Zadig & Voltaire Coming to Canada

Images from the Spring '13 Lookbook courtesy Zadig et Voltaire

It's so tough to get that perfectly layered Parisian look; luckily certain labels have perfected the art so we don't have to.  With stores like Scotch & Soda, Zara and All Saints now (or soon-to-be) so blissfully available to Canadians, our morning mash-up has gotten a whole lot easier of late, making us realize that it's not always about how you wear it but what labels you choose to wear. 

As reported by Retail Insider, Zadig & Voltaire is coming to Canada! The popular French label, started by the grandson of the founder of Lacoste, has that whole layered, I-just-threw-this-on, rocker vibe all figured out. Zadig & Voltaire will open both men's and women's shop-in-store locations inside of Holt Renfrew stores in Toronto (Bloor St.), Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. As for the price? I'm not gonna lie - it's not cheap (items are mostly in the $200-$500 range)- but the brand is still way more affordable than its similarly cool French sisters Balmain and Isabel Marant, so definitely worth the investment if you can save up.

Check out the video below for a stamp of approval from Britain's top girls-about-town including Poppy Delevingne and Tallulah Harlech. I wish I had a British accent. I just do.

ps - Did Sophia just call it a skirt? Clearly, someone was not paying attention at the presentation. Tut, tut.

Style Crush: Poppy Delevingne

Style Crush: It-Brit and Chanel Brand Ambassador, Poppy Delevingne

Sibling Connection: Poppy's younger sis, Cara, is Burberry Prorsum's current model/muse

Her Crush-Worthy Look: A London cool girl by day and fearless print-mixer by night, Poppy always keeps things sophisticated. Her look at the Christian Dior Spring '12 show in Paris is a lesson in simple chic; one standout piece (like her OTT necklace) is all it takes to bring her outfit from basic to brilliant.  This Stella & Dot white coral pendant adds the perfect pop to a cool cobalt dress, while the strappy neutral sandals will give you the illusion of extra-long legs.

Shufflin', Shufflin'

Suzanne Rogers' sliding shoe closet - source: The Coveteur

Originally posted in The CLOSET

In life, we're taught to never settle.  Whether it's your power-tripping boss or a lacklustre boyfriend, a less-than-stellar relationship can make every day an absolute chore;   I see footwear exactly the same way.  Sure, shoes cover your feet and protect them from rocks, rusty nails and disapproving looks but ever more importantly, great shoes are meant to make you feel like a rockstar.  And in the end, isn't that what you deserve, you rockstar you?!  

Summer calls for easy, laid-back kicks that you can quickly slip on at a moment's notice.  If you're looking for an update (and last year's flops have bitten the proverbial dust), the stores are full of pretty summer shoes, from chic summer sandals (including celeb-fave TKEES) to 'Sloafers' (a hybrid of slippers and loafers that have all but replaced the ballet flat) to statement-making super wedges for those seeking a lift.  And since summer's in full swing, many of the season's shoes are currently on sale.  Must go...the shoes are calling, "Sarahhhh...Sarahhh...take us home!"  Does anyone else hear that?

Oh, and don't miss the new Spin It 2 Win It at whiteoaksmall.ca for your chance to win loads of sweet prizes all summer long! x

 Lily Donaldson does bicycle chic in Milan. Source: moicontralavie.com

Clockwise from Top Left: Beaded Sandals, $25.99, Gap; Printed T-Straps, $89, Guess; TKEES Flops, $55, Town Shoes; Havainas Slims, $28, Club Monaco; Vince Camuto Sandals, $109.99, Town Shoes; Medallion Slides, $35,ALDO; Missoni x Havainas Flip-Flops, $79.95, Town Shoes; Rhinestone Sandals, $50, ALDO 

Poppy Delevingne at Paris Fashion Week in her leopard loafers - source: E-Look

Clockwise from Top Left: Printed Slipper, $40, ALDO; DLG Linen Loafers, $21, Boathouse; Striped Espadrilles, $21.99, Gap; Pink Espadrilles, $16.98, ALDO; Navy Slip-Ons, $40, ALDO; TOMS Classics, $70, Boathouse; Printed Espadrilles, $14.95, H&M; BOBS Loafers, $49.95, Town Shoes

A model in a pair of Burberry Prorsum tribal wedges - source: Teen Vogue

Clockwise from Top Left: Braided Wedge, $80, ALDO; Enzo Angiolini Wedges, $119.99, Town Shoes; Jessica Simpson Wedges, $99.99, Town Shoes; Espadrille Wedge, $31.49, ALDO; Tribal Wedge, $140, Guess; Criss-Cross Wedge, $70.99, Gap; Franco Sarto Wedge, $69.99, Le Château; Gladiator Wedge, $67.99, Gap