A lifestyle, a way (or style) of living, comprised with more than a life of style, is also about keeping your inner self in check.  Real hot chicks know about balancing work and play.  Over time, I have read a variety of great books from fashion to fiction, each of them affecting my life on many different levels of awareness.  Admittedly, there are more who probably appreciate the escapism of reading fiction much more than I do.  As a mom of a teen and pre-teen, a relatively young career, and the curve balls life throws at us, like many, my life is physically and mentally busy.  Keeping a positive frame of mind, even among the best of us, can be challenging.  Some choose to escape.  Some choose to acquire skills.  Hot chicks balance both.

While there is nothing wrong with a good novel, movie, or glass of wine, excessive escapism is an easy trap to fall into and has become so prevalent in our culture that people forget (or refuse) to live in the truth.  .  Like much of my experiences, I want to share some of the books that have shaped my lifestyle as a hot chick that you might realize you are one too.

‘Live Like a Hot Chick’ by Jodi Lipper and Cerina Vincent is a good start.  It defines a hot chick as a “...confident woman who knows what she wants and gets it…aware of her flaws, but doesn’t obsess over them & thinks that maybe (just maybe) they actually add to her unique beauty.  She is passionate.  She loves life.  She is comfortable in her own skin and her sexuality, but uses it purely for good.  She does not see other women as her enemy & competes only with herself to do her best at all times and to be her best at all times. She is forthright, honest, and disarmingly herself.  She is having fun, and she is sexy, and you just want to be around her to soak up some of those good vibes.  She isn’t perfect, but she doesn’t care because she’s hot…” This book touches on finding balance and contentment within your personal and professional life in a fun loving, entertaining way that helps you to realize how hot you are and how hot you can be.  

Living in anger, resentment, negative self-talk, & not understanding your self worth is not hot…. and it ages you.  Unworthiness and not loving the self I find is the center of most, if not all, of your personal issues.  Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.  ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ by Louise L. Hay is a book that’s been around since 1984.  While people give you advice to forgive and forget, to let it go, to deal with it and get over it ~ it is rarely elaborated on & explained in ways that actually sparks a light bulb in our head.  This book does just that.  If you are tired of the same old same old…the only way to change that is to do something different.  Do the exercises as you go, take what you will from it and you’ll see the difference immediately.  

Emotional intelligence.  Many seem to think that we are controlled by our emotions, that we can’t help them, so we either spew it out or repress and suppress them.  Neither is healthy and both can get you into trouble.  Releasing is the medium between the two.  Want to learn how to drop an emotion while you are in the height of it so you can think and respond reasonably?  ‘The Sedona Method’ by Hale Dwoskin.  Beware, the book is dense and you’ll need to take your time with it but the benefits are boundless.  

Before the movie was released, a good friend lent me ‘Eat Pray Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert.  If you’ve seen the movie and never read the book, forget what you’ve seen and just read it.  It baffled me at how the two-hour movie was going to do it justice.  I was never (but seems that I am) an avid reader, but the book was well written and it spoke to my heart personally.  Somehow, the books that I’ve picked up have a very direct relevance to my life.  I call it guidance.  

Much like I give my clients guidance & direction to make shopping more enjoyable & less overwhelming, life without direction can leave you…lost.  I have observed that people that are lost are lacking in spirituality & faith.  All have no belief system.  Most have lost their faith.   I look to my faith, spirituality, and belief system for guidance…for decisions big and small.  I believe in God.  I am a huge fan.  If your faith is similar, you will love this page turning story of ‘The Shack’ by Wm. Paul Young.  It is a sad and beautiful story with a powerful message that wrestles with the timeless question:  ‘Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?’  It inspired me and overwhelmed me with sadness and delight.  It made me re-assess areas of my life.  Guidance again.  Along with The Sedona Method, The Shack is a NY Times Bestseller.  

