A Sweet Escape

Originally posted in The CLOSET

The out-of-this-world (and sadly, out-of-this-country) Ladurée Macarons of Paris 

This coming season, designers had a craving for the finer things in life;  The spring runways were rife with vivid pastels in clementine orange, lemon yellow, pistachio green and pretty lavender, reminiscent of what you'd see in a gelato, ice-cream, or macaroon shop.  Yum!  The thing I love about the new pastels is that they're a study in contrasts;  They're sweet yet edgy, decadent yet light, and bright without being too bold. The punchy pastels contrast beautifully against white, navy, and neutral beiges & tans, plus you can either wear them in small doses or colour-block by mixing and matching solid pastels from head to toe.  The new pastels are also an easy way to wake up your current wardrobe as you make the transition from winter to spring - wear a bright yellow tank to add some colour to your 9-5 suit or throw on a fun costume necklace to wake up a basic white shirt. Pop by your local ice-cream shop or gelateria and look to all the delicious colours for inspiration.  Don't you wish all 'research' involved shopping and ice cream?!

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Pumped-Up Kicks

Converse All Star Light Leather Multi Strap Sneakers from The Bay

Hi-Top Basketball Sneakers from H&M

Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers from ALDO

A model off duty in her Isabel Marant sneakers - photo courtesy Elle 

Leave it to French design star Isabel Marant to start up one of the season's most surprising trends:  the old-school hi-top sneaker.  Seen on fashionable feet everywhere right now, from supermodels like Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr, to Alicia Keys and Kate Bosworth, Ms. Marant's crazy cool kicks are on backorder and retail for around $700 - luckily, I've found some cute wallet-friendly pairs for under $50.  We're often left looking for comfy flats for the mucky transitional months between winter and spring;  ballet flats are cute but just don't cut it, while winter boots often feel far too clunky.  The hi-top sneaker turns out to be a fun flat alternative, helping you instantly update your skinny jeans and leggings.  Plus, they make you look like a baller, which is always cool :)  Will you dare to wear the hi-top this spring?

Get the Converse All-Star Light Leather Multi Strap Sneakers (on sale for $47.99) at The Bay, the Hi-Top Basketball Sneakers ($29.95) at H&M, and the Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers (on sale for $45.49) at ALDO.   Insane!

Sneak Peek: Joe Fresh Spring 2012

The Joe Fresh tech tee ($19) and maxi skirt ($69) from the Spring 2012 Collection, vs. Jason Wu Spring 2012 (photo courtesy style.com)  My wallet might be a bit biased, but it chooses the Joe Freezy

I headed to Toronto this week for the Joe Fresh Spring 2012 preview and was excited to see what the brand had in store for the frugal and fashionable this season.  Though I'd already seen the runway show back in October, it's always different seeing the line up close, without the distractions of the lights, flashbulbs and general frenzy of the catwalk. 

The Joe Fresh team had assembled the collection in a stark white space and as many editors remarked, it felt like a breath of fresh air.  The colours this coming season are totally on-trend - a palette of bright sorbets and citrusy hues that pop against white, black and denim.  Though Joe Fresh hasn't abandoned its well-loved staples of easy knits and nautical striped shirts, the runway line has expanded dramatically, meaning we'll actually be able to get our hands on more than a few fashion pieces this spring.  Plus, the men's line really pushes the envelope, with printed blazers and pants and colourful separates that I can't wait to get on my husband (if he'll let me :)  RLR's Must-Have's:  The navy and red printed blazers ($149 each), the green riding jacket ($189) the fun, patterned shirts ($24-$29), and the orange-soled white oxford shoes ($59)

For women, I was most impressed with the way Joe Fresh has attended to the details that perhaps were lacking in seasons past;  the sweet little buttons on a striped boatneck tee ($24), the patterned lining on a pair of slipper flats ($49) and the neoprene collar on a highlighter orange blazer ($149) all make the collection feel a little less grocery-store and decidedly more glam.  The colours, too, were bang on, with gutsy, saturated brights making a statement on everything from sweaters to pants to tees.  The bold yellow maxi-skirt/tech-tee combo will be a hot item once it arrives in stores this spring, the orange version having just graced the cover of the February Flare.  A Joe Fresh insider confided to me that they had just sent the skirt to Oprah last week.  Eek!  Plus, the fabrics this season feel surprisingly luxe, from the cool scuba tees ($39) to the stretchy striped dresses.  RLR's Must-Have's:  The bright maxi skirt ($69), the neon blazer ($149), the stripe tank dress ($29), the printed slim pants ($29), the print loafer pumps ($49), the marine dress in navy w orange and blue w green ($29 each), the clear lucite bubble necklace, the contrast collar shirts ($29), and the wide-leg colour jean ($49).  

As a girl who lives in a tiny town, I'm left wondering how much of the fashion-forward collection will actually make it to the St. Thomas Superstore.  And yet, as the company continues to grow, I feel like the brand is making high-heeled stomps in the right direction by bringing more and more of the runway to our closets, at a still-affordable Joe Fresh price.

Happy Friday to you!  xo

For more pics of the collection (and to start your shopping list), click on the thumbnails below: (all pics by RLR)

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