Banana Republic | Style Blog

What I Wore: Lucky, Lucky, You’re So Lucky

Last month, I received this super adorbs tee from Lucky 7 - and immediately wished it was Valentine’s Day…because seriously how appropriate would it be?! Well, Valentine’s Day or not, I ended up wearing it to dinner with le boyfriend at home, because sometimes it’s nice to wear something other than grandma pjs to dinner. And sometimes it’s even nicer to wear a sequined heart on your chest, simply ’cause it’s cute, and you love your man…until SIKE - he finds out that the tee actually says LOVE STINKS (it’s a perfume bottle, get it?)! I don’t think I’ll ever be too old for ironic t-shirts…especially as cute as this one.

Also, see if you can spot the new letter ornaments I picked up at Anthropologie for our first Christmas tree together. They were handmade in Haiti, with each ornament sold, supporting local artisans, as well as local economy. These would make lovely stocking stuffers, if you’re still looking for one or two.

I Wore: Tee – c/o Lucky 7; Skirt – c/o Banana Republic; Necklace – Forever21; Shoes – D&G; Bracelet – Kate Spade

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Style Blog, December 20th 2011 | Tags: Anthropologie, Banana Republic, d&g, Forever21, Good Cause, Holidays, Holidays 2011, Kate Spade, Lucky 7, Shopping, What I Wore
Posted in Fashion, Shopping, What I Wore

Old Navy Spring 2012 Preview

First things first. How awesome do these two look? Last week, when I stopped by the Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy Spring 2012 preview, I seriously contemplated mugging them in the nearest dark alley…not for their money, silly! For their clothes, of course!

Well, it’s all from Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy! And I’m loving it. It’s always super exciting for me to see spring arrivals, especially when they are bright, sunshiny, and make me forget about the cold, dreary months ahead. Can we just skip them altogether…or something? Unfortunately, we can’t.

But no matter, these Old Navy Spring 2012 pieces immediately take me away to a tropical destination, where I can frolick in my printed short shorts, ruffled floral maxis, gorge snakeskin-printed loafers, and so much more! Really, this entire post is for my own selfish benefit – I am, afterall, trying to shop for my honeymoon in May! And these Old Navy pieces seriously could not be more perfect. Luckily for me, most of them will be available by March. Hooray!

If you want to check out the rest of the items that caught my eye at the preview, please visit Style Blog’s Facebook Page. Spring is just one click away!

More photos after the jump!

Banana Republic Yorkdale New Concept Store Opening

Last week, I attended the opening of Banana Republic’s concept store at Yorkdale. First of all, the store is huge! If you are trying to find a particular Banana Republic piece, then this store is your best bet. But apart from the sheer enormity of the shopping space (seriously, it’s 13,855 square feet!), I fell in love with the new layout.

With a circular plaza in the middle of all the action, and small, boutique-like shops within a shop for Petites, Heritage and Monogram collections all around me, I found myself forgetting that I was still at Yorkdale. It just didn’t have that mall feeling to me.

“The new Banana Republic Yorkdale will house the full range of men’s and women’s product including the Monogram and Heritage collections, and a full assortment of accessories: jewellery, handbags, shoes, eyewear, and small leather goods. It’s a 360-degree personalized experience that’s all about ease, featuring skilled stylists that can help you interpret the latest trends and elevate your wardrobe basics, while acting as a trusted editor to help you dress for the big and small moments of your life.”

If you still haven’t stopped by the new Banana Republic Yorkdale shop, make sure to pay a visit soon. But for now, check out the photos from the opening below!

More photos after the jump!

What I Wore: She’s Got Flare!

Have you been to Old Navy lately? I am really loving their fall offerings! From breezy $18 tops, to flared jeans for all of $25, I think if it wasn’t for my Proenza booties, this outfit could actually be purchased for less than $50! Not bad, huh?

Right now, I am waiting for a leopard print Old Navy coat to go on sale (I have a wedding budget to adhere to!)…and then my leopard print-ness will literally drive le boyfriend crazy. As the saying goes: you can take a Russian girl out of ~~Russia~~ Kyrgyzstan, but you can’t take the leopard print away from her…or something like that.

I Wore: Shirt, Jeans – Old Navy; Bag – c/o Banana Republic; Belt – Zara; Boots – Proenza Schouler; Leather Bracelet – c/o Danier; Sunglasses – Ray Ban

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.

Gap Holiday 2011 Collection Preview

Last month, the gorgeous ladies of Gap Canada held their Holiday 2011 preview. There were actual Christmas trees up in there! In July.

