We’ve Missed You!

February 6th, 2012 by HCErika

Hello Lovies!!

Our sincerest apologies for the absence of blogging lately. We’ve been crazy busy in the store with prepping for spring, taking in new consignment and styling the world – one woman at a time. Forgive us, but we will soon be back to lavish you with our Haute take on fashion.

Exciting things to look forward to : Fav Spring Runway Trends, HC’s afternoon with Leah Miller, and perfect picks for Valentines!

Seasonal Favourites: Cashmere, Knits and Elbow Patches

November 16th, 2011 by HCErika

With winter just around the corner, it’s about that time we really start to bundle up and pile on the layers. Staying warm doesn’t mean you need to look as round as the Michelin Man, or the kid from A Christmas Story, who can’t put his arms down. We’ve got great options to stay nice and warm, without sacrificing style.

One of our favourite pieces in store right now is a beautiful long sleeve Louis Vuitton knit dress. With a simple black thigh boot and vertical printed translucent leggings, you’ll not only stay warm and cozy covered tip to toe on a crisp fall day – but lengthen the look of your legs and cinch the smallest part of your waist [with the belt so perfectly fashioned with the dress].

 

 

 

Chilly, darker mornings usually make the getting ready routine a bit more sluggish than we like. We’re more likely to reach for a sweater in the morning, rather than a cute top. We simply adore Ralph Lauren’s classic cashmere V-neck sweaters. With great solid colours on top, you can get playful with printed pants or keep it simple with a crisp, white french cut button down underneath.

 

Ralph Lauren assorted knit wool V neck sweaters

 

A great cardigan is always a favourite for any season. Easy to dress up or down, we love playing with darker toned colours for fall.

 

Zhor & Nema adds mink fur pompoms to a beige cashmere sweater. Its a great classic look for an effortlessly chic style.
Anything DVF is always a favourite. We love this quirky colour blocked cardigan paired with skinny jeans.

 

 

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs striped cardigan adds a nice little hint of sparkle without going overboard. Perfect for a mid week pizazz at the office!
The blue and green combo with the Sonia Rykiel button down is fabulous with blondes and brunettes alike.

 

 

Time and time again we see turtlenecks as a Fall must have staple. They really have earned a spot in our essential top 10, and we’ve definitely got an eye out for that extra … je ne sais quoi.

 

Vintage Hermes knit linen

 

Burberry London wool knit sweater, patterned elbow patches

 

 

Spotlight : Jon De Porter

November 3rd, 2011 by HCErika

The hansome Jon De Porter

Haute Classics was the host today for jewelry designer Jon De Porter’s Holiday/Resort 2011-2012 Trunk Show. With warm home made apple cider in hand, guests got a meet and greet with the designer himself. One on one consultations took place in store while the entire collection was beautifully displayed for everyone’s viewing pleasure.
The Montreal born jewelry designer had a love of fashion at a young age. From styling his mother to studying design at LaSalle College, Jon knew he was destined for something great. Although new to the game, he dazzles us with his elegant choices of materials, exquisite colour pallets, and regal lines sure to impress any fashion forward woman. Drawing inspiration from his worldly travels, Jon creates a beautiful collection that speaks slight whispers of Tuscany hills, romantic Italian nights, and the deep hues that come with seasonal changes. Quartz from Hong Kong, jade from Italy, and pearls from China – Jon’s pieces make us feel like we were really there with him too, hand picking stones and mulling over colour tones.


Jon De Porter and HC Co-owner, Stella

I had the opportunity to speak with Jon, and ask him a few questions about his collection.

Haute Classics: Who is the Jon De Porter woman?

Jon De Porter: She is a strong, in control, classic woman. She’s not afraid to make her own decisions and make her future happen. She is fashion forward, and has a great knowledge of fashion history. Mostly, she appreciates good quality.

HC: What is it like being a jewelry designer in Toronto?

JDP: It’s so wonderful and I’ve had such a great response from my clients. I get such inspiration from the beauty all around me. There is an enormous potential for emerging designers, it seems everyone is so eager to discover new talent.

HC: What do you like about Toronto fashion?

