Fête Accomplie: Part 2

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now that November's arrived (along with a little bit of snow and Starbucks' red cups), it's all about the holidays. Before you know it, you'll be getting invites - whether it's to your office mixer, a New Year's party, or a fun little gift exchange with your besties. There are so many reasons to celebrate in the coming months and since parties generally mean dressing up (yay!), we thought you might need a little inspiration. Here are 3 pretty looks to help get you prepped for the madness. Though dresses are always a safe bet, I love the idea of trying something new and fun, especially around the holidays, whether it's a sweater and skirt combo in chic winter white, an edgy lace blouse with rockstar accessories, or an eclectic mix of printed pants with an easy chambray shirt. The best part? You'll be able to add these pieces into your wardrobe all year 'round. Then, all you have to do is brush up on your Gangnam Style moves so you can properly hit the dance floor. Seriously.

For more pretty party looks, check out Fête Accomplie: Part 1

1. Pattern-Knit Jumper, $39.95, H&M; 2. Studded Collar Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 3. Fuzzy Mini Skirt, $39.95, H&M; 4. ALDO RISE Floral Lace-Up Platform Booties, $195, ALDO; 5. Pastel Friendship Bracelets, $12, ALDO Accessories; 6. Snow Angel Color Palette & Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, $51, Sephora

 

Dolce & Gabbana Fall '12 - photo style.com

1. Satin Pleated Clutch, $39.95, Le Château; 2. Ultimate Miracle Skirt, $35.50, Ricki's; 3. Skull Motif Ring, $9.95, H&M; 4. Mesh Boots, $59.95, H&M; 5. Mirror Lace Print Blouse, $32.90, Dynamite

A Holiday '12 look from 3.1 Phillip Lim 

1. Floral Slim-Fit Trousers, $39.95, H&M; 2. David Dixon for Town Shoes Clutch, $69.95, Town Shoes; 3. Jersey Jacket, $59.95, H&M; 4. Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 5. Glitter Nail Polish (set of 3), $10, Call It Spring; 6. Patent-Toe Pump, $67.49, ALDO

JEM and the Holograms LIVE at Holts

Before Gaga and WAY before the Biebs, there was the one (the only) JEM. Jem was her name, no one else was the same, Jem was her name.  In case you missed the memo, JEM and the Holograms are coming to Holts this holiday season! Squeee! Holt Renfrew stores across Canada will carry the first four characters from the original collection, including CLASSIC JEM, her alter ego JERRICA BENTON (owner of Starlight Music), magical holographic computer SYNERGY and RIO PACHECO, JEM's road manager and brooding love interest. Oh, Rrrrio...sigh...

Each character comes dressed in a truly, truly, truly outrageous look, which includes a set of rockin’ '80s accessories like knee-high holographic boots, oh-so-magical-and-infinitely-powerful starburst earrings and of course bad-ass loafers for Rio.  Hey, what's in the bag, Rio?

CLASSIC JEM, JERRICA BENTON, SYNERGY and RIO PACHECO are available for $125 each (limited quantities of 1 character per customer) at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada starting November 17th!  No sign of The Misfits yet - they must still be on tour... Um, best gift, like, ever!  

Is it too late to dress up like JEM for Hallowe'en?  I am SO making that happen!

P.S - Okay, I SO did not make it happen. Still, I see absolutely nothing wrong with busting out the iridescent purple tights on say, any given Friday night. I'm on it.

Anna Karenina at Banana Republic

Photos courtesy Banana Republic

I've yet to make it to Moscow but in my dreams, my trip goes a little somethin' like this:  The phone rings late at night and a mysterious caller tells us we are needed in Moscow for a top-secret dinner. James becomes Dmitrii, I become Serafima, and we head for our waiting private jet.  Once we land, we hop into our unmarked car which speeds us through the snowy streets towards the centre of town, then screeches to a halt in front of Cafe Pushkin.  I emerge, swathed in a flowing black dress, wool cape, elbow-length gloves and loads of fur. Dmitrii, dressed in a wool suit and ushanka, takes my arm as we enter the mansion and are ushered to the 3rd floor.  Our mystery caller awaits, our table laden with blini, caviar, and pelmeni, and he hands us each a shot glass full of Beluga Super Premium.  "Drink!" he orders.  "Na zdorovie," I purr.  We drink. We eat. We're not exactly sure why we're there. So we drink some more.

After so many seasons of colour, and a poor excuse for a winter last year, the new Banana Republic Anna Karenina holiday collection could not be more timely. The dramatic collection, styled and curated by twice-Academy Award-nominated Anna Karenina costume designer Jacqueline Durran, takes its inspiration from the 19^th Century fashions featured in the upcoming epic starring Keira Knightley (out mid-November) with a modern fashion twist;  think statement accessories and apparel in rich velvets, faux fur, lace and a touch of sparkle. 

The collection features more than 75 modern pieces for men and women, including polished, feminine looks for her (faux fur stoles, lace and jacquard dresses, military-inspired jackets, wool capes) and tailored styles for him (double-breasted top coats, flannel slim-fitted suits etc.).  I've seen some of the collection in person and am MADLY in love. I especially can't wait to take home the military coat, the faux fur hat and the dresses to channel my inner Czarina this winter.

Mark your calendars - The Anna Karenina capsule collection arrives in Banana Republic stores across Canada and online October 31^st.