Style File: Romanticized Ruffles

The Style File by Leah Wong

Ruffles remained a strong trend on the runway this fall, following their appearance in last spring's collections. Ruffles have a Parisian flare, adding a touch of romanticism and femininity to any outfit. While designer's use of ruffles may seem difficult to translate into everyday wear, fashion bloggers simple incorporation of ruffles are the perfect inspiration. Adding a chic Kai belt and warm layers, can streamline a ruffled summer dress, extending its wear into the winter months.


View more of the newest collections by some of our featured designers. Golden ruffle dress by Jason Wu and Parisian chic by Tracy Reese.

Off the Cuff :: Building Community at Igloo

As in most ventures or adventure, we don't really understand the magnitude of what we are doing until we are in it. This is the experience I just had putting on a show and event called Igloo this past Sat Nov. 14th. Overall the event was a great success. The Marriott ballroom provided a cozy yet grand atmosphere, the designers offered great wears, the fashion show actually worked (I have never organized a fashion show so was nervous), the models looked amazing and the music, food and drink was a nice added touch. People came to shop!

But - wow - what a huge amount of work! What amazed me was the incredible help and support we received from friends and family. Marcy Ross, myself, Denise Phillips, Tanya Kirkland and Regine Brucks did the majority of the in depth organization, while Ila from the Hive, Katie and Tammy volunteered hair and makeup. All the models volunteered as did the door folk. It gives me a great pause of appreciation to acknowledge all this fantastic, generous energy coming together to create this event.

Layer up and be Cozy

Layers are a natural way to keep warm with the colder days and nights of early winter, but can sometimes leave one feeling a little bit "frumpy"! Kai belts are a great way to add some polish and finess to a tunic style top or dress. You can cinch the belt in and wear it high on your waist to give more shape to your top or leave it long and loose, worn on the hips for a more casual, daytime look. Celebrate your personal style by creating a custom Kai belt to compliment a long shirt or dress that could use a little pizzaz.



We celebrate fashion pioneers and love these one of a kind up-cycled garments made by inspired and ecologically conscious designer, Marian Smale. She makes unique garments using mainly upcycled, vintage or handpainted/dyed materials. These tunic tops/dresses would look fabulous with a Shi Studio Kai belt made to match.

ps. There is a big sale on her Etsy site this weekend, Nov.27-30th - 30-50%!

Style File: Versatile Layers

The Style File by Leah Wong

Layering is an essential technique for surviving the ever-changing weather in Canada. An effortless way to layer this fall, is with a short-sleeved jacket. Found in many designers’ fall collections, this piece is versatile, and very simple to wear. On a warmer day, it can be worn alone, accessorized with a chic cuff or bracelet. On a colder day, it lends well over long sleeves or with a stylish pair of long gloves.

Off the Cuff in Northern BC

Little would you expect that the Northern B.C. offers a wonderful little artisan fair called Studio Fair. Held at the civic center in prince George this little gem of a fair pulls some familiar faces from the regular circuit of carnie folk as well as some new talent and faces. It was a busy show with great enthusiaism from customers. A highlight for me was winning first prize for best booth display!! Ahh - the hard work pays off...

Style File: Luxurious Bohemian Flair

The Style File by Leah Wong

Though usually associated with spring collections, luxurious bohemian inspired looks found their way onto runways this fall. Wearing one of the popular faux-fur pieces is a perfect way to brave the cold Canadian winters, while still looking chic. Layering your favourite bohemian inspired dress with a faux-fur vest, tights and boots is a stylish way to maintain feminine flair on a brisk autumn day.

New Product! Artist Series

I am super excited to launch our Artist Series! We will be profiling the work of April Lacheur encased within our pieces. Truly wearable art! The artist series pieces are available in all of Shi Studio designs but at the moment we are concentrating on necklace pendants and belt buckles. The pieces will be available from Shi Studio at all of the upcoming Christmas shows as well as online at www.shistudio.com.