How do you make a Friday go from good to great? How 'bout news of Zara's online shop, finally (finally!) coming to Canada. If you live in Toronto, this might be exciting enough. But imagine living in a world where there is literally no real shopping nearby, where a trip to Zara is a 2.5 hour (each way, on a good day) endeavour. Add to that two toddlers in tow who, bless their hearts, just don't have the patience for scouring the racks, waiting in changeroom line-ups and don't understand the meaning of the words 'fierce', 'beyond' or 'must-have.' Then imagine getting home and realizing something doesn't fit, which entails yet another full-day excursion back to Yorkdale just to arrange the exchange. It's exhausting. (Insert something about #firstworldproblems here)
But no longer. I reported the rumour last week but what was once a pipedream is now official: Zara is coming online to Canada March 6th. Yay, yay, yay. I could not be a happier girl today :) And if you do have little ones, you must check out the Zara Kids Spring '13 Lookbook on rlr mini today. Now that's what I call hope for our future...
It might be what's inside that counts but it's also what's underneath. You've witnessed it firsthand I'm sure - that girl at the wedding trying so desperately to look ladylike as she wrestles her strapless bra back into place; that lady in line at Starbucks whose granny panties are losing an epic battle with her bum. Oh, and the unassuming woman in the demure plain white tee (Um, excuse me but I can see your Hot Pink Bra!) Sure, we talk about clothes, clothes, clothes because, let's face it, clothes are exciting and fun and pretty. But here's the thing about clothes - they can look pretty tragic if you're not armed with the proper tools. (read: unless you're 14 or happen to be blessed with a supermodel bod, most of us need a little help to keep things tucked in and held in place as we move about our day.)
In honour of Valentine's Day, I've rounded up some of the top underwear essentials so you can rock that new wardrobe you've been waiting to bust out this Spring (pun totally intended). Check out my article this week at iVillage.ca, then read on for 10 more top-drawer finds (plus David Beckham's new ad for H&M directed by Guy Ritchie. Nothing says love like...)
Happy Valentine's my sweet cherubs!
x
1. THE SEAMLESS THONG
Awkward as it may appear, there's no better way to avoid panty lines than the thong. To avoid scratches, chafing and otherwise-super-uncomfortable 'situations', look for these three S's: soft, stretchy, seamless. Most important of all - you should really not feel a thing.
First things first - go and get a proper bra fitting. Most women are wearing the wrong size bra resulting in cups that spill over, straps that dig in and bras that don't support the cause. Once you get the right size (and the right bra) your clothes will instantly look better and you'll immediately look thinner. True story. Though we all love pretty bras, every woman should own a great microfibre t-shirt bra that will disappear under your sweaters, blouses and tees. If you're wearing white or anything sheer, always (always!) opt for a nude bra rather than white.
If your underwear drawer is filled with stretched out, worn-in granny panties, it's time for an update (even if you are a grandma) Look for seamless options (again to avoid panty-lines) in fun colours and prints to add some excitement to your everyday. I love the seamless hipsters from Garage, La Senza and Aerie.
Lace is beautiful to look at, but cheap lace can feel like someone is applying sandpaper to your boobs - not a good feeling. This bra looks AND feels great, so you can feel just as sexy as you look. Plus, its full coverage style and no-slip straps perform just as well under clothes as out of them.
There's nothing worse than feeling paunchy, or not feeling paunchy and then looking at pics later and wondering why nobody told you that your tummy was hanging out. Whether it's post-babydom, an indulgent weekend or just good ol' genetics, a little tummy can wreak havoc on your look. Consider these shaping briefs the corset of the 2010's. If you're looking for a full-body slimming effect under a dress (without the tell-tale muffin-top effect you get with some bodyshapers) nothing beats the high waisted shapers from SPANX. Two words: Life. Saver.
Dresses and tanks come in all forms but sometimes, our bras just aren't quite as flexible. These strap converters allow you to clip your straps in place to help your bra go totally incognito.
