Style Profile – 15 More Outfits to Inspire You for FALL!

Posted on October 2, 2015 by freshcollective

Here are 15 MORE Fall Outfit Ideas featuring our gorgeous and talented ladies from our Style Profiles. Did you miss the last 15 outfits earlier this week?

If you’d like to be featured in a Style Profile, get in touch. We’d LOVE to hear from you!

Our Style Profile is PACKED with style ideas and inspiration, all modelled by women from our community! Our customers have a certain something- they’re busy, and awesome and inspiring – and that’s how our Style Profile was born!

Name: Siobhan Özege
Occupation: Communications Strategist
Age: 28
Lifestyle: Everything all at once

Look 1: Lou Lou Dress by Oom Ethikwear
Look 2: Leigh Dress by Mandala Design in 40’s floral. Also available in rust nitelite, pink nitelite, navy holes, aqua holes and teal nitelite.
Look 3: Two way cardigan by Brenda Beddome in charcoal, teal, light grey and wine. Graphic tee by Yasmine Louis, Gloria flip skirt by Mandala Design available in purple, red and brown online. More colours in store.

Name: Nina Gilmour
Occupation: Actor
Age: 29
Lifestyle: Champagne

Look 1: Tunic by Desserts and Skirts, Essential Spanx Leggings available in umber or black.
Look 2: Sumika Dress by Annie 50.
Look 3: Top by Helene Clarkson and skirt by Michelle Carey. Sold out.

Name: Kara Isert
Occupation: Owner of Sparkplug Coffee, fresh roasted coffee delivered to your door!
Age: A few well-earned grey hairs
Lifestyle: urban adventurer

Look 1: Dania floral tunic by Desserts and Skirts and Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber)
Look 2: Dress by Studio Fresh – this style sold out.
Look 3: Jo Slouch top available in purple, lime, black, navy, red and royal. Sara flip skirt available in nitelite, lace floral and rain.

Name: Leslie McKeown
Occupation: Owner of The Bookkeeping Redhead
Age: 28
Lifestyle: Animal Lover/Movie Buff

Look 1: Zig Zag top by Mandala Design, Yoga Jeans and Snap Cardigan by Elena Wang.
Look 2: Legendary top available in teal, blue and black by Melow; Geeky Deer Skirt by Desserts and Skirts.
Look 3: Leigh Dress by Mandala Design in aqua holes. Also available in rust nitelite, pink nitelite, navy holes, 40’s floral and teal nitelite.

Name: Shannon Lee Simmons
Occupation: Financial Planner/Founder of The New School of Finance
Age: 30
Lifestyle: Urbanite and secret hippie (shhhh)

Look 1: Banks sweater by Gentle Fawn in burgundy or grey. Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber)
Look 2: Leigh Dress by Mandala Design in teal nitelite. Also available in rust nitelite, pink nitelite, navy holes, aqua holes and 40’s floral.
Look 3: Grace Dress by Kabuki in burgundy or grey.

Style Profile – Fall Style and Inspiration

Posted on September 30, 2015 by freshcollective

If you’d like to be featured in a Style Profile, get in touch. We’d LOVE to hear from you!

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Name: Rebecca Earl
Occupation: Sleep Consultant, The Sugar Plum Sleep Co.
Age: 37
Lifestyle: Organized chaos

Look 1: Klatt Genesis top and Yoga jeans.
Look 2: Zigzag top by Mandala Design (comes in blue and red) and Gloria Flip Skirt (comes in red, purple and brown online) by Mandala Design. (More colours available in store).
Look 3: Dania floral tunic by Desserts and Skirts and Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber)

In our stores, we often hear how well our clothes fit “real bodies” (as opposed to mannequins) – how they move and stretch to allow our customers to DO all the things they’re up to in our clothes! So we show those outfits on women with a variety of fabulous shapes and sizes. And women with real busy, fun and crazy lives to live in the clothes!

