Hudson's Bay Brings Kleinfeld Bridal to Canada

Photo courtesy Hudson's Bay

After nabbing the perfect guy, the next daunting task on every newly engaged girl's list is, of course, finding the perfect dress. Brides-to-be can put their dreamy minds to rest with the announcement that renowned purveyor of bridal chic Kleinfeld Bridal (and hallowed halls of 'Say Yes to the Dress') is finally coming to Canada!  

Hudson’s Bay will open a 20,000-square foot Kleinfeld flagship in early 2014 at its Toronto Queen St. store, giving Canadian brides access to expert bridal consultants and the same scope and breadth of designer gowns available at the New York store. 

Sigh...almost makes you want to get married again, doesn't it? (I mean same guy, new dress, of course - love you, James xx) 

This Just In: Preen x ALDO RISE

PREEN x ALDO RISE Pointy-Toe Pump, $155, ALDO

The long-awaited PREEN python pretties seen on the catwalk during London Fashion Week have finally arrived at ALDO, right in time for Spring. Picture yourself emerging from a long winter's nap - sun glinting in your hair, cute little baby birds chirping, flowers popping up all over the place. Once you hit the street, traffic comes to a dead stop, jaws hit the sidewalk as you stomp your way down the street. But wait - you need a worthy soundtrack. No, this ain't no time for Thrift Shop babies (you won't find these at any Goodwill, guaranteed) - these fierce shoes call for full-blown Beyoncé.  It's been a long, long winter - you SO deserve these shoes.

Check out the very tempting ALDO RISE Spring '13 line at aldoshoes.com. (Don't say I didn't warn you...)

P.S - Who runs the world? Girls!

H&M's New Model-Off-Duty Collection (and a $200 Spring Shopping Spree)

Top models Joan Smalls, Daphne Groeneveld, Lindsey Wixson and Liu Wen pose for the H&M New Icons pre-summer campaign - photos courtesy H&M

With street style shooters lurking around every corner, today's top models need to look killer both on the runway and off.  For its latest collection, H&M has partnered up with the world's top supermodels to create a range of eclectic, rocker-chic pieces inspired by the models' own off-duty style.  Joan Smalls, Daphne Groeneveld, Lindsey Wixson and Liu Wen front the gorgeous campaign which recalls another famous supermodel shoot from the '90s. Love!

The collection features a mix of tough-luxe leather, boho dresses and statement tees plus everyday (Supermodels: They're Just Like Us!) cotton vests and tees.  Since no top model would leave her apartment wihout the perfect extras, the range includes tasseled bags, cool fringed leather necklaces, suede knee-high boots and a wide-brimmed hat. I have to say that this is my favourite H&M collection yet - I'm dying for the leather jacket, that festival-ready frilly lace mini and that insanely cool black embellished vest. Want everything! The New Icons collection will be available in all H&M stores carrying the Everyday concept starting April 11th.

To help you shop, H&M is offering an exclusive contest to RLR readers (that's you!) with a chance to win a $200 SHOPPING SPREE at H&M! Here's how to win it:

1) Leave a comment below telling me your must-have piece from the collection.

2) For a bonus entry, tweet the following, "I want to #win a $200 Shopping Spree w @realliferunway & @hmcanada to shop the New Icons Collection! Check it out http://bit.ly/15zSsEc'

3) Contest closes next Thursday, March 28th at 5 p.m. 

GOOD LUCK! XX

Check out the full collection by clicking through the slideshow below:

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Back in Black: The Joe Fresh Fall '13 Show

Canadian supermodel Heather Marks goes Parisian punk at the Joe Fresh Fall 2013 show

The crazy pre-show scene at World MasterCard Fashion Week

My mad matchy-matchiness from last night (Joe himself approved - yes!) 

All runway photos by George Pimentel, Video made by me on Vine

I'm back from World MasterCard Fashion Week and ready to sort out all of my pics from the tents but before I do, had to post photos from last night's Joe Fresh show.  For Fall '13, Joe Mimran was influenced by Paris, the Sex Pistols, and the '90s punk movement, done up almost entirely in black -  a decided departure from the happy brights so synonymous with Joe Fresh.

Though maybe not as universally likeable a collection, it was a really nice change of pace for the brand and I loved the edginess of it all. The studded pieces, the white chunky turtleneck and that liquid black blazer will all be moving into my closet come Fall.  Thoughts? Loves? Leave your comments below and let me know!

Check back soon for more Fashion Week pics from David Dixon, LINE Knitwear, Mackage (amazing show) and more, plus street style snaps I shot at the tents, and a few pics of what I wore. K, time to nap - last night's after-party completely did me in. Zzzz.... 

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20 Questions with Joe Mimran

Joe Mimran of Joe Fresh fame at World MasterCard Fashion Week - Photo courtesy George Pimentel

I didn't think he'd actually respond.  I mean, Joe Mimran is probably the busiest guy in fashion (this week especially) and let's face it - I'm not Flare or The Globe & Mail.  On a whim, I sent 20 questions off to his PR team on Thursday and on Friday, the answers appeared!  Love that he took the time to help a blogger out, LOVE Joe Fresh and can't wait for the Fall '13 show and after-party tonight at World MasterCard Fashion Week. Squee!

Read on for what’s on his playlist, how he likes his martini, and what really makes Joe Fresh tick.

 1. Which of your collections are you most proud of so far?

I am proud of all of my collections, but I am always most excited by the collection I am working on at the moment. And as soon as the show is over I’m already thinking about what will come next

2. Do you get nervous when your wife and daughters go shopping?

No, my wife and children all have excellent taste.

3. What are your favourite restaurants in Toronto?

Harbord Room, Sotto Sotto, Giancarlo

4. Who do you rely on most in your business?

My whole team – every aspect of the business from supply chain to visual merchandising to marketing plays a key role in the success of Joe Fresh.  And of course, our loyal customers.

5.  Slippers vs. dress shoes. Discuss

Slippers – classic and so comfortable.

6. Favourite drink?

Martini – very dry, very cold – shaken.

7.  When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always loved the arts but balanced my interest in art and design with a business degree.

8. What do you eat every day for breakfast?

Fresh squeezed vegetable juice.

9. What’s one piece from Joe Fresh that every woman should own?

A striped t-shirt.

10.  What is your favourite book?

I recently enjoyed Patti Smith’s inspiring memoir, Just Kids.

For my full interview for iVillage.ca, click here but first, check out the super cute new Joe Fresh ad featuring Joe's fave song by Sam and the Womp. Crank it up!