An Ann Taylor Toronto Giveaway

Just wrapped up a whirlwind week filled with interviews, previews and parties. Now, I'm rolling home on my early morning VIA train as I consider the day ahead;  deadlines loom, big, fat turkey awaits and I fully expect a domestic explosion (of the housekeeping kind) when I return.  Oh, and the pies.  The fam will freak if I don't make pumpkin pies.  I'm actually thinking pumpkin whoopie pies this year.  Cray-cray?

Please give this blogger a day pass and in place of a proper post, accept this blinged out bangle from last night's Ann Taylor party as my sparkly apology?  Ann Taylor, in case you haven't heard, opens at Toronto Eaton Centre today but I got a sneak peek at last night's media launch. Gorgeous store, so many pretty pieces (and people) and the best part?  They're actually price-matching the US.  Hallelujah! #lessonlearned

Oh and speaking of J.Crew, the amazing new Eaton Centre store opened yesterday as well, with Toronto's first ever men's shop.  Check back soon for all of my party pics from the week and more gift bag giveaways.

To win the Ann Taylor Brooch Cuff (one of Kate Hudson's fall faves), tell me your favourite part of Thanksgiving - be it an experience, a family tradition or a yummy recipe you can't be without (help! need inspiration).  I'll announce the winner at 5 pm today!

Gobble, gobble, happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend to you!

 

Call Me Lazy

  

1. On the Dot iPhone 4 Cover, $35 US, Kate Spade; 2. Rissani Bamboo iPhone Case, $15, Indigo; 3. Whipsnake iPhone 4 Case, $35.50, J.Crew; 4. Tortoise iPhone 5 Case, $35.50, J.Crew; 5. Customizable Photo iPhone Case, $34.95, Casetagram (also available for Samsung Galaxy & iPads); 6. Moustache iPhone Case, $16, Urban Outfitters

Blackberry Curve Commuter Series Strength Case, $34.95, Otterbox (10% of proceeds go towards the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade)

Harper Gray Monogrammed iPhone 5 Cases, Etsy (ps - she also makes amazing stationery and business cards)

Ted Baker London 'Bird Branch' Galaxy S3 Cover, $46.33, Nordstrom

I'll admit that I'm embarassingly slow when it comes to adopting new technology.  Case in point: I just got an iPhone 4S. Call me lazy but I already had an iPhone 3 & couldn't be bothered to figure out a whole new phone, especially now that I've gotten so good(ish) at texting.  And I would have waited for the 5 but I have so many plugs/ports that it felt wasteful to have to buy all new ones.  But you say the Samsung Galaxy is where it's at?  Fine, the phone-tapping, file-sharing thing is super cool, especially if you have friends with great playlists. And their new ads are super compelling.  I want to watch videos while I text, too! Though I question if they're actually trying to create more accidents. Oh, but you over there?  BBM is so amazing, right? I know, I know...you could never give that up.  And sorry, what's an Android? 

I'm confused.   All I know is that I love a pretty phone case since they're an inexpensive way to convey your style while protecting your precious.  I'm not a big fan of overt insignia so my current keeper is made of simple, clear lucite.  These fun little cases are quite fetching, though, esp. that whipsnake number (LOVE), and will protect my poor smartie from the school of hard knocks that is my toddler-filled house. It's a miracle that my phone has survived it all.  The iPad on the other hand....

Goop x J.Crew

 

The ever-gorgeous Gwyneth in her picks of the season from J.Crew - Photo via J.Crew & goop

J.Crew just unveiled an exciting new relationship with goop – the weekly online lifestyle publication by my all-time style idol, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Goop partnered with J.Crew, styling their “Picks of the Season” into eight head-to toe-looks for Fall, featuring the goop founder and editor-in-chief.  The photos include Italian Cashmere, Thomas Mason Boy shirts, the Minnie pant, Edie handbag, & Stubbs & Wooton for J.Crew velvet slippers, among others.

“The team has always been fans of Gwyneth’s personal style.  She has a relaxed ease and a natural sexiness.  Goop is a frequent online stop for me, so having the opportunity to partner with them was incredibly exciting.  Cool style. Cool site.  We couldn’t be more thrilled.” ­­­-­­­ Jenna Lyons, President & Executive Creative Director.

To check out Gwyneth in all 8 looks, check out this week's feature at goop.  Love her! Can you even imagine that girl's closet?

Every Day I'm Shufflin'

It's the first week of September and though it's been years since I graduated, I've fastidiously kept up with the tradition of getting a new pair of back-to-school shoes.  When I saw the sparkly new loafers from J.Crew, I got tingly all over but the price slapped me in the face.  $248?  For sparkly gold loafers?  I'm far from practical but that, as Rachel Zoe says, is BA-NA-NAS.  Leave it to ALDO to come up with a less expensive version and though they're not quite as perfect, they give the same effect for 1/4 of the price.  Now that's the kind of fraction I can totally understand. The Killion Glitter Loafer is at ALDO stores nationwide or online here. 

P.S - OOOOHH, just spied these sparkly silver beauties.  LOVE them even more!

 Buschur Glitter Loafer, ALDO, $70

A J.Crew Giveaway

The Blythe Shirtdress with Marc Jacobs-esque polka-dot tights, photo by Johanna Simmonds

Over the weekend, Canadian shoppers have been tweeting, posting and clenching their credit cards in frustration over J.Crew's inflated prices since the brand launched its first Canadian store last week.  Though the in-store prices have only gone up about 15% compared to the U.S. (in my mind, not super significantly), the increased duties and taxes on the website have pushed up prices by as much as 50%. 

So, what's a preppy-chic out-of-Toronto girl to do?  Boycott?  Suck it up?  Or will you resign yourself to having to continue your cross-border treks? Personally, I'll be making the trip to Yorkdale Mall and paying the extra 15% - so much better than dealing with crusty border guards.  As promised, here are my top 10 J.Crew must-have's right now.

If you love J.Crew, you'll be excited about this:  I'm giving away my amazing swag bag from last week's launch party, duty-free, natch.  Want in on the action?  Simply tell me your fave J.Crew find or RT @realliferunway with 'J.Crew Swag Bag Giveaway' to win.  I'll draw the winner this Friday.  Bonne chance!

xo