Finally: J.Crew in Canada!

If you encountered unexpected levels of traffic on your way to Yorkdale, J.Crew might be to blame. First Canadian store of the preppy US retailer opened earlier this month to much excitement from the shopaholics (myself included).

At the launch of the store, I witnessed the coolest pieces fly off the shelves (don’t worry, they restock) faster than you can say “twin-set”. The store itself is really fun – bright and spacious, with stylish (and helpful) sales associates decked out in J.Crew from head to toe, not to mention the great selection of womenswear, from my fave Cafe Capris, to cashmere sweaters in all colors of the rainbow, to a ton of pretty shoes and accessories. J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler and President Jenna Lyons mingled with attendees, with Jenna dressed up in her signature stripes, and sequins – the look she’d perfected.

As for me, I made a mental checklist of my J.Crew must-haves, that I could come back to try on once the craziness dies down a bit. They include beautiful cropped floral pants, as well as the cropped pants on every guest’s list – in loud fuschia or bold orange – perfect for a night out, yet demure enough to wear at the office. Another item on my list is a pair of lace-up boots in camel leather – a pair that will go perfectly with skirts, jeans, dresses, pants (bathing suits even?) this fall. Last, but not least, I am hoping that the classic J.Crew trench looks as good on me as it does on a mannequin – I need a new one this season, and the one at the store looks pretty damn perfect.

If you still haven’t stopped by the store, and are looking to update your wardrobe for the Back To School Work season, now is the time. See you there?

More photos from the launch on our Facebook Page!

You might also like these posts:

H&M Divided Fall 2010 Lookbook
What do you think about H&M's new Fall 2010 lookbook? The campaign features models Abbey...
Lingerie Francaise Presents: Ladies of the Silver Screen
A couple of weeks ago, le boyfriend and I headed out to our first ever Lingerie Francaise Runway...
TIFF 2011: Swarovski Fashion Suite
Ahh, TIFF! Celebs in town, gifting lounges all over the place, and parties, parties, oh, and did...
Versace for H&M Preview
Are you counting the days until the glam Versace for H&M collection hits the stores? Will you be...

Moon Apparel Fall 2011 Collection Preview

Earlier this month, Moon Apparel held the launch of their first-eve menswear collection, as well as their Fall 2011 womenswear line. Just like at the last year’s launch, the Misfits DJ’d, with Leigh Lezark looking as svelte and gorgeous as ever.

As for the collections, I felt that the womens’ line was a lot stronger and more exciting the second time around – there were still plenty of office-wear classics, interspersed with standout pieces like sequined skirt, pink and blue sheer blouses, navy lace dress and skirt, and my personal favorite – golden brocade dress. The lace dress and skirt are already available at The Bay stores nationwide, and are incredibly versatile – from day to night, and which incidentally, I have in my closet already.

Moon Apparel menswear Fall 2011 collection consists of classic suits, cropped pants, cardigans, plaid and quilted jackets, in black, beige, and navy – simple silhouettes for any urban gentleman’s wardrobe. Seems that every guy in the room (and some girls too) were calling dibs on the camel menswear cardis with black piping – must-have classic for fall.

Created and designed by the dynamic brother-sister duo Jordin and Tamara Mimran, Moon Apparel is now in its sophomore year, and is showing no signs of slow down. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

You might also like these posts:

Heart to Heart
Ok, so how do you know when your style has become predictable? For one, it’s when your friends insta...
My little steamer
 I don’t know anyone who likes to do chores, with the exception of my friend Lovelys, who appare...
Sears Modern Shop Opening
I don't remember the last time I shopped at Sears, mainly due to the lack of any sort of contemp...
Greta Constantine Primer Collection 02 Launch
Last week, le boyfriend and I made our way to the launch of Greta Constantine's PRIMER Collectio...

Giveaway: $150 PRIVÉ Gift Certificate

I promised you a great giveaway, and it’s finally here! Who’s excited?

Here it is…if you like shopping and free stuff, then this one’s for you!

Style Blog partnered up with an awesome Canadian shopping site PRIVÉ to give one of you a $150 Gift Certificate to spend on whatever your heart desires!

