise are spring's essential denim trends that can stand the test of time thanks to Paige's dedication to simplicity and quality.
Paige Jimmy jeans $258.
Dark wash boyfriend jeans with a slimmer cut are perfect for those of us who want our comfort to also be refined. Throw them on for a trip to the grocery store or brunch date and you can pick just about any top (and accessories) you've got.
Malene Birger Tidra shirt $325. Malene Birger skirt $290.
What's New: Day to Night Black & White
There's always a clean and fresh look to black & white outfits, which translates into you feeling refreshed. When you're facing long days at the office and big business meetings, your outfit is one of the easiest ways to be prepared. Bonus points when you can make these outfits go until the wee hours of the next morning.
By day: this lightweight knit pencil skirt also comes with a matching blazer to be perfectly office chic with an air of the 1950s. By night: ditch the blazer and show off a sheer silk shirt.
Parker silk shirt $235, Tiger of Sweden silk shorts $149.
What's so hot about the back trend is how easily hidden it can be. During the day, cover up with a blazer, you'll surprise everyone come 5 o'clock when you're back is suddenly sexy and exposed just the right amount.
If you're lucky enough to work in an office where shorts are a go, Have some fun with flowing silk shorts that can also work with tights if your workplace isn't shorts-friendly. This is the season that we're going to see a lot more shorts out at night in place of skirts and dresses.
Mackage trench $630.
Fingers crossed we're into spring outwear territory, which also means the spring social thaw is upon us. More social gatherings, after work outings, and people to catch up with. Mackage's wool and leather trench coat is exactly how you can go from work to drinks while being prepared for crazy spring weather, and look great doing it.
Parker dress $365.
Melissa is a champion of womenswear returning to femininity this season. Flowy dresses, floral prints, all those sweet and refreshing details that put a bounce in your step.
By day: Easily add a blazer, tights, or some colour with a printed scarf. The feminine silhouette can be just as easily accentuated or toned down to go into the night.
Gotstyle Woman in The Grid TO
Spring is in the air, and we're in the news! This week's issue of The Grid features Gotstyle Woman in their weekly style news section. It's true, our spring collections are on the shelves and we're ready to help you look good and feel good this spring.
"...Gotstyle Woman will include a blend of international and Canadian clothing and accessories brands like Malene Birger, Rebecca Minkoff, and Jenny Bird. The new shop will also feature a made-to-measure service run by Project Runway alum Kendra Francis, allowing women to customize a suit’s fit and fabric."
You can also read all the latest style news featuring yours truly on thegridto.com.
Menswear Maverick Gotstyle Adds New Women’s Section: Toronto Star
Great news (literally), the Toronto Star covered our foray into womenswear in today's paper. Pick it up or read it online for all the details on our official launch of Gotstyle Woman, which is today!
"Downstairs, I gravitate to a pair of flip flops with polka dots and a huge, red beaded lip print by Vivienne Westwood ($125). Next to the shoes, I spy an inventive canteen bag by Canadian designer Jenny Bird in suede and hand-knotted leather for $245.
The Cuchara bracelets with beads, spikes and semi-precious stones are a steal at $85. These price points won’t cripple the budget.
There are must-have basics like a Tiger of Sweden sleeveless, knit maxi dress with V cut-out at the back, which makes for a great layering piece at $179."
Austria goes for the offbeat. Everyone carries cashmere cardies but Gotstyle has an Autumn Cashmere with a navy dip-dye down the front for $310.
NOW Magazine Visits Gotstyle Distillery
The Gotstyle Woman word is spreading fast - we're also in NOW Magazine this week.
"The second is a robin’s-egg-blue women’s jacket. Yes, GotStyle is getting into womenswear, including everyday pieces and special-occasion dresses that hang next to formal menswear (and a pool table) on the purple-carpeted mezzanine."
What's coming up for Spring 2013? A barber/hair salon, made to measure women's suiting, and a play area for children.
What's New: Leather
Akin to your favourite stilettos, leather is armour. There's no day that wearing a little leather won't make you feel strong, stylish, and sexy. So with this recent spring weather, we're leaving our parkas at home and opting for leather.
Hats off to Scandinavian design! Malene Birger's leather looks for spring 2013 are some of our favourites in the store right now.
Malene Birger Juliesse leather jacket $825, Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote $398.
If you've been following our Pinterest addiction, you know that we're all about giving classics a twist and doing style a little differently. We refuse to let effortless mean boring or bland. And a tailored leather blazer is far from bland. This blazer was made to protect you on Manic Mondays complete with big business meetings and post-work drinks.
Malene Birger Mallisia leather dress $825.
Malene Birger hit the nail right on the head with the Mallisia leather dress, the sexiest dress of the season (and it's knee length!) Don't be fooled by the super slim fit, everyone who's put this on has looked phenomenal. Leather's form-fitting nature paired with incredibly sharp tailoring makes for a dream team, bonus points for also being warm and breathable. Looks like Friday nights with friends is getting even sexier this season.
Giles & Brother multi chain bracelets $175
The perfect accessory to leather? Chunky chain bracelets in the au courant pairing of silver and gold.
FASHION Magazine Featuring Gotstyle Woman
Canada's top fashion magazine came by Gotstyle Distillery to talk shop with Melissa. Pick up April's issue of FASHION Magazine to see what we're exciting for this spring, our favourite lines, and what to expect from Gotstyle Woman.
So, what spring 2013 trends is Melissa most excited for?
"Edgy, sophisticated business wear, colour, and a return to femininity."
Vivienne Westwood x Melissa Shoes
Vivienne Westwood has leant her Anglomania sensibility and artsy practicality to melissa shoes, the Brazillian brand eponymous for stylish plastic shoes. The result is this highly wearable, stylish collection of shoes that are made to really wear.