JDP: I love the vibrant drive. People aren’t afraid to make their own fashion choices. They love and wear trends very well, but they don’t hesitate to step out of the norm. Its a beautiful balance.

HC: What are your favourite materials to work with?

JDP: Fresh water pearls. They are stunning and have great value.

HC: What are your favourite pieces from the new collection?

JDP: I adore the routillated quartz necklace with fresh water, side drilled pearls and rose gold accents. The customizable double strand agate sterling silver piece is really great because you can wear it almost 50 different ways. I have to say the natural pink sapphire necklace and bracelet are just lovely. I have made them with custom earrings and the natural multi toned colours that come up are so fresh.

HC: What’s next for Jon De Porter?

JDP: I’m going to continue creating and hopefully start to develop a collection for men.

Jon De Porter is sold exclusively at Haute Classics. Custom pieces are available by request.

Jon discussing collection with new client.




Chic Treats

October 31st, 2011 by HCErika

Happy Halloween Fashionistas!

We’ve decided to take goth to a fabulous new level. Indulge on these treats inspired by velvets, leathers and even gorilla fur.

We never thought we’d fall so in love with gorilla chic. (Dolce & Gabbana)
(Size 40 – $1440)

These Haider Ackermann cigarette pants are a great staple addition to any wardrobe.
The slight sheen to the fabric gives them a more sophisticated look than your every day black slack.
(Size 34 – $200)

Jean Paul Gaultier leather skirt transitions effortlessly into winter months – great to keep in mind for holiday parties that are just around the corner.
(Size 6 – $225)

Mini Fendi bag to store some delicious Halloween treats in!
($250)

John Galliano says it all with this amazing wool dress jacket. The single button bewitches the eye to pull in at the smallest part of the waist.
(Size 8 – SOLD)

This Giorgio Armani jacket gives great texture to any LBD. We’ve paired it with a snake skin Ralph Lauren belt, and a classic little black dress from Prada.
(Jacket: size 38 – $400)
(Belt: size MED – $175)
(Dress: size 10 – $156)

Dries Van Noten leather boots play dangerously with the imagination. The cut-out foot detail gives somewhat of a mary-jane style look, but keeps legs warm with covered calves.
(Size 39.5 – $649)

This Miu Miu jacket is to die for. Sequin embellishment around the back of the neck adds playfulness while the pieced fabric and bow add texture.
(Size 6 – $500)

Giuseppe Zanotti gets industrial and adds edge with buckle hardware detailing to these leather boots. They add bold statement to every look. Pair with fun and simple cocktail dress, or go all out with heavy fabrics and lots of draping.
We loved seeing them with the John Galliano jacket featured above!

(Size 39.5 – $395)

Feet Welcome the Fall

September 26th, 2011 by HCBee

Wave goodbye to your flip flops, open toed wedges and strappy sandals. The time has come for shoes that keep your feet warm and cozy. Lucky for you Haute Classics has your (and your toes) covered.

Stop by the store to have a look at their newest hardware: Gucci ‘Baboushka’ studded booties. And then try leaving without them on your feet.

These leather booties are the perfect shoes to welcome Fall in. With a covered 1/2 inch platform and 41/2 inch heel, you can walk comfortably while still looking chic. And when do studs ever go out of style? A side zipper closure makes sure you can always slip your foot in and out without issue. 

Selena Gomez in a gray version

Come by Haute Classics and have a look at these absolutely flawless booties and start your Fall off with a Gucci‘d bang!

Fall Trends You Must Own!

September 1st, 2011 by HCBee

With fall right around the corner (wah!) it’s about that time to switch your closet over to fall wear. Which means that you need to make sure you have enough of the season’s trends to fill up your closet.Lucky for you Haute Classics has pieces that encompass some of the hottest trends that have already been seen all over the runways.

And luckily a few of them overlap so you can hit a few in one outing!

It’s due to be a gorgeous fall what with all the fabulous trends going around: cowboy chic, sumptuous colours, huge heels, Mad Men style and snakeskin to name a few.

Rodarte, Thakoon, Banana Republic

Take a look at a few pieces that hit all the right notes….no matter how much we want to pretend summer won’t end.