And while the weather outside was balmy, at the preview we were surrounded by Old Navy sweaters-galore, pretty holiday dresses and lots of gorgeous bling from Banana Republic, and the cutest boots ever from Gap. And though there were so many pieces to covet and ooh-aahh over, the items that caught my eye (and attention) for most of the preview, were Christmas-inspired headpieces and paddle-balls from Old Navy. Those things could keep me entertained for hours. HOURS, I tell you.

But if unlike me, you aren’t interested in cheap thrills, you’ll be happy to know that holiday season will be bringing many…oh-so-many lovely pieces (other than cute Santa paddle balls). I don’t know about you, but I’m putting Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy gift cards on my Christmas wishlist…right now. Don’t be ridiculous, it is never too soon to start a Christmas wishlist!

For more photos from the preview, please visit our Facebook page.

Banana Republic x Mad Men Cocktail Party

If you are a Mad Men lover, or simply appreciate the art of dressing well, then make sure not to miss out on this opportunity. On August 11th, 2011, Banana Republic will be throwing parties all over Canada to celebrate the launch of their Banana Republic x Mad Men Collection – free cocktails and all. You’ll get to shop the limited edition collection, which is full of striking feminine pieces for the ladies, and immaculately tailored suits for the gents. Oh, and did I mention the free booze? Don Draper would be so proud.

If you’d like to drop in and check out the collection, jump to see the list of participating locations.

What I Wore: Fun in Acapulco

This is yet another one of those “misleading title” posts. Legal disclaimer: I didn’t have fun in Acapulco last weekend. Truth is…I’ve never even been to Acapulco. But if it’s any consolation…if I were to go…this is what I’d wear.

Last weekend, le boyfriend and I jumped into a Zip Car, packed up some leftover brisket from Barque, and drove to Georgina, ON – the home of Sibbald Point, or Acapulco substitute for the day. Despite the drizzle of rain, we persevered, and were in turn rewarded with a few hours of blissful sun…sandy beach and all.

Have I mentioned that I love summer? No? Well, now you know it. How was your weekend?

I Wore: Tank Top, Skirt – Forever21; Hat, Bathing Suit, Bracelets – H&M; Bag – c/o Ecco; Necklace – c/o Banana Republic; Earrings - atelier l.a.f.; Shoes – Urban Outfitters; Sunglasses – Ray Ban; Tote – The Bay

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Style Blog, July 11th 2011 | Tags: atelier l.a.f., Banana Republic, Barque, Canadian, Ecco, Forever21, H&M, Organic Style, Ray Ban, Sibbald Point, The Bay, Urban Outfitters, What I Wore
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

What I Wore: Canada Day

First of all, I wanted to apologize for the amount of wrinkles on my shorts in these pictures. I can already hear you yelling at me for not being a good blogger, and posting these wrinkled-ass shorts pics. Well, in my defense…this is what cotton shorts look like after a three-hour-long drive to Lindsay. Yes, it took us three hours to get to Lindsay, ON last Friday. Three glorious hours of Ace of Base, Best of Backstreet Boys, some old school Puff Daddy, and Nana thrown in for good measure, with a dash of Bryan Adams Unplugged. It was either that, or Indian music, courtesy of my friend Donkey. Thanks, but no, thanks.

The reason for our trip to the mysterious faraway land of Lindsey was to visit our friend Jo. She and her hubby had the crazy idea to relocate there (of all places), and this was our first attempt at being good friends and visiting the fam.

Truthfully, it wasn’t all that bad. Lindsey, I mean. Yeah, it was way too far for my liking, but the fact is…the beach is a quick drive away, Kawartha’s best ice-cream is the most delish thing I’ve had all summer, and there is something very charming about a neverending backyard. So, after some hot dogs (yum), Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante + Pom Juice Cocktails (yummy), some homemade smores (yummier), and the most amazing…no, seriously, the creamiest ice-cream ever…I was ready to move right in.

Instead, I was dragged back to Toronto, kicking and screaming. Until next time.

PS. According to le boyfriend, this is not a Canada Day outfit…this is a Poland Day outfit. And though technically, there’s no such day, I would never be able to convince the stubborn Aries otherwise. So yeah, I looked like the Polish flag on Canada Day. Quick, call the Prime Minister!

I Wore: Shirt, Ring - Forever21; Shorts – Banana Republic; Shoes, Bracelets - H&M; Bag – c/o Ecco; Sunglasses – Ray Ban (c/o Lenscrafters)

What I Wore: Panthers, and Rabbits, and Planking, Oh My!

This is what my cat looks like when he gets mad at me, fangs exposed, mouth snarling, eyes wide open…bracing to attack. Scary, no? It’s ok though, because I can stand up for myself. This (below) is my hissing face. This way Pepper (my cat) knows not to mess with me.

