#WIN IT | A Smart Set Holiday Giveaway

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

The holidays are only a month away (insert panic button here) and while this festive season calls for loads of comfy gear (think PJ's, parkas and plaid scarves), it also requires putting on your party best. From family meet-ups to festive fêtes, it's always a challenge to look unique. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune to outshine those twinkly lights. My go-to spot for cheerfully cheap party pieces? Smart Set, of course. This store's always got the season covered with embellished sweaters, sexy dresses and just-edgy-enough accessories to help you shine throughout the holidays.

To inspire you away from your LBD, I've put together 3 pretty party looks that keep style and comfort top of mind, from a bomber worn over a wind-chill-friendly maxi, to a cozy tulle skirt/sweater combo you'll want to wear everywhere.  And to help you shop your fav Smart Set look, we're giving away a $100 Smart Set Gift Card! 

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CHARMED LIFE: An Alex and Ani Giveaway

The scene at the Alex and Ani Canadian launch party this summer. Image: Ryan Emberley.

You may have already heard all the buzz about Alex and Ani. The super pretty positive-energy charm bracelets and jewelry with an eco-conscious, made in America focus, the company is growing at a breakneck(lace) pace, with celeb fans including Beyonce, Sandra Bullock and Shakira to name a few. Alex and Ani just arrived in Canada this summer and is currently being sold at Hudson's Bay and other independent retailers across the country.

I don't know about you but after a stressful first week of school, I could totally use some positive energy right about now. Luckily, the lovely folks at Alex and Ani have given me a super pretty set of 3 charm bracelets - a Claddagh Charm Bangle, a Jordan Beaded Bangle and a Tree of Life Charm Bangle - to give away to you!

HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

1. Leave a comment below telling me why you (or someone you love) deserve these charm bracelets.

2. For a bonus entry, follow @alexandani and @realliferunway on Twitter and tweet the following: '@realliferunway is giving away @alexandani bracelets and I want to #win! #alexandaniCanada http://bit.ly/YePgS1'

3. Contest open to residents of Canada only.

4. Contest ends Monday Sept 8th at 5 pm. We'll contact the winner by email.

GOOD LUCK! xx 

Claddagh Charm Bangle 

SUMMER STYLE: 3 Street Style Tricks to Try

Do the unexpected and pair your skirt with cute kicks. Photo via Clochet Blog.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It's hard to put your finger on it. But there are some girls who know how to pick just the right pieces, how to mix them up to perfection, and stroll out of their houses every day as street style superstars. Or, at the very least, Instagram superstars. 

Luckily, it doesn't take a lot to achieve sartorial nirvana, especially in the summer months. All you need is the right canvas (read: good basics), the perfect mix of colours, and one stellar accent to surprise the whole look. Read on for my top street style tricks, then get inspired by some of my fav summer looks below...

SUMMER STREET STYLE TRICKS TO TRY NOW:

• PICK PIECES YOU LOVE: See a plain white tee? Um, pass. Go for a solid white but look for interesting details like laser-cuts, an interesting hemline or a tone-on-tone print to take your look from basic to bananas.
• KNOW YOUR BODY: Choose pieces that fit you well and if they don't, enlist the help of a Stitch It tailor. The right fit will instantly help you look more polished and pulled-together.
• BE BRAVE: Opt for a bold bag, a bright skirt or a pair of printed pants. Compliments come to those who dare to think outside the black box.
• BE A CHEAPSKATE: A very basic outfit will benefit tremendously from the right cheap and cheerful accessories. Find a pair of crazy sunglasses, a playful clutch or a handful of rings to instantly reinvent your little white dress.
• SHOP THE WRONG DEPARTMENT: I'll often check out the mens and kids departments for accessories. You just never know what you might find.
• DO THE UNEXPECTED: Street stylers know that beauty lies in dissonance. A skirt with a pair of sneakers is a current go-to trick. Mixing prints (even if they clash a little bit) can be spectacular. The key is to think of what you would normally wear, then do the exact opposite.
• GET INSPIRED: Street style blogs, Pinterest and Instagram will inspire you to dress a little more creatively and will help you hone your stellar street style over time.
• NOT SURE WHERE TO START? See 3 of my favourite street style tricks below, then  enter to win a $75 White Oaks Mall Gift Card to do some summer shopping!

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WIN IT! A Sneak Peek at RW&CO's Stunning Fall Campaign + Giveaway

All pics courtesy RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I don't want to rush your summer - I mean, I know that it just arrived a few weeks ago. But I just have to share the stunning RW&CO. fall campaign and lookbook with you. I haven't been this excited about a Canadian brand makeover in a looong time. RW&CO. is moving towards a sophisticated yet decidedly edgier look for fall with a very Montréalaise vibe. The campaign pics capture real-life pair, Francisco Lachowski and Jessiann Gravel Beland (how cute are they?!) wearing a collection that will make any street-style lover swoon. It's all totally wearable for our Canadian weather but I'm super impressed by the thoughtful little details, too; fur-trimmed coats with faux-leather trim, wool wide-brimmed and baseball hats that I can't wait to put on, and the prettiest cable-knit sweaters, perfect for cozying up on a cold day. Sorry...won't go there again...

See all of the stunning pics from the RW&CO. fall campaign and lookbook, then be sure to enter our exclusive contest below.

GOOD LUCK and happy Friday! #yay

SEE THE FULL ARTICLE AND ENTER CONTEST HERE...

Look More Stylish This Summer + Win Our $100 Smart Set Giveaway

All photos courtesy Smart Set. Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

We all have secrets in our closets we'd rather keep - you know, like that ratty old t-shirt you can't bear to give away, those shorts that you secretly hope you'll fit back into someday. But let's face it - summer is way more fun when you're properly dressed for it. Breezy summer dresses, chic little sandals, pretty prints and the perfect summery accessories to go with all add up to making an already stellar season even more sweet. 

I regularly rely on Smart Set to keep my wardrobe up-to-date without destroying my clothing budget and luckily, the brand keeps getting better (and more on-trend) season after season. I've handpicked my fav summer pieces from Smart Set to help you look instantly more stylish this summer. And the best part? We;re giving away a $100 Gift Card to shop Smart Set's summer collection. Read on my for summer style essentials and then be sure to enter to win the giveaway below. Happy Summer!

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