In case you didn’t know, PRIVÉ is a Canadian flash sale website, that offers members only access to limited time events, with leading designer brands available at up to 70% off retail. And if you’re not in Canada, don’t fret, PRIVÉ ships internationally!

Excited yet? Here’s what you need to do to enter (please read carefully):

1. Join PRIVÉ via this link to ensure that you are entered, and leave a comment below with your full name and email address

2. If you are a member already, please leave your full name and email address in the comment section below

3. For extra entries, RT the following: “Hey @styleblogca, I want the @PRIVE $150 gift card! http://styleblog.ca/?p=11171 #StyleBlogPrive“

4. You don’t have to be a follower, but it’s always appreciated. Facebook: www.facebook.com/styleblogca Twitter: www.twitter.com/styleblogca

5. This giveaway is open to readers everywhere!

6. C’est tout

This contest closes on September 4th, 2011 11:59 EST. Good luck to all! And the winner is…Rebecca R! Congrats, girl! For all those that entered but didn’t win, another giveaway is coming soon! Thanks for entering!

You might also like these posts:

Wishlist: White Lace Dress
I have been looking for one for ages! Not just any old white dress. I have strict requirements, ...
What I Wore: Billabong Intarsia Sweater (aka The Sweater)
I'm back from my little European getaway...and as sad as it was to say good-bye to my best frien...
Billabong Fall 2011 Collection Preview
Ever since last year's preview, I've been a huge fan of Billabong/West 49 and their new fashion ...
LG Fashion Week: Pink Tartan Spring 2012
I can't believe it's almost December, and I am still posting LGFW reviews! At least, as with other s...

Greta Constantine Primer Collection 02 Launch

Last week, le boyfriend and I made our way to the launch of Greta Constantine’s PRIMER Collection 02, held at a freaking mansion! As a huge fan of PRIMER Collection 01 (there’s no Spring/Fall 2011 designation, as pieces are meant to be worn and layered any time, any year), I was really excited to see what the talented Canadian duo would come up with this time around. Especially so, since the press release promised “jewel tones like royal blue, emerald, persimmon, and  amber” – a fun departure from the greys and blacks of Collection 01.

Once we’d arrived at the swanky venue, we realized that many of the guests at the party were already rocking PRIMER frocks in fun colors, fluid silhouettes, and nearly transparent fabrics – gorgeous designs, that would make any woman feel beautiful. And since PRIMER is decently priced from $95 to $495 , I didn’t feel too guilty coveting so many pieces from the collection (like the most perfect royal blue dress below).

“For this collection, we wanted to create a lightness with it all,”  shares Kirk Pickersgill. “They’re easy pieces that don’t require much,  if any, effort.  Importantly, they’re the type of basics that can be  worn in countless ways, each wearer contributing their own distinct  sense of self.” And judging by all the effortlessly chic ladies decked out in PRIMER at the launch, the collection delivers that and more. Can’t wait till it hits the stores, so I can finally add a piece of Greta PRIMER to my closet.

You might also like these posts:

Louise Goldin for Topshop
If you needed another reason to resent Topshop for not having a store in Canada, here's one. The...
Coulda, Shoulda...
A couple of years ago, when this colorful Prada collection was still in stores, I was mulling ov...
God Save The Queen: The Next British Invasion Party!
Last week, the most amazing thing happened. A group of prominent young British designers landed ...
Organic Style: Prom at the ROM: Into The Wild
I already shared my Prom (horror) story with you, and as you might know, because of it, I got to...

What I Wore: J.Crew

Inspired by J.Crew’s stylish President Jenna Lyons, I’ve decided to layer a light linen/cotton J.Crew sweater over a cream maxi dress for a mix of casual and (slightly) dressy. Then I decided to wear it to work…which was a big mistake – rolling my office chair all over the bottom of the skirt, getting the hem stuck in the wheels – not my idea of a productive work day. Thankfully, once my cubicle was out of sight, the outfit got a lot more comfortable. Lesson learned: office chair + maxi skirt = disaster waiting to happen.

Post on J.Crew’s launch party is coming soon! Stay tuned.

