FALL FASHION: 5 Go-To Outfits for Moms

Being a mom requires not only many hats, but also many outfit changes. From playdates to parent-teacher interviews, from drop-offs to downward dogs, iVillage.ca asked me to put together 5 dream go-to outfits to help you get impressively dressed for any occasion...

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

Destination Fabulous: Chico's Canada Is Here

All photos by Real Life Runway.

When Chico’s asked me to be a part of their Canadian launch, I’ll admit I had my reservations. I mean, Chico’s is something my mom and her friends wear. And while my mom and her friends are admittedly super stylish, and I’m a mom of 2 myself, there’s that part of me that still loves to get carded at the LCBO, that gets annoyed when people call me ‘lady’ or ‘ma’am’, and that makes a point to know everything about Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran so that I can stay 24 in my head forever. As for the brand, I knew the quality was there, their reputation stellar, but cool? Yup, Chico’s had some convincing to do.

I showed up at Square One in Mississauga on Thursday night to celebrate the exclusive VIP fête for Chico’s first-ever Canadian store. Rabid Chico’s fans craned their necks to catch a glimpse inside as my security detail (ok, fine, a pretty PR girl named Noelle), ushered me up the red carpet and right into the store. The Chico’s store itself is a stunner - massive windows flank an impressive lattice work doorway as you walk into the beautifully lit space. The other Canadian blogger invitees sashayed in shortly after - Iva Grbesic of Falling in Style, Afiya Francisco of The Style House, Lena Almeida of Listen to Lena, and Susan Liberatore of Ava Grace’s Closet - great crew of stylish somethings for this big deal Canadian launch. Servers plied us with wine and beef wellington bites as we chatted with Chico’s head honchos including the fabulous (there is no other word for her) Brand President, Cinny Murray, a glamazonian blonde decked out in head to toe black and gold, and Chico’s powerhouse FAS CEO, Dave Dyer.

We posed at the Chico’s Selfie Station, mingled with the other party-goers, and obviously, shopped. As I browsed the racks, there were some clothes that my (ahem) 24 year-old self isn’t quite ready to wear. But here’s the thing - I’m at the point where if I’m going to buy a white shirt, I want to buy a really good white shirt. If I’m going to get a sweater, I have no patience for one that's going to pill and stretch out. So I immediately honed in on some of the elevated basics that my closet is currently lacking - a leopard crewneck sweater (yes, this is a basic), a really good white no-iron shirt, a pair of beyond basic black pants, a beautiful striped long-sleeved tee and a great grey oversized cardigan. Chico’s, in case you aren’t familiar, is far from cheap. Prices are in line with Club Monaco/J.Crew, but the quality warrants the price tag. Sweaters are silky, shirts beautifully constructed and the pants fit like a dream. Beyond the basics, there were a few standout pieces I’d love to add to my closet: the Faux Leather Fringe Artisan Duster (Afiya and one of the Chico’s models were loving this one and it’s gorge in real life), the Logan Stretch Bracelet (gold. hammered. metal. love.), and the Faux-Suede Drape Vest and Cutwork Jacket (totally Can’t Buy Me Love). One other pleasant surprise to me was the stores line-up of amazing jewelry/accessories, which we blogettes spent loads of time swooning over.

I'll admit that certain pieces on the site/in the lookbook are styled in a way that I wouldn’t wear them myself, so it does take some imagination. But taken out of context, I am totally loving everything I’ve brought home.

Here are just a few ways I’ll style my easy-to-reinvent picks this fall and next, and the one after that. I’ll only be 26 by then...

Softest cardi ever. Love the knit detail on the back. Chico's Grey Knit Back Cardigan, $119

A little leopard goes a long way. Chico's Animal Print Neveah Top, $69

Drapey, silky pants, perfect for playing dress-up. Chico's Knit Kit Black Pants, $89

Chico’s will be opening another store on 8/29 at the Mapleview Shopping Centre in Burlington. So, have you been? Will you go? Can’t wait to hear what you think, and of course, what you buy!

My 6 year-old took this shot. Not bad, huh?

