It may only be late October, but the fashion industry is already thinking spring.  Now that Fashion Week is over, many designers are offering clients the chance to try on pieces they recently showed on the runway or at an installation.  On October 26, Yorkville’s Homegrown Boutique, which features styles by up-and-coming designers, held such an event for several Canadian designers and their Spring/Summer 2012 collections.  Designers involved in the event include Sarah Stevenson (got to touch and try her gorgeous flora/fauna prints!) as well as Emily Woudenberg and Rachel Sin.

Sarah Stevenson installment, taken at LG Fashion Week

Sarah Stevenson’s collection was definitely something I had wanted to try on since I saw them at LG Fashion Week.  One of my favourites was a two piece dress consisting of a short sleeved blouse and matching pencil skirt.   Unfortunately, the outfit did not fit well. The skirt, which hit just below the knee on the model was, of course, much longer on me – about midcalf, though a lot of it might have to do with the waist band falling to my hip rather than sitting at the waist.  Because of the pattern, the skirt was not alterable without sacrificing the print. Another like was a short blue and pink dress.  In both cases, the sample sizes available were labelled XS, but it fit more like larger small or even smallish medium.  A smaller size will be produced for sale in the spring, so I will be waiting until then to try again.

Rachel Sin’s Spring/Summer 2012 pieces

So did I pre-order anything?  Yes, I did.  I tired two of Rachel Sin’s dresses, one coral dress with a frilly collar and another trench dress with leather sleeves.  The first one was as little overwhelming, but the second was absolutely gorgeous.  The sample size was only one size larger than what would fit me, so I had a pretty good idea of what the final look would look like on me.  Because I’m short, the dress will likely need alterations if I want a shorter, more above-the-knee length, but no major alterations will be required.  The dress should be ready in late February or early March.

Cookies and cupcakes!

Thanks to Homegrown Boutique for an amazing event and delicious snacks!