Joe Fresh Going Global

Joe Fresh Spring '14. Photo credit: George Pimentel.

Between our recent athletic achievements, our wide open spaces and our general politesse, it should come as no surprise that the rest of the world envies Canada. Well, seems like the world even envies our fashion - and by that, I mean Joe Fresh. Loblaws Inc. recently announced the signing of three separate partnership agreements that will bring the brand into 23(!) new countries, covering the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Korea. This is Joe Fresh's first foray beyond North America. 

"These first international agreements signify an important milestone for Joe Fresh as we build on the strong foundation we've established at home in Canada. We continue to evolve the brand forward and I'm thrilled to see Joe Fresh grow into a global brand, developing on the success we have had in the United States since launching there in 2011," said Joe Mimran, Creative Director of Joe Fresh. Mimran founded Joe Fresh in 2006 in partnership with Loblaw. 

Today, Joe Fresh is available online, in more than 340 retail locations across Canada, in six freestanding stores in New York, including a flagship location on Fifth Avenue, and in over 650 J.C. Penney stores across the United States.

So, what do you think? Is this a case of too much too fast? Or are Joe Mimran & Co. smart to go global? Most importantly, how do we keep Joe Mimran's ego in check? Methinks we need to stage an intervention now or by next year, we might have another Biebs on our hands... 

Spring Forward: Warm Weather Wants

Enough already! Though we try our best to enjoy the present, sometimes it’s just as fun to dream of the warmer days ahead. The bright finds in my article for iVillage.ca this week will help you get a stylish jump on spring while you wait (so patiently) for the snow to melt...

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Finnish Line: Banana Republic Announces Marimekko Collab for Summer '14

A peek at the new Banana Republic x Marimekko Collection. Photo: Banana Republic.

As I've said before on this blog, I've been a fan of Marimekko for as long as I can remember. The brand made famous by Jackie Kennedy (she wore 8 different dresses from the Finnish brand during JFK's Presidential bid in the '60s), was always a staple in our house, from my mom's pretty printed umbrellas to the cheery tablecloths that would brighten up our table every summer.  

I missed out on the Converse x Marimekko collection a few years back so today's fashion news is especially exciting to me. Banana Republic and Marimekko have joined forces to design a limited-edition capsule for summer. Yay!

The apparel and accessories collection features Marimekko's distinctly bold patterns; from landscapes and folk-inspired art to graphic circular dots, combining bright hues with classic black and white. I'm especially stoked to see their plunge neckline tunics, printed pants, and billowing maxi dresses to add some Finnish flair to my summer wardrobe.

The apparel collection for women (including petites) will range from $50 - $175, and accessories will check out at under $100. 

I'll post more pics from the collection as soon as I can get my paws on them. In the meantime, make a mental note to look out for the Marimekko collection at select Banana Republic locations and online starting in late May 2014.

LO-O-OVE Marimekko! 

The Best New Places to Shop Online

Photo courtesy the store that will ruin my budget: Massimo Dutti

It's nice to be able to shop from the comfort of our couches, especially once the snow starts to fly, and it just so happens that online shopping got 100 times better for Canadians this year. This year’s crop of new online shops makes pointing, clicking and buying waaay too easy - not that I'm complaining....

Read on for 16 of my favourite new online shops...

xx