A Peek Inside Toronto's Kleinfeld Bridal

A $32,000 (and 35 lb.) dress by designer, Pinina Tornai at the new Kleinfeld Bridal in Toronto.

When I received an invitation to Canada's first Kleinfeld Bridal opening bash, on gorgeous wedding-worthy stationery no less, I immediately said 'I willl!'. The highly-anticipated arrival of the store, thanks in large part to TLC's 'Say Yes to the Dress', made this a highly coveted invite - plus, I always love a good wedding. As for the happy couple? Hudson's Bay and Kleinfeld, of course - a match made in heaven for the department store who's been looking for creative ways to keep the store relevant as American chains invade our space.

I arrived at Hudson's Bay on Queen Street and was directed to the 7th floor which now houses the renovated gift registry and housewares departments and the new 20,000 sq. ft. Kleinfeld. I was met by a model in a slim-fitting black tux and ushered towards a champagne bar. Bubbles in one hand, a bulging bicep in the other, we headed into the buzz of the party, already well underway. The pale wood floor and white walls provided a pristine backdrop for blossoming pink branches, elegantly-attired party-goers and, of course, scores upon scores of the dreamiest dresses you've ever seen.

From simply beautiful gowns that run around $1500 by Maggie Sotero and Paloma Blanco, to a 35 lb, $32,000 stunner by designer Pinina Tornai, there are frocks for every type of bride at Kleinfeld. Plus, Canadian designers like David Dixon, Erin Fitzpatrick, Christopher Paunil and Greta Constantine give brides the chance to wear Canadian designs on their wedding day. Once you've sorted your way to your dream dress, impressive bedroom-sized fitting rooms await - such a far cry from the cramped closets I visited when picking out my own wedding dress. And for the detail-oriented, accessories, from veils and headpieces to sparkling jewellery, give brides-to-be the chance to see exactly how they'll look on their big day. 

I'll admit that I didn't work as hard as I could have that night. I took a few pics here and there but between the champagne, the canapés and the conversation, I was swept off my feet by the Kleinfeld experience. Kind of wish I could get married again - same guy, different dress, I mean. 

To any lucky brides-to-be out there, you really must go. Can't wait to hear what you think of Kleinfeld. Overwhelming? Overrated? Or just over-the-top amazing? 

 

A view of the space (and a front view of the $32K dress) before opening. Photo via Hudson's Bay.

Kleinfeld and Hudson's Bay sitting in a tree...

A pretty-in-pink bouquet next to a beautifully detailed frock.

Yes to all of these dresses...

The outdoor space, perfect for catching a view of the Toronto skyline.

Loved this chic, simple dress.

Whitney: 'I totally saw the dress first!' Arabella: 'It's mine, bitch. You'd betta step off or I'm gonna pull a Solange on your bridezilla ass.'

Pretty pearls and intricate lace.

One of 14 150 sq. ft. changerooms. It's like you're my mirror, only bigger. P.S. - I'm in Pink Tartan.

Banana Republic x Roland Mouret? Oui, Oui!

Le va-va-voom. Photo courtesy Banana Republic. 

Well, it seems to be the week for big designer collab announcements and this one comes courtesy of Banana Republic. The retailer just announced its next team-up with famed designer Roland Mouret. He ees French, and ee makes pretty frocks, zat ees all you need to know. Oh, and A-listers love him; in 2006, Mouret shot to fame when celebs first wore his now-famous Galaxy dress on the red carpet.

The Roland Mouret collection will fuse Mouret's signature hourglass dress designs with Banana Republic's much-loved Sloan fabric - the bi-stretch wonder-fabric that sucks you in, flattens you out (in all the right places, naturellement) and makes Spanx redundant. Mouret, famous for his exceptional skills in draping, structure and style, naturally gravitated toward this signature material, which he hand-draped, cut and pinned on the body to create this iconic 30-piece capsule collection.  

“Partnering with Banana Republic on this project was such an adventure for me,” says Roland Mouret. “The common goal for this collection is to offer incredible fit through an assortment of hourglass silhouettes using Banana Republic’s Sloan fabric, extending my love of structure into accessible prices. These pieces are multi-functional for the modern woman to wear and accessorize in her own way, making her always ready for life’s journey.”

