Mad Men at Banana Republic

 

With season 5 on the horizon, Mad Men shows no signs of slowing down.  And whether you're a Betty, a Peggy or a Joan, you'll soon be able to dress like your favourite character. Banana Republic has teamed up with Mad Men Costume Designer Janie Bryant to create a cool 65-piece capsule collection for men & women, offering a modern take on the effortless, polished style of the sixties. 

The modern yet lady-like women's  collection includes chic trenches, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk blouses and statement accessories, like leopard print pump heels.  The men’s collection includes chunky-meets-streamlined knit sweaters, tailored suit separates and fitted trousers, plus accessories with panache - think money clips, cotton pocket squares, silk ties, tie bars and fedora hats. 

The collection will be available at Banana Republic stores and online at www.bananarepublic.ca starting August 11, 2011.  Can't wait!

AMC and Banana Republic will also repeat its popular “Mad Men” Casting Call, where customers can enter to win a walk-on role on the show and a $1,000 Banana Republic shopping spree. Customers and fans can visit www.madmencastingcall.com for details. 

Click below for shots from the Mad hot collection.  Is anyone else freaking out over that houndstooth dress?! And that tweed suit?!  Dying!

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R.S.V.Perfect

Summer has officially arrived (squee!) and with it comes the promise of patio weather, pretty dresses and a perpetual influx of party invites.  For the past several years, a lot of our friends got married which meant that nearly all of our summer weekends were booked up with showers, stagettes and weddings.  And yet somehow, my summer calendar is looking remarkably white as all of my friends are either happily single or knee-deep in diapers.  As much as I’ve been wishing for a laid-back, plan-free summer, part of me wishes I could crash a wedding or two, if only so I could get my hair did and my drink on.
For those of you with a stacked summer social calendar, read on for some party perfect looks - from casual cocktails to chic soirées, ShopMyClothes has got you fashionably covered.  And for bella donnas on a budget like me, this site is a total must.

                 

1.  Vintage Anna Sui Dress, $75 ;2. Zara Chambray Blazer, $30 ; 3. Urban Outfitters Oxford Flats, $20        

                                                             
This vintage Anna Sui dress is TO-DIE and with its simple silhouette and intricate white lace, is completely on-trend.  I love the idea of pairing of an ultra-feminine dress with a super casual chambray blazer and flat masculine brogues a la Alexa Chung.  Want to make this dress work for evening?  Try edging up the lace by adding strappy black platforms and a killer black clutch.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Lace Gold Skirt, $125; 2. Club Monaco Tank, $15 ; 3. Nina Ricci Vintage Sunglasses, $15 ; 4. Zigi Platform Sandals, $80                        

A beach wedding is guaranteed to draw a crowd full of floral and linen dresses.  Do the unexpected by mixing a shimmery metallic skirt with a simple white tank and beaded platforms.  The look is super neutral so don’t be afraid to rock a bright coral or hot pink pedi.  Worried about walking on the sand in sky-high heels?  Stow a pair of flat gold sandals in your clutch for walking on the beach.  Mojito, anyone?

1.  BCBG Maxazria Strapless Dress, $120 ; 2. H&M Beaded Earrings, $10 ; 3. John Galliano Snakeskin Pumps, $200 

While there may always be a place in your heart for your tried-and-true LBD, there’s something much more festive about a colourful dress.  This pretty pleated number would look amazing with these leg-lengthening John Galliano sandals.  And, while I don’t normally condone matchy-matchiness, the pretty beaded earrings would look stunning with this frock’s strapless silhouette.  

1.  BCBG Maxazria Maxi Dress, $120  2.  Cenit Black Vest, $20 ; 3. Coach Leather Wristlet, $30 ; 4.  Loris Azzaro Sunglasses, $45 ; 5.  Paul Smith Platform Sandals, $120

For an art show or fashion party, opt for a floor-sweeping maxi-dress topped with a little vest.   When you go for all black, always remember to mix up textures and add in a hint of glint.  These ‘70’s-inspired silver and black Paul Smith shoes look like they belong on Marc Jacobs’ Spring runway and the vintage sunglasses are perfectly Prada-esque.

   1.  Robert Rodriguez Shift Dress, $100; 2.  Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Bag, $120; 3.  Steve Madden Neutral Pumps, $25
Look like a fruity, festive cocktail in this hot pink shift dress.  I would it pair it with a neutral pair of pumps (even more on-trend this summer than strappy sandals) and a cute little printed bag to carry your cards, cell phone and lipgloss in style.

Here’s to staying chic on a budget this summer.  Happy Partying!  (Oh, and if you’re looking for a plus one, I make a super fun date.  Hee!  No, honestly, I do.)

Found: Perfect Little Wedges

Happy 1st day of summer to you,

Happy 1st day of summer to you,

Happy 1st day,

Happy 1st day,

Happy 1st day of summer to you!

On this, the longest day of the year, don't you think you deserve a little something to celebrate?  These super pretty Mirra wedges from Banana Republic will set you up to greet the summer heat in style.  I'm loving the pretty mix of braided raffia, canvas and leather and their memory foam cushioned insole ensures that they'll be très comfy.  At $79, how can you possibly say no? 

Speaking of celebrations, Happy Birthday mom!  Here's hoping that aging gracefully is genetic.  xoxo

1 MMVA Party, 39 Hats and a Very Fun +1

              H&M's glam red carpet; Dragonette rocking out on stage; A pair of pretty Dubliners                

Solid gold funsies.  So tempting.  If my budget allowed, I totally would have.

+1 and I lamented the fact that we never wear hats so we tried on every hat in H&M.  We lost count at 39.       

The H&M on Queen St where all the shopping shizzo went down.     

Clockwise from bottom left: How dare she?!; Girl in sexy specs; The twirl test; A great denim jacket; Decision made to buy twirly skirt; +1 and I with our buys; Drinks to ease shopping guilt; The MMVA set-up

H&M hosted a fab pre-party on Thursday night to kick off the MMVA's.  I was invited to take part in the fun (with a willing and ready +1) and we spent the night dancing to Dragonette (amaaazing), trying on lots of hats and, of course, shopping H&M's totally affordable buys.  Parties are so much more fun when you have a partner in crime;  I walked away with bright blue shorts for the boy ($12.95) and a pretty tulle ballet skirt while +1 scored a great striped summer dress.  Victory!  Did anyone watch the MMVA's last night?  Did you see Justin Bieber's Kelly Kapowski t-shirt? I lurv him.  Think Selena was jealous?  

PS - Thanks +1 and H&M for the fun!

Let's Hear it for the Boys

Originally posted in The CLOSET   

 

Even before they learn how to walk, most little girls have fashion all figured out.  With their ribbons, sparkly shoes and collection of dress-up clothes, females seem to inherently understand the importance of a rocking outfit.  After ‘mama’ and ‘dada’ comes, ‘shoe’, ‘pink’ and ‘money’.  And shopping?  It’s practically written into our checklist of developmental milestones:  Does she respond when you say her name?  Can she string together 3 or more words?  Does she get giddy at a babyGap sale?  

Boys, on the other hand, choose clothes based primarily on their practicality (huh?) so is it any wonder that a lot of men need some help in the style department?  If he's willing to let you shop for him (or at the very least take your advice), take a look at these great looks for your guy - from work to weekends to going out in style. And to any guys reading this post, I applaud you.  It takes a strong man to ask for directions and luckily for you, I'm directing you straight to a place called 'Hotness'.  Ooooh, can I come?!

Don't forget that Father's Day is this Sunday.  Big love to all the dads out there!

xo