You heard me, Barbie has a new body and she is not ashamed to show it off! We had to wait 57 years for it to happen, but late is better than never! The Barbie-obsessed little girl inside me is screaming of joy!!
Introducing… “Curvy Barbie”!
Time magazine has released a great in-depth article about the entire history and new launch of this collection.
The new Barbie isn’t only curvier, she is more diverse overall: she is darker, edgier, has curly hair, and ultimately more accessible. I mean, this hasn’t solved world peace, but it’s a start.
As I was curating these Barbie images, right away, I was assigning them to girls I knew. I would like to take you on a journey of my thought process… so here goes!
Last Thursday, I was invited to the media preview of The Common, Ottawa’s newest urban fashion stop at 380 Elgin Street. This modern take on city strip mall, finds a new way to gather multiple local shops into one common space: The Common, Le Petit Salon, Morning Owl Coffeehouse and soon-to-be eclectic eatery.
Nader Salib, owner of The Common Concept Shop, finally materialized his dream of owning a retail space in Ottawa.
I had the opportunity to speak with Nader and congratulate him on taking the risk and opening a clothing boutique, a dream we share in common (no pun intended there!). The Ottawa market is tricky, when it comes to high-end boutiques and private labels. Everyone wants them, but are they ready to support them? It’s lovely to browse, but at the end of the day, these shops need sales to survive!
I think Nader is on to something with this collaboration. I admire his out-of-box approach to turn a dream into his new reality. Partnering with other solid businesses, like my favourite coffee shop Morning Owl, should help to minimize the risk and amplify the impact! It offers a unique twist on convenience and cross-promotion of services. Come for a new outfit, and grab a coffee while you do it. It’s a new type of space that welcomes loitering and ultimately your business!
The collection at The Common is a mix of upscale street and urban fashion; a smart selection of threads and kicks for men and women. The space is simplistic and oh-so perfect!
This lovely gentleman prepared me the best cup of coffee I have ever had! It was prepared in an AeroPress, similar to a french press, but it uses pressure and a filter. This offers a full flavoured cup of joe with a smooth and rich texture. So. good. Here is a glimpse inside Le Petit Salon.
And now… pour la piece de resistance!
We had a sneak peak at the graffiti space, which is a work-in-progress and soon-to-be eatery. Rumour has it that this restaurant will be offering a combination of Caribbean and Mediterranean fare. That sounds perfect to me, and I can’t wait to try it!
This is Kay of Country Meet City. I like her style, so I ask her a few questions.
What’s your passion for fashion?I have loved fashion ever since I was really young. My mom was always really into fashion herself and loved dressing me up. I definitely credit a lot of my fashion sense and creativity to my mom and those early years.
What XLusive tip can you share?Have fun with fashion and try new styles/trends and go outside your comfort zone. You never know if something is going to look good on you unless you try it out. I love shopping at Winners, Zara, Gap, Old Navy and The Bay. Some local (Ottawa) shops I love to hit are Milk Shop, HepKat Vintage and Roadtrip. When I’m getting dressed I try to dress for my body shape (hourglass). When picking clothes I try to accent my assets. For dresses I like the fit and flare look or wrap dresses. A defined waistline goes a long way!
In this pic Kay wears: – Blazer (Forever 21)
– Peplum Top (Simons)
– Trousers (Smart Set)
– Heels (Old Navy)
– Bow (ALDO Accessories)
