BLANKET STATEMENT: How to Wear Fall's Most-Wanted Piece

via WhoWhatWear.com

Originally posted in The LOOK

If there's one trend that's clearly resonated with the Canadian style set this fall, it's the blanket. And before you think that editors and bloggers have escaped their deadlines for a long winter's nap, the new wearable blankets are anything but sleepy.

After Burberry Prorsum closed its Fall '14 show with a parade of blanket-bedecked beauties, it seems like every supermodel and her sister woke up to the trend. The brilliance of the blanket? As far as trends go, this one's as cozy as they come. Here are my fav ways to rock the blanket this fall:

THE BLANKET COAT: The blanket (aka wrap) coat makes a strong outerwear statement thanks to its ability to look laissez-faire while stil letting you flaunt your figure. While you can go quite literal by choosing a patterned blanket print, I'm particularly loving fall's pastel blanket coats which look killer when worn with sleek, edgy pieces underneath. Since the blanket coat can look sloppy if you're not careful, be sure to pair it with tailored silhouettes, thoughtful accessories and a sleek blow-out before you leave your house.

THE BLANKET SHAWL: You don't have to be a scarf-tying genius to rock this season's easy blanket coat - literally throw it over your shoulders and you'll look instantly in-the-know. Whether you opt for a proper shawl or choose a huge square scarf, look for a wool or wool-blend to keep you extra cozy. Then, wear it alone over your sweater and jeans, with a knit dress and over-the-knee boots or even over top of your coat to change up your outerwear look. 

THE BLANKET CARDI: Think of the open blanket cardi as a cozier version of your blazer. This type of cardi looks best when extra long and oversized. Make it modern by pairing it up with leather leggings and skater shoes for the weekend. 

Read on to see 3 super cute ways to wear your blanket out this fall...

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WEEKEND UPDATE: The New Off-Duty Essentials

Off-duty perfection. Photo via GAP

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When Friday hits, it's tempting to just throw on your jammies and be done with it. I mean, seriously, after the torture of control-top tights and the pressure of being buttoned-up all week, it's no wonder we need a little breathing room.

Luckily, off-duty dressing doesn't have to be sloppy. Step away from your saggy-bottomed joggers, ladies - these 10 on trend pieces will help you keep your cool (without sacrificing an ounce of comfort) all weekend long...

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Winter Coat Brands to Watch + WIN 2 Tickets to Heart of Fashion at the Shops at Don Mills

Camel Car Coat, $268, Oak + Fort

While the ubiquitous Canada Goose Parka is a fail-proof bet against the impending 'T-Rex of Winters', it's always nice to be reminded of some of the lesser-known coat brands out there. The Shops at Don Mills got in touch to share some of the amazing coats they carry so I thought I'd share them with you. One of my new favs? Oak + Fort. Have you seen? Have you been? Watch for more from Oak + Fort on Real Life Runway from now on.

Speaking of the Shops at Don Mills, the legendary Heart of Fashion event is coming up this Saturday Oct 25^th and aims to raise $680K. Crazy, right? Funds will go to support the acquisition of radioactive seed localization, which offers a non-invasive and extremely precise way of pinpointing and removing small tumours in the breast. North York General Hospital will be the only hospital in the GTA to have this technology. 

Over 500 stylish guests (including me!) will gather this Saturday to experience the fusion of food and fashion in support of North York General Hospital’s BMO Financial Group Breast Diagnostic Centre(BDC). Guests will be treated to a night full of amazing food, cocktails, entertainment, a live auction (including coveted tix to this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in London) and a fashion show featuring exclusive retailers from the Shops at Don Mills and prestigious Canadian designers Christopher Bates, Fotini Copeland and David Dixon. 

Now for the best part: the Shops at Don Mills have given me 2 tickets to give away to you! The prize pack is valued at $500 and includes 2 tickets to the Heart of Fashion event, including the fashion show, cocktail party and fabulous food stations. It's going to be an amazing night out and I can't wait to see you there.

HERE'S HOW TO WIN THE COVETED TICKETS:

1. Leave a comment below telling me your fav winter coat brand.

OR

2. RT the following: '@realliferunway is giving away 2 tickets to the Heart of Fashion and I want to go! RT to win. #HeartofFashionNYGH http://bit.ly/1zhYhtS' 

3. Contest closes 5 pm this Thursday. I'll announce the winner Friday morning!

4. Contest open to residents of Ontario only.

5. Good luck! xx

Oh, and if you're currently on the hunt for a cozy new winter coat, check out some the outerwear brands I'm loving right now:

 

Oversized Single-Breasted Coat, $218, Oak + Fort 

Nobis Meredith Coat, $845, Mendocino

Pajar Puffer Coats in Olive & Blue, $675, Leigh & Harlow

Akiva Coat, $850, and Kay Fur-Trimmed Puffer Coats, $750, both Mackage

Moscow Coat, $720, Madame Moje

HOT STUFF: The Cute New Ways to Cozy Up

Cara Delevingne walks the Burberry Prorsum runway in the brand's now-famous check blanket poncho. Giovanni Giannoni/Fairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Why spend the season with chattering teeth and freezing feet? Designers have given us loads of tempting reasons to cozy up this fall, from the trend that lets you wear your blanket out, to the warm boot socks you'll never want to take off. 

Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies! Personally, I'm grateful for stretchy pants. And you?

SEE THE FULL STORY HERE...