London, London, London - An outfit post

Dear Canadian fashion and style,

Please do us all a favour and be more like the United Kingdom (preferably more like London). I know you try to be cool and "with it" by scooping up whatever trends and hand-me-downs big sister America is letting you get away with but what you haven't realized is that you're looking to the wrong fashion nation. American fashion is baby food compared to European fashion and doesn't even stand a chance against the style and creativity that oozes off EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the glorious, grundgy-yet-sophisticated, amazingness that is London. Street style for days. Every where you look there is a fashion goddess in an outfit so perfect you can't help but stare. EVERYONE looks freaking epic all. the. time. It's like being effortlessly stylish is embedded in a Londoner's DNA. 

I know, I can hear you now... "but we are Canadians, how can we compete with that?" It's hard for us to get pass America and the besties/popular-girl-fake-friendship she has with European fashion. America gets all the goodies first, wears the shit out of it, then dilutes it until it's fast-fashion knock-off shit. Then it's passed on to us. HOW BLOODY BRILLIANT...

Yes. I know. It's not our fault. We're just not as popular as America. Europe doesn't really know we exist... We will get her attention soon enough. For now Canada, all I ask is that you do yourself a favour and look to Europe for fashion inspiration. Get pass the bitchy sister and the lame stuff she's been giving you.  Be creative, be yourself, be effortlessly stylish like our friends across the pond!

Tell American Vogue you need to see other people and give British or French Vogue a call. You don't know what you're missing.

Lots of love,

Elayne Millar

a concerned fashion-loving Canadian living in the UK.

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Had to get it off my chest. For those of you who don't know, I've moved once again and am now living in the United Kingdom - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire to be exact, which is a 45 minute train ride away from the fashion Mecca city of London! OH EM GEE.

Every time I visit London I come home with bags and bags of glorious new outfits, pieces, and/or accessories and the nasty foot-long receipts that come along with them... (curse you Pound...you evil Canadian-Dollar-eating monster.)

Here is an outfit made up of pieces I found during my last visit. My new favourite items: TURTLENECKS AND SKORTS! Skort, Skort, Skort - best word in the dictionary.

Long-sleeve turtleneck crop top in gray from Zara
 with a black paisley print skort from TopShop

Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion Week F/W 2013 - Street styling

With Toronto Fashion Week comes the inevitable hoard of fashion bloggers and street style photographers, all of whom scour the tents and front steps of David Pecaut Square for interesting outfits, people and celebrities. As annoying as Toronto's fashion people want to pretend these bloggers/photographers are, the reality is we all secretly love them and are almost never actually annoyed when they want to take our photograph. Pfff saying no to free press? I don't think so. Possible new readers/followers? Come on now. That's just stupid. So here are some photos of me taken by some of Canada's fashion blogs and magazines such as shedoesthecity.com, Indecent Xposure, MTV Flora, FASHION, FAJO, and FLARE Magazine.

Here's a shot from style and fashion blog shedoesthecity.com taken at the Holt Renfrew after party on Day 1 of WMCFW.  Just hanging with some of my big-time Toronto fashion media friends. You know, just chillin. The party was great! Wanna read more about it? Click here.

long-sleeved leopard print tail dress from Forever 21,
black faux-fur shrug and black leather Western belt from H&M
Photo: shedoesthecity

Day 2 was a blur... I think I was working on the Laura Siegel behind-the-scenes feature I wrote for the National Post that day so I didn't spend much time at the tents. The feature turned out really well (after all my bloody hard work....) and I got a chance to hang out backstage and catch all the last minute, heat-of-the-moment runway action. I even snagged a little video of our girl Laura when it was all over. Check it out here!

Day 3 was a fun day of live blogging for the National Post. I basically had to run around from show to show speed tweeting and posting ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. It was mad. But I quickly got the hang of things and started posting some pretty witty stuff. (I'm not a Twitter person.. like AT ALL... so I was pretty proud of myself when I got email props from my editors back at the Post) Anyway, while running around like a frantic fashion chicken sans tête I posed for FAJO Magazine and once again for shedoesthecity.com.

yellow Chanel-inspired jacket from Zara, white American Apparel fitted crop top
orange satchel clutch from Aldo, patterned high-low skirt (tail skirt) from H&M
black leather and wood boots from Urban Outfitters
photo: shedoesthecity.com  

photo: FAJO Magazine

On Day 4 I caught the attention of several street style photographers with my "Bitch don't kill my vibe" tank from Brandy Melville. Thanks to Montreal's Indecent Xposure and FASHION magazine for the free press!

