Beat the Canadian heat with fingerless gloves!!!

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a constant hub of fashion excitement all year long, but none so much as during the summer months, when the scarves are put away and the sun dresses are taken out to play. Indulge in summer weather leather in Canada with your favourite pair of leather stilettos or sandals and a pair of my fingerless opera gloves! These unlined gloves allow for a delightfully elegant summer look, perfect for a stroll along Bloor Street!

Belt it this summer with Ines!

Belt out your love of summer in Canada with a beautiful leather belt. No need for belt loops any longer! Add a leather belt to any dress or long blouse to create a tapered look and an elegant silhouette. For the finishing touch? Add a pair of my classy peccary gloves for a beautiful way to keep your hands encased in sensual, luxurious leather...

Coming soon to Friends of Elegance Canada...

Leather is everywhere in the Great White North... on the streets, in the stores, and on the runways. As we prepare for Toronto Fashion Week, I want to call upon all of our Friends of Elegance in Canada...

To celebrate Canadian fashion, I would like you to take a picture of your hands in leather gloves. If you're lucky, it may become part of my new Friends of Elegance Canada feature "Ines' Canadian Gloves of Fame". Send all photos to me at erin@inesgloves.com.

We have a lot to be thankful for in Canada, including our love of Ines Gloves! 

Ines Gloves from a Canadian perspective...

Friends of Elegance Canada has returned with a new take on leather fashion... all from a uniquely Canadian perspective!

Here in the Great White North, we depend on our favourite Ines Gloves to keep our hands warm and looking elegant all year long.

Check back with Friends of Elegance Canada each week to explore Ines news in Canada, our talented Canadian designers, and, of course, leather trendspotting on the streets of our provinces!

A glove by any other name: using Ines gloves outside the box

History dictates that our favorite Ines gloves are typically worn on our hands... wrong! Actually, according to the fashion geniuses that are Dolce & Gabbana, gloves can be worn as hats, fascinators, and scarves, or carried as purses??!!

First debuted at Milan Fashion Week, unique leather took the runways by storm...

Feeling chilly? Grab a glove! This very accessory can be simulated by carefully wrapping a pair of my sensual shoulder high gloves around your neck. Honestly, fashion over function holds true with this trend!

Since the latest royal wedding, fascinators have become all the rage in North America. They can be quite pricey in the stores, so why not make your own with a pair of Ines Gloves and some hot glue?? That is, IF you want to sacrifice a pair of Ines Gloves! Hollywood caught on to this trend with the 1988 ghoulish classic Beetlejuice, in which Catherine O'Hara invents "my fabulous fascinator gloves"!

Now for my personal favorite... the glove purse!!

All I can say is that it's going to take a true fashionista to pull this one off!! A vintage look, and an excellent way to continue the life of a glove that is no longer suitable for your hands.

If you have a unique or interesting way to wear your favorite pair of Ines Gloves, feel free to email me at erin@inesgloves.com. I look forward to your inventions!!

Hardworking gloves...

Gloves were not always the luxurious, stylish accessories that they are now. Some of the earliest gloves were actually made of very cheap materials (such as fabric), and used by shepherds, peasants, and soldiers in their daily work!

It was at this point that gloves began to represent different social classes...

... elegant, beautiful long gloves in silk for the wealthy....

... and woolen, often tattered, half-gloves for the poor...

Ines spotlight on Canadian designers - Mackage

Canadian outerwear design label Mackage has exploded onto the Canadian fashion scene several years ago (in 2000) with some amazing new trends for keeping warm yet fashionable throughout Canada's winter months.

Canadian design team Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan are the minds behind the Mackage name. Their designs have appeared on many Hollywood celebrities too!

 ~ Actor Kellan Lutz of Twilight fame

Mackage is constantly evolving to invent new and different ways to keep warm in winter. My favorite part is their judicious use of leather! Impossible to resist!

A warm wool coat with leather accents, black leather leggings, and a splash of red leather glove... reminiscent of Ines' my warm silk buckle gloves. Never be afraid to match a dark color with something bright and eye-catching!

Or make your puffy winter jacket into something inviting with a pair of my leather button driving gloves! Your gloves can make a statement... even in the winter!

Ines loves the King of Pop!!

Known worldwide as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was an icon of music, style, dance, and entertainment. Though he is gone before his time, his unique style has made a lasting imprint on our popular culture.

Perhaps the most recognizable Michael Jackson symbol is his iconic Swarovski crystal-studded glove worn during his Victory tour in 1984. As a measure of just how strong Michael's legacy is, this very glove was sold several years ago at a Las Vegas auction for an astronomical $190,000!