A hot chick is not some airbrushed fashion magazine model or a slutty looking, Botox-injected reality TV star.  A hot chick is someone who is real, authentic, and who has depth.  She has inner hotness that glows from the inside out.  The lifestyle of a hot chick is made up of positivity, love and respect for self, a delightful work in progress.  She is guided and trusts the process of life.  Because she loves herself, she feeds her body with nourishing food.  She exercises and provides herself with a comfortable home that is a pleasure to be in.  She is quick to forgive and think in a loving way to all people.  She is this way because it’s the lifestyle she chosen to live.  

The amusement park...the ocean...the mountains...the desert...the city. A summer  of purposeful destinations, people to see, clothing & footwear to consider.  If you prefer to travel light, remain stylish simultaneously, and get more out of your excursions, I have some all purpose tips for an all purpose trip. 

This summer, my destinations include Canada's Wonderland , British Columbia (to meet nature...and the family), Vegas (for visual thrills, fun, sun...and shopping), and New York (well, it's New York...and there's more shopping to do to update my fall wardrobe).  Footwear.  All that walking everywhere.  Tops and bottoms.  Comfort versus style?  Why not have it all?

The mom & thrill seeker in me brings me to a weekday excursion at Canada's Wonderland.  I took note at how my Sperry Topsider boat shoes was the best shoe I could have chosen to wear for this occasion.  There are rides in which it would be in your best interest to remove your shoes (or you may lose them), the water park, and the rides where you know you're sure to get soaked.  Running shoes make my feet hot and don't do well with water...not to mention a pain to put on and take off.  CROCS although strongly disliked in the fashion industry because they are ugly and juvenile, is in my experience, the best footwear for sandy beaches.  The boat shoes were easy peasy, comfy AND it looked good.

Part of a healthy lifestyle is eating right.  I'm completely grossed out with the fatty unhealthy food at Wonderland but I get it...it's an amusement park!  I can't bring myself to eat (or spend on) unhealthy filler food & beverages that could disturb my figure yet you are not allowed to take in outside food, understandably so.  Here's a  trick:  In my small yet unusually roomy Coach knapsack, I packed some nectarine, two thin cans of PC Sparkling fruit beverage (only 50 calories & worth 2 servings of fruit) for the first part of the day.  I topped it with a small towel, sunscreen, bathing suit & one underwear.  I line up to get into the park and ensure the attendant to inspect my bag is a young man.  While he inspects my bag, embarrassed I say, "Please don't touch or take out my underwear..."  He quickly withdraws all involvement with my bag.  Off we go ride after ride with no major lineup (it's a weekday, remember?) until hunger sets in.  In the car, I have a cooler with prepared sandwiches, fruits, beverages, and a blanket all set for a picnic.  It was a nice break, picnic on the grass under a tree. 

For the second half of the day, in preparation for re-entering the park, I strategically packed more drinks, some snack chips & fruit at the bottom of my knapsack and topped it with a towel.  It has the illusion of being overstuffed that it would discourage any inspection attendant from going through and disturbing the order and that would not be wise to do with anxious & impatient customers behind me.  I gladly hand my bag over to her, throw my hands up as if to say, "Here, you deal with it."  Sure enough, she starts to open the bag but is immediately discouraged about taking it apart & tells me not to worry about it.  So we're in, off to the water park to digest.  Equipped with snacks & drinks for later...comfortable, content, we ate healthy, and we didn't spend a dime.

While in BC, I went from cosmopolitan Vancouver to the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island via pretty Victoria.  I observed how nicely worn and broken in my Sperry Topsider boat shoes have become & once again appreciated how well it has served me through this trip.  They seem to be my go-to shoes for casual daytime and that I can walk in them all day.  There are variations of Sperry's:  ballet style and the traditional classic style.  I like the classic for the nostalgic fact that I had one in grade 10 but if you have the budget for only one, the ballet style gives you the best of both worlds.  The only time I couldn't wear them of course was when we took a guided hike with Dave Trebett of North Island Daytrippers to explore the west coast.  For the entire BC trip, I brought one pair of not-so-high heels, runners, travel friendly ballet flats, and of course the boat shoes.