Name: Alexandra Guerson
Occupation: Lecturer at the University of Toronto
Age: 40
Lifestyle: colourful, creative, urban

Look 1: Jo Slouch Top in lime (as shown). Also available in black, purple, red, navy, and royal. Sara Flip Skirt in Nitelite as shown. Also in Rain and Lace Floral. Top and skirt by Mandala Design.
Look 2: Brenda Beddome 2 way cardigan in charcoal (as shown). Also available in wine, light grey and teal. Shown with Yoga jeans.
Look 3: Dania floral tunic by Desserts and Skirts and Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber)

At the same time, our clothes are for women who want to look great, polished and professional while feeling like “themselves”. (That’s what we hear every day in our stores: “I want to feel like ‘myself’ at work!”)

Name: Susanna Redekop
Occupation: Communications Coordinator for the West End Food Co-op
Age: 29
Lifestyle: Eco-conscious, passionate local foodie, type A personality trying to live a laid-back and low-maintenance lifestyle (it’s a daily challenge!) –

Look 1: Brenda Beddome 2 way cardigan in wine as shown. Also available in light grey, charcoal and teal. With Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber) and a graphic tee from Yasmine Louis.
Look 2: Deer head Dania Tunic by Desserts and Skirts. With Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber)
Look 3: Neighbourhood tee by Candi Factory (in-store exclusive) and Yoga jeans.

We’re so excited and inspired by our customers that we wanted to showcase (OK, show OFF!!) what they’re all about! So Style Profiles give women in our community to promote their business, cause, project, blog, art, music or whatever it is that they want the world to know about!

Name: Sarah Couture McPhail
Occupation: Artist/Student/Community Organizer
Age: 41
Lifestyle: Creative urban mom with a streak of Riot Girl

Look 1: Alexia Top by Oom Ethikwear in grey and purple. Gloria Flip Skirt (comes in red, purple and brown online) by Mandala Design. (More colours available in store).
Look 2: Graphic Pullover by Yasmine Louis, Dressy Sweats by Encircled.
Look 3: Tatsumi dress in red, black and green by Annie 50

Do you have something you’d like the world to know about? If you’d like to be featured in a Style Profile, get in touch. We’re LOVE to hear from you!

Name: Joanna Warden
Occupation: Teacher /Blogger
Age: In my one part of my mind I’m still 17
Lifestyle: Now that my kids have grown up, I’m enjoying living like a student again.

Look 1: Brenda Beddome 2 way cardigan in wine as shown. Also available in light grey, charcoal and teal. Gloria Flip Skirt (comes in red, purple and brown online) by Mandala Design. (More colours available in store).
Look 2: Top from a past season, Sara Flip Skirt in Nitelite as shown. Also in Rain and Lace Floral. Top and skirt by Mandala Design. (Other prints of the skirt available in store.)
Look 3: Tunic by Desserts and Skirts. Only available in store at this time. With Essential leggings by Spanx (comes in black and umber)

Fresh Collective Style Profile – Ana Bailão

Posted on October 10, 2014 by freshcollective

Name: Ana Bailão

Occupation: City Councillor, Ward 18

Age: A woman never tells 😉

Lifestyle: On-the-go.

Style Coach Notes: Ana liked this dress so much, after our photo shoot she bought one in the same style but a different colourway. This style just works on most women. The band creates a nice long line from under the bust to the hem and the cut of the skirt just flows away from the body skimming over tummies and hips. The demure tie and collar give it professional polish but the fabric shows off your shape. Very flattering! (Dress: Jayne Zig crimp shirt dress – Mandala Design $138, Shoes: Lonna Mary Jane – Hush Puppies $100, Bracelet: Ch-ch-chains – BurfurtART $45)

What’s a typical day like for you? It starts with a shot of espresso to kick off early morning meetings with stakeholders at City Hall. Followed by council and committee meetings, taking my day into the early evening. It doesn’t end there; even without any afternoon siestas! Usually, there are community meetings schedule weeks in advance for topics such as planning applications, parking upgrades and new community projects. Weekends are just as action packed, with numerous community festivals and events, allowing me the opportunity to better connect with the residents of the area; always making a day of work much more enjoyable. Continue reading →