Michael Kors trench in a delicious mustard shade. This is a perfect example of cowboy-esque Tru Grit style.

Continuing with the rich colours trend:


A stunning cerulean Burberry trenchcoat.

A tickled pink frock from Strenesse. Not only is it perfect for the colour craze but it’s also a take on the Mad Men style phenomenon that is taking over stores everywhere.

Speaking of Mad Men here’s an adorable little grey cape with the very popular Peter Pan collar.

Graham & Spencer jacket. This small cape is perfect for those brisk days where a thick jacket is way too heavy.

Also a usual occurance on the ’50s/’60s show are the sexy, straight legged cigarette pants. Exactly like these Haider Ackermann black trousers:

Accessories are not left out of this Fall trend list! Pick up anything you can with a reptilian skin.

Gucci snakeskin purse.


Hérmes crocadile skin purse.


Helmut Lang snakeskin pumps.

A huge trend on the runway was laced up boots on every style from ankle boot to knee-high. Here’s a super sexy pair from Céline.

Last but certainly not least, stacked heels are once again hot as can be. Lucky for us, not only are they chic and stylish but they’re also SO much more comfortable than stilettos.


Marni stacked heels.


YSL stacked heels. A double score as they are available in this deep purple as well as a rich green.

Everything seen here and much more is available at Haute Classics. Put on your sexiest, skimpiest summer dress (while the weather is still warm!) and head over to start your fall wardrobe shopping!

The Sexiest Label on the Market

August 9th, 2011 by HCBee

When the ladies of Hollywood want to look their sexiest, there’s only one label that will do their bodies justice: Herve Leger.

From Lindsay Lohan to Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham to Rihanna, Megan Fox to Kate Winslet the list of celebrity women who haven’t worn Leger’s famous ‘bandage dress” is way shorter than the one with ladies who have. These dresses cling to every curve ensuring that all your hard work to get a sexy body is shown off.

And now you can be on the list of HAVE. Haute Classics has a collection of Herve Leger dresses on sale NOW.

Leger designer Leroux pioneered the creation of the “bandage” or “body-conscious” dress, using materials traditionally associated with foundation garments to create dresses that would mold and shape the wearer’s figure with its signature bandage-like strips.




Hurry into Haute Classics to pick up your very own iconic Herve Leger dress.

SHOE SALE

July 25th, 2011 by HCBee

When the weather is hot and humid and you need to take shelter in an air-conditioned store, where better to do it than a store that’s having a shoe sale?

For the rest of the summer Haute Classics is offering MAJOR discounts on some seriously sexy shoes. Labels like Manolo Blahnik, Miu Miu, Chanel,  Jimmy Choo and of course Christian Louboutin will be flying off the shelves.

Bottega Veneta

Besides the already discounted price you’re offered at Haute Classics designer consignment, the store is practically giving away the shoes at upwards of an additional 50% off.  

Gucci

Not to brag but just the other day one very lucky shopper bought an almost brand new pair of Louboutins for $137 down from $275!!! No where else in the city can you find such high caliber shoes for such a low price. 

Lanvin

This incredible sale doesn’t apply to new shoes but there are more than enough sale shoes to keep you entertained and your feet in the lap of luxury.

Miu Miu

Stop by as quick as you can to Haute Classics and find an assortment of styles, colours and brands from your favourite shoe gods.

Summer Style

July 13th, 2011 by HCBee

It’s that time of the year when it seems like your whole schedule is filled with summer weddings. Luckily for you Haute Classics has a multitude of fun, chic outfits that would make a splash whether the wedding is fancy or laid back. By taking what’s trendy this season and mixing in a few pieces that are just not possible to pass up, I’ve thrown together a few outfits that can be worn to weddings and any other.

Look #1

An adorable short black sequin dress with cork sandals and a pop-of-colour red purse. This look is fun, flirty and will have you looking spectacular on the dance floor.

Robert Rodriguez dress. Even though sequins may seem heavy, the low back and open sides will provide you with plenty of air.

Louis Vuitton purse and Chanel shoes. This adorable little purse is the perfect pop of colour against a black frock. The sandals keeps things light and effortless but still super chic.