Stunning... believe it or not, this glove is actually a golf glove that was modified with plenty of bling for the King himself. He wore it on his left hand...

To add your own touch of bling, try on a pair of Ines' my bling only fingers leather gloves! These gloves share the uniqueness of Michael Jackson's blingy glove and add a touch of glitter to your fashion image. Your fingers will love you!

Ines gloves in history: the symbolism of my where are my fingers gloves

Throughout history, gloves have meant much more than an article of clothing or a means of keeping your hands warm.

Up until the early 20th century, long sleeves (such as those worn above) functioned as "gloves" to keep the hands warm in many cultures... very similar to Ines' my where are my fingers gloves!

Sleeves were also used to protect the hands when carrying hot pots...

So, the next time you have a dinner party and need to take that hot roasting pan out of the oven, I probably wouldn't recommend using my where are my fingers gloves... perhaps simply stick to using oven mitts and save your Ines gloves for making a fashion statement instead of a baking statement!

Ines & Much Music Video Awards 2013

Father's Day 2013 was shared with a major celebration in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada... the Much Music Video Awards!

For those of you who may not be familiar with Canadian programming, Much Music is a Toronto-based television station that specializes in music-related programs and youth culture. Each year, the Much Music Video Awards (MMVAs) are held in downtown Toronto as a massive street party, a showcase of both Canadian and international talent. This year, however, leather pieces were out in full force, worn by some of our favorite artists...

Shawn Desman, a Toronto-based R&B pop singer, pleases his fans on the MMVA red carpet in a leather-fabric blended suit jacket and black leather pants. Guys, you don't have to be a pop singer to rock those leather pants!!

Karl Wolf, a Lebanese-Canadian musician from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is certainly enthusiastic about being on the red carpet in a rocker-chic leather jacket!

Recently-married Canadian rocker couple Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger (lead vocalist of Nickelback) are often seen wearing leather. The MMVAs were no exception! Though Avril was leather-free when making her entrance...

she rocked it out on stage with some edgy leather boots and a black leather jacket!

Perhaps the most unique leather fashion of the evening was singer Demi Lovato, who wore a fabulous black leather jacket! The sleeves were, in fact, bands of black leather along the upper arm and ending in a full sleeve on her forearm. Very unique... like the fashions of Ines.  

Leather is everywhere, even in the summer. Whether you're performing at a major awards ceremony, or simply heading out to enjoy the artistry of our many talented Canadian musicians, leather can add a touch of elegance or even a hint of rocker-chic! Try My where are my glossy fingers gloves today for the ultimate in leather creativity!

"I do"... wedding glove etiquette with Ines - part 4

Gone are the days of rigid social rules surrounding the wearing of gloves with a wedding dress. Nowadays, women are choosing gloves in a variety of styles and colors to accentuate their own personal style.

 

Gloves during your wedding reception

 

During the reception, it is prudent to wear your wedding gloves when greeting guests in the receiving line and during special dances with the groom or your parents. Gloves are customarily removed when eating and drinking, or before cutting the wedding cake.

 

Now that the more formal portions of the wedding ceremony and reception are finished, why not gracefully remove your gloves and have fun!

 

When choosing leather wedding gloves, why not choose a pair that will not only create a beautiful memory of a very special day, but that can also worn again and again??

 

Check the Ines Gloves gloveshop for the latest and greatest in glove elegance... for any occasion.

"I do"... wedding glove etiquette with Ines - part 3

Your wedding is the perfect time for you to spoil your hands with a pair of Ines Gloves. They will complement your wedding dress, and provide just the perfect amount of elegance, grace, and charm, while also making your hands and arms looks even more attractive.

Exchanging your wedding rings

This could potentially be the most nerve-wracking part of the entire wedding ceremony if you are not familiar with removing your gloves! Before exchanging rings with your soon-to-be husband, your wedding gloves are elegantly removed and passed along to your maid-of-honor with your bouquet. Try practicing glove removal several times to ensure a smoothness and grace, as you will be removing your gloves in front of family and friends.

If you choose to remove your gloves prior to the ring exchange, leave your gloves off until the ceremony has finished. However, don't forget to put them back on in time for photographs!

"I do"... wedding glove etiquette with Ines - part 2

Adding a pair of gloves to your wedding ensemble will undoubtedly lend a sense of dignity and elegance to your special day. Because wedding gloves are not as common today, choosing the right pair and knowing proper glove etiquette can be intimidating.

