Lola & Gigi Taking the Show on the Road!

I can't wait for these two exciting events! To RSVP and receive your special gift, click here!

Fashion's Invisible Woman??

A fabulous Lola & Gigi customer sent me a link to this article in the L.A. Times titled "Fashion's Invisible Woman" and I have to say it did get my blood boiling a bit. The basic gist of the article is the fact that while the average American man (love-handles and all) can shop wherever he darn well pleases, the average American woman (size 14, thank you very much) can barely shop anywhere.

This is why I started Lola & Gigi. I was so tired of not being able to dress myself the way I wanted to, the way I needed to! I believe that the way you put yourself together is an outward manifestation of who you are on the inside. My outfit is my art. It is hard to create a masterpiece when all you have to work with is Crayola. Now don't get me wrong, you can do a lot with crayons, but where is the choice? What if you feel like a watercolour one day and a dramatic oil painting the next? Where are you supposed to get the raw materials? You can only go so far with shoes, handbags & jewellery.

What I hope to provide at Lola & Gigi is choice. I love it when I can put a woman in a change room bursting with beautiful pieces of clothing in her size and she can just choose what she loves (not just what fits). I know we're not for everyone, but I also know that there are women out there looking for boutique quality clothing over a size 10 and I'm going to find it for them!

I believe in quality. I believe in style. I believe in fit. This is the Lola & Gigi trinity that must be present and accounted for in spades when I do the buying for the store. I'm always on the hunt for fabulous. It has taken me to New York, Paris, Milan, Vegas, and Vancouver. I spend countless hours on the internet, scouring for what's out there. I charm, beg, cajole and plead with designers to do an exclusive for us in larger sizes. I walk down the aisles of trade shows asking "what size to you go up to?". Believe me, I've got your back.

That's why I'm so excited that one of the new designers we'll be carrying this spring is Rachel Pally White Label. I love these gorgeous pieces made from modal (one of my favourite fabrics) and the fit is amazing! Her classic sleeveless caftan dress (pictured above) is a staple piece in her collection and was worn by a pregnant Angelina Jolie. Rachel Pally was also included in one of Oprah's hugely popular "Favourite Things" shows. I know she will be an amazing addition to the Lola & Gigi line up.

And have no fear, I'll keep looking for more!

I Heart New York & Valentino!

Just back from a whirlwind tour of New York this weekend looking for fabulous new pieces for Fall 09 and I have to say there will be a whole lot of 70s inspired clothing coming down the pipes so get ready!

Went to see the Sam Mendes' (yes, he's Mr. Kate Winslet) directed production of A Winter's Tale at BAM, which was magnificent. Ethan Hawke played a very bad boy, sexy Troubadour/Rogue with a Tom Waites voice (has he been smoking 2 packs a day?) and the amazing Sinead Cusak (Mrs. Jeremy Irons) stole the show.

Met with fabulous Anna Scholz and Melissa Masse who had the most incredible pieces to show me. I haven't even received our spring shipments yet and I'm already looking forward to fall! They are both true artists and make the most flattering & sexy clothes. Yay for curves!

Managed to get in a little window shopping at Sak's Fifth Avenue. Had to go visit with the Valentino purses I covet, it was my version of going to the museum. The very dapper looking salesman came over to inform me that my favourite raspberry coloured Dome bag was actually "Frambois". And he was completely serious. Felt like saying "Actually, it is pronounced framboise".

Had to go all the way to the 9th floor to take a look at their Salon Z (14 +) department which shares the floor with the bikini section!!?! They didn't have a very inspired collection up there, hardly worth the climb. Heard a rumour they were closing it down.

The ecomony is taking its toll on the 14+ industry too. One of our designers - Abby Z has closed its doors and several of the designers who normally offer 14+ sizes are scaling back on those collections. Just when I thought we were getting somewhere! Sigh.

Vote for Lola & Gigi Founder in W Network Experts Search!!!!

Get your curves noticed – vote for Canada’s Curvy Fashionista!

Canada’s own Laura Caravaggio of Lola & Gigi (gorgeous designer fashions to fit your 12+ curves) has been chosen amongst hundreds (400 to be exact!) as one of the top 20 finalists in the W Network’s Expert search.

Laura is passionate about providing designer fashions to fit women’s curves and about getting the message out there that all body shapes should be admired and appreciated. Now’s your chance to be represented and be heard - not everyone's a size six but fashionistas don't have to be! Laura is on a mission to prove it but needs the help of Canadians who are also dedicated to a love of fashion, but who also want to open minds to different body images.

Check out her video on the W Network experts search site, and if you feel inspired, please rate the video and leave a comment on what you think of having her as your next W Network expert. Who knows, you might see a different body shape in the media to help women feel good about themselves!

Cocktail Rings this Holiday Season

Hello, my name is Laura and I'm a Cocktail Ring-o-holic!!!

I've been completely taken over with my obsession for these gorgeous re-worked vintage cocktail rings lately. They are made from vintage clip-on earrings that have been lovingly restored and made into adjustable rings by the amazing Sara at Twinkle Studio.

They add instant glitz and glamour to any outfit and I love the retro feel to them. I love them so much, I had Sara send over a selection of her "vintage gems re-styled into luxe modern jewelry" for the Lola & Gigi Holiday Party on Dec 6th.

So be there or be square!
L

Lola & Gigi Holiday Mini Makeover Event

I made the Top 20!!!

Well you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got the call from the W Network letting me know that I made the Top 20 in their Experts Search!!!! With just a day or so notice, I had to whip together my challenge - to take 2 women from day to night with just the accessories that could fit in their work tote. A cinch!

The lovely producer & camera man came to film it here in the showroom yesterday and boy was it fun. Hard work and I loved it! Closely followed up with an appearance this morning on CHCH Morning Live, my head can barely fit through the door. Where's my closeup Mr. Demille????