Inside J. Crew's Toronto Launch

Lulu Frost for J.Crew resin and crystal bangles and pendants.  Love, love, love.  

Yorkdale's super cute J.Crew staff - quick to lend a hand or an Italian-made shoe.

The 'Minnie' in Vibrant Flame - the pant that unquestionably got the most grabs that night; pretty scarves in fall's favourite hue; an owl that I wanted to take home, but didn't; silky socks and tights in every colour   

A eager-to-please waiter with spiked lemonade.  Drinking + Shopping = Good Times 

Clockwise from left: Jo looking saweeet in her lemon-yellow skirt; turquoise chains; chic PR people rocking some great high-low looks; Jo with her swag bag and scarf; lemons, before they were made into spiked lemonade.  Photos by Johanna Simmonds (except for the ones of Johanna Simmonds - she's good but not that good)

I normally like to post pics in black & white because, somehow, black & white always makes everything look more sophisticated.  And yet, when it comes to J. Crew, everything looks so much better in colour.  Jenna Lyons hosted the J.Crew Canadian launch party at Yorkdale Mall on Wednesday night and Jo and I got a sneak peek at the new store.  There are plenty of beautiful buys to be had and though I played the hater before, they totally made me a believer.  Prices were pretty much on par with the U.S, the merchandise was classic but totally modern and everything felt super luxe.  Or was it all that spiked lemonade that made it all seem so appealing?  The only thing I still can't wrap my head around is the price of their shoes.  Sure, they're made in Italy and are completely gorge, but a lot of them are over $200.  I just wouldn't...would you?

Have you checked out the new store?  Do you have any reasons left to cross-border shop?  Oh, and BTW, if you don't live near Toronto, have you heard that J. Crew is offering $9.95 flat-rate shipping anywhere in Canada?

Can't wait to hear your thoughts.  Be back a bit later with my top 10 must-have's and a fun giveaway.

Now, off to try on my Minnies and prepare my 3-year-old's b-day dinner request:  PC Macaroni, warmer milk and cotton candy ice-cream.  Is it bad that I'm excited for dinner?  Click thumbnails below for more party pics:

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