Anyway, I wore this to last weekend’s 1000 Tastes of Toronto, which was disappointing to say the least (more like 10 Tastes of Toronto). Thank goodness, le boyfriend and I bought only 2 tickets each (and ended up using only 3 out of 4). Post 1000 Tastes, the rest of the afternoon was spent chasing fake rabbits, attempting planking on said rabbits (which were extremely hot to the touch), and trying to avoid the MMVAs at all cost. Don’t you just love summer?

I Wore: Top – Topshop (The Bay); Shorts – Banana Republic; Bag – c/o Ecco; Hat, Bracelets, Sunglasses - H&M; Bracelet – BCBG; Shoes – Old Navy

Gap and Banana Republic Fall 2011 Preview

I don’t know if this weather has anything to do with all of the Fall 2011 previews I’ve been attending, but if so, I’d like the clothes to be available right now, instead of next year! Last month, I attended a preview of Banana Republic and Gap Fall 2011 collections.

Banana Republic’s Fall 2011collection is very feminine, with rich autumnal shades, fantastic outerwear options, and beautiful accessories (like the necklace below). It wasn’t exactly my steeze (I just don’t feel grown up enough), but I am definitely planning to pick up a few pieces from the collection, starting with a gorgeous leather vest in soft pink.

Gap, on the other hand, was everything that I want my workwear/everydaywear to be: contemporary classics with a twist. I already raved about the Gap Fall 2011 Lookbook, which…let’s face it…has a ton of amazing pieces. And close up, they did not disappoint. Even the most basic of items, like a work blazer, had a sense of cool about it, all thanks to leather detailing. This great attention to detail is what sets this collection apart for me. It’s a far cry from my first visit to a Gap store back in 2000 in Texas…it’s no longer all about t-shirts and jeans only. Gap designs are evolving, and I’m loving it. And as I’ve said before…leather pieces from this collection are the items I’ll be shop-stalking like a hawk. Gap Fall 2011 Preview photos are after the jump!

Jump to see Gap Fall 2011 Collection Preview.

Banana Republic Spring 2011 Signature Dress Collection

Can you believe the weather these last few days??? Rain, flurries, wet snow, and some more rain and snow on top of that…Can hardly tell whether it’s April or December! Thank goodness, the Banana Republic lovelies invited us to take a look at their Spring 2011 Signature Dress collection – inducing dreams of warm summer days, outdoor weddings, and garden parties.

This season’s dress collection offers more than 70 dress styles priced from $85 to $370, “ranging from black-tie to evening wear to stylish knit maxi dresses that take you from beach to chic”. Among my favorite styles, were the lovely floral dresses (both maxi and midi), and one super chic white lace shift – perfect for the office, yet dressy enough for a night out on the town. According to Simon Kneen, Creative Director of Banana Republic: “The collection was designed with the greatest intentions: to fulfill every woman’s fantasy of opening a closet and discovering one dreamy dress after another – each a vision destined to dress life’s every occasion”. And as a self-proclaimed dress girl, I must admit, I am very tempted to add more than a few of these dresses to my own closet.

Many pieces are in stores already, with new styles arriving each week. Check them out online or at the store near you…and happy shopping!

Valentine’s Day: Gift Guide For Her

Valentine’s Day is less than 2 weeks away, and I am still stuck on le boyfriend’s gift! What to get for a man that has (seemingly) everything? Well, that’s my problem to solve (unless you have some helpful advice). And though I won’t likely be doing a men’s gift guide this year, here are a few gift ideas for the guys that might also be struggling with what to buy for their beloved (obsessed with that word).

I am always happy to get a perfume for any occasion, and if you know your girlfriend well-enough, a sexy fragrance might just be what the doctor ordered! My current faves are below.

1. Coach Poppy Perfume ($60)

Recently launched, Poppy is simply lovely, with notes of jasmine, gardenia, cucumber, and rose petals. I got a chance to try it for myself, and I must admit that I really liked it! It’s light and fresh…and simply amazing!

2. Calvin Klein BEAUTY Perfume ($89-$115)

I’ve said so much about BEAUTY already. Read all about it here to decide whether your girlfriend might love it, or check out a tester at the mall.

3. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ($105-$185)

This is the one I use right now. The fragrance is sweet and feminine, the bottle is all glitter and glamour – the best of both worlds!

If perfume is not your (or your girl’s) thing, a few other gifts might sweeten her day.

4. Danier Red Clutch/Wallet ($39 on sale)

Perfect for a romantic dinner out, this leather clutch will hold all of her essentials and spice up her outfit.

5. Louis Vuitton Heart Coin Purse ($455)

Penny-pinching has never been so stylish! Also comes in a showstopping leopard print!

6. Banana Republic Bracelet ($50)

Don’t buy her earrings or a cocktail ring for Valentine’s Day, lest she confuse the small box with an engagement ring! That one might create some awkwardness. Get her a bracelet or a necklace instead. Banana Republic has a really lovely selection (at amazing prices).

