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August 2011

Shine your light

How many times have you received a compliment and didn't really hear it, and how many times have you received a criticism that you heard loud and clear? If we turned this the other way around can you imagine the impact it would have? Not only on ourselves, but on our mother's, daughters, sisters and friends. Because how we feel is reflected upon the ones we are closest to. It's time to start embracing our inner beauty. When we do this we automatically empower ourselves and others. Our light shines. What a wonderful gift to give to our self and the ones we love. No matter what size or shape we are, we radiate true beauty and confidence by doing this.

Your clothing is a reflection of who you are. When you choose styles that fit well and enhance your best features you feel more like your authentic self. This is one of the key elements to being fashionable. What looks great on your friend might not suit you and vice versa. That's why we are all unique and special. It's easy to get seduced by all the advertising we see. It's easy to lose ourselves. When we see past this and have our own convictions, it grounds us. It enables us to make smart choices, ones that work best for ourselves as individuals.

In today's world of fashion there is so much of what I call disposable clothing - inexpensive items that only last a season or two, either because they are a fad or poorly made, or both. When purchasing your clothing consider it as an investment and remember quality vs. quantity. It's better to spend a bit extra to get something that lasts and truly reflects your style.

It's important to always have your basics, such as underpinnings, tanks, pants, skirts etc., that are of good quality and fit. That way they will last a long time, and because they are classic pieces they won't go out of fashion. This also gives you the flexibility to invest in some new fashionable pieces for the season, again remembering quality vs. quantity. Look for styles and colours that bring out your best features and make you feel great. Comfort is also very important. Your clothes shouldn't constrict you; they should allow and encourage you to freely express who you are, bringing out your confidence. You will always sparkle if you follow these simple rules, I guarantee you!

Many years ago I was given a gift. It was a copy of Nelson Mandela's inaugural speech. I still have this with me today even through all my travels. I hope it empowers you as much as it has me. Here is my favourite quote taken from his speech.

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Nelson Mandela~

Cheri Milaney
Creative Director
www.cherimilaney.com

 

June 2011

Facets of a Woman

It's hard to believe spring is almost over and summer is around the corner. We sure haven't had much of a spring here in Edinburgh, Scotland but I still love all the fresh flowers and the fragrant smell in the air. As spring transitions into summer I believe it brings new beginnings. It's a time to awaken our senses and awaken our spirits.

Speaking of fragrant smells and awakening our senses: as some of you know I have developed a Perfume Collection called “Facets”. It was inspired by women like you that I have been designing for over the past 11 years. There are four unique, natural scents that represent and celebrate the many sides, or facets, of women and how we are all unique. The two year development process had me jet setting to Italy many times. It was a lot of long hours but very rewarding. I learned a lot about the process of how fragrances are made. I also learned that Italian women don’t leave the house without the final touch of their favourite fragrance.

 I will be returning to Italy again in August for business as usual. Aside from developing my next knitwear collection, I'll  also be meeting with my perfumer to discuss future projects. I would love to hear what your favourite scents are, from my collection or others, as well as anything new you would like to see, and I will take your comments to Italy with me.  If you haven't experienced any of the Facets fragrances let me know and I would be happy to send you samples.

I love this quote below and I love butterflies because every single one has its own unique colors and characteristics, and they are all beautiful. When we appreciate our individuality and truly see our inner beauty, it frees us much like a butterfly.

“What the caterpillar calls the end the rest of the world calls a butterfly.” ~Lao Tzu~


Cheri Milaney
Creative Director
www.cherimilaney.com

 

May 2011

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year and a half since my Fall 2009 runway show during Toronto Fashion Week, where I proudly showcased my collection on the real women I design for, rather than the traditional size 0 or size 2 models.  It was this show that elicited incredible amounts of positive feedback from women like you (thank you!) and made me realize that I had really struck a chord, that this is a message well worth telling, one that women really care about. The message is to celebrate what makes us unique, the size that we are, the special people we are.  It is not necessary or healthy to succumb to the unrealistic beauty ideals of the fashion industry.   

As I believe you share my passion (and love for fashion!), I wanted to let you know what I’ve been up to for the past year.  My husband and I decided to take a bit of a break and live in Italy for six months. It was a big step but I’m grateful for the experience as I learned new things about myself and I have been re-inspired creatively.  I indulged in the amazing culture, enjoying the  food, wine, architecture, cooking, studying art and taking Italian lessons. Although my Italian is still rusty!

I was also doing research for my future collections. I am happy to say that I will be producing 100% of the collection in Italy. I have decided to focus strictly on knitwear using beautiful luxurious yarns, including merino wool, alpaca, mohair, silk and cotton. I have carefully created my designs to ensure as always that they work on different body types and sizes; I’m excited to let you know that I’m working on adding in some plus sizes. I know some of you have requested this.

As some of you already know, we decided to take an even bigger leap and relocate to the UK. Living in Scotland has been a dream of mine for many years as it is my mother’s birthplace and home of many wonderful memories. I also have opportunities to expand both my fragrance and clothing business in the UK and ultimately Europe. The collection will continue to be sold at selected boutiques across Canada, with select styles available online.  

I will send you photos of some must have items in my Fall 2011 collection before they get delivered to the stores (some time in August or early September) so you will have a chance to reserve your size early.  I will also tell you about the important colors and trends to look for this Fall.  In the meantime please keep in touch with me and let me know if you have any design questions.

I want to leave you with one of my favourite quotes that I often remind myself of especially during times of transition.

“Leap and the net will appear.”
John Burroughs

Cheri Milaney
Creative Director
www.cherimilaney.com