Line We Love: 424 Fifth Collection

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When Lord & Taylor and Hudson's Bay joined forces a few years ago, we knew that good things were bound to come from the merger. After all, both department stores are the oldest in their respective countries yet have somehow managed to stay cool and current through the years, kind of like Prince. Or Madonna. Or anyone else epic enough to go by one name. I digress. 

The latest offspring of these hip department store parents? The exclusive new private brand, 424 Fifth, named after the address of Lord & Taylor's iconic Manhattan flagship. Just launched at Hudson's Bay and Lord & Taylor stores across Canada and the U.S, the already-buzzed-about line, comprised of women's apparel and accessories, is already being touted by editors and bloggers as a must for fashion savvy women. And this fashion blogger wholeheartedly agrees...

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True Patriot Love: Team Canada Unveils Uniforms at Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony

The just-unveiled official parade uniforms for Team Canada. Photo courtesy Hudson's Bay.

As I sit here and watch the Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony, I am one proud (albeit superficial) Canadienne. Whether we win the most medals or not, Team Canada always has the most kick-ass uniforms at the Opening Ceremony thanks to the amazing design team at Hudson's Bay. I don't know too much about the athletes or the rules of each sport, but I can give you a play-by-play of the uniforms that'll put Ron McLean to shame.

Inspired by Hudson’s Bay’s classic scarlet blanket, the perfect-red toggle coat features the Hudson’s Bay and Canadian Olympic Team crests.  The coat is layered on top of a black mock turtleneck and wool v-neck sweater for women, and a tailored white dress shirt, wool cardigan, and red and white striped tie for men. To finish it off, athletes wear the official 2014 red mittens that convey the “we can own the podium” message and a red, white and black pom pom toque with CANADA emblazoned proudly on the front.  Can I get a medal for that?

“The Opening Ceremony look was designed to reflect who we are as a nation; it is both classic and modern and reflects tradition, elegance and strength,” says Hilary Kelley, VP of Design, Creative Director, Hudson’s Bay.

And if you want to cheer on Team Canada in proper sartorial form, the whole look is available now at Hudson's Bay, no training required.  The duffle coat is available for both men and women and is currently on sale for $199 (thanks for the tip, Linz!).  The pompom toque and the red mittens are also available for adults and children, with $3.33 from the sale of each pair of mittens going directly to the Canadian Olympic Foundation.  

The Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic Team Collection can be purchased online at thebay.com and is available at all Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada now.

GO TEAM CANADAAAAAA! Shady as Sochi is, are you as stoked to watch the Olympics as I am?  Don't even get me started on the figure skating costumes...

xx

Buy Now: Jack Purcell Converse x Hudson's Bay

Whether you're an undergrad, have little ones of your own, or haven't set foot near a school in years, every girl deserves a little back-to-school shopping. Number one on my list this fall? The just-released Converse Hudson's Bay Company Jack Purcell Sneaker Collection. Each of the 3 styles (a unisex Jack Purcell, hi-top Duck Boot and women’s Helen silhouette) embodies the iconic HBC wool point blanket stripes, complete with threaded stitching, antique brass eyelets and the Jack Purcell and Hudson's Bay logos. I saw these at the holiday preview in Toronto last month and all the editors were freaking over them. One foolish intern literally drooled right into the hi-top and was promptly hauled off by the HBC police. She hasn't been heard from since.

The Converse Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell sneaker collection is now available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay Stores and online at thebay.com for $120-140. Must. Buy. That is all.

Toronto Premium Outlets: The Lowdown

7:55 a.m on opening day of the Toronto Premium Outlets. #keener

Here's something to ponder as you head into your Long Weekend: Canada's 1st ever Premium Outlets is now officially open at Halton Hills. I went early yesterday before the doors opened, before the ribbon had been cut, before all of the parking spots were taken. I checked out the outlet mall and as promised, it was really lovely and felt just like its American counterparts. As a member of the media (ooh la la), I got to check out a few stores before they opened to the public, from Tom's Place Outlet (first ever) to the chic new Danier outlet to Icebreaker from New Zealand (love!). Line-ups formed early at Restoration Hardware, Michael Kors, Coach and Nike, but nothing I couldn't handle. After the offical opening ceremony, I made a beeline for Hudson's Bay Outlet and much to my delight, I saw designer merch from The Room at 40% off regular price, plus an additional 25% off for Grand Opening Weekend. Deals are sweet if you have the money to spend. Over the next hour, the ambient buzz started to grow. And grow. And by 10 am when I had to leave to reunite with my kidlets back in the city, it was total mayhem. The in-store lineups were crazy, overflow parking lots were already practically full, and at 2:30 when I left the city, the 401 was moving at a crawl. To give you an idea, it took me 4 HOURS to get home from Toronto to London. Yup.

The upshot? If you have the time, the courage and the inclination to score super deals, a trek to Premium Outlets will totally pay off this weekend. (Visit torontopremiumoutlets.ca for the weekend's event schedule and a list of Grand Opening sales.) If you're claustrophic and/or hate long line-ups, I highly suggest waiting a few weeks for the frenzy to subside. I considered this my reconnaissance mission. Next time, I'm taking a day off for Kate Spade, Ted Baker, J.Crew, Restoration Hardware, Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic and another shot at Hudson's Bay. Oh Erdem, you will be mine...

Happy Long Weekend! Hope you enjoy every minute of it

My outlet outfit. No practical shopping footwear for this girl - an occasion like this calls for heels!

My license to shop. 

If you really love Coach, this weekend is the time to buy (if you don't mind long line-ups, that is)

Mugging for the camera with the legendary Tom of Tom's Place.

Oooh. LOVE this origami skirt from the Danier Outlet.

YESSS! Designer beauties from The Room at outlet prices? SO exciting!

J.Brand, Andrew Gn, Juicy, Erdem, Alice + Olivia, Armani Collezioni, Comme des Garçons...

Every shopper needs to recharge. Thank you Hudson's Bay Outlet for the sweet cupcakes.

Hello, Burberry. 'Til we meet again this Fall... 

What's Your Sign? Charlotte Olympia Cosmic Collection Is Now at Hudson's Bay

Charlotte Olympia Cosmic Collection at Hudson's Bay

Back to work, back to the week but before I return to guilt-free, let me indulge you in a little fashion fantasy first, if you please? My fashion dream of the season? The Charlotte Olympia Cosmic Collection (aka. The Birthday Shoe), which has been at the top of every editor's wishlist since spring, and is now finally available online at thebay.com.

I'm a Sagittarius and though I sometimes question the actual merit of zodiac signs, I must admit that I'm a Sag through and through: creative, free-spirited, often unable to concentrate, and in love with shoes (the last one is such a part of my DNA that it must be written in the stars...)

For an upcoming milestone birthday, a promotion at work or any other major occasion, I can't think of a more meant-to-be gift, really. Can you? x