7. Locher’s Necklace ($53-$71)

Speaking of necklaces, I’ve been a Locher’s fan for years! The designs are cute and sassy. And if your girl has a sense of humour, I guarantee that she will love it!

8. Heart-shaped Macarons ($4 each)

They are macarons, shaped as hearts. Go get ‘em NOW at my fave MoRoCo Chocolat.

9. Your Love (priceless)

If all else fails, a simple I LOVE YOU should do. Adding “just the way you are” at the end will earn you some brownie points. It is a day to celebrate your love, after all…not some materialistic holiday, masterminded by Hallmark to bilk you out of millions of dollars!!!

10. A Card

Even though I said that thing about Hallmark, most of us (ladies) would still like a card. So make sure to get her one (Papyrus cards are amazing)! The one I got for le boyfriend this year kicks ass!

So this little post might or might not have been helpful in your search for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. If it wasn’t very helpful, I am sorry…email me for more genius ideas. Happy Shopping!

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Style Blog, February 3rd 2011 | Tags: Banana Republic, Beauty, Calvin Klein, Coach, Danier, Flowerbomb, Gift Guide, Gifts, Locher's, Louis Vuitton, MoRoCo Chocolat, Papyrus, Perfumes, Poppy, Valentine's Day, Viktor & Rolf
Posted in Beauty, Fashion

Win Your Salary at Banana Republic

What would you do if you received a year’s worth of your salary upfront…without having to work for it? If that sounds good to you, make sure to stop by any Banana Republic store in North America starting September 3rd – September 6th, and see if you won up to $100,000!

So, lovelies, if you won the money, what would you do with it?

Gap Canada Online Shopping Launch

As a blogger, I spend a lot of my time online. 9-5 at the office for my day job, and then a few more hours at home scheduling posts, answering emails, reading pitches, and of course, as a girl in my twenties – shopping online. As I got older, my real-world shopping trips got more sparse, and my online deal hunting time increased dramatically. And why not? It’s so convenient – just click and pay…et voilà!

So when Gap PR invited me to attend Gap Canada’s Online Shopping Launch, I was thrilled! Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic have had huge presence worldwide and in Canada for many years now…but we weren’t able to shop online until now. All three sites, one shopping cart, free shipping (over $50), warehouse in Canada, no tariffs - easy, peasy.

Shopping at the event was easy too. Attendees were given $100 to spend on any Gap Inc. items available online, via www.GapCanada.ca. After initial browsing, I selected a cute double-breasted sweater from Gap, and some socks from Old Navy, clicked Checkout, and was done in mere minutes – the way online shopping should be.

Gap Inc. is a huge corporation…and all this ease has made me wonder why we (Canadians) didn’t get online shopping sooner. Thankfully, Gap Inc. Direct President Toby Lenk was on hand to answer some of my questions. He and Debbie Podberesky (VP Gap Inc.) shared that though online shopping could’ve been offered to Canadians much sooner, the infrastructure was not in place to allow direct shipping from Canada to Canada, which would’ve meant that packages would be shipped from the States, incurring tariffs, and making in-store returns nearly impossible. With a new warehouse in Southern Ontario, shipping is supposed to be fast and efficient, while returns and exchanges - a breeze.

I also wondered about the goods’ selection online – having shopped firsthand myself, I noted that many items offered in stores or on the US site were noticeably missing. But Mr. Lenk confirmed that it’s just a timing issue – the site is still in its early stages, and more product will be introduced as time goes on.

But as expected with any brand new launch, my online shopping did have a minor setback – an email stating that my order was cancelled. After phoning the number on the email, and speaking to very courteous and helpful support staff, I was informed that due to a large number of sequential prepaid credit card orders, the system halted said orders, suspecting potential fraud. The problem was fixed, and it somehow made me feel more secure about shopping at Gap Canada online, if mildly confused at first. A couple of hours later, all orders were re-instated, my package was still scheduled to arrive at my house in 5(ish) days. Hooray!

Now, I don’t know how fast I’ll be getting my goodies in the mail, so I can’t vouch for speediness and packaging, but as soon as that parcel arrives at my door, I’ll make sure to let you guys know all about it and post some pics too!

Are you excited about being able to shop Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy online, all on one site? Let me know in the comments!

UPDATE: Got my package in the mail 2 days after ordering. That is TWO days with FREE shipping. If that’s not amazing, I really don’t know what is! The sweater was a bit big on me, so I went in the next day to exchange it. Brought the bill with me, sales associate processed the exchange without questions. I got a pair of jeans instead of the sweater…and they fit like a dream. They’ll definitely get a lot of use on my upcoming vacay. Look out for pics!