I Want to Dress Like The RL Gang

 

They might be pint-sized but on this fall day, I'm feeling totally inspired by the RL Gang.  The vintage varsity collection is preppy yet totally laid-back, styled but not overtly so, and Adorable with a capital A.  The key to their sartorial success?  It's all about the layering.  The plaids, knits and blazers are made modern and cool by mixing in distressed denim, lace leggings and athletic hoodies.   Love!

If you like to play dress-up with any kids in your life or are looking for a stylish present, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear is now at The Bay.   Because let's face it, when it comes to kid clothes, it's really more for the parents than the kids.  Be sure to check out the RL Gang Virtual Storybook - 'An Absolutely Awesome School Adventure', narrated by John Legend.  How cute is that?!

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And the Vincitrice is...

Photo by Ellen von Unwerth, Vogue Italia May 2011

Diane Mauro!!! Woot, woot!  Congratulazioni bella!  Send me your address so I can put your Missoni for Target treats in the mail.

Grazie to all who entered and be sure to keep checking back for some truly great upcoming giveaways.

xo 

White Cashmere Couture in Aisle 6

Phillip Sparks' play on the June Cleaver shirtdress, made entirely of...wait for it...Cashmere Bathroom Tissue 

Models in their BT Couture creations at Cashmere's Fashion with Compassion 2011, by RLR

You've probably seen the commercial - you know the one of the model who can't help but have a PDA with her bathroom tissue dress at the end of the catwalk?  Hilarious.  But did you know it was an actual event? I was lucky to be invited to attend the Fashion with Compassion™ show on Wednesday at Toronto's AGO to see the amazing designs for myself.

The show, now in its eighth year, supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and celebrates the return of the limited-edition Pink Cashmere Bathroom Tissue with twenty-five cents from the sale of every package going directly to the cause, throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, 15 Canadian designers showcased garments and accessories crafted in 100% pure, luxurious Cashmere Bathroom Tissue. 

The show was hosted by Canada AM host and breast cancer survivor, Bev Thomson, and was curated by design superstar Farley Chatto.   The dresses themselves were created by a cast of fashion luminaries including Philip Sparks, Marika Brose, José-Manuel St-Jacques, Christopher Paunil, LIZARES by Brian Maristela, L’autre Couture by Luko Marion, Carrie Hayes, Jason Matlo, Richard Robinson, LOVAS by Wesley Badanjak, Simon Bélanger, Hoax Couture by Chris Tyrell and Jim Searle,  Franco Mirabelli, Ever Thine hats by Mikki Rizvi and accessories by Rita Tesolin.

Turns out that everything - even toilet paper- can be art.  I was blown away by the intricacy, the creativity and the beauty of the designs.  I'm thinking that when my daughter gets married, we should save money by wrapping her in bathroom tissue, hopefully with the help of Farley Chatto.  Except if it rains, of course.  In that case, maybe we'll do tinfoil?

Click through the slideshow below to see 2011's entire incredible collection.  Want to see the dresses up close? The couture creations will be on display all month in The Bay’s flagship store windows at Yonge and Queen Streets in Toronto and on Rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal.  

Oh, and don't forget to Vote Couture for the Cure - vote for your favourite design on the Cashmere website and the company will donate $1.00 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on your behalf!  

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Colonel Mustard in the Closet with a Hanger

Originally posted in The CLOSET  

Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler, Hermes Fall 2011 RTW - photos courtesy style.com

I've always thought of yellow as a strictly summer colour.  The bright hue brings to mind sunshine, lemons and tulips...not exactly fall fare.  So when I started to notice all the pops of spicy mustard yellow on the runways this fall, I was surprised but totally excited.  After all, one can only take so much red, brown, black and camel.  Fall's been needing a good dose of colour and I'm loving this totally new, on-trend option.

Don't have a CLUE how to wear mustard?  I'm not one for rules, but these tips should help:

1)  Mustard looks marvellous with white, black, purples, oranges, shades of brown and denim.  Don't be afraid to colour-block or, if you prefer the more subtle approach, look for a spicy yellow bag, belt, or shoe.  

2)  Were you an early adopter of mustard yellow this summer?  Don't be afraid to carry your mustard pieces from summer into fall but be sure to consider the fabric; keep more weighty fabrics in rotation but be sure to store any of your summer-weight items...except for silky blouses, of course.

3)  It's always nice to add a little shine to your look.  When it comes to mustard, gold jewellery (real or faux) plays off beautifully against the brown-based hue.

4)  Yellow can be a tricky shade for certain skin tones.  Counteract the sallow effect by loading up on a little more eye-makeup than usual.  Or, if you're up for it, try a bright red lip as seen at Jil Sander and Hermes (see above).  The team at Sephora will help you get your look just right.

Want to add a little colour to your fall and winter wardrobe?  Click through the slideshow below for some of my mustard musts:

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Falling For...

How do you keep a head-to-toe grey look from being boring?  You do a little mash-up, of course!  When going for monochrome, it's essential to trick out your textures and fabrics for a total tactile experience.  Think of fur trim against buttery leather, played off a chunky knit and a super sleek Michael Kors-esque metal choker.  If you're not a big fan of leather (or can't justify the bill), this look would be equally chic with skinny grey jeans.  Check out Amanda Brooks, the Fashion Director of Barneys (and one of my personal fave style stars), and you'll agree - all grey can look completely great (I mean, greyt).  Happy Monday everyone!