A $100 Spring Giveaway from Tristan

 

Don't worry little one, I'll take your leash off when we get home. Ruff, ruff. Photo courtesy Tristan. 

I have a soft spot for cute accessories - and when I say 'soft spot', I'm likening this to walking into an animal shelter, and feeling the compulsion to take every potential adoptee home. When I see a cute clutch, belt, bracelet or pair of shoes (the shoes always get me), I have a really tough time saying no to their charming jewels and pointy little toes. And so it was with mixed emotions that I recently discovered Tristan has a new online store, knowing that I probably shouldn't get involved in another philanthropic (okay fine, completely self-serving) effort. In highschool, the store was my go-to for back-to-school; We would make the yearly pilgrimage from Kitchener to Toronto and stock up on pretty classics from Tristan. I recall a navy wool jumper, a crisp white shirt and a loden green pleated mini that I loved and which appeased my mom's European sensibilities. Win, win. The Tristan of today is still stocked with classics but they've definitely amped up their accessories department of late. I'm especially in love with the clutches, the silver accessories and the shoes. Oh, and I love that Tristan is Canadian, of course.

Now, the great news for you: Tristan is giving away a $100 Gift Card to one lucky winner to shop the irresistible Spring collection! Simply leave a comment below to win it, telling me what you'd buy from Tristan with your $100. Contest closes this Thursday at 5 pm.  I'll announce the winner on Friday morning! Good luck, y'all.

xx

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Hello, Yellow

A beyond gorge pic from the Gucci Spring '13 Campaign - photo via Gucci

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

There's nothing more optimistic, more in-your-face cheery, than the colour yellow. As kids, we stomp around in our yellow boots, and rock our yellow raincoats because it's totally cool to be as bright as possible. Then, we get a little older and suddenly, we're told that it's not good to be so happy all the time, that it's annoying to be perpetually cheery. We turn to black and grey and beige because it's safe and next to impossible to ridicule. Well, you know what? Yellow rocks, it's spring, and I don't know about you but I'm pretty stoked about it. I can't think of a better time than now to bust out this cheery hue, guaranteed to help you feel bright, even on a rough day.

Whether you decide to rock yellow like Jane Fonda on the red carpet, or prefer a more mellow approach, the colour is actually super versatile. Come on, get happy and check out these four pretty ways to get your yellow on for Spring:

 

See the other 3 looks here

Turn It Up: Our Festival Essentials

Photo courtesy American Eagle Outfitters

Originally posted in The CLOSET

There is nothing better than really good music. But I can never get over how what turns us on, musically I mean, is so different for each of us. While one of my best friends gets the chills from country crooners, the lyrics just make me laugh. As for me, well, let's just say I'm eclectic. My dad worked at a classic rock and oldies station, so I know every lyric to everything from The Beatles to Abba. Meanwhile, my mom was a classical guru so at home, it was Mozart and Saint Saens all the way. In highschool my friends and I listened to Snoop and anything Top 40 but in University, my roommate was obsessed with Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails. Imagine getting blasted out of bed by that at 8 am every day. Um, good morning? Right now I'm on a full-on Brit kick, with Rita Ora, Emili Sandé and Ben Howard on constant rotation. And while I don't 'get' country, I'll never say never b/c I can't argue that Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood do put out some pretty wicked tunes. I'm not going to link them out of principle...

For the full article and a guy who actually dances like nobody's watching (funniest ever) read on here.

In Love with Music Tank, $19.90, Garage

Printed Bag, $29.95, H&M

Wayfarer Style Sunglasses, $8.90, Garage

Statement Spike Necklace, $12.90, Garage

Denim Shorts, $29.95, Garage

Studded Fringe Sandal, $39.95, American Eagle Outfitters 

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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

Mendocino's Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

Happy Monday, beauties! Now where were we....Oh, yes, speaking of moto jackets, the obsession continues, especially now that the weather is finally(!) in tune with our calendar. The Mendocino Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook just made its way into my inbox and I'm loving the mash-up of bold pastels, fierce moto bombers and ultra-feminine dresses and skirts. How gorgeous is that black peplum bomber with the gold skirt? And the apricot dress and the printed tuxedo blazer and the slim white pantsuit and the fringey cuffs and the python short suit? Dyyying. Take a look and get inspired to bring your fashion A-game this spring. Visit Mendocino or her little sis, M for Mendocino to see the full Spring/Summer collections at any of their locations across the GTA.

Off to work on my back deck with a glass of something cold and fizzy. Ahhh, the sometime benefits of being a blogger...xx