The All New Jean Machine

I love the idea of jean shopping but in practice? Let's just say it can be overwhelming. A few weeks ago, Jean Machine asked me to be one of the first to come in and shop their newly remerchandised store at Toronto Eaton Centre and since I hadn't set foot in the store in a few years, could not wait to check it out. After all, I bought my first pair of Silvers at Jean Machine with my first real paycheque and picked up many more pairs throughout the years, so we have a long history of hits and misses. Oh, if those changerooms could talk...

The invite to check out the new Jean Machine store came with a few exciting promises: a new and improved product mix (curated with the help of famed fashion/creative director, Susie Sheffman), a little personal shopping help from Jean Machine's expert in-store stylists, plus a $200 credit to pick out a full look. Um, yay?!

I showed up at Toronto Eaton Centre and right away, noticed the super cute campaign styling and a slightly more airy feel to the space than before. I was greeted by the team of Jean Machine beauties, eager to help me find my perfect pair. I let them have their way with me. 'Size me up, show me what's new. Only one thing: no blue. I want black.'

I passed loads of jeans, all beautifully organized by fit to make the jean-shopping process more manageable and was thrilled to see some of my favourite denim brands in stock throughout the store plus other labels I love like Soia & Kyo, ONLY, and Vero Moda. Beyond jeans, I saw loads of gorgeous coats, some super pretty dresses and fashion-girl musts like felt fedoras and oversized plaid scarves.

The girls picked out a dozen super pretty pieces (mostly black) and I had a super fun try-on sesh. While one Jean Machiner was rooting for an emerald blouse and body-hugging leggings, it just wasn't me. So we agreed that I should go for all black with loads of texture to keep it interesting. Being a mom can make you feel too good, if that makes sense. I needed some pieces with edge.

I ended up with a Guess faux-fur vest which I LOVE, a pair of perfect faux leather joggers from YDE Studio and a fun textured black tee. They look great together but I especially love that I'll be able to easily mix each piece into my wardrobe this winter.

If you haven't had the chance, be sure to check out the new Jean Machine. You'll love what they've done with the place.

GET SPORTY: 3 Winning Looks

A pic from the Alexander Wang x H&M Campaign. Photo via H&M.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Seems like everyone's super-fanning sports these days. And let's face it, while we all know the die-hards - the remote-control clenchers, the 5 am hockey practice parents, the protein shake shakers - some of us just aren't so hardcore. I studied Kinesiology at Western. Seriously. But do I remember the difference between a fibia and tibia? NO. And why, of all the names they could possibly have chosen did someone choose to purposely screw up first year anatomy students? I watch the Olympics. I catch the playoffs sometimes. I definitely watch the Superbowl, but mostly for the ads, the nachos and the halftime show. And thanks to YouTube, I don't even have to do that anymore. I'd rather be doing than watching. And by doing I mean shopping.

But as for sporty fashion? Okay, that I get. That I like. If there's a superfan for sporty clothes, it's me. I wear the uniform proudly, flying my 'Team Fashion' banner high. And since 'sporty' is such a huge trend right now, as evidenced by the reams of designers who showed models-turned-athletes on the runways and Alexander Wang's H&M collab, I'm not the only one who's a big fan. 

This season, sporty influences work no matter what the occasion. For work, keep it subtle with a streamlined baseball jacket or an elastic belt. For the weekend, rock sneakers, faux-leather trackpants and cozy bright puffers. And for a fun night out, whether you're hitting the sports bar or (hopefully) not, it's all about flirty borrowed-from-the-boys pieces like a football jersey and cute baseball cap. 

Check out these 3 winning looks. So sporty. So cool. Go Team!

SEE THE LOOKS HERE:

THE EDGE | A Conservative Girl's Guide to Achieving Street Cred

Photo via Olivia Palermo on Instagram

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Pressed, primped and pulled-together is one thing. But cool? Now that's a real challenge for conservative girls. While some are just born with it, most of us have to work a little harder to get an edge. Luckily, the right pieces can score you that street cred you crave. We've pulled together some of our fav ways to add instant edge to your wardrobe this season, no extra piercings required. Phew...

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JEANIOUS: My DENIZEN Ambassador Gig

We all know about Levi's, of course, the cool-since-1873 denim brand. But have you heard of the brand's newest off-shoot, DENIZEN yet?  The line just launched in Canada at Target last year so like me, you may not have tried them on quite yet.

When DENIZEN asked me to be their brand ambassador recently, I finally had a chance to check them out in earnest.  They sent me several pairs of jeans in different fits and washes to test drive - modern skinnies, modern straights, pull-on skinnies and super soft leggings. The two things that impressed me the most? The modern styling and, most importantly (especially when it comes to denim), the fit. And unlike most affordable jean brands, the quality's there, too, with reinforced side seams, metal rivets at the corners and Levi's premium quality denim, ensuring jeans that will last.

I've been in desperate need of great black skinnies and happened to be at Target grabbing Hallowe'en gear yesterday so picked up a pair of DENIZEN's hi-rise skinnies to try (on sale for $25 - most styles sell for around $30 at regular price. So seriously, how could I not?) You know how a lot of black jeans can look faded and worn out from the start? Well, DENIZEN's black is perfect - a true, saturated black that I'll wear anytime I want the look of leggings with the flattering structure of jeans. 

Stay tuned for more how-I-wore-them posts from DENIZEN and a video series we have in the works for the holidays. So exciting!

Happy Hallowe'en my sweets! When faced with the option of trick or treat tonight, might I suggest the treat :)

HOT STUFF: The Cute New Ways to Cozy Up

Cara Delevingne walks the Burberry Prorsum runway in the brand's now-famous check blanket poncho. Giovanni Giannoni/Fairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Why spend the season with chattering teeth and freezing feet? Designers have given us loads of tempting reasons to cozy up this fall, from the trend that lets you wear your blanket out, to the warm boot socks you'll never want to take off. 

Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies! Personally, I'm grateful for stretchy pants. And you?

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