Look #2

This outfit screams summer lovin’. A bright dress made from a light fabric with a sash to cinch your waist. Paired with bright heels and a colourful clutch, this look can go from a wedding to a walk through Bloor St.

Beaubois dress. A flowy, flirty dress in a warm yellow tone with a buttery brown sash.

Lodis clutch and Christian Dior shoes. These accessories are right en pointe with the flourescent colours trend. By pairing complimenting colours in bright, vibrant shades you’ll look like a stylish updated version of the 80s.

Look #3

This time the flourescent colour is all in the dress and the accessories are toned down…sort of.

Sportmax dress. The loose draping style of this dress is very modern Grecian goddes, with completely open sides for an uber sexy appeal. But don’t worry, a mesh underlay is right there making sure you keep things classy but still stay cool.

Louis Vuitton purse and Jimmy Choo shoes. You may think that a jean purse lowers the class rating on an outfit, but the LV brand keeps you feeling swanky. And do these Choos even need an explanation?

Look #4

Ah the black dress. A quick go-to decision for many women. I almost didn’t want to put a black dress option (it being a bright and colourful summer and all) but I couldn’t turn my nose up at the big style staple for any season.

Jean Paul Gaultier dress. This frock is perfect for the girl who wants to follow the minamalist trend. From far away its a plain black dress but up close you can see the ruffled detailing and sheer fabric.

J. Crew clutch and Miu Miu shoes. Add a punch of glamour with a sequin clutch and vibrant shoes. The shoes ensure that you’ll be center of attention on the dance floor and the clutch will be reflecting the sun’s rays all day.

Look #5

I know I can’t be the only one who is constantly thinking about tan lines. This option of a strapless dress will have you picturing your glowing skin while you’re watching outdoor I Dos.

Diane von Furstenberg dress. The colour and pattern of this dress is very ’70s…a trend that is huge this season.

Louis Vuitton purse and Sergio Rossi shoes. With a dress that colourful, you don’t NEED to go all out on the accessories but you definitely still CAN. By choosing a pair of shoes in a colour that’s not featured on the dress (but still matches) you get an extra pop of colour while still letting them stand out. And a white purse is the perfect summer accessory for any event.

Hurry down to Haute Classics and pick out your own perfect summer wedding guest look from head to toe.

Sexy Scarves

July 5th, 2011 by HCBee

Luckily for all you haute shoppers out there, Hermès scarves are a constant at Haute Classics. These silky pieces of heaven are a must for anyone who considers him or herself a fashionista. For years Hermès scarves have been equated to elegance and exquisiteness. These gorgeous works of art are made from the silk of 250 mulberry moth cocoons and are handprinted as well as hand stitched. Besides being known for its texture and design, Hermès scarves have another unique trait that is unprecedented; its scarves are made with a scent.


In Paris, during the holiday season, one Hermès scarf is sold every 20 seconds. The scarves have a long list of famous and illustrious fans. Grace Kelly (the queen of chic) famously wore one as a sling when she broke her arm in the ’50s.  The First Lady of Fashion Jackie Kennedy Onassis used to wear the label’s scarves in a fashion that was copied by the public. More recent fans include Oprah, Sarah Jessica Parker and Mariah Carey.

There’s a long list of reasons to own a Hermès scarf…and they all have to do with the numerous ways you can tie one. And trust me there’s hundreds. Try folding it tightly for a headband or necktie. Fold it in half for a bandana style a la Jackie O; or instead of tying the knot at the base of the neck, try it over the hair on the side for a chic pirate style.

You can even turn the scarf into an outfit! Tie two corners around your waist and two corners around your neck for a silky, sexy halter top.

If you’re daring, try this! Lay the scarf down flat. Tie opposite corners together tightly and fold the ends under the knot. Take the other corners and (raising them up in the air) tie them together at the very ends of the corners. You’ve just fashioned yourself a Hermès hobo bag!

Stop by Haute Classics and have a look through the wide variety of Hermès scarves. Guaranteed there will be a scarf to match every person and personality that saunters through the door!