I Wore: Dress, Necklace – Forever21; Sweater – J.Crew; Belt – Calvin Klein; Bag – Prada; Ring – YSL; Sunglasses – Ray Ban

You might also like these posts:

What I Wore: Just a Little Unwell
Actually more than unwell...really, really, really sick. As in snot-fountain-sick...or passing o...
What I Wore: Good Morning
Saturday. Art Square Cafe and Gallery. Peach tea. Berry crepe with ice-cream. Lanvin for H&a...
What I Wore: Vestervention
I've been a little obsessed with this faux fur vest lately. I wear it to work, out with friends,...
What I Wore: Here Comes the Sun
Last weekend was all about moms everywhere...and of course, one of the first days it actually fe...

Style Fille: Anne Hathaway

Well, hello Anne Hathaway! I fancy your pajama pants fancy pants today. Thanks for the inspiration.

Photo Credits: Lainey Gossip

You might also like these posts:

Style Fille: Nicole Richie...again
Ok, so I should probably ease up with Nicole Richie here, but I really do love the things she te...
Josh and Diane in Toronto
Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger were in Toronto last night and I didn't even get a glimpse??? Su...
Coachella Style 2010
What better occasion to summer-style-watch than at a festival set in the middle of the desert? Y...
Style Fille: Who Wore it Better
Red can be a tough color to pull off without looking tarty or cheap. All three famous ladies in ...

Shopping: Birks Jewelry

We all know what a certain blue blue box has become synonymous for (all together now) – Tiffany! But here in Canada, we have our own blue-box-central – and that’s Birks jewelry stores. Not only do they carry gorgeous engagement rings, wedding bands, and other bling, but as I recently found out, they also collaborate with notable Canadians (ESTY, Joannie Rochette, Jenn Heil) to create unique and timeless pieces.

There were so many pieces at Birks that I found myself coveting, and though many of them are out of my current budget, I thought I’d share them with you anyway!

At first glance, Birks Blue Collection’s engagement rings, though gorgeous, didn’t look much different from the rest. But if you take a closer look, you’ll notice tiny diamond-cut saphires embedded in each piece. Something blue on your wedding day? Birks has you covered!

Birks Needlefish Collection by ESTY is full of beautiful modern pieces, “capturing the very essence of sea life”, much like the Birks Seaside Collection. Those starfish earrings are totally going on my wishlist!

Aside from their signature collections, the company also sells vintage pieces, like the most adorable leopard brooch, and the decadent lapis lazulis and freshwater pearl bracelets above. They will cost you a small fortune, but if you’ve got the money to spend - you’ll be sure that your purchase is a unique piece of art with plenty of history behind it (and cute to boot).

If vintage is not your steeze, I am sure we can all agree that those Gucci bamboo drop earrings are to die for! Oh, and there’s a matching bracelet available too.

So what do you think about Birks’ selection? Share in the comments.

You might also like these posts:

Linda Lundström Spring 2010 Trunk Show
Totally forgot to let you guys know, that Linda Lundström, designer known for her famous coat La...
Wishlist: Like a Ghost, Ghost, Ghost, Ghost, Ghost...
So, I'm pretty sure that I'll be getting one of these amazing ghost chairs for Christmas. Have w...
Levi's Fall 2011 Preview
Earlier this month, Levi's team held a preview of their  Fall 2011 collection at the Thrush Holm...
Swarovski Wings of Fantasy Fall 2011 Collection Preview
Swarovski previews are always a sight to behold - shiny baubles, pretty crystals - what's not to...

H&M Style Face-off x VitaminDaily.com

Most of you already know that my love for H&M runs deep. It’s one of those stores that keeps popping up over and over (and over and over) again on my bank statement month after month – I think I might just be addicted. So when Vitamin Daily asked me to contribute to a promo that involved H&M, I didn’t have to think twice. I think my response might’ve been to the extent of ”YESWHEREDOISIGNIAMSOHAPPYILOVEH&M”.

So here’s the deal: I, among some really cool bloggers (Beckerman sisters, Stefania of Textstyles, It Girl Anya, and a few others) had to stop by an H&M store, style a mannequin, and take some photos of our final masterpiece(s).

What for? Well, Vitamin Daily is holding a super fun H&M Style Face-off contest, which just went live, and you…yes YOU can win $100 H&M gift card, simply by voting on your favorite mannequin. Seriously…that’s ALL you have to do – Like Vitamin Daily’s Facebook Page, then click Like on your fave look (1 per person), sit back, and hope that you won.