If you consider yourself lacking in certain, um, departments, this bra is an absolute miracle-worker. Wear it anytime you want to achieve enviable cleavage for date night, or just because you can. And the cake meets icing bonus - this bra is actually super comfy, too, since the underwires are padded. Heaven! If you're looking to give your other bras some added oomph, silicone inserts are a great way to look instantly well-endowed. Now va, va, voom voom, you!
Most strapless bras are fighting a losing battle with gravity, which makes strapless dresses a dance floor nightmare. This rave-reviewed bra lifts you up and actually stays put, making it totally worth the splurge.
We've all heard that you shouldn't sleep with underwires yet we also know the importance of being supported while we sleep to avoid the dreaded droop that happens over time. These 2 options (1 in sporty cotton, the other in sexy lace) are light, airy and breathable so you can rest easy.
If you spend most nights in flannel jammies or shorts and a tee, we get it. I mean, unless you're in the honeyoon phase of your marriage, or in the throes of a bad (good) romance, comfort usually wins out over come-hither. Still, every woman should own something fun, just in case (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
P.S.- If for no reason other than the fact that it's David Beckham running around in his underwear, check out this hilarious new ad for H&M, directed by Guy Ritchie. And if you haven't already, be sure to check out the David Beckham Bodywear line in the men's section at H&M for your favourite boy. Really, truly, awesome underwear for men)
It's no secret that I adore all things J.Crew, but when I think of the brand, I think amazing colour, super fabrics, great cuts, preppy, preppy, preppy - I don't usually think of the exotic. When I spied the new Fall '13 collection from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, my adoration went to a whole new level and since Valentine's is tomorrow, I just had to share the love. J.Crew's Head of Women's Design Tom Mora took an impromptu trip to Morocco at the end of last season and was clearly inspired - it's like Heathers goes to Marrakech. It's like a master class in how to mix and match colours/patterns/prints. It's like my wardrobe fantasy. I would actually be willing to skip summer just so I can wear look 1, look 7, look 30 (the black & white striped top, black coat, white pants) and that navy/cognac ensemble. And even though I've never really understood people who like purple, I think I finally get the appeal. Okay, I can't even look at these pics anymore - I literally just watched my wallet burrow itself right into the bottom of my handbag.
With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in full New York swing, I've already started making my must-have list for Fall '13. Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame) showed his Russian Opera-themed collection on Saturday, and I immediately added his opulent gold and black looks to my list. As fate would have it, I just received a memo that ChristianSiriano and Payless ShoeSource have teamed up again, but here's the best part - starting Feb. 18, a direct-from-the-runway shoe featured in Siriano's show will be carried at hundreds of Payless stores nationwide for only $45. How's that for instant gratification?
Says Siriano, "Fashion Week is always about the coming season -- fashion available five months out -- but I wanted to bring shoppers a direct-from-the-runway look that is available ASAP and at a great price."
TheLeToile is an opened-up sling-back dress pump with a platform sole featuring all-over black patent, a criss-cross detail at the toe and a playful animal print lining. Twelve additional shoe designs hit the runway and these styles will inspire the Fall '13 ChristianSiriano for Payless Gold collection available at Payless this September. Check out the video below to see the shoe in action...
Meanwhile, RW&CO. just announced their first ever shoe collection, available in stores this March. The collection comprises pointy-toe flats, metallic t-straps and the cool colour-blocked sandals seen above (among others), and ranges between $70 - $90. Want! To check out more shoes from the collection, read on here.
I must admit - I'm feeling awfully tempted to head south this weekend for the this Sunday's arrival of Prabal Gurung for Target. I mean, it's only an hour away and unlike Buffalo, the Port Huronites seem blissfully blasé when it comes to designer collabs. (I expected chaos on Missoni opening weekend a few years back and the people working there were like, 'Um, sorry, Miss-who?') Love the fun, bright, crazy affordable collection (ranges from $13 - $200) and am especially smitten after seeing the newly released video starring Olivia Thirlby.
So, how about you? Will you engage in a little border-hopping this weekend to pick up some Prabal? Oh, and if they ask if you have anything to declare, be sure to answer with a, 'Why yes, officer! I LOVE Prabal Gurung!'
Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10:19AM 
