BR's Spring '12 Mad Men Collection

Photos courtesy Banana Republic

Following Banana Republic's first ‘Mad Men’ collection last August, the store has announced a second spring capsule collection, sure to help us achieve that 1960’s polish and panache of the hit show.

Designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with Emmy® Award-winning Mad Men Costume Designer Janie Bryant, the collection features over 40 pieces of apparel and jewelry for men and women and embodies the style tenets of the time, including polished sportswear and chic essentials. 

The collection hits stores across Canada March 1st, but you can get a sneak peek tomorrow (that's Wed Feb. 29th) at Yorkdale Mall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Get chic 60s style with a ‘How to Get Mad Style’ presentation (6:30 p.m.) from noted style expert Tammy Palmer, makeup artist demos of the perfect red lip and winged eye liner, retro cocktails, appetizers and more.  Also, with any $150 purchase, you'll receive a Season 4 Mad Men boxed set and $20 Yorkdale GC.  We all know that mixing cocktails and shopping is never a good idea, but sometimes it's just so fun to be bad...

The Big Reveal

Neo-Battenburg Openwork Crop Tee, $128, Anthropologie

Celebs are starting to pick up on this new topper take (as seen on the Oscar de la Renta spring runway). A sheer open-knit sweater looks totally modern when worn over a brightly-coloured maxi, allowing the bold hue to shine right through, and wards off the chill for the VIP after-party.  After seeing GOOP in her amazing Tom Ford cape last night, looks like the wrap and the blazer have officially been bumped to the B List. Did you catch the Oscars?  LOVE that Christopher Plummer won!  For 82, he's a total babe, no? 

For more pretty red carpet-inspired pieces, check out my article in iVillage.ca

As Nicky Minaj Says, It's A...

 

Going to the office often means an endless string of perfectly-pressed separates, which always look professional and proper, but can throw your winning personality under the bus.  I get it - you want to be taken seriously...you have a reputation to uphold...but does it mean you have to totally lose yourself in the process? I love the idea of adding a cool leather belt and neon pink bracelet to a basic button-down and tailored trousers, injecting a little fun into your 9 to 5.  Couldn't we all use a little of that, especially in February?

Happy Friday, y'all!   I'm on my way to Mount Albert to see some good old friends about some bottles of wine. Yay!  xo

Marni at H&M: The Pics

Dress - $99, Bracelet - $34.95, Sunglasses - $24.95

Blouse - $99, Shorts - $59.95, Leather Shoes - $69.95

T-Shirt, Swimsuit and Sunglasses - $24.95 each

Cardigan - $79.95, Dress - $129, Leggings - $49.95; Marni at H&M's Spring Campaign and Lookbook Images - photos courtesy H&M

H&M sent me these pics from the Marni at H&M Collection and I'm super excited to share them with you. I'll readily admit that my fashion sense is a little less eclectic than that of a true Marni girl;  for every day, I don't really see myself mixing and matching all of Consuelo Castiglioni's printed pieces together, unless I'm trying to impress somebody at a fashion event.  Still, a piece here and there will add an instant hit of sporty sophistication to any wardrobe including (fingers crossed) my own.  The best part? The Marni at H&M line is actually incredibly affordable; pieces range from $12.95 for a quirky straw hat to $179 for a gorgeous leather and knit shirt, with most of the line making the under-$100 cut. 

If I had to choose favourites (and when it comes to fashion, I always do), I'm most in love with the accessories - the zyl, resin and rhinestone necklaces and deco-inspired bracelets, the metallic shoes, and the geometric sunglasses.  For clothes, I especially adore the printed pants and the leather/knit shirt.  Be sure to mark your calendars for March 8th, when the line hits select H&M stores across Canada.  Elbows at the ready, girls...I'll see you in line. 

For more pics from the collection and Drew Barrymore, Hanneli Mustaparta, Felicity Jones and co. at the Hollywood launch party last week, click on the thumbnails below: 

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Elegantly Waisted

Metal and leather belts, $49.99 - $54.99, from Mango

Is your belt collection looking a little lacklustre?  Put the finishing touch on any outfit with one of these black and gold beauties from Mango; the shiny metal detail will add a cool deco-rock vibe to all of your boring old belt-loops, and give you some serious fashion cred.  Wear it with your black or white skinnies, to cinch the waist of your winter coats or even to fancy up your LBDs. Keep the rest of your adornments at a minimum so your beautiful belt can revel in all the attention.  Brilliant!