Chic Giveaway: Travel à la TASCHEN

 

 

Style is as much about what you eat, what you listen to and what you read, as what you wear. Every stylista worth her salt should have in her possession a collection of impossible-to-lift-with-one-hand coffee table books about fashion capitals (read: Paris, New York, London). Whether you escape there regularly or are simply an urbanite at heart, TASCHEN books are tops at virtually transporting you straight to the heart of your fave city. Anytime I feel that pang of wanderlust, I open up one of these books and there I am, sitting in the Café Flore, listening to Edith Piaf as I sip my café crème. On my New York kinda days, I'll make a mental map of the cool stores & restaurants I have to hit up next time I'm in town.  Somehow, as horribly homebound as I might be, a great book always makes me feel like I've had a little mini-break.

Coffee table books are one of the best kinds of luxuries but might not be something you often buy yourself.  Luckily, Chapters/Indigo just sent me 4 of my favourite TASCHEN books to give away to you! One winner will receive two of the ultimate city guides, Taschen's New York and Taschen's Paris.  The second winner will receive two super stylish photographic journeys: Paris: Portrait of a City and London: Portrait of a City.  

Huge bisous to Chapters/Indigo for this amazing contest xx

Here's how to win:

1. To enter, leave a comment telling me your favourite stylish read from Chapters

2. For an extra chance at winning, follow @realliferunway and @chaptersindigo on Twitter and tweet the following: “I want to win! @realliferunway and @chaptersindigo are giving away 2 chic sets of TASCHEN travel books http://bit.ly/Zi5uWW OR 'Like' Real Life Runway and Chapters/Indigo on Facebook.

3. The contest closes at midnight on Monday, March 11th, 2013 and we'll announce the winners Tuesday morning (Winners will also be notified by e-mail)

4. Contest open to residents of Canada only. 

5. Bonne chance, babies! xx

She's Crafty

Anytime I'm in need of style ideas, I can always count on Pinterest to inspire. Want to get crafty? Check out my article this week at iVillage.ca with my Top 10 DIY fashion pins on Pinterest to help you uncover loads of untapped potential in your closet - consider your weekends warned...x

P.S - If you don't already, follow Real Life Runway on Pinterest here

Hips Don't Lie

A model on the runway at Charlotte Ronson's spring 2013 show in The Stage at Lincoln Center. Photo source:Fairchild Photo Services

Type-casting is a dangerous thing.  Take Ben Affleck;  when he first came on the scene, he was Hollywood's golden boy.  The kid had talent (decent acting abilities and an Academy Award for co-writing Good Will Hunting), loads of charm, and the tall/dark/handsome looks to match.  Pretty soon, Hollywood had him spray-tanned, teeth-whitened and bootcamp buffed straight into Leading Man status. Armaggedon, Pearl Harbor and even a Gwyneth Paltrow score followed and Ben was raking in the box-office dough. Then, Gigli happened. Suddenly, Ben had gone from promising young thespian to sell-out. He started dating J.Lo (or was it Jenny from the Block?) and a string of forgettable Jersey-Girl-esque films followed. It took the poor guy nearly 10 years to do damage control, during which time he married the lovely Jennifer Garner and had 3 perfect little kids. Wah. Wah. Wahhh. Seemed like this acting thing wasn't going to work out. Then, out of nowhere, dude co-produced, directed and acted his way back to Oscar gold with Argo. Boo-yah! In true full circle fashion, Ben Affleck is Hollywood's golden boy once again. We so did not see that one coming.

The peplum, as it turns out, is kind of like the Ben Affleck of fashion (it's a stretch, I know)...

For the rest of this story, and cute outfit inspo (ie.how to wear peplums for work, weekend, and a night out) read here  

PLAY: I.N.C International Concepts Striped Peplum, $79, The Bay; Lauren Leather Jacket, $388, Roots; B&W Bracelets, $15, ALDO Accessories; Super Skinny Zip Pants, $60, Gap; Leather Booties, $120, ALDO; NARS Lipstick in 'Schiap', $30, Sephora; Faux Leather Clutch, $20, Smart Set; Cat-Eye Shades, $12, ALDO

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Target Canada: Won't You Be My Neighbour?

The brand new Target store in Guelph. Photos courtesy Target

After decades of rumours and months of teasers, today finally marks the day that Target opens its doors in Canada.  Stores in Guelph, Milton and Fergus will open to the public this morning with 24 Ontario stores slated to open by the end of the month.  Eventually Target plans to open between 125-135 stores across Canada.  For a look at all the brands and special collaborations you'll find in the Canadian Target stores, click here.

Are you seeing red this morning? If you do happen to go, please (please!) report back with comments, great finds, sticker shock tales, etc. in the comments section.  Merci babies, and happy shopping! x

P.S - How awesome is this new ad?!

Spring Fling

Leather School Bags, Joe Fresh, $99 each. Photo courtesy Joe Fresh

Back to work, back to the grind, and a headache's en route to my too-relaxed mind.  

Mondays can be a real shock to the system; which is why I was thrilled to come across these cool leather school bags from Joe Fresh.  Briefcases/laptop bags don't often turn my crank but these are both pretty and practical - sort of like a spoonful of sugar for your work week. I plan on getting the white one to tote around during World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. It looks sturdy enough to handle my laptop, a pair of heels, and any treats that come my way, while simultaneously satisfying the street-style paps lurking outside.

One other thing that makes this particular Monday a little easier? It's March! Could not be more thrilled that spring is almost here...xx