Cute Kicks: Keds for Kate Spade

Maybe it's the fact that I just spent 4 days packing, lifting, cleaning, and unpacking, but the new Keds for Kate Spade Collection coming to Town Shoes this spring looks awfully tempting. At only $89.95 a pair, they're cute and comfy and perfect for running to grab a coffee, taking the dog for a walk or just for improving the view when you finally get to put your feet up.

But for tonight, I'm about to strap on my least practical shoes for a night at World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto. I've missed so many shows already because of the move but could absolutely not miss tonight - Pink Tartan, Joe Fresh and Mackage plus some hot ticket after-parties are on tonight's agenda. And as a Virtual Front Row Blogger for Joe Fresh, I'll have exclusive pics and backstage access to the Fall '14 show so check back soon for all the fresh goods and follow me on Twitter tonight for live updates.

Okay, off to caffeinate. Hmmm...wonder where I can find a strong espresso around here?

SOLE MATES: Your Under-$100 Spring Shoe Guide

A pic from the Vince Camuto Spring '14 Campaign. Photo via Vince Camuto.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

We are moving this weekend and if you haven't moved lately, let me remind you - don't. Just don't. The grass might look greener, but is slightly brighter grass worth the hours and hours of packing, back-breaking box-lifting and complete mid-life chaos? Simply pick up a pair of green-tinted glasses at Claire's (it's St. Patrick's Day on Monday so the timing couldn't be better) and promptly ban MLS from your web browser. It's too late for me - you still have time to save yourself. 

There is, however, a silver lining to this stormcloud of moving chaos; it's called inventory. After going through boxes, sifting through receipts and tearing apart my closet, I have confirmed the suspicions that my husband has had all along. I am, in fact, a shoe hoarder. Case in point:

You don't have to be a graphologist to see the frustration in my husband's handwriting on the moving boxes above. I believe the word 'sentimental' is actually in the shape of a furrowed eyebrow. I mean, sentimental shoes? Really? I do have all kinds of compelling justifications for that box - my kids' first baby shoes, my dad's old shoes, my first pair of pointe shoes, the heels I wore when my husband and I got married etc. etc. but of course, this is just one box of many including summer shoes, winter shoes, and 'vintage' shoes that I'm sure my daughter will love to wear one day. Oh, and then there are the boots - ski boots, winter boots, rain boots etc. etc. etc.  

It goes without saying that I am seriously smitten with shoes. But because we're moving, I have actually managed to give away a fair number of out-of-date, worn out kicks to (naturally) make way for some of spring's most covetable sandals, heels and ankle boots. And let me tell you, there are plenty to covet this spring.

Because it's always nice to buy anything for under $100 these days, I've focused this guide on all under-$100 shoes, perfect for wearing the very minute the snow melts...

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(Happy Friday! And please wish me luck with this shmove!)

Transitional Dressing 101

A perfect transitional look from street-styler Elizabeth Victoria Clark.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I'm done. Like, SO over it. Aren't you? I'm all about being a glass half full kinda girl but this unrelenting winter is enough to transform even the most optimistic among us into pouting, snivelling, whiny, cranky babies. Waahhh.

Happily, fashion has a way of tinting the lenses of our ski goggles rose-coloured and since we've been lucky to experience a few days of balmy weather lately, that means it's officially time to think spring. 

If you're super sick of your parkas, puffers and Sorels, it's time to take our basic course in winter to spring fashion. Welcome to Transitional Dressing 101, where the lecture discusses pretty shoes, the only test involves shopping, and instead of a diploma, you can win a gift card. Now this is the kind of continuing education I thoroughly enjoy...

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Trend Report: Spring Pieces We Want Now

Happy Monday! How gorgeous is it out there today? Nothing gets me in the mood for shopping quite like a sunny pre-spring day and I've been doing a lot of research for iVillage.ca to get properly primed for this new season of wants. From the new bomber jacket to the skirt length you need to try, check out the top trends we'll all be wearing this spring...

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Sarah Stevenson Debuts Collection for Target

Photos courtesy Target

The Sarah Stevenson for Target collection was unveiled at an intimate fashion show last night in Toronto, which I could not attend because (broken record) we are packing. Still. Humph.  As the winner of Toronto Fashion Incubator’s New Labels® fashion design competition in 2013, Stevenson was given the rare chance to create an exclusive Target collection.  The 15-piece Sarah Stevenson for Target collection features  dresses, blouses, pants and a statement blazer ranging from $24.99 to $59.99, making it the most affordable clothing collab at Target to date.   

“I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity with Target and TFI,” said Stevenson.  “It’s been such a great learning experience and I am really proud of my collection and how my vision came to life.  I’m excited to see my designs on the streets in addition to the different style interpretations and pairings by everyday women.”

The pretty collection stays true to Stevenson’s romantic aesthetic, featuring richly-hued florals and feminine, sophisticated styles.  One of the few designers to still create fabrics herself, Stevenson was inspired by flowers she saw throughout Toronto last spring. The result? A few blouses, silky pants and dresses that will be promptly added to my closet once the collection hits stores.

Mark your calendars: the collection launches in stores on March 23, 2014! But first, make your shopping list below...

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