Bomb Girls: How to Wear Spring's Cutest New Jacket

Photo courtesy GAP.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now that March is only days away (squeee!), we can finally start planning our spring wardrobes in earnest. Forget the fact that the forecast shows no signs of letting up, ignore the naysayers who claim that spring weather is light years away and instead, let's let fashion lead the charge into spring. First step? Spring's newest outerwear trend that I am LOV-ing: the soft cropped bomber jacket seen at Rebecca Minkoff, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Saunders. Somewhere between a classic bomber, a varsity jacket and a baseball jacket, the new soft bomber lends a decidedly sporty vibe to any outfit.   

So how do you pull it off? You might be amazed by how super versatile this jacket can be, whether worn with jeans or skirts or dresses, from work to weekend and everywhere in between. But the best part of all is that while this cray-cray weather makes up its mind, the bomber acts as cute extra layer to ward off any spring chill that comes your way. 

Check out these 3 chic looks for some serious spring-spiration (thank you NH for coining this term - you know who you are)...

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Joe Fresh Going Global

Joe Fresh Spring '14. Photo credit: George Pimentel.

Between our recent athletic achievements, our wide open spaces and our general politesse, it should come as no surprise that the rest of the world envies Canada. Well, seems like the world even envies our fashion - and by that, I mean Joe Fresh. Loblaws Inc. recently announced the signing of three separate partnership agreements that will bring the brand into 23(!) new countries, covering the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Korea. This is Joe Fresh's first foray beyond North America. 

"These first international agreements signify an important milestone for Joe Fresh as we build on the strong foundation we've established at home in Canada. We continue to evolve the brand forward and I'm thrilled to see Joe Fresh grow into a global brand, developing on the success we have had in the United States since launching there in 2011," said Joe Mimran, Creative Director of Joe Fresh. Mimran founded Joe Fresh in 2006 in partnership with Loblaw. 

Today, Joe Fresh is available online, in more than 340 retail locations across Canada, in six freestanding stores in New York, including a flagship location on Fifth Avenue, and in over 650 J.C. Penney stores across the United States.

So, what do you think? Is this a case of too much too fast? Or are Joe Mimran & Co. smart to go global? Most importantly, how do we keep Joe Mimran's ego in check? Methinks we need to stage an intervention now or by next year, we might have another Biebs on our hands... 

Orange is the New Black

Orange looks dominated the Spring '14 Runways at Alberta Ferretti, John Galliano and Tommy Hilfiger. Photos viaFairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

While everyone's talking about purple right now, there's another, decidedly more juicy hue, that took the world's runways by storm for spring. Designers showed off bold shades of orange in the form of playful surfer-girl separates, chic suits, and even evening gowns, signalling a super happy return to the sunny days ahead.

So what is it about orange that's so appealing (or should I say, a-peel-ing)? Orange combines the energy of red and the optimism of yellow while providing a healthy dose of heat, so after a long, cold winter, it's no wonder we're drawn to it. This spring, opt for saturated orange shorts, blouses and dresses to instantly warm things up. Not quite ready to be so bold? An orange shoe, handbag, or statement necklace will add the perfect pop of colour to your outfits - especially against white, khaki, blues and purples. While you're at it, don't forget to give good face - orange lips and nails will help you look right on trend for the new season.

Check out these lovely orange crushes in stores right now. Sigh...orange you glad spring's almost here?

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(ps - and happy friday xoxo)

Sochi Obsession: Johnny Weir & Tara Lipinski

All photos via JohnnyGWeir and TaraandJohnny on Instagram.

I've been so tuned to CBC's Olympic coverage that if it wasn't for rlr mini, I might have completely missed the magic that is Johnny Weir. The flamboyant two-time Olympic figure skater and Gold Medallist Tara Lipinski are the new figure skating broadcasters for NBC and while their commentary is spot-on, it's aaall about the fash-ion. According to USA Today, Weir and his 'work wife' brought 8 suitcases, 20 pounds of shoes, and four fur coats to Sochi, and the duo often stay up until 3 am coordinating outfits. He is all neck bling, sparkles, Chanel blazers and vintage Ferre - a cross somewhere between Liberace and Caesar Flickerman. Lipinski, meanwhile, is a little more subdued but super chic nonetheless, in her Valentino Rockstuds, fair-isle jumpsuits, and YSL handbags. If you don't already, you have to follow TaraandJohnny on Instagram for their hilarious fashion play-by-plays and amazing coordinating ensembles.

Weir on Lipinski walking past the buffet: 'And there she is, she's grabbing for a treat. She's eating the treat. She's walking, Tom Ford heels, she's walking, she's walking. And spins. Nails it!'  Best.

And Putin thinks there are no gays in Russia...honestly...

Spring's Sole Mates

Photo courtesy Coach.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

You never have to convince me to buy new shoes. While I consider myself to be pretty responsible in most areas of my life, my self-control around strappy sandals, beautiful boots and pointy-toe pumps is nil. No really, the effort it takes me to walk past a shoe store without going inside is enough to make me feel like I've run 5K. And when I hear of a shoe sale, I self-impose a restraining order so I won't allow myself to come within 100 metres of the place. The fashion police are waiting. And by fashion police, I mean my husband.

I guess it could be worse. I mean, of all the addictions a person could have, shoes are pretty harmless. They're pink, and have bows and pretty little heels. I mean seriously, how dangerous can they really be? 

Love shoes, too? Read up on spring's top footwear trends (already starting to file into stores - yay!) to get a lovely jump on the new season. Happy shopping! Sigh...isn't it always?

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