I look forward to the Golden Globes each year. They are the most party and fun of the Hollywood award shows. They celebrate the year’s best in television and films. More importantly, they are the best chance to see great fashion, and maybe even high style, from the Hollywood elite. With so many gut-wrenching atrocities splashed all over the news , I wanted to see which of the winners would incorporate a message of awareness over a particular issue. And to put a bit of a spin on things, I wanted to juxtapose that against their style.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays and Boxing Day sales, the retail world gets quiet. Early January is my favourite time to shop. I no longer have to strategically park the car nose out for fear of not being able to back out. I no longer have to be at the mall ten minutes before the stores open. I no longer have to treat navigating through the crowds as my own slow-motion Super G ski race.

It's time for my inaugural review of the year's trend triumphs and timeouts. Some are on the rise and well, some are done. Below are my top three "thumbs up" and "thumbs down." Together, let's shake off the duds of the past and welcome in the fresh, new year in style. Bring on 2015!

May the gifts you share this season show a glimmer of the massive love you have for the receiver. Enjoy this time with loved ones. Merry Christmas.

With the holiday season upon us I thought, “Why put together a list of 2014 must haves for every hard–to-purchase-for-person on your list?” Rather, I’ll share my anti shopping list with you. More specifically what should you NOT buy that tricky friend or foe.

Those staggering numbers and details are impressive, sure, for business. But they do not interest me one bit from a style stance. I am not denying the U.S. brands retail strength. I am however questioning it’s place in advancing the world of fashion. I understand the draw: beautiful women with beautiful bodies in lingerie. Pretty simple. Pun intended. 

As I swooshed through my hardcopies and online subscriptions, I started to notice something. An overwhelming majority of the subjects appeared to be non-visible minorities in the magazine. On the cover, in the contents, in the features and in the ads. This got me thinking, what is the distribution of visible minorities in certain Canadian fashion magazines? Further, how does that line up with the actual makeup of peoples of Canada? 

On The Voice they encourage contestants to show who they really are in their song choice, singing style and fashion style. Be their best self. I understand and I support that. However, I don’t support their current fashion styling.

This past week has been mighty chilly in Calgary. You seem to be bundling up except for one key area: your legs and, me, your tush. You see those leggings you’re wearing as if they are pants just aren’t cutting it. They’re leggings, not pants after all. 

We remember those who fought for the freedom of others and the freedom of this great country. Every Canadian has the exceptional privilege of living here. On this significant date, I am mindful of the young, yet robust history of our country – and just how awesome Canada is.

At this time in Calgary, most of the leaves have fallen but the snow rarely sticks. It falls and melts and falls and melts. Or the snowplows come by and turn it into that salty gravel mush that accumulates on the sides of our streets and walkways. It’s a necessary urban evil, I know, but it’s a bit visually uninspiring. Most years, we are left with for our eleventh month is bare and grey. Over the past few years, we have something to look forward to in November. Yes, people, I’m talking about moustaches.

Halloween is one of my favourite times of year. It combines a lot of naughty sins that are frowned upon in society for all the other 364 days: dressing solely for attention, eating ridiculous amounts of sugar filled candy, and children roaming the streets at night. It gives willing participants the opportunity to, for a night, become someone totally different. It should be no surprise that I love dressing up. I also find it fascinating as a discussion about society and the silly norms associated with costumes.