Faith Style

Montreal designer Sara Lagace’s Furry Goodies. Winter has not unleashed it’s cold wrath on us just yet, however, these warm treats will generate a ton of compliments and bring a smile to your face. To keep you extra toasted during the cold season, these hand warmers are made from the most comfy 100% wool (hand crocheted with two strands of yarn, making them very thick and hot) and topped them with exquisite recycled arctic fox fur.

From Java, the King of Indonesia and home to some of the most stunning religious architecture in Asia, to Bali, Island of the Gods. This is one of my top 5 places to visit because it is full of culture and spiritual heritage.

Places to See

Borobudur

Looming out of a patchwork of bottle-green paddies and swaying palm tops, this colossal Buddhist relic is one of southeast Asia’s marvels. It has survived Gunung Merapi’s ash flows, terrorist bombs and the wear and tear of a million pairs of tourist flipflops to remain as enigmatic and beautiful as it must have been 1200 years ago.

Borobudur is built from two million block stones in the form of a massive symmetrical stupa, literally wrapped around a small hill. It stands solidly on its 118m x 118m (387ft x 387ft) base. Six square terraces are topped by three circular ones, with four stairways leading up through finely carved gateways to the top. The paintwork is long gone, but it’s thought that the grey stone of Borobudur was at one time washed with a colour to catch the sun.

Kelimutu

Set in plunging craters at the summit of a volcano, the coloured lakes of Kelimutu are undoubtedly the most spectacular sight in Nusa Tenggara. Astonishingly, the lakes periodically change hue – today one may be iridescent turquoise, its neighbour chocolate brown and a third lake dark green.

A few years ago the colours were blue, maroon and black, while back in the 1960s the lakes were blue, red-brown and café au lait.

It’s thought that the lakes’ colours are in constant flux due to dissolving minerals, a process that can accelerate in the rainy season. The moonscape around the summit gives Kelimutu an ethereal atmosphere, especially when clouds billow across the craters and sun shafts add luminescent pinpoints to the lakes.

Lore Lindu National Park

This large and remote national park has barely been touched by tourism. It’s a wonderful area for trekking, rich in exotic plant and animal life. The butterflies there can be larger than a human hand. It’s also home to several indigenous tribes who wear colourful clothing for their traditional ceremonies.

Attractions in the park include ancient megalithic relics, mostly in the Bada, Besoa and Napu Valleys; remote peaks, some more than 2500m (8200ft); bird-watching around Kamarora; and the large lake of Danau Lindu.

Gunung Kawi

At the bottom of a lush green valley is one of Bali’s oldest, most charming and certainly largest ancient monuments. Gunung Kawi consists of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines), memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues. They stand in 7m-high (23ft-high) sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face.

One of my biggest passions is travel, I’m eager to visit places that will have an impact on my soul. Have you been anywhere enlightening? Please share your experiences.

I was inspired to write this after reading Jennine’s story “Everyone is Beautiful”. I’m a big believer that humans are sensory creatures, and the way we dress up and show up speaks volumes about how truly beautiful each of us is. Don’t be confused by the word beauty, “beauty comes from within” and if you remove the propaganda of the media from your mind you will recognize just how true that really is. The way we present ourselves defines us to others. It gives someone the opportunity to take a deeper look or to just pass us by.

Flickr Photo: International Womens Day 2009 by Wiccked

Beauty (to me) is not reflective of body shape, designer labels, a pristine hair cut or perfectly manicured hands. Beauty is seeing the truth, the authentic and the pure. And if you take the effort to make sure that is evident in your personal appearance you will notice a shift in your reality -  it will open doors, lead you down a path and take you on a journey.

The big question is, do you look like yourself? If I were to pass you on the street would I be able to see who you clearly are through your appearance? Is your appearance aligned with your spirit, is your essence visible, are your philosophies clear? Think about the colours you choose, the accessories you adorn yourself with, the silhouettes and lines you pick, the scent you spray, your body art (tattoos, piercings). Everything you select reflects who you are at your core. And if you choose baggy clothes that lack colour, neglect jewelry or fail to brush your hair (unless that’s intentional) you are sending a message. What do you want your message to be? Soulfully Confident, Sophisticated and Determined? If you take the time and effort to decide where you want to live, how you want raise your children, what steps your going to take to grow your business don’t forget about YOU in the process. Honour Your Style and your True Beauty will shine through.

