With Glowing Hearts

Does it get more Canadian than Degrassi? Sarah Fisher of Degrassi gets her pom pom on for the Roots Summer '13 Lookbook. Photo courtesy Roots.

Sometimes, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. I've travelled quite a bit, even lived in Europe for a year, but as much as I love to explore other countries, I always really miss Canada when I'm not here. I'm not sure if it's the super friendly people or the beautiful change of seasons or the Timbits (probably the Timbits), but you must admit, being a Canadian rocks. We are gloriously free to think, to do, to be whatever we want. And since this is a fashion blog, let's not forget how lucky we are to be able to dress however we want, too. 

This July 1st, why not show Canada some sartorial love? If you're a loud and proud patriot, wear your flag emblazoned boldly on your sleeve with the chic Canadiana at Roots or hop on over to Hudson's Bay for the country's oldest, most iconic print - the HBC stripe. You'll break out these pieces year after year so you can totally justify. Consider yourself a more low-key Canadienne? Get in the spirit by wearing Canada's colours, of course...

Read the full story and get your free Canada Day-ready iTunes compilation from Roots here 

Madonna and Daughter, Lola, Announce Rita Ora as the New Face of Material Girl

Exciting news! Madonna (her Madgesty) and her daughter, Lola confirmed today that Rita Ora has been cast as the new face of their junior lifestyle brand, Material Girl. Ora, the internationally renowned singer and protégé of Jay-Z, will star in the brand’s Fall '13 global marketing campaign set to be released this July. 

According to Madonna and Lola, “Rita is a talented beauty but what really drew us to her is the confidence she oozes through her music and her unique sense of style. On stage or off, in photos or on the street - she's a magnet! This is what the Material Girl brand is all about.”

Can't wait to see Ora rock this campaign - love her! The Material Girl brand is available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay in Canada.

A First Look at Toronto Premium Outlets

Want to start your workweek off on the right foot? Here's a first look at the new Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills, just off the 401 at Trafalgar Rd. As previously reported on this blog, the outlets are set to open on August 1st, 2013 and as you can see, construction is well underway. If you missed it, click here to find out the current list of stores.

I had the opportunity to interview a few key people from Toronto Premium Outlets last week and here's what I found out.  The job fair was a massive success and according to General Manager Megan Johnson, thousands of people turned up to score jobs, with associate to management positions given out on the spot. When asked if we can expect the steep discounts we see in the States, Johnson said that this outlet is unlike those kinda-sorta-outlets (my words, not hers) we have seen in Canada in the past, with 25 - 65% off every day. Discounts will be very similar to the Premium Outlets in the U.S, only with Canadian currency factored in. Best of all, the construction on the outlets is on schedule so it look as though we can actually expect an August 1st grand opening. #yay. 

Next, I interviewed Liz Bauman, Divisional Vice-President of HBC Outlets, hoping to score some valuable info on what we can expect. Here's what I found out: 

• As the anchor of the mall, the HBC Outlet will be one of the largest, if not the largest, store at Toronto Premium Outlets.
• The store will carry lots of designer and name brands.
• HBC Outlets will carry merchandise at 20 - 70% off the regular price.
• Toronto Premium Outlets was a terrific opportunity for Hudson's Bay to open an outlet 

For the rest of the interview, Bauman remained tight-lipped:

Me: "Even though Canada has had outlet centres for awhile, this is the first-ever outlet for HBC. Why now? Does it have anything to do with the pressure of Nordstrom coming to Canada?

Bauman: "No comment."

Me: "Any word on which brands we can expect to find at the HBC Outlet?"

Bauman: "I'm not going to comment on that."

Me: "Okay, how about overstock from The Room, the White Space or Lord & Taylor? What are the odds of me scoring Proenza Schouler at 20 - 70% off?"

Bauman: "I can't comment on that right now."

Sad face. I will persist, Liz Bauman. And I promise you, fellow outlet anticipators, I will let you know as soon as she decides to spill.  Luckily, we don't have long to wait. In the meantime, click here to join the VIP Shopper Club for exclusive online coupons, a voucher for a free VIP coupon book and email updates sent to your inbox. Am I excited about Toronto Premium Outlets? No comment, but I'm pretty sure you can read between the lines. x

Viktor & Rolf Hit The Room in Toronto

The Perrier-Jouët-plied crowd at the Viktor & Rolf party at The Room.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Viktor & Rolf party at The Room the other night and wanted to share my pics with you. Luckily, pictures pretty much say it all, because I need to get packing! In 24 hours, I'll be leaving for a week's worth of white sand, sparkly drinks and some much-needed unplugged-ness with the fam.  #yay

Keep checking back next week - workaholic that I am, I've gotten posts all lined up for you while I'm away. I bet you $5 rlr mini is rolling her eyes as she reads this. In the meantime, thank you so so much for all of your support of this blog over the last 3 years. I cannot believe it's been that long! I love you, I owe you, and I'll be sure to take pics while I'm away. You should see the beach outfits I have planned for me, him and them. Squeee! Is it too late to start crunches now?

I'm with the lovely Afiya Francisco of The Style House. Photo courtesy Sharon Ng Hayes of The Backseat Stylers.

Racks of decadent Viktor & Rolf clothes - all tempting, all on my 'someday' list...

The ever-cool Jay Strut rocking a Balmain blazer. Cue applause.

 Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, the duo behind, you guessed it, Viktor & Rolf.

An all black-and-white tableau of mannequins at The Room.

Two pretty party-goers. I love, love, love her pleated maxi.

Silver python killers by Viktor & Rolf.

D.J Mia Moretti kept the crowd well-tuned.

These ladies are at every party and always know how to ham it up. A little cray-cray but, seriously, how fun are they??

Afiya Francisco, Gabrielle Johnson and I finally got our pic with Viktor & Rolf. Night made.

Hudson's Bay Brings Kleinfeld Bridal to Canada

Photo courtesy Hudson's Bay

After nabbing the perfect guy, the next daunting task on every newly engaged girl's list is, of course, finding the perfect dress. Brides-to-be can put their dreamy minds to rest with the announcement that renowned purveyor of bridal chic Kleinfeld Bridal (and hallowed halls of 'Say Yes to the Dress') is finally coming to Canada!  

Hudson’s Bay will open a 20,000-square foot Kleinfeld flagship in early 2014 at its Toronto Queen St. store, giving Canadian brides access to expert bridal consultants and the same scope and breadth of designer gowns available at the New York store. 

Sigh...almost makes you want to get married again, doesn't it? (I mean same guy, new dress, of course - love you, James xx)