Fresh Collective Style Profile – Shelley Yu

Posted on October 3, 2014 by freshcollective

Shelley Yu and I first met in 2011. We had a meeting to discuss her selling her line, Kabuki, with us in our new Roncesvalles store. She impressed me in many ways; her craftsmanship was impeccable, her drive and passion for what she does was clear and her willingness to learn and adapt showed me that she was going to be very successful as a designer.

Shelley has put her heart and soul into developing her line with us. She spends time in the store to get to know what the customers are looking for. She is open to feedback and ready to adapt, and she is always surprising me with how beautiful and marketable each new season is in her line Kabuki.

I am proud to have Shelley’s line in our stores, and impressed to see how much she has grown as a designer and as a businessperson in the 3 short years I’ve known her. She is always an inspiration to me.
– Laura-Jean – founder and CEO of Fresh Collective

Name: Shelley Yu
Occupation: Clothing Designer – Kabuki
Age: 44
Lifestyle: free, sometimes excited, sometimes quiet

Style Coach Notes: I love the subtle fishtail curve of this dress – it creates a very elegant shape. The top is very versatile – it looks professional paired with slacks or a skirt, but looks great with a pair of boyfriend jeans too! (Reggie Top/Reggie Skirt – Kabuki – available in purple/navy/teal – $139/$98; Necklace: Ch-ch-chains – BurfurART bracelet plus extender $45 + $12; Bracelet- Ch-Ch-Chains BurfurART $45; Shoes- Lonna T-bar – Hush Puppies $100 )

What’s a typical day like for you? I had never worked out at all until I discovered yoga two months ago – I think I finally found the right exercise for me! Now I start my day with 30 minutes of yoga before I start tackling any work left from the day before. That, or I decide what to eat for the day (eating is our family’s common hobby)! On nice days I really enjoy spending time in my backyard. Continue reading →

Fresh Collective Style Profile – Peggy Nash

Posted on September 26, 2014 by freshcollective

I love Peggy Nash! I’m very interested in women in leadership roles, and the first time I met Peggy in our shop, I was so impressed with how lovely she is in person and her commitment to shopping local and supporting local businesses. She is stylish, elegant and always looks comfortable and relatable. She’s been a regular customer of ours for years and I’m proud that we outfit one of our leaders.

– Laura-Jean, CEO and founder of Fresh Collective

Name: Peggy Nash

Occupation: Member of Parliament

Age: 63

Lifestyle: Very active, sporty

Style Coach Notes: This blouse is lined with a soft and stretchy fabric for maximum comfort and coverage, but the silk overlayer is light as air for a gorgeous, super feminine look. We paired it with the fitted skirt for a contrast – structured on the bottom and airy on top. (Blouse: Silk Tie Blouse – TetianaK $150, Skirt: Lithia – Annie 50 $138, Shoes: Edye Lonna Heel – Hush Puppies $100, Bracelet: Ch-ch-chains – BurfurtART $45)

What’s a typical day like for you? Up by 6am, read the news, go for a run, quickly get ready and then usually in first meeting at 8am. In Ottawa there is a core schedule of committee meetings, House Duty, Question Period, then other events and meetings are slotted in between. In Toronto, I try to get to as many community meetings, events and activities possible, while also meeting with constituents at my office. Every day is different. I commute between the two cities every week when the House is sitting. Continue reading →

Fresh Collective Style Profile – Jennifer Fukushima

Posted on September 19, 2014 by freshcollective

Jenn has been working with Fresh Collective for many years now, and I’m impressed to see her passion, drive and dedication unfold over the years. A savvy businessperson, Jenn is equally creative and committed to shaping a new future for fashion with her eco-friendly fabrics and environmentally conscious methods. Jennifer Fukushima is a shining light in the Toronto fashion industry, and an example to emerging designers of what passion, hard work and commitment can bring. I’m proud to have been able to play a part in Jenn’s career all these years, and I am very excited about the future this talented young woman is creating.

