Look More Chic in 2014 + Win a $100 Smart Set Shopping Spree

Photo courtesy Smart Set

Originally posted in The CLOSET

One week into January and we've already had 3 snow days. Luckily, the deep freeze means that I've had loads of time indoors to manhandle one of the top resolutions on my list: my closet. Though I'm supposed to be a good editor since my job title is 'Fashion Expert', even my closet is filled with things I really don't need. So now, we're colour-coded, culled and totally caught up which means that I'm allowing myself to buy a few more things. Pilled and stretched sweaters need to be replaced, old jeans need updating and, of course, I have my eye on a few things that I want, just because they're pretty.

To kick off the year, I've rounded up some gorgeous finds from Smart Set to help you in your quest to look more chic in 2014. Read on for my top tips + enter to win a $100 gift card to shop Smart Set's new collection...

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WIN a 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Satchel

I'll admit it - I lucked out, big time. I happened to be at a Muskoka wedding over the weekend and en route home, what should we pass but the Orillia Target. I'm not going to pretend that this was purely accidental. I mean, I've been dying to get my hands on the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection since it was announced months ago and so yes, the Orillia Target was already programmed into my GPS. And I'm not going to pretend that I didn't know that I had way better odds of scoring anything Lim in Orillia than in Toronto. And so, as I gleefully heaped clothes and bags into my cart (whee!!!), my husband settled into a bench while other shoppers looked on bemusedly (Lim? Who's Lim?), I just knew that I HAD to share my luck. I picked up 1 mini satchel for me AND 1 for you, my dear RLR friends!

Missed all the Lim-sanity yesterday? Here's how to win this sold-out 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target satchel:

1) Leave a comment below telling me why you want (need, have to have) this bag.

2) For a bonus entry, follow @realliferunway on Twitter and tweet the following: "@realliferunway is giving away a @31philliplim x @targetcanada satchel and I want to #win! http://bit.ly/1diA0pd"

3) Contest closes at noon this Wednesday, September 18th. I will draw and announce the winner Thursday am.

4) Contest is open to residents of Canada only.

5) Good luck! xoxo

A $100 Spring Giveaway from Tristan

 

Don't worry little one, I'll take your leash off when we get home. Ruff, ruff. Photo courtesy Tristan. 

I have a soft spot for cute accessories - and when I say 'soft spot', I'm likening this to walking into an animal shelter, and feeling the compulsion to take every potential adoptee home. When I see a cute clutch, belt, bracelet or pair of shoes (the shoes always get me), I have a really tough time saying no to their charming jewels and pointy little toes. And so it was with mixed emotions that I recently discovered Tristan has a new online store, knowing that I probably shouldn't get involved in another philanthropic (okay fine, completely self-serving) effort. In highschool, the store was my go-to for back-to-school; We would make the yearly pilgrimage from Kitchener to Toronto and stock up on pretty classics from Tristan. I recall a navy wool jumper, a crisp white shirt and a loden green pleated mini that I loved and which appeased my mom's European sensibilities. Win, win. The Tristan of today is still stocked with classics but they've definitely amped up their accessories department of late. I'm especially in love with the clutches, the silver accessories and the shoes. Oh, and I love that Tristan is Canadian, of course.

Now, the great news for you: Tristan is giving away a $100 Gift Card to one lucky winner to shop the irresistible Spring collection! Simply leave a comment below to win it, telling me what you'd buy from Tristan with your $100. Contest closes this Thursday at 5 pm.  I'll announce the winner on Friday morning! Good luck, y'all.

xx

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Nella Bella Giveaway

I'm always on the lookout for great Canadian brands, so when Nella Bella got in touch and asked me to test drive one of their clutches, I was totally game.  The brand's all about sleek, on-trend designs with a decidedly urban flair.  And while the bags look leather-like luxe, the entire line is 100% vegan, making them not only eco-friendly but blissfully affordable. This clutch is capital O Oversized, with a detachable chain strap and smart interior pockets.  But the best part? The colour - a rich, ruby red.  Love!

Now here's the good news: We're giving away this Nella Bella Ivy Clutch.  Simply leave a comment below telling us your fave Nella Bella handbag to win.  Contest closes 5 pm tomorrow (Friday). We'll announce the winner Monday morning!  Bonne chance

xx

An Ann Taylor Toronto Giveaway

Just wrapped up a whirlwind week filled with interviews, previews and parties. Now, I'm rolling home on my early morning VIA train as I consider the day ahead;  deadlines loom, big, fat turkey awaits and I fully expect a domestic explosion (of the housekeeping kind) when I return.  Oh, and the pies.  The fam will freak if I don't make pumpkin pies.  I'm actually thinking pumpkin whoopie pies this year.  Cray-cray?

Please give this blogger a day pass and in place of a proper post, accept this blinged out bangle from last night's Ann Taylor party as my sparkly apology?  Ann Taylor, in case you haven't heard, opens at Toronto Eaton Centre today but I got a sneak peek at last night's media launch. Gorgeous store, so many pretty pieces (and people) and the best part?  They're actually price-matching the US.  Hallelujah! #lessonlearned

Oh and speaking of J.Crew, the amazing new Eaton Centre store opened yesterday as well, with Toronto's first ever men's shop.  Check back soon for all of my party pics from the week and more gift bag giveaways.

To win the Ann Taylor Brooch Cuff (one of Kate Hudson's fall faves), tell me your favourite part of Thanksgiving - be it an experience, a family tradition or a yummy recipe you can't be without (help! need inspiration).  I'll announce the winner at 5 pm today!

Gobble, gobble, happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend to you!