The Comeback of the Blazer

Well we can’t exactly call it a comeback because blazers never really left. From tailored jackets to boxy cropped sleeves, this style phenomenon has managed to adapt quite easily with the times. Thankfully this year there are tons to chose from!

Blazers and jackets help ease the transition from summer to fall by covering those cute summer dresses, making your summer wardrobe work appropriate and fun. Here are 3 basic blazers necessary to complete every wardrobe.




The Boyfriend Blazer
The Boyfriend Blazer by definition is worn narrow, boxy and slightly over-sized. This gives the casual and comfortable look that can dress up your basic T-shirt and jeans. This blazer is perfect over printed summer dresses as well as with leggings.

The Tailored Fit
Tailor Jackets are no longer just the conservative, working woman’s staple. The jacket has evolved into the perfect style statement you have been looking for. Classic black can last for years but how great is a coloured or printed fitted jacket?! Worn with a pair of jeans or a simple skirt, this easy layering piece stands out above the rest.

Cropped Blazer A little more casual than the others, the cropped blazer is cute yet still sophisticated. This jacket is best worn with fitted clothes or A line skirts or dresses.








All in all blazers are more than just a statement of style or a layer of warmth. Whether it’s the classic fit, cropped cut or the boyfriend blazer, they all are indispensable to your wardrobe.

Now that we've started accepting Fall clothing, the store is changing colours as yellows, browns and reds pour in! Despite the fact that fall means cold weather is just around the corner, we look forward all year to the amazing fashion that this season spouts out!

For many, Fall also means back to school. Most of the time the focus is on students and what they need to be wearing on their first day back but we'd like to focus on the often neglected but always fabulous teachers!

Teachers find themselves in the middle of the fashion spectrum, they aren't expected to wear business suits but often are allowed to wear jeans. So it can be tricky to find the balance between too casual and too business.

Since you're on your feet all day doing a number of different tasks, above all you need to choose comfortable clothing. This does not mean frumpy or un-stylish.

Choose skirts and dresses that are longer but have a colour or print for interest.

Make sure sweaters or cardigans are fitted, or add a belt over top to cinch your waist, to avoid looking like a potato sack.

Spice up your simpler classic pieces with colourful accessories like a statement necklace, a scarf or some bangles on your wrists.

Fall always seems to brings neutrals back into our colour palettes, which is awesome because it makes it super easy to add red, blue and yellow pieces into the mix.

As for casual Friday? Don't take casual too far, you still need to look put together. Try adding a boyfriend blazer to your jeans for a sophisticated yet comfortable look!

Don't forget, whatever you wear, wear it with confidence and a smile and you'll be ruling the school in no time!

Steak&Stilettos

Our girls getting everything ready for the show

For our latest event we teamed up with Steak restaurant, located in the Byward Market, to put on a hot night of fashion and summer drinks!
Every Thursday night, Steak sponsors a night of fabulous fashion-inspired food called Steak & Stilettos. This month we were happy to be apart of it and added a fashion show to the mix.

Models rocking cocktail inspired fashions.

The show featured Angie's Models who strut outfits inspired by Summer drinks including the Cucumber Collins, Sex on the Beach, Cosmopolitan and Champagne.



We provided the clothing, Accessories were provided by both DressitUp and Sunglass Hut and Shoes were provided by Niclaire.There was also a marketplace where local vendors set up tables to sell fabulous Summer goods.

Shoes and accessories from Niclaire.

Tricky Trends

Edition 1: Neutrals


We get it, neutrals and minimalism are on-trend this summer. Beige, ivory, nude, taupe, black, gray and white are all fantastic because of their versatility. They can go with any colour and even look great mixed together, which is why we recommend investing in a few neutral pieces. A huge plus with these items is that, because they are understated, you're not going to raise any eyebrows if you wear them often. Sadly, people are going to notice if you wear your favourite printed dress every other day.





With nudes there is a fine line between chic sophistication and borderline nakedness.  Be careful not to wear items that are too similar to your skin tone.  Take this as a Public Service Announcement: it's called nude for a reason. When you wear nude, you look naked!  We usually love when people look twice at our outfit, but if someone's looking twice to make sure you're wearing clothing, that is not the kind of attention you want.  Try to reserve nude colours for your accessories such as a sweet beige bangle or some wicked nude heels that will elongate the leg and go with everything!


So whether you're decked out from head to toe in neutrals or just adding a beige top to an outfit, check twice before you leave to make sure it doesn't look like you're breaking any laws.


Because that's what it looks like, and that's the naked truth!



You looked twice, didn't you?!

Shopping day with AMHstyle and Youville

Friday June 17th, the AMHstyle team had the opportunity to bring a smile to the girls at the Youville Centre. What could be a better present than new clothes, shoes and accessories?

At AMHstyle we give our consignors the opportunity to donate their clothes that aren’t quite the right fit for the store to a charitable organization. Our first donation went to the Youville centre in downtown Ottawa. The Youville Centre focuses on helping young single mothers, giving them the tools they need for a brighter future. From high school education and parenting courses, to an in house day care, the centre has proven to be a necessary home away from home for these young ladies.  And it was our pleasure to bring them everything from designer jeans to flip flops.
 

The girls first dove into the sunglasses and flip flops, donated by Dress it Up. Then came the jeans, tops, shoes and bags. In one lunch hour we had found almost every article a new loving owner. It was equally fun and exciting for us as it was for the girls.  
 




From the set up of the racks and tables full of goodies to watching them empty, the Youville Centre day was a complete success. And we were so happy to be a part of it all.

It Takes a Runway

Missed the fabulous event It Takes a Runway last week? Here are all the fun details!! 

AMHstyle and our neighbours, The Guest Room, were the venue for a charity fashion show event to raise money for the SOS Children's Villages. The event was organized and hosted by the lovely Betsy Leimbigler, a Miss Universe Canada contestant, who we have already voted the sweetest person around!

The night started off with the beautiful and classical designs of Emilia Torabi hitting the catwalk, showcasing her impeccable tailoring and flair for the upscale.

Jana Hanzel’s cocktail party inspired pieces followed with bright hews and intricate headpieces that are sure to steal the spotlight. 

Ottawa's do it all fashionista Erica Wark emceed the evening, asking Betsey skill-testing questions to prepare her for the Miss Universe Canada pageant, as well as giving out fabulous door prizes. 

The last runway shows of the night featured the unique and oh-so-stunning pieces from local jewellery designers: Leah Christina, Pish Posh, Mafia and Pica. All worn to perfection and the necessary spunk by our beautiful models. 

In the end, the event was a huge success. Everyone had a great time mingling and enjoying refreshments and most importantly over $500 was raised in support of the SOS Children's Villages. Thank you to everyone who helped out and good luck to Betsey!! We are behind you all the way!

Please visit soschildrensvillages.ca if you would like to make a donation to their cause.