Love just doesn't make sense. On paper, this dress is so not my type: pleats all over, short sleeves, and impractical pure white don't typcially top the list of qualities I covet in a dress. Yet despite all that, I am Smitten with a capital 'S' for this dress. I'll wear it some days like the carousel girls at Louis Vuitton's spring show, with pastel pumps and a girly little clutch, and on others, I'll Jason Wu-it with a black belt, sexy black platform sandals and maybe even a little biker bomber. Since I've gotten to know the dress a little better, I love it even more - it's machine-washable, made of fluid polyester and is under $100, so though it looks high-maintenance, it's surprisingly low-key. Plus, I signed up for Jacob's newsletter so I got $20 off (and you can, too, btw). Gorgeous dress you will be mine. Oh yes, you will be mine.
Get the Accordion Pleated Dress (aka. Sweet Thang) for $99, at Jacob stores nationwide or Jacob's online shop. SUCH a good find.
When I saw these tops at Smart Set over the weekend, I had that déjà vu feeling and knew that I'd spied the colour combo before. Then I remembered that French fashion house (read: $$$) Céline has a super similar blouse in their Spring 2012 Shirts Collection. Score! Pair either of these tops with white jeans or slouchy white trousers for a fresh way to wear colour this season.
Since ‘hot’ so quickly changes to ‘not’, it can be tough to keep it all straight. From this season’s top belts (goodbye skinny!) to the new silhouettes, to today’s ‘It’ print, I’ve put together 10 instant wardrobe-updates to keep you looking current this spring. Check out the the full spring It-list at iVillage.ca
Last season's round toes have been replaced by pointy-toed pumps, which make every outfit look just a little more grown-up. Though neutral shoes are always safe, I love these graphic printed pumps to add texture and dimension to your work wardrobe.
Alexa Chung poses for Vero Moda's Spring 2012 Campaign
I ADORE (all caps) Alexa Chung so I can't say that this Friday Find is completely unbiased. Chung, a British TV host, model and contributing editor at British Vogue is perhaps best known for her boy-meets-girl street style, with countless sites dedicated to her sartorial savvy. When it comes to being hip, Chung is totally It.
Recently, Chung became the spokeswoman for Danish label Vero Moda. The spring collection is filled with ultra-girly pieces, like this Peter Pan-collar dress, floral blouses and pretty pleated skirts, each with unique cuts and fun little details. Add in a few quirky extras, like a wide-brimmed hat or lace-up brogues and you'll give off that cool It-Brit vibe faster than you can say "One Direction."
The Angel Mini Dress ($59) and loads of other Vero Moda finds are available at The Bay.
The fashion world reeled yesterday when it was suddenly announced that Fashion Television would be no more. Jeanne shocked us with her tweet: "So surreal. This dream is over: After 27 glorious years, FT production ceased today." Growing up, Jeanne Beker was my idol. While other kids devoured cartoons and sitcoms, my mom would have to drag me from FT as I dreamily watched couture creations glide down the runways of Paris, New York and Milan. Jeanne made the rarefied world of fashion seem accessible as she ushered us behind-the-curtains of the world's most glamorous shows, and helped us get to know the real designers behind our favourite brands. Her trademark chutzpah and no-holds-barred interviews might have seemed over-the-top to some, but that's precisely what I loved abour her. When I found out that Jeanne would be making an appearance at a store in Port Stanley last year, I begged my husband to watch the kids so I could go and meet her. I stashed Jeanne's bio in my tote and geeked my way to the little women's boutique, beyond excited to meet a fashion legend. At the end of her presentation, I shoved my way to the front of the crowd, thrust my book into her hands and practically demanded an autograph. I guess I learned from the best :)
Though this certainly marks the end of an era, Jeanne followed up her initial tweet with , "But life's about change! We have to embrace that. NEW dreams now. Looking forward to working with Bellmedia + evolving the FT brand." I can't wait to see what Ms. Beker has up her stylish sleeves next. Given that everyone's talking about Jeanne today, I thought I'd post some pics from her latest collection (oh yes, she's a designer, too...) Check out the 5 trends she's tapped for her spring EDIT collection, available at The Bay stores nationwide:
MODERN BRIGHTS: Turn up the colour volume this season! Sizzling sexy shades of tangerine and hot pink will warm up your wardrobe and add punch to your spring style statement. From a romantic floral print to a modern hit of colour-blocking, these pieces offer that bright and beautiful edge guaranteed to keep your sunny side up.
DOTS & STRIPES: 'Tis the season to be playful. And how better to convey that carefree attitude than with graphic retro dots and stripes? Teamed with your solid jeans and jeggings, these upbeat, easy-to-wear pieces are aimed at giving your wardrobe that fresh, welcome twist.
GO EXOTIC: March to the beat of your own style drum this spring with exotic prints, lively textures, and just enough dazzle to set you sailing into summer. It's high time for bold moves and playful pieces to take you from day to night, and give your wardrobe an exciting new rhythm.
MAXI DRESSES: For your summer getaway, home entertaining, or romantic evenings out, nothing oozes relaxed feminine glamour like a chic maxi dress. My EDIT for spring resulted in four long and lovely looks that can easily be dressed up or down. Because this season, the kind of confident style we crave is all about elegant ease.
COLOURED DENIM: Jeans are all about confidence. And the right-fitting pair will give you that in spades. My Jeanne jeans hug you in all the right places, with cuts that are sexy, comfy, and cool. Get ready to rock the youthful cropped look in bold new shades of lipstick red and cobalt blue. And feel the funky freedom of a great pair of flares, or the chic ease of a classic straight leg.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 10:03AM 
