GOOD BUY | Johanna Ortiz x H&M

via H&M

Scroll down a few posts and you'll see my 2020 fashion pledges. Let it be known that I am inserting an addendum; one that seemed implied at the time but let's make it offish by adding it here:

7) WEAR IT OUT

Before I 'add to cart', I'll ask myself this question: will I wear this multiple times? Many sustainably-minded peeps subscribe to the '30 Wears' philosophy made famous by Livia Firth (Colin's wife), whereby if you don't see yourself wearing the piece 30 times over its lifetime, it's not worth the buy. I'm less of a strict rule follower so my take on it is that I ideally want to add things to my closet that will last for years (not months), and will look amazing for several different occasions and in multiple contexts.

At the H&M Spring 2020 Press Preview in Toronto last week, I fell head over kicks in love with the new Johanna Ortiz x H&M Collection. If you don't know Ortiz, then it's time you did; powerhouses like Michelle Obama and Beyoncé and style-setters like Olivia Palermo and Sienna Miller are all fans of the Colombian designer. Sadly, her designs have remained in my 'life goals' bucket since her full-priced line runs in the $2-3 K range. Ortiz's maximalist aesthetic manages to be bold yet timeless - and such a welcome change after so many years of basics. 

All of the racks on display at the H&M preview were beautiful, but I found myself camped out in the Johanna Ortiz x H&M section, fondling the beautiful fabrics, entranced by the vivid colours and smitten with the chic AF florals, doing some serious fashion math.

FASHION MATH

Cost of dress / 20 wears = approx $4 per wear. Less than a flat white? Done.

20 wears / 4 years = 5 occasions per year.  I have 1 vacay planned for June, at least 2 summer parties sure to happen, a grade 6 grad to attend and I'm sure my sister will want to borrow it at least once. Add weddings, family photoshoots, date nights, and work events to the mix and I'm golden. If I want to amortize it over 30 wears, I'll either consign it or simply book more vacations & enroll myself in some salsa lessons, which I've always wanted to do anyway. Everybody wins.

Cost of the sadness I'll experience if I miss out on a rare amazing designer collab = priceless.

I feel strongly about picking up one of the red palm print dresses (the ruffled one is insane), the B&W one-shoulder bather, and that white shirt dress. I've done fashion math on all 3 pieces and I think it's all highly justifiable, since the collection ranges from only $19.99 - $79.99 CAD. That's it. Uh, I KNOW. Some designer collabs feel watered down but I can tell you from getting handsy with the collection that the pieces feel decidedly luxe and totally legit. 

Click on the thumbnails below to check out the stunners for yourself. The Johanna Ortiz x H&M collection will be in select stores and online March 12th so mark your calendars and tell me what you end up buying. Hope you've enjoyed watching me wrestle with my fashion demons as much as I've enjoyed doing it ;)

Happy Tuesday, beauties! 

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OVER/UNDER: The Football Dress

rlr mini in her Madewell version (which, sadly, appears to have sold out, but....)

Short-Sleeved Dress, $69.95, H&M

We're willing to wager a bet that this football dress from H&M will be your new fav piece. Whether playing a game of pick-up (from daycamp) or making an epic touchdown (in L.A, Miami or Capri), you'll be the best dressed playa on any field. And thanks to this frock's flowy silhouette, nobody will see your tight end (or not-so-tight-end) coming or going. My husband played tight end on his highschool football team. I still think that's funny.

After scouring 3 separate locations in Toronto yesterday, the intelligentsia at H&M Headquarters tells me that this dress has not even arrived in Canada yet. Luckily the frock is en route and is expected to touch down at Yorkdale, Bloor St. and Eaton Centre stores the first week of August. Get ready for full-body tackles with other like-minded ladies for this one. Just remember as you head into the battle: Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose...

Happy Friday!

Alexander Wang Arrives at H&M this Fall

Alexander Wang photographed by Steven Klein. Photo courtesy H&M.

Fashionphiles did a few extra fist pumps at Coachella this weekend with the announcement of H&M`s next big designer collab. You`ve heard of Alexander Wang, I`m sure - fashion wunderkind, Parsons grad, Creative Director of Balenciaga, creator of the celeb fav Rocco duffel, etc. etc.

Since 2007, the New York-based designer`s eponymous brand has established itself as cool, current and quintessentially urban, thanks to its easy tailoring and mostly all-black palette. Since Wang has both a men and women`s line, the Alexander Wang for H&M collection will follow suit with apparel and accessories for both men and women.

Alexander Wang says, “I am honoured to be a part of H&M’s designer collaborations. The work with their team is an exciting, fun process. They are very open to push boundaries and to set a platform for creativity. This will be a great way for a wider audience to experience elements of the Alexander Wang brand and lifestyle.” Read: ``You penny-pinching mofos will finally be able to afford my overpriced shit.`` Pardon my street.

The full collection will be available in 250 H&M stores worldwide starting November 6th, 2014. Ex-ci-ting! And also frus-tra-ting. November is SO far away!

T.G.I.F.

A selfie I took today on Instagram

It's Friday and it finally feels like summer! Don't you just love weekends? Speaking of, why am I working at 5:30 on a Friday? Nope, can't think of a very good reason either. Oh, except I did want to share my latest scores: mirrored aviators from the men's section at Joe Fresh, a cool red necklace from H&M and a pretty navy dress from Smart Set. Love! You can't see the shoes but I'll leave those until next week. I could go on and on...

Hope you have the best weekend!

xx

Never Say Never

Chambray Blazer, H&M; White Shirt, Banana Republic; Scarf, Club Monaco; Belt, Banana Republic; Pants, Zara; Polka-Dot Socks, Winners; Shoes, Johnston & Murphy

When I first met my husband way back in 2000, I had a serious style challenge on my hands. He was like a badly-kept, beautiful old home, except instead of shag-covered hardwood and dropped ceilings, his gorgeousness was hidden away by a bowl cut and tragic Eddie Bauer pleated khakis. 

I loved him right away, penny loafers and bad 'do notwithstanding, and could definitely see loads of potential in his tall/dark/handsome looks, but wondered if he'd ever actually let me make him over. Here's the thing with guys - they don't like to ask for directions, they prefer to find their own path, get lost along the way, and take a really, really, long time to do it, and then eventually, 10 - 12 years later will finally come to you. And when they do, you will be there, armed with a pair of slim-fit trousers and a chambray blazer. 

This outfit is what I consider James' graduation day. I have taught him what I know over the past few years, and this morning, this is what he came up with ALL BY HIMSELF. #proud #sniff

I'd give him a cap & gown but I'd hate to cover up all of this hotness.

Happy Friday, y'all! Any fun plans for the weekend?