Glove length

The length of your wedding gloves can vary from a short pair of glace gloves (ending at the wrist) to a long pair of up-shoulder gloves (ending at or just beyond your shoulder). The length of the gloves you choose should complement the sleeve length of your wedding dress. For a sleeveless dress, you have the luxury of selecting a glove of any length. In general, however, glove etiquette dictates the shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove.

Elbow gloves are typically worn with dresses having cap or elbow-length sleeves. Shorter gloves are chosen for dresses having longer or fitted sleeves. Ines has also created a long leather glove, my sensual round top shoulder-high glove, whose rounded cuff would add a touch of graceful elegance to your wedding dress.

A final, very important rule for wedding glove length is that it is quite acceptable for a sleeve and glove hem to meet. However, a glove should never cover a sleeve.

Explore Ines Gloves' glove shop for a large collection of gloves suitable for wedding dresses of all styles! Please feel free to contact me at erin@inesgloves.com for any advice or assistance. Let us help in your special day by adding a touch of Ines' elegance....

The elegance of Ines... at the Olde Hide House

Nestled away in a small corner of Acton, Ontario, Canada (population: 9,704), lies a rare find indeed... an entire warehouse of leather fashion! The Olde Hide House is a truly unique shopping experience, as the entire store is housed within an historic tannery warehouse!

Beardmore & Company first opened their doors in 1899 to support the plentiful leather industry. Animal hides were shipped in via train and stored in the warehouse pictured above prior to transport to the tannery for processing. Completed leather products were also kept in this same building before being shipped to other locations for sale.

Now, over 100 years later, this historic property has been transformed into an incredible leather store, featuring leather coats, jackets, handbags, slippers, pants, and gloves for both men and women. 

When you step inside the antiquated walls of the Olde Hide House, your senses immediately become overwhelmed by the pleasant aroma of leather. A small entranceway opens up to reveal a vast display of everything leather... all items are of superior quality, made right in Canada, and are reminiscent of the elegance and style of Ines Gloves. Here's a peek at some of the amazing finds at the Olde Hide house...

What is it about the combination of black-and-white leather??? It's sleek, sensual, and very sophisticated! This jacket would look perfect paired with a splash of color, such as My fashion scoop half gloves in my fire (red).

One of my favorite aspects of the Olde Hide House is that they have a huge section of leather wear for men! They go beyond the typical black leather jacket, using different leather hides, dyes, and styles to cater to every man's taste. The jacket featured above can be dressed smartly or casually... with My man glace gloves for a classy, elegant look.

Oh, to be draped in leather! What a sensual feeling! This leather top is Canadian made from the softest of leathers, using a design that flatters the feminine figure, much like the design of Ines' My sensual indulging Gloves Bolero, which also wraps the wearer in leather and does not let go!  

Again, yet another special leather item for the man in your life! Far from just the same old black leather jacket... instead, a delightful light color for the spring/ summer season that can be accessorized with My man bare knuckles elk gloves for a unique combination of different hides to give one amazing style!

Though the town of Acton may be small, it hides a very keen sense of fashion. Visit the Olde Hide House and embark on a sensual leather experience!

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to wear leather gloves on your legs? To feel the sumptuous softness of lambskin? Well, now you can with My sensual oh-la-la leg gloves from Ines!

These leather stockings are the ultimate in leather fashion, and come with an adjustable garter so that it will not slip down. Elastic panels on either side of the leggings make this garment easily suitable for any size.

 



Try wearing your leg gloves in a variety of ways... paired with a skirt and tunic-style top, secretly and seductive beneath a dress, or all alone for a boudoir surprise! No matter which way you wear them, these leather leg gloves will cause heads to turn!

Even pop singer Demi Lovato shows off her leather elegance in a sexy pair of leather leggings with a long sweater and delightful leather jacket. Very rocker chic!

Be creative... be sexy... be elegant... with My sensual oh-la-la leg gloves from Ines!

Ines Gloves' glove of the week

This week's glove of the week is devoted to our faithful, furry friends. They willfully bring us our slippers, snuggle on our laps, and keep our toes warm at night...

Introducing My Ines doggy glove! Show your favorite canines just how elegant they can be by wrapping them in a delightful Ines glove. Made of carefully selected kidskin leather and lined in brilliant red, your playful pal will be the talk of the neighborhood!

Being a huge animal lover, I invite our blog followers to send me pictures of their own faithful pups and kitties wearing their Ines doggy glove at erin@inesgloves.com! This glove is suitable for any small dog, and will likely fit a medium-sized cat.