Lola & Gigi, a Toronto based fashion showroom and weboutique knows that every girl curvy or not, needs a look that makes them glow. The boutique brings quality, stylish clothing to women size 12 – 24 and expert style advice, providing the support women need to love their curves and feel fabulous again!

Expert on Size-ism, stylist and founder of Lola & Gigi, Laura Caravaggio saw a real lack of style options for curvy women. Personally frustrated with the fashions available for sizes 12 +, Laura launched Lola & Gigi and since 2007, she continues to bring fabulous fashions to curvaceous women in need of a look that you won’t find in the mall.

Lola & Gigi with Stella & Dot Present

Rock Your Frock Shopping Event

Who:
Lola & Gigi partners with Stella & Dot for the Rock Your Frock Shopping Event.

The Mission: To help curvy women find a completely chic holiday look.

What:
Lola & Gigi and Stella & Dot will help curvy women rock their frocks and sparkle from head to toe – A holiday look for every personality.

Lola & Gigi will be showcasing their best selling frocks made from quality fabrics and designed especially for the curvy woman. Find a look that compliments your personality and have fun with the following styles: Romantic Retro, Glitz & Glamour, the Little Black Dress, and the MonifC Convertible Marilyn Dress – 1 dress, Infinite Possibilities!

You are guaranteed to find a complete holiday look from head to toe at the Rock Your Frock Shopping Event! Stylist and Lola & Gigi Founder, Laura Caravaggio will provide clients with customized fitting and individual style advice. Looking for a kitten heel or flirty pump to complete your outfit? Lola & Gigi also carries evening shoes from, Barefoot Tess in sizes 11 to 15.

For more information visit: www.lolaandgigi.com and www.barefoottess.com

Stella & Dot will be joining forces with Lola & Gigi to help women create a complete holiday look. Stella & Dot Independent Stylist, Shelley Inglis will pair statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets from the Stella & Dot collection to selected Lola & Gigi frocks.  Jewellery colour, design and the client’s personality will all be taken into consideration.

For more information visit: www.stelladot.com/shelley

Where:

The Old Mill Inn and Spa
21 Old Mill Road
Toronto, ON M8X 1G5
Room: The Drawing Room
Phone: 416.236.4161

When:
Date: Saturday, November 28^th 2009
Time: 10:00 AM  – 6:00 PM

Online Series: Use the web and Faith Style’s coveted resources to stretch your budget and you’ll be the smartest, most stylish shopper around.

Shop off-price sites such as www.bluefly.com or www.yoox.com.

Alright ladies, I know all of you can admit that after wearing a fantastic pair of heels for a few hours  the walk back home feels like a torturous challenge from one of those strange reality shows.

Well worry no more, the “Clouds” will help you win the challenge and still keep you looking as fabulous as you are!

They look like a comfy pair of ballerina flats but “Clouds” are portable flats that fold nicely into a pouch which can be carried in even the smallest of bags.  So after a few hours in heels, open your purse, pull out your “Clouds” and walk home with ease.

The website shows 5 different styles and prices range from $18.95 – $24.95 US.  The best part is they ship to Canada for free!

Check out their site and get yours today, I just ordered a pair for myself. http://www.fitinclouds.com

The Indonesian art of batik painting was introduced to East Africa in the 1960s. It involved simple outlines, light through dark dyes and the use of wax resistance as the basis for separating colours. By the end of the 1970s, however, a whole new form of this basic art form emerged with two Ugandan brothers leading the charge. Their names were Henry Lutalo Lumu and David Kibuuka.

Toronto based artist Gabrielle Lasporte has been the creator of many diverse art pieces from chalk & ink portraiture to textile art. Adding another creative genre to her repertoire, Gabrielle is now also creating masterpieces in the medium of Modern Batik, after studying under one of the movement’s original founders, David Kibuuka.

Whether it is strands of raw silk or layers of rice paper, the richness of Batik dyes or eye catching acrylic paints, Gabrielle Lasporte incorporates any and all of these elements to create multi-faceted pieces which seduce the soul and force your mind to travel beyond its boundaries.

