New York - Times Square

This mother-daughter duo impressed me because they each had their own unique style that was perfectly appropriate for their age, right down to their choice of footwear. I saw so many women wearing the pseudo-nerd glasses with heavy frames

Fabulicious Boots

After some creative web-searching, I've concluded that these boots (which have a picture of the classic Kenner Blythe doll on the side, which stupidly, I did not photograph) are from a store called "Irregular Choice" in Soho. After looking at photos of their shoes on their Myspace page, ( there is a link on their website: www.irregularchoice.com) I cannot believe we didn't go in, considering that there were at least two shoe-obsessed women in our group. My next trip to New York, I'm there.

New York - Soho

This young woman was headed to work in her fabulous blue and silver boots.

New York - Soho

I have realized after 3 months that in order to make regular posts to this blog, I'm going to have to expand my territory London is many things, but a style mecca is not one of them. New York, however, is another story--I just returned from 3 glorious days there, and every visit, I am reminded why it is my favourite city in the world. New Yorkers are not afraid to be noticed, and this adorable young woman was no exception--I think her oversize "nerd" glasses look great!

Stratford Festival

I don't know if this guy believed me when I told him I thought he had some style going on, but I liked the black and white with the hat and a bit of attitude. I wish more men had the nerve to wear hats!

Flowing layers - Stratford, Ontario

Made my first trip to Stratford this year to see a play (Cyrano--highly recommended!) and there were some great outfits worn by my fellow theatre-goers,including the tunic and wide leg trousers on this young woman. Her purse was also quite unusual, purchased at the One of a Kind show in Toronto,which I know from experience is a treasure trove ofunique, must-have, accessories.

Cora Jacob - Designer, Entrepreneur

Cora Jacob, former criminal lawyer, now an internationally reknown handbag designer, was in London this week to speak at the "Power of the Purse" conference celebrating the empowerment of women. Cora's story is fascinating--she started Cojac Leather products while still practicing law some 30 years ago and experimented in using indigenous materials and leather in her native Philippines. She first sold her bags door to door, and in 1982, she got her break when Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who was a buyer for Christian Dior, saw her bags at a trade show. Cora received the Golden Shell Award in 1982 for marketing and export excellence. She is also admired for her focus on empowering women--her non-profit foundation, Cora Cares, trains women to make bags so they can support themselves. After a decade away from the company due to health issues, Cora came back, and with the help of her daughters, formed La Cora Creatives, which has four lines of designer handbags, one of which is designed by her youngest daughter, Pinky. I was lucky enough to meet Cora, and see her designs first hand, and they are stunning, as the photos below demonstrate.

Her line of evening bags made from shells are beautiful works of art

These bags are woven from plant fibres and incorporate shells and leather

Summer White

You know it must be summer when you see your first little white dress. This one is definitely more grownup stylish than girly sweet, and the jewellery is a bold and eye-catching addition