August, 2012 | Style Blog | Toronto Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

Friday Faux Pas: Another Blatant Charlotte Olympia Knock Off

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I realize that a lot of fast fashion brands tend to “borrow” ideas from the more expensive brands, but this particular knock-off really takes the fake cake. Unlike Jeffrey Campbell with those Fruit Pump knock-offs, Go Jane hasn’t even bothered to change up Charlotte Olympia’s nearly iconic kitty flats design. The cat face is undeniably similar to Charlotte’s kitty, and though this pair will only cost you $19.40, these cheap faux-suede loafers certainly don’t look nearly as good as the original pair.

But what do you think about this? Is it wrong for Go Jane to blatantly rip off an original design, or do you think it’s not a big deal? Take the poll below, or comment to share your opinion.

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Photo Credits: Charlotte Olympia, Go Jane

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Style Blog, August 31st 2012 | Tags: Charlotte Olympia, Faux Pas, Go Jane, Knock-offs, Polls, Shoes, Shopping
Posted in Fashion, Faux Pas, Shopping

Massimo Dutti Opens First Store in North America…in Toronto!

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Back in my Zara days, I used to look wistfully through the Inditex portfolio of brands, and wish that someday these awesome retailers would make it to Canada. Well, 8 or so years later, I finally got my wish! Earlier this week, Massimo Dutti opened its very first North American store right here in Toronto, and I couldn’t be happier!

Even le bf, who tries to avoid these fashiony events like the plague, was excited to attend the opening of the new and shiny Eaton Centre location. If you are not familiar with the Massimo Dutti brand, think of it as Zara’s older and more sophisticated sister…or brother. While Zara’s offerings tend to be on the trendier side, Massimo Dutti offers collections with more staying power.

“Massimo Dutti’s 584 stores in 53 countries share a universal design which transcends national borders to connect with today’s men and women, who are independent, urban and cosmopolitan. It offers a wide variety of collections, ranging from sophisticated high-end fashion to easygoing casual wear.”

I loved the new store’s sleek design, and elegant selection of menswear and womenswear, and will be sure to add it to my rotation of stores that I visit at least weekly!

Are you excited about this new addition to the Toronto shopping landscape? Share in the comments!

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More photos after the jump!

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Style Blog, August 31st 2012 | Tags: Fall 2012, Inditex, Massimo Dutti, Massimo Dutti Toronto, Shopping, Toronto, Toronto Eaton Centre
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

What I Wore: Little Black Dress

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I often get asked about work clothes, and what I tend to wear to the office…well, this outfit is a good example of my usual 9-5 uniform. While I wouldn’t describe myself as a girly-girl, I do tend to gravitate towards dresses…mostly because they are super easy to wear and require zero thought or preparation in the morning. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t have the capacity or desire to stand in front of my closet at 7am, trying to put together an outfit. So more often than not, I reach for one of my many office-appropriate frocks.

This one in particular is a favorite of mine, and a recent acquisition from H&M. The brand carries a great selection of smart black shifts all year round, and I always make sure to pick up the latest version. The fit is great, it’s lined, and for $39.95, it doesn’t really get much better.

So tell me, what is your 9-5 uniform? Share in the comments!

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More after the jump!

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Style Blog, August 30th 2012 | Tags: Canadian, Elizabeth and James, H&M, Little Black Dress, Nella Bella, Organic Style, What I Wore, Work Clothes, Zara
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

Moon Apparel Fall 2012 Lookbook…and Online Shopping!

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As you already know, I am a huge fan of a homegrown Canadian brand Moon Apparel. And last night, I attended the launch of the brand’s first e-commerce site! For the first time ever, Canadian fashion lovers all over the country will finally be able to get their hands on Moon’s awesome lace dresses and skirts, their elegant blouses, shifts, and knitwear…all with a click of a few buttons!

And though you won’t be able to start shopping until September 15th, it’s never too early to start checking out the goods! Moon Apparel’s Fall 2012 lookbook is full of fun and colorful pieces, but the most amazing thing of all – those Fall 2011 lace dresses and skirts that sold out everywhere are back! And not only that, the dress now comes in both navy and turquoise, while the skirt is available in magenta!

Are you excited to be able to shop Moon Apparel online? Do you like the lookbook? Share in the comments!

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More photos after the jump!

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Style Blog, August 30th 2012 | Tags: Canadian, Fall 2012, Lookbooks, Moon Apparel, Shopping, Wishlist
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

Aldo Shoes x Flare Magazine by Liz Cabral Fall 2012 Sneak Peek Updated

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Exciting news, guys! We’ve got a sneak peek photo of Flare x Aldo Shoes Fall 2012 collab designed by Flare’s own Liz Cabral. It’s the second collaboration the Canadian street style star and Flare’s Fashion Director created, and I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on it…and my feet in it! Just like the Bish pair was THE perfect summer sandal, the Lace Stiletto Bootie ($175) looks like it would go with anything from jeans to dresses this fall. Needless to say, I need it in my closet stat.

I’m still not sure whether this collab is just one pair, or if there’s more where this pair came from…but I am definitely hoping for the latter. What do you think of this sneak peek? Are you excited to see more? Share in the comments!

UPDATE: Shoe dreams do come true! We’ve confirmed that there will be at least TWO pairs of Aldo x Flare shoes this time around, and the second pair is a stunner too! Click below to see!

