First things first

Real Life Runway wants you to get back-to-school, work or whatever in style this fall.  So, we've teamed up with Old Navy to help you get a head start.  Visit Real Life Runway on facebook or twitter for your chance to win a $50 Old Navy gift card or e-mail me at realliferunway@gmail.com with the subject line Old Navy Back-to-School Contest!  In a line, tell me your best ever back-to-school fashion moment.  Entries must be received by 5 pm this Friday and I'll be announcing the winner next Monday.  Can't wait to hear about your fashion faux-pas and flashes of brilliance!

Visit RLR on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Real-Life-Runway/111369195543057?ref=mf or on twitter @realliferunway

Thanks, Old Navy!

Black Tie Affair

Vera Wang Fall 2010, Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2010, photos courtesy style.com

No matter how old I get, I think I will always feel the same jittery anticipation for back-to-school.  It doesn't matter that I no longer attend an educational institution or that I really don't technically need anything new to successfully navigate the hallways of life; I still think a little back-to-school shopping is an essential part of getting to the head of the fashion class.  It's amazing how just a few new pieces can bring last fall's wardrobe right up-to-date and as any fashionista knows, it's all about how you mix the old with the new that counts.  If you saw my post last week, I've been inspired by Janell Monae, the tuxedo-rocking popstar who is absolutely fearless when it comes to fashion.  Though I would never wear a full tuxedo,  I love the idea of pairing tailored tuxedo pants with a white, flowy top as an alternative to the LBD.  Gap's new Black Magic line has some stellar tuxedo pants that elevate a simple pair of pants to a serious style statement.  Their relaxed tuxedo khakis look insane when teamed up with a velvet blazer and pretty white tank.  Over the next several months, RLR is going to school you (that's right, school you) on everything fall/winter 2010.  Consider this your first lesson, my starry-eyed pupils.  Oh, and in case you missed my facebook post today and you live in Toronto, Gap's Black Magic Event is happening tomorrow at their Bloor St. location with 25% off purchases and free black pants to the first 50 people in line.  Also, be sure to check out RLR on facebook next week to enter our first ever contest for a $50 gift card, courtesy of Old Navy! 

Found: The Prettiest Lip Stain

When it comes to summer makeup, less is definitely more, requiring a decidedly lighter touch than any of the other seasons.   The unforgiving glare and sweltering heat of the summer sun make heavy foundation look like spackle and creamy lipsticks look clownish.  Scaaary!  I'm not one of the lucky few who can leave the house with a completely bare face but I do try my best to look like I haven't tried at all.  When I tried out the gorgeous new lip stains from Joe Fresh Beauty, I felt instantly prettier.  If you're nervous about lip stains being permanent, don't be; these ones leave a natural, just-bit-your-lips flush and go on matte, so it looks like you were born with that gorgeous pink pout.  I've tried a few of the colours (only $6 each) and my personal fave so far is 'Sheer Pink'.  Now all you have to do is buy, apply and pucker up, buttercup. 

Monae: The New Expressionist

Watching SYTYCD last night, I fell in love with Janell Monae.  She's gorgeous, talented and rocks her own style like no one else.  Love her!  If you like the tuxedo look, keep an eye out for Gap's fall line - they have some amazing tuxedo pants arriving in stores soon.  I'll be sure to post some pics as soon as I can get my hands on them.  Happy weekend!

When I look back at all of my crushes, husband included, they've all been a little bit hyperactive, hell-bent on getting a laugh and perhaps a little too in touch with their inner boy.  I can't help myself, I love the class clown.  In my opinion, guys (well, people in general) are best when they aren't taking themselves too seriously.  I thought this look from the Banana Republic runway was cute and casual and I absolutely love the unexpected pop of colour which immediately adds an element of fun to the outfit. Though we're smack dab in the midst of summer, the nights are getting cool again and a vibrant, lightweight sweater is a perfect transitional piece as we head into fall.  Plus, I love throwing on my husband's slouchy sweaters over skinny jeans or shorts so we get an extra bang for our fashion buck.   Real Life Runway Tip:  Brights can make men look juvenile when worn head-to-toe so the key with pulling off the look is to anchor a few vibrant pieces with neutrals.  Stick with khaki pants and neutral footwear and then have fun from the waist up.  If you're feeling brave and want your lower half to have some fun, (wardrobe-related fun, of course), go for bright pants or shorts and then stick with neutrals on top.  A little boyish charm goes a long way, don't you think?