The North Island segment of our trip was the highlight.  A nice long drive along Vancouver and a guided hike I most highly recommend is the way to see the true and powerful nature of British Columbia.  Wilderness was up close and personal.  Numerous bear sightings, some that invade personal space wandered around the yard of a neighboring house.   Curious sea lions poked their heads up from under the water close by to observe us as we walked the cool, rugged, unspoiled beach.  Sea otters busy and seemingly oblivious while bald eagles soared the skies.  For lunch we returned to a very small, quaint little cabin our guides fixed up quite comfortably, was welcome to anyone that stumbles onto it.  Making a journal entry is all that is required.  It was the closest I'd ever come to nature and by far, as an intermediate level hiker, the best and most diverse hike I've ever done.  The area, our guide Cathy explains has generally two seasons, spring & fall.  I already switched and stored my winter wardrobe but left out & brought along my very handy and versatile cashmere wrap cardigan, leggings, and a light scarf I picked up in Vancouver containing a slew of colors from my Fall/Deep palette for $17.  Perfect.

Vancouver made the usual offering of cool, gloomy, light rainy weather.  Again, thank goodness for my wrap that also kept me warm and stylish on the plane.  Being a cosmopolitan city, I suppose, I choose to dress somewhat urban cosmopolitan and certainly not as if I'm going camping..or to a yoga class. That said, I won't conform to what seems to be the official outfitter of Vancouver women, Lululemon.  My idea of style in ANY city does not consist of yoga wear.  Sight seeing, shopping, brunches and dinners, I lived in my jeans and ballet flats reinvented by way of tops & accessories.

After the gloominess of Vancouver comes the sunny promises of Victoria. She successfully delivered & protected her reputation.  Very pretty.  Very patriotic.  Being there on Canada Day, streets filled with smiling faces painted red & white with maple leafs, had to be one of the most patriotic partying I had ever experienced.  It is after all the capital of British Columbia. In Toronto, Canada Day is no more than a day off & fireworks.

I lived in my ballet flats & boat shoes, denim & capri's ~ with a scarf or wrap at hand of course for any slight and sudden change of temperature.  Dinner with my beau's stylish sister called for heels that instantly turned my dark denims into early evening dinner paired with a funky top.  Are you getting the picture of the essentials?  Boat shoes, ballet flats, comfortable heels, a wrap cardigan, leggings, and an assortment of tops to match my jeans & capri's gave me a variety of looks   (I favor capri's rather than shorts since it's good for warm weather & offers warmth in case it is unexpectedly cool).

Victoria as I mentioned, is pretty and pretty much the purpose of this trip...meeting the family at a backyard BBQ.  By the way, for those of  you who are not aware, you're being judged by every person you come in contact with, consciously or not ~ like it or not.  Family most especially. So be mindful of what you choose to wear and how much you choose to bare.  Hoochie mama will not fly, cleavage is not good unless your plan is to get a bad rep.

Las Vegas & New York is next on the roster of summer to do's.  You can bet I will take the same or similar items.  I pack efficiently and strategically in that every bottom will create at least 5-6 different looks.  I won't take everything but the kitchen sink because I like to travel light and because of airline baggage allowance rules.  I'm not into paying extra.  I know from experience that Las Vegas & New York is more challenging depending on how much is involved, but the same rules apply.  Just be sure to leave luggage space for new items.  Travel is certainly not the right time to bring an article of clothing that's not tried and true or you need to experiment with.  When it comes to travel, and much of everything in life, go with what you know.  There's a time, place, and opportunity to think outside of the box.

Some of us wondered what was up when Guess closed their Queen Street store and re-opened across the street, what is now their flagship store of 5000 square feet.  Flare was there hosting this event on June 16, 2011 with a performance from Keshia Chante.  For this event, because it's so not my style, I really wanted to take it in and look at it objectively.  In typical Joan fashion, I bravely go solo and mingle with everyone who would.

