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story Maureen Scott This year’s holiday style is all about shimmer and shine and grabbing attention with “neo glam.” As fashion director, Suzanne Timmins is known as “the voice of fashion” at The Bay. She has the enviable job of shopping the world markets, attending international fashion weeks and pouring over fashion mags and blogs to keep up with the latest trends. “This holiday season will be about bold colours, beautiful prints, lots of shine and, yes, lace,” says Suzanne. “We definitely believe in glamour for the holidays. As a matter of fact, we called one of our key trends for the holiday season neo glam." “I believe the mood is all about dressing up, whether it’s a great tux, a sequin skirt or a lace top.” she said. “The trends right now are rich colour, something shiny, lace and velvet, statement jewellery, a sparkly shoe.” Suzanne’s go-to item for holiday dressing is the LBD (little black dress). “I love the shape of a clean modern shift. For evening, wear it with a tuxedo jacket, sheer legs and killer heels,” says Suzanne. “For day, layer a cable knit sweater, pair with tights and patent oxfords. For cocktails, dress it up with statement jewellery, bold cuffs or a show-stopping necklace. If I’m more in a pants mood, I also have a black jacket with tuxedo details that I can throw over jeans, skinnies or a pair of silky pants.” When entertaining at home during the holidays, comfort is key. “I love the drama of a long skirt, a classic shirt and a pair of bold cuffs or earrings and I’m always in flats for mobility,” says Suzanne. Anna Mattiuzzo, public relations representative for Laura Canada and Melanie Lyne says the holidays are a perfect time to experiment with colour, especially if you have a closet filled with black clothing. “Rich doses of colour are the trend, including gold, silver, navy, magenta, plum and red which will provide a festive palette, while chic black delivers maximum elegance,” says Anna. Renee Therrien, public relations director for Simon Chang agrees. “Simon says colours are all the rage from greens and purples to rust, and of course red,” says Renee. “Fabrics like taffeta and lace and the look of Mad Men dressing from the ‘60s have returned.

ABOVE Black asymmetrical, Italian-made, designer gown from the Runway Collection at Winners with drop earrings

The dress seems to be the favourite commodity at the moment, as is a sequin sweater worn over a little black dress. This look is appropriate for almost any occasion.” Lace is showing up in unexpected places this season - including the office! That’s according to Shannon Johnson and Colleen Uncao, the public relations team for Winners. “Defying its delicate legacy as an evening-only fabric, lace is making a strong entrance into sophisticated daywear, appearing on everyday form-structured skirt suits to polished dresses,” says Shannon. Colleen and Shannon have selected some no-fail outfits from Winners for the holidays. “A velvet or cashmere cardigan over a silk shell coupled with straight leg pants is a comfortable yet stylish outfit perfect for entertaining,” suggest Colleen and Shannon. “For an after work cocktail event, a flirty knee-length dress is just the item to put you in the holiday spirit. Pair with a little fur-trimmed blazer, peep-toe heel and this season’s must-have accessory-the collar necklace. A formal event allows for a big dose of glamour! Let them see you shine in a bold yet sophisticated little number, be it full length or to the knee. Add drama with accessories that sparkle, like a cocktail ring, bangle or chandelier earrings.” LEFT Hammered metal collar "statement" necklace available at Winners. Coach clutch available at The Bay. Alex Fraga earrings, cocktail ring, and bracelet available at The Bay.

Accessories are outfit makers, says Ed Rawas, owner of Rawas Jewellery & Gifts, located in the Mississauga Home and Design Centre on Dundas near Winston Churchill. Ed specializes in a line of jewellery featuring Swarovski crystals. “Jewellery follows the fashion industry and women like to wear designs like the celebrities wear. The looks are incredible; the cost is very affordable,” says Ed. We asked him for a few suggestions to add holiday sparkle to our little LBD (black dress). He quickly pointed out a gorgeous triple-strand fresh-water pearl choker with a front closure featuring a giant freshwater pearl. Very Audrey Hepburn. “Every woman should have a gorgeous bracelet for evening,” says Ed. But if you really want to add some bling, Ed suggests a large black watch with enough Swarovski crystals to light up a room with its brilliance. “This is for the lady who doesn’t need to know the time,” laughs Ed. “This watch is all about good looks.”  GL

	ABOVE (from left)  Red lace outfit from Marc Jacobs Fall Collection Runway Show (Photo by Fashion Group International). It was the inspiration for the Amazing Lace suit (right) available at Winners. Retro-inspired dress and coat from Simon Chang. Sequin dress available at Melanie Lyne.