Good Stuff: GAP Nabs INTERMIX

Photo: INTERMIX 

We love a good takeover, especially when it involves designer labels.  GAP Inc. just announced it has scooped up INTERMIX, a multi-brand luxury boutique based in NYC, for $130 million (aka. drop in the bucket)

INTERMIX - which has 32 U.S stores, 1 Toronto boutique, and an extensive e-commerce site - offers top luxury labels like Jimmy Choo, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Stella McCartney. Yum. Gap plans to expand INTERMIX’s network of stores, as well as improve and expand its e-commerce site - such great news for online shoppers like me.

“We’re thrilled to have found a partner that has the global scale and infrastructure required to support our vision for growth,” said Khajak Keledjian, co-founder of INTERMIX. “Gap Inc. shares many of our entrepreneurial roots, passion for innovation and customer experience. Together, we’ll continue to shape the future of retail by offering the most exciting fashion trends with the finest designers in the world.”

The acquisition will see the brand become part of Gap's impressive line-up of retailers, which already includes Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta.  Does this mean INTERMIX will start having Friends & Family sales, too?  A girl can dream...

A Gabrielle Johnson Guest Post!

Style Expert Gabrielle Johnson knows a thing or two about fashion.  The exceptionally stylish Central Saint Martins grad and former Sweetspot editrix has worked with some of the biggest publications in the business and currently spills her fashion and beauty secrets for Toronto Life and Glow Magazine, among others. Gabrielle agreed to write a guest post for RLR to help us harness the power of the peplum for fall.  Lucky us! Check back for more guest posts in the coming months from Ms. Johnson and other members of Canada's fashionable flock...

Forget one-season wonders: Pretty peplums — those ultra-feminine, flattering flared ruffles currently spilling forth from the waists of tops, skirts, dresses and jackets everywhere — dominated designer runways for spring and fall 2012.

This season, we’ll be working the peplum at the office, on weekends and after hours (and showing you how to master the looks, too). We love a fashion trend with staying power.  

OFFICE CHIC
A flouncy peplum top becomes office-appropriate when paired with sleek, simple basics. Team this gorgeous wine-coloured 3.1 Phillip Lim belted satin-twill peplum top (US $550) with a smart black pencil skirt or slim-cut tailored trousers, and keep the accessories minimal. The best part? It’ll take you from endless meetings in the boardroom to after-work cocktails with colleagues, no costume change required.

WEEKEND CASUAL
We’ve grown accustomed to seeing stylish celebs like Emma Stone rocking OTT peplums on the red carpet, but take the ruffles down a notch and suddenly the peplum is perfect for weekend brunch.  This super-soft Autumn Cashmere button-back peplum sweater ($310) is just begging to be paired with skinny jeans, ankle boots and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. We can feel the leaves crunching underfoot already.

EVENING AFFAIR
Did we mention that the peplum is a godsend for women with curves? It creates the ultimate hourglass silhouette, nipping in the waist and sensually grazing the hips.  Show off your best assets in Zara’s embroidered faux-leather peplum top ($69.90); wear it with a flirty skirt or your tightest pants, depending on the level of bad-assedness you’re hoping to project.

Splurge vs. Save: Fall Shoes

Once mid-August hits, we’re hit with the realization that dum-dum-duuuum, fall is just around the corner. What better way to drown your end-of-summer sorrows than with a new pair of shoes?  These sinfully gorgeous kicks, from fun loafers to colourful suede booties to knee-high tasseled boots will help you strut happily into the new season. And, with splurge vs. save options for each, they won’t even trip up your budget. For the full fall list of well-heeled finds, check out my gallery this week at iVillage.ca.