– Laura-Jean, Founder and CEO of Fresh Collective

Tunic: Apiomorpha Tunic in purple – Jennifer Fukushima $199
Bag: Parabole – Matt & Nat – $128
(photo: Braeden Miller)

Name: Jennifer Fukushima

Occupation: Designer & owner of Jennifer Fukushima

Age: 30

Lifestyle: Cycling, adventures & live music

What’s a typical day like for you? It really varies depending on the time of year. I spend certain times of the year designing, developing products and production, other times of the year I have a lot of trade shows and sales.

Continue reading →

BEST OF Fresh Collective Style Profile – Summer Sale Items

Posted on August 15, 2014 by freshcollective

In May, Toronto’s fabulous “Dancing Crossing Guard,” Kathleen Byers, modeled the fabulous Lila Dress from Mandala Design. Originally $158, this printed piece is now marked 40%off along with all other Mandala pieces – it’s only $94.80! Call your nearest Fresh Collective now to check on sizes and availability!

This knockout Hourglass Dress (modeled by equal knockout Katherine O’Neil – Independent Consultant and National Vice President for Arbonne International) comes from Obaki. Originally priced at $280, it’s been marked all the way down to $168 and can be snagged from our Roncesvalles or Queen Street locations!

Production Manager/Stage Manager/Theatre Technician – Pip Bradford looked flirty and fun when she modeled the Annette Dress by Studio Fresh early this May. It used to be $179 but if you stop into Fresh Collective Queen or Roncesvalles you can snag one for only $125.30!

CONTACT A STORE NEAR YOU FOR SIZING AND STOCK INFO

Queen St. West :: 692 Queen St. West :: 416-594-1313

Kensington Market :: 274 Augusta Ave :: 416-966-0123

Roncesvalles Village :: 401 Roncesvalles Ave :: 647-352-7123

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Fresh Collective Style Profile – Patti Loach

Posted on August 8, 2014 by freshcollective

I first saw Shelley’s work at a fashion show that was curated last year by The Style Initiative. What struck me about Shelley’s dresses and skirts was her attention to detail: you can see her background in pattern-making in the way she cuts her dresses, and in the very feminine elements in her designs.

A few months after that fashion show, my son and his girlfriend announced that they were getting married. I knew right away which shoes I wanted to wear – I had bought a beautiful pair of tango shoes in Buenos Aires the previous year – but I was going to need a dress to complement them. I didn’t want to go the “traditional mother-of-the-bride route”, I wanted something different: something colourful, a little flirty, and I wanted to be able to wear it after the wedding. Of course, I thought of Shelley. We exchanged a few ideas by email, then we met in her studio where she showed me some of her current designs and took measurements. We kicked around a few more ideas where Shelley was candid about colours and ‘looks’ (which I was so grateful for!), and the end product was not only perfect, it was extremely comfortable, and it’s timeless.

– Patti Loach

Name: Patti Loach

Occupation: Pianist

Age: 56

Lifestyle: Unique

Style Coach Notes: Patti is very friendly. When I first met her at my home studio, I immediately fell in love with her genuine smile and kindness. This dress is a great alternative for a home party. (Dress : Joanna Print – Kabuki $145 (now 40% off), Shoes: Lonna T-bar – Hush Puppies $100 (now 20% off)

What’s a typical day like for you? Because I’m a pianist and self-employed I don’t really have ‘typical’ days but every morning without fail, my husband John – we’ve been married 34 years – greets me with a cappuccino and a huge smile. That’s a constant.

I bike the Martin Goodman trail every day until there’s too much snow or ice to ride safely. The rest of my day is filled with practicing, looking for new material to perform with the singers I work with, updating various websites I manage, shooting and editing photos, organizing music soirées we host in our kitchen, and hanging out with friends and family.