"The most amazing thing about this partnership was to be able to create modern products, with very high quality, for affordable prices" - Vivienne Westwood.
Plastic gives freedom to shape, colour, texture, and even smell in melissa's case. It can be sandals for the beach, or loafers for important meetings. What it isn't is harmful. Melissa is dedicated to their zero waste ethos, sustainable manufacturing, recycling, and attention to the life span of their products.
There's only one limitation for Edson Matsuo, the Creative Director of melissa: plastic is only limited by the designer's ability. So by working with a team of talented designers, their shoes exceed limits and reshape what plastic is to consumers.
I mean, they're even bubble gum scented. What more could a shoe possible be?
We ordered two pieces from this line, which are both available at Gotstyle Distillery:
Jelly thong sandals $125.
This summer (or vacation), it never hurts to have a high-quality pair of sandals. They'll last forever and stand up to any travel, packing, wear and tear you throw their way. Not to mention they're bright and cute, not your average sandal.
Jelly loafers $150.
Ladies, if you're commuting to work, traveling often, and prone to leaving shoes under their desk? Meet these loafers. Bubble gum scented, durable plastic, ready for anything. Pack them away, throw them in your bag, no leather sprays or salt damage in the winter.
What's New: Forever Young x Corey Lynn Calter
Corey Lynn Calter had quite the start in the fashion industry. At the ripe age of 19 she got a job designing clothes for Patricia Field's trendsetting shop in the East Village. If you're wondering, Patricia was was the stylist on that little show called “Sex And The City”.
In 2000, Corey forged forward and launched her own label Corey Lynn Calter. Fusing her vast influences from the Punk scenes of NYC to the grand Operas of San Fransico, this designer has come to be known for her "original prints, flattering cuts and brilliant twists on classic silhouettes"... At least that's what her bio says! We on the other hand, like to think of her collection as clothes designed for real women who are still young at heart.
Check out these latest arrivals for Spring 2013!
Corey Lynn - Ash Tulip Dress: $220
Corey Lynn - Ash Tulip Dress: $220
Corey Lynn - Christine V-Neck Kimono Dress: $335
Gillian Julius - Tube Bracelet: $300
Corey Lynn - Chloe Peekaboo Dress: $288
Cuchara Bracelet: $85
Corey Lynn - Ashley Asymmetric Dress: $278
Corey Lynn - Kaya PJ Pant: $288
Tiger Of Sweden - Foster Tank Top: $149
Corey Lynn - Lou Relaxed Blazer: $245
Corey Lynn - Kasey Seamed Shorts: $170
Tiger Of Sweden - Foster Tank Top: $149
Corey Lynn - Brie Side Pleated Blouse: $218
J Brand - Low Rise Legging: $245
Ela - Editors Pouch Mirror Stud: $195
Corey Lynn - Sylvie Mini Skirt: $195
Tiger Of Sweden - Foster Tank Top: $149
Jenny Bird - Bracelet: $95
What's New: Lux Knitwear x John & Jenn
John & Jenn, the new collection from Jennifer Wells and John Muscat, the designers behind Line Knitwear brings all the quality and refinements of their runway brand at a great price point. With the whole collection priced below $125 these must-haves pieces from their SS'13 collection bring functionality, style and sexiness back into anyones wardrobe, not to mention a much needed splash of colour. Drop by our Distillery District location to give them a try, we're certain you'll fall in love.
John & Jenn - Ciara Knit Dress: $115
John & Jenn - Ciara Knit Dress: $115
Gillian Julius Square Tube Bracelet: $300
John & Jenn - Heidi Neon Striped Knit Dress: $155
John & Jenn - Heidi Neon Striped Knit Dress: $155
Ela - Mirror Stud Clutch: $195
John & Jenn - Kristen Knit Tank Top: $99
John & Jenn - Kristen Knit Tank Top: $99
John & Jenn - Kristen Knit Tank Top: $99
Jenny Bird - Mantra Necklace: $95
What's New: Dresses by Twenty8Twelve x Sienna Miller
It's not warm enough to really bust out the Spring wardrobe, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun in the interm. Check out these great asymmetric dresses from Sienna Miller and her exclusive Twenty8Twelve line. They are comfy, fit great and highlight all the "right" curves. Feeling sexy never felt so comfortable!
Twenty8Twelve Asymetric V-Neck Dress: $399
Twenty8Twelve Asymetric V-Neck Dress: $399
Twenty8Twelve Asymetric V-Neck Dress: $399
Twenty8Twelve Asymetric V-Neck Dress: $399
Twenty8Twelve Jersey Dress: $399
Twenty8Twelve Jersey Dress: $338
What's New: Office Chic x Tiger Of Sweden
Tiger of Sweden known for their great tailoring and suiting offers some great pieces for this Spring. We've got splashes of colour and great options to take you from the office to a girls night out. It's all about that Scandinavian design edge and effortless style that brings us to our latest Spring arrivals.
Meka Dress by Tiger Of Sweden $259
Paired with a gold chain necklace by Giles & Brothers $258
Meka Dress by Tiger Of Sweden $259
Paired with a gold necklace by Giles & Brothers $250
Odina Blazer $399 with matching suit pant $229 by Tiger of Sweden
Paired with a sheer blouse by Ted Baker $188
Silk printed tank by Tiger Of Sweden $199 paired with Black Waxed Skinny Jeans by J Brand $245
Paired with a silver necklace
Coming Soon: Rebecca Minkoff
If there's any season to embrace playful pieces, it's spring. Rebecca Minkoff is a pro at changing up colour, shape, and simple details to make classic pieces fun and youthful. Often described as "downtown romantic", Gotstyle Woman wouldn't be complete without a bit of Minkoff.