Monday, November 12, 2012 at 1:17PM Closet filled to the brim with basics? Get inspired by these 3 street style looks to help you raise your winter whites, greys and blacks to an oh-so-chic new level. Let it snow! (did I just say that out loud?)
Originally posted in The LOOK
Friday, November 9, 2012 at 3:20PM 
Each time I walk into an H&M preview, I'm terrified. I chant this silent mantra to myself (Stay Focused. Resist Tempt. A. Tion. Walk Away) and yet every time, I get sucked in. Let's face it, I was screwed from the start; Greeted with a big fat pineapple the moment I stepped in the room, the welcoming insignia permeated much of the spring collection, then happily kicked me out the door with a pineapple-embossed all-white press kit. Damn chic Swedes.
Here's the problem - H&M is just way too tempting. Sure, it's all super affordable but you add up a $24.95 here and a $9.99 there and then all of a sudden, you're loaded down with 30 pieces you don't really need and a credit card bill that feels the pain. Then they throw in these collabs with worldwide connoisseurs of chic (up next: Maison Martin Margiela) and before you know it, half of your paycheque has gone straight to the hallowed halls of Hennes & Mauritz.
Addictive qualities aside, you really can't help but love them. For spring, the collection was rife with tropical influences, from pineapple emblazoned shirts to boho-esque sunbleached dresses. Artisanal embellishment packed the collection with loads of personality, in the form of a a patchwork brocade jacket and a fiery Spanish red tassel skirt and that I wanted to grab off the mannequin and do a little flamenco with. Then, there was the Isabel Marant influence - cowboy ankle booties, embossed leather jackets and a to-die-for laser-cut gilet.
Smitten. Kitten. Take a look for yourself. Then, click away on the thumbnails at the bottom to see all the looks from H&M's Spring '13 Lookbook. Happy Fridaaayy!! Yay! x
Love (LOVE) this tasseled mini. So cool, so pretty!
They had me at 'canapé'. The best part? Nobody else eats at these things so I get everything. Mwah ha haaa
H&M's showroom. This is where all the temptation goes down.
The girls (minus 1) behind Beckerman Bite Plate with H&M's Emily Scarlett..
...and their beyond cute Pomeranian pooch, Cubby. Woof!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 9:38PM 
Remember this? Gwyneth Paltrow's 'My Uniform' post for goop, where Gwyneth reveals her obsession w Uniqlo
According to those in-the-know at Retail Insider, Japanese fast-fashion retailer (and celeb favourite) Uniqlo is finally coming to Canada! Squee! Can you stand it?
According to the site, Uniqlo is negotiating a lease for part of the sub-basement space in Vancouver's Downtown Hudson's Bay building, right below the recently opened TopShop.
Until this announcement, shopping at Uniqlo has meant a fairly ambitious shopping trip to the States, since only five American stores exist. Luckily, Retail Insider reports that the chain wants to open 20-30 American stores per year and be the world's top apparel retailer by 2020. Speaking of ambitious...
Follow Retail-Insider.com for all of the Uniqlo updates and on Twitter @RetailInsider_
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 1:01PM 
Photo courtesy RW&CO.
Though I've spent most of my week in a Kit-Kat-induced candy coma, I'm now ready to face November, full steam ahead. It's amazing how the end of Hallowe'en always marks a seismic shift of focus; where we turn our attention away from costumes and candy and suddenly start to think about the holidays. It might be almost 2 full months away but it's always amazing how quickly the season arrives. I've already gotten 3 holiday-related emails about everything from gift exchanges to shopping trips to Christmas wish lists for my kids. And though I haven't received a party invite quite yet, I know that that's just around the bend, too.