SPONSORED BY CHICO’S

FALL '14 DENIM: 3 Easy Looks

A perfect double denim look from Paris Fashion Week. via collagevintage.com

Originally posted in The CLOSET

THAT time of year has come and while we've tried desperately to stave it off, it's time for a reality check: Back-to-School season is officially upon us. I'm in full kid shopping mode at the moment, picking up printed skinnies and slip-on sneakers for my daughter one day and little graphic tees and hi-tops for my son the next. Much as I love to give them the best BTS outfits ever (for their sake and that of my Instagram feed, obvs), and as much as I understand that I'm not actually going back to school, I feel it's always crucial to refresh our wardrobes, too, this time of year.

My fail-proof fall wardrobe updater? Denim, of course. Jeans in all shapes, sizes, prints and washes are currently flooding the stores and I've seen dozens of pairs I'd love to pick up. But how to wear them right now? I've narrowed down some of my fav street style looks from the ever-stylish peeps at Paris Fashion Week. See the looks below to get inspired as you get ready for a return to early mornings, cooler temps and jam-packed schedules. Blech. Luckily, you can look forward to wearing these super cute fall outfits. See? Fashion always gives us a silver lining...

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

 

OVER/UNDER: The Football Dress

rlr mini in her Madewell version (which, sadly, appears to have sold out, but....)

Short-Sleeved Dress, $69.95, H&M

We're willing to wager a bet that this football dress from H&M will be your new fav piece. Whether playing a game of pick-up (from daycamp) or making an epic touchdown (in L.A, Miami or Capri), you'll be the best dressed playa on any field. And thanks to this frock's flowy silhouette, nobody will see your tight end (or not-so-tight-end) coming or going. My husband played tight end on his highschool football team. I still think that's funny.

After scouring 3 separate locations in Toronto yesterday, the intelligentsia at H&M Headquarters tells me that this dress has not even arrived in Canada yet. Luckily the frock is en route and is expected to touch down at Yorkdale, Bloor St. and Eaton Centre stores the first week of August. Get ready for full-body tackles with other like-minded ladies for this one. Just remember as you head into the battle: Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose...

Happy Friday!

SUMMER STYLE: 3 Street Style Tricks to Try

Do the unexpected and pair your skirt with cute kicks. Photo via Clochet Blog.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It's hard to put your finger on it. But there are some girls who know how to pick just the right pieces, how to mix them up to perfection, and stroll out of their houses every day as street style superstars. Or, at the very least, Instagram superstars. 

Luckily, it doesn't take a lot to achieve sartorial nirvana, especially in the summer months. All you need is the right canvas (read: good basics), the perfect mix of colours, and one stellar accent to surprise the whole look. Read on for my top street style tricks, then get inspired by some of my fav summer looks below...

SUMMER STREET STYLE TRICKS TO TRY NOW:

• PICK PIECES YOU LOVE: See a plain white tee? Um, pass. Go for a solid white but look for interesting details like laser-cuts, an interesting hemline or a tone-on-tone print to take your look from basic to bananas.
• KNOW YOUR BODY: Choose pieces that fit you well and if they don't, enlist the help of a Stitch It tailor. The right fit will instantly help you look more polished and pulled-together.
• BE BRAVE: Opt for a bold bag, a bright skirt or a pair of printed pants. Compliments come to those who dare to think outside the black box.
• BE A CHEAPSKATE: A very basic outfit will benefit tremendously from the right cheap and cheerful accessories. Find a pair of crazy sunglasses, a playful clutch or a handful of rings to instantly reinvent your little white dress.
• SHOP THE WRONG DEPARTMENT: I'll often check out the mens and kids departments for accessories. You just never know what you might find.
• DO THE UNEXPECTED: Street stylers know that beauty lies in dissonance. A skirt with a pair of sneakers is a current go-to trick. Mixing prints (even if they clash a little bit) can be spectacular. The key is to think of what you would normally wear, then do the exact opposite.
• GET INSPIRED: Street style blogs, Pinterest and Instagram will inspire you to dress a little more creatively and will help you hone your stellar street style over time.
• NOT SURE WHERE TO START? See 3 of my favourite street style tricks below, then  enter to win a $75 White Oaks Mall Gift Card to do some summer shopping!

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