Her art is beautiful and her style unique, so I asked Why did you choose Modern Batik as your medium of choice?
Two of my favourite things! Painting and Fabric. I don’t think I really chose MB – it chose me.  I actually had a chance to learn it about 6 years ago and never got to participate in the workshop. 3 years ago, I finally learnt the medium and took to it like fish to water.  I love MB because it has so many layers to it. Wax and dyes are layered until your desired effect. I also love the fact that even though you are controlling it, it also controls you. The wax may not necessarily want to go where you want, will spill over to another area thus imposing itself a little bit on your piece. To me that is what makes this medium so amazing.

S: What inspires you?
G: Nature more specifically flowers and leaves – I love the organic feel of it and the curves, colours.  I am also greatly inspired by people and their spirit. A wrinkly elderly woman can be fascinating if you look closer. When I finish a portrait, I feel closer to that person.. I know their every wrinkle, curve, freckle.

S: What are your secrets to authentic style?
G: Don’t be afraid to rock it but know your body and what looks good on you. And most especially don’t forget to be who you are. I remember wearing a full length paisley skirt, black turtleneck sweater, slicked back hair in a bun and hoops earrings when everyone was doing polo shirts and dock shoes. I always thought that I was a nerd – years later, I had people mentioning my style. So go ahead and stick that flower in your hair, you have only yourself to please!

S: What are your favourite things? Things you cannot live with out?
G: Lip Enhancing Gloss and Halo Powder from Smashbox – LOVE IT
A long silver link layered necklace that I bought for $6.99 from Joe Fresh
My pink book where I write all my ideas and things to remember
My MacBook Pro !!!!!  (okay maybe my Blackberry too)

S: What are your new obsessions?
G: Finding the perfect casual boot
Finding a pair of high heels that are comfortable & sexy (I might be obsessing about these for awhile!)
Belts! Belts! Belts!!! (thanks Safina)

Shopping can sometimes be a daunting task and can often result in regretful purchases, over paying and down right frustration. I’ve put together a quick checklist of things to do to ensure a regret free shopping trip and more importantly a successful purchase you LOVE. Make a quick list of what you have, and what you need. When you start to shop – remember to shop in OUTFITS, not in single pieces. If you have to bring along the one or two items to ensure a great match be sure to do so.

GO Time…

1. Make a plan. Make a list.
   1. What can you wear from last year?
   2. What do you need?
   3. And how much can you spend on each item?
2. Set a Budget. This will help to make sure you don’t over spend. Note: Will power is a different conversation all together…lol.
3. Map out your trip. This will ensure you use your time effectively and efficiently.
4. Know Your Sizes. Be sure you understand that each store and manufacturer sizes range. So don’t be phased if your a size 6 at Mexx and size 10 at Club Monaco. It’s just a number. If you don’t like what it represents just cut off the tag. Everything is a state of mind.
5. Do your hair & make up. By taking this extra step you will look good and feel good. And when that kind of confidence is clear when you look in the fitting room mirror it will help to visualize just how beautiful you make the outfit look.
6. Dress to undress.
   1. No belt
   2. No hair-electrifying turtlenecks
   3. Yes, do wear comfortable slip on shoes
   4. Yes, do wear the right under pinning
   5. Yes, do wear a close fit tee for jackets
7. Give yourself time. And make sure you go when you’re fresh (not tired). And bring water!
8. Bring props i.e. high heels/strapless bra.
9. Spend more money on performance items you use everyday i.e. coats, shoes, work clothes such as suits, eye glasses and undergarments. Spend less on casual clothes.
10. Buy the best quality you can afford.
11. Expect Alterations. We live on a planet with a multitude of shapes and sizes and to accommodate this clothing is mass produced. That means that most things will not fit perfectly right off the rack. If you take the time and invest the money to make an item that is almost perfect you will wear it for a lot longer and you’ll get a lot more wear out of it.
12. DON’T lose yourself in the process. Know the right questions to ask when your reflecting on what your wearing. Checkout my post on In the Fitting Room for the key questions you need to ask yourself to make sure it’s right for you.
13. Then throw out the plan (once and a while). Be spontaneous. Break your own rules. You’ll surprise yourself if you think outside the box.

Do you have any secrets to ensure a successful shopping trip? Do share.

Valentino is the epitome of sexy elegance, beautifully designed with femininity in mind. From Vintage to Ready to Wear this man knows how to make a women feel innately magnificent.