Top It Off

Photos courtesy Banana Republic 

Take a look at your winter coat situation and let's be honest here. Is last year's topper hanging on by a thread? Are you finally ready to commit to something a little better? The current sale at Banana Republic (which ends tonight, btw) gives you 40% off your purchase. Might I suggest one of these 5 lovely toppers? The cold weather is coming so if you order today, it will arrive at your doorstep - not a torn lining, worn-out shoulder or pilled pocket in sight, just in time for Thanksgiving.

My poor darling 5 year-old is home sick (still). Online shopping is my mini break right now. She likes to do it with me, which probably explains why so many pink items are currently on order. Sigh...

Enter code BRGOLD40 at the check-out. Is it bad that I know that by heart?

xx

Get a First Look at the New Banana Republic and Issa London Collection

Atteeeention! All photos courtesy Banana Republic 

As one of my top ladylike style icons, Kate Middleton (aka the Duchess of Cambridge) consistently pulls off polished, pulled-together looks fit for a modern royal. Kate relies on a rotation of Issa London dresses (the brand designed that iconic blue engagement photo dress from 2010 - see below for the replica), from post-baby-friendly wraps to ladylike A-lines fit for afternoon tea with the Queen. Well, ladies in waiting, I'm happy to announce that pond hops are no longer required to add a little Issa to your wardrobe!

Banana Republic and Issa London just announced details about the new limited-edition Banana Republic Issa London Collection, with pieces meant to transition from day to night and summer to fall.  The nearly 40-piece collection includes apparel and accessories in Issa London’s signature figure flattering silhouettes, with hits of exotic zebra and leopard prints and flattering jewel toned hues, perfect for dialing up a stagnant work wardrobe. Jewelry includes statement gold chain necklaces and bracelets as well as leather wrapped bangles and gorgeous leather envelope clutches that I can't wait to get my hands on. The collection includes petites and will range in price from $50 - $185.  

The capsule collection launches exclusively at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online August 8, 2013. Royal parade waves and delicate hand claps all around!

P.S - Speaking of Kate, would she please have that baby already?! xx

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Sneak Peek: The Banana Republic L'Wren Scott Holiday Collection

Photos courtesy Banana Republic

Banana Republic has already teamed up with well-known designers like Milly and Issa, so the announcement of another collab wasn't a huge surprise. But here's the shocking part: this time BR has wooed none other than the notoriously exclusive L'Wren Scott. How amazing is this?! The 6'3" glamazon designer (and longtime girlfriend of Mick Jagger) is known for her super-luxe, impossibly-expensive designs but with her first big retail collection, looks like Scott is finally ready for mass-marketdom.

Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen says, “We share an appreciation for genuine luxury, beautiful fabrics and unexpected details. The designs created for this collection bring a modern approach to pieces you will love forever.”  

“A partnership of this scale was a first for me, and I was very excited to find a true partner in Simon,” says L’Wren Scott. “Through this collection, we were able to bring our shared vision to life and the end result is a capsule we’re both so proud to call our own. It beautifully combines the ultra-feminine with wearable polish and will bring a sexy confidence to our consumers.”

The limited-edition Banana Republic L’Wren Scott Collection is designed to inspire glam holiday parties out on the town or at home.  The more than 50-piece collection includes apparel and accessories for women, ranging from sequin party dresses and bejewelled cardigans, to feminine, tailored jeans and lace dresses, plus accessories like chain-handled clutches (that double as jewellery), striped cashmere blankets, berets and totes.

Three original prints are featured prominently throughout the capsule. A dramatic lip print (a Rolling Stone reference?), a print of romantic peonies, and finally, a candy stripe of black, Ultra Violet, Poster Red and Lipstick Red. Not a big fan of the red/purple/black combo but for the legendary L'Wren, I'm willing to reconsider.

The capsule launches at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online December 5, 2013, just in time for Christmas shopping. I can name some girls (Me, Myself, and I) who will be putting this right at the top of their lists. Exciting, yes?!

xx

How Celebs are Wearing the New Banana Republic Milly Collection

Olivia Palermo makes a compelling case for the elephant print Banana Republic Milly Collection shorts. Yes, of course her dog matches...

Maria Menounos wears her striped maxi. LOVE this dress.

Zoe Saldana with sister, Cicely. All Celebrity Photos via: Michael Simon / Startraks 

When faced with a fashion dilemma, I always ask myself the following: 'What would Olivia Palermo do?' As I write this post, I'm hurtling down the train tracks towards Toronto for tonight's Banana Republic Milly Collection launch party, hosted by Banana Republic (naturally) and Milly founder and designer, Michelle Smith. I knew that the opportunity to pre-shop the collection would be tempting when I got a sneak peek at the lookbook pics - Milly's signature vintage-inspired prints, gorgeous pops of colour, to-die-for dresses, etc. etc.- but thought I might be able to keep my Visa on lockdown all the same. I mean, how many dresses does a girl need?

And then my girl at Banana Republic sent me a pic of OP rocking the elephant print shorts. I don't own elephant print shorts. Even Olivia couldn't say no so how could I, a mere mortal, possibly resist all of that cuteness. Not to mention, I also own a white dog named Fonzie who, if given a proper bath, would coordinate so perfectly. Elephant shorts + black blazer + cute white dog = fashion win.

Did I mention the Banana Republic Milly Collection also includes menswear? Oooh, we could both bust out Milly at the dog park. #ahhhh

Will let you know what I end up choosing (elephant shorts, pink shorts w white blazer from the lookbook or the Maria Menounos maxi?) but I can already see that this is gonna be trouble. The collection is available in select Banana Republic stores this Thursday, May 30th and ranges from $24.50 - $175. Wish me luck x

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Issa Teams Up with Banana Republic

The Duchess of Cambridge (the princess formerly known as Kate Middleton) always inspires us with her flawless, ladylike style, perfectly fit for a modern royal. With her wedding anniversary looming and a royal wee one on the way, Kate relies on her favourite designers to keep her looking chic, including her much-beloved brand, Issa. Pretty soon you (and I) can look royally turned out thanks to the Banana Republic Issa London Collection, Issa's first collab with a global retailer.

The nearly 40-piece collection will embody the spirit of an exotic journey - including apparel and accessories in Issa London’s signature figure flattering silhouettes that are bold, yet tastefully refined, much like Kate. Expect exotic animal prints infused with neutral and jewel-tone hues, plus covetable accessories, from rich pebbled leather envelope clutches to gold chain necklaces and bracelets. The line will include petites and will range from a very reasonable $39.50 - $150. 

Mark your calendars: The capsule collection launches exclusively at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online August 6, 2013. Be sure to follow @BRStyleCA @IssaLondon #BRIssa on Twitter for updates. How exciting is this?! xx