Expect bold colourblocking, graphic perforated details, leopard prints and, of course, svelte cuts on everything from blazers and pencil skirts to sheath dresses. Apparel includes petite styles and will range in price from $62 (belt) - $205 (dress).

The women’s capsule launches exclusively at select Banana Republic locations worldwide and online in early August 2014.

Isn't that LBD to-die? I left the pic up on my laptop and as my husband passed by, his Pavlovian response was panting out 'oooh, pretty girl'. I think I saw some drool. Just the kind of reaction you'd expect from a man-eating dress like celui-ci, oui?

Hudson's Bay Unveils Team Canada Olympic Uniforms for Sochi 2014

All pics courtesy Hudson's Bay

I went to school for 2 things: Kinesiology and Fashion. The Kinesiology part went nowhere (sorry Western) but when I watch the Olympics, I at least know the history of the Games (marginally useless info, I know), and I am somewhat qualified to comment on the team uniforms. I might not remember a radius from an ulna (I blame it on the partying - again, sorry Western) but I can definitely tell a good team uniform from a bad one. Hudson’s Bay just unveiled the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection for the upcoming Sochi 2014 Games and I'm impressed. 'Impressed' is a technical word I learned at fashion school along with 'cute' 'I die' and 'totes amaze.' 

Created by the Hudson's Bay design team, the inspiration for the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection was to capture the spirit of Canada. The outfits incorporate the perfect shade of red (naturally), the maple leaf, and Canada's animals, including the beaver. Don't laugh.

“Canada’s style and personality is instantly recognizable internationally, and we designed the Olympic uniforms to reflect who we are as a nation,” says Hilary Kelley, VP of Design, Hudson’s Bay Company.  “The Collection embodies modernity and classic refinement.  Canadians are passionate about their country; they are avid competitors, they are caring and dedicated.  For the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Uniform, we wanted to ensure our amazing athletes could feel proud, confident and carry with them the tremendous support of an entire nation as they prepare to bring home the gold.”  

The 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Collection boasts a wide range of items including colour-blocked tees, classic sweaters and athletic sweatshirts and hoodies, down-filled and puffer jackets, and brand new accessories including the now-famous Red Mittens, ranging from $5 - $275. 

The entire 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection can be purchased online now at  thebay.com and will be in all locations of Hudson’s Bay from October 30 until 2015. 

So...thoughts? Do you love the new uniforms? And who will you be cheering for at Sochi 2014 in 98 days? I want the red toggle coat and Caroline Calvé's legs. Is there a way to get those without all of the pain, hard work and sacrifice?

Speaking of sacrifice, I'm off to dress up like a flamingo. The things we do for our kids...

xx

Sneak Peek: Isabel Marant Pour H&M

Photos courtesy H&M

As it turns out, I've turned out exactly like my mother;  if it's made in France, it must be good. And particularly, if it comes from Paris, it must be even better. I can't help myself - I come by it honestly - I'm a die-hard Parisienne at heart. There could be worse things, right?

After seeing part 1 of the Isabel Marant x H&M Lookbook ahead of the Nov 14th release in stores, I want everything.  I mean, not only will this new collection be affordable but it has stayed so true to Marant's boy-meets-girl-meets-rockstar aesthetic that you could easily see any of these pieces on her Paris runway.

It doesn't hurt that Marant selected Andreea Diaconu, Alek Wek, Milla Jovovich, Iselin Steiro, Malgosia Bela and Lou Doillon as model/muses. How super gorge are these girls? The moto skinnies, menswear-inspired coats, fringed boots and chunky fall knits are designed to live in, to promenade in, to blow your budget on. And I will do it SO gladly. Et tu? xx

  

Top It Off

Photos courtesy Banana Republic 

Take a look at your winter coat situation and let's be honest here. Is last year's topper hanging on by a thread? Are you finally ready to commit to something a little better? The current sale at Banana Republic (which ends tonight, btw) gives you 40% off your purchase. Might I suggest one of these 5 lovely toppers? The cold weather is coming so if you order today, it will arrive at your doorstep - not a torn lining, worn-out shoulder or pilled pocket in sight, just in time for Thanksgiving.

My poor darling 5 year-old is home sick (still). Online shopping is my mini break right now. She likes to do it with me, which probably explains why so many pink items are currently on order. Sigh...

Enter code BRGOLD40 at the check-out. Is it bad that I know that by heart?

xx