And while I’m not going to twist your arm and make you vote for my creation (do it!), I do think she looks mighty cute. And if you do decide to vote for Style Blog’s mannequin – I have a bribe chocolate bar with your name on it…though I will probably eat it myself…but I’ll think of you while eating it! Deal?

I will admit though, I do have some crazy-good competition – I, myself, adore all of the looks that other bloggers put together, so if you don’t vote for blonde Nelly Jr., I won’t hold it against you (but no chocolate for you!).

So what are you waiting for? Visit Vitamin Daily Facebook Page to enter H&M Style Face-off contest now!

I Wore: Dress, T-shirt - H&M; Necklace – Forever21; Shoes – Aldo x Flare; Bracelet – BCBG

You might also like these posts:

Yorkdale is Me Contest
Do you love to shop at Yorkdale? Do you think that you, yourself, are undeniably Yorkdale? If yo...
What I'm Wearing: By the Power of the Wolf
So I wore my Wolf sweater for the first time last weekend. And though nothing magical happened t...
What I Wore: So Dries
I don't usually copy off the runway looks, but in this instance, I just had to! The jacket I'm w...
Beauty: Fall Hair Dos
I don't know about you, but summer hair is so easy! All summer long, I would just roll out of th...

Banana Republic x Mad Men Collection

Banana Republic x Mad Men Collection is now in stores! The show’s Emmy-winning costume designer Jenny Bryant collaborated with the retailer to create a 65-piece capsule collection of clothing, accessories, and shoes inspired by the uber-popular show.

You can expect to see a lot of 60′s silhouettes, leopard prints and grown-up florals galore, tailored suiting and dresses, and the cutest classic pumps I’ve seen in a long while. I absolutely loved the cream lace dress from the collection, as well as lace tops (that come in both black and white), which to me, are classic pieces that will never go out of style.

The clothes are definitely reminiscent of the show, but aren’t at all costumey. “The collection for Banana Republic is amazingly modern and chic and contemporary, in terms of cuts and fabric,” says Bryant. Because, presumably, not everyone is blessed with Joan Holloway’s killer hourglass proportions.

Banana Republic x Mad Men ($13-$475) collection is now available online and in stores.

You might also like these posts:

Joe Fresh Thin Thin Thin No More?
As a new Joe Fresh convert, I've been checking out their website and blog to see if there are ne...
Lanvin for H&M Auction
You are either super sick of hearing about Lanvin for H&M by now, or you simply can't ge...
Style Fille: Natalie Portman x H&M Conscious Collection
I am 99% sure that the dress Natalie Portman (Oscar-nominee, and probably winner) is wearing her...
The 6th Annual Lainey Gossip SMUT Soiree
Last night, I finally got to attend my very first SMUT Soiree! Hosted by The Society, this L...

Style Fille: Jenna Lyons

Tonight, Toronto welcomes Jenna Lyons – President and Executive Creative Director of J.Crew at the company’s first official store opening in Canada! If you still don’t know who Jenna is…well, she’s the woman behind the brand – the J in J.Crew,  she is Jenna from “Jenna’s Picks”, and the reason why so many of us want to achieve the effortless-chic-look featured in the pages of J.Crew’s lookbooks and catalogues.

It is not surprising then, that this woman, who is a pro at high-low styling, is a huge style inspiration to many, with her easy-breezy cocktail of feminine and masculine styles, and her endless love for sequins and furs. She wore a freaking sweater over her gown to the Met Gala! Now that takes some serious style-chops to pull off.

What do you think about Jenna’s style? Are you as obsessed as I am? Let me know in the comments.

Photo Credits: TFS

You might also like these posts:

What I'm Wearing: Summer White
I don't wear white often. This year especially...no sun = no tan = no wearing white! I don't wan...
Style Fille: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Absolutely love that leopard wrap/shrug that Mary-Kate is rocking! Also love her rings, bracelet...
What I Wore: Sasquatch Bear
Wore this fuzzy sweater to the One of a Kind Show and to watch Tangled on Sunday. Got stopped by...
Style Fille: Keira Knightley
I can't decide whether I like this dress or not...or rather...I know that I like it, but there are a...

