I'm Not a Player, I Just Crush A Lot

Photo: BoyMeetsFashion.com

I am crushing so hard on these shoes that it's causing actual, physical pain.  It's hard to describe - something between first-love heartache and other-side-of-the-world homesickness.  I went to the doctor but he told me there's only one cure.  And it's not more cowbell.  It's these glorious shoes by British designer Roksanda Ilincic, which instantly became the most tweeted-about shoe collection at London Fashion Week for Spring '13.  The good news? They're part of the ALDO RISE collection coming to ALDO this spring so they'll be affordable. Trouble is, they won't be available for another few months.   Gutted, as the Brits say :( Dyyying...

Will keep you posted as soon as I hear more.  Until then, my fellow long-suffering footwear fetishists, there's always Downton Abbey season 3?

Work It Out

Eva Herzigova.  She works out.  Photo by Matthew Brookes, image harpersbazaar.com

Plates of cookies, second helpings and loads of holiday libations still making you feel a little, well, lethargic? When it comes to getting your fitness goals back on track, nothing motivates quite like cute workout gear. I've figured out your 2013 fitness wardrobe (check out my picks at iVillage.ca, including my new fave lululemon tights below - LOVE them) - now all you have to do is move that body. Okay, you first ;) 

Good Stuff: GAP Nabs INTERMIX

Photo: INTERMIX 

We love a good takeover, especially when it involves designer labels.  GAP Inc. just announced it has scooped up INTERMIX, a multi-brand luxury boutique based in NYC, for $130 million (aka. drop in the bucket)

INTERMIX - which has 32 U.S stores, 1 Toronto boutique, and an extensive e-commerce site - offers top luxury labels like Jimmy Choo, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Stella McCartney. Yum. Gap plans to expand INTERMIX’s network of stores, as well as improve and expand its e-commerce site - such great news for online shoppers like me.

“We’re thrilled to have found a partner that has the global scale and infrastructure required to support our vision for growth,” said Khajak Keledjian, co-founder of INTERMIX. “Gap Inc. shares many of our entrepreneurial roots, passion for innovation and customer experience. Together, we’ll continue to shape the future of retail by offering the most exciting fashion trends with the finest designers in the world.”

The acquisition will see the brand become part of Gap's impressive line-up of retailers, which already includes Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta.  Does this mean INTERMIX will start having Friends & Family sales, too?  A girl can dream...

Stripe It Up

Stripe Skirt, $110, Banana Republic

Though I've resolved to stay on budget this year (especially when it comes to shopping) this striped beauty from Banana Republic is definitely on my radar. It's so totally Marc Jacobs/Michael Kors/Balmain/Dolce & Gabbana (everyone's doing bold stripes for Spring '13) and will become my graphic go-to from now until summer.  Read between the lines (I'm not making it that tough): I WANT.

Good Morning

Photo: Tommy Hilfiger

Happy brand new year, y'all!  Started the day off with a sleep-in (thanks to the in-laws for stepping it up), then crêpes, mimosas and now a deep breath, ready to tackle all that lies ahead in this shiny new 2013.  I've always loved the number 13 so I'm hoping (knock on wood) this is going to be an extra good year.  Can't wait!

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