While I considered what I would wear that evening, I asked myself the usual questions:  "How am I feeling and what am I doing?"  Well, I am attending a fashion event, a store of which target market I do not belong.  I will be taking photographs (therefore bringing along a heavy camera) and taking in the scene, the store's aesthetics, merchandising, and mingling.  I'm feeling that I do not want to be both in heels AND a mini dress but I can do one or the other.  So...I slipped on my latest treasure, gorgeously comfortable, Alexander Wang body con asymmetrical dress paired with a denim jacket & Lanvin X Acne denim ballet flats.  I'm not at all a dramatic personality or 'hoochie mama' as I like to call it so this outfit was my compromise to remain true to my natural style...comfortable and sassy sexy.  I chose a denim theme to salute Guess and what made them famous...JEANS!  Guess Jeans was one of the most popular brands of jeans in the 1980's and was my first pair of high end denim.

The place was already buzzing and in full swing when I arrived.  Keshia Chante belting it out, the store's environment and aesthetics was high energy and in keeping with their target market...the young and the dramatic.  Lots of stilettos going on.  What appeals to the dramatic personality?  Space that have chrome details and black leather sofas, a wall taken up entirely by window, and a boom boom boom sound system...they love night clubbing.  I look around the main floor, women's.  Not for me but I'm liking how it's laid out.  I enjoyed going through the Flare Editor's Pics rack & the sectioned off Flare interview area.  I head upstairs to men's and I'm really loving it.  In short, the store's merchandising was very well executed.

I wondered about the motivation behind the flagship store.  Associates Stephanie & Jennifer tells me that although the Yorkdale store may actually be larger in terms of square footage, Guess wanted to create more of a presence in the always-hip-area Queen St. West...and that they did.

Truth be told, I am not a fan of Guess for me personally.  As I said...it's not my style at all.   One thing I notice Guess does quite well are accessories such as watches, jewelry, and shoes both for men and women.  As for clothing, I like the design and fit of their men's shirts however I am put off by the large logo placement, crazy graphics or patch that I've come to assume is typical Guess approach & branding.  So many of my male clients actually love Guess shirts but don't follow through with purchase for the same reason.  I really believe that if they do without it, they would open themselves up to a larger audience and stronger sales figures.  On the bright side, I was pleased to find two beautiful shirts I ended up purchasing for my sweetheart...in his color, and no silly graphics.  I also tried to find one for my ex for Father's Day in the color palette I needed, and while I found a few gorgeous ones, I turned it over and there it was...BIG INTRUSIVE GRAPHICS.  Good news though!  I spoke to an associate and they informed me that Guess has a new buyer lined up & this may very well change.

Will I return to Guess as 'blingy' as it is?  Likely.  For men.  And the odd accessory.  I have to look a bit deeper but I do find the odd piece or two.  When I find it, it's a gem.

                                                            

May 31st...after a perfect day at the Spa at Elmwood with my best friend Nat, we headed over to The Room @ The Bay to preview Proenza Schouler's Fall 2011 Collection.  To be honest, I've been obsessed with her PS1 bag in Midnight.  I called every Barney's location across the USA and nobody has this bag in this colour...and colour is every bit as important as the style. Eva, an associate of The Room snuck it out for me so I can meet it in person.  OMG.  It was even more beautiful than I'd ever imagined.  It was lightweight, perfectly stylish, fits my ipad and all the stuff I bring along with me when I'm working...or doing mom things.  It's not too much bling and no designer name or logo splattered intrusively on the bag.  It will go with silver, gold and everything in my wardrobe!  Being the practical gal that I am, this is the 'statement' bag I've been longing for that doesn't scream at you...rather, it's just understated sexy, practical, smart, functional...kinda like me!  It's my perfect work and play bag and I cannot wait to hand them my credit card so I can have it!  Gimme gimme!!!  I'm certainly ready to pass on my L.A.M.B. bags to girlfriends who will appreciate it and enjoy it as much as I have.  Keep that abundance flowing!

It's really amazing what Bonnie Brooks has done for The Bay...The Room!  It almost always brings a tear to my eye.  If you are like my bff Natalie and haven't checked out The Bay at Queen St. since Bonnie came on board, it will not disappoint.  In my opinion, they've seriously given Holt Renfrew a run for their money.