Lingerie Francaise Presents: Ladies of the Silver Screen

A couple of weeks ago, le boyfriend and I headed out to our first ever Lingerie Francaise Runway Show, hosted by the ladies of Brill Communications. Not knowing what to expect, we stepped into the Distillery District’s Fermenting Cellar venue, and right away knew that we’re in for a treat.

The fourth annual Lingerie Francaise show featured some of the sexiest looks we’ve seen in a while from Parisian labels such as Lejaby, Princess Tam Tam, Gerbe, Simon Perele, among others. The Fall 2011 show’s theme was Ladies of the Silver Screen, with each segment prefaced by a clip of a movie star that inspired it. From Bardot to Loren – if there ever were sexy sirens to aspire to – those were it.

Post-show (le boyfriend’s jaw still on the floor), I didn’t even need to ask him whether he liked what he saw. Perhaps the Angels of Victoria’s Secret have all the buzz, but the Parisian lingerie, presented at the Lingerie Francaise show, have that certain je ne sais quoi – much more mysterious, glam, and sexy than VS could ever aspire to be. And dare I say, more grown up?

If you don’t believe me, check out some photos from the show on our Facebook Page! And do let me know what you think in the comments.

You might also like these posts:

Shoes, shoes, and more shoes!
I am looking for a transitional pair of black heels. Something versatile that I could wear with my...
Estée Lauder Gift With Purchase
If you use Estée Lauder products, then you should check out Holt Renfrew's gift with purchase th...
Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010
Above from left to right: Givenchy, Celine, ChloéParis Fashion Week wraps up tomorrow, but I am ...
Ecco Fall 2011 Preview
Back in my Texas days, I could wear the most ridiculously uncomfortable heels daily without any ...

Shopping: Prada Gauffre Clutch

I’ve been coveting this Prada Gauffre Clutch for a while now – always stopping by to look at it at Holts, and always hoping to find it at Space in Woodbury or Florence…or wherever else on sale. Well, after my June trip to NYC, I finally gave up, went to Holts and bit the bullet. It’s mine! It’s all mine!!! ***cue maniacal laughter***

Can’t wait to take it out for a spin. It’s so roomy, and soft, and simply perfect. Don’t you think?

You might also like these posts:

Joe Fresh on Queen Street!
Have you heard? Joe Fresh is apparently coming to Queen St. West! I say it's about time! I've al...
The Not-So-Secret Banana Republic Sale
September 16th and 17th only, 40% off all regular-priced merchandise. If you shop at Banana Repu...
Shopping: Forever 21 Miu Miu Lookalikes
Leave it to Forever 21 to plagiarize offer an affordable substitute to Miu Miu's highly coveted ...
Wishlist: Swarovski Matrioshka Necklace
Last week, I had a chance to attend Swarovski Spring 2011 collection preview, and I was definite...

Wish You Were at Topshop at The Bay

Photostar photobooth photos from tonight’s event. If you can’t tell from the pics – I had the best time ever! Thanks, The Bay and Topshop Canada for a kickass night!

Also, we make the worst gangstas ever! That’s all.

You might also like these posts:

Obey the Tie-Dye
The moment I saw the new Abby Moriarty of Catbreath collection for OBEY Clothing, I knew I had t...
Shop 'Til You Drop With LOULOU Magazine
I'm going to take a risk and say that most of you like to shop. And a lot of you probably like f...
God Save The Queen: The Next British Invasion Party!
Last week, the most amazing thing happened. A group of prominent young British designers landed ...
TIFF 2011: Swarovski Fashion Suite
Ahh, TIFF! Celebs in town, gifting lounges all over the place, and parties, parties, oh, and did...

Foodie: Le Select Bistro

Today’s Foodie post was kindly provided by a guest blogger (and fellow foodie) - Lisa Ng, of The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide! Enjoy.

Le Select Bistro
432 Wellington St. West, Toronto
416-596-6405
Perfect For: Brunch, Date Night

If you’re looking for an elegant brunch to nurse a long week at work, throw off your PJs and head on over to Le Select Bistro in Toronto. This charming French resto is tucked away on a quiet street right in the heart of the downtown. The main dining room is warm and cozy with dark burgundy banquettes, bentwood chairs and a long bar made of zinc. Around back there is a bright and open atelier and in the summer months, make sure you indulge in a dark coffee on their gorgeous front patio filled with rattan chairs that make you feel like you’re in France.