Levy's leather jacket, Brandy Melville tank over white and black striped H&M blouse
paired with vintage velvet bellbottom pants
photo: Indecent Xposure

photo: Indecent Xposure

photo: FASHION Magazine

hehe a little shout-out to my statement tee ;)

Look MOM! My name is in a FASHION Magazine article!!
screenshot: fashionmagazine.com

Day 5 was a blessing (YES IT WAS OVER! I COULD BREATHE AGAIN!) and a curse (NOOOO IT'S OVER WAHHHH! I HATE REAL LIFE). It was the last day of Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion week F/W 2013 and my entire wardrobe was sprawled out on the floor of my apartment. Sorry, but when your job is to get your Fash'On and strut around Fashion Week trying to look important, there is NO TIME for cleaning or putting away clothes. On Day 5 I was running out of outfit options... so I went with this one. MTV thought it was cute and grabbed a photo of me on my way to the Travis Taddeo show. They also asked me to be a part of their "Favourite Street-styler's mixtape". Pretty cool stuff.

looking a little fat faced in my leather-sleeved Zara cropped navy military jacket,
vintage blouse in navy silk, black disco pants from American Apparel
and my trusty black suede Lita boots by Jeffery Campbell
photo: MTV FLORA

Check out the playlist! It's actually really cool.
screenshot: MTV FLORA

Styling for Lookbook Cookbook!

Remember waaaay back when, when I posted about styling a shoot for Lookbook Cookbook? Yeah, like 6 months ago... If you don't (haha, which I'm sure no one does....) feel free to give my old post a read. Here's a little story of how it went!

The night of the shoot was a rather hectic one. I had spent the entire day pulling clothes and collecting accessories, etc etc. On top of all that I had to clean my nasty apartment because Lookbook Cookbook creator and photographer Jessica Milan and I decided to have the shoot in my tiny closet of a home. After what seemed like hours of preparation I had my outfits down and ready for shooting.

Styling the shoot was a piece of cake ( haha pun totally INTENDED). Since I've been modeling for LBCB for quite some time now, I was very familiar with the type of look Jess wanted. All my outfits were super casual and I made sure to keep them as LBCB-looking as possible aka super big on the high-waisted shorts, chunky jewelry and bright lipsticks. Most of the clothing used in the shoot was pulled from my very own closet and the jewelry was graciously loaned to me by my friend Corrine Anestopoulos of BIKO. If you are unfamiliar Corrine's amazing designs take a second and check out a post I wrote about her a few months back. She's one talented little lady.

BIKO jewelry. Spring/Summer 2013

I can't remember just how many looks I did in the end, but here are the ones Jess posted so far. First up is my caramel smoothie look. I'm wearing a nasty old black beanie, my tiger cut-off tee from Brandy Melville, an American Apparel lace bra, (can't remember what I was wearing as bottoms... maybe I was naked. Who knows.) fuchsia Smashbox lipstick, BIKO necklace and bracelet and Tiffany rings.

photo: Jess Milan

photo: Jess Milan

The second we have the pecan pie smoothie modelled by the lovely Hailey. She's wearing a Dream Big tee from Brashy Couture with BDG high rise shorts and BIKO jewelry. 

heheheheheh look!! I'm a stylist ;) (name is misspelled but whatevs happens all the time..)
photo: Jess Milan

photo: Jess Milan

And third, the MOST AMAZING THING IN THE WORLD, chocolate chip banana pancakes! AHHH I DIED! I'm wearing a Mickey Mouse print skirt from Urban Outfitters, a zipper-front vintage leather mini skirt and BIKO jewelry.

photo: Jess Milan

If I could eat these pancakes every day for the rest of my life I would die a happy (but very fat) woman.
Thank you Jess. Thank you so much.

Here are some behind-the-scene shots of goodies and outfits that have yet to make it on the site. Once Jess unveils the new treats, I'll make sure to post more info.

photo: Jess Milan

Amazing no-bake treats!! Sorry guys, I can't tell you what they are. Gotta wait for the LBCB post!

Catching that flash with my phone. That's behind-the-scenes action for you.

Styling at the ShOws F/W2013 - the fashionable front row

Last week, while attending day 2 of the ShOws, I was street style snapped by photographers from a couple style mags, papers, and blogs. Here are some photos of my outfit courtesy of Toronto Life and The Style Spy.