If it's acceptable to embrace sequins and shine in any season, this is it. And though you might not fancy yourself a 'sparkly' kind of girl, there are so many ways to get your glitter on. Read on for 10 chic ways to do it without looking like a Vegas showgirl (heaven forbid):
1. ADD BLING WITH A RING
Sometimes, all it takes is just a little sparkle, be it a ring, necklace or earrings to define a look. 'Tis the season to have fun so try something you wouldn't normally wear (ie. go bigger/bolder/shinier than usual). PS - Don't be afraid to wear sparkly extras in the day - it's way less expected and therefore, so much more interesting, than just busting them out at night.
Jewel-Encrusted Bow Ring, $15, ALDO
2. BE A DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS
For a holiday fête, it's nice to stand out from a crowd of little black dresses. Go for the gold with a blouson top dress. This dress has a chic, sleek silhouette which lets the sparkly detail speak for itself.
Sequin Blouson Cocktail Dress, $240, Le Château
3. GET NOSTALGIC
This season makes us all a little nostalgic for the good old days. Channel 1920's Gatsby-era glam with this black and silver cobweb embellished stunner, then finish it off with t-strap heels and a cute clutch to look like Daisy Buchanan and her well-heeled friends.
Beaded Chiffon Cocktail Dress, $169.95, Le Château
4. BLAZE THE TRAIL
Sure, you could ward off the chill with your standby black or navy blazer but really, isn't it time to shake things up a bit. This blazer is guaranteed (seriously) to invite envious stares and endless streams of, "Where did you get that?" Since this piece is such a high-fashion standout, keep the rest of your outfit streamlined and simple. Try it with all white underneath (see pic at top), taiored black trousers, or even a white cami, pale distressed jeans and pointy-toed pumps. Love!
Metallic Sequined Blazer, $150, RW&CO. (in stores mid-November)
5. SPARKLE SOFTLY
This ultra-feminine t-shirt dress is a subtle stunner. The pale pink and relaxed silhouette provide a perfect contrast to the sparkly detailing. Wear this with a camel or off-white coat to look like a total goddess.
Pastel Sequined Mini Dress, $98, RW&CO. (in stores now)
6. LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR
This one-shoulder maxi dress is a figure-flattering genius; its well-placed pleats and gathers brilliantly conceal your tummy while the sparkly detail at the shoulder draws all of the attention up to your face.
One-Shoulder Draped Gown, $139.99, Laura
7. COLLAR-ME, MAYBE?
In case you haven't heard, the Peter Pan collar necklace is the It piece of the season. Wear it over any simple knit to add instant shine to an otherwise basic outfit. The open rose design on this particular version is perfectly pretty (and blissfully inexpensive) for a fun holiday cocktail party.
Peter Pan Necklace, $16.50, Bootlegger
8. SKIRT THE ISSUE
If you love your legs and can't wait to show them off, nothing beats a sequined mini. I love the unexpected combo of a sparkly mini with a great chunky knit and refined, ladylike pumps. If you can't bear the thought of going bare-legged in the cold, pair the mini with opaque black tights and an oversized grey sweater and pumps for a party or booties for a more casual look.
Sequined Mini, $68, RW&CO. (in stores this week)
9. YOU GLOW, GIRL
This limited-edition spritz-on highlighter is a must for party season. The smart atomiser releases a fine shimmery powder to highlight the face, body and hair so you'll glow from head to toe.
The Sparkler All Over Shimmer in Enchanting Gold, $24, The Body Shop
10. GET A LEG UP
Looking for a way to reinvent last year's little black dress? These stunning ankle-wrap sandals are your holiday 2012 answer. What makes them such a brilliant buy? The mixed metallic bands at the top means you'll be able to pair these with your silver and gold accessories all season long.
Suede Ankle-Wrap Pumps, $110, ALDO
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 8:12AM 
This pic, tweeted by Barack Obama after winning last night's election, has become the most popular tweet EVER.
SO happy he won. Yay OBAMA!
PS - This is not a political site (clearly) so let me just say, I love Michelle's style and I want her arms. So happy she'll be in the White House for 4 more years. I bet Jason Wu is thrilled, too. Is that superficial of me?