See the Full Alexander Wang x H&M Collection

Photos via H&M

You know the saying 'fake it 'til you make it'? I find that this applies best to the 'active lifestyle' compartment of my life. I love killer workout gear - I mean, few things make me happier than a sweet new pair of running shoes. And when I walk into the gym with my hot pink earbuds, my neon kicks, and tight black running pants that make my gams look like those of a highly trained ninja warrior, I feel that runner's high that people who run always talk about. As for the working out part of the equation? Meh. 

But I plan on making several appearances in the YMCA cardio room, salsaing my way through a Zumba class or two, and maybe even getting outdoors for a brisk fall jog in the new Alexander Wang x H&M collection, if only to show it off. Sporty to the max, the lookbook just dropped full of black and grey separates fit for any urban athlete, whether in intention or in actual practice. I'm totally out of breath over those leggings. Phew. 

Mark your calendars and get ready to warm up those arms for some swift grabbing - the competition for the best pieces is sure to be fierce. The Alexander Wang x H&M collection launches in 250 H&M stores worldwide and online November 6th. In the meantime, be sure to tune in live to the NYC launch at 8:15 pm tonight at hm.com/wangxhm 

See the full collection by clicking on the thumbnails below:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 

 

KNIT KNACK: 3 Sweet Sweater Looks

Photo via H&M.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If you're like me, you want to avoid that box of winter stuff for as long as possible. I'm totally with you. I mean, it feels waaay too early for mitts and toques at this point, no? And it just feels like you're giving up when you finally have to admit that the cold weather is here to stay. 

So, let's start slow, shall we? Step 1: The sweater. There's nothing cuter, comfier or cozier than a great knit when the wind's blowing outside and you're hunkered up indoors. Here's which knits are causing a fuss this fall:

THE CABLE KNIT: This fall, the cable knit sweater is back with texture to spare. With a chunky knit like this, you'll want to keep the rest of your look sleek and sexy so try pairing it up with waxed black skinnies, cool skater shoes and a great oversized watch or handful of rings to add some edge to this classic piece.

THE LONG CARDI: The long cardi is one trend that we can all get behind. I mean, a sweater that covers your bum, and then some? Sign me up. This season, you'll see loads of long cardis in stores ranging from thigh-sweeping to below-the-knee. Add a tank or tee, jeans and a great pair of ankle boots to score that perfect casual-cool vibe. A floppy felt fedora and a fine gold necklace will put the finishing touches on your look.

THE VARSITY SWEATER: Whether you're a student or not, the varsity sweater will score you top style marks this fall. Choose an oversized varsity to pair up with tailored black trousers, sporty sunglasses, a sleek backpack and super sexy heels for a grown-up take on this schoolgirl staple.

Read on to see 3 sweet sweater looks to try out this fall...

READ MORE...

Drop It Like It's Chaud

Aigle's Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. Photo via Aigle.

Not to hate on Hunter wellies - I mean, if anyone understands wet weather, it's the Brits. But after lusting after them for 4 years, I finally invested in a pair of Aigle rainboots, and they're the best I've ever owned. Here's why I'm so smitten: the rubber is super pliable which makes them  the comfiest wellies you'll ever wear, the cut is thoughtful which helps make your legs look slimmer than typical clunky rainboots, and the design details, like the brand's signature leather tassels, are impeccable. Plus they're handmade in France so they must be good. OMG, I am turning into my mother.

Anyway, I'm in love. And I can't wait for it to rain today. Sorry, but if you buy a pair, you'll totally understand. The boots come in tall but unless you plan on wearing them throughout the winter, I'd suggest the hassle-free shorties. Not cheap but remember: rainboots last forever.

Get your Aigle on now at Town Shoes, Gravitypope or Raindrops TO. 

Happy Friday, y'all!

 

It's Going Down: HBC to Open First Full-Line Saks on Queen St.

Photos via Saks Fifth Avenue

According to Reuters this morning, Hudson's Bay Co. just announced its plan to open a full-line Saks store at the Hudson's Bay flagship store on Queen St., a shift from the earlier reported plan to open its first Saks at Yonge & Bloor.

HBC, which completed its $2.4 billion purchase of U.S. luxury chain Saks Inc late last year, said the approximately 150,000 square-foot, multi-level Saks will likely open in the fall of 2015 and will be co-located with the current Hudson's Bay store.

The report states that Hudson's Bay will also sell its downtown Toronto flagship retail complex and the Simpson's Tower located at 401 Bay Street to an affiliate of the Cadillac Fairview Corp for $650 million. As part of this deal, Saks has also agreed to lease space at Sherway Gardens for another full-line Saks store. 

So? How do you see this whole luxury department store showdown panning out? Will Holts survive it all? Will our iconic HBC and all the Canadian history it represents survive, for that matter? And is Ke$ha's 'Timber' really as prophetic as I imagine? 

Your Under-the-Weather Wardrobe

Wardrobe Rx: A Vitamin C Slouchy Cashmere Sweater from Joe Fresh

We're stuck inside for yet another snow day today and everyone in my family seems to be under the weather, both literally and figuratively. There’s only one thing worse than feeling sick, though: having nothing comfy to wear when you’re feeling sick. Consider these cute and cozy wardrobe wonders your feel-good prescription whenever you’re less than 100%. Achoo? Bless You.

READ MORE...