Black fedora, vintage rope chocker, stripe blazer from Zara, white crop top from American Apparel,
black high waisted  patent leather croc-skin pencil skirt
Photo: The Style Spy

Apparently white and black stripes are a thing.
Photo: Toronto Life

Photo: Toronto Life

National Post's newest fashion writer

Hi Everyone!

I have some amazing news. I have (almost) officially graduated from Ryerson University's school of Journalism and I am (almost) now set loose on the fashion world to report the shit out of it! I say 'almost' because until I get that lovely diploma in June, Ryerson still technically owns me... BUT with that said, I no longer have to go to lectures or write tests or do lame class assignments. I've upgraded in life! I am now the newest edition to the National Post's Arts & Life section - specifically the Style section! I am working closely with my editor, Toronto's fashion and style guru, Nathalie Atkinson and getting as many byline as possible and it's totally amazing.

Yes, I am unpaid. And yes, I have a cubicle. But WHATEVER, right? I'm working the fashion beat for one of the biggest newspapers in North American! Guess what my very first assignment was... "Elayne, could you do a write up of Paris Fashion Week? It's due at 5p.m. Thanks" My response: "Ummm HECK YES!"

Walked in the door and saw this sign in the lobby. I was so excited I had to take a photo... the secretary thought I was an idiot... It's okay though. I'm cool with it

For your enjoyment, my review of the top trends off the Paris Fashion Week F/W2013 runway and my first National Post byline. My family was proud. My mother printed it out and framed it. Life is good right now.

My very first National Post byline! AHHHHH

My byline on the National Post iphone app! STILL REALLY COOL!

HI! From my desk!

My really unfortunate pass photo. Why is it impossible to look normal in photos that matter?

My cubicle on the first day. It looks way better now. I covered it in books, magazines, clipping and so on. It's cute now don't worry.

One of the many amazing tid bits of news I get to laugh at loud to on the daily. Thank you Canadian Press

HOLD ON, OUTFIT POST!
And just incase you were wondering, this is what I wore to my first day at the Post - Enjoy.

there's nothing more professional than taking a bathroom selfie on the first day at your new office job.

maybe taking two?..nah.

Yes, looking professional on your first day is a great idea. Being stiff and boring and NOT wearing your Docs when you feel like wearing your Docs - NOT a great idea. DOC CITY BITCH.

The outfit: white shirt with organza top-panelling from H&M, Zebra-print mini skirt with front pocket from Zara, black patten leather Doc Martens.

runawaylove x lookbookcookbook 5.0

I'm going to have to stop #.0-ing these posts sooner or later... it's getting a bit ridiculous now. Lookbook Cookbook creator and photographer Jessica Milan and I have an undying love for one another. That's all. Our relationship is this: she feeds me amazing gluten-free, vegan baked goods and I go sugar-high mental in front of the camera for her. It's been working so far, so I don't see a problem with it.

Her recipes are mind-blowing and if you've never heard of her amazing food/fashion blog, make sure to check it out here! Below are the results of my latest sugar-high. Yes, I'm modeling a disgustingly amazing caramel smoothie. If you love all things lovely and sweet and salt - at the same time! - try out this recipe! It's honestly to die for.

SIDE NOTE: This shoot was actually my first time styling for Jessica. I pulled all the clothes and jewelry and put together the looks for our model Hailey and myself. It was a great time and I have a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes stuff to post but I'm going to hold on to them for a bit, so stay tuned for more about my adventures styling a LBCB shoot! (I'll also make sure to explain my looks and where everything came from) For now here's me and a caramel smoothie. Oh baby, food pooooooorn!

Photo: Jessica Milan
Styling: Elayne Millar
Jewelry: BIKO 

Runawaylove x Lookbookcookbook 3.0 and 4.0

Yes yes, this has become a regular thing. Lookbookcookbook creator and pro photographer Jessica Milan and I have a bond now, and that bond is our love for the deliciously scrumptious treats the lovely Jess makes with her own two hands! For those who are just tuning in, LBCB is an amazing food/fashion blog that I was given the chance to model for. I posted the two other looks I did for Jess back in the day and if you're interested, feel free to check them out here and here. I modelled with key lime cupcakes and an even better peanut butter chocolate banana pop. SO GOOD.

Because I've been quite the blog-slacker these past few months I forgot to post my most recent LBCB shots. I modelled Jess' crispy chocolate rice square and chocolate covered raisin clusters. I had a great time... as you can tell from my super smiley face haha.