Le Select is one of those fabulous places that serves up brunch on Saturday AND Sunday. Chef Albert Ponzo uses free-range eggs and the majority of his ingredients are now organic or sustainable. The food is fresh, with no snooty attitudes.  The staff are welcoming, helpful and friendly. It’s an easy place to meet up with family or a large group of friends.  The restaurant has a large capacity, takes reservations for brunch and is busy enough without a half hour wait out the door.

I ordered the Oeufs Forestiers ($15.95) with two poached eggs over  a bed of sauteed mixed mushrooms and served with seared polenta, tomato jam and roasted root vegetables.  All the flavours were buttery and melt-in-your mouth with a little taste of everything.  I didn’t leave feeling greasy or overstuffed. If you’re looking for something heartier, try their juicy Ontario Lamb Burger ($15.95) with Morroccan spices and their crispy frites. My choice for next time would definitely be the Oeufs et Saucisses Fermieres ($13.95) with two eggs, homemade breakfast sausages and Rosti potatoes. It looked like the typical Sunday breakfast of champions with a French twist.  Make sure you top it all off with a Bellini ($7.75) made with sparkling white wine and peach nectar – I mean it’s the weekend after all.  If you’re starving before you even order, grab a freshly baked croissant ($1.95) to tie you over.  They are rated some of the best in Toronto.

Le Select Bistro is easily one of my favourite places in Toronto due to its charm, décor, friendly staff and heavenly food.  It’s a little French escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto.  I highly recommend it for brunch or even for grabbing lunch by yourself with a good book.  Bon appetit!

Lisa Ng is a lover of great food and sunny destinations. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide (http://www.hipurbangirl.com)

More photos after the jump!

Read more…

You might also like these posts:

Eleven Boutique One Year Anniversary
Last week, eleven Boutique celebrated its one year anniversary in Yorkville. A mix of media and ...
What I Wore: Bad Day
Last weekend, amid the G20 craziness, le boyfriend and I finally made a trek to Yonge and Sheppa...
What I Wore: A Good In-Vest-Ment
If you thought I was kidding about a vestervention, I wasn't. Here it is yet again...this time w...
Shopping: STYLEXCHANGE | Little Burgundy
Last week, ?STYLEXCHANGE? and Little Burgundy held an awesome Original vs. Fake party to preview the...

Giveaway: Jenny Bird Earrings

Have you been missing Style Blog Giveaways? Well, recently at the Peacock Parade launch, I received a gift bag with some lovely Jenny Bird earrings, which I’d love to give to one lucky reader! Up for grabs is a pair of these Jenny Bird Gunmetal Bar Drop Empire Earrings that retail for $98.

All you have to do to get your hands on a pair is one (or more) of the following:

1. Leave a comment below (don’t forget to leave a valid email addy)

or

2. Tweet: “@styleblogca I want the @_JennyBird @PeacockParade earrings http://styleblog.ca/?p=10970

or

3. Leave a comment of our Facebook wall

Do all three, if you want extra entries. This contest is open to International readers, and will close at 11:59pm on Sunday, August 14th. Winner will be chosen using www.random.org.

And the winner is…AMY (@mon_amy)! Congrats, girl! Please email me your address, so that I can send you your prize! For everyone else…sit tight, as there’s an even better giveaway in the works. I’m serious! This one will be amazing! Thank you all for entering!

Good luck!

You might also like these posts:

Buy, Keep, or Toss: Romper
Romper is one trend I promised myself to skip. I don't think it looks flattering on me, and up unt...
Rewind
January 2010: My friend Jen marries Joe in Houston, TX. Le boyfriend and I attend. Delta loses o...
Giveaway: Anna Sui Books
Just in time for Valentine's Day, and courtesy of Raincoast Books, comes this lovely giveaway! T...
Banana Republic x Mad Men Collection
Banana Republic x Mad Men Collection is now in stores! The show's Emmy-winning costume designer ...