Maison Martin Margiela with H&M

Photos courtesy H&M

Okay, so here's the thing.  On occasion, I'll go to an art installation, a book reading or a modern dance performance.  Sometimes, I totally get it;  I can appreciate the beauty and understand the message the artist is trying to convey.  Other times, I'll be like 'huh.'  My bottom lip sticks out just slightly, I nod my head twice and then cock it slightly to the side with a simultaneous brow furrow/index finger to lips as I attempt to look reflective, all the while wondering what I'm missing.  That's kind of how I feel about Maison Martin Margiela.  Part of it I totally get:  the sequined pieces, the oversized peacoat, the plexi wedge heels. Love. Love. Love. (see the gallery below for the pieces I want).

But then there's the other stuff.  Acid wash denim-on-denim.  Skirt/harem pant/asymmetrical jumpsuit. Trompe l'oeil dresses. Models whom you'd likely avoid if encountered on a deserted Parisian rue. 'Huh'. Bottom lip out. Nod head twice. Cock head to side/furrow brow/index finger to lips.

As I mentioned on this site back in June, venerable French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela has joined forces with H&M for an exclusive collaboration, available in select stores worldwide in a few weeks.  "With these Maison Martin Margiela re-editions, some of the most important garments in recent fashion history will be made available at H&M. The pieces are incredibly accurate to the original, and prove how the most radical concept can result in fashion that is both desirable and wearable." Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor to H&M.

Mark your calendars: The Maison Martin Margiela with H&M Collection ranges between $17.95 - $399 and is out in select stores worldwide Nov 15th!  Do you like? Love? Or does it all just make you go 'hmm...'?

PS - Will post my World Mastercard Fashion Week pics tomorrow. So many great shows this year x

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World MasterCard Toronto Fashion Week

In Toronto fashion circles, October means only one thing: Spring.  This season marks the city's first Fashion Week since its purchase by NY-based entertainment giant, IMG World, almost certain to put Toronto, and our ever-growing list of talented designers, in the global spotlight.  From Fashion Week veterans to runway debutantes, we've rounded up our top 10 picks of this week's must-see shows at David Pecaut Square in my article this week at iVillage.ca.  

And if you still want to catch the shows live, it's not too late.  Visit For tickets to World Mastercard Fashion Week (Oct 22 - 26), visit worldmastercardfashionweek.com.  See you at the tents! x

Tickled Pink

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is already in full swing, but it’s never too late to think pink. From head to toe, and everywhere in between, fashionable companies have combined beauty with heart to raise funds for the cause during the month of October (and beyond). Here are 10 of the prettiest picks, guaranteed to help you look great and, as they say, feel even better.  In case you missed it, check out my Top 10 Breast Cancer Awareness picks at iVillage.ca

And don't miss your chance to win this Giuliana Rancic for LOFT Statement Necklace here! Contest ends October 24, 11:59 am EST

Anna Karenina at Banana Republic

Photos courtesy Banana Republic

I've yet to make it to Moscow but in my dreams, my trip goes a little somethin' like this:  The phone rings late at night and a mysterious caller tells us we are needed in Moscow for a top-secret dinner. James becomes Dmitrii, I become Serafima, and we head for our waiting private jet.  Once we land, we hop into our unmarked car which speeds us through the snowy streets towards the centre of town, then screeches to a halt in front of Cafe Pushkin.  I emerge, swathed in a flowing black dress, wool cape, elbow-length gloves and loads of fur. Dmitrii, dressed in a wool suit and ushanka, takes my arm as we enter the mansion and are ushered to the 3rd floor.  Our mystery caller awaits, our table laden with blini, caviar, and pelmeni, and he hands us each a shot glass full of Beluga Super Premium.  "Drink!" he orders.  "Na zdorovie," I purr.  We drink. We eat. We're not exactly sure why we're there. So we drink some more.

After so many seasons of colour, and a poor excuse for a winter last year, the new Banana Republic Anna Karenina holiday collection could not be more timely. The dramatic collection, styled and curated by twice-Academy Award-nominated Anna Karenina costume designer Jacqueline Durran, takes its inspiration from the 19^th Century fashions featured in the upcoming epic starring Keira Knightley (out mid-November) with a modern fashion twist;  think statement accessories and apparel in rich velvets, faux fur, lace and a touch of sparkle. 

The collection features more than 75 modern pieces for men and women, including polished, feminine looks for her (faux fur stoles, lace and jacquard dresses, military-inspired jackets, wool capes) and tailored styles for him (double-breasted top coats, flannel slim-fitted suits etc.).  I've seen some of the collection in person and am MADLY in love. I especially can't wait to take home the military coat, the faux fur hat and the dresses to channel my inner Czarina this winter.

Mark your calendars - The Anna Karenina capsule collection arrives in Banana Republic stores across Canada and online October 31^st.  

Fête Accomplie: Part 1

Beyonce in the November 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

So, I realize that you probably haven't even bought your Hallowe'en candy yet. And I know that the holiday season is probably not the first thing on your mind.  But, you have to admit, the scattered mentions of parties, presents and the chubby guy in red mean that Christmas, Kwanzaa and other merry festivities are really not that far away.  And since several friends have mentioned that their offices have already booked their holiday fêtes (crazy, I know), it means that now is a fabulous time to start pre-planning your party wardrobe.  

This season, step away from your basic little black dress and instead, think outside of the perfectly wrapped box.  White Oaks Mall is full of pretty finds sure to set you apart from the crowd at your next office party, cocktail toast, or full-out holiday bender.   Here, we share 3 chic, party-ready looks (PS - Be sure to check back next week for 3 more)

I know it's early but I'm already excited.  You? xo

Photos courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim

1. Short-Sleeved Dress, $39.95, H&M; 2. Statement Necklace, $17.95, H&M; 3. Icon Sunglasses, $16,American Eagle Outfitters; 4. Striped Top, $19.95, H&M; 5. Laser-Cut Clutch, $40, ALDO Accessories; 6. Red Suede Pump, $69.98, ALDO

1. Pinstripe Trousers, $69.50, Gap; 2. Statement Choker, $24.95, H&M; 3. Leather Bomber, $349, Danier; 4. Stretch Cami, 2 for $26, Smart Set; 5. Mimi Bow Belt, $59.50, Club Monaco; 6. Schutz Eunice T-Straps, Club Monaco; 7. Gemstone Flapover Clutch, $69.95, Le Château

1. Red Carpet Collection Clutch, $89.95, Town Shoes; 2. Red Peplum Dress, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Erickson Beamon Earrings, $149.50, Club Monaco; 4. Calvin Klein for Town Shoes Strappy Heels, $170, Town Shoes; 5. Sephora by O.P.I Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips, $14, Sephora