Of course Toronto's fashionistas and folks from all areas of the industry was out in full force...so much style, so much fashion, I didn't want to stop and fiddle with my camera to place it in it's proper settings so I snapped away eventually surrendering to the auto setting.  I just loved walking around admiring everyone's personal style and show of creativity.  It really inspires me.

As for the collection...I loved the mix of color...there's something for everyone's coloring and personality style.  A little neutral, a splash of bold, a bit of classic, a touch of romantic, and oh wow hard to find deep colors too.  They are investment pieces so choose wisely.

In attendance...well...see for yourself.  Out of focus or not, these pics are going up...I just want to share them...so enjoy.

Left (middle):  Kimberly Newport-Mimran of Pink   Tartan Below (right): The perfectly stylish & timeless riding boot

We ventured out of the PS area deeper into the Room & found....Nat's Picks: 

TNT The New Trend celebrated it's 20th anniversary held at their impressively renovated Hazelton Lanes location boasting 18,000 square feet of cutting edge fashion that inspire and excite me like no other boutique in Toronto.

Formerly TNT The NEXT Trend (as I've known it to be), TNT The New Trend has come a long long way since I worked for its sister store that was located on Cumberland Avenue years back...we're talking the 80's here...and even back then TNT has always been well aware of the next and the new trends.  With owner Arie Asaraf, one of Toronto's top retailers driving and propelling this ship, it's no wonder and surprise that TNT eveolved to what it is today:  two Toronto locations of aesthetically stylish boutiques (Hazelton Lanes and Eglinton Avenue West) made up of TNT Blu, TNT Man, TNT Woman & TNT Gallerie along with their Montreal location.  TNT carries meticulously chosen local and international designers and collections and work closely with stylists and personal shoppers.

The event was nothing short of fabulous.  Candle lit patio lanterns, organic decor throughout, Sushi provided by Blowfish and retro grooves that wouldn't quit by DJ Chuck Barrett from New York.  My appetite for taste, sight, sound (Everybody by Madonna was particularly memorable for me), and fashion were fully, completely and utterly satisfied.  I especially enjoyed the signature TNT cocktails served at several bars throughout the space including the beautifully decorated outdoor patio.

My date, Drew Scott, one of the hosts of W Network tv series Property Brothers, joined me fresh from the set...and why not?  I styled him and his brother Jonathan Scott (also host of the show) in selections of clothing from TNT Man (only at Hazelton Lanes Toronto & in Montreal).  The special guest of the evening was Nicole Richie whose collections Kate & Winter and House of Harlow, both available at TNT.

The reality is that for the various types of Stylists, there is a lot of grunt behind all the glamour and this is the glamorous part of my job.

                                   Some of the things I lust for...oh Alexander Wang.

                    Above:  TNT Owner & Retailer extraordinaire Arie Asaraf & Guests

Below:  Stylists Aria of TNT & Kyle

Below:  DJ Chuck Barrett from NYC

Left:  F/W Preview of Narces Collection

Left:  Blogger Anita of iwantigot.geekgirl.com

Below:  David Rocco of Dolce Vita on Food Network

Toronto's beautiful put their best fur forward for Chef Network Inc. Communications Director Carmen Correia's all-foodie exclusive event at Kultura Restaurant (169 King St. East) last Thursday January 20. Canada's top chefs served up a delectable selection of exotic masterpieces from rabbit, zebra, horse, moose and more, unleashing it to 200 guests. The hostess, Carmen herself, dressed in full Zebra was looking fierce in her fur!

The venue's perfectly dimmed ambiance and wilderness decor of tree branches heightened our senses for the exotic food and fur theme. I heard some of the best retro music I've grooved to in a while, accompanied by a live drummer...and the food (...OMG the food!) was money honey and deliciously sexy. This event was, in every way, a rocking stampede of Fur-licious sexiness.

Okay so normally you will find me at events with my camera ready to capture all the fabulousness but tonight my furry friends and I are VIP guest to Front TV's CEO and Club Fashion host Jeff Rustia and ready to mingle and prowl with fellow food fanatics. Special thanks to superfly always int the thick of the action photographer Vito Amati of Vito Amati Photography (www.vitoamati.com) pictures I have posted here to share with you!

