Dot Dot Dot...

Trench coats bring to mind so many things - the iconic Burberry label, undercover detectives and unfortunately, pervy 50-year-old flashers - but despite its sometimes misunderstood past, it seems the classic trench will never fall out of fashionable favour.  For the past few years, it feels like everyone and their sister has the exact same tan trench, which is why I find this new navy polka-dot version from Banana Republic so totally refreshing.  It's ladylike, flattering and fun, and although it's spotted, the classic shape and perfect shade of navy will stop it from being a one-season wonder.

The Polka-Dot Trench($185) is available now at Banana Republic stores nationwide or online at bananarepublic.ca

Found: Your Sole Mates

Nothing brings happiness quite like a rocking shoe;  It gives you height, makes your legs look enviably long and lean, and unlike most other clothing, a shoe always fits.  These python pumps from ALDO may not be the most practical footwear choice, but it doesn't really matter because they are so beyond beautiful.  This spring, I'll be wearing these heels with everything - from jeans and a tee, to all my summer dresses and everything in between, and adore the pop of print that will add interest to all of my basic neutrals.  As for comfort, the compensating platform brilliantly makes up for the sky-high heel, making you feel much more grounded. The sandal is gorgeous but if you're more of a closed-toe type, ALDO's thought of you, too, with its more seasonless platform pump version.  Ssssimply divine!

The Kess Sandal ($90) and the Litts Platform Pump ($90) are both waiting for you at ALDO now.  Consider it your TGIF treat.  Happy weekend, everyone!

11 Sites that Click with Canadians

Not-so-newly-minted fashion mavens Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of StyleMint - photo courtesy BeachMint.com

Being a work-from-home mom who lives in a peaceful little town has its benefits:  a bucolic setting in which to raise my kids, no traffic jams, lower prices and even lower stress.  Still, for someone who loves fashion, being in the middle of nowhere brings with it one rather major problem:  no shopping.  Luckily, I've joined the online shopping bandwagon and regularly enjoy waiting for the Purolator man to drive up my driveway with a little bundle of joy.  Oh and when he arrives, you have never seen such delight, such unadulterated pleasure, such pure joy (on my part, not the Purolator dude's) because I know I've usually scored a crazy deal on something truly covetable.  I'm currently on a strict budget so Net-a-Porter will have to wait, but be sure to check out my list of top 11 great online shopping sites that deliver to Canada.   I often romanticize eras past but thanks to the miracle of online shopping, these, my friends, are the good old days.  

For the full list of sites worth shopping (including brand-new-to-Canada BeachMint), check out my article on iVillage.ca.  Happy clicking! 

A Sweet Escape

Originally posted in The CLOSET

The out-of-this-world (and sadly, out-of-this-country) Ladurée Macarons of Paris 

This coming season, designers had a craving for the finer things in life;  The spring runways were rife with vivid pastels in clementine orange, lemon yellow, pistachio green and pretty lavender, reminiscent of what you'd see in a gelato, ice-cream, or macaroon shop.  Yum!  The thing I love about the new pastels is that they're a study in contrasts;  They're sweet yet edgy, decadent yet light, and bright without being too bold. The punchy pastels contrast beautifully against white, navy, and neutral beiges & tans, plus you can either wear them in small doses or colour-block by mixing and matching solid pastels from head to toe.  The new pastels are also an easy way to wake up your current wardrobe as you make the transition from winter to spring - wear a bright yellow tank to add some colour to your 9-5 suit or throw on a fun costume necklace to wake up a basic white shirt. Pop by your local ice-cream shop or gelateria and look to all the delicious colours for inspiration.  Don't you wish all 'research' involved shopping and ice cream?!

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The Making of Chanel's Spring-Summer 2012 Campaign

Today I'm loving the new Chanel campaign featuring the gorgeous Saskia de Brauw and Joan Smalls.  Former Vogue Paris Editrix Carine Roitfeld styled the shoot with her signature blend of wit and whimsy, showing that yes, you can do the pommel horse in couture.  Think Karl will be outfitting the gymnasts for London 2012?

The Chanel Spring-Summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection was inspired by the sea and was shot at the famed Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes by Karl Lagerfeld himself.  For a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of the campaign, check out the super stylish video below.  Magnifique!  

And speaking of Karl, don't forget that the brand spanking new Karl collection has just been released at Net-a-Porter and it's actually somewhat affordable (ish)!  Will you be putting a little Karl in your closet?