UPDATE #2: And we have the official photos of the entire capsule collection designed by Liz Cabral for Aldo Shoes! Not only do we get not 1 but 2 pairs of gorgeous shoes this fall, but to top it all off, Liz designed a gorgeous (and practical) faux croc trimmed bag too! To read all about Liz’s design process from The Pitch to The Final Product, check out Flare’s story on this awesome new collection! In stores this October!

UPDATE #3: The shoes are now in stores!!! So, go on, and pick up a pair or two, and don’t forget to grab one of the amazing bags as well! I already bought the lace booties and oxblood bag, and am still trying to hunt down the one in blue/black colorway. Quantities are very limited, so get yours while you can.

List of locations is below:

Montreal – Eaton Centre
Toronto – 50 Bloor Street West
Toronto – Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Vancouver – 1025 Robson Street
Calgary – Chinook Centre

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More photos after the jump!

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Style Blog, August 28th 2012 | Tags: Aldo, Aldo x Flare, Canadian, Fall 2012, Flare, Shoes, Shopping, Wishlist
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

Solange Knowles for Madewell Fall 2012 Lookbook

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Absolutely in love with this Madewell Fall 2012 lookbook, featuring Beyonce’s little sis Solange Knowles. This beautiful lady has been known to gravitate towards vibrant colors and fun pieces, and Madewell looks to be a perfect fit! I adore the styling of this lookbook, and lucky for me, I have lots of similar items in my closet I can play with to attempt these looks.

What do you think of Madewell’s Fall 2012 lookbook? Share in the comments.

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More photos after the jump!

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Style Blog, August 28th 2012 | Tags: Fall 2012, Lookbooks, Madewell, Shopping, Solange Knowles
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

What I Wore: Bright Lights, Big City

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This weekend, le bf and I went to the CNE, to play silly games, eat Tiny Tom’s donuts, check out the food trucks, and just enjoy the annual fun fest. And let me tell you…it was FUN-tabulous!

I tried to win Super Domo in the Bowler Roller game, but couldn’t get to the 5th upgrade, so we took home a pink flamingo instead. Le bf also won me a Minion from the Despicable Me movie – I’ve always wanted one! Nothing like two stuffed toys to make this blogger happy.

After the games, we made our way to the International Pavilion, where I found an amazing life-sized cut-out of Fabio, which in retrospect, I wish I’d bought…because who wouldn’t want Fabio in their living room every single day? The store also had Elvis, Harry Potter, Batman, and others…but sadly, no cut-outs of Ryan Gosling or Michael Fassbender. But I guess those two’ve got nothing on Fabio.

What about you? Are you taking advantage of the last sunny days of summer? Let me know in the comments.

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Snapshots from the CNE after the jump!

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Style Blog, August 27th 2012 | Tags: Ann Taylor, CNE, Dorothy Perkins, Events, Forever21, H&M, HBC, Organic Style, The Bay, The Ex, Toronto, Tory Burch, What I Wore
Posted in Events, Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

Joe Fresh Fall 2012 Collection Lookbook

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In other Canadian fashion news, Joe Fresh Fall 2012 collection lookbook finally hit the interwebs, and I am seriously contemplating buying it all. At Joe prices, I can certainly afford it!

I’ve already seen some of the pieces back in March at the Joe Fresh Toronto Fashion Week show, and have promised to stalk them until I hunt them down. Well, I’m one step closer to making it happen! *insert happy dance here* My favorites so far are the houndstooth pieces, the colorful pants, and the fun knits, which I can’t wait to pick up and rock this fall.

What do you think of this Joe Fresh Fall 2012 collection lookbook? Share in the comments!

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More photos after the jump!

4 Comments

Style Blog, August 23rd 2012 | Tags: Canadian, Fall 2012, Joe Fresh, Lookbooks, Shopping, Wishlist
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

Wishlist: Smythe for eLUXE and Holt Renfrew

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Is it too early to start making Christmas wishlists yet? Because I’m doing it! Kate Middleton-approved Canadian brand Smythe has partnered up with two notable Canadian retailers, creating two limited-edition blazers to die for. And I want them both!

For Holt Renfrew’s 175th anniversary, Smythe has created a gorgeous tuxedo jacket (right, $650), hitting the stores on September 6th across Canada, just in time for those TIFF parties!

Also, coming in September – Smythe’s collaboration with online retailer eLUXE. This lovely black slim cut blazer with gold hardware (left, $595) is a must-have piece, and would literally go with everything.

Now the question is…which jacket should I buy? The one from Holts or eLUXE? Better yet…which one would you get? Share in the comments!

Photo Credits: FASHION Magazine

4 Comments

Style Blog, August 22nd 2012 | Tags: Canadian, eLUXE, Holt Renfrew, Shopping, Smythe, Wishlist
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

What I Wore: Ba-na-nas

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Some days all it takes to make me happy is a burst of color on a blah day, and these banana yellow H&M trousers do the trick every time! Also, how cool is my new HBC Signature Collection watch by Timex?! I get compliments on it everywhere I go…and I don’t have to look for my phone every time I want to know what time it is…there’s a watch for that!

So tell me, do you wear colorful trousers to work? Or is your office too conservative for that? Share in the comments.

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