Gorgeous 1800's mansion!

Joan Cordoba ready for all of your styling questions!

Stephanie Sterjovski showing off our styled outfits & booth!

Joan Cordoba-Petraglia & her assistant,

Stephanie Sterjovski of Styled Closets

DAY 2: Jules Power and Preloved presented adorable, quirky ready-to-wear pieces with vintage inspirations that mixed textures, colours and prints. Florals, royal colours, fleece, wool, mustard, tan, plaids and stripes combined for a charming, but very wearable collection from both designers.

DAY 3: Evan Biddell provided futuristic, McQueen-inspired silhouettes in the sculpted fabrics, quirky shapes and mixed fabrics.

Biddell's Dramatic Shoulders

Elise of Elmer Olsen Models

DAY 5: Lucian Matis and David Dixon had by far the most inspiring collections from LGFW. Lucian had an artistic combination of embellishments, trimmings, bold accessories and timeless silhouettes. Matis used earth tones of bronze, gold and black in his polished, rich pieces.

Barbie by David Dixon had an exceptional collection, intermission, presentation and enormous attendance at LG Fashion Week. In true Barbie style, the colour pink presented itself many times, hounds tooth prints and party dresses maintained the feminine vibe of the collection. Intermission mixed up between Barbie by David Dixon to David Dixon provided champagne and beer to keep everyone amused, including the media pit! The David Dixon collection was not shy at all to many LBD cocktail dresses, all very feminine, tailored, nipped and tucked in all the right places. The number that caught my eye? The statement making broken mirror embellished little black dress! It makes for a great evening glitzy glam look thanks to the sleek feminine lines and the eye catching light reflecting off the mirror embellishments.

L'Oreal Mirror Fun!

Hair by Salon Daniel

Daniel Fiorio working his magic on a model!

Charmaine Gooden of Zoomer Magazine &

Styled Closets' Stephanie Sterjovski

Canada's glitterati was out in full force at the Bell Celebrity Gala for SickKids on October 8, 2009. I had the pleasure of dressing local celebrities Dilana Robichaux (Rockstar Supernova, Recording Artist, Singer/Songwriter), Josh Ramsay (Marianas Trench), Eva Avila (Sony Music Recording Artist & Juno Nominee), Shiloh (MMVMA Nominee Best New Artist), Carly Rae Jepsen (Singer/Songwriter, Top 10 Single "Tug of War") and Ivana Santilli (2009 JUNO Nominee R&B/Soul Recording Artist of the Year "Tony").

Carly in a blue tu-tu!

Toronto celebrated Italian innovation, artistry & styling in fashion design at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto from September 21 to 27 brought to you by Trade Commissioner Antonio Lucarelli. The event showcased Italian brands & local retailers as Andrew's, (Armani Jeans, Belstaff, Cinzia Rocca, Fabiana Filippi, Save the Queen), Harry Rosen (Brunello, ETRO), Marcello Tarantino Ready to Wear, Milli (Armani Collezione, Blumarine, Cavalli, Missoni, Moschino C+C, Valentino), Nicolas Menswear & Womenswear (Zegna) among others and of course, United Colors of Benetton/Sisley. 

It was an evening of fashion while indulging in a stimulating Italian experience...lots of beautiful people, expressive socializing, Procecco Di Valdobbiadene Brut NV for cocktails, & helpings of tiramisu for dessert (what Italian event would do without). Prize baskets were given out but the best prize of all...a trip to Italy courtesy of Alitalia!  Che bella vita!

Canadian-Italian designers Dean & Dan Caten of highly successful clothing label DSquared, graciously greets fans, guests, photographers & media at a TIFF party celebrating their induction into the Canadian Walk of Fame at Fashion Houses & an after party at the Century Room featuring D.J. Jojo Flores to top off the entire evening  Many who knew them back in the day say that despite their international fame, the two remain humble & very much in touch with their Toronto roots. The two have ventured into television hosting an L.A. based reality show called "Launch My Line"scheduled to air this fall on Bravo.