Continue reading →

Fresh Collective Style Profile – Sophia Perlman

Posted on July 25, 2014 by freshcollective

I met Sophia last year, when she sent us a picture of herself performing in a Paper People Clothing dress similar to the one she is modeling here. We chatted a bit through Facebook several times about various things and just got to know each other through there. She told me how much she LOVES Fresh Collective, and how she has bought a lot from us over the years, and it just seemed a natural match to feature her as a Style Profile model, especially given the launch of her tour! Make sure you check out this lovely lady at a gig near you soon!

– Laura-Jean Bernhardson, CEO and founder of Fresh Collective

Name: Sophia Perlman

Occupation: Singer, musician, teacher and creative co-consipriator

Age: 29

Lifestyle: Always on an adventure of some kind.

Style Coach Notes: When Sophia isn’t performing, her lifestyle is pretty casual, so this dress is great. It doubles as a tunic, and can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans. (Dress: Panel Tee dress – Desserts and Skirts $88, Necklace: Hand inked & dyed turquoise locket – Curious Oddities $32, Shoes: Lonna T-bar – Hush Puppies $100)

What’s a typical day like for you? A typical day means that it wasn’t anything like any other day I’ve had, and will probably not be like any other day to follow! Some days I’m performing, other days I’m teaching (everything from Kindergarten to College), or living my double life as my own booking agent/manager/publicist. Rare days are the ones where I get to hide out at home and practice or work on my songwriting – when the weather’s nice, I’ll take Tallulah – my precious junk-shop rescue accordion out and find somewhere outside to sing and practice (which I think my neighbour upstairs much prefers to my staying home!). Most days will be a combination of some or all of the above. I have a hard time keeping still at the best of times. Luckily my husband Adrean, who is also a musician, is really grounded and patient and into doing things one at a time. He helps me remember to slow down and keeps me grounded!

Continue reading →

Fresh Collective Style Profile – Jennifer Lee Dawson

Posted on July 18, 2014 by freshcollective

Jennifer “Big Deal” Dawson is on the Board of Fashion Group International Toronto with me and she is just the sweetest person you could hope to meet! Jennifer’s role at FGI is member relations- meeting new members or potential members at our events and getting to know them while representing FGI. If you’re interested in making some great connections with a supportive and friendly bunch of dedicated fashion professionals (and creative professionals from related industries) come check out one of our events that happen the last Tuesday of every month, and find the lovely Jennifer Dawson to ask her about what membership has to offer!

– Laura-Jean Bernhardson, CEO and founder of Fresh Collective

Name: Jennifer Lee Dawson

Occupation: Professor/ Big Deal Dawson Owner

Age: 30

Lifestyle: Marathon Runner, World Traveller, Brand Evangelist, Masters in Education, Digital Media Expert, Vintage Fashion Obsessed, & former Beauty Queen.

Style Coach Notes: A maxi dress is a must for hot summer days, and the dramatic print of this one suits Jennifer’s style to a tee! This dress is flattering on many different figures because of the band under the bust, the low neck and then the cut of the skirt. It flows over tummies and hips just right and creates a long lean line. (Dress: Loni Wave Print Maxi Dress – Mandala Design $138, Shoes: Trave Sling – Hush Puppies $100)

What’s a typical day like for you? It always differs, but I try to start my day with a morning run to get my energy flowing. From there my days are usually filled with client meetings, lunches, work, and various fashion events in the evenings. I never have a boring day which is why I LOVE Toronto because there is never a dull moment in this electrifying city.

What in your life is really important to you? Family. I am the eldest of six children and have a very loving relationship with my 3 brothers and 2 sisters. They mean the world to me.

What would you like to be remembered for? I would always like to be remembered as the girl who made all of her wildest dreams come true. I live my life to the fullest and truly believe that anything is possible. Continue reading →