Sneak Peek: The Banana Republic L'Wren Scott Holiday Collection

Photos courtesy Banana Republic

Banana Republic has already teamed up with well-known designers like Milly and Issa, so the announcement of another collab wasn't a huge surprise. But here's the shocking part: this time BR has wooed none other than the notoriously exclusive L'Wren Scott. How amazing is this?! The 6'3" glamazon designer (and longtime girlfriend of Mick Jagger) is known for her super-luxe, impossibly-expensive designs but with her first big retail collection, looks like Scott is finally ready for mass-marketdom.

Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen says, “We share an appreciation for genuine luxury, beautiful fabrics and unexpected details. The designs created for this collection bring a modern approach to pieces you will love forever.”  

“A partnership of this scale was a first for me, and I was very excited to find a true partner in Simon,” says L’Wren Scott. “Through this collection, we were able to bring our shared vision to life and the end result is a capsule we’re both so proud to call our own. It beautifully combines the ultra-feminine with wearable polish and will bring a sexy confidence to our consumers.”

The limited-edition Banana Republic L’Wren Scott Collection is designed to inspire glam holiday parties out on the town or at home.  The more than 50-piece collection includes apparel and accessories for women, ranging from sequin party dresses and bejewelled cardigans, to feminine, tailored jeans and lace dresses, plus accessories like chain-handled clutches (that double as jewellery), striped cashmere blankets, berets and totes.

Three original prints are featured prominently throughout the capsule. A dramatic lip print (a Rolling Stone reference?), a print of romantic peonies, and finally, a candy stripe of black, Ultra Violet, Poster Red and Lipstick Red. Not a big fan of the red/purple/black combo but for the legendary L'Wren, I'm willing to reconsider.

The capsule launches at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online December 5, 2013, just in time for Christmas shopping. I can name some girls (Me, Myself, and I) who will be putting this right at the top of their lists. Exciting, yes?!

xx

The Horsey Set: Our Favourite Looks from Queen's Plate 2013

Très-Chic Trifecta: Colin and Justin (no last names necessary) went matchy-matchy while TV Producer/Director Natalie Deane sported a cheeky star-studded peplum by Maybe by Catalfo and a feathered fascinator.

Horsey Hostesses: Tara Ng and Sharon Ng Hayes of Backseat Stylers hosted the VIP party at the Grey Goose Lounge and looked beyond lovely in their custom David Dunkley fascinators, though we think Sharon's Erdem dress stole the show.

The Power Players: Anita Clarke (with her lovely mum), Vicki Hogarth, and Gail McInnes rocked fierce fascinators by Midencé Oliu while Amira de Vera went for pretty florals and an oversized floppy hat.

Oh Canadaaaa: CBC's Monika Platek reported live from the Hats & Horseshoes party in oh-so-Canadian red and white.

Photo Finish: This dapper Toronto realtor had a lot going on but pulled it all off with aplomb.

Lacy Lady: This pretty party-goer's lace dress and oversized fascinator by Lilliput Hats made for a total fashion win.

As for me? I ended up wearing a Gatsby-esque crystal headpiece by Toronto's I Love Goldie while James wore a bow-tie blazer combo. 

Cute husband and I hit up the Queen's Plate at Woodbine this past Sunday and while neither of us are avid horsing enthusiasts, the party definitely took my love of the races to the next level. Thanks to an invite from Backseat Stylers, we hit the Hats & Horseshoes Party VIP-style, with access to the Grey Goose Lounge, complete with cocktails, canapés and an extremely stylish crowd. As it turns out, Queen's Plate might be one of the best people-watching events of the summer, with everyone trying to their best to outshine the rest. The fascinators were fab, the gents looked dashingly dapper and while there wasn't a set dress code per se, haute hats and bow-ties were the horsey set uniform of choice.

A huge thanks to Backseat Stylers and Woodbine for all the fun! 

xo

Check out pics of my fav street-style looks from Queen's Plate 2013. Don't you just love all the amazing headpieces? Yay or neigh?

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Three Pretty Things

Blouse with Beaded Embroidery, $39.95, H&M

Oakley Frogskin Sunglasses, $124.98, Sunglass Hut

 1969 Tie-Dye Always Skinny Skimmer Jeans, $79.95, Gap

Just wrapped up my TV segment for CHCH Morning Live (click here if you missed it) with iVillage.ca and while I would gladly stay in the glamorous world of TV, it's time to get back to serious business. If you consider online shopping 'serious business'. Which I do, luckily. In the interest of time and a wall of looming deadlines, wanted to share three things that have recently struck my fancy. I'm really loving the combo of blue and neon yellow right now - so pretty, right?

Check back tomorrow for all of my pics of ladies and gents rocking their finery at the Queen's Plate. I brought cute husband along and we had the best time ever! Until then, hope your power is on and your basement dry, wherever you might be.

xx

The Girl From Hipanema

 

Hipanema Bracelets, approx. $90-$115 each plus shipping

Pardon for the late Friday post but let's just say it's been one of THOSE days. First, I lost my wallet. Next, I lost my iPhone. Then, I lost my mind. Luckily, I found the wallet and the phone (phew) AND I just discovered these wicked Rio-on-your-wrist bracelets from up-and-coming French brand Hipanema. The brand of bracelets, swimsuits and bags was started by two Parisian girls who met while partying in Rio. Um, j'adore. All's well that ends well, as they say...

Am heading to the Queen's Plate and Hats & Horseshoes Party with Backseat Stylers and some other super-stylish blogettes this Sunday. Are you coming? Will be sure to post all the pics of 'fascinating' ladies and dapper bow-tied boys next week! 

Happy, happy weekend! Now, off to see a man about a strong G&T. Can you blame me?

3 New Ways to Wear Black & White

Cara Delevingne for Reserved BLACK & WHITE Spring '13 Campaign. Photo by Mateusz Stankiewicz.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I've often wondered if there's one shining answer to every fashion dilemma and I'm happy to report that I've found it. What do you wear when you've hit the snooze button one too many times? Black & White. What about those days when you have absolutely nothing to wear? Black & White. A super important interview? Black & White. Something to help you look slimmer? You guessed it - Black and White. The non-colour combo is sometimes overlooked for being 'basic' or 'obvious', but here's the thing about this classic trend - not only does it solve nearly any what-to-wear dilemma but designers have been obsessed with the pairing lately, sending black & white looks down the runways of NY, Milan and Paris all season long. Given what It girls like Rihanna and K. Stew are rocking this week at the Paris Fall '13 Couture shows, looks like B&W is here to stay...

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