Blurred Lines

Hudson Striped Skinnies, $215, Call 1.800.335.7268 or visit hudsonjeans.com for availability.

The second I saw these striped beauties, I knew I had to have them. First off, they're made by Hudson Jeans, so I know I'll love the way they fit (Hudsons are great like that). But I have to admit, I'm feeling some major black & white fatigue at the moment, so I especially adore that these are navy & white instead of the ubiquitous b&w.

Here are a few ways I imagine I'll wear them this summer: With a white floaty blouse, gold gladiator sandals and a little denim jacket/With a bright yellow sweater/With a red tank and silver sandals/With any of my merlot pieces from last Fall/With a white tee, black bomber and ankle-strap black sandals/With anything coral, etc. etc.

See how I just did that? I've justified them already. 

P.S - Crank up Blurred Lines below and imagine yourself dancing around in your new jeans. Isn't Robin Thicke one super cool mofo?

xx

11 Gift Ideas to Dial Up Dad's Style

Photo courtesy ALDO

Gift cards and golf balls are fine (read: boring), but why not get him something a little more styling? Whether his dress sense is tragic or top notch, these 11 finds are guaranteed to make your Dad (husband/boyfriend/partner) feel like a sartorial superstar this Father's Day.

See the full gift guide here

Isabel Marant Teams Up with H&M

Designer, Isabel Marant, with Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M.Photo courtesy H&M

OMG. OMG. OH EM GEEEE. H&M has teamed up with Parisian designer Isabel Marant for Fall! The Parisian chicster has attracted legions of devoted fans (myself inclus), hoping to achieve effortless style with her perfect mix of boho ease, urban attitude and rockstar spirit. For H&M, Marant will create a wardrobe of must-have clothing and accessories for women, men, and teens inspired by her signature style. 

“I am flattered by this collaboration. H&M works with the best designers, and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real – something women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carefree style. I think this is very Parisian: you dress up, but don’t pay too much attention to it, and you still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be combined following one’s own instincts, and my take on fashion is all about personality,” says Isabel Marant.

No word yet on exactly how the collection will look (I expect Marant is laissez-faire like that), but I hope there are sweaters, tees, and minis and tonight, I will be dreaming of booties. Not Marant's booty - I mean, her shoes, évidemment.

Mark your calendars (and prepare to queue up): The Isabel Marant pour H&M Collection will hit select H&M stores worldwide on November 14th, 2013. Check out the vid below for a glimpse:

Jason Wu Named Artistic Director of BOSS Womenswear

Since Jason Wu busted onto the fashion scene in 2007, I've loved his modern, distinctly feminine designs. So I was super thrilled to hear that Wu has just been named the new Artistic Director of BOSS Womenswear since it means I might finally be able to afford his clothes. Yay! Starting June 15th, Wu will assume responsibility and creative direction for all product and image related aspects of BOSS Womenswear from the HUGO BOSS headquarters in Germany.  Wu will continue to grow his eponymous RTW and Accessory Collections as well. 

“I have long been a fan of HUGO BOSS’ vast tradition and lineage in extraordinary tailoring. With the state-of-the-art facilities that are unique to the HUGO BOSS design labs, I plan to develop a strong, feminine womenswear collection that reciprocates the brand’s authority in menswear,” says Jason Wu.

The first BOSS Womenswear Collection under Jason Wu’s artistic direction will debut in New York during Pre-Fall 2014 and he'll stage his first runway show during the New York Fall/Winter Fashion Week in February 2014. Can't wait to see how Wu puts his own stamp on BOSS come Fall. Pretty exciting, huh?

A First Look at Toronto Premium Outlets

Want to start your workweek off on the right foot? Here's a first look at the new Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills, just off the 401 at Trafalgar Rd. As previously reported on this blog, the outlets are set to open on August 1st, 2013 and as you can see, construction is well underway. If you missed it, click here to find out the current list of stores.

I had the opportunity to interview a few key people from Toronto Premium Outlets last week and here's what I found out.  The job fair was a massive success and according to General Manager Megan Johnson, thousands of people turned up to score jobs, with associate to management positions given out on the spot. When asked if we can expect the steep discounts we see in the States, Johnson said that this outlet is unlike those kinda-sorta-outlets (my words, not hers) we have seen in Canada in the past, with 25 - 65% off every day. Discounts will be very similar to the Premium Outlets in the U.S, only with Canadian currency factored in. Best of all, the construction on the outlets is on schedule so it look as though we can actually expect an August 1st grand opening. #yay. 

Next, I interviewed Liz Bauman, Divisional Vice-President of HBC Outlets, hoping to score some valuable info on what we can expect. Here's what I found out: 

• As the anchor of the mall, the HBC Outlet will be one of the largest, if not the largest, store at Toronto Premium Outlets.
• The store will carry lots of designer and name brands.
• HBC Outlets will carry merchandise at 20 - 70% off the regular price.
• Toronto Premium Outlets was a terrific opportunity for Hudson's Bay to open an outlet 

For the rest of the interview, Bauman remained tight-lipped:

Me: "Even though Canada has had outlet centres for awhile, this is the first-ever outlet for HBC. Why now? Does it have anything to do with the pressure of Nordstrom coming to Canada?

Bauman: "No comment."

Me: "Any word on which brands we can expect to find at the HBC Outlet?"

Bauman: "I'm not going to comment on that."

Me: "Okay, how about overstock from The Room, the White Space or Lord & Taylor? What are the odds of me scoring Proenza Schouler at 20 - 70% off?"

Bauman: "I can't comment on that right now."

Sad face. I will persist, Liz Bauman. And I promise you, fellow outlet anticipators, I will let you know as soon as she decides to spill.  Luckily, we don't have long to wait. In the meantime, click here to join the VIP Shopper Club for exclusive online coupons, a voucher for a free VIP coupon book and email updates sent to your inbox. Am I excited about Toronto Premium Outlets? No comment, but I'm pretty sure you can read between the lines. x