Photos: Jessica Milan for LBCB
Styling: Chloe Wise

Photo: Jessica Milan for LBCB
Styling: Chloe Wise

In more recent news, Jess has asked me to style the next Lookbookcookbook photo-shoot  So stay tuned for that! I'll be styling the entire thing on my own and I'll be doing some more modelling as well. Should be a great time! Well, I'm off to eat some baked goods now, cause all this talk of chocolatey goodness is really getting to me. Time to get my oven working and hit up lookbookcookbook.com. LAYTAHS! (sugarrushsugarrushsugarrush)

Toronto Fashion Week S/S 2013 - street styling

Because I'm a big loser procrastinator and still haven't gotten my Toronto Fashion Week S/S 2013 reviews up (three month late...and still counting) I thought it would be nice to get these photos out there for those who care to see what I wore. This season, I was photographed by a few big name magazines for my fashion week outfits. So flattered. Take a look!

To see what I wore on Day 1 of the Collections click here

Pre-Fashion Week at The Collections - Day 2

Once the streetstyle photographers caught wind of the secret runway shows going on at The Burroughs Building on Queen West, they were all over that shit. Day 2 at The Collections was just like Toronto Fashion Week - street photographers everywhere. Here's a not-so-flattering photo of me courtesy of FASHION magazine. I'm the "and a Nirvana t-shirt" part of the headline (lol).

Zara jacket, homemade rope chocker, Nirvana tank from Brandy Melville, black cord circle skirt from American Apparel, black leather backpack with studs Bershka Portugal
photo: FASHION magazine

A few selfies because I had to..

Rouge Cream lipstick in Classic Bright Red from the Sephora collection

Front Row at Sid Neigum

Mikayla Mifsud and me after Cara Cheung show

Toronto World MasterCard Fashion Week begins - Day 1

I missed most of the first day due to boring stuff like school, seminars and lecture (pff education..) so I don't have any nice photographs of my full outfit. I did find this one of my fuzz clutch on thebrunettesfashion website.

black fur and leather clutch from Aldo

Toronto Fashion Week - Day 2

My outfit was pretty popular with the press on Day 2. I guess the trick is to go big (big hat, big fuzz) or go home. Here are some photos featured on fashion blogs such as Thekit.com, etmoijejoue, psalms911, and the others were taken by photographers from FLARE magazine and Toronto Life.

wide brim hat from Aldo, white knit sweater from Forever 21 (I know, right?), black shag vest from Zara, red geo-pattern pants from H&M, black fur and leather clutch
photo: FLARE magazine

My trusty black suede Lita Boots from Jeffrey Campbell
photo: Theknit.com

Screenshot from ELLE Canada's website.
Photo: ELLE Canada

looking lost with coffee in hand - as per usual
photo: et moi je joue.blogspot

HI!
photo: Toronto Life

Toronto Fashion Week - Day 3

Day 3 was another one of those I-have-to-sprint-over-after-class days so I only made it in time for the last two shows of the night. I did find a photo of my last-minute outfit on shedoesthecity.com. Thanks guys!

dirty, old, hipster hat, homemade rope chocker, black and white colour-block shirt from Zara, metal spike chain necklace from Top Shop NY, black Levi's leather jacket
photo: shedoesthecity.com

Toronto Fashion Week - Day 4

On Day 4 I boho-ed out in a super micro-mini lace dress from Urban Outfitters. It was so short I had to tape it to my thighs so I could walk around without mooning the entirety of the Canadian fashion population. Good times though. Here's a photo of me courtesy of FLARE magazine

beige and cream lace dress from Urban Outfitters, chunky vintage collar necklace, oversized forest green blazer from Zara, brown leather saddle bag from All Saints, brown suede fringe boots by Jeffery Campbell
photo FLARE magazine 

Toronto Fashion Week - Day 5

By the time Day 5 came around I was fashion dead. My appartement was a mess - clothes, makeup and accessories EVERYWHERE and I was totally out of outfit ideas. I was exhausted and done with trying to look cute. So, I went for the dress. The dress is always an easy out. It's one article, it's fast, and it always looks good. Here are a few shots of me from BlogTO. and ELLE Canada's instagram.

Photo: BlogTO
note --"my style"...pfff that isn't a style but okay

black fedora from H&M, neon yellow dress also from H&M, black leather western belt from Urban Outfitters, black suede Lita boots by J Campbell, and the fuzz clutch from Aldo
Photo: BlogTO

photo: ELLE Canada