Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 8:37AM 
Part of Banana Republic's Anna Karenina Collection, these kid suede t-strap pumps are so sophisticated, so subtly sexy, that I really can't possibly say no. I know the word is overused but: OBSESSED.
Check out the whole collection, including my soon-to-be Kieley Pump ($128) at Banana Republic.
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 10:59AM
Photos courtesy Banana Republic
I've yet to make it to Moscow but in my dreams, my trip goes a little somethin' like this: The phone rings late at night and a mysterious caller tells us we are needed in Moscow for a top-secret dinner. James becomes Dmitrii, I become Serafima, and we head for our waiting private jet. Once we land, we hop into our unmarked car which speeds us through the snowy streets towards the centre of town, then screeches to a halt in front of Cafe Pushkin. I emerge, swathed in a flowing black dress, wool cape, elbow-length gloves and loads of fur. Dmitrii, dressed in a wool suit and ushanka, takes my arm as we enter the mansion and are ushered to the 3rd floor. Our mystery caller awaits, our table laden with blini, caviar, and pelmeni, and he hands us each a shot glass full of Beluga Super Premium. "Drink!" he orders. "Na zdorovie," I purr. We drink. We eat. We're not exactly sure why we're there. So we drink some more.
After so many seasons of colour, and a poor excuse for a winter last year, the new Banana Republic Anna Karenina holiday collection could not be more timely. The dramatic collection, styled and curated by twice-Academy Award-nominated Anna Karenina costume designer Jacqueline Durran, takes its inspiration from the 19th Century fashions featured in the upcoming epic starring Keira Knightley (out mid-November) with a modern fashion twist; think statement accessories and apparel in rich velvets, faux fur, lace and a touch of sparkle.
The collection features more than 75 modern pieces for men and women, including polished, feminine looks for her (faux fur stoles, lace and jacquard dresses, military-inspired jackets, wool capes) and tailored styles for him (double-breasted top coats, flannel slim-fitted suits etc.). I've seen some of the collection in person and am MADLY in love. I especially can't wait to take home the military coat, the faux fur hat and the dresses to channel my inner Czarina this winter.
Mark your calendars - The Anna Karenina capsule collection arrives in Banana Republic stores across Canada and online October 31st.
Friday, August 3, 2012 at 2:10PM 
Baroque opulence reigned at Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012. Source: style.com
Originally posted in The LOOK
August always marks the beginning of fall..well, in the fashion world at least. The hotly-anticipated September issues hit newsstands bursting with fall's most covetable finds, while tired sale racks are replaced by shiny things for the new season. I don't want to rush summer (I mean, it's only the first week of August) but now's the time to start thinking about fall...
And this season, there's a lot to dream about. Where once opulence was considered over-the-top and out-of-touch, designers piled it on again in a big way, with brocade, feathers, black and gold all over the fall runways, from Dolce & Gabbana to Ralph Lauren. So why all the flourish and fuss? Blame it on the blockbusters; The Great Gatsby hits the big screen this December, extending our spring obsession with the roaring twenties. Flapper fringe, drop waists, feathers and art deco accents will give you that Buchanan-babe vibe, perfect for an East Egg soirée. I'm most excited about Anna Karenina, though, coming to TIFF this September. My inner Czarina can't wait to layer up with faux fur, crystals and military wool coats once the mercury drops to Moscow levels. With bold colour so prevalent for the past several seasons, moody black looks decidedly modern again, and lends a practical side to all the excess. Invest in the basics, be it a good wool coat or a well-made pair of boots, and then decorate with sparkly (yet affordable) abandon. After all, excess is only good in moderation (or something like that...)
Load it up. Pile it on. 'Tis the season for opulence, darlings!
Leo DiCaprio (as Jay Gatsby) with Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton (as Daisy and Tom Buchanan) in the upcoming The Great Gatsby
Source: IMDb
Stretch Deco Bracelet, $15, ALDO
Crochet Fringe Mini Dress, $150, Le Château
Metallic Snake Embossed Crossbody, $39.95, Le Château
Gilded feathers at Ralph Lauren Fall '12. Source: style.com
Necklace with Glass Beads and Fringe, $39.99, Sears
Colour Block Metallic Pumps, coming this fall to ALDO
Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina. Source: cineplex.com
ATTITUDE Belted Coat w Faux Fur Collar and Cuffs ($229.99) and Wrap Style Coat with Faux Fur Collar ($179.99), Sears
Ruched Lace T, $35, American Eagle Outfitters
Parkhurst Faux Fur Headbands, $20 each, Sears
Crepe de Chine Blouse, $39.99, Le Château
St. Basil's Cathedral X-Large 3-D Puzzle, $39.99, Sears
Cocoa Jewelry Crystal Antique Cuff, $60, Sears
Victorian Suede Ankle Boots, $119.98, ALDO